100
Mr. Oda invited me to a restaurant last week. After we arrived there, he asked me how a new employee was working out. I answered, "Suki desu." (I like him.) But Mr. Oda sniggered as if I had said something funny or strange. Was my answer inappropriate ? Mr. Pole Most Japanese textbooks and dictionaries translate "like" as "suki." But "suki" is actually an emotional expression that implies "love." "Ii desu" is the common way of saying "nice" or "good." Be careful—you could imply that you love someone in a romantic sense. ("Like" is not treated as verb in Japanese unless the word "desu" is added.) Like Dislike When praising or admiring something. I like this coffee cup . Kono coffee cup ii desu ne. ii e.g., shigoto wa chotto .... e.g., When referring to something you like very much. I like classical music . Classic ga suki desu. suki e.g., love dai suki "I love you = aishite imasu" as in the movies. Japanese people rarely use this phrase in real life. As "kirai" is a direct way of expressing dislike, this style is often avoided. (Being too direct is considered arrogant.) Instead, the indirect expressions below are common. Do you like your work ? "Well... I'm not that crazy about my work ..." shigoto wa amari suki-janai desu. e.g., "I don't really care for my work." By leaving a sentence vague and incomplete, "dislike" is expressed very indirectly. This is a thoughtful expression used when trying not to hurt someone's feelings. By avoiding the direct expression "kirai," this sentence still shows "dislike," but leaves a softer impression. 1 2 Mr. Pole : I like this restaurant. (This restaurant is nice.) Kono restaurant desu ne. Copyright 1999 The Yomiuri Shimbun (this restaurant) like (praising) Mr. Oda : What are your "likes and dislikes" ? (Is there anything in particular you like or don't like ?) Mr. Oda : Really? Oh,by the way, how is your new employee? Nani ka suki/kirai arimasu ka. (isn't it ?) Mr. Pole : Wow ! I like this plate. (This plate is nice.) Waa! Kono utsuwa desu ne. (Wow) (this plate, bowl) like (praising) (isn't it ?) Mr. Pole : I like him. (He is a nice person.) hito desu. like (praising) Mr. Pole : I like sashimi, Sashimi ga desu ne. like (enjoy) and I especially love tuna. Toku ni maguro ga desu. (especially) (tuna) (something) (Do you have ~?) (See kanji at right) love (preference) But I don't like cuttlefish that much... (But I'm not crazy about cuttlefish.) Demo ika wa chotto... (But) (cuttlefish)(don't like) (See "Dislike") I recently began collecting Japanese pottery. Ima, Nihon no yakimono o atsumete imasu. (now, recently) (pottery) (collecting) So ¯ desu ka. Tokorode atarashii staff wa do ¯ desu ka. (by the way)(new)(staff, employee)(how is...?) (person) 1 2 3 4 5 5 4 3 2 1 In order to say "dislike," there are two styles: direct " kirai " indirect " chotto..., " " amari suki-janai desu" has two meanings : いい このコーヒーカップ いい です ね。 仕事 ちょっと... 好き クラシック 好き です。 大好き 仕事 あまり好きじゃないです。 このレストラン 好き嫌い ありますか。 刺身 です ね。 でも イカ ちょっと ... わあ! 今、 日本 焼き物 集めています。 そうです か。 ところで、新しい スタッフはどうです か。 人 です。 いい 好き 大好き いい いい です ね。 です。 です ね。 この 5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama Illustrations by Masako Ban ii suki dai suki ii ii and 1 2

Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

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Conversation lessons for learners of Japanese language. Written by Hitomi Hirayama in the column of The Daily Yomiuri.

Citation preview

Page 1: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

Mr. Oda invited me to a restaurant last week. After we arrived there, he asked me how a new employee was working out. I answered, "Suki desu." (I like him.) But Mr. Oda sniggered as if I had said something funny or strange. Was my answer inappropriate ?

Mr.

Pol

e

Most Japanese textbooks and dictionaries translate "like" as "suki." But "suki" is actually an emotional expression that implies "love." "Ii desu" is the common way of saying "nice" or "good." Be careful—you could imply that you love someone in a romantic sense. ("Like" is not treated as verb in Japanese unless the word "desu" is added.)

Like

Dislike

When praising or admiring something.

I like this coffee cup .

Kono coffee cup ii desu ne.

iie.g.,

shigoto wa chotto ....

e.g.,

When referring to something you like very much.

I like classical music .

Classic ga suki desu.

sukie.g.,

love

dai suki

"I love you = aishite imasu" as in the movies. Japanese people rarely use this phrase in real life.

As "kirai" is a direct way of expressing dislike, this style is often avoided. (Being too direct is considered arrogant.) Instead, the indirect expressions below are common.

Do you like your work ? "Well... I'm not that crazy about my work ..."

shigoto wa amari suki-janai desu.

e.g., "I don't really care for my work."

By leaving a sentence vague and incomplete, "dislike" is expressed very indirectly. This is a thoughtful expression used when trying not to hurt someone's feelings.

By avoiding the direct expression "kirai," this sentence still shows "dislike," but leaves a softer impression.

1

2

Mr. Pole: I like this restaurant. (This restaurant is nice.)

Kono restaurant desu ne.

Copyright 1999 The Yomiuri Shimbun

(this restaurant)

like (praising)

Mr. Oda : What are your "likes and dislikes" ? (Is there anything in particular you like or don't like ?)

Mr. Oda : Really? Oh, by the way, how is your new employee?

Nani ka suki/kirai arimasu ka.

(isn't it ?)

Mr. Pole : Wow ! I like this plate. (This plate is nice.)

Waa! Kono utsuwa desu ne. (Wow) (this plate, bowl)

like (praising)

(isn't it ?)

Mr. Pole : I like him. (He is a nice person.)

hito desu. like

(praising)

Mr. Pole : I like sashimi,

Sashimi ga desu ne. like

(enjoy)

and I especially love tuna.

Toku ni maguro ga desu. (especially) (tuna)

(something) (Do you have ~?) (See kanji at right)

love (preference)

But I don't like cuttlefish that much...(But I'm not crazy about cuttlefish.)

Demo ika wa chotto...(But) (cuttlefish)(don't like) (See "Dislike")

I recently began collecting Japanese pottery.

Ima, Nihon no yakimono o atsumete imasu.(now, recently) (pottery) (collecting)

So desu ka. Tokorode atarashii staff wa do desu ka. (by the way)(new)(staff, employee)(how is...?)

(person)

1

2

3

4

5

54321

In order to say "dislike," there are two styles: direct →"kirai"indirect →"chotto...," "amari suki-janai desu"

has two meanings :

いい

このコーヒーカップ いい です ね。

仕事 は ちょっと...

好き

クラシック が 好き です。

大好き

仕事 は あまり好きじゃないです。

このレストラン

何 か 好き嫌い ありますか。

刺身 が

です ね。

特 に 鮪 が

でも イカ は ちょっと ...

わあ!

今、 日本 の 焼き物 を 集めています。

そうです か。 ところで、新しい スタッフはどうです か。

人 です。

いい 好き 大好き いい いい

です ね。

です。

です ね。 この 器

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

Illustrations by Masako Ban

ii suki dai suki ii ii

and1 2

Page 2: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

Copyright 1999 The Yomiuri Shimbun

ko: favorable, good su(ki), ...zu(ki), kono(mi): fond of

onna ko(domo)  

Combining“女(woman)”and“子(child)," this kanji originally had a meaning of "young women" or "girls." As young women were considered beautiful, the combined form was used to mean "to like," "good" and "beautiful."woman child

Proverb

In Japan, to boast or to brag about something is not appreciated. Therefore, even though one is skillful at a task, and is praised for it, it is best to be humble. This phrase is used to show enthusiasm about a hobby, etc., even though one lacks the skill.

Mr. Tada: You are good (at it).  上手 ですね。 Jozu desu ne.

Mr. Pole : Oh, no. I just enjoy it, even though     I'm not good at it.  

いいえ 下 手 の 横 好 きですよ。Iie, heta no yoko-zuki desu yo.

Mr. Tada: No, really. You are very good. いいえ 上手ですよ。Iie, jozu desu yo.

I have no particular likes or dislikes.

好き嫌い は 特に ありません。Suki/kirai wa toku ni arimasen.

likes and dislikes

su ki kira i 好き嫌い

All people have their own preferences.  (often used negatively)

好きずき です から。Sukizuki desu kara.

free choice, to each his own

su ki zu ki好きずき

妻 とは 趣味 も 好み も 違います。Tsuma to wa shumi mo konomi mo chigaimasu.

My taste and even my preferences differ from my wife's.

taste, preference

kono mi好み

あの 新製品 は 好評 ですね。Ano shinseehin wa kohyo desu ne.

That new product has a good reputation, doesn't it ?

ko hyo

good reputation (criticism),acclaim

好評

best chance, ideal

zekko no

Today is a perfect (ideal) day for golf, isn't it ?

今日 は 絶好 の ゴルフ日和 ですね。Kyo wa zekko no golf-biyori desu ne.

You can change golf to tennis, hiking etc.

絶好の

下手の横好き

heta no yoko-zuki

Crazy about something although not very good at it. Unskillful but euthusiastic.

Page 3: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

No, but you can be "ue-sama" too! In the past, the word "ue-

sama" was used to address members of the upper classes, such as Shogun (samurai general). "ue-sama" is now in use only when issuing official receipts, replacing the actual name/com-pany name. It is said that this form of address will not disgrace the recipient, no matter who he/she is. So, if you need an official receipt and the clerk asks you "onamae wa? " you could answer "ue-sama."

Mr. Pole: Please give me an official receipt.

Mr. Pole

clerk : What's the name?

clerk : How shall I fill out the items section?

Mr. Pole : It's "company name."

Mr. Pole : ....................................... 

です。 desu

1

2 3

Answers

2 31

When I was shopping and waiting in line at the cashier, I heard the clerk asking the customers "onamae wa?" (What's the name ? or Who should it be addressed to ?)I expected them to give their own names, but instead they answered "ue-sama." Since then, I've realized the same conversation is carried at other stores too, when customers are asking for official receipts. Do Japanese people have another name beside their own ?

領 収 書 平成Hese

date (Heisei era ... started in 1989)

¥ 21,000

上   様 receipt(ryoshusho)

name / company name

内訳

税抜金額 ¥20,000

消費税額 (5%) ¥1,000

収入印紙

日 本 株式会社東京都港区麻布1-2-3電話 03-4567-8910

上記の金額を領収いたしました

seal(inkan)

consumption tax(shohizegaku)

amount(ue)

(See "large to small")

name, address and telephone number of issuing party

breakdown(uchiwake)

amount withoutconsumption tax(zenuki kingaku)

The amount above has been received.(joki no kingaku o ryoshuitashimashita)

items e.g.,

polite form of "san" (Mr./Ms.)

.....at a shop

official receipt  おねがいします。onegaishimasu

お名前 は。onamae wa ? 

Who should it be addressed to? or お宛名 は。

oatena wa ?

company name  or

Write it to "name replacement."

name replacement で。de(by means of)

但書き は。tadashigaki wa?

Even if you do not specify the items you purchased, the clerk will normally fill out the section on the receipt as below.oshokuji-dai.....meal expenses, oshina-dai.....merchandise expenses, shoseki-dai.....book expenses

上 様ue-sama

領 収 書 ryoshusho

e.g.,

e.g.,

revenue stamp(shunyuinshi)for amounts over¥30,000

large to small rule

full name : Odafamily name →

where you work :

Nihon Kabushiki gaisha

address : Tokyo to Minato ku Azabu 1-2-3 River Apt. Oda Masanori prefecture→

(ward, city)

date : 

In other words, the "large" idea is expressed first with smaller ideas following. Remember, this rule applies to many situations in Japanese.

(year 1999)

(last) (first)

(April) (26th) (Monday)year →

佐藤 / 鈴木 / 田中Quiz One of the three names on left is the most common last name in Japan. Now, which one is it ?

Top 3 most common last names : 1. 鈴木 (Suzuki) 2.佐藤 (Sato) 3. 田中 (Tanaka)

The answer is "Suzuki." This last name is more common in east Japan, especially in Shizuoka Prefecture (approximately one out of every 65 people). Believe it or not, in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture, approximately one out of every 20 is Suzuki-san! So if you are ever in Hamamatsu and shout the name at a train station, at least a few Suzuki-san will turn around and look at you.

Vol.2

A receipt serves as a legal document. In Japanese companies, the accounting department often requires a “ryoshusho” for reimbursement. A “ryoshusho” does not itemize the details. (If you do not want your secretary or the accounting department to know exactly how many drinks you had, you could give them the “ryoshusho” instead of the restaurant bill.) There are some places, however, which refuse to write “ue-sama” (e.g., department stores). In that case, have your name/company name ready.

Official Receipt..........ryoshusho

ryo receive, dominion

領横o

misappropriation,embezzlement

おう

usurpation

My business colleague embezzled company property (money).

同僚 は 会社 の 金 を 横領をしました。doryo wa kaisha no kane o oryo o shimashita

収shu

graft, bribeしゅう

collect

That person was arrested for bribery. あの人 は 収賄 で 捕まりました。ano hito wa shuwai de tsukamarimashita

書sho

documentしょ

document

I left the document on a train.

書類 を 電車 に 置き 忘れました。shorui o densha ni oki-wasuremashita

収 nenannual income

年ねん

year

Because of the recession, my annual incomedropped drastically.

不景気 で 年収 は 大幅 に 減りました。fukeki de nenshu wa ohaba ni herimashita

書 sebill, invoice

請せい

request

At the end of the month, I will pay the bill.月末 に 請求書 の 支払い を します。getsumatsu ni sekyusho no shiharai o shimasu

setsu

written explanation, instruction

説せつ

explanation

I learned it by reading the instructions.説明書 を 見ながら 覚えました。setsumesho o minagara oboemashita

sen kyuhyaku kyuju kyu nen shi gatsu niju roku nichi getsuyobi

Des

ign

: Mas

ako

Ban

(sama)

nen gatsu nichi11 年 4 月 26 日

りょう ryo

receive

収しゅうshu

income

賄わいwaigraft

求 書きゅう しょkyu sho

demand document

類るいruisort

書明しょめいshome

documentclear

write, book, documentincome, collectshoshu

day of the weekdate →month →

person's namehouse # →town→area in pref.→

given namefamily name →company name →MasanoriOda

given nameMasanori

Copyright 1999 The Yomiuri Shimbun

Page 4: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

There are many interesting expressions that use words for body parts, and they are frequently used in daily conversation. Can you guess, for example, how many expressions use the word "eye(s)" (目[me])? The answer is as many as 140! In this lesson, let us look at some useful expressions combining i-adjectives and body parts. The good news is, you can create sophisticated expressions by using beginning-level

i-adjectives at below left. Mr. Pole, don’t think so hard. If you look below, you will understand what this man is like.

Mr. Pole

1

1

12

2 15

5 13

4 9

3

6

7

8

10

11

14

I was in a coffee shop the other day and overheard an interesting conversation between two young women at the next table. One of them asked the other, "So what is your boyfriend like?" Her friend replied, "Well, his face is wide and his head is soft, but his mouth is a little light." What is this man really like? Soft head? Is there something wrong with her boyfriend?

good 

i-adjectives nicegood

いいii

bad 悪いwarui

old 古いfurui

hurtfulpainful

痛いitai

hard 堅いkatai

soft 柔らかいyawarakai

spacious wide

広いhiroi

early fast

はやいhayai

tall high

高いtakai

long 長いnagai

light 軽いkarui

head 頭 あたま atama

bright ; smart ; sharp

頭 が atama ga

7 wide 

face 顔 かお kao

have a wide circle of acquaintances

顔 が kao ga

3 old 

old-fashioned

頭 が atama ga

4 painful 

to worry over a problem

頭 が atama ga

5 hard 

inflexible ; stubborn

頭 が atama ga

6 soft 

flexible ; receptive to new things

頭 が atama ga

2 bad 頭 が atama ga

fool ; not smart 

13 hard 

mouth 口 くち kuchi

can keep a secret ; closed-mouthed

口 がkuchi ga

15 bad 

have a sharp tongue ; have a bad mouth

口 がkuchi ga

14 light 口 がkuchi ga

cannot keep a secret 

10 high 

nose 鼻 はな hana

to be proud of

鼻 が hana ga

11 long 鼻 の下 がhana no shita ga

to be flirtatious; to like women

8 fast 

ear(s) 耳 みみ mimi

quick-eared ; have sharp ears

耳 が mimi ga

9 painful 耳 が mimi ga

be ashamed to hear 

12 good 

eye(s) 目 め me

have an expert eye for

目 がme ga

・There are many other expressions that have similar meanings, but this one is humorous and less offensive compared to others. It applies to men.

・By adding "desu" to these expressions, you can make a sentence.e.g., Mr. Pole is smart. Pole-san wa atama ga ii desu

■Did all the expressions on the left make sense to you? Now, let's see if you can apply what you just learned to the phrases below.

That person keeps secrets , so please don't worry. 

あの人 は

that person

closed-mouthed

He is a good person, but has a bad mouth .

いい人 なん です が、

good person

Education for children is a nagging problem to parents in any country, isn't it ?

to worry over a problem

You know a variety of people. You must have a

wide circle of acquaintances .

いろいろな 人 を 知っています ね。

What ? You already know about it! You are

quick-eared , aren't you?

えっ? もう その話 を 知っていますか。

already

quick-eared

has a bad mouth

variety of people

have a wide circle of acquaintances

If you keep saying such things, you will be ridiculed

for being old-fashioned .

such things

old-fashioned

Being told the same thing over and over, I am quite embarrassed .

いつも 同じ事 を 言われて

always

be ashamed to hear

■For answers to fill in the boxes, check with i-adjectives on the left that have corres-ponding numbers.

Aha! Theym

eant

he

kno

ws

alotofpeople

andisflexibleinhisthinking,buthecan'thelp

blur

ting

out

ase

cret

. Th

atm

akes

sens

e!

will be ridiculed

atamahead

kaoface

kuchimouth

meeye(s)

hananose

mimiear(s)

子供 の 教育 は どの 国 の 親 も ですね。kodomo no kyoiku wa dono kuni no oya mo desu ne

そんな事 を 言っていると、 と 笑われますよ。sonna-koto o itte-iru to to waraware-masu yo

alsoany countryeducation for children parents isn't it?

keep saying I tell you

desu neiro-iro na hito o shitte-imasu neですね。

know

desu ne e? mo sono hanashi o shitte-imasu kaですね。

desuitsumo onaji-koto o iwareteです。

know that story

same matter being told

desu kara anshin o shite-kudasaiano hito waです から 安心 を して下さい。

please relax ...so

ii hito nandesu gaです。desu

...but

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi HirayamaVol.3

Copyright 1999 The Yomiuri Shimbun

Page 5: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

many minds???

いいi

Good guess, Mr. Pole. It is a sibling of the body part-i-adjective combos. This time, I would like to bring your attention to expressions combining 気 [ki] (mind) and 心 [kokoro] (heart), with i-adjectives. These two words are staples for combination forms in everyday conversation, with ki combining with more than 120 words—including not only i-adjectives, but verbs—and kokoro with more than 40 words. Presented here are the more common of such expressions, along with three more body part-related ones.Mr. Pole

1

1

15

2 14

5

4

3

6

7

8

9

10 13

11

12

Several friends of mine have commented on me, saying, “ki ga o i desu ne”(You have many minds.), but I have no idea what they mean. I think I’m not supposed to take these words literally because I’m not aware of more than one mind in my head, of course! My guess is, the phrase is really something like those body part and i-adjective combinations you talked about in our previous class (May 10). Am I

fast 

Design : Masako Ban

i-adjectives

earlyfast

はやいhayai

heavy 重いomoi

short 短いmijikai

long 長いnagai

small 小さいchisai

weak 弱いyowai

young 若いwakai

many 多いoi

strong 強いtsuyoi

nicegood

wide

narrow

広いhiroi

狭いsemai

mind 気 き ki

hasty; impatient

3 short 

short-tempered; impatient

4 long

patient; easy-going

5 small 

timid

6 weak 

weak-willed; timid

7 young

young at heart

8 many  

capricious; fickle

9 strong 

strong-willed; aggressive

10 good 

good-natured

2 heavy 

in no mood to; feeling reluctant

15 fast 

feet; leg(s) 足 あし 

ashi

perishable; easy to go bad

足 が ashi ga

11 wide 

heart 心 こころ kokoro

generous

心 が kokoro ga

12 narrow 心 が kokoro ga

narrow-minded

14 heavy 

waistlower back 腰 こし 

koshi

slow to act

腰 が koshi ga

■Did all the expressions on the left make sense to you? Now, let’s see if you can apply what you have just learned to the

小田さん の 奥さん はOda-san no oku-san wa

13 good 

arm(s) 腕 うで ude

skilled; good at

腕 が ude ga

■For answers to fill in the boxes, check with i-adjectives on the left that have corresponding numbers.

With cooperation from Akiko E. Yasukawa

kimind

Mr. Oda’s wife is strong-willed (aggressive) but generous.

generousstrong-willed

Oda-san’s wife

もう 冬休み の 計画 ですか。mo fuyu-yasumi no kekaku desu ka

A plan for winter vacation already? You must be impatient.

impatient

御主人 は 料理 のgo-shujin wa ryori no

Your husband is good at cooking. I envy you.

一般的にippan-teki ni

Generally speaking, short-tempered people suffer a loss.

short-tempered

generally suffer a loss

今日中 に 断わらなければなりません...kyo-ju ni kotowaranakereba-narimasen

I have to give (them) my refusal today. I’m reluctant.

already winter vacation plan

skilled

one’s husband

私 の 短所 はwatashi no tansho wamy

ですね。desu ne

in no mood to

within today

特に 梅雨 の 生もの はtoku ni tsuyu no nama-mono wa

Uncooked foods, particularly in rainy season, go bad fast.

especially

easy to go bad

■ In job interviews at Japanese companies, you are sometimes asked to describe the strengths and weaknesses in your character. Take stock of yourself and try filling in the boxes in the following sentence with expressions from this and the Vol. 3 lesson that best fit your character.

My main strength is , but my main weakness is .

W

hat? Did they m

ean to say I was capricious?

Fickle? Well, people do

mistake me for what I’m not!!...

がga

気ki

気ki

がga

がga

気ki

がga

気ki

がga

気ki

がga

気ki

がga

気ki

がga

気ki

がga

気ki

がga

気ki

ashi koshiudekokorofeet; leg(s)waistarm(s)heart

です が、desu ga

です。desu

人 は 損 を します。 hito wa son o shimasu

ですが 長所 はdesu ga chosho wa

です。desu

です。desu

strength(s)weakness(es)

ですね。 羨ましいです。desu ne urayamashi desu

meal; cooking I envy you.

です。desu

must decline/refuse

uncooked foodrainy season

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi HirayamaVol.4

many minds???

Copyright 1999 The Yomiuri Shimbun

Page 6: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

飲みました。nomimashita

but was on time

で 間 に 合いました。de maniaimashita

In Edo era (1603-1868), women of samurai families used hair grease of the type still used by today’s sumo wrestlers. The trouble with the grease was that, whenever they went out, it would gather dust. So they came up with the idea of wrapping white silk fabric around their heads to keep the dust off. It eventually evolved into the headdress you saw in the photo. Interestingly, by the time it came to be worn by brides and be called tsunokakushi, the covering had a new meaning: It was worn to hide—symbolically—the bride’s horns, or her selfishness or ego. It reflected the belief that the bride should hide such “horns” in the presence of her in-laws, to convince them she could live with them harmoniously.

Mr. Pole

A friend showed me a photo from his wedding ceremony in which his wife was in a beautiful kimono. She was also wearing a headdress, and I was intrigued by its interesting shape. ”Oh, that,” the friend said. “It’s called tsuno kakushi (角隠し), a horn cover.” Horns on a bride’s head? But he wasn’t joking. Japanese people often associate horns with devils, but why did horns also come to be associated with brides, of all people?

Design : Masako Ban

With cooperation from Akiko E. Yasukawa

Suppose you are invited to a wedding...■What to wearThe usual wedding attire for male guests is a black or dark suit and white tie. Women, on the other hand, are allowed a little more flexibility and can wear either a fomal dress or kimono. The width of the kimono sleeves differs depending on the wearer’s status: For married women, they reach to the hip, whereas single women’s sleeves are wide enough to hang down to their calves.

■GiftsThe wedding gift is usually money, and there are rules dictating how you present it. Get a goshugi-bukuro (御祝儀袋) envelope designed for the purpose and available at convenience stores. Write your name in the lower half on the front and insert the money in crisp, new bills (shinsatsu = 新札). When you arrive at the wedding, offer it to the person at the reception desk, bow and say, “omedeto-gozaimasu” (Congratulations.). Make sure you put in an odd number (kisu = 奇数) of bills, because it is believed there is a jinx in an even number (gusu = 偶数), which can be divided into two and spell the couple‘s separation. An exception is two bills. Nine bills are also thought of as bad luck.

■Speeches—what you can expectOnce the reception starts, expect to sit through a long series of speeches by guests chosen by the newlyweds. Speeches are part of the wedding formalities and their content is often stilted.

■Return Gifts (hikidemono = 引出物)When the wedding reception is over, you are given a large paper bag containing a thank-you gift from the newlyweds. It is not good manners to open it at the wedding. Return gifts are typically cooking utensils, serving dishes or—if you get lucky—a gift catalog and voucher. Kitchen items are so common that some Japanese homes end up with a large collection of them.

■Choosing the date There are six fortune designations given in a continuous cycle in the traditional Japanese calendar, which is based on traditional Chinese fortune-telling. One designation, taian (大安), is regarded as most desirable for weddings, while butsumetsu (仏滅), on the other hand, is to be avoided. Because of this, when a taian falls on a weekend, wedding halls, hotels and shrines everywhere are booked out. Few

結婚式 の 日 道 を 間違えました。kekkon-shiki no hi michi o machigaemashita

On the day of the wedding, I got lost (took the wrong road).

でもdemo

スピーチ はspeech wa

終わった 時 はowatta toki wa

スピーチ の 後 のど がspeech no ato nodo ga

ですから お酒 をdesukara osake o

しました。 今日 は 二日酔い です。 shimashita kyo wa futsuka-yoi desu

But I just made it on time.

I was nervous giving a speech.

When it was over, I was relieved.

After the speech, I was extremely thirsty.

So, I gulped down some sake.

I felt dizzy. Today, I have a hangover.

ぎりぎりgiri giri

barely (space, time, deadline, etc.)

どきどきdoki doki

scared; nervous

ほっhot

relieved

からからkara karabone-dry

がぶがぶgabu gabu

gulp

ふらふらfura fura

dizzy; stumble

Answers

Onomatopoeia

wedding ceremony road made a mistake

when finished

after the speech throat

therefore sake drank

today hangover

barely

nervous

relieved

bone-dry

gulp

dizzy

■Mr. Pole is talking about the wedding reception he attended yesterday:

(a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f)

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

5

56

6

(d)

(e)

(a)

(f)

(c)

(b)

安 物 買 い の 銭 失 いyasumono-gai no zeni ushinai

仏 の 顔 も 三度hotoke no kao mo sando

仏 作って 魂 入れずhotoke tsukutte tamashi irezu

せっかく 作った のに 要点 が 抜けています。sekkaku tsukutta noni yoten ga nuketeimasu

『仏 作って 魂 入れず』ですね。 “hotoke tsukutte tamashi irezu” desu ne

Despite all efforts (on the document), the main point is missing.

A statue of Buddha with no soul, right ?

(big) (Buddha)

安かった ので 買いました が、すぐに 壊れました。yasukatta node kaimashita ga, suguni kowaremashita

『安物買い の 銭失い』です ね。“yasumono-gai no zeni ushinai” desu ne

I bought it because it was cheap, but it broke straight away.

Penny wise and pound foolish, I suppose.

was cheap

今度 失敗したら おしまいです。kondo shippai shitara oshimai desu

If I fail this time, it will all be over.

this time

社長 は 気 が 長いです が『仏 の 顔 も 三度』です。shacho wa ki ga nagai desu ga, “hotoke no kao mo sando” desu

Our president is patient, but there is a limit to anyone’spatience.

lucky day (calendar wise) unlucky day (calendar wise)

tai butsu

company president

make efforts

気 を つけたほう が いい です ね。ki o tsuketaho ga i desu ne

You ought to be careful.

had better take care

Buddha

Buddha

cheep goods

Doing something in a superficial way, forgetting the most important part. (Lit. Making a Buddha statue, but failing to give

butsu: Buddhahotoke: Buddha

an: peace of mindyasu(i): cheap

tsuno kak

ushi

しました。shimashita

と しました。to shimashita

でした。deshita

metsu(death)

an(peace of mind)

so bought soon was broken

made though mainpoint

is missing

soulmake not giving

patient

be all over; the endif it is a failure

face three times

Buying cheap and wasting money/Penny wise and pound

There is a limlt to one’s patience.You can only pray to Buddha

losemoneybuying

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi HirayamaVol.5 "tsuno"?? (horns)Bride has

"tsuno"?? (horns)Bride has

Copyright 1999 The Yomiuri Shimbun

Page 7: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

Yes, there are many more. The weather-related words you are talking about are often used when greeting others. This may be the case in other languages as well. There are special words for each of the four seasons (shiki), especially autumn (aki) (about 100 words), then winter (fuyu) , summer (natsu) and spring (haru). But you can also use weather-related words and phrases to say things indirectly. Some of these metaphorical phrases can be used tactfully to avoid mentioning something unpleasant, such as a bad mood or an argument.

Mr. Pole

After a meeting at work, a colleague told me “kyo wa oare desu kara ki o tsuketa-ho ga i desu yo (Today is really stormy, so you should be careful.)” But it looked nice and sunny outside, so I said, “i tenki desu yo (It’s sunny).” My colleague laughed at me. Afterward, I found out the word “oare” doesn’t necessarily refer to the weather. Are there any other weather-related words that can be used to mean something completely different?

Des

ign

: Mas

ako

Ban

With cooperation from Akiko E. Yasukawa

1

2

3

1 2 3

4

really stor myreally stor my

oare

また 『雷 が 落ちました』。mata 『kaminari ga ochimashita』

今、森さん は『低気圧』ですから 気 を つけたほうが いいですよ。ima Mori-san wa『tekiatsu』desu kara ki o tsuketa-ho ga i desu yo

■ lightning strikes[be severely scolded]

yesterday

■ The ground becomes firm after rain.

now

again

昨日

after all

結局 『雨降って 地固まる』でした ね。kekkyoku 『ame futte ji katamaru』deshita ne

The company president was very angry yesterday.

There is a big difference between the first rank and the 10th.

We are at a loss over this matter.

■ the difference between clouds and mud[great difference]

first rank

1 位 と 10 位では 『雲泥の差』です。ichi-i to ju-i dewa 『unde no sa』desu 

weather forecast

He was severely scolded again.

After all, the argument cleared the air, didn’t it?

■ a dense fog over 20 kilometers long[be at a loss; be utterly bewildered]

this matter

この件 は 『五里霧中』です。kono ken wa 『gori muchu』desu

oare大 荒 れ

低 気 圧tekiatsu

■ depression[low atmospheric pressure / bad mood]

■ heavy storm

雷 が 落ちますkaminari ga ochimasu

ame futte ji katamaru雨降って 地固まる [Calm comes after a storm. / An argument

clears away bad feelings between people.]

unde no sa 雲 泥 の 差

gori muchu五 里 霧 中

ten

[show unrestrained emotion and get angry with everybody]

■ For example, if someone says :It’s a nice day, isn’t it?いい天気 です ね。i tenki desu ne

■ All you need to say in reply is:

そうですねso desu ne

Yes, it is.

Don’t contradict them. ...I don’t think so. / No, it’s not a nice day.This is not really a conversation but more of a greeting!

Weather greetings

It’s .

→ first omit : i then add : katta

today

e.g., mushiatsu i katta desu

今日kyo wa

hot

暑いatsui

It was .

yesterday

きのうkino wa

×

→ first omit : i then add : kunarimashitae.g., mushiatsu i kunarimashita

It’s getting .

蒸し暑mushiatsu

×

cool 涼しい

suzushi

cold 寒い

samui

warm 暖かい  あったかい

atatakai attakai

5 6

4

5 6

humid

蒸し暑いmushiatsui

■Let’s practice ...fill in the numbered boxes using these i-adjectives:

(polite form) (friendly form)

e.g., mushiatsui desu It’s humid today, isn’t it?

desu

It was humid yesterday, wasn’t it?

It’s getting humid, isn’t it?

i-adjective

i-adjective

Japanese frequently comment on the weather as a way of greeting each other. When you meet a colleague in the elevator or on the street, try greeting them by commenting on the weather. You will often hear these phrases in the elevator. It dispels those uncomfortable silences as the floors flash by.

i-adjective

i-adjective

そう言えば、昨日 滝さん   会社 を 辞めましたよ。 so ieba kino Taki-san

そうですねso desu ne

today

by the way

今日

what?

ええ?

You know, tomorrow will take care of itself.

です。

Oh, no. I’m in trouble...

うわあ~ 困ったなあ.....

No problem.daijobu desu yo shimpai-shinaide大丈夫ですよ 心配しないで!

particledesu です    。

蒸し暑い mushiatsui

が ga

『青天の霹靂』 seten no heki-reki

『明日 は 明日 の 風 が 吹く』 ashita wa ashita no kaze ga fuku

よyo

is humid

emphasizing the person

A bolt out of the blue

particle

Tomorrow will take care of itself

giving information

『明日 は 明日 の 風 が 吹く』ashita wa ashita no kaze ga fuku

『青天の霹靂』seten no heki-reki blue sky

A bolt out of the blue Tomorrow will take care of itself.

tomorrow

■ in the elevatorMr. Mori :

Mr. Mori :

Mr. Mori :

Mr. Pole :

Mr. Pole :

It is humid today, isn’t it?

By the way, Mr. Taki resigned yesterday.

What? I had no idea.

It’s a bolt out of the blue. Oh, no. I’m in trouble.

You will be all right. Don’t worry.

Yes, it is.

Answers

蒸し暑い です ね。

かった です ね。 蒸し暑

desu ne mushiatsui

katta desu nemushiatsu

くなりましたね。kunarimashita ne

old Chinese wordmeaning lightning

wind blow

ですね。はkyo wa desu ne

isn’t it

会社 を 辞めましたよ。kaisha o yamemashita yo company quit

全然 知りませんでした。ee zen-zen shirimasendeshita

not at all didn’t know

desu uwa komatta na

Don’t worry!

ki ho yo

社長 は 『大荒れ』でした。 『oare』 deshitakinopresident

so had better be careful I tell you

Mr. Mori is in a bad mood now, so you’d better be careful.

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi HirayamaVol.6oareoare

Copyright 1999 The Yomiuri Shimbun

Page 8: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

Copyright 1999 The Yomiuri Shimbun

You are correct. It’s an expression of humility to say “tsumaranai mono desu ga” when offering a gift, no matter how expensive the item. The phrase has been used so often it does not mean much any more. Japanese companies pay bonuses in early summer and toward the end of the year, and people purchase and send gifts from department stores around these times. These gifts are called ochugen—midyear gift— and osebo—year-end gift. The gifts are sent to people to whom one feels indebted or to clients, and are intended to express gratitude and appreciation. Department stores cash in on the two seasons by setting up special gift areas. Each season, the media report the sales figures as an indicator of the current state of the economy. Last year, the average Japanese sent a gift worth ¥4,200 to each of four recipients.

Mr. Pole

I have been receiving a lot of gifts of cans of beer, towels and seaweed from Japanese acquaintances recently. It’s too early for Christmas, and too late for my birthday. In the hope of finding out what it was all about, I called up one of the senders and thanked him, but he only said “tsumaranai mono desu ga.” Surely he did not mean to say that he had sent me “a

Des

ign

: Mas

ako

Ban

1

1 2 3

2

4

3

4 5

不在票 を fuzai-hyo o

Mr. Pole :

Mr. Pole :

Mr. Pole :

Sender :

Secretary :

Clerk :

I received a delivery slip.

Answers

(boring gift) ?tsumaranai mono

(boring gift) ?tsumaranai mono

(boring gift) ?tsumaranai mono

先日は有難うございました。senjitsu wa arigato-gozaimashita

Thank you for (the gift) the other day.

(from middle of June to middle of July)

Winter gift Summer gift ochugen 御中元

御歳暮 osebo (from middle of November to end of December)

Typical seasonal gift items have long been beer, cooking oil and seaweed (nori), and people did not bother much about the recipient’s needs. But department stores now offer a variety of items so customers can select something the recipients would actually enjoy.When you receive a gift, remember to thank the sender the next time you talk to the person, no matter how late it seems. It is also a good idea to send thank-you cards. When you say thank you, it is not particularly necessary to mention what the gift was. All you have to say is:

[宅急便] takkyubin is the courier service that delivers items anywhere in Japan within two days. You may find a slip left in your mailbox or at your door to let you know a delivery person called in your absence. Just call the number on it, and you will be able to receive it within the day.

usually what kind of things

からkara

this much business associate

see below

こんなに 取引先konnani torihiki-saki

お名前、お客様番号 を どうぞ。onamae, okyaku-sama bango o dozo

普通 どんな物 を

そうですね...一般的 に...ビール とか...海苔...ですね。so desu ne...ippan-teki ni... toka...nori...desu ne

etto...sakana toka...niku toka...desuえーっと...魚 とか...肉 とか...です。受け取りました

uketorimashitaいただきましたitadakimashita

received

from

toka... (toka)...

I received so much (of gift) from a business associate.

Friend: What kind of food do you like?

received

Mr. Pole: Let’s see...I like fish...meat...and so on.

Your name and customer number please.

What kind of things do you usually receive (for ochugen)?

Let’s see. Generally, it’s beer or nori or things like that.

receive

5昨日

いいえ とんでもないです。iie, tondemonai desu

I received (the gift) yesterday. Thank you very much.

Oh, no, please don’t mention it.

■ Mr. Pole calls a courier service about the delivery notice left on the door:

■ Next day, he shows his secretary the gift he has received:

■ Mr. Pole calls up the sender to thank him.

もらいますmoraimasu

いただきましたitadakimashita

(polite form)

Let’s see. generally

yesterday

modest form of “Don’t mention it.”

[receiver] receives something from [giver]

はwa

Grammar notes

receiver ▲see “teki”▲▲

when receiving a gift

いただきますitadakimasu

superior or customer

when receiving a document, fax, letter, etc.

friend, family,

one’s equal or junior

もらいますmoraimasu

Before a meal, say, “itadakimasu” to show your appreciation to nature, to God and to the person who cooked the meal or is treating you to it.

Polite forms of “receive” vary as follows:

お受け取り致しますouketori-itashimasu

受け取りますuketorimasu

一般的な意見です。ippan-teki na iken desu

teki-ic; -li; -al; -like; -ish; -ly

opinion

一般的ippan-teki

主観的

客観的

合理的

効果的

全体的

否定的

肯定的

平均的

専門的

伝統的

論理的

社会的

精神的

封建的

協力的

画一的

shukan-teki

kyakkan-teki

gori-teki

koka-teki

zentai-teki

hite-teki

kote-teki

hekin-teki

senmon-teki

dento-teki

ronri-teki

shakai-teki

seshin-teki

hoken-teki

kyoryoku-teki

kakuitsu-teki

subjective(ly)

objective(ly)

rational(ly)

effective(ly)

whole(~lly)

negative(ly)

affirmative(ly)

(on) average

specialized

traditional(ly)

logical(ly)

social(ly)

spiritual(ly)

conservative(ly)

cooperative(ly)

stereotypical(ly)

+ noun

e.g., general(ly) ...

+

e.g.,

e.g.,

e.g.,

一般的に普及をしています。ippan-teki ni fukyu o shite-imasu

一般的です。ippan-teki desu

spread

It is a generally-held opinion.

It is in general use.

It is general.

(professionally)

/feudalistic(ally)

Use: ni or kara, if receiving from person / kara, if receiving from an organization.

/mental(ly) To break uncomfortable silences while you are searching for words, use toka as a filler as follows:

receive

からに を もらいますmoraimasuokarani

giver something receive

teki niに sentence

tekiです。desu

giver有難うございました。。

kino arigato-gozaimashita 

なteki na

か。futsu donna-mono o ka

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi HirayamaVol.7

Page 9: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

レストラン も 電車 も

Working people usually take a summer holiday only for three to four days, often from Aug. 13 to 15, a period called obon. Since this is a very short holiday, vacationers tend to concentrate at tourist spots (kanko-chi). Because of this, trains are in a state of sushi-zume (jam-packed), and major highways are jammed (ju- tai) as long as 100 kilometers. What happens to typical vacation goers is, when they return to work, they are exhausted from taking a vacation! This is why many Japanese say they would rather stay home and just goro-goro shimasu, or ”lie about and relax in a lazy manner.”

Mr. Pole

“Are you going anywhere over the summer vacation?” I asked a Japanese friend, and he said, “It’s been a long time since I last took a vacation, so I just want to lie about at home (goro-goro shimasu).” Another friend of mine told me he was planning on visiting his parents’ home (jikka) with his wife, but that he was heavy-hearted (ki ga omoi) and didn’t look that happy. I don’t see why my Japanese friends don’t seem that excited when the summer vacation is coming.

Des

ign

: Mas

ako

Ban

1

1

6 7 8

2 3

2

3

4

5

7

8

6

4 5

明日 旅館 のashita ryokan no

Mr. Pole :

Mr. Pole :

Mr. Pole :

Friend :

Friend :

I’m thinking of reserving a room at a Japanese inn tomorrow.

Answers

■ Mr. Pole and a friend are talking about their summer vacation plans.

Grammar notes

teki

具体的 gutai-teki

+ noun

e.g., specific(ally)...

的 なteki na

+ sentence

e.g.,

e.g.,

e.g.,

的 にteki ni

的 だと思います。teki dato omoimasu

具体的 な 内容 です。gutai-teki na naiyo- desu

-ic; -li; -al; -like;

-ish; -ally; -ly

contents

please wrap up

verythink

典型的

対照的

楽観的

比較的

基本的

国際的

計画的

長期的

短期的

積極的

消極的

根本的

文化的

好意的

科学的

現代的

具体的 に まとめてください。gutai-teki ni matomete-kudasai

非常に 具体的 だと思います。hijo-ni gutai-teki da to omoimasu

typical(ly)

opposite(ly)

optimistic(ally)

relative(ly)

basic(ally)

international(ly)

deliberate(ly)

in the long run

for the short term

spontaneous(ly)

passive(ly)

fundamental(ly)

cultural(ly)

favorable(-bly)

scientific(ally)

contemporary(-ily)

/aggressive(ly)

/modernistic(ally)

/friendly

/premeditated(ly)

/by contrast

/diametric(ally)

/negative(ly)

(This is) the specific content.

Summarize in specific points.

I think that is very specific.

tenke- -teki

taisho- -teki

rakkan-teki

hikaku-teki

kihon-teki

kokusai-teki

ke-kaku-teki

cho- ki-teki

tanki-teki

sekkyoku-teki

sho- kyoku-teki

kompon-teki

bunka-teki

ko- i-teki

kagaku-teki

gendai-teki

During the obon, many people return to their parents’ home or the home where they were born and visit the family grave to offer incense, flowers and fruit. Married women are responsible for taking their children to their parents-in-law. With gifts to present to parents and relatives and a long travel home, it is typically an expensive visit for the returning family. For many, such expenses are itai shuppi, or “painful cost.”

.........Buddhist festival of the dead (Aug. 13-15)obon

■ When you describe your “will; decision”:

ta.........bun..... た......... ぶん.....

If you are very uncertain, stretch the vowels as you pronounce the word.

maybe, perhaps probably

■ 穴場 anaba

secret spot/good spot known to few people

■ がらがら gara-gara

empty (applies to rooms, shops, trains and so on)

■ すし詰め sushi-zume

jam-packed

■ のろのろ運転 noro-noro unten

drive at a snail’s pace

■ 長蛇の列 cho-da no retsu

long line

■ ごろごろ します goro-goro shimasu

lie about

I’m thinking of _.

行こう と 思います。 iko- to omoimasu

e.g., e.g.,e.g.,

less certain                  more certain

I’m thinking of going.volitional form + to omoimasu dictionary form + tsumori desu masu -form

▲▲

お 盆

this is typical summer vacation

これ が 典型的 な 夏休み です。kore ga tenke- -teki na natsu-yasumi desu

at home

うーん ..... 家 で 。unnnnnn

train car

電車 は

long line何 を するにもnani o suru nimo

tourist resort How about...?

観光地 は どうですか。kanko- chi wa do- desu ka

tomorrow inn

already

もう いっぱいです よ。 mo- ippai desu yo

Let me tell you business district

を 教えましょうか ....... オフィス街 です。

also train also

予約 を しよう と 思います。 yoyaku o shiyo- to omoimasu

たぶんtabun

穴場anaba

がらがらgara-gara

すし詰め sushi-zume

のろのろ運転 noro-noro unten

長蛇 の 列 cho-da no retsu

ごろごろ しようgoro-goro shiyo-

probably

I’m thinking of reserving

a secret spot

empty

drive at a snail’s pace

lie about

jam-packed

It is probably already booked to the full.

Do you want to know the best spot? It is business districts.

Restaurants and trains are empty.

How about tourist spots?

Trains are jam-packed, cars move only at a snail’s pace,

whatever you do, you have to wait in a long line.

That is the typical summer vacation.

Mmmm.... I think I will just lie about at home.

With cooperation from Akiko E. Yasukawa

tabu

n goro - goro s himasu

goro-gorolying aboutgoro-gorolying aboutgoro-gorolying about

I will _. I plan to_.

I plan to go. I will go.行くつもりです。 行きます。iku-tsumori desu iki-masu

た... ぶん... たぶん ta...bun... tabun

full

o oshiemasho- ka office-gai desu

です。restaurant mo densha mo desudesu

、車 はdensha wa kuruma wa

うーん ..... 家 で 。unnnnnn uchi de

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi HirayamaVol.8

Copyright 1999 The Yomiuri Shimbun

Page 10: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

tsuini ...... Stressing the result at the moment of finding it out (used when one was not sure what the result would be)

■ 緊急電話 (kinkyu- denwa).....Emergency Telephone (All public pay phones have a red botton for you to push to make a free call to 110 and 119.)

Average number of dispatched vehicles... 6.6 ambulances a minute; one fire engine a minute ・Ambulance ..........救急車 (kyu- kyu-sha) Phone: 119 ・Fire Department ..消防署 (sho-bo- sho) Phone: 119 ・Police .................. 警察 (ke-satsu) Phone: 110

Japan suffers many earthquakes. Back in January 1995, “Hanshin daishinsai” (the Great Hanshin Earthquake) caused 6,430 deaths and some victims are still suffering the aftereffects. If you notice an earthquake, make sure to put out all fires and gas flames, then open your windows and/or doors. This will secure an escape route in case the house or apartment block itself starts leaning.

Mr. Pole

Last night, there was an earthquake (jishin). It was really scary, so I called a friend to say “tetsudatte” (Help). But he said “nani o?” (What with?)! Why did he say such a cruel thing? A few minutes after the earthquake, there was a news flash on television that said where I live was shindo 3. What does that mean?

Des

ign

: Mas

ako

Ban

With cooperation from Akiko E. Yasukawa

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“shindo” is the seismic intensity (level of the earthquake). After the quake, television and radio announce “shingenchi” (the seismic center), and how big it was in the scale called “shindo.”

Mr. Pole:

Mr. Pole:

Mr. Pole:

Answers

Answers

・shindo-ichi / 震度1... slight earthquake (bishin) felt by people who are static・shindo-ni / 震度2... light earthquake (ke- shin) felt by many people; doors shake slightly・shindo-san / 震度3... minor earthquake (jakushin) a clattering sound is heard; hanging objects move・shindo-yon / 震度4... medium earthquake (chu-shin) felt by people while walking; cups and glasses fall from shelves・shindo-go / 震度5... violent earthquake (kyo- shin) walls crack; gravestones fall・shindo-roku / 震度6... disastrous earthquake (resshin) landslides; houses collapse・shindo-nana / 震度7... severe earthquake (gekishin) cracks in the ground, fault

・in case of any danger or emergency → 助けて tasukete

e.g., A ) "Help" when your cooking pan catches fire → B ) "Help" when your job keeps you up all night →C ) "Help" when you are molested on a crowded train → D ) "Help" when you have an urgent errand to take care of →

A ) tasukete B ) tetsudatte C ) tasukete D) tetsudatte

・when you need a hand with something → 手伝って tetsudatte

earthquake jishin

■ 防災の日 (bo- sai no hi) .... Disaster Prevention DayOn Sept. 1, 1923, a severe earthquake occurred in the Kanto- region (Kanto- daishinsai = Great Kanto Earthquake), causing approximately 90,000 deaths. Since then, Sept. 1 has been Disaster Prevention Day. If you go to stores around this time, you will find special sections for disaster prevention goods (e.g., dried biscuits, emergency provisions, drinking water, flashlights, first-aid kits). Many households in Japan keep these items handy, so you should make sure you have them too, just in case.

ill ... byo- ki accident ... jiko fire .... kaji thief ... dorobo- lost items ...wasuremono

Usage note

こっち の ほう が ずっと 近道 です よ。kocchi no ho- ga zutto chikamichi desu yo

I’m used to it, so there is nothing to worry about.

this way

いいえ、遠回り でも 確実性 の 高いほう が 安全 です。i-e, to- mawari demo kakujitsuse- no takai ho- ga anzen desu

■ Mr. Pole fails to do as advised.

no

さすが いつも 準備 は 完璧 です ね。sasuga itsumo jumbi wa kampeki desu ne

always

It’s much faster to go this way (short cut).

No, even if it’s a roundabout way, it’s safer to take the way we know better.

慣れています ので 心配ない です。narete-imasu node shimpai naidesu

used to

ですよ。desu yo

2 ですよ。desu yo

3 ですよ。desu yo

look

ほら やっぱり!hora yappari

『急がば回れ』 isogaba maware

When in a hurry, make a detour

If prepared, there is no anxiety.

Friend:

Friend:

Friend:

You are always perfectly prepared.

『備えあれば憂いなし』 sonae areba urei nashi

『油断大敵』 yudan-taiteki

Do not let down your guard.

See, just as I expected.Friend:

急がば回れ isoga ba mawareMore haste, less speed. (When in a hurry, you make a detour.)

備えあれば憂いなし sonae areba urei nashiBe prepared. (If prepared, there is no anxiety.)

油断大敵 yudan taiteki Never let down your guard. (Feeling secure is a great enemy.)

やっと yatto ...... longing; waiting

やっとyatto

After all (finally), I wasn’t able to do it.

Finally, it‘s done.

The fire engine still has not come ... it’s taking a long time.

あっ        来ました。 a kimashita

助けてtasukete

やっとyatto

Help !

Mr. Pole:

Mr. Pole:

finally

finally

finally

finally

Oh, it finally arrived.

when one has been looking forward to the event

消防車....... 遅い です ね。sho- bo-sha ..... osoi desu ne

e.g.,

とうとうto-to-

ついにtsuini

とうとう to- to- ...... with emotion (happy, upset, etc); often used in negative form

ついに

火 が きえました ね。hi ga kiemashita ne

TV Reporter:

火 が きえました 。hi ga kiemashita

Fireman:

火 が 消えた。hi ga kiemashita ne

Victim:

......... finally / at last / after all → + sentence

fire engine late isn't it ?

Oh came

fire “ga” ... emphasis on fire

やっと できました。yatto dekimashita

とうとう できませんでした。to- to- dekimasendeshita

ついに できました。tsuini dekimashita

■ At the scene of a fire in Mr. Pole’s neighborhood

■ 20 minutes after fire fighting started

At last, I did it.

Finally, the fire has been put out.

After all, the fire has been put out.

At last, the fire was put out. (in live broadcast)

e.g.,

e.g.,

when one feels upset about not being able to do it

when one was unsure if it would be completed

(feeling relieved after all the efforts)

(stressing that the fire was “finally” put out)

Emotional expressions

There are three ways to say “finally” in Japanese. All of them imply the images of “effort,” “difficulty” and “trouble.”

(longing)

tasukete

▲▲

▲1 2 3

Answers

kinkyu-emergency

Help

I thought so

more shortest way; short cut

round about way even reliable safer

perfectionpreparation

so don’t worry

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi HirayamaVol.9Help

Copyright 1999 The Yomiuri Shimbun

Page 11: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

“oba-san” is a word for an old lady or one’s grandmother, whereas “obasan” means middle-aged lady or one’s aunt. You probably meant to say “obasan.” As you see, “oba-san” and “obasan” look almost the same. The difference is whether or not you stretch the letter “a” when pronouncing it. In Japanese, there are many other words like these two that share similar pronunciation but mean something completely different. The lady you mention was probably upset because you called her “old lady” even though she is still middle-aged. Next time you call someone you don’t know to draw his or her attention, just say “sumimasen” (Excuse me).

Mr. Pole

The other day, I saw a middle-aged lady drop a book in the street. I called “oba- san!” but she probably didn’t hear me and just kept walking. So, I ran after her and again shouted “oba- san!” This time she noticed me calling but looked very fierce. Then she grabbed her book from me and walked away without saying anything. I thought I was being nice, so I don’t understand why she didn’t thank me. What is her problem ?

Des

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: Mas

ako

Ban

1

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その 人 は 荷物 を sono hito wa nimotsu o

Mr. Pole : You have a lot of baggage. How did you carry them?

AnswersAnswers

■ Mr. Pole’s grandmother came to visit Japan from the South Pole

on

Grammar notes

that person

With cooperation from Akiko E. Yasukawa

しゅじんshujinmy husband

■ Make sure you pronounce the vowels “a, i, u, e, o” correctly to avoid problems.

きてkiteplease come

おじさんojisanmiddle-aged man; uncle

とりtori bird

しゅうじんshu- jin prisoner

おじいさんoj i-sanold man; grandfather

きいてki- teplease listen

とおりto-ristreet

The average span of life for Japanese men last year was 77.97 years and for women, 83.82 years. From age 65, people are treated as “old” by the system in Japan. But in this aging society, 65 is not exactly “old” and is rather considered ”middle-aged.” Nowadays, people from 65 up to age 75 are often treated as “young-old,” and those above 75 are treated as the actual “old.” The oldest living Japanese twins are the 107-year-old twin sisters known as “Kin-san” and “Gin-san.”

敬老の日 (ke- ro- no hi) — Respect for the Aged Day (Sept. 15)

I received someone’s action (implying someone was kind enough to do something for me)

wasomeone

[ someone did something for me: I benefited from someone’s action ]

Ms. Oda : May I carry your baggage?

Mr. Pole : Thank you. (That’s very kind of you.)

e.g.,

implying : “someone was kind enough to do something for me”

+

Mr. Pole : Ms. Oda helped me to carry my baggage.

小田さん は 私 の 荷物 を 持ってくれました。Oda-san wa watashi no nimotsu o motte-kuremashita

[Later, Mr. Pole is talking about this incident to someone else.]

teach (tell)

そして 一緒に 家 をsoshite isshoni uchi o

and he looked for the house with me.

He told me about many places in this town.

and

carry

2

look for3

come4

Grandmother:

Mr. Pole :

Mr. Pole :

Mr. Pole :

Grandmother:

この街 の いろいろな所 をkono machi no iro-iro na tokoro othis

わざわざ ここ までwaza waza koko made

take the trouble to do; see below

He carried my bags.

持ってくれました。motte-kuremashita

教えてくれました。oshiete-kuremashita

探してくれました。sagashite-kuremashita

来てくれました。kite-kuremashita

e.g.,

わざわざwaza waza

わざわざ  ありがとうございました。waza waza arigato-gozaimashita

Thank you for taking the trouble to do it.

ありがとうございました。arigato-gozaimashita

Thank you very much.

He took the trouble to come all the way here.

I met a kind person at the train station.

To the house? He really was a kind person, wasn’t he?

He was a police officer!

“waza-waza” is used in a sentence when showing the appreciation to someone for doing something. If you use this “waza-waza” for your own action, people may think you have a patronizing attitude. So, be careful.

ああ~ お金 を おろす のを 忘れた!aa okane o orosu no o wasureta!

Family is (also) important...work is also important...

Sometimes, my landlord looks after my child; he’s very helpful.

My wife asked me: “Which is more important, family or work?”

Oh

tomorrow

明日 返す から 3万円 貸して。ashita kaesu kara san-man en kashite

kindness; obligation; debt of gratitude

also kate- mo taisetsu... shigoto mo taisetsu...家庭 も 大切... 仕事 も 大切...。

A neighbor is better than a relative living far away.

遠くの親戚より近くの他人 to-ku no shinseki yori chikaku no tanin

恩に着ますon ni kimasu be profoundly grateful [casual style]

おん

my wife family or work which important

妻 に 『家庭 と 仕事 どっちが 大切 ? 』と 言われました。tsuma ni『kate- to shigoto docchi ga taisetsu ?』to iwaremashita

be in a dilemma (be sandwiched between~)

板ばさみitabasami

です。desu

ですね。desu ne

A

B

C

I’m in a dilemma

No problem.

Oh, I forgot to take money out (of the bank)!

I will pay you back tomorrow, so can you lend me 30,000 yen?

I really appreciate it. (I’m profoundly grateful.)

A ... 3 B ... 1 C ... 2

sometimes

時々 大家さん は 子供を 預かってくれます ので 助かります。toki doki oyasan wa kodomo o azukattekuremasu node tasukarimasu

“A neighbor is better than a relative living far away”

1.

2.

3.

Friend :

[casual style conversation]

Can be replaced withpoliter “kudasaimashita”

waza waza

arigato-gozaim

ashitapay back 30,000 yen please lend me

money draw forgot

child look after so helpful landlord

+ one’s actiontake the trouble to do ->

together house

town various place

baggage

は を くれました。verb (te-form) +

▲o kuremashita

something

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi HirayamaVol.10

Copyright 1999 The Yomiuri Shimbun

Page 12: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

Mr. Pole :

(degree of fame)

(acquaintance)

As you say, wakarimasen means the same as shirimasen. But there is a difference: If you use shirimasen in conversation, it can sound cold in some cases. But there is no need to worry when you don’t know which phrase is more appropriate in a particular situation. The information below may answer your questions concerning these two phrases. But if the difference is still not clear, it may be safer to just use wakarimasen.

Mr. Pole

When I want to say “I don’t know” in Japanese, I always say shirimasen. But I’ve noticed many Japanese people use wakarimasen more often. These two phrases are supposed to have the same meaning, so what’s the difference? Is wakarimasen politer than shirimasen? I’m afraid that I may have been using shirimasen in inappropriate situations.D

esig

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Answers Answers

shiru

With cooperation from Akiko E. Yasukawa

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aware; know; intelligence

■ [five senses : sight / hearing / smell / taste / touch]

wakarimasenわかりません

・ sight・ hearing・ smell・ taste・ touch

Q: How high is that mountain?Q: Is this the sound of a harpsichord or a piano?Q: Something smells good. Is that yakitori?Q: Is this French wine? Q: Is this carpet wool or synthetic?

ううん ... わかりません

Q : Do you know Mr. Kijima?

A : No, I don’t know him.

shirimasen

“I don’t know” in Japanese can be...・can sound abrupt if used too much・can imply “That’s not my concern,” said in a strong tone of voice

しりません

(I don’t have any knowledge/information)

(I have no idea)

・can be used in just about any situation ・will not be misunderstood as long as not used in a strong tone of voice・can be used in any case concerning the five senses; see below

(implying: “I don’t have any information about him.”)

Answer : I don’t know.

shirimasenしりません

e.g.,

Q : √5 ÷ 0.215 × 8 ÷ 24 = ?

A : I don’t know. わかりませんwakarimasen(implying: “I learned it before, but I can’t answer it.”)

Hssss... wakarimasen

Japanese people often make a “Hsssss” sound when thinking by sucking in their breath through their teeth.

あの会社は 関係ないですよ。ano kaisha wa kanke nai desu yo

最近      saikin

my father many sochichi wa ga oi desu kara

recently

that company nothing to do with

父は        が 多いですから

every year new year card huge amount of arrive maitoshi nengajo wa yama no yoni kimasu毎年  年賀状は山のように来ます。

This commodity is not well known, but somehow sells well.

(as far as I know)私の知る限りではwatashi no shiru kagiri dewa

知る しる

tabun kahogo de sodatta kara desho多分 過保護で育ったからでしょう。

this lowcommoditykono shohin wa ga hikui desu ga,この商品は が 低いですが、

shiriai 知り合い

As far as I know, it has nothing to do with that company.

A

B

Recently, the number of people who are ignorant of the world has been increasing.

My father has a wide circle of acquaintances,

perhaps overprotection grew up

chime-do知名度

so heaps of New Year’s cards arrive for him every year. 

seken shirazu世間知らず (be ignorant of the ways

of the world, naive)

Perhaps it’s because they were overprotected when growing up.

degree of fame

acquaintance

as far as I know

1

2

3

4

の人が増えてきました。no hito ga fuete-kimashita person has been increasing

C

D

なぜかよく売れています。nazeka yoku ureteimasusomehow well well-sold

Answers

raishu- Kyoto ni 来週 京都 に 。

or

next week (this information is uncertain)

Hotel desu ka ryokan desu ka ホテル です か。  旅館 です か。

Kyoto de sakana no oishi- restaurant gozonji desu ka京都で魚のおいしいレストラン御存知ですか。

muri toka... (itte-mashita)無理 とか ...(言ってました)

+ toka

e.g.,

someone saidimpossible

I hear it’s impossible.

(implying: “I am still thinking about it.”)

can be omitted知りませんshirimasen

行くとかiku toka

それともsoretomo

わかりませんwakarimasen

知りませんshirimasen

Client :

Client :

Mr. Pole :

hear you will go

-verb (dictionary form)-noun-i-adjective-na-adjective (omit “na”)

とか

I hear you are going to Kyoto next week.

Are you staying in a hotel or an inn?

Hummmm...I don’t know.

Do you know of a good fish restaurant in Kyoto?

(implying: ”Someone else is making the decision.”)

(implying: “I know a good restaurant in Kyoto,but it is not a fish restaurant.”)

Hummmm...I don’t know.

(implying: “I don’t know anything about restaurants in Kyoto.”)

I see ...

わかりませんwakarimasen

I don’t know.

I don’t know.

I don’t know.

5

I don’t know.

“toka” is used to mark uncertain information heard from someone else. (I hear ... / Someone says... )

polite form of “Do you know”

A - 3 B - 2 C - 1 D - 4

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi HirayamaVol.11

Copyright 1999 The Yomiuri Shimbun

be ignorant of the ways of the world, naive

Page 13: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

Des

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: Mas

ako

Ban

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga

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Mr. Pole :

Mr. Pole :

Mr. Pole :

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無い袖は振れない nai sode wa furenai

人の振り見て我振りなおせ hito no furi mite waga furi naose

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Answers

Lately, the word buri has popped up in several news programs and its meaning is bothering me. It is used in contexts such as: the yen is at its strongest standing in three years and eight months (san nen hachi kagetsu-buri); the baseball team clinched a league title for the first time in 26 years (niju- roku nen-buri); this year’s rice crop is the best in two years (ni nen-buri); and two brothers were rescued from the rubble 129 hours after the Taiwan quake (hyaku niju- ku jikan-buri). Apparently, it’s a different kind of buri than the name given to the yellowtail fish. Can you tell me what in the world it is?

It’s the same kind of buri that is used in the saying ohisashi buri desu (long time, no see). It is called an “emotional expression” because it conveys feelings. For example, if you were to say, senjitsu, 14 nen-buri ni yu-

jin ni aimashita (the other day, I met a friend who I hadn’t seen for 14 years), the implication would be that you had really missed him and you were happy because you had finally seen him again. Used in similar contexts, buri adds feeling to a sentence.

ぶりburi

■ If you have missed something for a while, you say:the length of time

the length of time

ぶりです。buri desue.g.,

e.g.,

e.g.,

e.g.,

10日 ぶり です。to- ka buri desu

something

the length of time

something

は ひさしぶり です。wa hisashiburi desu

は ひさしぶり です。sakana wa hisashiburi desu魚

■ If you want to emphasize how long you have missed something, you say:

ぶり です。buri desu

+ sentence

はwa

Emotional Expressions

sakana wa to- ka buri desu魚 は 10日 ぶり です。

It has been for 10 days.

I didn’t eat fish for a long time.

I haven’t eaten fish for 10 days.

Expressions for lengths of time (Be careful of numbers 4 and 9; they are very confusing.)

・hours: [number + jikan] → yo jikan (four hours), ku jikan (nine hours)

・days: [number + nichi] →

・weeks: [number + shu- kan] → yon shu- kan (four weeks), kyu- shu- kan (nine weeks)・months: [number + kagetsu] → yon kagetsu (four months), kyu- kagetsu (nine months)・years: [number + nen] → yo nen (four years), kyu- nen (nine years)

■ If you want to emphasize that you are happy about what you are going to do, you say:

ぶり にburi ni

魚 は 10日 ぶり に 食べます。sakana wa to- ka buri ni tabemasu

I am going to eat fish 10 days after the last time.

buri is used to convey things like, “I was looking forward to...”; “I’m so happy to...”; “I really miss...”; “I’ve been waiting for...” etc.

■ If you don’t remember the length of time, you say:

(When you are invited to a dinner, you might say this expression at the table to express your appreciation of the food being served, implying that the host has prepared food that you have missed for a while.)

ichinichi (one day), futsuka (two days), mikka (three days), yokka (four days), itsuka (five days), muika (six days), nanoka (seven days), yo- ka (eight days), kokonoka (nine days), to-ka (10 days), ju- ichi nichi (11 days)...ju- yokka, (14 days), etc.

(Expressions for one to 10 days are Japanese in origin, but from 11 days and up derive from Chinese, except for 14 days, 20 days, and 24 days.)

yatto tsukimashitaやっと着きました。

いちねん ぶりichi nen buri

four months

tabemono wa desu食べ物は です。

one week

I haven’t eaten anything for a week!

God, I haven’t drunk water for two days!

bath

‘Excuse me’

finally arrived

food

aa mizu wa desuああ~ 水は

water

fu furo wa desuふうう~ 風呂は です。

ふつか ぶりfutsuka buri

いっしゅうかん ぶりisshu-kan buri

よんかげつ ぶりyon kagetsu buri

ひさしぶりhisashiburi

はんとし ぶりhantoshi buri

■ Mr. Pole soon loses consciousness and comes to seven days later.

Whew! I haven’t taken a bath for four months!

Hirayama:

half year

really

wa desuベッドは        です。

I haven’t slept in a bed for half a year!

long time, no seeara desu neあらあ ですね。Oh, hello, Mr. Pole! Long time, no see, huh?

one yearwa honto-ni desuわあ~ 本当に         です。

Oh, wow, dear, it’s been a year!

ano- donata deshitaあのう~どなた でした...?

my, my...

I’ve finally arrived!

Wait a minute, what was your name? ...I’m just kidding!

jo-dan desu yo冗談ですよ。

貸してあげたいのはやまやまですが、kashite-agetai nowa yamayama desu ga

~たいのはやまやまですが

shujin wa shirokujichu- asondeimasu

I want to buy don’t havemoney

my husband fooling around

I want to lend you

behavior, to wave

too must be careful watashi mo ki o tsukenakereba私も気をつけなければ ... 。

四六時中shirokujichu-

e.g.,

e.g.,

Observe the behavior of others and correct your own.

ふり / -ぶり

I can’t give you what I don’t have

she (that person) onlycomplainano hito wa shirokujichu- monku bakari itteimasu neあの人は四六時中文句ばかり言っていますね。

You cannot wave the sleeve when there is not one.

-tai nowa yamayama desu ga

See below

kai-tai nowa yamayama desu ga, okane ga arimasen

I am going to pay you back next month, so could you lend me some money?

[grumbling]

therefore hates hereveryone aroundI knowso- , dakara mawari no hito ni kirawareru n desuそう、だから周りの人に嫌われるんです。

= always; used with negative feelings

(Take a lesson from faults of others.)

(You cannot give what you don’t have.)It is mostly used for financial matters.

learn a lesson from faults of others

です。

...I wish I could/I would love to, but...

My husband is fooling around all the time.

I would like to buy it, but I’m broke right now!

主人は四六時中遊んでいます。

買いたいのはやまやまですが、お金がありません。

The person is griping all the time.

I know, that’s why everyone around her hates her.

I’d better “learn a lesson from the faults of others!”

Friend:

Hirayama:

Hirayama:

I’m really broke right now, so...I can’t give you what I haven’t got, you know!

desuう~んumm

Well, I would really like to, but...

1.

2.

A.

B.

