Japanese · Lesson 53
Lesson 53
Kanji and everyday Japanese
Embassy obligations and tea · Dialogue 1 of 4
A visit without his wife
A guest has come without his wife. *一緒に おうかがい 出来ませんでした* means "she could not come with me to visit you."
Here *出来ませんでした* expresses that she was unable to come.
A humble visit
In *一緒に おうかがい 出来ませんでした*, humble *おうかがい* means "to visit you."
Kanji: 大
New kanji in these lines. Read down: the kanji, its reading, then the words it makes.
- 1
ほうもん(に)
Visit (2)
ほうvisitもんvisit(二)two - 2
きょうはおくさまはごいっしょではないのですか。
Isn't your wife with you today?
今日todayはtopic奥wife様wifeはtopic御with you一緒with youでisはtopicないnotのexplanationですisか。question - 3
たいしかんのおちゃのかいにでなければならないので、いっしょにおうかがいできませんでした。
She has to attend the tea party at the Embassy, so she couldn't come with me to visit you.
大使embassy館embassyのatおtea茶teaのof会partyにto出attendなけれmust attendばmust attendならmustないmustのbecauseで、because一緒togetherにwithおcome visitうかがいcome visit出来could comeませnot, politeんnot, politeでしpastた。past - 4
さようでございますか。おつきあいで、おいそがしいのでしょうね。
Is that so? She must be busy with social obligations.
さようsoでis御is, politeざis, politeいis, politeますis, politeか。questionおsocial obligationsつきあいsocial obligationsで、withおbusyいそがしいbusyのexplanationでしょうprobablyね。right? - 5
ええ、しゃこうのことをうるさくいいますので、わたくしたちもときどきめいわくにかんじます。
Yes, they insist on the importance of social matters. Sometimes we feel a little annoyed by it.
ええ、yes社social mattersこうsocial mattersのof事mattersをobjectうるさくstrongly言いinsistますpoliteのexplanationで、because私weたちweもalso時々sometimesめいわくannoyedにasかんじfeelます。polite - 6
そうでしょうね。------
I understand. (By the way, there is nothing worth mentioning), but will you have some tea?
そうsoでしょうprobablyね。------right?
TOKA---TOKA IU
TOKA---TOKA IU is usually represented by the pattern A TOKA B TOKA IU. A and B represent either basic forms of verbs or nouns or basic forms of I-adjectives.
The pattern A TOKA B TOKA IU can be used as a predicate and translated 'to say this or that' or 'to say this and that and so forth.'
Examples:
ANO HITO WA IKU TOKA IKANAI TOKA ITTE IMASU. "He is saying that he is going or he is not going."
ANO HITO WA NIHONGO WA MUZUKASHII TOKA OMOSHIROKU NAI TOKA ITTE IMASU. "He is saying that Japanese is difficult or it is not interesting and so on."
The expression A TOKA B TOKA can be used as a noun phrase in which case it can best be translated as 'A and B and other things' or 'such things as A and B.'
Examples:
KINOO WA SAKANA TOKA YASAI TOKA KATTA.
"Yesterday I bought fish, vegetables, and other things."
ANO MISE DEWA BIIRU TOKA SAKE TOKA UTTE IMASU. "That store sells beer, SAKE, and other things."Honorific: O + Second base of a verb + DESU
When speaking of an action of a superior, one may use the honorific form of a verb according to the following construction pattern:
O + Second base of a verb + DESU
Examples:
KYOO WA DOKOKA E O-DEKAKE DESU KA. "Are you going some place today?"
OTOMODACHI O O-TAZUNE DESU KA. "Are you visiting your friend?"
ANO KATA WA NIHONGO O O-HANASHI DESU. "He speaks Japanese."
In the case of a verb of Chinese origin, like BENKYOO SURU, SANPO SURU, SOTSUGYOO SURU, and so forth, it take GO for honorific. This construction pattern has already been introduced in Lesson 52.TOMO
TOMO is a particle which comes at the end of a sentence and gives emphasis. It can best be translated
'surely,' 'of course,' or 'certainly.'
Examples:
IKU TOMO. "Surely, I'm going."
TABEMASU TOMO. "Of course, I'll eat it."
SOO DESU TOMO. "It's just as you say." "You are right."
SORE DE II DESU TOMO. "Certainly, that will do."DEKIRU
DEKIRU has a variety of meanings; so instead of listing all the possible meanings, a few examples will be given to illustrate some of them.
Example:
MAGO GA DEKITA. "A grandchild was born."
SHOKUJI GA DEKITA. "Dinner is ready."
OKANE GA DEKIRU. "To make money"
YOOJI GA DEKITA. "Some business turned up."ANI, ANE, (O)NIISAN, (O)NEESAN
When you are talking to someone about your own brothers and sisters, you would use ANI (elder brother) and ANE (elder sister), but when you are talking to others about their brothers and sisters, you would use (O)NIISAN (elder brother) and (O)NEESAN (elder sister). Also if you are addressing your own elder brother, you call him not by his name but NIISAN, or NEESAN if you are addressing your elder sister.SANNIN KYOODAI
SANNIN KYOODAI means you are one of three brothers and sisters, and YONIN KYOODAI means you are one of four brothers and sisters, and so on. You would say WATAKUSHI WA KYOODAI GA FUTARI ARIMASU, when you have two brothers or sisters.Honorific and Humble Verbs
AGARU
AGARU literally means 'to come up.' Since one has to step up in order to get into a Japanese house, this is used. So, OAGARI KUDASAI means "Please come in."
Another meaning of AGARU is 'to go.' KONBAN ANATA NO UCHI E AGARIMASU means "I'll go to your home" and it carries the same meaning as MAIRIMASU, which is a humble word.
Still another meaning of AGARU is 'to eat.' Sometimes MESHIAGARU is used, which is an honorific word.UKAGAU
UKAGAU is a humble word and means 'to call on (a person),' or 'to visit,' 'to ask,' 'to hear,' depending on the context of the sentence.
MOO HITOTSU UKAGAITAI KOTO GA ARIMASU. "I have another question to ask you."
WATAKUSHI WA SORE O ANO HITO KARA UKAGAIMASHITA. "I heard that from him."
