About This Lesson
Use Regaining Focus After Lunch to practice Japanese conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.
Dialogue
A
昼食の後、私はその作業から完全に気持ちが離れたように感じます。
CHOO-SHOK-koo noh AH-toh, wah-TAH-shee wah kahn-ZEN nee koh-MOH-chee gah hah-nah-reh-tah yoh-oo nee kahn-jee-MAHS. After lunch, I feel completely disconnected from the task.
B
いちばん難しい部分にいきなり取りかかるのではなく、まず少し見直すことから始めましょう。
ee-chee-BAHN moo-zoo-kah-SHEE BOO-boon nee ee-kee-NAH-ree toh-ree-kah-KAH-roo noh deh-wah nah-koo, mah-zoo soo-KOH-shee mee-nah-OH-soo koh-toh kah-rah hah-jee-meh-MAH-shoh. Start with a small review instead of jumping into the hardest part.
A
分析の途中で私たちが止まったので、私は勢いを失いました。
wah-TAH-shee wah ee-kee-OH-ee oh oo-shee-NAH-ee-MAH-shee-tah. boon-SEH-kee noh toh-CHOO deh wah-tah-shee-TAH-chee gah toh-MAHT-tah noh-deh. I lost momentum because we paused in the middle of the analysis.
B
最後のメモを見て、次の優先事項を選びましょう。
sigh-GOH noh MEH-moh oh MEE-teh, tsoo-GHEE noh yoo-SEN jee-KOH oh eh-rah-bee-MAH-shoh. Look at the last note and pick the next priority.
A
次のステップは、数字が元のファイルと合っているか確認することです。
tsoo-GHEE noh soo-TEHP-poo wah, SOO-jee gah MOH-toh noh FAI-roo toh aht-teh ee-roo kah kah-koo-NEEN soo-roo koh-toh dehs. The next step is checking whether the numbers match the source file.
B
それで、あなたがどこから再開すればよいかがはっきりします。
soh-reh deh, ah-NAH-tah gah doh-koh kah-rah sigh-KAI soo-reh-bah yoh-ee kah gah hahk-kee-ree shee-MAHS. That gives you a clear point to resume from.
A
私は何度も気が散ってしまうので、チャットアプリも閉じる必要があります。
wah-TAH-shee wah NAHN-doh moh kee gah CHEET-teh shee-MAH-oo noh-deh, CHAHT-toh ah-POO-ree moh toh-JEE-roo hee-tsoo-YOH gah ah-ree-MAHS. I also need to close chat apps because I keep getting distracted.
B
気を散らさずに作業している間は、チャットアプリを閉じたままにして、その後でメッセージを確認しましょう。
kee oh chee-rah-sah-zoo-nee sah-GYOH shee-teh ee-roo EYE-dah wah, CHAHT-toh ah-POO-ree oh toh-JEE-tah MAH-mah nee shee-teh, soh-noh AH-toh deh meh-SEH-jee oh kah-koo-NEEN shee-MAH-shoh. Keep them closed while you work without distractions, then check your messages.
A
それなら無理なくできそうです。私は少しずつ集中力を取り戻せます。
soh-reh nah-rah MOO-ree nah-koo deh-kee-SOH dehs. wah-TAH-shee wah soo-KOH-shee zoo-tsoo shoo-CHOO-ryoh-koo oh toh-ree-moh-doh-SEH-mahs. That feels manageable. I can rebuild focus gradually.
B
そこから始めれば、残りの作業はそれほど重く感じないはずです。
soh-koh kah-rah hah-jee-meh-reh-bah, noh-KOH-ree noh sah-GYOH wah soh-reh HOH-doh oh-MOH-koo kahn-jee-NAI hah-zoo dehs. Start there, and the rest should feel less heavy.Word by Word
昼食
“昼食” means lunch in this dialogue. It identifies the meal after which the speaker feels disconnected from the task. A common reuse pattern is “昼食の後” for “after lunch.”
の
In “昼食の後,” “の” links “昼食” to “後,” giving the meaning “after lunch.” It connects one noun with another noun in this time expression. A new example is “会議の後” for “after the meeting.”
後
“後” means after or later here, referring to the time following lunch. In “昼食の後,” it marks the later point in time. A common reuse pattern is “[event]の後,” such as a new example “仕事の後.”
私
“私” means I in this dialogue and identifies the speaker as the person experiencing the feeling. It is the topic in “私は.” It is commonly used when describing your own actions, opinions, or state.
