JLPT N4 Conversational: Expressing Opinions and Giving Reasons

The JLPT N4 level focuses on basic conversational skills. A key element is being able to express your opinions and provide reasons for them – a crucial skill in everyday Japanese interactions. This article will equip you with the phrases, vocabulary, and practical examples you need to confidently discuss your thoughts.

Understanding the Basics

Japanese doesn’t always directly translate “I think” like English. It relies more on phrasing that indicates agreement or disagreement with a suggestion or opinion. The structure is often: [Sentence expressing an opinion] + [Reason].

Key Phrases for Expressing Opinions

• 思います (Omoimasu) – I think / I feel
• だと思います (Dato da to omoimasu) – I guess it is / I suppose it’s
• そうだと思います (Sou dato omoimasu) – That seems like it/I think so.

Example: 映画は面白かったと思います。(Eiga wa omoshirokatta to omoimasu.) – “I thought the movie was interesting.”

Giving Reasons (理由 – Riyuu)

There are many ways to give reasons in Japanese. Here are some common ones:

Common Reason Phrases

• だから (Dakara) – Because / So
• その通りです (Sono tōri desu) – That’s right / Exactly! (Often used to agree and provide a reason)
• ～のによります (～ no yo ni yorimasu) – It depends on…/ I rely on… (more formal)
• ～から (～ kara) – Because, from

Example: 行きはいつも遅いです。だから、早く出発します。(Iki wa itsumo osoi desu. Dakara, hayaku shuppatsu shimasu.) – “The trip is always late. So I leave early.”

Realistic Dialogue Examples

Let’s look at some dialogues:

Scenario 1: Agreeing with a friend

A:  このレストラン、とても美味しいですね！(Kono resutoran, totemo oishii desu ne!) – "This restaurant is very delicious!"
       B: そうだと思います。(Sou dato omoimasu.) – “I think so.” 
       A: だから、また行きたいです。(Dakara, mata ikitai desu.) – "Because I want to go again!"

Scenario 2: Offering a reason for being late

Friend:  すみません、遅くなりました！(Sumimasen, osoku narimashita!) – “Sorry, I’m late!”
       You: その通りです。電車が遅れていました。(Sono tōri desu. Dencha ga okurete imashita.) - "That's right. The train was delayed."

Common Mistakes and Corrections

• Mistake: 私は食べます。(Watashi wa tabemasu) – Literally “I eat.” (Incorrect for expressing opinion)
• Correction: 私は寿司を食べたいと思います。(Watashi wa sushi o tabetai to omoimasu.) – “I want to eat sushi.” (More natural phrasing).
• Mistake: だから、今日行きます。（Dakara, kyō ikimasu） – “So I’m going today.” (Implies a definite action, not an opinion)
• Correction: だから、もしよかったら、今日行きたいです。(Dakara, moshi yokattara, kyō ikitai desu.) – “If it’s okay, I want to go today.”

Practice!

Try creating your own short dialogues using the phrases and vocabulary we’ve covered. Think about simple opinions you have on everyday topics like food, movies, or hobbies. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – that’s how you learn!