In this workshop you will practice a short, polite exchange at a tourist office. You will learn how to ask whether a map is available, how to ask for one directly, and how to understand a simple answer that also mentions an English map. You will also hear a short dialogue between a visitor and a staff member, and you will practice both roles. The phrases are short, so focus on clear rhythm and a polite tone. Say each line out loud several times before moving to the next task.
Asking Whether a Map Is Available
Start with the most useful question. The line «この町の地図はありますか。» means "Do you have a map of this city?" The word chizu means map, and the ending ka makes it a question. Use this at a tourist office, a hotel front desk, or a station counter. If you want to ask specifically about an English map, use «英語の地図はありますか。», which means "Do you have an English map?" The word eigo means English. Both questions are polite and safe with strangers. Practice them slowly, then at a natural speed. Keep your voice calm and friendly.
Asking for the Map and Saying Thank You
When you can see maps on the counter, or when the staff member nods and waits, you can ask for one directly. The line «地図をください。» means "A map, please." The word kudasai is a polite way to ask for something. After you receive the map, say «ありがとうございます。», which means "Thank you very much." This is the polite default with staff and strangers. A simple exchange can be: ask with «この町の地図はありますか。», hear the answer, then say «地図をください。» and «ありがとうございます。». Practice the order until it feels natural.
Listening to a Short Exchange
Now listen to a short dialogue. The visitor says «すみません、この町の地図はありますか。», which means "Excuse me, do you have a map of this city?" The staff member answers with «はい、あります。英語の地図もありますよ。», which means "Yes, we do. We also have English maps." The visitor then says «英語の地図をください。», which means "An English map, please." The staff member replies with «はい、どうぞ。ここが駅です。», which means "Here you are. This is the station." Notice that koko means here, and eki means station. In this scene, the staff member is showing a location on the map, not telling you to turn. Listen for hai, which means yes, and for the repeated word chizu, which means map.
Listen once, then say the phrase yourself. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Checking available voices…
この町の地図はありますか。
Do you have a map of this city?
kono machi no chizu wa arimasu ka
地図をください。
A map, please.
chizu o kudasai
英語の地図はありますか。
Do you have an English map?
eigo no chizu wa arimasu ka
ありがとうございます。
Thank you very much.
arigatō gozaimasu
Read one side aloud, then answer in your own words. The goal is to make the exchange yours.
すみません、この町の地図はありますか。
Excuse me, do you have a map of this city?はい、あります。英語の地図もありますよ。
Yes, we do. We also have English maps.英語の地図をください。
An English map, please.はい、どうぞ。ここが駅です。
Here you are. This is the station.Your turn
Try each prompt out loud. Choose a guided start, the full sequence, or a challenge pass after your first attempt.
Guided Exchange at the Tourist Office
Imagine you are at a tourist office. You want a map of the city. The staff member is friendly and speaks clearly.
Your task: Say the question «この町の地図はありますか。» out loud. Then imagine the staff member answers with «はい、あります。英語の地図もありますよ。». After that, ask for the English map with «英語の地図をください。». Finish by saying «ありがとうございます。».
Listen and Choose the Correct Reply
You will hear a short answer from a staff member. Read the two choices and pick the one that matches the meaning.
Your task: Listen to «はい、あります。英語の地図もありますよ。». Choice A: The staff member says there is no map. Choice B: The staff member says yes and also mentions English maps. Choose A or B. Then listen to «はい、どうぞ。ここが駅です。» and choose what the staff member is doing. Choice A: showing where the station is on the map. Choice B: telling you to turn right.
Recall the Lines with Correct Roles
Now practice the full dialogue from memory. One person is the visitor, and one person is the staff member. You can play both roles.
Your task: Say the visitor's first line «すみません、この町の地図はありますか。». Then say the staff member's answer «はい、あります。英語の地図もありますよ。». Continue with the visitor's request «英語の地図をください。» and the staff member's final line «はい、どうぞ。ここが駅です。». Try to do this without looking at the lines.
Common questions
How should I practise the rhythm of these questions?
Listen to one recorded question and repeat it in a clear, comfortable voice. Copy the recording’s rhythm, then try the question without reading. Keep the request for a map separate from the staff member’s reply.
What should I do if the staff member answers with a long sentence I do not understand?
Listen for the full reply, not just hai: a yes at the start alone does not tell you everything the staff member means. In this recording, the full line confirms maps and mentions English maps. Replay that reply, check its translation, and then practise the recorded request.
Sources and further reading
- japanese: ask for a mapChecked September 2026
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