210 Quick Japanese Conversation Phrases

焦った (Asetta)   :   I got flustered

🌸 Expresses feelings of surprise or confusion when something unexpected happens.

POINT

🡺 “Aseru” is used when irritated because something must be done quickly, while “asetta” is used after things have calmed down.

① After shopping

A: さっきレジで財布忘れたことに気づいて焦ったよ。
A: Sakki reji de saifu wasureta koto ni kizuite asetta yo.
→ I just thought I forgot my grocery bags and I got flustered.

B: 私もたまにやる。焦るよね。
B: Watashi mo tama ni yaru. Aseru yo ne.
→ I do that sometimes too. It really does make you flustered.

② At a test site

A: やっと来た。遅いから心配したよ。
A: Yatto kita. Osoi kara shinpai shita yo.
→ You’re finally here. You were late so I was worried.

B: 寝坊しちゃって。ほんと、焦った。
B: Nebō shichatte. Honto, asetta.
→ I overslept. I was really flustered.

③ A small child

A: 朝起きたら子供がいなくて焦ったよ。
A: Asa okitara kodomo ga inakute asetta yo.
→ When I woke up in the morning, my child was gone and I was flustered.

B: え！？大丈夫だったの？
B: E!? Daijōbu datta no?
→ What!? Was she okay?

A: うん。ベッドの下にいた。
A: Un. Beddo no shita ni ita.
→ Yes, she was under the bed.

④ Inside a train

A: よかったね、電車、間に合って。
A: Yokatta ne, densha, maniaatte.
→ It’s a good thing we made it onto this train.

B: うん。焦ったよ、もう。
B: Un. Asetta yo, mō.
→ Yes, I was getting flustered.

当たり前です (Atarimae desu) : Of course; obviously; nothing unusual

🌸 This means “anybody would do the same” or “it’s common sense to be like that.”

POINT

🡺 This is almost the same meaning as “Tōzen desu” (当然です), but it is more emphatic and more often used in conversation.

① For a beginner

A: ミスしてばかりで、すみません。
A: Misushite bakari de, sumimasen.
→ I am making lots of mistakes. Sorry.

B: まだ新人なんだから、当たり前だよ。
B: Mada shinjin nan dakara, atarimae da yo.
→ You are still a beginner. That’s nothing unusual.

② Looking at a parking fee

A: えっ、有料なの？
A: E, yūryō nano?
→ What? Do we have to pay?

B: 当たり前だよ。ただのわけないじゃない。
B: Atarimae da yo. Tada no wake nai janai.
→ Of course. It’s not free, you know.

③ Hearing words of thanks

A: 本当に助かりました。ありがとうございます。
A: Hontō ni tasukarimashita. Arigatō gozaimasu.
→ It was really helpful. Thank you very much.

B: このぐらいは当たり前ですよ。
B: Kono gurai wa atarimae desu yo.
→ I didn’t do anything unusual.

④ A new house

A: 当たり前だけど、きれいな家ですね。
A: Atarimae dakedo, kirei na ie desu ne.
→ It’s clearly a lovely house.

B: ずっとこうだといいんですが。
B: Zutto kō da to iin desu ga.
→ I hope it will always be like this.

⑤ Urban life

A: 車を持っているのは当たり前ですか？
A: Kuruma o motte iru no wa atarimae desu ka?
→ Do people usually own a car?

B: いや、都会ではそうでもないですよ。
B: Iya, tokai de wa sō demo nai desu yo.
→ No, not so much in urban areas.

あっという間  (Attoiuma) : It was over in the blink of an eye

🌸 It is used to express the feeling that time went by in an instant.

POINT

🡺 It is often used when talking about the past in a retrospective glance.

① 5th Year in Japan

A: 日本に来て、もう５年になるんですか。
A: Nihon ni kite, mō go-nen ni narun desu ka.
→ Is it already your fifth year in Japan?

B: ええ。あっという間でした。
B: Ee. Attoiuma deshita.
→ Yes. It went by like a flash.

② At the end of the year

A: もう12月かあ。
A: Mō jūni-gatsu kaa.
→ Oh, it’s already December.

B: 今年もあっという間だったね。
B: Kotoshi mo attoiuma datta ne.
→ This year has come to an end before we knew it.

③ The next day

A: 昨日は楽しかったね。
A: Kinō wa tanoshikatta ne.
→ We really had fun yesterday.

B: うん。あっという間に時間が過ぎたよ。
B: Un. Attoiuma ni jikan ga sugita yo.
→ Yeah. It ended all too soon.

④ At the end of the summer vacation

A: もう夏休みが終わるね。
A: Mō natsuyasumi ga owaru ne.
→ Summer vacation is ending soon.

B: ほんと、あっという間だった。
B: Honto, attoiuma datta.
→ Yes it is. It went by in an instant.

⑤ Before dinner

A: おいしそう！ 手間がかかったでしょう。
A: Oishisō! Tema ga kakatta deshō.
→ It looks delicious! I’m sure it took a great deal of time to make all this.

B: ううん。意外に簡単で、あっという間にできるの。
B: Uun. Igai ni kantan de, attoiuma ni dekiru no.
→ No, not at all. It’s surprisingly easy, and it doesn’t require much time.

あと一歩（あといっぽ）– Ato ippo : Just a step away

🌸 Used to express a situation where only a little more was needed to accomplish a goal or target.

POINT

• 「Ato ippo desu」is used to encourage someone when they are close to achieving their goal.

• 「Ato ippo datta ne」is used to console someone who was unable to achieve their goal.

• 「Ato ippo datta noni」is used by someone who was unable to reach their goal to describe their own situation.

① Test preparation

A: もう疲れたよ。勉強したくない。
A: Mō tsukareta yo. Benkyō shitakunai.
→ I’m tired. I don’t want to study.

B: 合格まであと一歩なんだから、がんばって！
B: Gōkaku made ato ippo nan dakara, ganbatte!
→ You’re just a step away from passing, so keep at it!

② Watching a sports match

A: もうちょっとで勝てたのになあ。
A: Mō chotto de kateta noni naa.
→ We were so close to winning.

B: うん。あと一歩だったね。
B: Un. Ato ippo datta ne.
→ Yes, we were just a step away.

③ Choosing a theme

A: レポートのテーマは決まりましたか。
A: Repōto no tēma wa kimarimashita ka?
→ Did you decide on a report theme?

B: いえ、あと一歩というところです。
B: Ie, ato ippo to iu tokoro desu.
→ No, I’m just a step away from it.

④ Completion in sight

A: 完成まであと一歩というところで問題が起きたんです。
A: Kansei made ato ippo to iu tokoro de mondai ga okita n desu.
→ A problem occurred when we were just a step away from finishing.

B: え？どんな問題ですか。
B: E? Donna mondai desu ka?
→ Hm? What was the problem?

⑤ After vote totals are announced

A: あと一歩及ばず、落選してしまいました。
A: Ato ippo oyobazu, rakusen shite shimaimashita.
→ I was unable to take that last step and lost the election.

B: 応援していたんですが、残念です。
B: Ōen shite itan desu ga, zannen desu.
→ I was supporting you, but that’s too bad.

あやしい（Ayashii） : That sounds fishy / Suspicious

🌸 It is used to express the feeling of doubt toward someone’s speech and behavior, or toward a thing or situation.

POINT

• It is used when you cannot believe what someone said, or when you feel that the other person is hiding something from you.

• It can also be used to express doubt toward yourself, when you’re unsure of the facts.

① At the bookstore

A: この本を読むだけで幸せになれるんだって。
A: Kono hon o yomu dake de shiawase ni narerun datte.
→ You will have good fortune just by reading this book.

B: 何、それ。絶対にあやしいよ。
B: Nani, sore. Zettai ni ayashii yo.
→ What’s that. That is really fishy.

② About a colleague

A: あの二人、最近 あやしいと思わない？
A: Ano futari, saikin ayashii to omowanai?
→ Don’t you think those two are having some kind of affair recently?

B: うん。付き合ってるかもね。
B: Un. Tsukiatte iru kamo ne.
→ I’ve noticed it too. Maybe they’re going out.

③ Not overlooking

A: 今、何を隠したの！？ あやしいなあ。
A: Ima, nani o kakushita no!? Ayashii naa.
→ What did you hide right now? You’re suspicious.

B: なんでもないよ。
B: Nandemo nai yo.
→ It’s nothing of your concern.

④ Saying things doubtfully

A: うーん、たぶん6時には行けると思うんだけど…。
A: Ūn, tabun rokuji ni wa ikeru to omou n da kedo…
→ Hmmm. I think I’ll be able to come by 6 o’clock.

B: ほんとに？ あやしいなあ。
B: Honto ni? Ayashii naa.
→ Are you sure? I doubt you can.

⑤ Time limit

A: この作業、4時に終わるかなあ？
A: Kono sagyō, yoji ni owaru kanaa?
→ Do you think this project will end by 4 o’clock?

B: 4時はちょっとあやしいかも。でも、4時半までは終わると思う。
B: Yoji wa chotto ayashii kamo. Demo, yoji han made ni wa owaru to omou.
→ 4 o’clock is doubtful, but I’m sure we can finish it by 4:30.

