About This Lesson
Use Thoughtful guest room preparation to practice Japanese conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.
Dialogue
A
いとこが短期間、私たちの家に泊まりに来ます。
ee-toh-koh gah TAHN-kee-kahn, wah-tah-shee-tah-chee noh ee-eh nee toh-mah-ree nee kee-MAHS. My cousin is coming to stay with us for a short visit.
B
彼女が来る前に、空いている部屋をもっと快適にしたほうがいいです。
kah-noh-joh gah koo-roo mah-eh nee, ah-ee-teh-ee-roo heh-yah oh MOHT-toh kye-teh-kee nee shee-tah hoh gah ee DESS. We should make the spare room more comfortable before she arrives.
A
彼女がノートパソコンを置けるように、私が机を片づけます。
kah-noh-joh gah nohh-toh pah-soh-kohn oh oh-keh-roo yoh nee, wah-tah-shee gah tsoo-kweh oh kah-tah-zoo-keh-MAHS. Let me clear the desk so she has space for her laptop.
B
インターネットの説明は、彼女が簡単に見つけられる場所に置いておいてください。
een-tah-NEHT-toh noh seh-tsoo-MAY wah, kah-noh-joh gah KAHN-tahn nee mee-tsoo-keh-rah-reh-roo bah-shoh nee oh-ee-teh oh-ee-teh koo-dah-SAI. Leave the internet instructions where she can find them easily.
A
部屋に予備のタオルを置きますか。それとも、彼女に戸棚を見せますか。
heh-yah nee yoh-bee noh tah-oh-roo oh oh-kee-MAHS kah. Soh-reh-toh-moh, kah-noh-joh nee toh-dah-nah oh mee-seh-MAHS kah. Should we put extra towels in the room, or show her the cupboard?
B
部屋に置いておきましょう。そのほうが、泊まる人のプライバシーを守れます。
heh-yah nee oh-ee-teh oh-kee-mah-SHOH. Soh-noh hoh gah, toh-mah-roo hee-toh noh poo-rai-bah-SHEE oh mah-moh-reh-MAHS. Put them in the room. It gives guests more privacy.
A
細かいことをすべて説明する人ではなく、気楽なホストになりたいです。
koh-mah-kai koh-toh oh soo-beh-teh seh-tsoo-MAY soo-roo hee-toh deh-wah nah-koo, kee-rah-koo nah hoh-soo-toh nee nah-rah-tai DESS. I want to be a relaxed host, not someone who explains every detail.
B
特に鍵や照明、朝食については、短いメモで十分です。
toh-koo-nee KAH-gee yah shoh-MAY, choh-shoh-koo nee tsoo-ee-teh wah, mee-jee-kai MEH-moh deh JOO-boon DESS. A short note is enough, especially for keys, lights, and breakfast.
A
前もって準備しておけば、後で急がずに済みます。
mah-eh-moht-teh JOON-bee shee-teh oh-keh-bah, ah-toh deh ee-soh-gah-zoo nee soo-mee-MAHS. Preparing it ahead of time would keep us from rushing later.
B
そうすれば、滞在を堅苦しくしすぎずに、彼女を歓迎していると感じてもらえます。
soh-soo-reh-bah, tie-zai oh kah-tah-koo-roo-shee-koo shee-soo-gee-zoo nee, kah-noh-joh oh kahn-GAY shee-teh-ee-roo toh kahn-jee-teh moh-rah-eh-MAHS. That will make her feel welcome without making the visit too formal.Word by Word
いとこ
「いとこ」means a cousin, referring here to the family member who will stay with the speakers. Use it before が or は when making the cousin the topic or subject, as in 「いとこが来ます」. This is useful when talking about family plans.
が
In 「いとこが」, 「が」marks 「いとこ」as the subject of coming. It connects the person being described with the action in 「来ます」. Use it when introducing who performs an action or who is in a certain state.
短期間
「短期間」means a short period, and here it describes the limited length of the visit. It is used with a time-related phrase such as 「短期間、泊まる」. Use it when discussing a temporary stay, project, or arrangement.
私たち
「私たち」means we or us and refers to the people whose home the cousin will visit. In 「私たちの家」, it comes before の to identify whose home it is. Use it when referring to yourself together with other people.
の
In 「私たちの家」, 「の」 links 「私たち」 to 「家」 and shows that the house belongs to or is associated with the speakers. The pattern is 「AのB」, meaning B connected with A. Use it to connect a person, group, or category to a following noun.
