210 Quick Japanese Conversation Phrases (Part 2)

関係ない ( Kankee nai ) :  It doesn’t matter

🌸 Used to express that something isn’t important or isn’t a problem.

POINT

Often used to tell someone worrying “There’s no need to worry, don’t be bothered by it.”

① An interesting job

A: その仕事 は 経験がないとだめなんですか。
Sono shigoto wa keiken ga nai to dame nan desu ka.
A: Do you need to have experience for that job?

B: 関係ないよ。
Kankee nai yo.
B: It doesn’t matter.

② The source of trouble

A: もしかして、私が言ったことがありますかった？
Moshikashite, watashi ga itta koto ga arimashikatta?
A: Could I have said something wrong?

B: いやいや、それ は 関係ないよ。
Iya iya, sore wa kankee nai yo.
B: No, that doesn’t have anything to do with it.

③ About brands

A: ブランドとか気にする？
Burando toka ki ni suru?
A: Do you pay attention to brands?

B: 全然。自分の好みなら、ブランドとか 関係ないよ。
Zenzen. Jibun no konomi nara, burando toka kankee nai yo.
B: Not at all. I don’t care about brands as long as I like what I’m buying.

④ Going my way

A: 人がどう言おうが 関係ないよ。自分がやりたいようにやればいいよ。
Hito ga dou iou ga kankee nai yo. Jibun ga yaritai you ni yareba ii yo.
A: It doesn’t matter what people say. Just do things how you want to.

B: はい。
Hai.
B: Okay.

感心する ( Kanshin suru ) :  I’m impressed

🌸 To be moved by deep feelings as a result of coming across an incredible action, highly-advanced techniques, and so on.

POINT

Kanshin shinai is used when you are unable to see something in a positive light.

① Handmade sweets

A: これ、よかったら食べて。
Kore, yokattara tabete.
A: Please have some if you’d like.

B: ありがとう…リサさんが作るお菓子はいつもほんとにおいしくて感心するよ。
Arigatou… Risa-san ga tsukuru okashi wa itsumo honto ni oishikute kanshin suru yo.
B: Thank you… The sweets you make are always so delicious, I’m impressed, Lisa-san.

② Teacher and student

A: リンダさんは卒業まで１度も授業を休まなかったんですね。感心しました。
Rinda-san wa sotsugyou made ichido mo jugyou o yasumanakatta n desu ne. Kanshin shimashita.
A: You didn’t take a single day off of classes your entire time here, Linda-san. I’m impressed.

B: いいえ、先生の授業が楽しかったからですよ。
Iie, sensei no jugyou ga tanoshikatta kara desu yo.
B: Not at all, I just enjoyed your classes, that’s it.

③ Together with feelings of respect

A: さくらさんってほんとポジティブだよね。感心するよ。
Sakura-san tte honto pojitibu da yo ne. Kanshin suru yo.
A: You’re so positive, Sakura-san. I’m impressed.

B: えっ、そうですか。
Eh, sou desu ka.
B: What, really?

④ How something is done

A: そういうやり方はあまり感心しないなあ。
Sou iu yarikata wa amari kanshin shinai naa.
A: I can’t say I’m very impressed by that way of doing things.

B: …すみません。
…Sumimasen.
B: …I’m sorry.

勘弁して（ほしい）(Kanben shite (hoshii) : Give me a break

🌸 Used to express feelings of wanting someone to stop because you are troubled or made uncomfortable by their actions.

POINT

Kanben suru means to let someone off, while kanben shite kudasai is used to ask for forgiveness.

① At the workplace

A: 今日も残業になるみたい。
Kyou mo zangyou ni naru mitai.
A: Looks like overtime today, as well.

B: えー、また？ もう勘弁してほしいよ。
Ee, mata? Mou kanben shite hoshii yo.
B: What, again? Give me a break.

② On the phone

A: ごめん、今日も仕事で会えない。
Gomen, kyou mo shigoto de aenai.
A: Sorry, I have work again today and can’t meet.

B: もう勘弁してよ！ いつも直前に！
Mou kanben shite yo! Itsumo chokuzen ni!
B: Give me a break! You always do this right before!

③ Long rain

A: また今日も雨だ。
Mata kyou mo ame da.
A: It’s raining again today.

B: また？ もう１週間だよ。ほんと勘弁してほしい。
Mata? Mou isshuukan da yo. Honto kanben shite hoshii.
B: Again? It’s been a week now. I wish it’d let up.

④ On a rollercoaster platform

A: 楽しかった。もう１回乗る？
Tanoshikatta. Mou ikkai noru?
A: Wow, that was fun. Want to ride it again?

B: いや、もう勘弁…。
Iya, mou kanben…
B: No, I think I’ve had enough…

聞いてない ( Kiitenai ) : I never heard about that

🌸 Used to express feelings of surprise and dissatisfaction upon learning a fact or information.

POINT

• Often used when you haven’t heard about changes in plans, etc.

• Includes feelings of shock at the fact you hadn’t heard.

① A changed reservation

A: あのお客さん、予約は今日に変更したって言ってるんです。
Ano okyaku-san, yoyaku wa kyou ni henkou shita tte itterun desu.
A: That customer is saying she changed her reservation to today.

B: 本当ですか。聞いてませんよ。
Hontou desu ka. Kiite masen yo.
B: Really? I never heard about that.

② The President in attendance

A: 社長が会議に出るなんて、聞いてませんよ。
Shachou ga kaigi ni deru nante, kiite masen yo.
A: I never heard that the president would be at the meeting.

B: 私も聞いてないです。
Watashi mo kiite nai desu.
B: Neither did I.

③ A fee system

A: では、お食事代とお飲み物代で、あわせて9500円になります。
Dewa, oshokuji-dai to onomimono-dai de, awasete 9500 en ni narimasu.
A: So your food and drink together comes out to 9,500 yen.

B: えっ？飲み物代が別なんて、聞いてないよ。
E? Nomimono-dai ga betsu nante, kiite nai yo.
B: What? I never heard that food and drink were separate.

④ A change in date

A: 明日の会議の準備はもうできてる？
Ashita no kaigi no junbi wa mou dekiteru?
A: Are you ready for tomorrow’s meeting?

B: えっ、明日になったんですか！聞いてません。
E, ashita ni nattan desu ka! Kiite masen.
B: What, it was changed to tomorrow?! I never heard about that!

⑤ Who will be hosting

A: 司会 は 田中さんがやるんだって？
Shikai wa Tanaka-san ga yarun datte?
A: I heard that you’ll be hosting tomorrow, Tanaka-san?

B: えー、何も 聞いてないですよ！
Ee, nanimo kiite nai desu yo!
B: What? I never heard about that!

気が重い (Ki ga omoi) : Feel down; feel depressed

🌸 To feel depressed or uninterested in doing things because something is difficult or because you are not interested.

POINT

➤ Whatever makes one feel down is something that one tries to avoid if possible.

① Before test results are posted

A: 合格発表 は いつ？
Gōkaku happyō wa itsu?
A: When do they announce who passed?

B: 明日。全然 自信ないから、気が重いよ。
Ashita. Zenzen jishin nai kara, ki ga omoi yo.
B: Tomorrow. I’m not confident at all, so I feel down.

② With friends on Sunday

A: また明日から仕事か…。
Mata ashita kara shigoto ka…
A: Back to work tomorrow…

B: 気が重くなるね。
Ki ga omoku naru ne.
B: Makes you feel depressed, doesn’t it?

③ An unpleasant role

A: 4月以降は契約できないと、本人に伝えてくれる？
Shigatsu ikō wa keiyaku dekinai to, honnin ni tsutaete kureru?
A: Could you tell him that we can’t continue his contract from April?

B: 私がですか！？それはちょっと…気が重いです。
Watashi ga desu ka!? Sore wa chotto… ki ga omoi desu.
B: Me?! That’s a little… depressing.

④ Plans for a work trip

A: 来週、社長と出張？
Raishū, shachō to shucchō?
A: You’re going on a work trip with the president next week?

B: そう。ちょっと気が重くなる。
Sō. Chotto ki ga omoku naru.
B: That’s right. It has me a little down.

気が散る (Ki ga chiru) : Can’t concentrate

🌸 To lose focus or concentration because something else is distracting you.

POINT

➤ Often used when noise, movement, or unrelated thoughts interfere with focusing on the task at hand.

① Studying in a noisy café

A: ここ、ちょっとうるさいね。
Koko, chotto urusai ne.
A: It’s a bit noisy here, isn’t it?

B: うん、気が散って勉強できない。
Un, ki ga chitte benkyō dekinai.
B: Yeah, I can’t study because I can’t concentrate.

