Learn Japanese from the News
Lessons on this site use content from the NHK WORLD JAPAN program "Learn Japanese from the News." Use the news to learn Japanese and take conversations to a new level.
Learn Japanese from the News
Lessons on this site use content from the NHK WORLD JAPAN program "Learn Japanese from the News." Use the news to learn Japanese and take conversations to a new level.
ロン(Long)
最近日本の会社で働き始めた。ソフィアの後輩。
アン、一恵と同じマンションの住人。
ソフィア(Sophia)
ロンと同じ会社で働く先輩。子育てをしながら、日本で5年間働いている。
田中健司
ロンの上司。中学生と、小学生の2人の子どもがいる。
アン(An)
夫が日本で働くことになり、一緒に日本で暮らしている。小学生の娘がいる。
鈴木一恵
ロン、アンと同じマンションの住人。現在は一人暮らし。
During breaktime, Long and Tanaka are talking about where they want to go for their next holiday.
ロン:田中さんは今度の連休、どこか旅行に行きますか?
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Tanaka-san, are you going anywhere for the upcoming holidays?
田中:今話題の北陸新幹線に乗って、福井の恐竜博物館に行くんだ。子どもたちにせがまれてね。
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We’re going to take the Hokuriku Shinkansen and go to the dinosaur museum in Fukui. Our kids begged us to take them there.
Explanation
「せがまれる(segamareru)」(to be begged/pestered for something)
「せがむ」 is a word that refers to strongly requesting something from a person of higher status. 「せがまれる」 is the passive form of 「せがむ」. This word is used in casual settings or everyday life situations. It is not used in formal situations such as for work.
ロン:なるほど。新幹線効果はすごいですね。私の周りでも北陸方面に行く人が増えた気がします。
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I see. The “shinkansen effect”sure is something. I feel like more and more people around me are visiting the Hokuriku region now.
Explanation
「●●●効果(●●●-kooka)」(●●● effect)
「効果」 is the effect or effectiveness of something. It refers to the desired outcome that results from a certain action. 「新幹線効果」 refers to the positive effects that arise from the opening of a shinkansen line, for example, the revitalization of the local economy, or the development of tourism.
田中:ロンさんも今後金沢支社に行くとき、足をのばしてみたらどう?
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Long-san, the next time you visit our branch in Kanazawa, why don't you 「足をのばす」 out to the area?
Explanation
「足をのばす(ashi o nobasu)」(to stretch one's legs out / to go further / to go out to)
「This expression has two meanings. First, it means “to stretch out your legs and relax in a more comfortable position.” Second, it is used as an idiom that means to go further than where you are or your intended destination. You will have to infer which meaning it is by context.
ロン:足をのばす? 新幹線に乗るとき、足を伸ばして座った方がいいということですか?
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「足をのばす」? Do you mean I should stretch out my legs when I’m on the shinkansen?
田中:あ、いや。金沢に行ったとき、もっと先の福井にも寄ってみたらどう?新幹線もできたから、遠くないと思うよ。
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Uh, no. When you go to Kanazawa, why don’t you go a bit further and swing by Fukui? With the shinkansen being extended, it won’t feel like it's so far away.
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Sophia is meeting a mom friend from day care whom she has not seen in a while. They are having dinner together.
ソフィア:ねえ、聞いた? 働いていない親でも一時保育で預けることができるようになるって。
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Hey, did you hear? People will be able to place their children in a day care even if they aren’t working.
Explanation
「ねえ、聞いた?(Nee, kiita?)」(Hey, did you hear?)
This expression is used to bring up a news story in a casual conversation between friends. When you want to know if the other person knows about a certain topic, use 「知ってた?」. In this case, Sophia wants to confirm if her friend has heard about a news story, so she uses the expression 「聞いた?」. 「ねえ」 is a casual way to call out to the other person to get their attention. If the other person’s attention is on something else, you can repeat it twice and say, 「ねえ、ねえ」.
友だち:へえ。私たちの時は、働いていてもなかなか預けられなくて大変だったのにね。
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Really? When we were child-rearing, it was difficult to find a day care that could look after your child even if you were working.
ソフィア:働いていない親は子育ても孤立しがちだから、いい制度だと思う。
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Non-working parents who are raising a child tend to become isolated, so I think this is a great system.
Explanation
「●●●がち(●●●gachi)」(tends to ...)
This is used to express an action that one often takes, or to describe a typical behavior or tendency. It is more often used in cases where the tendency is a negative one or there is room for improvement. The 「ます」 of the masu-verb form is replaced by 「がち」. 「孤立しがち」 is formed by replacing the 「ます」 in 「孤立します」 to 「がち」.
友だち:保育園に子どもを預けたら、私たちのようにママ友もできるしね。
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And if parents place their children in daycare, they can make mom friends, like we did.
Explanation
「ママ友(mama-tomo)」(mom friends)
「ママ」 comes from the English “mama” or “mamma” and is how children refer to their mother. The Japanese equivalent is 「お母さん」. Mom friends are women with young children whom you get to know through taking your child to a park, kindergarten, or day care.
ソフィア:同じぐらいの歳の子を育てている親同志で、心配なこととかを気軽に話せるママ友は必要だよね。
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Having mom friends who are raising similar-aged children is a must, so that you can casually talk about your worries and other things you want to talk about.
友だち:その通り! わたしも上の子どものときには、先輩のママ友にたくさん相談していた。
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That’s right! I got a lot of advice from older mom friends when I was raising my eldest.
ソフィア:わたしも。実は、今日も子どものことでちょっと教えてほしいことがあって・・・。
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Me too. Actually, there was something I wanted to ask you regarding my kid...
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After Sophia and Long take part in tsunami evacuation training, they talk about their concerns for what actually might happen after an earthquake.
ロン:本物の津波警報が出たとき、ここに何を持って逃げればいいんですか?
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If a real tsunami alert is issued, what do we bring with us when we evacuate?
ソフィア:荷物の心配よりも、着の身着のままで高い所に逃げた方がいいと思うよ。
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Instead of worrying about what to bring, you should escape to the highest place near you with nothing but the clothes on your back.
Explanation
「着の身着のまま(ki no mi ki no mama)」(nothing but the clothes on your back)
This expression means 「今、着ているもののほかは何も持っていない (to take nothing with you but what you are wearing). 」 It expresses a situation where you evacuate on the spot without taking anything with you, for example, in the case of an earthquake, fire, or tsunami. 「まま」 means 「ある状態を変えずに (without changing the current situation)」. This expression is also used to describe a situation in which you rushed out of the house after receiving urgent news unrelated to a natural disaster.
ロン:安否を確認したり、いろいろな情報を知るためには、携帯電話だけは持っていかないと。
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But you have to take a mobile phone with you to confirm the safety of others and to gather information.
Explanation
「安否を確認する(anpi o kakunin-suru)」(check if ... is safe)
「安否」 means 「無事かどうか(if you are safe or not)」. It is the action of checking to see if certain people are alive or safe in the event of a natural disaster, accident, or incident. If it’s unclear whether they are safe or not, the expression 「安否が不明(safety unknown) 」is used.
ソフィア:私の家族は、お互いの無事を知らせるために、「171」にかけて、メッセージを残すことにしているから、携帯がなくても大丈夫。
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Our family will call 171 and leave a message to tell each other that we are safe, so I don’t have to have a mobile phone.
ロン:それ、「災害用伝言ダイヤル」の番号ですね。通信障害が起きても公衆電話から安否確認ができるんですよね。
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That’s the number for 「災害用伝言ダイヤル(Disaster Emergency Message Dial)」right? You can check on each other’s safety from a pay phone even in cases of communication failure.
Explanation
「通信障害(tsuushin-shoogai)」(communication failure/network outage)
A situation where communication networks such as telephone and the internet are temporarily unavailable due to problems that arise from natural disasters or a technical issue is called 「通信障害」. 「障害」 refers to the problem that occurs when something doesn’t function properly. You can also say, 「通信障害が発生する」. When things are back to normal and the problem is fixed, you can say 「復旧した(fukkyuu-shita)」 or 「回復した(kaifuku-shita)」.
ソフィア:それぞれの携帯会社でも、災害時の伝言サービスがあるから、事前に確認しておくことが大事よね。それに、通信障害が起きたら、安全な無料Wi-Fiの「ファイブゼロ・ジャパン」が使えるんだって。
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Each cellphone carrier has their own message service in case of disasters, so it’s important to look into it beforehand. And if there is communication failure, they say you can use a free, secure Wi-Fi network called “00000JAPAN.”
ロン:へえ、知りませんでした。ソフィアさんはいろいろな情報を知っていて、さすがです!
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Wow, I didn’t know that. I admire you for knowing so much, Sophia!
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Long is traveling with his friend. They take a photo in front of Hachiko Statue, a famous photo spot, and talk about its significance.
友だち:「ハチコウ」というのは犬の種類?
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What type of dog is Hachiko?
ロン:この犬は秋田犬。ある大学教授のペットで、名前は「ハチ」。「公」というのは昔、あだ名などを呼ぶときにつけていたんだって。
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He was an Akita dog. His owner was a university professor and the dog’s name was Hachi. “Ko(o)” is a suffix that was used in the past to turn a name into a nickname.
Explanation
「●●●公(●●●koo)」(familiar suffix)
TThe kanji 「公(koo)」can also be read as 「おおやけ(ooyake)」 and refers to the public in general. It can also be used after a name to pay respect to a person of high rank. For example, 「徳川家康 (Tokugawa Ieyasu)」 is also called 「徳川公 (Tokugawakoo)」 and 「家康公 (Ieyasukoo)」. The usage of “koo” in 「ハチ公 (Hachikoo)」 expresses a friendly relationship with someone younger or of a lower status, or in this case, a nickname for a pet. However, this usage is no longer common.
友だち:ふ〜ん。どう見ても普通の犬だけど、どうして有名なの?
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I see. To all appearances, he looks like a regular dog—why is he famous?
Explanation
「どう見ても(doo mite mo)」(to all appearances)
「どう見ても」 is used to emphasize that something is clear and understandable from any and all angles. You can also say, 「どこから見ても」「どのように見ても」.
ロン:それはね、教授が亡くなった後もハチは10年間、毎日渋谷駅の改札で教授を待っていたからなんだって。
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Well, it’s because even after the professor passed away, Hachi waited for his return at the Shibuya Station ticket gate every day for ten years.
Explanation
「それはね(sore wa ne)」(Well...)
This is an expression used to give an explanation or reasons in response to a question or topic the other person has brought up. It can only be used toward someone you are familiar with or who is younger or of a lower status. It is impolite to use it in a conversation with an elder or someone of higher status. So if a child asks, どうして●●●なの?(Dooshite ●●●nano?)」, then you can answer by saying 「それはね、△△△だからなんだよ(Sore wa ne, △△△dakara nanda yo.)」.
友だち:なるほど。だから「忠犬ハチ公」っていうんだね。
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I see. So that’s why they call him “Faithful Dog Hachiko.”
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Sophia is at a meeting, giving a presentation on the progress of her team’s project.
ソフィア:では、私の方からCチームの進捗状況を報告いたします。
(ソフィアさんは報告をしたあと、みんなに質問がないか聞きました。)
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So now I’d like to report on the progress of team C.
(Sophia finishes her presentation and asks if there are any questions.)
Explanation
「進捗状況を報告いたします」(Shinchoku-jookyoo o hookoku-itashimasu.)
This expression is used when reporting on the progress or the current status of a project or job at a meeting. 「進捗」 refers to how far along you are in relation to the project or work goals and schedule. If a problem occurs and you need to report on the negative effect it is having on the project, leave out 「進捗」. In such cases, use only the word 「状況」 and say, 「状況を報告いたします」.
同僚:ひとつ確認させてください。「10年後に実現する」ということは、10年間、ただこの事業へ投資をし続けるということでしょうか。
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I’d like to confirm one thing. You said, “We will actualize this in 10 years.” Does that mean we will continue to invest in this project for the next 10 years?
Explanation
「ひとつ確認させてください」(Hitotsu kakunin-sasete kudasai.)
When you want to ask questions, state the number of questions that you have first, and then ask the questions concisely. If there are three questions that you want to ask, say 「3つ、確認させてください。」
ソフィア:ご確認、ありがとうございます。確かに10年間は投資をしつづけることになります。でも、10年後には大きな成果が得られます。
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Thank you for your question. Yes, it means that the investment period will continue for 10 years. However, we will see a big result 10 years from now.
同僚:なるほど、そこがリスクですね。
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I see, but that is a risk.
ソフィア:失敗したら目も当てられないので、がんばります。貴重なご意見、ありがとうございました。
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Failure is out of the question, so we will do our best. Thank you for your valuable input.
Explanation
「目も当てられない」(me mo aterarenai)
「目も当てられない」 describes a situation where something is in such a terrible state or circumstances that you cannot bear to look.
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Ann’s family is flying in from overseas. She wants to take them to a new anime facility in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, and is calling her friend on the phone to invite them along.
アン:ねえ、知ってる?東京の池袋に新しくできたアニメの施設。
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Hey, did you hear? There’s a new anime facility in Ikebukuro, Tokyo.
Explanation
知ってる?(Shitteru?)
The 「い」 in 「知っている?」is often omitted in spoken language. Instead of saying 「東京の池袋に新しくできたアニメの施設のことを知っていますか。」, Ann begins with a question:「知ってる?」. This conveys to the listener that they are about to hear something that the speaker thinks they should know about 「自分が知っているべき情報だ」. That, in turn, raises their interest level. Note that if the information is something that the other person has no way of knowing, using 「知ってる?」will only bring about the opposite outcome. It will make them think, 「そんなことをどうして私が知っていなければいけないのか(Why should I have to know that?)」. So be sure to use the expression carefully.
友だち:ああ。この前、テレビで紹介していたね。
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Oh, yes. It was featured on TV the other day.
アン:実は、家族が日本に遊びに来るので、この週末に連れて行こうと思っているんだけど。私、東京がよくわからないから、付き合ってくれない?
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Actually, my family is coming to Tokyo, and I’m planning to take them there this weekend. I’m not very familiar with Tokyo, and so I was wondering if you would come with us.
Explanation
付き合う(tsukiau)
「付き合う」 is used to express a situation where people do something together for social reasons. For example, 「食事に付き合う (have dinner together)」「残業に付き合う(work late together)」. Here, Ann is asking her friend to come along with her to the new anime facility. 「付き合う」is also used when the intention is to form a close relationship or a romantic relationship. For example, 「彼女と付き合っています(I am going out with her)」to explain that you are in a boyfriend-girlfriend relationship, or 「近所の人とは全く付き合いがない (I have no relationship with my neighbors)」to explain the level of relationship.
友だち:せっかくだけど、私はパスする。アニメには興味がないんだ。
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Thanks, but I’ll pass. I’m not interested in anime.
Explanation
パスする(pasu-suru)
This expression is used when turning down an invitation or a recommendation from someone you are close to. 「パス」 in 「パスする」 comes from the English word “pass,” which is used during card games to skip your turn. By extension, it came to be used as a way to refuse something in a way that suggests 「今回は断るけど、永久に断るわけではない。 (I won’t do it this time but it’s not a definitive no)」. Be sure not to use this with your superiors. To refuse politely, use the expression 「今回は遠慮させてください。(Konkai wa enryo-sasete kudasai.)(Please kindly let me refrain this time)」.
アン:そんなこと言わないで、一緒に行こうよ。私の家族も紹介したいし・・・。
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Oh, come on, don’t say that! Come with us! I want to introduce you to my family...
友だち:んー、わかった。アンさんの家族に会ってみたいから、私も一緒に行く。
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OK, OK. I’ll go—because I want to see what your family is like.
アン:ありがとう。本当に助かる!
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Thank you so much!You’re a lifesaver!
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Sophia is about to exchange business cards with a new client, when to her surprise, they ask her to take out her smartphone.
ソフィア:本日はお時間をいただき、ありがとうございます。ソフィアと申します。よろしくお願いいたします。
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Thank you very much for your time today. I’m Sophia. It’s very nice to meet you.
Explanation
「本日はお時間をいただき、ありがとうございます。」
(Honjitsu wa ojikan o itadaki, arigatoo gozaimasu.)
This expression is used to show gratitude to the other party for setting aside time in their busy schedule for you. By saying thank you at the beginning of an interview with a superior or a business meeting with a client, you can make a good impression. It is not necessary to use this expression when you were invited by the other party. You can also use the similar expression 「お時間を割いていただき」. This conveys gratitude to someone for taking time out of their day for you, when they could have used it for other activities or work. For example, a lecturer may use this expression at the beginning of a seminar.
取引先の人:よろしくお願いいたします。あの、ソフィアさんはスマートフォンをお持ちですか。
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The pleasure is ours. Umm, do you have a smartphone, Sophia?
ソフィア:はあ。
(スマートフォンをポケットから出す)
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Yes...
(Takes out smartphone from her pocket)
取引先の人:こちらが私の名刺です。
(カードを出して)
このカードの上にスマホをおいてみてください。
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This is my business card.
(shows business card)
Please place your smartphone on top of this card.
ソフィア:あっ、名刺の情報が私の携帯に来ました! デジタル名刺は便利ですね。
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Wow, I just got your info on my phone! Digital business cards are very convenient.
取引先の人:デジタル名刺は、スマホの充電さえきちんとしていれば、安心です。
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As long as you have your smartphone charged, digital business cards are great.
ソフィア:なるほど、環境にもやさしいですね。それに、これだと名刺が切れることがないからいいですね。
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I see, and they are eco-friendly, too. And you can never run out of business cards.
Explanation
「●●●が切れる」(●●●ga kireru)
「切れる」 is a verb used to refer to a specific action such as 「ハサミで切ることができる (can cut with scissors)」, but it also has the meaning “to finish” or “to interrupt.” Here, it is used to show that something that is used continuously is temporarily lacking. 「名刺が切れる」means that she has used up all of her business cards and has not yet printed out a new batch.
取引先の人:ただ、スマホを持っていない方もいるので、一応、紙の名刺も持っているんです。
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The thing is, there are people who don’t have a smartphone, so we carry paper business cards just in case.
ソフィア:そうなんですか。
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I see.
取引先の人:(苦笑いしながら)
紙の名刺も作っているから、環境にやさしいかどうかは微妙ですね。
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(nervous laughter)
Because we have both, it’s hard to say if we are really eco-friendly.
Explanation
「微妙ですね」(Bimyoo desu ne.)
「微妙」 is a term originally used to describe a situation that is 「趣が深く、何とも言えない美しさや味わいがあるような様子(something that is deeply atmospheric and has an undescribable beauty or taste)」. However, in conversation, we use it when asked for an opinion or impression as a way to say that the difference is too small to be clearly expressed, or that the situation is complicated. Here, the client uses it to express that they are aware they are not entirely eco-friendly, as they also carry paper business cards.
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Long is discussing with his coworkers about which new security company they should use.
同僚:僕は警備員の代わりにロボットが見回ることには何か不安が残るな。
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I’m a little anxious for a robot to be making the rounds instead of a security guard.
Explanation
We use the expression 「不安が残る(fuan ga nokoru)」to emphasize that one has doubts and concerns after a piece of information or an explanation was given to them. It is used to show that one is not feeling completely safe or satisfied. In cases where the exact reason for the apprehension cannot be pointed out but one feels a vague sense of insecurity, we say 「何か不安が残る」.
ロン:繰り返しになりますが、この警備会社がいちばん安いんです。
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I’ve said this before, but this security company is the cheapest.
Explanation
「繰り返しになりますが(kurikaeshi ni narimasu ga)」
This expression is used when you feel that the other person has not understood or needs confirmation, and so you will repeat an explanation that you have previously given.「繰り返しになりますが」 can be used to emphasize an important point or when something is repeated for confirmation. However, this expression should not be used toward a superior, as it will come across as impolite.
同僚:確かにそうかもしれないけど、何だかなあ。
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That may be so, but I don’t know.
ロン:どんな点が不安なんですか。
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What exactly is making you feel anxious?
同僚:どんな点ねえ。んー。何となく。
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What exactly...well...it’s just a feeling.
ロン:じゃあ、こうしませんか。「周りの社員にロボット警備の問題点を挙げてもらう」。どうでしょうか。
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Then why don’t we do this? Let’s ask our fellow employees to list the issues with having robotic security guards. What do you think?
Explanation
「じゃあ、こうしませんか。(Jaa, koo shimasen ka.)」
This is a phrase used to propose a solution when a problem arises during a conversation. Instead of suddenly making a suggestion, this phrase will act as an introduction that you are about to suggest a solution. You can make a concise suggestion and then follow it with a 「どうでしょうか。」to confirm like Long did here.
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An visits Long, who lives in her apartment building, to give him a souvenir from her trip to Hiroshima. The two talk about the pros and cons of collecting a visitation tax from tourists.
アン:(ピンポーン。 ガチャ)
こんにちは。週末に夫と広島に行ってきたんです。これ、お土産のおまんじゅうです。
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(doorbell rings, door opens)
Hi. I went to Hiroshima with my husband this weekend. Please accept this manju, a souvenir from our trip.