See below

Answers A ... 1 B ... 2

furi / -buri

Long time no see, ohisashiburi desu

え~ewell

two days です。

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi HirayamaVol.12

Copyright 1999 The Yomiuri Shimbun

Page 14: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

Hmm...welI...I wish I could say no...but I do know what it is. It is a shortened form of “ecological car,” isn‘t it? As you have noticed, there are many Japanese words that are shortened so that they are much easier to say. I call such words “Shrunk Japanese.” The “shrinking spirit” can be seen in other areas apart from language. For example, the Japanese “shrank” the big cars they imported from the United States and Japan became the land of the automobile. Another example is bonsai which is like a shrunk tree. I believe the Walkman is a well-known example of how Japanese people like to make things smaller and more convenient.Mr. Pole

I was talking with a friend the other day, and she used the word “eco-car.” I had no idea what she meant at first, but I was gradually able to figure it out. She told me that many Japanese people use such abbreviated expressions a lot. I liked it because it was like a riddle. Anyhow, do you know what an “eco-car” is, Ms. Hirayama?

Des

ign

: Mas

ako

Ban

1

3

5

6

8

9

10

7

4

2

Answers

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga

A ... 2 B ... 1

personal computerパーソナル コンピューター

pasokonパ ソ コ ン

remote controlリモートコントロール

rimokonリモコン

pocket-bellポケットベル

pokeberuポケベル

air conditionerエアーコンディショナー

eakonエアコン

convenience-storeコンビニエンスストアー

kombiniコンビニ

foreignerがいこくじん

car navigation systemカーナビゲーション システム

gaijinがいじん

Bank of Japan日本ぎんこう

nichiginにちぎん

{日 nichini

日本 ..... Nippon or Nihon ?

Shrunk JapaneseWe often need to communicate quickly since modern life moves at a fast pace, so many people use shortened words. For example, “as soon as possible” is often abbreviated to “ASAP” in English. In a similar way, many Japanese words are shrunk. Even though most “shrunk Japanese” terms are made up from English words, the way they are constructed is unique to the Japanese language. But remember that “shrunk Japanese” is not really polite language, and there are some words that should not be used at work. Some fashionable words are likely to become useless within a few months.

In the 18th year of the Meiji era (1868-1912), it is said that the name, “Nippon,” was printed on ¥100 bills for the first time. The reason for using the name was that the then finance minister and the Bank of Japan governor were both originally from Satsuma (the old name for Kagoshima Prefecture), where people used to call Japan “Nippon” at the time. Nowadays, we call Japan “Nihon” most of the time. But “Nippon” is still used by the Bank of Japan and the Nippon Broadcasting System Corporation. Most Japanese people say “Gambare (go for it), Nippon!” when they want to encourage the Japanese athletes to do their best during the Olympic Games. I’ve also heard that the Bank of Japan has been using the name, ”Nihon“ recently.

1

2

3

4

1. 2. 3. 6. 7.ka-nabiカーナビ8.4. 5.

5▼

▼▼

▼▼

6

7

8

▼▼

テレカtereka

imported carjitsu wa実は

air conditioning

mountain

rent

Well, I had rented an imported car to go to Hakone, but...

yama no naka de shichatte mo kowareteshimatte山の中で

gaikoku sha

レンタrenta

エンストensuto

コンビニkombini

エアコンeakon

answering machine

How did you like Hakone?

stalling of an engine

two hours

ichi kiro saki ni o mitsuketa kedo shimattemashita1キロ先 に

telephone cardga nakute denwa ga dekimasendeshitaが

family restaurantni jikan kurai aruite yatto o mitsukemashita2時間

soredeそれで

date wa desuデート は

convenience store

ファミレスfamiresu

るすでんrusuden

foreign country carがいしゃgaisha

rental car the engine stalls telephone cardanswering machine

■ When Mr. Pole got back to his house, it was after 11 p.m.!

family restaurant

ドタキャンdotakyan

rusuban denwa

the last moment cancellation

dotanba (last-moment)cancellation

I found a convenience store a kilometer further on, but it was closed!

I couldn’t make a phone call because I didn’t have a telephone card.

I walked for about two hours and finally found a family restaurant.

Then, I saw a message on my answering machine, and...

She had called off the date at the last minute.

Don‘t feel so bad! Let‘s go to a party tonight!

sonnani gakkarishinaide konbanそんなに

company

it stalled in the mountains, and the air conditioning also broke down.

コンパkompa

company party

ahead

didn’t have

■ Mr. Pole is looking forward to his first date with a Japanese girl tomorrow. So, he went to Hakone the other day to check out places to visit on his big day.

Hirayama :

Hirayama :

Mr. Pole :

Hirayama :

Hirayama :

Hirayama :

Mr. Pole :

Mr. Pole :

Mr. Pole :

来週 から 海外旅行 に 行きます。raishu- kara kaigai ryoko- ni ikimasunext week

proverbs

therefore

service moサービスも           ですね。

ピンからキリまでpin kara kiri made from the best to the worst

ことわざ      

unexpected present (you are lucky)

saikin wa fuke-ki nanode hotel ga kyo- so- o

shiteimasu ne

最近は不景気なのでたくさんのホテルが競争を

していますね。

e- desukara nedan wa desu shi ええ。ですから 値段 は

I know! My aunt gave me the plane tickets because she couldn’t go because of her work.

desu ne

I‘m going abroad on vacation next week.

Wow, that‘s sudden!

ピンキリ

棚からぼた餅tana kara botamochi A windfall. [Finding a rice

cake on a book-shelf.] An unexpected piece of good luck.

たなぼた

from the best to the worst

あら 急 です ね。

です ね。

ara kyu- desu neoh

ええ。叔母 が 仕事 で 行けなくなった ので 航空券 e- oba ga shigoto de ikenakunatta node ko-ku-ken yes

Hotels are competing hard these days because ofthe recession.

pin kiri

tana bota

one

shelf

kotowaza

also/too

What a windfall!

1.

2.

I think so. That’s why their rates vary “from very expensive to the cheapest,” and service can also be anything “from very good to simply awful.”

1 42 5 6 7 8 9 103

Answers

B.

A.

from the best to the worst

B.

を くれました。o kuremashita

gave me

Com-pa: From company party, originally a party involving men and women from different companies, though not related to business.

e.g.

so

[From “No.1” through “No.10”]pin stands for “No.1” or “the best” in Portuguese. kiri, however, stands for the cross (the symbol of Christianity), which looks like “十,” or "10" in Japanese.

air conditioner convenience-store

を したの です が... o shitano desu ga

しちゃって も 壊れてしまって....

broke down

を 見つけた 閉まってました。 けど、

found but closed

なくて 電話 が できませんでした。

couldn’t

くらい 歩いて やっと を 見つけました。

about walking finally found

に メッセージ が 入っていました。ni message ga haitteimashita

です。

にがっかりしないで 今晩 行きましょう。ni ikimasho

please don’t feel bad tonight let’s go

from ten to

from rice cake

foreign travel will go

sudden isn’t it

aunt work cannot go so plane ticket

these days recession competition

ですし

price

ですね。desu ne

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi HirayamaVol.13

Copyright 1999 The Yomiuri Shimbun

Page 15: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

Pole san desu ne

so- desu ka

When someone has a particular song that he is proud of and sings often, it is called his ju- hachi ban. The term can be used for things other than singing, such as someone’s favorite recipe. The expression originally referred to the repertoire of 18 classical kabuki pieces of the famed Ichikawa family. An alternative expression, ohako (the box), refers to the box in which the repertoire was kept. Try asking friends to sing their ju- hachi ban at a karaoke box, and they will sing their favorites.

Mr. Pole

Japanese people start holding bo- nen kai (forget-the-old-year parties) with friends and colleagues in mid-December. Someone told me that participants are required to sing a song or perform a party trick, and there would be no escaping. I took this very seriously, and I practiced a song for our office bo- nen kai until I got a sore throat. The party came around last night, but when I was about to sing, the guys told me to sing my ju- hachi ban (18). Baffled, I looked up the song numbered 18 in the karaoke songlist and tried to sing it, but they said it wasn’t my ju- hachi ban. It seemed everybody else was singing different songs but referred to their songs as ju- hachi ban. Ms. Hirayama, clue me in on this!

Des

ign

: Mas

ako

Ban

1

3

4

2

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga

look sleepy

忘年会 bo-nen kai (party to forget the old year) 忘....forget / 年......year / 会......partyThe reason for having bo- nen kai is that Japanese people want to forget the bad things that happened during the year by drinking a lot of alcohol. You may want to remember that Japanese employees become nervous and they cannot enjoy themselves in the presence of their superiors at a party. If you are the boss and propose a toast at the beginning, it would be nice to say “kyo- wa bure-ko- de!” (Let’s forget all the formalities and enjoy ourselves!), so that everybody can enjoy themselves on equal terms.

大晦日 o- misoka (New Year’s Eve)

Most Japanese people eat soba (toshi koshi soba) on New Year’s Eve. They might listen to temple bells ringing 108 times (joya no kane) starting nationwide at midnight. According to Japanese Buddhists, it is said people possess 108 kinds of worldly desires (temptations), and they can be removed by listening to the bell ringing 108 times. Scenes at popular temples are broadcast on television as their bells are rung and people visit them. A lot of people visit shrines or temples to wish for a happy new year from very early in the morning, because public transportation is available all night.

どうぞ良いお年を do-zo yoi otoshi o

明けましておめでとうございますakemashite omedeto- gozaimasu

今年もどうぞよろしくおねがいしますkotoshi mo do- zo yoroshiku onegaishimasu

I wish you a happy New Year!

■ The following expression is used as a final parting word at the end of the year. It is said to a person you will not see again until the following year.

■ These are the greetings used during the first two weeks in January.

Happy New Year!

I hope it’s going to be a good year for us.

ポールさん          ですね。

Well (casual style)

what time about went back

Well, yes. I went to a party last night, drank too much, and didn’t get enough sleep.

iya- yu-be no bo-nenkai deいやあ 夕べ の 忘年会 で

You look sleepy, Mr. Pole!

jitsu wa shorui o dokoka ni

desu... です。

i-adjective look(s)

daijo-bu desu ka大丈夫ですか。何時ごろ帰りましたか。

Unnn "gozen sama" deshitaううん ...「午前様 」でした。

mo- nidoto osake wa nomanai desu

じつは...書類をどこかに

You look sleepy.

look / looks like i-adjective

lack of sleep

coming home after midnight (slang, gozen = morning)

Are you OK? What time did you get back home?

Well, actually, I came home in the morning.

もう2度とお酒は飲まないです。 

Grammar note

i so- desu い そう です。

ねむそう です。nemuso- desu

have / has done (already)

しまいました。shimaimashita te form + (I regret that ) I have been drunk.

酔っぱらってしまいましたyopparatte-shimaimashita

A lack of something :

noun + ぶそくbusoku 

ねぶそくne-busoku 

資金ぶそくshikin-busoku 

説明ぶそくsetsume- -busoku 

to tell the truth documents somewhere

never again don’t drink

置き忘れてしまいましたokiwasurete-shimaimashita

To tell the truth, I misplaced some of my documents last night.

I’m never going to drink again!

(I regret that ) I have misplaced it.

I regret drinking too much

I regret misplacing my documents

sleepyねむいnemui

Hirayama :

Hirayama :

■ Mr. Pole attended the party of his company last night.

Mr. Pole :

Mr. Pole :

Hirayama :

Mr. Pole :

Hirayama :

Hirayama :

Mr. Pole :

zuibun kai-komimashita ne

ko-kai saki ni tatazu

fairly

regret; repentance

problem

後 悔 先 に 立 た ず A stitch in time saves nine.[It is too late for regrets.]

こうかい

A stitch in time saves nine.

like thatPole san so- kakka shinai deポールさん そうカッカしないで

mondai ga okite kara dewa問題がおきてからでは

そうですか。You think so? But a stitch in time saves nine!

Well, no one knows what’s going to happen on Dec. 31, right? 

You bought a lot of food, didn’t you? 

ato no matsuri後 の 祭 り It is too little, too late.

[It is the day after the festival.]

datte 31 nichi wa nani ga okiru ka darenimo wakaranai desho-but (casual style)

■ A few days later, Mr. Pole found out the swindler had been fired.

repentance, regret

after

ko-kai

to get angry

A.

B.

tanki wa sonki短 気 は 損 気 Out of temper, out of pocket.

[Impatience makes you lose more money.]

inga o- ho-因 果 応 報 You will reap whatever you sow.

[Cause and effect are consistent.]

short temper

cause-result

“See?” hora neほらね。

ずいぶん 買い込みましたね。

だって 31日は 何が起きるか 誰にもわからないでしょう。

ええ、でも ちょっと 買い過ぎじゃないですか。True, but don’t you think you’ve bought too much? 

e- demo chotto kai-sugi janai desu kayes

Cool it, Mr. Pole! Out of temper, out of pocket, as they say.

See? She reaped what she sowed!

Mr. Pole was swindled by a business partner in another company.

It’s too little, too late.

Out of temper, outof pocket.

You will reap whatever you sow.

かっかするkakka suru

to explode in angerかっとなるkatto naru

to get nervously irritatedかりかりするkari kari suru

to be grouchyがみがみ いうgami gami yu-

or

かーっとなるka- tto naru

to be disappointedがっかりするgakkari suru

It will be too late after the problem occurs, you know!

1.

2.

3.

4.

The government advised us to stock up food and drink for a few days over the New Year because of the Y2K problem.

There are many words that have the consonants (k or g) in Japanese when feelings and angers are described.■ ■

▲ ▲

1.

2.

3.

e.g.,

e.g.,

e.g.,

Remove the vowel i of an i-adjective and add so- .exception: look(s) good → yosaso-

This expression implies that you have done something that you regret.

a lack of sleep a lack of funds a lack of explanations

last night

nan ji goro kaerimashita ka

....

react-retribution

not be inbefore

festival

disadvantage

buy in didn’t you? 

what happen nobody don’t know I guess

but quite buy too much don’t you think

です からね。desu kara ne

ですよ。desu yo

if happen

ですよ。desu yo

get angry at

ですよ。desu yo

Page 16: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

How (bad) was

Did you receive any nengajo- (New Year cards)? Did you notice the pictures of a dragon on them? This is the year of the dragon in the ju- nishi Chinese zodiac, and nengajo- designs often include the zodiac sign of the year. Japanese people sometimes try to determine your age by asking, nani doshi desu ka (What’s your sign of the zodiac?), instead of directly asking, “How old are you?” It is a tactful question used particularly by middle-aged or older people.

Mr. Pole

I had dinner with friends after the New Year holiday, and they started talking about their age. One of them said, “I’m a dog. What are you, Mr. Pole?” I didn’t know what she meant, so I just said, “I’m a penguin.” They told me Japanese people are classified as different animals according to their year of birth. Is that true?

Des

ign

: Mas

ako

Ban

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga

Hirayama :

Hirayama :

Mr. Pole :

Mr. Pole :

Mr. Pole :

This 12-year-cycle zodiac originated in China. The following list shows all the signs in the correct order. Try working out what your sign is:

ju-nishi (The 12 signs of Chinese zodiac)

子...ne (rat) 丑...ushi (ox) 寅...tora (tiger) 卯...u (rabbit)辰...tatsu (dragon) 巳...mi (snake) 午...uma (horse) 未...hitsuji (sheep)申...saru (monkey) 酉...tori (chicken) 戌...inu (dog) 亥...i (boar)

Year 2000 is tatsu. The next 12 years will therefore be: 2001 (mi) 2002 (uma) 2003 (hitsuji) 2004 (saru) 2005 (tori) 2006 (inu) 2007 (i) 2008 (ne) 2009 (ushi), 2010 (tora) 2011 (u) 2012 (tatsu)...

e.g., My zodiac sign is dragon. → tatsu doshi desu

How was ?

Grammar note

は どうでしたか。wa do- deshita ka

Expressing an action that has gone too far:

ます masu

masu-form

e.g., I worried about it too much.

e.g., I visited a shrine, went to the movies and so on—it was fun.

は いかがでしたか。wa ikaga deshita ka

は どうだった。wa do- datta

Asking someone ’ s thoughtson their recent experiences:

your tripryoko-旅行

(polite form)

(friendly form)

(casual form)

り rita-form + り 

rita-form +

神社に行ったり 映画を見たり 楽しかったです。jinja ni ittari e- ga o mitari tanoshikatta desu 

describe your feelings

nisennen mondai 2000年問題

sugi desuすぎ です +

shimpai no shisugi deshita 心配のしすぎでした

しまいました。shimaimashita te-form +

e.g.,

終わってしまいました。owatteshimaimashita

(It is a shame that) it is over.

+

no shisugi desuの しすぎです +

e.g., I ate too much.

tabesugimashita 食べ過ぎました。sugimasu

すぎますor

1.

1.

2. 3.

4.

5.

5.

6.

2& 3.

4.

5.

6.

Citing more than one item: -tari can be used when expressing your impression of several things.

Have (has) done/ happened al ready : This expression is used to show regret for what has happened or something you have done against your

Asking how a situation was: Use the friendly form of 1. Note that it shows your concern or sympathy for the person you are talking to.

をします o shimasu

masu-form

How was...? (asking the impression)osho- gatsu wa お正月は

hisashiburi ni

New Year

How was your New Year holiday?

jinja ni神社に

Well, I went to the shrine, watched movies (and so on).

hardly

in a moment holidayatto yu- mani yasumi ga

久し振りに

あっという間に休みが 

trouble wa hotondo nakatta desu ne

そう言えば 2000年問題 は

watched

by the way

We worried about it too much!

There was almost no trouble at all.

トラブルはほとんどなかったですね。

■ Mr. Pole and Ms. Hirayama are talking about New Year holidays.

so- ieba

visited

after a long time

too much worry about

How was...? (asking about the situation)

have finished (expressed with regret)

It was really good to relax with my family for once.

It’s a shame the holidays ended so quickly.

By the way, how was the Y2K problem?

kotoshi no ke- ki wa

How is the economy going to be this year?

今年の景気は How bad...? (asking about the situation,in present tense)

leveling off uunnn

Well, I guess it will level off.

う~ん...たぶん 横ばいです...ね...。

this year

rat(nezumi)

じゅうにし

sociable 社交的shako- teki ne

ju-nishi

ox(ushi)

丑 sympathetic思いやりがあるomoiyari ga aru ushi

tiger(tora)

寅 strong-willed意志が強いishi ga tsuyoi tora

rabbit(usagi)

卯 gentle温和onwau

dragon(tatsu)辰 generous

おおらかo- raka tatsu

snake(hebi)巳 ambitious

前向きmaemukimi

horse(uma)午 open-minded

開放的kaiho- tekiuma

sheep(hitsuji)未

patient忍耐強いnintaizuyoi hitsuji

monkey(saru)申

positive積極的sekkyoku teki saru

chicken(tori)酉

organized几帳面kicho-mentori

dog(inu)戌

thoughtful思慮深いshiryobukai inu

boar(inoshishi)亥

strong-willed意志が強いishi ga tsuyoi i

12 signs of the Chinese zodiac

The ju-nishi signs are believed to reflect the personalities of their holders. At one time they represented 12 directions on a compass and every two hours of the day starting at midnight with ne. For example, ushi no koku is 2 a.m. You may have seen the old time system referred to in samurai films.

flexible 臨機応変rinki o- hen

cautious慎重shincho-

accommodating世話好きsewazuki 

progressive進歩的shimpo teki

studious勉強家benkyo- -ka

passionate情熱的jo-netsu teki

active 行動的ko-do- teki 

serious真面目majime

cheerful明るい akarui

gentle温厚onko-

honest正直sho- jiki

kind親切shinsetsu

テレビ を

家族と

terebi o

のんびりしました。kazoku to nonbirishimashitawith family felt at ease

wa

did not exist

yokobaitabun desu ne

は どうでしたか。wa do- deshita ka

nisennen mondaiY2K problem

the Y2K problem?

2000

nen akem as hit

e o

m

edeto- gozaim

asu

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi HirayamaVol.15

Copyright 1999 The Yomiuri Shimbun

Page 17: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

In the past, it was not common for Japanese women to declare their love for a man—a woman used to wait for a man to approach her. But St. Valentine’s Day is now an occasion when Japanese women can make their feelings known by giving chocolates. There are two different kinds of chocolates. One is called giri-choco. Women give them to male acquaintances so they don’t feel left out. Such chocolates are given out of friendship or a sense of duty and they are usually cheap. Women who work in offices usually give giri-choco to male colleagues and it is estimated that the average amount of giri-choco received by a man last year was 12.2 pieces. (giri means “obligation”!)

A lot of girls gave me chocolates on Feb. 14, but one of my friends said, “All you got is giri-choco!” I looked at all the chocolates, but it doesnt say giri anywhere. Ms. Hirayama, what is giri-choco?D

esig

n : M

asak

o B

an

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga

Hirayama :

Hirayama :

Hirayama :

Mr. Pole :

Mr. Pole :

Mr. A :

Mr. A :

Mr.B :

Mr. Pole :

Mr. Pole :

okada san wa takusan moratta             desu岡田さんは  たくさん もらった です。

It seems that Mr. Okada got many chocolates. (I saw some of them.)

■ Mr. Pole and Ms. Hirayama are talking about chocolates.■ On the other hand, giving honme- -choco indicates real feelings for the recipient. honme- -choco is expensive (sometimes more than ¥10,000) or sometimes homemade. The average price of honme- -choco is ¥3,166, while the average giri-choco is ¥595. According to a survey, if a man receives chocolate that seems to be worth more than ¥3,000, he is likely to assume it is honme- -choco. Interestingly, St. Valentine’s Day in Japan did not start until 1958. The first chocolates were heart-shaped, and sold for ¥50. (honme- means “favorite”!)

guess ...rashi-...yo-...mitai

Yamada san wa rikon o suru rashi- desu山田さんは離婚をするらしいです。

A

は A

(polite form)

(implying: I’m not sure, but someone said that.)

(implying: Mr. Yamada confided in me about it.)yamada san wa rikon o suru mitai desu山田さんは離婚をするみたいです。

so- rashi- desu neそうらしいですね。

(implying: I also heard the rumor, but I’m not sure.)

I guess so. (I knew it.)

so- mitai desu neそうみたいですね。

(implying: I got some evidence.)

As you can see from the diagram, these expressionsare similar and sometimes their meanings overlap.

wa

e.g.,

Mr.B :

e.g.,

“...mitai” is used for statements based on direct information or facts. “...mitai” signifies that the information is more credible than “...rashi-”.

watopic

topic

ano mise wa desu yoあの店は

A tip for people who feel that it is too difficult to make the above distinctions.

rashi-らしいnoun

na-adj. na

i-adj.

verb

waは

information

mitaiみたい

restaurant

おいしいoishi-

rumor (I got the information from a magazine, television, etc.)

are- あれ~ 日にちを        です 。

(I thought the concert was today, but nobody is here.)

date to make a mistake

間違えます machigaemasu

evidence (sight: becausenobody is here)

ima ichiban desu今一番

(Ms. Yabe had a baby last month. She calls me sometimes,and asks me about child-care.)

now

大変 なtaihen na

evidence (direct information: because she calls me sometimes)

boyfriend toボーイフレンドと

(Recently, Miss. Mori has been all by herself. There is arumor that she broke up with her boyfriend.)

to break up

別れます wakaremasu

rumor (implying, “I’m not sure,but someone said about that.”)

kore waこれは

(I bought a curio at a flea market.)

old

古い furui

evidence (sight/feeling, because of theshape and the texture)

おいしい らしいoishi- rashi- 

間違えた みたいmachigaeta mitai

大変 みたいtaihen mitai 

別れた らしいwakareta rashi-

古い みたいfurui mitai

I heard that restaurant’s food is delicious.

Oh...It seems that I had the wrong date. 

I understand that Ms.Yabe is going through the most difficult time right now.

I heard that Miss. Mori might have broken up with her boyfriend.

It seems that this is old.

i-e

demo zembu giri-chocoでも全部ギリチョコ ですよ。

Don’t be disappointed

watashi no mo tezukuri desu yo

いいえ

私のも手作りですよ。

どれ見せて。dore misete

many recieved

but

show me

one

one only hand made

e

using the power of sight

using power of sight(I saw that)

what ?

unnnう~ん...

え...? ギ...リ...チョコ...?

がっかりしないで、来年がありますよ!gakkari shinaide rainen ga arimasu yo

I heard from him

so- desu neそう              ですね。

I’m really not sure (I heard that rumor )

But I heard it was all giri-choco.

And I got homemade chocolates, too!

using the power of sight

I tell you

Yes, someone told me that (but I’m not really sure).

1

3

3

5

6

2

2

4 5 61

1

2

3

4

5

1 2 3

4 5

Oh, no...he said that one of them seems like homemade (but he is not sure).

Let me see...hm...they look like homemade, but...(I don’t think so).

What !? Is this gi...ri...choco...!?

Well...it does look like homemade, though...

Don’t feel bad! There’s always next year! 

Grammar note...rashi- / ...mitai / ...yo-

“...rashi-” is better use when you are guessing from indirect information or less credible rumors.

This refers to a statement based on rumors. There is no confidence in the information because it’s not based on facts. If someone replies, “so- rashi- desune”, it means, “That’s what I heard, but I’m not sure.”

It refers to discernment by using the five senses. If someone replies, “so- mitai desu ne”, it means, “I know, because I have some evidence.”

A (information)

This is a rumor, but I heard that Mr. Yamada is getting divorced.

I guess so. (someone was talking about it)

...mitai: It seems that / like “A” is____. / I sense that “A” is____.

It seems Mr. Yamada is getting divorced.   

(Many people stand in line to get into a particular restaurant because they had read about it in a magazine or heard about it.)

The word mitai is more commonly used in conversation. If you are not sure whether to use rashi- or mitai, use mitai. You will probably be right 80 percent of the time.

A (information)

ch

ocolate

らしい です。はrashi- desu

みたい です。mitai desu

I’m really not sure (I heard that rumor )

alldesu yo

4

ikko dake wa tezukuri desu yoいっこ だけ は 手作り ですよ。

also

う~ん 手作り ですが...。desu gaunnn

gi ri choco

手作り ですよね...。

tezukuri

tezukuri desu yo ne

next year have

...rashi- : I think/guess that “A” is... / Someone said that “A” is... etc.

です。desu

です。desu

delicious

ですよ。

are- hinichi o desu

です。

most hard, tough

です。desu

です ね。desu ne

ne = confirmation

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi HirayamaVol.16

Copyright 1999 The Yomiuri Shimbun

Page 18: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

Japanese names are not ranked in any way. The Japanese had only given names until they started to use family names in the Meiji era. Japanese names are traditionally written vertically, and family names are placed above given names. Thus, given names are called shita no namae (lower names), and family names ue no namae (upper names). Interestingly, the Japanese Emperor’s family has no family name. Several years ago, I heard a Japanese couple tried to name their baby akuma (meaning devil), but the city hall refused to accept their registration.

I went to a friend’s party the other day, and met a Japanese woman. I introduced myself, saying, “Pole desu.” (I’m Pole.) She asked me, “ue no (upper) namae desuka, shita no (lower) namae desu ka?” (Is it your upper name or lower name?) Ms. Hirayama, does that mean names are ranked as upper class or lower class? If so, how are they classified? Is my name upper class, or what?

Des

ign

: Mas

ako

Ban

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga

Mr. Pole :

Mr. Pole :

Ice-gaisha no James Pole desuアイス会社 の ジェームス ポール です。

My name is James Pole. I work for Ice Co.

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5

56 6

4

4

2

2

1

1

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2

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5

Japanese people usually avoid saying, “watashi” (meaning I) because it may sound arrogant if it is used too much. Try not to say “watashi” unless you wish to emphasize yourself.

■ When you write the Japanese language vertically, you start writing from the top-right corner of the paper, and go downward. When you reach the bottom of the page, you move to the next line on the left, and write from top to bottom.

Introducing oneself

(lower) (upper)

Mr. Masanori Kobayashi

shita no namaeMasanori

ue no namaeうえ の お名前 はue no onamae wa

My name is .

のno

Kobayashi

do-zo yoroshikuどうぞ よろしく。

(implying, “please keep a good relationship with me”)

小林

What is your last name ?

e.g.,

e.g.,

first name and last name

した の お名前 はshita no onamae wa

What is your first name ?

I work for .

です。desu

company name

company name first name and last name

と もうします。to mo-shimasu

で ございます。de gozaimasu (very polite)

do-zo yoroshiku onegaishimasuどうぞ よろしく おねがいします。

(polite)

These are several ways of using the phrase. Simply add the phrase at the end of the conversation, when...

1) you are introducing yourself. (implying: please keep a good relationship with me)2) you want to ask a favor in a subtle way.3) you want to ask the person to do his / her best in a subtle way.4) you want to avoid telling someone what to do step by step.5) you want to wrap up the conversation.6) you want to imply “Thanks” or “Good bye.”

雅典

If you don’t belong to a company, you can skip this part.

(last name)(first name)

(upper) (name)

(lower) (name)

(This is a very formal expression usually used when introducing oneself for the first time. After that, it is fine to say, “...desu”)

▲▲

what is your first name?shitsure- desu ga

失礼ですが

Hitomi desuひとみ です。

お名前 は。onamae wa

Ice company of

answers :

e.g., Excuse me, may I have some water, please?

suimasen

mizu onegaishimasu

oikutsu desu ka

水 お願いします。

おいくつ です か。

Excuse me, is anybody here? (looking for a staff at a shop, etc.)

Excuse me, but how old are you? (polite form)

Excuse me, but may I have your name, please?

Japanese Lunch no Hirayama desuシャパニーズ ランチ の 平山  です。

Please keep a goodrelationship with me.

Say your name just the way it is in your country.

When you ask personal question (see below)

1.“shitsure- desu ga” (implying: I don’t mean to bother you by asking personal questions, but...) It means that you want to ask a personal question.2. “suimasen/sumimasen” (implying: Allow me to have your attention.) Used to attract someone’s attention.

shitsure- desu ga

(polite form)

Hirayama :

Hirayama :

My name is Hirayama. I work for Japanese Lunch.

Excuse me, but what is your first name?

It’s Hitomi.

There are two ways of saying “excuse me” in Japanese:

Japanese people usually introduce themselves with their last names alone

answers :

shin nyu- sha in

新入社員 new staff

sushi wa yaku ju- nen washoku wa yaku ju- go nen de ni narimasu寿司 は 約 10年、 和食 は 約 15年 で

ichi nin mae一

node kore-kara yoroshiku onegai-itashimasuso from now

ie ie mada-madaいえいえ まだまだ

Please be patient with me because I’m a complete novice.(This is a good phrase when you introduce yourself.)

Oh, no, no still, not yet

akiramenaide gambarimasu。あきらめないで 頑張ります。

don’t give up hard to do that

about 10 years Japanese food 15 years become

Oh, no, no… I’m still intermediate. (Use this phrase to showyour modesty when a Japanese person praises you.)

(one)(person)(deserve)

han nin mae半(half)(person)(deserve)

I know that perseverance prevails. I won’t give up doing my best!

Excuse me! May I have yakitori (grilled chicken) for one person? (at a restaurant.)

ishi no ue nimo san nen石の上にも3年(stone) (on) (three years)

migi mo hidari mo wakarimasen右も左もわかりません(right)(left)(don’t know)

suimasen yakitori onegaishimasuすいません 焼き鳥        お願いします。

Excuse me   I order

A

... A ... A

B

... B

mi juku mono未(not yet)(immaturity)(person)

skilled worker

being a complete novice.

being intermediate

“Perseverance prevails.”

food for one person

ので これから よろしく お願い致します。

C

... C

D

... D

Being advanced, skilled, independent, mature, full-grown, etc. Someone who can do good work without help from others. This expression is used for people who have technical skills. (carpenters, chefs, etc.), but it’s also applied to workers in general. Another meaning is “Food for one person.”

Being intermediate, immature, etc. Someone who does not have enough skills to complete his or her work alone.“han nin mae” is an expression for someone whose technical skills are imperfect, whereas, “mijuku mono” is for general use.

Perseverance prevails.“Sit on a rock for three years.” If you sit on a rock for three years, you will get used to it, and feel comfortable. This means that perseverance brings good results.

Being a complete novice.“I don’t know which way is right or left.” Someone who doesn’t know what to do because he or she is in a new environment (a new house, or a new location, etc.)

It takes about 10 years to learn to make sushi, while it takes about 15 years to become an excellent Japanese chef

Japanese people will understand if you say “do-zo yoroshiku.” Even though there is no similar expression in English, you will find many Japanese people use the phrase every day. They try to avoid asking favors directly, and using this phrase is a subtler way of making a request.

Uppername

Lowername

?or

人 前

人 前

熟 者

に なります。

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi HirayamaVol.17

Copyright 1999 The Yomiuri Shimbun

Page 19: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

Time does fly! (ko- in ya no gotoshi) Yes, please feel free to ask me when you have questions. In fact, I’ve been receiving a lot of e-mails from people worldwide (takusan no e-mail arigato- gozaimasu). Those heartwarming messages are my encouragement and have given me energy. And I always look forward to reading them. Now, I am going to give you a question for a change! Did you know that Japanese people think differently from people in other cultures in regard to onomatopoeia, the naming of a thing or action by a vocal imitation of the sound associated with it? It may be hard to describe the sounds, but please try to use your imagination.

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga

■ You might have noticed that Japanese people make some weird sounds that make you irritated. But there is no need for you to try making those sounds. (It may be hard to slurp your noodles without practice!?)

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4

1 2

3 4

It has been one year since I met you in April, Hirayama-san. You have told me so many things about Japan, and I have began to understand Japanese culture. But please continue to give me your advice because I believe what I know about Japan is only the tip of the iceberg.

1)

2)

When in Japan, do as the Japanese do.

スーーsu-

G)

Here is a list of things that are considered bad manners in Japan.People may cringe when you do them.

■  

ハクションhakushon

3)

4)

5)

6)

ズルズルズル.zuru-zuru-zuru

スー スーsu- -su-

(achoo)

(slurp, slurp, etc.)

(sniff, sniff)

(e.g. Well...)

スーー スーーsu- -su-

スーsu-(slurp)

A)

C)

F)

B)

D)

7)

Answers 1) ... A ), 2) ... E), 3) ... D), 4) ... B) , 5) ... C), 6) ... G) , 7) ... F)

Please draw lines between (A to G) and (1 to 7) in order to make the match.

おひすぃい ねo hi sui i ne

E)

(It’s delicious!)

This is the sound of sucking air through one’s teeth. It indicates that the person is thinking.

This is the sound you hear when someone sneezes. It is not rude to sneeze in public, and there is no need to say, “Excuse me,” after you sneeze or, Bless you,” after someone else sneezes.

This is the sound of slurping noodles (udon, soba, etc.). Slurping them loudly gives the impression that you are really enjoying eating them. Many Japanese people try not to slurp when they eat spaghetti.

This is the sound of sniffing when you have a runny nose. It is rude to blow your nose loudly in public, but it is acceptable to sniff when you have a very runny nose. If you are desperate to blow your nose, just excuse yourself and go to the bathroom.

This is the sound of slurping when drinking hot coffee, tea or soup. Slurping cools the hot liquid, and it is quite acceptable in Japan. Interestingly, you are supposed to slurp the last drop of your tea when you are invited to tea ceremony. It means that you have finished your tea.

This is the sound of inhaling the air between the teeth when removing the bits of food with a toothpick (yo- ji). It is mainly done by men, or people who have poorly aligned teeth.

This is what people sound like when they try to say, “oishi- ne” (This is delicious) with their mouths full.

お客さん どこの 国 ?okyaku-san doko no kuni

Where are you from?

魚 が 好き です。sakana ga suki desu

Key words:If Japanese people ask you questions using these words, please reply in your own words.

I‘m from the South Pole.

日本 の 食べ物 は 何 が 好き ?Nihon no tabemono wa nani ga suki

What is your favorite Japanese food?

日本 は どう ?Nihon wa do-

少し 慣れました。sukoshi naremashita

家族 は ?kazoku wa

歳 は いくつ ?toshi wa ikutsu

How old are you?

I‘m getting used to it.

How is your life in Japan?

Do you have a family?

Oh, I love sakana (fish)!!!

南極 です。nankyoku desu

どこdokowhere

食べ物tabemonofood

好きsukilike

どうdo-

How is...?

家族kazokufamily

歳toshiage

I‘m single. 独身 です。dokushin desu

How old do I look? いくつに 見えます か。ikutsu ni miemasu ka

国kunicountry

hyakubun wa ikken ni shikazu百聞は一見にしかず

nani o ittemo ano hito wa desuthat person no matter what

iroiro setsume- o kikimashita ga yappari いろいろ 説明 を 聞きました が、やっぱり

various

sono hanashi o ki- ta toki honto- niその

Answers

that

...... B mimi o kasanai

(hundred)

mimiears

mimi o kasanai耳を貸かさない

(ear)

......A hyakubun wa ikken ni shikazu

...... D mimi ga hayai

A

B “Turning a deaf ear.” To not pay attention to what someonesays.

何 を 言っても あの人 は            です。 

C

D.

mimi o utagau耳を疑う

(doubt, suspect)

(quick)

耳が早いmimi ga hayai

e mo- sono uwasa o shitte-irun desu kaえ?

What?

No matter what I say, he just turns a deaf ear to me.

I have heard many explanations of it, but I think, after all,

When I heard about it, I couldn’t believe my ears. Really!

What ? You heard the rumor already?

...... C mimi o utagaimashita

turns a deaf ear

Seeing is believing

couldn’t believe my ears

a quick ear

driver :

Mr.Pole :

driver :

Mr.Pole :

driver :

Mr.Pole :

driver :

Mr.Pole :

driver :

Mr.Pole :

It seems like Mr. Pole is being interviewed by an employer of a company. But it is not unusual for Japanese people to ask even private things to a person whom they are meeting for the first time in order to find out what kind of person he/she is. By the way, when you are asked to count your family members, you are supposed to include yourself. (e.g. you, your wife and two children. → yo nin desu)

“Seeing is believing,” or literally, “Seeing it once is much better than hearing about it a 100 times.” It means that it is much easier to understand something if you see it once with your own eyes, instead of hearing about it 100 times from other people.

“Having a quick ear.” Describes a person who is quick to hear the latest rumors.

“Doubting your own ears,” or unable to believe what you have just heard because you are so fazed

You have a quick ear.

ですね。 desu ne

・Do not blow your nose in public, particulary into your handkerchief. Please try to use tissues. (They are often handed out on streets as advertisements.) Handkerchiefs are supposed to be used as handtowels or napkins. If you are desperate to blow your nose, say, “shitsure- -shimasu” (Excuse me).・ It is not good manners to eat and drink while you are walking. ・Do not put your feet up on your desk at the office. It is also rude to sit on tables or desks. ・ It is rude to speak while chewing gum.

Let’s practice !

“Seeing is believing.”ですね。desu ne

hakushon

(seeing it once)(listening)

(not lend)

explanation listen but after all

話 を 聞いた 時 。本当に!

indeedlistenedstory

そのもう を 知っているんですか。噂

already rumor have known

when

These are typical questions taxi drivers may ask you in informal language. The question form “…desu ka?” is usually omitted in casual conversation.

Des

ign

: Mas

ako

Ban

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi HirayamaVol.18

Copyright 1999 The Yomiuri Shimbun

Page 20: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

I know what you mean, Mr. Pole. yo-suruni, you think that such meetings should be shorter and more efficient, don’t you? It is true that the Japanese tend to hold long meetings. They hold these conferences over and over because they don’t wish to make their final decisions until they are sure of each other’s ideas. sonoue (In addition), Japanese people use ambiguous words when they know they have to make decisions by the end of the meeting. Instead of making statements, the speaker makes ambiguous comments, to avoid offending listeners. The other participants have to work out what he actually means, or guess at what has been left unsaid.

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

I have noticed that most Japanese companies hold long meetings almost every day, without making any decisions at all. Sometimes I can’t even make out what they are talking about. tsumari (After all)...it’s a waste of time...to yu-ka (I mean)...i-kaereba (in other words)...exhausting...yosuruni (to sum up)... Grr...I can’t stop talking like the people in the meetings!

Answers

Answers

Mr.Pole :

Mr.Pole :

Mr.Pole :

Mr.Pole :

■ Japanese culture treasures the concepts of space, silence, and nonexistence. For instance, when designing a Japanese garden, the landscaper thinks of a windows as the frame, and calculates the amount of space within the frame when the trees have leaves in summer, and when they are bare in wintertime. For a Noh actor, the most difficult thing is silence, or absence of movement. Silence is a form of expression in Noh. And as for a Japanese tearoom, nonexistence is represented by the fact that it contains only a few things.

Even if you don’t understand all the Japanese words during the meeting, please pay careful attention when someone uses the key words listed below. They indicate that the speaker is going to say something important next, and that’s what he or she actually means. If someone keeps silence for a while, look carefully at that person and try to guess what he wants to say.

whether or not... か どうか... ka do- ka

yo-suruni

I thought so; as I expected,やっぱり やはりyappari yahari

I wonder if... ?(very casual form)...かなあ ; かしら kana- ; kashira

■ Key words during the meetings. No.1 (friendly form / polite form)

if it is possibleもし できたらmoshi dekitara

it may be ... (uncertain)...かも かもしれない...kamo kamoshirenai

on the contrary; insteadかえってkaette

as ... as possibleできるだけ...dekirudake...

要するにmuri 無理

well then,じゃあ ではja dewa

in short impossible

after all; in the end結局kekkyoku

for the time being; for nowとりあえずtoriaezu

first of all, ; at first,まず まず最初にmazu mazu saishoni

almost hopeless; difficult難しいmuzukashi-

I guess (not a fact, just guessing)...だろう; でしょう...daro- ; desho-

in other words ; after allつまりtsumari

to sum up; in short要するにyo-suruni

to handle the problem positively前向きに検討します。maemuki ni kento- shimasu

hm ..... ye...s....ええ ... まあ ...e- ... ma- ...

with that reason; That will do it!...という事で...to yu- koto de

What do you mean?; ...and you mean?と言うと と言うことはto yu- to to yu- koto wa

If it is possible, ... your answer by tomorrow ...

On the contrary, ... a bad result ...

I thought so.

I wonder if it is impossible...

I guess it’s probably today...

tomorrow by replying (polite form)

... 悪い 結果 が...。

... warui kekka ga ...bad result

over work 9 o’clock by will finish

... as cheap as possible ...

あいまい言葉Ambiguous words aimai kotoba

... あす まで に 御返事 を...。

... asu made ni gohenji o ...

It may be hopeless…

if it’s possible

Was it in vain after all?

in the end

it may be (uncertain)

1) 12) 11) 7) 9)

17) 3) 16) 15) 2)

as ... as possible

I thought so !

on the contrary

muri ...無理 ... ...。

impossible

おそらく... 今日 ...。osoraku ...kyo-

dameダメ ...。

hopeless; impossible

... and you mean? (inviting him/her to say more)

... whether or not I can finish my work by 9 p.m.

muda-ashi ... ?ムダ足...?

a fool’s errand

yasuku ...安く...。

cheap

I guess

I wonder

?

zangyo- ga ku-ji made ni owaru残業 が 9時 までに 終わる ...。whether or not

and you mean

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

...ええ... もう 少し ...

...e- ... mo- sukoshi ...

昨年より多く ...ですか ?sakunen yori o- ku ... desu kaはっきり言えば ...そう です が...hakkiri ieba ... so- desu ga...

結論 は ですね。ketsuron wa desu ne

ma- ga ...まあ                 が...

jikai mata ...次回 また ... 

来年 の 予算 です が...rainen no yosan desu ga

handle the problem positively

Last year, it was pretty bad... 昨年 は かなり 厳しかった...です...sakunen wa kanari kibishikatta...desu...

it may be

One hour later

To sum up, we need a largerbudget than last year, right?

to sum up

First of all, about the budget for next year... 

できない です ... ううん...dekinai desu... u-n...

来年 は...予算内 で できる ですが...rainen wa yosannai de dekiru desu ga...

What do you mean?  

terrible

18 6) 17) 15) 13) 1) 5) 19) 3) 14) 8) 10) 4)

for the time being

(polite form)

if it is possible

hm .. ye..s

in other words

Frankly speaking...yes.

Well, we’d better handle the problem positively...

After all, it would be difficult to make our decision, now...

after all

森さん からです。Mori-san kara desuwell then

first of all

Pole san no aruhi no kaigiポールさんのある日の会議

In other words, hm...If it is possible,a little bit more...

it may be (polite form)

■ One day, Mr. Pole attended a conference.

Well, Mr. Mori, please tell us.

Next year, we may be able to balance the budget...

Or maybe not... hm...

Let’s postpone it for the time being...

What do you mean?  

That will do it …   That will do it ...

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2

4

3

5

6 7

9

10 11

13

12

8

Mori-san :

Mori-san :

Mori-san :

Shacho- :

Shacho- :

1) 2)

3) 4)

5) 6)

10) 11)

15) 16)

7) 8)

12) 13)

17) 18)

9)

14)

19)

Z

ZZ Z Z

(male style) (female style) (male style) (female style)

Pay attention! This is what he actually means!

(Talking about something for a long time) ... to sum up, I think it will be impossible ...e.g.,

(Talking about something for a long time) ...

です ね。... desu...ne...

できましたらdekimashitara

Des

ign

: Mas

ako

Ban

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi HirayamaVol.19

Copyright 1999 The Yomiuri Shimbun

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Page 21: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

I know it’s confusing. The common usage of zenzen has a negative meaning, implying “not at all.” Thus, zenzen should be used with the negative form of i-adjectives, so “zenzen oishiku-nai” (It doesn’t taste good at all.) is correct grammar. But lately, it has become a kind of slang, and people say “zenzen oishi-.” This zenzen brings a positive meaning, and so the phrase means “It tastes really good.” Zenzen is also used with na-adjectives, as in “zenzen kantan!” (It’s a piece of cake!). This zenzen is positive, implying “completely” or “entirely.”D

esig

n : M

asak

o B

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With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga

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I attended a conference yesterday. I think I understood the Japanese speakers better after referring to the previous lesson. If there are any more key words, please let me know. And one more thing. I’ve been studying Japanese for a while, but sometimes I notice that Japanese speakers use grammar that is different from what I have learned. They say, “zenzen oishi-!” What do they mean? Do they mean something is delicious, or awful?

Answers

Answers

Mr.Pole :

Mr.Pole :

Mr.Pole :

Mr.Pole :

Mr.Pole :

Mr.Pole :

come to think of it; as you mentioned そう言えばso- ieba

right away; sometime soonすぐ  さっそくsugu sassoku

just wait and see; we’ll see様子 を みましょう。yo-su o mimasho-

■ meeting words No.2 (friendly form / polite form)

it’s about time to... そろそろ...sorosoro...

どうなります か。do- narimasu ka

by the wayところでtokorode

To tell the truth; as a matter of fact実 はjitsuwa

before too long; before you know itそのうちにsono-uchini

anyway; anyhowとにかくtonikaku

it’s no use; there’s no choiceしょうがない しかたがない sho-ganai shikata ga nai

that will do it; OK?...と 言う事で...to yu- kotode

you mean...?...と 言う事 です か。... to yu- koto desu ka

can’t wait too long; there’s no limitsきりがない kiri ga nai

that’s possibleありえます。 ariemasu

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To tell the truth, it’s not done yet...and...

8) 4) 14) 11) 7) 3) 13) 10) 6) 2) 5) 9) 1)

You mean you need a little more time?  

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Mori-san :

Mori-san :

Mori-san :

Mori-san :

Shacho- :

Shacho- :

1) 6)

2) 7)

3) 8)

4) 9)

5) 10)

11) 13)

12) 14)

always

Frequency (how often?)

often

from time to time

not too often

seldom, rarely

よくyoku

occasionally

ときどきtokidoki

(not) much, (not) very

hardly, scarcely

■ ■

never, not at all

sometimes

たまにtamani

What do you think will happen ?Let’s see what happens;

いつもitsumo

あまりamari

ほとんどhotondo

めったにmettani

ぜんぜんzenzen

100 %

50 %

0 %

5 %

10 %

20 %

30 %

0 %

0 %

5 %

10 %

20 %

30 %

50 %

100 %

+ negative form

+ negative form

+ negative form

+ negative form

+ negative form

+ negative form

a lot, many

Quantity (how many / much?)

a few, a little ちょっと すこし chotto sukoshi

none at all

いっぱい たくさん ippai takusan

ぜんぜんzenzen

few, little

quite a few,

ほとんどhotondo

来週 です...よ...raishu- desu ... yo ...

あっちこっちで見かけますね。 acchi-kocchi de mikakemasu ne

いやー    街 が コーヒーショップだらけ になりますね。iya- machi ga coffee shop darake ni narimasu ne

じゃあ 今日 の 会議 は ...ja- kyo- no kaigi wa ...

お昼 に 行ってみましょう。ohiru ni itte-mimasho-  

... まだ 途中 で...あの...

... mada tochu- de ... ano- ...

that’s possible

anyway

there’s no choice

to tell the truth

We can’t wait too long,so...finish it by the endof next week, OK?

Mr. Mori. It’s about the discussion we had last month...:  

ですから... 来週 いっぱい...desu kara... raishu- ippai

オフィス の 近くに スターバックス が できました ね。office no chikaku ni Starbucks ga dekimashita ne

Anyway...next week...

come to think of it

Let’s just wait and see.

by the wayBy the way, did you know a Starbucks had openednear the office?

sometime soon

もう 少し 時間 が 欲しいmo- sukoshi jikan ga hoshi-

です ね。desu ne

you mean ... ?

Well, before long, this citywill be full of coffee shops, don’t you think?

OK?can’t wait too long

Come to think of it, I see those shops here and there.

That’s possible.

Let’s go there for lunchsometime soon!

Well, it’s about time to endthe meeting for today.

One day, Mr. Pole attended a conference.

Mr. Mori was not willing to put his mind into the meeting. The only decision that was made in today’s meeting was to go to the coffee shop for lunch!

it’s about time to

before you know it

There’s no choice, is there?Let’s just wait and see.

(male style)

100 %

jo- ren-kyaku wa onaji mise ni iku hito no koto desuregular customer

mukashi wa        shippai o shimashita 昔 は           失敗 を しました。           

just; only

the old days to fault

Frequency / Quantity

常連客 は  同じ 店 に 行く人 の 事 です。always

ja- dake

not at all

hotondo yoku mettani itsumo itsumo tamani

not much

seldom

often

hardly

ありがとうございます。arigato-gozaimasu

ki ga muku to kaji no tetsudai o shimasu気 が 向くと家事 の 手伝いをします。 

a lot

saishokushugi-sha wa niku o tabemasen菜食主義者 は           肉を食べません。

vegetarian meat to not eat

忙しいので        運動をしません。運動不足です。isogashi- node undo- o shimasen undo- -busoku desubusy so to exercise don’t get enough exercise

ki ni shinai ho- ga i- desu yo気にしないほうがいいですよ。 

to not worry had better

じゃあ        だけ  

occasionally

always always

nayami-goto de atama ga desu 悩みごと で 頭 が   です。

a little

paper driver desu node kuruma no unten o shimasen ペーパードライバー です ので     車 の 運転をしません。

so car to drive

when I feel like it housekeeping to help

zenzen itsumo amari chotto itsumo ippai

(about 10%)

(about 80 %)

(about 30 %)

(about 20 %)

(about 0 %)

(about 90%)

(about 90%)

always(about 90%)

(about 5%)

I am so busy I hardly get any exercise. I need more exercise.

In the old days, I often made mistakes.

I’m just a paper driver (Sunday driver), so I seldom drive a car.

Thank you as always.

I occasionally help with household chores when I feel like it.

Vegetarians never eat meat at all.

Regular customers are people who always come to the same restaurant.

You’d better not worry about it too much.

(At a party: Would you like more wine?) Well, I’ll have a little bit more.

My brain is always filled with worries.

Paper drivers: People who have passed their driving test, but have little or no experience of driving. They are just drivers “on paper.”

ね。ne

“kono kaigi wa do- narimasu ka.”

well

distress head

coffee

( What do you think will happen? )

samerestaurant

to goperson

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi HirayamaVol.20

Copyright 1999 The Yomiuri Shimbun

Page 22: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

san does not correspond exactly to Mr., Mrs. or Ms. because people are addressed in different ways according to the situation. To answer your second question, it is said that in 1888, when diplomat Munemitsu Mutsu signed his name on a treaty, he became the first Japanese to write his name in the given name-family name order. Presumably, he imitated the Western way in order to show Japan’s eagerness to learn from other countries after its period of isolation.

Japanese people address me in various ways, such as Pole san, Pole sama or James kun. But how come san does not correspond to Mr., Mrs. or Ms. even though my dictionary says that san means Mr. or Mrs.? And another question: Japanese people usually write their family name, then their given name, right? But why do they write their names the other way round when using romanized letters? D

esig

n : M

asak

o B

an

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga

■ First name (given name) / last name (family name) for daily conversation. Friends since childhood or school days usually address each other by their first names or nicknames. Those who meet later in life usually call each other by their last names.

daily conversation ....................... last name + san

first name + kun or chanfirst name + chanChild

Adult

Female Male

1)

2)

Suzuki desu

(group members = yourself / your family members / staff of your company etc.)

・ Introducing your staff members to a client :

・A written form used in letters, documents, etc.・A polite form used in conversation.

3)

san is a respectful way to call or address people.

Takada sama

I met Suzuki san yesterday.

高田 様

・ Introducing your family members to your friend: e.g., This is my wife Susan.

高田 氏

Applications of san ...... sama (様) / shi (氏) / dono (殿) / onchu- (御中)

Company name + san

(given name) (family name)

鈴木です。

高田 殿Takada dono

Takada shi・A written form used in the media.

I met Yukiko san yesterday.

e.g., Tokyo Mitsubishi Bank Tokyo Mitsubishi san / sama

This is Ms. Suzuki. e.g., (your company staff to client)

tsuma no Susan desu妻のスーザンです。

Ms. Yukiko Suzukie.g.,

行 御中onchu-

company name /The name of organization

e.g., Mr. / Mrs. / Ms. Takada (高田)

・This form is applied only to someone of the same status as yourself or lower. It is hardly used nowadays, but occasionally occurs in documents.

・This form is used instead of 様 (sama) when a letter is sent to a company or organization. On a self-addressed

envelope, 行 (yuki or "To:") is written after the sender’s name. It is good manners to cross out this word, customarily with two slashes, and write 御中 (onchu) when returning it.

When you are speaking to Japanese people, even in English, it is best to say san after their first name or last name. Japanese people often feel uncomfortable if their names are used without san. That is why most people say san after your name when talking to you, even in English.

In business, san is added after the name of a company.

There are some situations where you should not use san. When you are speaking to a third person, it is best not to refer to members of your own group using san.

[Horizontal style]

n

on

e

n

on

e  

行 

御中

 

御中

[Business style] (a letter to companies or organizations)

An

swer

s

[ Vertical style] Numbers used for vertical style, or kansu- ji (kanji for numbers)1...一 2...二 3...三 4...四 5...五 6...六 7...七  8...八 9...九 10...十、

(the recipient’s name)

Front

(the recipient’s address)

(the sender’s name)

(the sender’s address)

平 山 ひ と み James Pole

Back

BackFront

(the recipient’s name)

(the recipient’s address)

Nippon Co. Ltd. 行(the name of company)

(the address of company)

(in case of a self-addressed card)

(the sender’s address)

(the sender’s address)

(the sender’s name)

(the nameof organization)

(to Japan Institute)

(in case of a blank card)

polite form / to customer

■ Mr. Oda comes back to his hotel after sight-seeing and finds there is a message at the front desk.

Answers

Kobayashi : Yes, I’m Kobayashi.

san

Oda Miki   ga lobby de o-machi de gozaimasu尾田    三木  が ロビーでお待ちでございます。

Shibuya Ginko- no Inoue desu ga

I have an appointment to see Mr. Yokota at 9 a.m. today.

ku ji ni Yokota to o-yakusoku-shiteimasu

san   none   sama  sama  none    sama   san    sama   san sama   none 12 sama

Fujita Taro- go-ban ni o-hairi-kudasai

interviewer : Mr. Kobayashi !小林  

hai Kobayashi desu

Yokota    Shibuya Ginko- ga o-mie desu

はい、 小林        です。

receptionist : Yes, Sir. We do have your appointment today.

Japanese Lunch kabushiki-gaisha

(Calling Yokota’s desk)

■ Talking to a receptionist at a company.

■ The interviewer calls an applicant for a job interview.

receptionist : Mr. Oda ! Mr. Miki is waiting for you in the lobby.

渋谷銀行 の 井上 ですがInoue : My name is Inoue. I’m from Shibuya Bank.

Kobayashi

■ A nurse calls a patient at a hospital.

9時に 横田      と お約束しています。

ジャパニーズランチ株式会社

横田     渋谷銀行  が お見えです。

藤田 太郎      5番にお入り下さい。

■ A bank teller calls a customer at a bank.

Hayashi 林       どうぞ こちらに。

■ At a restaurant.

shichi-ji ni yoyaku o shita Hayashi desu 7時に予約をした林              です。

do-zo kochira ni

sama

Mr.Yokota! You have a visitor from Shibuya Bank.

Inoue : Mr. Taro Fujita! Please go to Room 5!

teller : Japanese Lunch Co,. Ltd.!

Hayashi : My name is Hayashi, I have a reservation for 7 p.m.

waitress : Yes, Mr. Hayashi! Please come this way.

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東京都渋谷区4 -7-10�5-6-39 Minato-ku Tokyo�

東京都渋谷区

   四ー七ー一〇

東京都中央区

三ー七ー六〇

東京都港区

五ー六ー三九

ジェームス

ポール

平山

ひとみ

東京都新宿区2-35-11

一〇

日本研究所

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(honorific form of “waiting”)

bank

at 9 o’clock

No. 5

(honorific form of “have an appointment”)

(honorific form of “come”)

(honorific form of “come in”)

at 7 p.m. have reserved

please come this way

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

Copyright 1999 The Yomiuri Shimbun

Page 23: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

When you want to explain the reason for something, you can choose kara or node to convey different impressions to your listeners. kara is used for emotional expressions. It may sound illogical or like an excuse. Japanese children use kara, but when they grow up, they start saying node. It might be best to say node during business meetings or when speaking polite Japanese, since node gives the impression that what you are saying is logical.

One of my colleagues came to work late the other day because she had a hangover. She said to me, “yu-be nomi-sugita kara, chikoku-shichatta!” (I am late because I drank too much last night!) But when she was talking to her boss, she said, “yu-be nomi-sugita node, chikoku-shimashita.” Is there any difference between kara and node when ex-plaining the reason for something?D

esig

n : M

asak

o B

an

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga

Answers

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5.

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1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Answers

1)

2)

( implying the inevitable cause)

( implying my fault)

3)

/ /

■ There are three words of expressing a reason or cause.

reason / cause result / conclusion

kara is used for emotional expressions.

kara node de から ので で

忙しかったisogashi-katta kara cancel o shimashita

I was busy I canceled

忙しかったisogashi-katta node cancel o shimashita

I was busy I canceled

仕事shigoto de cancel o shimashita

work I canceled

1) 2) 3)

noun

e.g., I was late because the roads were crowded. ( traffic jam ... ju- tai, became late ... osoku-narimashita)

渋滞 で 遅くなりました。ju- tai de osoku-narimashita

渋滞だった から 遅くなりました。ju- tai datta kara osoku-narimashita

渋滞だった ので 遅くなりました。ju- tai datta node osoku-narimashita

It is used for friendly conversations where the reason or cause is personal. But you should be careful how you use it, because it can sound selfish.

Even if the reason/cause is unreasonable, it starts to sound more logical if you use the magic words, node and de!  

node and de are used for logical expressions (de is used for nouns).They are used in public situations and polite speech. Public situations include business meetings and speeches. Logical reasons for something might be earthquake (natural phenomenon), fire (accident), illness, etc.

I canceled it (the job) because I had another appointment (to meet a friend).

I canceled it because I was busy with work.

I canceled it because I had to work.

head painful May I go home ?

node kara node node kara de de node

(talking to your boss) May I go home now because I have a headache?

頭 が痛いatama ga itai kaettemo i- desu ka

from friend come tomorrow company absent from ~

(talking to your friend) I’m taking a day off tomorrow because a friend is coming over from France.フランス から 友達 が 来ますFrance kara tomodachi ga kimasu ashita kaisha o yasumimasu

(talking politely) I’d like to take a day off tomorrow because my friend is coming from France.

money didn’t have couldn’t buy

(talking politely) I couldn’t buy it because I didn’t have any money.お金 が なかったo-kane ga nakatta kaemasen-deshita

yesterday was rain all day long house was (exist)

(talking to your friend) I stayed at home all day yesterday because it was raining.

昨日 は 雨 だったkino- wa ame datta ichinichi-ju- uchi ni imashita

earthquake building destroyed (onomatopoeia)

(inevitable causes...noun) The buildings collapsed because of the earthquake.地震jishin tatemono wa mecha-kucha desu

depression

(inevitable causes...noun) Many companies have gone bankrupt because of the recession.

不況fukyo- oku no kaisha ga to- san o shiteimasu

go on a business trip

(talking to your client) It is because I am going on a business trip.

出張 を しますshuccho- o shimasu

フランス から 友達 が 来ますFrance kara tomodachi ga kimasu ashita kaisha o yasumimasu

riyu- (o yu- ) wake (o yu- )

wa yamenasai

nanika o itte-mashita ka

理由(を言う) Reason

obediently had better acknowledge

more ~ more a lie can hear

illogicalexcuse

iwake wake benkai iwake riyu- wake benkai

wa kikanaide-kudasai

o suru yori sunao ni mitometa ho- ga i- desu yo

Excuse

why become like this don't know

言い訳 (をする)benkai (o suru) i-wake (o suru)

何か       を 言ってましたか。

something said to you ?

o sureba suru hodo uso ni kikoemasuを すればするほど 嘘 に 聞こえます。

do-shite ko-natta noka ga wakaranai desuどうして こう なった のか       が わからない です。

を する より 素直 に 認めたほうが いい です よ。

は やめなさい。

stop

Sounds logical

は 聞かないで下さい。

please don’t ask

いくら       しても もう遅いです。

even though already too lateikura shitemo mo- osoi desu

illogicalexcuse

logicalexcuse

logicalexcuse

logicalreason

illogicalreason

illogicalreason

to rationalize something

Stop making excuses! (illogical excuse)

I have no way to justify. (illogical reason)

You’d better acknowledge your mistakes,instead of trying to rationalize them. (logical excuse)

The more you defend yourself with poor excuses, the more you sound like a liar! (illogical excuse)

Did he explain the reason? (logical reason)

Please don’t make me justify this! (illogical reason)

No matter how hard you try, it is too late to rationalize this! (logical excuse)

to defend oneself with poor excuses

to explain the reason

to justify something

訳 (を言う)

弁解(をする)

node

magic words

から キャンセル を しました。

キャンセル を しました。ので

で キャンセル を しました。

あした 会社 を 休みます。

買えませんでした。

あした 会社 を 休みます。

帰っても いいです か。

一日中 いました。うち に

Sounds illogical

have gone bankruptcompanymany

建 物 は メチャクチャ です。

多くの 会社 が 倒産 を しています。

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi HirayamaVol.22

Copyright 1999 The Yomiuri Shimbun

Page 24: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

kyu- -ju- go sai desu

I understand you meant to say, “I’m sorry” by saying, “gomennasai” in Japanese. But this expression is used when you want to apologize for making a mistake or causing a disturbance. When you wish to express your sympathy for the bereaved, it is better to use a fixed expression, such as “goshu-sho- sama desu/deshita.” (You have my deepest sympathy.) In addition, you need to mumble the words, to imply that you can’t finish saying it because of your sadness. Traditionally, Japanese women wear mofuku (mourning kimono) for a funeral, and, as a sign of their grief, they try not to wear it too neatly.

I heard that my friend’s grandfather died last month, so I said to him, “gomennasai.” (I’m sorry.) But he was confused and said, “Why? What do you mean?” Did I say something wrong? I ended up asking him the same thing, “Well, what do YOU mean!?” Ms. Hirayama, did I say something weird again?

Des

ign

: Mas

ako

Ban

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga

AnswersAnswers

e.g., Kobayashi-san : I have been looking for a new job for six months.

Kobayashi-san : I’m sorry.

頑張って下さい。gambatte-kudasai

失礼しました。shitsure- -shimashita

That must be really hard.

Apology: These expressions are used when you want to apologize for your mistakes.

すみません     すいませんsumimasen suimasen

(It was really hard for you. Are you OK?)

大変ですね。taihen desu ne (That must be hard for you.)

大変でしたね。もう大丈夫ですか。taihen deshita ne mo- daijo-bu desu ka

頑張って下さい。gambatte-kudasai

e.g., Hayashi-san : My company went bankrupt the other day...

ごめんなさいgomennasai

(Hang in there!/Don’t give up!)

大変ですね。taihen desu ne

(Try to keep your spirits up.)

(Don’t be discouraged.)

(That’s a shame.)

(Don’t be discouraged.)

(polite form)

(friendly form)

申し訳ございませんでした。mo-shiwake-gozaimasendeshita

頑張って下さい。gambatte-kudasai

元気を出して下さい。genki o dashite-kudasai

Hang in there!

残念です。zannen desu

頑張って下さい。gambatte-kudasai

(That must be really hard.)

(Hang in there !)

Tanaka-san :

Sympathy: These expressions are used when you want to convey your grief over someone’s death and to indicate your sympathy concerning someone’s problems.

■ Encouragement: These expressions are used when you want to give emotional support to the depressed.

genki ga nai desu

fish

(to die / to pass away): nakunaru is used only for the humans, whereas shinu is used for all living creatures.

ね。ne

Hasebe-san :

えっ 良太さん は 人間じゃないのです か。ee Ryo- ta-san wa ningen janai no desu ka

hai desu kedo

daijo-bu desu ka goshu-sho- sama desu

...人間 でしたら...

良太 が 亡くなって...。

about

Ryo- ta ga nakunatte yu- be osoku kyu- ni

You have my deepest sympathy.

ゆうべ 遅く...  急に...

ningen deshitara

はい です けど...。

Ryo- ta passed away.

Are you OK?

(I’m sorry)Hasebe-san :

Pole-san : Late last night, all of a sudden,

Hasebe-san : What ? You mean, Ryo- ta was not human?

Pole-san : ...If he was human...

How old was he ?

Pole-san : Right, he was a fish.

Hasebe-san : ...

You don’t look so good.

shinimasu nakunarimasu shinimashita nakunarimashita shindeimasu死にます/亡くなります 死にました/亡くなりました 死んでいます

He is dying./He is about to pass away. He died./He passed away.

He died just a moment ago.

The time of his death can be given in figures.

・ ・・

He is dead.

The corpse is still there or it can be seen.

B) to die

working

sakana ga ike de takusan

to pass away (polite form used for humans)

with all one’s might

Oh dear new restaurant right near has opened taihen atarashi- mise ga sugu chikaku ni dekimashita

A) to pass away

死活問題

nakunaru shinu

で 働いて 借金 を やっと 返しました。

hashirimashita ga maniaimasendeshita

de hataraite yatto shakkin o kaeshimashita

3年前に 有名な 小説家 が 車 の 事故 で

し かつ もん だい

たいへん、 新しい店 が すぐ近くに できました。

 な  し   

走りましたが、 間に合いませんでした。

run but not be on time

魚 が 池 で たくさん 

E) with all one’s might

shi katsu mon dai

desperately

dead(can be seen)

fish pond many

D) a matter of life and death

C) desperately

死ぬ亡くなる

san-nen mae ni yu-me- na sho-setsuka ga kuruma no jiko de

komatta na- ... kore wa  desu

tree years ago famous novelist car accident

I'm in trouble this is

困ったな... これは        です。

死に物狂いし   もの ぐる

shi ni mono gurui

必死にひっ し

hisshi ni

D) E) B) shindeimasuA) nakunarimashita C)

Oh, my goodness! A new restaurant has opened just around the corner!

I’m in trouble...It’s a matter of life and death to me.

The famous novelist was killed in a traffic accident three years ago.

I worked as hard as I could and was able to pay off my debts at last!

Although I ran desperately, I didn’t make it on time.

There are many dead fish in the pond. They may have been killed byagricultural chemicals.

to die (used for humans, animals)

a matter of lifeand death

passed away

1

1

2

2

4

4

3

3

5

5

6

多分  農薬 が 原因 でしょう。tabun no-yaku ga genin desho-            maybe agricultural chemicals cause I guess

1 2 3 4

5 6

1 2 3 4 5 oikutsu deshita ka kurai/gurai sakana

he would have been about 95 years old.95 歳 です。

goshu-sho-

sama desu

or

at last debt pay backby

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

Copyright 1999 The Yomiuri Shimbun

Page 25: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

watashi-tachi fu- fu wa desu-kedo

naka ga i- desu.

sonnani o-kina tameiki o tsuka-naide desu yo

mo- kako no koto dakara 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

getsu(gek)-ka-

No, donichi is not a special day. I think foreigners probably say, getsu-yo- bi to sui-yo- bi (Monday and Wednesday) in Japanese. But Japanese people prefer to use a shorter term in their daily conversations, such as ges-sui, which is the combination of getsu-yo-bi and sui-yo-bi. Another example is ka--kin, the combination of ka-yo-bi (Tuesday) and kin-yo-bi (Friday). I think you've got the point by now. Yes! donichi is the combination of do-yo-bi (Saturday) and nichi-yo-bi (Sunday). Let me show you the days of the week with kanji.