② During a meeting

A: 外の工事の音、気になるね。
Soto no kōji no oto, ki ni naru ne.
A: That construction noise outside is distracting, isn’t it?

B: そうだね、気が散っちゃうよ。
Sō da ne, ki ga chicchau yo.
B: Yeah, it makes me lose focus.

③ At home with TV on

A: テレビの音、もう少し小さくしてくれる？
Terebi no oto, mō sukoshi chiisaku shite kureru?
A: Can you turn the TV down a bit?

B: ごめん、気が散っちゃう？
Gomen, ki ga chicchau?
B: Sorry, is it distracting you?

④ While driving

A: 横でそんなに話されると…。
Yoko de sonna ni hanasareru to…
A: If you talk that much beside me…

B: 気が散って運転しづらい？
Ki ga chitte unten shizurai?
B: Is it making it hard to drive?

気が進まない (Ki ga susumanai) : Not in the mood

🌸 Used to express feelings of being unable to do something assertively.

POINT

➤ Often used to talk about something you are uninterested in or something that must be done despite your wishes.

① A party

A: 青木さんはパーティーに行かないの？
Aoki-san wa pātī ni ikanai no?
A: Are you not going to the party, Aoki-san?

B: うん… あんまり気が進まなくて。
Un… anmari ki ga susumanakute.
B: No… I’m not really in the mood to go.

② Training

A: 研修受けてみたら？
Kenshū ukete mitara?
A: Why don’t you try doing some training?

B: ちょっと専門的すぎる気がして、今一つ気が進まないんだよ。
Chotto senmonteki sugiru ki ga shite, ima hitotsu ki ga susumanai n da yo.
B: I feel like it’s too specialized, so I can’t get into the mood.

③ Having to warn people

A: 部長が君に、田中さんに注意してくれって。
Buchō ga kimi ni, Tanaka-san ni chūi shite kure tte.
A: The chief said for you to warn Tanaka-san.

B: 私が？気が進まないなあ。
Watashi ga? Ki ga susumanai nā.
B: Me? I feel reluctant to do that.

Variations — ④ An invitation

A: 気が進んだときでいいんだけど、今度一緒に山登りに行かない？
Ki ga sunda toki de ii n da kedo, kondo issho ni yamanobori ni ikanai?
A: We can go when you’re in the mood, but would you like to climb a mountain together with me next time?

B: いいよ。じゃ、いつか。
Ii yo. Ja, itsuka.
B: Yes, let’s go some time.

聞かなかったことにして (Kikanakatta koto ni shite): Pretend you didn’t hear that

🌸 An expression used to ask someone to not repeat something heard when they were not supposed to hear it or when it is supposed to be kept a secret.

POINT

➤ Similar expressions include minakatta koto ni shite kudasai and nakatta koto ni shite kudasai.

① Something not public yet

A: さっき聞こえちゃったんだけど、会社、やめちゃうの？
Sakki kikoechattan da kedo, kaisha, yamechau no?
A: I just overheard you, but you’re quitting the company?

B: うん。でも、とりあえず聞かなかったことにしてね。
Un. Demo, toriaezu kikanakatta koto ni shite ne.
B: Yes. But pretend you didn’t hear that for now.

② Something worrying

A: 聞かなかったことにしてほしいんだけど、昨日、リサさん、泣いてた。
Kikanakatta koto ni shite hoshii n da kedo, kinō, Risa-san, naiteta.
A: I want you to pretend you never heard this, but Lisa-san was crying yesterday.

B: えっ？どうしたんだろう？心配だね。
Eh? Dō shitan darō? Shinpai da ne.
B: What? What could have happened? That’s worrying.

③ True feelings

A: 本当はあの人、嫌いなんだよね。
Hontō wa ano hito, kirai nan da yo ne.
A: I actually don’t like that person.

B: え？
Eh?
B: What?

A: うそうそ。聞かなかったことにして。
Uso uso. Kikanakatta koto ni shite.
A: Just kidding. Pretend you didn’t hear that.

④ Related phrases – 「なかったことにして」

A: この前言ってたパーティー、いつやるの？早くやろうよ。
Kono mae itteta pātī, itsu yaru no? Hayaku yarō yo.
A: When are you going to have that party you were talking about the other day? Let’s hurry up and do it.

B: ごめん、あれはなかったことにして。
Gomen, are wa nakatta koto ni shite.
B: Sorry, pretend you didn’t hear about that.

気が向いたら（でいい）Ki ga muitara (de ii) : You can if you feel interested

🌸  An expression used to casually tell someone who you are inviting or making a request of that “You can do it if you like.”

POINT

“Ki ga muku” means “To feel like doing that.”

① An invitation

A: そのお店、今度、森さんも一緒に行こうよ。
Sono o-mise, kondo, Mori-san mo issho ni ikō yo.
A: Let’s go to that store together next time, Mori-san.

B: そうだねえ… まあ、気が向いたら。
Sō da nē… mā, ki ga muitara.
B: You’re right… Well, if you feel interested.

② Exercise suggestions

A: 何か体を動かすことをしたほうがいいんじゃない？
Nanika karada o ugokasu koto o shita hō ga iin janai?
A: Don’t you think I ought to do something to move my body?

B: うん、気が向いたらね。
Un, ki ga muitara ne.
B: Yes, if you feel like it.

③ When parting ways

A: また、連絡しますね。
Mata, renraku shimasu ne.
A: I’ll contact you again.

B: ええ。気が向いたらでいいですよ。
Ē. Ki ga muitara de ii desu yo.
B: Yes, you may, whenever you feel interested.

④ At an office

A: 気が向いたらでいいから、この資料に目を通してみて。
Ki ga muitara de ii kara, kono shiryō ni me o tōshite mite.
A: Could you take a look over these materials? You can do it whenever you feel interested.

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

期待してたんだけど (Kitai shiteta n dakedo) : I had my hopes up

🌸  Used to express feelings of regret that things did not go as expected.

Point

What goes after “kitai shiteta n dakedo” is frequently omitted.

① At a restaurant

A: 評判いい店だから、期待してたんだけど。
Hyouban ii mise dakara, kitai shiteta n dakedo.
A: I had my hopes up because it was a good store, but…

B: 思ったより普通だったね。
Omotta yori futsuu datta ne.
B: It was more average than I’d expected.

② After seeing a movie

A: なんか、がっかりだったね。
Nanka, gakkari datta ne.
A: I feel kind of let down, don’t you?

B: うん。予告見て期待してたんだけどなあ。
Un. Yokoku mite kitai shiteta n dakedo naa.
B: Yes. And I had my hopes up after seeing the trailer.

③ At the workplace

A: この商品には期待してたんだけどね。
Kono shouhin ni wa kitai shiteta n dakedo ne.
A: I had my hopes up for this product.

B: うん。売れ行き、あんまりよくないみたいですね。
Un. Ureyuki, anmari yokunai mitai desu ne.
B: Yes. It doesn’t seem to be selling very well.

④ Variations – After seeing a sports match

A: 優勝 期待してたのになあ。
Yuushou kitai shiteta noni naa.
A: I had my hopes up for a win.

B: まさか最初の試合に負けるとはな。
Masaka saisho no shiai ni makeru to wa na.
B: I never thought they’d lose their first match.

きついです (Kitsui desu) : It’s rough; tight

🌸 An expression used when something is extreme in degree and not easily withstood, or when something is tight with little margin.

POINT

The opposite of kitsui is yurui, which is used when a situation is relaxed and peaceful.

① With a friend

A: 新しい職場はどう？
Atarashii shokuba wa dō?
A: How is your new workplace?

B: 仕事はきついけど、やりがいあるよ。
Shigoto wa kitsui kedo, yarigai aru yo.
B: The work is rough, but it’s worth doing.

② Not getting better

A: 風邪、長引いてるね。大丈夫？
Kaze, nagaiiteru ne. Daijōbu?
A: You’ve had a cold for a while. Are you okay?

B: さすがにちょっときついですね。
Sasuga ni chotto kitsui desu ne.
B: I have to admit, it’s a little rough.

③ At the workplace

A: 部長、言い方はきついけど、本当はいい人なんだよ。
Buchō, iikata wa kitsui kedo, hontō wa ii hito nan da yo.
A: The department chief can say some rough things, but he’s a good person.

B: ええ、わかってます。
Ē, wakattemasu.
B: Yes, I know.

④ Trying on a skirt

A: お客様、いかがですか。
O-kyaku-sama, ikaga desu ka.
A: How is it, miss?

B: ちょっときついです。
Chotto kitsui desu.
B: It’s a little tight.

気に入った (Ki ni itta): Love it; like it

🌸  Have a favorable impression because it suits one’s emotions or feelings.

POINT

You read it as “iru” instead of “hairu” in this case 入る.
The opposite of ki ni iru is ki ni iranai.

