Japanese Basic Course 1732 Studios

Japanese · Lesson 35

Lesson 35

Kanji and everyday Japanese

219 lines

Shopping for birthday gifts · Dialogue 1 of 4

Shopping for their wives

*ええ、家内に うで時計を 買ってやりたいと 思っています* means "Yes. I am hoping to buy a wrist watch for my wife."

The other man is also looking for a birthday gift. They decide to shop together.

What their plans express

In *何か 買ってやりたいと 思って*, the speaker hopes to buy something for his wife.

In *見て 歩いているのです*, he is going from place to place and looking.

*今日は 買物ですか* asks whether the other man is shopping today.

Kanji: 内, 計, 店

New kanji in these lines. Read down: the kanji, its reading, then the words it makes.

Kanji: 時

New kanji in these lines. Read down: the kanji, its reading, then the words it makes.

  1. 1

    「かいもの」

    Shopping

    「買物」Shopping
  2. 2

    やあ、やまもとさん、きょうはかいものですか。

    Hello, Mr. Yamamoto, are you shopping today?

  3. 3

    ええ、かないにうでどけいをかってやりたいとおもっています。

    Yes. I am hoping to buy a wrist watch for my wife.

  4. 4

    そうですか。わたくしもかないのたんじょうびに、なにかかってやりたいとおもって、みてあるいているのです。

    Is that right? I am hoping to buy my wife something on her birthday, too, so I am walking around, looking.

  5. 5

    では、いっしょにいきましょうか。

    Then, shall we go together?

  6. 6

    ええ、そうしましょう。あなたはどのみせへいくのですか。

    Yes, let's do that. What store are you going to?

Place Noun or Action Noun plus DESU:

If DESU is preceded by a place noun, like GAKKOO or UCHI, the combination may signify equivalence or it may describe the location of something or someone. Accordingly, DOKO DESU KA, depending on context, means either "What place is it?" or "Where is it?"

E.g., GAKKOO DESU may mean: "-- is a school" or "-- is in school."

If DESU is preceded by an action noun of Chinese origin, like UNDOO, BENKYOO, SANPO, etc., it means progressive action, i. e., "-- is doing something."

E.g., WATAKUSHI WA BENKYOO DESU. "I am studying."

ANATA WA IMA SANPO DESU KA? "Are you strolling just now?"

Verbs of Chinese origin take GO or O for an honorific. They express the idea of "One is going to ---" or "One is going to do ---."

I'll get the book for Mr. Yamamoto.
TE-form + YARU, TE-form + AGERU:

The verbs YARU 'to give' (to an inferior) and AGERU 'to give' (to an equal or superior) are very often used after the TE-form of a verb to convey the idea of 'for the benefit, good, advantage, use, or enjoyment of the recipient.' If the recipient is a superior or an equal, AGERU is used. The recipient is indicated by the particle NI.

WATAKUSHI WA ROBINSU TAISA NI JIBIKI O KATTE AGEMASHITA. "I bought a dictionary for Colonel Robbins."

WATAKUSHI WA KODOMO NI KUTSU O KATTE YARIMASHITA. "I bought shoes for my child."

In both of the above cases and in similar situations where goods change hand from procurer to recipient, the post-verbs AGERU or YARU should not be omitted. The same applies to verbs expressing abstract intangible action:

WATAKUSHI WA ROBINSU TAISA NI KANJI O OSHIETE AGEMASHITA. "I taught Colonel Robbins Kanji."

AGERU or YARU may have an independent meaning, in which case the preceding TE-form verb is in conjunctive use. Thus,

YAMAMOTO SAN NI SONO HON O MORATTE AGEMASHOO

can be interpreted in two ways:

I'll get the book from Mr. Yamamoto and give it to you.

Only the situation will clarify the meaning.
TE-form + MORAU

The verb MORAU, meaning 'to receive,' is another very common post-verb. It indicates that the subject received goods or a favor from someone.

MORAU often means or means essentially 'to receive because a request was made for something.' This is especially true when it is used after a TE-form of verb. The subject then requests a certain action for its own benefit and the benefactor is caused to act. The benefactor is indicated by the particle NI.

WATAKUSHI WA AKIYAMA-SAN NI HON O KATTE MORAIMASHITA. "I had Mr. Akiyama buy a book for me."

In this sentence, if "I" were a book salesman, the translation would (or might) be: "I had Mr. Akiyama buy a book from me as a favor to me." The exact meaning depends on the situation.
TE-form of verbs + ARUKU

The verb ARUKU is very commonly used after the TE-form of the verb and gives an idea of going from place to place, performing the acts indicated by the verb in the TE-form.

MITE ARUKU 'to go from place to place, seeing'

HATARAITE ARUKU 'to go around from place to place working'
--TAI TO OMOU

TO OMOU is added to a pattern to indicate that one hopes to do something.

Examples:

NIPPONGO O BENKYOO SHITAI TO OMOIMASU. "I hope to study Japanese."

