Japanese Basic Course 1732 Studios

Japanese · Lesson 62

Lesson 62

Kanji and everyday Japanese

171 lines

Comparing express train services · Dialogue 1 of 4

Two express services

A traveler asks which trains run from Tokyo toward the Kansai area.

*特急 こだまと ちょう特急 ひかりが 走っています* names the special express Kodama and the super special express Hikari.

Different numbers of stops

*ちょう特急は 東京駅から 新大阪駅まで 行くのに、 名古屋と 京都にしか とまりません* means the super express stops only at Nagoya and Kyoto.

The special express stops at ten stations on the way.

Kanji: 列, 急

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

  1. 1

    かんさいちほうにりょこうするのに、どんなれっしゃがありますか。

    What kind of trains are there to travel to the Kansai area?

    かんKansai
    西Kansai
    地方region
    にto
    旅行travel
    するdo
    のfor
    に、for
    どんなwhat kind
    列車train
    がsubject
    ありexist
    ますpolite
    か。question
  2. 2

    とうかいどうしんかんせんととうかいどうほんせんがあります。

    There are the Tookaidoo New Trunk Line and the Tookaidoo Trunk Line.

  3. 3

    しんかんせんにはどんなれっしゃがはしっているのですか。

    What kind of trains run on the Tookaidoo New Trunk Line?

  4. 4

    とっきゅうこだまとちょうとっきゅうひかりがはしっています。

    The special express KODAMA and the super special express trains HIKARI.

  5. 5

    とっきゅうとちょうとっきゅうはどうちがいますか。

    How do special express trains and super express trains differ?

  6. 6

    ちょうとっきゅうはとうきょうえきからしんおおさかえきまでいくのに、なごやときょうとにしかとまりません。とっきゅうはとちゅうじゅうのえきにとまります。

    Super express trains stop only at NAGOYA and KYOTO going from Tokyo Station to the new Osaka Station. Special express trains stop at ten stations on the way.

DEKIRUDAKE + Adverbs 'as -- as possible'

DEKIRUDAKE followed by adverbs such as HAYAKU, TAKUSAN, YOKU, etc., expresses the idea of 'as quickly (much, well) as possible.' At times DEKIRUDAKE is followed by verbs and expresses the idea of 'do -- as much as possible.'

Examples:

DEKIRUDAKE YOKU BENKYOO SHITE KUDASAI. Please study as hard as possible.

DEKIRUDAKE TAKUSAN TABETE KUDASAI. Please eat as much as possible.

DEKIRUDAKE HAYAKU KITE KUDASAI. Please come as early as possible.

WATAKUSHI WA DEKIRUDAKE BENKYOO SHIMASU. I'll study as hard as possible.

DEKIRUDAKE YATTE MIMASU. I'll try as hard as possible.
--YOO NI SURU 'act in such a way that,' 'try to,' 'to do so that'

Following the basic form of verbs, both affirmative and negative, YOO NI SURU expresses the idea of "I act in

such a way that ---," "I try to ---," or "do so that ---."

Examples:

HAYAKU NETE HAYAKU OKIRU YOO NI SHIMASU. I'll try to go to bed early and get up early.

HAYAKU JOOZU NI NARU YOO NI SHITE IMASU. I'm trying to become proficient quickly.

ANMARI TABENAI YOO NI SHITE IMASU. I'm trying not to eat too much.

TSUKAWANAI YOO NI SHITE KUDASAI. Please try not to use it, or / Please don't use it.

ANMARI TABENAI YOO NI SHITE KUDASAI. Please try not to eat too much.
--BA II 'it's best to --'

Following the conditional base of verbs, BA II expresses the idea of 'it's best to do such and such.'

Examples:

AKABOO NI TANOMEBA II. It's best to ask a redcap.

DOO SUREBA II NO DESU KA. What is the best thing to do? / What should I do?

SORE WA SENSEI NI KIKEBA II. It's best to ask the teacher about it.

HAYAKU ISHA NI KAKAREBA II. It's best to be under a doctor's care early.
KO

Individual

For example, KOSHITSU means 'individual room' and KOJIN, 'individual person.'

Counter of things that don't have a classifier, such as MAI, HON, DAI, etc. With numerals it will be as follows:

IKKO

NIKO

SANKO

SHIKO or YONKO

GOKO

ROKKO

SHICHIKO or NANAKO

HACHIKO or HAKKO

KUKO or KYUUKO

JIKKO

JUU-IKKO and so on
--TOO

--TOO occurs with numerals of Series I (ichi, ni, san, etc.) to name classes as applied to train and boat travel, theater seats, etc.