あり得ない（Arienai） : Out of the question / Impossible

🌸 Used to indicate that there is zero possibility of something occurring.

POINT

• A strong denial of the possibility that something could ever happen, expressing it as completely unthinkable or absurd.

① Harsh heat

A: なに、この暑さ！
A: Nani, kono atsusa!
→ What’s with this heat!?

B: ほんと。あり得ないよ。
B: Honto. Arienai yo.
→ I know. It’s out of the question.

② A meeting

A: ごめん、ごめん。
A: Gomen, gomen.
→ Sorry, sorry.

B: 1時間も遅刻するなんてあり得ない！
B: Ichi-jikan mo chikoku suru nante arienai!
→ Being an hour late is out of the question!

③ Under consideration for marriage?

A: 彼はどう？結婚相手として。
A: Kare wa dou? Kekkon aite to shite.
→ What about him as a potential husband?

B: えー、あり得ないよ。
B: Ē, arienai yo.
→ What? That’s out of the question.

④ Chances of winning

A: ワールドカップで日本が優勝する可能性ってある？
A: Wārudo kappu de Nihon ga yūshō suru kanōsei tte aru?
→ Is there any chance that Japan could win the World Cup?

B: それはあり得ないよ。
B: Sore wa arienai yo.
→ It’s out of the question.

⑤ Goals that are too high

A: 売上目標はいくらだって？
A: Uriage mokuhyō wa ikura datte?
→ What were our sales goals again?

B: 1000万円？それなの、あり得ないよね。
B: Issen man en? Sore na no, arienai yo ne.
→ 10 million yen? That’s out of the question, wouldn’t you say?

あわてなくていい（Awatenakute ii）: You don’t have to rush

🌸 It is an expression used to let someone know that there is no necessity of rushing.

POINT

• Thường được dùng để trấn an ai đó hoặc trong các tình huống mà việc vội vàng có thể gây ra thất bại.

① Before leaving

A: もう出ないと間に合わないんじゃない？
A: Mou denai to maniawanai n ja nai?
→ I don’t think we’ll make it in time if we don’t leave now.

B: あわてなくていいよ。10分くらい余裕あるから。
B: Awatenakute ii yo. Juppun kurai yoyuu aru kara.
→ No need to rush. We have a margin of 10 min.

② To the new hire

A: なかなか仕事が覚えられなくて…。
A: Nakanaka shigoto ga oboerarenakute…
→ It’s taking me time to learn this job…

B: あわてなくていいよ。ゆっくり覚えれば。
B: Awatenakute ii yo. Yukkuri oboereba.
→ You don’t have to rush. You can take time learning.

③ Before leaving (again)

A: ちょっと待って。すぐに終わらせるから。
A: Chotto matte. Sugu ni owaraseru kara.
→ Wait a second. I’ll finish it up real quick.

B: そんなにあわてなくていいよ。急いでないから。
B: Sonnani awatenakute ii yo. Isoide nai kara.
→ You don’t have to rush so much. I’m not in a hurry.

Variations

④ At a bus stop

A: もう、バス、全然来ない。
A: Mou, basu, zenzen konai.
→ The bus isn’t arriving at all.

B: あわてなくていいよ。
B: Awatenakute ii yo.
→ No need to rush.

いい加減だなあ（Iikagen da naa） : You’re irresponsible

🌸 Used to express the feeling of disapproval, to someone who has an irresponsible attitude or who scamps work.

POINT

It includes the feeling that the work should be done in a proper way, without cutting corners.

① Mail order

A: 「明日には発送します」って昨日言ってたのに、在庫がないって。
A: “Ashita ni wa hassō shimasu” tte kinō itteta noni, zaiko ga nai tte.
→ They said, “We’ll send it to you tomorrow,” but now they’re saying that they don’t have any stocks.

B: 何、それ？いい加減だなあ。
B: Nani, sore? Iikagen da nā.
→ What’s that? They’re really irresponsible.

② At the work place

A: いいよ、そんな感じで。誰もそんなに見ないから。
A: Ii yo, sonna kanji de. Dare mo sonna ni minai kara.
→ That’s good enough. No one looks at it carefully enough anyway.

B: えー、いい加減だなあ。
B: Ē, iikagen da nā.
→ Wow, you really do a sloppy job.

③ Time for bus arrival

A: とりあえずバス停まで行こうよ。ちょっと待てば来るよ。
A: Toriaezu basutei made ikō yo. Chotto mateba kuru yo.
→ Let’s start off with going to the bus stop. The bus should arrive while we wait there for a few minutes.

B: いい加減だなあ。時間くらい調べて行こうよ。
B: Iikagen da nā. Jikan kurai shirabete ikō yo.
→ That’s irresponsible. Let’s go after checking the time table.

④ Seasoning a dish

A: 塩入れたかなあ…。ま、いや、薄かったら後で入れれば。
A: Shio ireta ka nā… Ma, iya, usukattara ato de irereba.
→ Did I add salt in it? Uhm. Well, I would season it later if I feel short of taste.

B: なんだか いい加減だなあ。
B: Nandaka iikagen da nā.
→ Isn’t it a little sloppy?

いい加減にして（Iikagen ni shite）: Cut it out! / That’s enough

🌸 Used to express frustration or strong disapproval when someone’s words or actions have gone too far.

POINT

• Often used when angry or upset.

• Common in imperative forms like 「いい加減にしなさい」 or 「いい加減にしろ」.

① No kidding

A：さっきからふざけたことばかり言って。
A: Sakki kara fuzaketa koto bakari itte.
You’ve been doing nothing but kidding around.

もう、いい加減にして！
Mō, ii kagen ni shite!
That’s enough already! / Cut it out!

B：ごめん、ごめん。
B: Gomen, gomen.
Sorry, sorry.

② No money

A：ごめん、ちょっとお金貸してくれない？
A: Gomen, chotto okane kashite kurenai?
Hey, could you lend me a little money?

B：もう！私はATMじゃないんだから！
B: Mō! Watashi wa ATM ja nain dakara!
Really! I’m not an ATM!

いい加減にして！
Ii kagen ni shite!
Cut it out!

③ Dependence

A：ほんと、困りました。どうしたらいいですか。
A: Honto, komarimashita. Dō shitara ii desu ka.
I’m really in a bind. What should I do?

B：知りませんよ。甘えるのもいい加減にしてください！
B: Shirimasen yo. Amaeru no mo ii kagen ni shite kudasai!
It’s not my problem. Quit depending on me for everything!

④ Order from a customer

A：また内容を変更してきたよ。
A: Mata naiyō o henkō shite kita yo.
They’ve changed the details of their order again.

B：また⁉ もう、いい加減にしてほしいなあ。
B: Mata!? Mō, ii kagen ni shite hoshii nā.
Again!? I wish they’d get it straight already.

いい線いってる　(ii sen itteru) : You’re on a right track; It’s in line

🌸 It is an expression used to affirmatively evaluate the situation of a matter, acknowledging that it is at a pretty high level.

POINT

When it is used in answering to some question or a supposition, it means that it is “close to the correct answer.”

① While going through a business proposal

A: この企画、どうでしょうか。
Kono kikaku, dō deshou ka.
A: What do you think of this project?

B: いい線いってると思うよ。
Ii sen itteru to omou yo.
B: It’s in line with what I think.

② At the pastry shop making a trial piece

A: どうですか。
Dō desu ka.
A: What do you think of it?

B: うん、いい線いってる。これならお店でも出せそう。
Un, ii sen itteru. Kore nara omise demo dasesō.
B: I think you’re on a right track. Maybe with this you can start your own shop.

③ New face scouting audition

A: この人はどうですか。
Kono hito wa dō desu ka.
A: What do you think of this person?

B: 彼はなかなかいい線いってるんだけど、何か足りないんだよなあ。
Kare wa nakanaka ii sen itterun da kedo, nanika tarinain da yo nā.
B: He’s quite close to the person we’re looking for, but he’s lacking something.

④ Newly bought second-hand motor bicycle

A: 中古だったら１５万円くらいですか。
Chūko dattara jūgo man-en kurai desu ka.
A: If this is a second-hand motor bike, is the price about 150,000 yen?

B: いい線いってるね。１４万円だよ。
Ii sen itteru ne. Jūyon man-en da yo.
B: You were close. It is 140,000 yen.

いいな　(ii na) : I envy you

🌸 It is used to express your envious feeling toward someone’s situation.

POINT

The polite way of using this word is “ii desu ne.”

① Plan for the holidays

A: 年末 は 家族 で ハワイ に 行くんです。
Nenmatsu wa kazoku de Hawai ni iku n desu.
A: I’m going to Hawaii with my family during the year-end holidays.

B: へー。いいな。
Hē. Ii na.
B: Wow. I envy you.

② Incentive

A: 今回 は ボーナス が ちょっと多かった。
Konkai wa bōnasu ga chotto ōkatta.
A: The bonus I received this time was a bit more than last time.

B: いいなあ。うち は 出なかったよ。
Ii nā. Uchi wa denakatta yo.
B: I envy you. We had none.

