Explaining Damage to a Borrowed Bag | Learn Japanese in English

Japanese lesson set in a contemporary Tokyo everyday setting: After borrowing a bag, one adult explains zipper damage and discusses repair or replacement with the owner..

EN → JA / Level: B1

About This Lesson

Use Explaining Damage to a Borrowed Bag to practice Japanese conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

A

借りたバッグについて、話したいことがあります。

kah-ree-tah BAG-goo nee tswee-teh, hah-nah-SHEE-tie koh-toh gah ah-ree-MAHSS. I need to tell you something about the bag I borrowed.
B

旅行中に何かありましたか。

ryoh-KOH-choo nee NAHN-kah ah-ree-ma-SHTAH kah? Did something happen to it during your trip?
A

ジッパーが引っかかって、一部が外れました。

JIP-pah gah hee-KAH-kah-teh, ee-chee-boo gah hah-zoo-reh-ma-SHTAH. The zipper got stuck, and part of it came loose.
B

ジッパーはもともと壊れていましたか。

JIP-pah wah moh-toh-MOH-toh kow-REH-teh ee-ma-SHTAH kah? Was the zipper already damaged?
B

それとも、使っている間に壊れましたか。

soh-reh-toh-MOH, tsoo-KAHT-teh ee-roo ah-ee-dah nee kow-reh-ma-SHTAH kah? Or did it break while you were using it?
A

前は問題なさそうだったので、責任を取りたいです。

mah-EH wah mohn-DIE nah-sah-SOH daht-tah noh-deh, seh-kee-NIN oh toh-ree-TIE dess. It seemed fine before, so I want to take responsibility.
B

正直に話してくれてありがとうございます。まだ修理できるかもしれません。

shoh-JEE-kee nee hah-nah-SHEE-teh koo-reh-teh ah-ree-gah-TOH goh-ZAH-ee-ma-SHTAH. mah-DAH SHOO-ree DEE-keh-roo kah-moh-shee-reh-ma-SEN. I appreciate your honesty. It may still be repairable.
A

修理を手配できますし、必要ならバッグを交換します。

SHOO-ree oh teh-HIGH deh-kee-MAHS-shee, hee-tsu-YOH nah-rah BAG-goo oh koh-KAHN-shee-MAHS. I can arrange the repair or replace the bag if needed.
B

決める前に、修理店に持っていきましょう。

kee-MEH-roo mah-EH nee, SHOO-ree-ten nee mot-teh ee-kee-ma-SHOH. Let's take it to a repair shop before deciding.
A

起きたときにすぐ伝えなくて、すみません。

oh-KEE-tah toh-KEE nee SOO-goo tsoo-tah-EH-nah-koo-teh, soo-mee-ma-SEN. I'm sorry I didn't tell you as soon as it happened.
B

今話してくれたので助かります。店の人が何と言うか見てみましょう。

ee-MAH hah-nah-SHEE-teh koo-reh-tah noh-deh tah-soo-kah-ree-MAHS. mee-seh noh hee-toh gah NAHN toh ee-oo kah mee-teh mee-ma-SHOH. You brought it up now, and that helps. We'll see what they say.

