コミュニケーション・品物

あの先生せんせいは生徒せいとから深くふかく尊敬そんけいされている。

That teacher is deeply respected by the students.

Usage 尊敬する = to look up to someone; it is often passive: 尊敬される. 尊敬する人 is a classic interview question (someone you admire). 尊重 (そんちょう) is respecting opinions or rights, not admiring a person.

Remember it 尊 (precious, noble) + 敬 (to revere) → treating someone as precious and revering them.

彼女かのじょはいつも謙遜けんそんして、自分じぶんの才能さいのうを自慢じまんしない。

She is always modest and never shows off her talent.

Usage 謙遜する = to be modest, to play yourself down, highly valued in Japan. When someone compliments you, いえいえ is a typical 謙遜. Its opposite is 自慢 (じまん, boasting).

Remember it 謙 (humble) + 遜 (to yield, step back) → humbly stepping back.

強いつよい意志いしがあれば、どんな困難こんなんも乗り越えられるのりこえられる。

With a strong will, you can overcome any difficulty.

Usage 意志 is inner willpower and determination: 意志が強い / 弱い. Don't confuse it with 意思 (same reading), an intention you express to others: 意思表示 (expressing your intention).

Remember it 意 (mind) + 志 (aspiration) → the mind set on an aspiration.

荷物にもつをひもひもでしっかり縛しばった。

I tied the luggage up tightly with string.

Usage ひも is string or cord, thicker than 糸 (いと, thread) and thinner than ロープ (rope): 靴ひも (shoelaces), ひもで縛る (tie with string). Slang ひも also means a man who lives off his partner.

Remember it Kanji form 紐: 糸 (thread) on the left. Think of it as thread grown strong enough to tie a parcel.

先生せんせいは名簿めいぼを見ながらみながら出席しゅっせきを確認かくにんした。

The teacher checked attendance while looking at the class list.

Usage 名簿 is a list of people's names: a class roll, a staff directory, a membership list. 名簿に載る = to be on the list. リスト is any list at all.

Remember it 名 (name) + 簿 (register, ledger) → a register of names.

母ははは針はりと糸いとを使ってつかって服ふくを縫ったぬった。

My mother sewed the clothes with a needle and thread.

Usage 針 is anything thin and pointed: a sewing needle (針と糸), a clock hand (時計の針), a bee's stinger (蜂の針), an injection needle. 針のむしろ = a bed of nails, an agonizing situation.

Remember it 金 (metal) + 十 (a cross) → a sliver of metal as fine as a single stroke.

ワインの栓せんを抜くぬくのに苦労くろうした。

I had a hard time pulling the cork out of the wine bottle.

Usage 栓 is a stopper, cork or valve: 栓を抜く (uncork), 栓をする (plug), 水道の栓 (water tap), 消火栓 (fire hydrant). The bottle opener is 栓抜き.

Remember it 木 (wood) + 全 (whole, complete) → a piece of wood that makes the bottle whole and sealed.

熱いあついスープから湯気ゆげが立ち上がってたちあがっている。

Steam is rising from the hot soup.

Usage 湯気 is the visible steam off hot water, food or a bath: 湯気が立つ. 蒸気 (じょうき) is steam in the technical sense, as in 蒸気機関 (steam engine).

Remember it 湯 (hot water) + 気 (vapor) → the vapor coming off hot water.

この部屋へやは日当たりひあたりがよくて、冬ふゆも暖かいあたたかい。

This room gets plenty of sun, so it's warm even in winter.

Usage 日当たりがいい / 悪い = sunny / gets little sun. It is a must-know word for apartment hunting in Japan, alongside 南向き (south-facing).

Remember it 日 (sun) + 当たる (to hit) → where the sunlight hits.

写真しゃしんが斜めななめになっているので、直してなおしてください。

The picture is crooked, so please straighten it.

Usage 斜め = slanted, diagonal, at an angle: 斜めに切る (cut diagonally), 斜め前 (diagonally in front). 斜め読み is skimming. ご機嫌斜め = in a bad mood.

Remember it 斜 = 余 (extra) + 斗 (a ladle). Picture a ladle tipped at an angle to pour off the extra.

就職しゅうしょく活動かつどうでは履歴りれき書しょが必要ひつようだ。

In job hunting, you need a résumé.

