In this workshop, you will practice a short taxi phone call in Japanese. You will learn to request a taxi, say where you are going, ask how many minutes it will take, and understand a simple reply. The phrases come from the recorded dialogue. You can play both roles with a partner or record yourself, but there is no automatic assessment, so use the source dialogue as your model to check yourself. Speak each line aloud, even when you are only listening. This helps you remember the rhythm and polite tone.
Requesting a taxi and giving your destination
Start with a polite request. «タクシーをお願いします。» means “I need a taxi, please.” Use it when you call a taxi company or speak at a taxi stand. If you are already in a taxi or want to name your destination, add «...までお願いします。» For example, «東京駅までお願いします。» means “To Tokyo Station, please.” The particle «まで» marks the destination. Keep your voice calm and clear. After you say the destination, you can ask about the arrival time. The dispatcher may ask «はい、どちらまでですか？» which means “Yes, to where?” Answer with your destination plus «までお願いします。»
Asking how many minutes and understanding the reply
To ask the estimated arrival time, say «何分で来ますか？» This means “How many minutes until it comes?” Use it after you request the taxi. The dispatcher may answer with a number plus «分で来ます。» For example, «10分で来ます。» means “It will come in 10 minutes.” Listen for the number and «分». Practice the question and the reply together so you can recognize the pattern. When you hear the number, identify the wait in English to check your understanding.
Putting the call together
A full short call can follow this order: you say «タクシーをお願いします。» The dispatcher asks «はい、どちらまでですか？» You answer «東京駅までお願いします。» Then you ask «何分で来ますか？» The dispatcher replies «10分で来ます。» You can also ask the time question right after giving your destination. Remember that «どちらまでですか？» asks for your destination, while «何分で来ますか？» asks for the time. Keep the polite «お願いします» at the end of requests. Speak slowly and clearly. When practicing the dispatcher role, repeat the recorded arrival statement; as the customer, listen for the waiting time.
Listen once, then say the phrase yourself. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Checking available voices…
タクシーをお願いします。
I need a taxi, please.
Takushii o onegaishimasu.
東京駅までお願いします。
To Tokyo Station, please.
Toukyou eki made onegaishimasu.
何分で来ますか？
How many minutes until it comes?
Nanpun de kimasu ka?
今、タクシーを呼んでいます。
I am calling a taxi now.
Ima, takushii o yonde imasu.
Read one side aloud, then answer in your own words. The goal is to make the exchange yours.
タクシーをお願いします。
I need a taxi, please.はい、どちらまでですか？
Yes, to where?東京駅までお願いします。何分で来ますか？
To Tokyo Station, please. How many minutes until it comes?10分で来ます。
It will come in 10 minutes.Your turn
Try each prompt out loud. Choose a guided start, the full sequence, or a challenge pass after your first attempt.
Guided taxi request exchange
You are calling a taxi. You will play the customer. The dispatcher's lines are provided. Speak your lines aloud, then compare them with the source dialogue.
Your task: Start by requesting a taxi: «タクシーをお願いします。» The dispatcher asks «はい、どちらまでですか？» Give Tokyo Station as your destination, then ask how many minutes until the taxi comes. Listen to the dispatcher reply: «10分で来ます。»
Choose the correct reply
You will hear or read a dispatcher's line. Choose the best customer response from the options. Then say your choice aloud.
Your task: Dispatcher: «はい、どちらまでですか？» Options: A. «タクシーをお願いします。» B. «東京駅までお願いします。» C. «何分で来ますか？» Choose the best customer reply and say it aloud. Next, listen to the dispatcher: «10分で来ます。» What waiting time was given? A: 10 minutes. B: No time was given; the dispatcher asked for a destination. C: The dispatcher gave only a fare. Choose the correct meaning in English.
Recall the call with correct roles
Without looking at the phrases, recall the short taxi call. You will play both the customer and the dispatcher. Use the recorded lines as your model.
Your task: Say the four lines of the call in order: customer requests a taxi, dispatcher asks destination, customer gives Tokyo Station and asks the time, dispatcher gives 10 minutes. Then switch roles and say the dispatcher's two lines while a partner or the audio says the customer's lines.
Common questions
What is the difference between «タクシーをお願いします。» and «東京駅までお願いします。»?
«タクシーをお願いします。» means “I need a taxi, please.” It is a general request for a taxi. «東京駅までお願いします。» means “To Tokyo Station, please.” It names a specific destination with «まで». Use the first when you first ask for a taxi, and the second when you give your destination.
How do I ask for the arrival time, and what reply should I listen for?
Ask «何分で来ますか？» This means “How many minutes until it comes?” Listen for a number plus «分で来ます。» For example, «10分で来ます。» means “It will come in 10 minutes.” The number and «分» are the key parts of the reply.
Sources and further reading
- japanese: ask for a taxiChecked September 2026
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