KONBAN ANATA NO UCHI E UKAGAIMASU. "I'll pay you a visit tonight."ZONJIRU
ZONJIRU has two meanings, 'to know' (ZONJITE IMASU and ZONJITE ORIMASU are the humble equivalents of SHITTE IMASU) and 'I think' (usually used with the particle TO, i.e. ---TO ZONJIMASU. ---TO ZONJIMASU is the humble equivalent of ---TO OMOIMASU.)- (二)
- two
- 今日
- today
- は
- leaves
- で
- --is and -- (See Grammar Notes)
- の
- See Grammar Notes
- です
- to be (See Gram. Notes)
- か。
- either--or-- (See Gram. Notes)
- 大使
- ambassador
- に
- on (See Gram. Notes)
- なら
- if it is (See Gram. Notes)
- ます
- trout
- つきあい
- social association
- いそがしい
- busy
- でしょう
- probably (See Gram. Notes)
- ね。
- isn't it (See Grammar Notes)
- ええ、
- Yes
- を
- particle denoting direct object (See Pattern Drill)
- 時々
- sometimes, occasionally
- めいわく
- annoyance, bother
- かんじ
- Kanji (Chinese characters)
- そう
- numerical counter for ships
Celebrating a new grandchild · Dialogue 2 of 4
Tea and congratulations
A host offers tea, and the guest congratulates her on a new grandchild.
*お孫さんが 出来て* reports the grandchild's birth, one meaning of *DEKIRU*.
A respectful offer of tea
*どうぞ お茶でも お上りください* respectfully invites the guest to have some tea.
In this invitation, *お上りください* asks the guest to drink.
- 7
あのう、なにもございませんが、どうぞおちゃでもおあがりください。
It's a happy event.
あのwellう、well何anythingもeven御haveざhaveいhaveませnot, politeんnot, politeが、butどうぞpleaseおtea茶teaでfor exampleもalsoおhave some上りhave someください。please - 8
はあ、いただきます。------
Thank you, I'll have some. Congratulations for having been blessed with a grandchild recently.
はあ、yesいただきwill haveます。------will have - 9
このたびはおまごさんができて、おめでとうございます。
Of course it is.
このthis occasionたびthis occasionはtopicおgrandchild孫grandchildさんgrandchildがsubject出来was bornて、andおcongratulations目出とうcongratulations御is, politeざis, politeいis, politeます。is, polite - 10
ありがとうございます。
Thank you. Since my nephew and niece have children, I was hoping that my daughter, too, would be blessed with a child.
ありがとうthank you御is, politeざis, politeいis, politeます。is, polite - 11
おいやめいにはこどもがありますので、うちのむすめにもはやくひとりできたらよいとおもっていたのです。
Yes, I have an elder brother, an elder sister, two younger brothers, and a younger sister. I'm one of six brothers and sisters.
おいnephewやandめいnieceにtoはtopic子供childrenがsubjectありhaveますpoliteのexplanationで、because家my familyのofむすめdaughterにtoもalso早くsoon一人one child出来be bornたらifよいgoodとquote思っwas hopingてwas hopingいwas hopingたwas hopingのwas hopingです。was hoping - 12
おめでたいことです。
Yes, my elder sister already has three grandchildren.
おhappy event目出たいhappy event事thingです。is
- が、
- but (See Gram. Notes)
- ください。
- please give me (See Gram. Notes)
- ます。------
- trout
- 孫
- grandchild
- おい
- nephew
- や
- and---among others (See Gram. Notes)
- めい
- niece
- 家
- house, home
- 一人
- one person
- よい
- good (See Gram. Notes)
- と
- and (See Gram. Notes)
- です。
- to be (See Gram. Notes)
- 目出たい
- happy
Counting brothers and sisters · Dialogue 3 of 4
Whose older sibling
The speaker uses *兄* and *姉* for his own older brother and sister. Another person asks about them with *おねえさん* and *おにいさん*.
The whole sibling group
*六人兄弟です* means that the speaker is one of six siblings. A number plus *KYOODAI* includes the person speaking.
*おありでしたか* respectfully asks whether the speaker had an older sister and brother.
*そうですとも* strongly confirms the statement about a grandchild.
Kanji: 兄, 姉, 弟, 妹
New kanji in these lines. Read down: the kanji, its reading, then the words it makes.
- 13
おいやめいのこもかわいいですけど、じぶんのまごはまたとくべつでございますよ。
Nephews' and nieces' children are lovable, too, but your own grandchild is something special, you see.
おいnephewやandめいnieceの's子childrenもalsoかわいいlovableですareけど、but自分one's ownのof孫grandchildはtopic又also特別specialでis御is, politeざis, politeいis, politeますis, politeよ。I tell you - 14
そうですとも。
She lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
そうcertainly soですcertainly soとof courseも。of course - 15
あなたはごきょうだいがおありですね。
You have brothers and sisters, don't you?
あなたyouはtopic御siblings兄弟siblingsがsubjectおhaveありhaveですhaveね。right? - 16
はい、あにとあねがひとりずつ、おとうとがふたり、いもうとがひとりあります。ろくにんきょうだいです。
Yes, I have one older brother and one older sister, two younger brothers, and one younger sister. There are six of us siblings.
はい、yes兄older brotherとand姉older sisterがsubject一人one personずつ、each弟younger brotherがsubject二人、two people妹younger sisterがsubject一人one personありhaveます。polite六six siblings人six siblings兄弟six siblingsです。are - 17
さようでございますか。おねえさんもおにいさんもおありでしたか。
Is that right? So, you have an elder sister and an elder brother?
さようsoでis御is, politeざis, politeいis, politeますis, politeか。questionおolder sisterねえolder sisterさんolder sisterもalsoおolder brotherにいolder brotherさんolder brotherもalsoおhaveありhaveでしpastたpastか。question - 18
はい、そしてあねにはもうまごがさんにんあります。
Yes, and my older sister already has three grandchildren.
はい、yesそしてand姉older sisterにtoはtopicもうalready孫grandchildrenがsubject三three people人three peopleありhasます。polite
- かわいい
- dear, lovely, charming
- 自分
- self
- 兄弟
- brothers and sisters
- が
- but (See Gram. Notes)
- 兄
- older brother
- 姉
- elder sister
- ずつ、
- each (See Gram. Notes)
- 弟
- younger brother
- 二人、
- 2 people
- 妹
- younger sister
- 六
- six
- 人
- people
- もう
- already (See Gram. Notes)
- 三
- three
Asking about an older sister · Dialogue 4 of 4
Her home and her husband
One speaker asks where the older sister lives and what her husband does.
*どこに いらっしゃいますか* asks "where is she?" The answer places her in Minneapolis.
A humble statement of knowledge
*ちっとも ぞんじませんでした* means "I did not know that at all." *ZONJIRU* humbly means "to know" here.
Kanji: 主
New kanji in these lines. Read down: the kanji, its reading, then the words it makes.
