About This Lesson
Use Responding politely to talking in a quiet area to practice Japanese conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.
Dialogue
A
私たちの後ろにいる人たちは、静かなエリアで話しています。
wah-tah-shee-TAH-chee noh oo-shee-ROH nee EE-roo hee-toh-TAH-chee wah, shee-zoo-kah-nah EH-ree-ah deh hah-nah-shee-TEH-ee-mahss. The people behind us are talking in the silent area.
B
気が散りますが、丁寧に対応できます。
kee gah chee-ree-MAHS gah, teh-neh-ee nee tah-ee-oh deh-kee-MAHS. It's distracting, but we can handle it politely.
A
私がその人たちに話しかけるべきですか、それとも司書に頼むべきですか。
wah-TAH-shee gah soh-noh hee-toh-TAH-chee nee hah-nah-shee-kah-KEH-roo beh-kee dehss-kah, soh-reh-toh-MOH shee-SHOH nee tah-NOH-moo beh-kee dehss-kah. Should I speak to them or ask the librarian?
B
まずは静かに注意してみましょう。もし気まずく感じるなら、そうしなくてもいいです。
mah-zoo-wah shee-zoo-kah nee choo-ee shee-teh mee-mah-SHOH. moh-shee kee-MAH-zoo-koo kahn-jee-roo nah-rah, soh-oh shee-nah-koo-teh-moh EE dehss. Try a quiet reminder first, unless that feels uncomfortable.
A
その人たちに、会話を外でするように頼んでもいいです。
soh-noh hee-toh-TAH-chee nee, kah-EE-wah oh soh-TOH deh soo-roo yoh-oh nee tah-NOHN-deh-moh EE dehss. I could ask them to take the conversation outside.
B
それなら、失礼な言い方にならず、はっきり伝えられます。
soh-reh nah-rah, shee-TSOO-reh-ee nah ee-ee-KAH-tah nee nah-rah-zoo, hahk-kee-ree tsoo-tah-eh-rah-reh-MAHS. That keeps it clear without sounding rude.
A
もし話し続けるなら、司書に間に入ってもらうよう頼めます。
moh-shee hah-nah-shee-tsoo-DOO-keh-roo nah-rah, shee-SHOH nee mah-nee hah-ee-teh moh-rah-oo yoh-oh tah-NOH-meh-MAHS. If they keep talking, we can ask the librarian to step in.
B
そうすれば、騒ぎになりません。
soh-oh soo-reh-bah, sah-wah-GEE nee nah-ree-mah-SEN. That way, it doesn't turn into a scene.
A
大声で文句を言うより、そうするほうがいいです。
oh-oh-goh-EH deh mohn-koo oh EE-oo yoh-ree, soh-oh soo-roo hoh-oh gah EE dehss. I'd rather do that than complain loudly.
B
静かに声をかけて、それから勉強に戻りましょう。
shee-zoo-kah nee koh-eh oh kah-KEH-teh, soh-reh-kah-rah ben-KYOH nee moh-doh-ree-mah-SHOH. Let's ask quietly, then get back to studying.Word by Word
私たち
「私たち」means “we” or “us” here, referring to the two speakers together. In 「私たちの後ろ」, it identifies whose behind area is being discussed. Use it when referring to yourself as part of a group, especially when describing a shared place or situation.
の
「の」links 「私たち」and「後ろ」to show that the area behind belongs to or is associated with the speakers. The phrase 「私たちの後ろ」means “behind us.” This pattern is useful for describing a location in relation to a person or group.
後ろ
「後ろ」means “behind” or “the back” in 「私たちの後ろ」. It identifies the area on the opposite side from where the speakers are facing. It is useful when locating people or objects relative to another person or place.
に
「に」marks the location where the people are present in 「後ろにいる人たち」. Here, it connects the location 「後ろ」with the state of being there. A common reuse pattern is a place followed by 「にいる」when saying that someone is present in a place.
いる
「いる」means “to be present” or “to be located” for people in 「後ろにいる人たち」. It identifies the people as being behind the speakers. Use it when describing where a person or group is located.
人たち
「人たち」means “people” as a group in 「人たちは」. It refers to the people who are talking nearby, not to one individual. This form is useful when referring to several people together in a shared situation.
は
「は」marks 「人たち」as the topic in 「人たちは、静かなエリアで話しています」. The sentence then gives information about what those people are doing. It is commonly used after the topic when introducing or describing the main subject of a statement.
静かな
「静かな」means “quiet” and describes 「エリア」in 「静かなエリア」. This is the form used before a noun to describe a quiet area. It is useful when identifying a place by its calm or low-noise character.
