[2.Andante] Basic verbs - Let's go out!
[00:07]
Hello, everyone. Today, we will practice words used when you go out. 
[00:13]
Oops, we’ve got lost already...
Repeat after me
[00:19]
1. Excuse me, where is the station?
2. Where is the nearest station from here?
3. Is the station this way/direction?
(kocchi no hou = this way/direction)
4. Is there a convenience store around here?
5. I’m looking for a supermarket.
6. I’d like to go to a department store.
7. How long does it take from here?
8. Can I go by foot? (=Is it within walking distance?) 
(ikemasu = potential form of iku＞ikimasu)

Dialogue
[01:55]
Lisa san seems to have lost her way.  She asked a woman the way.
[02:02]
Lisa:  Um… is the station in this direction?
Woman :  No, not this way, but that way.
L:    Is it within walking distance?
W:  Well, let’s see, it will take 20 minutes. Go straight here and turn right at that traffic light. From there, follow the road about 15 minutes, and you will see the station, I guess.
L:    Michinari?
W:  Well, (it means) to follow the road. There will be a little slope, though. 
L:    I  should be fine. It will be a good exercise! 

Repeat after me
[02:41]
1. Is the station in this direction?
2. Not this way, but that way.
3. It will take 20 minutes.
4. Go straight here and turn right at that traffic light.
5. Follow the road about 15 minutes, and you will see the station, I guess. 
[03:50]
You are not in time for the appointment. So, you contact your friend.

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Note: English translations might sound occasionally unnatural as English, as I try to preserve the structure and essence of the original Japanese. I hope it also helps you to capture the pattern of the sentence structure.

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[✐4. Allegretto] お+Vます(I,II)+します、ご+Vます(III)/N+します
Upgrade your Japanese - humble and beautiful!
“I will call you later.”
[00:08]
Hello everyone. Today, we will practice the refined expressions which are useful in business situation. I also recommend you to use them when you talk to superiors or people you meet for the first time. 
Note: Kenjougo is a humble way of speaking, when you speak to someone of a higher position of power or a senior person, in which you humble yourself down. Together with sonkeigo(honorific language), many learners are annoyed by these complicated systems - but today, we stick to the very basic of humble way of speaking. In fact, not just in a hierarchical context, it also gives others a sophisticated impression.   
[00:21]
My condition of throat is not good today, but I will do my best. 
[00:27]
Followings are when you talk about your own actions.  In other words, the subject is “watashi = I”. Repeat after the sound ♫.    

It’s difficult to reflect a humble way of speaking in the English translation, but think of it with the nuance of “let me do something (for you).”
[ 00:40]
1.     I will lead the way. 
2.     I will explain how to use. 
3.     I will inform you of tomorrow’s schedule. 
4.     I will prepare it. 
5.     I will carry (your) bag. 
6.     I will give you the materials/handouts.   
7.     I will take your picture. 
8.     I will send the package/parcel. 
9.     I will lend you an umbrella. 
10.  I will call a taxi.
*****
*****
[08:25] Dialogue
Conversation between Laura san and Assistant Manager in an office.     
*****
*****
[10:14] [Shadowing]
First, listen to a sentence at normal speed. Then, I speak a bit slowly, so you start speaking as soon as you hear it (or with a bit of delay if you’re confident), like a shadow.

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Note: English translations might sound occasionally unnatural as English, as I try to preserve the structure and essence of the original Japanese. I hope it also helps you to capture the pattern of the sentence structure.

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[1. Adagio, 2. Andante] *Onomatopoeia = A word that expresses various states and movements with sound, including a sensory expression, although the sound is not actually heard.
Even the same onomatopoeia has different meanings depending on the context; e.g. “peko peko” could mean 1) “very hungry”, or 2) “be very humble” or “touch one’s forelock” = “He apologized humbly. / He apologized over and over again.” 

