JLPT N4 Reading: Understanding Simple Opinions and Supporting Reasons

The JLPT N4 reading section focuses on understanding simple texts about everyday topics. A key skill you’ll need is identifying opinions (what someone believes) and the reasons they give to support those beliefs. This article will help you practice recognizing these elements.

What are Opinions and Supporting Reasons?

In Japanese, opinions are usually expressed using phrases like “思います” (omaiimasu – I think), “～だと思っています” (～da to omotteimasu – I believe), or “～と思います” (～to totabemasu – I guess/think). Supporting reasons are explained through phrases like “～だから” (…dakara – therefore/because), “～のために” (…noために – for the purpose of…).

Example Dialogue 1: Food Choices

Scenario: Two friends, Hana and Kenji, are discussing their favorite foods.

Hana: このラーメン、すごく美味しいですね！(Kono ramen, sugoku oishii desu ne!) – This ramen is really delicious!
Kenji: ええ、本当に美味しいです。私は豚骨ラーメンが大好きなんです。(Ee, hontou ni oishii desu. Watashi wa tot koni ramen ga daisuki nan desu.) – Yeah, it’s really good. I love tonkotsu (pork bone broth) ramen.

Hana: 豚骨ラーメン、美味しいですね。でも、私はあっさりした味噌ラーメンが好きなんです。(Tot koni ramen, oishii desu ne. Demo, watashi wa assari shita miso ramen ga suki nan desu.) – Tonkotsu ramen is delicious too. But, I like light miso ramen.

Kenji: そうですか。味噌ラーメンは健康にも良いし、美味しいですから。(Sou desu ka. Miso ramen wa kenkou ni mo yoi shi, oishii desu kara.) – Really? Miso ramen is good for your health and it’s delicious, so…

Translation: Hana thinks tonkotsu ramen is delicious. Kenji thinks miso ramen is also delicious because it’s good for your health.

Key Phrases to Recognize

• 思います (omaiimasu): I think
• ～だと思っています (～da to omotteimasu): I believe
• ～と思います (～to totabemasu): I guess/think
• ～だから (…dakara): Therefore/Because
• ～のために (…no tame ni): For the purpose of

Common Mistakes and Corrections

Mistake: “私は寿司を食べます。”(Watashi wa sushi wo tabemasu.) – I eat sushi. (This is a statement of fact, not an opinion).

Correction: “私は寿司を食べるのが好きです。”(Watashi wa sushi wo taberu no ga suki desu.) – I like eating sushi. (Adding “~no ga” shows preference.)

Mistake: “彼は日本語が上手だそうです。” (Kare wa nihongo ga jouzu da to mousu desu.) – It seems he is good at Japanese. (This isn’t clearly an opinionated statement)

Correction: “彼が日本語を勉強するのは、仕事のためです。” (Kare ga nihongo wo benkyou suru no wa, shigoto no tame desu.) – He studies Japanese because it’s for his job. (Clearly states the reason – a supporting statement).

Practice Questions

Read the following short paragraph and identify the speaker’s opinion and their supporting reason:

“旅行は素晴らしいと思います。新しい文化に触れることができるし、たくさんの景色を見ることができるからです。” (Ryokou wa subarashii to omottaimasu. Atarashii bunka ni fureru koto ga dekiru shi, takusan no keshiki wo miru koto ga dekiru kara.) – I think traveling is wonderful because you can experience new cultures and see lots of beautiful scenery.

Answer:

• Opinion: Ryokou wa subarashii to omottaimasu (I think travelling is wonderful)
• Supporting Reason: atarashii bunka ni fureru koto ga dekiru shi, takusan no keshiki wo miru koto ga dekiru kara.

Keep practicing reading and paying attention to these key phrases – you’ll be well on your way to understanding simple opinions and supporting reasons in Japanese!