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Japanese B2 — Advanced: conditionals, keigo, debate, culture
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The whole Japanese B2 level as one readable page: 3 units, 9 lessons, 63 words, 289 questions with every answer shown, a worksheet and a 10-item level test. Nothing here is behind JavaScript, and nothing needs an account.
What you can do when B2 is finished
- Use たら/れば/と and volitional naturally
- Show respect with keigo basics and debate well
- Discuss Japanese culture with real fluency
B2, unit by unit
Conditionals and plans
If: たら/れば/と
Three IFS! たべたら (if/when I eat — best all-rounder!), たべれば (if — elegant), たべると (whenever — automatic!). もし + any = extra-ifty: もしあめがふったら…!
| Word | Say it | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| たら | tara | if / when |
| れば | reba | if (elegant) |
| と | to | whenever (automatic) |
| もし | moshi | if (emphasis) |
| でも | demo | but / even |
| ても | temo | even if |
| のに | noni | although / despite |
| ために | tameni | for / in order to |
たべたら (if I eat), のんだら (if I drink), いったら (if I go). Past-stem + ら! あめがふったら、いきません (if it rains, I won't go). ても = even if: ふってもいきます!
past-stem + ら · て + も| Word | Say it | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| あめがふったら、いきません。 | ame-ga futtara, ikimasen. | If it rains, I won't go. |
| べんきょうしたら、わかります。 | benkyou-shitara, wakarimasu. | If you study, you understand. |
| ふってもいきます! | futtemo ikimasu! | Even if it rains, I'll go! |
- Using たら for automatic truths — springs: おすとでます (push→comes out)!
- Forgetting ら: ふったら with small っ + ら!
Dialogue. Read it aloud twice — once for each speaker.
| Who | Line | Say it | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| ゆき | あした、あめがふったら、どうしますか? | ashita, ame-ga futtara, dou-shimasu ka? | If it rains tomorrow, what will you do? |
| たろう | ふってもいきます! | futtemo ikimasu! | Even if it rains, I'll go! |
| ゆき | べんきょうしたら、わかりますよ! | benkyou-shitara, wakarimasu yo! | If you study, you'll understand! |
| たろう | がんばります! | ganbarimasu! | I'll do my best! |
Practice (12). Answer first, then open the answer.
What this Japanese practice tests. multiple choice, fill in the blank, translation, reverse translation, matching, reorder, sentence building, word selection, error correction, dialogue completion, reading comprehension, paragraph comprehension. Every exercise works on Japanese kana/kanji readings, particles, counters, verb forms, and politeness levels.
multiple choicePractice 1 [multiple choice] — If: たら/れば/と: Choose the contextual meaning of たら (tara).
- if / when
- if (elegant)
- whenever (automatic)
Show the answer
if / when
fill the gapPractice 2 [fill in the blank] — If: たら/れば/と: Type the complete kana and kanji expression meaning “if (elegant)”.
Show the answer
れば
translatePractice 3 [translation] — If: たら/れば/と: Read と (to) and give its lesson meaning.
Show the answer
whenever (automatic)
translate into the languagePractice 4 [reverse translation] — If: たら/れば/と: Produce “if (emphasis)” in kana and kanji, not romanisation alone.
Show the answer
もし
matchingPractice 5 [matching] — If: たら/れば/と: Match でも to its contextual meaning.
- even if
- but / even
- although / despite
Show the answer
but / even
put it in orderPractice 6 [reorder] — If: たら/れば/と: Rebuild this model with correct Japanese kana/kanji readings, particles, counters, verb forms, and politeness levels: Even if it rains, I'll go!
Show the answer
ふってもいきます!
build the sentencePractice 7 [sentence building] — If: たら/れば/と: Rebuild this model with correct Japanese kana/kanji readings, particles, counters, verb forms, and politeness levels: If it rains, I won't go.
Show the answer
あめがふったら、いきません。
choose the wordPractice 8 [word selection] — If: たら/れば/と: Select the correct target form for “for / in order to”.
- たら
- れば
- ために
Show the answer
ために
find the mistakePractice 9 [error correction] — If: たら/れば/と: Replace a script, morphology, particle, or register error with the lesson model for “Even if it rains, I'll go!”.
Show the answer
ふってもいきます!
finish the dialoguePractice 10 [dialogue completion] — If: たら/れば/と: Complete たろう’s turn in the taught register: Even if it rains, I'll go!
Show the answer
ふってもいきます!
readingPractice 11 [reading comprehension] — If: たら/れば/と: Read べんきょうしたら、わかりますよ! (benkyou-shitara, wakarimasu yo!). What exact detail is communicated?
Show the answer
If you study, you'll understand!
paragraphPractice 12 [paragraph comprehension] — If: たら/れば/と: Read the complete dialogue and explain this turn’s function: がんばります!
Show the answer
I'll do my best!
Quick check (5).
quick checkたら means…
- because
- if / when
- although
- until
Show the answer
if / when
ふったら = if it rains.
quick checkても means…
- if
- even if
- because
- whenever
Show the answer
even if
ふっても = even if rains.
quick checkのに means…
- if
- although
- because
- until
Show the answer
although
のに = despite/although.
quick checkために means…
- because
- for / in order to
- if
- although
Show the answer
for / in order to
ために = purpose.
quick checkAutomatic truths use…
- たら
- れば
- と
- ても
Show the answer
と
おすとでます — push→out!
Worksheet: Conditionals worksheet
| Task | Prompts | Key |
|---|---|---|
| Translate to Japanese. | if / when even if although | たら ても のに |
| If-plans. | If it rains, I won't go Even if it rains, I'll go If you study, you understand | あめがふったら、いきません ふってもいきます べんきょうしたら、わかります |
| Ask. | If it rains tomorrow, what will you do? I'll do my best! | あした、あめがふったら、どうしますか がんばります |
| Integrated Japanese lab: read, transform in kana and kanji, and rehearse aloud. Check Japanese kana/kanji readings, particles, counters, verb forms, and politeness levels. | あめがふったら、いきません。 あした、あめがふったら、どうしますか? | If it rains, I won't go. If it rains tomorrow, what will you do? |
Review list. たら · れば · と · もし
Let's and plans: ましょう/つもり
Decide! たべましょう (let's eat), いきましょう! Plans: つもりです (I plan to): にほんへいくつもりです! よてい = scheduled plan. Volitional plain: たべよう、いこう — friends' let's!
| Word | Say it | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| しよう | shiyou | let's do (plain) |
| いこう | ikou | let's go (plain) |
| たべよう | tabeyou | let's eat (plain) |
| ましょう | mashou | let's (polite) |
| つもり | tsumori | plan / intention |
| よてい | yotei | schedule |
| ことにする | koto-ni suru | decide to |
| ことになる | koto-ni naru | it is decided |
たべましょう (let's eat!), いきましょう! Plans: べんきょうするつもりです (I plan to study). Decide: いくことにしました (I decided to go)!
ましょう · verb + つもりです| Word | Say it | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| いっしょにたべましょう! | issho-ni tabemashou! | Let's eat together! |
| にほんへいくつもりです。 | nihon-e iku-tsumori desu. | I plan to go to Japan. |
| いくことにしました。 | iku-koto-ni shimashita. | I decided to go. |
- Saying たべるつもりでした for future plans — plans: つもりです!
- Using plain いこう with teachers — polite: いきましょう!
Dialogue. Read it aloud twice — once for each speaker.
| Who | Line | Say it | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| たろう | あした、なにをしますか? | ashita, nani-o shimasu ka? | What will you do tomorrow? |
| ゆき | とうきょうへいくつもりです! | toukyou-e iku-tsumori desu! | I plan to go to Tokyo! |
| たろう | いいですね! いっしょにいきましょう! | ii desu ne! issho-ni ikimashou! | Nice! Let's go together! |
| ゆき | ぜひ! | zehi! | Definitely! |
Practice (12). Answer first, then open the answer.
What this Japanese practice tests. main idea, detail identification, inference, listening comprehension, dictation, listen and choose, listen and reorder, listen and fill, repeat after audio, pronunciation, shadowing, guided speaking. Every exercise works on Japanese kana/kanji readings, particles, counters, verb forms, and politeness levels.
the main ideaPractice 2 [main idea] — Let's and plans: ましょう/つもり: What is the central communicative purpose of “Let's and plans: ましょう/つもり”?
Show the answer
Decide! たべましょう (let's eat), いきましょう! Plans: つもりです (I plan to): にほんへいくつもりです! よてい = scheduled plan.
spot the detailPractice 3 [detail identification] — Let's and plans: ましょう/つもり: Read いいですね! いっしょにいきましょう! (ii desu ne! issho-ni ikimashou!). What exact detail is communicated?
Show the answer
Nice! Let's go together!
what is meantPractice 4 [inference] — Let's and plans: ましょう/つもり: Infer the intended meaning or social force of いっしょにたべましょう! without overclaiming.