ITTOO 1st class

NITOO 2nd class

SANTOO 3rd class

(higher numbers are rare with this meaning)

YONTOO or SHITOO

GOTOO

ROKUTOO

SHICHITOO or NANATOO

HACHITOO or HATTOO

KUTOO or KYUUTOO

JITTOO
西
west
地方
country, region
に
on (See Gram. Notes)
の
See Grammar Notes
どんな
what kind of; what sort of
が
but (See Gram. Notes)
ます
trout
か。
either--or-- (See Gram. Notes)
かん線
trunk line
と
and (See Gram. Notes)
は
leaves
いる
to need (See Gram. Notes)
です
to be (See Gram. Notes)
特急
special express (train)
駅
railroad station
から
from (See Gram. Notes)
まで
as far as, to (See Gram. Notes)
と中
on one's way
十
ten

Journey times and sleeper classes · Dialogue 2 of 4

Trains and sleeping cars

The speakers compare journey times, express services, and sleeping cars.

*寝台車も ありますか* means "Are there sleepers, too?"

Classes of travel

*一等、二等の 寝台車が あります* means "There are first-class sleepers and second-class sleepers."

*等* follows a numeral to name a class of train or boat travel or a class of theater seat.

*一等* is "first class" and *二等* is "second class". Higher numbers are rare with this meaning.

Kanji: 等

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

  1. 7

    とうきょうからおおさかまでなんじかんぐらいかかりますか。

    About how many hours does it take from Tokyo to Osaka?

  2. 8

    ちょうとっきゅうはさんじかん、とっきゅうはよじかんかかります。

    The super special express trains take three hours and the special express trains take four hours.

  3. 9

    にほんにはどんなしゅるいのきゅうこうれっしゃがありますか。

    What kinds of express trains are there in Japan?

  4. 10

    ちょうとっきゅう、とっきゅう、ふつうきゅうこう、およびじゅんきゅうがあります。

    There are super special express trains, special express trains, ordinary express trains, and also local express trains.

  5. 11

    しんだいしゃもありますか。

    Are there sleepers, too?

  6. 12

    いっとう、にとうのしんだいしゃがあります。

    There are first-class sleepers and second-class sleepers.

時間
hour, time
ぐらい
about
三
three
四
four
しゅるい
kind, sort
急行
express train
および
and also
寝台
bed
車
vehicle, car
一
one
二
two

Sleeper berths and train tickets · Dialogue 3 of 4

Berths, rooms, and tickets

First-class berths have two tiers, while second-class berths have three.

*一等には 個室も あります* means "In first class there also are individual rooms."

The traveler needs a train ticket and a special express ticket, obtained at the station ticket office.

An individual or a counted piece

In *個室*, *個* means "individual", so *個室* is "an individual room".

*個* is also a counter for things without another counter. *三個* means "three pieces".

Kanji: 個, 券

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

  1. 13

    それはどうちがいますか。

    How do they differ?

  2. 14

    いっとうはしんだいがにだんになっています。にとうはさんだんです。いっとうにはこしつもあります。

    As for first-class, the beds are in two tiers. As for second-class, they are in three tiers. In first-class there also are individual rooms.

  3. 15

    とっきゅうにのるのには、どんなきっぷがいりますか。

    What kinds of tickets do you need to get on special express trains?

  4. 16

    じょうしゃけんととくべつきゅうこうけんがいります。それはえきのしゅっさつじょでてにいれることができます。

    You need a train ticket and a special express ticket. You get them at the station ticket booth.

  5. 17

    「みどりのまどぐち」というのはなんですか。

    What is the so-called "Green Window?

  6. 18

    それはとっきゅうけん、しんだいけん、ざせきしていけんなどをせんもんにうっているまどぐちです。

    It's a window that sells special express tickets, berth tickets, and reserved seat tickets, and so on.

です。
to be (See Gram. Notes)
個室
individual room
のる
to get on, to ride
所
address, place
で
--is and -- (See Grammar Notes)
入れる
to put in, to insert (v.t.)
言う
to say
ざせき
seats
し
city
など
and so forth, etc.
を
particle denoting direct object (See Pattern Drill)
せんもん
specialty

Buying tickets before departure · Dialogue 4 of 4

Tickets before departure

Tickets go on sale one or two weeks before the train departs.

*出来るだけ 早く 買うように する方が いいでしょう* says it is probably better to try to buy them as early as possible.

A risk of selling out

*早く 買わなくては 売り切れる事が あるでしょうね* says tickets may sell out if they are not bought early.

