When you're out and about in Japan, you'll hear the word みせ (mise) a lot. It simply means 'shop' or 'store'. It's a very common and useful noun to know.
You can use it to refer to any kind of shop, whether it's a small local convenience store, a clothing boutique, or a larger department store. It's a general term, so it's always safe to use.
みせ in 30 Seconds
- みせ is a common word for 'shop' or 'store'.
- You'll hear and use this word a lot in Japan.
- It can refer to any kind of store, from small to large.
§ What does みせ mean?
The Japanese word みせ (mise) is a noun that means "shop" or "store." It's a very common and practical word you'll hear and use constantly in Japan. Think of any place where goods or services are sold, and みせ is likely the word you'd use. It's a fundamental word for navigating daily life, from grocery shopping to looking for a new outfit.
- Definition
- Shop; store.
§ When do people use みせ?
You use みせ whenever you're talking about a commercial establishment. It's incredibly versatile. Here are some common scenarios where you'd use it:
- When asking for directions to a specific type of shop.
- When talking about going shopping.
- When describing a favorite store.
- When referring to a restaurant or café (though there are more specific words, みせ can still be used generally).
It's not just for big department stores; it can be for a small ramen shop, a local bakery, or even a bookshop. The context usually makes it clear what kind of shop you're referring to. For example, if you're talking about buying bread, "パンのみせ" (pan no mise) would clearly mean a bakery.
§ Examples of みせ in use
Let's look at some practical examples to help you understand how to use みせ naturally.
あのみせはいつも混んでいますね。
Hint: That shop is always crowded, isn't it?
新しいコーヒーのみせができました。
Hint: A new coffee shop has opened.
駅前にパンのみせがあります。
Hint: There's a bread shop in front of the station.
どこのみせで買いましたか？
Hint: Which shop did you buy it at?
このラーメンみせは美味しいですよ。
Hint: This ramen shop is delicious.
Mastering みせ is a quick win for your Japanese vocabulary. Start incorporating it into your conversations, and you'll find it incredibly useful for talking about daily activities and navigating Japanese cities.
§ Similar words for 'shop' and when to use them
When you're talking about shops in Japanese, みせ (mise) is a great general word to know. It's safe to use in most situations. However, just like in English, there are other words you can use depending on the type of shop or the context. Let's look at some common alternatives and when you might choose them over みせ.
- DEFINITION
- みせ (mise) - shop, store. This is a very common and versatile word.
§ Alternatives to みせ
Here are some other words you'll hear for 'shop' or 'store' in Japanese, along with when to use them:
店 (ten): This is the kanji for みせ. Sometimes you'll see it used on its own, especially in formal writing or as part of a compound word. It carries the same general meaning as みせ.
この店は有名です。
Hint: This shop is famous.
お店 (omise): Adding the honorific 'o-' makes it sound a bit more polite or respectful. It's very common to use お店 when talking about someone else's shop, or generally when you want to be a bit more courteous.
どこのお店に行きますか？
Hint: Which shop are you going to?
ストア (sutoa): This is a loanword from English 'store'. It's often used for larger retail stores, department stores, or chain stores. Think of it like how we might say 'superstore' or 'drug store' in English. It can sound a bit more modern or Western than みせ.
コンビニエンスストアで買いました。
Hint: I bought it at the convenience store.
ショップ (shoppu): Another loanword from English 'shop'. This one is also common for various types of shops, especially those selling specific goods like clothing shops, gift shops, or specialty shops. It often implies a smaller, more focused retail experience than ストア.
CDショップに行きました。
Hint: I went to the CD shop.
百貨店 (hyakkaten): This specifically means 'department store'. You wouldn't use みせ if you want to specify a large, multi-story department store with various sections. This is a very precise term.
百貨店で新しい服を買いました。
Hint: I bought new clothes at the department store.
専門店 (senmonten): This means 'specialty store'. If you're talking about a shop that focuses on one type of product (e.g., a book specialist, a camera specialist), this is the word to use.
これはカメラの専門店です。
Hint: This is a camera specialty store.
§ When to use みせ
Use みせ (or お店 for politeness) when:
- You are talking about a general, undefined shop.
- You are referring to a smaller, independent business like a café, a ramen shop, a small boutique, or a local grocery store.
- You want a versatile word that works in most casual and semi-formal contexts.
