Japanese Basic Course 1732 Studios

Japanese · Lesson 58

Lesson 58

Kanji and everyday Japanese

164 lines

Arranging help with moving · Dialogue 1 of 3

Help with the move

One speaker is moving after an upstairs addition is completed. The other offers help with *お手つだい いたしましょうか*, meaning "Shall I give you a hand?"

About ten workers will come from the quartermaster depot. Army trucks will carry the belongings.

An assumption about the plan

The question *運送店に たのむのではないんですか* means "Aren't you going to ask the transfer company?"

The ending *のではないんですか* checks the speaker's assumption. The reply corrects it by naming the army trucks.

Kanji: 末

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

Kanji: 送, 運, 夫

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

  1. 1

    いよいよひっこしだそうですね。

    I understand you are moving at last, isn't that so?

    いよいよat last
    ひっこしmoving
    だis
    そうapparently
    ですis
    ね。right?
  2. 2

    ええ、にかいのたてましがおわりましたから、こんしゅうまつごろひっこすつもりです。

    Yes, since the addition of a room upstairs is completed, I intend to move this weekend.

  3. 3

    おてつだいいたしましょうか。

    Shall I give you a hand?

  4. 4

    ありがとうございますが、ほきゅうしょうのほうからにんぷがじゅうめいばかりくることになっています。

    Thank you, but about ten laborers are supposed to come from the quartermaster depot.

  5. 5

    うんそうてんにたのむのではないんですか。

    Aren't you going to ask the transfer company?

  6. 6

    いいえ、ぐんのトラックではこんでくれます。

    No, they'll transfer them for me by army trucks.

--NO DEWA NAIN DESU KA

Following the abrupt non-past and past tense of verbs, I-adjectives, and inflected suffixes like TAI and NAI, etc., NO DEWA NAIN DESU KA expresses the idea of 'aren't you ---,' 'didn't you ---,' 'weren't you,' 'isn't it ---,' 'don't you want to ---,' etc.

Examples:

IKU NO DEWA NAIN DESU KA. "Aren't you going?"

ITTA NO DEWA NAIN DESU KA. "Didn't you go?"

TAKAI NO DEWA NAIN DESU KA. "Isn't it expensive?"

IKITAI NO DEWA NAIN DESU KA. "Don't you want to go?"
A O B TO MACHIGAERU

The expression A O B TO MACHIGAERU means you mistake A for B where you can replace A or B with any word.

Examples:

WATAKUSHI WA ANO HITO O ONNA TO MACHIGAEMASHITA. "I mistook him for a girl."

SEITO WA YOKU KURU O IKU TO MACHIGAEMASU. "Students often mistake KURU (to come) for IKU (to go)."

KESA ROKUJI O SHICHIJI TO MACHIGAETE ICHIJIKAN HAYAKU OKIMASHITA. "This morning I mistook 6 o'clock for 7 o'clock and got up one hour earlier."
Tentative form + TO SURU*

An informal tentative form of verbs + TO SURU means 'be about to ---,' 'to try to ---,' or 'make as if to ---.' It often occurs in the middle of a sentence, followed by a statement of what prevented the completion of the action.

Examples:

DEYOO TO SHITA TOKI NI, AME GA FURI-HAJIMEMASHITA. "It started to rain just as I was about to go out."

MADO O AKEYOO TO SHIMASHITA GA, AKIMASEN DESHITA. "I tried to open the window, but it didn't open."

JIBUN DAKE DE TSUKUROO TO SURU TO, MUZUKASHII DESU. "It will be difficult, if you try to make it by yourself alone."

Following is the TENTATIVE form of the verbs for your reference.

To make the informal equivalent:

Vowel verbs: drop the final -ru of the basic form and add -yoo

Consonant Verbs: drop the final -u of the basic form and add -oo.

Irregular verbs: kuru - koyoo; suru - shiyoo

* Note: The tentative form is another term for the conjectural form.

Informal Non-Past: Basic Form | Tentative: Informal | Tentative: Formal
akeru (to open) | akeyoo | akemashoo
taberu (to eat) | tabeyoo | tabemashoo
iru (to be) | iyoo | imashoo

Informal Non-Past: Basic Form | Tentative: Informal | Tentative: Formal
yomu (to read) | yomoo | yomimashoo
kau (to buy) | kaoo | kaimashoo
kaeru (to return) | kaeroo | kaerimashoo
TADA --- SUREBA II

The expression TADA plus BA-form of verbs or conditional form plus II, expresses the idea of 'the only thing one has to do is ---' or 'one only has to do ---.'

Examples:

SEITO WA TADA BENKYOO SUREBA II NO DESU. "The only thing students have to do is to study."

ANATAGATA WA TADA KIITE IREBA II NO DESU. "You only have to listen."