ロン:わあ、ありがとうございます。お天気も良かったし、きっと混んでいたでしょうね。
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Wow, thank you so much. The weather was nice so it must have been crowded.
アン:そう。特に、宮島は観光客でごった返していましたよ。
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Yes. Miyajima was especially packed with tourists.
Explanation
「ごった返す(gottagaesu)」
This expression refers to a very crowded situation. It not only means that there are many people, but that there is confusion due to the commotion. Here, An uses it to convey that there were many tourists where they visited.
ロン:やっぱり? 観光客が多すぎて地元の人たちはうんざりしているかもしれませんね。
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I imagine! The locals are probably fed up with having so many visitors.
Explanation
「地元の人(jimoto no hito)」
「地元」 is the land where one lives, and 「地元の人」 are people who have lived in a particular area or place for a long time. Here, 「地元の人」 refers to those who live in a certain place, as opposed to tourists, who only visit temporarily.
アン:でも、島への船の料金と一緒に税金も集めて、街をきれいにすることなどに使うそうですよ。
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But they said they are going to collect tax along with the boat fare to the island and use it to clean up the town.
ロン:えっ? そんな方法で税金を集めるなんて、いかがなものかなぁ。
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Really? I’m not sure if it’s a good idea to collect tax money that way.
Explanation
「いかがなものかなぁ。(ikaga na mono ka naa)」
「いかがなもの」 is the polite form of 「どのようなもの」. We use this phrase when we feel that there is a problem or have a question about something, and also when we want to ask critical questions. Long adds 「かなぁ」 to make it sound like he was talking to himself and thus indirectly conveys his doubt. The phrase 「いかがなものでしょうか」 is used when directly speaking to the other person. It is used when we question the other person with feelings of 「本当にそれで良いのか(Is that really how it should be?)」 「それは適切なことなのか(Is it appropriate?)」.
アン:「いかがなもの」というほどの金額ではないし、街が良くなったら住民だけでなく観光客もうれしいと思いますよ。
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I think the amount(of the tax)is not so high that it warrants saying 「いかがなもの」, and if the town improves, it will make not only locals but tourists happy as well.
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There are many train travel programs on Japanese TV that highlight the country’s different regions. An and her husband are looking at a traveling company’s website and discussing about taking a train trip.
夫:この電車なんかどうかな?食品サンプルの電車だってよ。
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How about this train? It’s a food model train!
アン:食品サンプルの電車?何、それ。
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A food model train? What is that?
Explanation
「何、それ(Nani, sore.)」
We use this phrase when we don't quite understand the meaning of something said by
someone we are close to, or when we are taken aback. We can also say 「何だ、それ」. Because it is not a question, the intonation at the end is lowered. It means 「あなたが言っていることは意味不明です。(I don't understand what you are saying)」, so be careful of the usage, as if used incorrectly, one can sound impolite.
夫:電車の中にたくさんの食品サンプルがあるんだって。
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It says there are many food models on the train.
アン:わざわざ電車に乗らなくても、レストランで見ることができるでしょ?
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We don’t have to get on a train for that, we can just see them at a restaurant, can’t we?
夫:まあ、そうだけど・・・。 ほら、ちょっとこの写真を見てごらん。
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Well, yes... Oh, take a look at this picture.
Explanation
「●●●てごらん(●●●te goran)」
When we want to urge someone to do something, change the verb so that it ends with 「て」 and add 「ごらん」 after it. Here, the husband is saying it to his wife, but it is more commonly used by parents when speaking to their children. As it includes a notion of command, it is impolite to use toward a superior.
アン:わあ、すごい。本物みたいだね。面白そう。
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Wow, that’s amazing. It looks so real. Looks interesting.
夫:だろう?この電車にしようよ。
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Right? Let’s go on this train.
Explanation
「だろう?(Daroo?)」
This is a way of saying 「そうだろう?」 without the 「そう」. 「そう」 refers to what we previously said to the other person, and is used when we want to confirm that what we have said is correct. The polite form is 「そうでしょう?」 and 「でしょう?」. However, since it is a affirmative interjection that emphasizes that what we said was correct, it is impolite to use it toward a superior.
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Long and An are talking about what to eat in the case of a big earthquake. Long, who doesn’t usually cook at home, is worried.
アン:それってカセットコンロですよね。ガスコンロがこわれたんですか。
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That’s a portable gas stove, isn’t it? Did the gas stove in your kitchen break?
Explanation
「それって、●●●ですよね(sorette,●●●desu yo ne)」(That’s ..., isn’t it?)
「それって」 is a casual way of saying 「それは」. It is used, as in this example scenario, when we want to confirm our understanding of something the other person has around them, or what the other person has said. Here, An is confirming the reason why Long bought a new portable gas stove even though there is a gas stove in his apartment.
ロン:ああ、これですか? 地震でガスや電気がとまったときのために買ったんです。
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Oh, this? I bought it in case gas and electricity are shut off by an earthquake.
アン:災害のときにできる料理を紹介しているサイトがあるみたいですよ。
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I heard that there is a cooking site that shares recipes you can cook in the case of a disaster.
Explanation
「●●●みたいですよ(●●●mitai desu yo)」(I heard that ... / Apparently ...)
One of the functions of 「みたい」 is to convey what the speaker has inferred based on what they have seen or heard. An has heard about this website sometime in the past, but has not actually used the site, so she adds みたい to convey the information. 「よ」 is added to information that the other person does not know. If An thought Long knew about it, she would have added「ね」 and said, 「あるみたいですね。」
ロン:そうなんですか。僕の場合、ほとんど料理を作らないから、レシピを見てもわからないかもしれません。
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I see. I don’t normally cook at all, so I wouldn’t know how to cook even if I had a recipe.
アン:だったらなおさらサイトを見た方がいいかも。簡単な料理ばかりなので、練習になると思いますよ。
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All the more reason you should take a look at the website. They are all simple recipes, so I think it would be good practice for you.
Explanation
「だったらなおさら(dattara naosara)」(in that case, all the more reason)
「だったら」 is used when we want to casually express our thoughts or opinions in response to new information. The word 「なおさら」 indicates a more advanced state of things. Therefore the combination of the two in 「だったらなおさら」 means that the new information we have learned from the other person’s story is added as a condition for the next step. Here, when An learns that Long doesn’t cook, she encourages him to try cooking recipes that can be prepared during a disaster.
ロン:なるほど。じゃあ、このカセットコンロで料理の練習を始めようかな。
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I see. Then I think I’ll start learning how to cook with this portable gas stove.
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The TV in the breakroom is showing a special program about “yami-baito.” Long is worried that people who do not understand Japanese may become involved unknowingly.
ロン:それにしても「闇バイト」はこわいですね。
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So... “yami-baito” is a scary thing, huh?
Explanation
「それにしても(sore ni shite mo)」(at any rate / nevertheless / even so)
「それにしても」 is a conjunctive used to change topics. We use it to comment on a topic that was previously talked about. Also, it can be used to convey a feeling of unexpected anxiety or admiration after a certain fact was confirmed during a conversation. In the dialogue, Long uses it in yet another way: to start a conversation about a topic everyone is aware about.
同僚:ほんとに。簡単にお金を稼げると思っていたら、犯罪の手伝いの仕事だったなんて。
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It really is. You think you’ll be able to earn easy money, and then you find out that you are helping commit a crime.
ロン:日本語ができない外国人は特に闇バイトをしてしまいそうです。
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A foreigner who doesn’t understand Japanese may unknowingly do “yami-baito.”
同僚:日本語力の問題とは限らないと思うよ。この前捕まったのは全員日本人だったし。
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I don’t think it’s necessarily a matter of Japanese language ability. The people who got arrested the other day were all Japanese.
Explanation
「●●●の問題とは限らない(●●●no mondai to wa kagiranai)」(it’s not necessarily a matter of ...)
We use the partial negation expression 「とは限らない」to point out that there are exceptions. It is often used when discussing social issues, and we want to mention that there may be other possible causes or exceptions. For example, if we say 「女性だけの問題とは限らない」 about a certain social issue, it is expressing the notion that there are people other than women who have similar problems.
ロン:言われてみればそうかもしれませんね。
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You have a point there.
Explanation
「言われてみればそうかもしれませんね(iwarete mireba soo ka mo shiremasen ne)」(come to think of it, you may have a point)
We sometimes gain new perspective when someone expresses an opinion that differs from our own. Long feels that his coworker may have a point and says, 「そうかもしれませんね」. We use the expression 「言われてみれば確かにそうですね。」 to imply that we have changed our opinion and agree with the person we are talking with. Conversely, when we cannot accept the other person’s opinion, we can refute by using such expressions as 「そうは言うけど」 and 「そういう考えもあるけど」.
同僚:日本語には「うまい話には裏がある」という表現があるんだよ。
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There is an expression in Japanese, 「うまい話には裏がある」(Every coin has two sides).
ロン:あ、わたしの国にもあります!簡単にお金をもらえる仕事はあやしいですよね。
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Oh, we have an expression for that in my country, too! There’s something shady about any job that provides easy money.
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An and her husband saw a news story about the techniques behind creating Japanese swords and are now talking about passing down their countries’ cultures to their children.
アン:日本は、親から子どもへ文化を伝えるのが上手ね。
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Japan is very good at passing down its traditions from parent to child.
夫:確かにそうだね。刀を作る人たちは「昔からの文化を伝える」という使命感があるんだろうね。
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That is true. For people creating Japanese swords, they must have a sense of mission that they must pass down the traditional culture.
Explanation
「使命感(shimeekan)」(sense of duty)
「使命」 refers to a duty one is given, something that should be fulfilled with a sense of responsibility. The strong feeling that the responsibility must be fulfilled is called 「使命感」.
アン:わたしたちにも母国の文化を子どもたちに伝える使命があると思う。
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I feel that we have a duty to pass down our countries’ cultures to our children, too.
夫:それは別の話だよ。僕たちは特別な技術を持っていないし、子どもたちも興味なさそうだし・・・。
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That’s a different story. We don’t have any special skills, and the kids aren’t that interested either...
Explanation
「それは別の話(sore wa betsu no hanashi)」(that’s a different story)
「別の話」is a way to say that the conditions are different, so the result should be different as well. It is used when the other person says something that does not apply to the current conversation. We can soften the expression by adding 「思う」at the end and saying 「それは別の話だと思う。」
アン:そうかなあ。 子どもたちのアイデンティティにつながる重要な文化だと思うけど。
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I don’t know. I think culture is an important part of our children’s identity.
夫:そう思うならやってみたらどう? 応援するからがんばって。
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If you think so, then why don’t you give it a shot? I’ll root for you to do your best!
アン:もう!最後はいつも人任せにするんだから、ずるい!
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Hey! In the end you always leave it to others, it’s not fair!
Explanation
「人任せにするんだから(hito-makase ni suru n dakara)」(you (have a habit of) leaving it to others)
「人任せにする」 is when you have other people do something that you should do. We use this phrase to criticize someone who doesn’t do things on their own. Words like 「ずるい」「ひどい」 usually follow 「なんだから」, but when you want to criticize someone like in the dialogue, you add 「なんだから」 to the part you want to draw attention to. For example, if you want to criticize someone for always being late, we say 「いつも遅いんだから。(you are always late)」.
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Long and his coworker hear about the news that the banknote design will change. The two talk about how the people chosen to be on banknotes differs by each country.
同僚:ところで、海外ではいつお札のデザインを変えるんですか?
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So, when do banknote designs change overseas?
ロン:それは国によって違うと思います。国王が変わった時とか、10年ごととか・・・。
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I think it depends on the country. For example, when a king changes, or every decade, or...
Explanation
「それは●●●によって違うと思います(Sore wa ●●● ni yotte chigau to omoimasu.)
We use this expression to convey our thoughts when the answer to a question changes depending on conditions or on what you know. Instead of sharing our opinion, we can answer by giving examples, as in this dialogue.
同僚:ああなるほど。お札のデザインに国の指導者を使う国もありますからね。
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I see. There are countries that choose to portray their leader on their bills.
ロン:日本では歴史上の人物をデザインに使うんですよね。確か1万円札はシブヤ・・・
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In Japan, they use historical figures for the designs, right? For the 10,000 note, I believe it was Shibuya...
同僚:シブサワ エイイチ。
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Shibusawa Eiichi.
Explanation
The names of historical figures do not require honorifics or titles. But generally for names other than your family members and close friends, add honorifics such as 「さん(san)」、「君(kun)」、「様(sama)、「氏(shi)」or professional titles such as 「社長(shachoo)」 and 「先生(sensee)」. Out of these, 「氏(shi)」 is used to show respect in formal situations and is placed after the last name or full name. It is not used when directly calling out to the person.
ロン:その人のことです! 日本人はみんなその人のことを知っているんですか?
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Yes, him! Do all Japanese know him?
同僚:どうでしょうねぇ。名前は知っているけど顔はわからないといったところかな。
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I don’t know. They may know his name, but maybe not his face.
Explanation
「●●●といったところ(●●●to itta tokoro)」
This expression is used when using examples to better explain something to others. Here, in response to the question 「誰でも知っているのか」, it is used to convey the extent of people’s understanding by saying that the name is famous, but not so famous that people recognize his face. Also, by changing the expression to “number”+ 「といったところ」, it can be used to convey an approximate quantity.
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During lunch break, Long talks to his senior coworker Sophia because he thinks she might know more about residence statuses than him.
ロン:仕事に関係ないことなんですが、今、いいですか?
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This isn’t about work, but is now a good time to talk?
Explanation
「●●●ことなんですが、今、いいですか?(●●●koto nan desu ga, ima, ii desu ka?)」:When you want to consult with someone at work, instead of suddenly bringing up your concern, it is better if you state what you want to talk about and ask if the other person has time to listen. Here, Long is confirming with Sophia if she is willing to lend an ear even if the topic doesn’t concern work, that is,「仕事に関係ないこと」.
ソフィア:もちろん! 遠慮しないでどうぞ。
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Of course! Please feel free.
Explanation
「遠慮しないでどうぞ。(Enryo-shinai de doozo.)」:This is a phrase you can use to urge the other person who may be hesitant to start talking. You can just say 「どうぞ」, but here Sophia felt like Long was being hesitant because he had said 「仕事に関係ないことなんですが」, so she added the phrase 「遠慮しないで」. 「どうぞ」 is used to urge the other person to talk, and you can also use it when serving tea or sweets to your guests. If you add the phrase 「遠慮しないで」before 「どうぞ」, it will allow the other person to feel comfortable about beginning to drink or eat.
ロン:実は、母国の友だちから 「特定技能2号」 のビザについて質問が来たんですけどわからなくて。
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Actually, my friend back home asked me about Specified Skilled Worker No. 2 status of residence, but I don’t know the answer.
ソフィア:ああ、ニュースで言っていたビザのことねぇ。・・・自分に関係するビザ以外はよく知らないんです。ごめんなさい。
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Oh, you’re talking about the status of residence that was on the news...I know about my status but very little about other types. I’m sorry.
ロン:えっ、ソフィアさんもですか? みんな同じなんですね。
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Oh, you too, Sophia? So it’s not just me.
Explanation
「みんな同じなんですね。(Min-na onaji nan desu ne.)」:This expression is used when you feel relieved after finding out that everybody else is in the same situation as you. Here, Long uses this expression to show his relief that he wasn’t the only one without knowledge of Japanese status of residence types and that Sophia, who has been in Japan longer than him, also doesn’t know.
ソフィア:お友だちには大使館や専門家に聞くようにアドバイスしたら?
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Why don’t you advise your friend to ask someone at the embassy or a professional?
ロン:そうですね。そうします。
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You’re right. I will do that.
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Sophia talks with her coworker about the new law concerning invasive alien species and taking care of her children’s pet.
会社の人:まいったなあ。
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I don’t know what to do.
Explanation
「まいったなあ(maitta naa)」 I don't know what to do.:The word 「参る(mairu)」 is a humble form word which has the meaning of 「行く(iku)」 and「来る」. But it also means 「降参する(koosan-suru)」, or “to surrender.” When we recognize our own defeat, we say 「参りました(mairimashita)」. But when we are talking to ourselves, we say 「参ったなあ=まいったなあ」. It is very similar to 「困ったなあ(komatta naa)」, but 「まいったなあ」can also be used when we are impressed or blown away by what someone else has done.
ソフィア:どうしたんですか。
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What’s wrong?
会社の人:子どもがアカミミガメをもらってきたんだけど、新しい法律では飼ってはいけないんですよね。
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My child brought home a pond slider turtle but there’s a new law that says you can’t keep one.
ソフィア:そうでしたっけ。わたしの理解では、飼うこと自体は問題ないと思いますけど。
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Are you sure? My understanding is that it’s not a problem to keep one as a pet.
Explanation
「わたしの理解では(watashi no rikai dewa)」:Even if you hear the same information, people may interpret it in different ways or sometimes misunderstand it. In such cases, we can use the phrase 「わたしの理解では(watashi no rikai dewa)」 to express our own understanding. We can replace 「理解」 with 「認識(ninshiki)」 and say 「わたしの認識では」, which makes the expression more formal.
会社の人:そうなんですね。でも、子どもたちが最後まで世話をするか心配だなあ。
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I see. But I’m worried if the children will take care of it till the end.
ソフィア:その心配はよくわかります。うちも 結局、わたしがペットの世話をしています。
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I understand your concern. At our house too, in the end I’m the one who’s taking care of our pet.
Explanation
「その心配はよくわかります(Sono shinpai wa yoku wakarimasu)」:This phrase is used to show that we empathize with the other person’s concern. It is used to express that we would worry about the same thing if we were in their shoes. We can replace 「心配」 with 「気持ち(kimochi)」 and say 「その気持ちはよくわかります(Sono kimochi wa yoku wakarimasu)」, or “I understand your feelings.”
会社の人:うちも最後はわたしが世話をすることになりそうです。
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I think I will also end up taking care of our pet, too.
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At a restaurant, Sophia and her friend are discussing the pro and cons about the price change in rice when it is grown without the usage of agricultural chemicals.
ソフィア:(レストランのスタッフへ)私は「鴨肉のソテー」、こちらは「ビーフシチュー」ね。
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(to the waiter) I’ll have the 「鴨肉のソテー」 and she will have the 「ビーフシチュー」.
友だち:そうそう、鴨と言えば、アイガモを使った米作りって知ってる?
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Oh, by the way, speaking of ducks, do you know about the method of growing rice using ducks?
Explanation
「そうそう、●●●と言えば、(Soosoo, ●●● to ieba,)」:We use the phrase 「そうそう」 and 「そう言えば」 when we want to bring up a new topic. Here, Sophia’s friend is bringing up a new but related topic, so she uses the expression 「●●●と言えば、」 at the beginning of her sentence. It is a useful way to steer the conversation in the direction that you want.
ソフィア:ああ、農薬を使わない「アイガモ農法」ね。
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Oh, you’re talking about the “Aigamo method,” where you don’t use any agricultural chemicals.
友だち:でも、アイガモのエサ代とかかかるし、費用対効果はどうなのかな。
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But it costs money to feed the ducks and so on. I wonder how cost-effective it is.
Explanation
「費用対効果(hiyoo-tai-kooka)」 in English is “cost-effectiveness,” “price-performance ratio,” or “cost-performance.” Some people say 「コスパ」, the shortened version of “cost-performance.” It refers to the balance between the time and cost spent and how much profit was made.
ソフィア:わたしは値段が高くても農薬を使っていないお米を買いたいなぁ。
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I would buy rice grown without agricultural chemicals even if it was expensive.
友だち:そうぉ? うちは家族が多くてお米をたくさん買うからねえ。
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Really? I have a big family, so I have to buy a lot of rice.
Explanation
「そうぉ?(Soo o?)」 is used to express doubt about what the other person has said. The voice rises a little bit at the end of the 「お」. This expression is followed by an opposite opinion or by a phrase that is neither for nor against the other person’s opinion but allows the person to keep middle ground until they make up their mind.
ソフィア:でも、わたしたちみたいにいろいろな考えの人がいるから、農家もいろいろな工夫をするのかもしれないね。
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I guess farmers become more creative with their methods because there are people with differing opinions, like us.
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The day after a heavy rain, coworkers Sophia and Long discuss what actions to take when a linear rainband warning is issued.
ロン:昨日は、大雨の情報を知らせてくださってありがとうございました。
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Thank you for giving me a heads up about the heavy rain yesterday.
ソフィア:線状降水帯の注意報を聞いたので、一応、メールで知らせた方がいいと思って。
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I heard that a linear rainband warning was issued, so I thought I should email you just in case.
Explanation
「一応、●●●た方がいい(ichioo,●●●ta hoo ga ii)」:We use the phrase 「一応」 when expressing something that may not be necessary, but we feel like it should be done. The ta-form verb is used before 「方がいい」. Here, Sophia explains that she thought she should email Long to let him know that there would be concentrated downpours.
ロン:ソフィアさんから連絡をもらってすぐに帰ったので、助かりました。
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I went home right after you mailed me, so thank you so much.
ソフィア:それはよかった。今回は大丈夫だったけど、用心するに越したことはないですからね。
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I’m glad to hear that. Things were fine this time, but it’s better to be cautious.