Show the answer
Let's eat together!
listeningPractice 5 [listening comprehension] — Let's and plans: ましょう/つもり: Play the synthetic audio and give its precise contextual meaning.
audio drill — play it in the course player
Show the answer
What will you do tomorrow?
dictationPractice 6 [dictation] — Let's and plans: ましょう/つもり: Play the labeled synthetic Japanese audio and type the complete line in kana and kanji.
audio drill — play it in the course player
Show the answer
とうきょうへいくつもりです!
listen and choosePractice 7 [listen and choose] — Let's and plans: ましょう/つもり: Play the synthetic audio and select its contextual meaning.
- Nice! Let's go together!
- Definitely!
- decide to
audio drill — play it in the course player
Show the answer
Nice! Let's go together!
listen, then orderPractice 8 [listen and reorder] — Let's and plans: ましょう/つもり: Rebuild this model with correct Japanese kana/kanji readings, particles, counters, verb forms, and politeness levels: I plan to go to Japan.
audio drill — play it in the course player
Show the answer
にほんへいくつもりです。
listen and fillPractice 9 [listen and fill] — Let's and plans: ましょう/つもり: Play the synthetic audio and complete the line beginning “あした、なにをしますか?…”.
audio drill — play it in the course player
Show the answer
あした、なにをしますか?
repeat itPractice 10 [repeat after audio] — Let's and plans: ましょう/つもり: Repeat the synthetic model with accurate phrase grouping; no microphone score is claimed.
audio drill — play it in the course player
Show the answer
とうきょうへいくつもりです!
pronunciationPractice 11 [pronunciation] — Let's and plans: ましょう/つもり: Practise たべよう (tabeyou) with the language-specific sound pattern. Self-check only.
audio drill — play it in the course player
Show the answer
たべよう
shadow the audioPractice 12 [shadowing] — Let's and plans: ましょう/つもり: Shadow the synthetic Japanese model, preserving target rhythm and sound contrasts. Self-check only.
audio drill — play it in the course player
Show the answer
ぜひ!
guided speakingPractice 13 [guided speaking] — Let's and plans: ましょう/つもり: Produce a spoken response demonstrating “Let's and plans: ましょう/つもり”; compare with the model.
Show the answer
いっしょにたべましょう!
Quick check (5).
quick checkましょう means…
- must
- let's (polite)
- want
- can
Show the answer
let's (polite)
たべましょう = let's eat.
quick checkつもりです means…
- I want
- I plan
- I decided
- I must
Show the answer
I plan
つもり = intention.
quick checkいくことにしました means…
- I plan to go
- I decided to go
- let's go
- I must go
Show the answer
I decided to go
ことにしました = decided.
quick checkPlain let's-go is…
- いきましょう
- いこう
- いくつもり
- いくこと
Show the answer
いこう
いこう — friends' form.
quick checkぜひ! means…
- maybe
- definitely
- never
- sorry
Show the answer
definitely
ぜひ = by all means!
Worksheet: Plans worksheet
| Task | Prompts | Key |
|---|---|---|
| Translate to Japanese. | let's (polite) plan schedule | ましょう つもり よてい |
| Decide. | Let's eat together! I plan to go to Japan I decided to go | いっしょにたべましょう にほんへいくつもりです いくことにしました |
| Invite. | Let's go together! Definitely! | いっしょにいきましょう ぜひ |
| Integrated Japanese lab: read, transform in kana and kanji, and rehearse aloud. Check Japanese kana/kanji readings, particles, counters, verb forms, and politeness levels. | いっしょにたべましょう! あした、なにをしますか? | Let's eat together! What will you do tomorrow? |
Review list. しよう · いこう · たべよう · ましょう
すうじで はなす: へいきん、わりあい、ふえる
An argument that uses figures names the measure before the number: へいきんで (on average), わりあいで (as a ratio), けいこうと して (as a trend). The verb then describes the movement, ふえる or へる.
| Word | Say it | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| へいきん | heikin | average |
| わりあい | wariai | ratio, proportion |
| ふえる | fueru | to increase |
| へる | heru | to decrease |
| けいこう | keikou | trend |
The measure takes で (みると / いうと) and the trend takes として. A number with no measure attached is not evidence, and the verb is chosen for direction before it is chosen for politeness.
へいきんで みると … · わりあいで いうと … · けいこうと して ふえています| Word | Say it | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| へいきんで みると、にじゅう ぱーせんと です。 | Heikin de miru to, nijuu paasento desu. | On average it is twenty per cent. |
| わりあいで いうと、はんぶん です。 | Wariai de iu to, hanbun desu. | As a ratio, it is half. |
| けいこうと して ふえています。 | Keikou to shite fuete imasu. | As a trend it is increasing. |
- へいきん を みます。 → へいきんで みます。 A measure takes で: judge by the average.
- けいこうは ふえて います です。 → けいこうは ふえています。 います already ends the sentence; です does not follow.
Dialogue. Read it aloud twice — once for each speaker.
| Who | Line | Say it | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| ぶちょう | その すうじ、そのまま つかえますか。 | Sono suuji, sonomama tsukaemasu ka. | Can we use that figure as it stands? |
| たろう | へいきんで みると にじゅう ぱーせんと です。 | Heikin de miru to nijuu paasento desu. | On average it is twenty per cent. |
| ぶちょう | けいこうは。 | Keikou wa. | And the trend? |
| たろう | けいこうと して ふえています。わりあいで いうと、はんぶん です。 | Keikou to shite fuete imasu. Wariai de iu to, hanbun desu. | As a trend it is rising. As a ratio, half. |
Practice (12). Answer first, then open the answer.
What this Japanese practice tests. Japanese. Every exercise works on kana and kanji, particles は/が/を/に, です・ます politeness, verb-final order, counters and keigo.
multiple choicePractice 1: [multiple choice] すうじで はなす: へいきん、わりあい、ふえる — Choose the meaning of へいきん (heikin) in this lesson.
- average
- ratio, proportion
- to increase
- to decrease
Show the answer
average
fill the gapPractice 2: [fill in the blank] すうじで はなす: へいきん、わりあい、ふえる — Type the Japanese expression meaning “ratio, proportion”.
Show the answer
わりあい
translatePractice 3: [translation] すうじで はなす: へいきん、わりあい、ふえる — Interpret the Japanese script in context: へいきんで みると、にじゅう ぱーせんと です。 (Heikin de miru to, nijuu paasento desu.).
Show the answer
On average it is twenty per cent.
translate into the languagePractice 4: [reverse translation] すうじで はなす: へいきん、わりあい、ふえる — Write in Japanese script: As a ratio, it is half..
Show the answer
わりあいで いうと、はんぶん です。
matchingPractice 5: [matching] すうじで はなす: へいきん、わりあい、ふえる — Match ふえる to its lesson meaning.
- to increase
- average
- ratio, proportion
Show the answer
to increase
put it in orderPractice 6: [reorder] すうじで はなす: へいきん、わりあい、ふえる — Reconstruct the lesson model in coherent Japanese: As a trend it is increasing..
Show the answer
けいこうと して ふえています。
build the sentencePractice 7: [sentence building] すうじで はなす: へいきん、わりあい、ふえる — Build the sentence with the lesson pattern (へいきんで みると … · わりあいで いうと … · けいこうと して ふえています): On average it is twenty per cent..
Show the answer
へいきんで みると、にじゅう ぱーせんと です。
choose the wordPractice 8: [word selection] すうじで はなす: へいきん、わりあい、ふえる — Select the Japanese form for “to decrease”.
- へる
- けいこう
Show the answer
へる
find the mistakePractice 9: [error correction] すうじで はなす: へいきん、わりあい、ふえる — Correct the model the lesson warns about: へいきん を みます。
Show the answer
へいきんで みます。
finish the dialoguePractice 10: [dialogue completion] すうじで はなす: へいきん、わりあい、ふえる — Complete the exchange with the studied response to: Can we use that figure as it stands?
Show the answer
へいきんで みると にじゅう ぱーせんと です。
readingPractice 11: [reading comprehension] すうじで はなす: へいきん、わりあい、ふえる — Read “けいこうは。” (Keikou wa.). What does it mean?
Show the answer
And the trend?
paragraphPractice 12: [paragraph comprehension] すうじで はなす: へいきん、わりあい、ふえる — Read the lesson dialogue as a whole and give its key move: As a trend it is rising. As a ratio, half.
Show the answer
けいこうと して ふえています。わりあいで いうと、はんぶん です。
Quick check (5).
quick checkWhich meaning best fits へいきん?
- average
- ratio, proportion
- to increase
- to decrease
Show the answer
average
へいきん (heikin) means average in this lesson.
quick checkWhich meaning best fits わりあい?
- ratio, proportion
- average
- to increase
- to decrease
Show the answer
ratio, proportion
わりあい (wariai) means ratio, proportion in this lesson.
quick checkWhich meaning best fits ふえる?
- to increase
- average
- ratio, proportion
- to decrease
Show the answer
to increase
ふえる (fueru) means to increase in this lesson.
quick checkWhich meaning best fits へる?