TADA SHIKEN NI TOOREBA II NO DESU. "You only have to pass the examination."

TADA OKANE O OKUREBA II NO DESU. "The only thing you have to do is to send the money."
Expressions involving two or more interrogative pronouns.

DORE GA DOKO NI IKU KA. "Which one goes where?"

DARE GA ITSU KURU KA. "Who comes when?"

NANJI NI DOKO E IKU KA. "Go where at what time?"
Notes on TAIHEN DESU (DA)

TAIHEN DA or TAIHEN DESU is used as a predicate. Some English equivalents are '--- is a nuisance,' 'What a fix to be in!' 'What a mess!,' '---is terrible,' etc. TAIHEN is also used as an adverb meaning 'awfully,' 'very,' 'terribly.'
いよいよ
at last, finally
ひっこし
moving, change of address
だ
to be (informal equivalent of DESU. See Grammar Notes)
そう
numerical counter for ships
です
to be (See Gram. Notes)
ね。
isn't it (See Grammar Notes)
ええ、
Yes
二
two
の
See Grammar Notes
が
but (See Gram. Notes)
から、
from (See Gram. Notes)
今週
this week
頃
approximate point of time (See Gram. Notes)
ひっこす
to move (v.i.)
ましょう
let's (See Gram. Notes)
か。
either--or-- (See Gram. Notes)
ます
trout
しょう
award, reward
人夫
laborer, coolie
十
ten
名
name
ばかり
about
に
on (See Gram. Notes)
店
store, shop
たのむ
to ask, request
で
--is and -- (See Grammar Notes)
は
leaves
軍
army, military
トラック
truck

Directing movers around the house · Dialogue 2 of 3

Directions inside the house

The person in charge will unpack. The family must remain nearby and direct the workers.

*ただ 人夫に さしずすれば いいのですね* means "you only have to give instructions to the workers, isn't that so?"

Two details in one question

*どれが どこに 行くか* means "what goes where". The two interrogatives ask which item and which destination.

One embedded question can contain two or more interrogatives. Each asks for its own part of the information.

Kanji: 積, 責, 任

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

  1. 7

    それでは、にをトラックにつんだり、トラックからおろしたりするしんぱいはないんですね。

    Then, you'll have no worry about loading _ the truck and unloading _ the truck, will you?

  2. 8

    かかりのひとがせきにんをもってやってくれます。

    The person in charge will take the responsibility for doing it.

  3. 9

    にをとくのもそのひとのせきにんですか。

    Is it his responsibility to unpack?

  4. 10

    そうですが、それはわたくしがそばにいてさしずします。

    That's right, but I will stand by him and give instructions myself.

  5. 11

    おくさんかあなたがいて、どれがどこにいくか、ただにんぶにさしずすればいいのですね。

    Either you or your wife will have to stay home and give instructions to the workers about what goes where, isn't that so?

  6. 12

    そうです。いま、しょさい、しょくどう、にかいというようにね。

    That's right. Like living room, study, dining room, and upstairs, and so on.

は、
leaves
荷
load, luggage, cargo
を
particle denoting direct object (See Pattern Drill)
から
from (See Gram. Notes)
人
people
責任
responsibility
ます。
trout
そば
vicinity
し
city
どれ
which (of three or more) (See Grammar Notes)
ただ
merely
いい
good (See Gram. Notes)
居間、
parlor, living room
食堂、
dining hall, dining room
と
and (See Gram. Notes)
言う
to say

Avoiding mistakes while moving · Dialogue 3 of 3

A moving mistake

The speakers warn against sending an upstairs item to the downstairs living room. Moving it again without help would be difficult.

One speaker therefore offers help for the weekend. The other accepts with *では お願いいたします*, meaning "Please."

A terrible result

*そうなると 大変ですよ* means "If it turns out like that, it will be terrible." Here *大変* is the predicate.

Kanji: 移

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

Kanji: 願

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

  1. 13

    にかいにいくのをしたのいまにいくのとまちがえると、あとでこまりますからね。

    Because if you mistake the one that goes upstairs for the one that goes to the parlor downstairs, you'll be in an awkward position later.

  2. 14

    そうです。そうなるとたいへんですよ。あとでじぶんたちだけでうつそうとするとたいへんですよ。

    That's right. If it turns out like that, it will be terrible. It will be terrible if you try to move it just by yourself later on.

  3. 15

    とにかくこんしゅうまつはなにもしていないのですから、おてつだいしますよ。

    Well, anyway, since I am not doing anything this weekend, I'll give you a hand.

  4. 16

    すみませんね。ではおねがいいたします。

    Much obliged. Please.