Explanation
「●●●に越したことはない(●●●ni koshita koto wa nai)」:When we want to express that something should be done just in case, or that something should be done for safety reasons, we add the particle 「に」 after a verb and follow it with 「越したことはない」. We can also say 「用心に越したことはない」 by changing 「用心する」(verb) into 「用心」 (noun). Adjectives can also be used in this expression, such as 「安いに越したことはない (the cheaper, the better)」 and 「静かに越したことはない (the quieter, the better)」.
ロン:でも、線状降水帯の情報が入っても何をしたらいいのかわからなくて、不安になります。
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But I feel anxious, because I don’t know what to do even if I hear about a linear rainband.
ソフィア:わたしは大雨が降った時にあぶなくなる場所は調べてあるんです。ロンさんも調べてみたら?
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I’ve looked up places that are considered danger zones during heavy rain. Why don’t you do the same?
ロン:そうですね。とりあえず自宅やよく行くところの土地が高いところか、低いところか、調べてみます。
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I see. For now, I think I will check to see if my house and places I go often are on high or low ground.
Explanation
「とりあえず(toriaezu)」 is used to express that something is a temporary measure. It is used before the minimum action that can be taken at the time. Since 「一応」 also has the meaning of not perfect but meeting the minimum requirements in addition to just in case, 「一応」 can be used interchangeably with 「とりあえず」. When there is a stronger sense of something being a temporary measure, use 「とりあえず」.
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Sophia is shown a multilingual Maternal and Child Health Handbook from her friend and expresses her thoughts about it.
ソフィア:「オメデタ」だってね。本当によかったね。
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I heard that you are expecting! I’m so happy for you.
友だち:うん、ありがとう。ジャーン。これが役所でもらった「母子健康手帳」!
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Yes, thank you. Look! I got this Maternal and Child Health Handbook from the city office.
Explanation
The onomatopoeic word 「ジャーン」 is used to express a sound that is made by hitting a large piece of metal such as a gong. Just as you ring a gong before an announcement, you use the word 「ジャーン」 when you have something to show.
ソフィア:わあ、今は外国語の母子手帳もあるんだ。
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Wow! I didn’t know they had maternal handbooks in foreign languages.
友だち:そう。でもまだすべての役所にはないと思う。
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They do. But I don’t think all city offices have them.
ソフィア:へえ、そうなんだ。多言語のサービスは自治体によって違うのね。
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I see. I guess multilingual services differ according to the local government.
友だち:そう。外国人が少ない地域にこそ、多言語サービスが必要だと思うんだけど。
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I think so. I think communities with fewer international residents are the ones that need multilingual services the most.
Explanation
「●●●こそ、○○○が必要だと思う (●●●koso, ○○○ga hitsuyoo da to omou)」:We use 「こそ」 after a word that we want to especially emphasize. Here, Sophia’s friend is conveying her opinion that although multilingual services are necessary in general, she feels that in communities that do not have many international residents, people have fewer opportunities to have something translated into their native language. Therefore, she thinks that multilingual services should be all the more available in those places.
ソフィア:確かに言えてる。自分が得意な言語で情報を確認したくてもその言語がわかる人も少ないでしょうからねえ。
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You have a point. Even if you wanted to verify something in the language that you’re the most comfortable with, there may not be many people who understand that language.
Explanation
「確かに言えてる(Tashika ni ieteru)」:We use the expression 「確かに言えてる」 when we think the other person has a point and we also think the same way. 「確かに」 is used widely to express our agreement with what the other person has said. We can also use 「言えてる」 by itself to express our agreement.
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Long thinks that his taxi fare for last night was too expensive and asks Sophia about taxi fares.
ロン:会社から駅までのタクシー代って、いつもどのぐらいですか。
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How much does it normally cost to take a taxi from our office to the station?
ソフィア:そうねえ。大体800円か900円ぐらいかなあ。
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Let me see...it’s about 800 or 900 yen.
ロン:そうですよね。でも、ゆうべタクシーに乗ったとき、1080円も払ったんです。
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That’s what I thought, too. But last night’s taxi cost me 1080 yen.
Explanation
「そうですよね(soo desu yo ne)」: This expression is used to show that you strongly agree with what the other person has said.
When conveying information that the other person does not know, use the particle 「よ (yo)」. By adding this particle, you can show a stronger empathy compared to 「そうですね(soo desu ne)」.You may omit the 「そう(soo)」 in a casual conversation and just say 「ですよね(desu yo ne)」.
ソフィア:ああ。夜遅い時間だったらそのぐらいですよ。
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Oh, if it was late at night, it costs about that much.
ロン:えっ?料金は乗る時間によって違うんですか?知りませんでした。
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What? Does the fare differ depending on the time? I didn’t know that.
Explanation
「●●●によって違う(ni yotte chigau)」 It depends on ●●●:Add 「による」 after a factor that makes a difference to indicate on what basis something changes. The factor should be in the noun form, as in 「乗る時間」. In the above conversation, you can also say 「何時に乗るかによって料金が違う(nan-ji ni noru ka ni yotte ryookin ga chigau)」. If the word before 「によって」is a verb, add the interrogative 「か」.
ソフィア:「深夜料金」といって、電車やバスが走っていない時間帯は料金が少し高くなるんです。
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It’s called late-night pricing—the prices go up when trains and buses are not running.
ロン:ぼくはてっきり運転手さんが遠回りしたのかと思っていました。高かった理由がわかって少し安心しました。
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I thought for sure the driver took the long way around. I feel relieved to know why it cost so much.
Explanation
「てっきり、●●●と思っていました(Tekkiri, ●●●to omotteimashita)」 I was certain that ●●●:By sandwiching what you expected between 「てっきり(tekkiri)」 and 「思っていた(omotteita)」, and in that order, you can express that the result of your expectation turned out completely different. 「思っていた」 means that it was something that you thought was correct until you understood the truth.
Here, Long is saying that his deduction, that the taxi fare was high because the driver took the long way around, was wrong.
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Sophia and Tanaka are talking about the news of increased train fares to make stations more accessible. They share their thoughts and opinions with each other.
ソフィア:ニュースで、日本の鉄道会社がバリアフリー化を進めているって言っていましたけど、ここの駅もやってほしいですね。
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On the news they said that Japanese railway companies are making train stations more accessible. I hope they do something for this station, too.
Explanation
This expression is often used when you are speaking about something you heard from another person. 「~だそうです」「~と言っていました」「けど」 mean the same as 「が」 and are contradictory conjunctive particles that contradict what you or another person said previously. You can follow up with what you want to confirm or have doubts about after the expression「って言っていました」. For example, 「料金が上がるって聞いたけど、いつから上がるの?」.
田中:どうだろうねぇ。
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I don’t know.
Explanation
This is a response when you don’t agree with the other person’s opinion but don’t want to overtly disagree. The polite form is 「どうでしょうねぇ。」. You can also say 「どうかなあ。」as if you are talking to yourself.
ソフィア:この駅にもホームドアをつけたら、こどもたちやお年寄りが線路に落ちる心配もないし、いいことだと思いますけど。
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If platform doors were installed, there would be less concern about children and elderly people falling from the platform. I think it would be a good thing.
田中:まあねえ。でもまた運賃が上がったら、困る人もいるんじゃない?
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Yes, but if fares were raised again, wouldn’t that make some people unhappy?
ソフィア:確かに。でも、事故を減らせるんだったら、運賃が上がるのも仕方がないと思います。
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That’s true. But if raising fares means fewer accidents, then I think it’s something that has to be done.
田中:この駅で事故が起きたことはないし、ぼくは今のままでいいと思うけどなあ。
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There haven’t been any accidents at this station, so I think it’s fine as is.
ソフィア:私は運賃が上がってもバリアフリー化することに一票入れたいです。
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I vote for raising fares to make the train station accessible.
Explanation
When you support a certain opinion, you can use the phrase「○○に一票入れます」instead of 「○○に賛成です」. 「票」refers to a ballot. As supporting an opinion is similar to the act of voting for the person you want to elect, we use the expression 「一票を入れる」to mean that we agree with a certain opinion.
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With the news coverage on evacuation plans in case of disasters, Long and Tanaka talk at the office about what they would do and what they are unsure about.
ロン:火山が噴火したときの避難計画のニュースをみたんですけど、田中さんも親戚の家に逃げるんですか。
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I saw the news about the evacuation plan for volcano eruptions. (If that were to occur,) would you to escape to your relative’s house, too?
田中:兄のところに避難しようと思ってるけど、車で5時間かかるからどうかなあ。
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I’m thinking about evacuating to my brother’s place, but it takes five hours by car to get there so I’m not sure.
Explanation
You can also use the phrase「どうかわからないなあ。」in place of 「どうかなあ。」. This expression is used to explain the reason why something that you said may not actually happen. For example, if you want to say that your plans may not actually happen because 「台風が来る (a typhoon is coming)」, you could say something along the lines of 「明日は海に泳ぎに行く予定だけど、台風がきているからどうかなあ。」.
ロン:車は使ったらダメらしいですよ。ぼくは自転車で逃げようと思ってますけど、どこに逃げたらいいのかわからなくて。
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They said you aren’t supposed to evacuate by car. I’m thinking about getting away on my bike, but I don’t know where to go.
Explanation
We use the word 「ダメ」when we want to say that it’s 「してはいけないこと (something you shouldn’t do)」. It is often used when scolding a child. For example, 「してはいけません」becomes 「したらダメ」. However, do not use this phrase with your superiors and people you are not close to. In cases where two people know each other well, like Tanaka-san and Long, the word 「らしい」is added to express indirectly that it’s something that shouldn’t be done.
田中:ロンさんは国内に誰か頼ることができる友だちはいないの?
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Long, don’t you have any friends you can rely on in Japan?
ロン:それがあまり思い当たらなくて。毎日会う会社の人たちが一番頼れる人たちなんです。
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That’s the thing, I’m having difficulty thinking of someone. The people I see at the office everyday are the people I rely on the most.
田中:ロンさんは、うれしいことを言うね。火山が噴火したときにはいっしょに連れて行くから安心して。
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Oh, Long, hearing that makes me happy. If a volcano erupts, you can come with me, so don’t worry.
ロン:それは心強いです。ありがとうございます。どうかよろしくお願いします。
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That’s reassuring. Thank you so much. Thank you in advance for what you’re doing for me.
Explanation
It is reassuring to know that someone is there to help you when you are feeling insecure and unsafe. Use the expression 「心強いです」to express that their words and presence makes you feel safe. By telling the other person that you are reassured by their words and presence, you are also expressing gratitude toward them.
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After seeing the news about how you can open a bank account through an app, An’s husband suggests to her that she open a bank account. He explains that there are benefits but also risks, and he offers a solution to one such issue.
夫:銀行口座が簡単に作れるアプリができたんだって。知ってた?
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There’s a new app that allows you to easily open a bank account. Did you know?
Explanation
An’s husband finds out about the app through the news and tells An about it. Because it is a conversation between a couple, they are using casual Japanese. You use the expression “知ってた?” to someone you are close to when talking about a piece of information the other may not know about. Be careful not to use it with someone whom that information does not concern. It may offend them, as it is like saying that they should know something.
アン:へえ、銀行に行かないでアプリで口座が開けるなんて、すごいね。
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Wow, I can’t believe you can open a bank account through an app and not have to go to a bank. That’s amazing.
夫:アンもアルバイト用の口座をもう一つ作ったらどう?
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Why don’t you make another bank account for your part time job?
アン:うーん。でも銀行口座もアプリだと、個人情報とかだいじょうぶかなあ。何だか心配。
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But...I’m concerned about the security of my personal information if I make a bank account though an app. I’m a bit worried.
Explanation
Use the word 「何だか」when you don’t know what exactly it is that makes you feel a certain way about something. You can also say 「何となく」. 「何だか」is also used to express an intuitive feeling. It is used with words that express feelings such as 「何だかうれしい」 and 「何だかあやしい」.
夫:でも信頼できる会社のアプリだったら安全だと思うよ。
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I think it’s safe if the app is from a company that you can trust.
アン:あと、パスワードとか盗まれたら、お金も盗まれるかもしれないし・・・。
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And if your password gets stolen, your money could get stolen too...
夫:ぼくだったら毎月パスワードを変えるけどね。ま、いろいろと考えてみたら?
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If it were me, I would change my password every month. Why don’t you think it over?
Explanation
This is a phrase used to express your opinion without denying the other person’s words. An was worried about her password being stolen, so An’s husband tells her a solution to that issue by using the hypothetical form,「もし、ぼくだったら」.
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Long and Sophia are talking at the company’s bicycle parking lot. Sophia brings up the news about cyclists having to make an effort to wear helmets and conveys her opinion on the topic.
ソフィア:ロンさんのヘルメット、かっこいいですね。
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Cool helmet, Long.
ロン:そうなんです。かぶるのは義務じゃないけど、かぶった方が安全かなと思って。ソフィアさんは?
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Thank you. Wearing one is not a must but I figured it would be safer to do so. How about you, Sophia?
Explanation
There are different words to express “wear.” For clothes, use the word “着る.” For pieces of clothing that you wear from the waist down, such as socks, pants and skirts, use the word “はく.” As for things you wear on top of your head, such as a helmet, use the word “かぶる.” However, the words “つける” and “する” are also used when expressing things you put on, such as helmets, glasses and masks.
ソフィア:私はまだ迷ってるところ。いちいちヘルメットをかぶるのも面倒だしねぇ。特にスーパーで買い物をする時にヘルメットが荷物になるし・・・。
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I’m still undecided. It’s a hassle to wear a helmet every time I ride a bicycle. And especially when I go shopping for groceries—the helmet is just another thing I have to carry...
ロン:確かに。でも、帽子みたいにヘルメットかぶったまま、買い物をしている人もいますよ。
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I see. But I ‘ve seen people shopping with their helmets on their head like a hat.
Explanation
“確かに” is a response used to express one’s agreement with what the other person said. Even when you have a different opinion, you can first say “確かに” to express “I understand your opinion,” then use the word “でも” and say how your opinion differs from the other person.
ソフィア:そうねえ。でも、今ひとつ、ヘルメットをかぶろうという気にはなれないなあ。
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True...but it still doesn’t quite make me want to wear a helmet.
Explanation
The expression “今ひとつ” is used to describe a situation where you feel something isn’t quite complete. It’s used when you don’t know what is missing to make that something complete.
ロン:おしゃれなデザインのものもあるみたいですよ。
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I hear that there are ones with stylish designs, too.
ソフィア:それなら、ちょっと考えてみてもいいかな。
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In that case, I may think about it.
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教材作成/国際交流基金日本語国際センター
With the evolution of technology, communication methods are diversifying. Long seems to be interested in work that will connect people through communication. Follow along to learn how to express changes in how you feel and what you want to do in the future. Some key terms in this dialogue include 「通訳(interpreter)」「夢がかなう(dream comes true)」「具体的に(specifics)」「つなぐ(connect)」「お互い(each other)」「応援する(cheer for)」.
美咲:ロンさんって、何にでもチャレンジするし、すごいよね。もしかして、将来何か別のことをしようとか考えているの?
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I think it’s great that you aren’t afraid to try new things, Long. Are you thinking about doing something different (changing professions) in the future?
ロン:え?…ぼくが日本語を始めた理由って話したっけ?
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Huh? Have I told you why I started studying Japanese?
美咲:あー、そういえば聞いたことがないかも。
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Umm, no, I don’t think so.
ロン:最初はね、日本語を勉強して、通訳として日本の会社で働きたいって思っていたんだ。
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At first, I wanted to study Japanese so I could work at a Japanese company as an interpreter.
Explanation
By using 「~って(と)思っていた」 you can express feelings that you had before (「これまで思っていた」). At the same time, you’re expressing that 「今はそう思っていない(今は違う)」, which means you don’t feel that way anymore. In short, by using this expression, you are saying that your feelings or thoughts have changed. From this dialogue, we can deduce that Long used to want to work as an interpreter, but now has a different dream.
ロン:通訳じゃなかったけど、日本の会社で働く夢はかなって、今ここで働いているんだけど…。実際に働いてみて、周りの人に助けられて、もっとたくさんの人の役に立てるようなことをしたいって思うようになったんだ。
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I’m not an interpreter, but my dream to work at a Japanese company came true and I’m working here now...but since I started working here, I’ve received so much support from the people around me. And it made me think that I want to do something that will help more people.
Explanation
By using 「~って(と)思うようになった」, you can express that your feelings have changed over time. It also expresses that you didn’t think this way before (「以前はそう思っていなかった」). You can combine 「~ようになった」with other verbs to show what changed, for example, 「食べられるようになった」and 「わかるようになった」.
美咲:へぇ。例えば?
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Wow. Like what?
ロン:あ、あの~、実は具体的にはまだよくわからないんだけど、人と人をつなぐ仕事、いろいろな人がもっとコミュニケーションできて、お互いを理解し合えるような、そういうお手伝いができたらいいなって。
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Umm...actually, I’m not sure about the specifics yet, but I want to do something that will connect people, and something that will allow more people to communicate and understand each other.
美咲:へぇ、それで、ロンさんはいろんなことにチャレンジしているんだね。
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Wow, that’s why you are always tackling new challenges.
ロン:まあ、役に立つかどうかわからないけどね。
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Well, I don’t know if any of it will bear fruit.
美咲:がんばって。応援してる。
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Good luck. I’m cheering for you.
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教材作成/国際交流基金日本語国際センター
Today’s dialogue is between Tanaka and Long. Long asks Tanaka to check the Japanese script that he will read as the MC of an upcoming event. Some Japanese names use kanji that are difficult to read, so creating a script in Japanese can be difficult. Follow along to learn how to ask someone to look over the readings of kanji and your Japanese. Some key terms in this dialogue include 「司会(host)」「原稿(script)」「簡潔に(simple)」.
ロン:田中さん、すみません。今、ちょっといいですか。
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Excuse me, Tanaka-san. Do you have a minute?
田中:ああ、何?
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Of course, what is it?
ロン:あの、この漢字、何と読みますか。イベントのゲストの方の名前なんですけど。
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Umm, how do you read this kanji? It’s the name of the guest at the event.
Explanation
This is how to ask someone when you don’t know how to read kanji characters. Kanji used in names often have a special reading, and sometimes even those who are fluent in Japanese have trouble reading them.
田中:え?ああ、これは「よもだ(四方田)」って読むんだよ。
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Huh? Oh, this is read 「Yomodaよもだ(四方田)」.
ロン:へぇ、そうなんですか。一つ一つの漢字は簡単なんですが、どう読むのか全然わかりませんでした。
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I see. The individual kanji are simple, but I didn’t know how to read them together.
田中:司会やるんだっけ。準備、大変そうだね。何か手伝えることがあったら言って。
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You are going to be the MC, right? It sounds like it’s a lot of work to prepare. If there’s anything I can help you with, let me know.
ロン:はい。実は、ゲストのバックグラウンドを説明しなきゃいけないんですけど、あまり時間がないので、簡潔に、でも、大切な情報は落とさないでって言われたんです。でも、説明を短くしようとすると、日本語が変になっちゃって。あの、田中さん…お忙しいところ本当に申し訳ないんですが、原稿の日本語チェック、お願いできないでしょうか。
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Thank you. Actually, I have to explain the guest’s background, but I don’t have much time. So I was told to keep it simple, but not to exclude any important information. But when I try to make the explanation short, my Japanese becomes weird. So Tanaka-san, I know you are busy and I’m sorry to ask you this, but would you mind checking my Japanese script?
Explanation
This is a very polite way to ask someone for something. By saying 「お忙しいところ本当に申し訳ないんですが」 you are showing that you are aware of the other person’s situation. And by asking 「お願いできないでしょうか」, you are asking if there is a possibility they can help you. This is a way to put less pressure on the other person, compared to a phrase like 「お願いします」.
田中:ああ、いいですよ。いつまでに見ればいい?
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Of course, no problem. When do you need me to check it by?
ロン:来週には出さなきゃいけないので、もしよかったら、今週中にお願いしたいんですが。
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I need to submit it by next week, so if possible, could I ask you to look over it by the end of this week?
田中:今週中ね。OK。
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By the end of this week, OK.
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教材作成/国際交流基金日本語国際センター
Today’s news story is about dishes made from rice; going along with that theme, today’s dialogue takes place at a restaurant. Long, Sophia, and Tanaka have arranged to have dinner together, but Long arrives late. Follow along to learn how to explain in detail the reasons why you were late, and how to apologize. Some key terms in this dialogue include 「ぎりぎり(last minute)」「慌てる(in a hurry)」「反対方面(opposite direction)」「心配をかける(cause worry)」「急行(rapid)」「通過(pass through)」「乗り換え(change trains)」「焦る(in haste)」「余裕(time to spare)」.
田中:ロンさん、遅かったね。
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Long, you’re late.
ロン:30分も遅れて、すみません。家を出るのがぎりぎりになって慌てていて、反対方面の電車に乗ってしまいました。
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I’m sorry for being 30 minutes late. I left home at the last minute in a hurry and got on the train that goes in the opposite direction.
