About This Lesson
Use Deciding Whether to Continue a Hobby to practice Japanese conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.
Dialogue
A
絵画教室を続けたいかどうかわかりません。
KAI-gah KYOO-shi-tsoo o tsu-zoo-keh-TAI ka doh-kah doh-kah wah-kah-ree-mah-sen. I am not sure whether I want to continue the painting class.
B
興味が薄れてきたのですか。それとも、決まった予定が負担になりすぎていますか。
KYOО-mee gah oo-soo-reh-teh KEE-tah no dess-kah. Soh-reh-toh-moh, kee-mah-tah yoh-TEH gah foo-TAHN nee nah-ree-soo-gee-teh-ee-mahss-kah. Are you losing interest, or is the fixed commitment too much?
A
どちらも少しあります。絵を描くのは好きですが、教室がストレスに感じられます。
Doh-chee-rah-moh soo-koh-SHEE ah-ree-mahss. EH o KAH-koo no wah SOO-kee dess-gah, KYOO-shi-tsoo gah soo-toh-reh-soo nee kan-jee-rah-reh-mahss. A bit of both. I like painting, but the class feels stressful.
B
その趣味が、リラックスするものから別の義務に変わったのかもしれません。
Soh-noh SHOO-mee gah, ree-rah-koo-soo soo-roo moh-noh kah-rah beh-tsoo-noh GEE-moo nee kah-wah-tah noh kah-moh-shee-reh-mah-sen. Maybe the hobby changed from relaxing to another obligation.
A
はい、楽しいものというより、別のやるべきことに感じられます。
Hai, tah-NOH-shee moh-noh toh ee-oo yoh-ree, beh-tsoo-noh yah-roo-beh-kee KOH-toh nee kan-jee-rah-reh-mahss. Yes, it feels less like fun and more like another task.
B
その代わりに、家で気軽に練習する形に切り替えてもよいでしょう。
Soh-noh kah-wah-ree-nee, ee-eh deh kee-GAH-roo-nee ren-SHOO soo-roo KAH-tah-chee nee kee-ree-kah-eh-teh moh YOH-ee deh-shoh. You could switch to casual practice at home instead.
A
それなら、決まった予定がなくても、趣味の良さを保てます。
Soh-reh-nah-rah, kee-mah-tah yoh-TEH gah nah-koo-teh-moh, SHOO-mee noh yoh-SAH oh tah-MOH-teh-mahss. Then I can keep the benefit without the fixed schedule.
B
趣味は、理想の自分だけでなく、今の生活にも合うべきです。
SHOO-mee wah, ree-SOH noh jee-BOON dah-keh deh-nah-koo, ee-MAH noh SEH-kah-tsoo nee-moh ah-oo beh-kee dess. Hobbies should fit your life, not just your ideal self.
A
絵画教室をいったん休めば、恋しくなるかどうかわかるかもしれません。
KAI-gah KYOO-shi-tsoo o ee-TAHN yah-soo-MEH-bah, koh-ee-SHEE-koo nah-roo kah doh-kah doh-kah wah-kah-roo kah-moh-shee-reh-mah-sen. Maybe pausing the class would show whether I miss it.
B
そのほうが、急にやめたり、自分に無理をさせたりするよりよいです。
Soh-noh hoh-oh gah KYOO-nee yah-meh-tah-ree, jee-BOON nee MOO-ree oh sah-seh-tah-ree soo-roo yoh-ree YOH-ee dess. That is better than quitting suddenly or forcing yourself.Word by Word
絵画
「絵画」means painting or painted artwork here, as part of 「絵画教室」. It identifies the subject of the class. You can reuse it with 「教室」 when referring to a painting class, especially in a discussion about hobbies or lessons.
教室
「教室」means a class or classroom here, specifically the painting class in 「絵画教室」. Together with the preceding noun, it identifies the type of class. Use it when talking about attending, continuing, or pausing a class.
