About This Lesson
Use Creating a Fair Cleaning Routine to practice Japanese conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.
Dialogue
A
私たちの掃除のやり方はうまくいっていませんし、キッチンはいつも散らかってしまいます。
wah-tah-shee-TAH-chee noh SOH-jee noh yah-ree-KAH-tah wah oo-MAH-koo eet-teh ee-MAH-sen-shee, KITCH-in wah eet-SOO-moh chee-rah-KAHT-teh shee-MAH-ee-mahs. Our cleaning routine is not working, and the kitchen keeps getting messy.
B
私たちのどちらも、わざとそうしているわけではないと思います。
wah-tah-shee-TAH-chee noh doh-chee-rah-moh, wah-zah-toh soh-shee-teh ee-roo wah-keh deh-wah nah-ee toh oh-moh-ee-MAHS. I do not think either of us is doing it on purpose.
A
もっとはっきりした基準が必要かもしれません。特に食器とコンロについてです。
moht-toh hahk-kee-ree shee-tah kee-jun gah hee-TSOO-yoh kah-moh-shee-reh-mahn. toh-koo-nee SHOHK-kee toh KOHN-roh nee tsoo-ee-teh dehss. Maybe we need a clearer standard, especially for dishes and the stove.
B
毎週、担当を交代してもよいと思います。そうすれば、いつも同じ人がモップをかけなくてすみます。
mah-ee-SHOO, tahn-toh oh koh-tah-ee shee-teh moh yoh-ee toh oh-moh-ee-MAHS. soh-ooh-sheh-bah, ee-tsoo-moh oh-nah-jee hee-toh gah MOHP-poo oh kah-keh-nah-koo-teh soo-mee-MAHS. We could rotate tasks weekly, so the same person does not always mop.
A
それは公平そうですね。ただ、私は浴室を掃除するより、ゴミを出すほうが好きです。
soh-reh wah koh-oh-HAY soh-oo dehss neh. tah-dah, wah-tah-shee wah yoh-koo-shee-tsoo oh SOH-jee soo-roo yoh-ree, GOH-mee oh dah-soo hoh-oh gah soo-kee dehss. That sounds fair, although I prefer taking out the trash to cleaning the bathroom.
B
希望は考慮してよいですが、嫌な仕事も分担する必要があります。
kee-BOH wah koh-ryoh shee-teh yoh-ee dehss gah, ee-yah-nah shee-goh-toh moh bohn-tahn soo-roo nee hee-TSOO-yoh gah ah-ree-MAHS. Preferences are fine, but the unpleasant jobs still need to be shared.
A
書いておけば、あとで私たちの間に不満がたまるのを防げます。
kah-ee-teh oh-keh-bah, ah-toh deh wah-tah-shee-TAH-chee noh ah-ee-dah nee foo-mahn gah tah-mah-roo noh oh foo-seh-geh-MAHS. If we write it down, we can keep resentment from building up later.
B
簡単な表を作って、しばらく試したあとで見直しましょう。
kahn-TAHN nah hyoh oh tsoo-KOOT-teh, shee-bah-rah-koo tah-MEH-shee-tah ah-toh deh mee-nah-oh-shee-mah-SHOH. Let's make a simple chart and review it after we try it for a while.
A
その表が厳しすぎると感じたら、言い争う代わりに調整できます。
soh-noh hyoh gah kee-bee-shee-soo-gee-roo toh kahn-jee-tah-rah, ee-ee-ah-rah-SOH kah-wah-ree nee choh-seh-ee deh-kee-MAHS. If it feels too strict, we can adjust it instead of arguing.
B
目標は、完璧な仕組みではなく、家をもっときれいにすることです。
moh-koo-HYOH wah kahn-peh-kee nah shee-koo-mee deh-wah nah-koo, ee-eh oh moht-toh kee-reh-ee nee soo-roo koh-toh dehss. The goal is a cleaner home, not a perfect system.Word by Word
私たち
In this dialogue, 「私たち」 means “we” or “us,” referring to the two housemates together. It appears in 「私たちの掃除のやり方」 and 「私たちの間」. Use it when referring to yourself and at least one other person.
の
In 「私たちの掃除のやり方」, 「の」 links 「私たち」 to 「掃除のやり方」 and shows whose or what kind of routine it is. A common pattern is 「AのB」 for “B of A” or “A’s B.”
掃除
「掃除」 means cleaning in this dialogue, specifically the household cleaning being discussed. It is also used in the pattern 「掃除する」 for “to clean,” as in 「浴室を掃除する」. You can use it when discussing cleaning a room or shared area.
