How to Ask for an Interpreter in Japanese
Simple Japanese phrases foreign residents can use when they need interpretation support.

- Use Short Phrases
- Show the Document
- Say Your Language
- For Phone Calls
- Important Procedures
Use Short Phrases
You can say tsuuyaku wa arimasu ka, eigo de soudan dekimasu ka, or yasashii nihongo de onegaishimasu.
Show the Document
If the problem is a letter or form, show it and say kore ga wakarimasen or kakikata wo oshiete kudasai.
Say Your Language
Say your language name clearly, for example eigo, betonamugo, chuugokugo, or tagarogugo.
For Phone Calls
Prepare your name, address, phone number, and what you want to ask before calling.
Important Procedures
For immigration, medical, legal, tax, or school matters, confirm carefully because translation mistakes can cause problems.
This article is based on official public information and is written in simple English. Procedures may differ by person and city. Please check the official page or a consultation office for your own case.
Source: https://tsunagarujp.bunka.go.jp/