For example, you could say:
あのみせは美味しいラーメンがあります。
Hint: That shop has delicious ramen.
Understanding these nuances will make your Japanese sound more natural and precise. Start with みせ, and then introduce the other terms as you get more comfortable with different shopping contexts!
Grammar to Know
Particles like 「で」 can indicate the location where an action takes place. For example, 「私は店で本を買います。」 (I buy books at the store.)
パンはみせでかいます。 I buy bread at the shop.
When describing the shop itself, you can use adjectives before 「みせ」. For example, 「あの大きい店は有名です。」 (That big shop is famous.)
あのちいさいみせがすきです。 I like that small shop.
To express going to a shop, you can use the particle 「へ」 or 「に」 with a verb like 「行きます」 (to go). For example, 「店へ行きます。」 (I go to the shop.)
みせへいきます。 I'm going to the shop.
To specify a type of shop, you can combine nouns. For example, 「花屋」 (flower shop) is 「花」 (flower) + 「屋」 (shop/store). While 「みせ」 is a general term, you'll often see more specific compound nouns.
このほんのみせはたかいです。 This book shop is expensive.
When asking "Which shop?", you can use 「どの店ですか？」. For example, 「どの店でパンを買いますか？」 (Which shop do you buy bread at?)
どの「みせ」がいいですか。 Which shop is good?
Examples by Level
これはみせです。
This is a shop.
これは (kore wa): This is. です (desu): is/am/are (polite).
あの みせは きれい です。
That shop is pretty.
あの (ano): That (referring to something far from both speaker and listener). きれい (kirei): pretty/clean (na-adjective).
みせに いきます。
I go to the shop.
に (ni): particle indicating direction. いきます (ikimasu): go (polite present/future).
みせで かいます。
I buy at the shop.
で (de): particle indicating location of action. かいます (kaimasu): buy (polite present/future).
みせは どこ ですか。
Where is the shop?
どこ (doko): where. ですか (desu ka): polite question marker.
この みせは たかい です。
This shop is expensive.
この (kono): This (referring to something near the speaker). たかい (takai): expensive/tall (i-adjective).
ちいさい みせ です。
It's a small shop.
ちいさい (chiisai): small (i-adjective). Note the direct noun modification.
みせは やすいです。
The shop is cheap.
やすい (yasui): cheap (i-adjective).
駅前に新しくできたカフェ、もう行った？すごく雰囲気が良くて、コーヒーも美味しいんだ。
Have you been to the new cafe in front of the station? It has a great atmosphere and the coffee is delicious.
この商店街には、昔ながらの八百屋さんや魚屋さんがたくさんあって、活気があるよ。
This shopping street has many traditional vegetable and fish stores, and it's very lively.
デパートの地下には、色々な国の珍しい食材を扱うお店があって、見ているだけでも楽しい。
In the basement of the department store, there are shops that sell rare ingredients from various countries, and just looking at them is fun.
最近オープンした雑貨店で、可愛いマグカップを見つけたんだ。思わず買ってしまったよ。
I found a cute mug at the newly opened general store. I ended up buying it.
週末はよく、手作りのパンやお菓子を売っている小さなお店に立ち寄るのが楽しみなんだ。
On weekends, I often enjoy stopping by a small shop that sells homemade bread and sweets.
あの本屋さんは、専門書が豊富で、いつも探している本が見つかるから助かっている。
That bookstore has a rich selection of specialized books, and I always find the books I'm looking for, which is helpful.
近所のスーパーマーケットは、新鮮な野菜が手頃な価格で手に入るから、毎日利用している。
I use the nearby supermarket every day because I can get fresh vegetables at reasonable prices.
観光客で賑わうお土産物屋さんでは、地元の特産品がたくさん売られていて、見ているだけでも楽しい。
In the souvenir shops bustling with tourists, many local specialties are sold, and just looking at them is fun.
その古びた商店街には、店主のこだわりが詰まったユニークな店が軒を連ねている。
That old shopping street is lined with unique shops filled with the owners' particular tastes.
軒を連ねる (noki o tsura neru) means 'to be lined with (houses, shops, etc.)'.
彼は、子供の頃から夢だった自分だけの本屋を開くために、貯金を始めた。
He started saving money to open his own bookstore, which had been his dream since childhood.
自分だけの (jibun dake no) emphasizes 'one's own exclusive' shop.
