24 Essential Japanese Phrases for Asking “Is It Far?

Wondering how to ask “Is it far?” in Japanese? You’re in the right place.

Traveling, chatting with locals, or exploring new neighborhoods just got easier. Learning this simple question helps you get around smoothly.

Japanese has many ways to ask about distance, depending on tone, formality, and context.

Whether you’re a beginner or brushing up, these 24 essential phrases will boost your confidence and make your conversations feel natural and friendly.

Mastering these phrases means less confusion and more adventure as you navigate Japan’s beautiful streets and countryside.

Ready to dive in? Let’s explore the perfect ways to ask “Is it far?” in Japanese and get you chatting like a local in no time!

Understanding Distance in Japanese

Distance-related questions are common and super useful.

Japanese uses a mix of simple words and polite forms to ask if a place is far. Knowing when to use casual or formal phrases is key.

Getting familiar with these expressions early helps you sound natural and respectful when needed.

Sometimes, using a great beginner phrasebook can give you a perfect starting point for a cohesive understanding.

Remember, the word for “far” in Japanese is “とおい” (tooi), which is a great base to build on.

Practice these phrases in real conversations or while exploring for instant confidence boosts.

Part 1: Casual Suggestions

1. 遠い？ (Tooi?)

Keep it simple with just “遠い？” which means “Far?”

This is the most casual way to ask if something is far. It’s perfect when chatting with friends or peers.

Using just one word keeps it quick and natural.

It’s a great starter phrase to get used to the sound and rhythm of Japanese distance questions.

Try pairing it with gestures like pointing to the destination for clarity.

Simple and effective, this phrase is your go-to for casual conversations.

2. ここから遠い？ (Koko kara tooi?)

This phrase means “Is it far from here?”

“ここ (koko)” means “here,” “から (kara)” means “from,” and “遠い (tooi)” means “far.” It’s an easy phrase to remember by breaking down the parts.

Perfect for when you want to specify your current location.

Don’t forget: avoid dropping particles in casual speech unless you’re very familiar with the person.

Example: “駅から遠い？” (Eki kara tooi?) means “Is it far from the station?”

Using location words makes your question clearer and more natural.

3. まだ遠い？ (Mada tooi?)

“まだ” (mada) means “still.” Together with “遠い?” it asks, “Is it still far?”

This is handy when you’re already on your way and want to check progress.

It shows you’re engaged and paying attention to the trip.

Use this in casual chats with friends or guides.

Example: “あとどれくらい？まだ遠い？” (“How much longer? Is it still far?”)

This phrase keeps the conversation lively and interactive.

4. 遠いの？ (Tooi no?)

Add “の” (no) at the end for a softer, more inquisitive tone.

“遠いの？” is casual but sounds a bit more gentle and curious than just “遠い？”

This makes it great for friendly conversations where you want to sound polite but relaxed.

It’s a small tweak that changes the tone significantly.

Try it with a smile to show genuine interest.

It’s often used among friends or young people.

5. どれくらい遠い？ (Dore kurai tooi?)

This phrase literally means “How far is it?”

“どれくらい” (dore kurai) means “how much” or “how far,” combined with “遠い” (tooi) for “far.”

It’s more specific and asks for a distance estimate.

Great for when you want more than a yes/no answer.

Example: “スーパーまでどれくらい遠い？” (“How far is it to the supermarket?”)

It opens up the conversation for details and directions.

6. 遠いと思う？ (Tooi to omou?)

This means “Do you think it’s far?”

“と思う” (to omou) means “think,” so you’re asking for an opinion.

It’s casual and invites the other person to share their perspective.

Use this when you want a friendly chat rather than just information.

Example: “ここから駅まで遠いと思う？” (“Do you think it’s far from here to the station?”)

It helps build rapport and is great for friendly conversations.

7. そんなに遠い？ (Sonnani tooi?)

This phrase means “Is it that far?”

“そんなに” (sonnani) means “that much” or “so,” emphasizing the distance.

It’s useful when you’ve heard conflicting info and want confirmation.

It shows mild surprise or disbelief.

Example: “うわ、そんなに遠い？” (“Wow, is it really that far?”)

Use it to express your feelings naturally.

8. 歩いて遠い？ (Aruite tooi?)

“歩いて” (aruite) means “on foot.” This asks “Is it far to walk?”

Great for checking if walking is an option.

Helpful when deciding whether to take a bus or taxi.

Use this to plan your trip smartly.

Example: “駅まで歩いて遠い？” (“Is it far to walk to the station?”)

This phrase is practical and easy to remember.

Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions

9. 遠いですか？ (Tooi desu ka?)

This is the polite form of “Is it far?”

Adding “ですか” (desu ka) makes it polite and suitable for strangers or elders.

Use this in shops, hotels, or with people you don’t know well.

It’s a must-know for respectful conversations.

Example: “駅は遠いですか？” (“Is the station far?”)

Politeness goes a long way in Japan and helps you make a great impression.

10. ここから遠いですか？ (Koko kara tooi desu ka?)

Polite and clear, this means “Is it far from here?”

Perfect for formal settings or when you want to sound courteous.

“ここから” (koko kara) means “from here.”

Don’t forget the polite ending “ですか” for questions.

Example: “ホテルから駅まで遠いですか？” (“Is it far from the hotel to the station?”)

This phrase is versatile and widely used by travelers.

11. まだ遠いですか？ (Mada tooi desu ka?)

This polite phrase asks, “Is it still far?”

Useful when you want to politely check progress or distance.

It shows respect and attentiveness.

Example: “目的地までまだ遠いですか？” (“Is it still far to the destination?”)