居間
parlor, living room
です。
to be (See Gram. Notes)
自分
self
だけ
only, just (See Grammar Notes)
すみ
inside corner

Asking negative questions · Perception drill, Block 1

A question that checks an assumption

*学校へ 行くのではないんですか* means "Aren't you going to school?" The ending checks an assumption about the action.

*のではないんですか* follows the plain non-past or past form of a verb, an I-adjective, or endings such as *TAI* and *NAI*.

Present and past assumptions

*今日は いそがしいのではないんですか* means "Aren't you busy today?" The ending follows the I-adjective *いそがしい*.

For a past action, the verb takes its plain past form. *あなたは 昨日 田村さんに あったのではないんですか* means "Didn't you meet Mr. Tamura yesterday?"

  1. 17

    がっこうへいくのではないんですか。

    Aren't you going to school?

  2. 18

    あのかたはもうねたのではないんですか。

    Hasn't he gone to sleep already?

  3. 19

    きょうはいそがしいのではないんですか。

    Aren't you busy today?

  4. 20

    ジョンズさんはにほんへいくのではないんですか。

    Isn't Mr. Jones going to Japan?

  5. 21

    あたらしいくるまをかうのではないんですか。

    Aren't you going to buy a new car?

  6. 22

    あなたはきのうたむらさんにあったのではないんですか。

    Didn't you meet Mr. Tamura yesterday?

  7. 23

    もうたべたのではないんですか。

    Haven't you eaten already?

  8. 24

    おそくかえるとわるいのではないんですか。

    Isn't it bad to come home late?

  9. 25

    もうかえらなければならないのではないんですか。

    Don't you have to go home now?

へ
to (See Gram. Notes)
もう
already (See Gram. Notes)
ね
isn't it (See Grammar Notes)
今日
today
いそがしい
busy
車
vehicle, car
買う
to buy
昨日
yesterday
おそく
late (adverbial form of OSOI, be late, be slow)
なら
if it is (See Gram. Notes)

Mistaking one thing for another · Perception drill, Block 2

Mistaking A for B

*私は A を B と まちがえました* means "I mistook A for B." The pattern is A *を* B *と まちがえる*.

A and B can be words or actions. A is the item identified incorrectly, and B is the mistaken identity.

The result of a mistake

*私は 六時を 七時と まちがえて、 一時間 早く おきました* means "I mistook six o'clock for seven o'clock and got up an hour early."

  1. 26

    にかいへもっていくのをしたのいまへもっていくのとまちがえました。

    I mistook taking it upstairs for taking it to the parlor downstairs.

  2. 27

    わたくしはAをBとまちがえました。

    I mistook A for B.

  3. 28

    わたくしはAをBとおもいました。

    I thought A was B.

  4. 29

    わたくしはきんようびをどようびとまちがえました。

    I mistook Friday for Saturday.

  5. 30

    わたくしはきんようびをどようびとおもいました。

    I thought Friday was Saturday.

  6. 31

    わたくしはおんなのべんじょをおとこのべんじょとまちがえました。

    I mistook the women's restroom for the men's restroom.

  7. 32

    わたくしはおんなのべんじょをおとこのべんじょとおもいました。

    I thought the women's restroom was the men's restroom.

  8. 33

    わたくしはろくじをしちじとまちがえて、いちじかんはやくおきました。

    I mistook six o'clock for seven o'clock and got up an hour early.

  9. 34

    わたくしはろくじをしちじとおもって、いちじかんはやくおきました。

    I thought six o'clock was seven o'clock and got up an hour early.

  10. 35

    せいとはひらがなの「る」を「ろ」とよくまちがえます。

    Students often mistake the hiragana 'ru' for 'ro.'

  11. 36

    せいとはよくひらがなの「る」を「ろ」とおもいます。

    Students often think the hiragana 'ru' is 'ro.'

女
female
便所
toilet
男
male
六
six
時
time
七
seven
一
one
時間
hour, time
ひらがな
HIRAGANA syllabary
よく
well, skillfully

Trying and being about to · Perception drill, Block 3

Trying an action

*まどを あけようとしたが、 あかなかった* means "I tried to open the window, but it would not open."

The informal tentative form plus *と する* means "try to do" or "be about to do". A later clause often states what prevented completion.

About to act

*昨晩 ねようとした 時に、 友だちが 来ました* means "A friend came when I was about to go to sleep."

A vowel verb drops final *ru* and adds *yoo*. A consonant verb drops final *u* and adds *oo*.

  1. 37

    じぶんだけでうつそうとするとたいへんです。

    It's terrible if you attempt to move just by yourself.

  2. 38

    さくばんねようとしたときに、ともだちがきました。

    A friend came when I was about to go to sleep.

  3. 39

    じぶんひとりでがいこくごをならおうとすると、たいへんむずかしいです。

    It is very difficult if you try to learn a foreign language by yourself.