エリア
「エリア」means “area” in 「静かなエリア」. Here it refers to the designated quiet section of the library. It can be reused when naming a particular section or zone within a larger place.
で
「で」marks 「静かなエリア」as the place where the action happens in 「静かなエリアで話しています」. The people are talking in that area. A common reuse pattern is a place followed by 「で」before an action performed there.
話して
「話して」means “talking” in 「話しています」. It is the form of 「話す」that connects the action to 「います」, showing that the people are currently talking. This connection is useful when describing an action that is in progress.
います
「います」helps express an ongoing action in 「話しています」, which means that the people are talking now. It is the polite form used after 「話して」in this dialogue. The pattern 「動詞ています」is useful for politely describing an action in progress.
気
「気」means “mind” or “attention” within 「気が散ります」. Together, the expression says that the speakers’ attention is being distracted by the talking. This word is useful when discussing someone’s mental attention or state.
が
「が」marks 「気」as the subject in 「気が散ります」. It shows what is becoming scattered or distracted. This particle is commonly used between a subject and the action or state being described.
散ります
「散ります」means “becomes scattered” in the expression 「気が散ります」, where the contextual meaning is “become distracted.” It is the polite form used to describe the speakers’ attention losing focus. The expression is useful when noise or another interruption makes concentration difficult.
丁寧
「丁寧」means “polite” or “careful” in 「丁寧に対応できます」. With 「に」, it describes the manner of responding to the situation. This form is useful when emphasizing that an action should be carried out politely and thoughtfully.
対応
「対応」means handling or responding to a situation in 「丁寧に対応できます」. The dialogue refers to responding to the nearby talking without creating conflict. It is useful for describing how someone deals with a problem, request, or unexpected situation.
できます
「できます」means “can” or “be able to” in 「丁寧に対応できます」. It expresses that the speakers are able to handle the situation politely. This form is useful when stating that an action or response is possible.
私
「私」means “I” or “me” in 「私がその人たちに話しかけるべきですか」. It identifies the speaker as the person whose possible action is being discussed. It is useful when clearly marking the speaker’s role or responsibility in a decision.
その
「その」points to the people already mentioned in 「その人たち」. It means “those” in reference to a specific group known from the conversation. This form is useful before a noun when referring back to something previously identified.
話しかける
「話しかける」means “speak to” or “start talking to” someone in 「その人たちに話しかける」. The particle 「に」marks the people being addressed. This expression is useful when deciding to approach someone and say something to them.
べき
「べき」expresses that an action is advisable or should be done in 「話しかけるべきですか」. Here, the speaker is asking whether speaking to the people is the right course of action. It is useful when asking for or discussing a recommended action.
です
「です」is the polite sentence ending in 「話しかけるべきですか」. After 「べき」, it makes the question sound polite and complete. It is useful in polite questions and statements about what is appropriate or expected.
か
「か」marks the sentence as a question in 「話しかけるべきですか」. It turns the preceding polite statement into a request for an answer. This marker is useful at the end of a polite question.
それとも
「それとも」means “or else” and introduces the second option in 「それとも司書に頼むべきですか」. It contrasts speaking to the people with asking the librarian. It is useful when presenting another choice after a first alternative.
司書
「司書」means “librarian” in 「司書に頼む」. This is the person who can help manage the quiet area. It is useful when referring to the staff member responsible for a library’s services or rules.
頼む
「頼む」means “ask” or “request” in 「司書に頼む」. The particle 「に」marks the person receiving the request. This pattern is useful when asking a person to provide help or take action.
まず
「まず」means “first” in 「まずは静かに注意してみましょう」. It places the quiet reminder at the beginning of the proposed sequence. It is useful when recommending an initial step before trying another response.
静か
「静か」means “quietly” in 「静かに注意して」because 「に」makes it describe the manner of the action. The speakers want to give the reminder without raising their voices. This form is useful when describing a calm and low-noise way of doing something.
注意
「注意」means a reminder or warning in 「静かに注意してみましょう」. Here it refers to politely pointing out that the people are talking in a quiet area. It is useful when drawing attention to behavior or a rule that needs to be observed.
して
「して」connects 「注意する」with 「みましょう」in 「注意してみましょう」. The whole expression means “let’s try giving a reminder.” This connection is useful for suggesting that someone try carrying out an action.
みましょう
「みましょう」means “let’s try” in 「注意してみましょう」. It invites the speakers to attempt the proposed reminder together. This form is useful when politely suggesting a trial action as a group.
