Are you learning Japanese with Minna no Nihongo? Lesson 3 teaches you how to talk about places, locations, and directions in Japanese. You will learn how to ask “Where is it?”, describe locations, and use important words for places and positions.
In this article, we will explain the grammar, vocabulary, and examples from Lesson 3 in a simple way. If you're a beginner, don’t worry — it’s very easy to follow. Let’s get started!
Minna no Nihongo 3
Places & Directions
Beginner
📘 Vocabulary
- どこ (doko) – Where
- ここ / そこ / あそこ – Here / There / Over there
- どちら – Which direction / where (polite)
- うち – Home
- がっこう – School
- びょういん – Hospital
- トイレ – Toilet
🧠 Grammar Point
[Place] は どこですか。
Example: トイレは どこですか。 → Where is the toilet?
You also learn how to answer it:
[Place] は [Location word] です。
Example: トイレは あそこです。 → The toilet is over there.
💬 Example Sentences
- ここは がっこうです。 → This is a school.
- トイレは どこですか。 → Where is the toilet?
- かいしゃは あそこです。 → The office is over there.
- びょういんは そちらです。 → The hospital is that way (polite).
📝 Tips for Practice
- Look around and say the name of places in Japanese.
- Practice asking “Where is ___?” with real objects.
- Use flashcards for location words like ここ / そこ / あそこ.
- Try speaking with a friend using only Japanese for places.
📚 What’s Next?
Note: This article is for beginners studying Japanese with Minna no Nihongo. Keep learning a little every day and you will improve quickly!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Do I need to learn kanji now?
No, you can learn these words using hiragana and katakana first.
Q2: What is the best way to remember places?
Use pictures and flashcards, and practice saying the words aloud.
Q3: Can I skip this lesson?
No, this lesson is very useful for asking and answering directions.
Q4: How do I practice speaking?
Practice with a partner or speak aloud to yourself using new words.
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