NIHON E IKITAI TO OMOTTE IMASU. "I am hoping to go to Japan."
KOCHIRA or KOTCHI, SOCHIRA or SOTCHI, ACHIRA or ATCHI, DOCHIRA or DOTCHI are used as pronouns standing for animate beings, inanimate things, or locations. They may be used as adjectives if the particle NO is added. DOCHIRA or DOTCHI means 'which one of the two.'
「買物」
shopping
今日
today
は
leaves
です
to be (See Gram. Notes)
か。
either--or-- (See Gram. Notes)
ええ、
Yes
に
on (See Gram. Notes)
で
--is and -- (See Grammar Notes)
を
particle denoting direct object (See Pattern Drill)
と
and (See Gram. Notes)
ます。
trout
の
See Grammar Notes
いる
to need (See Gram. Notes)
ましょう
let's (See Gram. Notes)
し
city
どの
which (pre-substantive) (See Notes)
店
store, shop
へ
to (See Gram. Notes)

Taking public transport downtown · Dialogue 2 of 4

Getting off on this side

*こちらがわの ていりゅうじょで 大ぜいの人が 電車を 降りていますね* means "Many people are getting off the streetcar at the car stop on this side, aren't there?"

The men are near *こちらがわ*, "this side." They then cross to *むこうがわ*, "the other side."

The side near the speaker

In *こちらがわ*, *こちら* identifies the side near the speaker.

*こちら* can stand for a person, thing, or location.

Kanji: 電, 市

New kanji in these lines. Read down: the kanji, its reading, then the words it makes.

Kanji: 心, 中, 車, 降

New kanji in these lines. Read down: the kanji, its reading, then the words it makes.

  1. 7

    あのこうさてんのところにあるとけいてんにいってみたいとおもっています。

    I am thinking of going to the watch store by that intersection.

  2. 8

    きょうはずいぶんひとがおおいですね。

    It is very crowded today, isn't it?

  3. 9

    あしたがやすみだからでしょう。

    It's probably because tomorrow is a holiday.

  4. 10

    こちらがわのていりゅうじょでおおぜいのひとがでんしゃをおりていますね。

    Many people are getting off the streetcar at the car stop on this side, aren't there?

  5. 11

    ええ、ここはしのしょうぎょうのちゅうしんちですから、でんしゃにのってくるひとがおおいのです。

    Yes, there are many people that come here by riding streetcars, because this is the center of commerce of the city.

  6. 12

    さあ、むこうがわへわたりましょう。

    Well, let's walk across to the other side.

所
address, place
ある
certain, some
ずい分
very much
人
people
が
but (See Gram. Notes)
ね。
isn't it (See Grammar Notes)
明日
tomorrow
だ
to be (informal equivalent of DESU. See Grammar Notes)
から
from (See Gram. Notes)
でしょう。
probably (See Gram. Notes)
こちら
this, here (See Gram. Notes)
大ぜい
crowd (of people)
電車
streetcar, electric train
ここ
here
さあ、
well, now, here, come
ましょう。
let's (See Gram. Notes)

Crossing a busy street · Dialogue 3 of 4

Across the street and into the store

*この 通りは 電車、 バス、 トラック、 車などが 多いから、 あぶないですよ* means "It's dangerous because there are many streetcars, buses, trucks, and other vehicles on this street."

The men cross carefully and enter a store. *どんな 時計でも 売っています* says that it sells all kinds of watches.

Kanji: 通, 売

New kanji in these lines. Read down: the kanji, its reading, then the words it makes.

  1. 13

    このとおりはでんしゃ、バス、トラック、くるまなどがおおいから、あぶないですよ。

    It's dangerous because there are many streetcars, buses, trucks, and other vehicles on this street.

  2. 14

    きをつけなければなりませんね。

    One must be careful, mustn't he?

  3. 15

    みせにきました。さあ、はいりましょう。

    We came to the store. Let's go in.

  4. 16

    (みせにはいる)

    (They enter the store.)

  5. 17

    このみせではいろいろのとけいをうっていますね。

    They sell various watches at this store, don't they?

  6. 18

    ええ、どんなとけいでもうっています。

    Yes, they sell all kinds of watches.

通り
street
電車、
streetcar, electric train
バス、
bus
トラック、
truck
車
vehicle, car
など
and so forth, etc.
から、
from (See Gram. Notes)
あぶない
dangerous (I-adj.)
はいる)
to enter, to go in
ます
trout
どんな
what kind of; what sort of

Choosing a watch and dress · Dialogue 4 of 4

This watch and that watch

*そちらのは こちらのより 少し 大きいですね* means "That one is a little bigger than this one, isn't it?"

The *そちら* and *こちら* forms identify the watch near the listener and the watch near the speaker.

One man chooses the smaller watch. The other hopes to buy a dress or another gift.

  1. 19

    そちらのはこちらのよりすこしおおきいですね。

    That one is a little bigger than this one, isn't it?

  2. 20

    おんなのかたにはちいさいほうがよいとおもいますが、あなたはどうおもいますか。

    I think the smaller one is better for women, but what do you think?

  3. 21

    ええ、わたくしもそうおもいますが、まあ、すきずきでしょうね。

    Yes, I think so, too, but --- well, it's up to one's liking, I guess.

