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No More Confusion with Japanese Kanji: 4 Categories of Essential Travel Words for Japan

Published: 2026-09-24 👁 101 views
Last updated 2026-09-24 — Traveling to Japan for the first time often brings a mix of unfamiliarity and familiarity. Besides seeing Japanese text on the streets, you’ll also come across many Chinese characters that seem half-understandable. Some Japanese kanji have similar meanings to their Chinese counterparts, while others are completely different...

By / MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

Traveling to Japan for the first time often brings a mix of unfamiliarity and familiarity. Besides seeing Japanese text on the streets, you’ll also come across many Chinese characters that seem half-understandable. Some Japanese kanji have similar meanings to their Chinese counterparts, while others are completely different. Understanding these kanji can be a great help during your trip to Japan.

Japanese Kanji vs. Chinese: Big Differences (Image / Unsplash)

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 -> additional charge
精算书 -> bill
领收书 -> receipt
床 -> floor

(Image / Pexels)

2. Diningarticle
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 roast chicken
Tamago, tamago (egg) -> Cooked egg, raw egg

(Photo / Pixabay)

3. Lifestyle
Annai -> To give directions, lead, or guide
News -> Newspaper
NEWS -> TV news
Fushinsha -> Suspicious person
Rusu -> Not at home
Kitte -> Stamp
Tegami -> To write a letter
Meiwaku -> To cause trouble or inconvenience to others
Jama -> To hinder or disturb
Sensei -> A general term of respect for those in education, medicine, or various expert fields, meaning teacher or professor, regardless of gender
Otto -> Healthy, strong, sturdy, durable
Daijoubu -> Don't worry, it's okay, no problem
Kega -> Injury

(Photo / Stocksnap)

4. Shopping

(Photo / Unsplash)

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