In this workshop you will practice asking for a bank or an ATM in Japanese and understanding short replies. You will use polite questions and listen for location words. The recordings give you clear models. You will repeat, choose the best reply, and then recall the lines with the correct roles. This is active speaking practice, not a grammar lecture. Speak aloud as you work through each step.
Asking for a Bank
Start with a polite attention getter. The line «すみません、銀行はどこですか。» means 'Excuse me, where is a bank?' Use it when you need to find any bank. The first word gets attention, and the question asks for a location. If you want to know whether a bank exists near you, use «この近くに銀行はありますか。», which means 'Is there a bank near here?' This is useful when you are standing on a street and want to know if a bank is close. Both questions are polite and safe for a beginner. Practice saying each line slowly, then at a natural speed. Keep your voice calm and clear.
Asking for an ATM
Sometimes you need an ATM, not a full bank branch. The line «ATMはどこですか。» means 'Where is an ATM?' Use it when you want to find an ATM. If you are already inside a place and want to check whether an ATM is available, use «ATMはありますか。», which means 'Is there an ATM?' These two questions are short and practical. The recorded dialogue answers an ATM question with a specific location: inside the bank. Listen to that reply before practising the exchange. Practice both lines until you can say them without reading.
Understanding Simple Replies
When you ask a question, listen for a few key words. In the dialogue, speaker A asks «すみません、この近くに銀行はありますか。», which means 'Excuse me, is there a bank near here?' Speaker B answers with «はい、あそこにありますよ。», meaning 'Yes, there is one over there.' The word for 'over there' tells you the bank is not right next to you. Later, speaker A asks «ATMはどこですか。», 'Where is the ATM?' Speaker B replies with «銀行の中にあります。», 'It's inside the bank.' The phrase for 'inside' tells you the ATM is not outside. Listen for these location words: over there, inside. They help you know where to go.
Listen once, then say the phrase yourself. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Checking available voices…
すみません、銀行はどこですか。
Excuse me, where is a bank?
Sumimasen, ginkō wa doko desu ka.
この近くに銀行はありますか。
Is there a bank near here?
Kono chikaku ni ginkō wa arimasu ka.
ATMはどこですか。
Where is an ATM?
Ē-tī-emu wa doko desu ka.
ATMはありますか。
Is there an ATM?
Ē-tī-emu wa arimasu ka.
Read one side aloud, then answer in your own words. The goal is to make the exchange yours.
すみません、この近くに銀行はありますか。
Excuse me, is there a bank near here?はい、あそこにありますよ。
Yes, there is one over there.ATMはどこですか。
Where is the ATM?銀行の中にあります。
It's inside the bank.Your turn
Try each prompt out loud. Choose a guided start, the full sequence, or a challenge pass after your first attempt.
Guided Exchange: Ask and Answer
You are on a street and need a bank. You will play both roles. First, you are the person asking. Then, you are the person answering.
Your task: Say the question from «すみません、この近くに銀行はありますか。» aloud. Then, imagine someone asks you the same question. Reply with the line from «はい、あそこにありますよ。». Repeat the exchange two times. Focus on clear pronunciation and polite tone.
Reply Comprehension: Choose the Best Line
Listen to the recorded conversation and match each question to the reply that follows it there. Other replies may fit different real-world locations; this task checks this particular dialogue.
Your task: Imagine someone says «ATMはどこですか。» to you. Which reply follows that question in the recording? Option A: «銀行の中にあります。». Option B: «はい、あそこにありますよ。». Say your chosen reply aloud. Then, imagine someone says «すみません、この近くに銀行はありますか。». Which reply follows that question in the recording? Option A: «はい、あそこにありますよ。». Option B: «銀行の中にあります。». Say your chosen reply aloud.
Recall with Correct Roles
You will recall the dialogue lines and match them to the correct speaker. This helps you remember who says what.
Your task: Say the line from «すみません、この近くに銀行はありますか。» as speaker A. Then, say the line from «はい、あそこにありますよ。» as speaker B. Next, say the line from «ATMはどこですか。» as speaker A. Finally, say the line from «銀行の中にあります。» as speaker B. Do this without looking at the text if you can.
Common questions
What is the difference between asking for a bank and asking for an ATM?
A bank question uses the word for bank, as in «すみません、銀行はどこですか。» or «この近くに銀行はありますか。». An ATM question uses the letters ATM, as in «ATMはどこですか。» or «ATMはありますか。». Use the bank question when you need a full branch. Use the ATM question when you only need a machine. Both are polite and useful.
How do I understand replies like 'over there' or 'inside'?
Listen for location words. In «はい、あそこにありますよ。», the reply says 'over there,' so the bank is not right next to you. In «銀行の中にあります。», the reply says 'inside the bank,' so the ATM is within the bank. These words tell you where to look. Practice listening for them in the recordings.
Sources and further reading
- japanese: ask for a bankChecked September 2026
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