- to decrease
- average
- ratio, proportion
- to increase
Show the answer
to decrease
へる (heru) means to decrease in this lesson.
quick checkWhich meaning best fits けいこう?
- trend
- average
- ratio, proportion
- to increase
Show the answer
trend
けいこう (keikou) means trend in this lesson.
Worksheet: Figures worksheet
| Task | Prompts | Key |
|---|---|---|
| Name the measure. | on average it is twenty per cent as a ratio, it is half | へいきんで みると にじゅう ぱーせんと です わりあいで いうと、はんぶん です |
| Describe the movement. | as a trend it is increasing it is decreasing | けいこうと して ふえています へっています |
| Integrated offline practice: read the first model, transform or extend it in Japanese script, then rehearse it as a dialogue. Self-check meaning, grammar, and register. | へいきんで みると、にじゅう ぱーせんと です。 その すうじ、そのまま つかえますか。 | On average it is twenty per cent. Can we use that figure as it stands? |
Review list. へいきん · わりあい · ふえる · へる
Respect and debate
Keigo basics: respect verbs
Respect language! いらっしゃる (honorific be/go/come), めしあがる (honorific eat), おっしゃる (honorific say). お + noun: おなまえ (your name), おかね. Elevate OTHERS, humble YOURSELF!
| Word | Say it | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| いらっしゃる | irassharu | honorific be/go/come |
| めしあがる | meshiagaru | honorific eat |
| おっしゃる | ossharu | honorific say |
| くださる | kudasaru | honorific give |
| もうす | mousu | humble say |
| いたす | itasu | humble do |
| お〜 | o- | polite prefix |
| ご〜 | go- | polite prefix (Chinese) |
せんせいはいらっしゃいますか? (Is the teacher here?). I humbly: わたしがいたします (I'll do it). お + Japanese words (おちゃ), ご + Chinese words (ごはん)!
honorific for others · humble for self| Word | Say it | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| せんせいはいらっしゃいますか? | sensei-wa irasshaimasu ka? | Is the teacher here? (respect) |
| どうぞ、めしあがってください! | douzo, meshiagatte kudasai! | Please eat! (respect) |
| わたしがいたします。 | watashi-ga itashimasu. | I'll do it. (humble) |
- Using いらっしゃる for YOURSELF — honorifics elevate OTHERS!
- Saying ごちゃ — おちゃ (お + Japanese word)!
Dialogue. Read it aloud twice — once for each speaker.
| Who | Line | Say it | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| ゆき | せんせいはいらっしゃいますか? | sensei-wa irasshaimasu ka? | Is the teacher here? (respect) |
| たろう | はい、いらっしゃいます! | hai, irasshaimasu! | Yes, (honorific) here! |
| ゆき | どうぞ、めしあがってください! | douzo, meshiagatte kudasai! | Please eat! |
| たろう | ありがとうございます! | arigatou gozaimasu! | Thank you very much! |
Practice (12). Answer first, then open the answer.
What this Japanese practice tests. free response, roleplay, sentence writing, short writing, paraphrase, summary, guided composition, register transformation, tone identification, semantic distinction, contextual meaning, argument construction. Every exercise works on Japanese kana/kanji readings, particles, counters, verb forms, and politeness levels.
answer in your own wordsPractice 3 [free response] — Keigo basics: respect verbs: Produce a spoken response demonstrating “Keigo basics: respect verbs”; compare with the model.
Show the answer
わたしがいたします。
role playPractice 4 [roleplay] — Keigo basics: respect verbs: Role-play たろう: Thank you very much!
Show the answer
ありがとうございます!
write a sentencePractice 5 [sentence writing] — Keigo basics: respect verbs: Write one accurate kana and kanji sentence using もうす.
Show the answer
どうぞ、めしあがってください!
short writingPractice 6 [short writing] — Keigo basics: respect verbs: Write 2–3 connected Japanese sentences applying this lesson’s grammar and register.
Show the answer
わたしがいたします。 せんせいはいらっしゃいますか?
say it another wayPractice 7 [paraphrase] — Keigo basics: respect verbs: Paraphrase without changing meaning, morphology, or politeness: せんせいはいらっしゃいますか?
Show the answer
せんせいはいらっしゃいますか?
summarisePractice 8 [summary] — Keigo basics: respect verbs: Summarize the dialogue in one precise Japanese sentence.
Show the answer
ありがとうございます!
guided compositionPractice 9 [guided composition] — Keigo basics: respect verbs: Compose a short response using “honorific for others · humble for self”.
Show the answer
わたしがいたします。
change the registerPractice 10 [register transformation] — Keigo basics: respect verbs: Recast “Is the teacher here? (respect)” in the formal, polite, or everyday register taught here.
Show the answer
せんせいはいらっしゃいますか?
read the tonePractice 11 [tone identification] — Keigo basics: respect verbs: Identify the tone or stance of どうぞ、めしあがってください!.
Show the answer
The wording realizes Elevate others, humble self in the lesson-appropriate register.
which one fitsPractice 12 [semantic distinction] — Keigo basics: respect verbs: Distinguish くださる and もうす in meaning and grammatical use.
Show the answer
くださる means “honorific give”; もうす means “humble say”. Context and grammar select between them.
meaning in contextPractice 13 [contextual meaning] — Keigo basics: respect verbs: Explain the contextual force of もうす here.
Show the answer
It contributes “humble say” within Elevate others, humble self.
build the argumentPractice 14 [argument construction] — Keigo basics: respect verbs: Build a claim and supporting reason appropriate to “Keigo basics: respect verbs”.
Show the answer
どうぞ、めしあがってください! わたしがいたします。
Quick check (5).
quick checkいらっしゃる elevates…
- myself
- others
- things
- animals
Show the answer
others
Honorific for respected others.
quick checkめしあがる means…
- eat (humble)
- eat (honorific)
- eat (plain)
- eat (baby)
Show the answer
eat (honorific)
めしあがる = respectful eat.
quick checkいたす is…
- honorific do
- humble do
- plain do
- past do
Show the answer
humble do
いたす = humble します.
quick checkおちゃ uses お because…
- Chinese word
- Japanese word
- foreign word
- verb
Show the answer
Japanese word
お + Japanese, ご + Chinese.
quick checkありがとうございます is…
- casual thanks
- deep thanks
- hello
- sorry
Show the answer
deep thanks
ございます = full politeness.
Worksheet: Keigo worksheet
| Task | Prompts | Key |
|---|---|---|
| Translate to Japanese. | honorific be honorific eat humble do | いらっしゃる めしあがる いたす |
| Respect others. | Is the teacher here? (respect) Please eat! (respect) I'll do it (humble) | せんせいはいらっしゃいますか どうぞ、めしあがってください わたしがいたします |
| Thank deeply. | Thank you very much! Please eat! (respect) | ありがとうございます どうぞ、めしあがってください |
| Integrated Japanese lab: read, transform in kana and kanji, and rehearse aloud. Check Japanese kana/kanji readings, particles, counters, verb forms, and politeness levels. | せんせいはいらっしゃいますか? せんせいはいらっしゃいますか? | Is the teacher here? (respect) Is the teacher here? (respect) |
Review list. いらっしゃる · めしあがる · おっしゃる · くださる
Debate connectors
Argue elegantly! しかし (however), だから (so/therefore), つまり (in other words), たとえば (for example), それに (besides), けっきょく (after all). Chain: たとえば…それに…だから…!
| Word | Say it | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| しかし | shikashi | however |
| だから | dakara | so / therefore |
| つまり | tsumari | in other words |
| たとえば | tatoeba | for example |
| それに | soreni | besides / moreover |
| しかも | shikamo | furthermore |
| ようするに | yousuruni | in short |
| けっきょく | kekkyoku | after all / in the end |
ちかてつはべんりです。しかし、こんでいます。つまり、いいです! (The subway is handy. However, crowded. In short, good!). Start sentences with しかし/だから/つまり!
…。しかし…。だから…。| Word | Say it | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ちかてつはべんりです。しかし、こんでいます。 | chikatetsu-wa benri desu. shikashi, konde-imasu. | The subway is handy. However, it's crowded. |
| たとえば、とうきょうはおおきいです。 | tatoeba, toukyou-wa ookii desu. | For example, Tokyo is big. |
| つまり、ちかてつがいいです! | tsumari, chikatetsu-ga ii desu! | In short, the subway is good! |
- Saying しかし at sentence END — しかし starts sentences!
- Stacking しかし…しかし — vary with でも/つまり!
Dialogue. Read it aloud twice — once for each speaker.
| Who | Line | Say it | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| ゆき | ちかてつはべんりです。しかし、こんでいます。 | chikatetsu-wa benri desu. shikashi, konde-imasu. | The subway is handy. However, it's crowded. |
| たろう | しかし、くるまははやいです! | shikashi, kuruma-wa hayai desu! | However, the car is fast! |
| ゆき | それに、ちかてつはやすいです! | soreni, chikatetsu-wa yasui desu! | Besides, the subway is cheap! |
| たろう | つまり、ちかてつがいいですね! | tsumari, chikatetsu-ga ii desu ne! | In short, the subway is good! |
Practice (12). Answer first, then open the answer.