  4. 22

    そうですね。では、こちらのちいさいのをかいましょう。あなたはおくさんになにをかってあげるのですか。

    I suppose that's right. I think I'll buy this smaller one, then. Are you going to buy something for your wife?

  5. 23

    わたくしはドレスかなにかかってやりたいとおもっています。

    I am thinking of buying a dress or something.

  6. 24

    そうですか。では、デパートへいきましょうか。

    Is that right? Shall we go to a department store, then?

そちら
that, there
より
than (See Gram. Notes)
少し
little (quantity)
女
female
よい
good (See Gram. Notes)
好き好き
one's taste, one's own liking
でしょう
probably (See Gram. Notes)
上げる
to give (to a superior) (v.t.)
ドレス
dress

Naming today's activities · Perception drill, Block 1

Shopping today

*私は 今日は 買物です* means "I am shopping today." An action noun before *です* says that the action is in progress.

*私は 今日は べんきょうです* therefore means "I am studying today."

At school

*お子さんは 学校ですか* means "Are your children at school?" A place noun before *です* can state where someone or something is.

A place noun with *です* can also identify what something is. The situation supplies the intended meaning.

  1. 25

    わたくしはきょうはかいものです。

    I am shopping today.

  2. 26

    わたくしはきょうはべんきょうです。

    I am studying today.

  3. 27

    あなたはきょううんどうですか。

    Are you exercising today?

  4. 28

    おくさんはさんぽですか。

    Is your wife going for a walk?

  5. 29

    きょうはしごとですか。

    Are you working today?

  6. 30

    おこさんはがっこうですか。

    Are your children at school?

  7. 31

    あなたはきょういえですか。

    Are you at home today?

買物
shopping
です。
to be (See Gram. Notes)
さんぽ
strolling
家
house, home

Doing things for others · Perception drill, Block 2

A hat for a child

*私は 子供に ぼうしを 買ってやりました* means "I bought a hat for my child."

After a TE-form, *やる* says that the act benefits a person of lower standing. The recipient takes *に*.

A pen for a teacher

*私は 先生に ペンを 買って上げました* means "I bought a pen for my teacher."

After a TE-form, *上げる* says that the act benefits an equal or superior. Goods that change hands keep *やる* or *上げる*.

  1. 32

    わたくしはこどもにぼうしをかってやりました。

    I bought a hat for my child.

  2. 33

    わたくしはせんせいにペンをかってあげました。

    I bought a pen for my teacher.

  3. 34

    わたくしはスミスにじしょをおくってやりました。

    I sent Smith a dictionary.

  4. 35

    かないにとけいをかってやりました。

    I bought my wife a watch.

  5. 36

    こどもにくるまをかってやりました。

    I bought my child a car.

  6. 37

    このえをせんせいにみせてあげます。

    I will show this picture to the teacher.

  7. 38

    おくさんにドレスをかってあげましたか。

    Did you buy your wife a dress?

  8. 39

    あなたににほんごをおしえてあげます。

    I will teach you Japanese.

  9. 40

    あなたはおくさんになにかかってあげましたか。

    Did you buy your wife anything?

  10. 41

    ええ、かないにあたらしいドレスをかってやりました。

    Yes, I bought my wife a new dress.

  11. 42

    これをたなかさんにみせてあげましたか。

    Did you show this to Mr. Tanaka?

  12. 43

    ええ、みせてやりました。

    Yes, I showed it to him.

ペン
pen
じ
character, word

Having others do things · Perception drill, Block 3

A favor received

*私は 先生に かん字を 書いてもらいました* means "I had a teacher write KANJI for me."

After a TE-form, *もらいました* says that the subject requested and received another person's action. The person acting takes *に*.

*私は 友だちに じ書を 買ってもらいました* means "I had a friend buy a dictionary for me."

  1. 44

    わたくしはせんせいにかんじをかいてもらいました。

    I had a teacher write KANJI for me.

  2. 45

    わたくしはともだちにえをかいてもらいました。

    I had a friend draw a picture for me.

  3. 46

    わたくしはたなかさんにてがみをよんでもらいました。

    I had Mr. Tanaka read the letter for me.

  4. 47

    わたくしはともだちにじしょをかってもらいました。

    I had a friend buy a dictionary for me.

  5. 48

    わたくしはせんせいにおしえてもらいました。

    I had the teacher teach me.

  6. 49

    わたくしはこどもにこれをこしらえてもらいました。

    I had my child make this for me.

  7. 50

    わたくしはスミスさんにこのとけいをなおしてもらいました。

    I had Mr. Smith repair this watch for me.

手紙
letter (correspondence)

Going around doing things · Perception drill, Block 4

Looking from place to place

*見て 歩きましょう* means "Let's go from place to place,seeing."

After a TE-form, *歩く* describes going from place to place while performing that action.

The activity changes

*働いて 歩きました* means "I went from place to place, working."

The same pattern describes going around while eating, listening, drinking, talking, or selling.

  1. 51

    みてあるきましょう。

    Let's go from place to place,seeing.

