In this workshop you practice a short customs conversation. You will ask whether an item needs to be declared, understand a simple reply, and then recall the exchange with the roles in the correct order. Each native line is given with its English meaning before you use it, so you can speak with confidence.
Asking About Declaration
Start by getting attention politely and asking your question. The line «すみません、これは申告する必要がありますか。» means "Excuse me, do I need to declare this?" Use it when you are holding an item and want to know whether it must be declared. If you simply want to ask about the item itself, «これは申告する必要がありますか。» means "Do I need to declare this?" Both lines ask about declaration; the first adds a polite opening. Say the line slowly, then repeat it at a natural speed. Keep your voice calm and your question clear.
Understanding the Reply
After you ask, the officer may ask what the item is. The line «それは何ですか。» means "What is it?" You can answer with «お土産のチョコレートです。», which means "It's souvenir chocolate." Then the officer may say «いいえ、申告する必要はありません。», meaning "No, you don't need to declare it." Listen for the answer before you respond. If you have something to declare, you can say «はい、申告するものがあります。», which means "Yes, I have something to declare." Notice that «いいえ、申告する必要はありません。» is a negative answer, so it tells you that declaration is not required for that item.
Asking for Help With the Form
If you need help with paperwork, use «申告書の書き方を教えていただけますか。», which means "Could you teach me how to fill out the declaration form?" This is a polite request for instruction. If you do not understand a word on the form, «この項目はどういう意味ですか。» means "What does this item mean?" Use it while pointing to the word you do not know. These two lines let you ask for help without guessing. Practice them after you are comfortable with the declaration question and the reply.
Listen once, then say the phrase yourself. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Checking available voices…
これは申告する必要がありますか。
Do I need to declare this?
Kore wa shinkoku suru hitsuyō ga arimasu ka.
申告書の書き方を教えていただけますか。
Could you teach me how to fill out the declaration form?
Shinkokusho no kakikata o oshiete itadakemasu ka.
この項目はどういう意味ですか。
What does this item mean?
Kono kōmoku wa dō iu imi desu ka.
はい、申告するものがあります。
Yes, I have something to declare.
Hai, shinkoku suru mono ga arimasu.
Read one side aloud, then answer in your own words. The goal is to make the exchange yours.
すみません、これは申告する必要がありますか。
Excuse me, do I need to declare this?それは何ですか。
What is it?お土産のチョコレートです。
It's souvenir chocolate.いいえ、申告する必要はありません。
No, you don't need to declare it.Your turn
Try each prompt out loud. Choose a guided start, the full sequence, or a challenge pass after your first attempt.
Guided Customs Exchange
You are at a customs counter with a box of souvenir chocolate. The officer is waiting for your question.
Your task: Read the officer's line «それは何ですか。» aloud. Then answer with «お土産のチョコレートです。». After that, ask your question using «すみません、これは申告する必要がありますか。». Finally, read the officer's reply «いいえ、申告する必要はありません。» aloud.
Choose the Right Reply
You have just asked whether your souvenir chocolate must be declared. The officer asks what it is.
Your task: Choose the best reply to «それは何ですか。» from these two options: «お土産のチョコレートです。» or «はい、申告するものがあります。». Say your choice aloud, then say the officer's likely answer «いいえ、申告する必要はありません。».
Recall the Exchange With Correct Roles
You will recall the customs exchange from memory. One person is the traveler and one person is the officer.
Your task: Traveler: say «すみません、これは申告する必要がありますか。». Officer: say «それは何ですか。». Traveler: say «お土産のチョコレートです。». Officer: say «いいえ、申告する必要はありません。». Then swap roles and repeat the same order.
Common questions
What does «いいえ、申告する必要はありません。» mean?
«いいえ、申告する必要はありません。» means "No, you don't need to declare it." It is a negative answer, so it tells you that declaration is not required for that item.
How do I ask for help with the declaration form?
Use «申告書の書き方を教えていただけますか。», which means "Could you teach me how to fill out the declaration form?" If you do not understand a word on the form, use «この項目はどういう意味ですか。», which means "What does this item mean?"
Sources and further reading
- japanese: ask about customsChecked September 2026
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