③ Children Circumstances

A: 子どもは いいな。何も悩まなくていいから。
Kodomo wa ii na. Nanimo nayamanakute ii kara.
A: I envy children. They have no worries.

B: 子どもにも子どもの悩み が あるんだよ。
Kodomo ni mo kodomo no nayami ga arun da yo.
B: Even children have their own worries.

④ Location of a house

A: みんな、いいな。家 が 近くて。
Minna, ii na. Ie ga chikakute.
A: I envy all of you. You guys live so close.

B: そうか。田中さん は 結構遠かったもんね。
Sō ka. Tanaka-san wa kekkō tōkatta mon ne.
B: I know how you feel Tanaka-san. You come from a distance.

言いにくいんですが　(iinikui n desu ga) : It is hard to say

🌸 It is an expression used as an introduction, when saying things that may not be acceptable to others, or when giving unfavorable opinion on someone.

POINT

It is used when warning others, saying things against others’ expectation, criticizing someone, or requesting personal wishes.

① Overlapping

A: 言いにくいんですが、実は その日仕事 が 入って…。
Iinikui n desu ga, jitsu wa sono hi shigoto ga haitte…
A: It is hard to say, but to tell you the truth I have work that day.

B: えっ、来られないの？残念。
E, korarenai no? Zannen.
B: Oh! You cannot come? That’s unfortunate.

② Disliking certain types of people

A: 言いにくいんだけど、実 は 石原さんが苦手で…。
Iinikui n da kedo, jitsu wa Ishihara-san ga nigate de…
A: It is hard for me to say this, but to tell you the truth I don’t like Ishihara-san so much.

B: それで 今日の食事会、行かないんだ。
Sore de kyō no shokujikai, ikanain da.
B: That’s why you’re not coming to the dinner party tonight?

③ About the hair style

A: ちょっと言いにくいんだけど、絶対、前の髪型のほうがいいと思う。
Chotto iinikui n da kedo, zettai, mae no kamigata no hō ga ii to omou.
A: It’s hard to say, but I’m sure your former hair style was better.

B: やっぱりそうか…。
Yappari sō ka…
B: I know it.

④ An honest opinion

A: ちょっと言いにくいんですが、原さんのさっきの話…。
Chotto iinikui n desu ga, Hara-san no sakki no hanashi…
A: It is hard to say, but the thing Hara-san just said…

B: ちょっと変だよね。私 も そう思った。
Chotto hen da yo ne. Watashi mo sō omotta.
B: Doesn’t make sense. I think so too.

言い訳はいい (iiwake wa ii) : No need for an excuse

🌸 It is used to express one’s feeling of not wanting to, or has no intention of listening to an excuse concerning the mistake which the other person made.

POINT

It is used to express one’s feeling, that the other person should humbly accept the blame.
It is said when the other person starts making excuses.

① Arriving late

A: バスが全然来なくて…。
Basu ga zenzen konakute…
A: The bus took forever to come…

B: 言い訳はいいよ。
Iiwake wa ii yo.
B: Don’t make excuses.

② On the phone

A: いろいろ急ぎの件 が 続いて、うっかり送るのを忘れてしまいました。
Iroiro isogi no ken ga tsudzuite, ukkari okuru no o wasurete shimaimashita.
A: I forgot to send you the stuff, since there were so many things of great urgency.

B: 言い訳はいいから、早く送ってください。
Iiwake wa ii kara, hayaku okutte kudasai.
B: You can come up with the excuses later, but please first send them to me.

③ Tidying up

A: 時間がなくて、なかなか手が付けられないんだよ。
Jikan ga nakute, nakanaka te ga tsukerarenain da yo.
A: I’m not able to start cleaning, as I can’t find time to do them.

B: 言い訳はいいから、早く片付けて。
Iiwake wa ii kara, hayaku katadzukete.
B: Forget the excuses, and clean up quick.

④ In a difficult situation

A: 確かにぼくが悪かったんだけど、いろいろ重なってたもんだから。
Tashika ni boku ga warukatta n da kedo, iroiro kasanatteta mon dakara.
A: It was certainly my fault, please understand that there were so many things one after another.

B: 言い訳はいいから、しっかり反省して。
Iiwake wa ii kara, shikkari hansei shite.
B: No excuses. You should really repent.

言えてる ( ieteru ) :  You can say that again

🌸 An expression used to acknowledge the validity of something another has said.

POINT

Used to express feelings of agreement that what has been said is exactly right.

① About a commonly-known individual

A: あの食生活じゃ、体壊して当然だと思うんだよね。
Ano shokuseikatsu ja, karada kowashite tōzen da to omou n da yo ne.
A: It’s no wonder that his health deteriorated when he ate like that.

B: 言えてる！
Ieteru!
B: You can say that again!

② At work

A: 部長のことだから、まだ怒ってそうですね。
Buchō no koto dakara, mada okotte-sō desu ne.
A: It’s about the department chief, so he’s probably still angry.

B: ああ、言えてますね。
Ā, iete-masu ne.
B: Yeah, you can say that again.

③ A proposal !

A: それ、二人でやったほうが早くない？
Sore, futari de yatta hō ga hayakunai?
A: Wouldn’t it be faster to do that with two people?

B: 言えてるね。そうしよう！
Ieteru ne. Sō shiyō!
B: You can say that again. Let’s do that!

④ A way of looking at things

A: 収入の多いからって、貯金ができるわけじゃないと思うんです。
Shūnyū no ōi kara tte, chokin ga dekiru wake ja nai to omou n desu.
A: Just because you have a lot of income doesn’t mean that you’ll be able to save money.

B: 確かに、言えてますね。
Tashika ni, iete-masu ne.
B: Yes, you can say that again.

意外  ( igai )  :  Surprisingly; hard to believe

🌸 This indicates surprise when an expectation and actual result are dramatically different.

POINT

When used as an adverb, both “igai to” and “igai ni” are correct.

① With a friend

A: マイク、ピアノが弾けるんだって！
Maiku, piano ga hikerun datte!
A: Mike told me he can play the piano!

B: え、意外 ！
E, igai!
B: Really? Hard to believe!

② About clothes

A: 意外 と 似合ってるよ。
Igai to niatteru yo.
A: You look surprisingly good in it.

B: 意外ってどういうこと！？
Igai tte dō iu koto!?
B: Why? What do you mean by ‘surprisingly’?

③ First experience

A: 意外 に 難しかったな。
Igai ni muzukashikatta na.
A: It was unexpectedly difficult.

B: 簡単そうなのにね。
Kantan-sō na noni ne.
B: Although it looked easy…

④ At a friend’s wedding

A: いい式だったね。
Ii shiki datta ne.
A: It was a nice ceremony.

B: うん。あの気の強い女 が 泣くなんて意外 だったな。
Un. Ano ki no tsuyoi onna ga naku nante igai datta na.
B: Yes. It was a surprise that such a strong-willed woman cried.

⑤ Something you dislike

A: 意外 かもしれないけど、実 は 犬 が 苦手なんです。
Igai kamo shirenai kedo, jitsu wa inu ga nigate nan desu.
A: You might be surprised, but I don’t like dogs.

B: ほんとに！？それ は 意外。
Honto ni!? Sore wa igai.
B: Really? That is surprising!

一応  ( ichioo )  : At any rate, tentative, for now

1. Indicates that something is more or less as it should be, although it may not be fully adequate.

2. Indicates taking some action that seems adequate as at least a tentative measure, but without 100% certainty.

POINT

• Used when there is concern about whether something is 100% certain, or there are elements of uncertainty.

• Even when something is 100% certain, it may be used jokingly to imply “Even though you don’t think so!”

① With a colleague

A: 文章のチェック、一応 済んだけど、もう一度自分でも見直してね。
Bunshō no chekku, ichioo sunda kedo, mō ichido jibun demo minaoshite ne.
A: I gave your paper the once-over, but you should revise it again yourself.

B: うん。ありがとう。
Un. Arigatō.
B: OK. Thanks.

② About the departure day

A: いつ 出発するか、決めた？
Itsu shuppatsu suru ka, kimeta?
A: Have you decided when to depart?

B: はい、一応 。
Hai, ichioo.
B: Yes, tentatively.

③ How to use

A: ちゃんとマニュアル読んだ？
Chanto manyuaru yonda?
A: Have you read the manual properly?

B: 一応、ま、大丈夫だよ。
Ichioo, ma, daijōbu da yo.
B: More or less. But it’ll be OK.

④ Different than usual

A: 今日 は スーツなんだ。
Kyō wa sūtsu nan da.
A: You’re wearing a suit today.

B: 一応 ね。初めて会う人だから。
Ichioo ne. Hajimete au hito dakara.
B: Yeah, I thought I’d put on a suit at least. It’s because I’m meeting someone for the first time.

⑤ Confirmation

A: 彼女 には メールした？
Kanojo ni wa mēru shita?
A: Did you email her?

B: うん。でも、返事がないから 一応 電話もかけてみる。
Un. Demo, henji ga nai kara ichioo denwa mo kakete miru.
B: Yeah. But she didn’t reply, so I’ll just try phoning her as well.