このパン屋は、早朝から焼きたてのパンを求めて行列ができるほどの人気ぶりだ。
This bakery is so popular that people line up from early morning for freshly baked bread.
ほどの人気ぶり (hodo no ninkiburi) expresses 'such popularity that...'
閉店間際にもかかわらず、店員は親切に対応してくれたので、良い買い物ができた。
Even though it was close to closing time, the staff kindly assisted me, so I was able to make a good purchase.
閉店間際 (heiten magiwa) means 'just before closing time'.
最近では、インターネットの普及により、実店舗を持たないオンラインの店も増えている。
Recently, with the spread of the internet, the number of online shops without physical stores is also increasing.
実店舗 (jittempo) refers to 'physical stores'.
彼は独立して自分のカフェを開くことを目指し、日々奮闘している。
He is striving daily, aiming to become independent and open his own cafe.
独立して (dokuritsu shite) means 'to become independent'.
そのセレクトショップでは、世界中から厳選されたこだわりの品々が並べられている。
In that select shop, carefully chosen items from all over the world are displayed.
厳選された (gensen sareta) means 'carefully selected'.
商店街の活性化のため、若手クリエイターが新しいコンセプトの店を次々とオープンさせている。
To revitalize the shopping district, young creators are successively opening shops with new concepts.
活性化 (kasseika) means 'revitalization' or 'invigoration'.
Often Confused With
While 'shop' refers to the place, '買う' (kau) means 'to buy' an action related to shops.
店員 (ten'in) refers to a 'shop assistant' or 'store clerk', not the shop itself.
お店 (omise) is the honorific form of 店 (mise), used to show politeness when referring to a shop.
Grammar Patterns
Easily Confused
Many Japanese words can refer to a 'shop' or 'store', and learners might not know when to use 店 (mise) versus others.
店 (mise) is a general term for any kind of shop or store. It's broadly applicable.
新しい店ができました。 (Atarashii mise ga dekimashita.) - A new shop has opened.
屋 (ya) can also mean 'shop' but often appears as a suffix, leading to confusion about its standalone use.
When used as a suffix, 屋 (ya) often indicates a shop specializing in the preceding item (e.g., パン屋 - pan-ya, bakery). As a standalone, it can sometimes be used but is less common than 店 (mise).
パン屋でパンを買いました。 (Pan-ya de pan o kaimashita.) - I bought bread at the bakery.
店 (ten) shares the same kanji as 店 (mise) but is used in different contexts, primarily as a counter or in compounds.
店 (ten) is often used as a counter for shops or in compound words like 支店 (shiten, branch store) or 本店 (honten, main store). It's not typically used by itself to mean 'a shop'.
この街にはたくさんの店があります。 (Kono machi ni wa takusan no ten ga arimasu.) - There are many shops in this town. (Here, 店 is read as 'ten' and functions as a counter for shops.)
ストア (sutoa) is a loanword from English and can be used interchangeably with 店 (mise) in some contexts, but not all.
ストア (sutoa) generally refers to larger retail stores, like supermarkets or department stores. While it can overlap with 店 (mise), 店 (mise) is more versatile for smaller, specialized shops.
スーパーマーケットで食料品を買いました。 (Sūpāmāketto de shokuryōhin o kaimashita.) - I bought groceries at the supermarket. (Here, スーパーマーケット is often shortened to スーパー, a type of ストア.)
ショップ (shoppu) is another English loanword that means 'shop', similar to ストア (sutoa), causing potential confusion.
ショップ (shoppu) is also a loanword and can refer to a shop, often with a slightly more modern or specialized feel than 店 (mise). It's commonly used for boutiques or online stores.
このファッションショップは人気です。 (Kono fasshon shoppu wa ninki desu.) - This fashion shop is popular.
Sentence Patterns
〜の みせ (〜 no mise)
これは ほんの みせ です。(Kore wa hon no mise desu.) - This is a book shop.
みせ が あります (mise ga arimasu)
ここに コンビニ の みせ が あります。(Koko ni konbini no mise ga arimasu.) - There is a convenience store here.