  4. 40

    まどをあけようとしたが、あかなかった。

    I tried to open the window, but it would not open.

  5. 41

    にほんのしんぶんをよもうとしたが、よめませんでした。

    I tried to read a Japanese newspaper, but I could not read it.

  6. 42

    さくばんいえをでようとしたとき、ともだちがあそびにきた。

    Last night, just as I was about to leave the house, a friend came to visit.

  7. 43

    ゆうごはんをたべようとしたとき、たなかさんがきた。

    Just as I was about to eat dinner, Mr. Tanaka came.

  8. 44

    いえへかえろうとしたときにあめがふりはじめた。

    Just as I was about to go home, it began to rain.

に、
on (See Gram. Notes)
一人
one person
むずかしい
difficult
家
house, home
雨
rain

Saying what is sufficient · Perception drill, Block 4

The only necessary action

*ただ さしずすればいいのです* means "You only have to give instructions."

*ただ* plus a conditional verb form and *いい* states that the named action is all that is necessary.

Different sufficient actions

*あなたは ただ 見ていればいいのです* means "You only have to watch."

The action can also be payment. *私は ただ お金を はらえばいいのです* means "I only have to pay the money."

  1. 45

    たださしずすればいいのです。

    You only have to give instructions.

  2. 46

    あなたはただこしかけてきいていればいいのです。

    You only have to sit down and listen.

  3. 47

    このがっこうのせいとはただべんきょうすればいいのです。

    The students at this school only have to study.

  4. 48

    あなたがたはただにほんごをならえばいいのです。

    You only have to learn Japanese.

  5. 49

    あなたはただみていればいいのです。

    You only have to watch.

  6. 50

    わたくしはただおかねをはらえばいいのです。

    I only have to pay the money.

Checking assumptions about actions · Pattern 1 1 of 2

Assumptions about actions

The ending *のではないんですか* checks an action in *それを 持って 行くのではないんですか*, "Aren't you taking that with you?"

A plain past verb checks a completed action. *日本へ 行ったのではないんですか* means "Didn't you go to Japan?"

Assumptions about wishes and states

*それが ほしいのではないんですか* means "Don't you want it?" The ending follows the I-adjective *ほしい*.

It also follows another I-adjective in *まだ 少し 早いのでは ないんですか*, meaning "Isn't it still a little early?"

  1. 51

    それをもっていくのではないんですか。

    Aren't you taking that with you?

  2. 52

    にほんへいったのではないんですか。

    Didn't you go to Japan?

  3. 53

    それがほしいのではないんですか。

    Don't you want it?

  4. 54

    こんばんもはたらくのではないんですか。

    Aren't you working tonight too?

  5. 55

    あのひとにたのんだのではないんですか。

    Didn't you ask that person?

  6. 56

    おこさんをつれていくのではないんですか。

    Aren't you taking your child with you?

  7. 57

    たなかさんはにほんへいらっしゃったのではないんですか。

    Didn't Mr. Tanaka go to Japan?

  8. 58

    まだすこしはやいのではないんですか。

    Isn't it still a little early?

ほしい
want, wish (See Grammar Notes)
まだ
yet, still
少し
little (quantity)

Checking health and unfinished work · Pattern 1 2 of 2

A suspected condition

*あなたは かおが 少し 赤いが、 ねつが ある のではないんですか* means "Your face is a little red. Don't you have a fever?"

The ending *のではないんですか* checks the suspected fever. The reply says that a slight fever seems likely.

A suspected completion

*明日の 宿題を すませたのでは ないんですか* means "Haven't you finished tomorrow's homework?" The plain past form checks an assumed completion.

The reply *今から 始めるところです* rejects the assumption. The speaker is only starting now.

  1. 59

    それはからだにわるいのではないんですか。

    Isn't that bad for your health?

  2. 60

    あなたはかおがすこしあかいが、ねつがあるのではないんですか。

    Your face is a little red; don't you have a fever?

  3. 61

    ええ、すこしねつがあるらしいです。

    Yes, it seems I have a slight fever.

  4. 62

    あしたのしゅくだいをすませたのではないんですか。

    Haven't you finished tomorrow's homework?

  5. 63

    いいえ、いまからはじめるところです。

    No, I am just about to start it.

  6. 64

    あのひとはみみがとおいのではないんですか。

    Isn't that person hard of hearing?

  7. 65

    とおいんですよ。だから、おおきいこえではなさないと、きこえないんです。

    He is hard of hearing. So if you don't speak in a loud voice, he can't hear you.

体
body, health
かお
face
ねつ
fever
ある
certain, some
明日
tomorrow
宿題
homework
ところ
place (See Gram. Notes)
遠い
far
声
voice
と、
and (See Gram. Notes)

Mistaking objects and people · Pattern 2 1 of 2

Mistaken people and objects

*私は 山田さんの 奥さんを 山本さんの 奥さんと まちがえました* means "I mistook Mrs. Yamada for Mrs. Yamamoto."

