Learning Japanese: JLPT N4 – Leave and Take Telephone Messages

The JLPT N4 exam includes a conversation section, and one crucial skill is being able to leave and take telephone messages. This isn’t just about reciting words; it’s about sounding natural and getting the information across clearly. Let’s break down how to approach this with practical examples.

Leaving a Telephone Message (退去メッセージを伝える – Taike Mosumezu o tsutae)

When leaving a message, you want to be concise and clear. Here’s the structure:

• Introduction: Start with “〜に〜様です” (～ ni ~ sama desu – Mr./Ms. ~).
• Name: Your name.
• Reason for Calling: Briefly explain why you called.
• Request/Information: What you want the recipient to do or what information you need.
• Closing: End with “ご連絡を”(Gorenraku o – Please contact me).

Here are some example phrases:

• 「〜に〜様です。～（名前）と申します。～についてお伺いしたいのですが。」 ( ～ ni ~ sama desu. ~ (Name) to moushimasu. ~ ni tsuite o-sagui shitai no desu ga.) – “Mr./Ms. ~, it’s [Your Name]. I’m calling about….”
• 「お忙しいところ恐れ入りますが、〜（名前）と申します。」 (Oisogashii tokoro osoreiru ga, ~ (Name) to moushimasu.) – “I apologize for bothering you while you’re busy; my name is….”

Example Dialogue:

あなた: こんにちは。田中です。先生、プロジェクトの資料について質問したいのですが。
相手: はい、田中さんですね。どのようなご質問でしょうか？
あなた:  山田健太と申します。　プロジェクトの進捗状況を確認させてください。ご連絡を。

(You: Hello, Tanaka. It’s Tanaka. I want to ask you about the project materials.
Opponent: Yes, Mr. Tanaka. What kind of questions do you have?
You: My name is Kenta Yamada. I’d like to check on the progress of the project. Please contact me.)

Common Mistakes & Corrections:

• Mistake: “～について” (ni tsuite) overused.
• Correction: Use simpler phrases like “～のことについて” (～ no koto ni tsuite) or just describe what you need directly.

Taking a Telephone Message (受信メッセージを受け取る – Shūnin Mosumezu o Ueru)

When receiving a message, listen carefully and repeat it accurately. It’s important to confirm the details.

• Repeat the Message: “〜です、わかりました。” ( ~ desu, wakarimashita – That’s correct, I understand.)
• Ask for Clarification: “〜について、もう少し詳しく教えていただけますか？”(～ ni tsuite, mō sukoshi kuwashiku oshiete itadakemasu ka? – Could you tell me more about ~?)
• Note Down the Information: Clearly write down the name, reason, and any specific details.

Example Dialogue:

相手: 山田健太様、こんにちは。プロジェクトの資料について質問がありました。
あなた:  わかりました。 何かご質問内容を教えていただけますか？
相手: 進捗状況を確認したいとのことですね。明日午前中にご連絡します。
あなた: ありがとうございます。ご連絡を。

(Opponent: Mr. Kenta Yamada, hello. There was a question about the project materials.
You: I understand. Could you tell me what the question is?
Opponent: You want to check on the progress of the project, right?
You: Thank you. Please contact me.)

Practicing these dialogues will significantly improve your confidence and fluency when handling telephone conversations in Japanese! Good luck with your JLPT N4 preparation.