First Move
Tell nearby staff or your hotel how you feel, then ask where to get help.
Quick steps
- Stop somewhere safe and tell nearby staff or your hotel that you feel sick.
- Use a short phrase and point to where you feel unwell if that helps.
- Ask where to get help, and contact your hotel or travel insurance if needed.
- For serious symptoms, ask for urgent help right away.
Don’t Do This
Don’t push yourself to keep moving.
Stop in a safe place and tell someone nearby that you need help.
Don’t guess about treatment or medicine.
Ask staff, your hotel, travel insurance, or a medical professional where to get appropriate help.
Don’t wait if symptoms feel serious or urgent.
Ask staff or someone nearby to help you contact emergency services.
Say or show this
Use these phrases to speak or point when you need help.
Use when you need to tell someone that you feel unwell.
Taichou ga warui desu.
体調が悪いです。
I feel sick.
Use when you need immediate assistance.
Tasukete kudasai.
助けてください。
I need help.
Use when you need someone to contact help for you.
Dareka tasuke o yonde moraemasu ka?
誰か助けを呼んでもらえますか？
Can you call someone for help?
If You See or Hear This
Kyuukyuusha o yobimasu ka?
救急車を呼びますか？
It means: Should we call an ambulance?
Your move
If it feels serious or urgent, say yes. If you are unsure, ask staff to help you get medical support.
Hokenshou wa arimasu ka?
保険証はありますか？
It means: Do you have health insurance information?
Your move
Show your travel insurance information if you have it.
Byouin ni ikimasu ka?
病院に行きますか？
It means: Do you want to go to a hospital?
Your move
Say yes if you need medical help.
If You’re Stuck
Show the phrases on your phone and ask nearby staff or your hotel where to get help. Your travel insurance may also be able to direct you to appropriate support.
Tiny Culture Note
Hotel, station, and facility staff may not provide medical advice, but they can often help you contact someone who can.
Safety note
Serious or urgent? Ask for help or call 119.