Expressions

あいさつ・お礼・おわび

This section covers greetings, expressions of thanks, and apologies that are common in Japanese workplaces. The basic vocabulary includes 「おはようございます(ohayou gozaimasu, good morning)」 as a morning greeting, 「お先に失礼します(おさきにしつれいします, excuse me for leaving before others)」 for leaving before others, and 「遅れて、申し訳ありません(おくれて、もうしわけありません, I am sorry for being late)」 for apologizing. The word 「申し訳(もうしわけ, apology)」 is often written with difficult kanji, so you need to recognize its reading. In grammar, 〜てしまって expresses regret about an unwanted event, for example being late because the bus was late. In the listening section, pay attention to who is leaving or apologizing, and to whom the expression is addressed, because this determines the answer. To distinguish 行ってきます(いってきます, I am going out and will be back) from ただいま(I am home), remember that the first is said when leaving with the intention to return, while the second is said upon arriving back. In the reading section, look for words that indicate time and reason to confirm the correct choice.

依頼する・断る

This section covers expressions for asking for help, asking for permission, and declining politely. Vocabulary that often appears includes 「手伝う(てつだう, to help)」, 「予定(よてい, plan or appointment)」, and 「用事(ようじ, errand or matter to attend to)」. In grammar, 〜ていただけますか(would you be willing to ...?) is used to politely ask someone to do something, for example 「手伝っていただけますか(てつだっていただけますか, would you help me?)」. This pattern must not be confused with 〜てあげます(to do something for someone), which expresses an offer from the giver and not a request. To ask for permission, use 〜てもいいですか(may I ...?), and the more polite 〜でしょうか form when speaking to a superior. A polite refusal usually begins with 「すみません」 and then gives a reason with 「〜ので」, such as 「予定があるので…」(because I have plans...). The pattern 〜ないでください is a prohibition, while 〜なくてもいいです states that something does not need to be done. In the listening section, determine whether the speaker is requesting, asking for permission, or refusing, then listen for the reason stated after 「ので」. In the reading section, look for statements that permit or prohibit something in announcements or short messages.