24 Essential Japanese Phrases for Left, Right & Straight Directions
Getting around in Japan can be a bit tricky, especially when you’re trying to keep track of directions. Left, right, straight—it’s all pretty important to know!
Luckily, Japanese has some straightforward phrases that make navigating a breeze. Whether you’re asking for directions or giving them, these essential words will have you covered.
Understanding the basics of directional language will not only help you get around but also make your conversations smoother and more natural.
From casual chats with friends to polite requests in formal situations, mastering these phrases will boost your confidence and enrich your travel experience.
Plus, learning these simple expressions is a fun way to connect with locals and explore places off the beaten path.
Ready to dive in? Let’s explore 24 essential Japanese phrases for left, right, and straight directions that you can start using today!
Why Knowing Directional Phrases Matters
Directions are the backbone of any travel adventure.
When you know how to say left, right, and straight in Japanese, suddenly the city feels less like a maze and more like a playground. It’s about more than just words—it’s about feeling at ease in a new place.
Plus, these phrases come in handy in everyday life, not just travel.
Sometimes, using a great beginner phrasebook can give you a perfect starting point for a cohesive understanding.
With these phrases under your belt, you’ll find yourself navigating like a pro in no time.
Remember, a little practice goes a long way—try saying these out loud as you explore.
Part 1: Casual Suggestions
1. 左 (ひだり, hidari) – Left
Let’s start simple with the word for “left.”
“左 (ひだり, hidari)” is the basic word you’ll use when telling someone to turn left or indicating something on the left side. Easy to remember because it starts with “hi,” like “hit” a left turn!
Using this word correctly helps you avoid going the wrong way, which can save time and frustration.
It’s a handy word for everyday conversations, especially when exploring neighborhoods.
You might hear it combined with other phrases like “左に曲がる (ひだりにまがる, hidari ni magaru)” which means “turn left.”
Don’t hesitate to use it when asking for directions—it’s one of the first words locals expect travelers to know!
2. 右 (みぎ, migi) – Right
Next up is “right,” which is just as important.
“右 (みぎ, migi)” is straightforward and easy to remember because it sounds like “me-gee,” like saying “me” then “gee” to yourself when you take the right path.
Make sure to pronounce the “gi” sound softly to sound natural.
A common mistake is mixing it up with “hidari” (left), so focus on practicing both to keep them distinct.
For example, you can say “右に行ってください (みぎにいってください, migi ni itte kudasai)” which means “please go right.”
Using “migi” correctly helps you confidently follow or give directions without hesitation.
3. まっすぐ (massugu) – Straight
When you want to go straight ahead, “まっすぐ (massugu)” is your go-to word.
This word literally means “straight” or “directly,” and it’s often used with verbs like “行く (いく, iku),” meaning “to go.”
It’s easy to practice by imagining a straight line when you say it out loud.
One tip: avoid confusing it with other directional terms by focusing on the double “s” sound in the middle.
An example would be “まっすぐ行ってください (massugu itte kudasai),” meaning “please go straight.”
It’s a simple phrase but very powerful when navigating busy streets.
4. 左に曲がる (ひだりにまがる, hidari ni magaru) – Turn Left
If you want to tell someone to turn left, this phrase is perfect.
“左に曲がる (ひだりにまがる, hidari ni magaru)” literally means “turn left.” “曲がる (まがる, magaru)” means “to turn,” so it’s a useful verb to remember.
Practicing this phrase can help you give clear, natural directions.
Focus on the “ni” particle, which indicates direction here.
A common error is leaving out “ni,” which can confuse listeners.
Try this in a sentence: “次の角を左に曲がってください (つぎのかどをひだりにまがってください, tsugi no kado o hidari ni magatte kudasai)” meaning “Please turn left at the next corner.”
5. 右に曲がる (みぎにまがる, migi ni magaru) – Turn Right
Similar to the last phrase, this one is for turning right.
“右に曲がる (みぎにまがる, migi ni magaru)” means “turn right.” Knowing this helps you easily navigate intersections and follow directions.
Practice saying it aloud to get comfortable with the rhythm.
Don’t forget the “ni” particle; it’s crucial for clarity.
For example: “次の信号を右に曲がってください (つぎのしんごうをみぎにまがってください, tsugi no shingō o migi ni magatte kudasai)” means “Please turn right at the next traffic light.”
This phrase will make your directions sound natural and polite.
6. まっすぐ行く (まっすぐいく, massugu iku) – Go Straight
To tell someone to keep going straight, use this phrase.
“まっすぐ行く (まっすぐいく, massugu iku)” means “go straight.” Combining “massugu” with the verb “iku” (to go) makes it easy to remember.
It’s a simple phrase that works in almost any directional conversation.
Make sure to stress the “massu” part to sound natural.
For instance, “ここからまっすぐ行ってください (ここからまっすぐいってください, koko kara massugu itte kudasai)” means “Please go straight from here.”
