案内所
When you're looking for help or information in Japan, you'll often see the word 案内所 (annaijo). It means an information desk or center. Think of it like a helpful spot where you can ask questions, get directions, or find out about things to do. You'll find them in places like train stations, airports, or tourist areas. It's a useful word to know when you need assistance on your travels!
When you're traveling or in a new place, you'll often need to find information. That's where an 案内所 (annaijo) comes in handy.
It's essentially an information desk or center. You might find an 案内所 at train stations, airports, tourist spots, or even in large department stores.
At an 案内所, you can ask for directions, get maps, find out about local attractions, or inquire about public transportation. It's a key place to go if you're feeling a bit lost or need some guidance.
When you're looking for help or information in Japan, you'll often see signs for an 案内所 (annaijo). This literally means "guidance place" and refers to an information desk or center. You can find them in places like train stations, airports, tourist spots, and even large department stores. They're super useful for getting directions, finding out about local attractions, or asking general questions. Think of it as your go-to spot when you need a little assistance figuring things out.
§ Don't Confuse 案内所 (Annaijo) with these Words
Many English speakers learning Japanese sometimes mix up 案内所 (annaijo) with other similar-sounding or related terms. It's easy to do, but understanding the nuances will make your Japanese much more natural. Let's look at some common pitfalls.
§ Mistake 1: Using 案内所 (Annaijo) for a "Reception Desk"
While both provide information, a key difference is purpose. An 案内所 (annaijo) is a general information hub, often for tourists or public services. A "reception desk" (受付 - uketsuke) is usually specific to a business, hotel, or office building, handling arrivals and appointments.
- DEFINITION
- 受付 (Uketsuke): Reception desk, often for checking in or making inquiries within a specific organization.
You wouldn't ask for directions to a city's main attractions at a hotel's受付 (uketsuke), you'd go to an 案内所 (annaijo) for that.
ホテルの受付でチェックインをしました。
Translation hint: I checked in at the hotel's reception desk.
§ Mistake 2: Confusing it with インフォメーション (Infomēshon)
Yes, Japanese uses many Katakana words, and インフォメーション (infomēshon) is one of them. While it also means "information," it's often used differently than 案内所 (annaijo).
- DEFINITION
- インフォメーション (Infomēshon): General term for information, often seen in signs (e.g., "Information Counter" in a department store).
An 案内所 (annaijo) is specifically a place or center. インフォメーション (infomēshon) can refer to the information itself, or an "information counter" which might be less comprehensive than a full 案内所 (annaijo).
デパートのインフォメーションでフロアガイドをもらいました。
Translation hint: I got a floor guide at the department store's information (counter).
§ Mistake 3: Overusing 案内所 (Annaijo)
Sometimes learners use 案内所 (annaijo) for any situation where they need information. However, often a simple question to a staff member or a quick search on your phone is more appropriate. You don't always need to find a designated "information center" for basic queries.
- If you're looking for a specific item in a store, ask a store clerk: 店員 (ten'in)に聞く (kiku).
- If you're lost on the street, ask a passerby: 道行く人 (michi yuku hito)に尋ねる (tazuneru).
The key is to consider the scope and formality of the information you need. For comprehensive tourist info, event details, or public services, 案内所 (annaijo) is perfect. For more immediate, specific, or informal information, other methods are usually better.
By being aware of these common mistakes, you'll use 案内所 (annaijo) more accurately and sound more natural in your Japanese conversations. Keep practicing, and you'll master it in no time!
Beispiele nach Niveau
駅構内に案内所はありますか？
Is there an information desk inside the station?
観光案内所で地図をもらいました。
I got a map at the tourist information center.
何か困ったことがあれば、案内所にお尋ねください。
If you have any problems, please ask at the information desk.
案内所では、イベントのチラシも配布しています。
The information desk also distributes event flyers.
ホテルのロビーにある案内所で、周辺のおすすめレストランを教えてもらった。
I asked the information desk in the hotel lobby for recommended restaurants nearby.
迷ったら、まずは案内所を探してください。
If you get lost, first look for an information desk.
空港の案内所は24時間開いていますか？
Is the airport information desk open 24 hours?
案内所のスタッフが親切に道案内をしてくれた。
The staff at the information desk kindly gave me directions.
観光案内所で地域の地図とイベント情報を手に入れた。
I got a map of the area and event information at the tourist information center.