やり方
「やり方」 means a way of doing something, so 「掃除のやり方」 means the way the cleaning is done. It combines with a noun or verb phrase to describe a method, such as 「仕事のやり方」 in a new example.
は
In 「私たちの掃除のやり方は」, 「は」 marks the cleaning routine as the topic of the statement. It sets up what the speaker will say about that routine. Use it after the topic when describing its condition or evaluation.
うまくいっていません
「うまくいっていません」 means that something is not going well; here, the cleaning routine is not working effectively. 「うまく」 contributes the idea of going smoothly, 「いって」 is part of 「うまくいく」, and 「いません」 makes the current situation negative and polite. Use 「うまくいく」 for plans, arrangements, or situations that work well.
し
In this dialogue, 「し」 connects the statement that the routine is not working with the additional problem that the kitchen gets messy. It can link reasons or facts when giving more than one point. Use it after a clause when adding another related point.
キッチン
「キッチン」 means kitchen, the shared area mentioned in the dialogue. It is a loanword used for the room or area where cooking is done. You can use it when talking about cleaning, cooking, or storing things at home.
いつも
「いつも」 means always or habitually in 「キッチンはいつも散らかってしまいます」. It shows that the kitchen repeatedly ends up in this condition. Use it before a statement about a regular habit or repeated situation.
散らかって
In 「散らかってしまいます」, 「散らかって」 describes the kitchen becoming or being left messy. It connects the messy condition to 「しまいます」, which adds the sense of an unwanted result. Use it when describing a room, desk, or other area that is not tidy.
しまいます
In 「散らかってしまいます」, 「しまいます」 shows that the kitchen ends up messy, with an unwanted or regrettable feeling. Together with 「散らかって」, it presents the result as something that happens despite the speakers’ intentions. This pattern is useful for describing an undesirable outcome.
どちら
In 「私たちのどちらも」, 「どちら」 refers to either one of the two people. With 「も」 and the negative expression that follows, the whole phrase means neither of us. Use it when choosing between or referring to two people or things.
も
In 「どちらも」, 「も」 adds both members of the pair to the statement. Because the sentence is negative, 「どちらも…ない」 means neither one. Use 「も」 after a person or thing when saying that the same statement applies to it as well.
わざと
「わざと」 means intentionally or on purpose. In this dialogue, it says that neither housemate is making the mess deliberately. Use it before an action when clarifying that something was done intentionally.
そう
In 「そうしている」, 「そう」 means in that way or like that, referring to the behavior just being discussed. It avoids repeating the specific action. Use it to point back to a previously mentioned way of doing something.
して
In 「そうしている」, 「して」 carries the action of doing that or behaving that way. It connects with 「いる」 to describe the behavior as continuing or taking place. Use 「している」 when describing an ongoing action or behavior.
いる
In 「そうしている」, 「いる」 helps describe the action as an ongoing behavior or state. The phrase refers to continuing to act that way, not to simply doing it once. Use it after the connecting form of a verb to describe an action in progress or a continuing condition.
わけ
In 「わけではない」, 「わけ」 refers to the conclusion or circumstance being denied. The whole expression means “it is not the case that,” so 「わざとそうしているわけではない」 means they are not doing it intentionally. Use this construction to deny a particular interpretation without denying every related fact.
で
In 「わけではない」, 「で」 connects 「わけ」 with the negative form 「ない」. It is part of the expression 「わけではない」 rather than an independent location or instrument meaning. Use it in this construction when rejecting the idea that something is the case.
ない
In 「わけではない」, 「ない」 supplies the negative meaning: it is not the case. Together with the preceding words, it denies that the housemates are doing it intentionally. Use it to make the relevant statement negative.
と
In 「と思います」, 「と」 marks the thought or statement that comes before it. The phrase 「わざとそうしているわけではないと思います」 means “I think it is not the case that they are doing that intentionally.” Use 「と」 after a quoted thought, opinion, or conclusion before 「思います」.
思います
「思います」 means “I think” or “I believe” in this polite statement. It presents the preceding idea as the speaker’s opinion rather than as an absolute fact. Use it after 「と」 to express a view or judgment politely.
もっと
「もっと」 means more or to a greater degree. In 「もっとはっきりした基準」, it asks for a standard that is clearer than the current one. Use it before an adjective or description when requesting or comparing a greater degree.
はっきりした
In 「はっきりした基準」, 「はっきりした」 means clear or definite. It describes a standard whose meaning or requirements are easy to understand. Use it before a noun when describing something clearly defined.