- 19
さようでございますか。ちっともぞんじませんでした。どこにいらっしゃいますか。
Is that so? I didn't know that. Where is she?
さようsoでis御is, politeざis, politeいis, politeますis, politeか。questionちっともat allぞんじknowませnot, politeんnot, politeでしpastた。pastどこwhereにinいらっしゃいisますpoliteか。question - 20
ミネソタのミネアポリスしにすんでいます。
She lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
ミネソタMinnesotaのinミネアポリスMinneapolis市cityにin住んlivesでlivesいlivesます。lives - 21
むすめさんのごしゅじんはなにをしていらっしゃいますか。
What does her husband do?
むすめdaughterさんdaughterの's御husband主人husbandはtopic何whatをobjectしdoesてdoesいらっしゃいdoesますdoesか。question - 22
じぶんでちいさいかいしゃをもっています。
She has a small company of her own.
自分her ownでby小さいsmall会社companyをobject持っhasてhasいhasます。has
- ちっとも
- not even a little (See Gram. Notes)
- し
- city
- 会社
- company, firm
Giving examples in a list · Perception drill, Block 1
Opposite reports
*行くとか 行かないとか 言います* means "he says he is going, and he is not going, so nothing is definite."
A *とか* B *とか 言います* reports this or that. A and B can be basic forms of verbs or I-adjectives.
Examples, not the whole list
*牛肉とか やさいとか 沢山 買いました* means "I bought many things, such as beef and vegetables."
With nouns, A *とか* B *とか* means "A and B and other things."
- 23
ビールとかさけとかうっています。
He sells beer, Japanese sake, and so on.
ビールbeerとandかsuch asさけsakeとandかsuch as売っsellsてsellsいsellsます。sells - 24
いくとかいかないとかいいます。
He says he is going, and he is not going, so nothing is definite.
行くwill goとquoteかor行かgoないnotとquoteかor言いsaysます。polite - 25
やまださんはこんばんくるとかこないとかいって、はっきりしていません。
Mr. Yamada says he may come tonight or he may not, so it is not clear.
山田YamadaさんMr.はtopic今晩tonight来るwill comeとquoteかor来comeないnotとquoteかor言っsayingて、sayingはっきりclearlyしisてisいisませnot, politeん。not, polite - 26
あるせいとはむずかしいとかことばがおおいとかいってべんきょうしません。
Some students do not study, saying that it is difficult or that there are too many words.
あるsome生徒studentsはtopicむずかしいdifficultとquoteかor言葉wordsがsubject多いtoo manyとquoteかor言っsayingてsaying勉強studyしdoませnot, politeん。not, polite - 27
わたくしはしょくりょうひんてんでぎゅうにくとかやさいとかたくさんかいました。
I bought a lot of things at the grocery store, such as beef and vegetables.
私Iはtopic食料grocery store品grocery store店grocery storeでat牛肉beefとandかsuch asやさいvegetablesとandかsuch as沢山many things買いboughtましdid, politeた。past - 28
このみせではにほんのざっしとかほんとかレコードとかうっています。
This store sells Japanese magazines, books, records, and so on.
このthis店storeでatはtopic日本Japanのofざっしmagazinesとandかsuch as本booksとandかsuch asレコードrecordsとandかsuch as売っsellsてsellsいsellsます。sells - 29
にほんごのせいとはかんじとかひらがなとかならわなければなりません。
Students of Japanese have to learn kanji, hiragana, and so on.
日本Japanese語Japaneseのof生徒studentsはtopicかん字kanjiとandかsuch asひらがなhiraganaとandかsuch as習わlearnなけれmust learnばmust learnなりmustませnot, politeん。not, polite
- ビール
- beer
- か
- either--or-- (See Gram. Notes)
- ます。
- trout
- はっきり
- clearly
- ある
- certain, some
- むずかしい
- difficult
- 店
- store, shop
- 牛肉
- beef
- やさい
- vegetable
- 本
- numerical counter for counting long slender objects (See Notes)
- ひらがな
- HIRAGANA syllabary
Asking about usual actions · Perception drill, Block 2
A respectful question about understanding
*日本語が おわかりですか* means "do you understand Japanese?" It respectfully asks about the other person's action.
Put *お* before a verb's second base and *です* after it to speak of a superior's action.
The action between お and です
*ビールを お飲みですか* means "do you drink beer?" The verb's second base stands between *お* and *です*.
- 30
やまもとさんはもうおやすみです。
Mr. Yamamoto has already retired.
山本YamamotoさんMr.はtopicもうalreadyおretired休みretiredです。is - 31
にほんごがおわかりですか。
Do you understand Japanese?
日本Japanese語Japaneseがsubjectおunderstandわかりunderstandですunderstandか。question - 32
はい、すこしわかります。
Yes, I understand a little.
はい、yes少しa littleわかりunderstandます。polite - 33
なんじごろおかえりですか。
About what time will you return?
何時頃about what timeおreturn帰りreturnですreturnか。question - 34
ご、ろくかえります。
I will return around five or six.
五、five六six帰りreturnます。polite - 35
ビールをおのみですか。
Do you drink beer?
ビールbeerをobjectおdrink飲みdrinkですdrinkか。question - 36
はい、すこしのみます。
Yes, I drink a little.
はい、yes少しa little飲みdrinkます。polite - 37
いつごろにほんへおたちですか。
About when are you leaving for Japan?
いつ頃about when日本Japanへtowardおleaveたちleaveですleaveか。question - 38
こんげつのおわりごろたちます。
I am leaving around the end of this month.
今月this monthのof終り頃around the endたちleaveます。polite
- 少し
- little (quantity)
- 五、
- five
- へ
- to (See Gram. Notes)
- 今月
- this month
Expressing emphatic certainty · Perception drill, Block 3
Certainty at the end
*出来ますとも* means "certainly he can." The particle *とも* comes at the end of a sentence and adds emphasis.
It can mean "surely" or "certainly."
Plain and polite answers
*来るとも* means "certainly he will come." *行きますとも* means "certainly, I will go."
*とも* follows either a plain verb or a polite verb in these answers.
- 39
いきますとも。
Of course, I'll go.
行きwill goますpoliteとof courseも。of course - 40
スミスさんはにほんごができますか。
Can Mr. Smith speak Japanese?
スミスSmithさんMr.はtopic日本Japanese語Japaneseがsubject出来can speakますpoliteか。question - 41
できますとも、にほんでうまれて、にほんでがっこうへいったのですから。
Of course he can; he was born in Japan and went to school there.