Explanation
When you are late to an agreed time, it’s important to state the reason you were late. By using the expression 「~てしまいました」, you can convey a feeling of regret or disappointment. The verb needs to be in the TE-form (conjugation form of verbs that ends with TE).
ソフィア:そうだったんだ。ロンさんから何も連絡がないから、私たち心配してたんだよ。
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I see. We were worried because we didn’t hear from you, Long.
ロン:ご心配おかけして、本当に申し訳ありません。
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I’m very sorry to cause you worry.
Explanation
「申し訳ありません」 is a polite form of 「すみません」. By using the expression 「~て、申し訳ありません」, you can express what you are apologizing for. Here Long is politely apologizing for causing the two to worry.
ロン:焦ってて、ご連絡するのをすっかり忘れてしまいました。実はそのあとにも、急行電車に間違えて乗って、降りる駅を通過してしまったんです。何度も電車を乗り換えてたら、30分経ってしまってて…。
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In my haste, I completely forgot to contact you. Actually, after that, I got on a rapid train, and it passed through the station I wanted to get off at. After changing trains so many times, (before I knew it) 30 minutes had passed…
ソフィア:そっか、それならしょうがないけど。でも、もう少し早く家を出たら、そんなに慌てずにすんだんじゃないかな。
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Well, in that case, I guess it couldn’t be helped. But if you had left home earlier, you wouldn’t have had to be in such a panic.
田中:まあまあ、無事着いたんだからいいじゃない。
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It’s OK, at least he got here safely.
ロン:すみません…これからは、時間に余裕をもって家を出るように気をつけます。
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I’m sorry...I will try to leave home with time to spare from now on.
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教材作成/国際交流基金日本語国際センター
An and Kazue are talking about prevention measures against hay fever in the halls of their apartment building. Follow along to learn how to talk, ask questions, and answer about hay fever prevention measures and what to do if you develop symptoms. Some key terms in this dialogue include 「くしゃみ(sneeze)」「花粉症(hay fever)」「鼻水(runny nose)」「つらい(tough)」「かゆい(itchy)」「対策(measures)」「薬局(pharmacy)」「試す(try)」「腸内環境(intestinal environment)」「整える(balance)」「免疫力(immunity)」「予防(prevent)」「効果(effect)」「方法(method)」.
一恵:(くしゃみをする)
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(sneezes)
アン:あ、一恵さん、花粉症ですか。
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Oh, Kazue, do you have hay fever?
一恵:そうなのよ。くしゃみと鼻水がひどくて。今年は特にひどくて困っちゃうわ。
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That’s right. I sneeze a lot and I have a runny nose, it’s tough. This year it’s really bad.
アン:つらいですよね。私も花粉症で、目がかゆいんです。
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It’s rough. I also have hay fever, so my eyes are itchy.
一恵:あぁ、アンさんも花粉症なのね。何か対策してる?
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I didn’t know you had hay fever too. How do you deal with it?
アン:近所の薬局で薬を買いました。その薬を試しているところです。一恵さんは?
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I bought some medicine at a nearby pharmacy. I’m trying it out right now. How about you, Kazue?
Explanation
You can emphasize something that you are doing right at this moment by using the expression 「Vている+ところです」. A TE-form verb (conjugation form of verbs that ends with TE) is used.
一恵:その薬がアンさんに合うといいわね。そうね、私もいろいろ試してるんだけど、最近は、腸内環境を整えるようにしてるの。
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I hope that medicine works for you. Well, I am trying many things, but recently I’m trying to keep a good balance in my intestinal environment.
アン:えっと…それは、例えば、どんなことでしょう?
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Umm…so for example, what do you mean?
Explanation
When you don’t understand what the other person said, it’s useful to ask back( refer to#11、#23) but sometimes it’s easier to understand if they give you an specific example. Here, An didn’t understand what Kazue said about 「腸内環境を整える」, so she asks 「例えば、どんなことでしょう?」and asks for Kazue to explain in detail.
一恵:ほら、ヨーグルトや納豆や味噌を、いつもよりたくさん食べたりするのよ。そうすると免疫力が上がって、花粉症を予防できるみたいで。まだ始めたばかりで、効果は分からないんだけど。
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Like eating more yogurt, natto and miso than usual. By doing that, it seems that you can boost your immunity and prevent hay fever. I only started recently, so I don’t know if it’s effective or not.
アン:そうなんですね。いろんな方法がありますね。
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I see. There are many methods.
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教材作成/国際交流基金日本語国際センター
Long’s superior, the department head—or “buchoo” as we say in Japanese—is leaving to start a new company. Today is buchoo’s last day at work. Long goes to buchoo’s desk to pay his respects. Today’s dialogue is on how to express your appreciation to your boss for looking after you, and to wish them success in the future. Some key terms in this dialogue include 「感謝(appreciation)」「迷惑(trouble)」「叱られる(be scolded)」「謝る(apologize)」「立派(come so far)」「活躍(success)」.
ロン:部長…、今まで本当にお世話になりました。部長にはこの会社に入ってからずっとお世話になって…、たくさんのことを教えていただき、本当に感謝しています。
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Buchoo...thank you so much for all that you have done for me. Since I started working here you’ve really looked after me...I have nothing but appreciation for your guidance.
Explanation
「いただく」is a humble form of 「もらう」. Here, Long is politely conveying his appreciation for everything buchoo’s done for him by using the expression 「Vていただき、本当に感謝しています」. The verb before 「いただく」 is in the TE-form (conjugation form of verbs that ends with TE).
部長:ロンさん、こちらこそいろいろありがとう。
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No, thank you for everything, Long.
ロン:最初の頃、日本語も仕事も全然できなくて、ご迷惑ばかりおかけして…。それなのに、部長はいつも優しくフォローしてくださって…。営業先で叱られたときに、一緒に謝ってくださったこと、本当に嬉しかったです。
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At first, I couldn’t speak Japanese or do my job at all, so I know I must have caused you so much trouble.... And yet, you kindly continued to support me... I was really touched when you apologized with me when I was scolded by a potential customer.
Explanation
「くださる」is an honorific form of 「くれる」. By using the expression 「Vてくださったこと、本当に嬉しかったです」, Long is politely expressing how touched he was that his superior apologized with him. The verb before 「くださる」 is in the TE-form (conjugation form of verbs that ends with TE).
部長:そんなこともあったなー。今じゃすっかりロンさんも立派になったけど。
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Oh, I remember that... You’ve come so far.
ロン:部長、新しい会社に行っても、どうぞお体を大切に。ますますのご活躍をお祈りしています。
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Buchoo, please take care of yourself at your new company. I wish you continued success.
部長:ありがとう。ロンさんも頑張れよ。
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Thank you. I wish you the best too, Long.
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教材作成/国際交流基金日本語国際センター
Today’s news story is about changes to the measures being taken against COVID-19, but there are still many things that are undecided. In our dialogue, Sophia has some worries concerning her children’s school and is asking Tanaka-san for advice. Follow along to learn how to describe your concerns and explain your situation so you can ask for help. Some key terms in this dialogue are 「外す(take off)」「合わせる(go along with)」「思いきって(take a leap of faith)」.
田中:ソフィアさん、相談って、何ですか?
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Sophia, what did you want to talk to me about?
ソフィア:お忙しいところすみません。子どものことで、ちょっと…
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Thank you for making time for me. It’s about my children…
Explanation
This is a useful phrase to start a conversation about something you are worried about. By starting the conversation with 「~のことでちょっと…」instead of jumping right in, the person you are talking to can get a better idea of what you want to discuss.
ソフィア:この前から、もうマスクをしなくてもいいことになったじゃないですか。それで、うちの子どもは、マスクを外すことにしたんです。でも、他の子どもは、まだみんなマスクをしているので、その子たちのお母さんはどう思っているのかなって…田中さんのお子さんたちは、どうしていますか?
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You know how we don’t have to wear facemasks anymore? Well, my children decided to take theirs off. But other children are still wearing them, and I was wondering what their mothers think about it.... How about your children, Tanaka-san, what do they do?
田中:うちの子はもう中学生と高校生だから、自分で考えさせているんだけど…まだしていますね。今までずっとマスクをしていたからねぇ…
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My children are already in middle school and high school, so I have them think for themselves...but they still keep theirs on. They’ve been wearing a mask for a long time now, so...
ソフィア:でも、子どもも嫌がっているし、このままずっとマスクをしたまま生活するのは子どもの教育にもよくないように思って…このままみんなに合わせたほうがいいでしょうか?
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But my children don’t like facemasks, and I feel like it’s not good for their education to keep living with facemasks on.... Should they go along with everyone else?
Explanation
When you’re asking someone for their advice, you can use phrases like 「どうすればいいでしょうか」, but Sophia asks a more specific question by saying, 「このままみんなに合わせたほうがいいでしょうか」. In cases like this where you have a specific thought, using 「~たほうがいいでしょうか」 makes it easier for the other person to respond. The verb before 「ほうがいい」 should be in the TA-form (conjugation form of verbs that ends with TA).
田中:うーん…思いきって、今のソフィアさんの気持ちを、まずは、お母さんたちに話してみたらどうでしょう?
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Hmm...how about taking a leap of faith and talking to the other mothers about how you feel?
ソフィア:ちょっと不安ですが、それが一番ですよね。話を聞いてくださってありがとうございました。
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I’m a little afraid (to bring it up), but that sounds like the best approach. Thank you for taking the time to talk with me.
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教材作成/国際交流基金日本語国際センター
Sophia is in charge of buying cholates to give out at work for Valentine’s Day. Follow along to learn how to confirm with the shop staff when the number or the type of something you ordered is incorrect. Some key terms in this dialogue include 「ラッピング(wrapping)」「~点(items)」「しるし(mark)」.
店員:ラッピングをお待ちのお客様!
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(To the) Customer waiting for wrapping (please come to the counter)!
ソフィア:あ、はい。わたしです!
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Oh, yes. That’s me!
店員:ご確認お願いします。ホワイトのセットが5点、ミルクのセットが5点、ビターのセットが5点、ブランデーのセットが5点、以上の20点ですね。
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Please confirm. 5 white chocolate sets, 5 milk chocolate sets, 5 bitter chocolate sets and 5 brandy chocolate sets. A total of 20 items, correct?
ソフィア:あれ…?ブランデーのセットは3つで、 ミルクのセットは7つに変更したような気がするのですが…
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Huh? I think I requested to change to 3 brandy chocolate sets and 7 milk chocolate sets...
Explanation
Sophia realized that what she ordered and what the shop staff had prepared was different, so she is asking for confirmation. When asking for confirmation, you can ask directly by saying 「7つに変更したので、確認お願いします」or you can ask indirectly by saying「7つに変更したはずです(see#36) 」「7つに変更したと思います」. Here, Sophia isn’t confident that she’d communicated the changes correctly, so she uses 「~ような気がします」, a more roundabout phrase than 「思う」.
The word before「ような」is in the plain form. 「~な」 is used for the NA-adjective, and 「~の」is used for nouns.
店員:申し訳ございません。もう一度確認してまいりますので、もう少々お待ちください。
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I’m very sorry. I will go confirm once more—just a moment please.
ソフィア:お願いします。あ、それから、ブランデーのセットがどれかわかるようにしるしをつけていただけないでしょうか。お手数をおかけします。
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Yes, it would be nice if you could. Oh, and could you mark the packages for the brandy chocolate sets so I can tell which ones they are? Thank you so much.
Explanation
The phrase 「お手数をおかけします」is used as an apology for any trouble or extra work you caused or to show appreciation for something that is done for you. Sophia is showing her gratitude to the shop staff for double-checking and for marking specific items when the shop is busy. Usage of such expressions will lead to smoother communications.
店員:はい、承知しました。
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Of course.
店員:(戻ってきて)
申し訳ございませんでした。ブランデーのセットが3点、ミルクのセットが7点でした。こちらでお間違いないでしょうか。こちらにしるし、つけてあります。
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(returns)
I am terribly sorry. Your order was 3 brandy chocolate sets and 7 milk chocolate sets. Is that correct? And I have marked these here.
ソフィア:はい!あぁ、よかったです。どうもありがとうございました。
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Yes! Oh, I am so relieved to hear that. Thank you very much.
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教材作成/国際交流基金日本語国際センター
An wants to send a scarf to a friend who lives far away. She is asking about delivery options. Follow along to learn how to ask about the specifics and the cost of different delivery methods. Some key terms in this dialogue include 「送料(shipping cost )」「専用(specific)」「封筒(envelope)」「厚さ(thick)」「郵便受け(post box)」「対面(face-to-face)」.
アン:すみません。長野県に荷物を送りたいんですけど…。
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Excuse me. I’d like to send something to Nagano Prefecture...
郵便局員:はい。何をお送りになりますか。
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Of course. What will you be sending?
アン:ストールです。送料をできるだけ安くしたいと思ってるんですが、どんな方法がありますか。
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A scarf. I would like to keep shipping costs as low as possible. Can you tell me what my options are?
Explanation
An conveys what she’s looking for in terms of delivery and asks what she can do to make that a reality. 「できるだけ」means “as...as possible.” It is often used before adjectives in such ways like 「できるだけ早く帰る(go home as quickly as possible)」and「できるだけ安全な方法で行う(do it in as safe a way as possible)」.
郵便局員:でしたら…、この二つのどちらかになると思います。こういった専用の封筒に入れて送るものです。送料は全国どこでも同じです。
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Then…I think you can choose from these two. You send it in a specific envelope like this. The shipping cost is the same throughout Japan.
アン:なるほど…。…あの、この青い封筒は370円で、赤い封筒は520円ですね。何が違うんですか
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I see…Umm, this blue envelope is 370 yen, and this red envelope is 520 yen. What is the difference?
Explanation
An compares the two envelopes and confirms that the cost is different. This sentence uses two 「は」but the one in 「青い封筒は」is used to indicate the subject and the「は」 in 「赤い封筒は」is used to make a comparison. When comparing two things, 「は」is used like 「Aは~、Bは~」.
郵便局員:この370円のほうは厚さが3センチ以内じゃないとだめなんです。あと、郵便受けにお届けします。520円のほうは厚さの決まりがなくて、対面でお届けしてサインをいただくかたちですね。
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For the 370 yen one, the package must be less than 3 centimeters thick. And it will be delivered to the (recipient's) postbox. There is no limitation on the thickness for the 570 yen one, and it will be delivered face-to-face, and a signature will be required.
アン:370円のは郵便受けに届いて、520円のは対面で届くんですね。
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So the 370 yen one will be delivered to the postbox and the 570 yen one will be delivered face-to-face.
郵便局員:そうです。
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That’s right.
アン:じゃあ、520円のにします。
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Then I'd like to use the 520 yen one.
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教材作成/国際交流基金日本語国際センター
A new resident has moved into the apartment building where Long lives. The landlord is trying to explain about the local evacuation sites, but it seems the new resident has trouble understanding difficult Japanese. Follow along to learn how to explain the content of a conversation to someone else in a more understandable manner. Some key terms in this dialogue include 「自治体(local government)」「指定(designated)」「避難場所(evacuation shelters)」「温暖化(global warming)」「影響(influence)」「災害(disaster)」「備える(prepare for)」「氾濫(flood)」.
大家:もし地震が起きたら、自治体が指定した避難場所に逃げてくださいね。
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In case of an earthquake, please evacuate to evacuation sites designated by the local government.
新しい住人:えっと…。にげ…?
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Umm...“nige”...?
ロン:(指で公園を指しながら)もし、地震があったら、あそこに行きます。あの公園です。
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(Points to the park) If an earthquake happens, go there. That park over there.
Explanation
The key point of today’s dialogue is how to clarify important information that someone has talked about. Here, Long points to the park to explain that it is the evacuation site. Depending on the other person’s Japanese language skills, it will be helpful to supplement the information using hand gestures, showing pictures, or by drawing diagrams and pictures. Marking or underlining important points is also useful when using maps and other materials.
新しい住人:あー。
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Oh.
大家:日本は昔から地震が多いけど、最近はほら、温暖化の影響かなんかで雨が降って川が氾濫しちゃったりもするでしょう?だからね、災害に備えて避難場所は知っておかなきゃ。
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Japan has always had earthquakes, but recently, you know, due to global warming and things, when it rains, rivers tend to flood, right? So, you have to be prepared for disasters by familiarizing yourself with the evacuation sites.
新しい住人:はあ…。もう一度…。
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Umm…could you please repeat what you said...?
ロン:地震、日本は多いですよね。それから、(ジェスチャーをしながら)雨がたくさん降ると、川から水があふれます。危ないですから、避難場所、Shelter、覚えてくださいね。
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There are many earthquakes in Japan. And when it rains a lot (gestures with hands) rivers flood. It’s dangerous, so please remember where the evacuation sites, that is, shelters, are.
Explanation
Long explains what the landlord talked about in a way that is easier to understand. Here, he replaces difficult words with easier ones, talks in shorter sentences, and uses gestures so that the other person will be able to understand.
新しい住人:あー、はい、避難場所。
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Oh, I see, evacuation sites.
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教材作成/国際交流基金日本語国際センター
Today’s news story is about precautions to take in case of heavy snow, but snow is also a gift from nature. In today’s dialogue, Long is talking with Tanaka at the office. Long just took up a winter sport called 「歩くスキー」, or “nature skiing,” a recreational form of Nordic skiing. He is explaining to Tanaka about its appeal. Follow along to learn how to tell another person about something new you recently took up and explain your reasons for starting it and why it is interesting. Some key terms in this dialogue include 「日に焼ける(get a suntan)」「はまる(become hooked)」「板(ski)」「固定(connected)」「ストック(ski pole)」.
田中:あれ?ロンさん、日に焼けた?
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Oh? Did you get a suntan, Long?
ロン:あ、そう見えますか?実は年明けにスキーに行ってから、すっかりはまってしまって!!先週の週末に、また行ってきたんです。
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Oh, can you tell? So, I went skiing during New Year’s, and ever since I’ve been totally hooked ! I went again last weekend.
Explanation
This sentence explains that Long is hooked on skiing. 「すっかり」is an adverb that expresses that something is “completely” or “totally” in a certain state. By using 「すっかり」, Long is saying he is not only hooked, but infatuated with it.
田中:いいねぇ。うちも、子どもが小さいころはよく行ったなぁ。でも、スキー場、遠いでしょう。
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That’s nice. We used to go when our kids were small. But aren’t the ski slopes are far away?
ロン:実は、わたしがやっているのは、歩きスキーっていう、雪の降るところなら、まちの近くの山や自然公園でできるスタイルのスキーなんです。
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Actually, what I do is nature skiing. It’s a type of skiing that can be done in mountains and natural parks near towns as long as there is snow.
Explanation
Long explains that 「歩くスキー」 is 「まちの近くの山や自然公園でできるスタイルのスキー」. He uses the expression 「N1というN2」 and it is used when N1 is something that is not well known. N2 that comes after 「という」explains what N1 is. Here, Long is using the colloquial term 「っていう」 in place of 「という」.
ロン:細い板で、足先だけを固定して、ストックを使いながら進むんです。山の中を歩くので、鳥の声を聞いたり、動物の足跡を見つけたり、自然を楽しむこともできるんですよ。
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You use narrow skiis connected to the toes (of your ski boot), and you move forward using ski poles. You’re walking in the mountains, so you can hear the birds chirping, find animal footprints, and just enjoy nature in general.
田中:わぁ、すごくリフレッシュできそうだね。
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Wow, that sounds invigorating!
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教材作成/国際交流基金日本語国際センター
Sophia bought a new washing machine and has arranged for it to be delivered to her home. She is now on the phone with the vendor to confirm the delivery details. Follow along to learn how to confirm something you did not understand on the phone and to be able to hold a conversation over the phone. Some key terms in this dialogue include 「配達(delivery)」「電波(signal)」「とぎれとぎれ(choppy)」「有無(if …or not)」「不明(unclear)」「水抜き(drain the water)」.
配達員:もしもし、あのー、洗濯機の配達確認でお電話したのですが...。
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Hello, I’m calling to confirm delivery of a washing machine...
ソフィア:あ、洗濯機のことですね。お世話になります。
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Oh, yes, my washing machine. I look forward to having it delivered.
配達員:配達時間ですが、明日の午前10時から12時の間で間違いありませんか。
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About the delivery time—you asked for tomorrow between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. Is that correct?
ソフィア:すみません、電波がよくないのか、とぎれとぎれであまり聞こえなかったのですが...午前何時でしたか。
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I’m sorry, I think the signal is weak—my audio is choppy, and I couldn’t hear you well...what time in the morning did you say?
Explanation
When you can’t hear the other person’s voice clearly over the phone, it’s important to clearly convey which part of the conversation you did not understand. Here, Sophia is asking about the 「何時」part of the conversation. Also, by saying「電波がよくないのか」, you are saying that the reason why you didn’t understand was not the other person’s fault but due to a weak signal. In this way you can avoid offending the other person.
配達員:午前10時から12時ですね。
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Between 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
ソフィア:10時から12時。はい、大丈夫です。
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Between 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Yes, that’s OK.