The A *を* B *と まちがえる* pattern applies here to two people.

Mistaken characters and actions

*「休」と 言う かん字を 「体」と 言う かん字と まちがえた* means "I mistook the kanji 'rest' for the kanji 'body.'"

The same pattern applies to actions in *たすのを ひくのと まちがえた*, meaning "I mistook addition for subtraction."

  1. 66

    にかいへいくのをしたのいまへいくのとまちがえました。

    I mistook going upstairs for going to the living room downstairs.

  2. 67

    わたくしはやまださんのおくさんをやまもとさんのおくさんとまちがえました。

    I mistook Mrs. Yamada for Mrs. Yamamoto.

  3. 68

    「きゅう」というかんじを「たい」というかんじとまちがえた。

    I mistook the kanji 'rest' for the kanji 'body.'

  4. 69

    たすのをひくのとまちがえた。

    I mistook addition for subtraction.

  5. 70

    せいとはよく「いく」を「くる」とまちがえる。

    Students often mistake 'go' for 'come.'

  6. 71

    わたくしはあのひとのおべんとうをわたくしのとまちがえてたべた。

    I mistook that person's boxed lunch for mine and ate it.

  7. 72

    すきやきをりょうりするとき、おしおをさとうとまちがえた。

    When I was cooking sukiyaki, I mistook the salt for sugar.

か
either--or-- (See Gram. Notes)
「体」
body, health
たす
to add (v.t.)
ひく
to subtract (v.t.)
べんとう
box lunch
すきやき
SUKIYAKI
時、
time
しお
salt
さとう
sugar

Explaining mistaken identities · Pattern 2 2 of 2

A mistaken time

*ええ、 実は 六時半を 七時半と まちがえて、 一時間 早く 来たんです* means "Yes, as a matter of fact, I mistook six-thirty for seven-thirty and came an hour early."

The mistake pattern identifies the two times. The TE-form connects the mistake to its result.

A mistaken possession

*私は 昨日 友だちの えんぴつを 私のと まちがえて、 家へ 持って帰ったんです* means "Yesterday I mistook my friend's pencil for mine and took it home."

  1. 73

    わたくしはスミスさんをにほんじんとまちがえた。

    I mistook Mr. Smith for a Japanese person.

  2. 74

    そうですか。あのひとはにほんじんによくにているからね。

    Is that so? He looks very much like a Japanese person.

  3. 75

    あなたはけさずいぶんはやくがっこうへきたんですね。

    You came to school very early this morning, didn't you?

  4. 76

    ええ、じつはろくじはんをしちじはんとまちがえて、いちじかんはやくきたんです。

    Yes, as a matter of fact, I mistook six-thirty for seven-thirty and came an hour early.

  5. 77

    わたくしはきのうともだちのえんぴつをわたくしのとまちがえて、いえへもってかえったんです。

    Yesterday I mistook my friend's pencil for mine and took it home.

  6. 78

    わたくしもそんなことをしたことがあります。

    I have done that kind of thing too.

いる
to need (See Gram. Notes)
今朝
this morning
ずい分
very much

Trying difficult actions · Pattern 3 1 of 2

An attempt that fails

*まどを あけようとしたが、 あける事が 出来なかった* means "I tried to open the window, but I could not."

The tentative form plus *とする* marks the attempt. The rest of the sentence states its failure.

An attempt that is difficult

*一日に かん字を 二十 習おうとすると 大変です* means "It is hard if you try to learn twenty kanji a day."

Here *大変です* describes the difficult result of the attempt.

  1. 79

    じぶんだけでならおうとすると、たいへんです。

    If you try to learn by yourself, it will be terrible.

  2. 80

    いちにちにかんじをにじゅうならおうとするとたいへんです。

    It is hard if you try to learn twenty kanji a day.

  3. 81

    おきようとしたが、おきることはできなかった。

    I tried to get up, but I could not.

  4. 82

    まどをあけようとしたが、あけることができなかった。

    I tried to open the window, but I could not.

  5. 83

    たとうとしたが、たてなかった。

    I tried to stand up, but I could not.

  6. 84

    ひとりでがいこくごをべんきょうしようとするのはむりです。

    It is impossible to try to study a foreign language by yourself.

二十
20
が、
but (See Gram. Notes)
おきる
to rise, get up (v.i.)

Trying but failing · Pattern 3 2 of 2

Trying but not succeeding

*家の中に はいろうとしましたが、 ドアが しまっていて、 はいれませんでした* means "I tried to enter the house, but the door was closed and I could not get in."

The tentative form plus *としました* marks the attempt. The closed door prevents its completion.