出来canますpoliteとも、of course日本Japanでin生まれwas bornて、and日本Japanでin学校schoolへtoward行っwentたpastのexplanationですisから。because - 42
にほんへいったことがありますか。
Have you ever been to Japan?
日本Japanへtoward行っwentたpast事experienceがsubjectありhaveますpoliteか。question - 43
ありますとも。さんどばかり。
Of course I have—about three times.
ありhaveますpoliteとof courseも。of course三three times度three timesばかり。about - 44
にほんのたべものをたべますか。
Do you eat Japanese food?
日本Japanのof食べ物foodをobject食べeatますpoliteか。question - 45
たべますとも。わたくしはにほんのたべものがだいすきですから。
Of course I do; I like Japanese food very much.
食べeatますpoliteとof courseも。of course私Iはtopic日本Japanのof食べ物foodがsubject大好きlike very much(likelikeveryverymuch)muchですisから。because - 46
たなかさんはこんばんくるでしょうか。
Do you think Mr. Tanaka will come tonight?
田中TanakaさんMr.はtopic今晩tonight来るwill comeでしょうprobablyか。question - 47
くるとも。あのひとがくるといったら、きっとくるよ。
Of course he will; if he says he will come, he will certainly come.
来るwill comeとも。of courseあのthat人personがsubject来るwill comeとquote言っsaidたら、ifきっとcertainly来るwill comeよ。I tell you - 48
にほんじんのともだちにてがみをだしたいのですが、にほんごでかいてくださいませんか。
I want to send a letter to a Japanese friend; would you please write it in Japanese for me?
日本Japanese人Japaneseの's友だちfriendにto手紙letterをobject出しsendたいwant toのexplanationですisが、but日本Japanese語Japaneseでin書いwriteてwriteくださいpleaseませnot, politeんnot, politeか。question - 49
ええ、かいてあげるとも。
Yes, of course I will write it for you.
ええ、yes書いwriteてwrite上げるfor youとof courseも。of course
- から。
- from (See Gram. Notes)
- 大好き
- be very fond of, like very much
- きっと
- surely
- 手紙
- letter (correspondence)
- ください
- please give me (See Gram. Notes)
- 上げる
- to give (to a superior) (v.t.)
Listing examples and alternatives · Pattern 1 1 of 2
Coming or not coming
*来るとか 来ないとか 言って、 はっきりしません* reports that someone says he is coming and not coming, so nothing is definite.
The *とか* alternatives are opposite verb forms.
Representative places
*はこねとか にっこうとか* gives Hakone and Nikko as examples of Japan's many scenic places.
Here *とか* marks representative nouns, not every place in the group.
- 50
あのひとはくるとかこないとかいって、はっきりしません。
He says he is coming at one time and not at another time, but it's not very definite.
あのthat人personはtopic来るcomeとquoteかor来not comeないnot comeとquoteかor言っsayて、sayはっきりclearlyしdoませnot, politeん。not, polite - 51
このみせでは、ざっしとかほんとかうっています。
They sell magazines, books, and other things at this store.
このthis店storeでatは、topicざっしmagazinesとand suchかand such本booksとand suchかand such売っsellてsellいsellます。sell - 52
スミスさんはにほんへいけるとかいけないとかいっています。
Mr. Smith says he may be able to go to Japan or he may not.
スミスSmithさんMr.はtopic日本Japanへtoward行けるcan goとquoteかor行けcannot goないcannot goとquoteかor言っsaysてsaysいsaysます。says - 53
たなかさんはみたとかみなかったとかいっていますから、どっちがほんとうかわかりません。
Mr. Tanaka says he saw it and then says he did not, so I do not know which is true.
田中TanakaさんMr.はtopic見sawたsawとquoteかor見did not seeなかっdid not seeたdid not seeとquoteかor言っsaysてsaysいsaysますsaysから、becauseどっちwhich oneがsubject本whether trueとうかwhether trueわかりunderstandませnot, politeん。not, polite - 54
やまもとさんはあぶないとか、きまりがわるいとかいってやりませんでした。
Mr. Yamamoto did not do it, saying that it was dangerous or that it was embarrassing.
山本YamamotoさんMr.はtopicあぶないdangerousとquoteか、orきまりembarrassingがsubject悪いembarrassingとquoteかor言っsayingてsayingやりdoませnot, politeんnot, politeでしpast, politeた。past, polite - 55
このみせではようふくとかくつとかうっています。
This store sells clothes, shoes, and so on.
このthis店storeでatはtopic洋服clothesとand suchかand suchくつshoesとand suchかand such売っsellてsellいsellます。sell - 56
にほんにははこねとかにっこうとか、けしきのよいところがおおいです。
Japan has many scenic places, such as Hakone and Nikko.
日本JapanにinはtopicはHakoneこHakoneねHakoneとand suchかand suchにっこうNikkoとand suchか、and suchけしきsceneryのofよいgood所placesがsubject多いmanyです。is
- から、
- from (See Gram. Notes)
- どっち
- which of two (See Grammar Notes)
- あぶない
- dangerous (I-adj.)
- くつ
- shoes
- ね
- isn't it (See Grammar Notes)
- けしき
- scenery
- 所
- address, place
Uncertain choices and reasons · Pattern 1 2 of 2
An uncertain choice
*買うとか 買わないとか 言っていますから、 わかりません* means that he says he may buy one or may not, so the speaker does not know.
The two *とか* phrases report opposing possibilities.
Several reported reasons
*かぜを ひいたとか、 おなかが いたいとか 言っていました* reports a cold and a stomachache as reasons.
Here *とか* joins multiple facts that someone stated.
- 57
たなかさんはあたらしいくるまをかうのですか。
Is Mr. Tanaka going to buy a new car?
田中TanakaさんMr.はtopic新しいnew車carをobject買うbuyのexplanationですisか。question - 58
かうとかかわないとかいっていますから、わかりません。
He says he may buy one or he may not, so I do not know.
買うbuyとquoteかor買わnot buyないnot buyとquoteかor言っsaysてsaysいsaysますsaysから、becauseわかりunderstandませnot, politeん。not, polite - 59
べんきょうがいそがしいですか。
Are you busy with your studies?
勉強studiesがsubjectいそがしいbusyですisか。question - 60
ええ、あたらしいぶんけいとかかんじとかべんきょうしなければならないから、たいへんいそがしいです。
Yes, I am very busy because I have to study things such as new sentence patterns and kanji.
ええ、yes新しいnew文sentence patternけいsentence patternとand suchかand suchかん字kanjiとand suchかand such勉強studyしdoなけれhave toばhave toならhave toないhave toから、because大へんveryいそがしいbusyです。is - 61
やまださんはこんばんくるでしょうか。
Do you think Mr. Yamada will come tonight?