みせ で 〜 を かいます (mise de ~ o kaimasu)
あの みせ で パン を かいます。(Ano mise de pan o kaimasu.) - I will buy bread at that shop.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Talking about different types of shops
- パンや (pan-ya) - bakery (bread shop)
- ほんや (hon-ya) - bookstore (book shop)
- はなや (hana-ya) - flower shop
Asking where a shop is
- えきまえの みせ (ekimae no mise) - the shop in front of the station
- あの みせは どこですか？ (Ano mise wa doko desu ka?) - Where is that shop?
- コンビニは どこですか？ (Konbini wa doko desu ka?) - Where is the convenience store?
Talking about going to a shop
- みせに いきます (mise ni ikimasu) - I'm going to the shop.
- かいものに いきます (kaimono ni ikimasu) - I'm going shopping (to a shop).
- みせで かいます (mise de kaimasu) - I buy at the shop.
Describing a shop
- おおきい みせ (ookii mise) - a big shop
- あたらしい みせ (atarashii mise) - a new shop
- ゆうめいな みせ (yuumei na mise) - a famous shop
Referring to shops in general
- この へんには、いろいろな みせが あります (Kono hen ni wa, iroiro na mise ga arimasu) - There are various shops around here.
- まちには、たくさん みせが あります (Machi ni wa, takusan mise ga arimasu) - There are many shops in town.
Conversation Starters
"おきにいりの みせは どこですか？ (O-ki ni iri no mise wa doko desu ka?) - What's your favorite shop?"
"よく いく みせは ありますか？ (Yoku iku mise wa arimasu ka?) - Is there a shop you go to often?"
"どんな みせが すきですか？ (Donna mise ga suki desu ka?) - What kind of shops do you like?"
"この へんに、おいしい みせは ありますか？ (Kono hen ni, oishii mise wa arimasu ka?) - Are there any delicious shops around here?"
"あたらしい みせが できましたね。 (Atarashii mise ga dekimashita ne.) - A new shop opened, didn't it?"
Journal Prompts
あなたがさいきんいった みせについて かいてください。(Anata ga saikin itta mise ni tsuite kaite kudasai.) - Please write about a shop you went to recently.
あなたの まちで いちばん ゆうめいな みせは どこですか？ なぜですか？ (Anata no machi de ichiban yuumei na mise wa doko desu ka? Naze desu ka?) - What is the most famous shop in your town? Why?
もし あなたが みせを ひらくなら、どんな みせですか？ (Moshi anata ga mise o hiraku nara, donna mise desu ka?) - If you were to open a shop, what kind of shop would it be?
ほしいものが あるとき、どこで かいますか？ (Hoshii mono ga aru toki, doko de kaimasu ka?) - When you want something, where do you buy it?
おみせで おもしろい できごとが ありましたか？ (Omise de omoshiroi dekigoto ga arimashita ka?) - Did anything interesting happen at a shop?
Test Yourself 90 questions
Which of these means 'shop' or 'store'?
みせ (mise) specifically refers to a shop or store.
You want to buy a book. Where would you go?
みせ (mise) is a general term for a shop, which includes a bookstore.
The Japanese word for 'store' is:
みせ (mise) means 'shop' or 'store'.
The word みせ (mise) refers to a house.
みせ (mise) means 'shop' or 'store', not 'house' (いえ - ie).
You can buy things at a みせ (mise).
みせ (mise) is a shop or store, where you typically go to buy things.
みせ (mise) is a type of food.
みせ (mise) is a place where you shop, not a type of food.
Write a short sentence saying 'I am going to the shop.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
私は店へ行きます。
Write 'The shop is big.' in Japanese.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
店は大きいです。
Write 'This is a good shop.' in Japanese.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
これは良い店です。
What does the person buy at the shop?
Read this passage:
私は毎日、店に行きます。店でパンを買います。パンはおいしいです。
What does the person buy at the shop?
The passage says '店でパンを買います' which means 'I buy bread at the shop.'
The passage says '店でパンを買います' which means 'I buy bread at the shop.'
What is mentioned about the shop?
Read this passage:
この店は小さいですが、とてもきれいです。たくさんの人が来ます。
What is mentioned about the shop?
The passage states 'この店は小さいですが、とてもきれいです' meaning 'This shop is small, but very clean.'
The passage states 'この店は小さいですが、とてもきれいです' meaning 'This shop is small, but very clean.'
When does the shop close?
Read this passage:
店は午前9時に開きます。午後5時に閉まります。週末は休みです。
When does the shop close?
