Learning Japanese: Understanding Simple Health Advice (JLPT N5 Reading)

Introduction

This guide focuses on a practical way to learn Japanese for the JLPT N5 reading test using simple health advice. The goal isn’t perfect grammar but confident comprehension in everyday situations. We’ll look at common phrases and vocabulary related to feeling unwell and offering help. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – that’s how you learn!

Key Vocabulary & Phrases

• おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu) – Good morning
• こんにちは (Konnichiwa) – Hello / Good afternoon
• こんばんは (Konbanwa) – Good evening
• 大丈夫ですか？ (Daijoubu desu ka?) – Are you okay? / Is everything alright?
• お大事に (Odaiji ni) – Take care of yourself / Get well soon. (Response to someone who is sick)
• 早く良くなってください (Hayaku yarakute kurete kudasai) – Please get better quickly.
• 熱 (Netsu) – Fever
• 咳 (Sekei) – Cough
• 風邪 (Kaze) – Cold
• 痛い (Itai) – Painful
• 薬 (Yaku) – Medicine
• 病院 (Byouin) – Hospital
• お腹が痛いです (Onaka ga itai desu) – My stomach hurts.
• 少し休んでください (Sukoshi yasunde kudasai) – Please rest a little.

Scenario 1: A Friend Feels Sick

You meet your friend, Hiroki, at school. He looks tired and uncomfortable.

Hiroki: “こんにちは、田中さん。” (Konnichiwa, Tanaka-san.) – Hello, Mr. Tanaka.

You: “こんにちは！どうしましたか？” (Konnichiwa! Dou shimashita ka?) – Hello! What’s wrong?

Hiroki: “少し熱があります。お腹が痛いです。” (Sukoshi netsu ga arimasu. Onaka ga itai desu.) – I have a slight fever. My stomach hurts.

You: “大丈夫ですか？早く良くなってください！お大事に。” (Daijoubu desu ka? Hayaku yarakute kurete kudasai! Odaiji ni.) – Are you okay? Please get better quickly! Take care of yourself!

Correction: You could also ask, “病院に行きますか？” (Byouin ni ikimasu ka?) – Are you going to the hospital?

Scenario 2: Giving Health Advice

Someone tells you they have a cold.

Person A: “風邪をひいてしまいました。咳がひどいです。” (Kaze o hiite shimaimashita. Sekei ga hidoi desu.) – I’ve caught a cold. My cough is terrible.

You: “お腹が痛いですか？ 薬を飲みますか？” (Onaka ga itai desu ka? Yaku o nomimasu ka?) – Are you having a stomachache? Are you taking medicine?

Person A: “少し休んでください。” (Sukoshi yasunde kudasai.) – Please rest a little.

You: “お大事に！早く良くなってください。” (Odaiji ni! Hayaku yarakute kurete kudasai.) – Take care of yourself! Get better quickly!

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

• Mistake: Using complex sentence structures. N5 focuses on simple sentences.
• Correction: Stick to phrases like “大丈夫ですか？” and short explanations.
• Mistake: Forgetting polite endings. Always add “です” (desu) or “ませんか” (masen ka) to your questions.
• Correction: Practice adding these polite markers – it’s crucial for respectful communication.

Resources

• Numerous websites and apps offer JLPT N5 vocabulary lists and practice reading materials. Look for those designed specifically for beginners.
• Consider using flashcards to memorize key phrases and vocabulary.