山田YamadaさんMr.はtopic今晩tonight来るcomeでしょうprobablyか。question - 62
かぜをひいたとか、おなかがいたいとかいっていましたから、たぶんこないでしょう。
He said that he had caught a cold and that his stomach hurt, so he probably will not come.
かぜa coldをobjectひいcaughtたcaughtとquoteか、andおなかstomachがsubjectいたいhurtsとquoteかand言っsaidてsaidいsaidましsaidたsaidから、because多分probably来not comeないnot comeでしょう。probably
- 車
- vehicle, car
- 買う
- to buy
- 大へん
- very
- かぜ
- wind
- おなか
- stomach
- いたい
- painful
Respectful descriptions of actions · Pattern 2 1 of 3
Speaking in Japanese
*スミスさんは いつも 日本語で お話しです* means "Mr. Smith always speaks in Japanese."
The action appears between honorific *お* and *です*.
Going out respectfully
*いつ頃 お出かけですか* means "about what time are you going out?"
The same honorific pattern can describe an action or ask about it.
Kanji: 呼
New kanji in these lines. Read down: the kanji, its reading, then the words it makes.
- 63
スミスさんはあたらしいくるまをおかいです。
Mr. Smith is going to buy a new car.
スミスSmithさんMr.はtopic新しいnew車carをobjectおbuy買いbuyです。is - 64
スミスさんはいつもにほんごでおはなしです。
Mr. Smith always speaks in Japanese.
スミスSmithさんMr.はtopicいつalwaysもalways日本Japanese語Japaneseでinおspeaks話しspeaksです。is - 65
ジョンズさんはにほんごをおならいです。
Mr. Jones is studying Japanese.
ジョンズJonesさんMr.はtopic日本Japanese語Japaneseをobjectおstudying習いstudyingです。is - 66
せんせいがおよびですから、はやくいきなさい。
The teacher is calling you, so go quickly.
先生teacherがsubjectおcalling呼びcallingですisから、because早くquickly行きgoなさい。command - 67
いつごろおやすみでしたか。
About what time did you go to bed?
何時頃about what timeおwent to bed休みwent to bedでしpast, politeたpast, politeか。question - 68
いつごろおでかけですか。
About what time are you going out?
いつ頃about whenおgoing out出かけgoing outですisか。question - 69
あなたはにほんきってをおあつめですか。
Do you collect Japanese stamps?
あなたyouはtopic日本Japanese切手stampsをobjectおcollectあつめcollectですisか。question
- いつ
- when?
- 切手
- postage stamp
Asking about habits and arrival · Pattern 2 2 of 3
A respectful question about a habit
*家に かぎを おかけですか* asks whether the other person locks the house when leaving.
Honorific *お* and *です* enclose the action in a question about a usual habit.
An expected arrival
*八時頃 お着きです* means "he will arrive around eight o'clock."
The honorific pattern respectfully states Mr. Tanaka's expected action.
- 70
あなたはいえをでるとき、いえにかぎをおかけですか。
Do you lock your house when you leave?
あなたyouはtopic家houseをobject出るleave時、when家houseにatかぎlockをobjectおlockかけlockですisか。question - 71
ええ、あぶないから、かぎをかけておきます。
Yes, because it would be unsafe, I make sure to lock it.
ええ、yesあぶないunsafeから、becauseかぎlockをobjectかけmake sure to lockてmake sure to lockおきmake sure to lockます。make sure to lock - 72
たなかさんはこんばんいつごろモンテレーにおつきですか。
About what time will Mr. Tanaka arrive in Monterey tonight?
田中TanakaさんMr.はtopic今晩tonight何時頃about what timeモンテレーMontereyにinおarrive着きarriveですisか。question - 73
はちじごろおつきです。
He will arrive around eight o'clock.
八eight o'clock時eight o'clock頃aroundおarrive着きarriveです。is - 74
あなたはゴルフをおやりですか。
Do you play golf?
あなたyouはtopicゴルフgolfをobjectおplayやりplayですisか。question - 75
ええ、いっかげつまえにはじめたばかりですが。
Yes, but I only started a month ago.
ええ、yes一oneか月month前agoにat始めstartedたstartedばかりonlyですisが。but - 76
ならう
to learn
習うlearn
- 時、
- time
- モンテレー
- Monterey
- 八
- eight
- 頃
- approximate point of time (See Gram. Notes)
- ゴルフ
- golf
- 一
- one
- 前
- before, front
- が。
- but (See Gram. Notes)
Everyday action verbs · Pattern 2 3 of 3
Actions for the honorific pattern
These verbs name everyday actions used in the honorific pattern.
*わかる* means "to understand," *帰る* means "to return," and *出かける* means "to go out."
Firmly agreeing to act · Pattern 3 1 of 2
A firm promise to act
*手つだうとも* means "certainly I will help." *飲むとも* means "certainly I will drink it."
Sentence-final *とも* makes each affirmative answer emphatic.
Certain ability and knowledge
*出来ますとも* means "certainly I can." *知っているとも* means "certainly I know him."
The form before *とも* can be plain or polite.
- 84
たべるとも。
Of course, I'll eat.
食べるwill eatとも。of course - 85
てつだうとも。
Of course I will help.
手つだうwill helpとof courseも。of course - 86
のむとも。
Of course I will drink it.
飲むwill drinkとof courseも。of course - 87
みえるとも。
Of course I can see it.
見えるcan seeとof courseも。of course - 88
わかるとも。
Of course I understand.
わかるunderstandとof courseも。of course - 89
できますとも。
Of course I can.
出来canますpoliteとof courseも。of course - 90
しっているとも。
Of course I know him.
知っknowてknowいるknowとof courseも。of course
- 手つだう
- to help
- 見える
- to be visible, can see (v.i.)
- いる
- to need (See Gram. Notes)
Confirming help and knowledge · Pattern 3 2 of 2
A firm answer to a request
A request for help receives *手つだいますとも*, "certainly I will." The polite verb plus *とも* firmly accepts the request.
The speaker then asks what time to come.
Certain knowledge and importance
*知っているとも* answers a question about knowing Mr. Tanaka. *大切ですとも* confirms that kanji are important.
In both answers, final *とも* gives emphatic affirmation.
- 91
あした、にわのしごとをてつだってくださいませんか。
Would you please help me with the yard work tomorrow?
明日、tomorrowにわyardの's仕事workをobject手つだっhelpてhelpくださいpleaseませnot, politeんnot, politeか。question - 92
てつだいますとも。いつごろまいりましょうか。
Of course I will. About what time shall I come?