The passage says '午後5時に閉まります' which means 'It closes at 5 PM.'
The passage says '午後5時に閉まります' which means 'It closes at 5 PM.'
This sentence means 'That is a shop.' 'あれ' (are) means 'that', 'は' (wa) is a topic particle, 'みせ' (mise) means 'shop', and 'です' (desu) is a polite copula.
This sentence asks 'Where is the shop?' 'みせ' (mise) means 'shop', 'は' (wa) is a topic particle, 'どこ' (doko) means 'where', 'です' (desu) is a polite copula, and 'か' (ka) is a question particle.
This sentence means 'I will go to that shop.' 'あの' (ano) means 'that' (adjective), 'みせ' (mise) means 'shop', 'に' (ni) is a particle indicating direction, and 'いきます' (ikimasu) means 'go'.
Which of these is a 'shop'?
「みせ」means shop or store.
Select the correct Japanese word for 'store'.
「みせ」is the Japanese word for store.
You want to buy something. Where would you go?
「みせ」is a shop or store, where you buy things.
「みせ」means 'shop'.
Yes, 「みせ」(mise) means shop or store.
You can eat at a 「みせ」.
Some shops (like restaurants or cafes) are a type of 「みせ」.
A school is a type of 「みせ」.
A school is がっこう (gakkou), not a 「みせ」.
Write a short sentence saying 'I go to the shop.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
私はみせにいきます。
Write a sentence asking 'Where is the shop?'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
みせはどこですか。
Write a sentence saying 'This shop is big.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
このみせはおおきいです。
What does the speaker do often at that shop?
Read this passage:
私はよくあのみせでかいものをします。とてもべんりです。
What does the speaker do often at that shop?
「かいものをします」 means 'to shop' or 'to buy things'.
「かいものをします」 means 'to shop' or 'to buy things'.
What does the passage say about that shop?
Read this passage:
あのみせはいつもひとがおおいです。人気があります。
What does the passage say about that shop?
「ひとがおおいです」 means 'there are many people', indicating it's crowded.
「ひとがおおいです」 means 'there are many people', indicating it's crowded.
What is mentioned about the new shop?
Read this passage:
駅のちかくに、あたらしいみせができました。どんなみせですか。
What is mentioned about the new shop?
「駅のちかくに、あたらしいみせができました」 translates to 'A new shop was made near the station'.
「駅のちかくに、あたらしいみせができました」 translates to 'A new shop was made near the station'.
This sentence means 'That shop is cheap.' We arrange the words to form a grammatically correct Japanese sentence.
This sentence asks 'Where is the shop?' We combine the location word 'where' with 'shop' and the existence verb.
This sentence means 'I buy bread at this shop.' We use 'de' to indicate the place of action.
この___は毎日午前9時から開いています。(This ____ is open every day from 9 AM.)
The sentence is talking about a place that opens. 'みせ' (shop/store) fits the context.
新しい___が駅の近くにできました。(A new ____ was built near the station.)
The context implies a commercial establishment being built. 'みせ' (shop/store) is the appropriate choice.
週末、デパートの___はとても混んでいます。(On weekends, the department ___ is very crowded.)
The sentence refers to a place within a department store that gets crowded. 'みせ' (shop/store) fits perfectly.
あのパン___のパンはとてもおいしいです。(The bread from that bread ___ is very delicious.)
The sentence describes the bread from a specific type of establishment. 'パンみせ' (bread shop/bakery) is the correct term.
本を買いに、駅前の___に行きました。(I went to the ___ in front of the station to buy a book.)
To buy a book, one would typically go to a shop. 'みせ' (shop/store) is the correct answer.
この___は夜遅くまで開いているので便利です。(This ___ is convenient because it's open until late at night.)
The context indicates a place of business with operating hours. 'みせ' (shop/store) is the best fit.
You are looking for a specific type of shop. Write a sentence asking where it is, using 'みせ'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
そのみせはどこですか？ (Where is that shop?)
Describe a shop you like, mentioning what kind of shop it is and one item you can buy there. Use 'みせ'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
私は本のみせが好きです。そこで面白い本が売っています。(I like bookshops. Interesting books are sold there.)
You want to tell a friend that a new shop has opened. Write a sentence about it, using 'みせ'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
あたらしいみせがオープンしましたよ。(A new shop has opened!)
