Asking Directions (8)
How to Get AttentionHere are useful phrases to get attention.
| polite | Ano, sumimasen. あの、すみません。 | Uh, excuse me. |
| Ano, chotto sumimasen. あの、ちょっとすみません。 | ||
| very polite | Ano, shitsurei desu ga ... あの、失礼ですが。。。 | Uh, sorry to be rude ... |
| Ano, chotto oukagai shimasu ga ... あの、ちょっとお伺いしますが。。。 | Excuse me, but may I ask you something? | |
| Ano, chotto otazune shimasu ga ... あの、ちょっとお尋ねしますが。。。 | ||
| casual | Ano, chotto ... あの、ちょっと。。。 | Excuse me. |
| Ano ... あの。。。 | Uhhh ... |
"Ano" is usually pronounced hesitantly. It shows your unwillingness to bother strangers. When getting attention from friends, you can simply call their names. "Chotto" or "Nee" is also often used to get attention in the informal situation.
| Chotto, sono hon totte. ちょっと、その本とって。 | Hey, pass me that book. |
| Nee, otousan. ねえ、お父さん。 | Say, dad. |
