24 Essential Japanese Emergency Phrases You Must Know

Traveling to Japan is exciting, but knowing how to handle emergencies can make all the difference.

Whether you’re lost, hurt, or need urgent help, having a few essential Japanese phrases ready can save time and stress. It’s not just about language—it’s about peace of mind.

These phrases are practical and easy to learn, designed for real situations you might face. They’ll help you communicate clearly when it matters most.

From calling for help to explaining your problem, this guide has got your back. You’ll feel more confident navigating unexpected moments in Japan.

Plus, knowing these phrases shows respect and effort, which locals truly appreciate. It’s a small step that goes a long way in building trust.

Ready to boost your emergency vocab? Let’s dive into the 24 essential Japanese emergency phrases you must know!

Why Knowing Emergency Phrases Matters

Emergencies can happen anytime, especially when you’re in a new country.

Having a handful of key phrases ready helps you act fast and calmly. It’s your safety net when things get tricky.

Plus, these phrases are simple enough to memorize and practical enough to use immediately.

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

Having these phrases in your back pocket also eases anxiety and boosts your confidence.

It’s a simple trick: practice a few phrases daily, and you’ll remember them right when you need them.

Part 1: Casual Suggestions

1. Help! – 助けて！ (Tasukete! / tah-soo-keh-teh)

This is the most straightforward way to call for help.

“助けて” (tasukete) literally means “help me.” It’s short, urgent, and recognized everywhere in Japan.

Practice saying it with clear emotion so it sounds sincere and grabs attention.

It’s the first phrase you want to shout if you’re in serious trouble.

If you want to be polite (in less urgent situations), you can say “助けてください” (tasukete kudasai), which means “please help me.”

Don’t hesitate to use it—locals will understand you need immediate assistance.

2. Call an ambulance, please – 救急車を呼んでください (Kyūkyūsha o yonde kudasai / kyoo-kyoo-sha oh yohn-deh koo-dah-sigh)

This phrase is essential if someone is injured or very sick.

“救急車” (kyūkyūsha) means “ambulance,” and “呼んでください” (yonde kudasai) means “please call.”

It’s polite but urgent—a perfect balance to get help quickly.

Make sure to speak slowly and clearly to avoid confusion.

Remember, the emergency number for ambulance in Japan is 119.

Use this phrase confidently—it’s your ticket to quick medical help.

3. I’m lost – 道に迷いました (Michi ni mayoimashita / mee-chee nee mah-yoh-ee-mahsh-tah)

Getting lost can feel scary, but this phrase helps you ask for directions politely.

“道” (michi) means “road,” “に” (ni) is a particle meaning “at/on,” and “迷いました” (mayoimashita) means “got lost.”

It’s a full sentence that feels natural and clear in conversation.

You’ll often get friendly help responding to this phrase.

A related phrase is “駅はどこですか？” (Eki wa doko desu ka? / eh-kee wah doh-koh dess kah), which means “Where is the station?”

Using these together makes asking for directions easier and more effective.

4. I’m sick – 具合が悪いです (Guai ga warui desu / goo-ah-ee gah wah-roo-ee dess)

This phrase helps you explain that you’re feeling unwell.

“具合” (guai) means “condition,” “が” (ga) is a subject marker, “悪い” (warui) means “bad,” and “です” (desu) adds politeness.

It’s simple and polite, great for talking to pharmacists or doctors.

Try to say it calmly so locals understand you need assistance.

For more specific symptoms, you can add words like “頭が痛い” (atama ga itai) for “I have a headache.”

Knowing this phrase can lead to quicker medical advice or help.

5. Where is the police station? – 警察署はどこですか？ (Keisatsusho wa doko desu ka? / kay-sah-tsu-sho wah doh-koh dess kah)

Knowing how to find the police is crucial if you lose your belongings or feel unsafe.

“警察署” (keisatsusho) means “police station,” and “どこですか？” (doko desu ka?) means “where is it?”

This phrase is polite and direct, perfect for asking locals or authorities.

Don’t confuse “警察” (keisatsu), which means “police,” with “警察署” which is the station itself.

You can also ask “助けてください” (tasukete kudasai) if you need immediate police assistance.

Being able to ask this question helps you feel more secure while exploring.

6. I don’t understand – わかりません (Wakarimasen / wah-kah-ree-mah-sen)

This phrase is perfect for when communication gets tricky.

“わかりません” (wakarimasen) means “I don’t understand.” It’s polite and simple.

Use it when someone speaks too fast or uses unfamiliar words.

It signals that you need them to explain or slow down.

A common mistake is nodding without understanding—better to say this phrase!

It opens the door for clearer, slower communication.

7. Is there a hospital nearby? – 近くに病院はありますか？ (Chikaku ni byōin wa arimasu ka? / chee-kah-koo nee byoh-een wah ah-ree-mahss kah)

This phrase helps you find medical help quickly.

