Learning Japanese: JLPT N5 Writing – Simple Requests

The JLPT N5 exam includes a writing section, and one of the tasks is to write simple requests. Don’t be intimidated! This article will equip you with the phrases and knowledge you need to confidently make basic requests in Japanese. We’ll focus on practical conversations and how to avoid common mistakes.

Understanding the Basics

Japanese politeness heavily relies on honorific language. While we’ll start with simpler forms suitable for N5, understanding the concept of being polite is key. “Please” (おねがいします – onegai shimasu) is your most important tool.

Essential Phrases for Making Requests

Here’s a breakdown of useful phrases you can use:

• Giving Something:
• あげてください (age te kudasai) – Please give me. (Literal translation)

“コーヒーをあげてください。” (Kōhi o age te kudasai.) – “Please give me coffee.”

• Asking for Something:
• ください (kudasai) – Please give/lend. (Most common request phrase)

“水くれいです。” (Mizu kurei desu.) – “Please give me water.”

• ほしい (hoshī) – I want… (More casual, use with people you know well. It’s acceptable for N5 but kudasai is always safer.)

“お弁当がほしい。” (Obento ga hoshii.) – “I want a bento box.”

• Asking Someone to Do Something:
• 〜してください (~ shite kudasai) – Please do ~ (Add your action after shite)

“窓を開けてください。” (Mado o akete kudasai.) – “Please open the window.”

Real-World Situations and Examples

Let’s look at some more practical scenarios:

• At a Restaurant: You want to order something.

You: “メニューをお願いします。” (Menyū o onegai shimasu.) – “Please give me the menu.”
Server: “はい、どうぞ。” (Hai, dōzo.) – “Yes, please.”

• Asking a Friend for Help: You need a pen.

You: “ペンをお願いします。” (Pen o onegai shimasu.) – “Please give me a pen.”

Common Mistakes and Corrections

Here are some mistakes beginners often make and how to fix them:

• Incorrect: “ペンがください。” (Pen ga kudasai) – This is grammatically awkward.

Correct: “ペンをお願いします。” (Pen o onegai shimasu.) – This is the standard and correct way to request something.

• Incorrect: Using “する” (suru) incorrectly for requests when you should be using “shite kudasai”.

Instead of “手伝ってください” (Tetsudatte kudasai) – which is very polite but slightly complex for N5, use “手伝いください” (Tetsudai kudasai). It’s fine to be a little simpler in your early learning.

Practice

Try writing out these simple requests:

• “本をお願いします。” (Hon o onegai shimasu.) – Please give me a book.
• “お茶をくれいです。” (Ocha o kurei desu.) – Please give me tea.

Keep practicing these phrases, and you’ll be well on your way to confidently making simple requests in Japanese!