What this Japanese practice tests. discourse ordering, style rewriting, multiple choice, fill in the blank, translation, reverse translation, matching, reorder, sentence building, word selection, error correction, dialogue completion. Every exercise works on Japanese kana/kanji readings, particles, counters, verb forms, and politeness levels.
order the textPractice 4 [discourse ordering] — Debate connectors: Rebuild this model with correct Japanese kana/kanji readings, particles, counters, verb forms, and politeness levels: The subway is handy. However, it's crowded.
Show the answer
ちかてつはべんりです。しかし、こんでいます。
rewrite the stylePractice 5 [style rewriting] — Debate connectors: Rewrite “For example, Tokyo is big.” in this lesson’s target style.
Show the answer
たとえば、とうきょうはおおきいです。
multiple choicePractice 6 [multiple choice] — Debate connectors: Choose the contextual meaning of しかも (shikamo).
- furthermore
- in short
- after all / in the end
Show the answer
furthermore
fill the gapPractice 7 [fill in the blank] — Debate connectors: Type the complete kana and kanji expression meaning “in short”.
Show the answer
ようするに
translatePractice 8 [translation] — Debate connectors: Read けっきょく (kekkyoku) and give its lesson meaning.
Show the answer
after all / in the end
translate into the languagePractice 9 [reverse translation] — Debate connectors: Produce “however” in kana and kanji, not romanisation alone.
Show the answer
しかし
matchingPractice 10 [matching] — Debate connectors: Match だから to its contextual meaning.
- in other words
- so / therefore
- for example
Show the answer
so / therefore
put it in orderPractice 11 [reorder] — Debate connectors: Rebuild this model with correct Japanese kana/kanji readings, particles, counters, verb forms, and politeness levels: For example, Tokyo is big.
Show the answer
たとえば、とうきょうはおおきいです。
build the sentencePractice 12 [sentence building] — Debate connectors: Rebuild this model with correct Japanese kana/kanji readings, particles, counters, verb forms, and politeness levels: In short, the subway is good!
Show the answer
つまり、ちかてつがいいです!
choose the wordPractice 13 [word selection] — Debate connectors: Select the correct target form for “besides / moreover”.
- しかも
- ようするに
- それに
Show the answer
それに
find the mistakePractice 14 [error correction] — Debate connectors: Replace a script, morphology, particle, or register error with the lesson model for “For example, Tokyo is big.”.
Show the answer
たとえば、とうきょうはおおきいです。
finish the dialoguePractice 15 [dialogue completion] — Debate connectors: Complete ゆき’s turn in the taught register: Besides, the subway is cheap!
Show the answer
それに、ちかてつはやすいです!
Quick check (5).
quick checkしかし means…
- therefore
- however
- for example
- in short
Show the answer
however
しかし = however.
quick checkだから means…
- however
- therefore
- for example
- besides
Show the answer
therefore
だから = so/therefore.
quick checkたとえば means…
- in short
- for example
- however
- after all
Show the answer
for example
たとえば = for example.
quick checkつまり means…
- however
- in other words
- besides
- after all
Show the answer
in other words
つまり = in short/words.
quick checkしかし goes…
- at sentence end
- at sentence start
- in questions
- nowhere
Show the answer
at sentence start
しかし、… — starts!
Worksheet: Debate worksheet
| Task | Prompts | Key |
|---|---|---|
| Translate to Japanese. | however therefore for example | しかし だから たとえば |
| Argue. | The subway is handy. However, it's crowded For example, Tokyo is big In short, the subway is good | ちかてつはべんりです。しかし、こんでいます たとえば、とうきょうはおおきいです つまり、ちかてつがいいです |
| Add a point. | Besides, the subway is cheap! In short, the subway is good | それに、ちかてつはやすいです つまり、ちかてつがいいです |
| Integrated Japanese lab: read, transform in kana and kanji, and rehearse aloud. Check Japanese kana/kanji readings, particles, counters, verb forms, and politeness levels. | ちかてつはべんりです。しかし、こんでいます。 ちかてつはべんりです。しかし、こんでいます。 | The subway is handy. However, it's crowded. The subway is handy. However, it's crowded. |
Review list. しかし · だから · つまり · たとえば
ほうこくしょ: おそれいりますが、〜させて いただきます
Formal writing pairs a humble opening with a precise request: おそれいりますが、ごかくにんを おねがいします。 A service is promised with させて いただきます and a failure is owned with たいへん もうしわけ ございません.
| Word | Say it | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| おそれいりますが | osoreirimasu ga | I am sorry to trouble you, but |
| もうしわけ ございません | moushiwake gozaimasen | there is no excuse |
| かくにん | kakunin | confirmation |
| けんとう | kentou | consideration |
| しつれいします | shitsurei shimasu | excuse me (also as a closing) |
The request opens with おそれいりますが and closes with おねがいします; the promise takes the causative + いただきます; the apology takes たいへん and ございません. One polite ending per sentence — stacking them is the commonest keigo error.
おそれいりますが、…を おねがいします · 〜させて いただきます · たいへん もうしわけ ございません| Word | Say it | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| おそれいりますが、ごかくにんを おねがいします。 | Osoreirimasu ga, gokakunin o onegaishimasu. | I am sorry to trouble you, but please confirm. |
| こちらで たいおう させて いただきます。 | Kochira de taiou sasete itadakimasu. | We will handle it here (humbly). |
| たいへん もうしわけ ございません。 | Taihen moushiwake gozaimasen. | There is no excuse for this. |
- ごかくにん を おねがい します です。 → ごかくにんを おねがいします。 One polite ending per sentence.
- もうしわけ ございません です。 → もうしわけ ございません。 ございません is already the ending.
Dialogue. Read it aloud twice — once for each speaker.
| Who | Line | Say it | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| たろう | その けん、すすんでいますか。 | Sono ken, susunde imasu ka. | Is that matter moving? |
| ゆき | おそれいりますが、ごかくにんを おねがいします。 | Osoreirimasu ga, gokakunin o onegaishimasu. | I am sorry to trouble you, but please confirm. |
| たろう | こちらで たいおう させて いただきます。 | Kochira de taiou sasete itadakimasu. | We will handle it here. |
| ゆき | ありがとう ございます。しつれいします。 | Arigatou gozaimasu. Shitsurei shimasu. | Thank you. Excuse me. |
Practice (12). Answer first, then open the answer.
What this Japanese practice tests. Japanese. Every exercise works on kana and kanji, particles は/が/を/に, です・ます politeness, verb-final order, counters and keigo.
multiple choicePractice 1: [multiple choice] ほうこくしょ: おそれいりますが、〜させて いただきます — Choose the meaning of おそれいりますが (osoreirimasu ga) in this lesson.
- I am sorry to trouble you, but
- there is no excuse
- confirmation
- consideration
Show the answer
I am sorry to trouble you, but
fill the gapPractice 2: [fill in the blank] ほうこくしょ: おそれいりますが、〜させて いただきます — Type the Japanese expression meaning “there is no excuse”.
Show the answer
もうしわけ ございません
translatePractice 3: [translation] ほうこくしょ: おそれいりますが、〜させて いただきます — Interpret the Japanese script in context: おそれいりますが、ごかくにんを おねがいします。 (Osoreirimasu ga, gokakunin o onegaishimasu.).
Show the answer
I am sorry to trouble you, but please confirm.
translate into the languagePractice 4: [reverse translation] ほうこくしょ: おそれいりますが、〜させて いただきます — Write in Japanese script: We will handle it here (humbly)..
Show the answer
こちらで たいおう させて いただきます。
matchingPractice 5: [matching] ほうこくしょ: おそれいりますが、〜させて いただきます — Match かくにん to its lesson meaning.
- confirmation
- I am sorry to trouble you, but
- there is no excuse
Show the answer
confirmation
put it in orderPractice 6: [reorder] ほうこくしょ: おそれいりますが、〜させて いただきます — Reconstruct the lesson model in coherent Japanese: There is no excuse for this..
Show the answer
たいへん もうしわけ ございません。
build the sentencePractice 7: [sentence building] ほうこくしょ: おそれいりますが、〜させて いただきます — Build the sentence with the lesson pattern (おそれいりますが、…を おねがいします · 〜させて いただきます · たいへん もうしわけ ございません): I am sorry to trouble you, but please confirm..
Show the answer
おそれいりますが、ごかくにんを おねがいします。
choose the wordPractice 8: [word selection] ほうこくしょ: おそれいりますが、〜させて いただきます — Select the Japanese form for “consideration”.
