In this workshop you practise a short, realistic exchange at a public building. You will ask where the swimming pool is, understand a reply that gives a floor and a nearby landmark, and then ask what time the pool opens. Each native line is shown with its English meaning before you use it, so you always know what you are saying and hearing.
Asking where the pool is
Start with the key question. «プールはどこですか。» means "Where is the swimming pool?" A close variant is «すいえいかんはどこですか。», which means "Where is the swimming hall?" Both ask for a location, so use the one that matches the place you are looking for. To make the question more polite when you approach a staff member, add an opening word: «すみません、プールはどこですか。» means "Excuse me, where is the swimming pool?" Notice that the opening word comes first, then the question. Practise saying each line slowly, then at a natural speed. Keep your voice calm and let the question rise slightly at the end.
Understanding the reply
When you ask, you may hear a reply like «プールは2かいです。エレベーターのちかくです。», which means "The pool is on the second floor. It's near the elevator." This answer gives two useful pieces of information: a floor and a nearby landmark. Listen for the floor first, then the landmark. If you only catch one part, you can still move in the right direction and look for the other. After you understand, thank the person and continue with your next question. A natural follow-up is «ありがとうございます。なんじからですか。», which means "Thank you. From what time is it?" This keeps the conversation going without starting over.
Asking about opening hours
To ask when the pool opens, use «プールのじかんはなんじからですか。», which means "From what time are the pool's hours?" If you want to know when it closes, use «なんじまでですか。», which means "Until what time is it?" A full answer may sound like «あさ9じからよる8じまでです。», which means "It's from 9 AM to 8 PM." Listen for the starting time and the ending time. In this reply, the first time is the opening time and the second time is the closing time. Practise the question and the answer together so you can both ask and understand the response.
Listen once, then say the phrase yourself. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Checking available voices…
プールはどこですか。
Where is the swimming pool?
Pūru wa doko desu ka.
すいえいかんはどこですか。
Where is the swimming hall?
Suieikan wa doko desu ka.
プールのじかんはなんじからですか。
From what time are the pool's hours?
Pūru no jikan wa nanji kara desu ka.
なんじまでですか。
Until what time is it?
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、プールはどこですか。
Excuse me, where is the swimming pool?プールは2かいです。エレベーターのちかくです。
The pool is on the second floor. It's near the elevator.ありがとうございます。なんじからですか。
Thank you. From what time is it?あさ9じからよる8じまでです。
It's from 9 AM to 8 PM.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 pool
You are at a public building and want to find the swimming pool. A staff member is standing nearby. You will play the visitor first, then swap roles with your partner or audio.
Your task: Read the visitor's lines aloud. Use «すみません、プールはどこですか。» to ask where the pool is. Then use «ありがとうございます。なんじからですか。» to thank the person and ask from what time it is. Your partner or the audio will reply with «プールは2かいです。エレベーターのちかくです。» and «あさ9じからよる8じまでです。». After one round, swap roles: your partner asks and you reply.
Choose the right reply
You hear a question and must choose the reply that matches it. The questions and replies come from the recorded lines.
Your task: Question 1: Someone says «プールはどこですか。». Which reply fits? A) «プールは2かいです。エレベーターのちかくです。» B) «あさ9じからよる8じまでです。». Question 2: Someone says «プールのじかんはなんじからですか。». Which reply fits? A) «プールは2かいです。エレベーターのちかくです。» B) «あさ9じからよる8じまでです。». Say your choice aloud, then say the full reply line.
Recall and swap roles
Cover the lines above. You will recall the exchange from memory, then swap who asks and who answers.
Your task: First, as the visitor, say the polite location question «すみません、プールはどこですか。», then the thank-you and time question «ありがとうございます。なんじからですか。». Your partner or the audio gives «プールは2かいです。エレベーターのちかくです。» and «あさ9じからよる8じまでです。». Then swap: your partner says «すみません、プールはどこですか。» and «ありがとうございます。なんじからですか。», and you give «プールは2かいです。エレベーターのちかくです。» and «あさ9じからよる8じまでです。».
Common questions
What is the difference between the two location questions?
«プールはどこですか。» means "Where is the swimming pool?" and «すいえいかんはどこですか。» means "Where is the swimming hall?" They ask for the same kind of information, a location. Use the one that matches the place you are looking for.
How do I ask about the opening time and understand the answer?
Use «プールのじかんはなんじからですか。» to ask from what time the pool's hours are. A reply like «あさ9じからよる8じまでです。» gives two times: the first is the opening time and the second is the closing time. Listen for both numbers in order.
Sources and further reading
- japanese: ask for a swimming poolChecked September 2026
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