JLPT N4 Speaking: Explain How Your Life Has Changed

The JLPT N4 speaking test asks you to talk about a specific topic for around 2-3 minutes. One common scenario is “Describe how your life has changed.” This isn’t about telling a detailed autobiography; it’s about giving specific examples and expressing feelings and opinions in relatively simple Japanese. Let’s break down how to approach this task.

Understanding the Task

The examiner will give you a prompt, often something like: 「あなたの生活が変わったことについて話してください。」 (Anata no seikatsu ga kawatta koto ni tsuite hanashite shite kudasai – “Please talk about something that has changed in your life.”) They want to hear why it changed and how you felt about it.

Key Vocabulary & Phrases

Here’s some essential vocabulary and phrases you’ll need:

• 変わった (kawatta): Changed
• 以前 (iemuri): Previously, before
• その後 (souhou): Afterwards, then
• 最初は…でした (shirishita wa…deshita): It started with…
• 〜について話します (～ni tsuite hanashimasu): I’ll talk about…
• 嬉しい (ureshii): Happy
• 悲しい (kanashii): Sad
• 驚いた (ogishita): Surprised
• 大変でした (taihen deshita): It was very difficult/serious
• …のために (…no tame ni): Because of…

Example Scenario 1: Moving to a New City

Let’s say you moved to Tokyo from your hometown. Here’s how you could structure your response:

Examiner: 「あなたの生活が変わったことについて話してください。」

You: 「ええと、以前は地方の小さな町に住んでいて、そこはとても静かでした。最初は少し寂しかったですけど、東京に来てからは、毎日新しいことがあって、すごく楽しいです。特に、たくさんの人がいる街なので、色々なお店があって、いつも刺激を受けています。友達もたくさんできて、一緒に遊ぶのが大好きになりました。だから、全体的に見て、生活が大きく変わって、とても幸せです。」 (Ee to, iemuri wa chiba no chiisa na machi ni sunde ite, soko wa totemo shizuka deshita. Shirishita sukoshi sabishikatta ketsuda, toki wo Tokyo ni kite kara wa, mainichi atarashii koto ga atte, sugoku tanoshii desu. Tokuni, takusan no hito ga iru machi na node, iroiro na omise ga atte, itsumo shigeki o shite imasu. Tomodachi mo takusan dekite, issho ni asobu no ga daisuki ni narimashita. Dakara, taiten ni mite, seikatsu ga ookiku kawatte, totemo shiawase desu.)

Translation: “Well, before I lived in a small town in the countryside, it was very quiet. Initially, I felt a little lonely, but since coming to Tokyo, there’s always something new happening every day, and it’s really fun. Especially because there are so many people in the city, there are lots of different shops, and I’m constantly stimulated. I’ve also made lots of friends and love spending time with them. So, overall, my life has changed a lot and I’m very happy.”

Common Mistakes & Corrections

• Over-complicated grammar: Stick to simple sentence structures (～です、～ます).
• Vague language: Use specific details. Don’t just say “It was good,” say why it was good. (Instead of “It was good,” try “I could meet lots of friends.”)
• Negative phrasing overused: While expressing sadness is okay, balance with positive statements. Don’t only focus on the negative aspects of a change.

Tips for Success

• Prepare examples in advance: Think about a few significant changes in your life that you can comfortably discuss.
• Practice speaking aloud: Record yourself and listen back to identify areas for improvement.
• Focus on fluency over perfection: Don’t worry too much about making mistakes; the examiners are looking for your ability to communicate.

Good luck with your JLPT N4 speaking exam!