家
「家」means the speakers’ home or house in this dialogue. In 「家に」, it is the place toward which the cousin comes. Use it with に when describing going or coming to someone’s home.
に
In 「家に泊まりに来ます」, the first 「に」 marks 「家」 as the destination or place of staying, while the second one marks the purpose of coming. The pattern 「場所に泊まりに来る」 means to come to stay overnight at a place. Use に after a destination or before a purpose expressed with に来る.
泊まり
「泊まり」 contributes the idea of staying overnight in 「泊まりに来ます」. It is the form used before に to express the purpose of coming: 「泊まりに来る」. Use this pattern when someone comes to stay at a home, hotel, or other place.
来ます
「来ます」means comes or will come, describing the cousin’s planned arrival. The polite form 「来ます」 is used at the end of this sentence. Use it when speaking politely about someone coming toward the speaker or a relevant place.
彼女
「彼女」means she or her and refers to the cousin in the following lines. In 「彼女が来る前に」, it is the person who will come. Use it when the female person is already clear from the conversation.
来る
「来る」means come or arrive in 「彼女が来る前に」. It appears before 前に to identify the event that happens before her arrival. Use 「Aが来る前に」 for “before A comes.”
前
In 「来る前に」, 「前」means before and places the room preparation earlier than the cousin’s arrival. The pattern is 「verb plain form＋前に」. Use it to say that one action should happen before another.
空いて
「空いて」means being vacant or available in 「空いている部屋」, describing a room that is not currently occupied. It is the form used before いる to describe that continuing state. Use it with places or seats that are available.
いる
In 「空いている」, 「いる」shows that the state of being vacant continues. Together, the phrase means that the room is currently available, rather than describing a one-time action. Use 「verbている」 to describe an ongoing state when that meaning is certain from context.
部屋
「部屋」means room, specifically the spare room being prepared for the visitor. In 「部屋を」, it is the object that will be made more comfortable. Use it with を when describing an action done to a room.
を
In 「部屋をもっと快適にした」, 「を」marks 「部屋」 as the object whose condition is changed. It links the room to the action expressed by した. Use を after the thing directly affected by an action.
もっと
「もっと」means more and indicates that the spare room should become more comfortable than it is now. It commonly comes before an adjective or adverb, as in 「もっと快適にする」. Use it when asking for or describing an increased degree.
快適に
「快適に」means comfortably or into a comfortable condition, describing the desired condition of the room. With 「する」, the pattern 「Aを快適にする」 means to make A comfortable. Use it when describing improvements to a room, environment, or experience.
した
In 「部屋をもっと快適にしたほうがいい」, 「した」means made and expresses changing the room into a more comfortable condition. It is part of the recommendation pattern 「AをBにしたほうがいい」. Use this pattern when advising someone to change something into a particular state.
ほう
In 「したほうがいい」, 「ほう」forms part of an expression meaning that doing the preceding action is advisable. The complete pattern is 「動詞た形＋ほうがいい」, so the preceding action should not be reduced to 「ほう」 alone. Use it when giving practical advice.
いい
In 「したほうがいい」, 「いい」completes the expression that recommends the preceding action. The whole phrase means that it would be better to do it, not simply that something is good. Use 「ほうがいい」 when making a suggestion or recommendation.
です
「です」is the polite sentence ending in 「したほうがいいです」. It makes the advice sound polite and complete. Use it at the end of a polite statement or recommendation.
ノートパソコン
「ノートパソコン」means a laptop computer, the item the cousin needs space for in the room. In 「ノートパソコンを置ける」, it is the object that can be placed. Use it when talking about working or studying with a laptop.
置ける
「置ける」means can place or can put, referring to having enough space for the laptop. In 「ノートパソコンを置けるように」, it describes the condition the speaker wants to make possible. Use 「物を置ける」 when referring to space where an item can be placed.
ように
The whole expression 「置けるように」 means so that the laptop can be placed. 「よう」 expresses the intended state or result, and に connects that state to the action taken to achieve it. Use 「verb＋ように」 to explain a purpose involving a desired ability or condition.
私
「私」means I or me and identifies the speaker who offers to clear the desk. In 「私が机を片づけます」, it is marked as the subject by が. Use it when referring to yourself in a neutral or polite way.
机
「机」means desk, the surface that needs to be cleared for the laptop. In 「机を片づけます」, it is the object being tidied. Use it when talking about a desk used for work, study, or placing items.
片づけます
「片づけます」means tidy up or clear away, referring here to removing things from the desk. It is a polite form used for an offer to do the task. Use it with an object such as 「机を片づけます」 or 「部屋を片づけます」.