[00:07]
Hello everyone.  We will practice onomatopoeia* today.  The conversation will become more fun. 
Repeat after me
[00:16]
1. I’m very hungry.
→ peko peko = really hungry
2. I ate a lot.
→ pan pan = ate a lot and I’m stuffed
3. It’s raining a lot.
→ zaa zaa = pouring down
4. I’m very busy now.
→ bata bata = being busy
5. I’m very tired today.
→ heto heto = be exhausted
[01:24]
Now I will ask you a question, so please repeat the answer.
[01:29]
For example,
Have you already eaten?
→ Not yet.  I’m peko peko (hungry). 
Ready?
[01:37]
1. Have you eaten breakfast?
→ Not yet.  I’m awfully hungry.
2. Would like to have a refill?
→ I’m full.  I’m stuffed.
3. It rained a lot this morning, didn’t it?
→ You’re right.  It was pouring. 
4. You look busy.
→ Yes, I’ve been hectic since this morning.
5. Moving today was a lot of work, wasn’t it?
→ Yes, I’m totally worn out.
[02:54]
Next is onomatopoeia related to clothing. 
★★★★★
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Note: English translations might sound occasionally unnatural as English, as I try to preserve the structure and essence of the original Japanese. I hope it also helps you to capture the pattern of the sentence structure.

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Issued on 04.01.2022
[✐3. Moderato] only” : 〜しか +negatives
「いましか ありません =  いまでしょ！」
In Japan, “ima desho!” became popular in 2013 and actually was one of the buzzwords of the year, after a literature teacher Hayashi spat it out in a prep school TV advertisement. Check the link when you have time. https://youtu.be/0mKEeqzqJtc?t=19
**********
[00:08]
Happy New Year, everyone! I hope you will stick with me for this year as well. Let’s start straight away. Repeat after me
[00:20]
1. I have 500 yen in my wallet
2. I have only 500 yen in my wallet. = general description of the situation
3. I only have 500 yen (but nothing else) in my wallet. = implying that the speaker feels it’s not enough.
[01:01]
 “〜shika” is always used with negatives and it emphasizes the fact or implies speaker’s personal feeling.
[01:13]
 1. There is a break for 20 minutes.
2. There is a break for only 20 minutes.
3. There is nothing but a 20 minutes break.
[01:53]
Nr. 3 has the nuance that a 20-minute break is not enough．
[02:02]
Now, let’s change the next sentence to a sentence with “〜shika + negatives”.
For example, There is a ballpoint pen. → There is nothing but a ballpoint pen.
Ready?
1. I understand Hiragana. → I understand nothing but Hiragana.
 〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜
[05:04] By the way, the Japanese translation for “it’s now or never” is “ima shika arimasen” or “ima desho! (casual). Meanwhile, the Japanese title for Elves Presrey’s “It’s now or never” is in katakana “ittsu nau oa nevaa”.

***Japanese Transcript*****
「いましか ありません = いまでしょ！」
 [00:08]
みなさん、しんねんあけまして おめでとう ございます。ことしも どうぞよろしく おねがい いたします。では、さっそくはじめますよ。
Repeat after me
[00:20]
1. さいふのなかに、500えん あります。
2. さいふのなかに、500えんだけ あります。 = general description of the situation
3. さいふのなかに、500えんしか ありません。 = meaning that the speaker feels it’s not enough.
[01:01]
〜しか is always used with negatives and it emphasizes the fact or implies speaker’s personal feeling.
[01:13]
1. きゅうけいは20ぷんあります。
2. きゅうけいは20ぷんだけ あります。
3. きゅうけいは20ぷんしか ありません。
[01:53]
Nr. 3 has the nuance that a 20-minute break is not enough．
[02:02]
では、つぎのぶんを、｢〜しか + negatives｣にかえましょう。
たとえば、
ボールペンが あります。 → ボールペンしか ありません。 いいですか。
[02:15] 1. ひらがなが わかります。 → ひらがなしか わかりません。 〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜
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[4.Allegretto]   V・Plainはずです、Nのはずです
“The five-star restaurant should/must surely be delicious.”
[00:09]
Hello everyone.You are now waiting for a train on the platform.  There is a newsstand (Kiosk).  Do you want to buy a gum or something? 
Repeat after me
[00:22]
1. Gum should be on the far right.
2. Chocolate should be next to it.
3. I think* the morning papers have been sold out.
(urikire = sold out)
4. The gossip magazine should be released tomorrow.
5. A new type of mask should come soon.
6. There should be umbrellas in different colours.   
(irochigai no = in different colours)
(* “think” here is more like “believe”.)
[01: 45]
You bought a copy machine and need an extension cord.  Ask your family where it is.
[01:55]
“Where is an extension cord? “
Repeat after me
[02:00]
1. The extension code should be in that drawer.
2. The one we bought yesterday should be in the car.
3. I think* the one we bought last week hasn’t been used yet.
4. I think* we gave the one we bought last year to our neighbour. 
5. I think* we have thrown away the old extension code.
(* “think” here is more like “believe”.)
[03:16]
Then, make a sentence using “” as follows.  Be aware with i-adjectives and na-adjectives.
For example,
[03:26]
• difficult: muzukashii [i-adjective]
→ Muzukashii hazudesu.
• not good at : heta [na-adjective]
→ Hetana hazudesu.