My friends and I were making plans to go to an onsen (a hot spring) together. One of them asked me, "donichi isogashi

-

desu ka?" (Are you busy on donichi?) I didn't know what donichi meant, but I didn't want to embarrass myself, so I told her that I would be busy. Another friend told us that donichi was better for her, but we finally decided to go to the onsen on a weekday. I preferred the weekend to a weekday. Why did they choose the weekday? Is donichi a special day?

Des

ign

: Mas

ako

Ban

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga

Answers

Sundayにち よう び

nichi-yo-bi

日 曜 日sun, day

moon

fire

water, liquid

tree, wood

gold, money

soil, land

日 にち

nichi Sunday originated with sun and day.

Monday げつ よう び

getsu-yo-bi

月 曜 日月 げつ getsu Monday originated with moon.

Tuesday か よう び

ka-yo-bi

火 曜 日火 か ka

Tuesday originated with fire.

Wednesday すい よう び

sui-yo-bi

水 曜 日水 すい sui

Wednesday originated with water and liquid.

Thursday もく よう び

moku-yo-bi

木 曜 日木 もく mokuThursday originated with trees, plants and wood.

Friday きん よう び

kin-yo-bi

金 曜 日金 きん kin

Friday originated with gold, money and metal.

Saturday ど よう び

do-yo-bi

土 曜 日土 どdo

Saturday originated with soil, land and ground.

Even if you cannot write the kanji, try to memorize the shapes, so you can recognize the corresponding characters.

koko ni o kaite-kudasai

日 月 火 水 木 金 土

F)

say so true I'm sure

world

dangerous

A)

as I expected not continue always because

wa kiken desu

E)

ここに          を 書いて下さい。

here please write

computer no sekai wa desu neコンピューター の 世界 は           です ね。

B)

で 気 が変わりました。

は 危険 です。

H)C) G)J)

もう 過去 の 事 だから            。

already past matter because

change one's mindde ki ga kawarimashita

あの 人達 の    口喧嘩 は        です。

that person quarrel ano hito-tachi no kuchigenka wa desu

D)

そんなに 大きな ため息 を つかないで。           ですよ!

like that big sigh don't

I)

yappari tsuzukanai ... itsumo nan-dakara

to i-masu kara honto- desho-

私達 夫婦 は           ですけど、

仲 が 良い です。we husband and wife but

relationship good

と 言います から 本当 でしょう。

やっぱり 続かない … いつも     なんだから。

Please write down your date of birth here.

Computer technology is making rapid progress.

I changed my mind at the last minute.

It is dangerous if you can't see the forest for the trees.

I forgive you and forget what you did to me in the past.

Their quarrel is an everyday occurrence.

My husband and I are getting along well, even though our personalities are like oil and water.

(talking to a friend who has money problems)Don't be so sad! Money comes and goes, you know!

I believe it is true, because there's no smoke without fire.

I knew he couldn't keep it up. He always quits.

the date of birth

rapid progress

last minute

unable to see theforest for the trees

to forgive and forget (masu-form)

everydayoccurrence

like oil and water

Money comes and goes, you know

there' no smoke without fire

quitter

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 . 8 . 9 . 1 0 .

Answers

Let's practice! How to pronounce the days of the week:

sui-nichi moku-do-

kin-do- nich-getsu

Wednesday and SundayFriday and Saturday Monday and TuesdayTuesday and Friday

A)

Kanjika

- -kin ges-sui

se- nen gap pi(day)(advanced)(month)(step)

(water) (flush)

せいねん がっぴ

the date of birth

(birth)(year)(month)(day)

(fire) (without) (place) (smoke)

生 年 月 日

(water)(and)(oil)

nis shin gep poにっしん げっぽ

rapid progress / constant advancement

日 進 月 歩

nichi jo- sa han jiにちじょうさはん じ

everyday occurrences / daily happenings

日 常 茶 飯 事

mik ka bo- zuみっ か ぼうず

a quitter (a person who cannot finish what he starts)

三 日 坊 主

hi no nai tokoro ni kemuri wa tatanaiひ   ところ  けむ  た

There's no smoke without fire.

火 の ない 所 に 煙り は 立たない

mizu to aburaみず  あぶら

like oil and water (being incompatible with each other)

水 と 油

mizu ni nagasuみず    なが

to forgive and forget (to wipe the slate)

水 に 流 す

(day)(always)(tea)(meal)

(money) (the world)(round)(things)(tree) (look at) (forest) (not see) (soil)(platform)(place)ki o mite mori o mizuき   み   もり

being unable to see the forest for the trees

木 を 見 て 森 を 見ず

kane wa tenka no mawarimonoかね   てんか   まわ もの

Money comes and goes. / Easy come, easy go.

金 は 天下 の 回り物

do tan baど たん ば

at the last minute /at the critical moment

土 壇 場

E)

H) I)

D)C)B)

F) G)

J)

1.2.3.4.

Sho-ke- moji (pictographic characters): Sho-ke- moji originated with an image of the object / objects (in some cases, concepts) and shows highly pictographic features.

Sunday and MondayThursday and SaturdayMonday and Wednesday

5. 6.7.8.

(three days) (boy)

What day is donichi ?

getsu, ge (Monday), ka- (Tuesday), sui (Wednesday), moku (Thursday),kin (Friday), do-, do (Saturday), nichi (Sunday) (tips: The words ka- and do- should be prounounced with a long vowel.)

Monday and Thursday

8.getsu-moku

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi HirayamaVol.24

Page 26: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

W atanabe-s an ni totem o os ew ani-natta node des u

P ole-s an: T hat probably w on' t happen becaus e the guy is a grands on of the chairm an. I don' t think even the pres ident can s tand agains t him .

Y ou are r ight. I ' m glad y ou' re m aking progres s , P o l e -s an! W hat s he m eant to s ay w as , " I s ee it on y our face! " B ut it does n' t m ean s om ething is actually w ritten on y our face. Do y ou rem em ber that y ou have s tudied phras es that are ex pres s ed w ith body parts and i-adjectives before? For this les s on, let m e s how y ou s om e frequently u s ed ex pr es s io ns w ith bo dy pa r ts a nd v er bs . Y o u m ight f ind ex pres s ions w ith body parts num bering m ore than 800 in jus t one dictionary . It m eans that thos e idiom s are com m only us ed in daily convers ations , s o y our s peech w ill s ound very natura l if y ou us e them . Y o u r gr a m m a tica l u s e o f the ex pr es s io ns m a y be a t a n interm ediate level, but y ou can s tart us ing thos e phras es im m ediately if y ou m em orize them . R egardles s of y our level, they are helpful for any one w ho can' t find enough tim e to s tudy .

O ne o f m y co l lea gu es a s ked m e, " P o l e -s a n, did s om ething good happen to y ou? " I as ked her w hy s he

had as ked m e that. S he s a id, "datte kao ni ka ite-aru y o! " (B ecaus e s om ething is w ritten on y our face! ) . I

thought s om ething w as on m y face, even though I had w a s hed m y fa ce in the m o r ning. S o I a s ked her ,

" R ea l ly ? W her e? " B ut s he jus t s m iled a nd w a lked aw ay . I w ent to bathroom right aw ay and checked m y

face in the m irror . I didn' t s ee any thing s trange, jus t a hands om e guy s tar ing back at m e in the m irror! O h,

w ell. . .here w e go again! I rem em bered that w e have a s im ilar ex pres s ion in m y country : " It' s w ritten on y our

face. " Is that w hat s he m eant?

De

sig

n : M

asa

ko B

an

W ith cooperation from Y as uhiro K oga

A ns w ersA ns w ers1 2 3 4

7 85 6

1

2

3 4

7

8

5

6

顔 に 書いてあるkao ni ka ite-aru

A ) to be w ritten on one' s face

顔 かお kao

face

to be w ritten

顔 が 利くkao ga kiku

B ) to us e one' s influence, to have an influence

to have influence

顔 を 出すkao o das u

C ) to appear, to com e to s ee

to appear

頭 が 下がるatam a ga s agaru

D) to take off one' s hat

頭 あたま a tam a

head

to go dow n

頭 が 上がらないatam a ga agaranai

G ) to be unable to s tand agains t, unable to com pete w ith

does n' t r is e

頭 が 切れるatam a ga kireru

E ) to be s m art, quick-w itted

to s harpen

頭 に 来るatam a ni kuru

H) to be angry w ith, get m ad

to com e

頭 を 冷やすatam a o hiy as u

F) to cool off, ca lm dow n

to cool

首 を 突っ込むkubi o ts ukkom u

I ) to poke one' s nos e into

首 くび kubi

neck

to thrus t in

首 が 回らないkubi ga m aw aranai

L ) to be up to one' s neck in debt

does n' t turn

首 に なるkubi ni naru

J ) to be fired

to becom e

首 に するkubi ni s uru

M ) to dis m is s , to fire

to do

首 を 長くして 待っているkubi o nagakus hite m atteiru

K ) to look forw ard to, aw ait eagerly

to m ake long w aiting

s uddenly

借金 で        です 。

traveling abroad

D) I) B ) L ) E ) H) J ) F ) K ) G ) M )

tim e m oney loos e about s o I decided

この店 は       から なんでも 頼んで下さい。

海外旅行 を

very took care of m e s o

ボランティア活動には               。

M r. A : I ' m s o m ad! I jus t got fired!

そんなに カッカしないで          らどうですか。

res taurant s o any thing pleas e order

activ ity

aunt w hatever

debt

as w as ex pected pers on different

s uch don' t be m ad How about ~ ?

さすが          人 は 違います ね。

M r. B : Don' t be s o m ad! W hy don' t y ou ca lm dow n?

渡辺さん に とても お世話になった ので      です。

突然

叔母 は 何に でも 。

(m as u-form )

(m as u-form )

(dictionary -form )

(nai-form )

(dictionary -form )

(ta-form ) (ta-form )

(ta-form )

(m as u-form )

(nai-form )

時間 と お金 に だらしが ない ので      事にしました。

(dictionary -form )

I take m y hat off to people w ho do volunteer w ork.

M y aunt a lw ay s pokes her nos e into every thing.

I know the ow ner of this res taurant, s o pleas e order any thing!

I ' m up to m y neck in debt.

(pra is ing him /her) S urely a s m art pers on like y ou is one of a kind!

I' m looking forw ard to traveling abroad.

M r. W atanabe took very good care of m e w hen I w as a s tudent, s o I can' t argue w ith him .

He is careles s w ith tim e and m oney , s o I decided to fire him .

to take one' s hat off

to have aninfluence

to be unable to oppos e

to be s m art

to get m ad

to ca lm dow n

to poke one' s nos e into

to be up to one' s neck in debt

to be fired

to fire

to look forw ard to

。 。

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

顔 頭  首かお     あたま       くび

face head neck

but prev ious com pany I ' m not s ure

probably not becaus e chairm an grandchild even com pany of pres ident I think

どうなる 事 やら . . . . 。

今度 の 人 は かなり              よ。

this tim e pers on very I tell y ou

E ) J ) I) H)

B ) C ) M ) G )

そうそう!何にでも         し ちょっと の 事 で       からね。

多分 無理 でしょう。 だって 会長 の 孫 だから、たとえ 社長 でも      と 思うよ。

do- naru koto y ara . . . .

でも 前の 会社 は               とか。

でも たとえ そうでも 大企業 には         らしい です よ。

bes ides s light difficulty dealing w ith s oon he s a id to m e

Has ebe-s an: B ut I heard he w as fired from his las t job.

jus t I ' m not s ure

little m atterR ight ! every thing

でも 少しでも やりにくかったら すぐに         と 言ってましたよ。

今日は         だけ  とか。

s hakkin de         des u

tots uzen

ka igai-ry oko- o

kono m is e w a kara nan-dem o tanonde-kudas ai

v o l u n t e e r kats udo- niw a

s onnani kakka-s hinaide ra do- des u ka

s as uga hito w a chigaim as u ne

oba w a nanni-dem o

jikan to okane ni daras hi-nai node koto ni s him as hita

kondo no hito w a kanari y o

dem o tatoe s o- dem o da i-kigy o- niw a ras hi- des u y o

s o- -s o- nanni-dem o s hi chotto no koto de kara ne

dem o m ae no ka is ha w a toka

tabun m uri des ho- datte ka icho- no m ago dakara tatoe s hacho- dem o         to om o- y o

dem o s ukos hi-dem o y ar iniku-kattara s uguni to itte-m as hita y o

ky o- w a dake toka

Has ebe-s an: B ut even s o, I heard he can us e his influence on big com panies .

Has ebe-s an: A nd the bos s told m e he w ill fire him im m ediately if he finds even a s light difficulty dealing w ith him .

P ole-s an: I heard he is com ing here today , jus t for a v is it.

but even s o big enterpris es I heard

P ole-s an: R ight! B ecaus e he a lw ay s pokes his nos e into every thing and he gets m ad s o eas ily .

Has ebe-s an:

P ole-s an: T he guy w ho w as hired this tim e is rea lly s m art.

m as u-form

to have an influence

to be unable to s tand agains t

to be s m art

to be angry w ith

to fire

to poke one' s nos e into

ta-form

to be fired

to appear

dictionary -form

dictionary -form

dictionary -form

dictionary -form

dictionary -form

na i-form

W ell, w ho know s !

(Something is written on your face)

(Something is written on your face)

kao n

i kaite

-aru?

Vol.255-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

Page 27: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

Vol.26 I think y ou m is unders tood w hat s he s a id. It is rea lly difficult to ex pla in y our m is take in genera l gram m ar term s , s o pleas e a llow m e to us e m y ow n gram m ar, w hich I ca ll "Hitom i G ram m ar," to ex pla in y our m is unders tanding. In the pas t, I think y ou have s tudied the form , "-m as hita , " as the pas t tens e form of "-m as u." B ut now w hat I w ant y ou to rem em ber is that the conjugated verb "-m as hita" is not jus t a pas t tens e form bu t is a ls o u s ed to des cr ibe s o m eth in g e ls e in da i ly convers ations . It m ay s eem hard to believe that this is true, bu t ce r ta in ly y o u h a v e n o tice d th a t J a pa n e s e pe o ple s om etim es us e this form in w ay s different from w hat y ou have s tudied.

W hen I f irs t ca m e to J a pa n tw o y ea rs a go, m y com pa ny introduced m e to a J apanes e hos t fam ily s o that I could live

w ith them fo r s ev er a l m o nths a nd lea r n a bo ut J a pa nes e culture firs tha nd. I w a s thin w hen I l iv ed w ith them , but

ga ined a lot of w eight a fter m oving to m y ow n apartm ent, s ince I couldn' t res is t the tem ptation to eat a ll the J apanes e

food I had grow n to love. I s tarted ex ercis ing to los e s om e w eight and thought I had becom e s lim again. B ut w hen I

v is ited m y ho s t fa m ily the o ther da y , the m o ther a s ked, " s uko s hi futo r i-m a s hita ka ? (Did y o u us ed to be fa t? )" I

thought I ga ined w eight only a fter I m oved out, but w hy did s he know that I us ed to be fat?

De

sig

n : M

asa

ko B

an

In cooperation w ith Y as uhiro K oga

A ns w ers

A ns w ers

1 .

2 .

3 .

4 .

5 .

6 .

7 .

8 .

9 .

1 0 .

1 1 .

1 2 .

1 .

2 .

3 .

4 .

5 .

6 .

7 .

8 .

9 .

1 . 2 . 3 .

4 . 5 . 6 .

7 . 8 . 9 .

1 0 . 1 1 . 1 2 .

1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 . 8 . 9 . 1 0 .

(polite form )

ts ukare-m as hita ts ukareta

G O H O N . . .

疲れました。 疲れた。

e.g. , ( I w aited at a tra in s tation, and I s aw the tra in com ing) Here com es the tra in!

(pas t tens e of ' m as u-form ' ) (ta-form )

(s om ething)

(fr iendly form )

(polite form )

あ!電車 が 来た!

____________ arr ives

a ! dens ha ga kita !a ! dens ha ga ki-m as hita !あ!電車 が 来ました!

・・ is com ing

(fr iendly form )

A lthough y ou have learned "-m as hita" as a pas t tens e form , that is notthe only w ay of us ing it. It is a ls o us ed to des cribe pres ent conditions .

B ) ' -m as hita ' or ta-form is genera lly us ed w hen y ou w ant to des cribe a phy s ica l / m enta l condition.

e.g. , I ' m s o tired. (to be tired . . . ts ukare-m as u)

A ) ' -m as hita ' or the ta-form is genera lly us ed to des cribe w hat is happening, s uch as " (s om ething) ga ki-m as hita . (s om ething) is com ing." (particle …ga (com m unication, vehicles , events , l iv ing things )

・ I feel ________ (at that m om ent) ・ ____ appears to be . . . (at that m om ent)

y attoやっと

uw a- m o- ju- -ni-ji do- r ide to om otta

a kagi o

O h a lready 12 o' clock no w onder I thought

onaka ga s uita w akatta kaze o hi-

ta w as ureta   ts ukarete-im as u kom atte-im as u om oidas hi-m as hita

nodo ga kaw aita y as eta futotta  

(fr iendly form ) O ops ! I forgot the key s !

あっ! カギ を

(polite form ) I have s om e trouble at hom e.

nets u ga aru s hi . . . s eki m o deru s hi . . . m ita i des u 熱 が あるし . . .セキ も 出るし . . . 。 みたい です。

a- s o- datta no ka あ~ そう だったの か。

うわ~ もう 12時。 どうりで        と 思った。

M r. A : (fr iendly form ) Did y ou los e w eight ?

I ' m thirs ty

ふう~ ずっと 残業 が続いています ので     。

I rem em ber

家庭 の 事 で          。kate- no koto de

fr iendly form of " I didn' t know that. "

I have a cold

I forgot

pleas e (reques t)

to gain w eight becaus e of s tres s

draft

I ga ined w eight

Have y ou los t w eight

(polite form ) N ow I rem em ber!

fu- zutto zangy o- ga ts uzuite-im as u nodeG eez for long tim e overtim e have been. . . ing reas on

I' m troubled

I unders tand

あ~          『生ビール お願いします』

?  

uun           s tr e s s -butori des u

(fr iendly form ) O h, I s ee! I ' ve got it now !

fever have cough a ls o com es out s eem s

(fr iendly form ) G os h, I ' m thirs ty ! "A draft beer , pleas e! "

(polite form ) G eez, I ' ve been w orking overtim e lately , and I' m s o tired.

a- 『nam a-b e e r onegais him as u 』

I ' m tired

I' m hungry

O h, m an. . . it' s a lready noon! N o w onder I' m s o hungry !

I have a fever and a cough that w on' t s top. . . It s eem s I' ve got a cold.

T here are tw o different us ages of "-m as hita , " as des cribed below . I' l l focus on B ) for this les s on, but pleas e let m e briefly ex pla in A ) for now . I w ill dis cus s it further in a future les s on.

ts ukare-m as hita 疲れました。I ' m tired.

I forgot.

I unders tand.

I rem em ber.

I ' m in trouble.

I got los t.

I ga ined w eight.

I los t w eight.

I s m iled / laughed.

I have a cold.

I' m hungry .

I' m thirs ty .

・ I feel ________ (at that m om ent) ・the condition continues・ ____ appears to be … (at that m om ent)

・I feel. . . a t that m om ent. ・the condition continues .

(polite form ) (fr iendly form ) (polite form )

w as ure-m as hita 忘れました。  

w akattaわかった。

kom atta困った。

kaze o hiki-m as hita kaze o hi-ta

風邪 を ひきました。 風邪 を ひいた。

om oidas hita思い出した。

futotta太った。

y as etaやせた。

y as e-m as hitaやせました。

nodo ga kaw aki-m as hita のど が かわきました。

m ay otta迷った。

m ay oi-m as hita迷いました。

w arai-m as hita 笑いました。

疲れた。  ts ukareta

お腹 が 空きました。 onaka ga s uki-m as hita

w akatte-im as uわかっています。

覚えています。/ 知っています。  

nodo ga kaw aite-im as u のど が かわいています。

お腹 が 空いています。 onaka ga s uite-im as u

ts ukare-m as hita ts ukareta ts ukarete-im as u 疲れました。 疲れた。 疲れています。

I ' m tired. I have been tired (s ince. . . ) .

ううん ストレス太り です。 

"-m as hita" is generally us ed w hen y ou are des cribing a phy s ical or m ental condition.

is not a past tense!is not a past tense!

M r. B : N o, I ga ined s om e w eight becaus e of the s tres s at w ork.

oboete-im as u / s hitte-im as u

ts ukarete-im as u w as ureta , w as urete-im as u w akari-m as hita

om oidas hi-m as hita kom ari-m as hita , kom atte-im as u m ay otte-im as u

futori-m as hita , futotte-im as u y as ete-im as u w aratta , w aratte-im as u

kaze o h-ite-im as u onaka ga s uita nodo ga kaw aita

G O H O N . . .

hom e m atter

Copyright 1999 The Yomiuri Shimbun

Page 28: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

Vol.27

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T hey laughed becaus e y ou us ed the w rong particle w hen y ou s poke. Y ou s a id, " I ate this delicious res taurant. " Y ou s hould have u s ed the pa r tic le ' de , ' s a y ing, " __r e s t a u r a n t ' de ' ( __a t the res taurant). " It is genera lly hard to us e J apanes e particles , but I think they are fun! I think m any of y ou m ight have a lready noticed from m y colum n that m y ex planations of J apanes e gram m ar are s om ew hat different from thos e of m os t people. T hat' s becaus e I' ve been us ing "Hitom i G ram m ar," the s et of gram m atica l rules that I have created to m ake J apanes e gram m ar m uch eas ier and m ore enjoy able for foreign s tu dents . A nd I ' l l co ntinu e to u s e " H ito m i G r a m m a r " fo r m y ex planations from now on.

Dur ing a lunch brea k w ith s om e collea gues , I w a s r ea ding thr o u gh a go u r m et m a ga zine a nd ca m e

acros s a lis ting for m y favorite res aurant. I told m y fr iends , "kino- kono ois hi

- r e s t a u r a n t o tabem as hita . " I

m eant to s ay , "Y es terday , I had a delicious dinner at this res taurant, " but a ll of m y fr iends looked s hocked!

O ne of them as ked m e, "How w as it? W as it good? " "Y es , of cours e, it w as good! " I s a id. T hey a ll s tarted

laughing and one of them s a id to m e, " S orry , P ole-s an! W e cannot eat a res taurant! "

W ith cooperation from Y as uhiro K oga

A ns w ers

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

T he w ord order is up to y ou!

B as ic R ule of S entence S tructure

e.g. , I ' l l s ee m y fr iends in Haw aii nex t w eek. Y ou can s ay , either 1), 2) or 3).

T he verb ends .

( in/at)

ハワイ で H a w a i i de

(w ill m eet)

会います。aim as u

(nex t w eek)

来週ra is hu-

(to fr iend)

友達 に tom odachi ni

( I)

私 は w atas hi w a

来週 ハワイ で 友達 に 会います。 ra is hu- H a w a i i de tom odachi ni a im as u

友達 に 来週 ハワイ で 会います。 tom odachi ni ra is hu- H a w a i i de a im as u

W ord order is up to y ou!

particle particle particle

M os t im portant

V erb

1)

2)

3)

J a pa nes e gr a m m a r pla ces les s em pha s is o n w o r d o r der tha n o ther languages . A lthough it is up to y ou to decide how to arrange y our w ords , it w ill be m uch eas ier to com m unicate in J apanes e if y ou s tart each s entence w ith the m os t im portant idea , then w ork dow n through the les s im portant things and finis h w ith the verb. How ever, each particle m us t s tay w ith the w ord it m odifies

In genera l , J a pa nes e people do not us e " I (w a ta s hi)" m uch in ev ery da y s peech. If y ou us e "w atas hi" too m uch, it s tarts to s ound arrogant. A void us ing it unles s y ou w ant to em phas ize y ours elf.

小さいchi

-s a i この魚 は 小さい です。

kono s akana w a chi-s a i des u

この魚 はkono s akana w a

the ex planation of this fis h

(this fis h)     (s m all)

(com paring w ith other people) I am not beautiful.

帰りましたkaerim as hita

木田さん は 帰りました。K ida-s an w a kaerim as hita

木田さん はK ida-s an w a

the ex planationof him

e.g. ,

e.g. ,

It' s s tres s ed

■ E x planation (O bjectively )

w a

BA this part w ill be em phas ized or com pared

私 は きれい じゃない です。w atas hi w a kire- janai des u

(com paring w ith other fis h) T his fis h is s m aller .

この魚 は 小さい です。 kono s akana w a chi

-s a i des u

T his fis h is s m all.

M r. K ida left.

■ "C om paris on"・T o pronounce "w a" w ith em phas is .

E x planation, C om paris onは particle (w a) . . . . .

e.g. ,

e.g. ,

as hita w a tom odachi ni a im as u 明日  は  友達 に 会います。

as hita w a tom odachi ni a im as u  明日 は 友達 に 会います。

If y ou put "w a" r ight a fter ' tom orrow , ' it w ill be com pared w ith other day s .

(com paring w ith other day s ) It is tom orrow that I' m going to s ee a fr iend.

I' m going to s ee a fr iend tom orrow .

ex planation of A

m y m other ' s m other gray hair

このはこにははなははいっていません。ko no ha ko ni ha ha na ha ha i tte i m a s e n

ははははちじはんにはしってかいしゃにいきます。ha ha ha ha chi ji ha n ni ha s hi tte ka i s ha ni i ki m a s u

たばこのはいははいざらに。ta ba ko no ha i ha ha i za ra ni

ははのははははくはつです。ha ha no ha ha ha ha ku ha ts u de s u

teeth gum s toothbrus h L et' s brus h

m y m other needle s cis s ors bought

bee flow er

tree leaf gray

m y m other 8:30 a t com pany

cigarette as h as htray

はちははなにとまっています。ha chi ha ha na ni to m a tte i m a s u

はとはぐきははぶらしでみがきましょう。ha to ha gu ki ha ha bu ra s hi de m i ga ki m a s ho-

this box flow er

ははははりといととはさみをかいました。ha ha ha ha r i to i to to ha s a m i o ka i m a s hi ta

きのはははいいろです。ki no ha ha ha i i ro de s u

Quiz: Please identify the particle,

"は: wa" in the following sentences .

M y m other runs to w ork at 8:30 a .m .母 は 8時半 に 走って 会社 に 行きます。haha w a hachi-ji han ni has hitte ka is ha ni ikim as u

T he leaf is gray .木 の 葉 は 灰色 です。ki no ha w a haiiro des u

P ut the cigarette as h in an as htray .タバコ の 灰 は 灰皿に。tabako no hai w a haizara ni

M y m other ' s m other has gray hair .母の母は白髪です。haha no haha w a hakuhats u des u

L et' s brus h our teeth and gum s w ith a toothbrus h.歯 と 歯茎 は 歯ブラシ で 磨きましょう。ha to haguki w a ha-b r u s h de m igaki-m as ho-

は ha?

wa?

T here aren' t any flow ers in this box .この箱には花は入っていません。kono hako niw a hana w a haitte-im as en

T here' s a bee on the flow er.ハチ は 花 に とまっています。hachi w a hana ni tom atte-im as u

M y m other bought a needle and s cis s ors .母 は 針 と ハサミ を 買いました。haha w a hari to has am i o ka im as hita

(I had this delicious restaurant.) (I had this delicious restaurant.)

T he particle "w a" is us ed in m any different w ay s , but I' m going to ex pla in tw o m ain w ay s of us ing the particle for this les s on. T hey are "E x planation" and "C om paris on."

★C aution★ It is not a com m on practice to s ay "w a" directly a fter w ords tha t r e la te to da tes , s uch a s " to m o r r o w , " " the da y a fter to m o r r o w , " "S unday ," "nex t w eek," etc.

w a BA

B is the ex planation of A .

the deta ils

W hen y ou finis h s ay ing "w a," the lis teners w ill think that y ou are going to ex pla in the deta ils nex t.

L eas t im portant

Copyright 1999 The Yomiuri Shimbun

Page 29: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

Vol.285-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

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Copyright 1999 The Yomiuri Shimbun

N ex t tim e, I hope y ou' ll take m e out to dinner and then s ay , "w atas hi ga . " I w ould be happy to have dinner w ith y ou! G ee, I w onder w hat I' l l order… ha , ha , ha… I ' m jus t kidding, M r. P ole! T o ans w er y our ques tion, y our problem is particles again. L et m e ex pla in about the particle "ga " for this les s on. It is us ed to em phas ize one thing over another. In this cas e, "w atas hi " ( I) w ill be s tres s ed. T hus , if y ou s ay , "w atas hi ga " at a cas hier , it im plies , " It is I (w ho w ill pay the bill)" . E ven though y ou jus t s a id "w atas hi ga , " the particle "ga " em phas izes w ho w ill pay , and that w ould m ean, " It is I w ho w ill pay the bill ! "

I heard an interes ting ex change in a res taurant the other day . I didn' t rea lly unders tand w hat they w ere doing, but tw o J apanes e

m en w ere try ing to take the bill out of each other ' s hand, s ay ing, "w atas hi ga , " "w atas hi ga ! " I w as s urpris ed to s ee w hat they w ere

doing, but no one els e in the res taurant s eem ed to take notice. A few da y s la ter , I w ent to ha v e a dinner w ith m y fr iend a t a

res taurant. W hen w e cam e to the cas hier , I rem em bered the funny s cene from the other day and s a id, "w atas hi ga . " I w as ex pecting

that he w ould act in the s am e w ay as the people I had s een did. B ut he jus t s a id, "W hy , thanks a lot! " and left the res taurant! W hy

did I have to buy his m eal?

W ith cooperation from Y as uhiro K oga

E m phas is by m aking s election.が particle (ga ) . . . . . . .

マグロ (tuna)m aguro

鯛 (s ea bream )

ta i

It is tuna that I l ike.

森さん が います。M ori-s an ga im as u

休み が 欲しい です。y as um i ga hos hi

- des u

イーメール が できます。e -m a i l ga dekim as u

事故 が ありました。jiko ga ar im as hita

T here’s M rs . M ori.

・ ・

・・ ・

S unday is good for m e.

日曜日 が いい です。nichiy o--bi ga i

- des u

S electing from things that y ou think are good → is /are good

・ "ga " em phas izes by s election: (s election) ga (ex planation)

■ S election/C hoice (to em phas ize by s electing one thing from the s am e category )

ハマチ(y ellow tail)ham achi

マグロ が 好き です。m aguro ga s uki des u

S electing s om eone → T here is /are

S electing s om ething/ caus e → T here is /are

Highlighting the ability of s om eone → can

T here w as an accident.

I can do e-m ail.

S electing the tas te of s om eone → l ike

S electing from one' s des ires → w ant I w ant a day off.

e.g. ,

e.g. ,

this w ill be em phas ized.

T he bas ic rule is to have one "ga " in one s entence. T here are m any w ay s of us ing the particle, but let m e ex pla in the m os t com m on us age of it in this les s on: "em phas is . " T he pa rticle "ga " em pha s izes s om ething by s electing it from a certa in group. Y ou ca n a ls o em phas ize s ituations s uch as occurrences and appearances . T he follow ing ex am ples s how y ou how to us e the particle. P leas e try to dis cern how it is us ed. A: I ' d like to go nex t m onth.Q: W hen w ould y ou like to go on the tr ip?

A Bが

e.g. ,

■ Questions & Answers

今 雨 が 降っています が、すぐ やむでしょう。im a am e ga hutte-im as u ga s ugu y am u-des ho-

{ W hen, W here, W hat, W ho }

When ?

旅行 は いつ が いい です か。ry oko- w a its u ga i

- des u ka

来月 が いい です ね。ra igets u ga i

- des u ne

A: ga

Who ?

Where ?

What ?

A: It' s the one in front of the tra in s tation.Q: W hich res taurant is it that m akes delicious food?

どこ の 店 が おいしい です か。doko no m is e ga ois hi

- des u ka

駅 前の店 が おいしい です よ。eki-m ae no m is e ga ois hi

- des u y o

A:Q:W hat is im portant in y our life?

人生で 何が 大切 です か。jins e- de nani ga ta is ets u des u ka 健康 が 大切です。

kenko- ga ta is ets u des u

A: M r. K oga is com ing.Q:W ho is com ing to this m eeting?会議 に 誰 が 行きます か。kaigi ni dare ga ikim as u ka

古賀さん が 行きます。K oga-s an ga ikim as u

■ T he particle "ga" is us ed w ith intrans itive verbs to ta lk about occurrences .

e.g. ,

セキ が 出ました。s eki ga dem as hita

給料が増えました。ky u- ry o- ga fuem as hita

■ "ga" is not only us ed as a particle, but a ls o as a trans itional ex pres s ion in daily convers ations .

e.g. , It is ra ining r ight now , but it' s going to s top s oon.

S tay ing healthy is im portant.

・e.g. , to com e out, to break dow n, to increas e, to blow , to s pill , to cry

I coughed. M y s a lary increas ed. ( I got a ra is e. )

, but A B

noun, verbi-adjectivena-adjective

noun, verbi-adjectivena-adjective

now ra in fa lling but s oon it' s going to s top

K oga-s an ga w a ka ike- s hi de atam a ga w a kirem as u

K oga-s an ga w a donna hito des u ka

dare ga w a Hay as hi-s an no kaw ari ni L o n d o n ni ikim as u ka

s election / em phas is

古賀さん  が は  行きます。

誰  が は 林さん の 代わりに ロンドンに 行きますか。

K oga-s an ga w a ikim as u

W ho ins tead of

accountant head s harp

honto- w a Hay as hi-s an ga w a iku-hazu des hita ne本当は 林さん  が は 行くはずでしたね。

w hat kind of

は w a?ga?

P ole-s an : M r . K oga is going.

〔  〕

古賀さん  が は どんな人ですか。

古賀さん  が は  会計士 で 頭   が は 切れます。〔    〕

colleague : W ho is going to L ondon ins tead of M r. Hay as hi?

colleague : W hat kind of pers on is M r. K oga?

colleague : B ut rea lly , M r. Hay as hi w as s uppos ed to go, w as n' t he?

P ole-s an : M r . K oga is an accountant and he is very s m art.

〔    〕

〔    〕〔    〕

〔    〕〔    〕

〔    〕 〔    〕 〔    〕

truth to be s uppos ed to

ええ、でも 林さん  が は  今 の 仕事 

が は  遅れています ので 行けません。

〔    〕〔    〕

〔    〕〔    〕

〔    〕〔    〕

〔    〕〔    〕

P ole-s an : Y es . B ut M r. Hay as hi w on' t be available becaus e he can' t finis h his w ork by then.

K oga-s an ga w a ikeba s ubete um aku iku-des ho-

B ut pres ent w ork

being late

古賀さん  が は 行けば 全てうまくいくでしょう。

s ore o ki-te ans hin s him as hita

それを聞いて安心しました。

colleague : I ' m glad to hear that.

that l is ten to feel at eas e

B ut if M r. K oga goes , he w ill take care of every thing.

Q ues tions & ans w ers (W ho? ) . . . . . ga

E x planation about M r. K oga . . . . . w a

A s king for the ex planation of him . . . . . w aS electing a pers on . . . . . ga

S electing M r. K oga from am ong the s taff . . . . .gaS electing the caus e of M r. Hay as hi' s s ituation . . . . . gaE x planation of M r. Hay as hi . . . . . w a

S electing M r. Hay as hi from am ong the s taff . . . . . gaS electing the characteris tics of M r. K oga . . . . . ga

if he goes every thing w ill go fine

ex planation

1

2

3

4 5

6

7

8

9

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

A ns w ers

ga ?Q:

風 が 吹いています。kaze ga fuite-im as u

T he w ind is blow ing.

ga

group .....

fish

e.g. ,

e.g. ,

( its u ga )

(doko ga )

(nani ga )

(dare ga / donata ga )

(s electing tuna from fis h category )

tuna l ike

A: (s election) ga

ee dem o Hay as hi-s an ga w a im a no s higoto

ga w a okurete-im as u node ikem as en

Page 30: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

Copyright 1999 The Yomiuri Shimbun

Y es , w e dis cus s ed s om e s im ilar ex pres s ions in V ol. 25, s o w hy don' t w e talk about them m ore in this les s on? T he m os t us ed "body part" for s uch ex pres s ions is "eye," the s econd is "ki" (s pirit, feelings , etc) and the third is "hand." N ow , let m e ex plain w hat your friend actually m eant. T he firs t ex pres s ion "m e ga tobideru kurai, " m eans "T hat' s an ex orbitant price," w hile "m e o utagatta" m eans , "unable to believe one' s eyes ," and the las t phras e, "m e ga nai," m eans "to be very fond of." B y the w a y , M r . P ole! L a tely , it s eem s l ike the la ngua ge of teena gers a nd y oung a dults in their 20s ha s s ta rted to deter iora te, a nd m a ny of them a re no longer us ing s uch ex pres s ions . Perhaps foreigners like you w ho are eager to learn J apanes e know thos e idiom s better than they do!

I w ent to G inza to m eet m y friend S unday as I had prom is ed to do. I decided to get there a little early to do s om e w indow -s hopping, w hen I

s aw an item w ith an unbelievable price on dis play in front of a fam ous fruit s hop. One m elon cos t ¥20,000! A s s oon as m y friend s how ed up, I

as ked her, "Do you know how m uch one m es h m elon in a beautiful box cos ts ? " S he s aid, "W ell, I gues s , ' m ega tobideru kurai takai' , r ight?

Probably , s om ew here betw een ¥10,000 and ¥20,000. I bet you s aw the price, and w ere 'm e o utagatta, ' w eren' t you? T heir m elons are very

ex pens ive, but delicious ! I really 'm e ga nai' their m elons ! " I could figure out w hat s he m eant to s ay , but I w as n' t s ure w hat "m e ga

tobideru kurai," "m e o utagatta" and "m e ga nai" m eant. M s . Hirayam a, w e dis cus s ed phras es that relate to our body in V ol. 25, but are they

s im ilar ex pres s ions ?

De

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W ith cooperation from Y as uhiro K oga

A ns w ers

A ns w ers

目 を 疑うm e o utagau

A ) U nable to believe one' s ey es . (T o w atch in dis belief. / T o be s urpris ed by s om ething. )

目 め

m e

eyes

目 を 通す m e o to- s u

B ) T o s kim through. (T o read quickly through. )

目 が 離せないm e ga hanas enai

I) U nable to take one' s ey es off s om ething. (It is a m us t to keep an ey e on it. )

目 が ないm e ga nai

C ) T o be very fond of. (T o like a lot. )

目 の 前が 真っ暗 になるm e no m ae ga m akkura ni naru

J ) T o be throw n into des pair . (E very thing before one' s ey es goes black. )

m e ga aru

D) T o have an ex cellent ey e   for s om ething. (T o have know ledge of s om ething. )

目 から ウロコ (が 落ちる)m e kara uroko (ga ochiru)

K ) T o feel as if the s ca les had fa llen from one' s ey es . (T o s uddenly rea lize the truth. )

目 も くれない m e m o kurenai

E ) T o take no note (T o ignore com pletely . )

目 の 色 を 変えるm e no iro o kaeru

F) T o change one' s countenance (T o glare in anger. / T o be abs orbed com pletely . )

目 を 盗む�m e o nus um u

G ) T o avoid being s een. (T o do s om ething in s ecret w ithout being s een by any one. )

目 を 引くm e o hiku

L ) T o attract the ey es of people. (T o get others ' attention. )

目 が 届くm e ga todoku

H) T o keep an ey e on. (T o pay cons tant attention to. / T o take care of. )

目 が 飛び出るm e ga tobideru

M ) T o be s urpris ed by an ex orbitant price.

目 が ある

目 の つけ所 m e no ts ukedokoro

N ) T he point a im ed at. (O ne' s point of v iew .)

fum ins ho- de fura-fura des u

不 症 で フラフラ です。

色 鏡 で 物を る のは 良くない です。iro-m egane de m ono o m iru now a y okunai des u

楽 主義 の 人 は ストレス が たまりにくいです。rakkan-s hugi no hito w a s t r e s s ga tam arinikui des u

あの 事件 以来 人生 が 変わりました。ano jiken ira i jins e- kan ga kaw arim as hita

nurs e lack of a re in trouble

bias ed v iew point look at

め ガン

E ye   to view  to s leep   to look   to nurse

「百聞 は 一 に しかず」 です ね。 hy akubun w a ikken ni s hikazu des u ne

鏡屋 に 行ったら 老 と 言われ ショックでした。

kangofu bus oku de dono by o- in m o kom atte-im as u

護 婦 不足 で どの病院 も 困っています。

optim is tic people don' t feel too m uch s tres s

ins om nia uns teady

the accident s ince v iew of life changed

optician' s s hop w hen I w ent pres by opia

m egane-y a ni ittara ro- gan to iw are s h o c k des hita

眼 観 眠 見 看

観 看 眼 / 見 眠 見 眼 / 眼 観

eye, s ight

P eople w ho are optim is tic don' t feel too m uch s tres s .

M any hos pita ls are in trouble becaus e of the lack of nurs es .

It' s not fa ir to look at things from a bias ed v iew point.

I can' t s ettle dow n, becaus e of ins om nia .

"S eeing is believ ing," is n' t it?

W hen I w ent to the optician, I w as s hocked becaus e they told m e to us e old people' s reading glas s es .

I have changed m y v iew of life s ince the accident.

s ono s ets um e- o ki-

teその説明 を 聞いて 

I L C J G O B Q K D

大事故 の ニュース を 聞いてdai-jiko no n e w s o ki

-te

未成年者 は

(te- form )

(pas t tens e)

(m as u form )

(pas t tens e)

m is e- nen-s ha w a

ワイン には ん です。

ハデ な 服装 は

w i n e niw a n des u

コンビニ は            です。c o n v e n i (e n c e s t o r e ) w a

des u 目 と 鼻 の 先

m e to hana no s aki

O ) W ithin a s tone' s throw . ( It is s uch a s hort dis tance. )

あの人 は          です。ano hito w a des u目 の 毒

m e no doku

P ) S om ething tem pting.

Let's practice !

時間 が ない ので

だけ です。jikan ga nai node

dake des u

目 の上 の コブm e no ue no kobu

Q ) T o have a bum p above one' s ey es . (A n annoy ance. )

hade-na fukus o- w a

m e niw a m e o ha niw a ha o

R ) A n ey e for ey e, a tooth for a tooth. (Q uotation from the B ible. )

目 には 目 を 歯 には 歯 を

s a ikin no s e- ji w a des u最近 の 政治 は       です。

バーゲン でも         

I can' t take m y ey es off today ' s politics .

F lam boy ant clothes get other people' sattention.

I rea lly like w ine.O n hearing the new s of the horr ibletragedy , I w as throw n into des pair .

U nderage kids s m oked w ithout being s een by adults .

T he convenience s tore is r ight nex t to m y hous e.

J us t s kim through the papers becaus e there is no tim e. He is a lw ay s annoy ing.

A fter the ex planation, I felt as if the s ca les had fa llen from m y ey es .

P eople w ho have a good ey e for high-quality item s can find them even at a s a le.

can' t take m y ey es off

get others ' attention

be fond of

w as throw n into des pair

w ithout beings een

w ithin a s tone' s throw

run y our ey es over

annoy ance

as if the s ca les had fa llen from m y ey es

have a goodey e for

み(る)カン  

ねむ(る)ミン  

み(る)ケン   

み(る)カン

1.

1. 2.

1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 .   7 . 8 .     9 . 1 0 . 1 . 2 . 3 .   4 . 5 . 6 .   7 .

m e

3.

5.

7.

9.

4.

6.

8.

10.

hito w a y ois hina o erabim as u人 は 良い品 を 選びます。

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

t a b a c o o s uim as hita

     

タバコ を 吸いました。

one hundred tim es lis tening s eeing once

(U s ually "-kura i" is attached to this phras e. )

ました。m as hita

b a r g a i n dem o

(dictionary form )

(dictionary form )

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

Vol.29

Page 31: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

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N o, M r. Pole! I' ve never had m is o s us hi before. B ut there w as no m is o in the s us hi you ate. W hat your friend s aid w as a proverb. "T em ae-m is o des u ga, ois hii des u yo! " m eans , " I don' t m ean to s ing m y ow n prais es , but this is delicious ! " J apanes e people frequently us e proverbs in daily life, becaus e being a ble to us e "kotow a za " (prov erbs ) is cons idered to be a s ign of intelligence. Y ou s hould try to us e s om e, too! It is a good opportunity to increas e your J apanes e vocabulary , and your J apanes e friends w ill think that you are s m art! Learning proverbs is us eful even for bus y people w ho do not ha v e enough tim e to s tudy J a pa nes e a s they ca n us e prov erbs for com m unication. B y the w ay , you s hould try delicious "m is o pan" (bread w ith m is o ins ide), w hich is s old at a m is o s tore in K am eido, T okyo! .

I was recently invited to a friend's hous e, where his wife cooked a lot of J apanes e food for m e. S he s pent the entire

tim e in the kitchen cooking dinner, while I was eating it with her hus band. W hen s he s erved us s om e s us hi, her hus band

told m e, "T em ae-m is o des u ga, ois hii des u yo! " I thought it w as the m is o us ed for m is o s oup. A s it w as m y firs t

experience to eat m is o s us hi, I s aid, "M is o no s us hi wa hajim ete des u (I've never had m is o s us hi before)." B ut it did

not tas te like m is o at all when I ate it. M s . Hirayam a, have you ever had m is o s us hi?

W ith cooperation from Y as uhiro K oga

■ J a pa nes e peo ple l ike to u s e pr o v er bs . T hey a r e u s u a l ly v er y s ho r t ex pres s ions , but they carry a lot of m eaning. In s om e cas es , y ou m ay be able to ex pr es s y o u r tho u ghts w ith o ne pr o v er b, ins tea d o f u s ing diff icu lt vocabulary and gram m ar to m ake the s am e point. M os t proverbia l s ay ings are eas y to learn and us e and are a quick w ay to ex pres s com plex ideas . B ut be ca r efu l . S ince pr o v er bs a r e f ix ed ex pr es s io ns , J a pa nes e peo ple w il l no t under s ta nd w ha t y o u m ea n unles s y o u s a y the w ho le phr a s e. W e ha v e des cribed the m eanings of the proverbs as w ell as the m eanings of each kanji s o that y ou can rem em ber them m ore eas ily .

If y ou cr iticize or reprove s om eone too directly , he or s he m ay be offended or even becom e defens ive. How ever, if y ou offer y our cr iticis m in a s ubtle w ay by us ing kotow aza , y ou m ight s often the pers on up enough to accept y our opinions , even though s uch a proverb m ight have a s trong m eaning.

as king for agreem ent(…, is n' t it? …, y ou know ? …, don' t y ou think s o? etc. )

ですね。des u ne

Y ou could us e a J apanes e proverb in the m iddle of a convers ation in E nglis h.

K oga-s an : I w as very s urpris ed to hear that his com pany w ent bankrupt. Did y ou hear any rum ors about it?

N o, it w as "a thunderbolt out of the blue" for m e, too. ( I w as s hocked, too. / I w as s urpris ed, too. )

青天  の へきれき です よ。

P ole-s an :

proverb

giv ing inform ation

です よ。des u y o

s e- ten no hekireki des u y oa thunderbolt out of the blue

A ) T o each his ow n

T en people w ith 10 colors .(10) (people) (10) (colors )

十 人 十 色 ju- nin to iro

B ) Y ou reap w hat y ou s ow

R etribution is the res ult of the caus e.(caus e) (res ult) (retr ibution)

因 果 応 報 in ga o- ho-

W hether w hat y ou do is good or bad, y o u w il l ha v e to dea l w ith the co n-s equences —genera lly us ed as a w arning.

W hen 10 peo ple get to gether in o ne place, each one w ill have a different hobby or likes and dis likes .

支 離 滅 裂 (fork)(s cattered)(dis ruption)

s hi r i m ets u rets u

D) B eing incons is tent

暗 中 模 索(dark) ( in~) (grope for)

an chu- m o s aku

E ) U nable to know w hat to do nor how to s olve problem s

適 材 適 所(r ight) (m ateria l) (r ight) (place)

teki za i teki s ho

F) T he r ight pers on for the r ight job

馬 耳 東 風(hors e) (ear) (eas t) (w ind)

ba ji to- fu-

G ) A pers on w ho pay s no attention

油 断 大 敵 (careles s nes s ) (pow erful enem y )

y u dan ta i teki

H) S tay on y our toes

弱 肉 強 食(w eak) (m eat) (s trong) (eat)

jaku niku ky o- s hoku

I) S urv iva l of the fittes t (B ig fis h eat s m all fis h)

手 前 味 噌(m y ow n) (m is o)

te m ae m i s o

J ) B low ing one' s ow n trum pet (horn) ( If I m ay s ay s o m y s elf. . . )

N o s upport caus es dis ruption

A s earch in darknes s

R ight pers on in r ight place

E ars of hors e in the eas t w ind.

C areles s nes s is the greates t enem y .

T he w eak becom es food for the s trong. Hom em ade m is o

 It is us ed to cr itic ize s om eone w ho s a y s s om ething different from w hat they have s a id before or w hos e actions do not m atch their w ords .

 A pers on gets r ight job according to his or her s kills and know ledge.

 A lthough every thing is going w ell, an enem y m ay s neak up and overcom e y ou if y ou are not careful. It teaches us to be on guard at a ll tim es .

T his phras e litera lly m eans the w eak is prey to the s trong, and it is hard to s urv ive. It is us ed w hen a s m all com pany is purchas ed by a larger one.

Y ou are unable to find any clues to help s olve your problem s . Y ou have no idea w hat to do.

T his proverb originally m eans "a hors e jus t m oves its ears w hen a s pring w ind blow s ." A pers on w ho pay s no attention, or s om eone w ho hears the w ords , but let them go in one ear and out of the other.

 M is o w as a traditional food that people m ade w hen they w a nted to s how off their culina ry s kills . S ince J apanes e people do not like to s ing their ow n prais es , they us e this phas e to s how their hum ble attitude w hen they w ant to boas t in a s ubtle w ay .

単 刀 直 入(s ingle) (s w ord)(direct)(put in)

tan to- choku ny u-

C ) S top beating around the bus h

Direct s tab w ith one s w ord

 T his m eans "s peak directly ," "get to the point," ev en if the s ubject is diff icult to dis cus s . J apanes e people us e this phras e w hen they w ant to clea r things up, s ince they a re genera lly reluctant to s peak directly right aw ay.

四 文 字 熟 語

です ね。des u ne

です ね。des u ne

よん も じ じゅく ご  y on  m o ji juku go

fr iend : It is rea lly hard to s ucceed in this com pany becaus e people on the top have abs olute authority .

P ole-s an :

P ole-s an :

fr iend : T he pers onnel departm ent did an ex cellent job of reorganizing!

ですが おいしい ですよ。des u ga "ois hi des u y o"

fr iend : I baked this cake m y s elf. I don' t m ean to blow m y ow n trum pet, but it' s delicious !

fr iend : L et' s be careful.

に お願いします。ni onegais him as u

friend : I think w e have had good w eather lately , and I hope it' s going to be. . .

fr iend : It s eem s like w e are s till s earching in the dark, and w e have no idea w hat to do. . .

fr iend : N othing I s ay m akes any difference to him . It' s l ike I' m ta lking to a brick w all!

fr iend : He does n' t know w hat he' s ta lking about. W hat he s ay s is confus ing.

です よ。des u y o

friend : He w as a lw ay s difficult to deal w ith, and las t w eek, he got fired!

です から. . .des u kara . . .

fr iend : In the las t m eeting, w e couldn' t reach a cons ens us .

4-letter character proverbs

S top beating aroundthe bus h.

です ね。des u ne

です ね。des u ne

です ね。des u ne

です ね。des u ne

S urv iva l of the fittes t

T he r ight pers on for theright job

If I m ay s ay s o m y s elf, " It' s delicious ! "

S tay on y our toes .

N o idea w hat to do to s olve a problem

A pers on w ho pay s no attention

B eing incons is tent

R eaping w hat y ou s ow

T o each his ow n

A ns w ersI ) F ) J ) H) C )

E ) G ) D) B ) A )

1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 .

6 . 7 . 8 . 9 . 1 0 .

P ole-s an :

P ole-s an :

P ole-s an :

P ole-s an :

P ole-s an :

P ole-s an :

P ole-s an :

m iso?

e.g. ,

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

Copyright 1999 The Yomiuri Shimbun

Page 32: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

De

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I don' t think y ou can find any body w ho actually w ears fundos hi thes e da y s , but I ' m no t s ur e . I f y o u ta lk to peo ple in fo r eign countries and as k them about their im pres s ions of N ihon, m os t of them w ould s ay s om ething like, "geis ha ," " liv ing in a hous e of w ood a nd pa per , " o r " peo ple w ho a lw a y s w ea r kim o no , " etc . T heir im pres s ions of J apan are s till old fas hioned and inaccurate. I think y ou m ight have thought that "hito no fundos hi de s um o- o toru" m eant, "Doing s um o- by w earing s om eone els e' s underw ear, " and y ou m us t have been s urpris ed! B ut it actually m eans , "B enefiting o nes elf a t s o m eo ne els e ' s ex pens e. " fundo s hi m a y giv e a ba d im pres s ion to others , s o it m ay be better to s ay , "tar iki hongan" (benefiting ones elf w ith the help of others ). " A ls o, y ou s hould be careful w hen y ou us e idiom s , becaus e s om e idiom s m ight hurt the feelings of other people unw ittingly .

O ne of m y colleagues s ucceeded in his lates t project, s o I told him , "C ongratulations ! Y ou did an ex cellent job! " B ut s o m e m em ber s w ho helped him do the pr o ject w er e w atching m e, and cam e to m e, s ay ing, "K eep y our ey es on him , M r. P ole! B ecaus e he is "hito no fundos hi de s um o- o toru" hito des u y o. (L it. Doing s um o- by w earing s om eone els e' s fundos hi) I looked up the w ord fundos hi in a pocket-s ized book featuring J apanes e culture that I bought w hen I firs t cam e to J apan. It s a id that fundos hi w as an old-s ty le loincloth m ade of one s heet of fabric, a nd it w a s w orn by m en a s underw ea r in the pa s t. I couldn' t believe that he w as s till w earing a fundos hi. I th ink s u m o w r es tler s w ea r m a w a s hi , no t fu ndo s hi , correct? M s . Hiray am a, do a ll J apanes e m en s till w ear fundos hi even thes e day s ?

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

W ith cooperation from Y as uhiro K oga

四 文 字 熟 語 よん も じ じゅく ご  y on m o ji juku go

4-character idiom s

A ns w ers

F ) I ) G ) H ) E ) B ) J ) D ) C ) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

9.

7.

他 力 本 願(help from outs ide) (w is h)

ta r iki hon gan

A ) U s ing others to benefit ones elf, rather than us ing one' s ow n m eans   

四 面 楚 歌(four s ides ) (s ong of "S o" country )

s hi m en s o ka

B ) T o have the w hole w orld agains t ones elf

T erm inology in s um o-

e.g. ,

e.g. ,

うわあ~ すごい 飲みます ね。

いやいや「honno jo no kuchi」ですよ。

K oizum i-s an : O h, m y goodnes s ! Y ou have been drinking a lot!

P ole-s an :  O h, no, no! "honno jo no kuchi" des u ( im ply ing: T his is only the beginning; I ' m going to drink m ore and m ore. )

uw aa s ugoi nom i-m as u ne

iy a iy a des u y o

ひどい 渋滞 ですね。

まだまだ「jo no kuchi」ですよ。ピークは これから です ね。

K oizum i-s an : B oy ! T his is very heavy traffic!

P ole-s an :  T his is " jo no kuchi. " W e haven' t pas s ed the peak, y et.

hidoi ju- ta i des u ne

m ada m ada des u y o p e a k w a kore-kara des u ne

W is hing to finis h his w ork by us ing other people, ins tead of m aking his ow n effort

S urrounded by enem ies

Hearing a s ong s ung by the enem yon four s ides :

Depending on others to rea lize one' s goals :

jo no kuchi : T he ranks of s um o- s tart from "jo no kuchi" and go a ll the w ay to y okozuna (grand cham pion). T he w ay of s um o- is a long w ay involv ing pers is tence and effort. " jo no kuchi" is the firs t rank, and a ls o it m eans " It' s only the beginning." T herefore, this ex pres s ion is us ed to im ply , " It is going to becom e harder and harder, and this is only the beginning." A nd its m eaning is em phas ized if y ou s ay "m ada (y et)" or "honno (jus t)" before " jo no kuchi"—"jo no kuchi des u," "m ada jo no kuchi des u" or "honno jo no kuchi des u."

試 行 錯 誤(try , tes t) (carry out)(confus e)(error)

s hi ko- s aku go

C ) T r ia l and error

S ucces s through tr ia l and errors :

机 上 の 空 論 (des k) (on) (of) (em pty )(dis cus s )

ki jo- no ku- ron

D) Im practica l plans

以 心 伝 心(by ) (heart) (trans m it)(heart)

i s hin den s hin

F) C om m unication w ithout w ords

日 進 月 歩(day ) (advance) (m onth) (s tep)

nis s hin gep po

E ) T o be ever progres s ing

海 老 鯛(s hrim p) (s ea bream )

e bi ta i

G ) T hrow a s prat to catch a m ackerel

五 十 歩 百 歩(fifty ) (s tep) (hundred) (s tep)

go jip po hy ap po

H) T hey are both m uch a like / N o big difference.

大 器 晩 成(great)(m an of ability )(late hours )(m ake)

ta i ki ban s ei

I) G reat ta lents m ature late.

Ideas or opinions that m ay s ound good on paper, but are not practica l.

優 柔 不 断 (indecis ive) ( indecis ion)

y u- ju- fu dan

J ) T o be indecis ive

S tr iv ing tow ard s ucces s even though there are m any tr ia ls and errors

T heory on des k:

S teady progres s in day s and m onths : C om m unication from heart to heart:

S ea bream out of s hrim p:

F ifty s teps agains t 100 s teps :

N o decis ion, no conclus ion: G reat ta lents m ature late:

M aking progres s day by day . It a ls o m eans rapid progres s . G ood ex am ples are inform ation technology (IT ) and com puters , etc.

U s ing a s m all inves tm ent as bait to gain a huge profit. "ebi ta i" is the abbreviation of "ebi de ta i o ts uru (to throw a s hrim p to catch a s ea bream )."

B eing hes itant or unable to m ake a decis ion

In ancient C hina , one s oldier ran aw ay in 50 s teps w hile a nother s oldier ra n a w a y in 100 s teps w hen they w ere los ing their battle. T he s oldier w ho took 50 s teps s a id to the other that he w as les s cow ardly becaus e he ran a s horter dis ta nce a w a y . B ut the w hole idea w a s tha t both of them ran aw ay . T his idiom im plies that there m ight be s om e differences betw een the tw o but they are very m uch a like. N ote that the pronunciation of 50 is "go-ji , " not "go-ju-. "

Im ply ing tha t a v ery a ccom plis hed pers on does not develop overnight, but he begins to us e his ta lents later in life. If y ou s ay this idiom to people w ho have not y et m ade any s ucces s , it m a y be a n encoura ging thought for them , im ply ing, "C heer up, and s oon y ou w ill becom e great and s ucces s ful! "

T rans ferr ing thoughts (feelings ) to s om eone els e' s m ind w ithout us ing w ords

です ね。des u ne

です ね。des u ne

です ね。des u ne

Friend : (phone call from M r. P ole) "O h, hello, M r. P ole! I w as about to ca ll y ou in a m inute! "

P ole-s an:

P ole-s an:

P ole-s an:

です ね。des u ne

P ole-s an:

P ole-s an:

です ね。des u ne

P ole-s an:

P ole-s an:

です よ。des u y o

Friend' s M om : M y s on does n' t have a perm anent job. He w orks as a part-tim er even though he is a lready 45 y ears old.

G erm an fr iend: M y gir lfr iend' s father loves G erm an w ine, s o I bought s om e w ine for him w hen I w ent back to G erm any . A nd he w as s o happy that he took m e to a s us hi bar las t w eek.

fr iend : I overheard that tw o gir ls w ere ta lking about their w eight. O ne s a id s he w eighs 82 kilogram s , and the other s a id s he w eighs 80 kilogram s , w hich s he s a id m eans s he is s lim m er than her fr iend.

fr iend : T w o m ore new vers ions w ere releas ed after I bought a com puter las t y ear . N ow , m y P C is outdated!

fr iend : He a lw ay s takes a lot of tim e to m ake decis ions .

fr iend : I think M is s . K ojim a' s idea is ex cellent, but it m ight not w ork on actual s ettings .

fr iend : How is y our new project com ing a long?

fr iend : T he politician did not keep the prom is es he m ade during his cam paign, and now , has enem ies on a ll s ides .

P ole-s an :

E very day , I ' m try ing new w ay s to figure out how things w ork out, but it s eem s nothing w orks .

C om m unication w ithout w ords

G reat ta lents m ature late

T o throw a s prat to catch a m ackerel

N o big difference!  

T o be ever progres s ing

です ね。des u ne

です ね。des u ne

です ね。des u ne

P ole-s an: T o be indecis ive

Im practica l plan

T ra ils and errors

T o have a w hole w orld agains t him

Copyright 1999 The Yomiuri Shimbun

Page 33: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

Copyright 1999 The Yomiuri Shimbun

kibun ga w arui no des u ka? des u y o

?

I s ee it as green, but in genera l, the colors of the s ignals are des cribed as "ao (blue), aka (red) and ki

-ro (am ber)" in J apanes e. E ven J apanes e people s om etim es

as k the s am e ques tion. L et m e ex pla in it as I s aw it on a T V program the other day . In ancient J apan, there w ere only four w ords to des cribe colors —aka (red), kuro (black), s hiro (w hite) and ao (blue)—and there w as no w ord for green until the Heian period (794-1192). E very s hade betw een blue and green w as ca lled blue until the firs t cray ons w ere im ported to J apan in 1917, and there w as a green (m idor i) cra y on ins ide. T he idea of dis tinguis hing green from blue w a s f ir s t introduced in the teaching guidelines for firs t graders in 1951, and people s tarted to us e the w ord m idori. T hat is w hy m any J apanes e proverbs and phras es in daily life have the w ord ao m ore than m idori becaus e the w ord m idori s tarted to be us ed o nly in r ecent y ea r s . F o r ex a m ple, v egeta bles a r e gr een, but they a r e des cribed as ao-m ono (L it. blue things ), and the budding green leaves are ca lled ao-ao to s hita ha (L it. budding blue leaves ).

I have found that tax i drivers in J apan are w illing to ta lk w ith their cus tom ers , s o it is a good

opportunity for m e to im prove m y J apanes e by ta lking w ith them . I took a tax i las t Friday night,

a nd I s a id to the dr iv er , "m idor i des u y o ( It' s green! )" w hen the s igna l cha nged from red to

green. I had jus t learned how to des cribe colors in J apanes e, s o I w anted to try out the w ords . B ut

the driver s a id to m e, " i-e ao des u y o m idori ja nai

des u (N o, no. It' s blue, not green! )" I looked at the s ignal again, but to m y ey es the color w as green.

W hen I got back to m y office, I as ked m y fr iends about the color of trafic s ignals . S om e s aid, " It' s

blu e , " w hi le o ther s s a id, " It' s gr een. " M s . Hiray am a, w hat color do y ou think it is ?

De

sig

n :

Ma

sa

ko

Ba

n

W ith cooperation from Y as uhiro K oga

A ns w ers 1. C 2. L (頭 が 真っ白 に なって) 3. J 4. F, G 5. E, D

A ns w ers

1. 2.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

(m ay be) (im m ediately ) (recognize) ( I think)

no bo- s hi, s i l v e r no b a g , (hat)

そして目 はブルー、髪はブラックです。s os hite m e w a b l u e , kam i w a b l a c k des u

多分すぐわかると思います。tabun s ugu w akaru to om oim as u�

(W ell then)(tom orrow )(at 9 o' clock)(S hinjuku S tation)(at the W es t E x it) (L et' s m eet)

じゃ、明日 9時 に 新宿駅 の 西口で (会いましょう)。ja as hita ku-ji ni S hinjuku-eki no nis hi-guchi de (a im as ho- )

cus tom er :

(W hat kind of; How ) (s ty le) (w ill com e)

ポールさん は どんな格好 で 来ますか。P o l e -s an w a donna kakko- de kim as u ka

A ls o, I have blue ey es and black hair .

私はライトブルーw atas hi w a l i g h t -b l u e

P ole-s an :

e .g. , M aking a prom is e to m eet a cus tom er for the firs t tim e by ta lking on a phone

W ell, then, let' s m eet at the W es t E x it of S hinjuku S tation at 9 tom orrow m orning.

W hat are y ou going to w ear?

I' l l be w earing a light-blue hat and carry ing a s ilver bag.

o r a n g e no T -s h i r t , p i n k no kuts u,

I think y ou' ll be able to recognize m e im m ediately .

■ M ost colors are described using katakana vers ions of the E nglish words. However, shiro (white), aka (red), kuro (black), midori (green) and chairo (brown), etc. tend to be des cribed us ing the original J apanes e words . However, note that white wine is described using either E nglish or J apanese (shiro w ine or w hite w ine). In addition, colors are usually described in the E nglish form if the hues are related to industries that label their products in E nglish, such as the colors of clothing, automobiles , etc. For example, pink no s hir t (pinkish shirt), w ine-r ed no kuruma (wine-red car). M ost J apanese generally understand E nglish terms for basic colors .

s hiro

L) 頭 が 真っ白 に なる

しろ

w hite

atam a ga m as s hiro ni naruM) 空白

ku- haku

P) 白紙 に する hakus hi ni s uru

N) 白黒 を つけるs hiro kuro o ts ukeru

O) 白タクs hiro-taku

K) 白い目 で 見るs hiroi m e de m iru

Q) 白星s hiro-bos hi

なシャツna s h i r t

pure w hite な 口紅 na kuchibeni

pure red

(lips tick)

な 空 na s ora

pure blue

(s ky )

な 髪na kam i

pure black

(hair)

真っ白m as s hiro

真っ赤m akka

真っ青m as s ao

真っ黒m akkuro

aka

C) 赤字

あか

redakaji

E) 赤 の 他人aka no tanin

D) 真っ赤 な 嘘m akka na us o

kuro

F) 黒字

くろ

black

kurojiG) 黒いうわさ

kuroi uw as a

I) 腹黒いhara-guroi

ao

J) 顔 が 真っ青

あお

blue

kao ga m as s ao

H) 黒星kuro-bos hi

iro�

A) 色 を つける

いろ

coloriro o ts ukeru

B) 色眼鏡で見るiro-m egane de m iru

■ L et me show you some expressions using colors.

to add s om ething, to ex aggerate, to es tim ate a little bit m ore, to pay a little bit m ore, s om ething ex tra , an addition

a s urplus , in the black a dark rum or

to be black-hearted,w ith a black s oul

a deficit, in the red

a com plete s tranger

a dow nright lie

to look at things from a bias ed v iew point

to be defeated

a pallid face

the m ind goes blank

to forget every thing and m ake a fres h s tart, to go back to the draw ing board

a blank

unlicens ed tax i

a v ictory m ark, to w in

to look coldly upon s om ebody , to give s om ebody the cold s houlder

to get it s ettled once and for a ll

pure w hite (s now w hite) s hirt. pure red (deep red) lips tick

pure blue s ky pure black (deep-black) ha ir

1. 2.

4.

■ It is a ls o com m on to put "m a…(pure)" in front of a color w ord to des cribe its purity . E ven if the color of s om ething is not pure, the w ord "m a s s /m a kk…(真っ)" ca n be us ed to em pha s ize the des cription of its color . For ex am ple, w hen y ou overcook a fis h, y ou can s ay , "s akana w a m akkuro koge (T he fis h w as burnt black). " B ut pleas e rem em ber that it cannot be s a id in front of every color . E x am ples 1 though 4 are frequently us ed. B e careful w ith the conjugated pronunciations !