Listen for *出来るだけ 早く*, "as early as possible", and *買うように する*, "try to buy".

  1. 19

    きっぷはじょうしゃびにかえますか。

    Can you buy train tickets on train boarding days?

  2. 20

    かえるでしょうが、れっしゃがでるいっしゅうかんまたはにしゅうかんまえからうりだしますから、できるだけはやくかうようにするほうがいいでしょう。

    You can probably buy them. It's probably better to try to buy them as early as possible, because they start selling them one or two weeks before the departure of the train.

  3. 21

    はやくかわなくてはうりきれることがあるでしょうね。

    I suppose there is possibility of tickets being sold out if you don't buy them early. Isn't that right?

  4. 22

    ええ、あります。

    Yes, that's right.

でしょう
probably (See Gram. Notes)
が、
but (See Gram. Notes)
前
before, front
出来る
to be manufactured; to be produced (v.i.)
だけ
only, just (See Grammar Notes)
買う
to buy
いい
good (See Gram. Notes)
売り切れる
to be sold out
ある
certain, some
ね。
isn't it (See Grammar Notes)
ええ、
Yes

Saying as much as possible · Perception drill, Block 1

As quickly as possible

*出来るだけ 早く 行きなさい* means "Go as quickly as possible."

*出来るだけ* before an adverb expresses the greatest possible extent, such as "as quickly" or "as much as possible".

Before a verb

*出来るだけ やってください* means "Please do as much as you can."

*出来るだけ* can also come before a verb and means to do the action as much as possible.

  1. 23

    できるだけはやくいきなさい。

    Go as quickly as possible.

  2. 24

    わたくしはできるだけたくさんかんじをならうつもりです。

    I intend to learn as many kanji as possible.

  3. 25

    できるだけやすいのをかってください。

    Please buy one that is as inexpensive as possible.

  4. 26

    できるだけわかいひとがほしいです。

    I want someone as young as possible.

  5. 27

    できるだけやってください。

    Please do as much as you can.

  6. 28

    できるだけおおきくかいてください。

    Please write as large as possible.

  7. 29

    できるだけみじかくきってください。

    Please cut it as short as possible.

ください。
please give me (See Gram. Notes)
人
people
ほしい
want, wish (See Grammar Notes)

Trying to change habits · Perception drill, Block 2

Trying to act

*もう少し 早く 行くようにします* means "I'll try to go a little earlier."

An affirmative or negative basic-form verb before *ようにする* expresses trying or making a point to act that way.

An ongoing effort

*私は この頃 あまり さけを 飲まないように しています* means "Lately, I have been trying not to drink much sake."

*ように しています* describes an effort in progress. The negative verb *飲まない* makes the effort one of avoidance.

  1. 30

    もうすこしはやくいくようにします。

    I'll try to go a little earlier.

  2. 31

    いくようにします。

    I'll try to go.

  3. 32

    いくようにしています。

    I am trying to go.

  4. 33

    いくようにしなさい。

    Try to go.

  5. 34

    わたくしはこのごろあまりさけをのまないようにしています。

    Lately, I have been trying not to drink much sake.

  6. 35

    きょうしつではできるだけにほんごではなすようにします。

    I will try to speak Japanese as much as possible in the classroom.

  7. 36

    あまりあまいものをたべないようにします。

    I will try not to eat too many sweets.

  8. 37

    わたくしはよるはやくねるようにしています。

    I make a point of going to bed early at night.

  9. 38

    できるだけかんじをつかうようにしなさい。

    Try to use kanji as much as possible.

  10. 39

    こんばんはできるだけはやくきてください。

    Please come as early as possible tonight.

もう
already (See Gram. Notes)
少し
little (quantity)
ます。
trout
この頃
these days, nowadays
あまい
sweet
夜
night, evening
ねる
to sleep
使う
to use, employ

Asking what should be done · Perception drill, Block 3

The best action

*赤ぼうに たのめばいい* means "It's best to ask a redcap."

A verb's conditional form followed by *ばいい* states the best action to take.

Asking what to do

*どうすれば いいのですか* means "What should I do?"

An answer replaces *どうすれば* with a specific conditional verb, as in *先生に 聞けば いい*, "you should ask the teacher".

  1. 40

    あかぼうにたのめばいい。

    It's best to ask a redcap.

  2. 41

    どうすればいいのですか。

    What should I do?

  3. 42

    あまりたべないようにすればいい。

    You should try not to eat too much.

  4. 43

    にほんごをもっとならいたければ、にほんへいけばいい。

    If you want to learn more Japanese, you should go to Japan.