⑥ Age

A: マイケル は まだ 未成年でしょ？
Maikeru wa mada miseinen desho?
A: Michael, aren’t you still underage?

B: こう見えても、一応 25歳なんですが。
Kō miete mo, ichioo nijū-go sai nan desu ga.
B: I may look young, but in fact I’m 25.

一か八か (Ichi ka bachi ka) : Sink or swim; all or nothing

🌸 Used when entrusting the outcome of an action to fate if you don’t know whether it’ll succeed or not.

POINT

• Originally used as a gambling term.

• Often used when the chances of success are low, but when the results of a success are great.

① Confession

A: 卒業したら会えなくなるし、一か八か 告白してみる。
Sotsugyō shitara aenaku naru shi, ichi ka bachi ka kokuhaku shite miru.
A: I won’t be able to see her again after graduating, so I’ll try confessing to her. It’s all or nothing.

B: 付き合ってくれたらいいね。
Tsukiatte kuretara ii ne.
B: It’d be nice if she agreed to go out with you.

② Seeing a help wanted ad

A: どうしよう。応募してみようかなあ。
Dō shiyō. Ōbo shite miyō ka naa.
A: What should I do? Maybe I should try applying.

B: 一か八か 受けてみたら？
Ichi ka bachi ka ukete mitara?
B: Why not try? It’s all or nothing.

③ Starting a business

A: 今の仕事をやめて、一か八か 会社を作ろうかと考えてます。
Ima no shigoto o yamete, ichi ka bachi ka kaisha o tsukurō ka to kangaete masu.
A: I’m thinking of quitting my job and starting my own company, sink or swim.

B: え？そうなんですか。
E? Sō nan desu ka.
B: What? Is that right?

④ Conveying your determination

A: 自信 は 全然ないけど、一か八か、やってみます。
Jishin wa zenzen nai kedo, ichi ka bachi ka, yatte mimasu.
A: I’m not confident at all about it, but I’ll give it a try, sink or swim.

B: うん。後で 後悔しないほうがいいよ。
Un. Ato de kōkai shinai hō ga ii yo.
B: Okay. It’s better to not have to regret it later.

⑤ A request

A: 一応、頼むだけ頼んでみようと思うんです。
Ichioo, tanomu dake tanonde miyō to omou n desu.
A: I thought I’d at least try making the request and seeing how it goes.

B: うん。一か八か、やってみないとわからないからね。
Un. Ichi ka bachi ka, yatte minai to wakaranai kara ne.
B: Yeah. You won’t know unless you try, sink or swim.

言ってくれればよかったのに (Itte kurereba yokatta noni) : You should’ve told me

🌸 Used together with feelings of both regret and dissatisfaction that something did not go as well as it could have because someone did not tell you something.

POINT

• While it is sometimes used out of consideration to others, it is also sometimes used out of one’s own interests.

① Birthday

A: 私、昨日 が 誕生日だったんです。
Watashi, kinō ga tanjōbi dattan desu.
A: My birthday was yesterday.

B: えー！言ってくれればよかったのに！
Ē! Itte kurereba yokatta noni!
B: What! You should’ve told me!

② Wanting to take a break

A: ごめん、ちょっと休んでもいい？ 朝から足が痛くて。
Gomen, chotto yasunde mo ii? Asa kara ashi ga itakute.
A: Sorry, could we take a little break? My feet have hurt since this morning.

B: なんだ、早く言ってくれればよかったのに！
Nanda, hayaku itte kurereba yokatta noni!
B: What? You should’ve told me that earlier!

③ On the phone

A: 今日は帰り遅くなるから、晩ご飯いらない。
Kyō wa kaeri osoku naru kara, bangohan iranai.
A: I’ll be coming home late today, so I won’t need dinner.

B: 遅いよ。作る前に言ってくれればよかったのに。
Osoi yo. Tsukuru mae ni itte kurereba yokatta noni.
B: You’re telling me now? You should’ve said that before I made this food.

④ Variations

Something you don’t understand

A: そんなことで悩んでたの？ だったら、聞いてくれればよかったのに。
Sonna koto de nayandeta no? Dattara, kiite kurereba yokatta noni.
A: That’s what you were worried about? You should’ve just told me, in that case.

B: そうですね。
Sō desu ne.
B: You’re right.

Difficult work

A: えっ、一人で全部運んだの？ 言ってくれれば手伝ってあげたのに。
Eh, hitori de zenbu hakonda no? Itte kurereba tetsudatte ageta noni.
A: What, you carried all of this yourself? I would’ve helped you if you told me.

B: すみません。
Sumimasen.
B: I’m sorry.

いつでも言ってください (Itsudemo itte kudasai) : Tell me whenever

🌸 Used to communicate feelings that you are willing to help someone whenever they require.

POINT

Often used to speak about people or time periods.

① Isn’t he cold?

A: えっ？こんなに寒いのに、ジムさん半袖！？
E? Konna ni samui noni, Jimu-san hansode!?
A: What? It’s this cold outside, but Jim-san is wearing short sleeves?

B: 彼、暑がりだから。いつものことだよ。
Kare, atsugari dakara. Itsumo no koto da yo.
B: He tends to be hot. This is normal for him.

② Waiting

A: あれ？田中さん、まだかな？
Are? Tanaka-san, mada kana?
A: Huh? Is Tanaka-san still not here?

B: だろうね。あの人が遅刻するのはいつものことだもの。
Darou ne. Ano hito ga chikoku suru no wa itsumo no koto da mono.
B: Probably. It’s normal for her to be late.

③ In a car

A: 渋滞につかまっちゃいましたね。
Jūtai ni tsukamatchaimashita ne.
A: Looks like we got hit by traffic.

B: この時間はいつものことですよ。
Kono jikan wa itsumo no koto desu yo.
B: It’s normal for this hour.

④ Because of the weather

A: まだ頭痛いの？大丈夫？
Mada zutsū i no? Daijōbu?
A: Your head still hurts? Are you okay?

B: うん、雨の日はいつものことだから。
Un, ame no hi wa itsumo no koto dakara.
B: Yes, this is normal for me when it rains.

いつものこと (Itsumo no koto) :  This is normal; usual (thing)

🌸 An expression used to show that there is no need for surprise because while something may normally be unusual, it is regular in a certain situation.

POINT

 Often used to speak about people or time periods.

① Isn’t he cold?

A: えっ？こんなに寒いのに、ジムさん半袖！？
E? Konna ni samui noni, Jimu-san hansode!?
A: What? It’s this cold outside, but Jim-san is wearing short sleeves?

B: 彼、暑がりだから。いつものことだよ。
Kare, atsugari dakara. Itsumo no koto da yo.
B: He tends to be hot. This is normal for him.

② Waiting

A: あれ？田中さん、まだかな？
Are? Tanaka-san, mada kana?
A: Huh? Is Tanaka-san still not here?

B: だろうね。あの人が遅刻するのはいつものことだもの。
Darou ne. Ano hito ga chikoku suru no wa itsumo no koto da mono.
B: Probably. It’s normal for her to be late.

③ In a car

A: 渋滞につかまっちゃいましたね。
Jūtai ni tsukamatchaimashita ne.
A: Looks like we got hit by traffic.

B: この時間はいつものことですよ。
Kono jikan wa itsumo no koto desu yo.
B: It’s normal for this hour.

④ Because of the weather

A: まだ頭痛いの？大丈夫？
Mada zutsū i no? Daijōbu?
A: Your head still hurts? Are you okay?

B: うん、雨の日 は いつものことだから。
Un, ame no hi wa itsumo no koto dakara.
B: Yes, this is normal for me when it rains.

今 一つ  ( Ima hitotsu ) :  Lacking; not totally

🌸 Used to express feelings of dissatisfaction because something does not fully live up to what you were originally seeking.

POINT

“maichi (毎一)”, which comes from “ima hitotsu (今一つ)”, is a more informal expression and is broadly used, primarily among younger generations.

① Evaluation

A: ねえ、このケーキどう？
Nee, kono kēki dō?
A: Hey, how is this cake?

B: うーん。味はおいしいんだけど、見た目 が 今 一つかな。
Uun. Aji wa oishii n da kedo, mitame ga ima hitotsu kana.
B: Hm. It tastes good, but the presentation is lacking.

② A problem

A: 無事 に 解決してよかったね！
Buji ni kaiketsu shite yokatta ne!
A: It’s a good thing we were able to fix it!

B: うん。でも、今 一つすっきりしないんだよね。
Un. Demo, ima hitotsu sukkiri shinai n da yo ne.
B: Yes, but for some reason I’m not completely satisfied.

③ Doubts

A: 質問はありませんか。
Shitsumon wa arimasen ka.
A: Do you have any questions?

B: すみません、このCとDの違い が 今 一つ よくわかりません。
Sumimasen, kono C to D no chigai ga ima hitotsu yoku wakarimasen.
B: Sorry, I still don’t fully understand the difference between C and D here.

④ Effects

A: 薬の効き目はどう？
Kusuri no kikime wa dō?
A: Is the medicine effective?

B: うーん。今 一つ。
Uun. Ima hitotsu.
B: Hm. It’s lacking.