  2. 52

    たべてあるきました。

    I went from place to place, eating.

  3. 53

    きいてあるきました。

    I went from place to place, listening.

  4. 54

    のんであるきました。

    I went from place to place, drinking.

  5. 55

    はなしてあるきました。

    I went from place to place, talking.

  6. 56

    はたらいてあるきました。

    I went from place to place, working.

  7. 57

    うってあるきました。

    I went from place to place, selling.

Stating hopes and intentions · Perception drill, Block 5

Thinking of buying a car

*新しい 自動車を 買いたいと 思っています* means "I am thinking of buying a new car."

Add *と 思っています* to a verb ending in *たい* to state what someone hopes to do.

A hoped-for journey

*早く 日本へ 行きたいと 思っています* means "I am hoping to go to Japan soon."

  1. 58

    うでどけいをかってやりたいとおもっています。

    I am hoping to buy a wrist watch for somebody.

  2. 59

    あたらしいじどうしゃをかいたいとおもっています。

    I am thinking of buying a new car.

  3. 60

    わたくしはせんせいになりたいとおもっています。

    I am thinking of becoming a teacher.

  4. 61

    あしたのあさはやくおきたいとおもっています。

    I am thinking of getting up early tomorrow morning.

  5. 62

    わたくしはフランスごをならいたいとおもっています。

    I am thinking of learning French.

  6. 63

    はやくにほんへいきたいとおもっています。

    I am hoping to go to Japan soon.

  7. 64

    わたくしのじどうしゃをうりたいとおもっています。

    I am thinking of selling my car.

朝
morning

Naming daily plans · Pattern 1 1 of 2

Today's activity or place

*私は 今日 買物です* means "I am shopping today." The action noun with *です* names today's activity.

With a place noun, the same pattern states location. *子供たちは 今日は 学校です* means "The children are at school today."

  1. 65

    わたくしはきょうかいものです。

    I am shopping today.

  2. 66

    わたくしはきょうはしごとです。

    I am working today.

  3. 67

    こどもたちはきょうはがっこうです。

    The children are at school today.

  4. 68

    せいとはきょうはじしゅうです。

    The students are studying on their own today.

  5. 69

    スミスさんはきょうやすみです。

    Mr. Smith has the day off today.

  6. 70

    きょうはふくしゅうです。

    Today is for review.

しゅう
state
ふくしゅう
review

Asking about tomorrow's plans · Pattern 1 2 of 2

Plans for tomorrow

*あなたは 明日 しごとですか* means "Are you working tomorrow?" An action noun with *ですか* asks about the planned activity.

*いいえ、 家です* means "No, she is at home." A place noun with *です* answers with a location.

  1. 71

    あなたはあしたしごとですか。

    Are you working tomorrow?

  2. 72

    いいえ、あしたはやすみです。

    No, I have the day off tomorrow.

  3. 73

    あしたうみへおよぎにいきましょうか。

    Shall we go swimming in the ocean tomorrow?

  4. 74

    いいえ、あしたはいけません。べんきょうです。

    No, I can't go tomorrow; I have to study.

  5. 75

    おくさんはさんぽですか。

    Is your wife going for a walk?

  6. 76

    いいえ、いえです。

    No, she is at home.

しごと
work, job
海
sea, ocean

Offering help to others · Pattern 2 1 of 2

Help for different recipients

*買って やります* means "I'll buy it for him" when the recipient is of lower standing.

*買って上げます* gives the same benefit to an equal or superior. *私は 子供に かみを かってやります* applies the first pattern.

  1. 77

    A.かってやります

    I'll buy it for (him)." (to inferior)

  2. 78

    B.かってあげます

    I'll buy it for (him)." (to superior)

  3. 79

    わたくしはこどもにかみをかってやります。

    I cut my child's hair.

  4. 80

    くらければ、でんとうをつけてあげますよ。

    If it is dark, I will turn on the light for you.

  5. 81

    わたくしはこどもをがっこうにつれていってやりました。

    I took my child to school.

  6. 82

    おいしゃさんをよんであげましょうか。

    Shall I call the doctor for you?

  7. 83

    せんせいはせいとにいろいろのことをおしえてやります。

    The teacher teaches the students various things.

  8. 84

    このかんじのかきかたがわかりませんから、おしえてください。

    I do not know how to write this kanji, so please teach me.

  9. 85

    はい、おしえてあげますよ。

    Yes, I will teach you.

  10. 86

    わたくしはにほんごがよめませんから、これをやくしてください。

    I cannot read Japanese, so please translate this for me.

かみ
hair
医者
medical doctor
ください。
please give me (See Gram. Notes)

Helping with personal tasks · Pattern 2 2 of 2

Translating and cutting hair

*はい、 やくして上げますよ* means "Yes, I will translate it for you." The TE-form with *上げます* presents the translation as a benefit.

*ええ、 いつも 子供の あたまを かってやります* means "Yes, I always cut my child's hair." Here *やります* presents the haircut as a benefit.

  1. 87

    はい、やくしてあげますよ。

    Yes, I will translate it for you.