Not making the effort

*あの生徒は 言葉を おぼえようとしないのですね* means "That student isn't trying to learn the language, is he?"

The negative *しない* states that the student makes no attempt.

  1. 85

    いえのなかにはいろうとしましたが、ドアがしまっていて、はいれませんでした。

    I tried to enter the house, but the door was closed and I could not get in.

  2. 86

    かぎをもっていなかったのですね。

    You didn't have a key, did you?

  3. 87

    まだしゅくだいをすませていないのですか。

    Haven't you finished your homework yet?

  4. 88

    ええ、けさまでにすませようとしましたが、すませることができませんでした。

    Yes, I tried to finish it by this morning, but I could not finish it.

  5. 89

    あのせいとはことばをおぼえようとしないのですね。

    That student isn't trying to learn the language, is he?

  6. 90

    ええ、ことばをおぼえていないから、せんせいのしつもんがわからないのです。

    No, since he hasn't learned the language, he doesn't understand the teacher's questions.

まで
as far as, to (See Gram. Notes)
しつもん
question

Saying what is enough · Pattern 4 1 of 2

One sufficient action

*あなたは ただ ついて 行けば いい* means "You only have to follow along."

The *ただ* pattern presents following along as the only necessary action.

One sufficient ability

*いいえ、 ただ 読めれば いい* means "No, you only have to be able to read it."

The answer limits the requirement to reading and excludes writing.

  1. 91

    ただみていればいいのです。

    You only have to watch.

  2. 92

    あなたはただきいていればいい。

    You only have to listen.

  3. 93

    せいとはただべんきょうすればいい。

    The students only have to study.

  4. 94

    あなたはただついていけばいい。

    You only have to follow along.

  5. 95

    あなたはただはなすことができればいいのです。

    You only have to be able to speak.

  6. 96

    ただあのひとにあえばいい。

    You only have to meet that person.

  7. 97

    こどもはただあそべばいい。

    Children only have to play.

  8. 98

    わたくしたちはこのかんじをかくのをならわなければならないのですか。

    Do we have to learn to write this kanji?

  9. 99

    いいえ、ただよめればいい。

    No, you only have to be able to read it.

Asking what must be done · Pattern 4 2 of 2

A limited obligation

The question *私も 手つだわなければ なりませんか* asks whether the speaker must also help.

The reply uses the *ただ* pattern. *あなたは ただ さしずしていれば いいのです* limits the duty to giving directions.

Listening is enough

*私も たって 話さなければ ならないのですか* asks whether standing and speaking are required.

In *ただ こしかけて 聞いていれば いい*, remaining seated and listening are enough.

  1. 100

    わたくしもてつだわなければなりませんか。

    Do I have to help too?

  2. 101

    いいえ、あなたはたださしずしていればいいのです。

    No, you only have to give directions.

  3. 102

    わたくしもたってはなさなければならないのですか。

    Do I have to stand up and speak too?

  4. 103

    いいえ、ただこしかけてきいていればいい。

    No, you only have to sit and listen.

  5. 104

    にほんごをならうせいとはかんじをせんぐらいならわなければなりませんか。

    Do students learning Japanese have to learn about a thousand kanji?

  6. 105

    ちいさいこどもはまいにちはたらかなければならないのですか。

    Do small children have to work every day?

  7. 106

    あなたがたはまいばんごじかんべんきょうしなければなりませんか。

    Do you have to study five hours every night?

  8. 107

    あなたがたはいっしゅうかんになのかがっこうへいかなければなりませんか。

    Do you have to go to school seven days a week?

  9. 108

    ぐんじんはいてんするときには、じぶんでにづくりしなければなりませんか。

    When military personnel move, do they have to pack their belongings themselves?

千
1,000
ぐらい
about
五
five

Moving with military help · Reading Selection 1 of 2

Military help with the move

Colonel Clark will move after the upstairs addition is completed. Military workers and trucks will handle loading, transport, unloading, and unpacking.

The person in charge has responsibility for the work. Colonel Clark or his wife remains nearby to give directions.

Which item goes where

The two interrogatives in *どの荷物がどこに行くか* ask which belonging goes where.

Their only task is to identify each belonging and its destination for the workers.

  1. 109

    クラークたいさはかりたいえのにかいのたてましが、おわったのでいよいよこんしゅうまつひっこすことになりました。

    Since the addition to the second floor of the house Colonel Clark rented has been completed, he is finally going to move this weekend.

  2. 110

    クラークさんはぐんじんですからうんそうてんにたのまなくてもいいのです。

    Since Mr. Clark is in the military, he does not have to hire a moving company.

  3. 111

    ほきゅうしょうのほうからにんぷをじゅうめいばかりつれてきて、ぐんのトラックではこんでくれるのですから、じぶんでにもつをつんだり、トラックからおろしたりするしんぱいはないのです。

    Since about ten laborers will be brought from the quartermaster depot and will move his belongings in army trucks, he does not have to worry about loading or unloading them himself.

