How to Request a Taxi in Japanese: Phone and Taxi Stand Basics
Learn to say 'I need a taxi to...' in Japanese, ask for estimated arrival time, and handle phone or taxi stand requests with confidence.
By SofiaGetting around · Yapr Learn
In Japan, taxis are a convenient way to travel, but requesting one requires specific phrases. Whether you're calling a taxi company or approaching a driver at a taxi stand, you'll need to state your destination and ask about arrival time. This lesson teaches you the essential Japanese for requesting a taxi, focusing on the pattern '... made onegaishimasu' (to ... please) and understanding time estimates. You'll learn to distinguish this from giving directions to a driver once inside. By the end, you'll be able to confidently request a taxi and ask when it will arrive.
By the end, you can…
- request a taxi to a specific destination using '... made onegaishimasu'.
- ask for the estimated arrival time using 'nanpun de kimasu ka'.
- understand and respond to basic questions from a taxi dispatcher.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
タクシーをお願いします。
I need a taxi, please.
Takushii o onegaishimasu.
Use this when calling a taxi company or at a taxi stand to request a taxi. It's polite and general.
東京駅までお願いします。
To Tokyo Station, please.
Toukyou eki made onegaishimasu.
Specify your destination with 'made' (to). This is used when you are already in the taxi or when requesting a taxi to a specific place.
何分で来ますか？
How many minutes until it comes?
Nanpun de kimasu ka?
Ask this to find out the estimated arrival time of the taxi. Use after requesting a taxi.
今、タクシーを呼んでいます。
I am calling a taxi now.
Ima, takushii o yonde imasu.
Use this to tell someone that you are currently calling a taxi. Useful if you need to inform others.
迎えに来てください。
Please come to pick me up.
Mukae ni kite kudasai.
Request a pickup when calling a taxi. Often used with a location, e.g., 'ホテルまで迎えに来てください' (Please come to the hotel to pick me up).
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
The pattern '[destination] made onegaishimasu' means 'To [destination], please.' Use 'made' to indicate the destination. For example, '大阪駅までお願いします' (To Osaka Station, please). To ask for estimated arrival, use 'nanpun de kimasu ka' (How many minutes until it comes?). You can also combine: 'タクシーをお願いします。何分で来ますか？' (I need a taxi, please. How many minutes until it comes?).
When to use it
Use these phrases when calling a taxi company or at a taxi stand. At a taxi stand, you might say 'タクシーをお願いします' to the dispatcher. When calling, start with 'タクシーをお願いします' and then give your location and destination. For example, '渋谷駅までお願いします。何分で来ますか？' (To Shibuya Station, please. How many minutes until it comes?). Avoid using these phrases when giving directions to the driver after boarding; for that, use 'migi' (right), 'hidari' (left), etc.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
タクシーをお願いします。
I need a taxi, please.Takushii o onegaishimasu.はい、どちらまでですか？
Yes, to where?Hai, dochira made desu ka?東京駅までお願いします。何分で来ますか？
To Tokyo Station, please. How many minutes until it comes?Toukyou eki made onegaishimasu. Nanpun de kimasu ka?10分で来ます。
It will come in 10 minutes.Juppun de kimasu.A little context goes a long way
In Japan, taxis are often hailed at taxi stands or by phone. When calling, speak clearly and politely. At a taxi stand, you may need to wait in line. It's common to give the destination before boarding. Tipping is not customary. If you don't speak Japanese well, showing a written address can help. The phrase 'onegaishimasu' is versatile and polite, used for many requests.
One thing to watch for
Using 'ni' instead of 'made' to indicate destination, e.g., '東京駅にお願いします'.
Try this instead: Use 'made' for destination: '東京駅までお願いします'. 'Ni' is used for direction with verbs like 'iku' (go), but with 'onegaishimasu', 'made' is correct.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How do you say 'To Shinjuku Station, please' in Japanese?
Show a sample answer
新宿駅までお願いします。
This uses the pattern '[destination] made onegaishimasu'. 'Shinjuku eki' means Shinjuku Station. You could also say '新宿駅まで' with a rising intonation, but adding 'onegaishimasu' is more polite.
2What phrase do you use to ask 'How many minutes until it comes?'
Show a sample answer
何分で来ますか？
This is the standard way to ask for estimated arrival time. 'Nanpun' means 'how many minutes', 'de' indicates time, and 'kimasu ka' means 'will it come?'. You can also ask 'どのくらいで来ますか？' (About how long until it comes?), which is slightly less precise.
3How would you request a taxi and state you want to go to the airport?
Show a sample answer
タクシーをお願いします。空港までお願いします。
First request a taxi, then state the destination. 'Kuukou' means airport. You can combine: '空港までタクシーをお願いします' (A taxi to the airport, please). Both are acceptable.
Remember: '... made onegaishimasu' for destination, 'nanpun de kimasu ka' for arrival time. Use these when calling or at a taxi stand, not when giving directions to the driver.
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