Use this phrase to confidently guide someone forward.
7. 左側 (ひだりがわ, hidarigawa) – Left Side
Sometimes you need to specify “the left side,” and for that, “左側 (ひだりがわ, hidarigawa)” is perfect.
“側 (がわ, gawa)” means “side,” so it’s a handy word to combine with directions.
This phrase is great for giving more detailed directions, like “walk on the left side.”
Remember, “gawa” always follows the direction word.
Example: “左側を歩いてください (ひだりがわをあるいてください, hidarigawa o aruite kudasai),” meaning “Please walk on the left side.”
Using “gawa” will make your directions clearer and more precise.
8. 右側 (みぎがわ, migigawa) – Right Side
Similarly, “右側 (みぎがわ, migigawa)” means “right side.”
It works just like “hidarigawa” but for the right side.
This phrase helps you be super clear when guiding someone.
Be sure to pronounce “migigawa” smoothly, linking the syllables.
An example sentence: “右側を通ってください (みぎがわをとおってください, migigawa o tōtte kudasai),” meaning “Please pass on the right side.”
It’s a small phrase that adds a lot to your directional skills.
Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions
9. 〜の方向はどちらですか？ (〜のほうこうはどちらですか？, ~ no hōkō wa dochira desu ka?) – Which way is ~ direction?
This formal question is perfect for politely asking about directions.
“方向 (ほうこう, hōkō)” means “direction,” and “どちら (dochira)” is a polite way to say “which way.”
You simply replace the “〜” with your destination.
It’s a respectful phrase that locals appreciate.
Example: “駅の方向はどちらですか？ (えきのほうこうはどちらですか？, eki no hōkō wa dochira desu ka?)” means “Which way is the station?”
Using this phrase shows good manners and opens up friendly interactions.
10. 右にお曲がりください (みぎにおまがりください, migi ni omagari kudasai) – Please turn right (polite)
This is a polite way to say “please turn right.”
The “お” prefix adds respect to the verb “曲がる (まがる, magaru),” making it more formal.
It’s great for customer service or formal situations.
Make sure to keep your tone respectful when using it.
Use it like this: “次の角を右にお曲がりください (つぎのかどをみぎにおまがりください, tsugi no kado o migi ni omagari kudasai)” meaning “Please turn right at the next corner.”
This phrase helps you sound polished and considerate.
11. 左にお曲がりください (ひだりにおまがりください, hidari ni omagari kudasai) – Please turn left (polite)
The polite counterpart for turning left.
“左にお曲がりください (ひだりにおまがりください, hidari ni omagari kudasai)” is respectful and clear.
It’s perfect when you want to sound professional or courteous.
Remember to use it in formal contexts like hotels or offices.
Example: “二つ目の信号を左にお曲がりください (ふたつめのしんごうをひだりにおまがりください, futatsume no shingō o hidari ni omagari kudasai),” meaning “Please turn left at the second traffic light.”
Adding the “お” prefix elevates your phrase instantly.
12. まっすぐお進みください (まっすぐおすすみください, massugu osusumi kudasai) – Please proceed straight ahead
This is a formal way to say “please go straight.”
The verb “進む (すすむ, susumu)” means “to proceed,” and the “お” prefix makes it polite.
Great for giving directions in official or business settings.
Make sure to keep your tone gentle and respectful.
For example: “この廊下をまっすぐお進みください (このろうかをまっすぐおすすみください, kono rōka o massugu osusumi kudasai)” means “Please proceed straight down this corridor.”
Using this phrase adds a touch of professionalism to your directions.
13. 〜の近くにありますか？ (〜のちかくにありますか？, ~ no chikaku ni arimasu ka?) – Is it near ~?
This question helps you check if your destination is close.
“近く (ちかく, chikaku)” means “near,” and “ありますか” means “is there/exists.”
It’s polite and useful for confirming directions.
Example: “駅の近くにありますか？ (えきのちかくにありますか？, eki no chikaku ni arimasu ka?)” means “Is it near the station?”
Use this to avoid long detours and get precise info.
It’s a simple question that shows you’re considerate of others’ time.
14. 右手にございます (みぎてにございます, migite ni gozaimasu) – It is on your right (very polite)
This phrase is a very polite way to say “it is on your right.”
“右手 (みぎて, migite)” means “right hand side,” and “ございます” is a respectful form of “to be.”
It’s often used by staff in formal settings.
Make sure to use it in appropriate contexts to sound natural.
Example: “お店は右手にございます (おみせはみぎてにございます, omise wa migite ni gozaimasu)” means “The shop is on your right.”
Using this phrase will impress locals with your politeness.
15. 左手にございます (ひだりてにございます, hidarite ni gozaimasu) – It is on your left (very polite)
The polite counterpart for “it is on your left.”
“左手 (ひだりて, hidarite)” means “left hand side,” and “ございます” adds respect.
Perfect for formal conversations or when you want to impress with your language.
