JLPT N4 Speaking: Explaining a Health Problem Clearly

Understanding the Task

For the JLPT N4 speaking test, you’ll often be asked to describe a health problem and what you did about it. This isn’t about perfectly reciting textbook phrases; it’s about communicating clearly and understandably. Examiners are looking for your ability to use basic Japanese vocabulary and sentence structures to convey information accurately.

Common Scenarios

Here are some typical situations you might face:

• You have a headache and went to see a doctor.
• A friend has a sore throat and you offered advice.
• Your child had a fever and took them to the hospital.

Key Phrases & Vocabulary

Let’s look at some useful phrases you’ll need:

• I think… (私は～と思います – Watashi wa ~to omoimasu) – “I think I have a headache.”
• I felt… (私は～と感じました – Watashi wa ~wo kanjitemashita) – “I felt dizzy.”
• I went to the doctor. (病院に行きました – Byouin ni ikimashita) – “I went to see a doctor.”
• I told the doctor… (医者に～を言いました – Isha ni ~wo iimashita) – “I told the doctor that my headache was severe.”
• It was… (それは～でした – Sore wa ~deshita) – “It was a bad headache.”
• The symptoms were… (症状は～でした – Shoujoh wa ~deshita) – “The symptoms were fever and cough.”
• I took… (私は～をしました – Watashi wa ~wo shimashita) – “I took some medicine.”
• I rested. (私は休みました – Watashi wa kayomimashita.)

Example Dialogue: Headache Scenario

Scenario: You have a headache and you’re talking to a friend, Taro.

You: こんにちは、太郎。元気？ (Konnichiwa, Taro. Genki?) – “Hello, Taro. How are you?”

Taro: 元気だよ。何かあったの？(Genki dayo. Nani ka atta no?) – “I’m fine. Anything happened?”

You: 私は昨日、頭が痛いと思います。(Watashi wa kinou, atama ga itai to omoimasu.) – “I think I had a headache yesterday.”

Taro: え、それは大変だったね！ (E, sore wa taihen datta ne!) – “Oh, that’s bad! What did you do?”

You: 私は病院に行きました。医者に頭の痛さを言いました。(Watashi wa byouin ni ikimashita. Isha ni atama no sasosa wo iimashita.) – “I went to the hospital. I told the doctor about my headache.”

Taro: 医者は何か処方しましたか？ (Isha wa nani ka shouhatsu shimashita ka?) – “Did the doctor prescribe something?”

You: はい、薬をくれました。(Hai, yakyu wo kuremashita.) – “Yes, he gave me some medicine.”

Common Mistakes & Corrections

• Mistake: 私は昨日頭が痛い。(Watashi wa kinou atama ga itai.) – This is grammatically correct but sounds abrupt. It’s better to soften the statement with “to omoimasu.”
• Correction: 私は昨日、頭が痛いと思います。(Watashi wa kinou, atama ga itai to omoimasu.) – Adding “to omoimasu” makes the statement more polite and cautious.
• Mistake: 私は医者に言いました。(Watashi wa isha ni iimashita.) – While usable, explicitly stating “atama no itai” (headache) provides clearer context.

Tips for Success

• Speak Slowly and Clearly: Nerves can make you rush. Take a deep breath and speak at a pace that allows the listener to understand you.
• Use Simple Language: Focus on clear, straightforward communication, rather than trying to use complex grammar.
• Practice! Rehearse common scenarios with a friend or record yourself speaking.

Resources

JapanesePod101: [Read More (Look for N4 level lessons)
Tae Kim’s Guide to Japanese Grammar: [Read More