JLPT N4 Speaking: Explaining Something You’ve Learned to Do

Okay, you’ve got your JLPT N4 coming up, and speaking is a big part of it! Don’t panic – most people feel nervous about talking in Japanese. This guide focuses on the “Explain Something You Have Learned to Do” section, giving you practical phrases and examples to help you succeed. We’re focusing on communication here – getting your message across, not achieving perfect grammar.

Understanding the Task

In the N4 speaking test, you’ll be given a short prompt about something someone has learned to do. You need to explain it to the examiner in Japanese, using simple sentences and everyday vocabulary. It’s often set up as a conversation – you might respond to a question or follow up on something they said.

Key Phrases & Vocabulary

Here are some essential phrases you’ll need:

• 勉強しました (benkyou shimashita) – I studied
• 習いました (narimashita) – I learned
• 〜の練習をしました (~no renshuu o shimashita) – I practiced ~
• 初めて (hajimette) – For the first time
• 簡単です (kantan desu) – It’s easy
• 難しいです (muzukashii desu) – It’s difficult
• 〜方法を教えてください (~houhou o oshiete kudasai) – Please tell me how to do ~

Example Scenario & Dialogue

Prompt: “Your friend, Kenji, recently learned to make ramen. Tell him what you learned.”

You: “Kenji, ラーメンを作れるようになりました！ (Ramen o tsukureru you ni narimashita!) – I learned how to make ramen!”

Kenji: “本当ですか？(Hontou desu ka?) – Really? That’s amazing! どうやって練習しましたか？(Doo yatte renshuu shimashita ka?) – How did you practice?”

You: “最初は難しかったけど、ネットでレシピを見て勉強しました。(Haha ni wa muzukashikatta kedo, netto de resepi o mite benkyou shimashita.) – It was difficult at first, but I studied by looking at recipes online.”

Kenji: “すごい！(Sugoi!) – Amazing! 何か特別な方法があったんですか？ (Nani ka tokubetsu na houhou ga atta n desu ka?) – Was there a special method?”

You: “いいえ、特にありません。ただ、スープの温度を調整して練習しました。(Iie, tokuni arimasen. Tada, suupu no ondo o chousei shite renshuu shimashita.) – No, there wasn’t anything special. I just practiced by adjusting the soup temperature.”

Common Mistakes & Corrections

Mistake: Using overly complex grammar structures.
Correction: Stick to simpler sentence patterns like “〜の練習をしました” and keep sentences short.

Mistake: Not using relevant vocabulary. Saying “I studied the ingredients.” instead of “I studied how to make ramen.”
Correction: Focus on the action you learned, e.g., “I practiced making ramen,”

Mistake: Not acknowledging previous information (especially if the prompt mentions something someone already knows).
Correction: Respond appropriately to what they said. For example, if Kenji said “You studied how?” respond with “Yes, I studied how to make ramen.” (はい、ラーメンの作り方を勉強しました – Hai, ramen no tsukurikata o benkyou shimashita.)

Tips for Success

• Practice Regularly: The more you practice speaking, the more comfortable you’ll become.
• Focus on Clarity: Don’t worry too much about perfect grammar – focus on conveying your message clearly.
• Use Simple Language: Use common Japanese phrases and vocabulary that are appropriate for the N4 level.
• Listen to Native Speakers: Immerse yourself in the language by listening to Japanese audio or watching Japanese videos.

Good luck with your JLPT N4 speaking test! 頑張ってください (Ganbatte kudasai!) – Do your best!