JLPT N4 Speaking: Comparing Two Choices and Explaining Your Preference

The JLPT N4 speaking test focuses on your ability to compare two options and clearly state your preference. Don’t worry about complex grammar! This guide will equip you with the phrases and strategies needed to confidently tackle this section.

Understanding the Task

You’ll be given a scenario – a situation where you need to make a recommendation or choice between two options. You’ll then be presented with two choices. Your task is to say which one you prefer, and explain why in simple Japanese. This isn’t just about saying “I like this!” It’s about providing a reason.

Essential Phrases and Vocabulary

Here are key phrases you need to know:

• 私には～がおすすめです。(Watashi ni wa ~ ga osusume desu.) – I recommend ~
• ～の方がいいです。(~ no hou ga ii desu.) – ~ is better.
• ～は良いですね。(~ wa yoi desune.) – That’s good! (More casual)
• 理由を説明します。( Riyuu o setsumei shimasu.) – I will explain the reason.
• なぜなら～だから。(Naze nara ~ dakara.) – Because…

Example Vocabulary:

• レストラン (resutoran) – Restaurant
• カフェ (kafe) – Café
• 値段 (nedaira) – Price
• 雰囲気 (fun’iki) – Atmosphere
• 美味しい (oishii) – Delicious

A Realistic Dialogue Example

Scenario: You are talking to a friend and they want to go out for dinner.

あなた: 今夜はどこに行きたいですか？ (Anata: Kon'ya wa doko ni ikitai desu ka?)
友達: レストランかカフェ、どちらがいいですか？ (Tomodachi: Resutoran ka kafe, dochira ga ii desu ka?)

あなた: レストランの方が雰囲気があります。(Anata: Resutoran no hou ga fun'iki ga arimasu.) 理由を説明します。 レストランは、静かで落ち着いた雰囲気なので、ゆっくり話したい時にぴったりです。( Riyuu o setsumei shimasu. Resutoran wa, shizuka de ochitsuka ta fun'iki na node, yukkuri hanashitai toki ni pittari desu.)

友達: それいいね！ (Sore ii ne!)

Translation:

• You: Where would you like to go tonight?
• Friend: Restaurant or café, which one is better?
• You: The restaurant has a better atmosphere. I will explain the reason. The restaurant is quiet and relaxing so it’s perfect for when you want to chat leisurely.
• Friend: That’s good!

Common Mistakes & Corrections

• Mistake: “私はレストランが好きです。” (Watashi wa resutoran ga suki desu.) – This is fine, but doesn’t fulfill the task. It simply states you like a restaurant. Correction: Use one of the recommended phrases like “私にはレストランがおすすめです” (Watashi ni wa resutoran ga osusume desu).
• Mistake: Forgetting to explain why – A common mistake! Remember, “理由を説明します” (Riyuu o setsumei shimasu). Don’t just say “いいです” (ii desu) without a reason.
• Mistake: Using overly complex grammar – Stick to simple sentence structures for N4 level.

Tips for Success

• Practice, Practice, Practice! Create your own scenarios and practice saying them out loud.
• Focus on Clarity Speak clearly and slowly. Don’t rush.
• Use the Phrases We Covered These are key phrases you’ll need to use successfully.
• Keep Reasons Simple One or two sentences explaining your preference is sufficient.

Good luck with your JLPT N4 speaking test! 頑張って！(Ganbatte!)