Japanese - Basic Problem Statements

問題があります。

Mondai ga arimasu.

I have a problem.

Meaning: I have a problem.

When to use: To briefly tell someone there is a problem and get attention politely.

何かおかしいです。

Nanika okashii desu.

Something is wrong.

Meaning: Something is wrong.

When to use: Use when you notice something unusual about an object, situation, or how you feel.

動きません

Ugokimasen.

It doesn't work.

Meaning: It doesn't work.

When to use: Say this when a machine, app, or device is not functioning.

___をなくしました。

___ o nakushimashita.

I lost ___.

Meaning: I lost ___.

When to use: Use to report a lost item. Put the lost item before をなくしました。

Tip: Beginners sometimes forget を after the lost item (e.g., saying '財布なくしました' — include を).

道に迷いました。

Michi ni mayoimashita.

I'm lost.

Meaning: I'm lost.

When to use: Use when you don't know where you are or how to get to your destination.

気分が悪いです。

Kibun ga warui desu.

I feel sick.

Meaning: I feel sick.

When to use: Use to tell someone you feel unwell, including nausea or general discomfort.

___がありません。

___ ga arimasen.

There is no ___.

Meaning: There is no ___.

When to use: State that something you need is missing or unavailable; put the missing item before がありません。

Tip: Some learners say 'ありません' without using が for the missing item (remember: ___がありません).

___を開けられません。

___ o akeraremasen.

I can't open ___.

Meaning: I can't open ___.

When to use: Use when you are unable to open something; place the object before を開けられません。

Tip: Beginners might say '開けられない' in casual situations — polite form '開けられません' is safer when asking for help.

___が使えません。

___ ga tsukaemasen.

I can't use ___.

Meaning: I can't use ___.

When to use: Say this when a service, card, or device is unusable; put the item before が使えません。

___が聞こえません。

___ ga kikoemasen.

I can't hear ___.

Meaning: I can't hear ___.

When to use: Use to say you cannot hear a sound, person, or announcement; put the sound or person before が聞こえません。

___が見えません。

___ ga miemasen.

I can't see ___.

Meaning: I can't see ___.

When to use: Use when something isn't visible (a sign, text, or object); put the thing before が見えません。

___が読めません。

___ ga yomemasen.

I can't read ___.

Meaning: I can't read ___.

When to use: Say this when you cannot read a sign, text, or language; put the text before が読めません。

___が痛いです。

___ ga itai desu.

My ___ hurts.

Meaning: My ___ hurts.

When to use: State that a body part hurts; put the body part before が痛いです。