***
[11:23][Shadowing]
You start speaking as soon as you hear it (or with a bit of delay if you’re confident), like a shadow. 
[11:31] slow tempo
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Note: English translations might sound occasionally unnatural as English, as I try to preserve the structure and essence of the original Japanese. I hope it also helps you to capture the pattern of the sentence structure.

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[2.Andante] Detailed definition of nouns.
(Please also check Japanese Swotter 59 for further practices.)

“Podcast I often listen to is this.”
[00:08]
Hello, everyone. Today, we will start with a quiz. First, repeat the 5 hints and then answer the question.
Repeat after me
[00:20]
1.     This is probably a thing you have.
2.     This is a thing that fits in a bag or your pocket.
3.     This is a thing you can listen to the music.
4.     This is a thing that you can also read news or books.
5.     This is a thing you should not use while driving a car.
 [01:37]
So, what is this?  ….  It’s a smartphone. 
[01:44]
Then, next quiz.  Who is this?
Repeat after me
[01:49]
1.     This is a person who sleeps long(oft).
2.     This is a person who has soft skin and smells good.
3.     This is a person who drinks milk a lot(oft).
4.     This is a person who cries when s/he is hungry.
5.     This is a person who makes his family happy when s/he laughs. 
[02:49]
Well, who is this? … It’s a baby.   
[02:55]
Will san always use a bicycle, but actually his hobby is driving.  What kind of car is it?  (The followings are what) Will san replied.   
  Repeat after me
[03:09]
1.     It’s a red Japanese car.
2.     It’s the car my dad used to be driving.
 (nor = here means unten suru)
3.     It’s a car that I always polish cleanly.
4.     It’s a car whose (side) mirror broke last week. 
5.     It’s a car that I have to send for repair quite often.
 (しょっちゅう = quite often) 


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Join my Swotter club.  I'm looking forward to seeing you there !
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[3.Moderato] Vじしょ・よていです、Nのよていです
[00:08]
Hello, everyone. How are you doing?  I’m going to (I have a plan to go to) a dentist tomorrow.  The filling of the back teeth has come off. I don’t like (to go to) a dentist, but there is no choice (I have to go). 
[00:22]
By the way, do you have any plans for winter or Christmas?
Repeat after me
[00:30]
1. I plan to go skiing.
2. I plan to read a lot of books.
3. I plan to go on a trip somewhere.
4. I plan to go and see my family.
5. I plan to relax at home.
6. I plan to indulge myself in watching video.
(〜zanmai(wo)suru = indulge oneself in)
[01:40]
All of the above can be replaced with “〜tsumori desu (intend to)“
Repeat after me
[01:48]
1. I intend to go skiing.
2. I intend to read a lot of books.
3. I intend to go on a trip somewhere.
4. I intend to go and see my family.
5. I intend to relax at home.
6. I intend to indulge myself in watching video.
[02:58]
Now, let’s practice “noun” + “〜no yotei desu”
Repeat after me
[03:07]
1. The interview is scheduled for Wednesday.
2. Sommelier exam is scheduled tomorrow.
3. The business trip is scheduled for three days.
4. An online meeting is scheduled in the afternoon.
5. Delivery is scheduled for next week. 
6. The party will be postponed.   
[04:26]
Make a sentence as follows. For example,
[04:31]
Tomorrow, the shop will be closed.
→ The shop is will be closed tomorrow.
Ready?

★★★
Shadowing
[12:44] Preparation starts in Dialogue
[14:13] slow tempo
[14:48] normal tempo

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Note: English translations might sound occasionally unnatural as English, as I try to preserve the structure and essence of the original Japanese. I hope it also helps you to capture the pattern of the sentence structure.

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[✐1. Adagio] Simply memorise the expressions you would often use in the class!                                 