  2. 88

    あなたはいつもおこさんのあたまをかってあげるのですか。

    Do you always cut your child's hair?

  3. 89

    ええ、いつもこどものあたまをかってやります。

    Yes, I always cut my child's hair.

  4. 90

    かないにオーバーをかいます。

    I will buy my wife an overcoat.

  5. 91

    まいばんこどもにほんをよみます。

    I read a book to my child every evening.

  6. 92

    これはもういらないから、あなたにうります。

    I do not need this anymore, so I will sell it to you.

  7. 93

    みたいのでしたら、みせます。

    If you want to see it, I will show it to you.

  8. 94

    ともだちにこれをおくります。

    I will send this to a friend.

  9. 95

    あなたはいそがしいから、わたくしがそれをします。

    You are busy, so I will do it.

いつ
when?
あたま
head
オーバー
overcoat
ばん
evening, night
本
numerical counter for counting long slender objects (See Notes)
もう
already (See Gram. Notes)
いそがしい
busy

Having services done · Pattern 3 1 of 2

Services received

*私は 友だちに この本を 買ってもらいました* means "I had my friend buy it for me." The person providing the favor takes *に*.

*のどが いたいから、 医者に 見てもらいます* means "My throat hurts, so I will have a doctor examine me."

  1. 96

    わたくしはともだちにこのほんをかってもらいました。

    I had my friend buy it for me.

  2. 97

    わたくしはにほんじんににほんごをおしえてもらいます。

    I have a Japanese person teach me Japanese.

  3. 98

    わたくしはとこやでかみをかってもらいます。

    I have my hair cut at the barber shop.

  4. 99

    のどがいたいから、いしゃにみてもらいます。

    My throat hurts, so I will have a doctor examine me.

  5. 100

    わたくしはたなかさんにこのえをかいてもらいました。

    I had Mr. Tanaka draw this picture for me.

  6. 101

    にほんじんのともだちにこのてがみをよんでもらいました。

    I had a Japanese friend read this letter for me.

のど
throat

Asking who helped you · Pattern 3 2 of 2

Who did the favor

*その ネクタイを だれに 買ってもらいましたか* means "Who bought that necktie for you?" The answer names the person who provided the favor.

*家内に 買ってもらったのです* means "My wife bought it for me." The TE-form with *もらった* reports the received benefit.

  1. 102

    そのネクタイをだれにかってもらいましたか。

    Who bought that necktie for you?

  2. 103

    かないにかってもらったのです。

    My wife bought it for me.

  3. 104

    あなたはみみがいたいそうですが、おいしゃさんにみてもらいましたか。

    I hear that your ear hurts; have you had a doctor look at it?

  4. 105

    ええ、みてもらったのですが、まだなおりません。

    Yes, I had a doctor look at it, but it still has not gotten better.

  5. 106

    げっきゅうをもらいましたか。

    Did you receive your salary?

  6. 107

    ええ、きのうはらってもらいました。

    Yes, I had it paid to me yesterday.

ネクタイ
necktie
だれ
who?
いたい
painful
まだ
yet, still
月給
monthly wage
昨日
yesterday

Repeated actions around town · Pattern 4 1 of 2

Activities around town

*いろいろの 店を 見て 歩きました* means "I walked around looking at various stores." The TE-form with *歩きました* places the activity at different locations.

*スミスさんは ざっしを 売って 歩きます* means "Mr. Smith goes around selling magazines."

  1. 108

    みてあるきます。

    I go from place to place, looking.

  2. 109

    いろいろのみせをみてあるきました。

    I walked around looking at various stores.

  3. 110

    これをじどうしゃのまどにはってあるいてください。

    Please drive around with this posted on the car window.

  4. 111

    わたくしはなつのやすみには、いろいろのところをはたらいてあるきます。

    During summer vacation, I work at various places.

  5. 112

    スミスさんはざっしをうってあるきます。

    Mr. Smith goes around selling magazines.

  6. 113

    あなたはがっこうのひようはどうしましたか。

    What did you do about your school expenses?

  7. 114

    わたくしはざっしをうってあるいて、がっこうのひようをはらいました。

    I went around selling magazines and paid my school expenses.

  8. 115

    あなたはきのうのばんどうしましたか。

    What did you do last night?

夏
summer

Showing and collecting around town · Pattern 4 2 of 2

Showing it around

*ええ、 生徒に 見せて 歩きました* means "Yes, I went around showing it to the students."

The TE-form *見せて* names the repeated activity. *歩きました* places it at a series of locations.

  1. 116

    ゆうはんのあとで、さんぽしてあるきました。

    I took a walk after dinner.

  2. 117

    このえをせいとにみせましたか。

    Did you show this picture to the students?

  3. 118

    ええ、せいとにみせてあるきました。

    Yes, I went around showing it to the students.

  4. 119

    わたくしはとうきょうへいったら、いろいろのところでたべます。

    When I go to Tokyo, I eat at various places.

  5. 120

    おかねのないひとのこどものためにふるいほんをあつめます。

    I collect old books for the children of people who have no money.