  5. 44

    たかければかわなければいい。

    If it is expensive, you do not have to buy it.

  6. 45

    かんじのよみかたがわからなければ、せんせいにきけばいい。

    If you do not know how to read a kanji, you should ask the teacher.

いい。
good (See Gram. Notes)
もっと
more (See Gram. Notes)
へ
to (See Gram. Notes)

Requesting the greatest possible amount · Pattern 1 1 of 2

The greatest possible amount

*出来るだけ 沢山 食べてください* means "Please eat as much as you can."

The *出来るだけ* pattern can mark a requested quantity, quality, or action.

A stated intention

*出来るだけ 気を つけます* means "I will be as careful as possible."

The same pattern can state the speaker's intention, not only a request.

  1. 46

    できるだけたくさんたべてください。

    Please eat as much as you can.

  2. 47

    できるだけはやくおきてください。

    Please get up as early as possible.

  3. 48

    できるだけおおきくかいてください。

    Please write as large as possible.

  4. 49

    できるだけはやくきてください。

    Please come as early as possible.

  5. 50

    できるだけきをつけます。

    I will be as careful as possible.

  6. 51

    できるだけおおきいいえがほしいのです。

    I want as large a house as possible.

  7. 52

    できるだけたくさんかんじをならいたいのです。

    I want to learn as many kanji as possible.

家
house, home

Doing as much as you can · Pattern 1 2 of 2

As early as possible

*出来るだけ 早く 帰って 来るから、待っていてください* means "I will come back as early as possible, so please wait for me."

*出来るだけ* modifies *早く* to set the promised return at the earliest possible time.

As much as possible

*出来るだけ やりなさい* means "Do as many as you can."

Here *出来るだけ* stands before the verb and sets the greatest possible amount of work.

  1. 53

    なんじごろかえるのですか。

    About what time will you return?

  2. 54

    はっきりいえないが、できるだけはやくかえってくるから、まっていてください。

    I cannot say exactly, but I will come back as early as possible, so please wait for me.

  3. 55

    あしたのしゅくだいはできるだけたくさんかんじをつかってかきなさい。

    For tomorrow's homework, write using as many kanji as possible.

  4. 56

    はい、かしこまりました。

    Yes, certainly.

  5. 57

    せんせい、このもんだいはいちじかんでみなすませなければなりませんか。

    Teacher, do we have to finish all these problems in one hour?

  6. 58

    いや、みなすませなくてもいいが、できるだけやりなさい。

    No, you do not have to finish them all, but do as many as you can.

はっきり
clearly
から、
from (See Gram. Notes)
明日
tomorrow
宿題
homework
いや、
no

Making better daily habits · Pattern 2 1 of 2

A new effort

*もっと 早く 行くようにします* means "I'll try to go earlier."

A verb before *ようにする* states a new effort or habit.

Trying not to act

*教室では 英語を 使わないように します* means "I will try not to use English in the classroom."

A negative verb before *ように します* makes the effort one of avoidance.

  1. 59

    もっとはやくいくようにします。

    I'll try to go earlier.

  2. 60

    きょうしつではえいごをつかわないようにします。

    I will try not to use English in the classroom.

  3. 61

    あしたからもっとはやくおきるようにします。

    Starting tomorrow, I will try to get up earlier.

  4. 62

    これからはもっとはやくねるようにします。

    From now on, I will try to go to bed earlier.

  5. 63

    いまからあんまりあまいものをたべないようにします。

    From now on, I will try not to eat too many sweets.

  6. 64

    これからはそんなまちがいをしないようにします。

    From now on, I will try not to make that kind of mistake.

  7. 65

    まいばんいちじかんかんじをべんきょうするようにしなさい。

    Make a point of studying kanji for one hour every night.

おきる
to rise, get up (v.i.)

Avoiding repeated mistakes · Pattern 2 2 of 2

Not buying the same thing again

*もう こんな 安いくつは 買わないように します* means "I will try not to buy cheap shoes like these again."

The negative verb with *ように します* states a resolve after an unwanted result.

Avoiding another mistake

*これからは、そんな まちがいは しないように します* means "From now on, I will try not to make that kind of mistake."

*これからは* places the resolve from now on, while *しない* names the action to avoid.

  1. 66

    あなたはこのくつをいっかげつまえにかったばかりでしょう。もうだめになったのですか。

    You just bought these shoes a month ago, didn't you? Are they worn out already?

  2. 67

    ええ、やすいものはだめですね。もうこんなやすいくつはかわないようにします。

    Yes, cheap things are no good, aren't they? I will try not to buy cheap shoes like these again.

