Learning Japanese: JLPT N4 – Talk About Work and Part-Time Jobs

The JLPT N4 exam focuses on practical conversational skills. One key area is discussing work, salaries, and part-time jobs—a surprisingly common topic in everyday conversation! This article will equip you with the phrases and vocabulary to handle these situations comfortably.

Essential Phrases & Vocabulary

• はじめまして (Hajimemashite) – Nice to meet you.
• お仕事 (Oshigoto) – Work, job
• アルバイト (Arabaito) – Part-time job
• 給料 (Kyuuryou) – Salary
• 時給 (Jikyū) – Hourly wage
• 勤務時間 (Binyuu jikan) – Working hours
• シフト (Shifto) – Shift (of work)
• 休む (Yasumu) – To rest, to take a break
• 時々 (Toki toki) – Sometimes

Scenario 1: Meeting a New Colleague

Let’s say you’re meeting a new colleague for the first time. Here’s a possible dialogue:

You: “はじめまして。私は田中です。(Hajimemashite. Watashi wa Tanaka desu.)” – Nice to meet you. My name is Tanaka.

Colleague: “はじめまして、佐藤さん！　お仕事は何をしていますか？(Hajimemashite, Sato-san! Oshigoto wa nani o shiteimasu ka?)” – Nice to meet you, Mr. Sato! What do you do for work?

You: “私はマーケティング部にいます。(Watashi wa marketing bu ni imasu.)” – I’m in the Marketing Department.

Colleague: “それはすごいですね！(Sore wa sugoi desu ne!)” – That’s amazing! (Expressing admiration)

Common Mistakes & Corrections: Don’t over-explain your job. “マーケティング部” is a good starting point. Using “すごい” can sound overly enthusiastic at first, especially with someone you just met. A simpler phrase like “お仕事、面白そうですね。” (Oshigoto, omoshirosou desu ne – Your work looks interesting) is more natural.

Scenario 2: Talking About a Part-Time Job

Now let’s talk about part-time jobs. You might be asked about your situation.

Friend: “アルバイトは何をしているの？(Arabaito wa nani o shiteiru no?)” – What part-time job are you doing?

You: “カフェで働いています。(Kafe de hataraiteimasu.)” – I’m working at a cafe.

Friend: “時給はいくら？(Jikyū wa ikura?)” – How much is the hourly wage?

You: “時給は800円です。(Jikyū wa hyaku-nēn yen desu.)” – The hourly rate is 800 yen.

You could also say: “シフトは週に2日です。 (Shifto wa shuu ni futatsu hi desu) – I work two days a week.”

Scenario 3: Discussing Hours and Breaks

“Do you have many breaks?” is a common question.

Friend: “勤務時間は長いですか？(Binyuu jikan wa nagai desu ka?)” – Are your working hours long?

You: “時々、休憩時間があります。(Toki toki, kyūkei jikan ga arimasu.)” – Sometimes I have a break.

Key Tips for JLPT N4 Conversations

• Listen actively and try to understand the main points.
• Don’t be afraid to make mistakes! Native speakers appreciate your effort.
• Practice, practice, practice! The more you speak, the better you’ll become.

Good luck with your JLPT N4 preparation!