  6. 121

    かわなくても、いろいろのものをみるのがすきです。

    Even if I do not buy anything, I like looking at various things.

  7. 122

    ななじゅうねんほどまえには、まちのとおりにまいばん、ひをつけました。

    About seventy years ago, they lit the streets of the town every night.

で、
--is and -- (See Grammar Notes)
古い
old, antique
好き
to like, be fond of (See Grammar Notes)
七十
70
年
year (See Grammar Notes)
ほど
to the extent (See Grammar Notes)
前
before, front
町
town
ばん、
evening, night

Saying what you hope to do · Pattern 5 1 of 2

A hoped-for gift

*家内に うで時計を 買ってやりたいと思っています* means "I am hoping to buy a wrist watch for my wife."

The *買ってやりたいと思っています* pattern presents the gift as a hoped-for benefit.

  1. 123

    かないにうでどけいをかってやりたいとおもっています。

    I am hoping to buy a wrist watch for my wife.

  2. 124

    いちどにほんへいきたいとおもっています。

    I would like to go to Japan once.

  3. 125

    ともだちにてがみをだしたいとおもっています。

    I am thinking of sending a letter to a friend.

  4. 126

    こどもにあたらしいふくをかってやりたいとおもっています。

    I am thinking of buying some new clothes for my child.

  5. 127

    すきやきをたべたいとおもっています。

    I would like to eat sukiyaki.

  6. 128

    はやくいえへかえりたいとおもっています。

    I would like to go home early.

一
one
服
clothes, suits, uniform

Future intentions and ambitions · Pattern 5 2 of 2

Plans that continue

*はい、 つづけたいと 思っています* means "Yes, I am thinking of continuing." The verb before *たいと 思っています* names the intended action.

*今週は ラスベガスへ 行ってみたいと 思っています* means "I am thinking of going to Las Vegas this week."

  1. 129

    あなたはにほんへいってからも、にほんごのべんきょうをつづけたいとおもっていますか。

    Are you thinking of continuing to study Japanese after you go to Japan?

  2. 130

    はい、つづけたいとおもっています。

    Yes, I am thinking of continuing.

  3. 131

    あなたはゴルフをやりますか。

    Do you play golf?

  4. 132

    いいえ、やりませんが、ならいたいとおもっています。

    No, I do not, but I would like to learn.

  5. 133

    こんしゅうどこへいきますか。

    Where are you going this week?

  6. 134

    こんしゅうはラスベガスへいってみたいとおもっています。

    I am thinking of going to Las Vegas this week.

ゴルフ
golf
が、
but (See Gram. Notes)
今週
this week

Buying a birthday watch · Reading Selection 1 of 2

A birthday watch

*来週の水曜日は家内のたんじょう日ですから、うで時計を一つ買ってやりたいと思って山本さんに町へつれて行ってもらいました* says why the narrator goes into town.

He hopes to buy his wife a watch and has Mr. Yamamoto take him. The sentence combines a hoped-for benefit with a favor received.

From the streetcar to the store

The men ride a streetcar to the commercial center. They find a large watch store across from the stop.

Inside, the narrator chooses one gold wristwatch from watches of many sizes and prices.

  1. 135

    らいしゅうのすいようびはかないのたんじょうびですから、うでどけいをひとつかってやりたいとおもってやまもとさんにまちへつれていってもらいました。

    Since next Wednesday is my wife's birthday, I wanted to buy her a wristwatch, so I had Mr. Yamamoto take me into town.

  2. 136

    わたくしはこちらへきてから、まだいっしゅうかんぐらいで、まちのことをよくしりませんからじぶんのじどうしゃではいきたくはありませんでした。

    I had only been here for about a week and did not know the town well, so I did not want to go in my own car.

  3. 137

    でんしゃでいったら、さんよんじゅっぷんぐらいかかりました。

    When we went by streetcar, it took about thirty or forty minutes.

  4. 138

    しのしょうぎょうのちゅうしんちになっているとおりにきてでんしゃをおりました。

    We came to a street that is the city's commercial center and got off the streetcar.

  5. 139

    ていりゅうじょのむこうがわにおおきなとけいてんがありました。

    There was a large watch store across from the stop.

  6. 140

    このとけいてんはこのしでいちばんおおきいみせだそうです。

    They say that this watch store is the largest store in the city.

  7. 141

    なかにはいると、おおきいとけい、ちいさいとけい、たかいの、やすいのとたくさんありました。

    When we went inside, there were many watches: large ones, small ones, expensive ones, and inexpensive ones.

  8. 142

    わたくしはそのなかからきんのうでどけいをひとつかいました。

    I chose a gold wristwatch from among them and bought it.

来週
next week
ぐらい
about
よく
well, skillfully
自分
self
分
minute
一番
number one (See Grammar Notes)
はいる
to enter, to go in

Crowds and a barbershop · Reading Selection 2 of 2

Looking around a crowded town

*時計店を出てから、あちらこちら見て歩きました* describes the men walking around and looking after leaving the watch store.

