How old is this building? in Japanese
この建物は何年前のものですか
In kana only: このたてものはなんねんまえのものですか
kono tatemono wa nan-nen mae no mono desu ka
What it literally says
as for this building, it is a thing of how many years ago
Japanese politeness is mostly built out of phrases that stopped being literal a long time ago. Knowing what is underneath is the difference between repeating a sound and knowing what you said.
When to use it
The answer is often startling, and often 'rebuilt in 1950 after a fire'.
Next in Temples and Sightseeing
The rest of the phrasebook
- Greetings挨拶14
- Thanks and Politeness感謝13
- Apologies謝罪13
- Yes, No and Understanding返事14
- Introductions自己紹介13
- Small Talk雑談13
- Numbers and Counting数14
- Time and Dates時間13
- Asking Directions道案内14
- Trains and Stations電車15
- Taxis and Busesタクシー13
- Hotels and Ryokan宿14
- Restaurants and Ordering食事16
- Allergies and Food Restrictions食事制限13
- Convenience Stores and Shopping買い物14
- Money and Payment支払い13
- Onsen and Public Baths温泉13
- Health and Pharmacy体調14
- Emergencies緊急14
- Lost Things and Trouble困りごと13
- Phone and Internet通信12
- Weather and Seasons天気13
- Reactions and Compliments相づち13
- Goodbyes別れ13