JLPT N5 Speaking: Describing Simple Symptoms

The JLPT N5 exam includes a speaking section where you’ll need to be able to describe simple symptoms. This article will guide you through the key vocabulary, phrases, and realistic dialogues you can use. Don’t worry about perfect grammar; focus on clear communication!

Essential Vocabulary

Here’s some basic vocabulary for describing symptoms:

• 頭 (atama): Head
• 目 (me): Eye
• 鼻 (hana): Nose
• 喉 (hō): Throat
• お腹 (onaka): Stomach
• 熱 (ne) / 高い (takai): Fever / High
• 痛み (itami): Pain
• くしゃみ (kuskami): Sneezing
• 咳 (seki): Coughing
• だるい (darui): Tired, Weak
• 眠い (nemui): Sleepy
• 吐き気 (hakike): Nausea

Useful Phrases

These phrases will help you build your sentences:

• 〜が痛いです。 (~ga itai desu.): It hurts. (e.g., Atama ga itai desu – My head hurts.)
• 〜で困っています。 (~de komatteimasu): I’m having trouble with… (e.g., Hoshi ga doruidesu – I’m having trouble seeing.)
• どうしたの？ (~doushita no?) What’s wrong?
• 何かあったの？ (~nanika atta no?) Did something happen?
• 大丈夫ですか？ (~daijoubu desu ka?) Are you okay?
• 少し良くなりました。 (~sukoshi yarakunari mata): It’s getting a little better.

Sample Dialogues

Let’s look at some example dialogues:

Dialogue 1: At the Doctor

Doctor: どうしたの？ (Doushita no?)

Student: 喉が痛いです。 (Hō ga itai desu.)  Atama mo sore dake dewa arimasen. (Atama mo sore dake dewa arimasen – My head hurts too.)

Doctor: 熱はありますか？ (Netsu wa arimasu ka?)

Student:  はい、少し高いです。(Hai, sukoshi takai desu.) – Yes, it’s a little high.

Dialogue 2: Talking to a Friend

Friend: 何かあったの？ (Nanika atta no?)

You: お腹が痛いです。吐き気がします。(Onaka ga itai desu. Hakike ga shimasu.) – My stomach hurts. I feel nauseous.

Friend: それで困るね！(Sore de komaru ne!)  - That's awful! 

Common Mistakes & Corrections

• Mistake: 痛いです (Itai desu) – Used excessively.
• Correction: Try to be more specific: Atama no ue ga itai desu (My forehead hurts).
• Mistake: Using too much casual language in formal situations.
• Correction: Remember to use polite forms like 〜です (~desu) and appropriate sentence endings.

Practice Tips

• Record yourself speaking the phrases. Listen back to identify areas for improvement.
• Role-play with a friend or language partner.
• Start small: Focus on describing just one or two symptoms at a time.

Good luck preparing for your JLPT N5 speaking exam! With consistent practice, you’ll be able to communicate about health concerns effectively.