JLPT N5 Speaking: Say What Someone Does for Work

The JLPT N5 focuses on basic conversational skills, and understanding simple phrases related to everyday life is key. One area you’ll encounter regularly is talking about someone’s job or profession. This article will give you practical tools to do just that.

Key Phrases & Vocabulary

Here are some essential phrases you’ll need:

• What does… do? (…はなんがしますか？ – … wa nan ga shimasu ka?)
• I work as a… (私は…として働きます。- Watashi wa … toshite hatarakimasu.)
• My job is… (私の仕事は…です。- Watashi no shigoto wa … desu.)
• (He/She) works at… ((彼/彼女)は…で働きます。 – (Kare / Kanojo) wa … de hatarakimasu.)
• Student (学生 – gakusei)
• Teacher (先生 – sensei)
• Office worker (事務員 – jijin in)
• Shop assistant (店員 – ten in)
• Construction worker (建設作業員 – kensetsu sagyōin)

Realistic Dialogue Examples

Let’s look at some dialogues using these phrases:

Dialogue 1: Introducing Yourself

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

B: こんにちは。佐藤です。(Konnichiwa. Satō desu.) – Hello, I’m Sato.

A: 佐藤さんはなんがしますか？ (Satō-san wa nan ga shimasu ka?) – What do you do, Mr. Sato?

B: 私は事務員です。(Watashi wa jijin in desu.) – I’m an office worker.

Dialogue 2: Asking a Friend About Their Job

A: 山田さん、あなたの仕事は何ですか？(Yamada-san, anata no shigoto wa nan desu ka?) – Yamada, what is your job?

B: 私は先生です。(Watashi wa sensei desu.) – I’m a teacher.

A: 先生！それはすごいですね！(Sensei! Sore wa sugoi desu ne!) – Teacher! That’s amazing!

Dialogue 3: Making it More Specific

A: 彼女はどこで働きますか？ (Kanojo wa doko de hatarakimasu ka?) – Where does she work?

B: 彼女は建設作業員です。(Kanojo wa kensetsu sagyōin desu.) – She’s a construction worker.

Common Mistakes & Corrections

• Mistake: “私は学生します。” (Watashi wa gakusei shimasu.) – This literally translates to “I do student.”
• Correction: “私は学生です。”(Watashi wa gakusei desu.) – “I am a student.” (Use the verb ‘to be’ – です – desu – for descriptions).
• Mistake: Omitting the honorific suffix ‘-san’ when asking questions.
• Correction: Always use “-san” after names, e.g., “Tanaka-san wa nan ga shimasu ka?”

Practical Tips for N5 Speaking

Remember, the N5 is about basic communication, not perfect grammar. Focus on:

• Using the phrases above accurately.
• Practicing pronunciation – listen to native speakers online and try to mimic them.
• Don’t be afraid to make mistakes! It’s part of learning.

Good luck with your JLPT N5 speaking exam!