① A present

A: 何がいいか、迷ったんだけど…。
Nani ga ii ka, mayottan dakedo…
A: I wondered what to get…

B: ありがとう。すごく気に入ったよ。
Arigatō. Sugoku ki ni itta yo.
B: Thank you so much. I really love it.

② At the store

A: どれか 気に入った？
Dore ka ki ni itta?
A: Anything you like?

B: うん、この赤いコートが。
Un, kono akai kōto ga.
B: Yeah, this red coat.

③ At the restaurant

A: この店、気に入ったよ。
Kono mise, ki ni itta yo.
A: This restaurant is awesome.

B: うん、雰囲気いいし、おいしいしね。
Un, fun’iki ii shi, oishii shi ne.
B: Yes, the atmosphere is wonderful, and so is the food.

④ A view

A: どうしてこの部屋にしたんですか。
Dōshite kono heya ni shitan desu ka.
A: Why did you choose this room?

B: ここからの景色 が 気に入ったんです。
Koko kara no keshiki ga ki ni itta n desu.
B: I really liked the view from here.

⑤ Related phrases

A: いつも そのペン使ってるね。
Itsumo sono pen tsukatteru ne.
A: You’re always using that pen.

B: うん、書きやすくて お気に入りなんだ。
Un, kakiyasukute oki ni iri nan da.
B: Yep, it’s very easy to write, and it’s my favorite.

気に障ったらごめんなさい (Ki ni sawattara gomennasai): Sorry if I rubbed you the wrong way

An expression used to show that you feel sorry if your own words or actions caused displeasure to others.

POINT

Often used after words or actions that may cause displeasure to others, but sometimes said in advance of them.

① An incorrect character

A: 気に障ったらごめんなさいね。この字、間違ってますよ。
Ki ni sawattara gomennasai ne. Kono ji, machigattemasu yo.
A: Sorry if this rubs you the wrong way, but this character is wrong.

B: あ、本当だ。ありがとうございます。
A, hontō da. Arigatō gozaimasu.
B: Oh, you’re right. Thank you.

② An addendum

A: さっき言ったのは悪い意味じゃないからね。気に障ったらごめん。
Sakki itta no wa warui imi janai kara ne. Ki ni sawattara gomen.
A: I didn’t mean what I said in a negative way. Sorry if that rubbed you the wrong way.

B: 大丈夫、気にしてないよ。
Daijōbu, ki ni shite nai yo.
B: It’s fine, don’t worry.

③ An honest opinion

A: ご主人、ちょっと冷たくない？… あっ、気に障ったらごめんね。
Goshujin, chotto tsumetakunai? … A, ki ni sawattara gomen ne.
A: Isn’t your husband a little cold? …Oh, sorry if that rubbed you the wrong way.

B: うん、実際そうだから。優しいところもあるんだけどね。
Un, jissai sō dakara. Yasashii tokoro mo arun dakedo ne.
B: No, it’s true. He does have a kind side too, though.

④ Thoughts on someone’s clothes

A: 気に障ったらごめん。その服、ちょっと地味じゃない？
Ki ni sawattara gomen. Sono fuku, chotto jimi janai?
A: Sorry if this rubs you the wrong way, but aren’t those clothes a little plain?

B: これ？やっぱそう思う？
Kore? Yappa sō omou?
B: These? Do you think so, after all?

⑤ Why there are many mistakes

A: 気に障ったらごめんなさい。最近ミスが多いけど、何か悩みでもあるの？
Ki ni sawattara gomennasai. Saikin misu ga ōi kedo, nanika nayami demo aru no?
A: Sorry if this rubs you the wrong way, but you’ve been making a lot of mistakes lately. Is something troubling you?

B: うん、ちょっと…。
Un, chotto…
B: Well, kind of…

気になる (Ki ni naru): Bothers me; worries me; interested in

An expression used when one cannot feel at ease because they cannot take their mind off something.

POINT

Ki ni naru is an intransitive verb, while ki ni suru is a transitive verb.

① While working

A: ねえ、気になるからテレビ消して。
Nē, ki ni naru kara terebi keshite.
A: Hey, could you turn the TV off? It’s bothering me.

B: えー、今いいところなのに。
Ē, ima ii tokoro na no ni.
B: What? But it’s just getting to a good part.

② With a friend

A: 結婚相手の収入って気になる？
Kekkon aite no shūnyū tte ki ni naru?
A: Is your fiancé’s salary something you’re interested in?

B: それはやっぱりねえ。
Sore wa yappari nē.
B: You know, it really does.

③ A strange smell

A: 何かにおわない？
Nanika niowanai?
A: Does something smell funny?

B: うん、少し気になったけど、気のせいかなって…。
Un, sukoshi ki ni natta kedo, ki no sei ka natte…
B: Yeah, it was bothering me a little, but I thought it could just be my imagination…

④ A new store

A: 今度 ABC カフェ 行かない？
Kondo ABC kafe ikanai?
A: Do you want to try going to ABC Café next time?

B: ああ、あそこ、私 も 気になってた！
Ā, asoko, watashi mo ki ni natteta!
B: Oh, I was interested in going there too!

気のせい (Ki no sei) : (Your / my) imagination

🌸 When something feels different from reality for no specific reason.

POINT

“Ki” in this case means “A figment of someone’s imagination vaguely felt for no reason.”

① Someone’s voice?

A: 今、女の人の声 が 聞こえなかった？
Ima, onna no hito no koe ga kikoenakatta?
A: Did you just hear a woman’s voice?

B: え、気のせいだよ。怖いこと言わないで。
Ee, ki no sei da yo. Kowai koto iwanaide.
B: Huh? That was your imagination. Stop saying such scary things.

② Do I have a fever?

A: 気のせいかなあ…。熱があるかもしれない。
Ki no sei kanaa… Netsu ga aru kamo shirenai.
A: Maybe it’s just my imagination…but I might have a fever.

B: ほんと？ちゃんと測ったら？
Honto? Chanto hakatara?
B: Really? Why don’t you take your temperature?

③ Cold?

A: 今日、なんか寒くない？気のせい？
Kyou, nanka samukunai? Ki no sei?
A: Does it feel cold to you today? Is it just my imagination?

B: うーん暖かいほうだと思うけど、風邪じゃない？
Uun, atatakai hou da to omou kedo, kaze janai?
B: Hmm. If anything, it feels warm to me. Maybe you have a cold?

④ Is it just me?

A: 部長、私にだけ厳しくない？
Buchou, watashi ni dake kibishikunai?
A: Is the department chief especially hard on just me?

B: そんなことないって。気のせいだよ。
Sonna koto nai tte. Ki no sei da yo.
B: I told you, that’s not true. It’s just your imagination.

決まってる (Kimatteru) : Of course

🌸 An expression used to emphasize the certainty of a matter. Used in some cases when something is common knowledge, but it can also be used based on the speaker’s personal convictions.

POINT

While simply “kimatteru” can be used when replying in the affirmative to someone’s question, “~nai ni kimatteru” is used when replying in the negative.

① A sneak preview of a film

A: 映画、見に行く？
Eiga, mi ni iku?
A: Do you want to go see the movie?

B: 決まってるでしょ！無料招待なんだから。
Kimatteru desho! Muryou shoutai nan dakara.
B: Of course! It’s a free ticket.

② A famous restaurant

A: ここ、すごくおいしいね！
Koko, sugoku oishii ne!
A: This place is delicious!

B: 決まってるじゃない！超有名な店だよ。
Kimatteru janai! Chou yuumei na mise da yo.
B: Of course! It’s a super-famous store.

③ At a banquet

A: お酒、全然飲まないの？
Osake, zenzen nomanai no?
A: Are you not going to drink at all?

B: ダメに決まってるじゃない！運転するんだから。
Dame ni kimatteru janai! Unten surun dakara.
B: Of course I can’t! I’m going to be driving.

④ About a friend

A: 彼女、英語しゃべれるの？
Kanojo, eigo shabereru no?
A: Can she speak English?

B: 決まってるでしょ。高校までずっとハワイだよ。
Kimatteru desho. Koukou made zutto Hawaii da yo.
B: Of course she can. She lived in Hawaii all the way until high school.

気持ちいい (Kimochi ii) : Feel so good

🌸 This describes physical or mental comfortableness.

POINT

“Kimochi ga ii” can also be said.
This can also refer to people’s attitude or behavior.

① In a hot spring

A: あー気持ちいい。
Aa, kimochi ii.
A: Ah, I feel so good.

B: 温泉は最高だね。
Onsen wa saikou da ne.
B: Nothing is better than hot springs.

② On a sunny day

A: 久しぶりに晴れたね。
Hisashiburi ni hareta ne.
A: We finally got some sunshine.

