Learn Japanese: Writing an N4 Level Email

Understanding JLPT N4 Writing

The JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) N4 level focuses on practical communication. One key area is writing, and writing a polite email is a fantastic starting point. This article will guide you through crafting a typical everyday email, using language commonly found in the N4 syllabus.

Real-World Situation: Responding to a Restaurant Invitation

Let’s say your friend Hiroshi invited you to eat ramen. You want to politely accept and ask about the time and place. Here’s how you could write an email:

Japanese Email Structure & Phrases

Japanese emails follow a slightly different structure than Western emails. Don’t worry too much about formalities at this stage; focus on conveying your message clearly.

• Greeting (挨拶 – Aisatsu):
• こんにちは (Konnichiwa) – Hello (daytime)
• こんばんは (Konbanwa) – Good evening (used after sunset)

Example Email Content

Subject: Re: Ramen Invitation

[Name] 様 (Minashi – Mr./Ms. /Formal)

こんにちは、ひろしさん！(Konnichiwa, Hiroshi-san!)

ご招待ありがとうございます。(Go shoutai arigatou gozaimasu.) - Thank you for the invitation!

ぜひ行きたいです。(Zehi ikitai desu.) - I’d love to come.

いつですか？ (Itsu desu ka?) – When is it?
どこで食べますか？ (Doko de tabemasu ka?) – Where are we eating?

お返事お待ちしています。(Ohenji omachi shiteimasu.) - Looking forward to your reply!

よろしくお願いします。(Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.) - Please treat me well.
[Your Name]

Breakdown & Explanation

Let’s break down the email:

• Subject: Re: Ramen Invitation – Using “Re:” is common to indicate a reply.
• [Name] 様 (Minashi) – Adding ‘様’ shows respect, especially in initial communication. It’s more formal than just using their name directly.
• こんにちは、ひろしさん！(Konnichiwa, Hiroshi-san!) – A friendly greeting followed by your friend’s name. The “さん” (san) is a polite suffix used for most people you don’t know well.
• ご招待ありがとうございます。(Go shoutai arigatou gozaimasu.) – Literally “Thank you for the invitation.” A very common and polite phrase.
• ぜひ行きたいです。(Zehi ikitai desu.) – “I definitely want to come.” ‘ぜひ (zehi)’ expresses strong desire.
• いつですか？(Itsu desu ka?) – “When is it?” A direct and useful question.
• どこで食べますか？(Doko de tabemasu ka?) – “Where are we eating?” Another essential question.
• お返事お待ちしています。(Ohenji omachi shiteimasu.) – “I’m looking forward to your reply.” ‘お返事 (ohenji)’ means “reply” and ‘お待ちしています (omachi shiteimasu)’ means “waiting for”.
• よろしくお願いします。(Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.) – This is a classic, multi-faceted phrase that roughly translates to “Please treat me well,” but it’s used as a closing expression of goodwill. It’s incredibly important in Japanese communication.

Common Mistakes & Corrections

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

• Overusing formal language: Beginners often over-use overly polite phrases like “～ましては” (…mashite wa). Keep it simple!
• Incorrect question order: Japanese questions can be tricky. Focus on the “Itsu desu ka?”/”Doko de tabemasu ka?” structure.
• Forgetting the closing phrase: “Yoroshiku onegaishimasu” is crucial for completing your email politely.

Practice!

The best way to improve your writing skills is to practice regularly. Try writing emails responding to other simple scenarios – invitations, asking for information, or thanking someone for something. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; that’s part of the learning process!