Borrowing a Drill and Working Safely | Learn Japanese in English

Japanese lesson set in a contemporary Tokyo everyday setting: In a shared living space, one adult borrows a drill for a shelf and gets safety advice about the wall, wires, and returning the parts..

EN → JA / Level: B1

About This Lesson

Use Borrowing a Drill and Working Safely to practice Japanese conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

A

小さな棚を取り付けたいので、ドリルを借りてもいいですか？

chee-SAH-nah tah-NAH oh toh-ree-tsoo-keh-TAH-ee NOH-deh, doh-REE-roo oh kah-ree-TEH-moh EE deh-soo kah? Could I borrow your drill to put up a small shelf?
B

いいですよ。今までにドリルを使ったことはありますか？

EE deh-soo YOH. ee-MAH mah-DEH nee doh-REE-roo oh tsoo-KAHT-tah koh-toh wah ah-REE-mah-soo kah? You can. Have you used a drill before?
A

一度だけ使ったことがあるので、基本的な説明があると助かります。

EE-doh dah-keh tsoo-KAHT-tah koh-toh gah ah-ROO noh-DEH, kee-HOHN-teh-kee nah seht-soo-MEH gah ah-ROO toh tah-soo-kah-REE-mah-soo. Only once, so basic instructions would help.
B

まず壁の種類を確認して、安全メガネをかけてください。

mah-zoo kah-BEH noh shoo-ROO-ee oh kah-koo-NEEN shee-TEH, ahn-ZEHN meh-gah-NEH oh kah-KEH-teh koo-dah-SAH-ee. Check what kind of wall it is first, and wear safety glasses.
A

電気の配線に当たることも心配です。

dehn-KEE noh high-SEHN nee ah-TAH-roo koh-toh moh sheen-PAH-ee deh-soo. I'm also worried about hitting electrical wires.
B

どこに穴を開ける場合でも、先にこの探知機を使ってください。

doh-koh nee ah-NAH oh ah-KEH-roo bah-AH-ee deh-moh, sah-kee-nee koh-NOH tahn-CHEE-kee oh tsoo-KAHT-teh koo-dah-SAH-ee. Use this detector before you drill anywhere.
A

穴の位置に印を付ける前に、その場所を調べます。

ah-NAH noh ee-CHEE nee shee-ROO-shee oh tsoo-KEH-roo MAH-eh nee, soh-NOH bah-SHOH oh shee-rah-BEH-mah-soo. I'll scan the spot before I mark the holes.
B

ドリルを、充電器とビットも一緒に返してください。

doh-REE-roo oh, joo-DEHN-kee toh BEE-toh moh ees-SHOH-nee kah-EH-shee-teh koo-dah-SAH-ee. Please bring the drill back with the charger and bits together.
A

返す前に、ほこりをきれいに拭き取ります。

kah-EH-soo MAH-eh nee, hoh-KOH-ree oh kee-REH-ee nee foo-kee-TOH-ree-mah-soo. I'll clean off the dust before I return it.
B

急がずに作業してください。速さより安全のほうが大切です。

ah-see-GAH-zoo nee sah-GYOH shee-TEH koo-dah-SAH-ee. hah-YAH-sah yoh-ree ahn-ZEHN noh hoh-GAH tie-SEHT-soo deh-soo. Take your time with it; safety matters more than speed.

