JLPT N5 Speaking: Talk About What You Want to Do

The JLPT N5 speaking test focuses on simple conversations about your daily life and desires. It’s not about perfect grammar, but about being able to express yourself clearly. This article will give you the phrases, vocabulary, and situations you need to confidently say what you want to do.

Key Phrases & Vocabulary

Here’s a breakdown of essential phrases you’ll need:

• To Say “I want to…”: ～たい (～tai) – This is the most common and versatile way.
• Example: Sushi tai. (I want sushi.)
• To Say “Let’s…”: ～しよう (～shiyō) – Suggesting an activity.
• Example: 映画を観よう。 (Eiga o kanyuō. – Let’s watch a movie.)
• To Ask “What do you want to do?”: 何をしたいですか？ (Nani o shitai desu ka?)
• To Say “I like…”: ～が好きです (～ga suki desu)
• Example: コーヒーが好きです。 (Koohii ga suki desu. – I like coffee.)
• Common Activities: 食べる (taberu – to eat), 飲む (nomu – to drink), 観る (miru – to watch), 遊ぶ (asobu – to play), 勉強する (benkyō suru – to study)

Practical Conversation Scenarios

Let’s look at how to use these phrases in real-world situations:

Scenario 1: Meeting a Friend

You: こんにちは！何をするんですか？ (Konnichiwa! Nani o surun desu ka?) – Hello! What are you going to do?

Friend: 映画を見ようと思っています。 (Eiga o miyou to omotte imasu.) – I’m thinking of watching a movie.

You: 私も映画を観よう。 (Watashi mo eiga o kanyuō.) – I want to watch a movie too.

Correction: Notice how “Watashi mo” (I also) is used to express agreement. A more natural response might be: 映画を観るのもいいですね。 (Eiga o miru no mo ii desu ne. – Watching a movie would be good too.)

Scenario 2: Talking to a Restaurant Employee

You: すみません、メニューを見せてください。 (Sumimasen, menyū o misete kudasai.) – Excuse me, please show me the menu.

Employee: 何が食べたいですか？ (Nani ga tabetai desu ka?) – What would you like to eat?

You: ラーメンを食べたいです。 (Rāmen o tabetai desu.) – I want to eat ramen.

Employee: はい、ラーメンをお願いします。 (Hai, rāmen o onegai shimasu.) – Okay, please order ramen.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

Here are some common mistakes beginners make and how to improve:

• Overusing “-masu” form unnecessarily: Using “-masu” after every verb can sound overly polite and unnatural. Stick to the plain form (e.g., 食べたい – tabetai – I want to eat) when appropriate.
• Not using particles correctly: Particles like “wa” (は), “ga” (が), and “o” (を) are crucial. Practice using them correctly – it’s a big part of Japanese sentence structure.
• Saying “I don’t want to…” incorrectly: The phrase is ～たくない (～taku nai). It’s often easier to say what you do want to do than to negate it.

Practice Tips

To prepare for the N5 speaking test:

• Practice saying the phrases aloud regularly.
• Role-play different scenarios with a friend or language partner.
• Focus on pronunciation – clear pronunciation is key.
• Don’t be afraid to make mistakes! Mistakes are a natural part of the learning process.

Good luck with your JLPT N5 speaking test!