Question
I just checked into a beachside hotel in Okinawa and want to catch the sunset by the water. The map app says the beach is “close,” but I’d rather double-check at the front desk before I start walking in the wrong direction. How do I say “Is the beach far?” in Japanese?
Answer by Professional Japanese Teacher
ビーチは遠いですか。
Biichi wa tooi desu ka.
Is the beach far?
Sunset gives you a deadline, so ask before you start walking. You can use this at the front desk, at a convenience store, or with anyone who looks local. ビーチ biichi is borrowed from English and is what hotel staff usually use with overseas guests. The word tooi means “far,” and the small “ka” at the end turns it into a polite question.
One quick tip — when the staff answers, listen for the time word. A common reply is 歩いて5分です aruite gofun desu, meaning “5 minutes on foot.” If you hear kuruma de (by car) instead, the beach is probably too far to walk and you’ll want to ask about a taxi.