を
In 「絵画教室を続けたい」, 「を」marks 「絵画教室」as what the speaker wants to continue. It connects the object to 「続けたい」. The same pattern can mark the thing someone continues, stops, or changes.
続けたい
「続けたい」means want to continue, referring here to continuing the painting class. The form expresses the speaker’s desire about 「絵画教室」. Use it after an activity or commitment when saying you want to keep doing it.
かどうか
「かどうか」means whether or not in 「続けたいかどうか」. The first 「か」introduces the embedded question, 「どう」carries the whether-or-not element, and the final 「か」completes the expression. Use it before a verb such as 「わかりません」when the answer is uncertain.
わかりません
「わかりません」means the speaker does not know or is not sure about the answer. In 「続けたいかどうかわかりません」, it politely states uncertainty and is the polite negative form related to 「わかる」. Use it after a question-like clause when you cannot decide or do not have the information.
興味
「興味」means interest here, referring to interest in the hobby. It appears in the expression 「興味が薄れてきた」. Use it with an activity, subject, or topic when discussing whether someone remains interested.
が
In 「興味が薄れてきた」, 「が」marks 「興味」as the thing whose degree is changing. It links the subject to the description 「薄れてきた」. Use this particle when describing a change or state involving a particular subject.
薄れてきた
「薄れてきた」means has been fading or has gradually become weaker, here describing interest that is no longer as strong. The form presents the change as having progressed up to the present. Use it with feelings or impressions that slowly become less intense.
の
In 「薄れてきたのですか」, 「の」helps turn the preceding statement into an explanatory question about the situation. It contributes to the polite question ending 「のですか」rather than expressing possession. Use this ending when asking whether a stated reason or situation is really the case.
です
In 「のですか」, 「です」makes the explanation or question polite. Here it helps present the question in a respectful, conversational way. Use it in polite statements and questions about a situation.
か
At the end of 「ですか」, 「か」marks the sentence as a question. It turns the polite statement into a request for confirmation. Use it at the end of a polite question.
それとも
「それとも」means or else and introduces the second possibility in the question. Here it contrasts losing interest with the fixed commitment becoming too much. Use it when choosing between two alternatives, especially in questions.
決まった
「決まった」describes 「予定」as fixed or already set. In 「決まった予定」, it indicates a schedule that has been decided in advance. Use it before a noun when referring to an arranged plan or schedule.
予定
「予定」means a schedule or plan here, specifically the fixed schedule of the class. It is described as something that can become a burden. Use it when discussing planned activities, appointments, or commitments.
負担
「負担」means a burden or strain here, referring to the pressure caused by the fixed schedule. In 「負担になりすぎています」, it describes something that has become too difficult to carry. Use it for responsibilities, costs, or schedules that place pressure on someone.
に
In 「負担になりすぎています」, 「に」marks the state or result that something has become. It connects 「負担」with 「なる」. Use this pattern when describing a change into a new condition.
なりすぎています
「なりすぎています」means has become too much and remains excessive now. In the dialogue, the fixed schedule is described as having become an excessive burden. Use it when a situation has gone beyond a reasonable level and that condition continues.
どちら
In 「どちらも」, 「どちら」refers to either one of the two possibilities under discussion. It allows the speaker to answer that both options apply. Use it when comparing or choosing between two alternatives.
も
In 「どちらも少しあります」, 「も」adds the meaning both or also to 「どちら」. Together, the phrase says that a little of each possibility is present. Use 「も」with two alternatives when both are included.
少し
「少し」means a little here, showing that both reasons apply to a limited degree. It softens the strength of the statement. Use it with feelings, amounts, or conditions that are present but not large.
あります
「あります」politely says that something exists or is present. In 「どちらも少しあります」, it presents a little of both feelings or reasons as present. Use it when politely stating that an object, amount, or condition exists.
絵
「絵」means a picture or painting here, as the object of drawing or painting. It appears in the activity 「絵を描く」. Use it when talking about making, looking at, or discussing a picture or painting.