手つだいhelpますpoliteとof courseも。of course何時頃about what timeまいりcomeましょうshallか。question - 93
たなかさんをごぞんじですか。
Do you know Mr. Tanaka?
田中TanakaさんMr.をobject御knowぞんじknowですisか。question - 94
しっているとも。にほんでいっしょにはたらいたことがあるんだから。
Of course I know him. We worked together in Japan.
知っknowてknowいるknowとof courseも。of course日本Japanでin一緒togetherにtogether働いworkedたworked事experienceがsubjectあるhaveんexplanationだisから。because - 95
にほんごをならうのにかんじはたいせつですか。
Are kanji important for learning Japanese?
日本Japanese語Japaneseをobject習うlearningのactにforかん字kanjiはtopic大切importantですisか。question - 96
たいせつですとも。かんじをしらなければなにもよむことはできませんからね。
Of course they are. If you do not know kanji, you cannot read anything.
大切importantですisとof courseも。of courseかん字kanjiをobject知らnot knowなけれnot knowばif何anythingもanything読むread事actはtopic出来canませnot, politeんnot, politeからbecauseね。right?
- 明日、
- tomorrow
- にわ
- garden, yard
- ましょう
- let's (See Gram. Notes)
- だ
- to be (informal equivalent of DESU. See Grammar Notes)
Tea and family news · Reading Selection 1 of 2
A visit without Mrs. Clark
Colonel Clark goes to Colonel Yamamoto's home, but only Mrs. Yamamoto is there. Mrs. Clark must attend an embassy tea party.
*来られませんでした* reports that she could not come with her husband.
Tea and family news
The two discuss family matters while drinking tea. *むすめさんに子供が出来て* reports that Mrs. Yamamoto's daughter recently had a baby.
Here *出来て* carries the birth meaning of *DEKIRU*.
- 97
クラークたいさはひさしぶりにやまもといっさをほうもんしました。
Colonel Clark visited Colonel Yamamoto for the first time in a long while.
クラークClark大佐Colonelはtopicひさしafter a long whileぶりafter a long whileにafter山本Yamamoto一佐Colonelをobjectほうvisitもvisitんvisitしdoましdid, politeた。did, polite - 98
やまもといっさはまだしごとからかえっていなかったので、やまもとふじんひとりだけでした。
Colonel Yamamoto had not yet returned from work, so Mrs. Yamamoto was there alone.
山本Yamamoto一佐Colonelはtopicまだyet仕事workからfrom帰っhad not returnedてhad not returnedいhad not returnedなかっhad not returnedたhad not returnedのbecauseで、because山本Yamamoto夫人Mrs.一人aloneだけaloneでしpast, politeた。past, polite - 99
クラークたいさのおくさんはたいしかんのおちゃのかいにでなければならなかったので、ごしゅじんといっしょにこられませんでした。
Colonel Clark's wife had to attend a tea party at the Embassy, so she could not come with her husband.
クラークClark大佐Colonelの's奥wifeさんwifeはtopic大使embassy館embassyの'sおtea茶teaの's会partyにto出attendなけれhad toばhad toならhad toなかっhad toたhad toのbecauseで、because御her husband主人her husbandとwith一緒togetherにtogether来could not comeられcould not comeませnot, politeんnot, politeでしpast, politeた。past, polite - 100
たいしかんなどでは、しゃこのことをたいへんうるさくいうので、おつきあいなどでたいへんいそがしいそうです。
At embassies and similar places, they place great importance on social matters, so people are said to be very busy with social obligations.
大使embassy館embassyなどand similar placesでatは、topic社socialこのsocial事mattersをobject大へんveryうるさくstrictly言うregardのbecauseで、becauseおsocial obligationsつきあいsocial obligationsなどand suchでwith大へんveryいそがしいbusyそうreportedlyです。is - 101
それで、クラークふじんもときどきめいわくをかんじることがあるそうです。
Because of that, Mrs. Clark is also said to feel inconvenienced by it sometimes.
それthatで、because ofクラークMrs. Clark夫人Mrs. Clarkもalso時々sometimesめいわくinconveniencedをobjectかんじるfeel事occasionsがsubjectあるexistそうreportedlyです。is - 102
すこしあとでじょちゅうがおちゃをもってきました。
A little later, the maid brought tea.
少しa little後laterでat女中maidがsubjectおtea茶teaをobject持っbroughtてbrought来broughtましpoliteた。past - 103
ふたりはおちゃをのみながら、かぞくのことについていろいろはなしました。
The two of them talked about various family matters while drinking tea.
二人the twoはtopicおtea茶teaをobject飲みdrinkながら、while家族familyのof事mattersにaboutついaboutてabout色々various話しtalkましpoliteた。past - 104
このたびやまもとふじんのむすめさんにこどもができて、やまもとふじんもとうとうおばあさんになられたそうです。
Mrs. Yamamoto's daughter recently had a baby, and Mrs. Yamamoto has finally become a grandmother.
このrecentlyたびrecently山本Yamamoto夫人Mrs.のofむすめdaughterさんpolite titleにto子供babyがsubject出来hadて、and山本Yamamoto夫人Mrs.もalsoとうfinally〱finallyおgrandmotherばあgrandmotherさんgrandmotherにintoならbecomeれrespectfullyたpastそうreportedlyです。is
- 一佐
- Colonel, Captain (Navy) (Japanese rank)
- まだ
- yet, still
- から
- from (See Gram. Notes)
- で、
- --is and -- (See Grammar Notes)
- だけ
- only, just (See Grammar Notes)
- など
- and so forth, etc.
- 言う
- to say
- かんじる
- to feel
- 女中
- maid
- 二人
- 2 people
- ながら、
- while (See Grammar Notes)
Grandchildren and extended family · Reading Selection 2 of 2
Six brothers and sisters
*六人兄弟* identifies Colonel Clark as one of six children. The line then counts one older brother, one older sister, two younger brothers and one younger sister.
Because the account describes Clark's family, it uses *おにいさん* and *おねえさん*.
Further family news
*ねえさんにはもう孫が三人あるとか言う事です* reports that his older sister has three grandchildren.
Here *とか* marks information reported about the family.
- 105
さいしょのまごですから、とくべつかわいいそうです。
Since it is her first grandchild, she is said to find the baby especially adorable.
さいしょfirstのof孫grandchildですisから、because特別especiallyかわいいadorableそうreportedlyです。is - 106
やまもとさんのおいやめいにはこどもがたくさんありますが、むすめさんにはさいしょのこどもです。
Mr. Yamamoto's nephews and nieces have many children, but this is his daughter's first child.