Word by Word

小さな “小さな” means “small” in “小さな棚,” describing the shelf as small. It is placed directly before the noun it describes, as in “小さな棚.” A learner can use this pattern when describing the size of an object.
棚 “棚” means “shelf” here, the object the speaker wants to install. In “小さな棚を,” it is followed by “を” because it is the object of the action. Use it when talking about a shelf for storage or installation.
を “を” marks “棚” as the object of “取り付けたい” in “小さな棚を取り付けたい.” It shows what the speaker wants to attach or install. A common reuse pattern is noun + “を” + action.
取り付けたい “取り付けたい” means “want to install or attach” in “棚を取り付けたい.” The ending expresses the speaker’s desire to carry out the action. Use this form before an object when saying that you want to install or attach something.
の In the exact sequence “取り付けたいので,” “の” helps form a reason clause together with “で,” meaning “because I want to install it.” It connects the speaker’s purpose or reason to the request that follows. The reusable pattern is a reason clause + “ので” + request or statement.
で In “取り付けたいので,” “で” completes the reason expression “ので,” which means “because” or “since.” The whole expression gives the reason for borrowing the drill. Use a reason clause ending in “ので” before a request when you want to sound explanatory and polite.
ドリル “ドリル” means “drill,” the tool being borrowed in this dialogue. It appears as the object in “ドリルを借りてもいいですか.” Use it when referring to the power tool used to make holes.
借り “借り” contributes the meaning “borrow” in the permission expression “借りてもいいですか.” It is followed by “て” to form the question about whether borrowing is allowed. Use the pattern noun + “を借りてもいいですか” when asking permission to borrow something.
て In “借りてもいいですか,” “て” links “借り” to the permission pattern “てもいいですか.” The whole expression asks whether it is acceptable to borrow the drill. Use this pattern after an action when asking, “Is it okay if I do it?”
も In “借りてもいいですか,” “も” is part of the permission expression “てもいいですか,” meaning “is it okay if I borrow it?” It helps frame the action as something requiring permission. Use it after the “て” form in a permission question.
いい “いい” means “okay” in “借りてもいいですか,” asking whether borrowing is acceptable. Together with “ても,” it forms a standard permission expression. Use “てもいいですか” when asking for permission to do something.
です “です” makes “いいですか” polite in the question “ドリルを借りてもいいですか.” It presents the request in a polite conversational form. Use it at the end of a polite question or statement when the expression calls for it.
か “か” marks “借りてもいいですか” as a question. It turns the polite statement about something being okay into a request for permission. Use it at the end of a polite question.
よ “よ” adds assertive reassurance in “いいですよ,” meaning “Yes, that’s okay.” It shows that the speaker is giving a clear, friendly answer rather than merely stating information. Use it when reassuring someone or giving permission in conversation.
今まで “今まで” means “until now” or “ever before” in “今までにドリルを使ったことはありますか.” It refers to the learner’s experience up to the present. Use it with an experience question when asking whether something has happened before now.
に In “今までに,” “に” marks the time range up to which the experience is considered. The full phrase asks about experience before the present. It also appears in “どこに穴を開ける,” where it marks the place affected by the action, so its exact function depends on the surrounding phrase.
使った “使った” means “used” in “ドリルを使ったこと.” It describes a completed past use of the drill inside an experience expression. Use it before “ことがある” when referring to having used something before.
こと In “使ったことはありますか,” “こと” turns the action of using the drill into an experience being discussed. The whole expression asks whether the speaker has ever used it. Use the pattern verb + “ことがある” for past experience.
は In “使ったことはありますか,” “は” marks the experience as the topic of the question. It highlights the question of whether such an experience exists. Use it when presenting an experience or topic for discussion.
あります “あります” means that the experience exists in “使ったことはありますか,” so the question asks whether the person has used a drill before. It is the polite form used at the end of this experience expression. Use it in “verb + ことがありますか” to ask about experience.
だけ “だけ” means “only” in “一度だけ,” limiting the experience to one time. It emphasizes that the speaker has used a drill just once. Place it after a quantity or time expression when you mean “only that amount.”
が In “一度だけ使ったことがある,” “が” marks the existence of the experience described by “一度だけ使ったこと.” It helps connect that experience to “ある.” Use it in an existence or experience expression before “ある” or “あります.”
ある “ある” means that the experience exists in “一度だけ使ったことがある.” Together with “使ったこと,” it says that the speaker has used the drill before. Use “verb + ことがある” to describe or ask about experience.
基本的 “基本的” means “basic” in “基本的な説明,” describing instructions that cover the fundamentals. It provides the level or scope of the explanation. Use it before “な” and a noun when describing something as basic.
な In “基本的な説明,” “な” links “基本的” to the noun “説明.” It allows the descriptive word to modify the noun directly. Use the pattern descriptive word + “な” + noun for this type of description.
説明 “説明” means “explanation” or “instructions” in “基本的な説明.” Here it refers to guidance for using the drill safely. Use it when asking for or giving information that explains how something works or should be done.
と In “説明があると助かります,” “と” introduces the condition that having instructions would be helpful. The whole expression politely says that the speaker would appreciate basic instructions. Use a condition + “と” + result when one situation naturally leads to a result or response.
助かります “助かります” means “that would help” or “I would appreciate it” in “説明があると助かります.” It politely expresses that the other person’s instructions would be useful. Use it when thanking someone in advance for practical help.
まず “まず” means “first” in “まず壁の種類を確認して.” It tells the listener which step should come before the others. Use it at the beginning of instructions when giving the first action in a sequence.
壁 “壁” means “wall” in “壁の種類.” It is the surface where the shelf will be installed. Use it with “の” when specifying a wall’s type or another feature.
種類 “種類” means “type” or “kind” in “壁の種類.” It asks the listener to identify what kind of wall it is before drilling. Use noun + “の種類” when classifying an object or material.
確認して “確認して” means “check” or “confirm” in “種類を確認して、安全メガネをかけてください.” It links the checking step to the polite instruction that follows. Use a “て” form to connect actions in a sequence or before “ください” for a request.
安全 “安全” means “safety” in “安全メガネ,” referring to glasses intended to protect the eyes during work. It describes the protective purpose of the glasses. Use it in expressions concerning safe work or protective equipment.