- けんとう
- しつれいします
Show the answer
けんとう
find the mistakePractice 9: [error correction] ほうこくしょ: おそれいりますが、〜させて いただきます — Correct the model the lesson warns about: ごかくにん を おねがい します です。
Show the answer
ごかくにんを おねがいします。
finish the dialoguePractice 10: [dialogue completion] ほうこくしょ: おそれいりますが、〜させて いただきます — Complete the exchange with the studied response to: Is that matter moving?
Show the answer
おそれいりますが、ごかくにんを おねがいします。
readingPractice 11: [reading comprehension] ほうこくしょ: おそれいりますが、〜させて いただきます — Read “こちらで たいおう させて いただきます。” (Kochira de taiou sasete itadakimasu.). What does it mean?
Show the answer
We will handle it here.
paragraphPractice 12: [paragraph comprehension] ほうこくしょ: おそれいりますが、〜させて いただきます — Read the lesson dialogue as a whole and give its key move: Thank you. Excuse me.
Show the answer
ありがとう ございます。しつれいします。
Quick check (5).
quick checkWhich meaning best fits おそれいりますが?
- I am sorry to trouble you, but
- there is no excuse
- confirmation
- consideration
Show the answer
I am sorry to trouble you, but
おそれいりますが (osoreirimasu ga) means I am sorry to trouble you, but in this lesson.
quick checkWhich meaning best fits もうしわけ ございません?
- there is no excuse
- I am sorry to trouble you, but
- confirmation
- consideration
Show the answer
there is no excuse
もうしわけ ございません (moushiwake gozaimasen) means there is no excuse in this lesson.
quick checkWhich meaning best fits かくにん?
- confirmation
- I am sorry to trouble you, but
- there is no excuse
- consideration
Show the answer
confirmation
かくにん (kakunin) means confirmation in this lesson.
quick checkWhich meaning best fits けんとう?
- consideration
- I am sorry to trouble you, but
- there is no excuse
- confirmation
Show the answer
consideration
けんとう (kentou) means consideration in this lesson.
quick checkWhich meaning best fits しつれいします?
- excuse me (also as a closing)
- I am sorry to trouble you, but
- there is no excuse
- confirmation
Show the answer
excuse me (also as a closing)
しつれいします (shitsurei shimasu) means excuse me (also as a closing) in this lesson.
Worksheet: Report worksheet
| Task | Prompts | Key |
|---|---|---|
| Ask and promise. | I am sorry to trouble you, but please confirm we will handle it here (humbly) | おそれいりますが、ごかくにんを おねがいします こちらで たいおう させて いただきます |
| Own the failure. | there is no excuse for this thank you. Excuse me. | たいへん もうしわけ ございません ありがとう ございます。しつれいします |
| Integrated offline practice: read the first model, transform or extend it in Japanese script, then rehearse it as a dialogue. Self-check meaning, grammar, and register. | おそれいりますが、ごかくにんを おねがいします。 その けん、すすんでいますか。 | I am sorry to trouble you, but please confirm. Is that matter moving? |
Review list. おそれいりますが · もうしわけ ございません · かくにん · けんとう
Culture and mastery
Japanese culture: おもてなし
Culture time! おもてなし (heartfelt hospitality), さくら (cherry blossom), まつり (festival), おんせん (hot spring). Try-things: 〜てみたい (want to try): すしをたべてみたい! Guests are gods: おきゃくさまはかみさま!
| Word | Say it | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| すし | sushi | sushi |
| さくら | sakura | cherry blossom |
| まつり | matsuri | festival |
| おもてなし | omotenashi | hospitality |
| おんせん | onsen | hot spring |
| ふじさん | fujisan | Mt. Fuji |
| たたみ | tatami | tatami mat |
| ゆかた | yukata | summer kimono |
すしをたべてみたい (I want to try sushi), にほんへいってみたい (I want to try going to Japan)! て + みたい = try-and-see!
て + みたいです| Word | Say it | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| すしをたべてみたいです! | sushi-o tabete-mitai desu! | I want to try sushi! |
| おんせんにはいってみたいです。 | onsen-ni haitte-mitai desu. | I want to try hot springs. |
| いちど、ふじさんをみてみたいです。 | ichido, fujisan-o mite-mitai desu. | I want to see Mt. Fuji once. |
- Saying たべるみたい — try needs て: たべてみたい!
- Saying みたいます — みたい is adjective: みたいです!
Dialogue. Read it aloud twice — once for each speaker.
| Who | Line | Say it | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| たろう | すしをたべたことがありますか? | sushi-o tabeta-koto-ga arimasu ka? | Have you ever eaten sushi? |
| ゆき | いいえ! たべてみたいです! | iie! tabete-mitai desu! | No! I want to try it! |
| たろう | さくらもきれいですよ! | sakura-mo kirei desu yo! | Cherry blossoms are beautiful too! |
| ゆき | みてみたいです! | mite-mitai desu! | I want to try seeing them! |
Practice (12). Answer first, then open the answer.
What this Japanese practice tests. reading comprehension, paragraph comprehension, main idea, detail identification, inference, listening comprehension, dictation, listen and choose, listen and reorder, listen and fill, repeat after audio, pronunciation. Every exercise works on Japanese kana/kanji readings, particles, counters, verb forms, and politeness levels.
readingPractice 5 [reading comprehension] — Japanese culture: おもてなし: Read すしをたべたことがありますか? (sushi-o tabeta-koto-ga arimasu ka?). What exact detail is communicated?
Show the answer
Have you ever eaten sushi?
paragraphPractice 6 [paragraph comprehension] — Japanese culture: おもてなし: Read the complete dialogue and explain this turn’s function: いいえ! たべてみたいです!
Show the answer
No! I want to try it!
the main ideaPractice 7 [main idea] — Japanese culture: おもてなし: What is the central communicative purpose of “Japanese culture: おもてなし”?
Show the answer
Culture time! おもてなし (heartfelt hospitality), さくら (cherry blossom), まつり (festival), おんせん (hot spring).
spot the detailPractice 8 [detail identification] — Japanese culture: おもてなし: Read みてみたいです! (mite-mitai desu!). What exact detail is communicated?
Show the answer
I want to try seeing them!
what is meantPractice 9 [inference] — Japanese culture: おもてなし: Infer the intended meaning or social force of いちど、ふじさんをみてみたいです。 without overclaiming.
Show the answer
I want to see Mt. Fuji once.
listeningPractice 10 [listening comprehension] — Japanese culture: おもてなし: Play the synthetic audio and give its precise contextual meaning.
audio drill — play it in the course player
Show the answer
No! I want to try it!
dictationPractice 11 [dictation] — Japanese culture: おもてなし: Play the labeled synthetic Japanese audio and type the complete line in kana and kanji.
audio drill — play it in the course player
Show the answer
さくらもきれいですよ!
listen and choosePractice 12 [listen and choose] — Japanese culture: おもてなし: Play the synthetic audio and select its contextual meaning.
- I want to try seeing them!
- Have you ever eaten sushi?
- hospitality
audio drill — play it in the course player
Show the answer
I want to try seeing them!
listen, then orderPractice 13 [listen and reorder] — Japanese culture: おもてなし: Rebuild this model with correct Japanese kana/kanji readings, particles, counters, verb forms, and politeness levels: I want to try sushi!
audio drill — play it in the course player
Show the answer
すしをたべてみたいです!
listen and fillPractice 14 [listen and fill] — Japanese culture: おもてなし: Play the synthetic audio and complete the line beginning “いいえ!…”.
audio drill — play it in the course player
Show the answer
いいえ! たべてみたいです!
repeat itPractice 15 [repeat after audio] — Japanese culture: おもてなし: Repeat the synthetic model with accurate phrase grouping; no microphone score is claimed.
audio drill — play it in the course player
Show the answer
さくらもきれいですよ!
pronunciationPractice 16 [pronunciation] — Japanese culture: おもてなし: Practise ゆかた (yukata) with the language-specific sound pattern. Self-check only.
audio drill — play it in the course player
Show the answer
ゆかた
Quick check (5).
quick checkたべてみたい means…
- I eat
- I want to try eating
- I ate
- I can eat
Show the answer
I want to try eating
て + みたい = try-and-see.
quick checkたべたことがありますか asks…
- do you eat
- have you ever eaten
- will you eat
- are you eating
Show the answer
have you ever eaten
たこと = ever-experience.
quick checkおもてなし means…
- festival
- hospitality
- blossom
- spring
Show the answer
hospitality
おもてなし = heartfelt hosting.
quick checkおんせん is…
- a mountain
- a hot spring
- a temple
- a garden
Show the answer
a hot spring
おんせん = hot spring bath.
quick checkさくら means…
- plum
- cherry blossom
- pine
- maple
Show the answer
cherry blossom
さくら = cherry blossom.
