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泊3日 -> 3 days 2 nights
前金 -> Deposit
键、合键 -> Key, Spare key
会计系 -> Cashier
}L理 -> Accountant
支配人 -> Manager
非常口 -> Emergency exit
地下、一阶 -> Basement, First floor
冷暖房 -> Air conditioning
石? -> Soap
便笺 -> Stationery, Writing paper
宿泊料金 -> Accommodation fee
别料金 -> Extra charge
精算书 -> Bill
领收书 -> Receipt
床 -> Floor

2. Diningarticles
放题 -> All-you-can-eat
替玉 -> Extra noodles
勘定、料金 -> Checkout counter, Total cost
春雨 -> Cellophane noodles
大根 -> 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