JLPT N4 Speaking: Recommend a Place, Activity, or Product

The JLPT N4 speaking test focuses on your ability to give simple recommendations and opinions. You’ll be given a scenario (like “You are talking to a friend who is coming to Tokyo for the first time”) and asked to suggest something – a place, an activity, or a product – and explain why you’re recommending it. This article will help you prepare.

Understanding the Structure

Generally, the structure goes like this:

• Speaker A: Introduces themselves and the scenario (e.g., “Hello! I’m talking to a friend…”)
• Speaker B: Asks for a recommendation (e.g., “What should I do in Tokyo?”)
• Speaker A: Gives their recommendation, explains why they recommend it, and possibly gives some basic details.

Key Phrases & Vocabulary

Let’s look at useful phrases you’ll hear:

• おすすめします (osusume shimasu) – I recommend. This is the most important phrase!
• ～なので (…node) – That’s why / So. Used to explain your reasoning.
• ～はいいです (…wa ii desu) – It’s good. (Less formal than 良いです)
• ～は楽しいです (…wa tanoshii desu) – It’s fun!
• 値段は？ (nedagara wa?) – What’s the price?
• 場所はどこですか？ (basho wa doko desu ka?) – Where is it located?
• ～に行ってみるのがいいです (…ni itte miru no ga ii desu) – You should go there.

Example Dialogue & Breakdown

Here’s a sample dialogue for you to practice:

Speaker A: こんにちは！友達に東京に来てもらっているんです。何かおすすめはありますか？ (Konnichiwa! Tomodachi ni Tokyo ni kite moratte iru n desu. Nanka osusume wa arimasu ka?) – Hello! I’m talking to a friend who is coming to Tokyo. Do you have any recommendations?

Speaker B: ええと、浅草を勧めます。それはとても楽しいです。 (Ee to, Asakusa o susumemasu. Sore wa totemo tanoshii desu.) – Hmm, I recommend Asakusa. It’s very fun.

Speaker A: 浅草ですね！値段は？(Asakusa desune! Nedagara wa?) – Asakusa, right? What’s the price?

Speaker B: 無料です。たくさんの観光スポットがあります。(Muryou desu. Takusan no kankouspotto ga arimasu.) – It’s free. There are many tourist attractions.

Common Mistakes & Corrections

Here’s what to avoid:

• Over-using complex grammar: Stick to simple sentence structures. Remember, you’re aiming for N4!
• Incorrect particles: Pay close attention to を (o) and に (ni). They’re frequently misused by beginners.
• Trying too hard to be fancy: Speak naturally. A slightly imperfect but clear recommendation is better than a perfectly constructed sentence that doesn’t make sense.

Example Correction: Instead of saying “私は浅草が楽しいと思います” (Watashi wa Asakusa ga tanoshii to omoimasu) – “I think Asakusa is fun,” say simply, “浅草は楽しいです” (Asakusa wa tanoshii desu) – “Asakusa is fun.”

Practice Tips

• Role-play: Practice with a friend or language partner.
• Record yourself: Listen back and identify areas for improvement.
• Focus on clear explanations: Explain why you are recommending something – don’t just say “It’s good.”

Good luck with your JLPT N4 speaking test!