B: うん、すごく気持ちいい。
Un, sugoku kimochi ii.
B: Yes, it feels so good.

③ In an interview with an athlete

A: 優勝おめでとうございます！今のお気持ちは？
Yuushou omedetou gozaimasu! Ima no okimochi wa?
A: Congratulations on your victory! How do you feel?

B: 最高に気持ちいいです！
Saikou ni kimochi ii desu!
B: I feel so good!

④ Watching a match (Variation)

A: お互い全力を出し合って、見ていて気持ちがいいですね。
Otagai zenryoku o dashi atte, mite ite kimochi ga ii desu ne.
A: Both teams did their best. It’s invigorating to watch.

B: そうですね。
Sou desu ne.
B: That’s true.

気持ち悪い (Kimochi warui) : Feel sick, unpleasant. Feel bad.

🌸 It describes physical, instinctive unpleasantness or psychological antipathy.

POINT

“Kimochi ga warui” can also be said.
It also refers to people’s appearance, attitude, situation, etc.

① In a car

A: あ、ちょっと酔ったかも。気持ち悪い。
A, chotto yotta kamo. Kimochi warui.
A: Ah, I’m carsick. I feel bad.

B: 大丈夫？車停めようか。
Daijoubu? Kuruma tomeyou ka.
B: Are you okay? Do you want me to stop the car?

② An insect

A: ああ、なんか変な虫。
Aa, nanka hen na mushi.
A: Look, there is a strange insect.

B: ほんとだ、気持ち悪い。
Honto da, kimochi warui.
B: True. It’s horrible.

③ A suspicious-looking man

A: あの人、ずっとこっちを見てて気持ち悪い。
Ano hito, zutto kocchi o mitete kimochi warui.
A: That man has been staring at us. He looks weird.

B: なんか怪しいね。気をつけたほうが。
Nanka ayashii ne. Ki o tsuketa hou ga.
B: He’s a bit creepy. You should be careful.

④ At home

A: すごい汗。大丈夫？
Sugoi ase. Daijoubu?
A: You are sweating a lot. Are you all right?

B: ちょっと気持ち悪い。悪い夢見ちゃって…。
Chotto kimochi warui. Warui yume micha tte…
B: I feel bad. I had a scary dream…

⑤ With a friend

A: その髪型…あ、何でもない。
Sono kamigata… a, nandemo nai.
A: Your hairstyle… Whoops… Nothing.

B: え？最後まで言ってよ！気持ち悪いやない。
E? Saigo made itte yo! Kimochi warui ya nai.
B: What? What were you going to say? I don’t feel too good.

急な話で恐縮ですが (Kyuuna hanashi de kyoushuku desuga) : I apologize for suddenly bringing this up

🌸 An expression used to introduce a question, report, or so on without prior notification. Used to express feelings of thanks and apology.

POINT

Primarily used when saying something that could mildly surprise someone or that requires an immediate response from them.

① Invitation to a wedding ceremony

A: あのう、急な話で恐縮ですが、来月結婚することになりまして、ぜひ式にご出席いただきたいのですが…。
Anou, kyuuna hanashi de kyoushuku desuga, raigetsu kekkon suru koto ni narimashite, zehi shiki ni goshusseki itadakitai no desu ga…
A: Um, I apologize for suddenly bringing this up, but I’m going to get married next year, and I’d like you to attend the ceremony…

B: おお、それはおめでとう。もちろん、出席しますよ。
Oo, sore wa omedetou. Mochiron, shusseki shimasu yo.
B: Oh, congratulations! Of course I’ll attend.

② Comments when leaving a company

A: 急な話で恐縮ですが、今月いっぱいで会社をやめることになりました。
Kyuuna hanashi de kyoushuku desuga, kongetsu ippai de kaisha o yameru koto ni narimashita.
A: I apologize for suddenly bringing this up, but I’ll be quitting the company at the end of this month.

B: えっ、やめちゃうの!? そうか…残念だなあ。
Eh, yamechau no!? Sou ka… zannen da naa.
B: What, you’re quitting!? Oh… that’s too bad.

③ On the phone

A: 急な話で悪いんだけど、今日、午後からシフトに入れない？
Kyuuna hanashi de waruin dakedo, kyou, gogo kara shifuto ni hairenai?
A: I apologize for suddenly bringing this up, but would you like to work a shift starting this afternoon?

B: 午後からですか!? わかりました。
Gogo kara desu ka!? Wakarimashita.
B: From this afternoon!? Alright.

④ Cancellation

A: あの、急な話で申し訳ないんですが、午後の予約をキャンセルしてもらえませんか。
Ano, kyuuna hanashi de moushiwakenai n desu ga, gogo no yoyaku o kyanseru shite moraemasen ka.
A: Um, I apologize for suddenly bringing this up, but could you please cancel my afternoon reservation?

B: わかりました。1時の予約をキャンセルですね。
Wakarimashita. Ichi-ji no yoyaku o kyanseru desu ne.
B: I understand. So you would like me to cancel your 1 o’clock reservation?

急に言われても困る (Kyuuni iwaretemo komaru) : You can’t suddenly say that

🌸 Used to show the state of not knowing how to respond when something is suddenly requested or reported to you.

POINT

Abbreviations such as 「急に言われて～」「急に言われても」 are also frequently used.

① On the phone, to your wife

A: 今日、夕飯に同僚誘ってもいい？
Kyou, yuuhan ni douryou sasotte mo ii?
A: Can I invite a coworker to dinner tonight?

B: えっ？ 急に言われても困るよ。
Eh? Kyuuni iwaretemo komaru yo.
B: What? You can’t suddenly say that.

② A sudden request

A: あとで一人を迎えに行ってあげてくれない？
Atode hitori o mukae ni itte agete kurenai?
A: Could you pick two up for me later?

B: えー、急に言われても困るよ。私だって用事があるんだから。
Ee, kyuuni iwaretemo komaru yo. Watashi datte youji ga arun dakara.
B: What? You can’t suddenly say that. I have my own plans, too.

③ Bored

A: ねえ、何か話してよ。何でもいいから。
Nee, nanika hanashite yo. Nandemo ii kara.
A: Hey, talk to me about something. It doesn’t matter what.

B: えっ？ そんなこと急に言われても…。
Eh? Sonna koto kyuuni iwaretemo…
B: What? You can’t suddenly say that and expect me to come up with something…

④ Entering a hospital

A: 検査には入院が必要ですので、今日、午後から入院できますか。
Kensa ni wa nyuuin ga hitsuyou desu node, kyou, gogo kara nyuuin dekimasu ka.
A: You’ll need to be admitted to the hospital for the tests, but is this afternoon alright?

B: 入院ですか！？ 急に言われても…。
Nyuuin desu ka!? Kyuuni iwaretemo…
B: What? I need to be admitted? You can’t suddenly say that…

今日はここまでにしましょう (Kyoo wa koko made ni shimashoo) : Let’s stop here for today

🌸 Used to communicate the intention to stop talking or working and continue what is currently being done at a later date.

POINT

Primarily used by the person leading work.

① At school

A: 今日はここまでにしましょう。明日は次の８課をやりますので、予習しておいてください。
Kyou wa koko made ni shimashou. Ashita wa tsugi no hakkwa o yarimasu node, yoshuu shite oite kudasai.
A: Let’s stop here for today. We’ll do the next chapter, chapter 8, tomorrow, so please review it.

B: わかりました。
Wakarimashita.
B: Alright.

② At the workplace

A: 今日はここまでにしましょう。お疲れ様。
Kyou wa koko made ni shimashou. Otsukaresama.
A: Let’s stop here for today. Good work.

B: お疲れ様でした。
Otsukaresama deshita.
B: Good work today.

③ At the workplace

A: じゃ、今日のところはここまでにしましょう。次回、また続きをやりたいと思います。
Ja, kyou no tokoro wa koko made ni shimashou. Jikai, mata tsuzuki o yaritai to omoimasu.
A: Alright, let’s stop here for today. I’d like to pick up where we left off next time.

B: お疲れ様でした。
Otsukaresama deshita.
B: Good work today.

④ Work at home

A: 明日早いから、今日はここまでにしとこうか。
Ashita hayai kara, kyou wa koko made ni shitokou ka.
A: I need to be awake early again tomorrow, so let’s stop here for today.

B: そうだね。
Sou da ne.
B: You’re right.

気楽に (Kiraku ni) : Take it easy; easygoing; happy-go-lucky; not so serious

🌸 Take it easy without worrying or taking things seriously.

POINT

“Kiraku” is a state without any feeling of tension. In some cases, it can also mildly accuse someone of being irresponsible or selfish.

① Worried

A: 失敗したらどうしよう。
Shippai shitara dou shiyou.
A: What should I do if I fail?

