JLPT N5 Speaking: Talk About What You Want to Do

The JLPT N5 exam focuses on basic conversation. One key part is being able to talk about what you want to do – your hobbies, plans for the day, or things you’d like to buy. This article will give you the tools and phrases you need to confidently participate in simple conversations.

Key Phrases & Vocabulary

Let’s start with some essential phrases:

• Watashi wa… desu. (私は…です。) – I am…
• Nanika o shitai desu. (何かをしたいです。) – I want to do something.
• … ga suki desu. (…が好きです。) – … is/are my hobby.
• Moshi moshi! (もしもし！) – Hello! / Hi!
• Arigatou gozaimasu. (ありがとうございます。) – Thank you very much.

Here’s some vocabulary to build on:

• Tabemono (食べ物) – Food
• Hon (本) – Book
• Karaoke (カラオケ) – Karaoke
• Anime (アニメ) – Anime
• Shopping (ショッピング) – Shopping

Practice Dialogue 1: Talking About Your Hobby

This dialogue will help you start a conversation and express your hobbies.

Person A:  Moshi moshi! Watashi wa anime ga suki desu. (もしもし！私はアニメが好きです。)
    Hello! I like anime.
Person B:  Oh, anime! Watashi wa hon o yomi ni tsukaimasu. (ああ、本よみにつかいます。I read books.) 
     (Note: “yomi ni tsukaimasu” is a more polite way to say "read" than simply saying “yomimasu”)
Person A:  Ii desu ne! (いいですね！) – That's good!

Translation: “Hello! I like anime. Oh, reading! I read books.”

Practice Dialogue 2: Saying What You Want to Do Today

This dialogue focuses on expressing your immediate plans.

Person A:  Kyō wa nani o shitai desu ka? (今日は何をしたいですか？) - What do you want to do today?
Person B:  Tabemono o tabeemashou. (食べ物をたべましょう。 – I want to eat something.)
    (Note: “tabemashou” is a polite suggestion for "let’s eat")
Person A:  Ii desu! (いいです！) - Okay! 

Translation: “What do you want to do today? I want to eat something. Ok!”

Common Mistakes & Corrections

• Mistake: “Watashi wa hon o yomi desu.” (私は本を読みます。) – This isn’t quite right! It sounds unnatural.
• Correction: “Watashi wa hon o yomi ni tsukaimasu.” (私は本を読むにつかいます) – More natural and polite.
• Mistake: Forgetting to use “desu” after phrases like “watashi wa…”
• Correction: Remember to always add “desu” – it’s a crucial part of Japanese sentence structure!

Tips for Success

• Start Simple: Begin with very basic phrases and gradually build your vocabulary.
• Practice Regularly: Even 15-20 minutes of practice each day can make a big difference.
• Listen to Native Speakers: Immerse yourself in the language by listening to Japanese music, podcasts, or watching anime with subtitles.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Make Mistakes! – Everyone makes mistakes when learning a new language. It’s part of the process.

Remember, the goal is communication. Don’t worry about being perfectly fluent; just focus on expressing yourself clearly.