JLPT N4 Writing: Write a Message About a Problem at Home

Introduction

The JLPT N4 exam includes a writing section where you’ll need to respond to prompts realistically. One common prompt is asking you to write a short message explaining a problem at home. This isn’t about complex grammar; it’s about conveying information clearly and politely in Japanese, just like you would when speaking to a friend or family member. We’ll focus on the practical aspects of doing this effectively.

Understanding the Task

You might be given prompts like these:

• Write a message to your roommate about a broken appliance.
• Write a message to your parents explaining why you’re late home.
• Write a message to a friend asking for help with a minor issue.

The key is to be clear, concise, and polite. Let’s break down the elements of a good response.

Key Vocabulary & Phrases

Here’s some useful vocabulary and phrases you can use:

• 問題 (mondai) – Problem
• 困っている (komatteiru) – To be troubled, to have a problem
• 〜について (…ni tsuite) – About
• 〜の (no) – A particle indicating possession or attribution.
• 〜を (…o) – An object marker particle.
• 〜から (…kara) – Because, since
• 〜のため (…no tame) – For the reason that; because of
• 助けて！(tasukete!) – Help!
• お願いできますか？ (onegai dekimasu ka?) – Can you do…? / Could you please…?

Example Message 1: Broken Washing Machine

Let’s say your washing machine is broken and you’re texting your roommate, Kenji. Here’s a possible response:

ケンジへ
洗濯機が壊れました。
今、困っています。
修理をお願いできますか？
よろしくお願いします。

Translation:
Kenji-san,
The washing machine is broken.
I’m troubled right now.
Could you please arrange for a repair?
Thank you very much.

Breakdown:

• ケンジへ (Kenji-he) – To Kenji (addressing the recipient).
• 洗濯機が壊れました (Sentaku-ki ga kowaremashita) – The washing machine is broken. (Polite past tense).
• 今、困っています (ima, komatteiru) – I’m troubled now. (Using “ima” for emphasis and indicating the present situation).
• 修理をお願いできますか？ (shuurisha o onegai dekimasu ka?) – Can you arrange for a repair? (Formal request.)
• よろしくお願いします (yoroshiku onegaishimasu) – A standard closing phrase meaning “Thank you” and expressing goodwill.

Common Mistakes & Corrections

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

• Overly Complex Grammar: Don’t try to use complicated grammar structures. Stick to simple sentences. Instead of “問題であるため、大変困っています (mondai de aru tame, taihen komatteiru),” say “困っています (komatteiru).”
• Lack of Politeness: Always include polite phrases like “お願いします (onegai shimasu)” or “〜ください (~kudasai)” when asking for something.
• Too Formal Language: Keep the tone casual and friendly, especially when talking to friends and family.

Putting it All Together – A More Detailed Example

Let’s say you need to explain a delay to your parents because of a minor issue at home.

お母さん、お父さんへ
今帰って遅れるかもしれません。
水道の蛇口が壊れていて、修理を頼んだところです。
まだ分かりません。ご心配しないでください。
早く帰ります！
よろしくお願いします。

Translation:
Mom, Dad,
I might be late returning.
The faucet is broken and I’ve asked someone to repair it.
I don’t know when it will be fixed yet. Please don’t worry.
I’ll get home quickly!

Conclusion

Writing messages like these in Japanese is a valuable skill for the JLPT N4 exam, and beyond! Focus on clear communication, polite language, and using the helpful vocabulary we discussed. Practice writing similar scenarios to build your confidence.