Learning Japanese Through JLPT N5 Reading: Read Someone’s Vacation Plans

This article will guide you through understanding a simple Japanese conversation designed for the JLPT N5 reading section. We’ll focus on practical vocabulary, phrases, and how to read and understand basic dialogue. It’s about building confidence and getting used to the rhythm of the language!

The Scenario

You are a Japanese friend who’s planning a vacation. You are chatting with a friend who wants to know about your plans.

The Dialogue (Japanese with English Translation and Notes)

Person A (Kenji): 先週、友達にメールしました。
Senjū, tomodachi ni mēru shimashita.

Translation: Last week, I emailed a friend.

Notes: “先週” (senjū) – Last week. “友達” (tomodachi) – Friend. “メールしました” (mēru shimashita) – I emailed. This is a very common polite form (ます –masu) used for past actions.

Person B (Akari): 何を書いたの？
Nani o kaita no?

Translation: What did you write?

Notes: “何” (nani) – What. “書いた” (kaita) – Wrote. “の” (no) – A particle used to indicate the subject of the sentence. This is a casual question.

Person A (Kenji): 沖縄に行く計画です。
Ōkina ni iku keikaku desu.

Translation: I’m planning to go to Okinawa.

Notes: “沖縄” (Ōkina) – Okinawa. “行く” (iku) – To go. “計画です” (keikaku desu) – It’s a plan/I’m planning. “です” (desu) – A polite copula (is/am/are).

Person B (Akari): いつですか？
Itsu desu ka?

Translation: When is it?

Notes: “いつ” (itsu) – When. “ですか” (desu ka) – A polite question marker.

Person A (Kenji): 来週の３日間です。
Raishū no sankikan desu.

Translation: It’s for 3 days next week.

Notes: “来週” (raishū) – Next week. “３日間” (sankikan) – 3 days. “です” (desu) – Polite copula.

Person B (Akari): どこに泊まるの？
Doko ni kokomaru no?

Translation: Where are you staying?

Notes: “どこ” (doko) – Where. “泊まる” (kokomaru) – To stay (overnight). “の” (no) – Subject particle. Again, a casual question.

Person A (Kenji): ホテルに泊まります。
Hoteru ni kokomarimasu.

Translation: I’ll stay at a hotel.

Notes: “ホテル” (hoteru) – Hotel. “に” (ni) – Particle indicating location. “泊まります” (kokomarimasu) – I will stay (more polite form). Notice the difference between “kokomaru” (casual) and “kokomarimasu” (polite).

Key Vocabulary

• メール (mēru): Email
• 友達 (tomodachi): Friend
• 沖縄 (Ōkina): Okinawa
• 行く (iku): To go
• 計画 (keikaku): Plan
• ホテル (hoteru): Hotel
• 泊まる (kokomaru): To stay (overnight)

Common Mistakes and Corrections

A common mistake beginners make is forgetting the polite ending “です” (desu) or “ます” (masu) when speaking. It’s crucial for making polite requests and statements. When you say “行く” (iku – to go) without “ます” or “desu”, it sounds very abrupt. Always add it! Akari asking “何を書いたの？” (nani o kaita no?) is perfectly fine for a friend, but use “何を書かれましたか” (nani o kakaremashita ka?) when speaking to someone older or in a formal setting.

Practice

Try repeating the dialogue aloud. Then, try creating your own short conversations about vacation plans. Even simple phrases like “I want to go to…” (～に行きたいです – ~ ni ikitai desu) can help you start building your Japanese communication skills.