B: 大丈夫。もっと 気楽に いこう。
Daijoubu. Motto kiraku ni ikou.
B: No worries. Take it easy.

② In front of a movie theater

A: どれがいい？
Dore ga ii?
A: Which one do you want to see?

B: 気楽に 見られるのがいいな。
Kiraku ni mirareru no ga ii na.
B: Let’s see something light.

③ A convenient app

A: このアプリ知ってる？
Kono apuri shitteru?
A: Do you know this app?

B: うん、使ってるよ。海外の人とも 気楽に 話せていいよね。
Un, tsukatteru yo. Kaigai no hito to mo kiraku ni hanasete ii yo ne.
B: Yes, I’m using it. We can talk with people overseas easily.

④ At the office

A: もう帰ろう。明日 頑張ればいいよ。
Mou kaerou. Ashita ganbareba ii yo.
A: Let’s go home now. We can finish it tomorrow.

B: ちょっと気楽に考えすぎじゃない？
Chotto kiraku ni kangaesugi janai?
B: You sound like you’re not taking it seriously, no?

70. きりがない (Kiri ga nai) : There’s no end to it

🌸 Used when something continues without end to express feelings of amazement, compromise, resignation, or shock.

POINT

Frequently used together with expressions of assumption such as “～tara” and “～ba.”

① Better conditions

A: もっと給料が高くて、もっと楽で、もっと上司が優しい会社ないかな。
Motto kyuuryou ga takakute, motto raku de, motto joushi ga yasashii kaisha nai kana.
A: I wonder if there’s a company out there with better pay, easier work, and kinder bosses.

B: 上を見たら、きりがないよ。
Ue o mitara, kiri ga nai yo.
B: If you start hoping for something better, there’ll be no end to it.

② Before a speech

A: スピーチ、うまくできなかったらどうしよう。忘れてしまうかもしれないし…。
Supiichi, umaku dekinakattara dou shiyou. Wasurete shimau kamoshirenai shi…
A: What’ll I do if the speech doesn’t go well? I might forget it, too…

B: 心配してもきりがないよ。思い切ってやればいいよ。
Shinpai shitemo kiri ga nai yo. Omoikitte yareba ii yo.
B: If you start worrying, there’ll be no end to it. Just go out there and give it your all.

③ A theme

A: それを議論し出すときりがないからやめておこう。
Sore o giron shidasu to kiri ga nai kara yamete okou.
A: If you bring this up as a topic to discuss, there’ll be no end to it. Don’t bother.

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

④ A design

A: やっと固まってきましたね。一応、ほかの色も見てみますか。
Yatto katamatte kimashita ne. Ichioo, hoka no iro mo mite mimasu ka.
A: It’s finally coming together. Why don’t we try looking at other colors, though?

B: いいよ、きりがないから。
Ii yo, kiri ga nai kara.
B: It’s fine. There’ll be no end to it.

具合はどう？ (Guai wa doo?) : How do you feel? How are you?

🌸  It is an expression used to inquire the status of things or of one’s health condition.

POINT

It is often used when inquiring how things are after there was a problem or something abnormal with human body or a machine.

① Physical condition

A: 具合 は どう？ 昨日は熱が出たって聞いてたけど。
Guai wa doo? Kinou wa netsu ga deta tte kiitetakedo.
A: How do you feel? I heard that you had a fever yesterday.

B: おかげさまで、なんとか。
Okagesama de, nantoka.
B: Thank you, I’m feeling better.

② Injuries

A: けが の 具合 は どうですか。
Kega no guai wa doo desu ka.
A: How is your injury coming along?

B: 大丈夫ですよ。もう、ほとんど痛みもありません。
Daijoubu desu yo. Mou, hotondo itami mo arimasen.
B: I’m doing ok, thank you. I hardly have any more pain.

③ At the hospital

A: 先生、祖母 の 具合 は どうなんでしょうか。
Sensei, sobo no guai wa doo nan deshou ka.
A: Doctor, how is my grandmother doing?

B: １週間ほど入院すれば、よくなると思いますよ。
Isshuukan hodo nyuuin sureba, yoku naru to omoimasu yo.
B: She’ll be fine if she’s in the hospital for a week.

④ After repairing

A: エンジン の 具合 は どうですか。
Enjin no guai wa doo desu ka.
A: How is the engine?

B: だいぶよくなりましたよ。
Daibu yoku narimashita yo.
B: Thanks, it’s gotten much better.

くよくよしないで (Kuyokuyo shinaide) : Don’t fret over, don’t brood over, don’t worry about

🌸  It is an expression used for encouraging someone, telling them not to fret and worry over something forever.

POINT

“Kuyokuyo” is a kind of mimetic word, while “kuyokuyo suru” means to keep minding and worrying over one’s failure.

① After a failure

A: もう自信なくなったよ。また失敗する気がする。
Mou jishin nakunatta yo. Mata shippai suru ki ga suru.
A: I lost my confidence. I feel like I’m going to fail again.

B: そんなにくよくよしないで。元気出して。
Sonna ni kuyokuyo shinaide. Genki dashite.
B: Cheer up! Don’t worry so much.

② After a failure

A: 一回ミスしたくらいで、くよくよするなよ。
Ikkai misu shita kurai de, kuyokuyo suru na yo.
A: Don’t worry so much over one mistake.

B: そうね。わかった。
Sou ne. Wakatta.
B: Yeah, you’re right. Ok.

③ Related phrase – くよくよすることない

A: そんなことでくよくよすることないんじゃない？
Sonna koto de kuyokuyo suru koto nain janai?
A: It’s not anything to fret over, is it?

B: ほかの人には、ぼくの気持ちはわからないよ。
Hoka no hito ni wa, boku no kimochi wa wakaranai yo.
B: No one understands how I feel.

④ Related phrase – くよくよしてもしょうがない

A: いつまでもくよくよしてもしょうがないよ。
Itsumademo kuyokuyo shitemo shouganai yo.
A: It’s no use crying over spilt milk.

B: だって…。
Datte…
B: But…

検討します (Kentou shimasu) : Let me think it over

🌸  This conveys the speaker’s intention to consider, avoid giving an immediate decision, and think it over.

POINT

• Even when the speaker takes a negative view, this fact is not said, and the decision is often held off by saying “Kentou shimasu.”

• A more formal expression than “kangaemasu.”

① At a store

A: 今なら、さらに10％安くなります。
Ima nara, sarani juu-pāsento yasuku narimasu.
A: You can get a further 10% discount.

B: うーん、ちょっと検討します。
Ūn, chotto kentou shimasu.
B: Uh… let me think it over.

② At a travel agent

A: この３つのプランはどれもおすすめです。
Kono mittsu no puran wa dore mo osusume desu.
A: I recommend all these three plans.

B: わかりました。ちょっと家族と検討します。
Wakarimashita. Chotto kazoku to kentou shimasu.
B: Okay. I will discuss it with my family.

③ About a business proposal

A: 何度もすみませんね。もうちょっと検討させてもらえますか。
Nando mo sumimasen ne. Mou chotto kentou sasete moraemasu ka.
A: I’m sorry to say this again, but let me think it over.

B: わかりました。では、お返事お待ちしております。
Wakarimashita. Dewa, ohenji omachi shite orimasu.
B: Okay. I’m looking forward to hearing your reply.

④ When shopping

A: ちょっと高いけど、これ、買っちゃおうか。
Chotto takai kedo, kore, katchaou ka.
A: It’s a bit expensive, but shall we buy this one?

B: えー、もうちょっとよく検討してからにしようよ。
Ē, mou chotto yoku kentou shite kara ni shiyou yo.
B: Uh, let’s think it over more carefully.

誤解です (Gokai desu) : You’re mistaken

🌸  Used to convey that someone has a mistaken understanding of something.

POINT

• Often used when someone misunderstands something in a way that causes them to dislike you.

• Often used to clear up a misunderstanding and improve relations.

① Whose fault?

A: 私のことが嫌いだから、そんなこと言うんでしょ。
Watashi no koto ga kirai dakara, sonna koto iun desho.
A: You’re saying that because you don’t like me, right?

B: えっ!? それは 誤解だよ。
Eh!? Sore wa gokai da yo.
B: What?! You’re mistaken.

② Not enough trust

A: ビルさんって、いまいち信用できないんだよな。
Biru-san tte, imaichi shinyou dekinain da yo na.
A: I just can’t put much trust in you, Bill-san.

B: ひどいなあ、誤解ですよ。
Hidoi nā, gokai desu yo.
B: That’s a terrible thing to say. You’re mistaken.

③ Who?

A: さっき一緒に歩いていた人は誰？
Sakki issho ni aruite ita hito wa dare?
A: Who was that you were just walking with?

