In this workshop you will practice a short, useful exchange at a train station. You will learn how to ask which platform a train leaves from, how to understand a simple answer, and how to confirm the number you heard. The practice uses short recorded lines, so you can listen, repeat, and take both roles. You do not need to know many words. Focus on the question pattern and the platform number. By the end, you should be able to ask about a train, understand a platform answer, and check that you heard correctly.
Asking Which Platform
Start with the main question. A recorded line asks which platform the train to Tokyo is on: «東京行きは何番線ですか。». The English meaning is a question about the platform for the Tokyo train. Another recorded line asks the same kind of question about Osaka: «大阪行きは何番線ですか。». Notice that the train destination changes, but the question pattern stays the same. When you speak, keep your voice calm and clear. You can point to your ticket or say the destination name while asking. In a station, staff may answer quickly, so listen for the number first. The answer often begins with the platform number, as in «三番線です。», which means the platform is number three. Practice saying the question with Tokyo, then with Osaka. Do not worry about perfect speed at first. Clear pronunciation of the destination and the question is enough.
Understanding the Answer
After you ask, the other person gives a platform number. The recorded line «三番線です。» tells you the platform is three. Listen for the number and repeat it silently to yourself. If you are not sure, you can check with a short question. The recorded line «すみません、これは三番線ですか。» asks whether this is platform three. This is useful when you see a sign but want to be sure. In another scene, a traveler asks about Kyoto: «すみません、京都行きは何番線ですか。». The answer gives the platform: «京都行きは四番線です。». The traveler then confirms the number: «四番線ですね。ありがとうございます。». The staff member agrees and adds a direction: «はい、そうです。あちらの階段を上がってください。». Here, the phrase about stairs tells you where to go. It is a direction to go up, not a left or right turn. Listen for the number and the location words separately.
Confirming and Moving
Confirmation keeps you from taking the wrong train. After you hear a number, say it back as a question. The recorded line «四番線ですね。ありがとうございます。» shows this: the speaker repeats the platform number and asks for agreement, then thanks the person. The reply «はい、そうです。あちらの階段を上がってください。» agrees and gives a direction. When you hear a direction, picture the station around you. The line mentions stairs over there, so the meaning is a location, not a command to turn. If you hear a number you did not expect, ask again with the pattern from «すみません、これは三番線ですか。». Stay polite and keep your question short. At a busy station, step to the side before you check your ticket or phone. This gives other people space and gives you time to think.
Listen once, then say the phrase yourself. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Checking available voices…
東京行きは何番線ですか。
Which platform is the train to Tokyo?
Tōkyō iki wa nanbansen desu ka.
大阪行きは何番線ですか。
Which platform is the train to Osaka?
Ōsaka iki wa nanbansen desu ka.
三番線です。
It is platform 3.
Sanbansen desu.
すみません、これは三番線ですか。
Excuse me, is this platform 3?
Sumimasen, kore wa sanbansen 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、京都行きは何番線ですか。
Excuse me, which platform is the train to Kyoto?京都行きは四番線です。
The train to Kyoto is platform 4.四番線ですね。ありがとうございます。
Platform 4, right? Thank you.はい、そうです。あちらの階段を上がってください。
Yes, that's right. Please go up those stairs over there.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 at a station and want to find the platform for a train. Play the role of the traveler first, then the role of the staff member. Use the recorded lines as your model.
Your task: First, ask which platform the train to Tokyo is on. Use the pattern from «東京行きは何番線ですか。». Then play the staff role and answer with the pattern from «三番線です。». Next, ask about Osaka using «大阪行きは何番線ですか。», and answer with a different platform number that you choose, for example «四番線です。». Say each line aloud twice: once slowly, once at a natural speed.
Reply Comprehension: Choose the Correct Platform
Imagine you hear a staff member answer your question. You will listen to a recorded answer and decide what it tells you.
Your task: Listen to «三番線です。». Decide whether the answer tells you platform three or a different number. Then listen to «京都行きは四番線です。». Decide which platform the Kyoto train is on. Finally, listen to «はい、そうです。あちらの階段を上がってください。». Decide whether the speaker is telling you a location or telling you to turn right. Say your answer aloud in English or Japanese.
Recall and Role Swap
Now practice without looking at the lines. You will take both roles in a short station exchange about Kyoto.
Your task: Play the traveler. Ask which platform the train to Kyoto is on, using the pattern from «すみません、京都行きは何番線ですか。». Then play the staff member and answer with the pattern from «京都行きは四番線です。». Next, play the traveler again and confirm the number with the pattern from «四番線ですね。ありがとうございます。». Finally, play the staff member and give the reply from «はい、そうです。あちらの階段を上がってください。». Try to do this once without reading, then check the lines and repeat.
Common questions
Can I use these lines for a train to a different city?
Yes, the question pattern is the same. The recordings show Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto as examples. When you practice, keep the same question shape and change only the destination name. Listen carefully to the answer, because the platform number may be different each time.
What should I do if I do not understand the answer?
Stay calm and ask a short checking question. The recorded line «すみません、これは三番線ですか。» shows how to ask whether this is platform three. You can use that pattern to check the number you heard. If the person gives a direction, listen for location words such as stairs over there, as in «はい、そうです。あちらの階段を上がってください。». Then look around and confirm before you move.
Sources and further reading
- japanese: find the platformChecked September 2026
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