Usage 履歴 is a record of what has happened: 履歴書 (りれきしょ, résumé), 閲覧履歴 (browsing history), 着信履歴 (call log).

Remember it 履 (to walk, tread) + 歴 (history) → the path you have walked.

テレビは多くのおおくの人ひとにとって身近なみぢかな娯楽ごらくだ。

For many people, TV is a familiar form of entertainment.

Usage 娯楽 is entertainment and recreation in general, a written, slightly formal word: 娯楽施設 (leisure facilities), 娯楽番組 (entertainment programs). Casual speech uses エンタメ or 遊び.

Remember it 娯 (to enjoy) + 楽 (pleasure) → things done purely for enjoyment.

結婚式けっこんしきの司会しかいを友人ゆうじんに頼んだたのんだ。

I asked a friend to be the MC at our wedding.

Usage 司会 is running an event or meeting: 司会をする, 司会者 (MC, host, chair). 進行 (しんこう) is the flow of the program that the 司会 manages.

Remember it 司 (to be in charge) + 会 (meeting) → the one in charge of the meeting.

新入生しんにゅうせいを歓迎かんげいするパーティーが開かれたひらかれた。

A welcome party was held for the new students.

Usage 歓迎する = to welcome: 歓迎会 (welcome party), 大歓迎 (more than welcome). Its farewell partner is 送別会 (そうべつかい).

Remember it 歓 (joy) + 迎 (to greet) → greeting someone with joy.

切符きっぷは窓口まどぐちで購入こうにゅうすることができます。

You can buy tickets at the ticket window.

Usage 窓口 is a service counter at a station, bank or city office, and figuratively the point of contact: 窓口になる (to be the contact person), 相談窓口 (help desk).

Remember it 窓 (window) + 口 (mouth, opening) → the window where you speak to staff.

入学にゅうがく手続きてつづきを済ませてすませてから授業じゅぎょうが始まるはじまる。

Classes begin after you finish the enrollment procedures.

Usage 手続き is official paperwork and procedure: 手続きをする, 入学手続き (enrollment), 手続きを踏む (go through the proper steps). Japan runs on 手続き.

Remember it 手 (hand) + 続く (to continue) → a chain of steps you work through by hand.

駅えきから徒歩とほ五分ごふんのところにアパートがある。

The apartment is a five-minute walk from the station.

Usage 徒歩 is the written word for going on foot, standard in real-estate listings: 駅から徒歩5分. In conversation just say 歩いて5分.

Remember it 徒 (on foot, empty-handed) + 歩 (to walk) → walking on foot, with no vehicle.

速度そくど制限せいげんを違反いはんして罰金ばっきんを払ったはらった。

I broke the speed limit and had to pay a fine.

Usage 違反 is breaking a rule, law or contract: 交通違反 (traffic violation), 契約違反 (breach of contract), ルール違反. 犯罪 (はんざい) is a crime, a much heavier word.

Remember it 違 (to differ, go against) + 反 (to oppose) → going against the rules.

日中にっちゅうは仕事しごとで忙しくいそがしく、夜よるしか勉強べんきょうできない。

I'm busy with work during the day, so I can only study at night.

Usage 日中 is formal for daytime: 日中は暑い. Read にっちゅう it can also mean Japan and China (日中関係). Context tells you which.

Remember it 日 (day) + 中 (middle) → the middle of the day.

旅行りょこうの日程にっていを確認かくにんしてからホテルホテルを予約よやくした。

I checked the travel itinerary before booking the hotel.

Usage 日程 is a day-by-day schedule for a trip, event or project: 日程を決める, 日程を調整する (adjust the schedule). スケジュール is the everyday loanword.

Remember it 日 (day) + 程 (extent, schedule) → the plan laid out day by day.

週末しゅうまつに日帰りひがえりで温泉おんせんに行ったいった。

At the weekend I went to a hot spring on a day trip.

Usage 日帰り means going and coming back the same day, no overnight stay: 日帰り旅行 (day trip), 日帰り手術 (same-day surgery). The opposite is 泊まり (an overnight stay).

Remember it 日 (day) + 帰る (to return) → returning within the day.

仕事しごとには順序じゅんじょがあるので、焦らずにあせらずに進めましょうすすめましょう。

Work has its proper order, so let's proceed without rushing.