配達員:それから、エレベーターの有無も確認したいのですが...。
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And I’d like to confirm if there is an elevator or not...
ソフィア:えっと、エレベーターですね。はい、あります。
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Uh, an elevator? Yes, there is one.
配達員:エレベーターありですね。では、明日10時から12時におうかがいしますね。えー、何かご不明なことなどありませんか。
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OK, so there is an elevator. Then I will see you between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. tomorrow. Uh, is there anything that is unclear?
ソフィア:えっと、私のほうで準備しておくことはありますか。
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Hmm, is there anything I need to do on my side?
Explanation
「~ておく」means 「何かをするために、前もって行動する(to do something in preparation of something」. The verb needs to be in the TE-form (conjugation form of verbs that ends with TE). Here, Sophia is confirming if there is anything she needs to prepare before the new washing machine is delivered tomorrow.
配達員:あ、そうですね。水抜きしておいていただけると助かります。
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Oh, yes. It would be helpful if you could drain the water.
ソフィア:水抜き...あぁ、古い洗濯機の水を出して、掃除しておくようにと聞きました。では明日、よろしくお願いします。
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Drain the water...oh, I remember being asked to drain the water from my old washing machine and to clean it. All right, see you tomorrow.
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教材作成/国際交流基金日本語国際センター
Today’s news story is about the “Henro” pilgrimage, and our dialogue for today is similarly about Japanese culture. Long was invited by his friend to participate in a bonsai class. Now he is at work, telling Sophia about the experience during a break. Follow along to learn how to converse cohesively about what you did and your impressions of cross-cultural experiences. Some key terms in this dialogue include 「誘う(invite)」「乗り気(keen on)」「体験教室(trial class)」「水やり(water)」「方法(how to)」「経験(experience)」「価値(worth)」.
ソフィア:ロンさん、盆栽教室に行ってみたんだって?どうだった?
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Long, I heard you went to a bonsai class. How was it?
ロン:はい、先週、友だちに誘われて体験教室に行ってみました。盆栽って、難しそうなイメージがあったので、あまり乗り気じゃなかったんです。でも、やってみたら、思ったより簡単で、とても楽しかったです。
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Yes, my friend invited me, so I went to a trial class last week. I wasn’t keen to go because my image of bonsai was that it’s difficult. But after actually doing it, it was easier than I thought, and I had lots of fun.
Explanation
By using the expression「思ったより~」, you can convey that your impression of something was different from what you had anticipated. Here, Long says about bonsai that he was 「乗り気じゃなかった」, which means 「あまりそうしたくなかった(didn’t really want to do something)」. So, Long is saying that his impression of bonsai before experiencing it was that it was difficult, but it turned out to be easier than he had thought.
ソフィア:そうだったんだ。体験教室ってどんなことをするの?
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I see. What do you do in a trial class?
ロン:えっと、体験教室は2時間ぐらいだったんですが、まず、盆栽の歴史について先生が説明してくれて。そのあと、先生に教えてもらいながら、小さい盆栽を自分で作ってみました。
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Well, the class was for two hours, and the teacher first explained the history of bonsai. Then we made our own small bonsai with the teacher’s help.
ソフィア:へぇ、自分で作れるのはいいね。でも、盆栽って、水やりが大変そう。
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Wow, it’s nice that you get to make your own. But watering a bonsai tree seems difficult.
ロン:あ、水やりの方法も教えてもらいましたよ。水やりしてると、心が落ち着くんですよ。とてもいい経験になったと思います。ソフィアさんも、体験教室に行ってみたらどうですか。行く価値があると思いますよ。
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Oh, they taught us how to water it, too. Watering the bosai is really calming. It was a really good experience for me. Why don’t you go to a trial class, too, Sophia? I think it’s worth going.
Explanation
Long is recommending that Sophia go to a trial class too because he thought the bosai experice was really nice. By using the phrase 「V+価値がある」, you can express that it’s something worth doing. The verb is in the dictionary form (conjugation form of verbs that ends with KOTOGADEKIRU). Some often-used phrases are 「行く価値がある (worth going)」 and 「お金を払う価値がある(worth paying)」.
ソフィア:いいね。私も行ってみようかな。
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That’s nice. Maybe I'll go.
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教材作成/国際交流基金日本語国際センター
Long meets Suzuki in front of their apartment building. Suzuki was about to go pay her electricity bills. Today’s dialogue is a conversation between the two about the increase in their household electricity bills. Follow along to learn how to express your thoughts along with an explanation of your reasoning. Some key terms in this dialogue include 「無駄(a waste)」「負担(burden)」「節電(save electricity)」.
ロン:あ、鈴木さん、こんにちは。お出かけですか。
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Oh, Suzuki-san, hello. Are you going out?
一恵:あら、ロンさん。そうそう、電気料金を払いに行こうと思って。今月、かなり高くて…。
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Hello, Long. Yes, I was going to go pay my electricity bill. It was pretty high this month...
ロン:わたしも昨日ちょうどスマホで料金を確認したところでした。一人暮らしだから、そんなに高くならないと思っていたんですが…料金を見てびっくりしました。家にもあまりいないし、無駄な電気は使っていないはずなんですが…。
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I just checked my bill on my smartphone yesterday. I thought it wouldn’t be too high, as I live alone, but... I was shocked to see the price. I’m not home much and I don’t think I’m wasting electricity...
Explanation
Long is reflecting on how he uses electricity as he talks to Suzuki-san. The phrase 「~はずだ」is used to speculate, but especially when one is confident about the speculation. Here Long states that 「家にもあまりいないし」and that he doesn’t use much electricity in his day-to-day life, so instead of using the phrase「使っていないと思う」, which is a weak speculation, he says「使っていないはず」. A plain form verb is used in 「~はずだ」, but when you want to use a NA-adjective or a noun, it takes on the form「NA-adjective+な」or「noun+の」.
一恵:ねぇ…。
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I know what you mean...
ロン:電気は生活に欠かせないものだから、消費者への負担が大きくなると大変ですよね。
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Electricity is essential to life, so it’s really tough when the burden on the consumer increases.
Explanation
Use the expression 「欠かせない」 when you want to imply that something is essential and that it will cause a problem if it isn’t there. When you want to say when or what it’s necessary, like in the phrase used here(「生活に欠かせない」), you can say 「N(noun)に欠かせない」. Some examples are; 「しょうゆは日本料理に欠かせない (Soy sauce is essential to Japanese cuisine)」 「音楽はわたしの人生に欠かせないものです(Music is a must-have in my life)」.
ロン:家庭用だけではなく、企業や街の電気の使い方を見直していくことも必要ですよね。
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I think it’s important that we rethink how companies and cities use electricity, not just households.
一恵:エネルギー問題は、今、世界中の人たちの課題ですものね…。
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Energy issues are now a problem that people around the world must tackle...
ロン:そうですね。
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I think so, too.
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教材作成/国際交流基金日本語国際センター
Today’s news story is about the introduction of measures to prevent railway crossing accidents. Our dialogue today takes place in the aftermath of an accident. Sophia witnessed a traffic accident on her way to work. The police are asking her about the situation as an eyewitness to the accident. Follow along to learn how to explain an accident that you saw. Some key terms in this dialogue include 「ぶつかる(hit)」and「よける(avoid)」.
警察:事故のとき、ここから見ていたんですね。
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So, when the accident occurred, you were standing right here.
ソフィア:はい、ちょうどここに車が停まっていて、自転車がその車をよけようとしていたんです。
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Yes, a car was parked right here, and the bicycle was trying to avoid hitting the car.
Explanation
Here, Sophia is describing the accident. When you want to express that someone was just about to do something, you use the expression 「Vようとする」. The verb is in the volition form (the plain form of 「Vましょう」).
ソフィア:そのとき、後ろからも車が来ていて…それでぶつかってしまって…。
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But at the same time there was a car coming up from behind... and that’s why there was a collision.
警察:ん?どちらの車とぶつかったんですか。
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Huh? Which car was the bicycle hit by?
ソフィア:あ、後ろから来た車です。
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Oh, the car that came from behind.
警察:車をよけるとき、自転車が後ろを確認していましたか。
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When the bicycle was trying to avoid the parked car, did the cyclist look back to check to see if it was safe?
ソフィア:うーん…どうだったかなぁ…確認していなかったんじゃないかなぁ…。
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Umm... I’m not quite sure but... I don’t think the cyclist checked…
Explanation
The expression 「~じゃないか」 is used to show that the information is not certain. 「確認していなかったんじゃないか」 is the casual form of 「確認していなかったのではないか」. By adding 「んじゃ(のでは)」 to 「確認していなかった」, the phrase becomes closer to 「かもしれない」 in meaning and softens your assertation.
ソフィア:こちらからは、はっきりと確認したようには見えなかったんですが…。
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At least from here, it didn’t seem like the cyclist checked...
警察:わかりました。ありがとうございます。
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I understand. Thank you.
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教材作成/国際交流基金日本語国際センター
The neighborhood association that An belongs to is planning to hold a raffle at a local festival. Today’s dialogue is between the president of the neighborhood association, Kazue and An. They are discussing what the prizes for the raffle should be. Follow along to learn how to express your own opinions and participate in a discussion. Some key terms in this dialogue include 「くじ引き(raffle)」 「景品(prize)」 「喜ぶ(be happy)」 「カプセル(capsule)」 「おもちゃ(toy)」 「集める(collect)」 「候補(pick/choicee)」.
一恵:今年のくじ引きの景品、何にしましょうか。できれば、昨年と違うものにしたいですね。
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What should our raffle prizes be for this year? If possible, I want to do something different from last year.
アン:昨年は、たしか、お菓子でしたね。
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Last year, I believe we had snacks, didn’t we?
Explanation
In order for a discussion to proceed smoothly, it is important to check the facts. Here, An is making sure that last year’s prize was indeed snacks. By using the phrase 「たしか~でしたね」, you can confirm if your ambiguous memory is correct. 「ね」 is used at the end of the sentence to ask for agreement or to confirm information.
会長:そうですね、お菓子でしたね。予算は昨年と同じぐらいで、大人にも子どもにも喜ばれるものがいいんですが、何かアイデアがありませんか。
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That’s right, we had snacks. Our budget is about the same as last year and I want something that will make both adults and children happy. Do you have any ideas?
アン:それだったら、カプセルに入ったおもちゃは、いかがですか。
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In that case, how about capsule toys?
Explanation
The 「それ」 of 「それだったら」 points to something that will please both the adults and children. Here, An suggests a capsule toy as something that will make both adults and children happy. By using the expression 「それだったら、~は、いかがですか」, you can respond to someone else’s opinion with a suggestion.
アン:動物やキャラクターのグッズなどが入っていてかわいいです。
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The capsules often contain cute toys inside like animals and character-themed merchandise.
会長:なるほど、がちゃがちゃ回すやつね!最近は子どもだけじゃなくて、大人にも人気があるみたいだね。
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I see, you are talking about the vending machine where you twist the handle and a toy in a ball comes out. I heard they are popular not only with children but with adults as well.
一恵:そういえば、私の娘もおもちゃを集めてると言っていたわ。お祭りで使うとしたら、一ついくらぐらいなのかしら。
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Now that you mention it, my daughter said she collects the toys. If we are going to use them for the festival, I wonder how much each capsule toy costs?
アン:じゃあ、値段を調べてみますね。えっと、ちょっと確認してもいいですか。予算は、昨年と同じぐらいで。カプセルに入ったおもちゃが候補ですね。
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All right, I will check the price. Umm, so can I confirm(what we've discussed)? Our budget is similar to last year’s. And capsule toys are our pick for prizes.
会長:はい、そうですね。アンさん、よろしくお願いします。
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That’s right, An. Thank you for looking into to it.
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教材作成/国際交流基金日本語国際センター
Today’s dialogue is about New Year’s greetings. Long is attending a party to celebrate the first workday of the year. Follow along to learn how to state your aspirations for the year. Some key terms in this dialogue include「積極的(proactive)」 and 「精いっぱい(one’s best)」.
田中:じゃあ、次はロンさん、お願いします。
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OK, next up is Long. (The floor is yours.)
ロン:みなさま、あけましておめでとうございます。昨年は、みなさまのおかげで様々な仕事が経験できて、学びの多い一年になりました。
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Everyone, Happy New Year! Thanks to you all, last year I was able to experience many different things at work and it was a year full of learning.
Explanation
Long is thanking his work colleagues. 「N(noun)のおかげで」 is used to express appreciation— you’re saying that thanks to the help of N(noun), you were able to get good results.
ロン:特に、いろいろな方からアドバイスをもらいながら一人で外回りに行けるようになったのがうれしかったです。
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In particular I was happy that with all the advice that I got from many people I was able to go out on rounds on my own.
ロン:今年はもっと積極的に、自分で考えて行動できるようになれればと思っています。
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This year, I hope to be more proactive and think and act on my own.
Explanation
Here, Long uses the expression 「Vばと思っています」 to say what he wants to achieve this year. The V(verb) in 「Vばと思っています」 is where you say your goals or aspirations to express what you hope to achieve. A potential verb or potential form is used in the BA-form (conjugation form of verbs that ends with BA). This expression can used in a semi formal situation.
ロン:ご迷惑をおかけするかもしれませんが、精いっぱい頑張ります。今年もどうぞよろしくお願いいたします。
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There may be times when I cause you some inconveniences, but I will do my very best. I look forward to working with everyone for another year.
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教材作成/国際交流基金日本語国際センター
Japan’s railways are well developed and used by many people. Today’s dialogue takes place on a train. An is listening to the in-car announcement but isn’t able to understand what is being said. Follow along to learn how to confirm the meaning of an in-car announcement in cases where the train you are on stops. Some key terms in this dialogue include 「強風(strong winds)」 「当駅(at this station)」 「見合わせる(suspend)」 「次第(as soon as)」 「影響(influence)」.
車内放送:お客様にお知らせいたします。この電車は強風のため当駅で運転を見合わせます。運転の再開につきましては、わかり次第、放送でお知らせいたします。お客様にはご迷惑をおかけし、まことに申し訳ございません。
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This is to inform you that this train will be suspended at this station due to strong winds. We will announce the resumption of service as soon as we receive new information. We sincerely apologize for any inconveniences this causes for the passengers on board.
アン:あの、すみません。放送がよく聞こえなくて…。運転をなんとかって。
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Umm, excuse me. I couldn’t catch what the announcement was saying…something about the train service.
Explanation
Here, An uses the phrase 「なんとか」as a placeholder for what she couldn’t understand. In this way, you can tell someone which part you you did not understand, thus making it easier for them to explain it to you.
乗客:ああ、運転を見合わせるって言ってましたよ。強風の影響…、ええっと、風が強いからです。
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Oh, they said they will suspend this train. Due to strong winds…umm, because the winds are too strong.
アン:見合わせるって、しばらく動かないってことですか。
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Does suspend mean it won’t move for a while?
Explanation
You can use 「~って、~ってことですか」 to confirm the meaning of a word. For example, if you want to confirm what 「見合わせる」 means, you can ask by saying 「見合わせるって、しばらく動かないってことですか」. 「って」 is often used in conversations and is replaceable with 「は」 や 「とは」.
乗客:ええ。いつ動くかまだわからないそうです。
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Yes. They don’t know when the train will move again.
アン:そうですか。ありがとうございます。
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I see. Thank you.
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教材作成/国際交流基金日本語国際センター
Today’s dialogue is about cooking. Long learned how to make okonomiyaki (savory Japanese pancake) from a Japanese friend. He is now hosting a mini cooking class to teach An and her friends. Follow along to learn how to give and receive confirmation and instructions regarding cooking procedures and seasoning. Some key terms in this dialogue include 「少々(a little bit)」「指先(fingertip)」「つまむ(pinch)」.
ロン:はい、みなさん。ではボウルに粉、水、卵を入れて、よく混ぜてください。少し混ぜたら、塩も少々入れましょう。
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OK, everyone. Now put flour, water, and eggs into the bowl and mix it well. After mixing it for a while, please add a little bit of salt.
Explanation
Long is giving directions on how to make okonomiyaki. Use the phrase 「~ましょう」 to invite someone to do something together. You can also use this phrase when you want to give directions, similar to 「~てください」.
アン:あ、ロンさん。塩を少々って、どのくらいですか。
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Umm, Long. How much is a little bit of salt?
ロン:そうですねぇ、指先で塩をつまんでください。
(アン、指でつまむ)
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Well, pinch a bit of salt with your fingertips.(An pinches salt with fingers)
ロン:そう!そのくらいです。
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Yes! That’s the right amount.
アン:ありがとうございます。
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Thank you.
ロン:じゃあ、みなさん、よく混ざったら、キャベツを入れて、さらに混ぜましょう。
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Now, everyone, when it is mixed well, add the cabbage and mix it a little more.
Explanation
Here, Long is giving directions similar to 「塩も少々入れましょう」. The intransitive verb 「混ざる」 and the transitive verb 「混ぜる」 are both used in the same sentence. 「よく(材料が ingredients)混ざったら」 is intransitive and it suggests the outcome of what the ingredients should look like after the action is done. On the other hand, 「さらに混ぜましょう」 is a transitive and it suggests what someone should do with the ingredients in the bowl.
アンたち:はーい。
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Understood.
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教材作成/国際交流基金日本語国際センター
Today’s dialogue is about care robots. At the office, Sophia and Tanaka are talking about a special feature they saw on the news yesterday. Follow along to learn how to make comments about the news and exchange opinions. Some key terms in this dialogue include 「お年寄り(elderly person)」「声かけ(talk to)」「人手不足(labor shortage)」「解消(help solve)」「人件費(labor cost)」「メリット(benefit/advantage)」「機械的(mechanical)」「任せる(entrust)」「確かに(certainly)」「姿(form)」「ゆるキャラ(yuru-kyara; laid-back mascot characters usually created to promote a place, region, or business)」「和む(be congenial)」.
ソフィア:昨日、ニュースで介護ロボットについてやってたのを見たんですけど、歌ったり、お年寄りに声かけしたりすごかったんですよ。
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Yesterday, I saw a news story about care robots. They were singing and talking to elderly people—it was really amazing.
Explanation
Sophia starts the conversation by saying she saw a news story yesterday and then shares her thoughts about it. When starting a conversation, you can use the expression 「S(sentence)のを見たんですけど、~」. In cases where you use a noun, the expression is 「ニュースを見た」. But in cases like in the dialogue, 「ニュースで介護ロボットについてやっていた」, where it is expressed as a passive, you say 「のを見た」. A plain form verb is used before 「のを見た」.
田中:ああ、僕も見たよ。お年寄りに、「何々さん、部屋に戻ってください。」って声かけしてたね。でも、なんか、ちょっと考えちゃったなあ。
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Oh, I saw that, too. The robots were talking to the elderly people like “Ms. so-and-so, please go back to your room.” But it kind of made me think.
ソフィア:どうしてですか?人手不足の解消にはなると思いましたけど。
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Why? I thought it could help solve the labor shortage.
田中:うん、人件費がかからないとか、メリットもあるとは思うけどね、なんか機械的な感じがしてね。自分の親を任せたいかというと、ちょっとね…。
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Yeah, I know there are benefits, like no labor costs. But it felt so mechanical. I don’t know if I would want to entrust my parents to them…
ソフィア:ああ、確かに、自分の親を任せることを考えると、そう思うかもしれませんね。
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I see, certainly, if you think about your own parents, you may feel like that way.
Explanation
After listening to Tanaka-san’s opinion on care robots, Sophia expresses her understanding of his view. By using the word 「確かに」 at the beginning of the sentence, it indicates that what was said is certainly true.
ソフィア:もう少し、人間に近い姿になれば、少しは違うのかなあ。
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Maybe it will be a little different if it took on a more human-like form.
田中:そうかもね。あとは、ゆるキャラみたいな見た目だったら、和むかもしれない。
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Maybe. Or if it looked like a yuru-kyara, it might be more congenial.
ソフィア:ああ、それ、いいですね。会いたくなるかもしれませんね。
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Oh, I like that idea. You may want to go see it.
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教材作成/国際交流基金日本語国際センター
Today’s dialogue is with a pharmacist at the drugstore. Long is feeling a little sick and has come to buy cold medicine. He is asking the pharmacist questions. Follow along to learn how to ask questions and understand the answers when you want to ask about the details of over-the-counter medication.
Some key terms in this dialogue include 「かぜ薬(cold medicine)」「のど(throat)」「鼻水(runny nose)」「症状(symptom)」「せき(cough)」「熱(fever)」「効果がある(good for~/effective against~)」「ビタミン剤(vitamin tablets)」「眠気(drowsiness)」「避ける(avoid)」.
ロン:あの、すみません。かぜ薬を探してるんですけど、色々あってどれがいいかわからなくて…。
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Umm, excuse me… I’m looking for cold medicine. There are so many it’s difficult to know which one I should get…
薬剤師:どういった症状ですか?
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What are your symptoms?
ロン:のどが痛くて、鼻水も少し…。せきとか熱は出てないです。
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I have a sore throat and a bit of a runny nose…but no cough or fever.