⑤ Ease of use

A: 今度のスマホ、今 一つ 使いにくいんだよな。
Kondo no sumaho, ima hitotsu tsukai nikui n da yo na.
A: The new smartphone I have is a little hard to use.

B: そのうち慣れるよ。
Sono uchi nareru yo.
B: You’ll get used to it sooner or later.

意味がわからない (Imi ga wakaranai) : I don’t understand (what you mean)

🌸 Used to express feelings of doubt or confusion at someone’s intentions or the point of something.

POINT

 Often used to express feelings of dissatisfaction or irritation, rather than to mean “I don’t understand the meaning of these words.”

① About a movie

A: 最後のシーンはどういうこと？
Saigo no shīn wa dō iu koto?
A: What happened in the last scene?

B: うーん、ちょっと意味がわかんないね。
Uun, chotto imi ga wakannai ne.
B: Hmm, I didn’t really understand.

② At the workplace

A: 部長は急に不機嫌になるから困るよね。
Buchō wa kyū ni fukigen ni naru kara komaru yo ne.
A: Isn’t it hard to deal with the department chief? He’ll suddenly get in a bad mood.

B: ほんと。意味がわかんない。
Honto. Imi ga wakannai.
B: It really is. I don’t understand.

③ A couple

A: もう何も言わない。好きに決めていいよ。
Mō nani mo iwanai. Suki ni kimete ii yo.
A: I won’t say anything else. You decide on your own.

B: え、なんで？意味がわからない。
E, nande? Imi ga wakaranai.
B: What, why? I don’t understand.

④ A couple

A: 昨日のメール、ちょっと意味がわからないんだけど。
Kinō no mēru, chotto imi ga wakaranain da kedo.
A: I didn’t really understand your email yesterday.

B: 何でもないよ。無視して。
Nan demo nai yo. Mushishite.
B: It’s nothing. Ignore it.

いやだ ( Iyada ) : I don’t want to

🌸 A straightforward expression of not wanting to do something or wanting to avoid it.

POINT

Written in kanji as iya desu. Has the same negative emotional meaning as kirai and kirau.

① Bad at something

A: 今度、ちょっとしたパーティー の 司会やってくれない？
Kondo, chotto shita pātii no shikai yatte kurenai?
A: Could you head the next little party we have?

B: いやだよ。そういうの、苦手だから。
Iyada yo. Sō iu no, nigate dakara.
B: I don’t want to. I’m bad at those kinds of things.

② Slow going at work

A: このままじゃ、休日に出ることになるかも。
Kono mama ja, kyūjitsu ni deru koto ni naru kamo.
A: We might have to come to work on our day off at this rate.

B: そんなのいやですよ。
Sonna no iya desu yo.
B: I don’t want to do that.

③ At home

A: 後で 買い物 に 行く？
Ato de kaimono ni iku?
A: Do you want to go shopping later?

B: いやだよ。こんなに 雪降ってるのに。
Iyada yo. Konna ni yuki futteru noni.
B: I don’t want to. Not when it’s snowing this much.

④ Dissatisfied with something

A: 山田さん から 部長に言ってくださいよ。
Yamada-san kara buchō ni itte kudasai yo.
A: You tell the division chief, Yamada-san.

B: ええ、いやですよ。
Ee, iya desu yo.
B: What? I don’t want to.

イライラする ( Iraira suru ) : Ticked off

🌸 To feel irritated or angry when things do not go as expected or when there is no time.

POINT

 Sometimes used when one’s poor health leads to frustration or sensitivity.

① Traffic

A: すごい渋滞だね。
Sugoi jūtai da ne.
A: Look at all this traffic.

B: もう、イライラする。
Mō, iraira suru.
B: It really ticks me off.

② At the bus stop

A: もう、バス、全然来ない。遅れちゃうよ。
Mō, basu, zenzen konai. Okurechau yo.
A: Oh, the bus isn’t coming at all. We’ll be late.

B: まあ、そうイライラしないで。
Mā, sō iraira shinaide.
B: Now, don’t be so ticked off.

③ Not enough sleep

A: なんか、イライラしてるよ。
Nanka, iraira shiteru yo.
A: You seem ticked off for some reason.

B: ああ…昨日寝てないんだよ。ごめん。
Ā… Kinō nete nain da yo. Gomen.
B: Oh… I didn’t sleep last night. Sorry.

④ About a coworker

A: 彼、ちょっとのんびりしすぎじゃない？
Kare, chotto nonbiri shisugi ja nai?
A: Isn’t he a little too laid back?

B: うん。彼と話してると、ときどきイライラする。
Un. Kare to hanashiteru to, tokidoki iraira suru.
B: Yes. Talking to him sometimes makes me feel ticked off.

うっかりしてた (Ukkari shiteta) :  I was being careless

🌸 To forget to do something or to make a mistake because of a lack of attentiveness.

POINT

Ukkari means “to be absentminded and inattentive as a result,” and the adverb version of this, ukkari ~suru, is also frequently used.

① At the workplace

A: 先方にメールしてくれた？
Senpō ni mēru shite kureta?
A: Did you send them an email?

B: すみません、うっかりしてました。
Sumimasen, ukkari shitemashita.
B: Sorry, I was being careless.

② Taking something out of the refrigerator

A: あ〜あ、これ、もう期限切れ。
Āa, kore, mō kigen gire.
A: Look, this has already expired.

B: うっかりしてた。もったいなかったね。
Ukkari shiteta. Mottainakatta ne.
B: I was being careless. What a waste.

③ Late night

A: ああ、もう終電ない。
Ā, mō shūden nai.
A: Ah, there aren’t any trains left tonight.

B: やばい。うっかりしてた。
Yabai. Ukkari shiteta.
B: Oh no. I was being careless.

Variations

④ At the workplace

A: しまった。うっかりファイル消しちゃった！
Shimatta. Ukkari fairu keshichatta!
A: Now I did it. I carelessly deleted the file!

B: うそ！？それ、大事なデータじゃないの？
Uso!? Sore, daiji na dēta ja nai no?
B: No! Wasn’t that an important piece of data?

うまく言えない ( Umakui ienai )  : It’s hard to explain

🌸 Used to express feelings of frustration over something being difficult to put in words.

POINT

“Umakui ienai kedo, ~” is placed in front when attempting to explain even when it is difficult to express something in words.

① Change

A: 彼女、ちょっと変わったと思わない？
Kanojo, chotto kawatta to omowanai?
A: Don’t you think she’s changed a little?

B: え？
E?
B: What?

A: うまく言えないけど、なんか優しくなった気がする。
Umakui ienai kedo, nanka yasashiku natta ki ga suru.
A: It’s hard to explain, but it feels like she’s nicer now.

② A farewell when returning to a home country

A: じゃ、元気でね。
Ja, genki de ne.
A: Be well.

B: うん、ありがとう。園に帰れるのはうれしいけど…ああ、うまく言えない…。
Un, arigatou. En ni kaereru no wa ureshii kedo… aa, umakui ienai…
B: Yes, thank you. I’m happy that I get to go back to my country, but… oh, it’s hard to explain…

③ Thoughts on a film

A: 昨日の映画、どうだった？
Kinou no eiga, dou datta?
A: How was the movie yesterday?

B: うん、よかったよ。うまく言えないけど、すごく感動した。
Un, yokatta yo. Umakui ienai kedo, sugoku kandou shita.
B: Oh, it was good. It’s hard to explain, but I was really moved.

④ Communicating through a letter

A: 口 では うまく言えないから、手紙書いてみた。後で読んで。
Kuchi de wa umakui ienai kara, tegami kaite mita. Ato de yonde.
A: It’s hard for me to explain in person, so I tried writing a letter. Read it later.

B: ほんと？ありがとう。
Honto? Arigatou.
B: Really? Thank you.

うまくいってる ( Umakui itteru )  : Going well

🌸 When things are in a good state or are proceeding in a good state.

POINT

Used about work, activities, plans, relationships with others, and so on.

① About work

A: 久しぶり。最近、仕事はどうですか。
Hisashiburi. Saikin, shigoto wa dou desu ka.
A: It’s been a while. How has your work been lately?

B: ちょっと忙しいですが、まあ、うまくいってますよ。
Chotto isogashii desu ga, maa, umakui ittemasu yo.
B: It’s been a little busy, but it’s going well.

② Job hunting

A: 就職活動はうまくいってますか。
Shuushoku katsudou wa umakui ittemasu ka.
A: Is your job hunt going well?

B: それが、あんまり…なかなか面接に受からないんです。
Sore ga, anmari… nakanaka mensetsu ni ukaranain desu.
B: Well, not really… I’m having trouble passing interviews.

③ Plans

A: そういえば、あの企画はどうなったの？進んでる？
Sou ieba, ano kikaku wa dou natta no? Susunderu?
A: By the way, how did those plans turn out? Are they proceeding?

B: ええ、特に問題ありません。うまくいってます。
Ee, toku ni mondai arimasen. Umakui ittemasu.
B: Yes, there’s been no problem. They’re going well.