駅の案内所は、旅行者にとって非常に役立つ場所だ。
The information desk at the station is a very helpful place for travelers.
百貨店の案内所で、迷子になった子供の放送をお願いした。
I asked the department store's information desk to make an announcement for a lost child.
空港の案内所でフライトの遅延について問い合わせた。
I inquired about flight delays at the airport information desk.
市役所の案内所で、転入の手続きについて詳しく聞いた。
I asked the city hall's information desk for details about moving-in procedures.
イベント会場の案内所で、プログラムと座席表を受け取った。
I received the program and seating chart at the event venue's information desk.
ホテルの案内所では、周辺のレストラン情報も提供している。
The hotel's information desk also provides information about nearby restaurants.
大学の案内所で、入学に関する質問に答えてもらった。
I had my questions about university enrollment answered at the university's information center.
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
"ご案内しましょうか？"
May I help you? / Shall I show you the way?
駅で道に迷っていたら、駅員さんが「ご案内しましょうか？」と声をかけてくれた。
neutral"ご案内します"
I will show you the way / I will guide you.
「こちらへどうぞ、ご案内します」と店員さんが言った。
neutral"観光案内所"
Tourist information center.
地図をもらうために、観光案内所に立ち寄った。
neutral"総合案内所"
General information desk.
デパートの総合案内所で、落とし物について尋ねた。
neutral"フロア案内"
Floor guide / directory.
エレベーターの横にフロア案内があったので、目的の階がすぐにわかった。
neutral"道案内"
Directions / showing the way.
友達が道案内してくれたので、迷わずにたどり着けた。
neutral"案内図"
Map / guide map.
公園の入り口に案内図があった。
neutral"案内係"
Information attendant / guide.
展示会の案内係が、質問に丁寧に答えてくれた。
neutral"案内状"
Invitation letter / notice.
結婚式の案内状が届いた。
neutral"案内放送"
Public announcement / information broadcast.
電車の中で、遅延の案内放送があった。
neutralWortfamilie
Substantive
Verben
Tipps
Look for this sign in Japan
When you're in Japan, keep an eye out for signs with 案内所. It's often written in both Japanese and sometimes English (Information).
Common places for 案内所
You'll typically find an 案内所 at train stations (駅), airports (空港), and major tourist attractions (観光地).
Use for directions
If you're lost or need directions (道案内), the 案内所 is the best place to go. Staff can usually provide maps and advice.
Asking for help
A simple phrase to use is 「案内所はどこですか？」 (Where is the information desk?).
Beyond just directions
案内所 can also help with things like hotel bookings (ホテル予約), event information (イベント情報), and sometimes even ticket purchases (チケット購入).
Listen for this word in announcements
In large public spaces, you might hear announcements directing you to the 案内所 for assistance.
Practice reading signs
Try to spot 案内所 on Japanese signs or maps online. This helps with recognition.
Don't confuse with 交番 (kōban)
While both offer help, 案内所 is for general information, whereas a 交番 (police box) is for police-related inquiries or emergencies.
Formal vs. informal places
While 案内所 is a general term, larger, more official centers might be called 総合案内所 (sōgō annaijo - comprehensive information center).
Pronunciation practice
Practice saying 「あんないじょ」 (annaijo) out loud. The 'n' sound before 'n' and 'j' can be tricky for English speakers.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
You are at a train station and need to find the tourist information.
- すみません、案内所はどこですか？ (Excuse me, where is the information desk?)
- 観光案内所はありますか？ (Is there a tourist information center?)
- 案内所に行きたいです。 (I want to go to the information desk.)
You are looking for information about a museum or attraction.
- この美術館の案内所はどこですか？ (Where is the information desk for this museum?)
- 案内所で地図をもらえますか？ (Can I get a map at the information desk?)
- イベントについて案内所で聞きました。 (I asked at the information desk about the event.)
You are at a shopping mall and need to ask for directions.
- フロアガイドは案内所にありますか？ (Is there a floor guide at the information desk?)
- 案内所でトイレの場所を尋ねました。 (I asked at the information desk where the restrooms are.)
- この店の場所を案内所で教えてもらえますか？ (Could you tell me where this store is at the information desk?)
You are checking into a hotel and need assistance.
- ホテルの案内所はどこですか？ (Where is the hotel's information desk?)