  3. 68

    おひるめしをたべないのですか。

    Aren't you going to eat lunch?

  4. 69

    ええ、いまやせようとしていますから、できればひるめしはたべないようにしているのです。

    No, I am trying to lose weight now, so if possible, I try not to eat lunch.

  5. 70

    ジョンズさん、こんなまちがいをしてはいけませんね。

    Mr. Jones, you must not make this kind of mistake.

  6. 71

    はい、これからは、そんなまちがいはしないようにします。

    Yes, from now on, I will try not to make that kind of mistake.

くつ
shoes
ばかり
about
でしょう。
probably (See Gram. Notes)
だめ
no good, useless, hopeless

Advice for everyday problems · Pattern 3 1 of 2

Advice at the station

*駅の 案内所で 聞けばいい* means "It's best to ask at the station information desk."

The *聞けばいい* pattern recommends a specific action.

A result and its action

*かぜを ひいた時には、くすりを 飲んで 早く ねればいい* advises taking medicine and going to bed early after catching a cold.

The last verb carries *ばいい*, while the preceding TE-form joins the first action to it.

  1. 72

    えきのあんないじょできけばいい。

    It's best to ask at the station information desk.

  2. 73

    わからなければもういちどきけばいい。

    If you do not understand, you should ask again.

  3. 74

    やせようとおもえば、あまりたべなければいい。

    If you want to lose weight, you should not eat too much.

  4. 75

    かぜをひいたときには、くすりをのんではやくねればいい。

    When you catch a cold, you should take medicine and go to bed early.

  5. 76

    こどもがほしければはやくけっこんすればいい。

    If you want children, you should get married soon.

  6. 77

    そんなことはあのひとにまかせればいい。

    You should leave that sort of thing to him.

かぜ
wind
時
time
は、
leaves
くすり
medicine

Advice about luggage and characters · Pattern 3 2 of 2

Asking for the action

*かん字の 読み方が わからない時には、どうすればいいのですか* means "What should I do when I do not know how to read a kanji?"

*どうすればいい* asks which action is best.

Supplying the advice

*かん字の 辞書を 見ればいい* means "You should look in a kanji dictionary."

The answer replaces *どう* with the specific action *見れば*, followed by *いい*.

  1. 78

    えきでだれににもつをたのめばいいのですか。

    Whom should I ask to take care of my luggage at the station?

  2. 79

    あかぼうにたのめばいい。

    You should ask a redcap porter.

  3. 80

    かんじのよみかたがわからないときには、どうすればいいのですか。

    What should I do when I do not know how to read a kanji?

  4. 81

    かんじのじしょをみればいい。

    You should look in a kanji dictionary.

  5. 82

    たなかさんがさんじにくうこうにつくそうですね。

    I hear Mr. Tanaka will arrive at the airport at three, is that right?

  6. 83

    ええ、わたくしもむかえにいけばいいのですが、くるまがないのでいけません。

    Yes, I would like to go meet him too, but I cannot because I do not have a car.

だれ
who?
荷物
luggage, baggage, load
空港
airport
そう
numerical counter for ships

Trains, sleepers and compartments · Reading Selection 1 of 2

Lines and named trains

*この線に使われている列車には特急とちょう特急があります* says the line carries special express and super special express trains.

The passage names these trains Kodama and Hikari.

Sleeping-car classes

*寝台車には一等、二等があって* introduces first- and second-class sleeping cars, with *等* naming each travel class.

*又一等には個室もあります* says first class also has private compartments. *個室* means "individual room".

  1. 84

    とうきょうからかんさいちほうにはしっているおもなせんはとうかいどうしんかんせんです。

    The main line running from Tokyo to the Kansai area is the Tokaido New Trunk Line.

  2. 85

    このせんはでんかされていてとうきょうからおおさかまでさんじかんまたはよじかんでいけます。

    This line is electrified, and you can travel from Tokyo to Osaka in three or four hours.

  3. 86

    このせんにつかわれているれっしゃにはとっきゅうとちょうとっきゅうがあります。

    The trains used on this line include special express and super special express trains.

  4. 87

    そして、これらのれっしゃには「こだま」、「ひかり」のながつけてあります。

    These trains are named Kodama and Hikari.

  5. 88

    このほかとうかいどうほんせんもあります。

    There is also the Tokaido Trunk Line.

  6. 89

    このせんをはしっているれっしゃにはしんだいしゃもついています。

    The trains running on this line also have sleeping cars.