“近くに” (chikaku ni) means “nearby,” “病院” (byōin) means “hospital,” and “ありますか？” (arimasu ka?) means “is there?”

It’s polite and straightforward, great for asking strangers or shopkeepers.

Try to listen carefully to the answer—often you’ll get clear directions.

Pair it with “救急車を呼んでください” if it’s an emergency.

Knowing this makes health concerns easier to handle when traveling.

8. I lost my wallet – 財布をなくしました (Saifu o nakushimashita / sigh-foo oh nah-koo-shee-mahsh-tah)

Losing your wallet is stressful, but this phrase helps you explain the situation.

“財布” (saifu) means “wallet,” “を” (o) is the direct object marker, and “なくしました” (nakushimashita) means “lost.”

It’s polite and clear—perfect for reporting to police or asking for help.

Be sure to say it calmly to get the best assistance.

You can also add “警察に行きたいです” (Keisatsu ni ikitai desu) meaning “I want to go to the police.”

This phrase is your first step to recovering lost items.

Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions

9. Could you please speak slowly? – ゆっくり話していただけますか？ (Yukkuri hanashite itadakemasu ka? / yoo-kkoo-ree hah-nah-shee-teh ee-tah-dah-keh-mahss kah)

This phrase is a polite way to ask someone to slow down when speaking.

“ゆっくり” (yukkuri) means “slowly,” “話して” (hanashite) means “speak,” and “いただけますか？” (itadakemasu ka?) adds polite request form.

It helps you catch every word and improves understanding.

A common mistake is to nod without comprehension—this phrase helps avoid that.

Use it often when talking to locals—it shows respect and willingness to learn.

It’s a key phrase for clear communication in any conversation.

10. I need a translator – 通訳が必要です (Tsūyaku ga hitsuyō desu / tsoo-yah-koo gah hee-tsoo-yoh dess)

Sometimes, language barriers demand extra help.

“通訳” (tsūyaku) means “translator,” “が” (ga) is a subject marker, and “必要です” (hitsuyō desu) means “is necessary.”

This phrase helps you request professional translation services.

Use it in hospitals, police stations, or official settings.

Combine it with “お願いします” (onegaishimasu) to politely ask someone.

It’s a lifesaver when complex explanations are needed.

11. I have an allergy – アレルギーがあります (Arerugī ga arimasu / ah-reh-roo-gee gah ah-ree-mahss)

Food allergies or other allergies must be clearly communicated.

“アレルギー” (arerugī) means “allergy,” and “があります” (ga arimasu) means “I have.”

This phrase is polite and direct, perfect for restaurants or pharmacies.

Be specific about the allergy if possible, like “ピーナッツ” (pīnattsu) for peanuts.

Always carry a translated allergy card for extra safety.

Using this phrase protects your health and avoids dangerous situations.

12. Where is the nearest exit? – 一番近い出口はどこですか？ (Ichiban chikai deguchi wa doko desu ka? / ee-chee-bahn chee-kah-ee deh-goo-chee wah doh-koh dess kah)

Knowing how to ask for exits is crucial in emergencies like fires or earthquakes.

“一番近い” (ichiban chikai) means “nearest,” “出口” (deguchi) is “exit,” and “どこですか？” (doko desu ka?) means “where is it?”

This polite phrase helps you find safety quickly.

A common mistake is confusing “入り口” (iriguchi), which means “entrance.”

Practice this phrase so you remember it under pressure.

It’s a simple question that could save your life.

13. I need water – 水が必要です (Mizu ga hitsuyō desu / mee-zoo gah hee-tsoo-yoh dess)

Dehydration or heatstroke can happen, so this phrase is handy.

“水” (mizu) means “water,” and “必要です” (hitsuyō desu) means “is necessary.”

It’s polite and clear, useful in any public place.

Try to say it politely to get a quick positive response.

It pairs well with “お願いします” (onegaishimasu), which means “please.”

Knowing this can make your trip more comfortable and safe.

14. I don’t feel well – 気分が悪いです (Kibun ga warui desu / kee-boon gah wah-roo-ee dess)

This phrase is a polite way to express discomfort or nausea.

“気分” (kibun) means “feeling” or “mood,” “が” (ga) is a subject marker, and “悪い” (warui) means “bad.”

It’s useful for explaining general illness without specifics.

Be sure to use a calm tone to convey seriousness.

Combine it with “助けてください” (tasukete kudasai) if you need urgent help.

This phrase helps locals understand your state and offer assistance.

15. Please call the police – 警察を呼んでください (Keisatsu o yonde kudasai / kay-sah-tsu oh yohn-deh koo-dah-sigh)

If you witness or experience a crime, this phrase is crucial.