The TE-form with *歩きました* describes looking in different places. The town is crowded with people and vehicles.

Services at the barbershop

*私たちはかどのりはつ屋にはいって、かみをかってもらいました* says that the men entered the corner barbershop and had their hair cut.

The men receive haircuts but do not have their beards shaved. They then take a bus home.

  1. 143

    とけいてんをでてから、あちらこちらみてあるきました。

    After leaving the watch store, we walked around looking here and there.

  2. 144

    おおきい、きれいなみせがたくさんありました。

    There were many large, attractive stores.

  3. 145

    ごごのごじごろでしたからまちはひとやくるまでずいぶんこんでいました。

    It was around five in the afternoon, so the town was very crowded with people and cars.

  4. 146

    でんしゃやバスでいえへかえるひとたちがおおぜいていりゅうじょにたっていました、こうさてんをわたっているひともおおぜいいました。

    Many people going home by streetcar or bus were standing at the stop, and many people were also crossing the intersection.

  5. 147

    こんなにこんでいるときにはきをつけなければあぶないとおもいました。

    I thought it would be dangerous if we were not careful when it was this crowded.

  6. 148

    わたくしたちはかどのりはつやにはいって、かみをかってもらいました。

    We went into the barbershop on the corner and had our hair cut.

  7. 149

    もうろくじにちかかったから、ひげはそってもらいませんでした。

    Since it was already close to six, we did not have our beards shaved.

  8. 150

    りはつやをでて、わたくしたちはバスにのってやすかわさんがはたらいているゆうびんきょくのまえをとおっていえへかえりました。

    After leaving the barbershop, we took a bus, passed the post office where Mr. Yasukawa works, and went home.

午後
p.m., afternoon
五
five
時
time
頃
approximate point of time (See Gram. Notes)
や
and---among others (See Gram. Notes)
バス
bus
かど
corner
六
six
ひげ
beard, whiskers
ゆうびん
postal service

Questions about watch shopping · Questions 1 of 2

The trip to buy a watch

The questions ask about the intended gift, the reason for the ride, and details of the store.

*私は 家内に 何を 買ってやりたいと 思っていましたか* means "What was I thinking of buying for my wife?" An answer names the wristwatch.

  1. 151

    かないのたんじょうびはいつですか。

    When is my wife's birthday?

  2. 152

    わたくしはかないになにをかってやりたいとおもっていましたか。

    What was I thinking of buying for my wife?

  3. 153

    なぜやまもとさんにまちへつれていってもらいましたか。

    Why did I have Mr. Yamamoto take me into town?

  4. 154

    なぜわたくしはこのまちをよくしりませんか。

    Why do I not know this town well?

  5. 155

    なぜきょうじぶんのじどうしゃでまちへいきたくはありませんでしたか。

    Why did I not want to go into town in my own car today?

  6. 156

    でんしゃでいったら、どのぐらいかかりましたか。

    When we went by streetcar, how long did it take?

  7. 157

    わたくしたちはどこででんしゃをおりましたか。

    Where did we get off the streetcar?

  8. 158

    このしでいちばんおおきいとけいてんはどこにありますか。

    Where is the largest watch store in this city?

  9. 159

    そのとけいてんでは、うでどけいしかうっていませんか。

    Does that watch store sell only wristwatches?

  10. 160

    たかいとけいしかうっていませんか。

    Do they sell only expensive watches?

なぜ
why?

Questions about returning home · Questions 2 of 2

After the watch store

The questions ask what the men did in town, how crowded it was, and how they returned home.

*私たちは あたまを かってもらったり、 ひげを そってもらったり しましたか* asks whether they had both services performed. An answer distinguishes the haircut from the shave.

  1. 161

    わたくしはどんなとけいをかいましたか。

    What kind of watch did I buy?

  2. 162

    とけいてんをでてから、どうしましたか。

    What did you do after leaving the watch store?

  3. 163

    そのとき、まちはどうでしたか。

    What was the town like at that time?

  4. 164

    まちがこんでいるときには、どうしなければなりませんか。

    What must you do when the town is crowded?

  5. 165

    わたくしたちはすぐいえへかえりましたか。

    Did we go home right away?

  6. 166

    わたくしたちはあたまをかってもらったり、ひげをそってもらったりしましたか。

    Did we have our hair cut and our beards shaved?

  7. 167

    とけいてんをでたのはなんじごろでしたか。

    About what time did you leave the watch store?

  8. 168

    でんしゃでいえへかえりましたか。

    Did you go home by train?

  9. 169

    どこをとおっていえへかえりましたか。

    Where did you pass on your way home?

時、
time
すぐ
right away, immediately

Words for shopping locations · Word list 1 of 5

Shopping places and street landmarks

These words cover shopping, gifts, stores, intersections, crowds, and transit stops.

*買物* means "shopping," *時計店* means "watch shop," and *ていりゅうじょ* means "car stop."