  7. 90

    しんだいしゃにはいっとう、にとうがあって、いっとうのしんだいしゃではしんだいがにだんになっていて、にとうのしんだいしゃでは、しんだいがさんだんになっています。

    There are first- and second-class sleeping cars; the berths in the first-class sleeping cars are arranged in two tiers, while those in the second-class sleeping cars are arranged in three tiers.

  8. 91

    またいっとうにはこしつもあります。

    First class also has private compartments.

線
line
か
either--or-- (See Gram. Notes)
名
name
一等、
first class

Train tickets and checked baggage · Reading Selection 2 of 2

Tickets before travel

The passage names the additional tickets needed for express travel, reserved seats, and sleeping cars.

*出来るだけ早く買うようにする方がいいです* says it is better to try to buy them as early as possible.

Three pieces of baggage

*荷物はトランク、スーツケース、木箱のような物を三個までチッキに出来ます* says up to three suitable pieces of baggage can be checked.

*三個* uses *個*, the counter for things without another counter.

Kanji: 付

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

  1. 92

    にほんではきゅうこうにのると、じょうしゃけんのそとに、きゅうこうけんもかわなければなりません。

    In Japan, when you take an express train, you must buy an express ticket in addition to your passenger ticket.

  2. 93

    またしていせきがほしいときには、ざせきしていけんをかわなければなりません。

    Also, when you want a reserved seat, you must buy a reserved-seat ticket.

  3. 94

    きゅうこうけん、ざせきしていけん、しんだいけんなどはじょうしゃびのいっしゅうかん、またはにしゅうかんまえからうりだします。

    Express tickets, reserved-seat tickets, sleeping-car tickets, and the like go on sale one or two weeks before the date of travel.

  4. 95

    うりきれるかもしれないから、できるだけはやくかうようにするほうがいいです。

    Since they may sell out, it is better to try to buy them as early as possible.

  5. 96

    にもつはトランク、スーツケース、きばこのようなものをさんこまでチッキにできます。

    You can check up to three pieces of baggage, such as trunks, suitcases, and wooden boxes.

  6. 97

    チッキにするときには、にもつうけつけじょへもって

    When checking baggage, you take it to the baggage reception office.

  7. 98

    いき、うけとるときにはにもつひきわたしじょにいきます。

    You take it there, and when claiming it, you go to the baggage delivery office.

  8. 99

    あるえきでは、にもつうけつけじょもにもつひきわたしじょもおなじところにあります。

    At some stations, the baggage reception office and the baggage delivery office are in the same place.

と、
and (See Gram. Notes)
せき
seat
トランク、
trunk
スーツケース、
suitcase
木箱
wooden box
受け取る
to receive, pick up

Train services and sleeper classes · Questions 1 of 2

Train services and sleeping cars

The questions ask about the Tokaido lines, their trains, journey times, and sleeping cars.

*一等寝台車と 二等寝台車は どうちがいますか* asks how first- and second-class sleeping cars differ.

An answer gives two tiers for first class, three for second class, and private compartments in first class.

  1. 100

    とうきょうからかんさいちほうにはしっているおもなせんはなんですか。

    What are the main lines running from Tokyo to the Kansai area?

  2. 101

    このせんはでんかされていますか。

    Is this line electrified?

  3. 102

    とうきょうからおおさかまでなんじかんぐらいでいくことができますか。

    About how many hours does it take to get from Tokyo to Osaka?

  4. 103

    このせんにつかわれているれっしゃには、どんなのがありますか。

    What kinds of trains are used on this line?

  5. 104

    これらのれっしゃには、どんなながつけてありますか。

    What names are given to these trains?

  6. 105

    とうかいどうほんせんのれっしゃにはしんだいしゃもついていますか。

    Do the trains on the Tokaido Main Line have sleeping cars too?

  7. 106

    しんだいしゃにはどんなのがありますか。

    What kinds of sleeping cars are there?

  8. 107

    いっとうしんだいしゃとにとうしんだいしゃはどうちがいますか。

    How do first-class and second-class sleeping cars differ?

  9. 108

    いっとうにはこしつがありますか。

    Are there private compartments in first class?

Tickets and baggage procedures · Questions 2 of 2

Tickets and baggage

The questions ask which tickets travelers need and where they take and collect checked baggage.

*荷物を 受け取る時には、どこへ 行きますか* means "Where do you go when you claim your baggage?"

An answer names the baggage pick-up counter.

  1. 109

    にほんではきゅうこうにのると、どんなきっぷをかわなければなりませんか。

    In Japan, what tickets must you buy when you take an express train?

  2. 110

    しんだいがほしいときにはどんなきっぷをかいますか。

    What kind of ticket do you buy when you want a berth?