Usage 順序 is sequence or proper order: 順序よく (in the right order), 順序を守る. 順番 (じゅんばん) is your turn in a line: 順番を待つ.

Remember it 順 (to follow in order) + 序 (beginning, order) → things following one after another from the start.

電車でんしゃの遅延ちえんで臨時りんじバスが運行うんこうされた。

Because the trains were delayed, special buses were put on.

Usage 臨時 means special or temporary, arranged for the occasion rather than regular: 臨時休業 (closed today), 臨時ニュース (breaking news), 臨時収入 (unexpected income).

Remember it 臨 (to face) + 時 (time) → something arranged to face the situation at that time.

この商品しょうひんは定価ていかの三割引きさんわりびきで販売はんばいされている。

This product is being sold at 30% off the list price.

Usage 定価 is the fixed list price set by the maker: 定価で買う (buy at full price). 三割引き = 30% off. 値段 (ねだん) is simply the price something is sold at.

Remember it 定 (fixed) + 価 (price) → the fixed price.

給料きゅうりょうの交渉こうしょうは難しくむずかしく緊張きんちょうした。

Negotiating my salary was hard and nerve-racking.

Usage 交渉する takes と for the other side and について for the topic: 会社と給料について交渉する. 交渉が成立する (a deal is reached), 交渉が決裂する (talks break down).

Remember it 交 (to exchange) + 渉 (to wade across) → wading across to meet in the middle.

上司じょうしからの指示しじを部下ぶかに伝達でんたつするのが私のわたしの役割やくわりだ。

My role is to pass on instructions from my boss to the staff under me.

Usage 伝達 is formally passing on information or orders: 伝達事項 (announcements to relay), 情報伝達 (information transfer). In conversation, use 伝える.

Remember it 伝 (to convey) + 達 (to reach) → conveying something until it reaches the other person.

会議かいぎの前まえに資料しりょうを参加者さんかしゃに配布はいふした。

Before the meeting, the handouts were distributed to the participants.

Usage 配布 is handing out materials to many people: 資料を配布する, 無料配布 (free distribution). It is more formal than 配る (くばる).

Remember it 配 (to distribute) + 布 (to spread, cloth) → spreading things out to everyone.

掲示板けいじばんに試験しけんの結果けっかが張り出されたはりだされた。

The exam results were posted on the notice board.

Usage 掲示 is a public notice put up for all to see: 掲示板 (bulletin board, and online forums too), 掲示する. 通知 (つうち) is a notice sent to individuals.

Remember it 掲 (to put up, hang) + 示 (to show) → hanging something up to show everyone.

会議かいぎで新しいあたらしい企画きかくを提案ていあんした。

I proposed a new project at the meeting.

Usage 提案する = to propose or suggest: 提案書 (proposal document), 提案を受け入れる (accept a proposal). 申請 (しんせい) is a formal application for permission.

Remember it 提 (to hold up, present) + 案 (plan) → holding up a plan for others to see.

上司じょうしに計画けいかくを説明せつめいし、了承りょうしょうを得たえた。

I explained the plan to my boss and got approval.

Usage 了承 is agreeing after understanding the situation: 了承を得る (get the OK), ご了承ください (please be aware and accept this), a stock phrase in notices about changes or restrictions.

Remember it 了 (to understand, finish) + 承 (to accept) → understanding and accepting.

申請しんせいが承認しょうにんされるまで二週間にしゅうかんかかった。

It took two weeks for the application to be approved.

Usage 承認 is formal, official approval, stronger than 了承: 承認を得る, 承認される, 国会の承認 (approval by the Diet). Also used for app permissions and friend requests.

Remember it 承 (to accept) + 認 (to recognize) → formally recognizing and accepting.

商品しょうひんについての問い合わせといあわせはメールでお願いしますねがいします。

Please send inquiries about our products by email.

Usage 問い合わせ is an inquiry to a company or office: お問い合わせ (Contact us), 問い合わせ先 (contact info). The verb is 問い合わせる.

Remember it 問う (to ask) + 合わせる (to match up) → asking to match up the facts.

隣のとなりの騒音そうおんについて管理会社かんりがいしゃに苦情くじょうを言ったいった。

I complained to the management company about the noise next door.