3. 4.

a m ata da m otto s ets uy aku-s hinakucha あ~ また     だ。もっと 節約しなくちゃ。

 しどろもどろ に なりました。 s hidoro-m odoro ni narim as hita

スピーチ の 時、

(O h) (again) (m ore) (s ave on ex pens es )(cas ual s ty le of "have to")

s p e e c h no toki (w hen)    (confus ed; incoherent)(becam e)

気分 が 悪い の です か?           ですよ。

(feeling) (bad, il l)

新しい 社長 になって 売り上げ が    

に なりました。 やっぱり やり手 です ね。

ataras hii s hacho- ni natte uriage ga

ni narim as hita y appari y ar ite des u ne

(new ) (com pany pres ident)(becam e)(s a les )

(becam e) (as I ex pected) (m an of ability )

でも        を 聞きました。

ちょっと心配です。    

dem o o kikim as hita

chotto s him pai des u

(but) (heard)

P ole-s an : W hat? O h, s he w as a com plete s tranger to m e!

(the other day ) (beautiful) (pers on)

(firs t-clas s car) (w ere)

えっ? あ、 あれ は           です よ。e? a a re w a des u y o

friend : Y ou w ere w ith a beautiful w om an in the firs t-clas s (green) car of the S hinkans en bullet tra in the other day , w eren' t y ou?

P ole-s an : A bs olutely not! T hat' s a dow nright lie!

いいえ          ですよ。i-

e des u y o

そうですか? うわさでは 婚約者 とか。 s o- des u ka? uw as a dew a kony akus ha toka(Is that s o? ) (rum or) (according to)(fiancee)

fr iend : O h, y eah? I heard a rum or that s he is y our fiancee.

赤aka

あか

red

黒kuroくろ

black

青ao

あお

blue

白s hiroしろ

w hite

 

O h, gees … I ' m in the red again! I need to cut dow n m ore on ex pens es !

W hen I had to give m y s peech,m y m ind w ent blank, and m y w ords becam e m ore and m ore incoherent.

P ole-s an: B ut, I heard a dark rum or about him that m akes m e w orry .

A re y ou feeling bad? Y our face looks pale.

fr iend : O ur com pany has been in the black s ince he becam e the new pres ident. He is quite s m art!

in the red

the m ind goes blank

a pallid face

in the black

a dark rum or

a com plete s tranger

a dow nright lie

??

(a little) (w orr ied)

オレンジの Tシャツ、ピンクの 靴、A nd I' l l a ls o be w earing an orange T -s hirt and pink s hoes .

(s hoes )

(and) (ey es ) (ha ir)

先日 きれいな人 と 新幹線 の

グリーン車にいましたね。

s enjits u kire- ina hito to S hinkans en no

g r e e n -s ha ni im as hita ne

の 帽子、シルバーの バッグ、

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

Page 34: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

De

sig

n : M

asa

ko B

an

Copyright 1999 The Yomiuri Shimbun

I a ls o love J apanes e food and frequent J apanes e res taurants , s o I know that m os t of them do not w rite their prices in A rabic num erals . T here are tw o ty pes of num bers com m only us ed in J apan: A rabic num erals (1, 2, 3) and C hines e num erals (一, 二, 三) . G enerally , C hines e num erals are us ed w hen num bers are w ritten vertically , w hile A rabic num erals are us ed for horizontal w riting. B ut pleas e note that this is not a rule. For ex am ple, articles are w ritten vertica lly in J apanes e new s papers , a lthough they often us e A ra bic num era ls . A nd C hines e num era ls a re preferred to des cr ibe the J a pa nes e ho lida y s , ev en i f they a r e w r itten horizontally . L et m e s how y ou s om e m ore ex am ples .

I love J apanes e food, and I go to J apanes e res taurants quite often. T he only problem I have is that I can' t read

the prices on the m enus w hen the num bers are w ritten in C h in e s e ch a r a cte r s (一, 二, 三) , in s te a d o f A r a bic

num erals . T o be hones t, I only know 一 (one) through 三 ( thr ee) , s o I o ften o r der w itho ut kno w ing the pr ice . I

a lw ay s get nervous w hen I have to pay m y bill . A ls o, the prices of s us hi vary from res taurant to res taurant, and

that m akes m e nervous . T hat is w hy I have to go to the s am e res taurant w hen I w ant to eat s us hi. M s . Hiray am a,

could y ou help m e to read thos e num bers ?

W ith cooperation from Y as uhiro K oga

A ns w ers

1) 4)

5)

6)

2)

3)

A)

B)

C )

D)

E )

F )

A) B) C) D) E) F)3) 5) 6) 4) 1) 2)

ichi

ni

s an

s hi / y on

go

roku

s hichi / nana

hachi

ky u- / ku

ju-

Chinese num erals

A rabic num erals

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

hitots u

futats u

m itts u

y otts u

its uts u

m utts u

nanats u

y atts u

kokonots u

to-

J apanese-styled pronunciation

Chinese-styled pronunciation

一 二 三 四 五 六 七 八 九 十

T he steps for writing:

寿司 (s us hi)  並 . . . nam i (regular) 2,000円寿司 (s us hi)  上 . . . jo- (better)   3,100円寿司 (s us hi)  特上 . . . tokujo- (bes t)   4,500円ビール (beer)  小 . . . s ho- (s m all)  500円ビール (beer)  中 . . . chu- (m edium ) 650円ビール (beer) 大 . . . da i ( large)  780円生ビール (draft beer)   960円日本酒 (s ake)      770円

東京都

e.g. , 〒151-0063 東京都 渋谷区 7-36- 9 〒151-0063 T oky o-to S hibuy a-ku 7- 36 - 9

(pos tcard / envelope)

ichi

ro-

渋谷区

子 子

y a

e

ko

fu

m i

ko

ツ谷

y o

ts u

y a日市

m ui

ka

ichi

ku

ju-

ku

ri

反田

go

tan

da

s hi

koku 田

m i

ta

子玉川

futakotam agaw a

s hi

m an

to

gaw a

L et' s practice ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

e.g. , 502 390 689 754 8934 4105

■C hines e num erals for addres s es and telephone num bers on bus ines s cards , etc.(zip codes m us t be in A rabic num erals )

■C hines e num erals for place nam es

■C hines e num erals for people' s nam es

■C hines e num erals on a m enu (y en→ 円…en)

転   転する

ni ten s an ten s uru tum ble

T o be changed again and again

人   脚

T o cooperate w ith s om eoneels e on a s ingle tas k

捨    入

w ith pleas e ca lculate

鶴 の    声

ts uru no hito koecrane voice

で 計算して下さい。de keis an s hitekudas ai

one    tw o three four five

T o round off the num bers

ローマは   日にして成らず

R o m e w a ichi nichi ni s hite narazu   day not built

R om e w as not built in a day

ni nin s an ky akupers on legs

(T hree-legged couple)

s hi s ha go ny u-

throw aw ay add to / put in

(Four is dow n, five is up)

日坊主

m ik ka bo- zu    day s a boy

(A m onk w ithout w illpow er)

(T w o rolling, three rolling)

w ith w hatever can' t keep

で 何 を しても 長続きしません。de nani o s hitem o nagats uzukis him as en

U nable to keep one' s res olution

negotiation a lw ay s

話し合い は いつもhanas hia i w a its um o

T o be changedagain and again

w ith difficult tim es s urv ived

で 厳しい 時期 を 乗り越えました。de kibis hiijiki o norikoem as hita

T o cooperate w ith each other to do the s am e tas k

at las t w as m ade in s pite of pres ident go back

やっと 決まった のに 社長 の        で やり直し です。y atto kim atta noni s hacho- no de y arinaos hi des u

です。 頑張りましょう。des u gam barim as ho-

R om e w as not built in a day

(S ingle cry of crane)

T o round off the num bers

U nable to keep one' s res olution for a long tim e

U nable to keep one' s res olution.(e.g. , 49.5 → 50)

If y ou can' t keep y our w ord, y ou can' t accom plis h w haty ou have decided to do.

O ur negotiations w ill never end. T hey are a lw ay s changing.

W e s urv ived through thos e difficult tim es by cooperating w ith each other very clos ely .

E very thing w as accom plis hed, but w e have to go back to the draw ing board becaus e the pres ident has the las t w ord.

R em em ber that R om e w as not built in a day . L et' s keep our chins up!

A s ingle authorit-ative w ord

5

0

2

3

9

0

6

8

9

7

5

4

7

3

6

9

8

9

3

4

4

1

0

5

1 5 1 0 0 6 3

(C hines e num era ls a re frequently us ed for the place nam es in K y oto and for the nam es of tem ples and s hrines . e.g. , 三十三間堂: s an ju- s a n gendo- ) N ote: T he C hines e num era l "10" s hould be "十 (ten)" , not "O (zero). "

4

1

8

go

ro-

5

s abu

ro-

3

9

10

9

2

3

m i

na

ko

3

7

7

7

0

7

8

0

6

5

0

5

0

0

4

5

0

0

3

1

0

0

2

0

0

0

9

6

0

2 5

4 6 3

1

1

2 3

54

3

3

2

4

10

T hes e na m es a re genera l ly giv en to J a pa n e s e m e n . "郎… r o- (m e a n in g " lad")" Ichiro- , G oro- , S aburo-

M any J apanes e gir ls ' nam es end w ith "子…ko (child)" Y aeko, Fum iko, M inako

寿司 並

寿司 上

寿司 特上

ビール 小

ビール 中

ビール 大

生ビール

日本酒

円円円円円円円円

一 二 三 四 五

A s ingle, authoritative w ord

→1

→1

→1

→1

→1

→1

→2 →2→1

→3 →4→1

2

→ →1 2

→ →3 4

→2

→2

→2

→5→3

→3

→4

→2

→2→1

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

Page 35: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

Don' t w orry , M r. P ole! I ' ve got the num ber! It m us t be 5501-0290. It' s eas y to figure out. Do y ou know how I got it? J apanes e often us e a m ethod c a l l e d g o r o -a w a s e , w h i c h r e fe r s to c o m i c a l variations of proverbs and punning (or w ord play ) to rem em ber certa in things . M any bus ines s es us e goro-a w a s e techniques to crea te s om e interes ting tele-phone num bers —s uch as com binations that des cribe th e s e r v ic e s th e y pr o v ide —to h e lp po te n tia l cus tom ers rem em ber the num ber.

L as t tim e, y ou s how ed m e how to read kanji num erals , and I have rea lized how com m on they a re in da ily l ife . B ut a lthough C hines e

num era ls a re conv enient, I ha v e encountered a new problem w ith num bers . It ha ppened w hen I a s ked a fr iend to for the telephone

num ber of a recom m ended y akiniku res taurant. S he gave m e the nam e of one and s a id, "koko w a ichiban oniku ois hii (T he m os t delicious

m ea t is s er v ed her e) . " W hen I to ld her a ga in tha t I w a nted the telephone num ber, s he s a id s he had jus t given it to m e! W e are going

to the res taurant nex t w eek, but I w on' t be able to find it is if I can' t ca ll them for directions ! W hat s hould I do?

De

sig

n : M

asa

ko B

an

W ith cooperation from Y as uhiro K oga

A ns w ersA ns w ers

A ns w ers

1. 4.

5.

6.

2.

3.

A)

B)

C)

D)

E)

F)

A) B) C) D) E) F)4 2 5 6 1 3

s ix s even eight nine ten

7

4

10 8 9

4 6

1 8

7 8

8

七 八 九 十

T o a tta in s ucces s thr o ugh f a m i l y n a m e s / f a m i l i a l connections

(delico10 14i s hi

iious)(delic

10 14ious)

(L it. It' s a lw ay s afternoon to thank y ou for y our bus ines s . )

(E ars day ) (M eat day ) (C av ity day ) (S traw berry day )『m i m i 』no hi

(after noon) (a lw ay s ) (thank y ou for w orking)

0 (zero, re- , m aru, o, w a)1 ( ichi, i , hitots u, hi )2 (ni, futats u, fu)3 (s an, s a , m itts u, m i)

go go w a i(ts um o) go ku ro- s an

L et' s try goro-aw as e!

4 (s hi, y otts u, y on, y o)5 (go, ko, its uts u, its u)6 (roku, ro, m utts u, m u)7 (s hichi, nana, nanats u, na)

8 (hachi, ha , y atts u, y a) 9 (ky u-, ku, gu, kokonots u, ko)10 ( ju- , ju, to- , to)

ni ko ni ko ha na w a s a (kura)s hi go to o s hi(ns e) ts u na m i(nas an) (s m iling) (flow er)(cherry blos s om s )(w ork) (kind) (every body )

(L it. A s m iling flow er is a cherry blos s om .)(L it. It' s a job for every one w ho is kind. )

月  日

『niku』 no hi 『m us hiba』 no hi 『ichigo』 no hi

『fum i』no hi 『y akiniku』 no hi 『fugu』 no hi 『gom izero』 no hi

(L etter day ) (S teak day ) (B low fis h day ) (N o tras h day )

1. 3月3日 2. 2月9日 3. 6月4日 4. 1月5日 5. 2月3日 6. 8月29日 7. 2月9日 8. 5月30日

P ronunciation (In addition to thes e pronunciations , s im ilar s ounds can be us ed in ex ceptional cas es . )

"M oving s erv ice"

"Flow er s hop""T em porary pers onnel s erv ice"

goro aw as e is a ls o us ed for dates . (m onth: 月 / day : 日)

(L it. T he bes t and m os t delicious m eat is s erved here. )

(here) (N o.1) (m eat) (delicious ) ko ko w a i (chiban) o ni ku o (is hi

-)

"K orean s teak hous e"

月  日 月  日 月  日

月  日 月  日 月  日 月  日

10 100 1,000 10,000 100 tr il l ion y en

ju-  hy aku s en m an oku cho-  en

1. 十  2. 千  3. 七百  4. 五十万  5. 四千万

10

en

700

十 百 千 万 億 兆 円500,000 40 m illion

4

oku

¥400 m illion ¥19,000

1

m an

9

s en

nana

hy aku

m an

7 m illion people

ichi

oku

go

s en

m an

nin

nin

150 m illion people

M oney : O ld kanji num erals , s uch as 壱(one) 弐(tw o) 参( thr ee) a nd 萬(10, 000) , a r e us ed in f ina nce to da y . T hes e characters are com m only us ed on bills , m oney orders and s o on. W e w ill not dis cus s thes e in deta il s ince they are not com m only us ed in daily life.

N ew s papers : A rticles in J apanes e new s papers are w ritten vertica lly , but A rabic num erals are com m only us ed.

m illion

1.

4.

5.

2.

3.

only w atchingt e l e v i (s i o n ) bakari m iteim as u

alw ay s ; us ed w ith negative feelings

時中

s hi roku ji chu-

o' clock w ithin

Day and night / a lw ay s(us ed cr itica lly )

苦   苦

s hi ku hak kuagony agony

m iddle

T o s truggle w ith / to have difficult tim e doing

か   か

ichi ka bachi ka or

T o take a chance / s ink or s w im

juc chu- hak ku

M os t likely / T en to one

転    起 nana korobi y a oki

tum ble get up

T o get back on one' s feet

しています。s hiteim as u

s truggle w ith

悩んでないで         やってみたらどうですか。nay ande naide y attem itara do- des u ka

take one' s chances

そんなに ガッカリしないで            です よ。s onnani gakkari s hinaide des u y o

U ps and dow ns of life / never give up

m anager one' s s on got a job it s eem s

部長 の 息子さん は で 就職したらしい です よ。bucho- no m us uko-s an w a de s hu- s hokus hita ras hi

- des u y o

thanks to fam ily connections

無理でしょう。m uri des ho-

m os t likely ; in nine cas es out of ten

テレビばかり 見ています。

m y daughterm us um e w a娘 は

new

新しいコンピューターにataras hi

- c o m p u t e r ni

(親の)   光 (り)(oy a no) nana hikari

(E ight or nine out of 10)

(Fa lling s even tim es , but

s tanding up eight tim es )

(O ne or eight)

(Four agonies , eight groans )

(During four tim es s ix hours )

(4×6=24 hours )(S even beam s of parents )

parents l ight

M y daughter w atches nothing but T V .

I' m s truggling w ith the new com puter .

S top w orry ing about it! W hy not take a chance and do it?

Don' t feel s o bad! Y ou m ay have fa ilures in life, but y ou can get back on y our feet.

I heard that the genera l m anager ' s s on landed a good full-tim e job through his father ' s influence.

M os t likely , it is im pos s ible.

s top w orry ing w hy not try to do

like that don' t be dis appointed I ' l l tell y ou

im pos s ible

A ns w ers 1. 5 5 0 1 - 0 2 9 0 2. 4 5 1 0 - 4 2 7 3 3. 5 5 0 1 - 5 9 6 3 4. 2 5 2 5 - 8 7 0 3

1.

2.

3.

4.

en

1,000 en

en en

ju-

s en

nana

hy aku

py aku zen

go

ju-

m an

y on

s en

m an

en

en

1. 2. 3. 4.

5. 6. 7. 8.

Copyright 1999 The Yomiuri Shimbun

Page 36: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

I have never s een y ou s o s ad, M r. P ole! B ut have courage! Y ou are not the only one having trouble like this . A ny body w ho is s tudy ing J a pa nes e ex periences this ty pe of frus tration. S om e are dow nhearted becaus e they can' t com m unicate w ith J apanes e people how ever ha rd they s tudy the la ngua ge. O thers a re depres s ed becaus e J apanes e people res pond to them in E nglis h even though they s peak fluent J apanes e. It' s the s am e for m os t s tudents . "Don' t w orry ! (da ijo-bu), " M r. P ole! I have a good idea to cheer y ou up. "Y ou can count on m e! (m akas ete-kudas ai! ) . "

I have s tudied J apanes e for 2 1/2 years , but m y J apanes e is s till aw ful. I w ant to s peak fluent J apanes e by us ing the gram m ar that I have

s tudied, but for s om e reas on m y phras es in J apanes e are not as s m ooth as thos e of native s peakers . Furtherm ore, I can' t m ake good

us e of trans itional ex pres s ions and it s ounds s o aw kw ard! I have s tudied s om e phras es in certain s ituations at s chool, but I have not

had the opportunity to us e them in daily life! W hen I s tarted to learn J apanes e, I enjoy ed s ay ing, "ohay o- " (G ood m orning! ), "ar igato- "

(T hank y ou), and s o on. B ut lately , s tudy ing J apanes e is getting harder and harder for m e, and I don' t s ee any progres s . I am s tres s ed

out becaus e of that, and I am depres s ed. Oh, boy.

W ith cooperation from Y as uhiro K oga

A ns w ers

A)

B)

C)

D)

E)

F)

G)

H)

I)

J)

A) B) C) D) E) 13. 16. 10. 7. 4.

w ord +

Sentence + final particle

M r. K oga: O ur tra in is leav ing in five m inutes . I hope M is s Y am ada does n' t m is s it!M r. P ole: s o- da to i

- des u ne. ( I hope s o too. )  

confirm ation / agreem ents oftens the s tatem ent

neね

Delicious , is n' t it ?

ois hi- des u ne

おいしいです ね。I think s o.

s o- des u neそうです ね。

confirm ation agreem ent

w ord +

ques tion

kaか

Is it delicious ?

ois hi- des u ka

おいしいです か。

ques tion

e.g. ,

e.g. ,

e.g. ,

w ord +

giv ing (new ) inform ation

y oよ

It is delicious .

ois hi- des u y o

おいしい です よ。

as s ertion

T hes e icebreakers are helpful and us eful even for beginners , a lthough the gr a m m a r o f thes e ex pres s io ns is a t a n a dv a nced lev el . S ince beginners s till have a hard tim e ex pres s ing their thoughts in J apanes e, it is better for them to m em orize s horter s entences . M em orizing thes e icebreakers and us ing them here and there w ill m ake y our conver-s ations m uch s m oother, and y ou w ill be able to have heart-to-heart com m unication w ith J apanes e people.

I f f ina l pa r tic les a r e a dded a fter the ice- brea ker , they ca n cha nge the nua nce of the s entence.

T hat s ounds interes ting. om os hiro-s o- des u

面白そう です。

interes ting(om os hiroi) s eem

how do y ou think ~?

W hat do y ou think? do- om oim as u ka

どう 思います か。

I hope s o.

s o- da to i- des u

そうだと いい です。

I hope not.I hope it' s not true.

s o- janai to i- des u

そう じゃないと いい です。

Y es , s o I heard.s o- ras hi

- des u

そう らしい です。

I can' t rem em ber.om oidas em as en思い出せません。

I think s o.s o- om oim as uそう 思います。

It' s up to M r. K oga K oga-s an s hidai des u

古賀さん 次第 です。

It' s a problem .m ondai des u問題 です。

s o good for m e

s o not good for m e

s o I heard problem

up to ~

I s ee.s o- des u kaそう です か。

Is that s o ?s o- des u kaそう です か。

W hat' s going to happen? do- narim as u ka

どうなります か。

It' s too bad.zannen des u残念 です。

how w ill becom e

N o problem .It' s no problem . m ondai na i des u

問題ない です。 Do y ou have a m inute? /M ay I ta lk to y ou for a m inute?

chotto y oros hi-

des u kaちょっと よろしいですか。

W hat' s w rong? / W hat' s the m atter? do- s him as hita ka

どう しました か。

being late I ' m s orry

S orry to be late.os okunatte s um im as en遅くなって すみません。

L ong tim e no s ee.It' s been a long tim e.

ohis as hiburi des uお久し振りです。

keep y ou w aiting

S orry to keep y ou w aiting. om atas es hite s um im as en

お待たせして すみません。

think

w hat did

W hat' s going on? do- natteirun des u ka

how is doing

どうなっているんです か。

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

会 話C onvers ation

kai w a

P ole-s an :

P ole-s an :

P ole-s an :

P ole-s an :

P ole-s an :

P ole-s an :

P ole-s an :

P ole-s an :

P ole-s an :

Friend: O h, gee...I didn' t know that it' s clos ed on W ednes days .

How are y ou ?

des u

T hat' s too bad, is n' t it?

K oga-s an : Do y ou w ant to go for a drink s om etim e s oon?

It is up to M r. K oga, as far as I ' m concerned.

I heard that M is s Y am ada is getting m arried.

W ell...I gues s this is the new uniform , is n' t it?

(20 m inutes after the appointed tim e) I gues s M r. P ole is late, is n' t he?

I heard that a new pres ident is s hort-tem pered.

T he com pany is s low at pay ing s a lar ies into em ploy ees ' accounts , is n' t it?

W e are having a Hallow een party at the em bas s y nex t w eek.

It' s been a long tim e, has n' t it?

Y es , I heard s o, too?

S o, w hat do y ou think ?

I' m s orry to be late.

I hope it' s not true, don' t y ou?

T hat s ounds interes ting, does n' t it?

It' s a problem , is n' t it?

S orry to keep y ou w aiting.

(1 m inute later)

ポールです。

ogenki des u kaお元気 です か。

ne

ne ne ne

Hello, m ay I s peak to M r. P ole?

Friend:

Fr iend:

Fr iend:

Fr iend:

Fr iend:

Fr iend:

Fr iend:

Fr iend:

Icebreaker (Heart Opener)

O n a platform .

a little M ay I ~ ?

to rem em ber. . .om oidas u

too bad

problem no

ne

ka

yo

How are y ou ?

ne y o ne ka

T his is M r. P ole.

F) G) H) I) J)19. 6. 3. 17. 20.

s o

P ole-s an :

De

sig

n : M

asa

ko B

an

Copyright 1999 The Yomiuri Shimbun

Page 37: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

I'm happy to hear that your Japanese is getting better, and I'm glad to see you are so happy. I know of some foreigners who are able to communicate in Japanese just using "proverbs" and "Ice breakers." They say that that's all you need. Well, as we continue the previous lesson, let me show you more "Ice breakers" that are useful and helpful. I put more words of translation under the phrases to help you to memorize them by rote. Please practice using these "Ice breakers" with the final particles ne and yo, just as you studied in the previous lesson.

Thanks for teaching me those "Ice breakers" last time, I'm sure they will be very useful. At first it was hard to memorize the phrases, though. Sometimes, I thought it might be easier to memorize them if you had explained the grammar, too. But then again, it would take more time to understand the grammar, so I guess it was better to remember the idioms without being concerned how the sentences were constructed. And I made myself memorize the phrases because, if I can remember them all, then all I have to do in future is use them. I will be able to save time by using the phrases. I enjoy "Breaking the Ice," and most of my Japanese friends tell me that my Japanese is getting better. Ms. Hirayama, I want to memorize more "Ice brealers," so could you show me some?

Des

ign

: Mas

ako

Ban

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga

Answers42. 9. 21. 10. 14. 31. 29. 45. 41. 4. 6.

会 話Coversation

kai wa

Pole-san :

Pole-san :

Pole-san :

Pole-san :

Pole-san :

Pole-san :

Pole-san :

Pole-san :

Pole-san :

Friend:

Koga-san :

Pole-san :

�How's�your�business�been�since�then?�

�I'm�hanging�in�there�somehow�or�other.�

Friend:

Friend:

Friend:

Friend:

Friend:

vague

It's not clear. /It's doubtful.�

wasure-mashita忘れました。I forgot.

aimai desu あいまいです。

gaman-dekinai desu我慢できない です。 I can't stand�it. /�

I�can't�take�it�any�more.�

totemo tasukari-mashitaとても 助かりました。It�was�very�

helpful. /�Thanks�for�helping�me.�

kangae-sugi desu考え過ぎ です。You�are�thinking�

too�much. /�You�are�too concerned.�

zetsubo- -teki desu絶望的 です。This�is�hopeless. /� �

There�is�no�hope.�

life and death problem

very help

thinking too much

desperate (-ly)

o-jikan arimasu kaお時間ありますか。Do�you�have�some�

time?�(polite�form)�time do you have~?

hakkiri-shimasenはっきりしません。It's not clear.

clear

sore ga genin desuそれが 原因 です。That's�the�cause. /� �

That's�the�problem.�that cause

hitori-goto desu独り言 です。I�was�just�talking�

to�myself.�myself word

tsugo- ga warui desu都合が悪い です。It's�not�a�good�

time. /�It's�not�convenient.� circumstances bad

tatoeba nan desu ka例えば 何 ですか。Like�what?�/�Give�

me�an�example.�example what

shikatsu-mondai desu死活問題 です。 It's�a�matter�of�life�

and�death. /�That's�a�serious�problem.�

kyu-yo- desu急用 です 。I've�got�urgent�

business.�/�on�urgent�business�

shinpai-shinaide-kudasai心配しないで下さい。Please don't

worry about it.

makasete-kudasai任せて下さい。Please�leave�it�

to�me.�/�You�can�count�on�me.�

sudden matter

worry please don't

to entrust ... makase-masu

wasurenaide-kudasai忘れないで下さい。Please don't

forget it.to forget .... wasure-masu

shinji-rarenai desu信じられないです。I�can't�believe

it. /�I�don't�believe�it.� to believe ...shinji-masu

sho- ganai desuしょうがないです。There�is�no�help�

for�it.�/ There�is�no�choice.�

yo- su o mi-masho-様子をみましょう。We'll�see. /�Let's�

wait�and�see.� situation let's see

jikan no muda desu時間 の 無駄 です。It's�a�waste�

of�time.�time waste

patience cannot

Thank you very much.

What?�What�did�you�say?�

�Do�we�have�a�meeting�again?�

�How�about�3�p.m.�tomorrow?�

�Don't�mention�it.� �

Never�mind,�I�was�just�talking�to�myself.�

I�bet�it'll be�a�waste�of�time!�

Well,�it's�not�a�good�time�for�me,�sorry.�

I've�got�urgent�business,

I only half believe it.

Do you have some time ?

(at a Japanese restaurant)

いえie

ちょっとchotto

ので 予約 の キャンセル お願いします。node yoyaku no cancel onegaishimasu.

ga (Anyway) I'll try ......

そんなに 悩まないほう が いい ですよ。 sonnani nayamanai ho- ga i

- desu yo

すいません 今suimasen ima

I've�just�got�urgent business,�so�I'd�like�to�cancel�the�reservation.�

What�would�you�like�to�have,�Mr.�Pole?�

� �I'll�let�you�decide.

I�only�half�believe it,�but�I'll�try�it,�anyway.�

I bet you are too concerned!�I think you'd better stop worrying about it so much.�

I bet you are too concerned!

�Excuse�me,�do�you�have�some�time?�

Yes,�what's�the�matter?�

so- desu kaそうですか。

komatta na-困ったな~。

mochironもちろん

so- desuそう です。

sono to- ri desuその通りです。

o- gesa desuおおげさ です。

do- nika ko- nikaどうにかこうにか 

un ga i- desu

運 が いい です。

omakase-shimasuお任せします。

tabunたぶん

do- zoどうぞ

do- shiteどうして

daitaiだいたい

dame deshitaダメでした。

moshi yokattaraもし よかったら

gu- zen desu偶然 です。

(tonikaku) yatte-mimasu(とにかく)やってみます。

if you like

coincidence

any way try to do

i-e / tondemo-nai desu

いいえ / とんでもないです。

how did

tokuni nai desu特にないです。

exaggerated

do- shimashita ka どうしましたか。

especially nothing

hanshin-hangi desu半信半疑 です。

half believe half doubt

kanchigai desu勘違い です。

kangaete-okimasu考えておきます。I'll think about it.

that as it is

zettai desu絶対です。

to leave it ...makase-masu

destiny

komari-mashita困りました。

okane no muda desuお金 の 無駄 です。It's�a�waste�of�

money.�money waste

kanke- -nai desu関係ない です。I've�got�nothing�to�

do with�it.�/�Having�nothing to�do�with�it.� relation no

�I�see.�

Of�course.�

�That's�right!�

You�are absolutely�right!�

That's�exaggerated.�

somehow�or�other�

That's�lucky.�/� Lucky�you! /�Lucky me!�

You can�decide.�/�I'll�let�you�decide.�

Probably.

�Please.�

Why?�/�How�come?�

mostly

What am I going to do ?�

�I'm�in�trouble.�

�I�couldn't�do�it.�

�If�you�please,�

What�a coincidence!�

(Anyway)�I'll�try ......

Nothing�in�particular.�/� �Nothing�much.�

Don't�mention�it.� �

What's�wrong? /� What's�the�matter?�

I�only�half�believe�it. / Taking�it�with a�grain�of�salt.�

�Misunderstanding/� �My�mistake!�

�Absolutely!�

(negative meaning)

(casual style)

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

Copyright 2001 The Yomiuri Shimbun

Page 38: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

In the past, the word "anata" was considered a polite expression, but the nuance has changed recently. Be very careful as to when you use the word "anata." In Japan, it is often used toward someone who is subordinate (employee, junior and so on). You might cause someone discomfort if you use "anata" in the same way as you use "you" in English. The best way to avoid unexpected trouble is to use the family name or first name when addressing Japanese people, instead of saying "anata." Please keep that in mind! And it might be best never to use "anata" in business situations.

I am going on a trip with a friend and his family, and I went to his home to make plans with them. I heard his mother saying: "anata wa itsu ga i- desu ka? anata wa hotel to ryokan to dochira ga i

- desu ka?" I

didn't know who she was talking to, so I didn't say anything. Then I noticed that she was staring at me, and she said, "Pole-san anata desu yo!" I finally realized that she was asking me! I couldn't decide, so I used a phase from "Icebreaker" and said, "anata ni omakase shimasu" (I'll let you decide). To my surprise, she gave me an unpleasant look. Why is that? Does it mean she doesn't want to go on a trip with me?

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga

AnswersAnswers

A)

B)

C)

D)

E)

F)

A) B) C)

C) D) E) F) 1.

2.

3.

会 話Coversation

kai wa

Pole-san :

Friend:

Pole-san :

Friend:

Pole-san :

Friend:

Pole-san :

Friend:

you

Causing discomfort byusing "anata" incorrectly:

Practice

How are you ?

friend :

kono kuruma wa no desu kaこの車 は の です か。

I'm fine, thank you.

superior subordinate

anataあなた Yamada-san

山田さん

Nihon wa shitsugyo- -sha ga fuete-imasu ga日本 は 失業者 が 増えています が、 ogenki desu ka

お元気ですか。

Pole-san

And you ?

Mr. Pole :

Police officer: Is this your car?

a driver

koko wa chu- sha-kinshi desu yoここ は 駐車禁止 です よ。

no kuni dewa do- desu ka の 国では どう です か。

ee, okagesamadeええ おかげさまで

waは

Akira-san明さん

friend

Using "anata" the sameway "you" is used inEnglish:

e.g., Speaker to participants at a conference

e.g., Police officer asking questions

an organizer a participant a police officer

(At a conference)Speaker: Recently, the number of the unemployed has increased in Japan, but how critical is it in your country?

(Talking to a friend)

( A police officer)

You're parked in a no parking zone. anataanata

your parents

At a job interview:

ええ (はい)おかげさまで

は お元気 です か。

you

ashita no nomikai do- shimasu ka

Are you going to have a party tomorrow night?

shidai desu yo

How are your parents doing?

They're fine—thanks for asking.

ee (hai) okagesama de

your child

tsugi no kata do-zo次の方 どうぞ。

明日 の 飲み会 どう します か?  

は おいくつ です か。wa oikutsu desu ka

wa ogenki desu ka

は 5人 です。wa go-nin desu

次第 です よ。

your family

my family

は 何人 です か。wa nan-nin desu ka

上 が 5歳 で 下 が 3歳 です。ue ga go-sai de shita ga san-sai desu

your の 番 です よ。no ban desu yo

your ダメだった のは      の せい です。dame-datta nowa no se- desu

How many are there in your family?

There are five of us.

How old are your children?

The oldest is 5, and the youngest is 3 years old.

Interviewer: Would the next person please come in?

A person sitting on your side:

A wife who is complaining to her husband: It's all your fault!

It's up to you.

You're next!

My own group or another group

my group

father

mother

husband

wife

child

daughter

son

older(elder)brother older(elder)sister

youngerbrother

youngersister

brothers andsisters

another group my group another group

e.g., This is (my) wife. watashi no tsuma desu

Another group (someone else's relatives, colleagues and so on)

私 の 妻 です。

My own group (my relatives, my colleagues and so on)

chichi oto- -san父 お父さん

haha oka- -san母 お母さん

shujin go-shujin主人 御主人

tsuma oku-san妻 奥さん

kodomo oko-san子供 お子さん

musume ojo- -san娘  お嬢さん

musuko musuko-san息子 息子さん

ani oni- -san兄  お兄さん

ane one- -san姉  お姉さん

oto- to oto- to-san弟  弟さん

imo- to imo- to-san妹  妹さん

kyodai go-kyo- daiきょうだい ごきょうだい

parents

family

grandfather

grandmother

uncle

aunt

nephew

niece

cousin

relative

ryo-shin go-ryo-shin両親   御両親

kazoku go-kazoku家族   御家族

oji- -san おじいさん

oji oji-sanおじ   おじさん

oi oigo-sanおい   おいごさん

mei meigo-sanめい   めいごさん

oba oba-sanおば   おばさん

itoko itoko no kataいとこ  いとこ の かた

shinseki go-shinseki親戚   御親戚

sofu 祖父      

oba- -san おばあさん

sobo 祖母    

e.g., Is this your wife? anata no okusan desu ka

あなた の 奥さんですか。

e.g., This is Yamada- san's wife. Yamada-san no okusan desu

山田さん の 奥さん です。okusan desu ka奥さんですか。

おばあさんoba- -san

おじいさんoji- -san

anata

In the Japanese language, when one refers to oneself (first person) and members of one's own group, one uses different expressions than when referring to someone else (second person / third person) or the people of another group.

In the Japanese language, the possessive pronoun (my... "watashi no" or your ... "anata no") is usually omitted when describing the members of a family group, except for a few specialized cases. It is important to remember these words describing the family relationship in order to avoid confusion.

If you use "anata" even though you know the other person's name, you might discomfort him. If you do know the person by name, it is best to use his name, rather than calling him "anata."

If you are referring to someone you do not know by name, it will not discomfort him to be called "anata."

anataあなた

anataあなた

anataあなた

1.

2.

3.

you

you

Pole-san go-ryo- shin go-kazoku kazoku oko-san anata anata

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

Des

ign

: Mas

ako

Ban

Copyright 2002 The Yomiuri Shimbun

Page 39: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

"Pole-san, o-shigoto wa o-isogashii desu ka? o-jikan arimashitara mata o-shokuji o shimasho- ne!" (Mr. Pole, are you busy with work? Let's go for dinner again if you have time!) Well, Mr. Pole! Can you figure out how many "o"s I said? I said four! In daily conversations involving women or in business situations, the Japanese put "o" before nouns, adjectives and verbs. Sometimes, they say "go" instead of "o." Making such a distinction depends on whichword you are using, and you may need to know which words take "o." Rules for the distinctions are complicated and there are quite a fewexceptions. To make it even more complicated, the rules for distinguishing "go" from "o" vary according tothe people, occupations and their environment. I tried to think of a way to make it easier for you to understand, but I couldn't figure outany easy rules. I hope that this will help you out, even though theseexplanations may apply only to about 70 percent of vocabulary. Let me omit the applications for verbs for this lesson. Generally, "o" and "go" are placed before nouns.

One of my Japanese friends invited me home for dinner the other day, and I met his 6-year-old son. The boy showed me his drawings and said: "This is o-hana (a flower)," "This is o-tomodachi (a friend)," "This is o-sakana (afish)" and "This is o-uchi (a house)." I noticed that he put "o" before every noun, but why was that? No one taught me to add "o" before nouns at Japaneseschool. All I know is to put "o" before "mizu" (water), but do I have to say "o" before every word?

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga

Answers

A)

B)

C)

D)

E)

F)

G)

A)B)

C)D)E)F)

G)

会 話Conversation

kai wa

sakana o-sakana魚   お魚

+oお

e.g, fish .....

Words with short syllablesWords that relate to daily life

ke-- yaku go-ke--yaku契約 御契約

contract .....

The kanji "御"

(Imperial honorific) is pronounced either "go" or "o," and it turns nouns and adjectives into their polite forms.There are four reasons for placing "go / o" before words:1) For polite expressions2) Beautifying the words3) Softening the expressions (mostly preferred by women)4) Speaking to children ("o" is commonly used)

"o" is for the frequently used words related to everyday life.

kome o-kome米 お米

rice .....

sho-kai go-sho-kai 紹介 御紹介

+go御

eg. introduction .....

abstract noun The words are related to "actions/activity"

"go" is used for words related to "action / activity" (Generally, "go" is placed before words with a Chinese pronunciation, but I think that it is very difficult for students to distinguish which words these are. That is why I have tried to explain "go" in this way.

+ noun

(weather)

e.g., present ... o-present

お名前o-namae

name .....

letter .....

holiday .....

medicine .....

soy sauce .....

chopsticks.....

money .....

sake .....

telephone .....

work.....

cold .....

cooking.....

お手紙o-tegami

oお

お休みo-yasumi

お薬o-kusuri

お醤油o-sho-yu

お箸o-hashi

お金o-kane

お酒o-sake

お電話o-denwa

お仕事o-shigoto

お風邪o-kaze

お料理o-ryo-ri

+ "i" adjective

お忙しいo-isogashi-

busy .....

お高いo-takai

cheap .....

fast, quick .....

young .....

hot .....

cold .....

お安いo-yasui

お早いo-hayai

お若いo-wakai

お暑いo-atsuiお寒いo-samui

お好きなo-sukina

be good at .....

dislike .....

quiet .....

お上手なo-jo-zuna

お嫌いなo-kiraina

お静かなo-shizukana

go ご

ご用件go-yo- kenbusiness .....

address .....

contact .....

reservation .....

departure.....

family .....

anxiety .....

order .....

confirmation .....

explanation.....

neighborhood.....

message.....

ご住所go-ju- sho

ご連絡go-renraku

ご予約go-yoyaku

ご出発go-shuppatsu

ご家族go-kazoku

ご心配go-shinpai

ご注文go-chu-mon

ご確認go-kakunin

ご説明go-setsume-

ご近所go-kinjo

ご伝言go-dengon

+ noun oお

+ "na" adjectiveoお

お元気なo-genkina

cheerful .....

(frequently used in daily life)

(mostly used by elderly women)

(frequently used in daily life)

Note:1) Be careful not to say "o" too much, or avoid putting "o" before every word.2) You cannot say "o" before the word of foreign origin. However, you may hear "o-beer" in a restaurant. This is an exception that only waiters/waitresses can say.

← bad example.

These are some examples that take "go" and "o." Please refer to this list to see which word takes "go" or "o." As for the words that are not on this list, please make your own decisions by listening to how Japanese people around you use them. "i" adjectives and "na" adjectives are mostly used by older women.

日本の食べ物 は 何 が 嫌い です か。

電話 ありがとうございました。

仕事 忙しそう です ね。

sake ga sukidesu ka

hai suki desu ne

Nihon no tabemono wa nani ga kirai desu ka

ima jikan arimasu ka今 時間 あります か。

o-sake ga o-suki desu ka o-denwa arigato- gozaimashita o-shigoto o-isogashi-so- desu nego-kazoku no mina-sama o-genki desu kao-kirai desu kago-chumon wa go-yoyaku desu ne o-namae to go-jusho to o-denwa bango onegaishimasuima o-jikan arimasu ka

酒 が 好き です か。

注文 はchu-mon wa

denwa arigato- -gozaimashita

shigoto isogashi-so- desu ne

家族 の 皆様 元気 です か。kazoku no mina-sama genki desu ka

はい 好き です ね。

予約 です ね。名前 と 住所 と

電話番号 お願いします。

yoyaku desu ne namae to ju- sho to

denwa-bango- onegaishimasu

はい おかげさまで 元気 です 。hai okagesamade genki desu

Do you like sake?

Yes, I do.

Thank you for calling. I suppose you are busy with work, aren't you?

How is everybody in your family?

They are all fine, thanks for asking.

Which Japanese food do you dislike?

May I take your order?

You'd like to make a reservation, right? Please give us your name, address and phonenumber.

Do you have time right now?

お ご

o

expensive .....

like .....

noun, adjective

noun

Put "o" or "go" if necessary.

Des

ign

: Mas

ako

Ban

Copyright 2002 The Yomiuri Shimbun

Page 40: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

Des

ign

: Mas

ako

Ban

muzukashi- desu ne…

ummm...chotto muzukashi- desu ne...

ummm… chotto muzukashi- desu ne…

ummm… chotto muzukashi- desu ne…

Would you be surprised if I said to you, "Pole-san, watashi mo raishu- no kinyo- bi wa 'muzukashi' desu ne…?" The word "muzukashi- " can be used in another way, rather than simply meaning "difficult." The phrase implies that something is being refused or declined. If you don't want to do something and say, "dame (No)" or "dekimasen (I can't do it)" in everyday life, it may sound offensive, and you may be expected to explain your reason. But if you want to decline an offer without stating a reason, it is better to say, "muzukashi- desu ne… (I'mafraid…)." It is a very useful phrase because you don't have to explain why you are making the refusal.

When I finished a business conference with a client, I wanted to make an appointment for our next meeting, asking, "raishu- no kinyo-bi wa do- desu ka?" (What about meeting on Friday next week?) But he said, "ummm… raishu- no kinyo-bi wa chotto muzukashi- desu ne." I couldn't believe what he said! Heis Japanese, but he said, "It is a bit difficult for me (to understand) 'raishu- no kinyo-bi' (next Friday)." So, I changed the day, and said, "soredewa kondo no kayo-bi wa?" (Well, what about this coming Tuesday?). But his reply was, "gomennasai. kayo-bi mo chotto muzukashi- desu ne…" (I'm sorry, but it is still difficult for me (to understand) 'kayo-bi' (Tuesday)." What! This Japanese man doesn't even understand "kayo-bi" (Tuesday)? I am not a native speaker but I do know what that means! Why is it so muzukashi- (difficult) for him?

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga

Answers1) C 2) A 3) B

んん...ちょっと...ummm… chotto…

んん...ちょっと 難しい です ね...

(time) (there is no) (can't)

Refusal

明日までにできますか。ashita made ni dekimasu ka

e.g.,

んん... ちょっと 難しい です ね...

時間 が ない ので できません。jikan ga nai node dekimasen

(inhaling briefly) Hmm… well… (implying "no")

(inhaling briefly) Hmm… well… I'm afraid not… (implying "no" or "I can't do it")

Can you do it by tomorrow?

■ When a reason is not necessary (inhaling briefly) Hmm… well… I'm afraid not…

■ When a reason is necessary I can't do it because there is no time.

難しい

Nihon ni sumu no wa bukka ga takakute taihen desu

日本 に 住むの は 物価が高くて大変 です。 taihen taihen大変! 大変!

taihen na shigoto desu ne大変な 仕事 です ね。

a~ yatto owarimashitaあ~ やっと 終わりました。

taihen deshita ne大変 でした ね。

mo- muzukashi- hanashi wa yamemasho-もう 難しい 話 は やめましょう。

2. Refusal: (I am afraid…): muzukashi-

ashita (asu) no yoru shokuji demo shimasen ka明日 の 夜 食事でも しません か。

(ashita wa) chotto… muzukashi- desu ne…

(明日 は) ちょっと… 難しい です ね…

You: Well… I'm afraid tomorrow's no good.

mo- chotto yasuku narimasen kaもうちょっと 安くなりません か。

難しい ですね...√2 × √5 ÷ 8 - 20…

大変

難しい

難しい

3. Difficult (hard, tough, terrible): taihen

んん...ちょっと 難しい です ね...

1. Complicated: (antonym: easy): muzukashi-

Friend: Would you like to have a dinner with me tomorrow night?

You: Can I get a discount?

Clerk: Hmm… well… I'm afraid not.

Hmm… It's complicated! We'd better stop talking about complicated issues.

It is hard to live in Japan because it is so expensive. Oh, no! How terrible!

I think it's a tough job.Ah, we are done at last! It was really hard, wasn't it!?

A)

B)

C)

1)

2)

3)

難difficult; hard; tough

muzuka(shi- ) / nan / kata(shi)

desu

息子が受験 に失敗したら

ichi-nan satte mata ichi-nan

musuko ga juken ni shippai shita ra

一難去ってまた一難

shinnyu- -shain wa aisatsu mo dekinai fuuu…

そう 簡単 には 出来ません。so- kantan niwa dekimasen

です。

One calamity follows on the heels of another.

Please match the sentences in the first section withthose in the second.

(one trouble) (leave) (again) (one trouble)

(fresh man) (greeting)(even) (can't)

(this time) (my husband)(lose one's job)

(my son) (fail an examination)

(so) (easy) (cannot)

 

言うは易く行うは難しIt is easier said than done.

(say) (easy) (do) (difficult) iu wa yasuku okonau wa katashi

 

前 途 多 難 (the future) (full of difficulties)zen to ta nan

今度 は 主人 が 失業... kondo wa shujin ga shitsugyo-…

Various difficulties lie ahead.

New employees don't know how to give greetings. I know various problems lie ahead of them.

It is easier said than done! It is not that easy!

Various problems lie ahead.

One misfortune followed close on the heels of another.

It is easiersaid than done.

Keep in mind that "muzukashi- " also means "no" or "I can't do it." In the following phrases, say "chotto…" (well…) in a doubtful and negative tone and remain silent briefly. To sound like a native speaker, inhale shortly through closed teeth before saying, "ummm… chotto…" Both techniques imply that you are thinking about it for a minute.

My son failed his school entrance exam, and now my husband is out of work! One misfortunefollowed close on the heels of another.

だなあdana-

むずかしいですね...

ummm .................................................

muzukashi-

muzukashi-

desu ne

........

...

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

新入社員 は あいさつ も できない。ふう~

Copyright 2002 The Yomiuri Shimbun

Page 41: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

"hai! wakari mashita" (Certainly! I'll tell you)." It is true that Japanese people like to say "hai" in their daily life. "hai" means much more than"yes," which is the anto-�nym of "no." It is important to understand how it is used in different situations. Otherwise, you may find yourself com-�pletely misunderstanding what it being said. Note that No. 6 is easily misunderstood by foreigners.

I had promised to have a dinner with my friend last night, and I called herat her office to decide what time to meet. Let me tell you what happened. When a receptionist picked up the phone, I asked her, "Ueda-san irasshaimasu ka" (May I speak with Ms. Ueda?). Then she said, "hai, tadaima kaigi-chu- desu ga" (Yes, she's in a meeting right now, but...). I was waiting forher to come to the phone because the receptionist said "yes." But, several seconds later, the same woman said, "moshi moshi?" (hello?) I thought that she had not been able to come to the phone, so I just said, "mata ato de odenwa itashimasu" (I'll call her back later). "Well, I guess shecan't have dinner with me tonight," I thought. Then suddenly I became hungry, and I went to a restaurant by myself. When I asked a waitress,"aka-wine arimasu ka" (Do you have red wine?), she said, "hai, mo-shiwake gozaimasen ga oite-orimasen" (Yes, I'm sorry, but we don't carry it), and shewas just waiting to take my order. I wasn't sure what she said, but I guessedthere was no red wine. So, I ordered a glass of beer. Hmm...I thought that "hai" meant only "yes," but I suppose there are several different ways of using it. Ms. Hirayama, please tell me more about "hai."

Des

ign

: Mas

ako

Ban

Answers

Nishizawa-san

haiはい。

Organizer: Nishizawa-san!

1) Indicating one's presence

西沢さん。

・At a business conference:

Participant: Here!

はい はい

H ere!Attention! I understand ( see) .Ah- huh. C ertainly!Sure! OK !Y es. T hat' s r ight.

H ere!Attention! I understand ( see) .Ah- huh. C ertainly!Sure! OK !Y es. T hat' s r ight.

Ueda-san desu ka?

haiはい。

Aida-san: Is this Ueda-san? 上田さん ですか。・On a phone:

Ueda-san: Yes, speaking.

hai soredewa hajimemasu(then)     (will start)

Attention! It's time to start.

2) Getting attention

はい それでは始めます。

・Trying to get people's attention, asking people to pay attention before starting an event (e.g., a meeting):

ジャパニーズランチ で ございます。

Mr. Ree: I see. She isn't there at this moment, is she?

Receptionist: Hello? I'm sorry to make you wait.

Japanese Lunch de gozaimasu

もし もしmoshi moshi

Receptionist: Certainly! Please hold on a minute.

Mr. Ree: This is Ree of KBS. I'd like to talk with Ms. Ueda.

Receptionist: Hello. This is Japanese Lunch.

on the phone

Mr. Ree : Hello.

KBS の 李 です が 上田さん お願いします。KBS no Ree desu ga Ueda-san onegaishimasu

少々 お待ち下さい。sho- sho- omachi-kudasai

もしもし お待たせ致しました。moshi moshi omatase-itashimashita

あいにく 席 を はずしております。ainiku seki o hazushite-orimasu

そう です か。 いらっしゃいません か。so- desu ka irasshaimasen ka

すぐに 出ます ので suguni demasu node

戻りましたら こちらから お電話致しましょう か。modorimashitara kochira-kara odenwa itashimasho- ka

私 から また お電話致します。watakushi kara mata odenwa itashimasu

では よろしくお願い致します。dewa yoroshiku onegai itashimasu

Receptionist: That's right.

shitsure- itashimasu

Mr. Ree: No, I'm leaving right now.

Receptionist: I understand! � Please do so.

Mr. Ree: Sure! Goodbye!

I'm afraid that she is unable to come to the phone right now.

Do you want her to call you when she�gets back?

I will call her backlater.

(humble form of "desu")

(a little) (please wait)

(to make you wait)

(unfortunately)(seat)(humble form of "leave one's seat")

(I see) (honolific form of "not exist")

(when she back) (from us) (humble form of "call you")

(soon) (will leave) (because of)

(from me) (again) (will call you)

(then) (humble form of "please do so")

("Goodbye" for telephone)

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

はいhai(1) ~ (6), except (4)

or

hai demo (but)

Manager: Could you do this, please?

(hai demo...)

はい でも...

3) Showing one's understanding of a speaker

ashita no asa go-ji ni (tomorrow)(morning)(5 o'clock)

明日 の 朝 5時 に

hai

・Request:

はい 。

4) Responding to a request/suggestion/invitation

kore onegaishimasuこれ お願いします。

Secretary: Certainly!

Manager: It's getting late. You can go home now.

hai

・Suggestion(command):

はい 。

hai はい 。

osoi node mo- kaeri-nasai遅いので もう 帰りなさい。

Secretary: Thank you, sir.

Manager: Let's have dinner tonight!

・Invitation:

komban shokuji demo今晩  食事 でも

Secretary: I'd love to.

Manager: Are you Japanese?

5) Answering a question

hai

・ Affirmative answer:

はい 。Nihonjin desu ka

日本人 です か。

Employee: Yes, I am.

Manager: Is Mr. Inaba there?

hai imasu はい   います。

6) Confirming a positive/negative statement orquestion

Inaba-san imasu ka稲葉さん います か。

Manager: Isn't Mr. Inaba there? Inaba-san imasen ka

稲葉さん いませんか。

Employee: Yes, he is.

Employee: No, (That's right) he is not here. hai imasen

はい  いません。

Manager: Please come by 5 o'clock tomorrow morning.

Secretary: I'd like to, but I'm afraid I can't...

来て下さい。kite-kudasai(please come)

申し訳ありませんが ちょっと難しいです...。mo-shiwake arimasengachotto muzukashi- desu

this is a typical phrase on a phone.

Hello

Certainly

That's right

No

I understand

Sure

Put はい or いいえ in the boxes.

会 話conversation

kai wa

Copyright 2002 The Yomiuri Shimbun

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga

失礼 致します。 

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

Page 42: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

Des

ign

: Mas

ako

Ban

Copyright 2002 The Yomiuri Shimbun

What Mr. Koga meant is, "I guess you were happy to spend time only with your parents. But, Mr. Pole, you are standoffish! I could've told you all about good spots in Kyu- shu- if you had told me that you were going there." In the Japanese language, there are many idioms that have water in them. Forexample, "mizu-sho-bai," which literally means "water business." Can you imagine what kind of occupation that is? It's not the business of selling water! "mizu-sho-bai" (chancy trade) are the kinds of business that depend on being popular with customers, like bars, restaurants and nightclubs. Let me show you more expressions that use the word "mizu" (water).

Last month, I took my parents to Kyu-shu- for a family trip. The onsen (hot spring) was relaxing, nature was awesome and the food was very delicious! Mr. Koga, who is one of my friends, is from Fukuoka, and I told him how much I enjoyed my trip. He said, "so- desu ka, (I see). oyako 'mizu-irazu' deshita ne (I guess there was 'mizu-irazu' [no need of water?] for your family). demo, Pole-san 'mizu-kusai' desu ne (But, Mr. Pole, that's 'mizu-kusai' [stinky water?]). Kyu-shu- nara iro-iro sho-

kai shitakatta desu (I could have told you a lot about Kyu-shu- if you had asked me)." Did he say "mizu-kusai" (stinky water)? How bad is that smell? Did he also say "mizu-irazu" (no need of water)? What did he mean by "no need of water"? The water in Kyu-shu- was not stinky, but delicious, and I had a lot of water during my trip. When I went to a coffee shop in Kyu-shu-, a waitress brought us glasses of water even though we did not order them. Oh, boy! I have no idea what Mr. Koga told me.

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga

Answers

Answers

A) 6) B) 1) C) 5) D) 3) E) 8) F) 4)

(water)(and)(oil)

1)

(water) (smell)

(water)(not coming in)

mizu-kusai

mizu-irazu

水臭い

To find one's element

mizu no awa

mizu ni nagasu

mizu to abura

yake ishi ni mizu

2)

水入らず

水と油

水に流す

焼け石に水

水の泡

ne mimi ni mizu

mizu o eta sakana水を得た魚

寝耳に水

(water) (let flow)

(burn)(stone) (water)

(river)

(water)(bubbles)

(water) (get) (fish)

(sleeping)(ears)(water)

A bolt from the blue (sounds negative)

To be standoffish/ to be reserved

To be alone with one's family, without outsiders

To be like oil and water

To forgive and forget

That was only a drop in the bucket.

To come to nothing

3)

4)

5)

6)

7)

8)

(Lit. no water coming in)

(Lit. stinky water)

(Lit. water and oil)

(Lit. water on a hot stone)

(Lit. bubbles of water)

(Lit. fish returned to water)

(Lit. water into the ear of a sleeping person)

(Lit. flushing it with water)

That was only a drop in the bucket.

To be like an oil and water

A)

ano futari wa ... itsumo iken ga aimasen

To come to nothing

あの二人は .....いつも意見が合いません。

  na- enryo shinaide itte-kurereba yokatta noni

B)

a- yokatta! konkai no koto wa to itte-kuremashita

D)

ああ良かった!今回の事は  と言ってくれました。

gambatte diet shita noni suguni modotchatta

To be standoffish / to be reserved

頑張ってダイエットしたのに、すぐに戻っちゃった。

korekara ki o tsukemasuこれから気をつけます。

To forgive and forget

subete ga 全てが

dane だね。

akaji nanode ikura gambattemo   desu 赤字なのでいくら頑張っても         です。

e ! honto ? sonnakoto kiitenai yoえっ!ホント?   そんな事聞いてないよ!

C)

A bolt from the blue

  なあ~、 遠慮しないで言ってくれればよかったのに! 

Please enter the appropriate idiom in the following squares.

E)

F)

I was on diet, and doing great! But I gained the weight that I had lost.

Oh, well, all your efforts came to nothing.

You have been standoffish. You could have asked me without hesitation.

There is nothing we can do because of the deficit. It's only a drop inthe bucket.

Those two people are like oil and water. They always disagree witheach other.

Oh, really? That's a bolt from the blue. I've never heard of it!

Oh, what a relief! He told me that he would forgive us and forget about it.

We should be careful next time!

water

polka dot

mizu; sui; zui

mizutamamoyo-

mizu

A) nose B) fragrance C) rain

D) defend; prevent E) sea F) road

G) warm; temperature H) middle; inside I) color

J) insect K) tune; moderate L) flood

鼻 香

水 玉 模 様

防 海 道

温 中 色

虫 節 洪

sui chu-水 中

bo- sui hana mizu

kai sui mizu iro mizu mushi

ko- sui ses sui sui do-

sui on ko- zui ama mizu

防 水 鼻 水

海 水 水 色 水 虫

香 水 節 水 水 道

水 温 洪 水 雨 水

The kanji below (A-L) make specific words when combined with 水 mizu (water). Make words that mean 1) to 12) by combining 水 with one of the kanji below.

In the water Waterproof Runny nose

Seawater Light-blue Athlete's foot

Perfume/fragrance Saving water Public water

Water temperature Flood Rainwater

1) 2) 3)4) 5) 6)7) 8) 9)10) 11) 12)

1) H) 2) D) 3) A)

4) E) 5) I) 6) J)

7) B) 8) K) 9) F)

10) G) 11) L) 12) C)

Kanji of "water"

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5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

I would say, "oishi-~i o-soba o tabemashita ne" (I

guess you had some delicious soba). Japanese people, especially young girls, often usethese kinds of expression when they are surprised or amazed. Instead of using Japanese words that are equivalent to English words such as "very," "extremely," etc., you simply make the i-adjective and na-adjective longer than usual. There is no rule for the length of the long vowel. You can make the long vowel as long as you want, depending on your feelings. (But please note that making it too long is strange.) The length of the long vowel and where to make itdepend on the individual, but there are some basic rules. Please see the list below.

One of my colleagues bought a new car, and he invited me to go to Mt. Fuji for a drive. He also invited some girls to come with us. While he was driving, one of the girls asked him how much the car cost. Whenshe heard the price, she was surprised and said, "taka-

~i!" (How expensive!). When his car was going really fast on the highway, the other girl said, "haya-~i!" (How fast!). When we arrived at the foot of Mt. Fuji, the girls were amazed andsaid, "kire-~i!" (How beautiful!), "sugo-~i!" (How wonderful!). When we got hungry, we went to a restaurant and I had o-soba noodles. And I tried to imitatethose girls and said, "oi

-~~~~shii!" (How

delicious!). I didn't know where to make the long vowel and how long to make it, andeverybody laughed at me when I finished saying the word. Ms. Hirayama, pleasetell me how long I am supposed to make the long vowel.

Answers

Answers

oishi-~~i

おいし~~いdelicious

i-adjective.....Make a vowel longer before "i". The length varies according to one's feelings.

i-~~i

い~~いgood

chika-~~iちか~~いnear

haya-~~iはや~~いfast, quick, early

samu-~~iさむ~~いcold (weather)

tsumeta-~~iつめた~~いcold (object)

oso- ~~iおそ~~いlate, slow

yasu-~~iやす~~いcheap

to-~~iとお~~いfar

taka-~~iたか~~いhigh, expensive

hiro-~~iひろ~~いwide, spacious

atsu-~~iあつ~~いhot, thick

omoshiro-~~iおもしろ~~いfunny, interesting

kusa-~~iくさ~~いbad-smelling, stinky

kitana-~~iきたな~~いdirty

waru-~~iわる~~いbad

Group A Group B Group C Group D

fube- ~ n

2)

14)

13)

ふべ ~ ん

3) 6) 7) 18)

1)              2)            3)         4)

inconvenient

kire- ~ iきれ ~ いbeautiful

suteki- ~

すてき ~ wonderful

jo-~ zuじょう ~ ずbeing good at

Group A Group B Group C Group D

fukuzatsuふくざつcomplex, complicated

henへんweird, strange

kiraiきらいdislike

iyaいやunpleasant, disappointing

5)      6)           7)        8)          9)

sukiすきlike

daijo-buだいじょうぶno problem, OK

taisetsuたいせつimportant

daikiraiだいきらいhate, disgusting

daisukiだいすきlove, very fond of

10)         11)        12)           13)          14)    

nigiyakaにぎやかbusy, lively

hitsuyo-ひつようnecessary

shizukaしずかquiet, silent, caim

anzenあんぜんsafe

kantanかんたんsimple

15)          16)           17)               18)

jo-buじょうぶstrong, sturdy

kyu-きゅうsudden, urgent

majimeまじめserious, sincere (personality)

taihenたいへんterrible, horrible

1) 2) 4) 5) 6) 15)

8) da ~ ikirai 9) da ~ isuki

a ~ nzen

ka ~ ntan 16) 17)

18)

na-adjective.....There are four categories (from A to D) for identifying the long vowel in na-adjectives. An example is shown for each category. Please try to put the other words in the correct category. Notethat some words fit in more than one category.

a long vowel before "n" a long vowel before "i" a long vowel at the end of the word

the long vowel (o) in the letter "jo"

■ ■

7) 10) 11) 12)

convenient,simple

電子レンジ は です。

午後 なら が いい です ね。

denshi-range wa desu

gogo nara ga i- desu ne

(microwave)

(Chinese noodles)

 (price) (car) (look for)

(time) (there is no)

な 値段 の 車 を 探しています。 na nedan no kuruma o sagashite-imasu

カップラーメン は です。

テスト は です。

cup-ra-men wa desu

test wa       desu

時間 が ない ので に話して!jikan ga nai node ni hanashite!

tegoro手ごろ 簡単

kantan

tsugo- 都合

kantan 簡単 便利

benri

易しかったyasashi-katta

全然 わからない ので もっと 説明して下さい。zenzen wakaranai node motto setsume- shite-kudasai

yasashiku易しく

1) For an object: "benri"2) For a timetable or schedule: "tsugo- ga i- "3) For money: "tegoro na" (convenient to buy)

I'm looking for an inexpensive car (literally, a car that is convenient for me to buy).

The test was easy.

Cupped noodles are simple to make.

The afternoon is convenient for me.

I don't have much time, so keep it simple!

Microwave ovens are convenient.

I have no idea what you mean, so please make it easier to understand.

There are three ways of saying "convenient" in Japanesewith different nuances from English. Please note that it is not polite to apply "convenient" to a human being.

4) For a procedure that is "simple" (not troublesome, or time-consuming): "kantan"5) For the antonym of "difficult": "yasashi-"

"Simple" and "easy" can be confusing, too. Here are some examples to consider.

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

A - 3)

D - 2) E - 4) F - 1) G - 5)

B - 5) C - 4)

very expensivevery expensiveたか~~~~い

taka- ~ ~ ~ ~itaka- ~ ~ ~ ~i

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga

Copyright 2002 The Yomiuri Shimbun

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Copyright 2002 The Yomiuri Shimbun

shiritori is a Japanese word game in which players must say a word beginning with the last sound of the previous word, for example, "u-sa-gi → gi-n-ko-u → u-chi → chi-zu...." The first player to say a word ending with "N" loses the game. For example, "su-i-ka (watermelon) → ka-gi (key) → ki-ri-n (giraffe)."(In the first example, ginko- is pronounced ginkou in Japanese. Therefore, the last syllable is "u.")

One day on the train, I overheard a child next to me having a conversation with his mother. He said to her, "oka-san, shiritori shiyo--yo!"(Mom, let's do "shiritori"!) and, I wondered, "What? 'shiritori'?'shiri (one's back side) and tori (take).' Butt-grabbing!?" As I was trying to guess what this meant, the child said, "usagi (rabbit)." Then, the mother said, "gi...ginkou (bank)." Then, the child said, "uchi (house)," and the mother said, "chi...chi... chizu (map)," and so on. They kept doing it untilthe train stopped at the next station. I wondered what they were doing.

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga

kaiwa

1) Here are some more word games: 12 words are hidden in consecutive order. (Go clockwise → ) e.g., kikai: machine

ki ka ika

ni

ku

ri

n

go

man

jiyuume

bo

shi

ji

mi

mi

mi

ka

ka, ki, ku, ke, ko ←→ ga, gi, gu, ge, go sa, shi, su, se, so ←→ za, ji, zu, ze, zo ta, chi, tsu, te, to ←→ da, de, do ha, hi, fu, he, ho ←→ ba, bi, bu, be, bo / pa, pi, pu, pe, po

kaze (wind)←→ sekai (world)

じゅう

いか

にく

んご

まん

ぼめ

みみ

かき

kaba (hippopotamus)←→ pazuru(puzzle)

e.g.,

ン ミ ン コ クア

ェ ジ イ ナ ー ガ ン ト ー エ

カ ナ ダ イ

メリ

2) Seven country names are hidden below in consecutive order. (Note: South Korea = Daikan minkoku) (Go clockwise → )

dai

kan

min

kokue ji i na ga n to eri

ame

rika

na

会 話

あの~ ジャパニーズランチ の ジェームス ポール です が、ano- Japanese Lunch no James Pole desu ga

go-ji ni Chida sama to oyakusoku-shite-irun desu ga...5時 に 千田 様 と お約束しているん です が...

hai Japanese Lunch no Pole-sama desu neはい、ジャパニーズランチ の ポール様 です ね。

sochira ni okakeninatte omachi-kudasaimaseそちら に お掛けになってお待ち下さいませ。

Mr. Chida's secretary comes out to welcome Mr. Pole.

Pole-sama omatase-itashimashita ポール様 お待たせ致しました。

do-zo kochira eどうぞ こちらへ。

tadaima bucho- no Chida ga mairimasu node

sho- -sho- omachi-kudasai

ただ今 部長 の 千田 が 参りますので

suimasen omatase-shimashitaすいません。お待たせしました。

iie itsumo osewani natte-imasuいいえ いつもお世話になっています。

Pole: Excuse me, I'm James Pole from Japanese Lunch. And

Receptionist: I see... you are Mr. Pole from Japanese Lunch.

Secretary: Mr. Pole. Sorry for keeping you waiting.

your company name

A few minutes later.

Chida: Excuse me, sir. I'm sorry to keep you waiting.

Pole: Not at all. I always appreciate your kindness.

Many readers have asked for examples of typical conversations people have when visiting a company.

I have an appointment to see Mr. Chida at five o'clock today.

Please take a seat over there, and he'll be with you in a minute.

Please come this way.

The general manager, Mr. Chida, is on his way, so please wait for a few minutes.

your name

appointment time

person's namewho you will meet

("I have an appointment")

(confirmation)

over there honorific of "take your seat" and "please wait"

honorific of "thank you for waiting"

right now Chida manager humble form of "will come"

for a few minutes please wait

thank you for waiting

always appreciate your kindness.

Answers : You can start at any place.

1)    ika: squid kani: crabniku: meat kuri: chestnut ringo: apple goma: sesamemanjuu: a steamed (bean-jam) bun umeboshi: pickled plumshijimi: a shellfish mimi: ears mimikaki: ear pick

色眼鏡 台 所 在 地 球 場 外 

茶番 一 本 日 月 年 生

車中

3) Fifteen words in kanji are hidden at right. Look for the word in kanji, not the sound of the word. (Go clockwise → )  e.g., 外車 (foreign car)

クウェート: Kuwait トンガ: Tongaガーナ: Ghana ナイジェリア: Nigeria アメリカ: the United Statesカナダ: Canada

中学生: middle school student 生年月日: date of birth 日本一: No. 1 in Japan一番: first 番茶: coarse tea 茶色: brown色眼鏡: colored glasses 鏡台: chest of drawers with a mirror 台所: kitchen地球: Earth 球場: baseball stadium場外: outside the grounds

2)

3)

車中: in a car / in a train

shiritorishiritori

Note: In shiritori, similar sounds are considered the same:

少々お待ち下さい。

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

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Copyright 2002 The Yomiuri Shimbun

I frequently hear that people overseas imagine that Japanese people are ambiguous and do not give definite answers, that they have nofacial expressions, and that their thoughts are obscure. So, I understand your frustration. "ma- ma- desu ne" is translated as "so-so" in English, but it's not exactly the same. Japanese people frequently say, "ma- ma- desu ne," and I hope my explanation below will help you understand what they mean.

