No more confusion: Mastering 4 key types of Japanese kanji for travel

By / MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

Traveling to Japan for the first time often brings a mix of unfamiliarity and familiarity. Beyond seeing Japanese text on the streets, you’ll also notice many Chinese characters that seem understandable yet puzzling. Some Japanese kanji have similar meanings to their Chinese counterparts, while others are completely different. Understanding these kanji can be a big help when traveling in Japan.

1. Accommodation
2 nights 3 days -> 3 days 2 nights
Qianjin -> Deposit
Key, Spare key -> Key, Spare key
Kuaijixi -> Cashier
}LLi -> Accountant
Manager -> Manager
Emergency exit
Dixia, Yiceng -> Basement, First floor
Air conditioning -> Air conditioning
Stone (untranslated character removed)-> Soap
Bianjian -> Stationery, Writing paper
Accommodation fee -> Accommodation fee
Bieliaojin -> Extra charge
Jingsuanshu -> Bill
Receipt -> Receipt
Floor

2. Diningarticles
Fangti -> All-you-can-eat
Ti Yu -> Extra noodles
Checkout counter, Total cost
Spring rain noodles -> Cellophane noodles
Daikon -> Daikon radish
Ginseng -> Carrot
Bird -> Chicken and grilled chicken
Tamago, tamago -> Boiled egg, raw egg

3. Lifestyle
Guidance -> Giving directions, leading, or instructing
News -> Newspaper
NEWS -> TV news
Suspicious person -> Suspicious individual
Staying away -> Not at home
Stamp -> Postage stamp
Letter writing -> Writing a letter
Annoyance -> Causing trouble or inconvenience
Disturbance -> Hindrance or disruption
Sensei -> A general term of respect for professionals in education, medicine, or other fields, meaning teacher or professor, regardless of gender
Husband -> Healthy, strong, sturdy, durable
Daijoubu -> Don’t worry, it’s okay, no problem
Injury -> Wounded or injured

4. Shopping