④ A relationship

A: あの二人、うまくいってるのかなあ。
Ano futari, umakui itteru no kanaa.
A: I wonder if those two are getting along well.

B: さあ、どうでしょう。
Saa, dou deshou.
B: Who knows.

うんざり ( Unzari )  : Boring; tiresome

🌸 It is a feeling that you don’t want it anymore, as things of the same kind are repeated.

POINT

It is used when the kind of situation you hate continues, and one cannot bear it anymore.

① Recent weather

A: 最近、ずっと雨だね。明日もだって。
Saikin, zutto ame da ne. Ashita mo datte.
A: Recently, it is raining the whole time, and it is rainy again tomorrow.

B: 明日も？うんざりするなあ。
Ashita mo? Unzari suru naa.
B: Tomorrow again? I’m sick and tired of it.

② Boss’ lecture

A: あー、もう。部長の説教には うんざり。
Aa, mou. Buchou no sekkyou ni wa unzari.
A: Arh. The manager’s lecture is so tiresome.

B: ほんと。今日 も 長かったね。
Honto. Kyou mo nagakatta ne.
B: I agree. It was very long again today.

③ A do-over

A: これ、また一からやり直しだって。
Kore, mata ichi kara yarinaoshi datte.
A: We need to redo this from start again.

B: また？もう、うんざり。
Mata? Mou, unzari.
B: Again? I’m tired of it.

④ The same food

A: 最近忙しいから、毎日、コンビニのお弁当かパン。
Saikin isogashii kara, mainichi, konbini no obentou ka pan.
A: Since I’m quite busy recently, I’m just having boxed lunch or bread bought from the convenient store everyday.

B: 私も。でも、さすがにうんざりしてきたなあ。
Watashi mo. Demo, sasuga ni unzari shite kita naa.
B: Me too. However, as is to be expected, I’m feeling tired of it.

偉い ( Erai )  : Great

🌸 Used to highly evaluate someone’s actions as wonderful and grand, and to express feelings of amazement and praise.

POINT

Another meaning of “erai” is “A high social status or position.”
An evaluative term, which means it is not used for those superior to you.

① A new employee

A: 新人の原さん、朝 早く来て頑張ってるね。
Shinjin no Hara-san, asa hayaku kite ganbatteru ne.
A: Hara-san, the new employee, has been coming in early and working hard.

B: うん、偉い。
Un, erai.
B: Yes. She’s great.

② An university student

A: 大学の授業料は、全部自分で稼いで払っています。
Daigaku no jugyouryou wa, zenbu jibun de kaseide haratteimasu.
A: I’m paying my university tuition entirely on my own.

B: それは 偉いですね。大変でしょう。
Sore wa erai desu ne. Taihen deshou.
B: That’s great. It must be tough.

③ A small helper

A: 娘は 毎日 夕食の手伝いをしてくれるんです。
Musume wa mainichi yuushoku no tetsudai o shite kurerun desu.
A: Our daughter helps us with dinner every night.

B: まだ小さいのに 偉いですね。
Mada chiisai no ni erai desu ne.
B: Even though she’s still so young. How great.

④ Store worker

A: 毎日朝から晩まで働いて、偉いですね。
Mainichi asa kara ban made hataraite, erai desu ne.
A: Working every day from morning to night, that’s amazing of you.

B: いえいえ。この仕事 が 好きなんですよ。
Ieie. Kono shigoto ga suki nan desu yo.
B: Not at all. I enjoy this job.

⑤ A wonderful proposal

A: これ、ジムさんが提案したんだって。偉い！
Kore, Jimu-san ga teian shitan datte. Erai!
A: Jim-san, is this your proposal, right? How great!

B: ちょっと思いついただけです。
Chotto omoitsuita dake desu.
B: It was just a little something that came to me.

お言葉に甘えて ( O-kotoba ni amaete )  : If it’s all right; accept (your) kind offer

🌸 A set phrase used when accepting someone’s kindness and doing as they propose.

POINT

“Amaeru” means “to impose on someone’s kindness without reservation.”

① Being driven

A: 駅まで車で送りますよ。
Eki made kuruma de okurimasu yo.
A: I’ll drive you to the station.

B: そうですか。じゃ、お言葉に甘えて。
Sou desu ka. Ja, o-kotoba ni amaete.
B: Really? Well, if it’s all right with you.

② An invitation

A: うち、すぐ近くだから寄っていってください。
Uchi, sugu chikaku dakara yotte itte kudasai.
A: Please come by our home, it’s very close.

B: じゃ、お言葉に甘えて。
Ja, o-kotoba ni amaete.
B: Then I’ll accept your kind offer.

③ At a restaurant

A: 今日 私 が 払うから。
Kyou watashi ga harau kara.
A: I’ll pay for this.

B: そうですか。では、お言葉に甘えて。ごちそうさまです。
Sou desu ka. Dewa, o-kotoba ni amaete. Gochisousama desu.
B: Really? Well, if it’s all right with you. Thank you for the meal.

④ At work

A: 予定あるんでしょ？残りはやっとくよ。
Yotei arun desho? Nokori wa yatoku yo.
A: Don’t you have plans? I’ll take care of the rest.

B: そうですか。じゃ、お言葉に甘えて。
Sou desu ka. Ja, o-kotoba ni amaete.
B: Really? In that case, I’ll accept your kind offer.

⑤ At a visited home

A: たくさんあるから、好きなだけ持って帰って。
Takusan aru kara, suki na dake motte kaette.
A: We have a lot of them, so take as many home as you want.

B: では、お言葉に甘えて。
Dewa, o-kotoba ni amaete.
B: Then I’ll accept your kind offer.

お先に  ( O-saki ni )  : Ahead of you

🌸 An expression used to casually inform someone that you will be doing something before them.

POINT

A polite form of “saki ni”, “o-saki ni” is the normal way of saying the phrase.
“O-saki ni doozo” is used when you wish to encourage someone to go before you.

① At the workplace

A: では、お先に 失礼します。
Dewa, o-saki ni shitsurei shimasu.
A: Please excuse me first.

B: お疲れさまでした。
Otsukaresama deshita.
B: Good work today.

② Before starting a meal

A: 冷めちゃうから 先に 食べて。
Samechau kara saki ni tabete.
A: Go ahead and eat first, it’ll get cold.

B: じゃ、お先に。いただきます。
Ja, o-saki ni. Itadakimasu.
B: Okay, then I’ll go ahead and eat.

③ When getting off an elevator

A: どうぞ お先に。
Douzo o-saki ni.
A: Please go ahead of me.

B: あ、すみません。
A, sumimasen.
B: Oh, thank you.

④ At a restaurant for lunch

A: 田中さん、もう会社に戻るんですか。
Tanaka-san, mou kaisha ni modorun desu ka.
A: Are you going back to the company already, Tanaka-san?

B: 1時から会議なんです。皆さんはゆっくりしていってください。じゃ、お先に。
Ichi-ji kara kaigi nan desu. Minasan wa yukkuri shite itte kudasai. Ja, o-saki ni.
B: I have a meeting from 1. None of you should rush, though. Please excuse me first.

おしゃれですね　( Ohare desu ne ) : How stylish

🌸 1: An expression used to praise someone or something’s degree of refinement.
🌸 2: An expression used to praise the attention someone gives to their clothes, makeup, and so on.

POINT

▸ Used to describe various things other than people, including clothes, furniture, utensils, stores, towns, and so on.

① With an acquaintance

A: その帽子、おしゃれですね。
Sono boushi, oshare desu ne.
A: That hat is stylish.

B: ほんとですか。昨日買ったんです。
Honto desu ka. Kinou kattan desu.
B: Really? I bought it yesterday.

② While visiting someone’s home

A: このキッチン、とても おしゃれですね！
Kono kicchin, totemo oshare desu ne!
A: This kitchen is very stylish!

B: ありがとうございます。
Arigatou gozaimasu.
B: Thank you very much.

③ At a cafe

A: このお店、お気に入りなんだけど、どう？
Kono omise, o-ki ni iri nan da kedo, dou?
A: I like this store, what about you?

B: うん、すごく おしゃれ！
Un, sugoku oshare!
B: Yes, it’s very stylish!

④ About clothes

A: ローラさんって、いつも おしゃれですね。
Rōra-san tte, itsumo oshare desu ne.
A: Laura-san, you’re always very stylish.

B: そんなことないですよ。でも、そう言われるとうれしいです。
Sonna koto nai desu yo. Demo, sou iwareru to ureshii desu.
B: That’s not true. But I’m happy to hear you say that.

落ち込む ( Ochikomu )  :  Down; depressed

🌸 The state of being unenergetic and emotionally saddened due to troubles, the shock of a failure, regrets, and so on.

POINT

In particular, this describes a state of having no energy and having a dark expression.

① Immediately after buying something

A: そのスマホ、買ったばかりだったの？
Sono sumaho, katta bakari datta no?
A: So you just bought that smartphone?

B: そう。もう、落ち込むよ。
Sou. Mou, ochikomu yo.
B: That’s right. How depressing.

② Losing data

A: 彼、データ、全部消しちゃったんだって。
Kare, deeta, zenbu keshichattan datte.
A: I heard he deleted all of his data.