The other day, I went fishing with a Japanese friend. At noon, he took out the lunch his wife had prepared for him, and he offered me some. When I said to him, "oku-san no obento-, totemo oishi- desu ne" (This is very tasty. Your wife prepares a great lunch.), he said, "ma- ma- desu yo" (It's so-so). But he ate everything in his lunch box with a genuine smile. I wonder if his wife gets mad with him if he leaves something. After that, he showed me a photo of his wife. When I said, "oku-san kire- desu ne" (Your wife is pretty), he said, "ma- ma- desu yo" (She's so-so). But he looked very happy to hear thecompliment. Hmm...I wonder whether he really liked his lunch...I wonder if he thought his wife was pretty or not...I have no idea what he was thinking!

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga

kaiwa

会 話ma- ma- ma- ma- ma- ma-

Pole-san: So-so. (He is smiling.) Imai-san: How is your business?

Pole-san: So-so. (His tone depressed.) Imai-san: How was your new project meeting?

★ Describing someone (third person)

まあまあ です ね。ma- ma- desu ne

まあまあ です。ma- ma- desu

★ Describing yourself (first person)

On the other hand, when they use the expression to describe someone else, it implies that they have somewhat negative feelings, which corresponds to "so-so" in English.

"Ma- ma-" has a wide range of meanings when Japanese people use it to describe themselves. It can be positive or negative depending ontheir facial expressions, and it does not simply mean "so-so" in English. Saying "ma- ma-" is especially appropriate way to say, "It's good," because the Japanese culture admires the humble and modest spirit of the speaker.

It is hard to say.../I'm afraid not...

1)

How was     ?

muzukashi- desu ne...

会議2)

4)

kaigi

3)

難しいですね...

5) 6) 7)

meeting/conference

No problem./It's OK.

daijo-bu desu大丈夫です。

It went well.

umaku ikimashitaうまくいきました。

It was terrible./It was no good.

dame deshitaダメでした。

I'm sorry to have troubled you so much.

goshimpai o okake-itashimashitaご心配をお掛け致しました。

Yes, somehow...

e- do-nikaええ どうにか...

契約keiyaku

contract話し合いhanashiai

consultation/discussion

問題mondai

problem/issueパーティーparty

party

デートdate

dateコンサートconcert

concert

いかがでしたか。ikaga deshita ka

どうだった。do- datta

It was really good.

yokatta desu良かったです。

How did go?

The nouns in 1) to 7) can be put in the square above. Needless to say, some other nouns can be added, too.

nouns nouns

Some other answers.

QUESTION

REPLYING

(polite form)

(friendly form)→

Pole-san desu neポールさん です ね。

hai okagesama de はい お陰さまで

senjitsu no ken 先日 の 件

ichio- ue niwa ga...一応 上には が...

Conversation (continued from November)

iroiro to いろいろと

okage-sama de お陰さまで

honto- ni arigato- gozaimashita本当にありがとうございました。

so- そう

kyo- wa sono ken no orei ni ukagattan desu 今日 は その件 の お礼に伺ったん です。

kongo-tomo 今後とも

Ms. Chida : Pole-san, it seems like your business keeps you busy.

.............................. Concluding the discussion ...............................

Pole : Yes, I want to thank you for that...

Ms. Chida : So, how did that matter last month go?

Pole : I'm sorry to have bothered you so much.

Ms. Chida : Oh, good! That's nice to hear!

������Pole : In fact, the reason I am here today is to express my gratitude.

Pole : I hope that we can maintain a good business relationship.

Mr. Pole is having a conversation with his client, Ms. Chida, the general manager. Please fill in theblanks by using hints given in English.

I explained it to my bosses, just in case...

But, it went well, thanks to you.

I do appreciate all your kindness.

oisogashi-so-お忙しそう どうにか...

do-nikaどうなりました か。do-narimashita ka

話しておきました hanashite-okimashita

お手数 を お掛け致しました。otesu- o okake-itashimashita

それは良かった。sore wa yokatta

実はjitsu wa

どうぞ よろしくお願い致します。do-zo yoroshiku onegai-itashimasu

Answers

上手く行きました。umaku-ikimashita

It seems busy

thank you for that...

how did ~?

I explained it

have bothered you

it went well

nice to hear

In fact,

keep the good business relationship

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

9

1

4

7

2

5

8

3

6

9

8

Excellent

positive feeling

negative feeling

Terrible

It's good !

It's OK !

It's so-so.

(100%)

e.g.,

まあまあ でした。ma- ma- deshita

(It's good.)

(It was no good.)

(sounds positive)

(sounds negative)

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

Page 47: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

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The expression "___ho-dai" means "as much as you'd like." For example, there is an "utai-ho- dai" system at karaoke bars, which means, "all-you-can-sing." The other expression of "mu-se-gen" means "unlimited." Let me show you some other prefixes, rather than "mu-."

One of my friends invited me out for dinner, saying, "Pole-san, sushi no tabe-ho-dai, sake no nomi-ho-dai, jikan wa mu-se-gen dakara iko- yo!" (Mr. Pole, there is a restaurant that offers a sushi "tabe-ho-dai," sake "nomi-ho-dai" and the time is "mu-se-gen," so let's go there!). I didn't understand what "tabe-ho-dai," "nomi-ho-dai," "mu-se-gen" meant, but I decided to go with him. WhenI got there, I could not believe it! All I paid was ¥2,000, but I could eat as much sushi as I liked, and I could drink as much as I wanted, and we could stay there as long as we wanted. Gee, I was stuffed, and I really liked the system. Ms. Hirayama, could you teach me similar words?

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga

12 3

Answers

Answers

-less/un-

mu

しん

new

shin

not yet

mi

un-/non

fu

さい

re-

sai

non-/un-

hi

e.g.,

e.g.,

e.g.,

e.g.,

e.g.,

e.g.,

むいしきmu-ishiki

無意識unconscious

しんせいけんshin-se-ken

新政権new regime

みせいねんmi-se-nen

未成年under legal age

ふえいせいfu-e-sei

不衛生unsanitary

さいsai-start

再スタートrestart

ひせいさんてきhi-se- santeki

非生産的unproductive

■ When one of these characters is added to a word, its meaning is changed completely.

いしきishiki

意識conscious

せいけんse-ken

政権regime

せいねんse-nen

成年legal age

えいせいe-sei

衛生sanitary

start

スタートstart

せいさんてきse-santeki

生産的productive

ほう そう

broadcast→ rerun

ho-so-

放 送けい かく

planned → unplanned

ke-kaku

計 画

き そく

regular → irregular

kisoku

規 則かん しん

interest → indifference

kanshin

関 心

じょう しき

common sense→ nonsense

jo- shiki

常 識い み

meaning → meaningless

imi

意 味

あん てい

stability → insecurity

ante-

安 定か ぜい

taxable → tax-free

kaze-

課 税

かん けい

connection→ no connection

kanke-

関 係かい けつ

solve → unsolved

kaiketsu

解 決さん か

participation → nonparticipation

sanka

参 加き ろく

record→ new record

kiroku

記 録

-less/un-

mu

無しん

new

shin

新み

not yet

mi

un-/non

fu

不さい

re-

sai

再 ひ

non-/un-

hi

■ Which one of the kanji in the center appropriately changes the Japanese word?

こうふko-fu

交 付にんしきninshiki

認 識

grant; issue → reissue

realize→ realize again

rerun 再放送 (sai-ho-so-)indifference 無関心 (mu-kanshin)nonsense 非常識 (hi-jo-shiki)insecurity 不安定 (fu-ante-)unsolved 未解決 (mi-kaiketsu)

irregularity 不規則 (fu-kisoku)unplanned 無計画 (mu-ke-kaku)reissue 再交付 (sai-ko-fu)realize again 再認識 (sai-ninshiki)

1 14 13 12

6 7

2

3

4

5

11

10

9

8

nonparticipation 不参加 (fu-sanka)new record 新記録 (shin-kiroku)no connection 無関係 (mu-kanke-)tax-free 非課税 (hi-kaze-)meaningless 無意味 (mu-imi)

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

ho-dai

(All you can ___/as much as you'd like)

tabe masu ho-dai食べ ます 放題

ディズニーランドには 一日   

の チケット が あります。

ano mise wa ni-jikan go-hyaku en de

desu yo ikimasho-

あの店 は 2時間 500円 で            

ですよ。行きましょう!

lunch time wa de sen en desu

demo yoru wa takai desu

ランチタイムは          で 1,000円です。

でも 夜 は 高い です。

1)→

1) You can buy an "all-day ride pass" at Disneyland.

2) For ¥500, we can sing as many songs as we like for two hours at the karaoke bar, so let's go!

3)The restaurant offers an "all-you-can-eat lunch" for ¥1,000, but the dinner is expensive.

2)→ 3)→

nori masu ho-dai乗り ます 放題

utai masu ho-dai歌い ます 放題

The number of verbs the phrase can apply to is limited.

All you can eat All you can ride All you can sing

(verb)

ます masu

all you can ride

all you can sing

all you can eat

kekkon結 婚

4 ) Single (not yet married)5 ) Remarried6 ) Newlywed

******* bonus question *******

4) 未婚 5) 再婚 6) 新婚mi-kon sai-kon shin-kon

By putting the prefixes『未』『新』or『再』in the square box, try to make a Japanese word that corresponds to4), 5) and 6).

→kon婚

mu... fu... mi...mu... fu... mi...

1 2 3

Disneyland niwa ichi-nichi

no ticket ga arimasu

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

Copyright 2003 The Yomiuri Shimbun

Page 48: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

I also love sushi. In some sushi restaurants, they use an interesting green-tea cup with the names of many fish on it. Many Japanese find it hard to read the names of fish in kanji. If you remember them, your Japanese friends will be impressed. Why not try to surprise them? I may be making an unnecessary comment here, but, recently, it seems more and more fish are cut into slices and sold in packages at supermarkets. So, there is little opportunity to see a whole fish, and the number of children and young adults who cannot recognize different kinds of fish is increasing.

I went to the sushi restaurant near my house last night. Recently, I have been able to order various kinds of sushi because I've learned the names of some of the fish. It's still hard for me to remember some of the names, so I order by looking at a menu posted on a wall, which is written in hiragana. Last night, a Japanese man who was sitting next to me told me that it would be interesting to know what kanji are used for what fish and why. Ms. Hirayama, can you help?

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga and illustrations by Ayako Tanaka

Answers

sakana

hirameひらめ(flat)

さば

かれい

たら

いわし

あゆ

(weak)

(fortune)

(snow)

(blue)

(spring)

(hard)

(leaf)

iwashi

ayu

tara

saba

kare-

From the meaning of kanji:

● flatfish : hirame It has a flat shape.(best grilled or boiled or for sashimi)      

● sardine : iwashi It is a weak fish that goes bad right after being caught.(best grilled or for sashimi)      ● sweetfish : ayu In ancient times, its scales were used to tell fortunes.(best grilled fish with salt)

● mackerel : saba Its body looks blue.(best grilled)

● codfish : tara It is delicious to eat the fish when it is still snowing in winter. (best in cooked in a hot pot)

● spanish mackerel : sawaraIt is delicious to eat this fish in spring.

● bonito : katsuoIts body becomes hard when it is dried in the sun.(good for sashimi)

● flounder : kare-Its shape resembles that of a leaf.(best grilled or boiled)

(about 40~80 cm)

(about 25 cm)

(about 80 cm)

(about 45 cm)

(about 100 cm)

(about 60~90 cm)

(about 20 cm)

me kara目から

を読む

海老で            を釣る

上り

逃がした    は大きい

o yomu

ebi de             o tsuru

nigashita          wa o-ki-

nobori

逃がした 魚 は 大きい

scales

● bream

● eel

● mackerel

fish

Proverbs that relate to fish

(about 25~100 cm)

(about 50~90 cm)

Being suddenly awakened to the truth (literal meaning: the scales fall from one's eyes). It refers to being able to understand clearly and being awakened to the real truth.

Cheating on counting (literal meaning: counting mackerel).It means to cheat when counting to benefit oneself. For example, a woman pretends she is younger or weighs less than she really does.

One is apt to think that the fish that got away was very big. When something isn't achieved at the last minute, one often thinks the loss is larger than it actually is.

Throwing a sprat to catch a mackerel (literal meaning: catching a sea bream by using a shrimp). It refers to using a small investment as bait to gain a huge profit.

Increasing at an unbelievable rate (literal meaning: rising eel)It is about prices, positions, temperature, stock prices, etc., rising at an unbelievable rate.

さわらsawara

かつおkatsuo

魚 + 平 → 鮃

魚 + 弱 → 鰯

魚 + 占 → 鮎

魚 + 雪 → 鱈

魚 + 青 → 鯖

魚 + 春 → 鰆

魚 + 堅 → 鰹

魚 + 葉 → 鰈

(about 20~80 cm)

me kara uroko目 から  鱗

saba o yomu鯖  を 読む

ebi de tai o tsuru 海老 で 鯛 を 釣る

鰻  上りunagi nobori nigashita sakana wa o-ki-

Using the clues provided, complete the proverbs.

Des

ign

: Mas

ako

Ban

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

Copyright 2003 The Yomiuri Shimbun

Page 49: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

Most Japanese people like fish, which is a central part of the Japanese cuisine. Are you sure you want me to suggest some fish recipes? Hmm. . . I'm not sure about this; I can help you with questions about the Japanese language, but ryo- ri wa chotto. . . (Cooking. . .well. . . ), although I love eating fish. However, I have a friend who is a cooking teacher and focuses on preparing simple and easy Japanese dishes. I'll ask him to help you! Good luck and bon appetit!

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga and illustrations by Ayako Tanaka

を釣る

kare- no kara-age鰈 の から揚げFried Flatfish

(serves four)

Ingredients:

4 flatfish

8 shishito- (small sweet peppers)

1 lemon, sliced

flourenough cooking oil to cover fish in frying pan

1. Scale the fish. → Make an incision between the pectoral finsp and remove the insides. → Wash.

2. Pat dry. → Using a basting brush, lightly dust each fish with flour. (Don't coat too heavily.)

me kara uroko目から鱗

kyo- no kion wa 今日の気温は        

Yamada-san no hanashi wa itsumo山田さんの話しはいつも

chichi no suki na hana o agetara sugoku yorokonde shokuji ni tsuretette-kureta !

父の好きな花をあげたら、すごく喜んで食事に連れてってくれた!

e? sono su- ji wa shinji-rarenai desu yo え?その数字は信じられないですよ。

ebi de tai o tsuru海老で鯛

unagi nobori鰻上り

saba o yonde-imasu鯖を読んでいます

nigashita sakana wa oki-逃がした魚は大きい

e? ano hito to wakare-chatta no? desu yo! え?あの人と別れちゃったの?        ですよ!

desu neですね。

zettai ni sore wa ne 絶対に それは       ね。

The temperature has risen unbelievably today,

What Mr. Yamada says always opens my eyes to the truth,

you: When I gave my father a bouquet of his favorite flowers, he was so happy he took me out for dinner!

It was like using a shrimp to catch a mackerel, wasn't it?

What? I cannot believe the number is correct.

He is probably cooking the numbers, isn't he?

What? You broke up with him? You let that big fish get away!

To review the last lesson (Vol. 47), use the cluesprovided to complete the proverbs.

sakana

あじaji

にじます虹鱒

まぐろ

たこ鮹

さけ鮭

maguro

さんま秋刀魚sanma

かつおkatsuo

かわはぎ皮剥ぎkawahagi

いわし鰯iwashi

● salmon:(good grilled with salt) (length: about 50 cm to 1 m)

● octopus: (good boiled or as sashimi) (length: about 20 to 60 cm)60 cm)

ぶり鰤 ● yellowtail:

(good grilled with salt or as sashimihi i))(length: about 110 cm)m)sake buri

takonijimasu

amed after s pecific characteristics:

ther popular fish :

● :tuna: Tuna eventually becomes black when it at room temperature. Pronunciation wasis left at room temperature. Pronunciation was

changed from makkuro (deep black) to maguro. Good as sashimi. (length: about 1 to 1.5 m)

● sardine: Pronunciation was changed from yowai (weak) to iwashi. Good grilled or as sashimi. (length: about 25 cm)

● horse mackerel: Originated from "aji ga i-" (tastes good). Often grilled with salt or served as(tastes good). Often grilled with salt or servelt or servsashimi. (length: about 25 to 40 cm)

● katssuo (bonito): Because it is often dried in the sun, katsuo is often hard and tough to n, katsuo is often hard and tough tto chew.Its namme was changed from "katai" (hard) to "katsuo." Good as sashimi. (length: about 60 to 90 cm)

● Pacific saury: A long fish that resembles a sword. TThin fish were called samana in the past, but its pronunciation was eventually changed topronunciation was eventually changesanma. Often grilled with salt or served as sashimi. (length: about 30 to 40 cm)

● filefish: Filefish have a hard skin that is removed before eating. Pronunciation wasbefore eating. Pronunciation changed fromm kawa o hagu (peeling off skin) to kawahagi. Commonly grilled. (length: about 20 to 30 cm)

4. When the sweet peppers andfish are cooked, transfer to a serving dish. Squeeze lemon juiceon top before serving.

3. Heat the oil to 180 C     and fry the fish. (If the fish is tootlarge, cut in half before frying.)Remove stems of sweet peppersand seed before frying.

which is always helpful.勉強になります。benkyo- ni narimasu

friend:

friend:

you:

● rainbow trout:(good grilled with salt) (length: about 20 to 50 cmm)

かなり暑いようですよ。kanari atsui-yo- desu yo

and it may get really hot.hot.

でde

でde

(scale)

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

I was invited on an interesting sakana tabearuki tour (fish-eating tour) last month. As part of the tour, participants traveled to various fishing ports in Japan, where regional fish delicacies were served. I have been studying fish kanji, so I signed up for the tour because I thought that it would help me learn more about the Japanese used for different fish. I was a little worried that I would get sick of eating only fish on the tour. I was wrong! Instead of getting bored of fish, I ate so many different fish dishes that I gained weight during the tour. They were all delicious, and now I want to learn how to cook them so I can prepare a fish dinner for my parents. Ms. Hirayama, please give me some fish recipes!

Des

ign

: Mas

ako

Ban

Copyright 2003 The Yomiuri Shimbun

Answers

Page 50: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

I went to see the same movie. Just like your friend, I was "hara-hara" (nervous), "doki-doki" (feeling like my heart was pounding) and "hiya-hiya" (scared). When it ended, my stomach was "peko-peko" (hungry). But I'm not an extraterrestrial! In fact, these expressions are called onomatopoeia. They are commonly used in cartoons and spoken by young children, and they are frequently used in daily life, as well.

I went to see a movie with a friend. Afterward, when we were discussing the movie, she said, "kono e-ga o mitakatta node yu-be wa 'waku-waku' deshita yo (I really wanted to see this movie, so I was waku-waku last night). saisho wa 'doki-doki,' tochu- kara 'hara-hara,' 'hiya-hiya,' nodo wa 'kara-kara' deshita (When the movie started, I was doki-doki. In the middle, I was hara-hara and hiya-hiya. My throat was kara-kara...?). saigo wa 'hotto' shita yo (At the end, I was hotto)." While she was asking me what I thought about the movie, I wondered if she was an alien from outer space. "waku-waku, doki-doki..." It seemed like a language spoken on another planet. I had absolutely no idea what she meant.

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga

Answers

1) 11 2) 1 3) 5 4) 9

5) 14 6) 7 7) 4

ばらばらbara-bara

The pearls of my necklace are scattered all over the place.

scattered/ inconsistent

パール の ネックレス は ばらばら です。pearl no necklace wa bara-bara desu

はwa

です。desu

onomatopoeia tense

present tense

じゃない です。janai desu

negative tense

でした。deshitapast tense

じゃなかった です。janakatta desu

past negative tense

めちゃくちゃmecha-kucha

Houses were destroyed in the typhoon. destroyed

家は台風でめちゃくちゃです。uchi wa taifu- de mecha-kucha desu

ごちゃごちゃgocha-gocha

I'm confused.messy/ confused 頭の中はごちゃごちゃです。

atama no naka wa gocha-gocha desu

くたくたkuta-kuta

I'm exhausted after working 12 hours.exhausted

12時間 働いて くたくた です。ju- -ni-jikan hataraite kuta-kuta desu

Tense of onomatopoeia

Subject

Generally, onomatopoeic Japanese words are made up of repeated sounds, such as "doki-doki." Onomatopoeia is used as an adjective to describe actions, feelings and situations. It is a very handy way to convey emotions, and there are more than 2,000 onomatopoeic expressions in the language. Most phrases use onomatopoeia in various ways. I will explain the general meaning of some of them.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

べつべつbetsu-betsu

We'd like to pay separately.separately支払いはべつべつです。shiharai wa betsu-betsu desu

がらがらgara-gara

The restaurant is nearly empty.empty/few people 店はがらがらです。mise wa gara-gara desu

ぎりぎりgiri-giri

The car barely fit in the garage.barely/almost

車はぎりぎりで車庫に入りました。kuruma wa giri-giri de shako ni hairimashita

まだまだmada-mada

My Japanese is not good enough.

日本語はまだまだです。Nihongo wa mada-mada desu

べたべたbeta-beta

sticky

手はノリでべたべたです。te wa nori de beta-beta desu

My hands are sticky with glue.

(ex., in a room, a shop, a train, etc.)

よれよれyore-yore

rumpled/wrinkled

ズボンはよれよれでした。zubon wa yore-yore deshita

The pants were wrinkled.

ふらふらfura-fura

dizzy/ with unsteady steps

徹夜をしてふらふらです。tetsuya o shite fura-fura desu

I feel dizzy because I stayed up all night.

ぺらぺらpera-pera

fluently/flimsy日本語はまだぺらぺらじゃないです。Nihongo wa mada pera-pera janai desu

I cannot speak Japanese fluently yet.

びしょびしょbisho-bisho

drenched

雨でびしょびしょです。ame de bisho-bisho desu

(I forgot my umbrella, so) I'm drenched.

ぎゅうぎゅうgyu- -gyu-

jam-packed

地下鉄はぎゅうぎゅうでした。chikatetsu wa gyu- -gyu- deshita

The subway was jam-packed.

(last night) (too much drink)

kaigi no toki itsumo iken wa   desu会議 の 時 いつも 意見 は      です。

1)

2)

3)

4)

5)

6)

7)

ze-kin to service -ryo- wa janakatta desu 税金 と サービス料 は       じゃなかったです。

sugoku mushi-atsui node shirt ga deshitaすごく 蒸し暑い ので シャツ が         でした。

yu- be wa nomi-sugite         deshita夕べは 飲み過ぎて             でした。

raigetsu no schedule wa mo- desu yo来月 の スケジュール は もう    です よ。

ano hito wa itsumo jikan ni desuあの人 は いつも 時間 に       です。

kesa shutcho- kara kaette-kite sonomama けさ出張から帰ってきてそのまま会社で

(meeting) (when) (always) (opinion)

(tax) (and) (service charge)

(very) (humid) (so)

(next month) (already)

(that person) (always) (time)

(this morning)(business trip)(from) (return) (as is)

I had so much to drink last night that I could barely walk.

Opinions are always inconsistent at meetings.

The tax hadn't been separated from the service charge.

My shirt stuck to my skin because of the humidity.

Next month's schedule is already jam-packed!

Most of the time, he is barely on time.

I'm exhausted because I came back from a businesstrip this morning and went straight to work.

dizzy/ with unsteady steps

scattered/ inconsistent

separately

sticky

jam-packed

barely/almost

exhausted働いたので      です。hataraita node desu(to work) (so)

Which onomatopoeic phrase is suitable for the followingsentences?

not good enough/ more

Onomatopoeia

Copyright 2003 The Yomiuri Shimbun

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

Des

ign

: Mas

ako

Ban

Page 51: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

I'm very happy for you! I'm sure you have studied Japanese very hard, but perhaps your conversational style was a little awkward before. Why was that? It was because you didn't use enough onomatopoeia! Conversational style can be awkward when students focus too much on grammar or if they study Japanese outside Japan. However, when they learn and start using onomatopoeia in their conversation, their Japanese will sound much more natural!!

I love the onomatopoeia that I studied in Vol. 49 because the subtle expressions covered in the class can be understood very easily and are easy to pronounce and remember, too. Japanese friends say I have gained a variety of conversational expressions in my Japanese, and that what I say is more understandable than before. So I really want to learn more onomatopoeic expressions. Could you cover some more expressions? I want to speak Japanese pera-pera (fluently)!

Answers

はらはらhara hara

どんどんdon-don

Time passed by so quickly. rapidly/steadily時間 は どんどん すぎました。jikan wa don-don sugimashita

はwa

ます。masu

onomatopoeia object

future tense

ません。masen

negative

ました。mashita

past tense

ませんでした。masen deshita

past negative

そろそろsoro-soro

Well, it's about time for me to go.it's about timeじゃあ そろそろ 失礼します。ja- soro-soro shitsure-shimasu

ちょくちょくchoku-choku

I often went to Kyoto back then.often昔 は 京都 に ちょくちょく 行きました。mukashi wa Kyoto ni choku-choku ikimashita

ぱくぱくpaku-paku

Mr. Kinoshita gobbled down the sushi.scoff/gobble/munch 木下さん は 寿司 を ぱくぱく 食べました。

Kinoshita-san wa sushi o paku-paku tabemashita

→oを Verb

(time)

(Well)

(a long time ago)

tense

どきどきdoki-doki

I didn't get nervous when I gave my speech.nervous/with a pounding heart

スピーチ は どきどき しませんでした。speech wa doki-doki shimasendeshita

いらいらira-ira

Traffic jams make you irritated, don't they?being irritated/ bothered 渋滞 は いらいら しますね。

ju- tai wa ira-ira shimasu ne

ごたごたgota-gota

That company has been in trouble all year.being in trouble/ confused あの 会社 は 年中 ごたごた していますよ。

ano kaisha wa nenju- gota-gota shiteimasu yo

ぶらぶらbura-bura

I just want to hang out every day without working.hanging out/ doing nothing 仕事 を しないで 毎日 ぶらぶら したいですね。

shigoto o shinaide mainichi bura-bura shitai desu ne

ばたばたbata-bata

hectic

きょうは 一日中 ばたばた していました。kyo- wa ichinichi-ju- bata-bata shiteimashita

It's been busy (hectic) all day long.

むしむしmushi-mushi

being humid今年 の 梅雨 もむしむし しますね。kotoshi no tsuyu mo mushi-mushi shimasu ne

ごろごろgoro-goro

lie around

休み は ほとんど ごろごろしています。yasumi wa hotondo goro-goro shiteimasu

Most of the time, I just lie around at home when I have a day off.

いきいきiki-iki

full of lifeあの人 は 95歳 です が いきいき していますね。ano hito wa kyu- ju- -go-sai desu ga iki-iki shiteimasu ne

That person is 95 years old, but she's full of life.します。shimasu

future tense

しません。shimasen

negative

しました。shimashitapast tense

しませんでした。shimasen deshitapast negative

にこにこniko-niko

smile

受け付けの人 は いつも にこにこ しています。uketsuke no hito wa itsumo niko-niko shiteimasu

The receptionist always has a nice smile.

(traffic jam)

(that company) (all the year around)

(don't work) (every day)

(today) (all day long)

(this year) (rainy season)

(day off) (almost)

(that person) (95 years old)

(reception) (person) (always)

This year's rainy season is humid, too, isn't it?

はwa

onomatopoeia tense

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2.

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4.

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7.

8.

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11.

12.

13.5.

(friend) (abroad)(travel)

suru to karada ni warui desu yoすると 体に悪いですよ。

My friends often travel abroad.

Your health will suffer if you keep getting irritated.

Well, as tonight is a celebration,

Is it about time to have lunch?

I've been so busy (hectic)

sa- komban wa oiwai desu-karaさあ 今晩 は お祝い ですから

ohiru ni shimasho- kaお昼にしましょうか。

tomodachi wa kaigai-ryoko- o shimasu友達は       海外旅行をします。

shiteita node していたので

hajimete no date wa shimasen deshita ka初めてのデートは       しませんでしたか。

senshu- no nichi-yo-bi ni Ginza o shimashita 先週 の 日曜日 に 銀座 を      しました。

Didn't you get nervous when you went out on your first date?

I was hanging out in Ginza last Sunday.

(health) (bad)

(tonight) (celebration)

(lunch)

(contact) (become late) (I'm very sorry)

(first time)

(last week) (Sunday)

often

beingirritated

rapidly,steadily

it's abouttime

busy(hectic)

nervous

hanging out

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2.

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7.

so everybody, have plenty to drink!

飲んでくださいね。nonde-kudasai ne(please drink)

I'm sorry I didn't contact you earlier.連絡 が 遅くなり申しわけありませんでした。renraku ga osokunari moshiwake arimasen deshita

1. 3 2. 6 3. 1 4. 2 5. 9 6. 5 7. 8

はらはらhara hara --

はらはらhara hara はらはら

hara hara --Put suitable onomatopoeia in the box.

Onomatopoeia5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

Des

ign

: Mas

ako

Ban

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga

Copyright 2003 The Yomiuri Shimbun

Page 52: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

Bingo! You did it again! "Taking off" is translated differently in Japanese according to the part of the body. "Taking off" and "putting on" are complicated and described in various ways in Japanese. So, let me organize it and make it easy for you to remember.

I really love onsen (hot springs) in Japan, so I try to as many onsen as possible. Let me tell you what happened when I went to an onsen nearby with a friend of one of my colleagues the other day. He always wears glasses, but he uses contact lenses when he gets into the water. On that day, however, he was wearing glasses when we arrived at an open-air onsen. I asked him, "megane o nuganai no desu ka" (Aren't you going to take off your glasses?), but the Japanese people around me started laughing. My friend was also laughing and said, "yo-fuku wa nugimashita yo" (I did take off my clothes, though). Ms. Hirayama, "taking off" is "nugu" in Japanese, isn't it? Did I say something wrong, again?

Answers

Answers

I quit being a salaried worker and started my own soba restaurant, but I failed to make a go of it.

1.

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1. 7) 2. 6) 3. 4) 4. 5)

5. 2) 6. 3) 7. 1)

Take off.. . There are two main expressions for "taking off" in Japanese.

脱ぎますnugimasu

脱ぎますnugimasu

取りますtorimasu

取りますtorimasu

You take off items of clothing,such as

You remove such items as hats,neckties, eyeglasses, necklacesand makeup.

脱ぐ脱ぐnugunugu?take offtake off 取る取る

torutoru?脱ぐnugu?take off 取る

toru?

Fill in the boxes below with   torimasu or  

1) I take off my jacket.

2) I take off my tie.

5) I take off my watch.

1)

2)

3)

4)

5)

6)

7)

8)

9)

10)

11)

12)

13)

14)

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16)

17)

18)

19)

20)

マフラーをmuffler o

時計をtoke- o

ベルトをbelt o

ネクタイをnecktie o

靴下をkutsushita o

上着をuwagi o

下着をshitagi o

化粧をkesho- o

めがねをmegane o

ズボンをzubon o

I take off my glasses.

4) I take off my socks.

20)

3) I remove my makeup.

6) I take off my pants. 

7) I take off my underwear.

8) I take off my belt.

9) I take off my muffler. 

11) I remove the polish from my nails.(note: In Japan, m anicure is used for varnishing the nails.)

14) I take off my sweater.

イヤリングをearrings o

セーターをsweater o

ストッキングを stocking o

マニキュアをmanicure o

靴をkutsu o

指輪をyubiwa o

お面をomen o

ネックレスをnecklace o

帽子をbo-shi o

13) I take off my shoes.

12) I take off a mask.

15) I take off my hat.

16) I take off my necklace.

17) I take off my ring.

18) I take off my pantyhose.

19) I take off my earrings.

10) I take off my gloves.

手袋をtebukuro o

letter tax hat line drop out wheel

yamamichi de shite kuruma ga ugokanakunatte komatta 山道 で        して 車 が 動かなくなって困った。

I got in trouble because a wheel came off my car in a mountain road and the car was stucked there.

My mom always drifts from the subject.

I did not drop out of the marathon, I made a final effort to finish.

It seems that more people are evading taxes because of the current recession.

haha no hanashi wa itsumo suru母 の 話 は いつも           する。

marathon o shinaide saigo made gambatta!マラソン を      しないで 最後まで 頑張った!

o shite soba-ya o hajimeta ga shippaishitaを して そば屋 を始めた が 失敗した。

saikin fuke- ki de ga fuetekita最近 不景気 で        が 増えてきた。

mairimashita desu参りました       です。

kono bunsho- wa goji ga o- i desu neこの 文章 は 誤字     が 多いですね。

You've won! I am deeply impressed!

I see many typos and missing letters in this document.

quit / drop out / evade / undress

字 税 帽 線 落 輪 サラ

Make a complete sentence below by matching the kanji above with one of the numbered kanji below.

datsu/dass, dakk, etc.

脱サラdatsu-sara

脱輪datsurin

脱線dassen

脱落datsuraku

脱税datsuze-

脱帽datsubo-

脱字datsuji

quit being a salaried worker

a wheel came off

drifts

drop out

evade taxes

missingletters

deeplyimpressed

(soba restaurant)(started) (it was unsuccessful)

(mountain road) (car) (wouldn't move)(I got in trouble)

(my mother) (subject) (always)

(last) (hard to do)

(these days)(recession) (increased)

(throw up one's hands)

(this sentence) (spelling mistakes) (many)

1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7)

salaried worker

2

2

2

1

1

1

1

21

1

1

2

2

1

1

2

1

1

1

1

2

2

1

1

2

1

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

when removing accessories from the head or the body

when removing an item of clothing that covers the arms or legs

skirts, socks and jackets.

nugimasu.

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

Des

ign

: Mas

ako

Ban

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga

Copyright 2003 The Yomiuri Shimbun

Page 53: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

Des

ign

: Mas

ako

Ban

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga

Copyright 2003 The Yomiuri Shimbun

I don't think your Japanese was "hen" (strange), you just used the wrong Japanese. Do you remember the expression "to take off" from the previous lesson? Just like that expression, there are several different ways of saying "to wear" in Japanese. Just like the previous lesson, I'll select frequently used expressions to make it easier for you to remember them.

Yesterday, a friend of friend (tomodachi no tomodachi) I've known since I was in school came from Kobe to Tokyo for a visit. I had never met her before, so when she called, she asked, "donna fuku o kite-imasu ka?" (What are you wearing?) I said, "pink no necktie o kite-imasu (I'm wearing a pink tie). green no zubon o kite-imasu (I'm wearing green pants). hige wa kite-imasen (I don't have a mustache). gold no kutsu o kite-imasu (I'm wearing gold shoes)." When I hung up, a friend who was standing next to me said, "Pole-san no Nihon-go wa hen" (Your Japanese sounds strange).

Answers

Answers

1) ⑥ 2) ① 3) ⑦ 4) ④

5) ② 6) ⑤ 7) ③

to wear...There are main four different ways of saying "to wear" in Japanese.

着ますkimasu

かぶりますkaburimasu

着る着るkirukiru?to wearto wear はくはく

hakuhaku?着るkiru?to wear はく

haku? 着 Reach, contact, wear, steady

Complete the following sentences by matchingthe word with the kanji below.

到着to-chaku

着払いchakubarai

着替えないkigaenai

先着senchaku

着実chakujitsu

接着剤setchakuzai

① ② ③ ④

⑤ ⑥ ⑦

1

1

4

2

For items worn on the head (e.g., a hat, a helmet...)

For items worn on the upperbody and arms(e.g., a sweater, a shirt)

しますshimasu

For accessories (e.g., watch, ring, belt, bandage)

condition

condition

condition

conditionかぶっていますkabutte-imasu

着ていますkite-imasu

していますshite-imasu

(pay)

de okuttemo i- desu kaで 送ってもいい です か。

1) What time will we arrive at Narita Airport?

2) May I send it cash on delivery?

3) He smells bad because he doesn't change clothes and wears the same clothes every day.

4) It was for the first 10 people, so I didn't get one.

5) I'm making steady progress because I'm practicing every day.

mainichi onaji fuku o kite zenzen node kusai 毎日 同じ 服を着て 全然       ので 臭い。

ju- -nin made datta node dame deshita10人まで だった ので ダメ でした。

Narita no jikan wa nanji desu ka. 成田 の    時間 は 何時 ですか。

mainichi renshu- shite-iru node ni jo- tatsushite-imasu 毎日 練習している ので     に上達しています。

watta kabin o de tsukete naoshimashita割った花瓶 を       で つけて直しました。

ga i- to kekka mo i- desu ne

が いいと 結果 も いいですね。

6) I used glue to repair the vase that I broke.

7) If you have a positive viewpoint, you'll do better, won't you?

  払い 実 眼点 先 (real) (ahead)

 (arrival) (replace)

(eyes)(point)

(attach) (agent)

cash on delivery

steady view point first arrival

glue Arrival to change clothes

arrival

Being paid on delivery

to change clothes

The first arrival

steady

a glue

(everyday) (practice) (because) (making progress)

A view point

(time) (what time)

(to send) (May I~?)

(everyday)(same) (clothes) (wearing) (not at all) (smell bad)

(10 people) (didn't get)

(result) (also)

(broke) (vase) (glue) (repaired)

(nai-form)

着眼点chakuganten

接 剤 到   替える

3 はきますhakimasu

For items worn on the lower bodyand feet(e.g., shoes, socks)

はいてていますhaitee-imasu

Select the appropriate expression among kabutte-imasu kite-imasu haite-imasu shite-imasu to fill the each square below.

ribbon o shite-imasu

megane o shite-imasu

toke- o shite-imasu

yubiwa o shite-imasu

belt o shite-imasu

kutsu o haite-imasu

kutsushita o haite-imasu

zubon o haite-imasu

shirt o kite-imasu

uwagi o kite-imasu

earring o shite-imasu

bo-shi o kabutte-imasu

2 3 4

4

4

4

4

4

4

1

2

2

3

3

3

(b) glasses(k) earring

(d ) ring

(c) watch

(e) belt

(f ) shoes(g) socks

(h) pants

(i) shirt

(l) hat

(j ) jacket

(a) ribbon (a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

( f )

(g)

(h)

( i )

( j )

(k)

( l )

I'm wearing a hat.帽子 をbo-shi o

眼鏡 をmegane o

I'm wearing glasses.

チェックのセーターをcheck no sweater o

I'm wearing a checkered sweater.

ストライプのズボンをstripe no zubon o

I'm wearing striped pants.

Meeting your customer at a crowded place for the first time.I'll be there soon. What are you wearing?

customer:

your customer?Which one is y

A B CC D E

chaku / ki(ru)

Answers

Page 54: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

I can imagine how surprised you were! There is a Japanese proverb, which says, "Different places, different customs." There are many kinds of toilets. Recently, I had an opportunity to see a very surprising toilet. When I opened the door of the restroom, the toilet lid lifted automatically. When I stood up after I was done, the toilet flushed automatically. (I heard that a computer checks what is in the bowl, and calculates how strong a flush it needs.) Afterward, the cover closed automatically. It's getting more and more complicated to use the latest toilets, so let me explain the basic phrases you will find on them.

Let me tell you what happened when I went to a restroom in a restaurant! I used a toilet and I wanted to flush it when I was done. But I couldn't find the lever! Instead, I found many buttons with explanations in Japanese, so I couldn't understand what they meant. While puzzling over which button to push, someone knocked on the door. So, I took a chance and pushed a button. Then, suddenly, water sprayed out like a fountain from the toilet. I pushed another button to stop the water, but the toilet began to play a melody instead. I panicked and pushed another button, but this time a warm breeze drifted out of the toilet! The Japanese man who was waiting for me to come out asked, "daijo-bu desu ka" (Are you OK?). When I said, "suimasen, tasukete kudasai" (Sorry to bother you. Please help me), he helped me to flush the toilet. Ms. Hirayama, please help me use the toilet!

Answers

1) 3) 2) 6) 3) 4) 4) 7)

5) 1) 6) 2) 7) 5)

止stop

Let's make a complete sentence below by matching the kanji above and one of the following words 1) to 7) !

停止te-shi

中止chu-shi

痛み止めitamidome

廃止haishi

防止bo-shi

禁止kinshi

1) 2) 3) 4)

5) 6) 7)

1) The accident occurred because they could not see the Stop sign.

jiko no genin wa no moji ga mienakkatta yoo desu.事故 の 原因 は   の 文字が見えなかったようです。

prevention, check

prohibition halt painkiller

keep quiet cancellation abolition

(accident) (cause) (letter) (couldn't see)

口止めkuchidome

shi / do(me) / to(meru)

音量音姫

暖房

4 Volume3 melody or sound of flushing

おんりょうonryo-

だんぼうdanbo-

6 heating

おとひめotohime

脱臭5 Deodorize

だっしゅうdasshu-

入 切On Off

いりiri

きりkiri

If you press either button, you can operate one of functions 3 to 6

This runs automatically, but press the button if there is a pungent odor.

To heat up the toilet seat in the winter

o-ame de yakyu- no shiai wa ni narimashita大雨で 野球 の 試合 は になりました。

2) The baseball game was canceled because of heavy rain.  

3) I took a painkiller, but it was no help at all. So I decided to go to hospital.  

4) This railway line was shut down because it went into the red.

5) The campaign against crime prevention continues until the end of this month.

o nonda ga zenzen kikanai node byo- in ni ikimashitaを 飲んだ が 全然 効かないので病院に行きました。

akaji de kono rosen wa saremashita赤字 で この路線 は      されました。

hanzai campain wa kongetsu-matsu made desu犯罪        キャンペ-ンは今月末までです。

chu-sha no tokoro ni tometeshimai bakkin o haraimashita駐車     のところに 止めてしまい 罰金を払いました。

imo- to wa oshaberi nanode shitemo sugu shabette-shimaimasu 妹 は おしゃべり なので      しても すぐ しゃべってしまいます。

6) I parked in a no-parking area and had to pay a fine.

7) My little sister is a blabbermouth. She can't keep a secret even if you ask her not to tell anybody.

防  禁  停  痛

stop

(crime) (end of this month)

(parking) (park) (pay a fine)

(the red) (line)

(heavy rain) (baseball) (game)

(took) (not at all) (hospital)

(young sister) (chatter)

cancel

painkiller

abolition

prevent

prohibition

hush, muzzle

(bo- ) (kin) (te- ) (ita [mi])

口   中 廃(kuchi) (chu- ) (hai)

すいません、 トイレ ... (をお借りしたいのですが)

suimasen, toile(t) ... (o okari-shitai no desu ga .... ) you do not need to say this part.

Excuse me, but (I would like to use) the bathroom.

otearai

化粧室kesho-shitsu

女おんな

ladies

onna

男おとこ

gentlemen ladies gentlemen

otoko

強きょう

11 strong

おしり洗浄

12 weak

kyo-じゃくjaku

oshiri  senjo-

ム-ブ洗浄 move  senjo-

大 小8 feces 9 urine

だい dai

しょう sho-

温水 14 Bidet for women

おんすいonsui

ビデbide 洗浄位置調節 

senjo- ichi cho-setsu

止7 Stop

とめるtomeru

The water flushes when you press either button.

10 buttocks wash

Water pressure Water pressure

13 Washing to & fro

A nozzle moves forward and backward to wash your buttocks.

15 Adjusting the washing location

This allows you to adjust the location that you want washed.

When you get a checkup in a hospital or clinic, a nurse may say " ben " for feces and "nyo- " for urine.

16 Warm water

Some of the following kanji are used in instruction manuals of toilets and other electric appliances, so it will be useful for you to remember these kanji. You feel relaxed using a toilet if you at least remember No. 7 and 8 in squares up! Why not take this column with you when you get into toilet?

Japanese do not want to be heard the noise they make in a restroom. So, a melody is played to hide this. This tune lasts for about 20 seconds.

oto ga nagare

ru

toile(t)

1 2

Press this button if you want to wash your buttocks. There may be a symbol for "buttocks."

Press the stop button if you are confused about what the toilet is doing or you want to stop one of its functions.

If you say "bathroom," Japanese people imagine a bathtub. So, it is better to use the following words. Look for the following kanji when looking for a restroom.『toile』or『otearai』→ A word for "toilet" in general. It is better for foreigners to say "toile(t)." 『kesho-shitsu』is a word that is used in a hotel or a restaurant, etc. It is better for men to say "toile (t)."

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

Des

ign

: Mas

ako

Ban

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga

Copyright 2003 The Yomiuri Shimbun

お手洗い

Page 55: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

No, it has nothing to do with food or the kind of establishment. The way you asked her out was not polite. You learned "want to___ /would like to___" is "___tai desu" in Japanese, but you turned it into a question. When you are asking someone out and say "___tai desu ka," it may sound rude and Japanese may feel offended. Please keep that in mind! I'll explain the details of properly asking someone out. Once you have studied them, ask her again if she still wants to go to an izakaya with you. I'm sure she will be happy to do so. Good luck, Pole-san.

One of my colleagues went on a trip and brought me back a gift. In return, I wanted to take her out to dinner last night, so I said, "konban izakaya ni ikitai desu ka?" (Would you like to go to an izakaya pub tonight?) She then looked a little upset and said, "i

-e, ikitai

toki wa, jibun de ikimasu yo." (No, but I will go there by myself when I want to.) How come? Did she want to go to another place?

Answers

Answers

1) C) 2) A) 3) B) 4) D) 5) E)

A)

B)

C)

D)

E)

W hen you wan t to invite someone/ W hen you wan t to make a suggest ion

e.g., Would you like to/Do you want to eat sushi with me?

sushi o tabetai desu ka寿司 を 食べたい です か。

In this case, you say...

sushi o tabemasen ka 寿司 を 食べません か。

masen kaません か。

Why don't we/you , if you'd like to?

(verb)

e.g.,

e.g.,

e.g.,

moshi yokattara sushi o tabemasen kaもしよかったら 寿司 を 食べません か。

moshi yokattara masen kaもしよかったら ません か。

(If you like, why don't you/we eat some sushi?)

(Why don't we eat some sushi ?)

* Polite style

* Very casual style

ta i kunai (desu ka)(tai form)

た い くない(ですか)

sushi   tabetakunai寿司  食べたくない。

* Very polite style

(Don't you want to eat some sushi?)

(It sounds very rude!)←

Why don't we ?

Don't you want to ?(verb)

e.g.,

steak to tempura to dochira ga tabetai desu kaステーキ と 天ぷら と どちら が 食べたい ですか。

Kyo- to no dono otera o mitai desu ka京都 の どの お寺 を 見たいです か。

1 ) Which would you like to eat, steak or tempura? 2 ) Would you like to go to see a sumo tournament next week? 3 ) Who would you like to see most right now?4) Would you like to come to a party the day after tomorrow?5) Would you like to have dinner with me sometime?6) Would you like to discuss it now, since we have time?7) When would you like to go to Japan?

raishu- sumo- o mi ni ikimasen ka来週 相撲を見に行きませんか。

ima ichiban dare ni aitai desu ka今 一番 誰に 会いたい ですか。

itsu Nihon ni ikitai desu kaいつ 日本 に 行きたい ですか。

asatte party o suru node kimasen ka (irasshaimasen ka)あさって パーティー を する ので 来ません か(いらっしゃいませんか)。

However, the questions that start with the interrogative, "what, who, etc." can be asked in the form of " tai desu ka."

Which temple would you like to see in Kyoto?Talking to a friend who is visiting Kyoto:

itsuka shokuji o shimasen kaいつか 食事 をしませんか。

jikan ga aru node hanashiaimasen ka時間 が あるので 話し合いませんか。

1)

2)

3)

4)

5)

6)

7)

Translate the following sentences of "Would you like to..." from 1) through 7) by using either " tai desu ka" or " masen ka."

shi gan

ta riki hon gan

1) I made my own decision to apply for volunteer work overseas.

2) My younger brother is always expecting help from others, and has no desire to do anything by himself.

3) I finally bought a house of my own, which had been my desire for a long time.

4) Ms. Kawatsu: I'm taking one week off, so please do this for me.

5) Hey, there's something I'd like to ask of you...If anyone calls me here, please tell them that I'm in the middle of a meeting.

kaigai no volunteer ni海外 の ボランティア に

oto- to wa itsumo de yaruki ga zenzen nai desu弟 は いつも  で やる気 が 全然ないです。

no my home o yatto kaimashitaの マイホーム を やっと 買いました。

raishu- isshu- kan yasumu node kore onegai来週 1週間 休む ので これ お願い。

ee ! kore zenbu ? ikura nandemo muri dayo-えっ!これ全部? いくらなんでも無理だよ~。

他力本願 

nen gan

nega(u) / nega(i) / gan

issho- no onegai

o negai ga arun desu ga...

念願

志願

一生のお願い

お願いがあるんですが...

ano-       moshi watashi ni denwa ga kitara "kaigichu-" to ittekudasaiあの~ もし 私に 電話 が きたら「会議中」と言って下さい。

wish

"There is something I want to ask of you..."A phrase commonly used when people want to ask for a favor.

Mr. Pole: What! All of this? I can't do this, you know that!

Waiting for someone to help; a proverb that means "expecting and depending on help from others without making one's own effort"

A wish/one's heart's desire; a desire or wish one has had for a long time

An application made voluntarily (willingly); making an application without being forced by someone else

The only request in one's whole life. It means that "this is the only request that I will ever make to you in my whole life, so please help me." Today, people use this phrase more often when they really want to ask someone to help them.

Ms. Kawatsu: Oh, please! This is the only request I will ever make of you!

Use the expressions marked from A) to E) to complete sentences 1) to 5) below.

する。

Des

ign

: Mas

ako

Ban

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga

Copyright 2003 The Yomiuri Shimbun

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayamaたい ですか。D o you want ?

tai desu kaWould you like to ?

たい ですか。D o you want ?

tai desu kaWould you like to ?

Page 56: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

aji has many different meanings, rather than just "taste," and it's used in various ways, too. hito-aji means "profound remarks," mochi-aji means "one's ability" and aji ga deteiru means "being tasteful." So, what she meant was "kyonen to wa hito-aji c h i g a u n e . ( T o d a y ' s k a b u k i performance has profound remarks compared to last year's). mochi-aji ga ikasarete, aji ga deteiru yo ne (the actors abilities were adequately used, and the performance was very tasteful, wasn't it?)"

My friend asked me if I wanted to see a kabuki performance. She loves kabuki and is very familiar with it. During the makuai (interlude) of kabuki, she was eating makunouchi-bento- (a boxed lunch with a variety of side dishes) and said, "kyonen to wa hito-aji chigau ne. (It has a slightly different taste compared to last year's). mochi-aji ga ikasarete, aji ga deteiru yo ne (the flavor of rice cake is well used, and it has a good taste, doesn't it?)." So, I replied, "I agree, it's tasty." Then, she smiled and said, "Pole-san mo so- omoimasu ka? (Do you think so, too, Mr. Pole?) Nihon no bunka o ajiwau nomo i- desu yo." (It is also good to savor Japanese bunka) I didn't know what bunka meant, but I said, "e- totemo oishi

- desu yo ne (yes, it is delicious, isn't

it?)" because the lunch was delicious. Then, she was very surprised saying "huh?," and she gave me a confused look. aji means "taste" in English, so she meant that the lunch this year was more delicious than last year's, and mochi (rice cake) was also delicious and tasty, didn't she? Or, does aji have another meaning, rather than "taste"?

Answers1) 10. 2) 1. 3) 8. 4) 4.

5) 5.

8) 6. 9) 3. 10) 9.

6) 7. 7) 2.

味aji / mi

TASTE 味

どんな 味 です か。donna aji desu ka

甘いamai

苦いnigai

しょっぱいshoppai

すっぱいsuppai

辛いkarai

aji

おいしいoishi

- まずいmazui

みたいな味 mitai na aji

sweet hot (spicy) salty bitter

sour good taste bad taste taste like cheese

cheese

(noun)

(noun)

Q : A :

When you want to know the taste of a dish in a restaurant before making an order, point to the dish in the menu and ask your waiteror waitress:

What kind of taste does this have?

When fruit ripes on a tree, a man tries to taste if ithas become sweet. This kanji originated from the scene of a man eating fruit.

Shape of a mouth a picture of fruit on a branch

です。desu

1.) 2.) 3.) 4.)

5.) 6.) 7.) 8.)

1.) 2.) 3.) 4.) 5.)

6.) 7.) 8.)

shumi趣味

賞味期限sho-mikigen

muimi無意味

ginmi吟味

持味mochiaji

後味が悪いatoaji ga warui

味わうajiwau

一味違うhitoaji chigau

興味 kyo-mi

味が落ちるaji ga ochiru

interest

There are a lot of expressions that include「味」.

become inferior, deteriorate (the taste of cuisines served in a restaurant, etc. goes bad.)

a close examination (Examining the quality and content of something, etc.)

one's special ability, one's style (a quality or unique style that can be found in a person or a work of art, etc.)

unpleasant aftertaste (unpleasant feeling that result from an event.)

slightly different and better (profound remarks or characteristics that make person or object different from others)

meaningless, worthless, senseless, nonsense

hobby, interest

appreciate, taste, experience, savor

eat-by or expiration date

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

ongaku ni mattaku ga nakatta

2) I had no interest in music at all.

音楽 に 全く        が なかった。interested

kono restaurant wa saikin このレストランは最近 。

7) Recently, this restaurant has gone downhill.

deteriorated

9) I thought I looked carefully at this food before buying, but it was rotten.

yoku shite katta noni kusatte-itaよく   して買ったのに 腐っていた。

examine

4) I'm looking for a job that utilizes my abilities.

自分 の を いかせる 仕事 を 探している。jibun no o ikaseru shigoto o sagashiteiru

one's special ability

どうも    結果 と なった。do-mo  kekka to natta

5) Apparently, the result left an unpleasant aftertaste.

unpleasantaftertaste

6) We spent a lot of time discussing it, but ultimately it was worthless.

時間 を かけて 話し合ったが、結局            だった。jikan o kakete hanashi-atta ga kekkyoku datta

meaningless

watashi no shigoto wa to jitsueki o kaneteiru私 の 仕事 は         と 実益 を 兼ねている。

3) I do my job as my hobby and profit from it, too.

hobby

1) Is it OK for me to eat ham that is past the eat-by date?

use the kanji 「味」Complete the sentences below with the terms at the bottom that

ga kireta ham o tabetemo daijo-bu desu kaが 切れた ハム を 食べても 大丈夫ですか。

eat-by date

kuro- o hito janaito kono yorokobi wa wakaranai desho-苦労を 人じゃないとこの喜びはわからないでしょう。

10) Unless you have undergone hardship, you will never understand this happiness.

experience

Muto--san no speech wa hoka no hito towa ne

8) Mr. Muto's speech is somewhat different and better than other people's.

武藤さん の スピーチ は 他の人とは ね。a slightly different and better

kyo-mi shumi mochiaji

atoaji ga warui aji ga ochimashitamuimihitoaji chigau ginmi ajiwatta

sho-mikigen

味ta s t e 味t a s t e ajiaji

taste

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

Des

ign

: Mas

ako

Ban

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga

Copyright 2004 The Yomiuri Shimbun

Page 57: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

Most textbooks for Japanese explain that both particles に (ni) and へ (e) are used. I agree that the two mean the same thing. However, their nuances are different. To be exact, the particle へ (e) indicates the "direction," while に (ni) indicates the "the point of location," which means that に (ni) is more specific than へ (e). The pronunciation of へ is "he," but it is pronounced "e" when used as a particle. For example, "へやへ・・・" is pronounced "heya e...," meaning "(to go) to a room." This might be a bit confusing for people who have just started learning hiragana.

While having supper the other day with a friend who also studies Japanese, we talked about the Japanese language. We realized that we were not sure how to use particles. When I say "I'm going to Kyoto" in Japanese, I use the particle "ni" and say, "Kyoto ni ikimasu." But my friend uses "e" and says, "Kyoto e ikimasu." Is there any difference between the two? I checked some textbooks for Japanese, but some books use "ni" while others use "e." I'm going to see the friend next week, but I would like to know the answer before I see her.

Answers1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6)

Kyoto e?ni ?Kyoto e?ni ?

e.g., to Mr. Pole

e.g., I will go back home.

ポールさんへ Pole-san e

The particle に (ni) / へ (e) and を (o) are used for the verbs that describe actions involving legs. (It is good to remember this rule even though there are some exceptions.)

A) Reaching the goal by using your legs.   → に (ni) / へ (e)

B) Passing through a place by using legs. → を (o)

suwarimasu座ります

1) 

to sit down

isu ____ suwarimasuイス ____ 座ります。 I will sit down on the chair.

hairimasu入ります

2) 

to enter

kaigishitsu ____ hairimasu会議室 ____ 入ります。 I enter the meeting room.

norimasu乗りますuchi ni kaerimasu

うちに帰ります。e.g., I will go to Tokyo.

Tokyo e ikimasu東京へ行きます。

3)

to ride

jitensha ____ noremasen自転車 ____ 乗れません。 I cannot ride a bicycle.

narabimasu並びます

4)

to stand in line

koko ____ narande-kudasaiここ ____ 並んで下さい。Please line up here.

noborimasu登ります

5)

to climb

san-kai Fujisan ____ noborimashita3回 富士山 ____ 登りました。

I have climbed up Mt. Fuji three times....

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

6)sumimasu住みます

7)

to live

yo-nenkan Hiroshima ____ sumimashita4年間 広島 ____ 住みました。I lived in Hiroshima for four years.

to get in (on)

arukimasu歩きます

8)

to walk

Nihon dewa hoko-sha wa michi no migigawa ___ arukimasu日本では、歩行者は道の右側 ____ 歩きます。

Pedestrians walk on the right side of the road in Japan.

hashirimasu走ります

9)

to run

kodomo-tachi ga ground ____ hashitteimasu 子供たちがグラウンド____ 走っています。

Children are running on an athletic field.

watarimasu渡ります

10)

to cross

ko-saten __ wataru toki wa ki o tsukemasho-交差点 ____ 渡る時は気をつけましょう。Be careful when you are crossing the intersection.

to- rimasu

Pole-san e

通ります

ポールさんへ

to take

chikamichi ____ to- rimashita近道 ____ 通りました。I took a shortcut.

Let's try !Answers1)  2) 3) 4)5) 6) 7)

8) 9) 10)

goal ...ni goal ...ni goal ...nipassing through...o goal ...ni goal ...ni

passing through...o passing through...o goal ...ni

passing through...o

In daily life, native speakers of Japanese do not really care one way or the other, and some use に(ni) only, while others use へ(e) only. In fact, I say に(ni) most of the time. ・に"ni" is frequently used in daily life.the time. ・へ"e" sounds a little bit more polite than "ni."It may be interesting to pay attention to the people around you to check who says に(ni) only or へ(e) only !

ashita shinkansen ______ notte Kyoto ______ ikimasu明日 新幹線 ______ 乗って京都 ______ 行きます。

demo takusan __ hito ga kippu-uriba no mae ___ narande-imashita でも、たくさん ______ 人が 切符売り場 の 前 ______ 並んでいました。

jikan ___ tsubusu tameni eki ____ chikaku no mise ____ hairimashita時間 ______ つぶす ために 駅 ______ 近くの店 ______ 入りました。

soshite watashi o miru to " hisashiburi desu ne" ____ iimashita

そして、私を見ると「久し振りですね」______ 言いました。

私は「え?会ったこと ______ありますか?」______ 聞きました。watashi wa " e? atta-koto _____arimasu ka" ___ kikimashita

すると突然、上着_____脱ぎ、バーベル�_____持ち上げる格好をしました。suruto totsuzen uwagi ___ nugi barbell ___ mochiageru kakko- o shimashita

 

なんとスポーツクラブ______150 kg _____バーベル______持ち上げる

おじいさんでした。nanto sports club ____150-kiro ____ barbell ____mochiageru

oji-san deshita

kippu ___ kai ni eki _____ ikimashita

切符 ______ 買いに 駅 ______ 行きました。

18)

1) 2)

3) 4)

5) 6)

I'm going to Kyoto tomorrow on the Shinkansen.

I went to the station to buy my ticket.

But many people were standing in line at the ticket office.

I entered a small restaurant nearby in order to kill time.

When he caught sight of me, he said to me, "Long time no see."

I asked, "What? Have I met you before?"

Suddenly, he took off his outer garment and pretended to lift up a barbell.

I realized that he was the man who can lift 150 kilograms at my sport club.

There I saw an elderly man who was blankly staring out from a chair.

すると おじいさん _____ ボンヤリとイス ___ 座っていました。 suruto oji-san ____ bonyari to isu _____ suwatte-imashita

Make complete sentences in the following story by using the appropriate particles(particles are not limited to ”ni” and ”o”).

13) 14)

15) 16)

17) 19)

7) 8) 9)

10) 11)

12)

ni ni ni nio no

7) 8) 9) 10) 11) 12) o no ga toni ni

13) 14) 15) 16) 17) 18) ga to o no 19) oo de

Goal

House

ni ni o o

ni ni e e

Goal

Goal

nini

ni

ni

In some cases, you cannot use any particle but へ (e). For example, when addressing someone in a letter, memo, etc., as in "To Mr./Ms. ___," you can only use へ (e).

Passing through

Point of the location ... Direction ...に へ placeplace

Tokyo

ni e

Des

ign

: Mas

ako

Ban

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga

Copyright 2004 The Yomiuri Shimbun

Page 58: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

"kaerimasu" does not always mean going back "home." It can be used for going back to some other place, such as a company or a hometown. Let me explain it to you. In reality, Japanese words that relate to "moving" are not easily translated into exact English words. Not only "kaerimasu" but also "ikimasu" and "kimasu" can mean something else according to the situation. In my previous column, we discussed the particles of direction and movement, so it is quite timely to discuss the verbs of movement.

I want to tell you what happened when one of my colleagues went to a customer's company on business. In the evening, he called me at 6:30 p.m. and said, "a-, Pole-san, ima owarimashita. korekara kaerimasu" (Hi, Mr. Pole, I'm done, so I'm going back now). Then, he hung up. I was done with my work, so I also went home. Now, listen what happened the next day! He said to me, "yu-be 8-ji goro kaisha ni kaerimashita. (I came back to the office about 8 o'clock last night.) demo daremo imasendeshita! (But, no one was here!)" So, I told him, "datte kaeru to iimashita yo ne." (But you said you were going back), but he said, "so-! kaisha ni kaeru to iimashita." (Right! I said, "I'm going back to office.") Do Japanese people say "kaerimasu" when they go back to a company, too?

Answers

ikimasu行きます 帰ります 行きます 帰ります

kaerimasu

byo- in病院

ikimasu行きます

The following Japanese verbs are usually translated as:

ni e ikimasuに へ  行きます。

The arrows indicate the "speaker" is moving to the particular place from where he is.

embassy .......

bank .............

hospital ........

Place

ginko-銀行

taishikan大使館Speaker

帰ります

e.g., If you are visiting your customer's company and going back to your company (you have more affection to your company, than the company you are visiting)

customer's company

my company

my company customer's company

行きます (ikimasu) = to go   帰ります (kaerimasu) = to go back

The usage, however, varies depending on the situation, making it easy to make mistakes sometimes. Thus, it is better to find out in which situation the verb is used, rather than learning the translated words by rote. "kimasu" will be explained in the next column.

行i (ku) / ko-

帰kae(ru) / ki

国 実

急return/comeback express/go in a hurry

return to one's mother country

action/practice

(return to, again) (urgent, be in a hurry)

(actual, real)(country)

平   線parallel lines

(flat) (line)

return home

(leave out)省

(1) (2) (3)

(4) (5) (6)

Choose the character of either (a) or (b) to make the words of (1) to (6), then make a complete sentence from 1 through 6 byusing one of (1)~(6).

byo-ki de kaisha o cho-ki yasundeita ga rokugatsu kara shimasu病気で会社を長期休んでいたが、6月から します。

I was absent from the company for a long time because of illness, but I'm going back to work at the beginning of June.

1

iu nowa kantan desu ga suru nowa muzukashii desu ne言うのは簡単ですが するのは難しいですね。

It is easier said than done, isn't it?2

wa kono eki ni tomarimasen はこの駅にとまりません。

The express is not going to stop this station.3

kyu- kyo suru koto ni narimashita急きょ することになりました。

I have to go back to my country all of a sudden.4

ikura hanashiattemo deshitaいくら話し合っても でした。

No matter how long we discussed it, we ended up as far apartas ever.

5

There's going to be heavy traffic at the end of the year because many people will be going back to their hometowns.

kure wa rush de hageshi- ju- tai ni narimasu暮れは ラッシュで激しい渋滞になります。

6

(a) (b)

1

2

ni e kaerimasuに へ  帰ります。

ni e ikimasuに へ 行きます。

ni e kaerimasuに へ  帰ります。

Even though the usage is the same as "ikimasu," "kaerimasu" is more appropriate if the person has more affection for the place, to which he is going, than where he is.kaerimasu

e.g., If you are staying in Japan and going back to your country (you have more affection for your country than for Japan)

staying in Japan

ni e kaerimasuに へ  帰ります。my country

my country

kite-kudasai来て下さい。

PracticeEnter either "ikimasu" or "kaerimasu."

�kaerimasu�帰ります�

I'm a bank.

Please come here. 4) Yes, I'm coming.

�行きます�

I'm a restaurant. I'm home.

Bank Restaurant Home

place

staying in Japan

�ikimasu�(今)行きます�

(ima) �ikimasu

A)

B)

D)

F)

E)

C)

place

1)

my countrystaying in Japan

after 30 years

I'm my country.7)

2) 3)

I'm my company.

5)

my company my house

1) 2) 6) 8) 4) 3) 5) 7)

I'm my company.

6)

I'm my parents' home.

8)

Speaker

Answers

(1) - (b) fukki (2) - (a) kyu-ko- (3) - (a) he-ko-sen

(4) - (b) kikoku (5) - (a) jikko- (6) - (b) kise-復帰

帰国

急行

実行

平行線

帰省

1 - (1) 2 - (5) 3 - (2) 4 - (4) 5 - (3) 6 - (6)

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga

Copyright 2004 The Yomiuri Shimbun

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

Des

ign

: Mas

ako

Ban

Page 59: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

I'm afraid you made a mistake by using "ikimasu." Take a look at the usage of " ③ future trip" of "kimasu" in the explanation below. Even if you are in your office at the time, and are discussing a future event, you should talk to the customer as if you are in the hotel already and waiting for him in the lobby. You should have said, "ashita nanji ni kimasu ka?" (What time are you coming to the hotel tomorrow?) Then he would not have misunderstood you because you would have implied that you would also be there.

One of my customers got angry when I apparently made a mistake in my Japanese yesterday. I was going to give a presentation about our company at a hotel and I asked him, "ashita nanji ni hotel ni ikimasu ka? (What time are you going to be at the hotel tomorrow?)" The customer looked puzzled and said: "I thought you were going to be at the hotel. This will make things very inconvenient." I was planning to be at the hotel. Why did he misunderstand me?

Answers

1 - (1) - (a)

kimasu来ます来ます

wa  ni kimasuは    に 来ます。

sho- rai

future

Choose either a) or b) of the kanji to make a correct word, and then complete sentences (1) to (6).

(1)

(a)

(b)

(2) (3)

(4) (5) (6)

1

2

3

4

5

6

someone(To do something at a place)

I/someone

event vehicle

I/speaker

将来 2 - (5) - (a) irai以来

3 - (4) - (b) raiten来店 4 - (2) - (b) raikyaku来客

5 - (3) - (a) dekiru/dekinai出来る 6 - (6) - (b) honrai本来

The following Japanese verb is usually translated as: 来ます (kimasu) = to come

= Someone/something is coming toward I/the speaker as the arrow indicates.

来ます kimasu

1 Someone is coming toward me.

2 "Event/vehicle (e.g., phone call, car)" is coming toward me.

3 Someone will come toward me in the future (future trips). I will come back to where I am now in the future.

Pr act ice: How do you say in J apanese?

I got a lot of letters and faxes yesterday. ② (Implies: A lot of letters and faxes came to me.)My parents are coming to Japan next month. ① (Implies: My parents are coming to me.)If he calls me, please listen to what he has to say. ② (Implies: The call from him will come to me.)A lot of typhoons head toward Japan at the end of summer. ② (Implies: Typhoons come toward us.)There seems to be no taxis. ② (Implies: Taxis aren't coming toward me.)

How many people do you think will come to the sale tomorrow? ③ (Implies: People will come to the sale.)

