20 Japanese Emergency Phrases｜Critical Survival Guide for Tourists in Japan

No one wants to face an emergency during their trip, but being prepared makes all the difference.
Here are 20 Japanese emergency phrases with English translations and romaji (pronunciation guide).
From health issues to theft, natural disasters, and asking for help, these phrases will keep you safe and confident in Japan.

Health & Medical Emergencies

Getting sick or injured abroad can be stressful. These phrases help you explain your condition clearly at hospitals or pharmacies.

1. 具合が悪いです (Guai ga warui desu) → I don’t feel well
   　(Use this first when you feel unwell.)
2. 頭が痛いです (Atama ga itai desu) → I have a headache
   　(Specify your symptoms for easier understanding.)
3. 病院はどこですか？ (Byouin wa doko desu ka?) → Where is the hospital?
   　(Useful when asking directions or in a taxi.)
4. 薬をください (Kusuri o kudasai) → I need medicine
   　(Use at a drugstore or pharmacy.)
5. 救急車を呼んでください (Kyuukyuu-sha o yonde kudasai) → Please call an ambulance
   　(The most urgent phrase when immediate help is needed.)

Lost Items & Theft

Losing a wallet or passport is one of the most common travel troubles. These phrases will help you report the situation quickly.

1. 財布をなくしました (Saifu o nakushimashita) → I lost my wallet
   　(Say this at a police box or hotel.)
2. パスポートをなくしました (Pasupooto o nakushimashita) → I lost my passport
   　(Essential before visiting the embassy or police.)
3. 警察はどこですか？ (Keisatsu wa doko desu ka?) → Where is the police station?
   　(Ask locals or taxi drivers.)
4. 盗まれました (Nusumaremashita) → It was stolen
   　(Say this right away if you were pickpocketed or robbed.)
5. カードを止めたいです (Kaado o tometai desu) → I want to stop my credit card
   　(Important when calling your card company.)

Natural Disasters & Accidents

Japan is prone to earthquakes, typhoons, and other emergencies. These phrases help you react calmly and safely.

1. 助けてください (Tasukete kudasai) → Please help
   　(The most important phrase to call for help.)
2. 火事です！ (Kaji desu!) → Fire!
   　(Yell this if you see a fire.)
3. 地震です (Jishin desu) → It’s an earthquake
   　(Useful for alerting other travelers nearby.)
4. 出口はどこですか？ (Deguchi wa doko desu ka?) → Where is the exit?
   　(Ask when evacuating a building.)
5. 避難場所はどこですか？ (Hinanbasho wa doko desu ka?) → Where is the evacuation site?
   　(Ask during earthquakes or typhoons to find safety.)

Asking for Help & Communication

Language barriers add extra stress in emergencies. These phrases help you find someone who can understand and assist.

1. 英語を話せますか？ (Eigo o hanasemasu ka?) → Do you speak English?
   　(Check first to continue the conversation smoothly.)
2. 日本語がわかりません (Nihongo ga wakarimasen) → I don’t understand Japanese
   　(Use when explanations are too difficult.)
3. 一緒に来てください (Issho ni kite kudasai) → Please come with me
   　(Useful when you need someone to guide you.)
4. 電話を貸してください (Denwa o kashite kudasai) → May I use your phone?
   　(Helpful if your own phone is unavailable.)
5. 大使館に行きたいです (Taishikan ni ikitai desu) → I want to go to the embassy
   　(Critical in case of passport loss or other serious issues.)

Summary｜Save These Japanese Emergency Phrases for Peace of Mind

These 20 Japanese emergency phrases are your lifeline in unexpected situations.
Even if you panic, saying just a few simple words can help you get the support you need.

💡 Save this guide to your phone so you can access it instantly when trouble strikes.
👉 Many of these phrases are also useful in everyday travel situations, so keep them handy not only for emergencies but for a smoother trip overall!