What kind of shop are A and B talking about?
Read this passage:
A: このあたりに美味しいパンのみせはありますか？ (Is there a good bread shop around here?) B: ええ、あそこにあるパンのみせはとても人気ですよ。 (Yes, the bread shop over there is very popular.) A: ありがとうございます！ (Thank you!)
What kind of shop are A and B talking about?
The conversation clearly mentions 'パンのみせ' (pan no mise), which means 'bread shop'.
The conversation clearly mentions 'パンのみせ' (pan no mise), which means 'bread shop'.
What activity does the speaker enjoy doing at their favorite shop?
Read this passage:
私の好きなみせは、駅の近くにあります。そこでよくコーヒーを飲みます。このみせはとても静かで、本を読むのに最適です。
What activity does the speaker enjoy doing at their favorite shop?
The passage states 'そこでよくコーヒーを飲みます' (I often drink coffee there) and '本を読むのに最適です' (it's perfect for reading books).
The passage states 'そこでよくコーヒーを飲みます' (I often drink coffee there) and '本を読むのに最適です' (it's perfect for reading books).
What can you find in the shopping street mentioned in the passage?
Read this passage:
この商店街にはいろいろなみせがあります。例えば、新鮮な野菜が買えるみせや、きれいな花が買えるみせもあります。週末はいつも人でいっぱいです。
What can you find in the shopping street mentioned in the passage?
The passage says 'いろいろなみせがあります' (there are many different kinds of shops), and gives examples like vegetable shops and flower shops.
The passage says 'いろいろなみせがあります' (there are many different kinds of shops), and gives examples like vegetable shops and flower shops.
This sentence asks 'Where is the new shop?' in natural Japanese word order.
This sentence means 'This shop is very popular.' The particles 'は' and 'が' are crucial for sentence structure.
This sentence translates to 'There are many shops inside the department store.' 'の' indicates possession/location and 'に' indicates existence.
デパートの入り口で、彼は友人を待っていました。そのデパートは、様々な商品が並ぶ大きな___です。
文脈から、様々な商品が並び、人々が買い物をする場所は「みせ」（店）が適切です。
彼女は週末、近所の花屋で美しい花を選びました。その花屋は、いつも新鮮な花でいっぱいの___です。
花を売っている場所は「花屋」であり、「みせ」（店）の一種です。
このカフェは、手作りのケーキと淹れたてのコーヒーで有名です。週末はいつも多くの客で賑わう人気の___です。
カフェは飲食物を提供する商業施設であり、「みせ」（店）に該当します。
「あのパン屋は午前中に閉まる」という文の「パン屋」は、「みせ」の一種である。
パン屋はパンを売る店なので、「みせ」の一種です。
「新しい本を買いに図書館へ行った」という文の「図書館」は、「みせ」である。
図書館は本を貸し出す施設であり、本を売る「みせ」ではありません。
「デパートの食料品売り場で新鮮な魚を買った」という文の「食料品売り場」は、「みせ」の一部である。
デパートの食料品売り場は、商品が売られている場所であり、「みせ」の一部として機能します。
The shop is always crowded, isn't it?
A new shop opened in front of the station.
Is there a shop around here that sells delicious bread?
Read this aloud:
あのみせでかいたいものがあります。
Focus: みせ (mise)
You said:
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Read this aloud:
このみせはなんじにあきますか。
Focus: あきますか (akimasu ka)
You said:
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Read this aloud:
よくいくみせはどこですか。
Focus: よくいく (yoku iku)
You said:
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Imagine you're recommending your favorite shop to a friend. Write a short paragraph describing the shop and why you like it. Include the word 「みせ」 (mise) at least once.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
私のお気に入りのみせは、駅前のパン屋さんです。焼きたてのパンはとても美味しく、店員さんも親切です。週末はいつもそこで朝食を買います。 (My favorite shop is the bakery in front of the station. Their freshly baked bread is delicious, and the staff are kind. I always buy breakfast there on weekends.)
You are writing a review for a new restaurant. Describe the atmosphere of the shop, the food, and the service. Use 「みせ」 (mise) appropriately.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
新しいイタリアンレストラン「ラ・パスタ」に行ってきました。みせの雰囲気はとてもおしゃれで、デートにぴったりです。パスタも美味しく、店員さんのサービスも素晴らしかったです。 (I went to the new Italian restaurant 'La Pasta'. The shop's atmosphere is very stylish, perfect for a date. The pasta was delicious, and the service from the staff was excellent.)