B: えっ。それは 落ち込むよね。
E. Sore wa ochikomu yo ne.
B: What? That’d make you feel down.

③ Being rejected

A: 突然「別れよう」って言われたら、そりゃあ落ち込むよ。
Totsuzen “wakareyou” tte iwaretara, sorya ochikomu yo.
A: Suddenly being told “we should break up” would depress anyone.

B: そうですね…。
Sou desu ne…
B: You’re right…

④ A failed transaction

A: そんなことがあったんですか。大変でしたね。
Sonna koto ga atta n desu ka. Taihen deshita ne.
A: Is that what happened? That sounds tough.

B: はい。さすがにその時は落ち込みました。
Hai. Sasuga ni sono toki wa ochikomimashita.
B: Yes. And that did get me down.

おっしゃるとおりです (Ossharu toori desu) : Exactly as you say

🌸 Used to express agreement with what someone has said, either sincerely or sometimes sarcastically.

POINT

The form ossharu toori desu is also used. Sometimes used sarcastically when receiving advice or a sound argument from someone close to you.

① On the phone

A: 金額が3000円以上になると、送料が無料になるんですか。
Kingaku ga sanzen-en ijou ni naru to, souryou ga muryou ni narun desu ka.
A: Is shipping free if the amount is over 3,000 yen?

B: はい、おっしゃるとおりです。
Hai, ossharu toori desu.
B: Yes, that’s exactly right.

② At the workplace

A: このやり方は丁寧だけど、時間がかかりすぎるなあ。
Kono yarikata wa teinei dakedo, jikan ga kakarisugiru naa.
A: This is a very thorough way of doing things, but it takes too much time.

B: はい、おっしゃるとおりです。
Hai, ossharu toori desu.
B: Yes, exactly as you say.

③ Teacher and student

A: アニメフェアは行きましたか。
Anime fea wa ikimashita ka.
A: Did you go to the anime fair?

B: はい、先生のおっしゃるとおり、すごい人でした。
Hai, sensei no ossharu toori, sugoi hito deshita.
B: Yes. There were so many people there, exactly as you said, sensei.

④ Advice

A: うまくいかないのは、あなたに才能がないからじゃなくて、努力が足りないからだ。
Umaku ikanai no wa, anata ni sainou ga nai kara janakute, doryoku ga tarinai kara da.
A: It’s not going well because you’re not trying hard enough, not because you lack talent.

B: はいはい、おっしゃるとおりです。
Hai hai, ossharu toori desu.
B: Yeah, yeah. Exactly as you say.

追ってご連絡します (Otte go-renraku shimasu) : I will contact you later

🌸  Used to let someone know something later, not at the current time.

POINT

Often used to mean “once it is ready” or “closer to the date”, but the amount of time varies.

① Details

A: では、詳しくは追ってご連絡します。
Dewa, kuwashiku wa otte go-renraku shimasu.
A: So I’ll contact you later with more details.

B: わかりました。
Wakarimashita.
B: I understand.

② A store for an event

A: 忘年会の店、決まった？
Bounenkai no mise, kimatta?
A: Did you decide on the store for the year-end party?

B: すみません、まだなんです。決まり次第、追ってご連絡します。
Sumimasen, mada nan desu. Kimari shidai, otte go-renraku shimasu.
B: Sorry, not yet. I’ll contact you once it’s decided.

③ At an interview

A: 今日はこれで終了です。結果は追ってご連絡します。
Kyou wa kore de shuuryou desu. Kekka wa otte go-renraku shimasu.
A: That’s it for today. We’ll contact you later with the results.

B: ありがとうございました。
Arigatou gozaimashita.
B: Thank you very much.

④ Concrete details

A: じゃ、15日、よろしく。
Ja, juugo-nichi, yoroshiku.
A: In that case, I’m looking forward to the 15th.

B: わかった。で、待ち合わせは？
Wakatta. De, machiawase wa?
B: Alright. So, where should we meet?

A: ああ、待ち合わせか…追って連絡するよ。
Aa, machiawase ka… otte renraku suru yo.
A: Oh, the meeting place… I’ll contact you about that later.

お手数をおかけします (O-tesuu o okake shimasu) : Sorry for the trouble

🌸  Used to apologize for taking someone’s time or effort.

POINT

Often used with customers or when making a request. Sometimes abbreviated to o-tesuu desu ga.

① Work request

A: これを金曜日までに10個用意すればいいんですね。
Kore o kinyoubi made ni jukko youi sureba ii n desu ne.
A: So you need ten of these ready by Friday?

B: そうです。お手数をおかけします。
Sou desu. O-tesuu o okake shimasu.
B: That’s correct. Sorry for the trouble.

② A message

A: じゃ、田中先生にそう伝えておきますね。
Ja, Tanaka-sensei ni sou tsutaete okimasu ne.
A: Then I’ll let Tanaka-sensei know that.

B: はい。お手数をおかけします。
Hai. O-tesuu o okake shimasu.
B: Okay. Sorry for the trouble.

③ Lost articles

A: お手数をおかけしますが、もし見つかったら、お電話をいただけますか。
O-tesuu o okake shimasu ga, moshi mitsukattara, o-denwa o itadakemasu ka.
A: Sorry for the trouble, but if you find them, could you please call me?

B: わかりました。
Wakarimashita.
B: Alright.

④ Variations — Confirming receipt

A: 先ほどFAXをお送りしました。お手数ですが、ご確認をよろしくお願いします。
Sakihodo fakkusu o okurimashita. O-tesuu desu ga, go-kakunin o yoroshiku onegai shimasu.
A: I sent a fax earlier. Sorry for the trouble, but could you please confirm that it arrived?

B: はい、確かに受け取りました。
Hai, tashika ni uketorimashita.
B: Yes, it did arrive.

思ったとおり (Omotta toori)  : Just as I thought

🌸  When something goes exactly as predicted.

POINT

Omotta toori, omotta toori + no + N, omotta toori (ni) + V and other various shapes of this can be used.

① A kind person

A: その話を聞いて感心したよ。
Sono hanashi o kiite kanshin shita yo.
A: I thought that story was very admirable.

B: 思ったとおり。彼女はすごく優しい人なんだよ。
Omotta toori. Kanojo wa sugoku yasashii hito nan da yo.
B: Just as I thought. She’s a very kind person.

② Someone’s idea

A: 今回中止になったのは部長の意向なんだって。
Konkai chuushi ni natta no wa buchou no ikou nan datte.
A: Stopping this time was the department chief’s idea, apparently.

B: 思ったとおり。最初からやりたくなかったんだよ。
Omotta toori. Saisho kara yaritakunakatta n da yo.
B: Just as I thought. He didn’t want to do this to begin with.

③ Made to order

A: いかがでしょうか。
Ikaga deshou ka.
A: How do you like it?

B: わあ、思ったとおりです。こんな感じのが欲しかったんです。
Waa, omotta toori desu. Konna kanji no ga hoshikatta n desu.
B: Wow, it’s just like I thought it’d be. I wanted something like this.

④ Hiring interview

A: 面接、残念だったね。
Mensetsu, zannen datta ne.
A: It’s too bad about the interview.

B: 人生、思ったとおりにはいかないよ。
Jinsei, omotta toori ni wa ikanai yo.
B: Life doesn’t always go as you think it will, after all.

恩に着る ( On ni kiru ) :  Indebted to

🌸  A word used to show gratitude for an act someone did for you.

POINT

An expression used to communicate feelings of “I will not forget your kindness and intend to repay you some day.”

① Trading places

A: 明日のバイト、代わり探してるんだって？代わろうか。
Ashita no baito, kawari sagashiterun datte? Kawarou ka.
A: I heard you were looking for someone to work in your place at your part-time job tomorrow? I can do it.

B: ほんと！？ありがとう、恩に着るよ。
Honto!? Arigatou, on ni kiru yo.
B: Really?! Thank you, I’m indebted to you.

② An introduction

A: じゃ、今度、森先生 に 紹介するね。
Ja, kondo, Mori-sensei ni shoukai suru ne.
A: I’ll introduce you to Mori-sensei in that case.

B: ありがとうございます。恩に着ます。
Arigatou gozaimasu. On ni kimasu.
B: Thank you very much. I’m indebted to you.

③ Helping out

A: それ、大変そうだね。ちょっと手伝おうか。
Sore, taihen sou da ne. Chotto tetsudao ka.
A: That looks tough. Could I help you out?

B: ほんとに！？恩に着るよ。
Honto ni!? On ni kiru yo.
B: Really?! I’d be in your debt.

④ In my place

A: 明日、代わりに行ってくれたら恩に着るんだけど。
Ashita, kawari ni itte kuretara on ni kiru n da kedo.
A: I’d be indebted to you if you could go in my place tomorrow.

B: 悪いけど、ぼくも予定があるんだよ。
Warui kedo, boku mo yotei ga arun da yo.
B: Sorry, but I already have plans too.

カチンと来る (Kachin to kuru) — Pissed off, ~ be annoyed with, ~ get on one’s nerves

🌸  To feel unpleasant about someone’s remark or attitude.