インターネット
「インターネット」means the internet and identifies the subject of the instructions left for the guest. In 「インターネットの説明」, it modifies the following noun through の. Use it when referring to internet access or related information.
説明
「説明」means an explanation or instructions, and here it refers to information about using the internet. In 「インターネットの説明」, it is a noun linked to the topic by の. Use it for guidance that explains how something works or should be used.
は
In 「説明は」, 「は」marks the internet instructions as the topic of the request. It sets up what should be left in an easy-to-find place. Use は when presenting the main topic of a statement or instruction.
簡単に
「簡単に」means easily in 「簡単に見つけられる」, describing how the guest should be able to find the instructions. It comes before the verb phrase it modifies. Use it when describing an action that can be done without difficulty.
見つけられる
「見つけられる」means can find, referring to the guest’s ability to locate the instructions. In 「場所に置いておく」, the instructions are left in a place where they can be found. Use 「物を見つけられる」 when describing a location that makes an item easy to locate.
場所
「場所」means place or location, specifically a location where the guest can easily find the instructions. In 「場所に置いておいてください」, it is the destination for placing them. Use it when referring to a physical location without naming a more specific object.
置いて
「置いて」means put or place and is the first part of 「置いておいてください」. It describes putting the instructions in the selected location. Use the pattern 「物を場所に置く」 when saying where to put something.
おいて
In 「置いておいてください」, 「おいて」adds the idea of leaving the instructions there after placing them. Together with 「置いて」 and 「ください」, the expression politely asks someone to put something somewhere and leave it there. Use this pattern when an item should remain ready for later use.
ください
「ください」makes 「置いておいてください」 a polite request meaning please leave it there. It follows the て-form of the verb expression. Use 「てください」 when asking someone politely to do something.
予備
「予備」means extra or spare, referring to towels kept available beyond the ones already in use. In 「予備のタオル」, it modifies タオル through の. Use it for additional supplies prepared in case they are needed.
タオル
「タオル」means towel, specifically the extra towels prepared for the guest. In 「タオルを置きます」, it is the item being placed. Use it when talking about towels for washing, drying, or guests.
置きます
「置きます」means put or place and describes placing the extra towels in the room. Its polite form fits the question about what the hosts should do. Use it with a location marked by に, as in 「部屋に置きます」.
か
At the end of 「置きますか」, 「か」marks the sentence as a polite question. Here it asks whether the speakers should put the towels in the room. Use it at the end of a polite yes-or-no question.
それとも
「それとも」means or and introduces the alternative of showing the cupboard. It connects two choices in the question about how to provide the towels. Use it between alternatives when asking someone to choose.
戸棚
「戸棚」means cupboard, the place the guest could be shown instead of receiving towels directly in the room. In 「戸棚を見せます」, it is the thing being shown. Use it when referring to a cupboard or storage cabinet.
見せます
「見せます」means show and describes showing the cupboard to the guest. In 「彼女に戸棚を見せます」, に marks the person who is shown the cupboard. Use the pattern 「人に物を見せる」 when showing something to someone.
おきましょう
In 「置いておきましょう」, 「おきましょう」means let’s leave or keep something in place. It follows 「置いて」 and suggests making the towels available in the room ahead of time. Use 「ておきましょう」 when proposing that something be done and left ready.
その
「その」means that and refers to the choice just mentioned, namely putting the towels in the room. In 「そのほうが」, it points to that option as the one with the better result. Use it before a noun or noun-like choice that is clear from context.
泊まる
「泊まる」means stay overnight, describing the people who use the guest room. In 「泊まる人」, it comes before 人 to identify people who stay. Use it before a noun when describing someone’s overnight-stay activity.
人
In 「泊まる人」, 「人」means person or people and refers generally to those staying overnight. The phrase identifies the guests without naming one individual. Use it after a verb or adjective to describe a type of person.
プライバシー
「プライバシー」means privacy, referring to the guest’s ability to manage personal needs without asking the hosts. In 「プライバシーを守れます」, it is what can be protected. Use it when discussing personal space, information, or independence.
守れます
「守れます」means can protect or preserve, and here it describes protecting the guests’ privacy. It follows the object 「プライバシーを」. Use 「Aを守れる」 when saying that someone can protect a right, condition, or person.
細かい
「細かい」means detailed or minor in 「細かいこと」, referring to all the small details a host might explain. It comes before こと to describe the matters being discussed. Use it when distinguishing small practical details from the main information.
