Dear travellers, Have a nice trip! (part 2)

Here is another expression for traveling or going out. In English you say, “I’m on my way.” Its direct translation, “(watashi wa) tochuu desu”, is also wrong.

The correct way is like this:

I am on my way to school. : gakkou e iku tochuu desu./ gakkou e mukau tochuu desu.

“Tochuu” indicates not only being between a starting point and a destination, but also between the beginning and the end of an activity.

Therefore, the following expressions are possible, too.

 Tabeteiru tochuu de seki o tatanaide kudasai. : Don’t leave your seat while you are eating.

Shokuji no tochuu de seki o tatanaide kudasai. : Don’t leave your seat during a meal.

shiai no tochuu, ryokou no tochuu, shucchou no tochuu: in the middle of a game, trip, business trip

By the way, Japanese people are famous for buying omiyage for family, friends and colleagues. It’s actually fun to buy a nice omiyage or get them, but free “miyage banashi” is also nice.

Miyage banashi: tales of one’s travels

When you travel, kio tsukete itte kite kudasai! And then when you come back, tell your miyage banashi to your friends and family!