  1. 170

    かいもの

    shopping

  2. 171

    うでどけい

    wrist watch

  3. 172

    たんじょうび

    birthday

  4. 173

    みせ

    store, shop

  5. 174

    こうさてん

    intersection, crossroad

  6. 175

    とけいてん

    watch shop

  7. 176

    やす(み)

    holiday

  8. 177

    おおぜい

    crowd (of people)

  9. 178

    こちらがわ

    this side

  10. 179

    ていりゅうじょ

    car stop

うで時計
wrist watch
たんじょう日
birthday
こうさてん
intersection, crossroad
時計店
watch shop
休(み)
holiday
こちらがわ
this side
ていりゅうじょ
car stop

City transport and shops · Word list 2 of 5

Transport, shops, and clothing

These words cover city transport, commercial streets, clothing, barbershops, and hair.

*電車* means "streetcar, electric train," *ドレス* means "dress," and *りはつ屋* means "barbershop."

  1. 180

    でんしゃ

    streetcar, electric train

  2. 181

    しょうぎょう

    commerce

  3. 182

    ちゅうしんち

    center

  4. 183

    とおり

    street

  5. 184

    トラック

    truck

  6. 185

    くるま

    vehicle, car

  7. 186

    ドレス

    dress

  8. 187

    りはつや

    barbershop

  9. 188

    かみ

    hair

  10. 189

    かど

    corner

しょうぎょう
commerce
中心ち
center
トラック
truck
りはつ屋
barbershop

Directions and barber actions · Word list 3 of 5

Directions, transit, and barbering

These words cover directions, transit actions, and barbering.

*こちら* means "this, here," *降りる* means "to get off," and *かる* means "to clip, to cut."

  1. 190

    とこや

    barbershop

  2. 191

    ひげ

    beard, whiskers

  3. 192

    こちら

    this, here (See Gram. Notes)

  4. 193

    そちら

    that, there

  5. 194

    あちら

    that over there, over there

  6. 195

    どちら

    which, where

  7. 196

    こむ

    to be crowded

  8. 197

    おりる

    to get off

  9. 198

    のる

    to get on, to ride

  10. 199

    かる

    to clip, to cut

とこ屋
barbershop
あちら
that over there, over there
どちら
which of two (See Grammar Notes)
こむ
to be crowded
降りる
to get off
のる
to get on, to ride
かる
to clip, to cut

Safety and helping words · Word list 4 of 5

Care and help

These words cover safety, movement, and help for others.

*気をつける* means "to be careful." *--てやる* describes help for an inferior, while *--上げる* describes help for a superior.

  1. 200

    そる

    to shave

  2. 201

    はいる

    to enter, to go in

  3. 202

    わたる

    to go across, walk across

  4. 203

    とおる

    to pass

  5. 204

    きをつける

    to be careful

  6. 205

    あぶない

    dangerous (I-adj.)

  7. 206

    おおぜいの

    many, crowds of

  8. 207

    こんにちは

    hello, good day

  9. 208

    --てやる

    to do -- (for (inferior) (See Gram. Notes)

  10. 209

    --あげる

    to do -- for (superior) (See Gram. Notes)

そる
to shave
わたる
to go across, walk across
通る
to pass
気をつける
to be careful
大ぜいの
many, crowds of
今日は
hello, good day
--てやる
to do -- (for (inferior) (See Gram. Notes)
--上げる
to do -- for (superior) (See Gram. Notes)

Haircuts hopes and preferences · Word list 5 of 5

Plans and personal services

These expressions cover going around, hoping, and receiving services. *見て歩く* means "to go around looking," and *--たいと 思っています* means "I am hoping to do something."

*私は かどの りはつ屋で ひげを そってもらいます* means "I'll have my beard shaved at the corner barbershop."

  1. 210

    みてあるく

    to go around looking (See Gram. Notes)

  2. 211

    --たいとおもっています

    I am hoping to -- (See Gram. Notes)

  3. 212

    そうしましょう

    let's do that

  4. 213

    さあ

    well, now, here, come

  5. 214

    すきずき

    one's taste, one's own liking

  6. 215

    あたまをかる

    to get a haircut

  7. 216

    ひげをそる

    to shave

  8. 217

    かみをかる

    to get a haircut

  9. 218

    わたくしはかどのりはつやでひげをそってもらいます。

    I'll have my beard shaved at the corner barbershop.

  10. 219

    かどのとこやはいまこんでいます。

    The corner barbershop is crowded now.

見て歩く
to go around looking (See Gram. Notes)
--たいと思っています
I am hoping to -- (See Gram. Notes)
そうしましょう
let's do that
さあ
well, now, here, come
あたまをかる
to get a haircut
ひげをそる
to shave
かみをかる
to get a haircut
私はかどのりはつ屋でひげをそってもらいます。
"I'll have my beard shaved at the corner barbershop."
かどのとこ屋は今こんでいます。
"The corner barbershop is crowded now."

The particulars

The course
Defense Language Institute, Japanese Basic Course, 1967 to 1971. Public domain. The teaching pages and the narration are ours.
Reading aloud
Digital narration, directed by 1732 Studios.
The book
Botchan, the work this course leads to, free to read here.
Data
JSON · Markdown · A guide for agents
Two whoopie pies and a pine. An inside joke.