M11 · City and services

Before you start

This level assumes you know hiragana and katakana. Words you already met there are marked and do not count as new.

This lesson assumes what you saw in the earlier ones. If something feels shaky, go back to it:

• M01greetings and courtesy
• M02introducing yourself
• M03family
• M04numbers
• M05time and days
• M06the home
• M07everyday objects
• M08food and drink
• M09eating out
• M10shopping

What you learn

A こうばん (交番) is the small neighbourhood police box, very common in Japan: people also go there to ask for directions.

You practise them in kana; underneath you can see how they are usually written.

• えきeki(train) stationUsually written 駅
• ぎんこうginkoubankUsually written 銀行
• びょういんbyouinhospitalUsually written 病院Don't confuse it with びよういん (美容院, hair salon): only the size of the よ changes.
• ゆうびんきょくyuubinkyokupost officeUsually written 郵便局
• こうえんkouenparkUsually written 公園
• としょかんtoshokanlibraryUsually written 図書館
• こうばんkoubanpolice boxUsually written 交番
• みちmichiroad, streetUsually written 道
• You know it · K06ホテルhoteruhotel
• You know it · K11カフェkafecafé

Practice

A short text written only with the kana and grammar you already know. Read it and answer.