What it literally says

reserved seat, please

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

Shitei-seki reserved, jiyuu-seki unreserved. On a shinkansen the difference matters at holidays.

Next in Trains and Stations

• What time is the next train?次の電車は何時ですか
• Where do I change trains?どこで乗り換えますか
• Which exit?何番出口ですか
• Which platform?何番線ですか
• Does this stop at …?…に止まりますか
• Does this train go to …?この電車は…に行きますか

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
• 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
• Temples and Sightseeing観光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

All 337 phrases →