は
In “私は,” “は” marks “私” as the topic: as for me, or I. It sets the speaker as the person whose feeling is being described. A common reuse pattern is “私は＋description.”
その
“その” means that or the mentioned one, referring to the task already understood in the conversation. It comes directly before the noun “作業.” A common reuse pattern is “その＋noun” when pointing back to something previously mentioned.
作業
“作業” means the task or work being discussed. In “その作業,” it refers to the particular work from which the speaker feels mentally detached. It is useful for describing practical work or a task in progress.
から
In “その作業から,” “から” marks the point or source from which the feeling has moved away. Together with “気持ちが離れた,” it indicates being mentally away from the task. A common reuse pattern is “[place or activity]から離れる.”
完全
“完全” means complete or total in this dialogue. With “に,” it strengthens the description of how completely the speaker feels detached. A common reuse pattern is “完全に＋description” for a completely changed state.
に
In “完全に,” “に” changes “完全” into a manner or degree expression meaning completely. It shows the extent of the state described by “気持ちが離れた.” A common reuse pattern is “adjective or noun＋に” when describing a resulting state or manner.
気持ち
“気持ち” means feeling or state of mind here. In “気持ちが離れた,” it is the speaker’s mental engagement that has moved away from the task. It is commonly used when talking about feelings, willingness, or mental attitude.
が
In “気持ちが離れた,” “が” marks “気持ち” as the element that became detached. It identifies what changed rather than marking the task as the subject. A common reuse pattern is “nounが＋change or state.”
離れた
“離れた” means became detached or moved away in this dialogue, describing the speaker’s feelings as no longer connected to the task. The form shows that this change is viewed as having happened. A common reuse pattern is “気持ちが離れた” when mental engagement has faded.
よう
In “離れたように感じます,” “よう” contributes the meaning “like” or “as if,” so the speaker feels as if the feeling has moved away. It presents the description as an impression rather than a direct physical movement. A common reuse pattern is “ように感じる” for “feel as if.”
感じます
“感じます” means feel here and describes the speaker’s personal impression. In “離れたように感じます,” it makes the preceding description an experienced feeling. It is commonly used after a description to report how something seems to the speaker.
いちばん
“いちばん” means the most here and identifies the hardest part as the extreme point of difficulty. It comes before “難しい部分.” A common reuse pattern is “いちばん＋adjective” when selecting the most [described] item.
難しい
“難しい” means difficult in “いちばん難しい部分.” It describes the part that requires the greatest effort. It commonly comes before a noun, as in this expression, to identify a difficult item or section.
部分
“部分” means part or section of something larger. In “いちばん難しい部分,” it refers to one section of the task. A common reuse pattern is “nounの部分” for a particular part of something.
いきなり
“いきなり” means suddenly or without a gradual start. In this dialogue, it warns against beginning directly with the hardest part. It is useful when describing an abrupt action or change.
取りかかる
“取りかかる” means start working on something in this dialogue. “いちばん難しい部分に取りかかる” means begin working directly on the hardest part. A common reuse pattern is “taskに取りかかる,” with the task marked by “に.”
で
In “のではなく,” “で” is part of the negative connective form that contrasts one option with another. It helps connect “not starting with the hardest part” to the recommended action. A common reuse pattern is “AのではなくB” for “not A but B.”
なく
In “取りかかるのではなく,” “なく” contributes the meaning “not” and connects the rejected action to the alternative. The whole expression means “instead of starting with” the hardest part. A common reuse pattern is “AではなくB” for choosing B rather than A.
まず
“まず” means first and puts the small review before the later work. It signals the recommended initial step. A common reuse pattern is “まず＋action” when giving the first step in a process.
少し
“少し” means a little or a small amount here, modifying the review. It presents the first step as limited and manageable. It commonly comes before an action or description to indicate a small degree or amount.
見直す
“見直す” means review or look over again in this dialogue. “少し見直す” means briefly reviewing the material before tackling the hardest part. A common reuse pattern is “notes or workを見直す.”
こと
In “見直すことから,” “こと” turns “見直す” into the activity “reviewing.” It allows that activity to be followed by “から,” meaning to start from it. A common reuse pattern is “verb＋こと” when referring to an action as a matter or activity.
始めましょう
“始めましょう” means let’s begin and proposes a shared action. In “見直すことから始めましょう,” it recommends beginning with the review activity. It is commonly used to make a polite suggestion to do something together.