Adding “まだ” (mada) emphasizes the ongoing distance.

Great for polite, friendly conversations on the go.

12. どのくらい遠いですか？ (Dono kurai tooi desu ka?)

This phrase means “How far is it?” in a polite way.

“どのくらい” (dono kurai) asks “how much,” combined with polite question ending.

Perfect for formal conversations or when you want precise info politely.

Example: “空港までどのくらい遠いですか？” (“How far is it to the airport?”)

It’s a respectful and clear way to ask for distance.

Try practicing it aloud to sound confident.

13. 遠いと感じますか？ (Tooi to kanjimasu ka?)

This means “Do you feel it’s far?”

“感じますか” (kanjimasu ka) means “do you feel” or “do you sense.”

It’s a polite way to ask for subjective opinions about distance.

Example: “この道は遠いと感じますか？” (“Do you feel this road is far?”)

Good for polite chats that invite opinions.

It adds a thoughtful touch to your questions.

14. どのくらいかかりますか？ (Dono kurai kakarimasu ka?)

Literally “How long does it take?” this phrase is often used to ask about travel time.

“かかります” (kakarimasu) means “to take (time).”

Great for polite questions about distance and duration.

Example: “駅までどのくらいかかりますか？” (“How long does it take to the station?”)

This helps you plan your schedule politely.

It’s a useful phrase to add to your travel toolkit.

15. 遠くまでありますか？ (Tooku made arimasu ka?)

This phrase means “Is it far away?” in a polite way.

“遠くまで” (tooku made) means “far to” or “all the way to.”

Use “ありますか” (arimasu ka) to ask politely if something exists at a far distance.

Example: “駅は遠くまでありますか？” (“Is the station far away?”)

This phrase is a polite way to confirm distance or existence.

Perfect for respectful conversations with strangers or service staff.

16. どのくらいの距離ですか？ (Dono kurai no kyori desu ka?)

This polite phrase means “What’s the distance?”

“距離” (kyori) means “distance.”

It’s a formal way to inquire about exact distance.

Example: “目的地までどのくらいの距離ですか？” (“What’s the distance to the destination?”)

Use this when you want precise info in a polite tone.

This expression helps you sound knowledgeable and respectful.

Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions

17. 遠くない？ (Tooku nai?)

“遠くない？” means “Isn’t it far?”

It’s a casual, native-like way to ask, using the negative form for a more conversational tone.

This phrase feels spontaneous and natural among friends.

Example: “ここから駅、遠くない？” (“Isn’t it far from here to the station?”)

It’s a great phrase to sound more fluent and relaxed.

Try using it in casual settings for a local vibe.

18. まだ遠いかな？ (Mada tooi kana?)

“かな” (kana) adds a soft “I wonder” tone.

This phrase means “I wonder if it’s still far?”

It’s very casual and native-like, perfect among close friends.

Example: “駅までまだ遠いかな？” (“I wonder if it’s still far to the station?”)

It shows you’re thinking out loud naturally.

Use it to sound more like a local in casual chats.

19. 遠いっぽい？ (Tooi ppoi?)

“っぽい” (ppoi) means “seems like” or “looks like.”

“遠いっぽい？” asks “Does it seem far?” in slangy casual talk.

It’s very informal and common among young people.

Example: “あの場所、遠いっぽい？” (“Does that place seem far?”)

Great for sounding trendy and native-like.

Use it only with close friends or peers.

20. そんなに遠くないよね？ (Sonnani tooku nai yo ne?)

This phrase means “It’s not that far, right?”

It’s casual but friendly and reassuring.

“よね” (yo ne) seeks agreement or confirmation.

Example: “駅はそんなに遠くないよね？” (“The station isn’t that far, right?”)

Perfect for friendly conversations when you want to confirm or comfort.

It adds warmth and connection to your speech.

21. すぐそこ？ (Sugu soko?)

“すぐそこ？” means “Is it right there?” or “Is it very close?”

It’s a very casual and common way to ask if a place is nearby.

Great for quick conversations and checking distance.

Example: “駅はすぐそこ？” (“Is the station right there?”)

Short and sweet, this phrase is easy to remember.

Use it to sound friendly and natural.

22. 遠く感じる？ (Tooku kanjiru?)

“感じる” (kanjiru) means “to feel.”

“遠く感じる？” asks “Does it feel far?”

It’s a casual, conversational way to ask about perceived distance.

Example: “この道、遠く感じる？” (“Does this road feel far?”)

Good for chatting about impressions rather than facts.

Try it to sound more like a native speaker.

23. まだかかる？ (Mada kakaru?)

“まだかかる？” means “Does it still take a while?”

It’s casual and frequently used to ask about remaining travel time.

Great for friendly, real-time updates.

Example: “駅までまだかかる？” (“Does it still take a while to the station?”)

Short and easy, this phrase fits casual conversations perfectly.

Use it to sound relaxed and in the moment.

24. 遠いんだよね？ (Tooi n da yo ne?)

“遠いんだよね？” is a casual yet confirming way to say “It’s far, right?”

“んだよね” adds an explanatory and confirmatory tone.

It’s great for soft confirmation in friendly talks.

Example: “駅は遠いんだよね？” (“The station is far, right?”)

This phrase makes your question sound natural and warm.

Try it to deepen your casual Japanese skills.

Concluding Thought

Learning to ask “Is it far?” in Japanese unlocks smoother travel and more meaningful interactions.

From casual chats to polite inquiries, these phrases cover all the bases you’ll need to feel confident.

Keep practicing, keep exploring, and soon you’ll be navigating Japan like a pro with ease and charm!