描く
「描く」means to draw or paint here, specifically in 「絵を描く」. The object 「絵」comes before it with 「を」. Use this pattern when describing the activity of drawing or painting a picture.
は
In 「絵を描くのは好き」, 「は」sets the activity of drawing pictures as the topic. The sentence then says that this activity is liked. Use it after an activity or topic when giving an opinion about it.
好き
「好き」means liked or enjoyable here, expressing that the speaker likes drawing pictures. It is the positive evaluation in 「絵を描くのは好き」. Use it after a topic when saying that a person likes an activity or thing.
ストレス
「ストレス」means stress here, describing the negative feeling associated with the class. It appears in 「ストレスに感じられます」. Use it when discussing pressure or tension caused by an activity, situation, or responsibility.
感じられます
「感じられます」means feels or seems here, as in the class feeling stressful to the speaker. It presents the experience as something that can be felt. Use it when describing how a situation or object is experienced.
その
「その」means that or the previously mentioned one, referring here to the hobby already being discussed. It appears before 「趣味」to connect the comment to the earlier topic. Use it before a noun when pointing back to something known from the conversation.
趣味
「趣味」means hobby here, referring to painting as a leisure activity. It is the subject of the discussion about relaxing, obligations, and continuing. Use it when talking about an activity someone does for personal interest.
リラックス
In 「リラックスするもの」, 「リラックス」refers to relaxation or a relaxing activity. Together with 「する」, it describes what the hobby used to be for the speaker. Use it when describing an activity that helps someone relax.
する
In 「リラックスする」, 「する」means to do or engage in the activity named before it. The whole expression means to relax, and 「もの」then treats that activity as a thing. Use 「する」with activity words to describe carrying out that activity.
もの
In 「リラックスするもの」, 「もの」means a thing or activity characterized by what comes before it. Here it presents the hobby as something that provides relaxation. Use it after a description when referring to the resulting thing or kind of activity.
から
In 「ものから別の義務に変わった」, 「から」marks the starting state of a change. It connects the former relaxing activity to the later obligation. Use it to show what something changes from.
別
In 「別の義務」, 「別」means another or different. It shows that the obligation is separate from the original relaxing purpose. Use it before 「の」and a noun when distinguishing one thing from another.
義務
「義務」means an obligation or duty here, describing the hobby as something that feels required rather than relaxing. It appears in 「別の義務」. Use it for a responsibility that someone feels they must fulfill.
変わった
「変わった」means changed here, describing the hobby as having changed from relaxation into another obligation. The form presents a change that has already occurred. Use it when explaining that the nature or condition of something is no longer the same.
かもしれません
「かもしれません」means might or may and expresses a polite possibility. In this form, 「かも」sets up the possibility, 「しれ」is the middle part of the fixed expression, and 「ません」completes its polite negative form. Use it when offering a possible explanation without presenting it as certain.
はい
「はい」means yes and confirms the preceding suggestion or description. Here it signals agreement before the speaker explains how the hobby feels now. Use it as a polite affirmative response in conversation.
楽しい
「楽しい」means fun or enjoyable here, describing the positive quality the hobby should have. It is contrasted with 「別のやるべきこと」through 「というより」. Use it when evaluating an activity as enjoyable.
というより
「というより」means rather than in 「楽しいものというより」. Here, 「と」marks the description being considered, 「いう」means say or call, and 「より」marks the stronger comparison, so the speaker corrects the description toward another task. Use the expression when one description is less accurate than another.
やる
In 「やるべきこと」, 「やる」means to do or undertake. It describes the action that is treated as something required. Use it before 「べき」when referring to an action that ought to be done.
べき
In 「やるべきこと」, 「べき」indicates that the action is expected or should be done. It makes 「やる」describe a task that feels required. Use it after a verb when identifying something that ought to happen or be done.