分析
“分析” means analysis in this dialogue. It names the work that was interrupted in the middle. It is commonly used for examining data, information, or a problem in detail.
途中
“途中” means in the middle or partway through. In “分析の途中,” it locates the pause within the analysis rather than at its beginning or end. A common reuse pattern is “activityの途中” for “in the middle of an activity.”
私たち
“私たち” means we or us and refers to the speaker and the other people involved in the analysis. It is the subject of “止まった.” It is commonly used when describing an action shared by the speaker and others.
止まった
“止まった” means stopped in this dialogue, describing the analysis coming to a halt. The form presents the stopping as a completed event that affected the speaker’s momentum. A common reuse pattern is “activityが止まった” when an activity comes to a stop.
ので
In “止まったので,” “ので” means because or since and gives the reason for losing momentum. It connects the completed pause with its result. A common reuse pattern is “reasonので，result” for a relatively explanatory reason.
勢い
“勢い” means momentum here: the forward energy needed to continue the work. In “勢いを失いました,” it is something the speaker lost when the analysis paused. It is useful for describing momentum in work or other ongoing activities.
を
In “勢いを失いました,” “を” marks “勢い” as what was lost. It identifies the object affected by “失いました.” A common reuse pattern is “nounを失う” when something is lost.
失いました
“失いました” means lost in this dialogue, referring to losing momentum after the pause. The polite form reports that completed experience. A common reuse pattern is “nounを失いました” for politely saying that something was lost.
最後
“最後” means last or final here and identifies the most recent note. In “最後のメモ,” it specifies which note to look at before choosing the next priority. A common reuse pattern is “最後の＋noun” for the final or latest item in a sequence.
メモ
“メモ” means note or memo. In “最後のメモ,” it refers to the most recent written reminder or record. It is commonly used for short written information used to remember or organize something.
見て
“見て” means look at and then, linking the instruction to the next action. In “最後のメモを見て、” it tells the listener to look at the note before choosing a priority. A common reuse pattern is “objectを見て、then action.”
次
“次” means next in this dialogue. In “次の優先事項,” it identifies the priority that should follow the current step. A common reuse pattern is “次の＋noun” for the next item, step, or event.
優先事項
“優先事項” means priority or an item that should be dealt with first. In “次の優先事項,” it refers to the next task to select. It is useful in work discussions about ordering tasks and decisions.
選びましょう
“選びましょう” means let’s choose and proposes selecting something together. Here it refers to choosing the next priority after looking at the last note. It is commonly used for a polite shared decision or suggestion.
ステップ
“ステップ” means step in the process. In “次のステップ,” it refers to the next action needed in the work. It is commonly used with “次の” when organizing a sequence of tasks.
数字
“数字” means numbers in this dialogue. It refers to the numerical information that must be checked against the source file. It is commonly used when discussing figures, calculations, or displayed numerical data.
元
In “元のファイル,” “元” means original or source, identifying the file used as the basis for comparison. It modifies “ファイル” through “の.” A common reuse pattern is “元の＋noun” for the original version or source item.
ファイル
“ファイル” means file. In “元のファイル,” it is the source document against which the numbers are checked. It is commonly used for digital documents and data.
と
In “元のファイルと合っている,” “と” marks the file used as the comparison reference. It contributes the sense of matching with that file. A common reuse pattern is “Aと合っている” when A matches a reference.
合って
In “合っている,” “合って” contributes the meaning of matching or agreeing with the source file. The form connects this state to “いる,” which presents the match as continuing. A common reuse pattern is “numbersがreferenceと合っている.”
いる
In “合っている,” “いる” shows that the matching state continues. It makes the question concern whether the numbers are currently in agreement with the source file. A common reuse pattern is “verb or state＋ている” for an ongoing state.
か
In “合っているか,” “か” marks the embedded question of whether the numbers match the source file. It turns the preceding statement into something to check. A common reuse pattern is “plain clause＋か確認する” for checking whether something is true.
確認する
“確認する” means check or confirm in this dialogue. “数字が元のファイルと合っているか確認する” means check whether the numbers match the source file. It is commonly used with “か” when verifying a condition.
です
In “次のステップは…ことです,” “です” is the polite copula that states what the next step is. It links the topic “次のステップ” with the action described by “確認すること.” A common reuse pattern is “topicはactionことです” for politely defining a task.