Word by Word

借りた “借りた” means “borrowed” here and describes the bag: “借りたバッグ”. It is used before a noun to identify something that was borrowed, such as the bag in this dialogue. You could use this form when explaining which borrowed item you mean.
バッグ “バッグ” means “bag” and is the borrowed item whose zipper was damaged. It is a common loanword for a bag and can be used with descriptions such as “借りたバッグ”. You would use it when talking about a bag in everyday situations.
について “について” means “about” or “concerning”; “借りたバッグについて” means “about the bag I borrowed”. “に” marks the topic being addressed, and “ついて” completes the expression meaning “about”. Use it after a noun when introducing a subject you want to discuss.
話したい “話したい” means “want to talk” or “want to tell” here, as in “話したいことがあります”. It expresses the speaker’s desire to discuss something and is followed by “こと” for the matter they want to talk about. Use it in patterns such as “Nについて話したい” when you want to discuss a subject.
こと “こと” means “thing” or “matter” here, referring to the matter the speaker wants to tell the listener. In “話したいこと”, it turns the desired action into “the thing I want to tell or talk about”. Use it after a description of an action when referring to that action as a matter or thing.
が “が” marks “こと” as the subject of “あります” in “話したいことがあります”. The sentence presents the matter as something that exists or that the speaker has to say. Use it after the subject in patterns such as “Nがあります”.
あります “あります” means “there is” or “I have” here: “話したいことがあります” means “I have something I want to tell you”. It is the polite form used to present an available matter or thing. Use it when saying that an object, matter, or issue exists.
旅行 “旅行” means “trip” or “travel” in “旅行中”. It identifies the trip during which the zipper problem occurred. Use it with expressions about going on or being during a trip.
中 “中” means “during” or “in the middle of” here, forming “旅行中” for “during your trip”. It places an event within the time of the trip. Use it after a period or activity when you mean “during that time”.
に “に” marks the time period in “旅行中に”, meaning that something happened during the trip. Here it does not mark a destination; it marks when the event occurred. Use it after a time expression to identify when something happens.
何 “何” means “what” and appears in “何か” in the question about whether something happened. It identifies an unspecified thing when combined with “か”. Use it when asking what an object, event, or matter is.
か “か” makes “何” indefinite in “何か”, giving the meaning “something” rather than “what”. Together, “何かありましたか” asks whether something happened. Use it after an interrogative word when referring to an unspecified thing or person.
ありました “ありました” means “there was” or “happened” here, as in “何かありましたか”. It is the polite past form used to ask about an event that occurred. Use it when asking whether an event or problem occurred.
ジッパー “ジッパー” means “zipper” and is the part of the bag being discussed. It is the topic that got stuck and may have been damaged. Use it when describing a zipper problem on clothing, luggage, or a bag.
引っかかって “引っかかって” means “got stuck” here and connects that event to “一部が外れました”. It is the linking form used to describe the zipper getting stuck before explaining the next result. Use it in a sequence such as “Xが引っかかって、Y” when one problem is followed by another event.
一部 “一部” means “part” or “portion” here, referring to one part of the zipper that came loose. It specifies that only part of the item was affected. Use it with “の” to identify a part of something, or as the subject of an event.
外れました “外れました” means “came loose” or “became detached” here, describing part of the zipper separating from the bag. It is a polite past form for a part coming off or no longer being attached. You would use it when reporting that a component has detached.
は “は” marks “ジッパー” as the topic in “ジッパーはもともと壊れていましたか”. The question asks about the zipper’s original condition. Use it after the thing you want to make the main topic of a statement or question.
もともと “もともと” means “originally” or “from the beginning” here, asking whether the zipper was already damaged before the trip. It focuses on the condition at an earlier starting point. Use it when comparing an original condition with what happened later.
壊れて “壊れて” means “being broken or damaged” here and links the condition to “いました” in “壊れていました”. The full expression asks whether the zipper was in a broken state already. Use “Vて” before another verb when linking a condition or action to what follows.
いました “いました” places the state in “壊れていました” in the polite past, meaning the zipper was broken or damaged. Here it works with “壊れて” to describe a continuing condition at that earlier time. Use “Vていました” when describing a past ongoing state or condition.
それとも “それとも” means “or” or “alternatively” and introduces the second possibility in the question. “それ” points back to the preceding possibility, while “とも” completes the fixed expression for presenting an alternative. Use it when asking the listener to choose between two possibilities.
使って “使って” means “using” here and appears in “使っている間”, meaning “while you were using it”. It is the linking form of “使う” before “いる”. Use it in “Nを使っている” when describing use that is in progress.
いる “いる” functions here as the auxiliary in “使っている”, showing that the use was in progress. Together with “間”, it describes the time while the listener was using the bag. Use “Vている” for an action or state that is continuing.
間 “間” means “while” or “during the time” in “使っている間”. It identifies the period during which the zipper may have broken. Use it after an activity or time expression to describe what happens during that period.
壊れました “壊れました” means “broke” or “became damaged” here, referring to the zipper becoming damaged while it was being used. It is a polite past form for an item changing into a broken condition. Use it when reporting that an object has broken without focusing on who caused the damage.
前 “前” means “before” or “earlier” here, referring to the bag’s condition before the trip or before the problem occurred. In “前は”, it contrasts the earlier condition with the later damage. Use it when referring to an earlier time or condition.
問題 “問題” means “problem” or “issue” here. In “問題なさそう”, it contributes to the meaning that the bag seemed to have no problem. Use it when naming a problem or issue that needs attention.
なさそう “なさそう” means “seems not to have” or “seems fine” here, as in “問題なさそうだった”. It shows that the speaker judged the earlier condition from how it appeared. Use it after a noun such as “問題” when something seems to be absent.
だった “だった” means “was” here and places “問題なさそう” in the past: “問題なさそうだった” means “seemed fine before”. It describes the earlier appearance of the bag. Use it after a noun or description when referring to a past state.
ので “ので” means “because” or “so” and introduces the reason for wanting to take responsibility. “問題なさそうだったので” means “because it seemed fine”. Use it after a reason before stating the resulting action or situation.
責任 “責任” means “responsibility” here, in the expression “責任を取りたい”. The speaker says they want to accept responsibility for the damage. Use it when discussing responsibility for an action, problem, or result.
を “を” marks “責任” as the object of “取りたい” in “責任を取りたい”. It shows what the speaker wants to take. Use it between a direct object and the verb that acts on it.