山本YamamotoさんMr.のofおいnephewsやandめいniecesにtoはtopic子供childrenがsubject沢山manyありhaveますpoliteが、butむすめdaughterさんpolite titleにtoはtopicさいしょfirstのof子供childです。is - 107
やまもとふじんもおばさんとよばれるよりはおばあさんとよばれるほうがすきだそうです。
Mrs. Yamamoto is said to prefer being called a grandmother rather than an aunt.
山本Yamamoto夫人Mrs.もalsoおばauntさんauntとas呼ばcalledれるbe calledよりrather thanはtopicおgrandmotherばあgrandmotherさんgrandmotherとas呼ばcalledれるbe called方oneがsubject好きprefersだisそうreportedlyです。is - 108
クラークたいさはろくにんきょうだいで、おにいさんとおねえさんがひとりずつ、おとうとがふたり、いもうとがひとりあります。
Colonel Clark is one of six children: he has one older brother, one older sister, two younger brothers, and one younger sister.
クラークClark大佐Colonelはtopic六six人people兄弟siblingsで、andおolder brotherにいolder brotherさんolder brotherとandおolder sisterねえolder sisterさんolder sisterがsubject一人oneずつ、each弟younger brothersがsubject二人、two妹younger sisterがsubject一人oneありhaveます。polite - 109
そしてねえさんにはもうまごがさんにんあるとかいうことです。
And it is said that his older sister already has three grandchildren.
そしてandねえolder sisterさんolder sisterにtoはtopicもうalready孫grandchildrenがsubject三three人peopleあるhasとquoteかor so言うsaid事reportです。is - 110
クラークさんのおねえさんは、
Colonel Clark's older sister
クラークClarkさんColonelのofおolder sisterねえolder sisterさんolder sisterは、topic - 111
ミネソタしゅうのミネアポリスしにすんでいて、ごしゅじんはじぶんでちいさいかいしゃをもっているそうです。
lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and her husband is said to own a small company.
ミネソタMinnesotaしゅうstateのofミネアポリスMinneapolis市cityにin住んlivesでlivesいlivesて、and御husband主人husbandはtopic自分herselfでby小さいsmall会社companyをobject持っownsてownsいるownsそうreportedlyです。is
- さいしょ
- first
- れる
- to be able to -- (See Grammar Notes)
- より
- than (See Gram. Notes)
- 好き
- to like, be fond of (See Grammar Notes)
- しゅう
- state
Asking about the family visit · Questions 1 of 2
The visit and the baby
The questions ask who was home, why Mrs. Clark was absent, who served tea and who had a baby.
*このたび だれに 子供が 出来ましたか* means "who recently had a baby?" An answer names Mrs. Yamamoto's daughter.
- 112
クラークたいさがやまもといっさをほうもんしたときやまもといっさはおたくでしたか。
Was Colonel Yamamoto at home when Colonel Clark visited him?
クラークClark大佐Colonelがsubject山本Yamamoto一佐Colonelをobjectほうvisitedもvisitedんvisitedしdoたpast時when山本Yamamoto一佐Colonelはtopicおたくat homeでしwasたpastか。question - 113
クラークふじんもごしゅじんといっしょにほうもんしましたか。
Did Mrs. Clark also come to visit with her husband?
クラークClark夫人Mrs.もalso御husband主人husbandとwith一緒togetherにwithほうvisitもvisitんvisitしdoましpoliteたpastか。question - 114
なぜいっしょにほうもんしませんでしたか。
Why did she not come with him?
なぜwhy一緒togetherにwithほうvisitもvisitんvisitしdoませnot, politeんnot, politeでしwas, politeたpastか。question - 115
たいしかんではどんなことをうるさくいいますか。
What kinds of matters do they place great importance on at the Embassy?
大使embassy館embassyでatはtopicどんなwhat kinds事mattersをobjectうるさくstrictly言いregardますpoliteか。question - 116
だれがおちゃをだしましたか。
Who served the tea?
だれwhoがsubjectおtea茶teaをobject出しserveましpoliteたpastか。question - 117
ふたりはおちゃをのみながらどうしましたか。
What did the two of them do while drinking tea?
二人the twoはtopicおtea茶teaをobject飲みdrinkながらwhileどうwhatしdoましpoliteたpastか。question - 118
このたびだれにこどもができましたか
Who recently had a baby?
このrecentlyたびrecentlyだれwhoにto子供babyがsubject出来hadましpoliteたpastかquestion
- 時
- time
- なぜ
- why?
- どんな
- what kind of; what sort of
- だれ
- who?
- ながら
- while (See Grammar Notes)
Asking about siblings and grandchildren · Questions 2 of 2
Numbers and family details
The questions ask for Clark's sibling total, each kind of sibling, his older sister's home, her grandchildren and her husband's work.
*クラークさんは 何人兄弟ですか* asks "how many children are there in the Clark family?" An answer gives the total number of siblings.
- 119
やまもとさんのむすめさんには、さいしょのこどもですか。
Is this Mr. Yamamoto's daughter's first child?
山本YamamotoさんMr.のofむすめdaughterさんpolite titleにtoは、topicさいしょfirstのof子供childですisか。question - 120
クラークさんはなんにんきょうだいですか。
How many children are there in the Clark family?
クラークClarkさんfamilyはtopic何how many人people兄弟siblingsですisか。question - 121
にいさんとねえさんがなんにんいますか。
How many older brothers and older sisters does he have?
にいolder brothersさんolder brothersとandねえolder sistersさんolder sistersがsubject何how many人people居haveますpoliteか。question - 122
おとうとは。いもうとは。
How many younger brothers? How many younger sisters?
弟younger brothersは。topic妹younger sistersは。topic - 123
クラークさんのおねえさんはどこにすんでいますか。
Where does Colonel Clark's older sister live?
クラークClarkさんColonelのofおolder sisterねえolder sisterさんolder sisterはtopicどこwhereにin住んlivesでlivesいlivesますlivesか。question - 124
クラークさんのおねえさんにはまごがなんにんありますか。
How many grandchildren does Colonel Clark's older sister have?
クラークClarkさんColonelのofおolder sisterねえolder sisterさんolder sisterにtoはtopic孫grandchildrenがsubject何how many人peopleありhasますpoliteか。question - 125
クラークさんのおねえさんのごしゅじんはなにをしていますか。
What does Colonel Clark's older sister's husband do?