B: 誤解だよ！あれは妹だよ。
Gokai da yo! Are wa imouto da yo.
B: You’re mistaken! That’s my little sister.

④ Reason for anger

A: どうして怒ってるのかよくわかりませんが…。
Dōshite okotteru no ka yoku wakarimasen ga….
A: I don’t know why you’re angry, but it is a misunderstanding.

B: 誤解ですよ。
Gokai desu yo.
B: What? What is?

ここだけの話ですが (Kokodake no hanashi desuga) : Just between you and me; This stays here

🌸  Used to express feelings that what is about to be said should be kept secret and not be repeated in other places.

POINT

• Other expressions with the same meaning include 「これは内緒ですが」and「これは内密の話ですが」.

① Singing talent

A: 歌うまいね！びっくり！
Utau mai ne! Bikkuri!
A: You’re good at singing! Wow!

B: ここだけの話ですが、昔は歌手になりたかったんです。
Kokodake no hanashi desuga, mukashi wa kashu ni naritakattan desu.
B: Just between you and me, I once wanted to become a singer.

② Marriage

A: まだここだけの話ですが、課長と結婚することになりました。
Mada kokodake no hanashi desuga, kachou to kekkon suru koto ni narimashita.
A: This stays here for now, but I’m going to be marrying the section chief.

B: えっ、いつから付き合ってたの!? 全然気づかなかった。
Eh, itsu kara tsukiatte tano!? Zenzen kizukanakatta.
B: What, how long have you been going out!? I never noticed.

③ An unexpected side

A: ここだけの話、アニメとかゲームとか大好きなんです。
Kokodake no hanashi, anime toka gēmu toka daisuki nan desu.
A: Just between you and me, I really like anime and games.

B: えっ、そうなんですか!? 意外です。
Eh, sō nan desu ka!? Igai desu.
B: What, you do!? I didn’t expect that.

④ Uninterested

A: ここだけの話、ぼくはサッカーにはそんなに興味がないんです。
Kokodake no hanashi, boku wa sakkā ni wa sonna ni kyōmi ga nain desu.
A: This stays here, but I’m not that interested in soccer.

B: 私もです。みんなに合わせてますけど。
Watashi mo desu. Minna ni awasete masu kedo.
B: Me neither. I just go along with everyone else.

言葉も出ない (Kotoba mo denai) : Nothing to say

🌸  Used when the surprise and sensation are so huge, that you can’t find an appropriate expression right away.

POINT

Used for both good and bad things.
There are many expressions like “kotoba ga denai,” “kotoba mo nai” or “kotoba o ushinau.”

① Unexpected couple

A: あの二人が結婚するなんて…。
Ano futari ga kekkon suru nante…
A: Never dreamed those two would get married…

B: あまりに驚いて、言葉も出なかったよ。
Amari ni odoroite, kotoba mo denakatta yo.
B: I’m so shocked that I have nothing to say.

② Impression on a movie

A: あの映画の感動に、言葉も出なかったよ。
Ano eiga no kandō ni, kotoba mo denakatta yo.
A: That movie was so touching, I can’t find the words.

B: へえ、それはよかったんだ。
Hee, sore wa yokattan da.
B: Oh? Was it that good?

③ About a colleague

A: 仕事の途中で帰っちゃうなんて。
Shigoto no tochū de kaecchau nante.
A: To leave in middle of work…

B: あきれて、言葉も出ないね。
Akirete, kotoba mo denai ne.
B: I’m too shocked to say a word.

子どもじゃないんだから (Kodomo ja nai n dakara) : You’re not a child

🌸  Used to tell someone that as an adult, they ought to act the way an adult should act.

POINT

Used to criticize someone’s selfish attitude or behavior.

① At home

A: 野菜、好きじゃないんだよね。
Yasai, suki janai n da yo ne.
A: I just don’t like vegetables.

B: 子どもじゃないんだから、好き嫌いしないで。
Kodomo ja nai n dakara, sukikirai shinai de.
B: You’re not a child, don’t be so picky.

② At the workplace

A: あの人、好きじゃないんですよ。
Ano hito, suki janai n desu yo.
A: I don’t like him.

B: 子どもじゃないんだから、好き嫌いで仕事はできないよ。
Kodomo ja nai n dakara, sukikirai de shigoto wa dekinai yo.
B: You’re not a child, so you can’t pick who you work with based on whether you like them or not.

③ At the workplace

A: 田中さん、注意されるとすぐ泣くよね。
Tanaka-san, chūi sareru to sugu naku yo ne.
A: Tanaka cries as soon as you caution her.

B: しっかりしてほしいよね、子どもじゃないんだから。
Shikkari shite hoshii yo ne, kodomo ja nai n dakara.
B: I wish she’d be more composed. She’s not a child.

④ At home

A: 子どもじゃないんだから、もうちょっと部屋を片付けたら？
Kodomo ja nai n dakara, mō chotto heya o katazuketara?
A: You’re not a child, can’t you keep your room a little tidier?

B: 時間がないんだよ。
Jikan ga nai n da yo.
B: I don’t have time.

ご迷惑じゃないですか (Go-meewaku janai desu ka) : Am I bothering you

A phrase used to show that one wishes to check whether their actions are causing problems for or bothering others.

POINT

Used to show a modest attitude when someone offers to do something for your sake.

① Dinner invitation

A: よかったら、夕飯うちで食べて行って。
Yokattara, yūhan uchi de tabete itte.
A: If you’d like, please come eat dinner at our home.

B: いいんですか。ご迷惑じゃないですか。
Iin desu ka. Go-meewaku janai desu ka.
B: Is that alright? Would it not be a bother?

② Bring your child

A: マイケル君もパーティーに連れてきてくださいね。
Maikeru-kun mo pātī ni tsurete kite kudasai ne.
A: Please bring Michael-kun to the party too.

B: え？でも、ご迷惑じゃないですか。
E? Demo, go-meewaku janai desu ka.
B: What? Wouldn’t that bother you?

Variations

③ Getting a ride

A: 送ってもらってすみませんね。ご迷惑じゃなかったですか。
Okutte moratte sumimasen ne. Go-meewaku janakatta desu ka.
A: Thank you for giving me a ride. Was I not a bother?

B: 帰り道だから、気にしないで。
Kaerimichi dakara, ki ni shinaide.
B: This was on the way home. Don’t worry about it.

④ On the phone

A: 毎日電話しちゃってごめんね。迷惑じゃない？
Mainichi denwa shichatte gomen ne. Meewaku janai?
A: Sorry for calling every day. Am I not bothering you?

B: ぜんぜん。私も楽しいよ。
Zenzen. Watashi mo tanoshii yo.
B: Not at all. I enjoy it too.

これでいい？ (Kore de ii?) : Is this okay?

An expression used to confirm whether something that has been prepared meets someone’s demands.

POINT

This becomes “Kore de yoroshii deshō ka” when said politely.

① Types of batteries

A: えーと、電池って、これでいい？
Ēto, denchi tte, kore de ii?
A: Um, is this battery okay?

B: そうそう、それ。
Sō sō, sore.
B: Yes, that’s the one.

② Writing instruments

A: 何か、書くものない？
Nanika, kaku mono nai?
A: Do you have something I could write with?

B: あるよ。これでいい？
Aru yo. Kore de ii?
B: Yes. Is this okay?

Variations

③ Materials for a meeting

A: 午後の会議の資料なんですが、これでよろしいでしょうか。
Gogo no kaigi no shiryō nan desu ga, kore de yoroshii deshō ka.
A: About the materials for this afternoon’s meeting. Are these alright?

B: ああ、いいよ。人数分コピー頼む。
Ā, ii yo. Ninzūbun kopī tanomu.
B: Yes, those are okay. Could you please make copies for everyone attending?

④ Types of cups

A: コップ、いくつかあるけど。
Koppu, ikutsu ka aru kedo.
A: We have a number of cups.

B: あ、これでいいよ。ありがとう。
A, kore de ii yo. Arigatō.
B: Oh, this one is okay. Thank you.

⑤ Wiping materials

A: 何か、拭くものないの？
Nanika, fuku mono nai no?
A: Do you have anything I could use for wiping?

B: えっと、これで大丈夫？
Etto, kore de daijōbu?
B: Um, is this okay?

こんなチャンスはめったにない (Konna chansu wa metta ni nai) : There aren’t many chances like this

Used to say that it is extremely rare to have a certain opportunity and that it should therefore not be missed.

POINT

Other expanded ways of saying this include “Konna chansu, metta ni nai kara, 〜 suru.” and “Konna chansu, metta ni nai no ni 〜 teshimatta.”