取りたい “取りたい” means “want to take” here, specifically “want to take responsibility”. It expresses the speaker’s intention to accept responsibility for the damage. Use it after an object when saying that you want to take or obtain something.
です “です” gives the statement “責任を取りたいです” a polite ending. It makes the speaker’s intention sound appropriately courteous in this conversation. Use it after a polite statement when speaking respectfully.
正直 “正直” means “honesty” or “honestly” here, as part of “正直に話してくれてありがとうございます”. It describes the listener’s action as truthful and open. Use it with “に” when describing someone speaking or acting honestly.
話して “話して” means “telling” or “speaking” here and appears in “話してくれてありがとうございます”. It connects the act of telling honestly to the expression of thanks. Use it before “くれる” when someone performs an action for the speaker.
くれて “くれて” shows that the other person’s telling was done for the speaker in “話してくれてありがとうございます”. The full expression thanks the person for telling the truth. Use “Vてくれてありがとうございます” when thanking someone for an action that benefited you.
ありがとうございます “ありがとうございます” means “thank you” here, thanking the listener for speaking honestly. “ありがとう” expresses gratitude, and “ございます” gives the expression its polite form. Use it after an action you appreciate, such as “話してくれてありがとうございます”.
まだ “まだ” means “still” here, suggesting that repair may remain possible despite the damage. In “まだ修理できるかもしれません”, it keeps the possibility open. Use it before a state or action that continues to be possible or true.
修理 “修理” means “repair” here and names the work that may be possible for the zipper. It also appears in “修理を手配”, where the speaker offers to arrange that work. Use it when discussing fixing a damaged object.
できる “できる” means “can be done” or “can be repaired” here, as in “修理できる”. It expresses the possibility or feasibility of repairing the item. Use it after an action or task when saying that the task can be carried out.
かもしれません “かもしれません” means “may” or “might” and makes the repair possibility uncertain but realistic. “かも” introduces the possibility, “しれ” completes the fixed expression, and “ません” gives it a polite ending. Use it after a statement when you want to say that something is possible without being certain.
手配 “手配” means “arrangement” here, specifically arranging the repair in “修理を手配できます”. It refers to organizing for a service or action to happen. Use it with the thing being arranged, such as a repair.
できます “できます” means “can arrange” or “can do” here, because it follows “手配”. It politely states that the speaker is able to arrange the repair. Use it when offering or confirming that an action can be handled.
し “し” connects “修理を手配できますし” to another option, “バッグを交換します”. Here it means “and” or “also” while listing what the speaker can do. Use it to connect multiple reasons, options, or points in one statement.
必要 “必要” means “necessary” or “needed” here, as in “必要なら”, meaning “if needed”. It describes a condition under which the bag will be replaced. Use it before “なら” when making an offer dependent on necessity.
なら “なら” means “if” or “if that is the case” here, forming “必要なら” for “if needed”. It sets the condition for replacing the bag. Use it after a noun or description when introducing a condition.
交換します “交換します” means “will replace” or “will exchange” here, referring to replacing the damaged bag. It is a polite offer or statement of a possible action. Use it with the item being replaced, as in “バッグを交換します”.
決める “決める” means “decide” here, in “決める前に”, meaning “before deciding”. It refers to choosing between repair and replacement. Use it before “前に” when describing an action that must happen before a decision or event.
店 “店” means “shop” or “store” here and is part of “修理店”, the repair shop they plan to visit. It identifies the place where the bag can be examined. Use it with a service or product to specify a particular kind of shop.
持って “持って” means “take” or “carry” here and links to “いきましょう” in “持っていきましょう”. It describes carrying the bag to the repair shop. Use “Nを持っていく” when taking an item to another place.
いきましょう “いきましょう” means “let’s go” or, in “持っていきましょう”, “let’s take it there”. It is a polite suggestion to act together. Use the “Vましょう” form to propose a joint action.
起きた “起きた” means “happened” here and refers to the moment when the zipper problem occurred. It appears before “とき” in “起きたとき”, meaning “when it happened”. Use it to describe an event that has occurred.
とき “とき” means “when” or “at the time” here, referring to the time the damage happened. “起きたとき” means “when it happened”. Use it after a clause or noun to identify the time of an event.
すぐ “すぐ” means “immediately” or “right away” here, describing when the speaker should have told the owner. It emphasizes that the message was not given promptly. Use it before an action when you mean that the action happens without delay.
伝えなくて “伝えなくて” means “not telling” here and appears in the apology “伝えなくて、すみません”. It explains the action the speaker regrets not doing promptly. Use “Vなくてすみません” to apologize for not doing something.
すみません “すみません” means “I’m sorry” here and apologizes for not telling the owner immediately. It is a polite expression used to acknowledge a fault or inconvenience. Use it after an action you regret, such as “伝えなくて、すみません”.
今 “今” means “now” here, emphasizing that the speaker has brought up the problem at the present time. It contrasts with the earlier moment when the speaker did not report it. Use it to locate an action in the current moment.
くれた “くれた” means “did something for me” here, referring to the listener telling the speaker about the issue now in “話してくれた”. It presents that helpful action as completed. Use “Vてくれた” when describing a past action someone did for your benefit.
助かります “助かります” means “that helps” or “I appreciate it” here, referring to the fact that the listener has now raised the issue. It expresses relief or gratitude for helpful information or action. Use it when someone’s action makes a situation easier for you.
の “の” links “店” and “人” in “店の人”, meaning “the person from the shop” or “shop staff”. It shows the relationship between the two nouns. Use “NのN” to describe one noun in relation to another.
人 “人” means “person” here, specifically the person from the repair shop in “店の人”. It identifies who will give an opinion about the repair. Use it after a description when referring to a person connected with a place or group.
と “と” marks the content associated with “言う” in “何と言うか”, meaning “what they will say”. It connects the words being said or considered with the verb “言う”. Use it when marking quoted or embedded words with verbs of saying.
言う “言う” means “say” here, in “何と言うか”, asking what the shop staff will say. Its nonpast form can refer to what someone will say in this context. Use it with “と” when reporting or asking about someone’s words.
見て “見て” means “see” or “check” here and appears in “見てみましょう”. It links the act of checking with “みましょう”, which makes the suggestion “let’s see”. Use the “Vて” form before another verb when connecting actions or forming a combined expression.
みましょう “みましょう” means “let’s try doing” or “let’s see” here, completing “見てみましょう”. The first “見て” names the action of seeing, while “みましょう” suggests trying that action together. Use “Vてみましょう” when proposing that someone try an action or find out what happens.