Worksheet: Culture worksheet
| Task | Prompts | Key |
|---|---|---|
| Translate to Japanese. | sushi festival hot spring | すし まつり おんせん |
| Want to try. | I want to try sushi I want to try hot springs I want to see Mt. Fuji once | すしをたべてみたいです おんせんにはいってみたいです いちど、ふじさんをみてみたいです |
| Experiences. | Have you ever eaten sushi? No! I want to try it! | すしをたべたことがありますか いいえ! たべてみたいです |
| Integrated Japanese lab: read, transform in kana and kanji, and rehearse aloud. Check Japanese kana/kanji readings, particles, counters, verb forms, and politeness levels. | すしをたべてみたいです! すしをたべたことがありますか? | I want to try sushi! Have you ever eaten sushi? |
Review list. すし · さくら · まつり · おもてなし
Storytelling: むかしむかし
Graduation! むかしむかし (once upon a time), あるひ (one day), とつぜん (suddenly), やっと (at last), さいごに (finally). Mix tenses: いきました, たべていました, たべたい! Tell YOUR Tokyo story!
| Word | Say it | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| むかしむかし | mukashi-mukashi | once upon a time |
| あるひ | aru-hi | one day |
| とつぜん | totsuzen | suddenly |
| やっと | yatto | at last |
| さいごに | saigo-ni | finally |
| けっきょく | kekkyoku | in the end |
| じつは | jitsuwa | actually / the truth is |
| ざんねん | zannen | regrettable / pity |
むかしむかし…あるひ…とつぜん…やっと…さいごに — the five-beat Japanese story spine. Add てみる, たら, keigo — graduate in style!
むかしむかし → あるひ → とつぜん → さいごに| Word | Say it | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| むかしむかし、とうきょうへいきました。 | mukashi-mukashi, toukyou-e ikimashita. | Once upon a time, I went to Tokyo. |
| とつぜん、ゆきがふりました! | totsuzen, yuki-ga furimashita! | Suddenly, it snowed! |
| さいごに、うちへかえりました。 | saigo-ni, uchi-e kaerimashita. | Finally, I returned home. |
- Starting tales with きのう — stories open むかしむかし!
- Staying in ます-past only — mix ていました + たい!
Dialogue. Read it aloud twice — once for each speaker.
| Who | Line | Say it | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| ゆき | むかしむかし、とうきょうへいきました。 | mukashi-mukashi, toukyou-e ikimashita. | Once upon a time, I went to Tokyo. |
| たろう | すごい! それから? | sugoi! sorekara? | Amazing! Then? |
| ゆき | とつぜん、ゆきがふりました! | totsuzen, yuki-ga furimashita! | Suddenly, it snowed! |
| たろう | さいごに? | saigo-ni? | Finally? |
| ゆき | さいごに、たのしくかえりました! | saigo-ni, tanoshiku kaerimashita! | Finally, I returned happily! |
Practice (12). Answer first, then open the answer.
What this Japanese practice tests. shadowing, guided speaking, free response, roleplay, sentence writing, short writing, paraphrase, summary, guided composition, register transformation, tone identification, semantic distinction. Every exercise works on Japanese kana/kanji readings, particles, counters, verb forms, and politeness levels.
shadow the audioPractice 6 [shadowing] — Storytelling: むかしむかし: Shadow the synthetic Japanese model, preserving target rhythm and sound contrasts. Self-check only.
audio drill — play it in the course player
Show the answer
むかしむかし、とうきょうへいきました。
guided speakingPractice 7 [guided speaking] — Storytelling: むかしむかし: Produce a spoken response demonstrating “Storytelling: むかしむかし”; compare with the model.
Show the answer
むかしむかし、とうきょうへいきました。
answer in your own wordsPractice 8 [free response] — Storytelling: むかしむかし: Produce a spoken response demonstrating “Storytelling: むかしむかし”; compare with the model.
Show the answer
とつぜん、ゆきがふりました!
role playPractice 9 [roleplay] — Storytelling: むかしむかし: Role-play たろう: Finally?
Show the answer
さいごに?
write a sentencePractice 10 [sentence writing] — Storytelling: むかしむかし: Write one accurate kana and kanji sentence using あるひ.
Show the answer
むかしむかし、とうきょうへいきました。
short writingPractice 11 [short writing] — Storytelling: むかしむかし: Write 2–3 connected Japanese sentences applying this lesson’s grammar and register.
Show the answer
とつぜん、ゆきがふりました! さいごに、うちへかえりました。
say it another wayPractice 12 [paraphrase] — Storytelling: むかしむかし: Paraphrase without changing meaning, morphology, or politeness: さいごに、うちへかえりました。
Show the answer
さいごに、うちへかえりました。
summarisePractice 13 [summary] — Storytelling: むかしむかし: Summarize the dialogue in one precise Japanese sentence.
Show the answer
とつぜん、ゆきがふりました!
guided compositionPractice 14 [guided composition] — Storytelling: むかしむかし: Compose a short response using “むかしむかし → あるひ → とつぜん → さいごに”.
Show the answer
とつぜん、ゆきがふりました!
change the registerPractice 15 [register transformation] — Storytelling: むかしむかし: Recast “Finally, I returned home.” in the formal, polite, or everyday register taught here.
Show the answer
さいごに、うちへかえりました。
read the tonePractice 16 [tone identification] — Storytelling: むかしむかし: Identify the tone or stance of むかしむかし、とうきょうへいきました。.
Show the answer
The wording realizes Story spine: むかしむかし…さいごに in the lesson-appropriate register.
which one fitsPractice 17 [semantic distinction] — Storytelling: むかしむかし: Distinguish むかしむかし and あるひ in meaning and grammatical use.
Show the answer
むかしむかし means “once upon a time”; あるひ means “one day”. Context and grammar select between them.
Quick check (5).
quick checkむかしむかし means…
- yesterday
- once upon a time
- tomorrow
- finally
Show the answer
once upon a time
Story opener.
quick checkとつぜん means…
- slowly
- suddenly
- finally
- then
Show the answer
suddenly
とつぜん = suddenly.
quick checkさいごに means…
- at first
- finally
- suddenly
- actually
Show the answer
finally
さいごに = finally.
quick checkざんねん means…
- happy
- pity / regrettable
- angry
- lucky
Show the answer
pity / regrettable
ざんねん = what a pity.
quick checkじつは means…
- finally
- actually / truth is
- suddenly
- at last
Show the answer
actually / truth is
じつは = actually.
Worksheet: Storytelling worksheet
| Task | Prompts | Key |
|---|---|---|
| Translate to Japanese. | once upon a time suddenly finally | むかしむかし とつぜん さいごに |
| Spine a story. | Once upon a time, I went to Tokyo Suddenly, it snowed Finally, I returned home | むかしむかし、とうきょうへいきました とつぜん、ゆきがふりました さいごに、うちへかえりました |
| Tell it. | Amazing! Then? Finally? | すごい! それから さいごに |
| Integrated Japanese lab: read, transform in kana and kanji, and rehearse aloud. Check Japanese kana/kanji readings, particles, counters, verb forms, and politeness levels. | むかしむかし、とうきょうへいきました。 むかしむかし、とうきょうへいきました。 | Once upon a time, I went to Tokyo. Once upon a time, I went to Tokyo. |
Review list. むかしむかし · あるひ · とつぜん · やっと
ニュースを よむ: みだしと きじ
A headline is not a source. Reading a Japanese article means reading みだし (headline), the きじ (article) and its しりょう (materials) separately, and noticing that 〜に よると names who is speaking.
| Word | Say it | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| みだし | midashi | headline |
| きじ | kiji | article |
| ほうどう | houdou | news report |
| しりょう | shiryou | materials, source documents |
| とりあげる | toriageru | to take up, to feature |
The headline is quoted with と ある, the article as a source with に よると, and the materials with を みると. Each layer is attributed separately, so a claim can be traced to the layer that supports it.
みだしには …と ある · きじに よると … · しりょうを みると … · とりあげています| Word | Say it | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| みだしには「ふえた」と あります。 | Midashi ni wa 'fueta' to arimasu. | The headline says 'it increased'. |
| きじに よると、げんいんは まだ わかりません。 | Kiji ni yoru to, gen'in wa mada wakarimasen. | According to the article, the cause is not yet known. |
| この もんだいを とりあげています。 | Kono mondai o toriagete imasu. | It takes up this issue. |
- しりょうに よると、みだしは こう です。 → きじに よると、みだしは こうです。 よると takes the article or the materials; a headline is what is being reported.
- とりあげる を します。 → とりあげます。 とりあげる is a verb on its own; it does not take を します.
Dialogue. Read it aloud twice — once for each speaker.
| Who | Line | Say it | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| ゆき | その みだし、ほんとうですか。 | Sono midashi, hontou desu ka. | Is that headline true? |
| たろう | きじに よると、げんいんは まだ わかりません。 | Kiji ni yoru to, gen'in wa mada wakarimasen. | According to the article, the cause is not yet known. |
| ゆき | みだしには。 | Midashi ni wa. | And the headline? |
| たろう | みだしには「ふえた」と あります。しりょうは べつです。 | Midashi ni wa 'fueta' to arimasu. Shiryou wa betsu desu. | The headline says 'it increased'. The materials are separate. |
Practice (12). Answer first, then open the answer.