こと
In 「やるべきこと」, 「こと」means the thing or task described by 「やるべき」. It turns the idea of something that should be done into the noun-like phrase “a task to do.” Use it after a description when referring to an action as a matter or task.
代わり
In 「その代わりに」, 「代わり」means instead or in place of that. The phrase introduces the alternative of practicing casually at home instead of attending the fixed class. Use it when replacing one option with another.
家
「家」means home here, the place where the speaker could practice casually. It appears in 「家で」with the location particle 「で」. Use it when describing an activity carried out at home.
で
In 「家で」, 「で」marks the place where the practice happens. It connects 「家」with the activity 「練習する」. Use it after a place when saying where an action takes place.
気軽
In 「気軽に練習する」, 「気軽」means casually or without feeling pressured. The form describes practice as easygoing rather than tied to a demanding commitment. Use it when recommending an activity that can be done freely and comfortably.
練習
「練習」means practice here, referring to painting at home. It appears in the phrase 「練習する形」. Use it for repeated activity intended to improve a skill.
形
In 「練習する形」, 「形」means a form or way of doing something. Here it presents casual home practice as the chosen arrangement. Use it after an activity when describing the way that activity will be organized.
切り替えて
「切り替えて」means switch to or change over to here, referring to changing from a class to casual home practice. It is the connecting form that leads to 「よいでしょう」. Use it when recommending a change from one method, plan, or arrangement to another.
よい
In 「切り替えてもよいでしょう」, 「よい」means good or acceptable. Together with 「ても」, it says that switching is an acceptable option. Use it when giving permission or presenting an option as suitable.
でしょう
In 「よいでしょう」, 「でしょう」softens the statement into a polite suggestion or tentative judgment. It makes the recommendation less direct. Use it when offering advice in a considerate way.
それなら
「それなら」means then or in that case, referring to the proposal just made. It introduces the speaker’s conclusion that the benefit can be kept without the fixed schedule. Use it to respond to new information or an option and state its consequence.
なくても
In 「決まった予定がなくても」, 「なくても」means even without or even if there is no fixed schedule. It marks a condition that does not prevent the following result. Use it after something that may be absent when saying the result can still occur.
良さ
「良さ」means the good quality or benefit here, referring to the positive value of the hobby. It appears in 「趣味の良さ」as the quality that can be maintained. Use it when discussing what is good about an experience, activity, or thing.
保てます
「保てます」means can maintain or keep here, referring to keeping the hobby’s benefit. It politely expresses the ability to preserve something in a certain condition. Use it when saying that a quality, balance, or state can be maintained.
理想
「理想」means an ideal here, referring to the person one hopes to become. It appears in 「理想の自分」. Use it when discussing a desired standard or image of oneself or a situation.
自分
In 「理想の自分」, 「自分」means oneself or the self. With 「理想の」, it refers to one’s ideal version of oneself. Use it when talking about one’s own identity, behavior, or desired self-image.
だけでなく
「だけでなく」means not only or not just in 「理想の自分だけでなく」. Here, 「だけ」limits the first item to “only,” while 「でなく」negates that limitation, and the whole expression adds 「今の生活」as another consideration. Use it to say that the first item is included but is not the only one.
今
「今」means now or current here, modifying 「生活」to mean present-day life. It contrasts the person’s current circumstances with an ideal self-image. Use it when referring to the present time or current situation.
生活
「生活」means life or daily life here, referring to the learner’s present way of living. It appears in 「今の生活」as something a hobby should fit. Use it when discussing routines, circumstances, or everyday living.
合う
「合う」means fit or suit here, describing whether a hobby matches someone’s life. In 「生活にも合う」, it says the hobby should be compatible with daily circumstances. Use it when evaluating whether an activity, plan, or item suits a person or situation.
いったん
「いったん」means temporarily or for now here, indicating that the class would be paused rather than ended permanently. It modifies 「休めば」. Use it when stopping something for a while in order to reconsider or wait.