それ
“それ” means that and refers to the suggested checking step just mentioned. In “それで,” it introduces the consequence of taking that step. It is commonly used to point back to an immediately understood matter.
あなた
“あなた” means you and identifies the person who will have a clear point from which to resume. It is the recipient of the result described in the sentence. In practical conversation, the listener’s name or title can also identify this person instead.
どこ
“どこ” means where. In “どこから,” it asks for the location or point from which the work should resume. A common reuse pattern is “どこから＋action” when asking where to begin or continue.
再開すれば
“再開すれば” means if or when you resume, referring to continuing the work after the pause. In “どこから再開すればよいか,” it appears in a question about the appropriate resumption point. A common reuse pattern is “どこから再開すればよいか” for asking where to continue.
よい
In “再開すればよいか,” “よい” contributes the meaning of being appropriate or advisable. The whole expression asks where it would be appropriate to resume, rather than simply asking whether resuming is good. A common reuse pattern is “どうすればよいか” for asking what should be done.
はっきり
“はっきり” means clearly in this dialogue. It describes the resumption point as easy to identify. It is commonly used with “する” or “なる” when something becomes clear or is made clear.
します
In “はっきりします,” “します” means becomes or is made, together with “はっきり” to express becoming clear. It describes the result of the checking step. A common reuse pattern is “はっきりする” when information or a point becomes clear.
何度
In “何度も,” “何度” refers to how many times, and with “も” it expresses repeated occurrence. Here it contributes to the meaning “again and again” in the speaker’s distraction. A common reuse pattern is “何度も＋action” for an action that happens repeatedly.
も
In “何度も,” “も” emphasizes that the action happens many times, giving the expression a repeated meaning. It does not simply mean “also” here. A common reuse pattern is “何度も” before an action that recurs.
気
In “気が散ってしまう,” “気” refers to attention or the mind’s focus. It is the element that becomes scattered when the speaker is distracted. This expression is commonly used to describe losing concentration.
散って
In “気が散ってしまう,” “散って” contributes the idea that attention becomes scattered. Together with “気が,” it describes getting distracted rather than physically scattering an object. A common reuse pattern is “気が散る” when concentration is broken.
しまう
In “散ってしまう,” “しまう” shows that the speaker ends up becoming distracted, with an unwanted or regrettable result. It adds this attitude to the basic idea of attention scattering. A common reuse pattern is “verbてしまう” for an unintended or completed result.
チャット
“チャット” means chat and refers to the messaging activity or service used at work. In “チャットアプリ,” it modifies “アプリ.” It is commonly used for text-based online communication.
アプリ
“アプリ” means app or application. In “チャットアプリ,” it refers to an application used for chat messages. It is commonly combined with a noun that identifies the app’s purpose.
閉じる
“閉じる” means close in this dialogue, referring to closing the chat apps. The form names the action the speaker needs to take. A common reuse pattern is “app or windowを閉じる.”
必要
In “閉じる必要があります,” “必要” means need or necessity. It presents closing the chat apps as something required for the speaker’s work. A common reuse pattern is “verb dictionary form＋必要がある” for needing to do something.
あります
In “必要があります,” “あります” expresses that the need exists. Together with “必要,” it means that it is necessary to close the chat apps. A common reuse pattern is “必要があります” after a noun to state that a need exists politely.
散らさず
In “気を散らさずに,” “散らさず” means without causing attention to scatter. The whole expression describes working without distractions. A common reuse pattern is “verb negative connective＋に” for doing something without doing the preceding action.
して
In “気を散らさずにして,” “して” contributes the action of keeping the stated condition while the listener works. Here the complete phrase “気を散らさずに作業している間” describes working without distractions. A common reuse pattern is “conditionにして＋action” when maintaining a condition while doing something.
間
In “作業している間,” “間” means while or during the period when an action continues. It sets the time during which the chat apps should remain closed. A common reuse pattern is “verbている間” for “while someone is doing something.”
閉じた
In “閉じたまま,” “閉じた” means closed and describes the state of the chat apps. It is followed by “まま,” which says that this state should remain unchanged. A common reuse pattern is “closed state＋まま” when something stays closed.
まま
In “閉じたまま,” “まま” means remaining in the same state. It tells the listener to leave the chat apps closed while working. A common reuse pattern is “verb past form＋まま” for keeping the state produced by that action.
メッセージ
“メッセージ” means message. In “メッセージを確認しましょう,” it refers to the messages to check after the focused work period. It is commonly used for written or digital communications.