クラークClarkさんColonelのofおolder sisterねえolder sisterさんolder sisterのof御husband主人husbandはtopic何whatをobjectしdoesてdoesいdoesますdoesか。question
- は、
- leaves
Social visits and obligations · Word list 1 of 4
Visits and social obligations
These words cover social visits and obligations. *お茶の会* means "tea party," and humble *うかがう* means "to visit, inquire or ask."
*めいわく* means "annoyance" or "bother."
- 126
おちゃのかい
tea party
お茶の会tea party - 127
うかがう
to visit, inquire, ask
うかがうvisit, inquire, ask - 128
さようでございますか
Is that so?
さようで御ざいますかis that so? - 129
つきあい
social association
つきあいsocial association - 130
つきあいする
to associate
つきあいするassociate socially - 131
しゃこう
social, social association
社こうsocial association - 132
うるさい
annoying, pesky
うるさいannoying - 133
かんじる
to feel
かんじるfeel - 134
うるさくいう
be strict about, say importunately about
うるさく言うbe strict about - 135
めいわく
annoyance, bother
めいわくannoyance - 136
あのう
by the way, if you please
あのうby the way
- お茶の会
- tea party
- うかがう
- to visit, inquire, ask
- さようで御ざいますか
- Is that so?
- つきあいする
- to associate
- 社こう
- social, social association
- うるさい
- annoying, pesky
- うるさく言う
- be strict about, say importunately about
- あのう
- by the way, if you please
New grandchildren and siblings · Word list 2 of 4
Hospitality and family news
These words cover hospitality and new family news. *上る* means "to eat, drink or come."
*孫が出来る* means "to be blessed with a grandchild."
Final *とも* means "indeed" or "certainly."
- 137
あがる
to eat, drink, come
上るeat, drink, or come - 138
いただく
to receive
いただくreceive - 139
このたび
very recently
このたびvery recently - 140
まごができる
to be blessed with a grandchild
孫が出来るgain a grandchild - 141
おい
nephew
おいnephew - 142
めい
niece
めいniece - 143
--けど
but, although
--けどbut, although - 144
めでたい
happy
目出たいhappy - 145
---とも
indeed, certainly, of course (See Grammar Notes)
---ともindeed - 146
きょうだい
brothers and sisters
兄弟brothers and sisters - 147
おありです
there is (See Grammar Notes)
おありですthere is
- 上る
- to eat, drink, come
- いただく
- to receive
- このたび
- very recently
- 孫が出来る
- to be blessed with a grandchild
- --けど
- but, although
- ---とも
- indeed, certainly, of course (See Grammar Notes)
- おありです
- there is (See Grammar Notes)
Sibling terms and honorifics · Word list 3 of 4
Siblings and humble knowledge
These words cover siblings, family size, and humble knowledge. *兄* means "older brother."
*六人兄弟* means "one of six brothers and sisters."
Humble *ぞんじる* means "to know."
- 148
あに
older brother
兄older brother - 149
あね
elder sister
姉elder sister - 150
おとうと
younger brother
弟younger brother - 151
いもうと
younger sister
妹younger sister - 152
ろくにんきょうだい
one of six brothers and sisters
六人兄弟six siblings - 153
おねえさん
elder sister
おねえさんolder sister - 154
おにいさん
older brother
おにいさんolder brother - 155
ぞんじる
to know
ぞんじるto know - 156
いらっしゃいます
is, go, come (honorific)
いらっしゃいますhonorably is - 157
ごしゅじん
husband, master
御主人husband - 158
ごぶさたいたしております
I have long been neglectful in correspondence.
御ぶさたいたしておりますneglecting correspondence
- 六人兄弟
- one of six brothers and sisters
- おねえさん
- elder sister
- おにいさん
- older brother
- ぞんじる
- to know
- いらっしゃいます
- is, go, come (honorific)
- 御主人
- husband, master
- 御ぶさたいたしております
- I have long been neglectful in correspondence.
Relatives and family affection · Word list 4 of 4
Relatives and family affection
These words cover relatives, affection, and good family news.
*皆様 お元気で、 何よりとぞんじます* expresses gladness that everyone at the other person's home is well. *ぞんじます* is humble.
*おばさんとか おじさんとか* gives aunt and uncle as examples. *大好き* means "to be very fond of."
- 159
なんよりとぞんじます
There is nothing better than that, I am glad to hear that ---
何よりとぞんじますglad to hear - 160
おばさん
aunt
おばさんaunt - 161
おじさん
uncle
おじさんuncle - 162
--とか--とか
---and---and other things (See Gram. Notes)
--とか--とかand other things - 163
だいすき
be very fond of, like very much
大好きlike very much - 164
とうとう
at last, finally
とうとうfinally - 165
ごぶさたいたしております。
I have been neglecting my correspondence with you.
御ぶさたいたしております。neglecting correspondence - 166
みなさまおげんきで、なんよりとぞんじます。
Everybody at your home is fine and I am very glad.
皆様お元気で、何よりとぞんじます。everyone is well - 167
おばさんとかおじさんとかよばれるよりはおばあさん、おじいさんとよばれるほうがいいです。
It's better to be called grandmother and grandfather rather than being called aunt and uncle.
おばさんとかおじさんとか呼ばれるよりはおばあさん、おじいさんと呼ばれる方がいいです。better called grandparents - 168
うちのまごはおばあさんがだいすきです。
Our grandson is very fond of his grandmother.
うちの孫はおばあさんが大好きです。grandson loves grandmother
Guide for Free Conversation
1 Look at the family tree of Mr. Uchiyama Haruo given in Lesson 52 and talk about his family and the relationship between the members of his family.
2 A visits B. Students take turns playing both roles.Homework
1 Memorize the Dialogue and be sure to know the vocabulary.
2 Study the Pattern Drill and the exercises following each Pattern Drill.
3 Learn to read and write the new kanji.
4 Read the Explanatory Notes.
5 Use the guide given for practice in free conversation.- 何よりとぞんじます
- There is nothing better than that, I am glad to hear that ---
- おばさん
- aunt
- おじさん
- uncle
- --とか--とか
- ---and---and other things (See Gram. Notes)
- とうとう
- at last, finally
- 御ぶさたいたしております。
- "I have been neglecting my correspondence with you."
- 皆様お元気で、何よりとぞんじます。
- "Everybody at your home is fine and I am very glad."
- おばさんとかおじさんとか呼ばれるよりはおばあさん、おじいさんと呼ばれる方がいいです。
- "It's better to be called grandmother and grandfather rather than being called aunt and uncle."
- うちの孫はおばあさんが大好きです。
- "Our grandson is very fond of his grandmother."
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