What to say when someone asks you in English how to get to the station (Shibuya Center-gai)
On Shibuya Center-gai, a traveler suddenly speaks to you in English. They seem to be looking for Shibuya Station. What will you do?
The labels "Natural", "Gets across" and "Off track" and the one-line reasons are also written by AI as a rough guide. They are not guaranteed to be correct.
The scenes, directions, shop layouts and dishes are made up for practice. They do not match real places.
Exchange 1 of 4
They
Excuse me. Do you know how to get to Shibuya Station?
The first line changes a little with each person
- Emma Sumimasen! I'm trying to find Shibuya Station by myself, but I'm lost. Do you know how to get there?
- Grace Hi there! I think I'm lost, but what a fun street! Do you know how to get to Shibuya Station?
- Leo Hey, excuse me. I was just walking around with no plan. Do you know how to get to Shibuya Station?
- James Excuse me, I'm sorry to bother you. My map isn't helping. Do you know how to get to Shibuya Station?
Example replies and how they sound
Station? That way.
Gets across This works, but it sounds a little blunt. A full sentence sounds softer.
Sure. Go straight down this street.
Natural This sounds natural. Starting with "Sure." shows you are happy to help.
Yes, I like Shibuya.
Off track This does not answer the question. They asked how to get to the station.
Exchange 2 of 4
They
Thank you. Is it far from here?
Example replies and how they sound
No, it's about five minutes on foot.
Natural This sounds natural. "On foot" means walking.
Yes, it is a big station.
Off track This does not answer the question. They asked whether it is far.
Not far. Five minutes.
Gets across This works. It is short, but it is enough when you are in a hurry.
Exchange 3 of 4
They
Great. Do I need to turn anywhere?
Example replies and how they sound
It opens at nine.
Off track This does not answer the question. They asked whether they need to turn.
Left. At the end.
Gets across This works, but it sounds a little blunt. Starting with the verb, "Turn left ...", sounds more like directions.
Yes. Turn left at the end of the street.
Natural This sounds natural. "At the end of the street" tells them exactly where to turn.
Exchange 4 of 4
They
Got it. Straight, then left. Thank you so much for your help!
Example replies and how they sound
You're welcome. Have a nice day!
Natural This sounds natural. It is a standard reply when someone thanks you.
Yes, please.
Off track This is not a reply to thanks. "Yes, please." is what you say when someone offers you something.
No problem. Enjoy your day!
Natural This sounds natural. "No problem." is a casual way to say "You're welcome."
The closing line
They
Thanks! Bye!
Useful phrases for this scene
- Go straight down this street.
- Turn left at the end of the street.
- It's about five minutes on foot.
- Sorry, could you say that again?
The lines were written by AI. They have not been checked by a native English speaker.
The scenes, directions, shop layouts and dishes are made up for practice. They do not match real places.
The notes, the name origins and the characters' personalities were also written by AI. The notes and name origins were compared with dictionaries by AI, but they have not been checked by a native English speaker or a specialist. Some names have more than one explanation of their origin. The people are fictional.
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