JLPT N4 Speaking: Describe Your Job and Daily Routine

The JLPT N4 speaking test focuses on your ability to describe your work duties, workplace routine, and related topics in a simple and clear way. It’s less about complex grammar and more about using common phrases and vocabulary accurately. This article will equip you with the knowledge and practical examples you need to succeed.

Key Vocabulary & Phrases

Let’s start with essential words and phrases:

• 勤務 (びょうぶ) – work, employment
• 仕事 (しごと) – job, work
• 担当 (たんとう) – responsibility, duty
• スケジュール (しゃけジュール) – schedule
• 朝 (あさ) – morning
• 昼 (ひる) – daytime, noon
• 夜 (よる) – evening, night
• 会議 (かいぎ) – meeting
• 書類 (じょろい) – document, paperwork
• 電話 (でんわ) – phone call
• 同僚 (どうりょう) – colleague

Some useful phrases:

• ～を担当します。 (～をたんとうします。) – I am in charge of ~.
• ～を行います。 (～をこなえます。) – I do ~.
• いつも～です。 (いずとき～です。) – It’s always ~
• ～の時間に… (～じかんには…) – At… time…

Realistic Dialogue Examples

Here are some example dialogues demonstrating how to respond to different questions:

Example 1: Asking about your job

Japanese: “Sumimasen, anata no shigoto wa nan desu ka?”

(Excuse me, what is your job?)

Your Response: “Watashi no shigotto wa, saito-san ga sekinin shitsumon o tanosuru sogo shita honbunshi desu.  Iru-tsu no douyō ga arimasen.”

(My job is a general office assistant who answers customer inquiries. I don’t have any colleagues.)

Mistake & Correction: Saying “Watashi wa saito-san desu” (I am an assistant) is too formal for N4. Use the phrase ‘sogo shita honbunshi’ (general office assistant) which is more common.

Example 2: Describing your daily routine

Japanese: “Tokuni, asu wa nani o shimasu ka?”

(Specifically, what will you do tomorrow?)

Your Response: “Asu wa, ichi ji hou ni, konpiri o tsukuri, sho roiryū no shorui o yomimasu.  Sono chuudi ni, saiki ni hyōdo shita gokatei ga desu.”

(Tomorrow at 9am, I’ll make coffee and read the morning paperwork. Then, it’s like my usual work schedule.)

Common Workplace Situations & How to Respond

• Question: “Nihon ni kyōmetsu desu ka?” (Have you been in Japan for a long time?) – Answer: “Chotto dake suteki desu.” (Just a little while.) Or, “San-nen biki o shitai no desu.” (I want to come back next year).
• Question: “Shūtā to…?” (And what about your colleagues?) – Answer: “Watashi wa hitori de shimasu.” (I do everything by myself.) Or, “Chūbun no douryō ga imasu.” (I have one junior colleague.)

Tips for Success

• Speak Clearly & Slowly: Nerves can make you rush. Focus on pronunciation.
• Use Simple Language: Don’t try to use complicated vocabulary you’re not comfortable with.
• Practice Regularly: The more you practice, the more confident and fluent you will become.

Good luck with your JLPT N4 speaking test!