① A feeling of expectation

A: すぐ近くでオリンピックなんて、ワクワクするね。
Sugu chikaku de orinpikku nante, wakuwaku suru ne.
A: Isn’t it exciting that the Olympics will be happening so close by?

B: うん。こんなチャンスはめったにないから、絶対見に行かなくちゃ。
Un. Konna chansu wa metta ni nai kara, zettai mi ni ikanakucha.
B: Yes. There aren’t many chances like this one, so I have to go see it.

② Appearing on TV

A: テレビに出るんだって？
Terebi ni deru n datte?
A: I heard you’re going to be on TV?

B: うん。こんなチャンス、めったにないからね。
Un. Konna chansu, metta ni nai kara ne.
B: Yes. There aren’t many chances like this.

③ At an autograph session for a popular athlete

A: サインもらわなくていいの？
Sain morawanakute ii no?
A: Do you not need a signature?

B: うん…。たくさん並んでて時間かかりそうだから。
Un… Takusan narandete jikan kakarisō dakara.
B: Hmm… Well, the line is so long it seems it would take a while.

A: こんなチャンス、めったにないよ。待っててもらっておいて。
Konna chansu, metta ni nai yo. Matte te moratte oite.
A: There aren’t many chances like this one. I’ll wait here, you should go.

Related phrases

④ 「こんな機会はめったにない」

村上春樹の講演会、すごいじゃない！
Murakami Haruki no kōenkai, sugoi janai!
A: A talk by Haruki Murakami? That’s incredible!

B: うん。こんな機会はめったにないから、絶対行くよ。
Un. Konna kikai wa metta ni nai kara, zettai iku yo.
B: That’s right. There aren’t many chances like this one, so I’m definitely going.

こんなもんじゃない？ (Konnamon janai?) : Isn’t that (about) what you’d expect?; Is it any surprise?

Used to express feelings that while it may not be sufficient, something is satisfying enough given the conditions.

POINT

As this contains feelings of insufficiency, it is not used as a term of praise.
➜ “Konnamon janai desu ka.” is used when saying politely.

① A cheap computer

A: このパソコン、ちょっと立ち上がりが遅いんだよな。
Kono pasokon, chotto tachiagari ga osoin da yo na.
A: This computer takes a bit of time to boot up.

B: 安かったし、まあ、こんなもんじゃない？
Yasukatta shi, mā, konna mon janai?
B: It was cheap, isn’t that about what you’d expect?

② At a concert hall

A: やっぱり遠くてよく見えないね。
Yappari tōkute yoku mienai ne.
A: After all, these were far and hard to see from.

B: 普通の席だからね。こんなもんじゃない？
Futsū no seki dakara ne. Konnamon janai?
B: Well, these were regular seats. Is it any surprise?

③ Fancy wine

A: このワイン、ちょっと高すぎない？
Kono wain, chotto takasuginai?
A: Isn’t this wine a little too expensive?

B: でも高級なやつだし、こんなもんじゃない？
Demo kōkyū na yatsu da shi, konna mon janai?
B: Well, it is a fancy one. Isn’t that about what you’d expect?

④ Watching a sports match

A: 結局、負けちゃったね。前半はリードしたのになあ。
Kekkyoku, makechatta ne. Zenhan wa rīdo shita no ni nā.
A: We ended up losing, even though we were in the lead during the first half.

B: ま、こんなもんじゃない？実力だよ。
Ma, konna mon janai? Jitsuryoku da yo.
B: But can you be surprised? It’s all about talent.

最高 (Saikoo) : It’s amazing; It’s the best

Used to indicate that something is so incredible that it could not be any greater.

POINT

➜ Often used after asked for one’s opinion.
➜ A more straightforward expression of being moved or excited than terms such as “totemo yokatta.”

① The scenery

A: わあ、すごい景色！
Wā, sugoi keshiki!
A: Wow, what a scene!

B: ここからの眺めは、最高ですね。
Koko kara no nagame wa, saikō desu ne.
B: The view from here is the best.

② A concert

A: 昨日のライブ、最高だったね。
Kinō no raibu, saikō datta ne.
A: Yesterday’s concert was amazing.

B: ほんと、行ってよかったよ。
Honto, itte yokatta yo.
B: It’s really a good thing that we went.

③ An interview

A: 優勝おめでとうございます。今のお気持ちは？
Yūshō omedetō gozaimasu. Ima no okimochi wa?
A: Congratulations on your victory. How do you feel?

B: 最高です！
Saikō desu!
B: I feel amazing!

④ Thoughts on a trip

A: 温泉旅行は、どうでしたか。
Onsen ryokō wa, dō deshita ka.
A: How was your hot springs trip?

B: 最高でしたよ。お風呂はいいし、食事はおいしいし。
Saikō deshita yo. Ofuro wa ii shi, shokuji wa oishii shi.
B: It was amazing. The baths were good, and so was the food.

⑤ A fun time

A: 昨日、誕生日だったんですね。
Kinō, tanjōbi datta n desu ne.
A: So yesterday was your birthday?

B: ええ。みんなに祝ってもらって、最高の一日でした。
Ē. Minna ni iwatte moratte, saikō no ichinichi deshita.
B: Yes. Everyone celebrated it, and it was a wonderful day.

最低 (Saitee) : The worst

Used to indicate that the content, nature, or situation of something is extremely bad.

POINT

➜ The antonym of “saikō.”
➜ Often used to evaluate a person’s actions or their nature, and in such cases it carries a sense of dissatisfaction or anger.

① Someone’s personality

A: 野村さんって、何でも人のせいにするよね。
Nomura-san tte, nandemo hito no sei ni suru yo ne.
A: Nomura-san always blames everything on others.

B: ほんと、最低。
Honto, saitee.
B: He’s really the worst.

② Someone’s manners

A: あの人、車からたばこ、投げ捨てた。
Ano hito, kuruma kara tabako, nagesuteta.
A: That person was smoking in their car, then tossed it out the window.

B: うわー、最低！
Uwā, saitee!
B: Wow, they’re the worst!

③ Someone’s personality

A: 人の失敗を笑うなんて、最低。信じられないよね。
Hito no shippai o warau nante, saitee. Shinjirarenai yo ne.
A: How could you laugh at someone’s failure? She’s the worst.

B: ほんと、信じられないよね。
Honto, shinjirarenai yo ne.
B: I can’t believe it either.

④ A boss

A: うちの店長はすぐ人に怒鳴るんです。
Uchi no tenchō wa sugu hito ni donarun desu.
A: Our manager is quick to yell at people.

B: えー、最低。
Ē, saitee.
B: Wow, that’s the worst.

さっぱりわからない (Sappari wakaranai) : I don’t have a clue

Used to convey a situation of being bewildered due to being completely unable to understand the meaning of something or how something is done.

POINT

“Sappari 〜 nai” means “Not ~ at all.”

① How to use

A: どうしたの？
Dō shita no?
A: What’s the matter?

B: 説明書を読んでも、さっぱりわからなくて。
Setsumeisho o yonde mo, sappari wakaranakute.
B: I read the instruction manual, but I still don’t have a clue.

② An article

A: いくら読んでも、さっぱりわからないよ。
Ikura yondemo, sappari wakaranai yo.
A: I don’t have a clue, no matter how many times I read this.

B: 全部英語で書いてあるもんね。
Zenbu eigo de kaite aru mon ne.
B: Well, it is all written in English, after all.

③ A girlfriend’s thoughts

A: 彼女が何を考えているのか、さっぱりわかりませんよ。
Kanojo ga nani o kangaete iru no ka, sappari wakarimasen yo.
A: I don’t have a clue what my girlfriend is thinking.

B: もう一度、しっかり話し合ってみたら？
Mō ichido, shikkari hanashiatte mitara?
B: Why don’t you try having a solid talk with her one more time?

④ Computers

A: パソコンは、さっぱりわからなくて。
Pasokon wa, sappari wakaranakute.
A: I don’t have a clue about computers.

B: まずはメールの使い方から、一緒に勉強しましょう。
Mazu wa mēru no tsukaikata kara, issho ni benkyō shimashō.
B: You should start by learning how to send email. Why don’t we study together?

⑤ A test

A: さっぱりわからなかったから、全部３にマークしちゃった。
Sappari wakaranakatta kara, zenbu san ni māku shichatta.
A: I didn’t have a clue, so I just bubbled in 3 for all of the answers.

B: ちょっとくらい当たってるかもね。
Chotto kurai atatteru kamo ne.
B: You may have gotten a few of them right.

至急、お願いします (Shikyū onegaishimasu) : Please do it as soon as possible; please do it right away

A phrase used when making an emergency request that should be done extremely quickly.

POINT

“Daishikyū” is used when the job needs to be performed even more urgently.
Requires caution when using, as if this phrase is used frequently, it will be deemed as not a credible request.