- チェックインの案内所で聞きます。 (I'll ask at the information desk about check-in.)
- 荷物を預けたいのですが、案内所はどこですか？ (I'd like to leave my luggage, where is the information desk?)
You are at a large event or conference and need program details.
- イベントの案内所はあちらです。 (The event information desk is over there.)
- プログラムは案内所でもらえます。 (You can get the program at the information desk.)
- 何か質問があれば、案内所へどうぞ。 (If you have any questions, please go to the information desk.)
Gesprächseinstiege
"Have you ever needed to use an 案内所 in Japan? What for?"
"What kind of information do you think you can get at a typical 案内所?"
"Do you think 案内所 are still important in the age of smartphones?"
"What's the difference between an 案内所 and a tourist information center (観光案内所)?"
"If you were to open your own 案内所, what kind of services would you offer?"
Tagebuch-Impulse
Describe a time you were lost or needed information in a new place. How would an 案内所 have helped?
Imagine you are working at an 案内所 in Tokyo. What are some common questions you would expect to hear?
Write a short dialogue between a traveler and an 案内所 staff member asking for directions to a famous landmark.
Consider the cultural differences in seeking information. How might an 案内所 in Japan differ from one in your home country?
Reflect on the importance of clear signage and helpful staff at an 案内所. Why are these elements crucial for a good experience?
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenBoth refer to an information center. 案内所 is the native Japanese term, often used for smaller, local information points like those found in train stations or tourist spots. インフォメーションセンター is a direct loanword from English and can be used interchangeably, but sometimes it might imply a larger or more modern facility, especially in international settings.
You can say: 案内所はどこですか？ (Annaijo wa doko desu ka?) This is a polite and direct way to ask. You can also add すみません (sumimasen) at the beginning to be even more polite.
While often associated with tourism, 案内所 can refer to any information desk. For example, a department store might have a 案内所 to guide customers, or a hospital might have one for patient inquiries. It's a general term for a place where you can get information or guidance.
案内所 itself refers to the *place* where you get information. If you're looking for the *act* of providing information or the information itself, you might use 情報 (jōhō) for 'information' in general, or 案内 (annai) for 'guidance' or 'information provided'.
Traditionally, 案内所 refers to a physical location. While you might see phrases like 'オンライン案内所' (online annaijo) sometimes, it's less common. For online information, you'd more likely see terms like ウェブサイト (webusaito - website) or ヘルプページ (herupu pēji - help page).
You can usually get maps, directions, brochures, and assistance with local attractions, transportation, or accommodations. If it's in a specific facility like a department store, they'll help you with store-related inquiries.
You can say: 案内所を探しています (Annaijo o sagashite imasu). This directly translates to 'I am looking for the information desk.'
Yes, it's quite common, especially when you're traveling or in public spaces like train stations, airports, and large commercial facilities. You'll hear and see it frequently.
While a reception desk (受付 - uketsuke) provides information, 案内所 is more specifically for general information and guidance. A reception desk has a primary function of checking people in or handling appointments. There can be overlap, but they're distinct terms.
案 (an) means 'idea,' 'plan,' or 'guidance.' 内 (nai) means 'inside' or 'inner.' So, 案内 (annai) together means 'guidance' or 'information.' 所 (sho/tokoro) means 'place.' So, literally, it's a 'guidance place' or 'information place.'
Teste dich selbst 54 Fragen
駅の近くに___がありますか？ (Is there an information desk near the station?)
「案内所」 (annaijo) means 'information desk'. The sentence asks if there's an information desk.
すみません、___はどこですか？ (Excuse me, where is the information desk?)
You would ask for the location of the 'information desk' (案内所) to get help.
観光___で地図をもらいました。 (I got a map at the tourist information center.)
A 'tourist information center' is where you'd get a map, making 「案内所」 (annaijo) the correct choice.
空港の___で、情報を聞くことができます。 (You can ask for information at the airport's information desk.)
To get information at an airport, you would go to the 'information desk' (案内所).
迷ったら、___に聞いてください。 (If you get lost, please ask at the information desk.)
If you are lost, the 'information desk' (案内所) is the place to ask for help.
この建物の___は一階にあります。 (This building's information desk is on the first floor.)
The sentence states the location of a part of the building where you can get information, which is the 'information desk' (案内所).
Which of these places would likely have an 案内所 (annaijo)?
An 案内所 (annaijo) is typically found in public places like train stations to help people.