基準
「基準」 means a standard or criterion for judging what is acceptable. Here it refers to the agreed level of cleanliness for dishes and the stove. Use it with 「基準を決める」 in a new example when setting a standard.
が
In 「基準が必要」, 「が」 marks 「基準」 as what is needed. The phrase focuses on the existence or necessity of that standard. Use it after the thing that is needed in 「Aが必要」.
必要
「必要」 means necessary or needed. In 「基準が必要かもしれません」, the speaker says that a clearer standard may be needed. Use it in 「Aが必要」 when saying that a thing or action is required.
かもしれません
「かもしれません」 means may or might and makes the statement uncertain but possible. 「かも」 contributes the possibility, while 「しれません」 completes the polite expression. Use it after a statement when offering a cautious suggestion or possibility.
特に
「特に」 means especially or particularly. Here it highlights dishes and the stove as areas that need a clearer standard. Use it before the item or point that deserves special attention.
食器
「食器」 means dishes or tableware. In this dialogue, it refers to the dishes included in the cleaning standard. Use it when discussing washing, putting away, or organizing tableware.
コンロ
「コンロ」 means stove or cooktop. Here it is one of the kitchen areas covered by the proposed cleaning standard. Use it when talking about cooking or cleaning the stove.
について
「について」 means about or regarding, and 「食器とコンロについて」 identifies the subject under discussion. 「に」 combines with 「ついて」 to form this fixed expression. Use 「Nについて」 when explaining or discussing a topic.
です
At the end of 「特に食器とコンロについてです」, 「です」 gives a polite ending to the clarification. It presents the preceding phrase as the topic being specified. Use it after a noun or noun phrase in a polite statement.
毎週
「毎週」 means every week. It sets the frequency for changing the assigned tasks in the proposed routine. Use it before an action when something happens once each week.
担当
「担当」 means responsibility or assigned duty. In 「担当を交代して」, it refers to the cleaning duties assigned to each housemate. Use it when talking about who is responsible for a task or area.
を
In 「担当を交代して」, 「を」 marks 「担当」 as the thing being changed or rotated. It connects the assigned duties to the action 「交代して」. Use it after the object of an action.
交代して
In 「担当を交代してもよい」, 「交代して」 means taking turns or rotating the assigned duties. It presents the change of responsibility as an action that can be accepted. Use it with a task or role when people take turns doing it.
よい
In 「交代してもよい」, 「よい」 means acceptable or allowed. With 「も」, the construction says that rotating the duties is a possible or acceptable arrangement. Use 「してもよい」 when giving or discussing permission.
すれば
In 「そうすれば」, 「すれば」 means if that is done or if things are arranged that way. It introduces the result that the same person will not always have to mop. Use it in a conditional pattern when describing what happens if an action is taken.
同じ
「同じ」 means same. In 「同じ人」, it shows that one unchanged person would otherwise keep doing the task. Use it before a noun when identifying something as the same one.
人
「人」 means person. In 「同じ人が」, it refers to the housemate who might repeatedly receive the same task. Use it after a description such as 「同じ」 when referring to a person.
モップ
「モップ」 means a mop, the cleaning tool mentioned in the dialogue. It appears in 「モップをかける」, meaning to mop the floor. Use it when discussing floor-cleaning tasks.
かけなくてすみます
「かけなくてすみます」 means can avoid having to mop or do not have to mop in this dialogue. 「かけなくて」 gives the action in a negative form, and 「すみます」 expresses that this is enough or that the burden can be avoided. Use this pattern for saying that someone can avoid an unwanted task.
それ
「それ」 means that, referring here to the proposed arrangement of rotating tasks. It points back to an idea already mentioned rather than to a physical object. Use it when referring to a nearby or previously stated idea.
公平
「公平」 means fair or balanced. In 「それは公平そうですね」, the speaker says that the proposed arrangement appears fair. Use it when evaluating whether responsibilities or treatment are balanced.
ただ
At the beginning of 「ただ、私は」, 「ただ」 means however or though. It introduces the speaker’s preference as a qualification to the agreement that the arrangement sounds fair. Use it to add a limitation or contrasting point.
私
「私」 means I or me. In 「私は」, it marks the speaker as the person whose preference is being stated. Use it when identifying yourself as the topic of a polite statement.
浴室
「浴室」 means bathroom or bathing room. In this dialogue, it is the room the speaker compares with taking out the trash. Use it when discussing cleaning or using the bathroom.
する
In 「浴室を掃除する」, 「する」 completes the verb 「掃除する」, meaning to clean. It turns 「掃除」 into the action of cleaning the bathroom. Use 「する」 with suitable nouns to describe carrying out an activity.
