JLPT N4 Writing: Write Simple Rules for a Shared Space

Passing the JLPT N4 writing section focuses on practical skills – expressing opinions, making requests politely, and writing simple rules. Let’s tackle a common scenario: creating clear guidelines for a shared space like a kitchen or study area. This article will guide you through structuring your response with appropriate Japanese phrases and vocabulary.

Understanding the Task

The N4 writing task often presents a situation (like the one above) and asks you to write a short paragraph offering solutions or suggesting rules. It’s not about perfect grammar; it’s about conveying information clearly and politely.

Key Japanese Phrases & Vocabulary

• ～てください (): Please do… (polite request) – This is crucial!
• ～ない方がいいです (<~nai hō ga ii desu): It's better if you don’t…
• お願いします (<~onegai shimasu): Please (very polite, often used at the end of a request)
• ～を ～: To keep ~ / To prevent ~
• これは ～: This is ~
• 例 (rei): Example

Example Situation & Response

Let’s say you want to write a short notice for a shared kitchen. Here’s an example response:

こんにちは。このキッチンはみんなで使うので、いくつかお願いがあります。
これは食べ物を置いていない方がいいです。例：　冷蔵庫に食べ物を放置しないでください。
また、食器を洗ってから元の場所に置いてください。お願いします。
ゴミ箱にはゴミだけを入れてください。

Translation: “Hello. This kitchen is used by everyone, so I have a few requests. It’s better not to leave food out. For example, please don’t leave food in the refrigerator. Also, please put clean dishes back in their original places. Please. Please only put trash in the trash can.”

Breaking Down the Response

1. Greetings & Context: “こんにちは。このキッチンはみんなで使うので、いくつかお願いがあります。” (Konnichiwa. Kono kichin wa minna de tsukau node, ikutsu ka onegai ga arimasu.) – “Hello. This kitchen is used by everyone, so I have a few requests.” Notice the polite phrasing – “いくつかお願いがあります” (ikutsu ka onegai ga arimasu) – ‘I have a few requests.’
2. Negative Requests: “これは食べ物を置いていない方がいいです。” (Kore wa tabemono o oite inai hō ga ii desu.) – “It’s better not to leave food out.” The use of “～ない方がいいです” is key here.
3. Specific Instructions: “また、食器を洗ってから元の場所に置いてください。” (Mata, shokki o arate kara moto no basho ni oite kudasai.) – “Also, please put clean dishes back in their original places.” Note the addition of “洗ってから” (arate kara) – ‘after washing’.
4. Further Requests & Polite Closing: “お願いします。” (~onegai shimasu) – “Please.” This adds a final touch of politeness.

Common Mistakes and Corrections

• Mistake: Using overly complex sentences. Correction: Keep it simple! Focus on clear, direct phrases like those above.
• Mistake: Forgetting to use “～てください” for requests. Correction: Always include this polite request marker when asking someone to do something.
• Mistake: Overusing formal language. Correction: Aim for a friendly and approachable tone, like the example provided. Don’t be overly stiff!

Practice Tips

To improve your N4 writing skills:

• Write similar notices for other shared spaces (study room, bathroom).
• Use the vocabulary list as a starting point – try to incorporate it into your sentences.
• Focus on clarity and politeness above all else.

Good luck with your JLPT N4 writing!