📞 Survival Guide / Emergency Services

Ambulance & Fire 119

Ambulance & Fire 119 (救急車・消防車 119番 - Hyakujūkyū-ban)

📖 Meaning & Etiquette

The free emergency phone number '119' used to summon an ambulance ('Kyukyusha') or fire engine ('Shobosha') in Japan. Available 24/7 nationwide, it supports multi-language three-way calling with English translators.

💡 Cultural Background

Established in 1926. In the era of rotary dial phones, '1' was chosen because it was the fastest to dial, and the final digit '9' was selected to provide a deliberate pause to calm panicking callers down.

💬 Useful Conversation Phrases

Dial 119. The operator will ask: 'Fire (Kaji) or Ambulance (Kyūkyū)?'. Answer 'Kyūkyū' for medical emergency. State your location, or simply say 'English, please' to trigger a translation operator.

急にお腹が痛くなって動けないので、119番に電話して救急車を呼びました。 / 救急車は無料ですが、軽症でタクシー代わりに呼ぶのは避けてください。

🔊 I suddenly had severe stomach pain and couldn't move, so I dialed 119 to call an ambulance. / Ambulances are free in Japan, but please avoid calling them for minor symptoms as a taxi substitute.

❓ Bilingual Survival Quiz

What is the free emergency number to call an ambulance or fire engine in Japan?

Recommended Learning Resources

VOCAB N5 Vocabulary Practice → KANJI N5 Kanji Stroke Practice → GRAMMAR N5 Grammar Explanation →