“警察” (keisatsu) means “police,” “を” (o) marks the object, “呼んでください” (yonde kudasai) means “please call.”

It’s polite but urgent, ideal for emergencies.

Speak firmly and clearly to avoid misunderstandings.

Remember the emergency number 110 for police in Japan.

Using this phrase quickly can ensure safety for you and others.

16. I have lost my passport – パスポートをなくしました (Pasupōto o nakushimashita / pah-soo-poh-toh oh nah-koo-shee-mahsh-tah)

Losing your passport is serious, and this phrase helps explain the situation.

“パスポート” (pasupōto) means “passport,” and “なくしました” (nakushimashita) means “lost.”

It’s polite and clear, perfect for embassy or police conversations.

Be prepared to show identification if possible.

Pair with “助けてください” (tasukete kudasai) to ask for assistance.

Knowing this phrase can speed up the process of getting help abroad.

Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions

17. I’m hurt! – 怪我した！ (Kega shita! / keh-gah shee-tah)

This is a casual yet urgent way to say you’re injured.

“怪我” (kega) means “injury,” and “した” (shita) means “did” or “happened.”

It’s direct and commonly used in spoken Japanese.

Use it when you need quick attention but want to sound natural.

A polite alternative is “怪我をしました” (kega o shimashita).

Practicing this phrase helps you sound more like a local in emergencies.

18. I can’t breathe – 息ができない (Iki ga dekinai / ee-kee gah deh-kee-nai)

This phrase is critical for serious respiratory distress.

“息” (iki) means “breath,” “が” (ga) marks the subject, and “できない” (dekinai) means “can’t do.”

It’s simple, urgent, and easy to remember.

Make sure to speak clearly and with urgency.

Use it immediately if you or someone else is choking or having an attack.

Knowing this phrase can be lifesaving.

19. Fire! – 火事だ！ (Kaji da! / kah-jee dah)

Short and loud, this phrase alerts people to a fire.

“火事” (kaji) means “fire,” and “だ” (da) adds emphasis.

It’s urgent and easy to shout in emergencies.

Avoid using it jokingly—it’s taken very seriously.

Practice the pronunciation to sound clear and loud.

This phrase helps you warn others fast and effectively.

20. I’m stuck – 動けない (Ugokenai / oo-goh-keh-nai)

Use this when you physically can’t move.

“動けない” (ugokenai) means “can’t move.”

It’s a simple, native-like expression to signal urgent need.

Be sure to say it clearly to rescue workers or bystanders.

Combine with “助けて！” (tasukete!) for more urgency.

This phrase helps communicate your condition quickly.

21. I’m choking – 喉に詰まった (Nodo ni tsumatta / noh-doh nee tsoo-mah-tah)

This phrase describes choking literally.

“喉” (nodo) means “throat,” “に” (ni) indicates location, and “詰まった” (tsumatta) means “stuck.”

It’s an urgent and specific phrase for a dangerous situation.

Practice pronunciation; it can save your life.

Use immediately if you feel unable to breathe or swallow.

Knowing this helps you get the right help fast.

22. Where is the nearest train station? – 一番近い駅はどこですか？ (Ichiban chikai eki wa doko desu ka? / ee-chee-bahn chee-kah-ee eh-kee wah doh-koh dess kah)

This phrase is casual yet polite for finding your way.

“駅” (eki) means “station.”

It’s a go-to question for everyday travel emergencies.

Mixes well with casual additions like “すみません” (sumimasen) for “excuse me.”

Practice it to avoid getting stranded.

It’s a helpful phrase that saves time and frustration.

23. I’m allergic – アレルギーです (Arerugī desu / ah-reh-roo-gee dess)

A concise way to inform about allergies.

“アレルギー” (arerugī) means “allergy,” “です” (desu) makes it polite.

Use this phrase when you want to keep it short and clear.

Combine with “食べられません” (taberaremasen) meaning “I cannot eat.”

Essential for food safety when dining out.

Practice to sound confident and clear.

24. I need help now – 今すぐ助けてください (Ima sugu tasukete kudasai / ee-mah soo-goo tah-soo-keh-teh koo-dah-sigh)

This phrase adds urgency to your request for help.

“今すぐ” (ima sugu) means “right now,” “助けてください” (tasukete kudasai) means “please help me.”

It’s polite but emphasizes immediate need.

Use it when seconds count and you want to be understood fast.

Practice the rhythm and tone to express urgency clearly.

It’s a powerful phrase that can make a crucial difference.

Concluding Thought

Learning these emergency phrases prepares you for unexpected situations during your Japan trip.

They are simple, practical, and designed to help you communicate clearly when it matters most.

With a little practice, you’ll gain confidence and peace of mind, making your journey safer and more enjoyable.