Grammar Points

〜ている／〜ていました

ジッパーが壊れていました。

JIP-pah gah kow-REH-teh ee-ma-SHTAH.

The zipper was broken.

〜ている can describe an ongoing action or a resulting state. 壊れていました describes the zipper’s broken condition.

〜そう（だ）

問題なさそうです。

mohn-DIE nah-sah-SOH dess.

It seems fine.

〜そう expresses an impression based on appearance or available information: “it seems that...”

Japanese Vocabulary

ジッパー noun
JIP-pah zipper
バッグ noun
BAG-goo bag
もともと adv
moh-toh-MOH-toh originally; from the beginning
一部 noun
ee-chee-BOO part; portion
引っかかる verb
hee-KAH-kah-roo to get stuck 引っかかって
何か pron
NAHN-kah something
壊れる verb
kow-REH-roo to break; to become damaged 壊れていました
外れる verb
hah-zoo-REH-roo to come loose; to come off 外れました
使う verb
tsoo-KAH-oo to use 使っている
借りる verb
kah-REE-roo to borrow 借りた
問題なさそう phrase
mohn-DIE nah-sah-SOH seem fine; seem not to have a problem
旅行 noun
ryoh-KOH trip; travel

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

to come loose; to come off

Show Answer外れました

to get stuck

Show Answer引っかかって

zipper

Show Answerジッパー

originally; from the beginning

Show Answerもともと