TL-061 · People
What does this sign mean? — Japanese
A travel situation for asking in Japanese what a sign or pictogram means and clarifying entry restrictions, photography rules, and where the rule applies.
Quick answer
この表示はどういう意味ですか？
Meaning What does this sign mean?
Kono hyōji wa dō iu imi desu ka?
When to use it
Use this at a station, museum, shop, attraction, or public place when a sign is unclear and you want to know what is allowed.
Core phrases
この表示はどういう意味ですか？
Kono hyōji wa dō iu imi desu ka?
What does this sign mean?
これは「立入禁止」という意味ですか？
Kore wa 'tachiiri kinshi' to iu imi desu ka?
Does this mean I can't enter?
ここは撮影禁止ですか？
Koko wa satsuei kinshi desu ka?
Is photography prohibited here?
このルールはこのエリアにも適用されますか？
Kono rūru wa kono eria ni mo tekiyō saremasu ka?
Does this rule apply to this area too?
What you may hear
ここから先は立入禁止です。
Koko kara saki wa tachiiri kinshi desu.
It means no entry beyond this point.
このエリアでは撮影できません。
Kono eria de wa satsuei dekimasen.
Photography is not allowed in this area.
その線の向こう側だけに適用されます。
Sono sen no mukō-gawa dake ni tekiyō saremasu.
The rule only applies beyond that line.
How to respond
どこまで入っても大丈夫ですか？
Doko made haitte mo daijōbu desu ka?
How far can I go?
英語の説明はありますか？
Eigo no setsumei wa arimasu ka?
Is there an English explanation somewhere?
地図で場所を示していただけますか？
Chizu de basho o shimeshite itadakemasu ka?
Could you point to the area on the map?
Mini conversation
You
この表示はどういう意味ですか？
Kono hyōji wa dō iu imi desu ka?
What does this sign mean?
Other person
ここから先は立入禁止です。
Koko kara saki wa tachiiri kinshi desu.
It means no entry beyond this point.
You
このルールはこのエリア全部に適用されますか？
Kono rūru wa kono eria zenbu ni tekiyō saremasu ka?
Does this rule apply to this whole area?
Other person
いいえ、その線の向こう側だけです。
Iie, sono sen no mukō-gawa dake desu.
No. Only beyond that line.
You
そこは撮影も禁止ですか？
Soko wa satsuei mo kinshi desu ka?
Is photography prohibited there too?
Other person
はい。このエリアでは撮影できません。
Hai. Kono eria de wa satsuei dekimasen.
Yes. Photography is not allowed in that area.
You
どこまで入っても大丈夫ですか？
Doko made haitte mo daijōbu desu ka?
How far can I go?
Other person
この線の手前までは大丈夫です。
Kono sen no temae made wa daijōbu desu.
You can stay on this side of the line.
More natural
表示 is broad and useful for a notice, symbol, or display. 標識 is more like an official sign. Confirm the rule and its boundary after asking the meaning.
Good to know
Japan Tourism Agency provides multilingual pictograms for common prohibited and recommended behaviors, but individual facilities may use their own signs. Follow local guidance.
Sources
Related situations
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