  3. 111

    していせきがほしいときには、どんなきっぷをかわなければなりませんか。

    What kind of ticket must you buy when you want a reserved seat?

  4. 112

    きゅうこうけん、しんだいけん、ざせきしていけんなどはじょうしゃびにうりだしますか。

    Do express tickets, sleeping-car tickets, reserved-seat tickets, and the like go on sale on the date of travel?

  5. 113

    にもつはみんなチッキにすることができますか。

    Can all baggage be checked?

  6. 114

    にもつをチッキにするときには、どこへもっていきますか。

    Where do you take baggage when you check it?

  7. 115

    にもつをうけとるときには、どこへいきますか。

    Where do you go when you claim your baggage?

  8. 116

    あるえきではにもつうけつけじょとにもつひきわたしじょはおなじところにありますか。

    At some stations, are the baggage reception office and the baggage delivery office in the same place?

みんな
all

Words for express trains · Word list 1 of 5

Lines, trains, and sleeping cars

These words cover Tokaido train lines and their services.

*特急* is "special express train", *ちょう特急* is "super special express train", and *寝台車* is "sleeping car".

*一等* is "first class", with *等* after the numeral to name a travel class.

  1. 117

    とうかいどうしんかんせん

    New Tookaidoo Trunk Line

  2. 118

    とうかいどうほんせん

    Tookaidoo Main Line

  3. 119

    とっきゅう

    special express (train)

  4. 120

    ちょうとっきゅう

    super special express (train)

  5. 121

    しゅるい

    kind, sort

  6. 122

    きゅうこう

    express train

  7. 123

    ふつうきゅうこう

    ordinary express train

  8. 124

    じゅんきゅう

    local express train

  9. 125

    および

    and also

  10. 126

    しんだいしゃ

    sleeper, sleeping car

  11. 127

    いっとう

    first class

東海道新かん線
New Tookaidoo Trunk Line
東海道本線
Tookaidoo Main Line
ちょう特急
super special express (train)
ふ通急行
ordinary express train
じゅん急
local express train
寝台車
sleeper, sleeping car
一等
first class

Classes, berths and ticket offices · Word list 2 of 5

Berths and ticket offices

These words cover sleeping-car arrangements and places to buy tickets.

*二だん* is "two tiers", *三だん* is "three tiers", and *個室* is "individual room".

*出さつ所* is "ticket office", while *まど口* is "window".

  1. 128

    にとう

    second class

  2. 129

    --とう

    class, sort (See Notes)

  3. 130

    にだん

    two tiers

  4. 131

    さんだん

    three tiers

  5. 132

    こしつ

    individual room

  6. 133

    じょうしゃけん

    train ticket

  7. 134

    とくべつきゅうこうけん

    special express ticket

  8. 135

    しゅっさつじょ

    ticket office

  9. 136

    てにいれる

    to get, obtain

  10. 137

    まどぐち

    window

  11. 138

    とっきゅうけん

    special express train ticket

二等
second class
--等
class, sort (See Notes)
二だん
two tiers
三だん
three tiers
じょう車券
train ticket
特別急行券
special express ticket
出さつ所
ticket office
手に入れる
to get, obtain
まど口
window
特急券
special express train ticket

Tickets, timing and luggage words · Word list 3 of 5

Tickets, timing, and luggage

These words cover tickets, buying early, and baggage.

*出来るだけ早く* is "as quickly as possible", and *--ようにする* is "to try to".

*トランク*, *スーツケース*, and *木箱* are pieces of baggage. *三個* means "three pieces".

  1. 139

    しんだいけん

    berth ticket

  2. 140

    ざせきしていけん

    reserved seat ticket

  3. 141

    じょうしゃび

    day of boarding a train

  4. 142

    うりだす

    to begin to sell

  5. 143

    できるだけはやく

    as quickly as possible (See Grammar Notes)

  6. 144

    --ようにする

    to try to, attempt to (See Grammar Notes)

  7. 145

    トランク

    trunk

  8. 146

    スーツケース

    suitcase

  9. 147

    きばこ

    wooden box

  10. 148

    ふくろ

    bag

  11. 149

    さんこ

    three pieces

寝台券
berth ticket
ざせきしてい券
reserved seat ticket
じょう車日
day of boarding a train
売り出す
to begin to sell
出来るだけ早く
as quickly as possible (See Grammar Notes)
--ようにする
to try to, attempt to (See Grammar Notes)
トランク
trunk
スーツケース
suitcase
ふくろ
bag
三個
three pieces

Station facilities and helpful advice · Word list 4 of 5

Station facilities and advice

These words cover station facilities, help with baggage, and advice.