If you are lost and need help, where would you go?
The 案内所 (annaijo) is the best place to go for information and help when you are lost.
What kind of information can you usually get at an 案内所 (annaijo)?
Information centers often provide maps to help visitors navigate.
You can ask for directions at an 案内所 (annaijo).
案内所 (annaijo) provides various types of information, including directions.
案内所 (annaijo) is a place where you can buy groceries.
An 案内所 (annaijo) is for information, not for buying groceries. A supermarket is for groceries.
Many train stations in Japan have an 案内所 (annaijo).
It is common for train stations, especially larger ones, to have an 案内所 (annaijo) for travelers.
Which of these places would you go to ask for directions?
案内所 (Annaijo) means information desk or information center, which is where you would go to ask for directions.
You are lost in a new city and need help. Where should you look for '案内所'?
案内所 (Annaijo) are typically located in places where people, especially tourists, might need information, like near tourist attractions or transportation hubs.
What kind of information can you usually get at an 案内所 (Annaijo)?
案内所 (Annaijo) provides information like maps, directions, and details about local events or attractions.
You can usually buy groceries at an 案内所 (Annaijo).
案内所 (Annaijo) provides information and assistance, not groceries. You would go to a supermarket for groceries.
If you need help finding a hotel, an 案内所 (Annaijo) is a good place to ask.
案内所 (Annaijo) is designed to help with information like accommodation options and directions, making it a good place to ask about hotels.
The word 案内所 (Annaijo) refers to a place where you can catch a train.
案内所 (Annaijo) means an information desk or center. A place to catch a train is a 駅 (Eki - Station).
駅の近くに観光___がありますか？ (Is there a tourist information center near the station?)
「案内所」 (annaijo) means 'information desk/center', which fits the context of looking for a tourist information center near a station.
迷ったら、まずは___で尋ねてみましょう。 (If you get lost, first try asking at the information desk.)
「案内所」 (annaijo) is the appropriate place to ask for directions or help when lost.
空港の___で地図をもらいました。 (I got a map at the airport information desk.)
「案内所」 (annaijo) is where you would typically get a map or information at an airport.
イベントの詳しい情報は、会場の___で確認してください。 (Please check the detailed information about the event at the venue's information desk.)
「案内所」 (annaijo) is the place to get detailed information about an event at a venue.
ホテルには24時間対応の___があります。 (The hotel has a 24-hour information desk.)
A hotel would typically have an 'information desk' (案内所) to assist guests.
電車の乗り換えについて、駅員さんに聞くか、___で確認してください。 (For train transfers, ask a station attendant or check at the information desk.)
「案内所」 (annaijo) is a suitable place to get information about train transfers.
Where is the station's information desk?
I got a map at the tourist information center.
There's an information desk in the basement of the department store.
Read this aloud:
案内所で詳しい情報を聞きましょう。
Focus: あんないじょ (annaijo)
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
この街の案内所はどこにありますか。
Focus: あんないじょ (annaijo)
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
イベントの案内所はあちらです。
Focus: あんないじょ (annaijo)
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Choose the most appropriate word to complete the sentence: 観光客は空港の___で情報を見つけました。
The sentence talks about tourists finding information at the airport, and 案内所 (information desk/center) is the most suitable place for this. 役所 is a government office, 図書館 is a library, and 美術館 is an art museum.
Which of the following would you most likely find at an 案内所?
An 案内所 (information desk/center) primarily provides information, and tourist maps are a common item found there for visitors. The other options are typically found in different types of establishments.
A traveler is lost and needs directions. Where should they go?
If a traveler is lost and needs directions, an 案内所 (information desk/center) is the most appropriate place to seek help. Post offices, banks, and hospitals serve different purposes.
An 案内所 is primarily for selling tickets to attractions.
While some 案内所 might sell tickets, their primary function is to provide information and assistance to visitors, not primarily to sell tickets. So, this statement is false.
You can usually get local event schedules at an 案内所.
An 案内所 (information desk/center) often provides information about local events, attractions, and transportation. Therefore, getting local event schedules is a common service they offer.
The word 案内所 is typically used for a place that only handles mail.
案内所 refers to an information desk or center, not a place that exclusively handles mail. A post office (郵便局) handles mail. So, this statement is false.
