JLPT N4 Speaking: Explaining a Decision You Have Made

The JLPT N4 speaking test asks you to explain a decision you’ve made. Don’t panic! It’s about communicating clearly and naturally, not perfect grammar. This article will give you the tools and practice you need to tackle this section successfully.

Understanding the Task

You’ll be given a short scenario or prompt – often something like “You decided to take a day off from work” or “You bought a new book.” You then have 1 minute (or sometimes 2) to speak about it. The examiners are looking for:

• Clarity: Can you be understood?
• Relevant Information: Do you give the necessary details?
• Appropriate Language: Do you use vocabulary and grammar suitable for N4 level?

Useful Japanese Phrases & Vocabulary

Here’s a breakdown of useful phrases, categorized by what you might say:

Starting the Conversation

• だから (dakara): Because / Therefore. This is extremely common.
• それで (surete): So / Then.
• でも (demo): But. (Use cautiously – don’t overuse it!)
• そうですね (sou desu ne): That’s right! / I agree.

Explaining the Decision – Reasons

• 私は…を決めました。(Watashi wa … o kimemashita.): I decided to …
• 理由は…です。(Riyuu wa … desu.): The reason is …
• 疲れていたから (Tsukitate ita kara): Because I was tired.
• 時間があったので (Jikan ga atta node): Because I had free time.
• 興味を持ったので (Kyoumi o motta node): Because I became interested in it.

Giving Details & Adding Information

• それは…でした。(Sore wa … deshita.): That was …
• もっと詳しく言うと (Motto kuwashiku iu to): If I explain more specifically…
• すごく面白かったです (Sugoku omoshiro katta desu): It was really interesting.
• ちょっと疲れた (Chotto tsukareta): I got a little tired.

Ending the Conversation

• それで、わかりましたか？(Sore de, wakarimashita ka?): So, do you understand?
• 他に質問はありますか？ (Hoka ni shitsumon wa arimasu ka?): Do you have any other questions?

Example Dialogue (N4 Level)

Scenario: You decided to buy a new book.

You: わかりました。(Wakarimashita.) – Okay/Understood.

Examiner: どうしました？(Dou shimashita?) – What happened?

You: 私は、本を買いました。(Watashi wa, hon o kaimashita.) – I bought a book.

Examiner: なぜ本を買ったのですか？ (Naze hon o katta no desu ka?) – Why did you buy the book?

You: だから、とても面白かったです。(Dakara, totemo omoshiro katta desu.) – Because it was very interesting.

Examiner: どんな本ですか？ (Donna hon desu ka?) – What kind of book is it?

You: ファンタジー小説です。すごく面白かったです。(Fantasy shousetsu desu. Sugoku omoshiro katta desu.) – It’s a fantasy novel. It was really interesting.

Common Mistakes & Corrections

• Overusing “とても” (Totemo): “Totemo” means “very,” but overusing it can sound unnatural. Try to vary your expression. Instead of “Totemo omoshiro katta desu,” try “Sugoku omoshiro katta desu.”
• Incorrect Sentence Structure: Remember the basic sentence structure: Subject + Verb + Object (e.g., Watashi wa hon o kaimashita).
• Using overly complex grammar: Stick to N4 level grammar! Avoid using conditional clauses (“If I had done…”) unless specifically asked.

Practice Tips

To prepare, practice saying these phrases out loud. Record yourself and listen back. Try practicing the example dialogue multiple times. Focus on speaking clearly and confidently, even if you make a few mistakes – it’s about demonstrating your ability to communicate.