メガネ “メガネ” means “glasses” in “安全メガネ.” Here it refers to eye protection for drilling. Use it when talking about glasses or protective eyewear, especially with a word that describes their purpose.
かけて “かけて” means “put on” or “wear” in “安全メガネをかけてください.” With glasses, it describes putting them on or wearing them. The “て” form is followed by “ください” to make a polite instruction.
ください “ください” means “please do” in “かけてください” and “使ってください.” It turns the preceding “て” form into a polite request or instruction. Use “てください” when asking someone to carry out an action.
電気 “電気” means “electricity” or “electrical” in “電気の配線.” It specifies that the wiring carries electricity. Use “電気の” before a noun when identifying something related to electricity.
配線 “配線” means “wiring” in “電気の配線.” It is the wiring the speaker is worried about hitting while drilling. Use it when discussing wires installed in a building or device.
当たる “当たる” means “hit” or “come into contact with” in “配線に当たる.” It describes the drill reaching or touching electrical wiring. Use it with “に” for the thing that is hit or contacted.
心配 “心配” means “worry” or “concern” in “心配です.” The speaker is concerned about hitting electrical wires. Use “心配です” when saying that something worries you or is a concern.
どこ “どこ” means “where” in “どこに穴を開ける場合でも.” It appears inside a phrase meaning “no matter where a hole is made.” Use it with “に” when asking about or referring to a location.
穴 “穴” means “hole” in “穴を開ける.” It is the opening made in the wall by the drill. Use it as the object before “を開ける” when talking about making a hole.
開ける “開ける” means “make” or “open” a hole in “穴を開ける.” With “穴,” the expression means “drill or make a hole.” Use the pattern “穴を開ける” when describing this action.
場合 “場合” means “case” or “situation” in “穴を開ける場合でも.” It frames the action as any situation in which a hole is being made. Use a clause + “場合” when referring to a particular case or circumstance.
でも In “どこに穴を開ける場合でも,” “でも” means “even in” or “no matter which,” making the instruction apply to every location. The whole phrase says to use the detector before drilling anywhere. Use “どこ...でも” for a meaning like “wherever” or “no matter where.”
先 “先” means “ahead” or “first” in “先にこの探知機を使ってください.” It indicates that using the detector must happen before drilling. Use “先に” when telling someone to do one action beforehand.
この “この” means “this” in “この探知機,” pointing to the detector near the speaker. It comes directly before the noun it identifies. Use it when referring to a specific nearby object.
探知機 “探知機” means “detector” in “この探知機.” It is the device used to check the area before drilling. Use it for a device that detects something hidden or difficult to see.
使って “使って” means “use” in “この探知機を使ってください.” It is the “て” form used before the polite request marker “ください.” Use it in instructions when asking someone to use a tool or device.
位置 “位置” means “position” or “location” in “穴の位置.” It identifies the precise place where the holes will be marked. Use it with “の” when specifying the position of an object or action.
印 “印” means “mark” in “印を付ける.” It refers to the visible mark placed at the hole positions. Use it with “を付ける” when saying that you mark a place or object.
付ける “付ける” means “put on” or “attach” in “印を付ける,” where it means “put a mark on” something. The object is marked with “を.” Use the pattern noun + “を付ける” for placing or adding a mark.
前 “前” means “before” in “印を付ける前に.” It places the scanning action earlier than marking the holes. Use a verb phrase + “前に” when saying that one action happens before another.
その “その” means “that” in “その場所.” It points back to the spot being discussed. Use it directly before a noun when referring to a previously mentioned or contextually identified thing.
場所 “場所” means “place” or “spot” in “その場所を調べます.” It refers to the area where the holes may be marked. Use it when talking about a physical location or spot.
調べます “調べます” means “check” or “investigate” in “その場所を調べます.” Here it describes scanning the spot before marking the holes. Use it when examining a place or object to find out whether it is suitable or safe.
充電器 “充電器” means “charger” in “充電器とビット.” It is one of the parts that must be returned with the drill. Use it when referring to the device used to recharge a battery.
ビット “ビット” means “drill bit” in “充電器とビット.” It refers to the interchangeable part used with the drill. Use it when discussing the drill’s accessory pieces.
一緒 “一緒” means “together” in “一緒に,” indicating that the charger and bits should accompany the drill. It emphasizes returning the items as a set. Use noun + “と一緒に” when saying that something is together with another thing.
返して “返して” means “return” in “返してください.” It is the “て” form used to make a polite request to bring the borrowed items back. Use it before “ください” when asking someone to return something.
返す “返す” means “return” in “返す前に.” It describes giving the borrowed drill back before the cleaning action. Use a verb phrase + “前に” when explaining what happens before returning something.
ほこり “ほこり” means “dust” in “ほこりをきれいに拭き取ります.” It is the material the speaker plans to remove from the drill. Use it with a cleaning action when talking about dust on a tool or surface.
きれい “きれい” means “clean” in “きれいに拭き取ります.” With “に,” it describes how the dust will be wiped off: thoroughly or cleanly. Use “きれいに” before an action when describing a clean result.
拭き取ります “拭き取ります” means “wipe off” in “ほこりをきれいに拭き取ります.” It describes removing dust by wiping the surface. Use it with the material being removed marked by “を.”
急がず “急がず” means “without hurrying” in “急がずに作業してください.” It tells the listener to work without rushing. Use “急がずに” before an action when advising someone to do it calmly.
作業 “作業” means “work” or “task” in “作業してください.” Here it refers to the drilling and shelf-installation work. Use it when talking about carrying out practical or manual work.
して “して” means “do” or “carry out” in “作業してください.” Together with “作業,” it forms the request “please work” or “please carry out the task.” Use the “て” form before “ください” to make a polite instruction.
速さ “速さ” means “speed” in “速さより安全.” It refers to how quickly the work is completed. Use it when comparing the speed of an action with another priority.
より “より” means “than” or “compared with” in “速さより安全のほうが大切です.” It introduces the thing that is given less priority in the comparison. Use the pattern “AよりBのほうが...” to say that B has a greater quality or importance than A.
ほう “ほう” means the “side” or “option” favored in a comparison in “安全のほうが大切です.” It helps identify safety as the more important choice than speed. Use “AよりBのほうが...” for a direct comparison.
大切 “大切” means “important” in “安全のほうが大切です.” The sentence says that safety has greater importance than speed. Use it when explaining that something should be valued or prioritized.

