JLPT N4 Speaking: Talk About What You Think Will Happen

The JLPT N4 exam includes a speaking section where you’ll be asked to express your opinions and make predictions. One common task is to talk about what you think will happen in a specific situation. This isn’t about perfectly accurate forecasts; it’s about demonstrating your ability to use vocabulary and sentence structures related to prediction and opinion.

Understanding the Task

You’ll often be given a short scenario, like “A friend is planning to move to a new city.” Your task will be to talk for about 1-2 minutes, explaining what you think will happen to them. This could include their feelings, challenges they might face, or the positive outcomes you anticipate.

Useful Japanese Phrases and Vocabulary

Here’s a breakdown of key phrases and vocabulary you’ll need:

• きっと (kitto) – Surely, definitely
• おそらく (hosho mo) – Probably
• 想像すると (souzou suru to) – If I imagine…
• 大丈夫だと思う (daijoubu darou to omou) – I think it will be okay/fine
• 大変だと思います (taihen darou to omou) – I think it will be very difficult
• ～かもしれない (～kamoshiremasen) – Might…
• 良いことだと思います (yoi koto darou to omou) – I think it’s a good thing.
• 悪いことだと思います (warui koto darou to omou) – I think it’s a bad thing.

Vocabulary related to feelings and situations:

• 楽しく (tanoshiku) – happily, joyfully
• 寂しい (sabishii) – lonely
• 大変 (taihen) – difficult, serious
• スムーズに (sumooru ni) – smoothly
• トラブル (torurubu) – trouble, problems

Example Dialogue & Breakdown

Scenario: Your friend is moving to Tokyo to start a new job.

You: “Tokyo e ikeru no wa、げんきだと思いまーす。きっと仕事はうまくいくと思いますけど、寂しくなるのかな。(Tokyo e ikeru no wa, genki da to omimasu. Kitto shigoto wa umaku iku to omoimasu kedo, sabishiku naru kono na.)”

Breakdown:

• Tokyo e ikeru no wa、げんきだと思いまーす。 (Tokyo e ikeru no wa, genki da to omimasu) – “Moving to Tokyo will be fine, I think.” (No wa is a polite way of asking for confirmation.)
• きっと仕事はうまくいくと思いますけど… (Kitto shigoto wa umaku iku to omoimasu kedo…) – “I definitely think the work will go well…” (The kedo shows contrast and introduces your opinion)
• 寂しくなるのかな。 (Sabishiku naru kono na.) – “I wonder if they’ll get lonely.” (Using kono na adds a feeling of speculation/thoughtfulness).

Common Mistakes & Corrections

Here are some common mistakes beginners make and how to correct them:

• Overly complex grammar: Stick to simpler sentence structures like “~to omoimasu” (I think…). Don’t try to use complicated conditional sentences.
• Excessive formality: While ～masu form is important, overuse can sound unnatural. Adding some conversational fillers like “えーと (eeto)” – “um…” or “まあ (maa)” – “well…” makes you sound more relaxed.
• Focusing solely on factual information: Add your feelings and predictions to make the conversation richer. For example, instead of just saying “They might have problems,” say “I think they might face some difficulties because Tokyo is a big city.”

Practice Tips

• Record yourself speaking: Listen back to identify areas for improvement (pronunciation, fluency).
• Role-play with a partner: Practice different scenarios and receive feedback.
• Start simple: Begin with easier predictions and gradually increase the complexity of your sentences.

Remember, the goal is to communicate your thoughts clearly and confidently! Good luck with your JLPT N4 speaking exam!