  4. 112

    このたびはそうこからはこぶにもつがおおいので、にをとくのがおもなしごとです。

    This time there are many belongings to be brought from the warehouse, so unpacking is the main job.

  5. 113

    にをとくのもかかりのひとがせきにんをもってやってくれるので、クラークさんかおくさんがそばにいて、どのにもつがどこにいくか、たださしず

    Since the person in charge will also take responsibility for unpacking, either Mr. Clark or his wife only has to stay nearby and give directions about where each item should go.

荷物
luggage, baggage, load
そうこ
warehouse
運ぶ
to transport, carry
どの
which (pre-substantive) (See Notes)

Preventing misplaced belongings · Reading Selection 2 of 2

Careful directions prevent trouble

A belonging for upstairs might be mistaken for one meant for the downstairs living room. The mistake pattern appears in *まちがえたり*.

The Clarks must therefore take care when directing the workers.

Moving the item again

*後で自分たちだけで荷物を移そうとすると、大変です* means "It would be very difficult if they tried to move the belongings by themselves later."

The tentative form plus *と する* marks the attempted action.

  1. 114

    すればいいのです。

    That is all they have to do.

  2. 115

    もしにかいへいくのをしたのいまへいくのとまちがえたりすると、あとでたいへんこまるので、さしずするときには、きをつけなければなりません。

    If they mistake something meant for upstairs for something meant for the downstairs living room, it will cause a great deal of trouble later, so they must be careful when giving directions.

  3. 116

    あとでじぶんたちだけでにもつをうつそうとすると、たいへんです。

    It would be very difficult if they tried to move the belongings by themselves later.

  4. 117

    クラークさんたちはながいあいだぐんにいて、いてんにはなれていますから、たぶんそんなまちがいはないでしょう。

    The Clarks have been in the military for a long time and are used to moving, so they probably will not make that kind of mistake.

もし
if
でしょう。
probably (See Gram. Notes)

Questions about moving arrangements · Questions 1 of 2

The moving arrangements

These questions ask when Colonel Clark moves, whether the addition is complete, who transports the belongings, and which work is central.

*このたびは どんな 仕事が おもですか* means "What is the main job this time?" An answer names unpacking as the main job.

  1. 118

    クラークたいさはいつひっこすことになりましたか。

    When is Colonel Clark going to move?

  2. 119

    クラークたいさのかりたいえのにかいのたてましはおわりましたか。

    Has the addition to the second floor of the house Colonel Clark rented been completed?

  3. 120

    クラークさんはうんそうてんにたのまなくてはなりませんでしたか。

    Did Mr. Clark have to hire a moving company?

  4. 121

    だれがにもつをはこんでくれますか。

    Who will move his belongings for him?

  5. 122

    クラークさんはじぶんでにもつをトラックにつんだり、トラックからおろしたりするしんぱいはありませんか。

    Does Mr. Clark have to worry about loading his belongings onto the truck and unloading them himself?

  6. 123

    このたびはどんなしごとがおもですか。

    What is the main job this time?

いつ
when?
だれ
who?
どんな
what kind of; what sort of

Questions about moving responsibilities · Questions 2 of 2

Responsibilities during the move

These questions ask who unpacks, what the Clarks must do, and why they must direct the workers carefully.

*クラークふさいは どうすれば いいのですか* means "What do Mr. and Mrs. Clark have to do?" An answer names staying nearby and giving directions.

Another answer explains that moving misplaced belongings without help would be difficult.

  1. 124

    にをとくのはだれがせきにんをもってやりますか。

    Who will take responsibility for unpacking?

  2. 125

    クラークふさいはどうすればいいのですか。

    What do Mr. and Mrs. Clark have to do?

  3. 126

    なぜさしずするときにきをつけなければなりませんか。

    Why must they be careful when giving directions?

  4. 127

    あとでじぶんたちだけでにもつをうつそうとするとたいへんですか。

    Would it be difficult if they tried to move the belongings by themselves later?

  5. 128

    クラークさんたちはそんなまちがいはないでしょうか。

    The Clarks probably will not make that kind of mistake, will they?

  6. 129

    なぜでしょうか。

    Why not?

ふさい
Mr. and Mrs.
なぜ
why?
でしょう
probably (See Gram. Notes)

Moving services and workers · Word list 1 of 3

People and transport for a move

These words cover moving services, military help, workers, and transport.

*運送店* means "transfer company", *人夫* means "laborer", and *トラック* means "truck".

The related pair *ひっこし* and *ひっこす* names moving and the action "to move".