Describe a common problem you might encounter when trying to find a specific shop in a new city in Japan. How would you ask for directions using 「みせ」 (mise)?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
新しい町で目的のみせを探すのは難しいことがあります。地図を見ても、どのみせか分からなくなることもよくあります。「すみません、この近くに美味しいラーメンのみせはありますか？」 (It can be difficult to find a specific shop in a new town. Even with a map, it's often hard to tell which shop is which. 'Excuse me, is there a good ramen shop nearby?')
この文章によると、東京の原宿にはどのようなみせが多いですか？ (According to this passage, what kind of shops are common in Harajuku, Tokyo?)
Read this passage:
東京にはたくさんのおもしろいみせがあります。例えば、原宿にはかわいい服を売っているみせが多く、銀座には高級ブランドのみせが立ち並んでいます。それぞれの地域で違う種類のみせを楽しむことができます。
この文章によると、東京の原宿にはどのようなみせが多いですか？ (According to this passage, what kind of shops are common in Harajuku, Tokyo?)
文章に「原宿にはかわいい服を売っているみせが多く」と書かれています。(The passage states 'Harajuku has many shops selling cute clothes.')
文章に「原宿にはかわいい服を売っているみせが多く」と書かれています。(The passage states 'Harajuku has many shops selling cute clothes.')
この人はどのようなみせに行ったと書かれていますか？ (What kind of shop did this person go to, according to the passage?)
Read this passage:
週末に、私は友達と新しいカフェのみせに行きました。そのみせはとても小さかったですが、コーヒーは美味しく、雰囲気も良かったです。また行きたいと思っています。
この人はどのようなみせに行ったと書かれていますか？ (What kind of shop did this person go to, according to the passage?)
「新しいカフェのみせに行きました」と明記されています。(It is clearly stated 'I went to a new cafe shop.')
「新しいカフェのみせに行きました」と明記されています。(It is clearly stated 'I went to a new cafe shop.')
日本の伝統的なみせでよく見られるものは何ですか？ (What is commonly seen in traditional Japanese shops?)
Read this passage:
日本の伝統的なみせには、和菓子のみせや陶器のみせなどがあります。これらの多くのみせは、長い歴史を持ち、特別な技術で作られた商品を売っています。観光客にも人気があります。
日本の伝統的なみせでよく見られるものは何ですか？ (What is commonly seen in traditional Japanese shops?)
文章に「特別な技術で作られた商品を売っています」と書かれています。(The passage states 'They sell products made with special techniques.')
文章に「特別な技術で作られた商品を売っています」と書かれています。(The passage states 'They sell products made with special techniques.')
This sentence describes a new shop opening in front of the station. The order reflects a common Japanese sentence structure: location, subject, particle, description, verb.
This sentence means 'That shop is famous for its good quality products.' The particles 'は' and 'で' clearly mark the topic and the reason for fame.
This sentence translates to 'It's closing time, so you can't enter the shop anymore.' 'なので' indicates the reason, and 'もう' emphasizes 'no longer'.
What kind of stores are hidden underground?
What was his project about for the shopping district?
What is a serious problem for stores dealing with traditional crafts in this area?