Usage 苦情 is a formal complaint to a business or authority: 苦情を言う, 苦情が来る. 文句 (もんく) is everyday grumbling; クレーム is the business loanword.

Remember it 苦 (bitter, suffering) + 情 (feelings) → bitter feelings voiced aloud.

毎年まいとし確定かくてい申告しんこくを税務署ぜいむしょに提出ていしゅつする。

Every year I submit my final tax return to the tax office.

Usage 申告 is an official declaration to an authority: 確定申告 (annual tax return), 税関で申告する (declare at customs), 申告漏れ (an undeclared item).

Remember it 申 (to state) + 告 (to announce) → stating officially what you owe or carry.

リフォームリフォームの前まえに業者ぎょうしゃから見積もりみつもりを取ったとった。

Before the renovation, I got a quote from a contractor.

Usage 見積もりを取る = to get a quote; 見積もりを出す = to give one; 見積書 (みつもりしょ) = a written quotation. The verb 見積もる means to estimate.

Remember it 見る (to look) + 積もる (to pile up) → look at the job, then add it all up.

注文ちゅうもんした商品しょうひんの納品のうひんは来週らいしゅう月曜日げつようびの予定よていだ。

The goods we ordered are scheduled to be delivered next Monday.

Usage 納品 is delivering goods to a client, a business-to-business word: 納品書 (delivery slip), 納品日 (delivery date). A parcel to your home is 配達 (はいたつ).

Remember it 納 (to deliver, supply) + 品 (goods) → supplying the goods.

商品しょうひんを丁寧にていねいに梱包こんぽうして発送はっそうした。

I packed the goods carefully and sent them off.

Usage 梱包 is packing goods for shipping: 梱包する, 梱包材 (packing material). 包装 (ほうそう) is wrapping, often decorative, as with gift wrap.

Remember it 梱 (to bundle, bale) + 包 (to wrap) → bundling and wrapping.

この商品しょうひんは在庫ざいこが残り少なくのこりすくなくなっている。

Stock of this product is running low.

Usage 在庫がある / ない = in / out of stock. 在庫を切らす = to run out, 在庫切れ = sold out, 在庫管理 = inventory control.

Remember it 在 (to exist, be present) + 庫 (storehouse) → what is sitting in the warehouse.

部品ぶひんが不足ふそくしてきたのでメーカーメーカーに発注はっちゅうした。

We were running short of parts, so we placed an order with the manufacturer.

Usage 発注 is a business placing an order with a supplier: 発注する, 発注書 (purchase order). The supplier side is 受注 (じゅちゅう). Individuals use 注文する.

Remember it 発 (to send out) + 注 (to pour, order) → sending out an order.

人気にんきのゲームが品切れしなぎれでどこにも売っていなかった。

The popular game was sold out and nobody had it.

Usage 品切れ = sold out, seen on shop signs: 品切れ中. 在庫切れ means the same. 売り切れ (うりきれ) stresses that it sold out because everyone bought it.

Remember it 品 (goods) + 切れる (to run out) → the goods have run out.

交渉こうしょうして値引きねびきしてもらうことができた。

I negotiated and managed to get a discount.

Usage 値引き is knocking the price down, often by negotiation: 値引きしてもらう. On signs you'll see 割引 (わりびき, discount). 値下げ (ねさげ) is a general price cut.

Remember it 値 (price) + 引く (to pull) → pulling the price downward.

サイズサイズが合わなかったあわなかったので返品へんぴんを申し出たもうしでた。

The size didn't fit, so I asked to return it.

Usage 返品する = to return goods: 返品期限 (return deadline), 返品不可 (no returns). 交換 (こうかん) is exchanging for another item.

Remember it 返 (to return) + 品 (goods) → the goods going back.

この製品せいひんには一年間いちねんかんの保証ほしょうがついているついている。

This product comes with a one-year warranty.

Usage 保証 is a guarantee or warranty: 保証書 (warranty card), 保証期間 (warranty period), 保証人 (guarantor, needed to rent in Japan). Don't confuse it with 保障 (security, as in 社会保障) or 補償 (compensation), all read ほしょう.

Remember it 保 (to keep, protect) + 証 (proof) → kept proof that they will stand behind it.