こと
In 「細かいこと」, 「こと」means matters or things rather than a physical object. The phrase refers to detailed points that could be explained to the guest. Use it after an adjective or clause when referring generally to matters or situations.
すべて
「すべて」means everything or all, referring to every detail the host might explain. In 「すべて説明する」, it comes before the verb and covers the whole set of details. Use it when referring to all items in a group without leaving exceptions.
する
In 「すべて説明する人」, 「する」means do or carry out and completes the expression 「説明する」, meaning explain. It comes before 人 to describe someone who explains every detail. Use 「説明する」 when describing the act of giving information or instructions.
ではなく
The whole expression 「説明する人ではなく」 means rather than being a person who explains everything. 「で」links the description to the contrast, 「は」highlights it as the rejected option, and 「なく」marks that it is not the preferred one. Use 「AではなくB」 to contrast B with A.
気楽
「気楽」means relaxed or easygoing, describing the kind of host the speaker wants to be. In 「気楽なホスト」, it comes before な and then modifies ホスト. Use it when describing an atmosphere or person that does not feel tense or burdensome.
な
In 「気楽なホスト」, 「な」links the noun-like adjective 「気楽」 to the noun 「ホスト」. It allows 「気楽」 to directly describe the host. Use な after this type of adjective before a following noun.
ホスト
「ホスト」means host, referring to the person welcoming and preparing for the visitor. In 「気楽なホスト」, it is described as relaxed or easygoing. Use it for someone receiving guests or organizing their stay.
なりたい
「なりたい」means want to become or want to be, expressing the speaker’s desired identity as a relaxed host. It follows 「気楽なホストに」, where に marks the state or role to become. Use 「Nになりたい」 when expressing a wish to become or be something.
特に
「特に」means especially and highlights the information about keys, lights, and breakfast as particularly important. It comes before the items being emphasized. Use it when selecting one or more points for special attention.
鍵
「鍵」means key and is one of the practical topics that should be included in the note. In 「鍵や照明」, it is one item in a partial list. Use it when talking about keys for a room, house, or other lock.
や
In 「鍵や照明、朝食」, 「や」links examples in a non-exhaustive list. It shows that keys and lights are examples among the information covered, with breakfast also included. Use 「AやB」 when listing representative items rather than declaring a complete list.
照明
「照明」means lighting or lights, referring to information the guest may need about the room’s lights. It is listed with 鍵 and 朝食 in the note. Use it when discussing room lighting or how to operate lights.
朝食
「朝食」means breakfast and is another topic covered by the short note. In 「朝食について」, it is the subject of the information. Use it when talking about the morning meal in a relatively neutral or polite way.
について
The whole expression 「朝食について」 means about or regarding breakfast. 「に」combines with 「ついて」 to mark the topic being discussed, so the phrase introduces information about that topic. Use 「Nについて」 before a statement, note, or explanation concerning N.
短い
「短い」means short and describes the note as brief rather than lengthy. It comes directly before メモ in 「短いメモ」. Use it to describe the length of a note, message, visit, or other duration-related item.
メモ
「メモ」means note, referring to the brief written information left for the guest. In 「短いメモ」, it is modified by 短い. Use it for a short written reminder or set of practical instructions.
で
In 「短いメモで十分です」, 「で」indicates the means or form by which the information is provided. The sentence says that using a short note is sufficient. Use 「Nで」 when describing a method, tool, or form used to accomplish something.
十分
「十分」means enough or sufficient, stating that a short note provides all the information needed. In 「メモで十分です」, it evaluates the note as adequate for the purpose. Use it when saying that an amount, method, or preparation is sufficient.
前もって
「前もって」means ahead of time or in advance, referring to preparing before the visit becomes urgent. It commonly comes before the action that should be completed early. Use it when arranging something before a deadline or event.
準備
「準備」means preparation and in 「準備しておけば」 refers to preparing the room and related information. It combines with する to form the action of preparing. Use 「準備する」 for getting a place, item, or plan ready.
して
In 「準備しておけば」, 「して」is the て-form of する and connects preparation to the following expression. It forms 「準備しておく」, meaning to prepare something in advance. Use the て-form to connect an action with another action or auxiliary expression.
おけば
In 「準備しておけば」, 「おけば」 expresses that leaving the preparation completed in advance will lead to the later result. Together, 「準備しておけば」 means if we prepare it ahead of time. Use 「ておけば」 when an earlier preparation makes a later situation easier.