Grammar Points

〜てもいいですか

ドリルを借りてもいいですか。

doh-REE-roo oh kah-ree-TEH-moh EE deh-soo kah

May I borrow the drill?

〜てもいいですか asks for permission to do something. The verb takes the て-form before もいいですか.

〜ずに

急がずに作業してください。

ah-see-GAH-zoo nee sah-GYOH shee-TEH koo-dah-SAH-ee

Please work without hurrying.

〜ずに means “without doing.” It connects to the verb stem and is often used in instructions.

Japanese Vocabulary

ドリル noun
doh-REE-roo drill
一度 num
ee-CHEE-doh once; one time
確認する verb
kah-koo-NEEN soo-roo to check; to confirm 確認して
基本的 adj
kee-HOHN-teh-kee basic; fundamental
今までに adv
ee-MAH mah-DEH nee until now; before
使う verb
tsoo-KAH-oo to use 使った
借りる verb
kah-REE-roo to borrow 借りても
取り付ける verb
toh-ree-tsoo-KEH-roo to install; to put up 取り付けたい
助かる verb
tah-soo-KAH-roo to be helpful 助かります
小さな adj
chee-SAH-nah small

小さな棚

説明 noun
seht-soo-MEH explanation; instructions
棚 noun
tah-NAH shelf

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

to borrow

Show Answer借りても

until now; before

Show Answer今までに

to install; to put up

Show Answer取り付けたい

to check; to confirm

Show Answer確認して