JLPT N4 Speaking: Comparing Products Before Buying

The JLPT N4 exam focuses heavily on being able to talk about everyday situations. One key area is comparing products – think about deciding which smartphone you want, or choosing a brand of instant ramen. This article will give you the practical phrases and strategies needed to confidently talk about this topic.

Understanding the Task

You’ll likely be given a scenario where you need to compare two similar products. For example: “You are talking to a friend about different smartphones.” Or, “You are in an electronics store and asking the salesperson for advice on different models of headphones.” The examiner will listen to your responses and score you based on fluency, accuracy, and appropriate vocabulary.

Essential Japanese Phrases

Here’s some key Japanese you’ll need:

• 聞く (kiku): To ask
• 値段 (nedaire): Price
• 機能 (kinou): Function
• 使いやすさ (tsukai yasusa): Ease of use
• おすすめ (osusume): Recommendation
• 良い (yoi): Good
• 悪い (warui): Bad
• ～より (yori): More than, better than

Example Dialogue 1: Comparing Smartphones

You: すみません、スマートフォンについて聞きたいのですが。(Sumimasen, smartphone ni tsuite kikitai no desu.) – Excuse me, I want to ask you about smartphones.

Friend: はい、何が知りたいですか？(Hai, nani ga shiritai desu ka?) – Yes, what do you want to know?

You: 私はiPhoneとAndroidのスマートフォンを比較したいんです。(Watashi wa iPhone to Android no smartphone wo hikaku shitai n desu.) – I want to compare iPhones and Android smartphones.

Friend: iPhoneは価格が高いけど、使いやすさも良いですね。Androidは価格が安いですが、機能が少ないかもしれません。(iPhone wa gika ga takai kedo, tsukai yasusa mo yoi desu ne. Android wa gika ga yasui n desu ga, kinou ga sukunai kamo shiremasen.) – iPhones are expensive but good for ease of use. Androids are cheaper but might have fewer features.

You: ええと、使いやすさも重要だと思います。(Ee to, tsukai yasusa mo juuyou de ataimasu.) – Well, I think ease of use is also important.

Common Mistakes and Corrections

Mistake: Saying “iPhoneは高い” (iPhone wa takai) – iPhones are expensive. While technically correct, it’s too direct. It needs a bit more context.

Correction: “iPhoneは、他のAndroidスマートフォンより価格が高いです。(iPhone wa, hoka no Android smartphone yori gika ga takai desu.) – iPhones are more expensive than other Android smartphones.”

Mistake: Using overly complex grammar. Keep it simple!

Correction: Instead of saying “機能がどこまで優れているかについて知りたいです。” (Kinou ga doko made sugurete iru ka ni tsuite shiritai desu.), just say “機能について教えてください。(Kinou ni tsuite oshiete kudasai.) – Please tell me about the functions.”

Real-World Scenarios and Phrases

• お店の人に尋ねる (Omise no hito ni yume ru): To ask a salesperson for advice – “すみません、このテレビは、他のモデルと比べてどうですか？(Sumimasen, kono terebi wa, hoka no moderu to kurabete dou desu ka?)” – “Excuse me, how is this TV compared to other models?”
• 家族や友達に意見を聞く (Kazoku ya tomodachi ni iro o kiku): To ask family or friends for their opinions – “兄はiPhoneが好きだけど、私はAndroidの方が使いやすいと思う。” (Ani wa iPhone ga suki dakedo, watashi wa Android no hoka ga tsukai yasui to omou.) – My older brother likes iPhones, but I think Android is easier to use.

Conclusion

Comparing products in Japanese using the N4 level vocabulary and phrases will help you demonstrate your conversational skills. Focus on clear communication, use simple grammar, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes – that’s part of the learning process! 頑張って！ (Ganbatte!) – Good luck!