薬剤師:それでしたら、こちらのお薬がいいと思いますよ。のどや鼻の症状に効果があります。
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In that case, I think this medicine is the one for you. It’s good for throat and nose symptoms.
ロン:あの、この薬ってビタミン剤といっしょに飲んでも大丈夫ですか?
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Umm, can I take this medicine with vitamin tablets?
Explanation
Long is using the phrase 「この薬って」 to refer to the medicine that the pharmacist recommended and to ask questions to get more information. 「って」 points to the subject, just like the particle 「は」. It is often used colloquially.
薬剤師:ええ、ビタミン剤なら問題ないですよ。ただ、必ず何か食べてから飲むようにしてください。
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Yes, if it’s only vitamins then it’s not a problem. But make sure to take the medicine after you eat.
Explanation
ロン:あと、これって、眠くなりますか?仕事中に眠くなるのがちょっと心配で…。
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Also,will this make me drowsy? I’m worried that I will get sleepy at work…
薬剤師:そうですね。人によっては、眠気を強く感じる人もいますので、車の運転などは避けた方がいいと思います。
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Well, some people may become drowsier than others, so it’s best to avoid driving a car.
Explanation
The pharmacist uses the expression 「人によっては」 to explain that some people may feel drowsier than others when they take the medicine. This implies that there are people who do not get drowsy. You use the phrase 「N(noun)によっては、~」to express that 「N(noun)の中には、~が生じることもある(~may occur)」.
薬剤師:まずは一日試してみて、合わないようでしたらまたご相談ください。
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Try it for a day and if it doesn’t work for you, please come and see me.
ロン:わかりました。これ、試してみます。
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OK. I will give this a shot.
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教材作成/国際交流基金日本語国際センター
Today’s dialogue is about a discussion concerning a birthday present. Long and Misaki are at the shopping mall. It seems Long wants to give a birthday present to Suzuki-san, who has been good to him. Follow along to learn how to discuss and decide on a present. Some key terms in this dialogue include 「候補(candidate/option)」 「そんなに(not so~)」 「役に立つ(useful)」 「ウォーキング(going for walks)」 「水筒(water bottle)」 「荷物になる(not easy to carry)」 「防犯アイテム(security items)」 「防犯ブザー(personal safety alarm)」.
ロン:同じアパートの鈴木さん、もうすぐ誕生日なんだよね。今、プレゼントを探していて…。
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Suzuki-san, who lives in my apartment building—her birthday is coming soon. I’m looking for a present for her right now…
美咲:鈴木さんて、ロンさんにいつも良くしてくれるおばあさん?
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Is Suzuki-san the woman who is always nice to you, Long?
ロン:そう、そう。
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Yes, that’s right.
美咲:誕生日プレゼントかあ。何か候補はあるの?
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Hmm, a birthday present… What are your options?
ロン:そんなに高くないもので、役に立つものがいいと思ってて。鈴木さん、最近、近所の人とウォーキングを始めたみたいなんだ。それで、水筒がいいんじゃないかと思ったんだけど、美咲さんはどう思う?
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I was thinking of something that’s useful but not too expensive. It seems Suzuki-san recently started going for walks with her neighbors. So I thought a water bottle might be a good idea, what do you think, Misaki?
Explanation
You can use the expression 「~はどう思う?」 when you want to ask for someone’s opinions or thoughts. Long says 「美咲さんはどう思う?」 to ask for Misaki’s opinion. As you can see from the dialogue, by asking for other people’s opinions, you will be able to broaden the range of your ideas in situations where you have to make a decision.
美咲:水筒かあ。ちょっと荷物になるかなあ。そうだなあ。あ、もし早朝とか夜にウォーキングをするなら、防犯アイテムなんかはどう?
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A water bottle… I don’t think that would be easy to carry. Let me see… Oh, if she goes for walks early in the morning or at night, how about a (personal) security item?
ロン:防犯アイテム?
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A security item?
美咲:例えば、首から下げるライトとか、防犯ブザーとか。
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For example, a light you can hang from your neck, or a personal safety alarm.
ロン:へえ。そういうアイテムもあるんだ。荷物にならないし、役に立ちそうだね。
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I see. I’m not familiar with those items. That sounds easy to carry and useful!
Explanation
You use the phrase 「V-そうです」 to express your thoughts after hearing about something. You use the MASU-form verb (conjugation form of verbs that ends with MASU) with this phrase. You can tell from this dialogue that Long didn’t know about security devices. But after learning about the specific items that Misaki mentioned, Long now feels that security items are easy to carry and useful.
美咲:あ、あそこのお店、寄って見てみようよ。
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Oh, that store over there. Let’s go check it out!
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教材作成/国際交流基金日本語国際センター
We are now living in the “jinsei hyaku-nen jidai,” that is, “an era when life lasts a hundred years.” Our lives and living environment changes as we grow older. Sophia is visiting the host family she used to live with. Follow along to learn how to talk to friends you haven't met in a while about wat's going on in your life,and also to listen and reply to what the say with empathy. Some key terms in this dialogue include 「経つ(it’s been~)」「慣れる(get used to)」「比べる(compare)」「任せる(entrust)」「指導(mentor)」「やりがい(be challenging but rewarding)」「定年(retirement)」.
ソフィア:もうあれから、5年も経ったんですね。
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I can’t believe it’s been five years since then.
ホストマザー:もう5年?!時が経つのは早いわねー。日本の生活にもすっかり慣れたんじゃない?最近、仕事はどう?
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It’s already been five years? Time flies. You must have gotten used to life in Japan by now, haven’t you? So how’s work recently?
ソフィア:楽しいです!前と比べて、いろんなことを任せてもらえるようになったんです。
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It’s fun! Compared to before, I’m being entrusted to do more things.
Explanation
You use the phrase 「~と比べて」 to compare two things or situations. Here, Sophia is comparing 「前」 and 「今」 in regards her situation at work. A noun comes before 「と比べて」. You can also use 「~に比べて」 to mean the same thing.
ソフィア:最近では、新入社員の指導なんかも任されていて、やりがいを感じています。
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Recently, I’ve been entrusted to mentor the new employees, and I feel it’s really challenging but rewarding.
ホストマザー:へー、すごいじゃない。新人教育なんて。私はあと3年で定年よ。
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Wow, that’s great. Being a mentor for newcomers. As for me,I’m retiring in three years.
ソフィア:え?もうご定年ですか。
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Really? You’ re going to retire soon.
ホストマザー:そうなのよー。大学を卒業してから今の職場に就職したから、もう30年以上…。
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That’s right. I started working at my company after graduating from college, so it’s been more than 30 years…
ソフィア:そんなに!わあ、すごいなー!
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That long? Wow, that’s amazing!
Explanation
Words that express surprise, such as 「わあ」「すごいなー」「きれい!」 are called 感嘆詞(interjection or exclamation). You can use one interjection to directly show your surprise, like in this dialogue. Here, Sophia used the interjection 「わあ」 to show how surprised she was to learn that her host mother had been working for such a long time.
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教材作成/国際交流基金日本語国際センター
Today’s story is about “cyborg insects”, but that’s just one example of the many products being introduced that use the latest technology. Today’s dialogue is about solar batteries for outside use. Long and Misaki are out shopping on their day off. Long stops in front of a certain product. Follow along to learn how to explain the function of something you are interested in and how it can help in day-to-day life. Some key terms in this dialogue include 「アウトドア(outdoor)」「~用(for~use)」「太陽電池(solar battery)」「キャンプ場(campsite)」「充電(charge)」「災害(disaster)」「停電(power outage)」.
ロン:あ、ごめん。ちょっとこれ見てもいい?
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Oh, sorry. Is it all right if I take a look at this for a minute?
美咲:いいよ。
(商品を手に取って真剣に見るロンさん)
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Sure.
(Long takes the product in his hands and inspects it carefully)
美咲:何?それ。
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What is that?
ロン:ああ、これはアウトドア用の太陽電池のパネル。小さくて軽いから簡単に持ち運べるし、パネルをリュックの上にのせて歩けば、歩きながら電気が作れて便利なんだ。
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Oh, this is a solar battery panel for outdoor use. It’s small, light and easy to carry, so if you put it on the outside of your backpack, it’s convenient because you can charge as you walk.
Explanation
Here, Long explains about the functions of an outdoor solar battery panel. You can use expressions such as 「~て便利です」 and 「~て」 to explain how something is useful and why. Also see #02 for more on the usage of 「~て」 to express reasons.
美咲:へぇ。初めて見た。
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Wow. This is my first time to see one.
ロン:これはいろいろなときに役に立つよ。キャンプ場や山の中とか電気のないところでもライトが使えるし、スマホの充電も心配がなくなる。すごいよね。
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This is useful in many different situations. You can use it to power a light at a campsite or in the mountains when you don’ have electricity, and also you don’t have to worry about charging your smartphone. Isn’t it great?
美咲:あー、すごいね。
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Yeah, that’s great!
ロン:それに、太陽電池は災害で停電したときにも使えるから、一つ持っておくといいと思うよ。
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And, you can use the solar battery during power outages, so I think it’s good to have one on hand.
Explanation
By using conjunctions, you can express what you are going to talk about next, which will make it easier for the listener to understand. For that reason, in long, explanatory sentences it is important that you use conjunctions appropriately. You use 「それに」 when you want to add similar information. Long uses 「それに」 to express how outdoor solar battery panels can be useful in many different situations.
美咲:うん、確かに災害のときには役に立つかもね。
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I see, it does seem like it would be useful during a disaster.
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教材作成/国際交流基金日本語国際センター
This dialogue is about disaster drills. The company where Long works holds a disaster drill once a year. The leader of this year’s drill is Sophia, and she is now explaining to Long about his role. Follow along and learn how to confirm about one’s role and give directions. Some key terms in this dialogue include 「防災訓練(disaster drill)」「給湯室(kitchenette)」「想定(assumption)」「逃げる(escape)」「フロア(floor)」「避難(evacuate)」「完了(complete)」「逃げ遅れる(left behind)」「報告(report)」.
ソフィア:今度の防災訓練は、2階の給湯室で火事があったっていう想定でします。
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For our disaster drill this year, we will do it under the assumption that a fire broke out in the kitchenette on the second floor.
ロン:はい。冬は火事が多いですからね。
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Right. There are many fires during winter.
ソフィア:ロンさんは、逃げるときにフロアに人が残っていないか確認する役をお願いします。
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So Long, your role is to confirm that there are no people left behind on the floor when you escape.
ロン:確認って、誰が逃げたか一人ひとりチェックすればいいですか?
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When you say confirm, do you mean I should check if each and every person has escaped?
Explanation
Here, Long is using the phrase 「Verb+ばいいですか?」 to confirm if his understanding of the role given to him by Sophia for the disaster drill is correct. You use the conditional form verb(conjugation form of verbs that ends with BA)before 「いいですか?」.
ソフィア:あー、それは避難完了してから田中さんがするから大丈夫。例えば、「誰かいますか?」とか「火事です。早く逃げてください。」とか声をかけて、通路とかデスクの下に人がいないことを確認しながら、逃げて来てください。
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Oh, that will be done by Tanaka-san when the evacuation is complete. For example, call out “Is anybody here?” or “Fire! Please escape at once,” and at the same time confirm that there is nobody in the halls or under the desks, as you make your escape.
Explanation
When you want to express an action that is to be done at the same time with another action, you can use the phrase 「V1ながらV2」. You use the MASU-form verb(conjugation form of verbs that ends with MASU)for V1. Sophia said, 「人がいないことを確認しながら、逃げて来てください」which means that you should confirm that there is nobody as you evacuate, not confirm and then evacuate.
ソフィア:それから、逃げ遅れた人がいないかどうかを私に報告してください。
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Then, report back to me on whether anyone was left behind.
ロン:わかりました。
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Understood.
ソフィア:じゃあ、よろしくね。
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Thank you, I'm counting on you.
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教材作成/国際交流基金日本語国際センター
Today’s news story was about a famous fashion designer. Clothes are something you often buy. So, the dialogue for today is about exchanging a merchandise you have bought. Sophia is at the cashier talking to a shop staff while showing an item she bought the other day. Follow along to learn how to explain to a shop staff about what the malfunction of the item you bought to ask to return it or ask for an exchange. Some key terms in this dialogue include 「購入(buy)」「パーカー(hoodie)」「チャック(zipper)」「壊れる(break)」「レシート(receipt)」「返品(return)」「交換(exchange)」「デザイン(design)」「在庫(stock)」.
ソフィア:あの、すみません。
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Umm, excuse me.
店員:はい。
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Yes.
ソフィア:この前こちらで購入したパーカーなんですけど、家に帰ってから子どもに着せてみたら、チャックが壊れていたみたいで、閉まらなかったんです。
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I bought this hoodie here the other day but when I got home and had my child put it on, the zipper seemed to be broken and it wouldn’t close.
Explanation
Here Sophia is explaining the kind of malfunction she found about the item she purchased. When a part of a merchandise unintentionally comes off or is broken right after purchase, it is often expressed as 「とれる(come off)」 「壊れる(break)」, using an intransitive verb. By saying that she didn’t 「チャックを壊した(break the zipper)」 but that 「チャックが壊れていた(zipper was broken)」, Sophia is implying that the merchandise was defective from the start and that it is not her fault.
店員:それは大変失礼いたしました。ご購入時のレシートはございますか?
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I’m very sorry about that. Do you have a receipt for when you bought it?
ソフィア:これです。
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This is it.
店員:ありがとうございます。こちら、返品か交換ができますが、どうなさいますか?
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Thank you. You can either return or exchange this item, which do you prefer?
ソフィア:このデザイン、子どもも気に入っているので、新しいものに交換していただけますか?
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My child likes this design, so could you please exchange it to a new one?
Explanation
「いただける」 is a form of 「いただく」 that expresses possibility(potential verb). By using 「いただける」, you can ask in a polite way. Before the expression 「いただけますか?」, a TE-form verb(conjugation form of verbs that ends with TE) is used.
店員:かしこまりました。在庫を確認してまいりますので、少々お待ちください。
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Of course. I will go and check our stock, so could you please wait for a little while.
ソフィア:お願いします。
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Thank you.
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教材作成/国際交流基金日本語国際センター
Long and Tanka are eating their lunchbox that they brought from home at the breakroom. Follow along to learn how to talk about recipes and ask questions about them. Some key terms in this dialogue include 「卵焼き(Japanese rolled omelet)」「巻く(roll)」「コツ(tip)」「残り物(leftover)」.
田中:ロンさんのお弁当、今日もおいしそうだなあ。その卵焼き何が入ってるの?
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Your obento looks delicious as usual, Long. What’s inside that Japanese rolled omelet?
ロン:のりです。レシピサイトで見て、作ってみました。
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Dried seaweed. I saw it on a recipe site and tried making it.
田中:色がきれいだね。でも巻くの難しくなかった?
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The color is nice. But wasn’t it difficult to roll it?
ロン:そうですね。何回か作ってわかったんですけど、コツはのりを小さく切ることですね。そしたらすごく楽でした。
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Yes, it was. I found out after several tries, but the tip is to cut the seaweed into small parts. Then it was really easy.
Explanation
Here, Long uses the expression 「NはVことです」 to explain the tip to making a good Japanese rolled omelet. A noun such as 「コツ(tip)」 or 「ポイント(pointers)」 is used in “N”. The content of the 「コツ」 or 「ポイント」 is expressed in 「Vことだ」. A plain form verb is used in 「Vことだ」.
田中:なるほどね。今度やってみようかな。
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I see. I think I’ll try it next time.
ロン:田中さんの卵焼きもおいしそうですね。何が入ってるんですか。
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Your rolled omelet looks good, too, Tanaka-san. What’s in it?
田中:これ?これは昨日のミートソース。
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This? This is yesterday’s meat sauce.
ロン:ああ。残ったもの?残るもの?残りもの?
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Oh. Something that was left over? Is left over? Leftovers?
Explanation
When you are not sure if the word choice is correct, try saying some words that you think are correct and raise the end intonation as if you are asking a question. This is a strategy to show that you are not confident about your choice and want feedback.
田中:残りものね。妻が作ったんだけど、いいアイディアでしょ?
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Leftovers. My wife made it, but don’t you think it’s a great idea?
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教材作成/国際交流基金日本語国際センター
An applied for an interview for a part-time job. She is now answering the interviewer’s questions. Follow along to learn how to easily answer such questions in an interview about reasons for applying and working conditions. Some key terms in this dialogue include 「履歴書(resume)」「シフト(shift)」「時給(hourly wage)」「結果(result)」.
面接官:アンさん、今回、どうしてこちらのアルバイトに応募しましたか。履歴書には、お店に来た事があると書いてありますね。
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So An, why did you apply for this part-time job today? It says in your resume that you have come to the shop before.
アン:はい、よくこちらに来るのですが、店員さんが優しくていいなと思っていました。それに、家から近くて働きやすいと思いました。それで、応募しました。
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Yes, I come here often, and I liked the fact that the staffs were kind. And it’s close to my home so I thought it would be a good environment for me to work. That is why I applied.
Explanation
It’s important when having an interview to explain why you applied in a way that is easy to understand. By using a conjunction, it will be easier for the listener to understand the flow of the conversation. Here, An explains her reason for applying before 「それで」.
面接官:そうですか。えっと、シフトは、朝から昼の時間帯を希望しているんですね。
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I see. So you wish to work the morning to noon shift.
アン:はい、そうです。
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Yes, that’s right.
面接官:夜のシフトだと、時給が高くなりますが、夜も入れますか。
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The hourly wage is higher for the night shift, but are you available for night shifts?
アン:子どもがいるので、夜はちょっと 。
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I have children so the night is a little difficult
面接官:では、週に何回ぐらい働けそうですか。週3回ぐらい入ってもらえると助かるんですが。
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Then how many days a week can you work? It would be great if you can work about three days a week.
アン:昼のシフトだったら、週3回でも大丈夫です。
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If it is the day shift, I’m okay to do three days a week.
Explanation
In an interview, it’s important to tell the other person your ideal working conditions such as working hours. In the expression 「Aだったら、Bでもだいじょうぶです」, you can use it to express “if condition ‘A’ is met, then ‘B’ is possible”.
面接官:そうですか、わかりました。では、面接の結果は、今週中に電話でお知らせしますね。
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I see, I understand. I will call you to let you know the result of this interview later this week.
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教材作成/国際交流基金日本語国際センター
A university intern student has come to Sophia’s workplace. Sophia is showing the intern around the company. Follow along to learn how to show your work floor in detail to someone new. Some key terms in this dialogue include 「給湯室(kitchenette)」 「以上(that’s it)」.
ソフィア:ここがコピー室です。コピーをするときは、カードキーを使うことになっています。このカードを使ってくださいね。
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This is the photocopy room. You need to use a cardkey to make copies. Please use this card.
Explanation
It’s important for someone new to the workplace to understand the workplace rules and regulations. By using the phrase 「~ことになっています」, you can explain a certain rule or regulation of a place. Use the plain form verb before 「~ことになっています」.
大学生:はい、わかりました。
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Okay, I understand.
ソフィア:それから、こちらが給湯室です。お昼にお弁当を温めたりすることもできますよ。
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And here is the kitchenette. You can use it to heat your lunchbox.
Explanation
Here, Sophia says 「お弁当を温められる」 to explain to the intern one example of how the kitchenette can be used. By using the phrase 「~たりすることもできます」, you can explain one usage, out of many ways, of one place. The TA-form verb (conjugation form of verbs that ends with TA) is used in 「~たりする」.
ソフィア:お茶はこちらのものを自由に飲んでください。コップは、自分で用意している人が多いです。
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Feel free to drink the tea here. Many people bring their own cups.
大学生:ありがとうございます。コップを持ってきます。
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Thank you. I will bring a cup.
ソフィア:このフロアの説明は以上ですが、質問があったらいつでも聞いてくださいね。
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That’s it for the explanation of this floor, but if you have any questions, please ask me anytime.
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教材作成/国際交流基金日本語国際センター
Today’s dialogue is about food, especially eating outside. Long is calling an restaurant to ask about a reservations he made for Friday night. Follow along to learn how to tell the other person about your preferences or changes concerning a reservation. Some key terms in this dialogue include 「予約(reservation)」 「さび抜き(without wasbi)」,「アレルギー(allergy)」, 「お座敷(tatami room)」.
店員:はい、栄寿司1号店です。
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Hello, this is Sakae Sushi Ichigo-ten.
ロン:あの、すみません。今週の金曜日19時に予約したロンと申します。
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Umm, excuse me. My name is Long and I made a reservation for 7PM this Friday.
店員:ロン 様 あ、はい。金曜日19時から6名様でご予約のロン様ですね。
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Mr Long Oh, yes. Mr.Long, a table for six from 7PM this Friday.
ロン:はい。あの、料理についてお願いがあって連絡をしました。
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That’s right. Umm, I’m calling because I have some requests for the food.
Explanation
Long starts the conversation by telling the restaurant staff the reason he is calling. In such a way, by clarifying the intent of your conversation, the listener will be able to speculate as you converse. This will allow the other person to understand you better.