1)

2)

3)

4)

5)

6)

1)2)3)4)5)6)7)8)

Answerskino- tegami to fax ga takusan kimashitaraigetsu ryo-shin wa Nihon ni kimasudenwa ga kitara hanashi o ki- teoite-kudasainatsu wa taifu- ga takusan-kimasutaxi ga naka-naka kimasen neashita no sale ni nan-nin kuru desho- ka?ashita hachiji ni kaisha ni kimasutanjo-bi ga kuru made ni kekkonshitai !

Its usage, however, varies depending on the situation. It is better to determine which situation the verb is to be used, rather than learning the translated word by rote.

hoshi-uranai de      o uranatte-moraimashita (horoscope) (have one's fortune told)

星占いで     を占ってもらいました。

are      renraku-shiteimasen (not to keep in touch)

あれ     連絡していません。

go      no minasama ni oshirase-itashimasu (all the customers) (make an announcement)

ご     の皆様にお知らせ致します。

chu- desu node sho-sho- omachi-kudasai (because) (a moment) (please wait)

中ですので少々お待ち下さい。

ka      ka wa yatteminaito wakarimasen (if I don't try) (don't know)

か      かはやってみないとわかりません。

no mokuteki o hazurete imasu (purpose) (out of)

の目的を外れています。

I consulted a fortune-teller about my future.

I haven't kept in touch with him since then.

(announcement in a department store) "We would like our customers to listen to this message."

Please wait a moment because we are dealing with a visitor right now.

I won't know whether I can do it or not until I try.

This is not the original purpose.

sho- rai

将正

a visitor raikyaku dekirubeing capable

visiting a store raiten since then irai original honrai

rai

(a)

(b)来る出

串 ki ru

(a)

(b)来以

井 rai

(a)

(b)来木

本 rai

(a)

(b)来 各

客rai

(a)

(b)来 点

店rai

Dic.-form nai.-form

来ki (masu) / rai

wa  ni kimasuは    に 来ます。

ga ni kimasuが    に 来ます。

I/speaker

Going to a particular place to do something and coming back

行ってitte

Pr act ice: H ow do you say in J apanese?

行って来ます。 ittekimasu

kimasu来ます

niに

行って来ます。 ittekimasu

来ます。 kimasu

ます。 masu

Answers

2)-2 is a short form of 2)-1, and it takes less time to come back than 2)-1.

1) ohiru nanode obento- o kai ni ittekimasu (katte-kimasu)2) karita video o kaeshi ni ittekimashita (kaeshite-kimasu)3) chotto toile(t) ni ittekimasu4) visa-koshin no tame ni nyu-koku-kanrikyoku (nyu-kan) ni ittekimashita5) kyu-ryo-bi nanode ginko ni okane o oroshi ni ittekimasu6) eki ni wasuremono o tori ni ittekimasu (totte-kimasu)7) guai ga warui node byo-in ni ittekimasu8) atsui node kami o kiri ni ittekimasu (kitte-kimasu)9) o-kii jishin datta ne? soto o mi ni ittekimasu (mite-kimasu)10) chotto tobacco o sui ni ittekimasu (sutte-kimasu)

1) I'm going outside to buy a boxed lunch. (I'll come back after buying it.)2) I went to the video shop to return the video tapes I rented (and I came back.) 3) I'm going to the bathroom. (I'll be back soon.)4) I went to the Immigration Bureau to renew my visa (and I came back).5) I'm going to the bank to withdraw money because it's payday. (I'll be back after withdrawing it.)6) I'm going to a train station to get what I left behind. (I'll be back after receiving it.)7) I'm going to the clinic because I don't feel well. (I'll be back soon.)8) I'm going to have my hair cut because it's hot these days. (I'll be back after having my hair cut.)9) Wow, that was a big earthquake. I will go outside to take a look. (I'll be back after looking outside.)10) I will go outside to smoke a cigarette. (I'll be back after smoking it.)

niに

Note the difference in usage ③. ・ ashita party ni ikimasu ka? (See Vol. 59) (Are you going to the party tomorrow? This implies the speaker is also invited to the party.)・ ashita party ni kimasu ka? (Are you coming to the party tomorrow? This implies the speaker is hosting the party and he is talking as if he is already at the party and waiting for the listener.)

action

place

verb

verbte-form +

1)

2)-1

2)-2

I'll come to work at 8 o'clock tomorrow. ③ (Implies: I'm in the office now andI'm coming back here.)I want to get married before my birthday! ② (Implies: My birthday is getting close.)  

7)

8)

Des

ign

: Mas

ako

Ban

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga

Copyright 2004 The Yomiuri Shimbun

Page 60: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

No, it's not what you think. He just didn't understand what you said. Since you said "tasu" for "plus" (merits) and "hiku" for "minus" (demerits), he was baffled. Did you like mathematics when you were in school? "Plus and minus" in conversation is used differently from its use in mathematics. You'll see the difference in the examples below.

One of my friends called me to ask for some advice. His boss had told him he was being transferred to a provincial office, but when he told his wife, she said he would have to go there alone (tanshin-funin). He was upset and he asked me how he could persuade his wife to change her mind. So, I asked him, "kazoku ga issho ni itta ba-i, nani ga tasu de, nani ga hiku desu ka? (If your family goes with you, what do you get and what do you lose?)." He said, "tasu? hiku?" and he started to think deeply. I didn't realize that he was feeling so upset, and I felt sorry for him. A few minutes later, he started to laugh and said, "aa, plus to minus ne (You mean, the merits and demerits)." One moment he looked troubled, but then suddenly he burst into laughter. I wondered what was wrong with him.

Answers

Answers

1

1

2

3

4

5 6

7

8

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8 2 3 5 4

yon tai ichi4 :  1

RATIOS:

hiritsu比率

4 to 1e.g.,

ni ten nana hachi2.78

DECIMALS:

sho-su- ten小数点

2 point 78e.g.,

nanaju- waru go wa ju- -yon70 ÷ 5  = 14

DIVISION:

warizan割り算

70 divided by 5 equals 14.e.g.,

34 × 2  = 68

MULTIPLICATION:

かけ算kakezan

sanju- -yon kakeru ni wa rokuju- -hachi

34 times 2 equals 68.e.g.,

kyu- hiku nana wa ni9 ー 7  = 2

SUBTRACTION:

hikizan引き算

9 minus 7 equals 2.e.g.,

1 + 4  = 5 ADDITION:

足し算tashizan ichi tasu yon wa go

1 plus 4 equals 5.e.g.,

= → wa   + → tasu ー → hiku 

: → tai

to bun no (with cardinal number)

scandal wa se- jika ni totte desu neスキャンダルは 政治家に とって      ですね。

kore de kampeki desu ga nen no tame ni    alpha o kangaete-okimasuこれで 完璧 ですが、念の為に       αを 考えておきます。

この話 は お互いに とって ですね。

これで ゼロです !

何を する にも 材料は 極力 避けた 方が 無難です。nani o suru nimo zairyo- wa kyokuryoku saketa ho- ga bunan desu

今月は 収支が になった ので 一安心です。kongetsu wa shu-shi ga ni natta node hitoanshin desu

悲観的に なると どうしても 面 ばかり 見てしまいます。

あの女優 の 振る舞い は イメージと なってしまいました。

選挙の 投票率は 前回に 比べて 2.1%でした。

あの人は 自分に とって になることは 何でも やりますよ。

I think this is perfect, but I'll see if I can come up with some extra points just in case.

This subject is advantageous for both of us, isn't it?

Now, we're even!

No matter what you do, it is always better to avoid using objectionable material as much as possible.

I'm relieved to be in the black this month.

The behavior of the actress gave her a negative image.

When you are pessimistic, you are inclined to think of the bad aspects in life.

The turnout in the election was 2.1 percentage points below that of the previous one.

That person will do anything that is likely to be advantageous to him.

plus minus

kono hanashi wa otagai ni totte desu ne

kore de zero desu !

ano joyu- no furumai wa image to natte shimaimashita

hikanteki ni naruto do- shitemo men bakari mite-shimaimasu

senkyo no to-hyo- ritsu wa zenkai ni kurabete 2.1% deshita

ano hito wa jibun ni totte ni naru koto wa nandemo yarimasu yo

plus plus plus minus minus minus

6 7 8 109 plus plus minus minus minus

(politicians) (for)

(perfect) (just to make sure) (I'll think)

(this) (subject) (each other's)(for)

(no matter what you do) (data) (as~as possible)(avoid) (safe)

(this month) (balance) (relieved about one thing)

(that)(actress) (behavior)

(pessimistic) (whatever happens) (side) (only) ( look)

(election turnout) (previous) (compared)

(that person) (for himself) (anything) (to do)

Scandals are bad for politicians, don't they ?

(everything)(well,good) (so) (hard)

tasu足す

te-form

add

水不足 で 田んぼに 水 を

引き落とし

きのうの サッカー は 3   0 で 韓国 が 日本に 勝ちました。

4割 で 買いました。

光熱費 と 家賃 は にしています。

駆け引き 割り切る

割愛する割り勘 

離婚した が 会社が 同じ なので 仕事 を している。

すべて よく できている ので    のは 難しかった です。

友達と 飲む時は いつも              です。

____biki

対(:)discount ____引き

withdrawal from one's account

hikiotoshi kakehiki

negotiation/bargain

warikiru

without emotional attachment katsuai suru

warikan  tai

forgo split the bill (go Dutch)

to

rikonshita ga kaisha ga onaji nanode shigoto o shiteiru

subete yoku dekiteiru node    no wa muzukashikatta desu

tomodachi to nomu toki wa itsumo desu

ko-netsu-hi to yachin wa ni shiteimasu

yon-wari de kaimashita

kino- no soccer wa san zero de Kankoku ga Nihon ni kachimashita

mizu-busoku de tambo ni mizu o

warikitte

katsuaisuru

warikan

hikiotoshi

kakehiki

biki

tai

tashimashita

(divorced) (company) (same) (so) (are working)

nashi de hanashiai o shitaなしで 話し合いをした。

- f)

- g)

- h)

- c)

- d)

- b)

- e)

- a)

Although we're divorced, she and I work at the same office, so I just talk to her as part of my work.

Everything was so good that it was hard to forgo any part of it.

I go Dutch every time I go drinking with a friend.

My rent and utility charges are automatically withdrawn from my bank account.

I discussed it but did not make concessions. I bought it at a 40% discount.

South Korea defeated Japan 3-0 in yesterday's soccer match.

I added water to my rice paddies because the water level was low.

Dic. form

a) b) c) d) e) f) g) h)

(friend) (with) (drink) (every time)

(lighting and heating expenses)(rent)

(without) (discussion) (40%) (with) (bought)

(yesterday) (South Korea) (won)

(lack of water) (rice paddies) (water)

× → kakeru ÷ → waru . → ten

B

A

yon bun no san

FRACTIONS:

bunsu-分数

4 3 6

5 2

e.g.,

roku to go bun no ni

three-quarters 6 and 2 fifthse.g.,

C

BA ↑↑

Mathematics

Choose either plus or minus to make complete sentences.

bun no (without cardinal number)

Des

ign

: Mas

ako

Ban

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga

Copyright 2004 The Yomiuri Shimbun

Page 61: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

Oh, it's nothing to do with your Japanese! The reason why she uses honorific forms (keigo) is to maintain a certain distance in your relationship. By using keigo, she subtly expressed her inner feelings, although you didn't realize it. Using keigo in such a way is completely different from the old-fashioned, conservative usage. I will explain keigo in a number of lessons. After this, you will feel like a psychologist!

I don't really feel comfortable the way one of my colleague talks to me. One day at work, I suggested her for lunch, saying, "lunch ni iko-!" (Let's go for lunch together!) But she said, "mo-shiwake-gozaimasen mada shigoto ga arimasu" (I'm afraid I haven't finished my work yet). Then, she casually asked another colleague, "coffee nomu?" (How about some coffee?). I am not her boss, but for some reason, she always uses polite Japanese every time she talks to me. Is it because I'm a foreigner? Or is it because I don't speak good Japanese?

1. Present-day keigo is used for the speaker's benefit!

C. Establishing a distance in human relations........ e.g. Ending a relationship with a listener.

2. Present-day keigo is used to imply one's thoughts and feelings!

B. Obtaining an advantage when you are in a disadvantageous position. ..... e.g. Having others accept an apology or grant permission or an "unreasonable" request, etc.

---------------- Basically keigo is polite but...----------------

A. In public areas......... e.g. At work, or talking with customers, etc. Level 1 ~ Level 5

The usage of keigo must be adapted according to a hierarchical relationship based on the status and rank of the speaker and listener. Therefore, many Japanese are unwilling to use keigo as they feel it is extremely troublesome to use in conversation. But modern keigo has become a mere facade. The reality is that it does not always function in a time-honored conservative way.

Other people might conclude that a speaker is poorly educated or has been raised in an improper way if he/she is not able to use keigo according to the time, the place and occasion, not just the hierarchical relationship.

Using keigo in this way can be advantageous to the speaker. If you learn to recognize this usage, you will be better placed to read the thoughts and feelings of others. (It will be explained in Vol. 66)

[Levels 1 and 2] [Level 3] [Level 4] [Level 5]1.desu, masu 2. vocabulary 3. passive form 4. humble form 1 5. humble form 2

Sounds "polite"

Sounds "very polite"

speaker listener (others)

Level 1. keigo with [ desu, masu, and o/go + ]noun, i-adj. , na-adj.

Let's try !

Use keigo in the following sentences.

Answers

1. soro-soro ikimasu ka? 3. wasuremashita 5. osake wa zen-zen nomimasen 7. benri dewa arimasen 9. nani ga osuki desu ka? 11. so- dato ii desu ne 13. tatoeba nan desu ka?

1. Shall we be going? 3. I forgot. 5. I don't drink alcohol at all. 7. It is not convenient. 9. What do you like?11. I hope so.13. What for example?

masu / mashita / masen / masen deshita

2. Is it raining?

verb →

desu / deshita / dewa arimasen / dewa arimasen deshitadesu / katta desu / kunai desu / kunakatta desu

4. Do you have time? 6. I couldn't do it. 8. I think so. 10. I can't remember. 12. It's a small world. 14. It's too bad.

(explained in Vol. 63)(explained in today's issue) (explained in Vol. 64) (explained in Vol. 65)

★With this type of keigo, your Japanese starts to sound more polite, and your reputation improves.Even if you are not familiar with the polite form of speech, you may find these easy to use. Using desu, masu and o/go in your Japanese is enough to start speaking politely, polite enough to talk with the prime minister. Vol. 38 explains "o/go" in detail, so take a look at the past issues.

Written language is frequently used in TV news, speeches and conferences. It sounds very polite when written Japanese is added to spoken Japanese. That is why literary expressions are commonly used in polite Japanese.

noun, na-adj.

Level 2. keigo with [Vocabulary]

2.ゆうべ地震があった。yu-be jishin ga atta

1. But.....demo → 3. the other day.....konoaida → 5. yesterday.....kino- →

7. this morning.....kyo- no asa →  9. the day before.....mae no hi →11. I'm surprised.....bikkurishita →13. as I expected.....yappari → 15. here.....koko →17. over there.....asoko →19. this person.....kono hito →21. every one.....minna →23. Do you know?.....shittemasu ka? →25. very.....sugoku →27. various, varied.....ironna →29. good/ fine.....ii →

2. a little while ago.....sakki → 4. today.....kyo- → 6. tomorrow.....ashita → 8. last night.....yu-be →10. who.....dare →12. about 2kg.....daitai gurai →14. I'm sorry......suimasen →16. there.....soko →18. where.....doko →20. not at all.....chittomo → 22. many, a lot .....ippai →24. Why ?.....do-shite →26. therefore.....dakara →28. later.....ato de →30. because, so.....___kara →

2kg

やっぱりそうだった!yappari so datta !

ごめん、だいたい20分ぐらい遅れる。gomen daitai 20-pun gurai okureru

4.この間はどうも。kono aida wa do-mo

忙しいからキャンセルした。isogashii kara cancel shita

知ってる?shitteru?

8.

皆さん今日は忙しいところ.......minasan kyo- wa isogashii tokoro.......

あとで連絡するね。ato de renraku suru ne

あの人は誰?ano hito wa dare?

Some frequently used words are listed below. Try to determine the keigo

1. There was an earthquake last night. I knew I was right!

3. I canceled because I was busy. Thanks for the other day.

5. I'm terribly sorry, but I will be about 20 minutes late.

7. Do you know that? (in a speech) <Thank you very much for attending> even though you are all busy.

9. I will contact you later. 10. Who is that?

★ If you use this type of keigo in business, your way of talking starts to sound more "intellectual."

1. shikashi 2. sakihodo 3. senjitsu 4. honjitsu 5. sakujitsu 6. asu 7. kesa 8. sakuya 9. zenjitsu 10. donata 11. odorokimashita 12. yaku ___hodo13. yahari 14. sumimasen / mo- shiwake arimasen 15. kochira 16. sochira 17. achira 18. dochira 19. kono kata / kochira no kata20. sukoshimo 21. minasama 22. takusan 23. gozonji desu ka? 24. naze 25. totemo 26. desukara 27. samazama na 28. nochihodo 29. yoroshii 30. ___node

Answers

Answers

sakuya jishin ga arimashita yahari so- deshita! isogashii node cancel shimashitasenjitsu wa arigato- gozaimashita mo- shiwake arimasen, yaku 20-pun hodo okuremasusumimasen yoroshii desu ka? gozonji desu ka? minasama honjitsu wa oisogashii tokoro.......nochihodo renraku o shimasu achira no kata wa donata desu ka?

1.2.3.4.5.

6.7.8.

9.10.

6.ちょっといい?chotto ii ?

May I interrupt you?

2. ame desu ka? 4. ojikan arimasu ka? 6. dame deshita 8. so- omoimasu10. omoidasemasen 12. yononaka semai desu 14. zannen desu

speaker

listener (others)

speaker

listener (others)

speaker

listener (others)

The higher the implied status of the listener (others), the politer it sounds, even if the respect shown is only perfunctory!

i-adj.

Des

ign

: Mas

ako

Ban

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga

Copyright 2005 The Yomiuri Shimbun

Page 62: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

I'm so glad to hear that! If you learn more keigo, your reputation will improve even more. It is true that even Japanese have difficulty using it to its fullest extent, but if you study hard you can make keigo your own! In this lesson, you will learn the passive form of keigo. You may run into trouble if you are not familiar with the conjugations of passive forms. But, since a fairly small number of verbs are commonly used in daily conversation, you will find it worthwhile to memorize them.

I thought it was easy to understand the usage of Level 1 (desu, masu and o/go) and Level 2 (vocabulary) in Vol. 62, and I tried to use it as often as I could. The Japanese I talked with said, "Pole-san no Nihongo kire- desu ne" (Your Japanese sounds very beautiful), and they began to treat me very politely. It made me feel good. I can't wait to learn other honorific forms—I'm so excited!

[Levels 1 and 2] [Level 3] [Level 4] [Level 5]1.desu, masu 2. vocabulary 3. passive form 4. keigo and humble form 1 5. humble form 2

Sounds "polite"

Sounds "very polite"

speaker others

Level 3 Keigo with [verb .... passive form]

(explained below)(explained in Vol. 62) (explained in next column) (explained in future column)

Answers

Answers

speaker

others

speaker

others

speaker

others

Note: it is used to express the action of the person to whom you are talking.

★ If you use this type of keigo, it will improve your reputation because you will sound well educated. The listeners (others) will start treating you politely.

This keigo is commonly used in daily life, but is not as formal as Level 4 or Level 5. The only difficulty is that you have to conjugate verbs to use it.

Classifications of verbs may vary according to textbooks and schools. In this lesson, verbs are categorized into three groups: 1."i-masu" group, 2. "e-masu" group (and Ninja form), 3. "o shimasu" group and "irregular." If you know the "masu form," you can categorize verbs. In order to classify verbs, note the syllable before the "masu form." Check whether the syllable before "masu" is "i" or "e."

i-masu group 1.

o shimasu group 3.

e-masu group 2.

Ninja form

tabe masu

taberaremasu

to eat... tabemasu

oki masu

okiraremasu

to get up... okimasu

to decide... kimemasue masu

kangaemasushirabemasu e.g.,

e.g.,

e.g.,

kime masu

kimeraremasu

to get up (okimasu), to put on (kimasu), to get off (orimasu), to be (imasu),to be tired of (akimasu), to see, look, watch (mimasu), to borrow (karimasu), to believe (shinjimasu)

e.g.,

denwa o shimasu

to call... denwa o shimasuo shimasu

denwa o saremasu

e.g.,

cancel o shimasu

to cancel... cancel o shimasu

cancel o saremasu

Irregular to come ..... kimasu → koraremasu

to go and get ..... tottekimasu → tottekoraremasu

i masu aki masu

akiraremasu

to be tired of... akimasu

e raremasu

i raremasu↓

Since it conjugates in the same way as the "potential form" and can be confusing,Level 4 or Level 5 is frequently used, instead of using the "e-masu group."

Even though a verb is categorized in the "i-masu" group, it conjugates as a verb in "e-masu" group. Frequently used verbs for keigo are selected here.

--- This story should make it easier to memorize verbs in Ninja. --- (Let's memorize this story in English.)I get up at 5 o'clock in the morning. I put on a pink shirt. I get off at the subway station. My secretary is in the office. She is tired of her work. Then, she looks at my face. And, she borrows some money from me. Can you believe it?

o saremasu

noun, popular foreign loanword

旅行の準備をしましたか?ryoko- no junbi o shimashita ka?

1. Did you prepare yourself for the trip?

きのう仕事を休みましたか?kino- kaisha o yasumimashita ka?

3. Did you take a day off yesterday?

住所と名前を書きましたか?

ju- sho to namae o kakimashita ka?

2. Did you write down your name and address?

何を飲みますか?nani o nomimasu ka?

5. What do you want to drink?

もう風邪は治りましたか?mo- kaze wa naorimashita ka?

4. Are you over your cold?

休みはいつも何をしますか?yasumi wa itsumo nani o shimasu ka?

7. What do you usually do when you have a day off ?

何時に来ましたか?nan-ji ni kimashita ka?

6. What time did you come here?

どのぐらい待ちましたか?donogurai machimashita ka?

8. How long did you wait?

1. junbi o saremashita

2.goju-sho, onamae, kakaremashita  

3.yasumaremashita

4.naoraremashita

5.nomaremasu

6.koraremashita

7.saremasu

8.mataremashita

Make your speech much more polite by changing the underlined parts.

↓↓

↓ ↓ ↓

↓ ↓

Conversation

そうですか....いつ頃戻りますか?so- desu ka.... itsugoro modorimasu ka?

たぶん夕方だと思います。tabun yu-gata dato omoimasu

植木さんはいつも何時頃帰りますか?

Ueki-san wa itsumo nan-ji goro kaerimasu ka?すいません、ちょっとわかりませんが...suimasen chotto wakarimasen ga...

そうですか、明日は何時頃会社に来ますか?so- desu ka, ashita wa nan-ji goro kaisha ni kimasu ka?

Pole-san: Oh, I see. When will he return? Secretary: He probably will return in the evening.

Pole-san: Do you know what time he usually go home? Secretary: Well... I'm not really sure...

Pole-san: I see, what time will he arrive at work tomorrow?

(Pole-san phoned Mr. Ueki, one of his clients. But the person who received the call said that Mr. Ueki was out of the office.)

Conjugation of passive form

modoraremasu kaeraremasu koraremasu

nomimasu, kakimasu, hanashimasu, tachimasu, kaerimasu, isogimasu

machigaemasu

hajimemasu

ra ma (ba)ha na ta sa (ga)ka a

ri mi (bi) hi ni chi shi (gi) ki i

ru mu (bu)fu nu tsu su (gu)ku u

re me (be)he ne te se (ge)ke e

ro mo (bo)ho no to so (go)ko o

Passive form [a vowel + remasu ]←↑

wa

a i masu

a wa remasu↓

to meet... aimasu

era bi masu

era ba remasu

to choose... erabimasue.g.,

List of hiragana

Des

ign

: Mas

ako

Ban

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga

Copyright 2005 The Yomiuri Shimbun

N inja form

Page 63: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

Are you really that exhausted, Mr. Pole? If I compare your comment to climbing Mt. Fuji, you are about 80 percent to the top. Your goal is very close, so hang in there. You're right about keigo, though. It is true you have to use different types of keigo according to the person you are speaking to. Don't worry about making mistakes, the Japanese around you will be impressed by the great effort you are making. In this lesson, our slogan is, "Don't be afraid to make a mistake!"

I'm still unsure about using the passive form of keigo that we learned in the previous lesson. I'm OK if I use it slowly, but I still have trouble conjugating the verbs. Since I started learning keigo, I understand more of what the Japanese are saying when they use it. I realize that I must use different forms of keigo depending on the person I'm talking to, but I still get confused. Trying to figure this out is really exhausting for me. Are there any shortcut to learning keigo?

Answers

Answers

Keigo: Used when talking to people who are not members of your group, and is never applied to yourself.Humble form: Used when talking about the members of your group, and is applied for yourself.

EnglishFriendly form Keigo Humble form

to be / to existimasu irasshaimasu orimasu1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

to do / ____ to do shimasu nasaimasu itashimasu

to goikimasu irasshaimasu mairimasu

to comekimasu irasshaimasu mairimasu

to visit ikimasu irasshaimasu

to sayiimasu osshaimasu mo- shimasu

to eattabemasu meshiagarimasu itadakimasu

to see / look / watch mimasu haiken shimasu

to meet / see aimasu ome ni kakarimasu

to listenkikimasu ukagaimasuto ask

omoimasu zonjimasu

to give (something) agemasu sashiagemasu

います いらっしゃいます おります

します なさいます いたします

行きます いらっしゃいます 参ります

来ます いらっしゃいます 参ります

行きます いらっしゃいます

言います おっしゃいます 申します

食べます 召し上がります いただきます

見ます 拝見します

会います お目にかかります

聞きます 伺います

思います 存じます

あげます 差し上げます

to know

to think

shitteimasu gozonji desu zonjite orimasu知っています ご存じです 存じております

ukagaimasu伺います

imasu irasshaimasu orimasute-form + います te-form+いらっしゃいます te-form + おりますto be doing

to receive (something)moraimasuもらいます itadakimasu

いただきますkudasaimasu下さいます

to be explained in Vol. 66

to be explained in Vol. 66

to be explained in Vol. 66

to be explained in Vol. 66

to be explained in Vol. 66

to be explained in Vol. 66te-form + あげます

to give (action)

agemasute-form+差し上げます

sashiagemasu

to receive (action)te-form+もらいます

moraimasu

te-form+いただきます

te-form+下さいますitadakimasu

kudasaimasu

Used when talking to friends.

Used for action taken by the listener (others).

Used for actions of the speaker.

(object)

Keigo that you are going to learn in this lesson does not have regular rules, so you may have to memorize them. But don't worry! There aren't too many. If you memorize this list, it will help you a lot. Anyone who wants to learn Japanese cannot avoid this. So, hang in there!

もしもしポールと言いますが、山本さんいますか?moshi moshi Pole to iimasu ga Yamamoto-san imasu ka ?

Pole-san: Hello, may I speak to Mr. Yamamoto? My name is Pole.

1 mo-shimasu 2 irasshaimasu 3 de gozaimasu 4 sho-kai-shite itadaita 5 mo-shimasu 6 ukagatte orimasu 7 oisogashi

-

8 zonjimasu 19 sochira ni 10 ukagaitai11 orimasen 12 orimasu 13 dewa 14 ukagattemo 15 yoroshi

- desu

Yamamoto: This is Yamamoto.はい、山本ですがhai Yamamoto desu ga

あ、あの私川崎さんに紹介してもらったポールと言います。a ano watashi Kawasaki-san ni sho-kai-shitemoratta Pole to iimasu

あ、ポールさんですね。川崎さんから聞いてます。a Pole-san desu ne Kawasaki-san kara kitemasu

忙しいとは思いますが、来週ぜひそっちに行きたいのですが。isogashi

- towa omoimasu ga raishu- zehi socchini ikitai no desu ga

あいにく、来週は出張で日本にいませんが、今週でしたらいます。ainiku raishu- wa shutcho de imasen ga konshu- deshitara imasu

じゃあ、今週行ってもいいですか?jaa konshu- ittemo ii desu ka ?

Pole-san: Oh, hello, I believe my friend, Mr. Kawasaki, told you about me.

Pole-san: I know you must be busy, but I would like to meet you next week.

Pole-san: Oh, then may I visit to see you this week?

Kawai-san: Ah, yes, Mr. Pole, he did.

Kawai-san: Unfortunately, I won't be in Japan next week, but I have time this week.

Mr. Pole will be making his first phone call to a company, after an introduction by his friend, Mr. Kawasaki.

6

1 2

3

4 5

7 8 9

11

10

12

13 1514

明日何時までオフィスにいますか?ashita nan-ji made office ni imasu ka?

1. Client: Until what time are you going to stay in the office tomorrow?

ごめんなさい明日は一日出ています。gomennasai ashita wa ichinichi dete imasu

You: I'm sorry, but I will be out all day.

月曜日の朝7時に行きたいのですが。getsuyo-bi no asa shichi-ji ni ikitai no desu ga...

2.

すいません、7時はオフィスに誰もいません。suimasen shichi-ji wa office ni daremo imasen

You: We're sorry, no one will be in the office at 7 in the morning.

Client: I'd like to come over there at 7 o'clock Monday morning.

Now, use keigo for the underlined words.

ゴルフをしますか?golf o shimasu ka?

3.いえ、しません。ie, shimasen

You: No, I don't.Client : Do you play golf?

この間の件よろしくお願いします。kono aida no ken yoroshiku onegaishimasu.

4.

5.

一番線に電車が来ます。ichi-bansen ni densha ga kimasu

(station announcement) A train is arriving at Track 1.

Client: Please do the things we talked about the other day.

dete orimasu 2. ukagaitai / mo- shiwake gozaimasen, orimasen3. nasaimasu / itashimasen 4. mairimasu 5.senjitsu, onegai itashimasu 6. haiken shitemo, yoroshi- desu 7. gome-waku, zonjimasu 8. mairimashita 9. tadaima, mairimasu

見てもいいですか?mitemo iii desu ka?

どうぞdo-zo

You: Yes, you may.Client: May I see it?6.

迷惑とは思いますが・・・me-waku towa omoimasu ga...

7.

社長の代理で来ました。shacho- no dairi de kimashita

8.

小林さん!Kobayashi-san!

はい、今行きます!hai, ima ikimasu!

Secretary: Yes, I'm coming! President: Ms. Kobayashi!9.

I hope it won't disturb you, but...

I'm here as representative of the president.

1. asu, irasshaimasu / mo- shiwake gozaimasen, asu,

boss

you & your groupsubordinatehumble form

keigoclient, customer, stranger

keigohumble form

Des

ign

: Mas

ako

Ban

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga

Copyright 2005 The Yomiuri Shimbun

Page 64: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

It's true! Many young people today are not familiar with keigo. That is why many books about keigo are sold around the time when Japanese university students are job-hunting. They study keigo by reading such books because they don't know how to use the honorific form when they are interviewed by a prospective employer. The keigo in this lesson is so easy I'm sure you'll be pleasantly surprised!

I memorized the "keigo List" in the previous lesson, and I practiced using it when I talked to a friend. She said, "Wow, you speak Japanese better than I do! Teach me keigo." Come to think of it, some of my friends told me that nowadays many young people do not know how to use keigo properly. Is that true? This is hard to believe as they are Japanese. I'll study keigo much harder, so I can teach it to my Japanese friends!

Answers

Answers

Answers

Level 5

お/ご ます  になります。 verb

を します  されます   なさいます

Future tense / Repetition

Present tense

o/go masu  ni narimasu

o shimasu saremasu nasaimasu

e.g., to decide .........決めます → お決めになります

e.g.,

e.g.,

to contact .......連絡 を します → 連絡されます

kimemasu okime ni narimasu

renraku o shimasu renraku saremasu

to use ........ 使います →  お使い です tsukaimasu otsukai desu

to reserve ........予約をします →  ご予約 ですyoyaku o shimasu goyoyaku desu

o... kunyomi (Japanese reading) / go... onyomi (Chinese-style reading)

お/ご        ます  をします です。o/go  masu   o shimasu desu

or

or

Exception: to go, to come, to be (existence) → oide ni narimasu

Keigo ... Used for the listener .....Level 5

You (will) make a decision.

You (will) make contact.

(You use it.)

(You make a reservation.)

(The same "masu form" is used for the past, negative and past negative tense.)

You/He/She/They will do ............ (very polite)

(sounds old-fashioned)Note: Adding "o/go" is "double-keigo," which is grammatically incorrect. However, there are many people who commonly say "o/go" lately.

You/He/She/They do ............(very polite)

verb

verb

verb

Let's practice! (Answer in the polite form.)

すみませんが、使い方を教えて下さい。sumimasen ga tsukai-kata o oshiete kudasai

何を探していますか?nani o sagashite imasu ka?

いつまでに答えてくれますか?itsumade ni kotaete kuremasu ka?

1.

2. What are you looking for?

3. How long do you need before you can give me an answer?

Request

お/ご   ます  o/go  masu  

verbお/ご   ますo/go  masu  

いただけますか?itadakemasu ka?

いただけますでしょうか?itadakemasu desho- ka?

or

very polite

e.g., to wait ......待ちます machimasu

おそれいりますが、もう少々お待ちいただけますか?osore irimasu ga mo- sho-sho- omachi itadakemasu ka?

(Please do.../ Could you do...?/ Would you mind doing...?)

If you make a request by starting these phrases: mo-shiwake gozaimasen ga ..... (I'm sorry to bother you, but...) otesu- desu ga ...... (I don't mean to disturb you, but...) osore irimasu ga ..... (I'm sorry to trouble you, but...)It sounds very polite and the listener will be inclined to accept your request.

I'm sorry to trouble you, but could you wait for just a few more minutes?

Excuse me, please show me how to use it.

をします o shimasu

or

をします o shimasu

くださいますか?kudasaimasu ka?

politeください。 kudasai

otesu- desu ga, renraku o shite kudasai

4. I don't mean to disturb you, but please give me a call.

お手数ですが、連絡をして下さい。

週末はいつも何をしますか?shu-matsu wa itsumo nani o shimasu ka?

5. What do you usually do on your weekend?

1. ooshie itadakemasu ka 2. osagashi desu ka3. okotae itadakemasu ka 4. gorenraku itadakemasu ka5. nani o saremasu ka,

します。

Future tense / Repetition

shimasu

いたします。

e.g., to have a meal ........ 食事をします → お食事いたしますshokuji o shimasu oshokuji itashimasu

itashimasu

humble

very humble

to send .........送ります → お送りいたしますokurimasu ookuri itashimasu

speaker or speaker's group

がga

to explain....説明をします 私がご説明いたします。watashi ga gosetsume- itashimasu

Humble form: Applied for actions taken by the speaker and the members of the speaker's group

Note: You should use this form only when you are doing a certain thing for the listener's benefit, such as “I'm doing it for you.”

Doesn't make sense because it implies“I'm having a meal for your benefit.”

Makes sense because it implies“I'm sending it for your benefit.”Makes sense because it implies“I'm sending it for your benefit.”

When you want to emphasize the subject.

I/We will do (something) for you (listener).

I would like to explain it.

e.g.,

e.g.,

Let's practice!(Use the "itashimasu" form.)

大丈夫ですか?心配をしました。daijo-bu desu ka? shimpai o shimashita

3時までに届けます。san-ji made ni todokemasu

メールをすぐに送ります。mail o sugu ni okurimasu

申し訳ありませんが、断りました。mo- shiwake arimasen ga kotowarimashita

1. goshimpai itashimashita2. ookuri itashimasu 3.otetsudai itashimasu4. okotowari itashimashita 5. otodoke itashimasu

3. I would like to help you if that's OK....

1. Are you OK? I worried about you.

5. I will bring it to you by 3 o'clock.

2. I will send you an e-mail right away.

4. I'm sorry, but I declined it.

よろしければ手伝いますが....yoroshikereba tetsudaimasu ga ....

1. oyase ni narimashita2. nasattan3.4. oshiharai itashimasu5. okashi itashimasu6. okari itashimasu

Pole-san: What's the matter?あれ?ない!ない!

困ったなあ、財布がないんです。

(Paying the bill in a restaurant)

大丈夫です。私が払います。

are ? nai! nai !

daijo-bu desu watashi ga haraimasu

お久しぶりですね。ohisashiburi desu ne

komatta na- saifu ga nain desu

2.

3.

4.

5.

ちょっとやせましたか?chotto yasemashita ka?

あの、これを貸します。ano kore o kashimasu

すみません、じゃあ借りますね。sumimasen ja karimasu ne

悪いですね、じゃ次私が払いますね。warui desu ne ja tsugi wa wtashi ga haraimasu

(at a restaurant)

(When they come out of the restaurant, it is raining cats and dogs.)

Pole-san: I haven't seen you for a while.

Client: Ah, oh... It can't be...

Client: Sorry about this. I'll pay next time!

Client: Thank you so much.

Pole-san: Uh! Please use my umbrella.

どうしたんですか?do- shitan desu ka?

Client: I'm in trouble, I can't find my wallet.

Pole-san: Oh, that's OK. I'll pay for you.

ConversationDid you lose weight?

1.

6.

setsume- o shimasu→

speaker

othersD

esig

n : M

asak

o B

an

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga

Copyright 2005 The Yomiuri Shimbun

Page 65: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

I'm sure you have done a great job learning keigo. You're right that it is important to have quizzes so you can review what you have learned. So we'll do that in this column. The next lesson will be the last on keigo. Please look forward to Vol. 67. because I will explain keigo usages that are completely different from what you have learned so far.

I'm done! I finally finished my keigo lessons!! I learned all about it from Vol. 62 through Vol. 65. But I still get confused if I don't think carefully about how I can actually use those forms in different situations. I wish I could use them right away without thinking, but when I start wondering which forms to use, everything gets mixed up. Could you give me a comprehensive keigo quiz so that I can become more used to it? I would like to really work on my keigo in order to speak good Japanese by the end of this year. yoroshiku onegai shimasu!

Used for speaking politely regardless of the speaker or the listener. It is often used for objects or nouns rather than humans beings.Used to describe the listener's actions rather than your own or the members of your group.*By applying this form to humble yourself and members of your group,* the listener's position sounds higher than the speaker. Thus, it gives a much politer impression to the listener.

です。Noun

i-adjective

na-adjectiveご

Vocabulary

+desu

o goお +

e.g., demo→shikashi, minna→minasama etc.

Verbs

adjectives

ごo goお

+ になります。ninarimasu

されます。saremasu

なさいます。nasaimasu

します。shimasu

いたします。itashimasu

Nouns

Different usages: (summary of Vol. 62 through Vol. 65)

→ Vol. 62 teineigo

1. If you are not sure which keigo to use: Use passive form →See Vol. 63 (sonkeigo)

2. Use specific verb forms: →See Vol. 64 (sonkeigo)

3. If you want to speak at the highest level of politeness: Vol. 65 (sonkeigo)

・Apply to the listener

・Showing politeness to the listener by lowering yourself (kenjo-go)

いらっしゃいます なさいます 召し上がります etc.irasshaimasu nasaimasu meshiagarimasu

e.g., (subject) comes. (subject) does it. (subject) eats it. etc.

ごo goお

よかったらこっちの詳しいメニュー拝見して下さい。

決まったら注文をお伺いになります。

ここでお食べなさいますか? / お持ち帰りいたしますか?

アイスミルクひとつとドーナツお願いします。

サイズはどちらになさいますか?

Waitress: Please, look at this menu.

Customer: I'd like to have iced milk and doughnuts.

これお暖めですか?

はい お願いします。 / いえ。

アイスミルクに氷お入れられますか?

はい。 / 氷抜きで。 / 氷なしで。

ショートお願いします。

yokattara kotchi no kuwashii menu haikenshite kudasai

kimattara chu-mon o oukagai ni narimasu

ice milk hitotsu to doughnut onegai shimasu

kore oatatame desu ka?

hai onegaishimasu / ie

ice milk ni ko- ri oireraremasu ka?

hai / ko- ri nuki de / ko- ri nashi de

size wa dochira ni nasaimasu ka?

short onegaishimasu

koko de otabe nasaimasu ka? / omochikaeri itashimasu ka?

1.

2.

4.

5.

6.

3.

1. yoroshikereba kochirano...gorankudasai 2. okimari deshitara...ukagaimasu3. kochira atatame raremasu ka 4....oire itashimasu ka 5. none6. kochira de meshiagarimasu ka / omochikaeri ni narimasu ka

A.

(A customer is indecisive about what he wants.)

When you decide what you want, I'm ready to take your order.

Waitress: Would you like me to warm this up for you?

Customer:Yes, please. / No, thanks.

Waitress: Would you like to have ice in your iced milk?

Customer: Yes, please. / Without ice, please. / No ice, please.

Waitress: Which size would you like?

Customer:Short, please.

Waitress: Are you eating in? / Are you taking out?

Mr. Pole has been in hospital. Now he is making a phone call to his office.

この度は大変ご迷惑をお掛けなさいました。konotabi wa taihen gomeiwaku o okakenasaimashita

mo- gokega wa onaori-itashimashita ka?

5.

I'll be back at work next week.

3.

4.

もうごけがはお治りいたしましたか?

はい、お陰さまで良くなりました。

来週は会社に参られます。

でもご無理いたさないで下さい。

We have hired a new employee.

2.

1.

Employee: Have you recovered from your injury?

Pole: I'm awfully sorry to have caused you so much inconvenience.

1. okake itashimashita 2. okega / naoraremashita 3. none 4. mairimasu 5. nasaranaide kudasai6. iremashita node

hai okagesama de yokunarimashita

raishu- wa kaisha ni mairaremasu

demo gomuri-itasanaide kudasai

6. 新しいスタッフを入れられましたので!?atarashii staff o ireraremashita node

Employee: That's good, but don't do anything more than you have to.

Pole: Yes, I'm feeling much better, thanks for asking.

Answers B.

C.

こちらの不手際でご迷惑を

kochira no futegiwa de gome-waku o

okake nasaimashite mo-shiwake-nakatta desuお掛けなさいまして申しわけなかったです。

この件について存じていらっしゃいましたか?

いいえ、全く・・・2.

1.

Client : Did you know about this matter?

kono ken nitsuite zonjite irasshaimashita ka?

i-e, mattaku...

Pole: No, not at all...

1. gozonji deshita ka 2. okake itashimashite / mo-shiwake-gozaimasen deshita

B.

Apologizing to a customer foran employee's misbehavior

I'm terribly sorry to have caused you trouble because of our negligence.

You may frequently hear the keigo you have learned so far when you are in a fast-food restaurant or a coffee shop. Although you don't have to use "sonkeigo" or "kenjo-go," you will understand what they are talking about. In the following conversation, the customer is using the language correctly, but there are mistakes in what the waitress says. Find the mistakes in this and the following conversations.・Teineigo:

・Sonkeigo:

・Kenjo-go:

You might still be confused since I have mainly explained the grammar of keigo so far. Let me summarize it all in a simple way.

There are three kinds of keigo: "teineigo (polite form), sonkeigo (honorific form)and kenjo-go (humble form)."

"Members of your group" include members of your immediate family and other relatives, as well as company colleagues, in contrast to the listener or members of the group the listener is associated with. e.g., you and your family members ←comparison→ the listener you and your company ←comparison→ the listener's company

Answers C.Answers A.

Des

ign

: Mas

ako

Ban

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga

Copyright 2005 The Yomiuri Shimbun

Page 66: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

What happened to you, Pole-san? Did you buy your ticket already? If not, please study keigo in today's lesson, and you'll want to stay in Japan. To tell the truth, the usual explanation on the usage of keigo is different from the way Japanese people really use keigo (Vol.62~66) commonly and unconsciously in real life. In this lesson, I will explain the psychological usage of keigo. Depending on the usage, the distance between the listener and the speaker will be affected, whether it will be shorter (drawing them closer) or longer (leading them farther away). It will be a flexible relationship!

Ms. Hirayama, thank you very much for everything you have taught me. I'm thinking of going back home soon. I learned keigo, but recently, I've felt a bit nervous about using Japanese. To tell the truth, I met a close friend yesterday, whom I hadn't seen for a while. While I was talking to her using the keigo that I've learned, I felt that she was unfriendly by the way she spoke to me. Maybe, what I said to her was not quite right...I tried to think of the reason, but I have no idea what was wrong. I'm tired of the effort it takes to maintain a good relationship with other people.

1) Keigo is a "yardstick" for intellect and education. Since the majority of Japanese people consider themselves to be "middle class," it seems like they all have a similar status. However, they try to estimate and measure the intellect, education and background of others by observing the way they speak, especially whether they can use keigo properly or not. The keigo of today has little meaning in terms of its original usage to "show respect to others." Instead, Japanese people unconsciously use keigo in order to "let others see a positive side to oneself," "make oneself a better person" and "let others think that he/she is highly educated."

In this lesson, I will explain "convenient keigo used for oneself" that Japanese people commonly and unconsciously use in real life. Using this type of keigo places one at an advantage and elevates one's own position. It has nothing to do with a "vertical relationship" that is the original usage of keigo.

If you start speaking politely and without feelings all of a sudden when you were speaking in a friendly manner before that, or if you reply politely although the other person is talking to you in a friendly way, he feels a certain distance between the two of you.

e.g., If someone you are not interested in asks you out and you make the following reply, he will think you don't like him and will never ask you out again.

ねね、来週時間ない?食事しようよ!

せっかくですが、遠慮させていただきます。

ne ne, raishu- jikan nai? shokuji shiyo- yo!

sekkaku desu ga, enryo sasete itadakimasu

Change the underlined words.

離婚して下さい。rikon shite kudasai

今日で仕事を辞めます。kyo- de shigoto o yamemasu

1. I would like to quit this job today.

2. Allow me to get a divorce.

1. yamesasete itadakimasu 2. sasete itadakimasu Answers

→ Your boss will not prevent you from quitting.

→The listener thinks there is no way to keep the marriage together.

+ て いただきます

2)-1: Breaking contact 

Friend: Hi, there. Are you free next week? How about dinner?

You: Thank you, but I'm afraid I'll have to decline your invitation.

te itadakimasu

+ て いただきましたte itadakimashita

causative form

Answers

Answers

Answers

2)-2: Making your situation better

Change the underlined words.

もしもし、風邪を引いたので今日休みます。moshi moshi kaze o hita node kyo- yasumimasu

1. (on the phone) Hello, I've got a cold, so I would like to take the day off today.

2. I would like to do it by all means!

1. yasumasete itadakimasu 2. yarasete itadakimasu

ぜひやります!zehi yarimasu!

sekkaku desu ga enryo sasete itadakimasuせっかくですが、遠慮させていただきます。

It would be a great honor, but I'm afraid I have to decline.

You will not let the listener prevent you. The listener will have to give in to you, thinking, "There is no other way."Sometimes you might be asked to go to a dinner party and you have to do so out of obligation. In such a case, if you say the following phrase, you will essentially be saying "No" without causing offense.

As a rule, you need permission in advance, but there are some cases when you cannot get permission for some reason, or you had to do something without prior approval. In such a case, if you use the following phrase, the listener will reluctantly consent to what you did.

e.g.,

すいません、きのう急用ができ3時に帰らせていただきました。

あ、そう。大丈夫?

suimasen kino- kyu-yo- ga deki san-ji ni kaerasete itadakimashita

a so-   daijo-bu?

いらっしゃらなかったので、代わりにしました。

Change the underlined words.

irassharanakatta node kawari ni shimashita

いらっしゃらなかったので、コンピューターを使いました。irassharanakatta node computer o tsukaimashita

時間がありませんでしたので、勝手に決めました。jikan ga arimasen deshita node katte ni kimemashita

3. Since there was not enough time, I had to make the decision without you.

2. Since you weren't here, I had to use your computer.

1. sasete itadakimashita 2. tsukawasete itadakimashita3. kimesasete itadakimashita

You: I wish I could have told you sooner, but I had some urgent busi- ness to attend to yesterday and I had to return home at 3 o'clock.

Boss: Oh, I see...Is everything OK?

1. Since you weren't here, I had to do it for you.

2)-3: Approval after the fact 

causative form

あれ?これはいつ決まったのかね?

あ、お伝えするのが遅くなって申し訳ございません。

あ、そう・・・そういえば、あのもうひとつの件はどうなったかね。

ありがとうございます。でも2週間後には新しい会社に

Boss: Huh? When was this thing decided?

Subordinate: Oh, I'm sorry I didn't inform you sooner.

あ、それも時間がありませんでしたので、私がしました。

あ、そう・・・。

あの急ですいませんが、来週から1週間休みます。

はい、どうぞどうぞお好きなだけお取り下さい。

移りますので、来週で辞めます。

are? kore wa itsu kimatta no ka ne?

a, otsutae suru noga osokunatte mo-shiwake gozaimasen

a so-...so- ieba ano mo- hitotsu no ken wa do- natta ka ne

a, sore mo jikan ga arimasen deshita node watakushi ga shimashita

a so- ...

ano kyu- de suimasen ga raishu- kara isshu- kan yasumimasu

hai do-zo do-zo osukina dake otori kudasai

arigato- gozaimasu demo nishu-kango niwa atarashii kaisha ni

utsurimasu node raishu- de yamemasu

1. kimesasete itadakimashita 2. sasete itadakimashita 3. yasumasete itadakimasu 4. yamesasete itadakimasu

実は部長がいらっしゃらなかったので私が決めました。jitsuwa bucho- ga irassharanakatta node watakushi ga kimemashita

Subordinate: Oh, I also did that as there was not much time.

Boss: Oh, I see...Well, what about the other business matter?

Boss: Oh...I see...

Boss: Sure, Sure! Please take as many days off as you wish.

Subordinate: And I wish I could have asked you sooner, but I would like to take off all of next week.

Subordinate: Thank you. However, I will start working for a new company in two weeks, so I want to quit this job next week.

The boss comes back from a business trip, and asks a subordinate how thingswere during his absence. Change the underlined words into the appropriate form.

Well, I had to make the decision since you weren't here.

(By suddenly using keigo, the boss tries to create some distance betweenhim and his subordinate.)

2) Keigo is used for oneself in order to make one's situation better or gain an advantage from an adverse situation.

1.

2.

3.

4.

Using keigo for oneself?? Huh? Using keigo for oneself?? Huh?

e.g.,

masu (さ)せ ます

(sa) se

masu (さ)せ ます

(sa) se

Des

ign

: Mas

ako

Ban

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga

Copyright 2005 The Yomiuri Shimbun

+ reason / excuse

Page 67: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

Pole-san, you made a mistake, again. What he meant by saying "baka ni natta" is "[The door] has become loose." In fact, his expression of "baka" does not imply "stupid" or "crazy." The word "baka" has various usages in daily conversation. By the way, I'm glad that you did not go back to your home country as you said you might last month. Airfares during the holiday season are "baka-dakai (awfully high)!" So, you'd better avoid traveling around the end and the beginning of the year. Paying a lot of money for tickets is "bakabakashi

- (ridiculous)!"

While I was at my office, Mr. Tsunoda called me on the phone, and said, "Please come here for a minute." So, I went to see him right away. Mr. Tsunoda, who was holding the door of the conference room, said, "do-mo baka ni natchatta mitai de (I guess it's been so stupid)." I was shocked, and asked him, "e? baka ni natta? (Huh? [You] have gone crazy?)" He said, "so- senjitsu kara abunai to omottetara yappari baka ni natchatte (Yes, I noticed it the other day, and I knew that it would happen someday.)" I couldn't think of what I should say to him, so I just told him, "daijo-bu desu yo, baka ni natte imasen yo! ([You] will be OK, [you are] not crazy!)." Then, he got upset and said, "Why do you think this is OK?," and he started banging the door. Why did he get upset?

Answers

Answers

ばかに + adjective baka ni

家賃は ばかに         けど、何か訳があるのかな・・・。yachin wa baka ni kedo nani ka wake ga aru no kana...

いつも帰りが遅い主人が  ばかに    帰って来たがどうして? itsumo kaeri ga osoi shujin ga baka ni kaettekita ga do-shite?

冬だというのに ばかに        のはたぶん温暖化の影響ですね。fuyu dato yu- noni baka ni nowa tabun ondanka no e-kyo- desu ne

Practice1. This house rent is extremely cheap, I wonder why...

2. My husband is always late, but he came back home extremely early. Why was that?

3. This winter has been abnormally warm, probably because of global warming.

In this lesson, let's study some frequently used terms derived from "baka."

Extremely If a certain condition/situation is more than usual or if the degree is more than you expected, you may feel confusion or doubt. The word "baka" is used to express such thought. It is often added to adjectives.

1. yasui 2. hayaku 3. atatakai 4. yasashi-  

最近の妻は ばかに          が、何か下心があるのでは。saikin no tsuma wa baka ni ga nani ka shitagokoro ga aru no dewa

歌が ばかに         だと思ったら、元歌手なんだってさ。uta ga baka ni dato omottara moto kashu nandatte sa

外が ばかに         ので、ちょっと見て来ます。 soto ga baka ni node chotto mite kimasu

角田さん ばかに         ね。何かいいことあったのかな?Tsunoda-san baka ni ne nani ka iikoto atta no kana?

4. Recently, my wife has been extremely kind to me; I wonder what she has in mind.

5. No wonder his song was so much better than average, I was told that he used to be a singer.

6. It is far noisier than usual outside, so I'll go out and check it out.

7. Mr. Tsunoda looks extremely happy, doesn't he? What happened to him?

8. Yukiko is extremely industrious, today. It's not like her usual self.

ばかに  だね。いつもの由紀子ちゃんじゃないみたいだね。 baka ni da ne itsumo no Yukiko-chan ja nai mitai da ne

9. No wonder it is extremely busy, today. It's the end of the month.

きょうは ばかに       と思ったら月末ですね。kyo- wa baka ni to omottara getsumatsu desu ne

10. This meat is extremely tough. What kind of meat is this?

この肉 ばかに          ね、何の肉?kono niku baka ni ne nan no niku?

5. jo- zu 6. sawagashi-

ばかbaka

Geek or someonededicated tosomething

G

学者ばかgakusha baka

専門ばかsenmon baka

親ばかoya baka

◆ The following phrases are used as idioms.

ばかにならないbaka ni naranai

No small matterA It seems very insignificant, but it cannot be ignored or downplayed.

Bばかになるbaka ni naru

Become loose Its original function is lost, and it becomes useless. (e.g., screws, hinges, buckles, zippers, etc.)

Dばかばかしいbakabakashi

-

Nonsense unreasonable, absurd

Eばかなことを言うなbaka na koto o iu na

Don't be ridiculous! To deny strongly what the other person says.

Fばかなことをしたbaka na koto o shita

How stupid I was! When the speaker hasdone some stupid or thoughtless thing.

A person who is single-minded or accomplished in particular pursuits, but is felt to be socially inept.

Study geek: Specific-field geek: Blind parental love

Cそんなばかなsonna baka na

That's ridiculous! When unbelievable or shocking things happen, this phrase is used to say, such as"It can't be! / No way!/ No kidding!"

妻と離婚するから結婚してくれ!tsuma to rikon suru kara kekkon shite kure!

コンサートのチケットを買うのに5時間も並ぶのは        です。concert no ticket o kau no ni go-jikan mo narabuno wa desu

1. (In a drama on TV)

It is nonsense to wait for five hours to buy a ticket for a concert.

Practice: Enter the appropriate word (A through G in the center column;some modification may be necessary) in the rectangular.

Woman: Don't be ridiculous!

Man: I'm going to divorce my wife, so marry me!

2.

 タバコは1箱200円だが、1年で見ると            です。tobacco wa hitohako nihyaku-en da ga ichinen de miru to desu

バッグの留め金が          ので、直した。bag no tomegane ga node naoshita

今さら後悔しても遅いですが         。imasara ko-kai shitemo osoi desu ga

3. One pack of cigarettes costs only ¥200, but if I count the cost for a year, it's no small matter.

4. The buckle of my bag got loose, so I had it repaired.

5. I think it is too late to regret what I have done, how stupid I was!

1 - E (baka na koto o iwanai de) 2 - D 3 - A 4 - B (baka ni natta) 5 - F (baka na koto o shiteshimatta) 6 - C or F 7 - G (oya baka)

!  当たった宝くじの券を落とした!            ! atatta takarakuji no ken o otoshita!

6. That's ridiculous! I won the lottery, but I lost the ticket!

子供にあんなにお金をかけるなんて         ですね。kodomo ni annani okane o kakeru nante desu ne

7. Spending that sort of money for children must be motivated by blind parental love.

baka?ばか?

baka?

馬鹿?baka?バカ?

baka?

ばか?

馬鹿?

バカ?

(crazy?)baka?ばか?

baka?

馬鹿?baka?バカ?

(crazy?)

7. ureshiso- 8. majime 9. isogashi- 10. katai

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

Des

ign

: Mas

ako

Ban

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga

Copyright 2005 The Yomiuri Shimbun

Page 68: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

Pole-san, "ichi-ji ame" does not mean "it will rain at 1 o'clock." It means occasional showers. Weather forecasts in Japan are broadcast on TV or radio. Of course, you can check the weather on the Internet and in newspapers. Let's look at some meteorological terms and idioms using the terms.

I attended a party at 1 o'clock yesterday. On TV in the morning, I heard the weather forecaster say, "ichi-ji ame," which I took to mean that it would rain at 1 o'clock. So I took an umbrella with me. When I met my friends at a station, one of them asked me, "It's not raining, why do you have an umbrella?" I said, "Because the weather forecaster warned about 'ichi-ji ame.'" My friends started to laugh and said, "Are you kidding?" It didn't rain at at 1 o'clock, but it did rain a little bit in the evening. Are weather forecasts in Japan always inaccurate?

Answers

雨ame

rain

_____のち____nochi

rain, then sunny

回復kaifuku

improvement(in the weather)

小雨kosame

light rain霧kiri

fog

曇りkumori

cloudy

______ 時々____tokidoki

cloudy with occasional rain

雪yuki

snow

雷kaminari

lightning

晴れhare

sunny 快晴kaise-clear

青空aozorablue sky

気温kiontemperature

湿度shitsudo

humidity降水量ko-suiryo-

precipitation

降水確率ko- sui kakuritsu

e.g.,

最高気温saiko- kion

highesttemperature

最低気温saite-kion

lowesttemperature

風速fu-soku

wind speed

気象庁kisho-cho-by the Meteorological Agency

低気圧te-kiatsulow pressure

高気圧ko- kiatsuhigh pressure

台風taifu-

typhoon

tsunami chu- iho-津波注意報

雨 のち 晴れame nochi hare

曇り 時々 雨kumori tokidoki ame

chance of rain

e.g.,

Frequently used expressions in forecasts

にわか雨niwaka ame

shower

下り坂kudarizaka

tsunamiwarning

被害者は事件の           を語った。higaisha wa jiken no o katatta

にお返事いたします。ni ohenji itashimasu

元夫が浪費家だったのも離婚の         でした。moto otto ga ro-hika datta nomo rikon no deshita

3. The victim described the whole incident.

4. Please give me your reply in a day or two.

5. One of the reasons for my divorce was that my ex-husband was a spendthrift.

1-G 2-H 3-A 4-D 5-E 6- B 7 - I 8 - C 9 - F

この景気が          な現象で終わらないように!kono ke- ki ga na gensho- de owaranai yo- ni!

6. May this business prosperity be more than just a temporary phenomenon!

雨漏りの         にシートを張った。amamori no ni sheet o hatta

7. I spread the plastic sheet as a makeshift roof to deal with the leaks.

姑は私がする事に    文句を言う。shu-tome wa watashi ga suru koto ni monku o yu-

そうとも言い切れない。so- to mo iikirenai

1. My mother-in-law complains about everything I do in minute detail.

2. I cannot necessarily completely agree with it/I can't swear to it.

の人々から不満が噴出した。no hitobito kara fuman ga funshutsu shita

8. Some of those people came out with a lot of complaints.

うう~ん、出来は        かなあ~。uuun deki wa ka naa

9. Well... the result is not quite good enough.

Make a complete sentence below by matching the phrases to A) to I). ◆ Weather greetings : Japanese people frequently make comments on the weather as a way of greeting one another.

いい天気ですね。ii tenki desu ne

It's a beautiful day, isn't it?いやな天気ですね。iya na tenki desu ne

It's not such good weather, is it?

そうですね。so- desu ne

→ Since it's only a greeting, further discussion isn't necessary.

◆ Expressions with the word "ichi" (one)

一時的ichijiteki

E

一時しのぎichijishinogi

G

I

F

いちいちichiichi

一因ichiin

一両日中ichiryo- jitsu-chu-

一概にichigai ni

A

H

C

一部始終ichibushiju-

B

一部ichibu

D

今いちimaichi

whole, from start to finish

temporary, for a short period

part of a whole thing

makeshift, a temporary or expedient substitute for something else in order to avoid a problem

one of the reasons

inadequate, insufficient

in minute detail, one by one (implying annoyance)

not necessarily (used in negative sentence)

in a day or two, within a few days

Yes, it is.

" 雲をつかむような話: an unrealistic story/pie in the sky (lit: talk about how to catch a cloud)

◆ Frequently used idioms with meteorological terms

これは雲をつかむような話ですね。kore wa kumo o tsukamu yo- na hanashi desu ne 

e.g., I think this seems like an unrealistic story.

e.g., These two countries have different degrees of enthusiasm about CO2 measures.

両国間にはCO2の考え方に温度差があるryo-kokukan niwa CO2 no kangaekata ni ondosa ga aru

" 温度差がある: different degrees of interest (lit: difference in temprature)

ichi- j i ame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 一時雨 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  ichi- j i ame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 一時雨 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  

worsening(in the weather)

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga

Copyright 2006 The Yomiuri Shimbun

Des

ign

: Mas

ako

Ban

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

Page 69: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

"Today, I'll start with the basics. In general, when students learn "kore, sore, are," they are taught about the "relationship between speaker and recipient." However, this explanation can be ambiguous and very confusing. So, I have devised a simple method to make the distinction clear. In Vol. 71, I'll explain more abstract and advanced usage of these words.

Ms. Hirayama, there is something I want to ask you. When I first came to Japan, I learned "kore, sore, are" at a Japanese-language school. But recently, I have sensed that Japanese people use these words differently from the way I learned. The more I think about it, the more I get confused about how to use these words. I asked some Japanese friends to explain, but they said it was too difficult to explain clearly. Could you help me?

Answers

Answers

"are/ achira" is used for things far away.

"sore/sochira" is used for things nearby butout of reach.

"kore/ kochira" is used for things within your reach.

Touchable !

Untouchable !

Far a

way

!Basic rule

At first, consider whether you can touch it or not.

This has nothing to do with the "relationship between speaker and recipient."

このまま

To Ms. Takeda

just as it is

Let's practice!武田さんへ  Takeda-san e

kono mamaそのままsono mama

あのままano mama

I had to go on urgent business. 急用でちょっと出かけます。kyu-yo- de chotto dekakemasu

Since I've not finished my work, まだ仕事の途中ですからmada shigoto no tochu- desu kara

please don't touch anythingon my desk.

机の上は         にしておいて下さい。tsukue no ue wa ni shite oite kudasai

今晩パーティーがあるので来て下さい。konban party ga aru node kite kudasai

ええ…でも…服が…ee........demo ......fuku ga.......

仲間内だけなので          でどうぞ。nakamauchi dake nanode de do- zo

そうですか? じゃあ遠慮なく      で伺います。so- desu ka? jaa enryo naku de ukagaimasu

A

B

A - kono mama B - sono mama C - kono mama

On the phone

Mr. A: We are having a party tonight, and we'd like you to come.

Mr. A: It's just friends, so just bring yourself.

Miss. B: Gee... I wish I could, but ... I haven't got anything to wear....

Miss. B: Is that so? In that case, I'll come just like this.

Now we understand what "kore, sore, are" mean, let's apply that knowledge!

(Leave this alone) (Leave it alone)

(Leave that alone)

これ それ あれこれ それ あれsore a re

kore sore a re

kore

C

ですか?desu ka?

いいえ、        じゃないです。iie janai desu

3.

4.

と       to

見せて下さい。misete kudasai

1.

2.

you touch

より安い/大きいのありますか?yori yasui / o-ki

- no arimasu ka?

you cannot touch

over there

you touch

she touches

you touch

すいませんsuimasen

です。desuover there

の色違いありますか?no iro chigai arimasu ka?

you cannot touch

Shopping

1 - are 2 - kore 3 - sore 4 - are 5 - kore 6 - sore 7 - kore / kore

5.

6.

7.

Customer: Excuse me, may I take a look at that?

Clerk: Is this it?

Customer: No, that's not it!

Useful phrase for shopping◆

That one!

Do you have a cheaper/bigger one than this?

Do you have it in different color?

Could you wrap this one and this one separately?

別々に包んで下さい。betsubetsu ni tsutsunde kudasai

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga

Copyright 2006 The Yomiuri Shimbun

Des

ign

: Mas

ako

Ban

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

Page 70: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

The problem you faced was probably caused by a misunderstanding of the usage of "ko_, so_, a_" which are used for abstract matters or things that cannot be seen directly. They may seem simple, but can be confusing in reality. Even advanced students become confused and cause misunderstandings, and their Japanese sounds very poor when they get the usage wrong. If you master this lesson, your Japanese sounds much better!

While talking with a friend about a new sushiya (sushi restaurant) over the phone, we both began to feel like eating sushi. He said, "jaa, ano sushiya de shichi-ji ni " over the phone, but when I went to the new sushi place he didn't show up. I was worried so I called him. He then said, "Huh? Where are you, now? I'm waiting for you at the sushiya!" When I told him I was at the new sushiya, he said, "itsumono ano sushiya desu yo!" (I'm at the sushiya we usually go to!) On the phone, I had talked about the new sushiya, so I was sure we were going to that one. Ms. Hirayama, why on earth did he go to the sushiya we usually go even though he did not mention it by name?

Answers

Answers

Answers

Using abstract  in conversationsUsing abstract  in conversationsko_ a_so_ko_ a_so_

III) When the speaker is familiar with the subject but the listener is not, he uses "ko_."

e.g.,

e.g.,

◆"ko_, so_, a_" are used when abstract matters or things that cannot be seen directly are discussed.◆

I) When both A and B know the subject, they use "a_".

II) When the speaker is not familiar with the subject, he uses "so_."

e.g., その件 sono ken→ as if he knows it → この件 kono ken

sono hitoその人

ano sakanaあの魚

??

??

kono sakanaこの魚

(2)sushiya wa oishi- desu yo ne

(2)寿司屋はおいしいですよね。

Both A and B know the subject

昨日 (1)寿司屋に行きました。kino- (1)sushiya ni ikimashita

(3) mise wa yasui desu yo ne(3)店は安いですよね。

(4)mise wa itsumo kondemasu

(4)店はいつも混んでます。

kino- sushi o tabemashita昨日寿司を食べました。

Either one of them is familiar with the subject

(2)店はどこにありますか?(2)mise wa doko ni arimasu ka?

(4)mise wa yu-me- desu ka?

(4)店は有名ですか?(3)mise wa zasshi ni yoku norimasu

(3)店は雑誌によく載ります。

(The listener does not know it.)

(1) sushiya wa oishi- desu yo

(1)寿司屋はおいしいですよ。

A B

The sushi restaurant serves delicious sushi, doesn't it?

Since both of them know the sushi restaurant, they know whatthey are talking about without naming it.

I went to the sushi restaurant yesterday.

When the subject becomes the main topic in the middle of conversation, "ko_" is used.

This restaurant is cheap, isn't it?

This restaurant is always crowded.

I had sushi yesterday. This (that)sushi restaurant serves delicious sushi.

(The speaker knows of the restaurant.)

Where is the restaurant?

When he feels that the subject becomes the main topic while discussing it, he starts to use "ko_."

Is this restaurant famous? This restaurant has appeared in magazines many times.

sushiya

(1)ano (2)ano (3)kono (4)kono

(1)kono (2)sono (3)kono (4)kono

Do you know the Gion in Kyo- to?

No, I don't. Where is it?いいえ、       は どこにありますか?iie, wa doko ni arimasu ka?

(1) sore (2) soko (3) soko (4) asoko (5) ano (6) ano

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ A few weeks later ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Visiting Kyo- tocolleague :

You :

you don't know the place

It's near the Kiyomizudera temple.colleague :

How can I get there?

には どのように行きますか?niwa donoyo-ni ikimasu ka?

You :

you don't know the place

You can take a taxi from the train station.colleague :

What kind of place is it?

は どんな所ですか?wa donna tokoro desu ka?

You :

you don't know the place

I went to the Gion last week.

I can't find my cell phone! I wonder if I dropped it that time?

Or, maybe at that temple?

It's a beautiful place, isn't it?

は きれいないい所ですね。wa kire- na ii tokoro desu ne

You :

your colleague andyou know the place

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

携帯がない!  

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ talking to yourself ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

それとも      寺かな…?

ke- tai ga nai!

soretomo tera kana.......?