*食堂車* is "dining car", *待合室* is "waiting room", and *赤ぼう* is "redcap".

*---ばいい* means "it is best to" and marks advice about the best action.

Kanji: 合

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

  1. 150

    ---こ

    classifier for counting things (See Notes)

  2. 151

    チッキにする

    to check

  3. 152

    しょくどうしゃ

    dining car

  4. 153

    えきべん

    station box lunch

  5. 154

    まちあいしつ

    waiting room

  6. 155

    ばいてん

    stand, stall, store

  7. 156

    あかぼう

    redcap

  8. 157

    ---ばいい

    it's best to --- (See Grammar Notes)

  9. 158

    どうすればいいのですか

    What should I do? (See Grammar Notes)

  10. 159

    でんかされる

    to be electrified

  11. 160

    --するんですね

    you should do ---

---個
classifier for counting things (See Notes)
チッキにする
to check
食堂車
dining car
駅べん
station box lunch
待合室
waiting room
売店
stand, stall, store
赤ぼう
redcap
---ばいい
it's best to --- (See Grammar Notes)
どうすればいいのですか
What should I do? (See Grammar Notes)
電かされる
to be electrified
--するんですね
you should do ---

Checking and collecting baggage · Word list 5 of 5

Checking and collecting baggage

These examples cover baggage limits, station counters, and help from a redcap.

*トランク、スーツケース、木箱、じょうぶなふくろのような 手荷物は 三個まで チッキにする事が 出来ます* says up to three suitable pieces of hand baggage can be checked.

*荷物を 受け取る時には 荷物 ひきわたし所へ 行きます* sends the traveler to the baggage pick-up counter.

*手荷物は 赤ぼうに たのめばいい* means "It is best to ask a redcap about hand baggage."

  1. 161

    にもつうけつけじょ

    baggage check counter

  2. 162

    にもつひきわたしじょ

    baggage pick-up counter

  3. 163

    うけとる

    to receive, pick up

  4. 164

    トランク、スーツケース、きばこ、じょうぶなふくろのようなてにもつはさんこまでチッキにすることができます。

    You can check such hand baggage as trunks, suitcases, wooden boxes, strong bags, up to three pieces.

  5. 165

    れっしゃにはしょくどうしゃがありますが、えきでえきべんをかってたべることもできます。

    There is a dining car on trains, but you can also buy a station lunch at the station and eat.

  6. 166

    まちあいしつのなかにばいてんがあります。

    There is a stall in the waiting room.

  7. 167

    てにもつはあかぼうにたのめばいい。

    As for hand baggage, it's best to ask a redcap.

  8. 168

    とうきょうからかんさいちほうにいくれっしゃはでんかされています。

    Trains that go to the Kansai area from Tokyo are electric.

  9. 169

    わからないときにはえきのあんないじょできくんですね。

    When you don't understand, you had better ask at the station information desk.

  10. 170

    にもつをチッキにするときにはにもつうけつけじょへもっていきます。

    When you want to check baggage, you take them to a baggage check counter.

  11. 171

    にもつをうけとるときにはにもつひきわたしじょへいきます。

    When you pick up your baggage, you go to a baggage pick-up counter.

Guide for Free Conversation

1 Look at the sketch on page 182 and talk about it: number of platforms, number of tracks, number of entrances to the platforms, location of the baggage check counter, etc.

2 Talk about Japanese trains

a different classes of trains

b sleeping cars

c train tickets

d baggage 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.
荷物受付所
baggage check counter
荷物ひきわたし所
baggage pick-up counter
トランク、スーツケース、木箱、じょうぶなふくろのような手荷物は三個までチッキにする事が出来ます。
You can check such hand baggage as trunks, suitcases, wooden boxes, strong bags, up to three pieces.
列車には食堂車がありますが、駅で駅べんを買って食べる事も出来ます。
"There is a dining car on trains, but you can also buy a station lunch at the station and eat."
待合室の中に売店があります。
There is a stall in the waiting room.
手荷物は赤ぼうにたのめばいい。
As for hand baggage, it's best to ask a redcap.
東京からかん西地方に行く列車は電かされています。
Trains that go to the Kansai area from Tokyo are electric.
わからない時には駅の案内所で聞くんですね。
When you don't understand, you had better ask at the station information desk.
荷物をチッキにする時には荷物受付所へ持って行きます。
"When you want to check baggage, you take them to a baggage check counter."
荷物を受け取る時には荷物ひきわたし所へ行きます。
When you pick up your baggage, you go to a baggage pick-up counter.

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.