What this Japanese practice tests. Japanese. Every exercise works on kana and kanji, particles は/が/を/に, です・ます politeness, verb-final order, counters and keigo.
multiple choicePractice 1: [multiple choice] ニュースを よむ: みだしと きじ — Choose the meaning of みだし (midashi) in this lesson.
- headline
- article
- news report
- materials, source documents
Show the answer
headline
fill the gapPractice 2: [fill in the blank] ニュースを よむ: みだしと きじ — Type the Japanese expression meaning “article”.
Show the answer
きじ
translatePractice 3: [translation] ニュースを よむ: みだしと きじ — Interpret the Japanese script in context: みだしには「ふえた」と あります。 (Midashi ni wa 'fueta' to arimasu.).
Show the answer
The headline says 'it increased'.
translate into the languagePractice 4: [reverse translation] ニュースを よむ: みだしと きじ — Write in Japanese script: According to the article, the cause is not yet known..
Show the answer
きじに よると、げんいんは まだ わかりません。
matchingPractice 5: [matching] ニュースを よむ: みだしと きじ — Match ほうどう to its lesson meaning.
- news report
- headline
- article
Show the answer
news report
put it in orderPractice 6: [reorder] ニュースを よむ: みだしと きじ — Reconstruct the lesson model in coherent Japanese: It takes up this issue..
Show the answer
この もんだいを とりあげています。
build the sentencePractice 7: [sentence building] ニュースを よむ: みだしと きじ — Build the sentence with the lesson pattern (みだしには …と ある · きじに よると … · しりょうを みると … · とりあげています): The headline says 'it increased'..
Show the answer
みだしには「ふえた」と あります。
choose the wordPractice 8: [word selection] ニュースを よむ: みだしと きじ — Select the Japanese form for “materials, source documents”.
- しりょう
- とりあげる
Show the answer
しりょう
find the mistakePractice 9: [error correction] ニュースを よむ: みだしと きじ — Correct the model the lesson warns about: しりょうに よると、みだしは こう です。
Show the answer
きじに よると、みだしは こうです。
finish the dialoguePractice 10: [dialogue completion] ニュースを よむ: みだしと きじ — Complete the exchange with the studied response to: Is that headline true?
Show the answer
きじに よると、げんいんは まだ わかりません。
readingPractice 11: [reading comprehension] ニュースを よむ: みだしと きじ — Read “みだしには。” (Midashi ni wa.). What does it mean?
Show the answer
And the headline?
paragraphPractice 12: [paragraph comprehension] ニュースを よむ: みだしと きじ — Read the lesson dialogue as a whole and give its key move: The headline says 'it increased'. The materials are separate.
Show the answer
みだしには「ふえた」と あります。しりょうは べつです。
Quick check (5).
quick checkWhich meaning best fits みだし?
- headline
- article
- news report
- materials, source documents
Show the answer
headline
みだし (midashi) means headline in this lesson.
quick checkWhich meaning best fits きじ?
- article
- headline
- news report
- materials, source documents
Show the answer
article
きじ (kiji) means article in this lesson.
quick checkWhich meaning best fits ほうどう?
- news report
- headline
- article
- materials, source documents
Show the answer
news report
ほうどう (houdou) means news report in this lesson.
quick checkWhich meaning best fits しりょう?
- materials, source documents
- headline
- article
- news report
Show the answer
materials, source documents
しりょう (shiryou) means materials, source documents in this lesson.
quick checkWhich meaning best fits とりあげる?
- to take up, to feature
- headline
- article
- news report
Show the answer
to take up, to feature
とりあげる (toriageru) means to take up, to feature in this lesson.
Worksheet: News worksheet
| Task | Prompts | Key |
|---|---|---|
| Read the layers. | the headline says 'it increased' according to the article, the cause is not yet known | みだしには「ふえた」と あります きじに よると、げんいんは まだ わかりません |
| Trace the claim. | it takes up this issue the materials are separate | この もんだいを とりあげています しりょうは べつです |
| Integrated offline practice: read the first model, transform or extend it in Japanese script, then rehearse it as a dialogue. Self-check meaning, grammar, and register. | みだしには「ふえた」と あります。 その みだし、ほんとうですか。 | The headline says 'it increased'. Is that headline true? |
Review list. みだし · きじ · ほうどう · しりょう
Recall drills — 126 more questions from the B2 words
These 126 drills are generated from the Japanese B2 vocabulary list — the words of “Conditionals and plans” through “Culture and mastery”, in both directions: recognition (word → meaning) and production (meaning → word). They re-ask what the course data already contains; no answer here was written by a machine, and a generated drill is practice, never a lesson.
Conditionals and plans — 42 drills
| Ask | Answer |
|---|---|
| What does “たら” mean? | if / when |
| How do you say “if / when” in Japanese? | たら — say it “tara” |
| What does “れば” mean? | if (elegant) |
| How do you say “if (elegant)” in Japanese? | れば — say it “reba” |
| What does “と” mean? | whenever (automatic) |
| How do you say “whenever (automatic)” in Japanese? | と — say it “to” |
| What does “もし” mean? | if (emphasis) |
| How do you say “if (emphasis)” in Japanese? | もし — say it “moshi” |
| What does “でも” mean? | but / even |
| How do you say “but / even” in Japanese? | でも — say it “demo” |
| What does “ても” mean? | even if |
| How do you say “even if” in Japanese? | ても — say it “temo” |
| What does “のに” mean? | although / despite |
| How do you say “although / despite” in Japanese? | のに — say it “noni” |
| What does “ために” mean? | for / in order to |
| How do you say “for / in order to” in Japanese? | ために — say it “tameni” |
| What does “しよう” mean? | let's do (plain) |
| How do you say “let's do (plain)” in Japanese? | しよう — say it “shiyou” |
| What does “いこう” mean? | let's go (plain) |
| How do you say “let's go (plain)” in Japanese? | いこう — say it “ikou” |
| What does “たべよう” mean? | let's eat (plain) |
| How do you say “let's eat (plain)” in Japanese? | たべよう — say it “tabeyou” |
| What does “ましょう” mean? | let's (polite) |
| How do you say “let's (polite)” in Japanese? | ましょう — say it “mashou” |
| What does “つもり” mean? | plan / intention |
| How do you say “plan / intention” in Japanese? | つもり — say it “tsumori” |
| What does “よてい” mean? | schedule |
| How do you say “schedule” in Japanese? | よてい — say it “yotei” |
| What does “ことにする” mean? | decide to |
| How do you say “decide to” in Japanese? | ことにする — say it “koto-ni suru” |
| What does “ことになる” mean? | it is decided |
| How do you say “it is decided” in Japanese? | ことになる — say it “koto-ni naru” |
| What does “へいきん” mean? | average |
| How do you say “average” in Japanese? | へいきん — say it “heikin” |
| What does “わりあい” mean? | ratio, proportion |
| How do you say “ratio, proportion” in Japanese? | わりあい — say it “wariai” |
| What does “ふえる” mean? | to increase |
| How do you say “to increase” in Japanese? | ふえる — say it “fueru” |
| What does “へる” mean? | to decrease |
| How do you say “to decrease” in Japanese? | へる — say it “heru” |
| What does “けいこう” mean? | trend |
| How do you say “trend” in Japanese? | けいこう — say it “keikou” |
Respect and debate — 42 drills
| Ask | Answer |
|---|---|
| What does “いらっしゃる” mean? | honorific be/go/come |
| How do you say “honorific be/go/come” in Japanese? | いらっしゃる — say it “irassharu” |
| What does “めしあがる” mean? | honorific eat |
| How do you say “honorific eat” in Japanese? | めしあがる — say it “meshiagaru” |
| What does “おっしゃる” mean? | honorific say |
| How do you say “honorific say” in Japanese? | おっしゃる — say it “ossharu” |
| What does “くださる” mean? | honorific give |
| How do you say “honorific give” in Japanese? | くださる — say it “kudasaru” |
| What does “もうす” mean? | humble say |
| How do you say “humble say” in Japanese? | もうす — say it “mousu” |
| What does “いたす” mean? | humble do |
| How do you say “humble do” in Japanese? | いたす — say it “itasu” |
| What does “お〜” mean? | polite prefix |
| How do you say “polite prefix” in Japanese? | お〜 — say it “o-” |
| What does “ご〜” mean? | polite prefix (Chinese) |
| How do you say “polite prefix (Chinese)” in Japanese? | ご〜 — say it “go-” |
| What does “しかし” mean? | however |
| How do you say “however” in Japanese? | しかし — say it “shikashi” |
| What does “だから” mean? | so / therefore |
| How do you say “so / therefore” in Japanese? | だから — say it “dakara” |
| What does “つまり” mean? | in other words |
| How do you say “in other words” in Japanese? | つまり — say it “tsumari” |
| What does “たとえば” mean? | for example |
| How do you say “for example” in Japanese? | たとえば — say it “tatoeba” |
| What does “それに” mean? | besides / moreover |