時に落としたのかな? toki ni otoshita nokana ? that

(5)

(6)

that★When the speaker is not familiar with the subject at first, but starts to feel "as if he knows it" while talking about it, he starts using "ko_."

e.g., A subject or issue that the speaker knows but the listener does not is "this matter," (この件 kono ken), "this issue" (この問題 kono mondai)

When discussing a person whom the speaker does not know (or who cannot be seen), he uses "the person" (その人 sono hito)

Talking about a time that A and B experienced together(あの時 ano toki)

★“a_” is used when you are talking to yourself or writing in your diary, etc.

e.g.,

(in diary) It has been one year since then...

寿司

sushiya

寿司

sushiya

寿司

(Here I explain part of typical usage.)

(あれから1年... arekara ichi-nen...)

Let's practice!

Let's practice!

Put one proper pronoun in the box.

A B

speaker

speaker listener

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

Des

ign

: Mas

ako

Ban

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga

Copyright 2006 The Yomiuri Shimbun

あそ

こ あそ

Page 71: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

That's true! Parking controls have been strengthened. As a result, fewer people park on the streets. This has eased traffic congestion. Even if you want to park your car for short time, you'd better use a parking lot or a parking meter. If you get a parking ticket, not only do you have to pay for it but some points are taken away from your driver's license. In this lesson, therefore, let's study how to use parking meters in Japan. Charges are paid either in advance or on departure.

The other day, I went for a drive in the car. After a while, I needed to go to a restroom, so I used one in a park. I only parked my car for about 10 minutes on a nearby street, but I found a parking ticket on the windshield when I got back. I know it was my fault for not using a parking lot, but...it was only 10 minutes. The next day, I discussed this with a colleague, and he said I should be careful about parking on the street because a new traffic law had been enforced and I could get a parking ticket, even for 10 minutes. I just paid the fine today, and boy...that was an expensive rest stop!

Answers

駐車禁止 (chu- shakinshi)(chu- shakinshi) No parking駐車禁止

No parking

No change

tsurisen-gire

¥1,000 bills not accepted

sen-en-satsu shiyo- chu-shi

No receipt available

ryo-shu-sho-hakko- -chu-shi

Enter your stall number.

chu-sha -ichi-bango- o osu

bango- o kakunin go se-san o oshi

Press "Receipt" if you require one.

ryo-shu-sho no hitsuyo- na kata wa ryo-shu-sho o osu

Insert discount ticket. Pay parking charge.

waribiki-ken chu-sha ryo-kin no jun ni se- san

Blinking means:

tenmetsu-chu- wa

Operating

e-gyo-chu-

After checking your stall number, press "Payment."

Charge

ryo-kin

釣銭、領収書

se-san torikeshi

ryo-shu-sho tsurisen ryo-shu- sho

nureta osatsu shiwa no o- i osatsu wa tsukaemasen

chu- i chu-sha-ichi-bango- nado no machigai se- san ni tsuite no gohenkin wa dekimasen node gochu- i kudasai

精算 取消

営業中

料金 駐車位置番号を押す

釣銭切れ 千円札使用中止

領収書発行中止

点滅中は

番号を確認後精算を押し

割り引き券→駐車料金の順に精算

領収書の必要な方は 領収書 を押す 

濡れたお札・シワの多いお札は使えません

注意 駐車位置番号等の間違い精算についてのご返金は出来ませんのでご注意下さい。

領収書

★★

There are also some stores that issue coupons for discounted parking.

Payment Cancel

Receipt Change, Receipt

Wet or crumpled bills cannot be accepted.

Caution: Please note that a refund is not available in the event of payment error, such as entering the wrong stall number.

◆There are various parking meters, and this is just one example. Although there are many kanji on the machine, you can use it if you remember kanji that are marked with a star.◆

精算

取消

領収書

営業中

料金駐車位置番号を押す

1 2 3

4 5 6

7 8 9

釣銭切れ

千円札使用中止

領収書発行中止

点滅中は

番号を確認後精算を押し

サービス券→駐車料金

の順に精算

領収書の必要な方は 

領収書 を押す

↓ ↓

↓10 50 100 500 50010 50 100

¥2000 ¥5000

¥10000

濡れ札

△!

濡れたお札・シワの多いお札は使えません

注意 駐車位置番号等の間違い精算についてのご返金は出来ませんのでご注意下さい。

釣銭、領収書

あのすみません、使い方を教えて下さい。

***After shopping, when exiting the parking lot***

駐車場 (chu-shajo- ).....Parking lot

enter your space number

すみません、この辺に駐車場ありますか?sumimasen kono hen ni chu-shajo- arimasu ka?

ano sumimasen tsukaikata o oshiete kudasai

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

まず を押します。 mazu o oshimasu

そして         を押します。soshite o oshimasu

そうしますと         に金額が出ます。

so-shimasu to ni kingaku ga demasu

が必要でしたらこのボタンを押します。

そして、その金額を払います。soshite sono kingaku o haraimasu

ga hitsuyo- deshitara kono button o oshimasu

間違えた時は いつでも        を押して下さい。

machigaeta toki wa itsudemo o oshite kudasai

adjustment

Fee

receipt

Cancel

ここは       ですよ。No parking

koko wa desu yo

Policeman: You can't park here!

Man: (Before taking your car out,) enter your "Stall Number" first.

You: Excuse me, could you tell me how to use this?

You: Excuse me, is there a parking lot around here?

Then, press "Payment".

By pressing it, you will see how much you must pay on the"Charge" display.

Pay the required amount of money.

If you need a "receipt", press this button.

If you make a mistake, press "Cancel."

(1) 駐車禁止 (2) 駐車位置番号 (3)精算 (4) 料金 (5) 領収書 (6)取消

Put the correct term in the boxes.

Des

ign

: Mas

ako

Ban

Des

ign

: Mas

ako

Ban

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga

Copyright 2006 The Yomiuri Shimbun

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

Page 72: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

I suppose that you are talking about the etiquette of making room for people who are in a hurry on an escalator. In Japan, there are three different conventions: "stand on the left" in the Kanto- area, "stand on the right" in the Kansai area, and either way in other areas. There are many differences between Kanto- and Kansai areas, such as frequency of electricity and seasoning for food. I guess "which side to open" is another of those differences.

Yesterday, I was in Osaka Station, and let me tell you what happened. I was standing on the left side of an escalator when I noticed that many people were staring at me as they passed by. Then, one of them asked me, "Are you from Tokyo?" and pointed behind me. As I looked back, I realized that I was blocking a long line of people who were in a hurry. How did he know I came from Tokyo?

Answers

◆ The following classification shows the typical convention in each area.◆

4th-6th centuries

Right-side open: Stand on the left side to leave room on the right for people who walk

People generally follow this rule in the Kanto- area,such as Tokyo, Kana-gawa, Chiba and alsoin some parts of Kyoto.

The presumption is thatpeople make room on the right for people who want to walk because they follow Japan's traffic rule (keep to the right side).

Left-side open: Stand on the right side to leave room on the left for people who walk

People generally follow this rule in the Kansai area, such as Osaka, Nara, Wakayama.(Exception: some parts of Kyoto)

It is said that this rule started after London escalator etiquette was introduced at theOsaka Expo in 1970.

◆ There are also rules about right and left for Japanese kimono.◆

During about 200 years of the Kofun period (ca. 300-710) people wore kimono with "hidari-mae." However, Empress Gensho decreed a change to "migi-mae."

At present

"hidari-mae":left side under the right

"migi-mae":right side under the left

Both men and women wear kimono with "migi-mae" at present. Since "hidari-mae" is worn by the dead for their funeral, it is taboo. However, somereligious sects and in some parts of Okinawa Prefectureit is the custom to wear kimono "hidari-mae."

非常ベルが鳴り宿泊客は              した。

右    左    左右 

hijo- -bell ga nari shukuhakukyaku wa shita

(A)

日本に来たばかりで         です。Nihon ni kitabakari de desu

(C)

(D)

(E)

井田さんは社長の      で 全てを任されています。Ida-san wa shacho- no de subete o makasareteimasu

主人は給料を貰っても             です。shujin wa kyu- ryo- o morattemo  desu

(B)

(F)

宝くじを当てて        のが私の夢です。

あの人は誰の意見にも            ano hito wa dare no iken nimo

takarakuji o atete noga watashi no yume desu

マークさんの相撲の知識に            です。Mark-san no Sumo- no chishiki ni desu

(G)

(H)

私にとって         出来事でした。watashi ni totte dekigoto deshita

An alarm bell sounded, and guests in the hotel were going hither and thither.

I just came to Japan, and I have no idea what to do.

Mr. Ida is the president's right arm, and he is in charge of everything.

My husband spends all his money as soon as he receives his salary.

He always copies others, and has no initiative of his own.

No one has more knowledge of sumo than Mark does.

As for me, the event was to determine my fate.

My hope is that I will win the lottery and live in comfort.

migi ni deru mono ga inai

migi e narae migi mo hidari mo wakaranai

Right-handed

migikiki

migite migimawari (toke- mawari)

migi kara hidari右right

migiude

右から左

右に出る者がいない

右へならえ 右も左もわからない

右腕 右利き

右手 右回り(時計回り)

左left

hidariuchiwa (de kurasu)

hidarimae ni naru hidarikiki

hidarikiki (sato- )

hidarite左団扇(で暮らす) 左手

左前になる 左利き

左利き(左党)

左右 sayu- -taisho-左右対称

unme- o sayu- -suru運命を左右する

右往左往

1) To spend money as soon as you get it.

4) Having no idea

2) No one is better than he is.

3) Following suit

5) The right arm

9) Living in comfort

6)

7) Right side 8) Right-handed (clockwise)

11) Becoming poor

10) Left side

13) A drinker

12) Left-handed

16) Going hither and thither

15) Controlling one's fate14) Symmetry

◆ Let me tell you some useful phrases using the words "right" and "left."◆

left-right

自主性がないです。jishuse- ga nai desu

(A)-(16) (B)-(4) (C)-(5) (D)-(1) (E)-(3) (F)-(2) (G)-(15) (H)-(9)

右?(migi) (hidari)(migi) (hidari)

左?右? 左?

uo- sao-

Choose appropriate expression from 1) to 16) in the box of following sentences.

でde

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga

Copyright 2006 The Yomiuri Shimbun

Des

ign

: Mas

ako

Ban

Des

ign

: Mas

ako

Ban

Page 73: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

Actually, neither you nor the taxi driver was wrong. There are many words that have the same pronunciation but different meaning in Japanese. This expression "kono to-ri" has two meanings: "this street" and "as it is." So, I think you misunderstood him. As "to-ri" is a very useful expression, let's study it in this lesson!

I got into a taxi the other day, but as the place I wanted to go was very difficult to explain, I handed a map to the taxi driver and said, "Meiji-do-ri to-tte-kudasai" (Please take Meiji-do-ri avenue.) The driver looked at the map and said to me, "kono to-ri desu ne" (This avenue, isn't it!) so I told him, "iie, Meiji-do-ri desu" (No, take Meiji-do-ri avenue.) Then, he pointed the map and said again, "desukara, kono to-ri desu yo ne?" (So, this is the avenue, isn't it?) The car behind beeped at us and the driver's glare obviously meant,"Get moving!" The taxi driver was looking at me like he was confused, and I didn't know what to do. Ms. Hirayama, "kono to-ri" means "this street," right? Why couldn't the taxi driver understand?

Answers

to- ri / do- ri通り

There are four main usages.1) Street: e.g., 青山通り...Aoyama do- ri (Aoyama Street), 通り... to- ri (street)2) Traffic: e.g., 車の通りが激しい...kuruma no to- ri ga hageshi- (The traffic is heavy.)3) Flow of water or air: e.g., 水の通りが悪い... mizu no to- ri ga warui (The water is not running well.) 風の通りがいい部屋 kaze no to- ri ga i- heya (a well-ventilated room)4) The same state: e.g., いつも通り... itsumodo- ri (as usual) This expression is introduced in this lesson.

説明書の通り

sonoto- riその通り

ossharuto- riおっしゃる通り

ittato- ri

hanashitato- ri

言った通り

話した通り

omottato- ri思った通り

hitoto- riひと通り

A) That's right.

B) As shown in instructions

C) Glancing over

D) You're right.

E) As one said

F) As one told

G) As one expected

hyo-bando- ri

評判通り

uwasado- ri噂通り

ke- sando- ri

mojido- ri

計算通り

文字通り

kubudo- ri九分通り

motodo- ri元通り

H) As one heard

I) as reputed

J) As one calculated

M) As it used to be

K) Literally

L) Ninety percent

(1)-(H) (2)-(M) (3)-(D) (4)-(G) (5)-(A) (6)-(I) (7)-(C) (8)-(F) (9)-(J)

通り(1) Just as I heard, the food here is good, isn't it?

Put the appropriate word in the boxes.

(3) You're absolutely right!

(4) That was what I expected!

(5) Yes, that's right!

(2) Their relationship is not what it used to be.

(6) The concert really lived up to its reputation.

(7) I glanced over the documents.

(8) As I told you the whole truth, please believe me!

ossharuto- ri desuおっしゃる通り です。

subete hanashitato- ri desu shinjite kudasai全て 話した通り です。信じて下さい。

omottato- ri  datta!思った通り だった!

shorui ni hitoto- ri me o toshimashita書類に ひと通り 目を通しました。

hyo-bando- ri no subarashi enso- kai deshita評判通り の素晴らしい演奏会でした。

噂通り の美味しい店ですね。

kesando- ri niwa ikimasen deshita計算通り にはいきませんでした。

futari no naka wa motodo- ri ni naranakatta2人の仲は 元通り にならなかった。

hai, sonoto- ri desuはい、 その通りです。

(9) Things did not go as I planned

Me-ji-do-ri? to- ri?Me-ji-do-ri? to- ri?

TAXI

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

Des

ign

: Mas

ako

Ban

Des

ign

: Mas

ako

Ban

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga

Copyright 2006 The Yomiuri Shimbun

e.g.,These are some of many expressions using tori. -

setsume-sho no to- ri

uwasado- ri no oishi mise desu ne-

-

-

Page 74: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

- -

Last week,I went to see a movie with Ms.Ueno and her friends, Ms.Ikeda and Ms.Igarash. After the movie, we hada chat over a meal. Every time I said something, Ms.Ueno said, "Uso~," while Ms.Ikeda said, "Uso-mitai," and Ms. Igarashi said, "Uso desho, uso~, usso~." Since they said that word so many times, I went to a restroom and secretlychecked it in my dictionary. The dictionary said "uso" meant "lie." As soon as I was back, I said to them, "Uso janaidesu (What I said wasnot a lie)." Three girls started to laugh and said, "We know that." Ms.Hirayama, why did they keep saying"uso"?

Answers

falsity

kuchi

uso ga bareru

真っ赤な嘘

uso o tsuku

嘘liemouth

kyo

嘘をつく 嘘がばれる

嘘泣きmakka na uso usonaki

★ I would like to explain two different usages in this lesson.

A. To say something as if it were the truth or a fact (same meaning as "lie")

◆Kanji for "lie" ◆

口 + 虚 →uso

1) Telling a lie 2) A lie is exposed.

3) Outright lie 4) Shedding crocodile tears

嘘も方便uso mo hoben-

5) Necessary to stretch the truth (in a good sense, such as telling a white lie)

(positive meaning)

uso uso usoうそ、うそ、うそ

uso desho うそでしょ

uso daroうそだろ

uso chittomo shiranakatta-うそ~ちっとも知らなかった~

usso-うっそ~

6) The phrases vary according to the person. Although some typical phrases are selected here, it may be better not to use them too often because they sound very informal. (Although every phrase has been translated into English, it does not necessarily mean that they are precise equivalents.)

7) To emphasize the feeling of "It's a miracle!" or "That's unbelievable!" They are used in the form of "___mitai" or "___no yo"

-e ano futari ga kekkon? uso mitai!え~!あの二人が結婚?ウソみたい!

eg.,

e.g.,

B. To emphasize the feeling of surprise when some amazing or unbelievable thing has happened, rather than implying that it is a "lie." (in this case, "uso" is usually written in hiragana or katakana.)

No kidding! Oh, no, no, no...(repeating several times)

Are you kidding?(woman speaking)

No way!(man speaking)

uso mitaiうそみたいIt can't be! (woman speaking)

Oh, boy! I had no idea!

No kidding! You mean they've got married? That's unbelievable!

taibyo o shita noni uso no yo ni genki ni natta - -大病をしたのにウソのように元気になった。It seemed like a miracle to return to good health after such a severe illness.

(a)-(6) (b)-(7) (c)-(5) (d)-(3) (e)-(1) uso o tsuiteiru (f)-(4) (g)-(2) uso ga barenai

uso

(a)

角田さん、3億円の宝くじに当たったんだって!Tsunoda-san san-oku en no takarakuji ni atattan datte!

A-san: Mr. Tsunoda has won the lottery for ¥300 million!

Insert the proper expression in the box by choosing from those at left.

B-san: No kidding! (Expressing the feeling of "That's unbelievable!" because the surprise was so great)

一日かけて掃除をしたら         にきれいになった。ichinichi kakete soji o shitara - ni kirei ni natta

(b) After I spent the whole day cleaning my house, it seemed like a miracle how nice it had become.

(c)

え、山田さんにそんなこと言ったんですか?E, Yamada-san ni sonna koto ittan desu ka?

A-san

B-san :

でも、それでうまくいったでしょ。 ですよ。demo sore de umakuitta desho desu yo

What? Did you really say such things to Ms. Yamada?

Yes, but, that way it went well. It is necessary to stretch the truth, you know.

sonna ni mokaru toshibanashi wa ni chigainai desu yo- -そんなに儲かる投資話は    に違いないですよ

(d) It must be an outright lie because there can't be a good explanation for aninvestment to make such a lot of money.

夫婦げんかをすると妻はいつも           をする。-fufugenka o suru to tsuma wa itsumo o suru

(f) Every time I quarrel with my wife, she always sheds crocodile tears.

犯人は ように偽装工作をした。hannin wa yoni gisokosaku o shita- --

(g) The suspect tried to cover up what he did, so that his lies would not be found out.

容疑者は         と思います。-yogisha wa to omoimasu

(e) I believe that the suspect is telling a lie.

usso-

-usso~-usso~ 5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

Des

ign

: Mas

ako

Ban

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga

Copyright 2007 The Yomiuri Shimbun

Well, I also say that word sometimes when I talk with my friends. For some people, "uso" becomes their favorite word. In particular, it seems that young people and those who lack sufficient vocabulary tend to use the phrase. those girls did not mean you were lying when they said "uso". Let me explain "uso" for today's lesson. "Pole-san wa uso-mitai ni Nihongo ga jozu ni naru desho (It seems a miracle that you start speaking in excellent Japanese)."

Page 75: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

Are you good at cooking Japanese food? As for me, I like eating it, instead of cooking it! What you heard at the meeting was not about cooking. They were using phrases associated with cooking, but those expressions are actually used for business. Since it is very interesting, let me tell you some of them.

While discussing a new project at a meeting, Mr. Tanaka said, "sozai ga mondai desu ne." (lit.: I guess the problem is the ingredient.), and Mrs. Ida said, "do- ryo-ri suru ka...ryo-ri o suru noni jikan ga kakarimasu ne." (lit.: I wonder how we can cook it. I think it takes time to cook.) Then, Mr. Takana said, "so- desu ne. jikan o kakete nitsumemasho-. nitsumattara mata uchiawase o shimasu." (lit.: I think you're right. We need more time to boil it down. When it is boiled down, we are going to have a meeting again.) So, I asked them, "kyo- no uchiawase wa nani ryo-ri desu ka?" (What are you going to cook for today's meeting?), but they were shocked and became speechless. Why is that?

Answers

イタリア料理?

Italy ryo- riフランス料理?France ryo-ri

韓国料理?

Kankoku ryo- riイタリア料理?

Italy ryo- riフランス料理?France ryo-ri

韓国料理?

Kankoku ryo- ri

家庭料理

sakana ryo-ri

★Various cooking★

◆ Kanji of cooking ◆

料理kate- ryo-ri

野菜料理

肉料理

魚料理

手料理

郷土料理

精進料理

一品料理→

→→

日本料理Nihon ryo-ri

sho- jin ryo-ri

te ryo-ri

kyo-do ryo-ri

yasai ryo-ri

ippin ryo-ri

niku ryo-ri

鍋料理nabe ryo-ri

Japanese foodVegetarian food

Homemade cuisine

Home cooking

Local specialties

Vegetable dishHot pot cooked at the table

A la carte dish

Meat dish

Seafood dish

→ryo-ri

ryo-ri o suru

煮詰める

zairyo-材料 料理をする

煮つまるnitsumeru nitsumaru

1) Cooking: ingredient Business: materials, source

2) Cooking: to cook Business: to manage / to handle

4) Cooking: to be boiled down Business: to be brought to a conclusion

寝かせるnekaseru

8) Cooking: to let it sit Business: to set it aside for a while and see how it goes

一夜漬けichiyazuke

5) Cooking: vegetables pickled overnight Business: a makeshift / work prepared quickly in overnight

焦げ付くkogetsuku

6) Cooking: to be burned and stuck Business: uncollectible debts

即席sokuseki

9) Cooking: quickly prepared dish Business: to prepare it in short time without effort / temporary solution

下準備をするshitajumbi o suru

7) Cooking: to make a preparation Business: preparation before actual performance

sozai素材

★Expressions for cooking and for business★

3) Cooking: to boil Business: to examine it thoroughly and bring it to a conclusion

(a)-(1) (b)-(7) (c)-(4) nitsumatte (d)-(9) (e)-(6) kogetsuita (f)-(3) (g)-(2) (h)-(5) (i)- (8) nekasete oita

(a) We do not have enough materials to come to a conclusion, do we?

Insert the proper expression in the box by choosing from those at left.

(c) Finally, the matter is being brought to a conclusion.

ketsuron o dasu niwa busokudewa?

atarashii project no noni isshu-kan kaketa

ke-kaku o mo- ichido hitsuyo- ga arimasu ne

kono nandai o dono yo-ni ka mimono desu ne

toriaezu de tsukutta node mo- ichido tsukurinaoshimasu

san nen mo sho-hin o so-ko ni node furukute mo- uremasen

計画をもう一度 必要がありますね。

新しいプロジェクトの のに 一週間かけた。

やっと内容が きましたね。yatto naiyo- ga kimashita ne

(b) We spent one week on the preparation of the new project.

で作ったわりには、よくできていますね。de tsukutta wari niwa yoku dekiteimasu ne

kingaku wa okutani desu

(d) It seems good even though it was prepared quickly.

(e) The total uncollectible debts are more than ¥100 million.

(f) I think it is necessary to reexamine the plan thoroughly and bring it to a conclusion.

(g) It would be worthwhile to see how this difficult task can be managed.

金額は億単位です。

この難題をどのように か、見物ですね。

結論を出すには 不足では?

とりあえず で 作ったので、もう一度作り直します。

3年も商品を倉庫に ので、古くてもう売れません

(h) I put it together overnight, so I will make a new one, again.

(i) This merchandise is too old to be sold because it was left in the warehouse for three years.

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

Des

ign

: Mas

ako

Ban

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga

Copyright 2007 The Yomiuri Shimbun

Page 76: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

I know you didn't give her a telephone as a present. What she meant by saying, "itadaita denwa de sumimasen ga..." was "This is a call that you made, so please excuse me for using this opportunity to talk about something else for a minute?" If the receiver of a call starts talking about something else during that call, it might be seen as impolite because the call is costing the caller time and money. If it is going to take a long time for you to talk about a different subject during a call that someone else made, it is better for you to call him/her back.

Let me tell you what happened when I called a client the other day. When I was about to hang up because we had finished talking business, she said to me, "a, ano itadaita denwa de sumimasen ga..." (Well, excuse me for using the telephone that you gave me...). So, I asked her, "e? denwa o present shimashita ka?" (Huh? Did I give you a telephone as a present?), but this seemed to surprise her and she said, "ha?" (What?). Then, she said, "Mr. Pole, you have a good sense of humor." But I wasn’t trying to make her laugh, and I did not give her a telephone as a present!

Answers

電話をもらう    電話をいただく

Humble form

to receive a phone call

to make a phone call

「いただいた電話ですみませんが、 」

Useful phrases:

1) When you don't catch the telephone number, the caller's name or the company's name:

(different subject)

If you want to talk about a different subject for a short period during a call that someone else made, use this phrase first to avoid upsetting the caller.

2) When the receiver might be busy, ask him/her if it is a good time to call before telling him/her why you called:

いただいた電話?itadaita denwa ?The phone that you gave me?

itadaita denwa de sumimasen ga...

denwa o morau denwa o itadaku

denwa o suru denwa o sashiageru電話をする      電話を差し上げる

"Just in case, may I have your name, phone number and company name?"

nen no tame ni o-namae o-denwa bango- kaisha-me- o itadakemasu ka?「念のために、お名前、お電話番号、会社名をいただけますか?」

"Is this a good time to talk to you?"   

「今、ちょっとお電話よろしいでしょうか?」ima chotto o-denwa yoroshi- desho- ka?

3) When you want to make sure you have the correct information such as telephone number or company name, use the following expression:

4) When you want to leave a message for a person: "Please tell him/her that I called."  

5) When the caller's voice is too small to hear clearly:

6) When you notice that you missed a call on your mobile phone, and you try to telephone the caller, whom you don't know.

7) When there is a call for someone at your office who is not present at the time:   

telephone number name

Ke-tai denwa izonsho- (Mobile phone dependency)

How did you do? (a) - (5) (b)-(7) (c)- (4) (d)-(1) (e)-(3) (f)-(2)

Caller from another company: I see. Well then, please tell her that I called.

JL: Hello? Can you hear me?

**There is a call for a colleague from some other company, but you answer it because she is not present.**

You: Hello. Ms. Aizawa is not here, right now. I think she'll return soon.   

You: Certainly. Just in case, may I have your name and phone number?

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

Caller gives his name and his phone number.

You: Let me repeat, your phone number is ... and your name is ... Is that correct?

(e)

******** It is hard to hear the voice on the phone. **********

Choose one of these seven expressions to complete the following dialogues:

********** Calling someone who seems very busy *********

You : Hello, Is this a good time to talk to you? 

(f)

You: Pardon me, but it seems we have a bad connection...

so- desu ka dewa

hai, soredewa

"Let me repeat, the number is ... and your name is ... Is that correct?" 

fukusho- itashimasu sama desu ne?「復唱いたします。 、 様、ですね?」

 「電話があったことをお伝えいただけますか」denwa ga atta koto o otsutae-itadakemasu ka

"Pardon me, but it seems we have a bad connection..."

「すみません、お電話が遠いのですが…」sumimasen o-denwa ga to- i no desu ga...

「お電話いただきましたでしょうか?」"Did you try to call me?"

odenwa itadakimashita desho- ka?

"He/she is not here, right now. I think he/she will be back soon.

「申し訳ございません、席を外しております。 すぐ戻ると思いますが…」

mo-shiwake gozaimasen seki o hazushite orimasu sugu modoru to omoimasu ga...

These days almost everyone seems to use a mobile phone in their daily lives. The number of people who have become addicted to using their mobile phones (ke-tai izonsho-) has also rapidly increased. If you answer "yes" four times or more to the following questions, you are probably one of them.

1) You check your mobile phone first thing in the morning. 2) You get anxious when you leave your phone at home. 3) You check for text messages and missed calls even though the phone hasn't rung. 4) You take your phone to the toilet. 5) When you sit down, the first thing you do is put your phone on the table or desk. 6) If you don't get a reply for a text message you have sent within an hour, you get worried or angry. 7) You avoid going underground or using the subway because your phone might not receive calls or messages there. 8) You check what time it is by looking at your phone. 9) You feel depressed if you don't receive calls or text messages. 10) You put at least one pictorial symbol in every two lines of a text message.

もしもし、聞こえますか?moshi-moshi kikoemasu ka?

そうですか、では

はい、それでは 

Des

ign

: Mas

ako

Ban

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga

Copyright 2007 The Yomiuri Shimbun

Page 77: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

Do you eat doughnuts very often? They are delicious, aren't they? Recently, there has been a doughnut boom in Japan, and I see many stores offering all kinds of doughnuts. Oops, sorry...I’m getting off the subject. What he meant by saying "tsume ga amai" was that your project did not end in the way it was supposed to.

When I was in the elevator, one of my colleagues came in and asked me how the project was going. I said, "Well, the project was almost finished, but now we’ve had to go back and start again." He then said, "Pole-san wa tsume ga amai kara na" I know "tsume" means "nail" and "amai" means "sweet"; So does he mean "my nails are sweet"? After all, I hadn’t eaten any doughnuts that day, so no sugar had “sweetened” my nails. Puzzled, I responded, "watashi no tsume wa amakunai desu" (my nails are not sweet). He said, "ha? chigau chigau" (Eh! That's not what I meant), and he started to laugh. Ms. Hirayama, what did he really mean?

Answers

つめがあまい?tsume ga amai? 'My nail is sweet'?

つめがあまい?tsume ga amai? 'My nail is sweet'?

Let me introduce expressions featuring the four basic "tastes" in today's lesson.

口を酸っぱくして言う (注意する)kuchi o suppakushite iu (chu- i suru)

酸っぱい suppai

辛い karai

辛口の批評karakuchi no hihyo-

辛口karakuchi

(to give the same counsel over and over again. It implies a negative meaning.)

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)辛党karato-

to tell something over and over again / to give a warning

Hot

outspoken criticism

(a biting criticism)

dry / salty

a drinker

Sour

詰めが甘いtsume ga amai

甘いamai

甘く見る amaku miru

甘口amakuchi

甘党amato-

甘い言葉amai kotoba

甘やかすamayakasu

(8)

(10)

(11)

(12)

(13)

甘い考えamai kangae

weak conclusion

Sweet

to underestimate

to have a sweet tooth

sweet / mild

to spoil

sweet talk

(Flattering or seductive words)

superficial idea

苦いnigai

苦い経験nigai ke- ken

苦笑いnigawarai

(6)

(7)

Bitter

bitter experience

(Bitter and hard experiences that one does not even want to recall)

wry smile

(5)

(9)

(A) - (5) (B) - (8) amaku mite (C) - (11) amayakashi masu (D) - (12) (E) - (13)

(F) - (7) (G) - (2) (H) - (1)

に乗って投資をしたら失敗した。 

相手を         試合に負けた。

最近の母親は子供を 過ぎです。

(A) I became a guarantor and had a bitter experience.

Choose one of the 13 expressions to complete the following sentences.

(B) I underestimated my opponent and lost the match.

aite o shiai ni maketa

保証人になって    をした。  hosho- nin ni natte o shita

そんな では留学は無理ですね。

(C) Mothers are too indulgent of their children these days.

企画書を出したら部長に と突き返された。

(G) Outspoken criticism of the new administration appeared in today's morning newspapers.

(D) I was sweet-talked into investing.

(F) When I gave my proposal to the general manager, he rejected it and said that the conclusion was weak.

(E) If you have such superficial ideas, your studies will be a failure.

今朝の新聞に新政権について     が載っていた。

歯科衛生士の伊藤さんは患者に“歯を磨くよう”にと

saikin no hahaoya wa kodomo o sugi desu

ni notte to- shi o shitara shippaishita

sonna dewa ryu- gaku wa muri desu ne

kikakusho o dashitara bucho- ni to tsukikaesareta

kesa no shimbun ni shinse- ken ni tsuite ga notteita

shikae- se- shi no Ito- -san wa kanja ni "ha o migaku yo- ni" to

te form

masu form

(H) Ito-san, a dental hygienist, is always telling her patients to brush their teeth.

sweet

amai

soursuppai

hotkarai

bitter

nigai

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga

Copyright 2007 The Yomiuri Shimbun

Des

ign

: Mas

ako

Ban

Page 78: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

"jikan ga yomenai" does not mean that he couldn't read the time on his watch. I'm glad that you started to pick up this kind of Japanese! What he meant was that he had no idea when the meeting was going to end. There are a number of phrases using "yomu." Let's look at them.

Next week, I have to attend an important conference in Germany. Since Mr. Yoshida, who is one of my colleagues, is accompanying me, I wanted to prepare everything with him in advance. So I asked him, "ashita uchiawase no jikan ga arimasu ka?" (Do you have time to discuss things tomorrow?). He said, "I have meetings all day long tomorrow..." Then I said to him, "The conference is next week! Please make some time, anytime tomorrow!" Mr. Yoshida said, "uuuun... jikan ga yomenai na- " (Gee... I can't read time, though), and he became quiet. I was surprised and said, "e! yoshida-san jikan ga yomenai no?" (What? You cannot read the time?). He said, "so- nan da yo ne. maitta na-..." (Yeah... It's a real shame...) and he started scratching his head and left. Does "jikan ga yomenai" mean "he can't read time on his watch"? Or is there another meaning?

Answers

時間が読めない?時間が読めない?jikan ga yomenai?jikan ga yomenai? 'I can't read time'?

'I can't read time'?

読みますyomimasu

ku- ki o yomu

saki o yomu

(1) To understand the circumstances

(2) To think ahead

(3) To guess one's intentions

(4) To sense the atmosphere

kangae o yomu

読みyomi

読むyomu

読めないyomenai

to read

dictionary form

potential from

noun

(negative)

jo- kyo- o yomu

状況を読む

先を読む

考えを読む

空気を読む

読んでyonde

te from

心を読むkokoro o yomu

手の内を読むte no uchi o yomu

読みが浅いyomi ga asai

(7) To read between the lines/ to see through one’s plot

(9) To think superficially

(10) To think deeply

(11) To cheat in counting

(12) To read the (golf) green

読みが深いyomi ga fukai

動きを読むugoki o yomu

(6) To read one's thoughts

(5) To think/see several moves ahead

(8) To read the times

サバを読むsaba o yomu

グリーンを読むgreen o yomu

時代の流れを読むjidai no nagare o yomu

(13) Unable to predict how long it will take(mostly used in negative form)

時間が読めないjikan ga yomenai

場の  自己中心的な人が増えている。

コラムニストになるは       力 が必要です。

心理学者は患者の のが仕事です。

(A) My friend altered her age by five years.

(B) If you want to become a columnist, you need to have the ability to think ahead.

columnist ni naru ni wa   chikara ga hitsuyo- desu

友達は5歳       いました。  tomodachi wa go-sai imashita

アナリストは 常に 為替相場の

(C) It is a psychologist’s job to read the thoughts of his patient.

まいったな? 「後悔先に立たず」 ですね。

(G) That’s so like you! You really know everything! You think things through!

(D) There has been an increase in self-centered people who have no sense of the atmosphere.

(F) What a shame! I didn't fully think through the situation. It's no use crying over spilled milk, eh?

(E) Analysts try to predict the way the exchange rate will move.

さすが、何から何まで分かってる! ですね。

(H) Successful international designers have an excellent ability to read the times.

世界で活躍しているのデザイナーは            力がすごい。

shinrigakusha wa kanja no no ga shigoto desu

ba no jikochu- shinteki na hito ga fuete iru

analyst wa tsune ni kawaseso- ba no

maitta na "ko- kai saki ni tatazu" desu ne

sasuga nani kara nani made wakatteru! desu ne

sekai de katsuyaku shite iru designer wa chikara ga sugoi

nai form

te form

(A) saba o yonde (B) saki o yomu (C) kokoro o yomu (D) ku-ki o yomenai (E) ugoki o yomu

(F) yomi ga asakatta (G) yomi ga fukai (H) jidai no nagare o yomu

dic. form

dic. form

dic. form

dic. form

past tense

dic. form

Choose one of the 13 expressions and change the form if necessary to complete the following sentences.

Des

ign

: Mas

ako

Ban

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga

Copyright 2007 The Yomiuri Shimbun

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

Page 79: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

So you’re planning a trip? How nice! Let me help you by giving you a quiz in which you have to find names of the prefectures where you can get the things you want to eat and drink or visit the places you mentioned. Do your best and don't worry about bringing back a gift for me. I won’t be offended. By the way, I also love natto- , ocha and sho- chu- !

Ms. Hirayama, there are only about two weeks until the New Year. I’m planning to go on a trip around the end of the year, but I’m not sure where to go. I’d like to eat some delicious gyo-za (dumplings with minced pork and vegetable stuffing), ringo (apple) and natto- (fermented soybeans). I also would like to taste some good-quality sho-chu- (clear distilled liquor) and ocha (green tea). On my travels I’d like to visit a huge lake, Mt. Fuji and an onsen (hot spring). There are so many places I want to visit in such a short period. Please give me some idea about where I should go and what I should do.

Answers (Note that the form showing all syllables follows the usual form. e.g. gyo- za would be written gyouza)

日本地図クイズ(1)Nihon chizu quiz

Quiz on Japanese map

日本地図クイズ(1)Nihon chizu quiz

Quiz on Japanese map

うきり

がri

ri

ga

u

shi

kiきki

sa

とおo

おo

tou

わば

ごか go waka

ba

In Japan, there are 47 prefectures, including ichi-do- (Hokkai-do- ), it-to (Tokyo-to) ,ni-fu (Kyoto-fu/Osaka-fu) and 43 (yonju- -san)-ken (e.g., Hiroshima-ken). Can you fill in the names of the prefectures indicated by the parentheses on the map?How many prefectures have you visited? Mark the prefectures you have visited.

Enter the correct hiragana character into each square so that the names ofproper prefectures appear.

うぎgi と

to

『ichi-do- itto ni-fu 43-ken』

A: A prefecture famous for gyo- za and where Nikko is located

B: A prefecture once known as the Ryu- kyu- Kingdom

4)

ち な

う よ

A: A prefecture famous for Tsukuba Science City, its plum blossom park and natto-

C: A prefecture where the old capital of Japan was situated until it was moved to Tokyo

5)

(1) (2) (3) (4)

A:さが SagaB:しが Shiga

A:かごしま KagoshimaB:しずおか Shizuoka

A:おおさか Osaka (Oosaka) B:あおもり Aomori

A:とちぎ Tochigi B:おきなわ Okinawa C:とうきょう Tokyo (Toukyou)

(5) A:いばらき Ibaraki B:とっとり Tottori C:きょうと Kyoto (Kyouto)

C: A prefecture where the Diet building and the Imperial Palace are located

B: The only prefecture that has sand dunes in Japan

o

na

u

chi

yo

i

to

tsu

ra

yo

A: A prefecture famous for Arita-yaki (Arita ceramic wares) and the remains of Yoshinogari

1)

B: A prefecture where Lake Biwa, the largest freshwater lake in Japan, is located

A: A prefecture famous for Sakurajima island, Saigo- Takamori and sho- chu-

B: Which prefecture do you think of when you hear "Mt. Fuji, green tea and mikan"?

2)

ず か

A: A prefecture where the Universal Studio Japan is located and many rakugo (traditional comic storytelling) and manzai (comic dialogue act) performers entertain

B: A prefecture famous for its apples

3)

あ も

shi

zu

sa

ka

ka

ma

moa

o

Mt.Fuji

onsen

( )

( )

( )

( )

( )

( )( )

( )

( )

( )

( )

( )

Des

ign

: Mas

ako

Ban

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga

Copyright 2007 The Yomiuri Shimbun

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

Page 80: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

These words, and many other day-to-day expressions, can be traced back to kabuki. Your friend’s e-mail can be translated as: "Mr. Pole, how's your shamisen practice going? Your concert’s next week, right? You’re coming to the end of your practice. Are you going to be playing the pieces you’re best at? Stay calm and avoid mistakes. After the concert, let’s go out for a night on the town!”

A friend of mine sent me an e-mail, which said: "Pole-san, shamisen (three-stringed Japanese music instrument) no renshu- (practice) wa do- desu ka (how's ~going)? happyo--kai (Your concert) wa raishu- (next week) desu ne. (Your concert’s next week, right?) iyoiyo (finally) o-zume (?) desu ne. kyokumoku (program) wa Pole-san no ju-hachi-ban (see Vol. 14) desu ka? tochiranai (?) yo- ni ochitsuite (calm down) ne. happyo--kai ga owattara (after you finish), donchansawagi (?) shiyo- ne! Ms. Hirayama, what do "o-zume," "tochiranai" and "donchansawagi" mean?

Answers

Kabuki ?Kabuki ?

板につくita ni tsuku(plate)(sticking)

裏方urakata(behind)(staff)

なあなあna-na-

(Word for calling a recipient)

★The following words and phrases originated with kabuki. ★

正念場sho- nenba(gut)(place)

どんでん返しdondengaeshi(reversal)(return)

(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

(E)

Foot movement is of critical importance in kabuki. Actors can improve their performance over time as they become used to moving across the stage (or place). They eventually become comfortable on stage, in turn making the audience feel more comfortable.→get used to: Such things as jobs, clothing and proper attitude gradually become natural to a person.

A kabuki stage set piece that can be tilted backward 90 degrees revealing another set.→ complete reversal (This is a negative expression implying that something has been overturned at the last minute.)

Common to kabuki plays is a dialogue between two actors in which one says, "na- ," and the other replies with "na- ." It is said they are able to communicate their intentions with a minimum of words.→The expression, "na-na- ni naru" (coming to a quick compromise) has a negative meaning, implying a compromise with little discussion.

While the actors are in the limelight, there is a large number of people working behind the scenes, such as on lighting, sets and costumes.→working behind the scenes

The most important scene in a kabuki play is "sho- nenba"---the moment a character reveals his true intentions. In everyday life the word was changed to mean crucial point, moment.

The word "nobetsu" means "continuously," while "makunashi" means "no curtain," implying a long play without an intermission.→endlessly

Forgetting or bungling one's lines. →bungling: to make mistakes

When a long play was performed on a single day, it was divided into two parts. The last scene of the first act was called the "o- zume."→final stage

The delivery of well-modulated dialogue with lines varying in speed, strength and pitch, making it clear and vivid for the audience.→varying location: matters vary

The word "donchan" represents the sounds of gongs and drums. During a battle scene, gongs and drums are sounded to create a sense of great excitement.→wild merrymaking (Used negatively when referring to a drunken night on the town.)

めりはりmerihari(Dent) (protrusion)

大詰めo- zume

どんちゃん騒ぎdonchan- sawagi(make noise)

とちるtochiru

のべつまくなしnobetsu-makunashi

(F)

(G)

(H)

(I)

(J)

(1) The long trial was about to enter the final stage.

(2) My older sister had a baby, and she’s become used to being a mother.  

(3) Why do you always make the same mistake?

(4) I went out for a night on the town last night for the first time in a long time, and I've got a hangover this morning.

nagakatta saiban mo iyoiyo o mukaeta

ane wa akachan ga umarete oka- san ga sukkari

do- shite itsumo onaji tokoro o no kana?

hisashiburi ni o shite kesa wa futsuka-yoi desu

(trial) (finally)

(older sister) (baby) (born) (mother) (quite)

(why) (always) (same)(place)

(long time) (this morning)(hangover)

  長かった裁判もいよいよ を迎えた。

姉は赤ちゃんが生まれて、お母さんがすっかり 。

どうして、いつも同じ所を のかな?

久しぶりに をして、今朝は二日酔いです。

色々ありましたが、ここからが です。

電車の中で女子高生たちは にしゃべっていた。

この映画は最後の最後に があった。

  地味な仕事ですが、 として誇りを持っています。

毎日ダラダラと過ごさないで、生活に をつけよう。

iroiro arimashita ga koko kara ga desu

densha no naka de joshiko- se- -tachi wa ni shabette-ita

kono eiga wa saigo no saigo ni ga atta

jimi na shigoto desu ga toshite hokori o motte imasu

mainichi daradara to sugosanai de se- katsu ni o tsuke yo-

(various) (from now on)

(train) (inside) (high school girls) (talking)

(movie) (at the very last minute)

(plain work) (pride) (have)

(every day) (drag) (sugosu .....spend) (life)

(5) When we get used to each other, we are inc lined to compromise easily.

narete kuru to ni narigachi desu(used to) (tend)

(6) I’ve been through a lot, but I’ve reached the crucial point.

(7) High school girls were talking endlessly with each other on a train.

(8)

(9) My job isn’t very glamorous, but I'm proud of working behind the scenes.

(10) Stop being so lazy! Vary the pace of your life!

At the very last minute, the movie took a surprise turn.

慣れてくると になりがちです。

(1) 大詰め (2) 板についてきました (3) とちる (4) どんちゃん騒ぎ (5) なあなあ

(8) どんでん返しdondengaeshi

(6) 正念場sho- nenba

(10) めりはりmerihari

(7) のべつまくなしnobetsumakunashi

(9) 裏方urakata

o- zume ita ni tsuite kimashita tochiru donchansawagi na-na-

Choose the proper expression from above.

Des

ign

: Mas

ako

Ban

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga

Copyright 2008 The Yomiuri Shimbun

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

Page 81: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

When she said "sakura" she was not referring to the beautiful cherry blossoms that you see on trees. It's informally written as "偽客" in kanji and means a "false customer (or decoy)." A "sakura" is a person who pretends to be a normal customer who says good things about a certain product encouraging other customers to buy the product. Since you said something good about the strawberries, she thought that you could be a "false customer." That obviously alarmed the owner of the shop. For today's lesson, I’ll introduce some words that relate to it.

I bought strawberries the other day, and they were so delicious. I went to the same shop to buy some more. When I saw another customer trying to decide whether to buy them or not, I said, "The strawberries are very delicious!" She stared at me and asked, "sakura?" Then, I said "sakura wa senshu- deshita." (The cherry blossoms ended last week.) The owner of the shop was alarmed, and said, "chigau chigau" (Oh, no! no!) Ms. Hirayama, what did I do wrong?

さくらsakura

うやむや uyamuya

★The listed words here are used in a negative sense.★

(A) False customer / decoy :

(B) Being undecided / uncommitted :

でたらめdetarame

「責任を___にする」

(C) To talk nonsense / incoherent :

「数字を___に並べる」 su- ji o ni naraberu

"To obscure where responsibility lies" "Uncommitted attitude"

"To talk nonsense"

netsuzo- (suru)捏造(する)

(D) To concoct :

In addition to the explanation above, there are claqueur, a person who enters a theater for free and is employed to applaud performers as if they were popular and arouse the enthusiasm of the audience.

To gloss over attitudes, facts and faults by changing the subject or saying whatever comes into one's head, so that one's real intention will not be revealed.

To make things inaccurate and ambiguous without clarifying whether a decision has been

To write or present articles or stories as if they are true although they are not based on fact. To fabricate or invent stories

To obtain money, goods or advantage by false pretences

To cheat on numbers and prices in order to avoid a disadvantage

「___な態度」sekinin o ni suru na taido

「___を言う」 o iu

"To place numbers at random"

(E) To gloss over :

(F)

ごまかす

詐欺

gomakasu

「年を____」

waratte

toshi o

「笑って___」

sagi

「____を働く」o hataraku kekkon

(G) Counterfeit : Imitation goods or charlatan

偽ものnisemono 「このバッグは___」

kono bag wa ano isha wa

"To laugh it off"

Fraud :

"To commit a fraud"

2)

"To lie about one's age"

"Marriage fraud"

"This bag is counterfeit." "That doctor is a quack."

1)

「結婚___」

「あの医者は___」

(1) This article can’t be true!

(2) Hitomi was deceived by a marriage swindler, and he cheated her out of ¥10 million.

(3) It is difficult to distinguish genuine and imitation goods.  

(4) I just pressed numbers at random, and I opened the cashbox!

kono kiji wa ni chigai nai

Hitomi-san wa kekkon ni atte issen-man en torareta yo- desu

honmono ka ka miwake ga tsukanai desu ne

ze- musho ni ze- kin o shinkoku shita rashi- desu

su- ji o ni oshitara kinko ga aita!

Complete these sentences:

この記事は          に違いない。

(5) I heard that he falsified his tax declaration.

ひとみさんは 結婚       に あって1000万円 取られたようです。

本物か        か 見分けがつかないですね。

数字を       に 押したら金庫が開いた!

税務署に税金を         申告したらしいです。

kekkyoku omiai no hanashi wa ni natte shimatta

(6) In the end, arrangements for a formal meeting with a prospective marriage partner were left up in the air.

結局、お見合いの話は         になってしまった。

Answers: (1) netsuzo- (2) sagi (3) nisemono (4)detarame (5) gomakashite (6) uyamuya

Complete these sentences: (A) My son does not like carrots, so I cooked them in a dish so thoroughly they could not be detected. When I assured him, "There are no carrots in it," he ate it all! It is necessary to tell a white lie, isn't it?

Answers: (A) uso mo ho- ben (B) nan te uso mitai desu (C)uso no yo- ni (D)uso desho-

世界一周できる

痛みが突然        消えた。

え~もう一回やり直し?

sekai isshu- dekiru

itami ga totsuzen kieta

e- mo- ikkai yarinaoshi?

desu neですね。

uso

(B) It is hard to believe that I can take a world trip!

(C) It seems like a lie, but the pain disappeared suddenly.

(D) Oh, boy... Do I need to do that, again? Are you kidding?

No kidding! / Are you kidding? / No way!

嘘のように___ /嘘みたい (だ)。 /____なんて嘘みたいです。

When something unbelievable has happened, these phrases are used in wonderment.(2)

uso no yo- ni uso mitai (da) nante uso mitai desu

It seems like a lie, but __. / It is hard to believe. / It seems like a miracle but__..

嘘も方便

Sometimes, it may be necessary to stretch the truth as a method to settle matters peacefully.

(3)

uso mo ho- ben

Necessary to stretch truth (To tell a white lie)

嘘 The word "lie" written in the box at left does not always have a negative connotation. It is used in daily life as described in the three cases below.

/ 嘘でしょう。 / 嘘だ。 うっそー

When reacting at something with surprise, young women in particularuse these phrases.

(1)

usso- uso desho- uso da

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga

Copyright 2008 The Yomiuri Shimbun

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Page 82: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

I see. We could use "tara-reba" when the result is not as good as we expect. They said, “If I had more practiced...,” “If there was no tree over there...,” If the ball flew a little bit to the right.” How true! If there was no wind, the ball would have gone much further. When you studied grammar, you learned subjunctive forms, right? These forms are very similar to each other, so it is confusing.

I went to play golf with my colleagues, and we had a meal together afterward. One of them said, "mottorenshu--shiteitara..." and "asokoni ki ga nakereba...," and another person said, "mo- sukoshi migi ni tobeba..." and a third person said, "honto kaze ga nakereba motto tondeita noni...." Ms. Hirayama, is there a special golf style for conversations? Everyone used "tara-reba" in their sentence, and I could not join in the conversation. I'm going to play golf again, so please tell me how to speak before I go.

と  nara

to

taraCondition

X Y

same result

toと

(3) Narration: Describing the facts of a situation chronologically. (When empathy is needed, "tara" is used.)

e.g., haha wa shigoto ga owaru to dekaketa (When the mother finished her job, she went out.)

(1) Automatically: The result (Y) of general condition (X) "always" or "certainly" occurs. Speculation is not called for.

Automatically。

(2) Realitye.g., tabesugiru to futoru (When you eat too much, you become fat.)

There are four Japanese forms, "tara / ba / nara / to," to indicate the subjunctive. The usages of these forms are very similar to each other, and each usage overlaps some of the other usages grammaticallyand vary depending on one's occupation, locality, surroundings, gender and so on. Thus, it can be very complicated. If I try to explain everything at once, it will confuse you. So, I will only show you the typicalclassifications, and you will learn how to use them in more detail in Vol. 85.

(always/certainly)

★ Instruction: e.g., button o osu to monitor ga tsuku (When you press the button, the monitor is turned on.)★ Giving directions: e.g., migi ni magaru to hashi ga aru (When you turn right, you will see a bridge.)★ Natural phenomena/science: e.g., natsu ni naru to atsukunaru

(When the summer comes, it gets hotter.)★ Same results 1. General: e.g., sato- o ireru to amakunaru (When you put sugar in it, it becomes sweeter.) 2. Personal: e.g., onaka ga suku to iraira suru (When I get hungry, I get irritated easily.)

ba

『........tara』 『........nara』『........ba』『........to........tara ........nara........ba

........to』

to

なら

(1) Pick one: Judging or describing by category

yasui

(2) Seesaw: Choosing by comparison

I will buy

Pick one

takai

(3)Playing catch: Playing catch in conversation (Picking up what a speaker says, and describing one's knowledge or opinion.)

e.g., Mr. A: Yada-san doko? (Where is Mr. Yada?)

Pick one e.g.,

★ Selection: e.g., getsuyo-bi nara ikemasu (If it is Monday, I can go.)★ Introduction or suggestion: e.g., kome nara Nihon no ga oishi

- desu

(If you want to eat rice, Japan’s is excellent.)★ Answer with one example: e.g., sashimi nara tabeta koto ga arimasu ("sashimi," I’ve tried eating it.)★ Of course: e.g., Nihon-jin nara kanji ga yomemasu (If they are Japanese, they can read kanji.)

Cheap

yasui nara kaimasu(If it is cheap, I will buy it.)

Mr. B: Yada-san nara yasumi desu (If it is about Mr. Yada, he is on holiday.)

nara (2) Strong suggestion: Listener has no option.

(1) Hidden meaning: Although "ba" can be replaced by "tara," a hidden meaning behind the reality is emphasized by using "ba."

(4) Proverbs:

(4) Unlikely dream: When something is highly unlikely to become reality, "moshi (if)" is placed at the beginning of the sentence.

e.g., (moshi) takarakuji ni atattara ageru ne (If I win the lottery, I will give it to you!)

Reality / hidden meaning

Supposition that isdifferent from reality

→ okane ga attara kaemasu(If I have money, I will buy it.) (There is no

hidden meaning, it is just supposition.)

e.g., okane ga areba kaemasu(If only I had money, I would buy it.) (In reality,

he/she has no money.)

e.g., gakuse- -jidai wa tomodachi to aeba uta no hanashi o shita (When I was a student, I talked about songs with my friend

whenever I saw him.)

e.g., san nin yoreba monju no chie (Two heads are better than one.)

ba

Talking about a future event while in the present. When talking about the future, "tara" is most frequently used among " tara / ba / nara / to."

Future trip

in the Future Present

たら

(Jump to the future)

(2) Advice: e.g., do- shitara i-

desu ka? (What should I do?)

e.g., kaettara mail no check o shimasu

(1) Future trip: Future / Hope / Emergency / Happening / Advice / As soon as / ___ then ___, etc.

(3) Weak suggestion: Listener has an option. e.g., sukoshi yasundara? (Why don't you take a rest?)

tara

(When I get home, I will check my e-mails.)

(5) Surprise (when surprised) / Emergency / Discovery!e.g., jishin ga okitara hi o keshimasu

(When an earthquake strikes, I extinguish any open flames.)

ばba

(3) Past habit

e.g., kore ni sureba (Why don’t you take this one?) (In reality, he or she must take it.)

Expensive

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga

Copyright 2008 The Yomiuri Shimbun

Des

ign

: Mas

ako

Ban

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

Page 83: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

Yes! But don't worry, Mr. Pole, "hitohada nugu"means "to lend a helping hand." You don't really have to take your clothes off! The word "一 (hitotsu)" is combined with other words to create different meanings. Here are some phrases that show up frequently in daily life.

One of my colleagues, Mr. Ikeda, has to translate materials into English. He was stressed out yesterday because he is not good at English. When we had lunch together, he said, "I have to finish my work by this evening, but it’s impossible!" Then, barely touching his lunch, he returned to work. When Mr. Akimoto heard that, he said, "Pole-san, hitohada nuide agetara? (Mr. Pole, why don't you take a piece of skin off?)” I was surprised and asked him, "ima? (Now?) koko de? (You mean here?) nugimasu ka? (Do you want me to take my clothes off?)” Mr. Akimoto started to laugh and said, "fuku o nugun ja arimasen yo! (Don't take your clothes off!)” Did I misunderstand something, again?

Answerstoexerciseat left:

Answerstoexerciseabove:

一肌脱ぐ?hitohada nugu ?

hitohada

nugu ?

"take a piece of skin off"?一肌脱ぐ?

hitohada nugu ? "take a piece of skin off"?

一 一 (hitotsu) (hitotsu)

→ e.g.,

一(verge)

(eye)

(say)(sweat)

(leg)

(breath)

(past)

1)What feels like a long time ago

8)A little more effort

7)A short period

6)Sweating, working hard (A good sweat)  

5)A single digit, first digit (One digit)

4)Making a short statement

3)A glance

2)Being remarkable in comparison with others

(hito)

(digit)

Insert the appropriate characters below the exercises into the square.

↑In a Japanese sentence, this maybe written in hiragana as "ひと."

一(hito)

At least, on the whole

A little bit, a small amount

A lot of hard work(Having a hard time)

Taking a short rest

Being relieved for the moment

To tweak

One size up/down (One size larger/smaller)

1)

8)

7)

6)

5)

4)

3)

2)

Gaining a certain amount of profit at once

(round)

(rest)

(grip)

(tweak)

(relief)

(profit)

(travail)

(throughout)

  1)一昔  2)一際   3)一目   4)一言

  5)一桁(けた) 6)一汗    7)一足   8)一息

 1)一回り    2)一通り    3)一握り  4)一苦労

 5)一儲(もう)け   6)一休み    7)一安心  8)一工夫

hitomawari   hitonigiri hitokuro-

hitomo- ke   hitoanshin hitokufu-

hitomukashi hitokiwa hitome

hitoashi hitoiki

買う時に   の説明を受けたが、すっかり忘れてしまった。

ニュースを聞いて        しました。

説明するのに         しました。

この恩恵を受けられるのは        の人です。

すみません、       大きいのありますか?

kautoki ni no setsume- o uketa ga sukkari wasurete shimatta

News o ki-te shimashita

setsume- suru noni shimashita

kono onke- o ukerareru no wa no hito desu

sumimasen oki- no arimasu ka?

(1) That’s the old way of thinking!

sore wa mae no kangaekata desuyo

(2) Before I bought it, I got a rough explanation, but I’ve forgotten everything.

(3) After hearing the news, I was momentarily relieved.

(4) I had a hard time explaining it.

(5) There are only a handful of people who receive this honor.

(6) Excuse me, but do you have the next size up?

お先に!

osaki ni !

(7)

したら見違えるように良くなりました。shitara michigaeru yo- ni yoku narimashita

(8) With a bit of tweaking, it was changed beyond recognition.

(Talking to a colleague) Excuse me for leaving early!

で、親子とわかるくらい似ていますね!de oyako to wakaru kurai nite imasu ne

(9) I can tell just by looking that you are parent and child!

社長       お願いします。shacho- onegaishimasu

(10) Sir, please give us a word!

それは      前の考え方ですよ。

(1) 一昔 (2) 一通り (3) 一安心 (4) 一苦労 (5) 一握り

(8) 一工夫

hitokufu-

 hitoto- ri 

(6) 一回りhitomawari

(10) 一言

hitokoto(7) 一足

hitoashi(9) 一目

hitome

hitomukashi hitoto- ri hitoanshin hitokuro-

 hitoyasumi

hitonigiriAnswers:

hitoketa hitoase

息 足 昔 汗 目 桁 際 言

休み 工夫 苦労 握り

安心 通り 儲け 回り

hitokoto

Insert the appropriate words to complete the following sentences.

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga

Copyright 2008 The Yomiuri Shimbun

Des

ign

: Mas

ako

Ban

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

Page 84: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

Until today, I think most of you have studied and understood the grammatical explanations of the subjective form by reading various textbooks. But I think it's true that you may be distressed, and saying, "But I cannot say anything because I don't know how to use them." I hear this kind of thing from a lot of students. I explained the subjunctive form in the past two lessons (vols. 84 and 85), and you may be puzzled on some points because I focused on explaining usage, rather than grammar. It is really important to understand my explanations first and use the subjunctive form like Mr. Pole, who makes mistakes but tries to use them.

I think I'm getting used to using "nara" and "to" in my daily conversation. Even though I sometimes get confused and make mistakes, I still try to use them. What I would like to do now is to learn how to use "tara" and "ba." I will then become an expert on the subjunctive form. It will help me enjoy daily conversation much more, and I hope to make a lot of friends!

taraたらtara ba

ばba

Future trip

in the Future

(Past tense)

Present

(Jump to the future)

ばba

たら

たら ば

tara

たらtara

1. Future trip: Future / Hope / Emergency / Happening / As soon as / ___ then ___, etc.:

When talking about a future event, "tara" is most frequently used among "tara / ba / nara / to."

・future:

・hope:

・emergency:

・advice:

・as soon as:

・--- then ---:

スケジュールが決まったら連絡します。

大人になったら何になりたい?

入金が確認出来たら品物を送ります。

火事になったら119番に電話して下さい。

コピーをしたら持って行きます。

お酒を飲んだら運転しないで下さい。

When my schedule is fixed, I'll let you know.

schedule ga kimattara renraku shimasu

(Frequently asked question of children)What would you like to be when you grow up?

otona ni nattara nani ni naritai ?

Please call 119 in case of fire.

kaji ni nattara 119-ban ni denwa shitekudasai.

If you drink, don't drive.

osake o nondara unten shinaide kudasai

As soon as I confirm your payment, I’ll send you the item.

If I make a copy, I will bring it to you.

nyu-kin ga kakunin dekitara shinamono o okurimasu

copy o shitara motte-ikimasu

4. Unrealistic dream: When something is highly unlikely to become reality, "moshi" (if) is placed at the beginning of the sentence.

5. Surprise (when surprised) / Emergency / Discovery!

2. Advice: Asking for advice

3. Weak suggestion: If there is something you find that is difficult to say, you may put it in question form, so that the listener can answer Yes or No. That makes a suggestion less forthright. The tone rises at the end of a question.

これはどこに置いたらいいですか?

少し節約したら?

もう少し待ったら?

休んだら?

もし1日が30時間あったら15時間寝ます。

支払おうとしたらお金が足りなかった!

パスワードを入力したら違っていた。Where should I put this?

Why don't you save some money?

Why don't you wait for a while?

Why don't you take a rest?

If there were 30 hours a day, I would sleep for 15 hours.

When I was about to pay, I didn't have enough money!

When I input the password, it was incorrect.

password o nyu-ryoku shitara chigatteita

shiharao- to shitara okane ga tarinakatta

moshi ichi-nichi ga 30-jikan attara 15-jikan nemasu

sukoshi setsuyaku shitara?

mo- sukoshi mattara?

yasundara?

kore wa doko ni oitara i- desu ka?

If only you were experienced, I would want you to work here.

If only I repair it, I can use it. → It's not repaired at this moment, so I cannot use it.

2. Strong suggestion: It sounds pushy, so most likely people at a higher level would use this phrase to people of a lower level. The tone drops at the end of a question.

3. Past habit

4. Proverbs:

楽あれば苦あり急がば回れ

住めば都

1. Hidden meaning: Although " ba" can be replaced by " tara," a "hidden meaning behind the reality" is emphasized by using "ba."

帰れば

暇さえあればゲームをしていた。

修理すれば使えます。

経験があれば働いてもらいたいのですが。

もっとよく考えれば →

shu-ri sureba tsukaemasu

ke-ken ga areba hataraite-moraitai no desu ga

kaereba

motto yoku kangaereba

hima sae areba game o shiteita

isogaba maware raku areba ku ari

sumeba miyako

Why not think more deeply?

(If you don't feel good) Why not go home?

When I had a free time, I used to play video games.

More haste, less speed. Life is not all beer and skittles.

To every bird his own nest is best.

→You are not experienced, so I cannot hire you.

Z Z

Z Z Z

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga

Copyright 2008 The Yomiuri Shimbun

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

Page 85: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

I know it is confusing. Just as I wrote in the previous lesson, the "tara/nara/ba/to" subjunctive form is complicated and hard to understand for beginners. That is why I chose frequently used expressions of such forms in the previous lesson. Also, I tried to explain them in such a way to impress the main points on your memory. For this lesson, let me choose "to/nara" and explain the details in a simple way. For the next lesson, I will explain the "tara/ba" subjunctive form.

I learned the "tara/nara/ba/to" subjunctive forms in the Vol. 84 column, and I tried to use them in conversation, but wasn’t very confident. I get confused over which one to use. The other day, when talking to a friend, I stammered, "Akihabara ni ittara... iku to... (If I go to.... When I go to Akihabara......" and stopped in confusion. She then asked me, " What are you trying to say?" I just threw up my hands in frustration. What should I have said?

と  Condition

X Y

same result

(1) Automatically: Automatically

。(   )always/certainly

to

と  to

ならnara

と  same resultAutomatically

to

Robot

a) Instruction b) Giving directions c) Natural phenomena/science d) Same results (1. General 2. Personal habit )

No emotion!

電源を入れると 動く。(1-a)

植物は水がないと 枯れる。(1-c)

3に2を足すと 5になる。(1-d-1)

ストレスがたまると 食べる。(1-d-2)

手を切ると 痛い!(2)

トンネルを抜けると そこは海だった。(3)

dengen o ireru to ugoku

When "to" is replaced with "tara," the empathy is emphasized, and it sounds more conversational.

san ni ni o tasu to go ni naru

stress ga tamaru to taberu

te o kiru to itai

shokubutsu wa mizu ga nai to kareru

tunnel o nukeru to soko wa umi datta

3 ni 2 o tasu to 5 ni narimasu (It sounds mathematical.)

e.g.,

3 ni 2 o tashitara 5 ni narimasu (It sounds as if the speaker is trying to help the listener understand.)

(When you turn it on, it moves.)

(When a plant doesn’t receive water, it withers.)

(When I came out of the tunnel, I saw the sea in front of me.)

(When 2 is added to 3, it makes 5.)

(When I become stressed, I eat.)

(When you cut your hand, it hurts.)

Coffee break

(3) Narration: Describing the facts of a situation chronologically.

(2) Reality 

なら

Q : When can I see you?

来週ならいつでも。 (1-a)

Q : Where can I go to get cheap electric appliances?

電化製品なら秋葉原かな。 (1-b)Q : Have you tried sushi?

いいえ、でも刺身なら食べました。 (1-c)

はい、小学生なら。(1-d)

raishu- nara itsudemo

hai, sho- gakuse- nara

nara

ならnara

2. Seesaw : Choosing by comparing A to B. It may be best to use "nara" in order to describe what is happening right now in front of one's eyes, or the current situation. The decision varies accordingto the situation or personal opinion.

denkase-hin nara Akihabara kana

The speaker's subjectiveness (judgment, intention, hope, request, order, advice, opinion, etc.)

A : If you want cheap appliances, you should visit Akihabara.

A : No, but I have eaten sashimi.

A : Any time next week is OK.

1. Pick one : Judging or describing by category. In general, "nara" is used when responding to what the recipient said. a) Selection b) Introduction or suggestion (Caution: the selected item comes after "nara.") c) Answer with one example d) Of course

Q : Children are half price? A : Yes, for primary school students.

Pick onesame result Pick one

3. Playing catch: Playing catch in conversation (Picking up what a speaker says, and describing one's knowledge or opinion.)

cake

あれ?ケーキがない! あ、ケーキなら食べちゃった。

are? cake ga nai ! a cake nara tabechatta

Ueda- san

上田さ〜ん! 上田さんなら帰りましたよ。Ueda-san! Ueda-san nara kaerimashita yo

ケーキcake

上田さん

Ms. Ueda

hon

ここにあった本は? あの本なら捨てました!koko ni atta hon wa? ano hon nara sutemashita

book

Where is the book that I left here? I threw it away.

Ms. Ueda!

Huh? I can't find my cake! Oops, I ate the cake.

e.g., wakaranai nara ki-te-kudasai. (It sounds businesslike.) wakaranai n /no nara ki-te-kudasai. (It sounds empathetic.) wakaranai ndattara ki-te-kudasai. (It sounds like the speaker's feeling is emphasized more.)

Coffee break

と  to Something that cannot be controlled.

右に曲がると 銀行がある。(1-b)migi ni magaru to ginko- ga aru(When you turn right, there is a bank.)

If you want to add your empathy to phrases 1 (Pick one) and 2 (Seesaw), use "i-adj. / verb + n /no nara." If you want to put more feeling into it, use "i-adj. / verb + ndattara" or "na-adj. / noun + dattara."

Ms. Ueda has gone home.

暖房を消す

寒いsamui atsui

danbo- o kesu

暑いなら暖房を消しましょう。atsui nara danbo- o keshimasho-

A: B:暑い

Turn off the heater

cold hot

When it becomes hot, let's turn off the heater.

わからない

聞いて下さい。

わからないなら聞いて下さい。

わかる

ki-te-kudasai

wakaru wakaranai

wakaranai nara ki-te-kudasai

A: understand B: Don't understand

Please ask me.

If you don't understand, please ask me.

Now

Now

Now

The result (Y) of general condition (X) always or certainly occurs. Speculation is not called for.

