Voice Translation at Service Counters

Speak into your phone at the bank, city hall, or post office — SayLy handles the Japanese.

Service counters in Japan can be intimidating when you don't speak the language. Whether you're at a bank, city hall, or post office, SayLy's voice translation lets you explain what you need by speaking into your phone. The staff hears natural Japanese, and you understand their replies. Here are essential phrases for each counter.

At the Bank

  • 口座を開設したいのですが。

    Kouza wo kaisetsu shitai no desu ga.

    I'd like to open an account.

  • 海外送金をしたいです。

    Kaigai soukin wo shitai desu.

    I want to make an international transfer.

  • 通帳を記帳してください。

    Tsuuchou wo kichou shite kudasai.

    Please update my bankbook.

  • キャッシュカードの暗証番号を変更したいです。

    Kyasshu kaado no anshou bangou wo henkou shitai desu.

    I want to change my ATM card PIN.

  • 残高を確認したいのですが。

    Zandaka wo kakunin shitai no desu ga.

    I'd like to check my balance.

At City Hall

  • 住民登録をしたいのですが。

    Juumin touroku wo shitai no desu ga.

    I'd like to register my residence.

  • 住民票が必要です。

    Juuminshyo ga hitsuyou desu.

    I need a certificate of residence.

  • 国民健康保険に加入したいです。

    Kokumin kenkou hoken ni kanyuu shitai desu.

    I want to enroll in national health insurance.

  • 転出届を出したいのですが。

    Tenshutsu todoke wo dashitai no desu ga.

    I'd like to file a moving-out notice.

  • 印鑑登録をお願いします。

    Inkan touroku wo onegaishimasu.

    I'd like to register my personal seal.

At the Post Office

  • この荷物を海外に送りたいです。

    Kono nimotsu wo kaigai ni okuritai desu.

    I want to send this package overseas.

  • 一番安い送り方はどれですか？

    Ichiban yasui okurikata wa dore desu ka?

    What's the cheapest shipping method?

  • 届くまで何日かかりますか？

    Todoku made nannichi kakarimasu ka?

    How many days until it arrives?

  • 追跡番号はありますか？

    Tsuiseki bangou wa arimasu ka?

    Is there a tracking number?

  • 切手をください。

    Kitte wo kudasai.

    Stamps, please.

General Counter Phrases

  • 番号札はどこで取りますか？

    Bangou fuda wa doko de torimasu ka?

    Where do I get a number ticket?

  • この書類の書き方を教えてください。

    Kono shorui no kakikata wo oshiete kudasai.

    Could you show me how to fill out this form?

  • 身分証明書は何が必要ですか？

    Mibun shoumeisho wa nani ga hitsuyou desu ka?

    What ID do I need?

  • 手数料はいくらですか？

    Tesuuryou wa ikura desu ka?

    How much is the fee?

Cultural Tips

  • Most government offices and banks in Japan use a number ticket system. Take a ticket from the machine at the entrance and wait until your number appears on the screen.
  • Bring your residence card (在留カード, zairyuu kaado) and personal seal (印鑑, inkan) to any official counter. Many procedures require both.
  • Service counters usually close earlier than you'd expect — banks at 3 PM, city halls at 5 PM. Plan your visits accordingly.

FAQ

Can I use voice translation at a bank counter in Japan?

Yes. Speak into SayLy and show the screen to the bank staff. Most staff are patient and accustomed to helping non-Japanese speakers.

Do I need to speak Japanese to register at city hall?

No. Many city halls have multilingual support or translation services. SayLy can fill the gap if your language isn't covered — just speak and let the app translate.

With SayLy, just type in your language and send natural Japanese. No memorization needed.

Download on the App Store

Free to use. No account needed.

Related Guides

Real-Time Face-to-Face Voice Translation

Voice Translation for Phone Calls

Voice Translation in Work Meetings

You might also find helpful

Japanese Phrases for the City Hall / Ward Office

Resident registration, certificates, taxes — handle it all in Japanese.

Best Voice Translation Apps for Japan (2026)

Compare the best voice translation apps for living in Japan. See how voice trans

Casual vs Formal Japanese: When to Switch

The same meaning, different vibes — learn when to dial it up or down.