もし
「もし」means “if” and introduces the possible uncomfortable situation in 「もし気まずく感じるなら」. It signals that the following condition may or may not happen. This word is useful when presenting a hypothetical condition before giving advice.
気まずく
「気まずく」means “awkwardly” or “uncomfortably” in 「気まずく感じる」. It describes the feeling that may result from speaking directly to the people. This form is useful when explaining that an interaction feels socially uncomfortable.
感じる
「感じる」means “feel” in 「気まずく感じる」. It describes the speakers’ personal reaction to the idea of giving the reminder. This verb is useful when expressing how someone experiences a situation emotionally or physically.
なら
「なら」means “if that is the case” in 「気まずく感じるなら」. It sets the condition under which the speakers do not have to give the reminder. This form is useful after a condition when offering advice or an alternative.
そう
「そう」refers to the proposed action in 「そうしなくてもいい」. It means “that way” or “doing that,” pointing back to giving the quiet reminder. This word is useful when referring to an action or option already mentioned.
しなく
「しなく」means “not do” as part of 「そうしなくてもいい」. Together with the rest of the expression, it says that it is acceptable not to do that if it feels uncomfortable. This form is useful in the pattern that says an action is not required.
て
「て」connects 「しなく」to 「もいい」in 「しなくてもいい」. It helps form the expression meaning that it is okay not to do something. This connection is useful when linking a negative action form to permission or acceptance.
も
「も」helps form the permission expression 「しなくてもいい」. In this dialogue, the complete expression means that the speakers do not have to give the reminder. It is useful in constructions that allow an action to be omitted.
いい
「いい」means “okay” or “acceptable” in 「しなくてもいい」. It shows that not giving the reminder is permitted if it feels uncomfortable. This form is useful when saying that an action is optional or unnecessary.
会話
「会話」means “conversation” in 「会話を外でする」. It refers to the talking that should be moved outside the quiet area. This word is useful when discussing an exchange of speech between people.
を
「を」marks 「会話」as the object of 「する」in 「会話を外でする」. It shows what the people are doing outside. This particle is commonly used after a noun before a verb that describes an action involving it.
外
「外」means “outside” in 「外でする」. Here it identifies the place where the people are being asked to have their conversation. It is useful when directing an activity away from an indoor or restricted area.
する
「する」means “do” or “have” in 「会話を外でする」. With 「会話を」, it means “have a conversation.” This verb is useful after activity nouns when describing carrying out that activity.
よう
「よう」helps mark the requested action in 「会話を外でするように頼んで」. The phrase asks the people to have the conversation outside. This form is useful in the pattern used to ask someone to do a particular action.
頼んで
「頼んで」means “asking” or “requesting” in 「頼んでもいいです」. It connects the act of asking with 「もいい」, making the whole expression mean that asking is acceptable. This form is useful when linking a request to permission.
それ
「それ」refers to the proposed option in 「それなら」. It means “that” or “that option,” namely asking the people to take the conversation outside. This word is useful when evaluating or responding to an idea that has just been mentioned.
失礼
「失礼」means “rude” or “impolite” in 「失礼な言い方」. It describes a way of speaking that could offend the people being addressed. This form is useful when considering whether wording may sound disrespectful.
な
「な」links 「失礼」to 「言い方」in 「失礼な言い方」. It allows the noun-like adjective to describe the way of saying something. This linking form is useful when placing this kind of description directly before a noun.
言い方
「言い方」means “way of saying something” in 「失礼な言い方」. The dialogue focuses on choosing wording that communicates the request clearly without being rude. This word is useful when discussing how a message is phrased.
ならず
「ならず」means “without becoming” in 「失礼な言い方にならず」. It says that the chosen wording does not turn into a rude way of speaking. This form is useful when connecting the avoidance of one result with a positive result that follows.
はっきり
「はっきり」means “clearly” in 「はっきり伝えられます」. It describes communicating the request in a way that is easy to understand. This word is useful when emphasizing clear speech or an unambiguous message.
伝えられます
「伝えられます」means “can convey” or “can communicate” in 「はっきり伝えられます」. It expresses that the request can be made clear without sounding rude. This form is useful when discussing the ability to communicate information or intentions.
話し続ける
「話し続ける」means “keep talking” in 「もし話し続けるなら」. It describes the people continuing to talk after the first response. This compound is useful when describing an action that does not stop.
間
「間」means “between” or “in the middle” in 「間に入って」. Together with 「入る」, it describes stepping between the people and the problem to help manage it. This word is useful when describing an intermediate position or intervention.
