When you find yourself in an emergency situation, knowing how to say “ambulance” in the local language can be crucial. In this guide, we will explore the various ways to say “ambulance” in Japanese, covering both formal and informal usage. Additionally, we’ll provide you with useful tips and examples. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Ambulance
When speaking formally in Japanese, the word for “ambulance” is “kyūkyūsha” (救急車). Here, “kyūkyū” means “emergency” and “sha” translates to “vehicle” or “car”. So, “kyūkyūsha” essentially means “emergency vehicle”. It is important to note that this is the most common and widely used term for “ambulance” in formal contexts throughout the country.
Here are a few examples of how to use “kyūkyūsha” in sentences:
Example 1:
彼は救急車で病院に運ばれました。
(He was transported to the hospital by an ambulance.)
Example 2:
救急車がすぐに到着しました。
(The ambulance arrived quickly.)
Informal Ways to Say Ambulance
In informal conversations, there are a few alternatives to the formal term “kyūkyūsha”. People often use colloquial expressions or abbreviations to refer to an ambulance.
One commonly used informal term is “kyūsha” (急車), which is a shortened version of “kyūkyūsha”. Although it is more casual, it is widely understood and can be used in everyday conversations.
Example 3:
急車が事故現場へ向かっています。
(The ambulance is heading towards the accident scene.)
Another informal way to say “ambulance” is by referring to it as “kyūdōsha” (救動車), which means “rescue vehicle”. This term is less common but is still used in certain regions of Japan.
Example 4:
救動車が駆けつけてくれました。
(The rescue vehicle rushed to the scene.)
Regional Variations
While “kyūkyūsha” is widely understood and used across Japan, some regional variations exist. For example, in the Kansai region, including cities like Osaka and Kyoto, people often use the term ” dokusha” (ドクシャ) to refer to an ambulance. This colloquial variation is unique to the area and may not be as commonly recognized outside of Kansai.
Example 5:
彼はドクシャで病院に搬送されました。
(He was transported to the hospital by an ambulance.)
Tips and Considerations
- Listening for Sirens: In emergency situations, you might rely on the sound of sirens to indicate the presence of an ambulance. Pay attention to the distinct siren tone, which usually differs from other emergency vehicles.
- Non-Japanese Variations: It’s worth noting that sometimes ambulance vehicles from other countries, such as the United States or Europe, have the word “ambulance” written in English on their exteriors. These vehicles are still recognized as ambulances in Japan.
- Emergency Services: In addition to ambulances, Japan has a well-established emergency response system. The number to call in case of emergencies is 119.
Remember, when communicating during emergencies, clarity and simplicity are essential. Using the appropriate term for “ambulance” will help ensure a smooth understanding and response in such situations.
Now armed with the knowledge of how to say “ambulance” in Japanese, you can navigate emergency situations more confidently when in Japan. Stay safe!