-

i-e, demo sashimi nara tabemashita

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga

Copyright 2008 The Yomiuri Shimbun

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

Page 86: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

Until today, I think most of you have studied and understood the grammatical explanations of the subjective form by reading various textbooks. But I think it's true that you may be distressed, and saying, "But I cannot say anything because I don't know how to use them." I hear this kind of thing from a lot of students. I explained the subjunctive form in the past two lessons (vols. 84 and 85), and you may be puzzled on some points because I focused on explaining usage, rather than grammar. It is really important to understand my explanations first and use the subjunctive form like Mr. Pole, who makes mistakes but tries to use them.

I think I'm getting used to using "nara" and "to" in my daily conversation. Even though I sometimes get confused and make mistakes, I still try to use them. What I would like to do now is to learn how to use "tara" and "ba." I will then become an expert on the subjunctive form. It will help me enjoy daily conversation much more, and I hope to make a lot of friends!

taraたらtara ba

ばba

Future trip

in the Future

(Past tense)

Present

(Jump to the future)

ばba

たら

たら ば

tara

たらtara

1. Future trip: Future / Hope / Emergency / Happening / As soon as / ___ then ___, etc.:

When talking about a future event, "tara" is most frequently used among "tara / ba / nara / to."

・future:

・hope:

・emergency:

・advice:

・as soon as:

・--- then ---:

スケジュールが決まったら連絡します。

大人になったら何になりたい?

入金が確認出来たら品物を送ります。

火事になったら119番に電話して下さい。

コピーをしたら持って行きます。

お酒を飲んだら運転しないで下さい。

When my schedule is fixed, I'll let you know.

schedule ga kimattara renraku shimasu

(Frequently asked question of children)What would you like to be when you grow up?

otona ni nattara nani ni naritai ?

Please call 119 in case of fire.

kaji ni nattara 119-ban ni denwa shitekudasai.

If you drink, don't drive.

osake o nondara unten shinaide kudasai

As soon as I confirm your payment, I’ll send you the item.

If I make a copy, I will bring it to you.

nyu-kin ga kakunin dekitara shinamono o okurimasu

copy o shitara motte-ikimasu

4. Unrealistic dream: When something is highly unlikely to become reality, "moshi" (if) is placed at the beginning of the sentence.

5. Surprise (when surprised) / Emergency / Discovery!

2. Advice: Asking for advice

3. Weak suggestion: If there is something you find that is difficult to say, you may put it in question form, so that the listener can answer Yes or No. That makes a suggestion less forthright. The tone rises at the end of a question.

これはどこに置いたらいいですか?

少し節約したら?

もう少し待ったら?

休んだら?

もし1日が30時間あったら15時間寝ます。

支払おうとしたらお金が足りなかった!

パスワードを入力したら違っていた。Where should I put this?

Why don't you save some money?

Why don't you wait for a while?

Why don't you take a rest?

If there were 30 hours a day, I would sleep for 15 hours.

When I was about to pay, I didn't have enough money!

When I input the password, it was incorrect.

password o nyu-ryoku shitara chigatteita

shiharao- to shitara okane ga tarinakatta

moshi ichi-nichi ga 30-jikan attara 15-jikan nemasu

sukoshi setsuyaku shitara?

mo- sukoshi mattara?

yasundara?

kore wa doko ni oitara i- desu ka?

If only you were experienced, I would want you to work here.

If only I repair it, I can use it. → It's not repaired at this moment, so I cannot use it.

2. Strong suggestion: It sounds pushy, so most likely people at a higher level would use this phrase to people of a lower level. The tone drops at the end of a question.

3. Past habit

4. Proverbs:

楽あれば苦あり急がば回れ

住めば都

1. Hidden meaning: Although " ba" can be replaced by " tara," a "hidden meaning behind the reality" is emphasized by using "ba."

帰れば

暇さえあればゲームをしていた。

修理すれば使えます。

経験があれば働いてもらいたいのですが。

もっとよく考えれば →

shu-ri sureba tsukaemasu

ke-ken ga areba hataraite-moraitai no desu ga

kaereba

motto yoku kangaereba

hima sae areba game o shiteita

isogaba maware raku areba ku ari

sumeba miyako

Why not think more deeply?

(If you don't feel good) Why not go home?

When I had a free time, I used to play video games.

More haste, less speed. Life is not all beer and skittles.

To every bird his own nest is best.

→You are not experienced, so I cannot hire you.

Z Z

Z Z Z

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga

Copyright 2008 The Yomiuri Shimbun

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

Page 87: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

It wasn't that she wanted to buy the items from you, Mr. Pole. It was that she felt

she needed to help you out. You used the "chatta" form, didn't you? That's why she

assumed you were in trouble for having bought too much. I refer this type of phrase as a

"heart expression," as it contains emotional undertones. Your use of "chatta" is a typical

mistake made by learners of Japanese who can hold simple conversations in the

language.

Recently, my friend Miss Hayashi spotted me in the parking lot of a store after I had bought a lot of stuff that I would need in an emergency, such as a major earthquake. When she saw me putting my purchases into my car, she said, "It looks like you bought quite a bit, eh?" I replied, "so- nan desu. takusan katchattan desu. (lit. Yes, I bought too much.)" She then asked, "Well, shall I buy some of it from you?" "iie," I said "watashi wa takusan taberu node mada tarinaikurai nan desu. (No, thanks, I eat a lot, so I'll probably still need to buy more.)" She gave me a puzzled look and walked off. Ms. Hirayama, why did she want to buy my food?

ちゃった

___chattaJekyll and Hyde form

ちゃった

___chattaJekyll and Hyde form

Many learners of Japanese often use "...cha (ja) tta" in place of the present perfect form. But if you use this in conversation, a Japanese listener will instead assume negative connotations. This clearly explains why Mr. Pole was misunderstood by his friend. In addition, this usage has two "faces," as it can have a positive meaning as well. For this reason, I call this grammatical form "Jekyll and Hyde."Women, it should be noted, are inclined to use this form in a colloquial manner.The grammatical form is often thought to convey only regret over something you've done or that has happened, but it can express two feelings that are opposite in nature.Let's take a look at the following exercises to become more familiar with the form. Enter the correct Japanese word into the squares.

ちゃったchatta_______

(te form)

teて

じゃったjatta_______

(te form)

deで

×

× Positive situation

仕事を shigoto o

今度の新しい会社は 給料が2倍!kondo no atarashi

- kaisha wa kyu-ryo- ga 2-bai!

to quit to quit

これずっと欲しかったので思い切ってkore zutto hoshikatta node omoikitte

to buyto buy

Negative situation

洋服はたくさん持っているけどまたyo- fuku wa takusan motteiru kedo mata

社長とけんかをして会社をshacho- to kenka o shite kaisha o

友達とビンテージワインを

おいしかった!

tomodachi to vintage wine o

oishikatta!

to drinkto drinkビールを10本

beer o juppon

二日酔いで気持ち悪い ....。 futsuka-yoi de kimochi warui ...

(implying delight) (implying regret)

(implying regret)

まだ、次の会社が決まっていない。mada tsugi no kaisha ga kimatteinai

(implying joy)

(implying regret)(implying joy)

yamechatta katchatta nonjatta nechatta

夕べは10時間もyu-be wa ju--jikan mo

to sleepto sleep

(implying happiness)

会議中にkaigichu- ni

(implying failure)

I quit my job.

I’ll be making twice as much at my new job!

My boss and I got in a fight, so I quit.

I don't have a new job, yet.

I really wanted this, so I finally bought it. I’ve got so many clothes, and yet I bought some more.

I drank a bottle of vintage wine with my friends.I drank 10 bottles of beer.

I have a terrible hangover.

I slept a whole 10 hours last night.

I fell asleep during the meeting.

It was delicious!

非常食hijo-shoku

もし、     が鳴ったら、 慌てないで        か

A) 非常階段 B) 非常口 C) 非常事態 D) 非常手段 E) 非常ベル

a) Emergency exit b) Emergency measures c) State of emergency d) Fire escape e) Fire alarm

1) hijo-shudan 2) hijo- jitai 3) hijo-guchi 4) hijo-bell

5) hijo-kaidan

Answers: A) - 5) - d) B) - 3) - a) C) - 2) - c) D) - 1) - b) E) - 4) - e)

(1) 非常ベル (2) 非常口 (3) 非常階段

Emergency rations

防災品 ( ぼうさいひん bo- saihin) Emergency supplies

If you hear a fire alarm, don’t panic. Please evacuate from the building through the emergency exits or fire escape.

Select the reading and the meaning for the words below.

moshi ga nattara awatenaide ka

Complete the sentence by using the words from A) to D).

It is highly recommended that you make a list of emergency supplies in case of earthquakes and other disasters. You should include emergency rations (dry biscuits, instant food, canned food, and so on), bottled water, a first aid kit, work gloves, masks, a portable radio, batteries, a lighter, clothes, coins and identification. You should change the contents of your kit once a year.

Answers:Answers:

から 建物の外に出て下さい。kara tatemono no soto ni detekudasai

(1)

(3)

(2)

1

2

3

4

4321

1

2

3

4

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga

Copyright 2009 The Yomiuri Shimbun

Page 88: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

The prefecture known for its bijin (beautiful women) is in the quiz, so look for the answer. "Golden Week" is another name for o-gata renkyu- (a series of holidays) that run from the end of April until the beginning of May. The following public holidays are included in the period: "Sho-wa no Hi (Sho-wa Day)" on April 29, "Kenpo- Kinenbi (Constitution Day)" on May 3, "Midori no Hi (Greenery Day)" on May 4 and "Kodomo no Hi (Children's Day) on May 5.

Answers

日本地図クイズ(2)Nihon chizu quiz

Japanese map quiz

日本地図クイズ(2)Nihon chizu quiz

Japanese map quiz

When you put the word "-ken" after these names, they become prefectures. e.g., Chiba → Chiba-ken (Chiba Prefecture)

After that, match the prefectures to the letters in the map.

Use the following characters below to complete the crosswords at right.

うさほ

u

ga

ho

chi

ki

i

ろro

sa まmaど

do

かka

ひhi

なna

やya ② The prefecture in the Tohoku region of Honshu-

that is famous for its cherries, sho-gi pieces and benibana (safflower), which was used to tint women’s lips in the past.

1) ACROSS① The prefecture that is known as "the Roof of Japan." It is famous for soba, onsen, apples and skiing.

まma

no

た taが

ga

ki

DOWN① The prefecture where Dejima was located. Dejima was once used as a trading post and was the only window to the West during Japan's self-imposed isolation (sakoku) in the Edo period (1603-1867). This prefecture has 971 islands. It is also famous for its Huis Ten Bosch theme park.

DOWN② The prefecture where Yokohama and Kamakura are located. Yokohama is famous for its China- town and shaomai, while Kamakura is known for its Great Buddha.

ACROSS① The prefecture famous for its mikan, ume (plum) and onsen.

2)

なわ

na

wa ya

わwa

ぐgu③ The prefecture with the largest limestone cave in Japan. It is also famous for a very expensive toxic delicacy-fugu (blowfish). The kanji for fugu is written as "pig of the river," because fugu makes a noise like a pig in the water.

DOWN② The prefecture where Kawagoe is located. Kawagoe is known by the nickname of "Ko-Edo (Little Old Tokyo)" and is one of Tokyo's bedroom communities.

ACROSS① The prefecture that is home to Genbaku Dome (A-Bomb Dome) and Itsukushima Shrine. Okonomiyaki (Japanese-style savory pancakes) are delicious!

3)

いた

ひhi

ta

i

しshi

4) ACROSS① The prefecture that is the northernmost island in Japan. The island is the second largest in the country after Honshu and is noted for skiing, potatoes, corn and seafood.

go

yo

い iっtsu

わwa

DOWN② The prefecture where Ko-be, which suffered a terrible earthquake in 1995, Himeji Castle, a World Heritage Site, and Ko-shien Stadium, which hosts annual National High School Baseball Tournaments, are located.③ The prefecture that is home to the Chichu- Art Museum on Naoshima island in the Seto Inland Sea. It is said that there is an udon restaurant every 100 meters there.

DOWN① The prefecture that is home to Nagoya Castle, which was built by Tokugawa Ieyasu, and Toyota, known for its automobile industry.

② The prefecture where Narita Airport and Tokyo Disneyland are located. Its production of peanuts is the largest in Japan.

5)

a

ba

た ta

ACROSS① The prefecture that produces Akita Komachi, a delicious rice. Since "Akita bijin" (Beauties of Akita) are fair-skinned, it also is used to refer to beautiful women.

(1) (2) (3)

(4)

ACROSS ①ながの Nagano, GDOWN ①ながさき Nagasaki, NDOWN ②やまがた Yamagata, C

ACROSS ①わかやま Wakayama, IDOWN ②かながわ Kanagawa, FDOWN ③やまぐち Yamaguchi, M

ACROSS ①ひろしま Hiroshima, LDOWN ②さいたま Saitama, E

ACROSS ①ほっかいどう Hokkaido- , ADOWN ②ひょうご Hyo-go, JDOWN ③かがわ Kagawa, K

(5)

ACROSS ①あきた Akita, BACROSS ②ちば Chiba, DDOWN ①あいち Aichi, H

One of my friends recently suggested, "Golden Week ni bijin o sagashi ni iko- ! (Let's go and look for 'bijin' during Golden Week!)" However, he did not tell me where he was planning to look. He only said this destination was in the Tohoku region and he would take me along if I could guess where he wanted to go. He gave me some hints, saying the prefecture is famous for quality rice and apples. Ms. Hirayama, please help me because I really want to go with him!

②②

A

B

C

DE

F

G

H

I

J

K

LM

N

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

With cooperation from Yasuhiro Koga

Copyright 2009 The Yomiuri Shimbun

Page 89: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

Many Japanese people like blood-type profiling. People try to figure out your personality, not by what you are but what your blood type is. They say, "Your blood type tells me so," and are complacent in their judgment. But I think this leads to sterotyping people. Some companies are said to do their recruitment partly based on blood-type profiling rather than on an applicant's ability. Although conversation about blood types can be an icebreaker when you do not have much else to talk about, blind acceptance of such profiling can be harmful.

The other day, one of my friends asked me, "Pole-san wa o- -gata?" (Mr. Pole, are you "o- -gata?"). I said "Yeah, as you can see, I've been worried about my weight lately." He said, "Oh no! I'm not saying that your size is o- -gata (big). I'm asking if your blood type is O (o- -gata). A person with that blood type is bighearted and realistic. Your blood type tells me about your character." He then showed me a book on personality profiling by blood type. I was amazed that Japanese people profile their character by their blood type.

Answers:

A 型?gataB 型?

gata AB 型?gataO 型?

gataA 型?gata

B 型?gata AB 型?

gataO 型?gata

几帳面  常識人  協調性  慎重  

血液型(Blood type)ketsuekigata

自己中心的   楽天的  柔軟な考え  ひらめき

親分肌  社交的  大雑把  現実的 

合理的  理想追求型  冷静   二重人格

kicho- men jo-shikijin kyo-cho-se- shincho-

jiko-chu-shinteki rakutenteki ju- nan na kangae hirameki

oyabunhada shako-teki o-zappa genjitsuteki

go- riteki riso--tsuikyu--gata re- se- niju--jinkaku

Almost all Japanese know their own blood type. Do you know yours? ketsuekigata wa nani-gata desu ka?(What's your blood type?)

According to the Japanese Red Cross Society, Japanese blood types areare apportioned as follows: Type A (about 40 percent), Type O (about 30 percent), Type B (about 20 percent) and Type AB (about 10 percent).

Major traits for the four main blood types are as follows:

Blood type A : A 型 (e- -gata)methodical commonsensical cooperative careful

Blood type B : B 型 (bi--gata)

Blood type O : O 型 (o- -gata)leadership sociable careless about details realistic

selfish easygoing flexible inspirational

Blood type AB : AB 型 (e- bi--gata)

practical idealist calm "split" personality

Expressions that use 型1) Size (small, medium, large)

2) Characteristic and disposition

多機能型    朝型      薄型   

「型にはまる」3)

kogata-camera chu-gata-ken o-gata-taifu- 小型カメラ   中型犬    大型台風

takino--gata asa-gata usu-gata

Blood type profiling often exaggerates negative personalities.Blood Type A : Obstinate person with rigid ideasBlood Type B : Uncooperative and selfish, not suitable for groupsBlood Type O : Tends to be hasty, careless about details and unyieldingBlood Type AB : Eccentric, self-contradictory and hates interference

e.g.,small camera medium-sized dog major typhoon

e.g., multifunctional early bird thin shape

kata ni hamaru

..... Overly conventional, rigid (no individuality and no originality)

型にはまった考え e.g., rigid way of thinking

kata ni hamatta kangae

「型にはめる」4)

kata ni hameru..... Force some into a mold (force something or someone to believe a certain way or idea)

型にはめた育て方

e.g., cookie-cutter way of raising children

kata ni hameta sodatekata

「型破り」 5)

katayaburi

katayaburi na jinse-

 ..... Unconventional (peculiar, eccentric)

型破りな人生 e.g., unconventional way of life

eco car wa yori no ho-ga o- i desuエコカー   より       の方が多いです。

Enter the correct Japanese words in the squares.

A) Many small cars are more eco-friendly than big vehicles.

small carsbig vehicles

e-ga kantoku wa no atarashi- sakuhin o happyo- shita

映画監督は           の 新しい作品を発表した。

B) The director presented a new film with full of unconventional ideas.

unconventional idea

saikin gakko- dewa o minaosu ke-ko- ni arimasu最近、学校では           を見直す傾向にあります。

C) Recently, many schools tend to reconsider their cookie-cutter way of education.

cookie-cutter way of education

do-shitemo shika omoiukabanai desuどうしても          しか思い浮かばないです。

D) I can only come up with conventional ideas.

conventional ideas

sekatsu style o kara ni kaemashita生活スタイルを      から      に変えました。

E) I changed my lifestyle from a night person to a morning person.

night person morning person

kono ke- tai-denwa wa de ninki ga arimasuこの携帯電話は          で人気があります。

F) As this mobile phone is the latest model, it is quite popular.

latest model

( 1 ) 大型車   ( 2 ) 小型車   ( 3 ) 型破りな発想 ( 4 ) 型にはめた教育    

( 5 ) 型にはまった考え      ( 6 ) 夜型      ( 7 ) 朝型   ( 8 ) 最新型

o-gatasha kogatasha katayaburi na hasso - kata ni hameta kyo-iku

kata ni hamatta kangae yoru-gata asa-gata   saishin-gata

( 1 )

( 3 )

( 4 )

( 5 )

( 6 ) ( 7 )

( 8 )

( 2 )

O ABA

B型

型 型

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

Copyright 2009 The Yomiuri Shimbun

Page 90: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

It doesn't mean "your" Japanese didn't make sense, Pole-san. The guide dog simply didn't understand Japanese. In Japan, there are a lot of training centers that train guide dogs in the imperative form of English. That's because the Japanese language has many different expressions for the words, depending on the differences in gender or age. There are also honorifics and dialects. For example, there are various imperative expressions such as "dame," "me," "akan," "iken," etc. that mean "no," but would completely confuse the guide dogs. That's why they use English when training, because the dogs can more easily understand simple words like "No"-the expression is the same no matter who says it. For today's lesson, I will introduce a variety of Japanese as well as some of the usages of the imperative form.

In front of the station the other day, I saw a guide dog (mo-do-ken) and its trainer participating in a fund-raiser to promote a guide dog foundation. I like dogs, so I donated some money and said to the sitting guide dog, "i

-ko ne," but the dog did not react. But

when the trainer said, "Good boy," the dog wagged its tail gladly. Why didn't the guide dog understand my Japanese?

Answers:

Answers:

だめdame

あかん

akanNo! iken

いけんだめdame

あかん

akanNo! iken

いけん

おいしい

方言ho- gen

oishi-delicious

Standard

zo   daro?    kana? 

Kyoto dialect Kyo-to ben

おいしいoishi

-

Osaka dialectO-saka ben

うまいumai

Hakata dialectHakata ben

うまかあumaka-

Okinawa dialectOkinawa ben

まーさんma- san

好きですsuki desu

I like 好きやsuki ya

好きやねんsuki yanen

すいとぉーsuito-

しちゅっさーshichussa-

いいですねi- desu ne

It's good.よろしいなあyorosi

- na-

ええですねe-desu ne

よかですねyoka desu ne

ゆたさんやいびーんねyutasanyaibi

-nne

Dialect

e.g.,

Giving information I wonder ~?

ぞ       だろ?    かな?

わよ     でしょ?   かしら?

いつかしら?   いつかな? itsu kashira? itsu kana?

I wonder when...

 (Masculine)    (Feminine)

There are lots of dialects in Japan.

Sentence-ending particle

I will introduce some examples.

Japanese sentences can sound masculine or feminine, depending on the sentence-ending particle. Keep in mind the masculine/feminine particles are at times used interchangeably among men and women. Listen to the Japanese around you talk to learn more.

agreement Requesting

Masculine

Feminine

Keep going!susume!進め!

Keep going!

Imperatives used in daily conversation → Imperative form +

She / He said to me " " = Imperative form +

Paul went to the hospital and had a checkup.Friend:What did the doctor say?Paul :The doctor told me to quit smoking. Friend:And what else? Paul :He told me to excercise more.Friend:That's all?Paul :He told me to cut back on sake and sweets.Friend:Is that all?Paul :He told me to take my medicine every day. Then he said, if you can't do all of this on your own, check yourself into a hospital.

Imperatives

yo

1) hayaku shiroyo 2) mateyo 3) yameroyo 4) jikandazo okiroyo

e.g., He told me to come.→「来いって」

[Exercise] Interpret underlined sentences into Japanese.

tteって

koitte

motto benkyo-shiroyo

This form is used when you explain to someone what another person said. "Tte" is a casual form for"to"-the particle, which is used as quotation mark or "that" in "He said that ~." The subject and verbin the main caluse are often omitted.

① ② ③

tabacco o yamerotte motto undo- shirotte osake to amaimono o hikaerotte

mainichi kusuri o nomette nyu- in shirotte

gambare!

aruke!

susume!

A man uses this form for his children and wife, and boys begin to use it among friends asthey grow up. It is not polite, and must not be used toward someone olderthan you or in a working environment.e.g., Fathers say to their children,"Study more."→「もっと勉強しろよ」

[Exercise] Give the imperative expression in Japanese.1 ) A women takes a lot of time to prepare for a night out.→Her husband says, "Hurry!"2 ) A couple have a fight and the girl is about to leave.→The boyfriend says, "Wait!"3 ) Your friend playfully taps your head many times.→You say, "Stop it!"4 ) A father wakes up his child in the morning.→"It's time to get up! Wake up!"

wayo  desho?  kashira? 

Go for it!頑張れ!

歩け!

進め!

Keep walking!

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

Copyright 2009 The Yomiuri Shimbun

Page 91: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

He used the Japanese word "mushi," meaning insect, three times to describe his daughter's boyfriend. What he actually said was, "My daughter is dating a bad man who is a big spender. I don't like him at all. I wish he were a man like you, Mr. Pole." Mr. Hayashi's father was not literally talking about insects. Let's look at expressions related to "虫" (mushi) in today's column.

I was invited to Mr. Hayashi's birthday party and while we were eating together in the living room, Mr. Hayashi's father said to me, "musume ni warui mushi ga tsuite ne, omakeni kanekui-mushi de do-mo mushi ga sukanain desu yo. Pole-san dattara ne." I thought the meaning of "mushi" was worm or insect, so I didn't understand the point of the remarks. So, I said "e? watashi? mushi?" and he left the living room laughing. Hirayama-san, what did he really mean?

Answers:

Answers:

<Constitution of kanji>

snake

<Expressions using the kanji 虫 >

虫mushi

worm, insect

1)虫がいい:mushi ga i-

self-serving

2)虫の居所が悪い: mushi no idokoro ga warui in a bad mood

3)腹の虫がおさまらない:hara no mushi ga osamaranai feel aggravated

4)玉虫色: tamamushi-iro a vague situation that can be interpreted in various ways depending on the viewpoint

5)虫が好かない:mushi ga sukanai have an aversion to

6)~の虫:...no mushi expression of a person getting absorbed in a certain thing figuratively e.g., 本の虫:hon no mushi 仕事の虫:shigoto no mushi

a bookworm hard worker

The kanji for "insect" comes from the form of the viper. In old days, people recognized the beast, bird and fish. All the other creatures were regarded as types of insect.

「中」represents for the head of the snake, and 「ム」 represents the tail.

虫 mushi むし虫 mushi むし

<Exercise 1>Choose the correct phrase listed in the previous column to complete the sentence.

a)He is a good person, but I don't like him.

いい人なんですが、どうも(             )です。

b)I feel aggravated even though I won the case. 裁判で勝っても(                 )!

saiban de kattemo

a) - 5) b) - 3)

蛤蛇

虫蟻蛙

合 → Means to match. Two halves of clam shells matchwhen they are closed.

hamaguri : clam

ka : mosquito

文 → According to a theory, the reading of 「文」, bun, allowsthe kanji「蚊」to represent a mosquito, as the onomatopoeiafor buzzing wings is "bun-bun."

圭 → Its pronunciation "kei" is the onomatopoeia of a croaking frog. These days, though, the frogis considered to go "kero-kero."

它 → Represents a viper with a big head.

kaeru : frog

hebi : snake

ari : ant

蝶葉 → A thin leaf. The wings of butterflies are thin.

cho- : butterfly

義 → Means well-behaved. Ants move in an orderlyfashion.

<Creatures with the left-hand element 虫 in their names>Combined with other kanji, 「虫」can indicate various creatures.Here are some of them.

<Expressions using 虫-related kanji>

1)蚊の鳴くような声:ka no nakuyo-na koe An indistinct voice just like the buzzing of a mosquito.

<Exercise 2>Choose the correct phrase from those listed above to complete the sentence.

2) 蛙の子は蛙:kaeru no ko wa kaeru A child resembles the parent. A child often follows in the footsteps of the parent.

3)蛇の生殺し:hebi no namagoroshi Keep someone in suspense while withholding the coup de grace.

b ) A vague situation surrounds this development, putting me on tenterhooks.

  この件についてハッキリしない状態が続いて(           )です。

 kono ken ni tsuite hakkirishinai jo-tai ga tsuzuite desu

a ) I can't hear you at all because you're mumbling.

 (          )で何を言っているのか全然聞こえないです。

c ) You became an actor just like your father. As expected, you chose the same path as your father.

お父さんと同じ役者になったんですね、やはり(        )ですね。

oto-san to onaji yakusha ni nattan desune yahari desu ne

de nani o itteirunoka zenzen kikoenai desu

e.g., the way a snake immobilizes its prey before eating it.

a) - 1) b) - 3 ) c) - 2 )

i- hito nandesu ga do-mo desu

Copyright 2009 The Yomiuri Shimbun

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

Page 92: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

You mean you want to memorize kanji easily. Japanese kids learn 1,006 kanji characters in primary school (80 in their first year, 160 in their second year, 200 in their third year, 200 in their fourth year, 185 in their fifth year and 181 in their sixth year). Pole-san, I'd like to show you how to study kanji in a relatively short period.

Hirayama-san, I've been studying Japanese but feel it very difficult to memorize kanji. Characters are too complicated, and there are too many of them. How can I memorize them easily? Please teach me how to memorize them if you know some good methods. This year, I'm going to work hard to learn kanji.

Answers:

Kanji is composed of the combination of many small kanji elements. This time, I'll present various kanji that include 木 (tree), 魚 (fish) and 言 (say, tell).

a) - 3) b) - 4) c) - 2) d) - 1)

桜机

松木

tsukue: desk

sakura: cherry tree

bo- : stick matsu: pine tree

ita: board

根ne: root

→→

   Kanji characters related to tree from "木"

eda: branch

hashi: bridge

1) 板ばさみ ita basami

The phrase literally means to be caught between twopieces of boards, meaning to be trapped in a dilemmaand not able to take either side.

鯛鰹

鯉魚鯨

katsuo: bonito

tai: sea bream

iwashi: sardine koi: carp

kujira: whale

鮪maguro: tuna

  Kanji characters related to fish from "魚"

sake: salmon

unagi: eel

語論

話す言

許す

訳す

ron: argument

go: language

yaku(su): to translate hana(su): to speak

yuru(su): to forgive

詩shi: poem

  Kanji characters related to language from "言"

謝る

読む

ayama(ru): to apologize

yo(mu): to read

2) 鰻のぼり unagi nobori

The phrase literally describes an eelswimming vertically to the surface, meaning figures and records rise rapidly.

3) 逃がした魚は大きい nigashita sakana wa o- ki----

The phrase literally means thatthe fish that gets away looks biggerthan it really is, meaning what you lose always looks better than it really is.

4) 言語道断 gongodo- dan

Too bad or outrageous to describe. → Outrageous, out of the question.

i

ta

ba

sa

mi

木 魚 言Kanji 木 魚 言Kanji

a)

b)

c)

d)

moto kare wa ima ya shacho- datte!

riyu- mo iwanaide totsuzen kubi o kiru nante    da!(Firing employees without telling them the reason is outrageous.)

ano ge-nin wa kyonen wa ninki ga     dattakedo

tsuma to haha ga momeruto watashi wa jo- tai desu (When my wife and mother get into an argument, I'm always trappedin between.)

[Exercise]Choose the correct phrases from those listed at left to complete the sentence.

元カレは今や社長だって!      

理由も言わないで突然クビを切るなんて         だ!

あの芸人は去年は人気が           だったけど、

今年はどうかな?kotoshi wa do- kana?(That comedian's popularity drastically increased last year, but I wonder how he will do this year.)

 妻と母がもめると、私は               状態です。

板ばさみ

(My ex-boyfriend is currently the president of a company! I let a good thing pass me by.)

Copyright 2010 The Yomiuri Shimbun

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

Page 93: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

"imikotoba" means "taboo words." These are words or phrases that are thought to bring about bad luck. You should avoid them on formal occasions, such as weddings or funerals, out of consideration for the feelings of the listeners. For example, you should not use such words as "wakareru," which people fear may cause divorce, in your wedding speech. However, keep in mind that it would be OK to use them in everyday life. Many "imikotoba" exist, so please be cautious.

A friend of mine is getting married next month and I have to give a speech at the wedding. I wrote a speech and asked my friend to check the Japanese. He told me not to use "imikotoba." I have never heard of "imikotoba" before. What does it mean, Hirayama-san?

Answers:

imikotoba 忌み言葉imikotoba 忌み言葉

1) If you are preparing a speech for a wedding, do not use any words that infer divorce or separation. For example, words that repeat the same sound (e.g., tabitabi) infer remarriage.

たびたびtabitabifrequently

いろいろiroiromany kinds

ますますmasumasumore and more

帰るkaerugo back

去るsaruleave

終わるowarufinish

別れる 切るwakareru   kirusplit cut

離れるhanareruseparate

2) When the speech is for funerals, do not use any words that infer "something sad will happen again," or "you cannot die in peace," or repeating sounds (e.g. tsugitsugi).

返す返すkaesugaesurepeatedly

次々tsugitsugione by one

続くtsuzukucontinue

追うoufollow

迷うmayouget lost

浮かばれないukabarenaiyour soul cannot rest

重なるkasanaruduplicate

3) During the school entrance exam season avoid any words that make examinees and family members imagine “failure” in daily conversation.

落ちるochirufall

転ぶkorobufall over

滑るsuberuslip over

散るchirudisperse

4) Do not use any words related to miscarriage or disease when you congratulate a person for becoming pregnant or give birth to a child. 流れる

nagareruwash away (miscarry)

消えるkierudisappear

おろすorosudrop (have an abortion)

弱いyowaiweak

Some common examples of "imikotoba"

Quiz : The words below may offend people at a wedding. Use more appropriate words.

a) kaeru (leave, go home) b) owaru (finish) c) sashimi

Answers: a) shitsure- suru b) ohiraki ni suru c) otsukuri

ご結婚おめでとうございます。

gokekkon omedeto- gozaimasu

Congratulations on your wedding.

私は新郎の大輔さんの同僚のポールと申します。

watakushi wa shinro- no Daisuke-san no do- ryo- no Pole

to mo- shimasu

My name is Pole. I work with the groom, Daisuke-san.

私は日本に来た頃、日本のことが何も分からず、そんな私に大輔さんは

watakushi wa Nihon ni kita koro, Nihon no koto ga

nanimo wakarazu sonna watakushi ni Daisuke-san wa

When I came to Japan, I did not know anything about Japan.

日本の文化や仕事など 色々なことを 教えてくださいました。

Nihon no bunka ya shigoto nado iroiro na koto o

oshiete kudasaimashita

Daisuke-san taught me about Japanese culture and work in Japan.

そして 苦しいときは いつもいつも 励ましてくださいました。

soshite kurushi- toki wa itsumoitsumo hagemashite

kudasaimashita

He always cheered me up when I was having a hard time.

大輔さんは大変親切で 頭の切れる 方です。

Daisuke-san wa taihen shinsetsu de atama no kireru

kata desu

He is very kind and very smart.

これからの人生において、順子さん が 悲しむようなことは決してしない

と思います。

korekara no jinse- ni oite Junko-san

ga kanashimu yo-na koto wa kesshite shinai to omoimasu

He will never make Junko-san sad as long as he lives.

順子さんは、ますます おきれいになり、大輔さんは本当にお幸せですね。

Junko-san wa masumasu okire- ni nari Daisuke-san wa

honto- ni oshiawase desu ne

Junko-san looks more beautiful every day. Daisuke-san is a lucky guy

to have such a beautiful wife.

今日からお二人で新しい スタートを 切る のですね。

kyo- kara ofutari de atarashi- start o kiru no desu ne

You are starting a new life today.

最後になりましたが、 どうぞ末永くお幸せに!

saigo ni narimashita ga do-zo suenagaku oshiawase ni!

Finally, I wish you much love and happiness.

これで、私のあいさつ を 終わりに させていただきます。

kore de watakushi no aisatsu o owari ni sasete

itadakimasu

I've reached the end of my speech.

本日は、おめでとうございます。

honjitsu wa omedeto- gozaimasu

Congratulations to the happy couple.

1) takusan (many, a lot)

2) omit

3) itsumo (always)

4) yu-shu

- na (excellent)

5) o taisetsu ni sareru (take good care of)

6) totemo (very)

7) start line ni tatareru (stand at the start line)

8) omit

9) to

Below is Mr. Pole's speech at his friend's wedding. Make the appropriate changes to the "imikotoba" in the boxes below.

1)

6)

7)

8)

9)

2) 3)

4)

5)

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

Copyright 2010 The Yomiuri Shimbun

Page 94: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

The Japanese language uses echoic words to depict human and animal voices or sounds, and mimetic words to depict motion, appearances and psychological actions. Collectively, echoic words and mimetic words are called onomatopoeia. Your friend used onomatopoeia. He said, "I have a thumping headache-it's as if my head is splitting (gangan). I'm feeling sick in my stomach (mukamuka), my eyes are flickering (chikachika), and I'm dizzy (furafura)." As you can see in these examples, onomatopoeic terms are very useful because they use simple expressions to explain complex situations.

This morning, I noticed my friend had a sickly look on his face. When I asked him what was wrong, he said, "atama wa gangan, i wa mukamuka, me wa chikachika...mo- furafura desu" and collapsed in a chair. I said, "gangan, mukamuka, chikachika, furafura, gangan, mukamuka, chikachika, furafura..it sounds like samba music." "I drank too much last night. I'm feeling sick," he replied and dashed to the toilet.

Answers:

gangan

がんがんmukamukaむかむか chikachika

ちかちか

furafuragangan mukamuka chikachika furafuraふらふらがんがん

むかむかちかちか

ふらふら♪♪

♪♪

<Onomatopoeia> Many onomatopoeic terms are used in Japanese comic and graphic novels. A typical Japanese onomatopoeia dictionary includes more than 1,600 words. Onomatopoeia function not only as adjectives; they also help describe things by omitting nouns and verbs in simple sentences. It's very difficult not to use onomatopoeia in everyday language. Though onomatopoeic terms are frequently used in everyday life, they're not really learned at school. Onomatopoeia differ from person-to-person and by area because Japanese people learn about and experience them in daily conversation. Therefore, it is very difficult for Japanese learners to master onomatopoeia.

ごろごろgorogoroto feel something in the eye

ちかちかchikachikaa flickering sensation in the eyes

ずきずきzukizukiContinuous, severe pain

しくしくshikushikudull, repetitive pain

むずむずmuzumuzuitchy

ぐすぐすguzuguzuto have the sniffles

The following onomatopoeia are commonly used to describe physical conditions.

<eye>

<tooth>

<nose>

<throat>

<head>

<chest>

<skin>

<body>

<stomach>

いがいがigaigafrog in the throat

ひりひりhirihiria burning in one's throat

ずきずきzukizukithrobbing

くらくらkurakuradizzy

がんがんganganpounding

ぜいぜいze- ze-

wheezing

どきどきdokidokipounding

むずむずmuzumuzucrawling

ちくちくchikuchikuprickly/stinging

ぞくぞくzokuzokufeel chills

ふらふらfurafuraunsteady

きゅーっkyu-

stinging pain

きりきりkirikirisharp, continuous pain

しくしくshikushikugriping pain

★ One of the characteristic features of onomatopoeia is that the intensity of the movement or feeling being described differs depending on whether it is a clear sound or a dull sound.★

・Clear sound images: small in scope, bright, lightweight, small, beautiful, sharp・Dull sound images: big in scope, dark, prominence, big, dirty, dull

Clear sound → Dull sounde.g.,

びりびりbiribiritingle

ぐるぐるguruguruswirl

ひりひりhirihiriburning

くるくるkurukurutwiddle

[Exercises]Complete the following sentences by using the appropriate onomatopoeia.

1)目にゴミが入って します。 me ni gomi ga haitte shimasu My eyes are feeling gritty as I got dust in them.

2)指先が すると思ったら、小さなトゲが刺さっていました。

yubisaki ga suru to omottara chi-sa na toge ga sasatte imashita

I felt a sharp pain in my finger, and I found that I had a tiny thorn in it.

3)奥歯が して、夕べはほとんど眠れませんでした。 okuba ga shite yu-be wa hotondo nemuremasen deshita My molar gave me constant pain, keeping me awake most of the night.

4) 胃薬を飲んでも と痛いので、明日病院に行きます。 igusuri o nondemo to itai node asu byo- in ni ikimasu I feel a dull pain in my stomach even after taking some medicine. I'll visit the hospital tomorrow.

5) 花粉症で鼻が    して、くしゃみが止まらない。kafunsho- de hana ga shite kushami ga tomaranai

I have a tickle in my nose due to hay fever and I can't stop sneezing.

6) 寒くないのに身体が し、のどが するので、早めに薬を飲んだ。 samukunai noni karada ga shi nodo ga suru node hayame ni kusuri o nonda

Even though it wasn't cold, I got a chill and felt as if I had a frog in my throat, so I took some medicine just in case.

1) gorogoro 2) chikuchiku 3) zukizuki 4) shikushiku 5) muzumuzu 6) zokuzoku igaiga

くらく

k urakura

ひりひりhirihiriburning

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

Copyright 2010 The Yomiuri Shimbun

Page 95: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

I'm sure she has nothing wrong with her mouth. In the old days in Japan, when women laughed they generally tried to do so silently by covering their mouths with fans or their kimono sleeves. This was because they didn't want to make a spectacle of their emotions. Not to show their feelings was thought to be a kind of virtue, and showing their teeth when laughing was considered a little rude. That's why many women have a habit of covering their mouths when laughing. These days, it's mainly done by elderly women. Also, there was a practice in olden times called ohaguro in which people mainly women dyed their teeth black. There are various theories why they did this. One theory goes that ohaguro teeth give a mysterious impression of hiding a person's emotions. Let’s discuss the mysteries of Japanese laughter.

When I first met my friend's mother, I noticed she covered her mouth every time she laughed. I thought she must have something wrong with her mouth, but it looked all right to me. Why did she need to cover her mouth? Does it mean something?

Answers:Answers:

Answers:

は ひ ふ へ ha hi fu he

は ひ ふ へ ha hi fu he

ほほほ? hohoho?

ほほほ? hohoho?

★ There are many types of laughter. For example, 照れ笑い( tere-warai): embarrassed laughter; 作り笑い (tsukuri-warai): fake laughter; 苦笑い (niga-warai): bitter laughter; 思い出し笑い (omoidashi-warai): nostalgic laughter; 含み笑い (fukumi-warai): chuckling, etc.

Quiz: "ha, hi, fu, he, ho" from the Japanese alphabet (hiragana) are often used to express laughter, each with a different nuance and meaning. Match them up correctly.

1) はははははhahahahaha

2) ひひひひひ hihihihihi

3) ふふふふふ fufufufufu

4) へへへへへへ hehehehehe

5) ほほほほほ hohohohoho

A) Creepy laughter. It also can represent feminine laughter.

B) Laughter when people intend to do something wrong or hatch a plot.

C) Embarrassed laughter when people fail to do something or are trying to hide their shyness.

D) Cheerful laughter.

E) Feminine laughter, often by elderly women.

1) - D) 2) - B) 3) - A) 4) - C) 5) - E)

Quiz: When you put "あ( a )い ( i ) う ( u ) え ( e ) お ( o ) " in front of the sounds at left, it sounds more like spoken Japanese. Match the types of laughter in 1 to 5 with the meanings in A to D.

1)あはははは ahahahaha

2)いひひひひ ihihihihi

3)うふふふふ  ufufufufu

4)えへへへへ ehehehehe

5)おほほほほ ohohohoho

The following are phrases using the kanji 笑, wara(u) or sho- , which means laugh or laughter. Choose the correct word to complete the expressions.

a) 一円を笑う者は( ) 円に泣く ichien o warau mono wa en ni naku

Look after the pence, and the pounds will take care of themselves.

    1)一  2)十  3)百  4)千  ichi ju- hyaku sen

(one) (ten) (hundred) (thousand)

1) - B) 2) - E) 3) - A) 4) - D) 5) - C)

d) The following is a humble greeting written on a card or letter to be sent with a gift.

ご笑( )ください   gosho-no- kudasai I hope you will kindly accept my small present.

Kanji for "no- " 1)能  2)脳  3)納 4)農 

e) Here is another humble expression often used when we show our belongings to other people.

ご笑( )ください gosho-ran kudasai I hope you enjoy looking at it.

Kanji for "ran " 1)乱  2)覧  3)欄 4)卵

A)

B)

C)

D)

E)

b) 笑う門には( )来る  warau kado niwa kitaru

Laughter brings good luck.

    1)子ども   2)神  3)福  4)米kodomo kami fuku kome(child) (god) (luck) (rice)

c) 来年のことを言うと( )が笑う rainen no koto o iu to ga warau

Nothing is certain but death and taxes.

1)カラス  2)鬼  3)きつね  4)へびkarasu oni kitsune hebi

(crow) (devil) (fox) (snake)

a) - 1) b) - 3) c) - 2) d) -3) e) - 2)

Copyright 2010 The Yomiuri Shimbun

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

Page 96: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

Paul-san, you can find "yanasatte" written as "yanoasatte" in dictionary. It means "in three days." But in some regions, it is used to mean "in four days." "Shiasatte," however, also means "in three days," and is more common. The word used depends on the region and the person. So, be careful when using those words, or you and your friend may show up on different days.

Wanting to dine with a friend of mine, I sent to him an e-mail in which I said: "asatte aimasho- ! (Let's meet the day after tomorrow!)" Replying, he said "yanasatte ni shimasho-." Although I didn’t understand "yanasatte," I agreed to meet him "then." Hirayama-san, when should I go?

Answers:

しあさって?

shiasatte?しあさって?

shiasatte?やなさって?yanasatte?やなさって?yanasatte?

One theory is that people used "shiasatte" in western Japan in the old days, while people in eastern Japan used "yanasatte" to communicate "in three days." According

to the theory, the Meiji government adopted "shiasatte," which was used in Kyoto, to mean "in three days" as a standard word when it unified the state, while it adopted "yanasatte" for "in four days." However, people in eastern Japan-except for in Tokyo-still use "yanasatte" to mean "in three days." Today, the flow of traffic between the regions is busier than before, making the usage of the words above far morecomplicated depending on who uses the words and where they are used. So when you talk about "three days from now," it would be better to clarify yourselfwith concrete dates or saying "in days."

SAFE STYLE: ashita (tomorrow), asatte (the day after tomorrow), mikka-go (in three days’ time), yokka-go (in four days’ time)...

week

しゅうshu-

month

げつgetsu

year

ねん

nen

before last last this next after next

せんせん   せん     こん   らい  さらいsensen sen kon rai sarai

week before last last week this week next week week after next

せんせんしゅう   せんしゅう  こんしゅう らいしゅう  さらいしゅうsensenshu- senshu- konshu- raishu- saraishu-

month before last last month this month next month month after next

せんせんげつ    せんげつ  こんげつ  らいげつ  さらいげつ sensengetsu sengetsu kongetsu raigetsu saraigetsu

year before last last year this year next year year after next

おととし      きょねん  ことし らいねん  さらいねん ototoshi kyonen kotoshi rainen sarainen

day before yesterday yesterday today tomorrow day after tomorrow

おととい      きのう   きょう   あした   あさってototoi kino- kyo- ashita asatte

Step 3

Step 2 Step 1

Step 1: Memorize the basic words from kon to the right. (kon, rai, sarai)Step 2: Memorize the basic words from kon to the left. (kon, sen, sensen)Step 3: Memorize the basic words in the leftmost row. (shu- , getsu, nen)Step 4: Memorize the variation of time expressions by combining a word from the horizontal row with one from the vertical row.Step 5: Memorize the irregular forms highlighted in green.

c. 皆様は の日本を築く若い力です。 minasama wa no Nihon o kizuku wakai chikara desu

You are the youth with the power that will build tomorrow 's Japan. (Speech)

d. 昔の伝統が まで受け継がれている。 mukashi no dento- ga made uketsugarete iru

The old traditions have been passed down to today .

e. 休業 kyu- gyo-

We are closed today .

f. 息子が あるのは先生方のお陰です。 musuko ga aru no wa sense- -gata no okage desu

It is thanks to you that my son is as good as he is today .

g. の地球温暖化の要因の一つは環境汚染です。 no chikyu- -ondanka no yo- in no hitotsu wa

kankyo- -osen desu

Environmental pollution is one of the factors linked to global warming today .

h. 心配してもしょうがない。 、ですね。 shimpai shitemo sho- ganai desu ne

It is no use worrying. Tomorrow is another day , isn’t it?

i. には結果が出ます。 niwa kekka ga demasu

The result will come out in four days .

j. はお忙しい中、お越しいただきありがとうございます。 wa oisogashi

- naka okoshi itadaki arigato- gozaimasu

Thank you for coming on such a busy day like today . (Greeting)

Note: Generally , the particle “ni” is not used with the words in

the table to specify when a certain action takes place.

e.g., 昨日 に 仕事をしました。   kino- ni shigoto o shimashita (I worked yesterday.)

1) There are three different pronunciations for the word 明日

(tomorrow), with a slightly different nuance.

明日 ashita : most common pronunciation, used in daily

conversation to mean tomorrow.

  明日 asu : A polite form, used in greetings and speeches.

* "asu" also is used to refer to the near future.

  明日 myo- nichi : Politer than "asu."

2) There are three ways of saying "today."

今日 kyo- : General form, used in daily conversation.

今日 konnichi : Used to mean "now" or the present day.

本日 honjitsu: Often used in greetings, speeches and in writing.

Quiz: Put a Japanese word or phrase into the squares

to complete the sentence so it matches the meaning of the

English sentence.

a. は晴れでしょう。(天気予報)

wa hare desho- (tenki yoho- )

Tomorrow will be sunny. (Weather news)

b. に人間ドックを受けます。 ni ningen-dokku o ukemasu

I will have a complete physical in three days .a:asu b:mikka-go c:asu d:konnichi e:honjitsu f:konnichi

g:konnichi h:ashita wa ashita no kaze ga fuku i:yokka-go j:honjitsu

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

Copyright 2010 The Yomiuri Shimbun

Page 97: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

Japanese uses "counter words" when counting things. The child was right, but most of the time in our conversations we use the method Pole-san had learned. The counter for butterflies and rabbits are exceptional, though there are various types of counters. The exact number isn't known, but it is said that Japanese has more than 500 counter words, about 100 of which are used in daily life. You may be surprised that there are that many-but in fact, those counters are very useful because they can reflect the condition of what you are counting.

When I visited my friend's house, his son asked me "How do you count butterflies?" I answered "ippiki," and the son said "No, it's itto-." Then he asked me "How about rabbits?" I answered "ippiki," but he said "No, it's ichi-wa." I had learned that when we count animals, we are supposed to use "ippiki" for small animals and "ichi-wa" for birds. Hirayama-san, what did I do wrong?

Answers:

いっぴき?ippiki?

いっとう?itto-?いっぴき?

ippiki?いっとう?itto-?

An example which reflects a condition:If we don't use counters in our conversation, the conversation won't work.

1)165(?)が参加する国際会議が開かれる。165 (?) ga sanka suru kokusaikaigi ga hirakareru

There will be an international conference attended by 165 participants.=> We don't know whether this means 165 countries (165 kakoku)

or 165 people.

2) バナナを 1 (? ) 買って昼に 5本食べた。banana o 1 (?) katte 5 hon tabeta

I bought (a bunch of bananas [banana hito-fusa], or a banana [banana ippon]?) and ate 5 bananas for lunch. => We don't know how many bananas were bought.

3) 80(?)の男性が海で泳いでいる。80 (?) no danse- ga umi de oyoideiruThe (80-year-old man, or 80 men?) is/are swimming in the sea.=>We don't know whether it's 80-year-old (80-sai no) man

or 80 (80 nin no) men.● Below, the common counters are sorted into groups in order of pronunciation.

・Japanese system (hitotsu, futatsu) + a counter Use the Japanese counting system for 1 (hitotsu) and 2 (futatsu).

For 3, use the Chinese / Japanese system, depending on your preference. (e.g., 3 boxes →mi-hako or san-hako). From 4, use the Chinese system.

As to why we use "羽 (wa) = wing" when we count rabbits, there are various explanations. One of them says that long ago, monks at temples were prohibited from eating fish or meat-but poultry was OK. One day a monk saw a rabbit hopping in the mountains and he thought that the rabbits' ears looked just like bird's wings. So, because he really wanted to eat the rabbit, he said “Oh, there's a bird.” Other monks also said “Yes, that's surely a bird!”So they caught and ate it. People later began using "wa" as the counter for rabbits. As for butterflies, "head" was used to count them in English literature in the Meiji era and it was accordingly translated into Japanese as "頭" (to- ), which means head.

・Chinese system (ichi, ni, san.... + a counter)

__羽 wa (bird) note: rabbit is an exception, __枚 mai (sheet), __台 dai (machine, car),

__合 go- (unit for measuring rice and sake), __膳 zen (a set of chopsticks, a bowl of rice),

__段 dan (stair, rank), __番 ban (order), __列 retsu (line), __株 kabu (stock),

__部 bu (number of copies), __畳 jo- (number of tatami mats), __錠 jo- (tablet),

__度 do (degree and number of times), __世帯 setai (household),

__人前 ninmae (serving), __代 dai (generation), __ポイント point (point),

__チーム team (team), __セット set (set), __パック pack (pack), __カップ cup (cup),

<Survival tips>: The two methods below are an easier to count inanimate objects.However, please be careful not to use them too much.

① The Japanese system has been used since the old days and it is often used when referring to a child's age, too. However, 10 (t-o) isn't used much.

1 (hitotsu) 2 (futatsu) 3 (mittsu) 4 (yottsu) 5 (itsutsu) 6 (muttsu) 7 (nanatsu) 8 (yattsu) 9 (kokonotsu)e.g. tsukue hitotsu (a desk), nimotsu futatsu (two pieces of luggage), yottsu (4 years old)

② As a rule of thumb, use the Chinese number system + ko when counting small things.1 (ikko) 2 (ni-ko) 3 (san-ko) 4 (yon-ko) 5 (go-ko) 6 (rokko) 7 (nana-ko)

8 (hachi-ko/hakko) 9 (kyu- -ko) 10 (jukko) 11 (ju- ikko) .... e.g. tamago ikko (an egg), toke- niko (two watches)

Remember, there are no definite rules for ① and ②. It is a matter of preference. (e.g., one egg→tamago ikko or tamago hitotsu)Why don't you ask the people around you how to count eggs!

Exercises : Put the proper word in each bracket.

1) 東京タワーの階段は698( )あります。Tokyo tower no kaidan wa 698 ( ) arimasu

There are 698 steps to the top of Tokyo Tower.

2) あの選手は1( )ごとに強くなっている。ano senshu wa 1 ( ) goto ni tsuyoku natteiru

That player gets stronger with each game.

3) 1( )に並んでお待ち下さい。 1 ( ) ni narande omachikudasai Please form a line.

4) この薬を食後に6( )飲まなければなりません。kono kusuri o shokugo ni 6 ( ) nomanakereba narimasen

I have to take 6 tablets after every meal.

5) パンフレットを5( )送って下さい。pamphlet o 5 ( ) okuttekudasai

Please send me 5 copies of the brochure (pamphlet).

6) ニュースによると去年は3( )に1( )が離婚したそうです。news ni yoruto kyonen wa 3 ( ) ni 1 ( ) ga rikon shita so-desu

According to the news, one in three couples divorced last year.

7) 1( )に卵が10( )入っています。 1 ( ) ni tamago ga 10 ( ) haitteimasu There are 10 eggs in one pack.

8) 今年の夏の最高気温は39.4( )でした。kotoshi no natsu no saiko- kion wa 39.4 ( ) deshita

This summer's highest temperature was 39.4 degrees.

9) 私の部屋は 8( )です。watashi no heya wa 8 ( ) desu

My room size is 8 tatami mats.

10)1( )から5( )までの方お入り下さい。 1 ( ) kara 5 ( ) made no kata ohairikudasai

Numbers one through five, please enter now.

__ 箱 hako (box), __袋 fukuro (packet and bag), __口 kuchi (mouthful),

__切れ kire (slice), __ 束 taba (bunch), __さじ saji (spoonful),

__試合 shiai (game), __ 組 kumi (pair), __山 yama ( mountain),

__皿 sara (plate), __ 缶 can (can), __鉢 hachi (potted plant),

__コマ koma (scene), __クラス class (class),

★ Usage note: Japanese counters can even express the feelings of the person using

them. Just as we use "hiki/piki" for small creatures (animals, fish and insects, etc.),

we are supposed to use "t-o" for large animals. However, in daily conversation, the

sense of size depends on each individual. So even if it's a big dog, the owner may

think that it's small, and he or she may use "ippiki" when referring to it. Also, there is

another interesting example: There are some pet owners or veterinarians who think of

a dog as a family member and they use "hitori (one person)" to refer to the animal.

But, of course, these examples are not grammatically correct. So don't use them in

your answers on a Japanese test!

1) (roppyaku kyuju- hachi-) dan 2) (hito-) shiai 3) (ichi-) retsu

4) (roku-) jo- 5) (go-) bu 6) (san-) kumi, (hito-) kumi

7) (ichi-) pack, (juk-) ko 8) (sanju-kyu- ten yon-) do

9) (hachi-) jo- 10) (ichi-) ban, (go-) ban

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

Copyright 2010 The Yomiuri Shimbun

Page 98: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

Nigiri sushi dates back to the Edo period. In those days, sushi was sold at food stalls and was large so people could more easily hold it with their fingers. But when restaurants later began to sell the delicacy, the sushi was reduced to half the size to make it easier to eat. This probably is why sushi always comes in pairs. We use "kan" to count sushi. There are various explanations for this, but none of them can be verified.

The other day, I went to a sushi restaurant, sat at the counter for the first time and ordered maguro sushi. When it arrived, there were two pieces on my plate, not the one I thought I'd ordered. When I said I had only ordered one, the sushi chef just smiled and said, "I know." I ordered some more sushi, but it always came in pairs. I became full quite quickly, which was a pity because I wanted to try a larger variety. How should I count sushi?

Answers:

Answers:

いっかん?ikkan?

ひとつ?hitotsu?

sushi

For you to be able to remember counters more easily, I have sorted them according to pronunciation.

1) 相撲取りは1日 に ( )しか食べない。sumo-tori wa ichi-nichi ni ( ) shika tabenai

Sumo wrestlers have only two meals a day.

2) 旅館は ( )2日 で15000(円)でした。ryokan wa ( ) futsuka de ichi man go sen en deshita

The ryokan cost me ¥15,000 per night.

3) 就活で面接を ( )受けて ( )受かった。shu-katsu de mensetsu o ( ) ukete ( ) ukatta

When I was hunting for a job, I passed four of my 15 interviews.

4) テストで(  ) 間違えた。test de ( ) machigaeta

I made six mistakes in the exam.

5) 今週は映画を(   )見た。konshu- wa e-ga o ( ) mita

I watched three films this year.

6) advertisement : よりどり ( )で1000円!yoridori ( ) de sen en!¥1,000 for any 3 items

★ Exercises : Insert the correct word.

1) ni-shoku 2) ippaku 3) ju-go-sha yon-sha

4) rokkasho 5) san-bon 6) san-ten

★ S pronunciation group : Pronunciations of 1, 8, 10 change.

_ 歳 (sai ): age; _ 社 (sha): company; _食 (shoku): meal; _ 勝 (sho- ): win; _ 足 (soku): pair of shoes and socks (Exception: three pairs of shoes → san-zoku) e.g., 歳 (sai ) issai, ni-sai, san-sai ..., hassai..., jussai

1 ( is +_ )いっ

2 ( ni )に

3 ( san )さん

4 ( yon )よん

6 ( roku )ろく

7 ( nana )なな

5 ( go )ご

8 ( has+_ )はっ

9 (kyu- )きゅう

2 ( ni )に

3 ( san )さん

4 ( yon )よん

6 ( roku )ろく

7 ( nana )なな

5 ( go )ご

9 (kyu- )きゅう

2 ( ni )に

3 ( san )さん

4 ( yon )よん

7 ( nana )なな

5 ( go )ご

9 (kyu- )きゅう

2 ( ni )に

4 ( yon )よん

7 ( nana )なな

5 ( go )ご

9 ( kyu- )きゅう

10 ( jus+_) じゅっ

_ 頭 (to- ): big creature; _ 通 (tsu- ): letter, resume; _ 等 (to- ): rank; _ 点 (ten): score, cloths, items e.g., 点 (ten) itten, ni-ten, san-ten ..., hatten/hachi-ten..., jutten

★ K pronunciation group : Pronunciations of 1, 6, 8, 10 change.

★ T pronunciation group : Pronunciations of 1, 8, 10 change.

_ 回 (kai ): time; _ 階 (kai) : floor; _ カ国 (kakoku) : country; _ カ所 (kasho): place; _ 件 (ken): data, case, accident; _ 期 (ki) : period; _ 級 (kyu- ): rank e.g., 回 (kai ) ikkai, ni-kai, san-kai ..., rokkai, hakkai/hachi-kai..., jukkaiNote: Some counters are used to count similar objects. But their usages differ, depending on the objects or occasions.e.g., 回 (kai) and 度 (do) (counters for number of times)

回 (kai) can be used for something repeated many times: "nankai mo tabeta" (I tried it many times).度 (do) can be used for something happening only once or twice. It also is used to emphasize the number of times: " ichido dake tabeta" (I ate only once).

★ Quiz: One thing can be counted in different ways depending on its condition. How many can you get right?

_ 本 (hon/bon/pon): something thin and long. It's used to count movies, because they are usually long. _ 杯 (hai/bai/pai ): a glass of, a cup of. It's also used to count squids or octopuses; _ 匹 (hiki/biki/piki ): small creature;_ 票 (hyo- /byo- /pyo- ): vote e.g., 本 (hon/bon/pon) : ippon, ni-hon, san-bon, yon-hon ..., roppon, happon/hachi-hon..., jupponException : As to the counters below, the pronounciations for 3 (b) is changed to 3 (p). _ 泊 (haku/paku): overnight stay →e.g., san-paku; _ 敗 (hai/pai ): loss →e.g., san-pai

1) a living fish ( ) → a plate or pile of fish for sale ( ) → a piece of fish ( ) 2) an unused postcard ( ) → a postcard with a message and posted ( ) 3) a living squid ( ) → after being caught / sold at a shop ( ) → dried ( )

★ H pronunciation group : Pronunciations of 1, 3, 6, 8, 10 and counters change.

1 ( it+_ )いっ

8 ( hat+_ )はっ

10 ( jut+_) じゅっ

1 ( ik+_ )いっ

8 ( hak+_ )はっ

6 ( rok+_ )ろっ

10 ( juk+_) じゅっ

1 ( ip+_ )いっ

3 ( sanb+ )さん

6 ( rop+ )ろっ

8 ( hap+ )はっ

10 ( jup+ ) じゅっ

1 ) 1匹 ippiki → 一山 hito-yama → 一切れ hito-kire

2) 1枚 ichi-mai → 一通 ittsu- 3) 1匹 ippiki → 一杯 ippai → 一枚 ichi-mai

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

Copyright 2011 The Yomiuri Shimbun

Page 99: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

Actually it's not just you, there are even some Japanese who misunderstand the expression "若干名," which is pronounced "jakkanmei." "若干名募集" means they are recruiting only if they can find suitable candidates. The number of people is not specified, though it won't be many.

I was recently browsing through a job magazine when I came across an ad for an IT firm that used the term "若干名" for the number of people they intended to hire. When I called the company and asked if they were really going to hire 1,000 (千) young(若い)people, the person who answered my phone call laughed and said, "That didn't mean 1,000 young people." Hirayama-san, help me out.

"若干" and "少し" both carry the meaning of "a few/a little." However, the more formal term "若干" implies "not a lot, only a few" and tends to be used more in writing and when formality is called for, such as at the workplace and in meetings and speeches.

When used in conversation, it emphasizes "not a lot, only a few" and the following sentences contain important meanings. In general, "若干" describes a smaller, negligible amount than "少し."

Answers:

若干jakkan

少しsukoshi

若干jakkan

少しsukoshi

若干の傷跡は残ります。jakkan no kizuato wa nokorimasuYou'll have a tiny scar.(→It will be a scar that is hardly noticeable.)

少し傷跡は残ります。sukoshi kizuato wa nokorimasu You'll have a small scar.(→It won't be a big scar, but it will still be noticeable.)

★"少し(sukoshi)" means "a few/a little." It is often used in daily conversation. "ちょっと" is another way of saying "少し,"but it is more casual.

<若干+verb、若干+adj.、若干(の)+noun>

e.g.

少し/ちょっと いい?sukoshi/chotto iiCan you spare a minute?

もう少し/もうちょっとmo- sukoshi/mo- chottoa few more/a little more

少し/ちょっと の間sukoshi/chotto no aidafor a moment

少し/ちょっと 待って下さい。sukoshi/chotto mattete kudasaiWait a moment, please.

★usage as an interjectionInstead of meaning "a few/a little,"it is used to call someone.

In this case, " ちょっと " cannot be replaced with "若干" or "少し. "

ちょっと、山田さんchotto Yamada-sanHey, Mr. Yamada!

ちょっとchottoHey!

★ちょっと+ negative meaning

"ちょっと" is used to avoid saying something too direct or hard to say. It cannot be replaced with "若干" or "少し."

ちょっと出来ないchotto dekinaiI can't really do that.

ちょっと無理chotto muriit's kind of difficult.*This is used to decline a request.

There is similar expression: ちょっと難しいchotto muzukashiiit's kind of difficult/hard

Exercise: In the sentences below, replace the word "少し" with words "若干"or "ちょっと," whichever is appropriate.

1) 少し 問題があるが目をつぶった。sukoshi mondai ga aruga me o tsubutta

The problem is a small one, so I'll let it slide.

2) 疲れたので 少し 休んだ。tsukareta node sukoshi yasunda

I was tired, so I rested for a little. (→ Emphasizing the meaning of "a little")

3) 少し 待って下さい。sukoshi matte kudasai

Please wait for a little while. (→ Emphasizing the meaning of "a little")

4) 納期が 少し 遅れるが影響はないです。no-ki ga sukoshi okureruga e-kyo wa nai desu

The delivery date will be a little late, but it won't have an impact.

5) 今、少し いいですか?ima sukoshi ii desu ka

Do you have a little time right now? (→ Emphasizing the meaning of "a little")

6)もう 少し でぶつかるところでした。mo- sukoshi de butsukaru tokoro deshita

I was about to hit it.

7) 双方の考えに 少し 相違が生じたが問題ないです。so- ho- no kangaekata ni sukoshi so- i ga sho- jita ga mondai nai desu

Even though we had slightly different ideas, it didn't cause a problem.

1) 若干の 2) ちょっと  3) ちょっと  4) 若干 5) ちょっと  6) ちょっと  7) 若干

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

Copyright 2011 The Yomiuri Shimbun

Page 100: Pera Pera Japanese 01-100

It is true that Japanese people often use "ん" in conversation. By using "ん," you can express your innermost feelings. I consider it a wonderful form of expression that helps smooth communication and makes it easier to broach difficult topics. This will be the final installment of Pera Pera Penguin. I hope it has helped you improve your Japanese. Please hang in there: "gambatte!" Thank you all for your support!

Because I know Japanese people often use "ん" in conversation, I tried to use it when I spoke to a friend. I said, "Nihongo ga sukinan desu." He looked at me as if he was waiting for me to continue. He ended up asking me if I wanted him to teach me the Japanese language or introduce me to some of his Japanese friends. That wasn't what I meant at all; I just wanted to say I like Japanese. Why did he assume I wanted him to do these things when I said nothing like that? Please tell me, Hirayama-san.

日本語が好きなんです!Nihongo ga sukinan desu! 日本語が好きなんです!Nihongo ga sukinan desu!

★ Following are the main ways of using "ん." I'll explain them in my own

"Hirayama" way. Polite form: の (no), Friendly form: ん (n)

The sentence that follows "n desu(んです)" is the most important.

♡ん

(request, explanation, etc.)(reasons, situations, etc.)

The listener will usually pay more attentionto the sentence that follows.

e.g., 忙しいんです。 (I'm busy.)

isogashiin desu tetsudatte-kudasai !手伝って下さい! (Please help me.)

→It conveys the feelings that he/she is really busy and wants help.

What the speaker really wants to say.

It is the second sentence that expresses what the speaker really wants."ん" signals that what follows is important. This is why the listener will wait to hear what comes next. It feels awkward to native speakers if you merely end with "んです."

です。

It is possible to swap the order.

n desu

♡ん ですが…n desuga…

♡んn

♡んn

♡んn desu ka

♡んn desu♡ん

n desuga…. dakedo…

★ If you explain the reason for the sentence, including "n desuga…," it will sound more considerate.

reason

ので から

ですが…   だけど…

e.g., A : あの…来週休みたいんですが…

② Waiting for the listener's response

I'd like to take a day off next week.

B : 来週? いいですよ。

Next week? Yes, that's OK.

You don't need to continue the sentence.Just wait for the response.* "dakedo" is a friendly form.

ano…raishu- yasumitain desuga…

raishu- ? i- desu yo

node kara

You can imply something that is hard for you to say, for example, when

you ask permission or seek suggestions, advice, etc., by using "ん" and wait for the response.

* "kara" is a friendly form.

e.g., 両親が日本に来るので来週休みたいんですが…。 ryo-shin ga Nihon ni kuru node raishu- yasumitain desuga…

My parents are coming to Japan, so I'd like to take next week off.

By referring to a past situation, there is a hint that the present situation is opposite of what it was before.

じゃない。 じゃないんですか。

e.g., あした来るんじゃない。

平山さんは昔はきれいだったんだけど… 。

ですが…   だけど…

(past tense) You don't have to mentionthe present situation.

A shallow statement/response based on wishful thinking. The speaker uses the sentence in conversation when he/sheis speaking reflectively. Because there's usually not muchdepth to the statement, it sometimes comes across as flippant. The expression conveys a message along the lines of: "I think so. Don't you think so, too?"

janai   janain desuka

ashita kurunjanai

Then and now

e.g.,

Hirayama-san wa mukashi wa kire- dattan dakedo…

e.g., 

Question and answer with feeling③

ですか?Question :

Answer : (response)

Q : どうしたんですか? do- shitan desu ka? What's wrong?

A : 頭が痛いんです。 atama ga itain desu I have a headache.

Interrogative, etc +

Using "ん" makes conservation more emotionally sensitive for each participant in the conversation, thereby helping better convey information. The sentences usually imply things such as concern, worry, excuses, advice and explanations.

Wishful thinking

← This sentence expresses empathy such as: "Are you OK?" "Do you need my help?" etc.

← This sentence expresses an underlying thankfulness for the concern expressed.

desuga… dakedo…です。

I imagine he's coming tomorrow. (I think so. Don't you think so, too?)

Hirayama-san used to be beautiful...(implying that Hirayama-san isn't beautiful now!)

* "njanain desuka" is a polite form.

5-minute Japanese Class by Hitomi Hirayama

Copyright 2011 The Yomiuri Shimbun