Read this aloud:
あの店の独自性は、単に商品を販売するだけでなく、顧客との深いコミュニケーションを重視している点にある。
Focus: 独-自-性, 深-い, 重-視
You said:
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Read this aloud:
最近の消費者は、ただ価格が安いだけの店よりも、独自の価値観やストーリーを持つ店を選ぶ傾向があります。
Focus: 消-費-者, 価-格, 独-自-の, 価-値-観, 傾-向
You said:
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Read this aloud:
彼は、かつて経営難に陥った小さな店を、地域に根ざしたコミュニティスペースとして再生させました。
Focus: 経-営-難, 陥-った, 地-域-に-根-ざ-した, 再-生-させました
You said:
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You are writing a review for a local sushi restaurant. Describe the restaurant's atmosphere, the quality of its sushi, and whether you would recommend it to others. Use a minimum of 80 characters.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
この寿司屋はとても雰囲気が良く、新鮮な魚を使った寿司は絶品でした。特に、大トロは口の中でとろけるような美味しさで、感動しました。サービスも丁寧で、また来たいと思わせるお店です。友人にもぜひおすすめしたいですね。
Imagine you are describing your favorite bookstore to a friend who is new to the city. What kind of books does it specialize in? What makes it unique or special? Use a minimum of 80 characters.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
私のお気に入りの書店は、古い本や絶版になった本を専門に扱っています。店内は静かで、コーヒーを飲みながらゆっくりと本を探すことができます。店主も本の知識が豊富で、いつも面白い本を紹介してくれます。普通の書店では見つからないような掘り出し物が多いので、ぜひ一度行ってみてほしいです。
You are planning a trip to Japan and looking for a traditional Japanese inn (ryokan). Write an email to a friend asking for recommendations. What aspects are important to you (e.g., hot springs, traditional meals, location)? Use a minimum of 80 characters.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
来月、日本へ旅行に行く予定なんだけど、もしおすすめの旅館があったら教えてほしいな。できれば、温泉があって、伝統的な日本料理が楽しめる場所がいいんだけど。都心から離れていても、自然豊かな場所なら大歓迎。何か良い情報があったら教えてください。
この喫茶店が地元の人々に愛されている理由は何ですか？
Read this passage:
東京の小さな商店街にあるこの喫茶店は、地元の人々に愛されている。手作りのケーキと、丁寧に淹れたコーヒーが自慢だ。特に、季節限定のフルーツタルトはすぐに売り切れてしまうほどの人気。店内はレトロな雰囲気で、昔ながらの家具が並び、どこか懐かしさを感じさせる。読書をしたり、友人とおしゃべりしたり、思い思いの時間を過ごすことができる。
この喫茶店が地元の人々に愛されている理由は何ですか？
文章中に「手作りのケーキと、丁寧に淹れたコーヒーが自慢だ」とあり、これが地元の人々に愛されている理由と推測できます。
文章中に「手作りのケーキと、丁寧に淹れたコーヒーが自慢だ」とあり、これが地元の人々に愛されている理由と推測できます。
このパン屋で特に人気がある商品は何ですか？
Read this passage:
最近、駅前に新しいパン屋がオープンした。朝早くから焼きたてのパンの香りが漂い、多くの人が列を作っている。特に人気なのは、天然酵母を使った食パンと、季節の野菜を挟んだサンドイッチだ。店内にはイートインスペースもあり、焼きたてのパンをその場で味わうことができる。健康志向の客層にも好評で、地元産の食材を使っていることも魅力の一つだ。
このパン屋で特に人気がある商品は何ですか？
文章中に「特に人気なのは、天然酵母を使った食パンと、季節の野菜を挟んだサンドイッチだ」と明記されています。
文章中に「特に人気なのは、天然酵母を使った食パンと、季節の野菜を挟んだサンドイッチだ」と明記されています。
このセレクトショップの特徴は何ですか？
Read this passage:
このセレクトショップは、世界中から厳選されたデザイン性の高い雑貨や衣料品を取り扱っている。店主のこだわりが随所に感じられ、一つ一つの商品に物語があるかのような魅力がある。大量生産品ではないため、他の人とは違う個性的なアイテムを見つけたい人におすすめだ。店内は美術館のように洗練された空間で、訪れるだけでも楽しめる。
このセレクトショップの特徴は何ですか？
文章中に「世界中から厳選されたデザイン性の高い雑貨や衣料品を取り扱っている」とあり、これがショップの主な特徴です。
文章中に「世界中から厳選されたデザイン性の高い雑貨や衣料品を取り扱っている」とあり、これがショップの主な特徴です。
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Summary
みせ (mise) is the standard Japanese word for 'shop' or 'store', used for a wide range of commercial establishments.
- みせ is a common word for 'shop' or 'store'.
- You'll hear and use this word a lot in Japan.
- It can refer to any kind of store, from small to large.
Related Content
More daily_life words
もう少し
B1A little more.
じゅうしょ
A2The particulars of the place where someone lives.
住所
A2address, residence
～後
A2after
目覚まし
B1Alarm clock. A clock that makes a noise to wake someone up.
目覚まし時計
B1An alarm clock.
ひとりで
A2Alone.
~のに
B1Even though; despite (particle/conjunction).
ごぜん
A2Morning (a.m.).
煩い
B1Noisy; annoying.
