Learn Japanese: JLPT N4 Speaking – Making Onigiri

Introduction

The JLPT N4 exam focuses heavily on practical communication. One area you’ll be tested on is speaking, and a good way to practice is through everyday scenarios like preparing food. This article will guide you through practicing Japanese by making onigiri (rice balls) – a common and simple dish that’s perfect for conversation practice.

Why Onigiri?

Onigiri are fantastic for N4 speaking prep because:

• They’re familiar: Most people enjoy eating rice.
• Conversation starters: You can talk about ingredients, how to make them, and who you’re sharing them with.
• Simple language: The steps involve basic vocabulary and sentence structures suitable for N4.

Japanese Vocabulary & Phrases

Here’s some essential Japanese vocabulary and phrases related to making onigiri:

• ごはん (gohan) – Rice
• 海苔 (nori) – Seaweed
• 椎茸 (shii-take) – Shiitake mushroom
• 塩 (shio) – Salt
• 醤油 (shōyu) – Soy sauce
• 握る (nobiru) – To mold, to form (like making onigiri)
• 大丈夫ですか？ (Daijōbu desu ka?) – Are you okay? / How is it? (asking for feedback)
• おいしいですね！(Oishii desu ne!)– It’s delicious!

A Simple Dialogue – Making Onigiri with a Friend

Let’s imagine you’re making onigiri for your friend, Hiroki.

You: “Hiroki, ごはん、きみは食べる？” (Hiroki, rice, do you eat?)
Hiroki: “はい、食べたい！海苔、あるの？”(Hai, tabetai! Nori, aru no? – Yes, I want to eat! Do you have seaweed?)
You: “うん、あるよ。塩と醤油もある。” (Un, aru yo. Shio to shōyu mo aru. – Yes, I do. Salt and soy sauce also are.)
Hiroki: “すごい！握る？” (Sugoi! Nobiru? – Wow! Do you mold them?)
You: “ええと、まず、ごはんをちいさく切る。次に、海苔を敷いて、ごはんを握る。” (Ee to, mazu, gohan o chiisaku kiru. Tsugi ni, nori o shite, gohan o nobiru – Well, first, I cut the rice into small pieces. Then, I lay down seaweed and mold the rice.)
Hiroki: “大丈夫ですか？” (Daijōbu desu ka? – Are you okay?)
You: “大丈夫！おいしいですね！” (Daijōbu! Oishii desu ne! – It’s okay! It’s delicious!)

Common Mistakes & Corrections

• Mistake: Saying “食べるにたい” instead of “食べたい”. (Literally “want to eat”)

Correction: Use the correct form “食べたい”(tabetai) – “I want to eat.”

• Mistake: Incorrect verb conjugation. (e.g., saying “Hiroki食べます” instead of “Hiroki食べたい”)

Correction: Remember that verbs change depending on the speaker’s desire.

Practice Tips for N4

• Repeat the dialogue aloud: Practice saying each line clearly and at a natural pace.
• Vary your sentences: Change the ingredients you use or the way you explain the process.
• Imagine other scenarios: Talk about making onigiri for family, a coworker, etc.

Making onigiri is a simple and effective way to build your confidence and practical Japanese speaking skills in preparation for the JLPT N4 exam.