  1. 130

    いてん(する)

    moving (to move)

  2. 131

    ひっこし

    moving, change of address

  3. 132

    ひっこす

    to move (v.i.)

  4. 133

    ほきゅうしょう

    quartermaster depot

  5. 134

    にんぷ

    laborer, coolie

  6. 135

    --めい

    counter for counting men

  7. 136

    ばかり

    about

  8. 137

    うんそうてん

    transfer company

  9. 138

    たのむ

    to ask, request

  10. 139

    --のではないんですか

    aren't you --- (See Grammar Notes)

  11. 140

    ぐん

    army, military

  12. 141

    トラック

    truck

移転(する)
moving (to move)
ほきゅうしょう
quartermaster depot
--名
counter for counting men
運送店
transfer company
--のではないんですか
aren't you --- (See Grammar Notes)

Loading, unpacking and directing · Word list 2 of 3

Handling and directing a load

These words cover carrying, loading, unloading, unpacking, and directing workers.

*積む* means "to load", *おろす* means "to unload", and *荷をとく* means "to unpack".

The entries also collect the expressions for sufficient action, mistaken identity, attempted action, and *大変です*, meaning "It's terrible."

  1. 142

    はこぶ

    to transport, carry

  2. 143

    に

    load, luggage, cargo

  3. 144

    つむ

    to load, pile up

  4. 145

    おろす

    to unload, take down

  5. 146

    せきにん

    responsibility

  6. 147

    にをとく

    to unpack

  7. 148

    さしずする

    to direct, instruct, order

  8. 149

    ただ--すればいい

    The only thing you have to do is ---, You only have to --- (See Gram. Notes)

  9. 150

    --を--とまちがえる

    to mistake --- for --- (See Gram. Notes)

  10. 151

    どれがどこにいくか

    What goes where (See Grammar Notes)

  11. 152

    たいへんです

    It's terrible, it's catastrophic (See Grammar Notes)

  12. 153

    --そうとする

    to try to, about to (See Grammar Notes)

積む
to load, pile up
おろす
to unload, take down
荷をとく
to unpack
さしずする
to direct, instruct, order
ただ--すればいい
The only thing you have to do is ---, You only have to --- (See Gram. Notes)
--を--とまちがえる
to mistake --- for --- (See Gram. Notes)
どれがどこに行くか
What goes where (See Grammar Notes)
大変です
It's terrible, it's catastrophic (See Grammar Notes)
--そうとする
to try to, about to (See Grammar Notes)

Packing and military transfers · Word list 3 of 3

Packing and repeated transfers

These words cover packing, becoming accustomed to moves, and changing military posts.

*荷作りする* means "to pack", *なれる* means "to get accustomed", and *転任* means "transfer".

*私は 移転には なれています* means "I am used to moving." The remaining lines describe frequent military transfers and quick packing.

  1. 154

    うつす

    to move, relocate, shift

  2. 155

    すみません

    I am sorry, much obliged

  3. 156

    なれる

    to get used to, get accustomed

  4. 157

    にづくりする

    to pack

  5. 158

    どうしても

    whether willing or not, by all means

  6. 159

    どちらかというと

    If I may say so, rather

  7. 160

    てんにん(する)

    change of post, transfer (to transfer)

  8. 161

    わたくしはいてんにはなれています。

    I am used to moving.

  9. 162

    わたくしはにづくりするのも、とくのもはやいです。

    I am quick at packing and unpacking.

  10. 163

    ぐんにいると、にさんねんにいちどはどうしてもてんにんです。

    I have to change posts once in two or three years whether willing or not, if I stay in the Army.

  11. 164

    にほんでは、どちらかというと、てんにんはすくないほうです。

    In Japan, changing of posts is rather rare.

Guide for Free Conversation

1. Talk about your experience in moving from one post to another.

2. Converse with your classmates about moving from one post to another.

a. transferred from where to where

b. means of transportation

c. how household goods are transferred

d. about packing and unpacking, etc.
Homework

1. Memorize the Dialogue and study the vocabulary.

2. Study the Pattern Drills.

3. Learn to read and write the new kanji.

4. Read the Explanatory Notes.

5. Use the guide given for practice in free conversation.
移す
to move, relocate, shift
すみません
I am sorry, much obliged
なれる
to get used to, get accustomed
荷作りする
to pack
どうしても
whether willing or not, by all means
どちらかと言うと
If I may say so, rather
転任(する)
change of post, transfer (to transfer)
私は移転にはなれています。
"I am used to moving."
私は荷作りするのも、とくのも早いです。
"I am quick at packing and unpacking."
軍に居ると、二三年に一度はどうしても転任です。
"I have to change posts once in two or three years whether willing or not, if I stay in the Army."
日本では、どちらかと言うと、転任は少ない方です。
"In Japan, changing of posts is rather rare."

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.