入って
「入って」means “step in” in 「間に入ってもらう」. It connects the action of stepping in with 「もらう」, which expresses having someone provide that help. This form is useful when describing someone entering a situation to assist or intervene.
もらう
「もらう」means “have someone do something” in 「入ってもらう」. The speakers want the librarian to step in on their behalf. This form is useful in the pattern where one person receives help or has another person carry out an action.
頼めます
「頼めます」means “can ask” or “can request” in 「司書に間に入ってもらうよう頼めます」. It expresses that asking the librarian for this help is possible. This form is useful when discussing whether a request can be made.
すれば
「すれば」means “if one does that” in 「そうすれば」. It introduces the result of choosing the proposed polite response. This form is useful when explaining what will happen if a particular action is taken.
騒ぎ
「騒ぎ」means “scene” or “commotion” in 「騒ぎになりません」. It refers to a public disturbance that the speakers want to avoid. This word is useful when describing an overly noticeable or disruptive situation.
なりません
「なりません」means “does not become” or “does not turn into” in 「騒ぎになりません」. It states that the situation will not develop into a commotion. This form is useful when describing a result that is avoided.
大声
「大声」means “loud voice” in 「大声で文句を言う」. It describes the volume the speakers want to avoid when complaining. This word is useful when discussing speaking loudly in a public or shared place.
文句
「文句」means “complaint” in 「文句を言う」. It refers to openly expressing dissatisfaction about the talking. This expression is useful when describing a complaint directed at a problem or inconvenience.
言う
「言う」means “say” in 「文句を言う」, where the object makes the meaning “complain.” It describes expressing dissatisfaction aloud. This verb is useful with 「文句を」when talking about making a complaint.
より
「より」means “than” or “rather than” in 「大声で文句を言うより」. It introduces the option that the speakers prefer not to choose. This form is useful when comparing one action with a preferable alternative.
ほう
「ほう」means “the option” or “the way” in 「そうするほうがいい」. It identifies the preferred choice when comparing it with complaining loudly. This word is useful in comparisons that say one option is better than another.
声
「声」means “voice” in 「声をかけて」. In this expression, it contributes to the idea of addressing or calling out to someone, rather than merely referring to a voice as a sound. This form is useful when politely initiating contact with another person.
かけて
「かけて」means “speak to” or “call out to” in 「声をかけて」. The whole expression describes addressing the people quietly, and the form connects that action to returning to study. It is useful when approaching someone to begin a brief interaction.
それから
「それから」means “then” or “after that” in 「それから勉強に戻りましょう」. It places returning to study after the quiet request. This expression is useful for ordering two actions in sequence.
勉強
「勉強」means “study” or “studying” in 「勉強に戻りましょう」. It identifies the activity the speakers want to resume after dealing with the noise. This word is useful when referring to study as an activity or task.
戻り
「戻り」means “return” or “get back” in 「戻りましょう」. It connects the idea of returning with the invitation ending 「ましょう」. This form is useful when saying that someone should go back to a previous place or activity.
ましょう
「ましょう」means “let’s” in 「戻りましょう」. It makes the suggestion to return to studying a polite invitation for both speakers. This ending is useful when proposing that the speaker and listener do something together.
Grammar Points
Vます-stem＋続ける
話し続ける
hah-nah-shee-tsoo-DOO-keh-rooto keep talking
Attach 続ける to the verb stem to express continuing an action.
〜ています
話しています
hah-nah-shee-TEH-ee-mahssis talking
Use 〜ています to describe an action that is currently in progress.
Japanese Vocabulary
エリア
noun
EH-ree-ah
area
気が散る
verb
kee gah CHEE-roo
to be distracting; to lose concentration
気が散ります
後ろ
noun
oo-shee-ROH
behind; back
司書
noun
shee-SHOH
librarian
私たち
pron
wah-tah-shee-TAH-chee
we; us
静か
adj
shee-zoo-kah
quiet
静かな
対応する
verb
tah-ee-oh soo-ROO
to handle; to respond to
対応できます
注意する
verb
choo-EE soo-ROO
to remind; to warn
注意してみましょう
丁寧
adj
teh-neh-ee
polite; careful
丁寧に
頼む
verb
tah-NOH-moo
to ask; to request
話しかける
verb
hah-nah-shee-kah-KEH-roo
to speak to; to address
話す
verb
hah-NAH-soo
to talk
話しています
Quiz
Spelling
Tap the letters to spell the word.
to handle; to respond to
Show Answer
対応できますto speak to; to address
Show Answer
話しかけるto be distracting; to lose concentration
Show Answer
気が散りますto talk