より
In 「掃除するより」, 「より」 marks the option used for comparison: cleaning the bathroom. The phrase compares that option with taking out the trash in 「ゴミを出すほうが好き」. Use 「AよりB」 when comparing A with B.
ゴミ
「ゴミ」 means trash or garbage. In 「ゴミを出す」, it refers to the garbage that needs to be taken outside. Use it when discussing throwing away or putting out household waste.
出す
In 「ゴミを出す」, 「出す」 means to take out or put out the trash. Its meaning here comes from the object 「ゴミ」 and the household task being discussed. Use 「ゴミを出す」 when taking garbage outside for collection.
ほう
In 「ゴミを出すほうが好き」, 「ほう」 identifies one side or option in a comparison. It helps present taking out the trash as the option the speaker prefers over cleaning the bathroom. Use 「Aほうが好き」 to say that you prefer A.
好き
「好き」 means like or prefer. In 「ゴミを出すほうが好き」, the speaker prefers taking out the trash to cleaning the bathroom. Use it after the preferred thing or option in a statement about personal preference.
希望
「希望」 means a preference or wish. Here it refers to each person’s preferred type of cleaning task. Use it when stating or considering what someone hopes for or would prefer.
考慮して
In 「希望は考慮してよい」, 「考慮して」 means taking preferences into consideration. It presents the preferences as something that may be considered when assigning work. Use 「Aを考慮する」 when including A in a decision.
嫌な
「嫌な」 means unpleasant or disliked. In 「嫌な仕事」, it describes cleaning jobs that people do not want to do. Use it before a noun when describing something that feels unpleasant or unwanted.
仕事
「仕事」 means work or job. In 「嫌な仕事」, it refers to the cleaning duties that are unpleasant. Use it for a task or responsibility, including household work.
分担
「分担」 means sharing or dividing responsibilities. In the dialogue, 「分担する必要があります」 says that unpleasant jobs still need to be shared between the housemates. Use it when people divide work or responsibility among themselves.
あります
In 「必要があります」, 「あります」 helps express that a need exists. The whole phrase means that something needs to be done, rather than simply saying that an object exists. Use 「必要があります」 for a polite statement about a requirement.
書いて
In 「書いておけば」, 「書いて」 means writing the cleaning arrangement down. It connects the writing action to 「おけば」, which adds the idea of doing it in advance. Use it when linking writing something to a later result.
おけば
In 「書いておけば」, 「おけば」 means if something is done and left prepared in advance. Together with 「書いて」, it means that writing the arrangement down beforehand can prevent resentment later. Use 「Vておけば」 when preparing something now for a later situation.
あと
In 「あとで」, 「あと」 means afterward or later. It places the buildup of resentment after the cleaning arrangement has been made. Use it with 「で」 to refer to a later time or event.
間
In 「私たちの間に」, 「間」 means between or among the people involved. It identifies the relationship or shared space in which resentment could build up. Use 「AとBの間」 when describing something between two people or things.
に
In 「私たちの間に不満がたまる」, 「に」 marks the place or relationship where dissatisfaction builds up. It connects 「私たちの間」 with the resulting state. Use it after a place or setting when describing where something exists or accumulates.
不満
「不満」 means dissatisfaction or resentment. Here it refers to negative feelings that could develop between the housemates if duties seem unfair. Use it when describing dissatisfaction with a situation or arrangement.
たまる
In 「不満がたまる」, 「たまる」 means to build up or accumulate. It describes dissatisfaction gradually increasing rather than appearing all at once. Use it with feelings, stress, or other things that can accumulate over time.
防げます
「防げます」 means can prevent. In 「不満がたまるのを防げます」, it says that writing the arrangement down can stop resentment from building up. Use it with 「Aを防ぐ」 when describing how to prevent an unwanted result.
簡単な
「簡単な」 means simple or uncomplicated. In 「簡単な表」, it describes a chart that does not need to be elaborate. Use it before a noun when describing something easy to understand or use.
表
「表」 means a chart or table. Here it refers to the written schedule showing who does each cleaning task. Use it for an organized display of information, assignments, or schedules.
作って
In 「表を作って」, 「作って」 means make or create and links the chart-making action to the next action, reviewing it. It presents making the chart as the first step in the proposal. Use it when connecting one completed action to another.
しばらく
「しばらく」 means for a while. In 「しばらく試したあと」, it describes using the chart for some time before reviewing it. Use it when the exact length of a period is not specified.
試した
In 「試したあと」, 「試した」 means tried or tested. It refers to using the cleaning chart for a while before deciding whether it should be reviewed. Use it when referring to testing a plan, method, or arrangement.