POINT

It is often used when the target is faced toward yourself. It is often used when the contents of a remark or expression are very rude or have no touch of delicacy.

① At the workplace

A: あの言い方に は カチンと来ました。
Ano iikata ni wa kachin to kimashita.
A: I was very offended by what he said.

B: まあまあ。大事な取引先だから。
Maa maa. Daiji na torihikisaki dakara.
B: Well well, they are our important client…

② Making a fool out of someone

A: 「君には難しいかも」って言われたんだって。
“Kimi ni wa muzukashii kamo” tte iwaretan datte.
A: He was told, “It might be difficult for you to handle.”

B: それはカチンと来るね。
Sore wa kachin to kuru ne.
B: That is annoying!

③ Between clerks

A: いくらお客さんだからって、あんな言い方はないよ。
Ikura okyaku-san dakara tte, anna iikata wa nai yo.
A: That’s no way of talking even if he is a customer.

B: カチンと来るよね。
Kachin to kuru yo ne.
B: You’re right, it’s very disgusting.

④ Unreasonable

A: 私、一人が悪いみたいに言われて…。
Watashi, hitori ga warui mitai ni iwarete…
A: It sounded as if I were the only one in the wrong…

B: それは カチンと来るね。
Sore wa kachin to kuru ne.
B: That’s annoying.

がっくり (Gakkuri ) :  Bummed out, down in the dumps, burned out

🌸  To lose one’s energy and feel depressed at once because the result is against your expectation or because of tough situations.

POINT

It is a feeling of losing strength, and as if whatever that was straight breaks all of sudden.

① Failing an examination

A: 絶対受かると思ってたのに、がっくりだよ。
Zettai ukaru to omotteta noni, gakkuri da yo.
A: I was sure to pass the exam, so I’m pretty bummed out.

B: また、次頑張ればいいじゃない。
Mata, tsugi ganbareba ii janai.
B: Cheer up, just try again.

② Rejection

A: 企画書、全然だめでした。がっくりです。
Kikakusho, zenzen dame deshita. Gakkuri desu.
A: The project proposal was rejected. I feel down in the dumps.

B: えっ、そうなんですか。
Eh, sou nan desu ka.
B: What? Is that right?

③ Unfortunate

A: 洗濯物、全部雨に濡れちゃってたよ。がっくり。
Sentakumono, zenbu ame ni nurechatte ta yo. Gakkuri.
A: Damn! The laundry was all wet because of the rain.

B: 今日、いきなり降り出したもんね。
Kyou, ikinari furidashita mon ne.
B: Yeah, today’s rain was unexpected.

④ Waste

A: せっかくケーキ買ったのに、落としちゃって。
Sekkaku keeki katta noni, otoshichatte.
A: I went to the trouble of buying a cake, but I dropped it.

B: それ は がっくりだったね。
Sore wa gakkuri datta ne.
B: Aw, shucks, that’s too bad.

かっこ悪い ( Kakko warui )  : Uncool; lame

🌸  1: When something does not look good because of its balance or condition being poor.
2: When an action or attitude is disgraceful.

POINT

Also used to show feelings of embarrassment at a poor impression being given to others.

① An old coat

A: このコート、デザインが古くて、ちょっとかっこ悪いなあ。
Kono kooto, dezain ga furukute, chotto kakko warui naa.
A: This coat has an old design, so it’s a little uncool.

B: そうでもないよ。
Sou demo nai yo.
B: That’s not true.

② The quality of a speech

A: いろいろ言い間違えて かっこ悪かったなあ。緊張してたから。
Iroiro iimachigaete kakko warukatta naa. Kinchou shiteta kara.
A: I said a lot of things wrong and was really uncool. It’s because I was nervous.

B: そう？上手だったよ。
Sou? Jouzu datta yo.
B: Really? You did well.

③ Before a ceremony

A: 遅れて行くの、ちょっと かっこ悪いけど、しょうがないか。
Okurete iku no, chotto kakko warui kedo, shouganai ka.
A: Going late is a little uncool, but what can you do.

B: そうだね。
Sou da ne.
B: That’s right.

④ After a musical performance

A: いつもはもっと上手く弾けるんだけど、騒がしくて気が散っちゃった。
Itsumo wa motto umaku hikerun dakedo, sawagashikute ki ga chicchatta.
A: I can usually play much better, but it was too noisy and I was distracted.

B: 言い訳するの、かっこ悪いよ。
Iiwake suru no, kakko warui yo.
B: It’s not cool to give excuses.

勝手にやれば？ (Katte ni yareba?)  :  Why don’t you do it yourself?

🌸 Used to express a hostile feeling of “I don’t care anymore, so do as you like” because you are shocked by someone’s selfish attitude.

POINT

“Katte” means “To do as one wants without considering their surroundings.”

① Resignation

A: 納得できないなら、勝手にやれば？
Nattoku dekinai nara, katte ni yareba?
A: If you’re not going to be happy with it, why don’t you do it yourself?

B: じゃ、そうするよ。
Ja, sou suru yo.
B: Okay, then I will.

② Freedom isn’t always good

A: やりたい人 が 勝手にやれば いいと思います。
Yaritai hito ga katte ni yareba ii to omoimasu.
A: I think people who want to do it can do it themselves.

B: そういうわけにもいかないよ。
Sou iu wake ni mo ikanai yo.
B: It’s not going to work out like that.

③ At home

A: 私がしたいんだから、反対しないでよ。
Watashi ga shitain dakara, hantai shinaide yo.
A: I want to do it, so stop opposing me.

B: わかった。じゃあ、もう、勝手にしたら？
Wakatta. Jaa, mou, katte ni shitara?
B: Fine. Then why don’t you go do it on your own?

④ A warning

A: 勝手にすれば いいけど、人に迷惑かけたらだめだよ。
Katte ni sureba ii kedo, hito ni meiwaku kaketara dame da yo.
A: You can do as you want, but you shouldn’t cause trouble to others.

B: わかってます。
Wakatte masu.
B: I know.

勝手を言ってすみません (Katte o itte sumimasen) : I’m sorry for my selfish request

🌸 A phrase used to apologize because you feel bad for attempting to get your way despite what was planned or someone’s expectations.

POINT

Used to receive the understanding of others when asking a large favor.

① With a coach

A: じゃ、しばらく練習に来られないんですね。
Ja, shibaraku renshuu ni korarenain desu ne.
A: So you won’t be able to come to practice for a while.

B: はい、勝手を言ってすみません。
Hai, katte o itte sumimasen.
B: Yes, I’m sorry for my selfish request.

② At the workplace

A: あのう、勝手を言ってすみませんが、来週の月曜、休みをいただいてもいいですか。
Anoo, katte o itte sumimasen ga, raishuu no getsuyou, yasumi o itadaite mo ii desu ka.
A: Um, I apologize for my selfish request, but may I take next Monday off?

B: わかった。いいよ。
Wakatta. Ii yo.
B: Okay, it’s fine.

③ A job offer

A: そうか…だめか…。いい話だと思うんだけどね。
Sou ka… dame ka… Ii hanashi da to omounda kedo ne.
A: I see… So you can’t… I do think it’s a good chance.

B: はい…勝手を言って申し訳ありません。
Hai… katte o itte moushiwake arimasen.
B: Yes… I’m sorry for my selfish request.

④ Appointment

A: 金曜日６時に駅前で大丈夫？
Kinyoubi rokuji ni ekimae de daijoubu?
A: Is in front of the station okay for Friday?

B: えー、それなんですが、６時にしてもらえませんか。勝手を言って申し訳ないんですが。
Ee, sore nan desu ga, rokuji ni shite moraemasen ka. Katte o itte moushiwake nai n desu ga.
B: Ah, about that, could we make it 6? I’m sorry for my selfish request.

変わらないです (Kawaranai desu) :The same (as always); hasn’t changed

🌸 1: When a situation has not changed in a noticeable way.
     2: When there is no difference between multiple things.

POINT

Whether or not the lack of change is good or bad depends on the situation, so it can be used as both a positive and negative evaluation.

① A nostalgic spot

A: 久しぶりに来たけど、昔と全然 変わらない。
Hisashiburi ni kita kedo, mukashi to zenzen kawaranai.
A: It’s been a while since I was here last, but it hasn’t changed one bit since then.

B: へー、そうなんだ。
Hee, sou nan da.
B: Wow, really?

② At a clinic

A: ひざの調子はどうですか。
Hiza no choushi wa dou desu ka.
A: How is your knee feeling?

B: うーん、あまり 変わらないです。
Uun, amari kawaranai desu.
B: Hmm. It hasn’t changed very much.

③ On the phone

A: どうもご無沙汰しています。お変わりないですか。
Doumo gobusata shiteimasu. O-kawari nai desu ka.
A: It’s been a while. How are you, the same as always?

B: はい、おかげさまで。
Hai, okagesama de.
B: Yes, thanks to you.

④ At the store

A: これはどう？
Kore wa dou?
A: How about this one?

B: あっちの安いのとあんまり変わらないんじゃない？
Acchi no yasui no to anmari kawaranain janai?
B: Isn’t it about the same as that cheap one over there?