ロン:子どもを連れてくる人が一人いるんです。それで、子ども用に、わさびを入れないおすしを作ってほしいんです。
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One person will be bringing a child. So I would like for one sushi to be made without wasabi.
店員:あ、はい。さび抜きですね。承知しました。あ、アレルギーとか大丈夫ですか。
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Oh, of course. One sushi without wasabi. Understood, Sir. Oh, does anyone have allergies?
ロン:それは大丈夫です。それから、その子はまだ3歳で、いすにずっと座っているのが難しいと思うんです。だから、できればテーブル席じゃなくて、和室のような部屋がいいんですが 。
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No, that is not a problem. And the child is only three years old, so it might be difficult for the child to stay seated. So, if possible, a tatami room would be nice instead of a table seat
Explanation
Expressions confirming whether your preference, such as 「和室でお願いできますか(can we use the Japanese-style room)」 「和室にしてもらえますか(can we have the tatami room) 」 can be met is omitted after the phrase 「~んですが 」. If you are talking to a person who is used to the Japanese communication style, that person understands that such preferences were omitted when 「~んですが 」 is used . By not saying it outright, it gives the impression that you are modest. You can show that you are being polite by using modest expressions, therefore such usage is useful when asking something that may require extra work on the other end.
店員:あー、お座敷に変更したいということですか。
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Oh, you want to change your seating arrangement to a tatami room.
ロン:あ、はいはい。そうです。
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Umm, yes. That’s right.
店員:えっと、大丈夫ですよ。
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Well, that’s not a problem.
ロン:よかった。じゃあ、お願いします。
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Great. Please make the change.
店員:はい、わかりました。では金曜日19時にお座敷席6名様で承りましたー。
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Yes, I will. We will be waiting for you this Friday at 7PM with a tatami room ready.
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教材作成/国際交流基金日本語国際センター
In today’s news story, we talked about e-scooters. Bicycles are also used by many people in Japan to get to work or to school. So today, our dialogue is about cycling manners. Sophia has finished work and is about to go home on a bicycle when she meets Long at their company’s parking lot. It seems Long has started to commute by bicycle, too. Follow along to learn how to give advice on Japanese traffic based on your experience. Some key terms in this dialogue include 「狭い(narrow)」「鳴らす(ring)」.
ソフィア:あれ?ロンさんも自転車?
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Huh? You use a bicycle, too, Long?
ロン:実は今週から。でもまだ慣れないです。特に夕方は人が多くて 。
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Actually, this is my first week. So I’m not used to it. Especially in the evening, there are so many people
ソフィア:道も狭いし、慣れるまで大変だよね。
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The roads are narrow so it’s tough until you get used to it.
ロン:あの、聞きたかったんですけど、自転車のベルって鳴らしちゃだめなんですか。鳴らしている人を見ないので 。
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Umm, I wanted to ask you, but are you not allowed to ring the bicycle bell? I haven’t seen anyone doing it
ソフィア:日本に来たばかりのころ、私も自転車に乗ってて前に人がいたらベルをよく鳴らしてたの。
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When I had just came to Japan, I used to often ring my bell whenever there was someone in front of me when I was riding my bicycle.
Explanation
You use the phrase 「Verbたばかり」 to show that not much time has passed since the verb in the phrase. For example, 「Verbたばかりのころ」is used often when you are remembering something you had just done verb-wise. The verb is in the TA-form (conjugation form of verbs that ends with TA).
ソフィア:でも、鳴らしすぎるとびっくりさせるから、よくないって友達に注意されて。本当に危ないって思ったときだけ鳴らすようにしたらいいんじゃないかな。
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But my friend told me not to because ringing the bell too much will scare people. I think you should only use the bell when you feel like it’s a really dangerous situation.
ロン:そうなんですね。聞いてよかったです。
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I see. I’m glad I asked you.
ソフィア:ルールを守るのはもちろんだけど、考え方とかマナーも大事だよね。気をつけてね!
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Following rules is important but the way of thinking and manners are also important. Be careful!
Explanation
「A(の)はもちろんだけどB」 is used to show that “A” is important but so is “B”. If a word other than a noun is used to represent “A”, then a 「の」 is added, so that the first part of the phrase becomes 「Aのは」.
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教材作成/国際交流基金日本語国際センター
Today’s dialogue is about restrictions that were set during the pandemic and it’s effects on sight seeing spots. Sophia and Tanaka are watching the television during their break time. According to the news, a famous hotel was going to close. Follow along to learn how to make short comments and say your opinions about a news story. Some key terms in this dialogue are 「閉館(close)」「影響(influence)」「状況(situation)」
アナウンサー:花見湖ホテルは、今年いっぱいで閉館することを発表しました。
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The Hanamiko Hotel announced that they will close the hotel at the end of this year.
田中:へえー、花見湖ホテル、閉館しちゃうんだ。有名ホテルなのになあ。
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Wow, Hanamiko Hotel is going to close. It was a famous hotel.
ソフィア:残念ですね。コロナの影響でしょうか。
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It’s a pity. Could it be the influence of COVID-19?
田中:そうみたい。一昨年と去年、お客さんがかなり減ったんだって。
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It looks like way. It seems the number of customers decreased the past two years.
ソフィア:やっぱり 。
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I thought so
Explanation
「やっぱり」 is an adverb used to say that “it was as you thought”, or “it was as you expected”. You can simply say, 「やっぱり」 or you can use it in a sentence like 「やっぱり、お客さんが減ったんですね。」
ソフィア:今年、花見湖に来たお客さん、いつもの60%くらいだって今言ってましたよね。観光地はまだ大変でしょうね。
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They just said that the number of visitors who came to Hanamiko was 60% of what it used to be. It must be tough for sightseeing spots.
田中:うん。そうだろうね。
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Yes. It must be.
ソフィア:でも、旅行のキャンペーンも始まったし、観光地の状況もきっとよくなっていきますよ。
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But the travel campaign has started, so I’m sure that the situation of sightseeing spots will get better.
Explanation
「きっと」 is an adverb used to express that the probability of your speculation or prediction is high. It is often used with phrases like 「~でしょう(だろう)」 「~と思います」 at the end of the sentence.
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教材作成/国際交流基金日本語国際センター
It's important to use air conditioning appropriately when it is hot, but power conservation is just as important. Today’s dialogue is about how to save money on electricity. An meets Suzuki in the hallway of their apartment. They start their conversation about the recent hot weather which then leads to talks on saving money on electricity. Follow along to learn how to explain your methods to save money. Some key terms in this dialogue include 「電気代(electricity bill)」「節約(save money)」「扇風機(electric fan)」.
鈴木:アンさん、こんにちは。最近、暑くなってきたわね。
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Hi, An. It’s getting really hot recently.
アン:一恵さん、こんにちは。本当に暑いですね。
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Hello, Kazue. It is really hot.
鈴木:こんなに暑いと、電気代が高くなって大変ね。何かいい節約の方法、ないかしら。
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It’s tough because the electricity bills get so high when it becomes this hot. I wonder if there are any good ways to save money.
アン:節約 あぁ、エアコンの掃除をするといいそうですよ。
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To save money Oh, I heard cleaning the air conditioning is one good way.
Explanation
Here, An is explaining to Kazue one way she knows how to save money on electricity. When relaying an information gained by seeing, hearing or learning from someone or something else, you use the phrase 「~そうです」. A plain form verb or adjective comes before 「~そうです」.
鈴木:なるほど、最近掃除をあまりしていなかったわ。他にも何かしてる?
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I see, I hadn’t cleaned it recently. What else do you do?
アン:えっと エアコンと扇風機を一緒に使うようにしています。
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Umm I try to use the electric fan along with air conditioning.
Explanation
By using the phrase 「~ようにしています」, you can express the fact that it is something that you do as a routine or habit. Here, An is asked what she does to save money on electricity and she answers one routine that she conducts.
鈴木:ええ?そうなの?知らなかった。私も今日からやってみようかしら。
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Really? I didn’t know that. I think I’ll try it starting from today.
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教材作成/国際交流基金日本語国際センター
Long and Sophia participated in a Japanese tea ceremony class as part of a company event for foreign employees. It was the first time for both Long and Sophia to experience a tea ceremony, so they are talking about their impressions and thoughts about it. Follow along and learn how to express your thoughts on workshops and classes that you experienced. Some key terms in this dialogue includes 「公民館(community center)」「お茶碗(tea bowl)」「おもてなし(hospitality)」.
ロン:茶道体験、とてもおもしろかったですね。
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The tea ceremony experience was really interesting.
ソフィア:本当に。すばらしい時間だったー 。うちの子どもが公民館で茶道をしたことがあって、写真を見たり、話を聞いたりしたことがあって。でも、聞くのと、実際に体験するのは全然違う。
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It really was. I had a wonderful time. My children had experienced a tea ceremony at the community center before, so I had seen pictures and heard them talk about it. But hearing about it and actually experiencing it is totally different.
ロン:本当ですね。わたしは、お茶碗をまわして飲むのが一番おもしろいと思いました。
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I agree. I thought turning the tea bowl to drink the tea was most interesting.
Explanation
broaden your conversation by adding details like 「お茶碗をまわして飲むのがおもしろい」, instead of just saying 「おもしろかった」「よかった」. You use the combination, “plain form verb+のが+Adjective” or “noun or verb+plain form adjective” to say what you did or saw and how you felt about it.
ロン:茶碗にも前や後ろがあるなんて、知りませんでした。
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I didn’t know there was a front side and a back side to a tea bowl.
ソフィア:うんうん。お菓子やお茶、飾っているお花、座る順番…すべてに意味があるなんて。おもてなしの心だよね。
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I know. And everything from sweets, tea, flowers on display, to the seating arrangements…they all have a meaning. It’s the spirit of hospitality.
ロン:そうですね!それから、腕時計をしていかないとか、白い靴下を履いていくとか 、お客さんも気をつけることが多いのが印象に残っています。
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That’s right! And things like you shouldn’t wear a watch, and that you should wear white socks…the fact that there are a lot of things a visitor should to pay attention to left a strong impression on me.
Explanation
Another way to express your thoughts other than using an adjective is 「印象に残っています」. This phrase is useful when you want to say that something left a strong impression.
ソフィア:おもてなしの心だけじゃなくて、お客さんのそれを受け取る心、どちらも大切だってことだね!
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It’s not just about the spirit of hospitality, but also how the visitor receives it is important, too!
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教材作成/国際交流基金日本語国際センター
Long left work early and went to hospital near his house. He met Suzuki on his way to the pharmacy. Follow along and learn how to ask about detailed reputation of such places as nearby pharmacies. Some key terms in this dialogue include 「目が腫れる(eyes got swollen)」,「薬局(pharmacy)」,「薬剤師(pharmacist)」.
鈴木:あれ、ロンさん、こんにちは。目、どうしたんですか。
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Oh, hi, Long. What happened to your eyes?
ロン:あ、鈴木さん。実は、目が腫れてしまって、病院に行ってきたんです。でも先生にみてもらったので、もう大丈夫です。
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Oh, Suzuki-san. Actually, I went to the hospital because my eyes were swollen. But now that the doctor has seen me, I am okay.
鈴木:あぁ、そう。よかった。
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Oh, okay. I’m glad to hear that.
ロン:これから薬をとりに行くんですが、この近くで遅い時間まで開いている薬局はありませんか。
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I’m going to go pick up my medicine, but do you know any pharmacy around here that stays open until late at night?
Explanation
Long is looking for a pharmacy and he says what kind of pharmacy he prefers in his conversation to Suzuki. Long is looking for a pharmacy near his house, so he limits the area to 「この近く」 by using 「で」. For example, you can limit your area by saying 「会社の近くで」 o r「この町で」.
鈴木:そうねぇ 。
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Let me see
ロン:普段は仕事があるので、仕事の帰りにも寄れるところがいいんです。
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I usually have to work, so it would be nice if I could stop by on my way home from work.
Explanation
In this sentence, Long includes another preference that he wants the pharmacy to be 「仕事の帰りにも寄れるところがいい」. Compared to just telling them what you want, by adding the reason why you are looking for such a pharmacy will allow the listener to get a better understanding of your situation. Here, 「ので」is used in the phrase 「普段は仕事があるので」 to explain the reason. You can use either polite form sentence or a plain form sentence before 「ので」. If the word before 「ので」 is a verb, use the plain form. If the word before 「ので」 is an i-adjective, it becomes「i-adjective+い」. If the word before 「ので」is a na-adjective or a noun, it becomes 「na-adjective/noun+な」.
鈴木:駅前の薬局は遅くまでやっているけど…、あ!最近はコンビニで受け取れるところもあるってニュースで見たわ。薬剤師さんには、ネットで説明を聞けるんですって。
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The pharmacy close to the train station is open until late but Oh! I saw on the news that you can pick up prescription drugs at convenience stores. An pharmacist will explain to you about the medicine online.
ロン:え!それは助かります。この近くのコンビニでもできるか調べてみます。
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Oh! That’s really helpful. I’m going to see if convenience stores nearby offer that service.
鈴木:便利になったわよねー。
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It’s so convenient now.
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教材作成/国際交流基金日本語国際センター
The topic for this dialogue is one’s current residence. Long received a renewal contract notice for his apartment room but he is undecided about whether or not to renew it. He talks to Tanaka about it during break time. Follow along and learn how to ask and answer topics about the comfort of your living environment and surroundings.
ロン:こんな手紙がとどいたんですが 。
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I received this letter...
田中:ああ、マンションの契約更新のお知らせだね。契約更新するの?
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Oh, it’s the contract renewal notice for your room. Are you going to renew it?
ロン:実は、引っ越すかどうか迷っているんです。
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Actually, I’m trying to decide if I should move or not.
田中:そうなんだ。今住んでいるところは、どう?
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Oh, really. So how do you like your current home?
ロン:近所の人が優しいのはいいんですけど、駅から25分かかって遠いんですよ。
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My neighbors are nice people, but it’s 25 minutes away from the train station, so I feel like it’s a bit far.
Explanation
Long uses expressions 「~んですけど、~んです」 to explain to Tanaka about his current living situation. Here, the positive side that 「近所の人が優しい」 and the negative side that 「駅から遠い」 are both mentioned. A plain form adjective or verb comes before 「~んです」. The word 「よ」 at the end of the sentence is used to express that the speaker is talking about something the listener does not know.
田中:そうか、それは悩むね。私も今の家に決めるまで、悩んだなぁ。
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I see, it does make you think. I thought long and hard until I decided on my current house.
ロン:田中さんは、どうやって今の家に決めましたか。
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How did you decide on your house, Tanaka-san?
Explanation
Here, Long is asking Tanaka about what factors to be mindful of when deciding on where to live. You can ask the specifics on how to do so by using the phrase 「どうやって~しましたか」.
田中:ああ、学校や公園が近くて、子どもにとって環境がいいところにしたんだ。自分にとって何が大事かを考えてみるといいんじゃないかな。
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Well, I chose a good environment for my children where schools and parks are nearby. I think it’s best to think what’s important to you.
ロン:何が大事か ちょっと考えてみます。
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What’s important... I’ll think about it.
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教材作成/国際交流基金日本語国際センター
The topic for today’s dialogue is where to go on your day off. Long and Misaki are going to go on a drive with a group of friends on their next day off. They are discussing about possible destinations for their drive during their break time at the workplace. Follow along to learn how to discuss and make plans when traveling with friends. Some key terms in this dialogue includes 「今度の」(next),「レンタカー」(rental car), and「景色」(view/scenery).
ロン:美咲さん、今度の休みのことなんですけど 。
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Misaki, I wanted to talk to you about our next day off
美咲:あ、レンタカーを借りて、みんなでどこかに行こうって話でしたよね。どうしましょうか。
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Oh, is it about how we talked about going somewhere in a rental car with our friends? What should we do?
ロン:はい、筑波山に行くのはどうですか。
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Yes, about that. How about going to Mount Tsukuba?
Explanation
「~のはどうですか」is an expression used when proposing an idea. It’s important to convey and receive each other’s opinions when making plans with friends. Here, Long proposes Mount Tsukuba as a destination spot and is asking Misaki how she feels about it. A plain form verb comes before 「~のはどうですか」.
ロン:頂上からの景色がきれいだそうです。
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I heard that the view from the top is really beautiful.
美咲:筑波山ですか 。うーん、ちょっと遠いかな。
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Mount Tsukuba mmm, it’s a little far away.
ロン:そうですか。今度の休みは天気も良さそうだし、いいかなと思ったんですが 。
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I see. The weather forecast said we’ll have good weather on that day, so I thought it was a good idea
Explanation
It’s important not to speak too strongly when expressing your opinions to your friends. Long said 「天気も良さそうだし」 to express why he thought Mount Tsukuba was a good choice. He used the expression 「~し」 to convey his reason. By adding 「~んですが
」 after you convey your reasons, it softens the impact of your sentence.
Usage of 「そうです」 is mentioned in Small Talk for “‘Drive My Car’ Wins Academy Award for Best International Feature.” It is used to express something you heard from another person or learnt from news and such.
美咲:じゃあ、高尾山はどうでしょう。近いし、景色がいいって聞きましたよ。
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Then, how about Mount Takao? It’s closer and I’ve heard the view is nice, too.
ロン:高尾山、いいですね!他の人にも聞いてみましょう。
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Mount Takao is a great idea. Let’s ask our friends if they agree.
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教材作成/国際交流基金日本語国際センター
This dialogue is about extracurricular club activities at school. One Monday morning in the break room, Sophia asks Tanaka about his weekend. It seems Tanaka went to see his child baseball game and it made him think back to his childhood. Follow along to learn how to talk about your childhood, school years, and the dreams and thoughts you had back then. Some key terms in this dialogue are 「~時代」(... years)、「選手」(player)、「憧れる」(looked up to).
ソフィア:あ、田中さん。おはようございます。週末はいかがでしたか。
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Oh, good morning Tanaka-san. How was your weekend?
田中:子どもの野球の試合、見に行ってたんだ。
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I went to see my child’s baseball game.
ソフィア:お子さん、野球やってるんですか。
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Does your child play baseball?
田中:そうそう、部活でね。私も中学も高校もずっと野球部だったから、楽しかったよ。ソフィアさんは何か部活やってた?
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Yes, he plays for the school’s extracurricular club. I was in the baseball club during junior and high school, too, so I had a lot of fun. Did you do any extracurricular activities at school?
ソフィア:部活じゃないんですけど、9歳から18歳まで地域のクラブでバレーボールをやってました。
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No, I didn’t, but I played for a local volleyball team from when I was nine to 18 years old.
Explanation
You use the phrase 「~から~まで+VERB」 to show the duration of something. You express when you started with 「~から」 and when you ended with 「~まで」. For example, 「2000年から2006年まで」(from year 2000 until/to year 2006)and 「小学生から高校生まで」(from elementary school until/to high school).
ソフィア:オリンピックの選手に憧れて、その選手みたいになりたいって思って始めたんです。
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There was an Olympian that I looked up to, so I took up volleyball because I wanted to be like that player.
Explanation
「~って思って始めたんです」 is a phrase to express the reason why you started something along with how you felt at that time. A plain form verb or an adjective that show your feelings, such as「VERB +たい」, 「かっこいい」or 「おもしろい」 , often come before 「って」. When you want to talk more politely, replace the 「って」 with 「と」, for example 「その選手みないになりたいと思って」.
田中:へえ、それは知らなかったなあ。
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Oh, I didn’t know that.
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教材作成/国際交流基金日本語国際センター
An AED is going to be placed at the community center in An’s town, so a lecture on how to use AEDs is being held. An and Kazue are going to practice using AED on a special doll. Follow along to learn expressions to use when you have questions or want to confirm something while engaging in a task with other people. Some key terms in this dialogue include 「電源を入れる」(turn on)、「上半身」(upper body)、「胸」(chest)、「貼る」(place).
一恵:まずAEDを開けて電源を入れるのね。あ、ガイドが始まった。
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I need to first open the AED and then turn it on. Oh, the audio instruction is starting.
音声ガイド:まず、上半身の衣服をすべて脱がせてください。次にパッドを準備し、絵の通りに貼ってください。
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First, remove all clothes from the upper body. Next, prepare the pads and place it onto the body as shown in the picture.
アン:すみません、一恵さん。じょう…? 何を脱がせるって言ってましたか。
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I’m sorry, Kazue. Jyo..? What did the instructions say to take off?
Explanation
An repeated the sound she heard, 「じょう…?」. This is a way to confirm a word you didn’t understand or couldn’t catch in the previous conversation. In this simple way, you can convey to the other person what you didn’t understand and what it is that you want to confirm. It is an important strategy to receive help smoothly from the person you are having the conversation with.
一恵:上半身の服。つまりシャツとかジャケットとかね。じゃあ、私がやるわね。
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The clothes on the upper body. Like a shirt or a jacket. Okay, I’ll do it.
アン:はい。えっと、次にパッドを準備するんですよね。
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Got it. Umm, then we need to prepare the pads, right?
Explanation
An is asking Kazue for confirmation on what to do next. The usage of 「よね」 at the end of a sentence implies that you are unsure about your understanding or thought. Everyone must have had a situation where you think you understand everything but worried whether it is really correct. In such a case, using 「よね」 will be a good way to see if you are right.