見直しましょう
「見直しましょう」 means let’s review or reconsider. In this dialogue, it proposes checking the chart after trying it and changing it if necessary. Use this polite suggestion form when inviting someone to review a plan or document together.
その
「その」 means that or the mentioned, and in 「その表」 it refers to the chart just proposed. It comes directly before the noun it identifies. Use it when pointing back to something already mentioned.
厳しすぎる
「厳しすぎる」 means too strict. Here it describes a chart whose requirements may be excessively demanding. Use it when evaluating rules, schedules, or standards that go beyond what feels reasonable.
感じたら
In 「厳しすぎると感じたら」, 「感じたら」 means if someone feels or finds that something is a certain way. It introduces the condition under which the chart can be adjusted. Use it after an impression when describing what to do if that impression occurs.
言い争う
「言い争う」 means argue or quarrel. In this dialogue, it refers to having a verbal conflict about the cleaning routine. Use it when describing a heated disagreement between people.
代わり
In 「言い争う代わりに」, 「代わり」 means instead or in place of. The whole phrase presents adjusting the chart as the alternative to arguing. Use 「Aの代わりにB」 when choosing B instead of A.
調整
「調整」 means adjustment or modification. In 「調整できます」, it refers to changing the chart so that it works better for both housemates. Use it when making practical changes to a plan, schedule, or arrangement.
できます
In 「調整できます」, 「できます」 means can or be able to. Together with 「調整」, it says that the housemates are able to adjust the chart. Use 「Nができます」 or a suitable verb form with 「できます」 to describe an available action or ability.
目標
「目標」 means goal or objective. In 「目標は」, it introduces the result the housemates want to achieve: a cleaner home. Use it when stating the purpose or desired outcome of a plan.
完璧な
「完璧な」 means perfect or flawless. In 「完璧な仕組み」, it describes a system with no problems or imperfections. Use it before a noun when setting perfect results apart from a more practical goal.
仕組み
「仕組み」 means a system or arrangement. Here it refers to the cleaning chart and the rules for sharing tasks. Use it when discussing how a process or arrangement is organized.
なく
In 「完璧な仕組みではなく」, 「なく」 means not being or rather than being. It contrasts the perfect system with the cleaner home that is actually the goal. Use 「AではなくB」 to say “not A but B.”
家
「家」 means home or house. In 「家をもっときれいにすること」, it is the place that the speakers want to make cleaner. Use it when talking about one’s home or house as a place.
きれい
「きれい」 means clean or neat in 「家をもっときれいにする」. 「もっと」 makes the home cleaner than it is now. Use it with 「にする」 when describing making something clean or neat.
こと
In 「家をもっときれいにすること」, 「こと」 turns the action of making the home cleaner into a noun-like goal. The phrase means “making the home cleaner” as an objective. Use 「verb phrase＋こと」 when referring to an action as a thing, goal, or activity.
Grammar Points
〜てしまう
部屋が散らかってしまいます。
heh-yah gah chee-rah-KAHT-teh shee-MAH-ee-mahs.The room ends up becoming messy.
「〜てしまう」は、意図せず起きた結果や、残念な気持ちを表します。
〜ておけば
表に書いておけば、不満がたまりません。
hyoh nee kah-ee-teh oh-keh-bah, foo-mahn gah tah-mah-ree-mah-SEN.If we write it down in the chart beforehand, dissatisfaction will not build up.
「〜ておけば」は、前もって何かをしておくと、その後に役立つという条件を表します。
Japanese Vocabulary
うまくいく
verb
oo-MAH-koo ee-KOO
to work out; to go well
うまくいっていません
コンロ
noun
KOHN-roh
stove; cooktop
どちら
pron
doh-chee-rah
either one of two; which one
はっきりした
adj
hahk-kee-ree shee-tah
clear; definite
やり方
noun
yah-ree-KAH-tah
way of doing something; method
わざと
adv
wah-zah-toh
on purpose; intentionally
基準
noun
kee-jun
standard; criterion
散らかる
verb
chee-rah-KAH-roo
to become messy
散らかってしまいます
食器
noun
SHOHK-kee
dishes; tableware
掃除
noun
SOH-jee
cleaning
担当
noun
tahn-toh
person in charge; responsibility
特に
adv
toh-koo-nee
especially
Quiz
Spelling
Tap the letters to spell the word.
clear; definite
Show Answer
はっきりしたto become messy
Show Answer
散らかってしまいますto work out; to go well
Show Answer
うまくいっていませんcleaning