Example: “銀行は左手にございます (ぎんこうはひだりてにございます, ginkō wa hidarite ni gozaimasu)” means “The bank is on your left.”
It’s a valuable phrase for business or customer service.
Using it shows your attention to detail and respect.
16. 真っ直ぐでございます (まっすぐでございます, massugu de gozaimasu) – It is straight ahead (very polite)
This is a very polite way to say “it is straight ahead.”
“ございます” adds formal respect to the phrase.
Useful in high-end or official environments.
Example: “出口は真っ直ぐでございます (でぐちはまっすぐでございます, deguchi wa massugu de gozaimasu)” means “The exit is straight ahead.”
It’s a phrase that adds professionalism to your directions.
Perfect for impressing in formal settings or customer service roles.
Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions
17. そっち (socchi) – That way (casual)
“そっち (socchi)” is a casual way to say “that way.”
It’s often used among friends or in informal situations and means roughly “over there” or “that direction.”
It’s easy to remember because it sounds like “sot-chi,” a catchy casual sound.
Be careful not to use this in formal settings, as it may sound too informal.
Example: “駅はそっちだよ (えきはそっちだよ, eki wa socchi da yo),” meaning “The station is that way.”
This phrase adds a friendly, native-like vibe to your speech.
18. こっち (kocchi) – This way (casual)
“こっち (kocchi)” means “this way” and is very casual.
It’s perfect for informal chats when guiding friends or family.
Try associating the “ko” sound with “come here” to remember it easily.
Avoid using it in formal situations to keep things polite.
Example: “こっちに来て (こっちにきて, kocchi ni kite),” meaning “Come this way.”
Use “kocchi” to sound natural and relaxed among friends.
19. あっち (acchi) – That way over there (casual)
“あっち (acchi)” means “that way over there” in a casual tone.
Use it when talking about places a bit farther away.
It’s easy to remember because it rhymes with “acchi.”
Like other casual terms, avoid it in formal conversations.
Example: “トイレはあっちだよ (といれはあっちだよ, toire wa acchi da yo),” meaning “The bathroom is that way.”
It’s a fun, informal way to give directions among peers.
20. まっすぐね (massugu ne) – Straight ahead, okay? (casual)
Adding “ね (ne)” at the end makes “まっすぐ (massugu)” more friendly and casual.
It feels like saying “straight ahead, okay?” which is great for casual chats.
Use it when speaking with friends or younger people.
Don’t use “ne” in very formal speech.
Example: “ここからまっすぐね (ここからまっすぐね, koko kara massugu ne),” meaning “From here, straight ahead, okay?”
This phrase makes your directions sound warm and approachable.
21. 左だよ (ひだりだよ, hidari dayo) – It’s on the left (casual)
“左だよ (ひだりだよ, hidari dayo)” is a super casual way to say “It’s on the left.”
“だよ (dayo)” adds a friendly tone, like “you know.”
Perfect for chatting with friends or family.
Be careful not to use this in formal settings.
Example: “お店は左だよ (おみせはひだりだよ, omise wa hidari dayo),” meaning “The shop’s on the left.”
This phrase keeps your Japanese relaxed and natural.
22. 右だよ (みぎだよ, migi dayo) – It’s on the right (casual)
The casual version for “It’s on the right.”
“右だよ (みぎだよ, migi dayo)” uses the same friendly “dayo” ending.
It’s quick and natural in informal conversations.
Try to use it only with people you’re comfortable with.
Example: “駅は右だよ (えきはみぎだよ, eki wa migi dayo),” meaning “The station’s on the right.”
Using this phrase shows you’re relaxed and fluent.
23. 右に行って (みぎにいって, migi ni itte) – Go right (casual)
“右に行って (みぎにいって, migi ni itte)” is a casual way to say “Go right.”
Dropping the polite endings makes it sound friendly and straightforward.
Use it with friends or when giving quick directions.
It’s a handy phrase to remember for day-to-day conversations.
Example: “ここで右に行って (ここでみぎにいって, koko de migi ni itte),” meaning “Turn right here.”
This phrase keeps your speech natural and easygoing.
24. まっすぐ行ってね (まっすぐいってね, massugu itte ne) – Go straight, okay? (casual)
The casual, friendly way to say “Go straight, okay?”
Adding “ね (ne)” softens the command and makes it feel like a suggestion.
It’s perfect when talking to friends or family.
Remember to keep your tone light and friendly.
Example: “信号までまっすぐ行ってね (しんごうまでまっすぐいってね, shingō made massugu itte ne),” meaning “Go straight until the traffic light, okay?”
Use this phrase to sound approachable and warm.
Concluding Thought
Learning directional phrases in Japanese opens up more than just navigation skills—it opens doors to new experiences and connections.
With these 24 phrases, you’re equipped to handle casual chats, polite requests, and even sound like a local in everyday situations.
Keep practicing, stay curious, and enjoy the adventure of exploring Japan with confidence and a smile!