休めば
「休めば」means if one takes a break or pauses it here, referring to pausing the painting class. The form of 「休む」with 「ば」sets up the condition for finding out whether the class is missed. Use it when describing a possible action and its result.
恋しくなる
「恋しくなる」means come to miss something or begin to long for it here, referring to whether the speaker will miss the class after pausing it. The form presents a change into that feeling. Use it when an absent person, place, activity, or thing may become missed over time.
わかる
「わかる」means understand or find out here, referring to discovering whether the speaker misses the class. It is the result that the pause may make clear. Use it when a situation or experience allows someone to know an answer.
ほう
In 「そのほうが」, 「ほう」means that option or way. It identifies the proposed pause as the option being compared with suddenly quitting or forcing oneself. Use it with 「が」when saying that one of two options is better.
急に
「急に」means suddenly here, describing quitting without a gradual decision or pause. It modifies 「やめたり」. Use it when an action happens unexpectedly or without transition.
やめたり
In 「急にやめたり」, 「やめたり」means quitting as one of the actions being considered. The 「たり」form lists this action together with 「させたり」rather than presenting it as the only possibility. Use it in an 「AたりBたり」list of examples or possible actions.
無理
In 「無理をさせたり」, 「無理」means unreasonable strain or forcing beyond what is manageable. It refers here to putting excessive pressure on oneself. Use it when describing an effort or demand that is too difficult or excessive.
させたり
In 「自分に無理をさせたり」, 「させたり」means making someone do something or causing someone to undergo a condition, listed as one possible action. Here the person causes themselves to endure excessive strain. Use this form in an 「AたりBたり」list when describing actions that make someone do or experience something.
より
In 「するよりよいです」, 「より」marks the action used as the comparison standard and means than. The sentence says that the suggested pause is better than suddenly quitting or forcing oneself. Use it after an option when comparing another option with it.
Grammar Points
〜てきた
興味が薄れてきた。
KYOO-mee gah oo-soo-reh-teh KEE-tah.My interest has been fading.
「〜てきた」は、過去から現在まで変化が続いていることを表します。
〜たい
絵画教室を続けたい。
KAI-gah KYOO-shi-tsoo o tsu-zoo-keh-TAI.I want to continue the painting class.
「〜たい」は、話し手が何かをしたいという希望を表します。
Japanese Vocabulary
ストレス
noun
SOO-toh-reh-soo
stress
教室がストレスに感じられます。
どちらも
pron
doh-chee-RAH-moh
both
どちらも少しあります。
リラックスする
verb
ree-rah-koo-soo soo-ROO
to relax
その趣味が、リラックスするものから別の義務に変わったのかもしれません。
絵を描く
phrase
EH oh KAH-koo
to paint; to draw a picture
絵を描くのは好きですが、教室がストレスに感じられます。
絵画教室
noun
KAI-gah KYOO-shi-tsoo
painting class
絵画教室を続けたいかどうかわかりません。
興味
noun
KYOO-mee
interest
興味が薄れてきたのですか。
決まった
verb
kee-MAH-tah
fixed; set
決まった予定が負担になりすぎていますか。
趣味
noun
SHOO-mee
hobby
その趣味が、リラックスするものから別の義務に変わったのかもしれません。
続けたい
verb
tsu-zoo-keh-TAI
want to continue
絵画教室を続けたいかどうかわかりません。
薄れる
verb
oo-soo-REH-roo
to fade; to decrease
薄れてきた
興味が薄れてきたのですか。
負担
noun
foo-TAHN
burden; strain
決まった予定が負担になりすぎていますか。
予定
noun
yoh-TEH
schedule; plan
決まった予定が負担になりすぎていますか。
Quiz
Spelling
Tap the letters to spell the word.
to fade; to decrease
Show Answer
薄れてきたto paint; to draw a picture
Show Answer
絵を描くboth
Show Answer
どちらもpainting class