Japanese in 20 seconds
“Today isn't burnable trash day” — what to say back to your neighbor in Japan
Put your trash out on the wrong day and a neighbor may say “今日は燃えるゴミの日じゃないですよ”. Answer “あ、すみません。何曜日ですか？” — and check your city's trash calendar.
The neighbor says
今日は燃えるゴミの日じゃないですよ
Today isn't burnable trash day.
You say
あ、すみません。何曜日ですか？
Oh, sorry. What day is it?
What it means
- 何曜日ですか？
- = What day is it?
It means: oh, sorry. What day is it?
What's「あ、」?
That little "ah!" at the start? It's just like saying "oh!", and it makes you sound more natural. But it's optional. Without it, everyone will still understand you perfectly.
Good to know
Trash days go by day of the week, and every city has its own schedule. Check your city's trash calendar.
Say it slowly
何曜日ですか
nan · yo · u · bi · de · su · ka
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