確認しましょう
“確認しましょう” means let’s check or let’s confirm. Here it proposes checking messages after the chat apps have remained closed during work. It is commonly used for a polite shared suggestion to verify information.
なら
In “それなら,” “なら” contributes a conditional meaning such as if that is the case or then. It connects the previous suggestion with the speaker’s conclusion that the plan seems manageable. A common reuse pattern is “それなら” when responding to information just given.
無理
In “無理なく,” “無理” refers to strain or difficulty that would make an action unreasonable. With “なく,” the expression means without excessive strain. A common reuse pattern is “無理なく＋action or description” for something done comfortably.
できそう
“できそう” means seems possible or looks manageable in this dialogue. It expresses the speaker’s impression that the proposed plan can be carried out. A common reuse pattern is “verb stem＋そう” when something appears likely or possible.
ずつ
In “少しずつ,” “ずつ” means in small amounts or little by little. It distributes the progress gradually rather than all at once. A common reuse pattern is “[amount]ずつ,” as in the dialogue’s “少しずつ.”
集中力
“集中力” means concentration or focusing ability. In “集中力を取り戻せます,” it is the ability the speaker expects to regain gradually. It is commonly used when discussing the ability to stay focused.
取り戻せます
“取り戻せます” means can regain or can recover in this dialogue. It refers to regaining concentration gradually after losing focus. A common reuse pattern is “nounを取り戻せます” when saying that something can be recovered.
そこ
“そこ” means there and refers to the small review or the clear starting point just identified. In “そこから,” it marks that point as the place from which to begin. A common reuse pattern is “そこから＋action” for continuing from an indicated point.
始めれば
“始めれば” means if or when you start, referring to starting from the identified point. In “そこから始めれば,” it introduces the condition that leads to the expected result. A common reuse pattern is “verb conditional＋result” for explaining what happens if an action is taken.
残り
“残り” means the remainder or the rest. In “残りの作業,” it refers to the work left after the initial step. A common reuse pattern is “残りの＋noun” for the part that remains.
ほど
In “それほど重く,” “ほど” marks the degree expressed by “重く.” With the negative “感じない,” it gives the meaning “not feel so heavy” or “not feel heavy to that extent.” A common reuse pattern is “それほど＋negative expression” when saying that something is not to that degree.
重く
In “重く感じない,” “重く” means heavily or burdensome in the speaker’s impression of the remaining work. It describes the work as feeling less difficult to carry mentally, not its physical weight. A common reuse pattern is “重く感じる” for feeling something burdensome.
感じない
“感じない” means do not feel in this dialogue. With “重く,” it says the remaining work should not feel very burdensome. A common reuse pattern is “noun or descriptionを感じない” when saying that a feeling is not experienced.
はず
In “感じないはずです,” “はず” means should or is expected to, based on the suggested approach. It expresses B’s expectation that the remaining work will feel less heavy. A common reuse pattern is “plain clause＋はずです” for a polite expectation.
Grammar Points
～ば
作業を再開すれば、はっきりします。
sah-GYOH oh sigh-KAI soo-reh-bah, hahk-kee-ree shee-MAHS.If you resume the task, it will become clear.
「～ば」は条件を表し、「もし～なら」「～すると」という意味です。
～てしまう
気が散ってしまう。
kee gah CHEET-teh shee-MAH-oo.I end up getting distracted.
「～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。
Japanese Vocabulary
いきなり
adv
ee-kee-NAH-ree
suddenly; without preparation
いちばん
adv
ee-chee-BAHN
the most
完全に
adv
kahn-ZEN nee
completely
気持ちが離れる
phrase
koh-MOH-chee gah hah-nah-REH-roo
to feel disconnected
気持ちが離れた
見直す
verb
mee-nah-OH-soo
to review
作業
noun
sah-GYOH
task; work
取りかかる
verb
toh-ree-kah-KAH-roo
to start working on
勢い
noun
ee-kee-OH-ee
momentum
昼食
noun
CHOO-SHOK-koo
lunch
難しい
adj
moo-zoo-kah-SHEE
difficult
部分
noun
BOO-boon
part
分析
noun
boon-SEH-kee
analysis
Quiz
Spelling
Tap the letters to spell the word.
to feel disconnected
Show Answer
気持ちが離れたsuddenly; without preparation
Show Answer
いきなりthe most
Show Answer
いちばんto start working on