「よね」 came up previously and we learned a different usage of 「よね」 where it’s used to show agreement with the person you are having the conversation with.
一恵:パッドを準備して、それから胸にそれを貼るんですって。こことここの二か所。大丈夫?
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We need to prepare the pads and then we place them on the chest. Two places, here and here. Can you do it?
アン:ここ と ここですね。やってみます。
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Okay, here and here. I’ll do it.
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教材作成/国際交流基金日本語国際センター
The conversation today is between Long and a person who took a trip to Okinawa. Long saw Suzuki at the entrance of their apartment after coming home from shopping on his day off. She was carrying a reusable shopping bag with a unique pattern so Long asked her about it. Follow along to learn how to acquire detailed information about interesting travel spots. Some key terms in this dialogue include 「めずらしい」(unique/unusual), 「焼き物」(pottery), 「素朴」(rustic), 「通り」(street), 「伝統的な」(traditional), 「作品」(piece), 「デザイン」(design), 「作家」(artist) and 「きっと」(I’m sure ...).
ロン:そのエコバッグ、めずらしい柄ですね。
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Your reusable bag has a unique pattern.
鈴木:ああ、これ?先週、沖縄旅行で買ったの。
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Oh, this? I bought it during trip to Okinawa last week.
ロン:沖縄ですか。前に、友だちから沖縄の焼き物をもらったことがあります。えっと…、やむ、やち…。
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You went to Okinawa? My friend gave me a pottery from Okinawa before. Umm... it was Yamu... Yachi…
鈴木:ああ、「やちむん」。沖縄の焼き物のことね。素朴で、いいよね。
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Oh, you mean “Yachimun.” It's Okinawan pottery. I like its rustic quality.
ロン:はい。沖縄にはやちむんの通りがあるんですよね。
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Yes. There is a street in Okinawa where lots of Yachimun are sold, right?
鈴木:そうそう。「やちむん通り」ね。ロンさん、焼き物に興味があるの?
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Uh-huh. It’s called Yachimun Street. Long, are you interested in pottery?
ロン:少し。でも、伝統的なものより、若い人が作った作品が好きです。デザインがおもしろいです。
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A little bit. But I like pieces made by younger generations more than the traditional ones. The designs are interesting.
ロン:「やちむん通り」には、そういうのも売っていますか?
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Do stores in Yachimun Street sell pieces like that?
Explanation
In daily conversations, abbreviations and demonstrative pronouns are used to avoid repetitions. 「そういう」 means 「そのような」, and in this sentence it refers to 「若い人が作った」. Demonstrative pronouns that begins with 「そ」 are often used to indicate something that was just spoken. A noun comes immediately after the demonstrative 「そういう」. In this sentence, the word 「の」 is used in place of the noun 「作品」, therefore 「そういうの」 implies 「そういう作品」.
鈴木:うん。若い作家さんのお店もあるから、きっとロンさんが好きな作品を見つけることができると思うよ。
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Yes. There are shops run by young artists, so I’m sure you will find something you like.
ロン:へえ。行ってみたいなあ。
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Really? I want to go there someday.
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教材作成/国際交流基金日本語国際センター
An’s friend Tomoko who lives far away is coming over to An’s house. The two hadn’t seen each other in a long time and they have just met up at the station where they are having this conversation. Follow along to learn how to greet someone you have not met for a while and how to talk about where you currently live. You will also learn how to discuss the weather. Some key terms in this dialogue include 「お久しぶりです」(it’s been a while), 「おかげさまで」(thankfully), 「暑い」(hot), 「涼しい」(cool), 「それにしても」(by the way/anyhow) and 「まし」(better).
アン:あ、智子さん、お久しぶりです。
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Oh, Tomoko! It’s been a while.
智子:アンさん、久しぶり。変わらないね。元気?
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Hi, An. I haven’t seen you for so long. You look the same. How are you?
アン:はい。おかげさまで。智子さんもお元気そうですね。
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Yeah, thankfully I’m doing good. You look good yourself, Tomoko.
智子:うん、元気よ。それにしても、東京は暑いね。
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I’m doing great. By the way, Tokyo is hot.
アン:こっちは暑いですよね。
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It is hot here.
Explanation
Weather is a popular conversation topic, so learning terms and expressions about the weather will be useful. In this dialogue, An replies 「暑いですよね」 to Tomoko’s comment of 「暑いね」. The 「よね」 at the end of the sentence expresses agreement to what the other person previously said.
アン:長野は、もっと涼しいんじゃないですか。
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Nagano is much cooler, isn’t it?
Explanation
You will find different weathers in different areas of Japan. Temperature, humidity, amount of rainfall and snowfall, etc. will change in accordance to where you live in Japan. An thinks that Nagano must be cooler than Tokyo, so she asks Tomoko. You can use the expression 「~んじゃないんですか」 to confirm your thoughts and speculations. The plain form of either verb or adjective is placed before 「~んじゃないんですか」. However, if it is a NA-adjective or a past-negative form of a verb, you must then use the phrase 「~なんじゃないんですか」.
智子:そうでもないよ。今年は、暑くて。まあ、こっちよりはましかな。
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Not really. This year was really hot. But... I think it’s better than here.
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教材作成/国際交流基金日本語国際センター
Sophia talks to Long who is about to go out on a hot summer day for work. Follow along to learn how to advise someone to be careful of the heat when they are just about to go out. Some key words in this dialogue include 「外回り(work outside the office)」, 「熱中症(heatstroke)」 and 「こまめに(often)」.
ロン:じゃあ、外回り、いってきます。
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So, I’ll be leaving now to work outside the office.
ソフィア:ロンさん、今日は暑いから気をつけて。
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Long, it’s hot today so be careful of the heat.
Explanation
You can use this phrase to advise someone who is about to go outside on a hot summer day to mind the heat. Other ways to call out are 「帽子をかぶっていった方がいいですよ」 which means “It might be better to wear a hat.” and 「暑いから、無理しないでね」 which means “It’s hot so take it easy.” If you are talking to your boss or someone older than you, it’s better to use the polite form 「暑いから、無理しないでくださいね」.
ロン:はい、ありがとうございます。
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Okay, thank you.
ソフィア:熱中症にならないように、こまめにお水飲んでね。
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Make sure to drink water often so you won’t suffer from heatstroke.
Explanation
This is a phrase used to tell someone to take heed.The verb in 「V +ように」 can either be the dictionary-form(naru) or the negative-form(naranai). However, when the usage is to warn someone, it often takes the latter form「~ならないように」. A sentence with this phrase usually ends with 「しなさい/してください」 or 「お願いします」.
ロン:はーい。
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I will.
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教材作成/国際交流基金日本語国際センター
Sophia was resting in the break room when Long talked to her. It seems Long took interest in the anime character keychain she had on her bag. Follow along to learn how to express the reasons why you like a certain anime or film. Some key terms in this dialogue include 「キャラクター」(character), 「はまる」(become hooked on), 「特に」(especially), 「気分」(feeling) and 「気に入る」(like/fancy).
ロン:ソフィアさん、これ、「サルファーの城」のキャラクターですよね?
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Sophia, this is a character from the film “Sulphur’s Castle,” right?
ソフィア:あ、そうそう。
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Yes, it is.
ロン:ソフィアさん、日本のアニメ、見るんですか?
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You watch Japanese anime, Sophia?
ソフィア:うん、最近ね。
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Yes, recently I do.
ソフィア:子どもと一緒に見ていたら、私の方がはまっちゃって。
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I was watching it with my child at first, and then I became hooked on it.
Explanation
Here, Sophia talks about how she came to watch Japanese anime. By using the phrase 「“VERB” +たら」, you can show that it was not something that you planned but rather something that happened naturally. 「はまる」 is a casual phrase best used between friends which means “to become hooked” on something.
ソフィア:特にサルファーの城は絵もきれいだし、ストーリーもよくできていて、映画を見ているような気分になるんだよね。
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I especially think the illustrations of “Sulphur’s Castle” are fantastic and the story is well written. It gives you the feeling like you are watching a film.
Explanation
Instead of expressing your feelings by just saying 「楽しい(気分)」(pleasant feeling) and 「いい(気分)」(good feeling), you can broaden your range of expression by comparing your feelings to something else. For example, 「映画を見ているような気分」. If the word before the phrase「~ような気分」 is a noun, you can say 「N+のような気分」. If the word before 「~ような気分」 is a verb, use the plain form of the verb.
ロン:へぇ、そうなんですか。
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Oh, really?
ソフィア:ロンさんは、見た?「サルファーの城」?
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Have you watched the “Suphur’s Castle?”
ロン:いえ、まだなんです。
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No, not yet.
ソフィア:ロンさんも気に入るんじゃないかな。あ、DVD持ってるから、貸そうか。
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I think you will like it. Oh, I have a DVD. Do you want to borrow it?
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教材作成/国際交流基金日本語国際センター
After work, Long is talking to Tanaka in the parking lot. Tanaka has just bought a new car. Long is asking him questions. Follow along to learn how to question someone about something you want and aim to get the correct information. Some key terms in this dialogue include 「ボロボロ」(beat up), 「いつか」(someday), 「マイカー」(my own car), 「中古車」(used car) and 「予算」(budget).
ロン:新しい車、かっこいいですね。
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Your new car looks really nice.
田中:前の車、けっこう走ったからボロボロで・・・。やっと買い替えたんだよ。
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My previous car had a lot of miles on it and it was beat up so... I finally bought a new one.
ロン:私もいつかはマイカーが欲しいです。
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I want my own car someday.
ロン:できれば、SUVがいいんですけど・・・。
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If possible, I want an SUV...
Explanation
Long not only tells Tanaka that he wants his own car, but specific details about what kind of car he wants. When talking about something that has different types, like cars, and you want to specify which type you prefer, you can use the expression 「Noun +がいい」. Here Long uses this expression with 「可能なら」 which means “if possible.”
ロン:150万円くらいで買えますか?
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Can I buy one for approximately 1.5 million yen?
Explanation
Including you budget in your conversation will make it easier for the other person to give you more detailed advice and suggestions. You can express your budget by adding 「で」 after the amount. This expression is often used with 「くらい」 which means “approximately” or “about.”
田中:うーん。もうちょっと予算が必要かな。でも、中古車だったら買えるかもしれないね。
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Hmm, you may need a bigger budget. But you may be able to buy a used car.
ロン:はあ。もっと仕事、頑張ります。
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I see... I will work harder.
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教材作成/国際交流基金日本語国際センター
At the workplace, Long is asking Sophia about how to throw out cardboard boxes. Follow along to learn how to explain disposing of trash. Some key terms in this dialogue include 「段ボール(cardboard)」,「資源ごみ(recyclable trash)」,「たたむ(fold)」 and 「まとめる(compile)」.
ロン:ソフィアさん、資料の整理、終わりました。あのー、段ボールは、どこに捨てたらいいですか?
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Sophia, I finished sorting the documents. Umm, where should I throw away the cardboard box?
ソフィア:ああ、ゴミ置き場に捨てるところがあるよ。ちょっと一緒に行きましょう。
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Oh, there’s a place to put it at the trash collection site. Let’s go there together.
ソフィア:段ボールは資源ごみだから、ここね。
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Cardboards are recyclable trash, so put them here.
Explanation
Here, Sophia explains to Long where and how to throw away the cardboard by actually pointing to the location at the trash collection site. The word 「ね」 is used at the end of the sentence for consent and as a reminder.
ソフィア:必ずたたんで出してね。
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Make sure to fold the cardboard when throwing it away, okay?
Explanation
「たたんで」is a phrase that is constructed from the plain form「たたむ」with 「て/で」at the end. By using “VERB+「て」” form, you can explain in detail on how to throw away trash. For example, 「袋に入れて、出してね」(put it in a bag and throw it away), 「分けて、出してね」(sort them and throw them away).
ソフィア:たくさんあるときは、紐でまとめておいてね。紐はここにあるから。
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If there are multiple cardboards, compile them together with a string. The strings are here.
Explanation
It’s a hassle for people taking care of the garbage if the cardboards are thrown away piece by piece. So, it’s common practice in Japan to fold the cardboard and tie them together with a string if you are throwing away multiple cardboards. To show that something needs to be done in advance, you use the form “VERB+「ておく」” like in this instance.
ロン:わかりました。ありがとうございます。
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I understand. Thank you.
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教材作成/国際交流基金日本語国際センター
Long and Misaki, his friend and co-worker, are talking in the break room. Long wants to ask Misaki out to go see a film. Pay attention to how he invites her. Follow along to learn how to explain the contents of a film and how to ask your friend to go see it. Some key terms in this dialogue includes 「人気がある」(popular)、「主人公」(main character)、「タイムスリップ」(time travel)、「冒険」(adventure)、and 「一緒に」(together).
ロン:美咲さん、「タイムトラベラーの冒険」っていう映画、見ましたか。 今、とても人気があるそうです。
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Misaki, have you seen the film called,” Adventures of a Time Traveler?” I heard it’s really popular right now.
Explanation
「そうです」 is a plain form which expresses that the previous content is something we heard from others or learned through reading books. Here, he is saying he heard it from others.
美咲:あー、「タイムトラベラーの冒険」。人気あるみたいですね。おもしろいのかな。
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That’s right.
ロン:はい、すごくおもしろいみたいです。
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Yes, people say that it’s really interesting.
ロン:主人公が過去にタイムスリップして、冒険する話だそうですよ。
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It seems to be an adventure story in which the main character time travels to the past.
Explanation
「冒険する話だそうですよ。」 is the same form as 「今、とても人気があるそうです。」. These phrases are adding details about the movie based on what Long heard from others and read in a book.
美咲:へー、おもしろそうですね。見てみたいなー。
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I see, it sounds interesting. I want to go see it.
ロン:あのー、もしよかったら、今週の土曜日一緒に見に行きませんか。
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Umm, if you want, why don’t we go see it together this Saturday?
Explanation
By using the phrase 「もしよかったら」, Long is delegating the decision whether or not Misaki wants to go see the film. You can use this phrase to show consideration to others and to not make them feel uncomfortable if they decline. It can be used with expressions that respects the other person’s wishes such as “VERB+「ませんか」” when inviting someone to join you.
美咲:いいですね。ぜひ、行きましょう。
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That sounds nice. Yes, let’s go together.
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教材作成/国際交流基金日本語国際センター
Long visited Hakone on his day off. He brought back souvenirs to give to his co-workers. Follow along to learn how to talk about places you visited and what you did during your holiday smoothly. Some key terms in this dialogue include 「お土産」(souvenir), 「火山」(volcano), and「煙」(plumes).
ロン:ソフィアさん、これ、お土産です。お一つどうぞ。
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Sophia, this is a souvenir. Please have one.
Explanation
It differs from workplace to workplace, but people in Japan may handout souvenirs from where they visited for their holidays. Here, Long bought a box of manju as a souvenir and is handing them to his co-workers one by one. You can use the phrase 「これ、お土産です。お一つどうぞ。」 in such situations.
ソフィア:わー、ありがとう。温泉まんじゅう。どこに行ってきたの?
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Wow, thank you. This is an onsen manju. Where did you go?
ロン:箱根に行ってきました。大涌谷を歩いて、火山の煙を見ました。
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I went to Hakone. I walked through Owakudani and saw volcanic plumes.
Explanation
By adding additional information other than what you were asked, you can make your conversation more interesting. So the answer to Sophia’s question is 「箱根に行ってきました。」 but try adding more to the conversation by talking about what you did, eat and saw.
ソフィア:へぇ、大涌谷を歩いたんだ。あ、黒たまごは食べた?
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I see, you walked the trails at Owakudani. Oh, did you eat black eggs?
ロン:はい!黒たまごも食べたし、黒たまごのキーホルダーも買いました。
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Yes! I ate black eggs and I also bought a black egg key chain.
Explanation
When Sophia received the souvenir, she said, 「ありがとう。温泉まんじゅう。」. So the answer is 「おんせんまんじゅう」.
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教材作成/国際交流基金日本語国際センター
Sophia is surprised to learn that school rules of Japanese middle school are extremely different compared to her country. She talks about it with her co-worker Tanaka during lunch break at their company. Follow along to learn how to talk about your experiences and your comments about it. Some key terms in this dialogue include 「校則」(regulation), 「厳しい」(strict), 「ヘアゴム」(hair ties), 「染める」(dye), 「髪型」(hairstyle), and 「風紀が乱れる」(corrupt public morals).
ソフィア:田中さんのお子さんは中学生でしたよね。
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Wasn’t your child in middle school, Tanaka-san?
田中:そうですよ。
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That’s right.
ソフィア:私の子どもも中学生なんですが、日本の中学校は、校則が厳しいんですね。髪の毛の色や、ヘアゴムの色まで決められていて、びっくりしました。
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My child is also in middle school and I didn’t know school rules and regulations are so strict in Japan. I was surprised to find out that there are rules about the color of your hair and even the color of hair ties.
Explanation
Have you ever had the experience of being surprised by cultural differences? What were you surprised by? You can make the conversation more interesting by including the reason why you were surprised. State what or why you had such reactions before saying 「びっくりしました」 or 「おどろきました」.
You can use the verb form of “verb +て” in such case. For examples, 「verb +て、びっくりしました」, 「verb +て、こまりました」, and 「verb +て、うれしかった」 can express the reasons for different feelings of why you were troubled or happy.
田中:あー、うちの子の学校もいろいろありますよ。髪は染めちゃいけないとか。まあ、学校にもよると思いますけど。
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I know, there are similar rules at my child’s school, too. Like you can’t dye your hair and such. I think it depends on the school though.
ソフィア:そうなんですね。どうして髪の色は黒色でなければなりませんか?
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I see. Why does their hair have to be black?
Explanation
Sophia asked 「どうして髪の色は黒色でなければなりませんか?」. This is a phrase used to ask your doubts based on what you heard or experienced. You use the Nai form of verb, adjective or noun plus “da”. Nai form is the negative counterpart of the plain form. Here are a few examples: 「校則は守らなければならない」(You must follow the regulations.) or 「先生はきびしくなければならない」(Teachers must be strict.)
ソフィア:私の国には、いろんな髪の色の人がいますし、髪型も自由です。髪の毛の色は、学校の生活には関係ないと思うんですけど…。
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In my country, there are people with different colors of hair, and we are free to have any hairstyle. I don’t think color of your hair has anything to do with school life…
Explanation
The later half of the sentence stops by not fully completing the sentence and ends with 「~と思うんですけど…」. Such expressions are useful when you don’t want to say strong opinions but rather want to make an understatement. However, as it is used to convey discontent, be careful of the usage.
田中:うーん…、あまり自由にすると、風紀が乱れるって昔から考えられているからじゃないでしょうかねー。
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Hmm, it may be due to the way of thinking that too much freedom leads to corruption of public moral.
ソフィア:うーん…。
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Hmm…
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教材作成/国際交流基金日本語国際センター
Sophia has just received an email from a local children’s association, but she is having difficulty understanding the Japanese. So she decides to ask her co-worker Tanaka for help understand the email’s contents. Follow along to learn how to ask another person for help when you don’t understand something in Japanese.
Some key terms in this dialogue include 「子ども会」(children’s association), 「寄付」(donation/donate), 「銀行口座」(bank account), 「振り込む」(wire transfer), and 「1口」(one contribution).
ソフィア:田中さん、あの、今、ちょっといいですか?
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Tanaka-san, do you have a minute?
田中:ん?何?
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Yes? What is it?
ソフィア:これ、子ども会のメールなんですが、何のメールかわかりますか?
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I got an email from a local children’s association, do you know what it says?
Explanation
For people studying Japanese, reading Japanese emails and notices of kanji characters can be a daunting task. While learning to decipher it on your own can certainly be a rewarding approach, asking someone around you who is fluent in Japanese for help can also be a great way to practice your Japanese. Depending on the content, it may be difficult for the person to answer your questions. It is polite to begin by asking them 「わかりますか?」. If the person you’re asking is already familiar with the email, you can ask them directly, 「これ、何のメールですか?」. Or, instead of leading with a question like Sophia did, you can explain what you already know by saying 「これ、子ども会のメールなんですが 」(This is an email from a children association ...). It will help the person you’re asking better understand the situation.
田中:ああ、これは寄付のお願いのメールだね。子どもたちにサッカーボールをプレゼントするためのお金を集めているんだって。
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Oh, it’s an email asking for donations. It says t collecting money to buy soccer balls for children.
ソフィア:へえ。あの、お金を出すにはどうすればいいですか?
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I see! So, how do I donate?
田中:えっと、ここに銀行口座の番号が書いてあるから、ここに振り込めばいいよ。1口1000円からだから、1000円とか、2000円とか、10,000円でもいいよ。ソフィアさん、お金出すの?
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Well, the bank account number is written here. You can send your donation via wire transfer. They’re asking for multiples of 1,000 JPY, so you can donate 1,000 JPY, or 2,000 JPY, or even 10,000 JPY. Are you going to donate, Sophia?
ソフィア:あー、ちょっと考えてみます。ありがとうございました。
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Hmm. I’ll think about it. Thank you for helping me!
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