| How do you say “besides / moreover” in Japanese? | それに — say it “soreni” |
| What does “しかも” mean? | furthermore |
| How do you say “furthermore” in Japanese? | しかも — say it “shikamo” |
| What does “ようするに” mean? | in short |
| How do you say “in short” in Japanese? | ようするに — say it “yousuruni” |
| What does “けっきょく” mean? | after all / in the end |
| How do you say “after all / in the end” in Japanese? | けっきょく — say it “kekkyoku” |
| What does “おそれいりますが” mean? | I am sorry to trouble you, but |
| How do you say “I am sorry to trouble you, but” in Japanese? | おそれいりますが — say it “osoreirimasu ga” |
| What does “もうしわけ ございません” mean? | there is no excuse |
| How do you say “there is no excuse” in Japanese? | もうしわけ ございません — say it “moushiwake gozaimasen” |
| What does “かくにん” mean? | confirmation |
| How do you say “confirmation” in Japanese? | かくにん — say it “kakunin” |
| What does “けんとう” mean? | consideration |
| How do you say “consideration” in Japanese? | けんとう — say it “kentou” |
| What does “しつれいします” mean? | excuse me (also as a closing) |
| How do you say “excuse me (also as a closing)” in Japanese? | しつれいします — say it “shitsurei shimasu” |
Culture and mastery — 42 drills
| Ask | Answer |
|---|---|
| What does “すし” mean? | sushi |
| How do you say “sushi” in Japanese? | すし — say it “sushi” |
| What does “さくら” mean? | cherry blossom |
| How do you say “cherry blossom” in Japanese? | さくら — say it “sakura” |
| What does “まつり” mean? | festival |
| How do you say “festival” in Japanese? | まつり — say it “matsuri” |
| What does “おもてなし” mean? | hospitality |
| How do you say “hospitality” in Japanese? | おもてなし — say it “omotenashi” |
| What does “おんせん” mean? | hot spring |
| How do you say “hot spring” in Japanese? | おんせん — say it “onsen” |
| What does “ふじさん” mean? | Mt. Fuji |
| How do you say “Mt. Fuji” in Japanese? | ふじさん — say it “fujisan” |
| What does “たたみ” mean? | tatami mat |
| How do you say “tatami mat” in Japanese? | たたみ — say it “tatami” |
| What does “ゆかた” mean? | summer kimono |
| How do you say “summer kimono” in Japanese? | ゆかた — say it “yukata” |
| What does “むかしむかし” mean? | once upon a time |
| How do you say “once upon a time” in Japanese? | むかしむかし — say it “mukashi-mukashi” |
| What does “あるひ” mean? | one day |
| How do you say “one day” in Japanese? | あるひ — say it “aru-hi” |
| What does “とつぜん” mean? | suddenly |
| How do you say “suddenly” in Japanese? | とつぜん — say it “totsuzen” |
| What does “やっと” mean? | at last |
| How do you say “at last” in Japanese? | やっと — say it “yatto” |
| What does “さいごに” mean? | finally |
| How do you say “finally” in Japanese? | さいごに — say it “saigo-ni” |
| What does “けっきょく” mean? | in the end |
| How do you say “in the end” in Japanese? | けっきょく — say it “kekkyoku” |
| What does “じつは” mean? | actually / the truth is |
| How do you say “actually / the truth is” in Japanese? | じつは — say it “jitsuwa” |
| What does “ざんねん” mean? | regrettable / pity |
| How do you say “regrettable / pity” in Japanese? | ざんねん — say it “zannen” |
| What does “みだし” mean? | headline |
| How do you say “headline” in Japanese? | みだし — say it “midashi” |
| What does “きじ” mean? | article |
| How do you say “article” in Japanese? | きじ — say it “kiji” |
| What does “ほうどう” mean? | news report |
| How do you say “news report” in Japanese? | ほうどう — say it “houdou” |
| What does “しりょう” mean? | materials, source documents |
| How do you say “materials, source documents” in Japanese? | しりょう — say it “shiryou” |
| What does “とりあげる” mean? | to take up, to feature |
| How do you say “to take up, to feature” in Japanese? | とりあげる — say it “toriageru” |
The B2 test — 10 items
The 10-item test closes Japanese B2. Answers are shown; in the course player the same test decides whether the next level unlocks.
translate into the languageSay: If it rains, I won't go
Show the answer
あめがふったら、いきません
translate into the languageSay: Let's eat together!
Show the answer
いっしょにたべましょう
choose'Is the teacher here? (respect)'
- せんせいはいますか
- せんせいはいらっしゃいますか
- せんせいがいたしますか
- せんせいはきますか
Show the answer
せんせいはいらっしゃいますか
translate into Englishつまり、ちかてつがいいです!
Show the answer
In short, the subway is good!
fill the gapふって___いきます! (even if)
Show the answer
も
choose'I want to try sushi!'
- すしをたべます
- すしをたべてみたいです
- すしがたべたいです
- すしをたべたことがあります
Show the answer
すしをたべてみたいです
put it in orderOrder: ふりました / ゆきが / とつぜん
Show the answer
とつぜんゆきがふりました
say it out loudSay aloud: つまり、ちかてつがいいです!
Show the answer
つまり、ちかてつがいいです!
fill the gapにほんへいく___です。 (plan)
Show the answer
つもり
translate into the languageSay: Once upon a time, I went to Tokyo
Show the answer
むかしむかし、とうきょうへいきました
Japanese B2 beyond the drills — culture, reading, listening, idioms
These sections are written for Japanese B2 specifically. The reading text is EkGuru's own; the culture note cites where its facts come from; the idioms and the mistakes list are the ones this level actually trips over.
Culture note
Japanese business writing keeps the decision and the relationship in separate clauses: 検討します (we will consider it) is a soft no, and ぜひ おねがいします is a warm yes; a proposal is checked by everyone it touches before anyone agrees out loud. させていただきます asks permission in the grammar itself, so a service is offered without a claim of power. Reading these as evasion misses the point: they are the sentence shapes that let a group decide together.
Source (named, not linked): en.wikipedia.org, the article “Etiquette in Japan”.
Reading — read this aloud, slowly
かくぶちょうに ていあんを おくりました。「けんとうします」という へんじは、たいてい まだ けってい していないという いみです。ですから つぎの かいぎで もういちど せつめいして、データを ふやしました。えいぎょうは わりあいで みる べきです。
What it says: I sent the proposal to the section manager. A reply of 'we will consider it' usually means that nothing has been decided yet. So at the next meeting I explained it once more and added more data. Sales should be judged as a ratio.
Listening — one voice, one text
Use the speaker button to hear this text with a browser voice tagged ja-JP; playback starts only after a click. If no matching voice is installed, read it aloud yourself — the rhythm is the point.
たろう: その ていあんは どうですか。<br>ゆき: たしかに いい てんも ありますが、コストが ふあんていです。<br>たろう: つまり、いまは まだ むりですか。<br>ゆき: データを ふやせば、つぎの かいぎで はなせます。
What it says: Taro: How is that proposal? Yuki: Certainly it has good points, but the cost is unstable. Taro: In other words, it is still impossible now? Yuki: If we add more data, we can discuss it at the next meeting.
10 idioms and fixed phrases
| Idiom | Word for word | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| たしかに | tashika ni | certainly, it is true that |
| にも かかわらず | ni mo kakawarazu | despite … |
| つまり | tsumari | in other words |
| 〜べきです | ~ beki desu | one should … |
| させて いただきます | sasete itadakimasu | I will (humbly) do … |
| おそれいりますが | osoreirimasu ga | I am sorry to trouble you, but |
| けんとうします | kentou shimasu | we will consider it |
| ふあんてい | fuantei | unstable |
| わりあい | wariai | ratio, proportion |
| だいたい | daitai | roughly |
The 3 mistakes this level makes
- コストが たかい にも かかわらず、らいしゅう はじめます。 → コストが たかいにも かかわらず、らいしゅう はじめます。 にも かかわらず attaches to the plain form, with no pause.
- わりあい を みる べきです。 → わりあいで みる べきです。 The measure takes で: judge by the ratio.
- させていただきます です。 → させて いただきます。 いただきます is already the polite form.
Your task
Turn one soft no into a plan Take a real reply you have received that sounded like 検討します and write the Japanese you would send back: one line agreeing with the good point (たしかに …), one line naming the obstacle (…が、…), one line asking for the one thing that would unblock it, and one line offering to do it yourself with させて いただきます. Then write the same four lines as a note to yourself in English and compare what the Japanese left unsaid.
After B2: the B2+ checkpoint
B2+ is not a certificate — it is the half-step between Japanese B2 and the next level, and it is on this site’s ladder because language schools use it. You are at B2+ when you can run a meeting, read a contract, disagree well. Get there by working the recall drills above and the review deck until nothing on this page surprises you.
Keep going
Your device-only learning tools
Optional JavaScript tools. Completion is a self-report, not a proficiency certificate. Only a bounded same-origin file list is downloaded; audio may need an installed voice.
Review and export your journal