Choose the most appropriate word to complete the sentence: 彼は困っている観光客を助けるために、駅の近くの（ ）で働いている。
The sentence describes someone helping distressed tourists near a station, which strongly suggests an 'information center' (案内所). The other options (amusement park, zoo, library) don't fit the context.
Which of the following places is most likely to have a 案内所 (information desk/center)?
An information desk/center is typically found in places where people need guidance, like an airport, train station, or tourist destination. The other options are highly unlikely to have one.
If you are lost in a new city and need directions, where would you most likely go to get help?
An information desk/center (案内所) is specifically designed to provide assistance and directions to people, especially tourists or those unfamiliar with the area. While a convenience store employee might help, it's not their primary role. Restaurants and movie theaters are unlikely to provide this service.
案内所 (annaijo) is a common place to find souvenirs.
While some larger information centers might have a small gift shop section, their primary function is to provide information and assistance, not to sell souvenirs. You'd typically go to a souvenir shop for that.
You can usually get a map of the city at a 案内所 (annaijo).
Providing maps and tourist brochures is one of the main services offered by an information desk/center (案内所).
案内所 (annaijo) is a good place to ask about local public transportation schedules.
Information desks/centers often have comprehensive information about local public transportation, including schedules, routes, and fare details, to help visitors navigate the area.
This sentence means 'To establish a multilingual information center for tourists.' The order follows a typical Japanese sentence structure: topic/modifier, then the modified noun, followed by the object marker 'を', and finally the verb.
This sentence asks 'Where is the nearest tourist information center?' The structure starts with 'nearest', then the subject 'tourist information center', followed by 'where' and the verb 'is'.
This sentence translates to 'I obtained a map at the information desk inside the station.' The sentence flows from the location ('inside the station'), to the place of action ('at the information desk'), to the object ('map'), and finally the verb ('obtained').
この複雑な手続きについて詳しく知るために、___に立ち寄ってみましょう。(Let's stop by the ___ to learn more about this complex procedure.)
The context implies seeking detailed information, which is the function of an information desk.
地域のイベント情報は、駅前の観光___で入手できます。(Information about local events can be obtained at the tourist ___ in front of the station.)
A 'tourist information desk' is the appropriate place to find event information.
私たちは、道に迷ったとき、親切な人に教えてもらった___で地図をもらいました。(When we got lost, we received a map at the ___ that a kind person told us about.)
An 'information desk' provides maps and directions, fitting the scenario of being lost.
大学のキャンパスツアーに参加する前に、まずはメインの___で集合場所を確認してください。(Before joining the university campus tour, please first confirm the meeting point at the main ___.)
An 'information desk' is where one would typically confirm details for a tour.
この博物館の展示物に関する詳細な説明は、エントランスのすぐそばにある___で入手可能です。(Detailed explanations about the exhibits in this museum are available at the ___ just next to the entrance.)
An 'information desk' is where one would find detailed explanations about museum exhibits.
ご不明な点がありましたら、お気軽に最寄りの___までお問い合わせください。(If you have any questions, please feel free to inquire at the nearest ___.)
An 'information desk' is the appropriate place to direct questions.
/ 54 correct
Perfect score!
Look for this sign in Japan
When you're in Japan, keep an eye out for signs with 案内所. It's often written in both Japanese and sometimes English (Information).
Common places for 案内所
You'll typically find an 案内所 at train stations (駅), airports (空港), and major tourist attractions (観光地).
Use for directions
If you're lost or need directions (道案内), the 案内所 is the best place to go. Staff can usually provide maps and advice.
Asking for help
A simple phrase to use is 「案内所はどこですか？」 (Where is the information desk?).
Beispiel
駅の案内所で地図をもらいました。
Verwandte Inhalte
Dieses Wort in anderen Sprachen
Mehr travel Wörter
くらい/ぐらい
B1Particle indicating extent, degree, or 'about/approximately'.
宿泊
B1The act of staying overnight in a place, such as a hotel or guest house. Essential for IELTS General Task 1 letters regarding travel complaints or bookings.
入場料
B1The fee paid to enter a place.
入場券
B1A ticket allowing entry to an event or place.
冒険
B1Adventure; an exciting or unusual experience.
手頃
B1Reasonable in price or size; affordable, suitable.
〜の後に
B1After (a noun or event).
〜の後で
B1After (time or place), behind.
飛行場
A2Airport.
航空会社
B1Airline company.
