Mapping a Route - Grammar and Map Symbols

In this lesson, we'll take a closer look at some new grammatical uses and map symbols in Japan. Take notes as you go over the new material. Clarify any questions you might have by contacting your instructor.

Video Lesson: Past Experiences and How to Get to a Place

Watch the video to learn how to ask about a past experience and how to ask and explain how to get to a place on the map. Please watch carefully and take notes. Additional information can be found below the video, along with a printable transcript.

Download a printable version of the Grammar: Mapping a Route Grammar Video Presentation.

Video Notes

うなぎ山西公園(にしこうえん)に行ったことがないんだ。
- I have never been to Unagi Yama West Park.
どうやって：how? in what way?

Map Symbols in Japan

In Japan, the first graders learn certain map symbols to read a map in the social studies class. Here are some of the basic symbols:

Map symbols for bamboo grove, hospital, high school, shrine, tea farm, library, museum, post office

**Basic Japanese Map Symbols - Picture Order**
Location	Bamboo Grove	Hospital	High School	Shrine	Tea Growing Land	Library	Museum	Post Office
なまえ（日本語で）	竹林ちくりん	病院びょういん	高校	神社じんじゃ	茶畑ちゃばたけ	図書館としょかん	博物館はくぶつかん	郵便局ゆうびんきょく

Are they easy to remember? Can you follow Matsuki’s directions and the white line on the map and figure out what some of the symbols represent?

Illustrated map with various points of interest marked with symbols — **Image Text**
Top Left Text: うなぎ山西公園(にしこうえん)
Bottom Center Text: うなぎ山南公園(みなみこうえん)
Bottom Right Text: 南(みなみ)高校
Top Right Text: 北(きた)高校
Diagonal Black and White Line (sign): うなぎ山駅(えき

Advanced: You may have fun exploring the symbols used on a map in Japan. Think of the shape of each symbol as each represents something. Can you guess what these are? The answers are below.

Choices: police box; orchard; hot spring/spa; college; elementary school; local port

Final Thoughts and Practice: Grammar and Map Symbols

We covered quite a lot of ground in this lesson. Be sure to take careful notes on the information in each section and contact your instructor with any follow-up questions.

What are some common symbols on maps that you've seen before? How similar or different are they from the Japanese symbols in this lesson?

Complete this practice quiz to check the advanced symbols from above.

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