観光客です
The English phrase "I am a tourist" is translated into Japanese as 観光客です.
In Japanese, the subject "I" (watashi wa) is often omitted when it is clear from the context that you are talking about yourself.
What does it mean word for word?
The word for tourist, 観光客, is composed of the elements for sightseeing (観光) and guest or customer (客).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form 観光客です is polite and suitable for use with strangers or staff. The phrase Watashi wa kanko-kyaku desu. and Watashi wa ryokōsha desu. are also formal. For informal situations, you can use Boku wa kanko-kyaku da. or Ore wa ryokōsha da. Note that Ore is a casual pronoun for "I" that is primarily used by males.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Kansai dialect, one way to say "I am a tourist" is Watashi wa kanko-bito ya.
How does it change in a sentence?
To change the phrase to the past tense, replace です with でした. To make the phrase negative, replace です with ではありません.
Did you know?
- The word 観光 for sightseeing was actually coined in the 1870s by a Japanese official who adapted a phrase from a Chinese text about observing the customs of other lands.
- When using 観光客です, a native speaker might accompany the phrase with a slight bow to signal their status as a guest seeking assistance.
- In Japan, the distinction between 観光客 (sightseeing guest) and 旅行者 (traveler) is subtle, but the latter is often used for people on longer journeys rather than short trips.
Examples in context
- 私は観光客です。Watashi wa kankōkyaku desu.I am a tourist.
- すみません、私は観光客です。Sumimasen, watashi wa kankōkyaku desu.Excuse me, I am a tourist.
Example conversation
Yui asks Daisho why he is taking so many photos.
- 結衣 Yui写真をたくさん撮っていますね。Shashin o takusan totte imasu ne.You are taking a lot of photos, aren't you?
- 大翔 Hirotoはい、私は観光客です。Hai, watashi wa kankōkyaku desu.Yes, I am a tourist.
- 結衣 Yuiどこから来たんですか？Doko kara kita n desu ka?Where are you from?
- 大翔 Hirotoアメリカから来ました。Amerika kara kimashita.I came from America.