“Once again (=say that again), please.”
[00:07]
Hello everyone.
You are currently in a Japanese class.  The teacher said something, but you don’t understand well.  Are you going to ask the teacher?  What do you say?
[00:23]
(Example)
“Ah, excuse me, I don’t understand well.”
“Excuse me, which page is it?”
“What? Which one is this? “

Repeat after me
[00:33]
1. I don’t understand well.
2. I can’t see it well.
3. I can’t hear you well.
4. Which one is it?
5. Is this the one (you mean)?
6. What is that?
7. Which page is it?
[01:29]
Now, I say something, and you ask questions as follows.
[01:36]
Then, please write this. 
/ Which one?
→ Which one?
Got it?
[01:44]
1. Then, everyone, please read this.
/ which?
→ Which one?
2. Then, please write it here.
/ where
→ Where is that?
3. Let’s open  page 74.
/ which page?
→ Which page is it?
4. Please write the name of your class mate here.
/ name of what (which name)?
→ Which name is it?
5. The due date of the homework is Thursday.
/ Until when?
Until when is it?

Repeat after me
[03:10]
1. Not yet.
2. I’ll do(start) it from now.
3. It’s already done.
4. I’ve already read it.
5. I’ve already finished.
6. I’ve already finished to write.
7. I’ve done everything.
[04:09]
Please answer as follow.
For example,
[04:12]
Everyone, have you already read it?
/ not yet
→ Not yet.
*****************
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[2.Andante] V[ない]・なくてもいいです no need to, not necessary
“You don’t need to hurry. (= take your time).”
 [00:07]
 Hello everyone. Let’s start with the practice of making “〜nakutemo iidesu (no need to)”. Repeat after me
[00:16]
1. go – [nai form] – [… nakutemo iidesu]
2. write
3. see/watch
4. eat
5. come
6. do
[00:21]
So far so good, right?
Repeat after me
[01:24]
1. You don’t need to go to office tomorrow.
2. You don’t have to write your phone number.
3. You don’t have to watch TV.
4. You don’t have to force yourself to eat. (muri ni = forcedly)
5. You don’t need to come together (with me).
6. You don’t have to reply/answer immediately.
[02:43]
Osoi san has to go on business trip from now. It’s only one hour before the departure time of the Shinkansen, but he is still in the office. His colleague, Hayai san, is worried.
She said as follows;
[03:02]
1. You don’t need to copy the document.
2. You don’t need to attend the meeting. (kaigi ni deru = attend the meeting)
3. You don’t have to put the files back into the cabinet. (shimau = put (back), place)
4. You don’t need to contact clients.
5. You don’t need to switch off the computer.
[04:13]
You have no time! Go, hurry up!
*****

Shadowing
[10:35] Preparation starts in Dialogue
[12:07] slow tempo
[12:43] normal tempo

★★Japanese Transcript★★
「いそがなくても いいです。」
 [00:07]
みなさん、こんにちは。 では、｢〜なくてもいいです｣を つくる れんしゅうからはじめましょう。
Repeat after me
[00:16]
1. いきます: いかない - いかなくてもいいです
2. かきます：かかない - かかなくてもいいです
3. みます：みない - みなくてもいいです
4. たべます：たべない - たべなくてもいいです
5. きます：こない - こなくてもいいです
6. します：しない - しなくてもいいです
[01:21]
ここまでOKですね。
Repeat after me
[01:24]
1. あした オフィスに いかなくてもいいです。
2. でんわばんごうを かかなくてもいいです。
3. テレビを みなくてもいいです。
4. むりに たべなくてもいいです。 (むりに = forcedly)
5. いっしょに こなくてもいいです。
6. すぐに へんじを しなくてもいいです。
[02:43]
おそいさんは いまからしゅっちょうにいかなければなりません。しんかんせんのじかんまで、あと１じかんですが、まだオフィスにいます。どうりょうの はやいさんが しんぱいしています。つぎのように いいました。
 [03:02]
1. しょるいをコピーしなくてもいいです。
2. かいぎに でなくても いいです。 (かいぎにでる= attend the meeting)
3. ファイルを キャビネットに しまわなくてもいいです。 (しまう = put (back), place)
4. クライエントにれんらくしなくてもいいです。
5. コンピューターの スイッチを けさなくてもいいです。
[04:13] じかんがありませんよ！いそいで いってください！

★★★★★
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Note: English translations might sound occasionally unnatural as English, as I try to preserve the structure and essence of the original Japanese. I hope it also helps you to capture the pattern of the sentence structure.

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