後
In 「後で」, 「後」means later or afterward and places the rushing after the preparation. The pattern 「後で」 refers to a later time. Use it when describing something that will happen after the current action or event.
急がずに
「急がずに」means without rushing, describing the later situation the speakers can avoid. It connects to 「済みます」 in 「急がずに済みます」. Use it when saying that something can happen without doing another action.
済みます
In 「急がずに済みます」, 「済みます」means can manage without or will get by without, so the speakers will not need to rush. The pattern 「動詞ずに済む」 expresses avoiding the need to do the action. Use it when preparation or another condition makes an unwanted action unnecessary.
そう
「そう」means that way or so and refers to preparing the room and information in advance. In 「そうすれば」, it points back to the suggested action as the condition for the result. Use it to refer to a previously mentioned manner, plan, or situation.
すれば
In 「そうすれば」, 「すれば」means if one does that or then, connecting the preparation to its expected result. Together, 「そうすれば」 means if we do that, then the following result will happen. Use it to introduce a consequence of an understood action.
滞在
「滞在」means a stay or visit, referring to the cousin’s time in the home. In 「滞在を堅苦しくしすぎずに」, it is the experience whose atmosphere should not become too formal. Use it when discussing someone’s stay in a place.
堅苦しく
「堅苦しく」means formally or stiffly in a way that feels overly strict or ceremonious. It describes the atmosphere of the visit in 「滞在を堅苦しくしすぎずに」. Use it when saying that an event or interaction feels more formal than necessary.
しすぎずに
In 「堅苦しくしすぎずに」, 「しすぎずに」means without making something too much or excessively so. Together with 堅苦しく, it means without making the visit overly formal. Use 「動詞ます形の語幹＋すぎずに」 when avoiding an excessive degree while doing something else.
歓迎
「歓迎」means welcome and refers to the feeling the guest should receive from the preparation. In 「歓迎している」, it is combined with する to express showing or giving a welcome. Use it when expressing that someone is warmly received.
している
In 「歓迎している」, 「している」shows an ongoing state or attitude of welcoming the guest. The phrase describes what the hosts’ preparation communicates, rather than one isolated action. Use 「している」 after an action to describe a continuing activity or state when the context supports it.
と
In 「歓迎していると感じて」, 「と」marks 「歓迎している」 as the content of the feeling. It connects the idea that the hosts are welcoming her with 感じる. Use と after a quoted thought, statement, or perceived content.
感じて
「感じて」means feel and connects the guest’s perception to 「もらえます」 in 「感じてもらえます」. Here it describes the guest feeling that she is welcome. Use 「Nと感じる」 when describing what someone feels or perceives.
もらえます
In 「感じてもらえます」, 「もらえます」means can have someone feel or receive the result of an action. The whole expression says that the guest can be made to feel welcome through the preparation. Use 「動詞て＋もらう」 when describing someone receiving the benefit or result of an action, and the polite potential form 「もらえます」 when presenting that result as possible.
Grammar Points
～ておいてください
タオルを戸棚に置いておいてください。
tah-oh-roo oh toh-dah-nah nee oh-ee-teh oh-ee-teh koo-dah-SAI.Please leave the towels in the cupboard.
ておく means doing something in advance or leaving it in a prepared state; ください makes it a polite request.
～ておけば
前もって準備しておけば、急がずにすみます。
mah-eh-moht-teh JOON-bee shee-teh oh-keh-bah, ee-soh-gah-zoo nee soo-mee-MAHS.If you prepare in advance, you will not have to hurry.
ておけば expresses a condition based on completing an action beforehand: “if you do and leave it ready.”
Japanese Vocabulary
いとこ
noun
ee-toh-koh
cousin
ノートパソコン
noun
nohh-toh pah-soh-kohn
laptop
快適
adj
kye-teh-kee
comfortable
簡単
adj
KAHN-tahn
easy
簡単に
机
noun
tsoo-kweh
desk
空いている
verb
eye-teh-ee-roo
vacant; available
説明
noun
seh-tsoo-MAY
explanation; instructions
短期間
noun
TAHN-kee-kahn
short period
泊まる
verb
toh-mah-roo
to stay overnight
片づける
verb
kah-tah-zoo-keh-roo
to tidy up; to clear away
片づけます
予備
noun
yoh-bee
extra; spare
来る
verb
koo-roo
to come
来ます
Quiz
Spelling
Tap the letters to spell the word.
to tidy up; to clear away
Show Answer
片づけますlaptop
Show Answer
ノートパソコンvacant; available
Show Answer
空いているto come