In this speaking workshop, you will practice a short, realistic exchange about finding a gym. You will ask whether a gym is nearby, ask for a day pass, and check the price and opening hours. Each native example comes from a recording, and you will repeat it aloud, choose the right reply, and then recall the lines with the correct roles. Speak slowly at first, then try to match the rhythm of the recording. You can play both roles with the audio, and the answer checks are visible so you can judge your own performance.
Asking About a Gym Nearby
Start with a polite question about location. The line «近くにジムはありますか。» means 'Is there a gym nearby?' The word 'chikaku ni' means 'nearby', 'jimu' is 'gym', and 'arimasu ka' is a polite way to ask whether something exists. When you add a polite attention-getter, you get «すみません、近くにジムはありますか。», which means 'Excuse me, is there a gym nearby?' A common answer is «はい、駅の前にありますよ。», which means 'Yes, there is one in front of the station.' Notice that the reply gives a location: in front of the station. Practice saying «近くにジムはありますか。» and «すみません、近くにジムはありますか。» clearly, then listen to «はい、駅の前にありますよ。» and repeat it. Keep your voice calm and polite.
Asking for a Day Pass and the Price
After you find the gym, ask about a day pass. The line «一日券はありますか。» means 'Do you have a day pass?' The word 'ichinichiken' means 'one-day ticket' or 'day pass'. If the answer is yes, ask the price with «いくらですか。», which means 'How much is it?' A possible reply is «はい、あります。千五百円です。», which means 'Yes, we do. It's 1,500 yen.' Listen for 'hai, arimasu' at the start, which confirms that they have it, and then the price. Practice «一日券はありますか。» and «いくらですか。» together as a short sequence. Then listen to «はい、あります。千五百円です。» and repeat the price clearly.
Checking the Hours
You can also ask about opening hours. The line «何時から何時までですか。» means 'From what time to what time is it open?' The pattern 'nanji kara' means 'from what time', and 'nanji made' means 'until what time'. Use this after you confirm the day pass and price. For example, you can ask «何時から何時までですか。» at the reception. Listen for the 'kara' and 'made' in the question, and copy the rhythm of the recording. Practice «何時から何時までですか。» slowly, then try to say it at a natural speed.
Listen once, then say the phrase yourself. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Checking available voices…
近くにジムはありますか。
Is there a gym nearby?
Chikaku ni jimu wa arimasu ka.
一日券はありますか。
Do you have a day pass?
Ichinichiken wa arimasu ka.
いくらですか。
How much is it?
Ikura desu ka.
何時から何時までですか。
From what time to what time is it open?
Nanji kara nanji made desu ka.
Read one side aloud, then answer in your own words. The goal is to make the exchange yours.
すみません、近くにジムはありますか。
Excuse me, is there a gym nearby?はい、駅の前にありますよ。
Yes, there is one in front of the station.一日券はありますか。
Do you have a day pass?はい、あります。千五百円です。
Yes, we do. It's 1,500 yen.Your turn
Try each prompt out loud. Choose a guided start, the full sequence, or a challenge pass after your first attempt.
Guided Exchange: Find a Gym
Practice two scenes: first a visitor asks someone near a station where the gym is; later the visitor asks a gym receptionist about a day pass and its price.
Your task: At the station, say «すみません、近くにジムはありますか。» as the visitor, then «はい、駅の前にありますよ。» as the person helping. Move the scene to gym reception: ask «一日券はありますか。» and «いくらですか。», then play the receptionist and reply «はい、あります。千五百円です。».
Reply Comprehension: Choose the Right Response
You will hear a reply and choose what it means. This checks your understanding of the recorded lines.
Your task: Listen to «はい、あります。千五百円です。». Does it mean (a) 'Yes, we do. It's 1,500 yen.' or (b) 'No, we don't have a day pass.'? Then listen to «はい、駅の前にありますよ。». Does it mean (a) 'Yes, there is one in front of the station.' or (b) 'Yes, there is one behind the station.'?
Recall with Correct Roles
Recall the two separate scenes. You can play the visitor, the person giving directions, and then the gym receptionist. Keep each answer immediately after its question.
Your task: At the station: visitor «近くにジムはありますか。»; helper «はい、駅の前にありますよ。». At gym reception: visitor «一日券はありますか。»; receptionist «はい、あります。千五百円です。». Repeat each short exchange from memory, using the recorded 1,500-yen example.
Common questions
Can I use these lines at any gym in Japan?
These lines are polite and general, so they are useful in many situations. However, each gym may have different policies, prices, and hours. Always listen carefully to the reply and ask again if you do not understand. The recordings give you a model, but real conversations may vary.
What should I do if the staff member answers with a word I do not know?
Stay calm and focus on the key words you have practiced. Listen for 'hai' (yes), 'eki' (station), or numbers for the price. If you need to check, repeat the recorded question «すみません、近くにジムはありますか。» or ask «いくらですか。» again. Practice the recorded lines until you feel confident.
Sources and further reading
- japanese: ask for a gymChecked September 2026
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