① No parking

A: ここ駐車禁止ですよ。
Koko chūsha kinshi desu yo.
A: Parking is prohibited here.

B: あ、すみません。移動します。
A, sumimasen. Idō shimasu.
B: Oh, I’m sorry. I’ll move.

A: 至急、お願いしますね。
Shikyū, onegaishimasu ne.
A: Please do so right away.

② On the phone (taxi)

A: はい、ＡＢＣタクシーです。
Hai, ABC takushī desu.
A: Hello, this is ABC Taxi.

B: すみません、中央病院の玄関前まで至急お願いします。
Sumimasen, Chūō byōin no genkan mae made shikyū onegaishimasu.
B: Excuse me, I need to be taken to the front entrance of Chuo Hospital as soon as possible.

③ On the phone (office)

A: スミスと申しますが、森さんはいらっしゃいますか。
Sumisu to mōshimasu ga, Mori-san wa irasshaimasu ka.
A: My name is Smith, is Mori-san available?

B: ちょっと席をはずしているんですが、戻ったら電話させましょうか。
Chotto seki o hazushite iru n desu ga, modottara denwa sasemashō ka.
B: He is away from his seat right now. Shall I have him call you back once he returns?

A: はい、至急お願いします。
Hai, shikyū onegaishimasu.
A: Yes. Please tell him it’s urgent.

④ On the phone (FAX)

A: 資料をFAXで送ればいいんですね。
Shiryō o fakkusu de okureba ii n desu ne.
A: Is it okay to send the materials by FAX?

B: はい。これで、お忙しいところすみませんが、至急お願いします。
Hai. Kore de, o-isogashii tokoro sumimasen ga, shikyū onegaishimasu.
B: Yes. Also, I apologize for asking this when you’re busy, but please send them right away.

失礼だなあ (Shitsuree da nā) : How rude

Used to express feelings of criticism toward someone’s poor attitude or rough treatment toward others.

POINT

“Shitsuree” is not only used to describe one’s manners, but also more broadly used to speak of someone’s general attitude or treatment toward others.

① Inside a store

A: あの店員、失礼だなあ。
Ano ten’in, shitsuree da nā.
A: That employee is so rude.

B: どうしたの？
Dō shita no?
B: What happened?

A: 今、そこでぶつかったんだけど、何も言わなかったんだよ。
Ima, soko de butsukatta n da kedo, nani mo iwanakattan da yo.
A: He ran into me just now, but didn’t say anything.

② Scarier than the president?

A: 彼が社長より怖いって言ってたよ。
Kare ga shachō yori kowai tte itteta yo.
A: He said you were scarier than the president.

B: 私が！？失礼だなあ。そんなこと言ってるんだ。
Watashi ga!? Shitsuree da nā. Sonna koto itterun da.
B: Me!? How rude. He was saying things like that?

③ A bad way to praise someone

A: 今日ほんとかわいいね。
Kyō honto kawaii ne.
A: You’re looking cute today.

B: 今日「は」失礼だなあ。いつもでしょ！
Kyō wa shitsuree da nā. Itsumo desho!
B: Today? How rude. I’m always cute!

④ Related phrases

A: えっ、それ、３個も食べるの？
E, sore, sanko mo taberu no?
A: Wait, are you eating three of those!?

B: 失礼なこと言わないでよ。友達の分よ。
Shitsuree na koto iwanaide yo. Tomodachi no bun yo.
B: Don’t be so rude. These are for my friends.

しばらく様子を見ましょう (Shibaraku yoosu o mimashoo) : Let’s wait and see

An expression used to suggest waiting and not doing anything to deal with a problem that is occurring and waiting to see how things go.

POINT

Used broadly when wanting to postpone a decision or conclusion.

① At the hospital

A: 昨日から熱が出てしまって…。
Kinō kara netsu ga dete shimatte…
A: I’ve had a fever since yesterday…

B: とりあえず３日分の薬を出しますので、しばらく様子を見ましょう。
Toriaezu mikka-bun no kusuri o dashimasu node, shibaraku yōsu o mimashoo.
B: I’ll prescribe you three days’ worth of medicine, so let’s wait and see how things go.

② Buying stock

A: ABCネットの株を買おうと思ってるんだけど。
ABC Netto no kabu o kaō to omotterun dakedo.
A: I was thinking of buying stock in ABC Net.

B: まだ新しい会社だから、しばらく様子を見たほうがいいよ。
Mada atarashii kaisha dakara, shibaraku yōsu o mita hō ga ii yo.
B: It’s still a new company, so you should wait and see for a bit longer.

③ Motivation

A: 彼はやる気があるのかなあ。やる気がないなら、やめてもらったほうがいいと思いますよ。
Kare wa yaruki ga aru no kanaa. Yaruki ga nai nara, yamete moratta hō ga ii to omoimasu yo.
A: I wonder if he has the motivation to do it. If he doesn’t, I think it’s better to have him stop.

B: ええ…でも、もうしばらく様子を見ましょうよ。
Ee… demo, mō shibaraku yōsu o mimashoo yo.
B: Yes… but let’s wait and see for a bit longer.

④ At the end of its lifespan?

A: この洗濯機も、そろそろだめかもね。買い替える？
Kono sentakki mo, sorosoro dame kamo ne. Kaikaeru?
A: This might be about the end for this washing machine. Do you want to buy a new one to replace it?

B: うーん。でも、もうちょっと様子を見ましょうよ。安い買い物じゃないし。
Ūn… demo, mō chotto yōsu o mimashoo yo. Yasui kaimono janai shi.
B: Well… let’s wait and see for a bit longer. It’s not a cheap purchase, after all.

冗談じゃない (Jōdan ja nai) : You’re joking

It shows the speaker’s strong negation that he/she doesn’t want to hear such thing even as a joke.

POINT

It shows strong antipathy against a particular decision or remark.

① Important meeting

A: 飛行機 が 欠航になったみたい。
Hikōki ga kekkō ni natta mitai.
A: The flight seems to be canceled.

B: え〜！冗談じゃないよ、会議があるのに！
Ē~! Jōdan ja nai yo, kaigi ga aru noni!
B: What? You’re joking. I should attend the meeting!

② Working on holidays

A: 部長が土曜日出られないかって。
Buchō ga doyōbi derarenai ka tte.
A: The manager asked us if we could work on Saturday.

B: 冗談じゃないよ。毎日遅くまでやってるのに。
Jōdan ja nai yo. Mainichi osoku made yatteru noni.
B: You’re joking. We have been working till late all the time recently.

③ Unreliable story

A: 彼が言ったことって本当なの？
Kare ga itta koto tte hontō na no?
A: Was it true what he told us?

B: 冗談じゃないよ。あんなのデタラメだよ。
Jōdan ja nai yo. An’na no detarame da yo.
B: No way. That’s bullshit.

④ Your hard work comes to nothing

A: 先方が契約をキャンセルしたいって。
Senpō ga keiyaku o kyanseru shitai tte.
A: Our client canceled the contract.

B: えっ！？冗談じゃないですよ！ここまで頑張ってきたのに。
Eh!? Jōdan ja nai desu yo! Koko made ganbatte kita noni.
B: What? You’re joking! We have worked hard for this.

知らない (Shiranai) : You’re on your own; not my problem

Used to indicate a tough attitude of pushing someone away, stating that you cannot be responsible for what happens to them because they are not heeding your advice or warnings.

POINT

Often used in the form “[expected bad results] + temo shiranai yo.”

① A dangerous place

A: そこ、危ないよ！けがしても知らないよ。
Soko, abunai yo! Kega shite mo shiranai yo.
A: It’s dangerous up there! It’s not my problem if you get hurt.

B: 大丈夫、気をつけてるから。
Daijōbu, ki o tsuketeru kara.
B: Don’t worry. I’m being careful.

② Am I okay?

A: いいから手伝って。
Ī kara tetsudatte.
A: It’s fine, just help me.

B: 失敗しても知りませんよ。
Shippai shite mo shirimasen yo.
B: It’s not my problem if you fail.

③ Working too hard

A: そんなに残業ばかりして、倒れても知りませんよ。
Sonnani zangyō bakari shite, taorete mo shirimasen yo.
A: You’re on your own if you collapse from doing all that overtime.

B: うーん、わかってるよ。
Ūn, wakatteru yo.
B: Yeah, I know.

④ Irresponsible

A: 大丈夫、どうにかなるって。
Daijōbu, dō ni ka naru tte.
A: Don’t worry. It’ll work itself out somehow.

B: いいの？そんなに無責任で。どうなっても知らないよ。
Ī no? Sonna ni musekinin de. Dō natte mo shiranai yo.
B: It’s fine? Look at how careless you’re being. It’s not my problem if something happens to you.