JLPT N5 Speaking: Talk About Trains and Buses

This article will help you prepare for the speaking portion of the JLPT N5 exam by focusing on simple conversations about trains and buses. The goal is to get you comfortable using basic phrases and vocabulary.

Essential Vocabulary

• 電車 (Denki) – Train
• バス (Basu) – Bus
• 停留所 (Tuyouyo) – Stop/Station
• 行きます (Ikimasu) – To go
• 来ます (Kimasu) – To come
• 料金 (Ryouken) – Fare / Price
• 時間 (Jikan) – Time
• 乗り換え (Noriagae) – Transfer
• 目的地 (Mekiroi) – Destination

Common Phrases

• ～に行きます (～ ni ikimasu) – I’m going to ~

Example: Tokyo ni ikimasu. (I’m going to Tokyo.)

• ～から行きます (～ kara ikimasu) – I go from ~

Example: Shinjuku kara ikimasu. (I go from Shinjuku.)

• 料金はいくらですか？(Ryouken wa ikura desu ka?) – How much is the fare?
• ～まで行きますか？(~ made ikimasu ka?) – Do you go all the way to ~?
• 停留所までは、あと何分ですか？ (Tuyouyo made wa, ato nan pun desu ka?) – How many minutes until the stop/station?

Dialogue Example 1: Asking for Directions

Scenario: You’re lost and need to get to a train station.

Person A: すみません、[Station Name] までどうやって行きますか？(Sumimasen, [Station Name] made dou yatte ikimasu ka?) – Excuse me, how do I get to [Station Name]?
Person B: [Station Name] はバスで5番の停留所まで行けばいいですよ。( [Station Name] wa basu de gonban no tuyouyo made ikeba ii desu yo.) – You take the bus to the 5th stop.
Person A: 料金はいくらですか？ (Ryouken wa ikura desu ka?) – How much is the fare?
Person B: 300円です。(Sanbyaku en desu.) – It’s 300 yen.

Breakdown of Mistakes & Corrections:

• “～で (de)” is often omitted in casual conversation when indicating the means of transportation. It’s okay to just say “バスで (basu de).”
• Using “～ばいいよ (～ ba ii yo)” instead of “～ければいいよ(～ kereba ii yo)” is more natural for giving directions.

Dialogue Example 2: Buying a Bus Ticket

Scenario: You are buying a bus ticket.

Bus Driver: 料金はいくらですか？ (Ryouken wa ikura desu ka?) – How much is the fare?
You: [Destination] までお願いします。 ( [Destination] made onegaishimasu.) – Please, to [Destination].
Bus Driver: これで大丈夫です。(Kore de daijoubu desu.) – This is alright.

Important Note: Always be polite! Using “すみません” (Sumimasen) – “Excuse me” – before asking a question shows respect.

Practice Tips for the N5 Speaking Exam

• Repeat Phrases Aloud: Practice saying the vocabulary and phrases out loud.
• Role-Play Scenarios: Imagine yourself in these situations and practice the dialogues.
• Focus on Clarity: Even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect, try to speak clearly and slowly.

Good luck with your JLPT N5 speaking exam!