About This Lesson
Use Checking the right line for detailed help to practice Japanese conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.
Dialogue
A
すみません、複雑な依頼の相談はこちらの列ですか？
soo-mee-mah-SEN, foo-koo-tsuh-NAH ee-RAI noh soh-DAHN, koh-CHEE-rah noh REH-tsu dess-KAH? Excuse me, is this the line for help with a complicated request?
B
この列は簡単な質問用で、詳しい依頼用ではありません。
KOH-noh REH-tsu wah kahn-TAHN-nah shee-tsuh-MOHN YOH-oh deh, koo-wah-SHEE ee-RAI-YOH deh-wah ah-ree-mah-SEN. This line is for simple questions, not detailed requests.
A
案内が分かりにくかったので、どこで待てばよいか分かりませんでした。
ahn-NAI gah wah-kah-REE nee-koo-KAHT-tah noh-deh, DOH-koh deh mah-TEH-bah YOH-ee-kah wah-kah-ree-mah-SEN deh-SHEE-tah. The sign is confusing, so I was not sure where to wait.
B
詳しい案内が必要なら、メインカウンターの近くの列に並んでください。
koo-wah-SHEE ahn-NAI gah hee-tsuh-YOH nah-RAH, MEH-een KOWN-tah noh CHEE-kah-koo noh REH-tsu nee nah-RAHN-deh koo-dah-SAI. For detailed help, join the line near the main desk.
A
移動する前に受付で聞いたほうがよいですか？
ee-DOH soo-roo MAH-eh nee oo-keh-TSOO-keh deh KEE-tah HŌH-gah YOH-ee dess-KAH? Should I ask at reception before I move?
B
必要なことを受付の人に伝えてください。
hee-tsuh-YOH nah KOH-toh oh oo-keh-TSOO-keh noh HEE-toh nee tsuh-TAH-eh-teh koo-dah-SAI. Tell them what you need.
B
正しい場所を案内してくれます。
tah-dah-SHEE bah-SHOH oh ahn-NAI shee-teh koo-reh-MAHS. They can point you to the right place.
A
間違った列で待ちたくありません。
mah-chee-GAHT-tah REH-tsu deh mah-chee-TAH-koo ah-ree-mah-SEN. I do not want to wait in the wrong line.
B
案内があまり分かりやすくないので、よくあることです。
ahn-NAI gah ah-MAH-ree wah-kah-ree-yah-SOO-koo NAI noh-deh, YOH-koo AH-roo KOH-toh dess. It happens often because the sign is not very clear.
A
まず聞いてから、正しい列に並びます。
mah-zoo KEE-teh kah-RAH, tah-dah-SHEE REH-tsu nee nah-rah-bee-MAHS. Let me ask first, then join the correct queue.
B
そうすれば、余計に待たずに済むはずです。
SOH-oh soo-reh-BAH, yoh-KEE nee mah-TAH-zoo nee soo-MOO hah-zoo dess. That should help you avoid extra waiting.Word by Word
すみません
「すみません」means “excuse me” here and politely gets someone’s attention before asking a question. Use it at a service desk or when approaching someone you do not know. It can also be used as a polite apology when you have caused a small inconvenience.
複雑
「複雑」means “complicated” in 「複雑な依頼」, describing a request that needs detailed help. The な connects it to the following noun. A reusable pattern is 「複雑な＋名詞」 when something is complicated.
な
The 「な」 in 「複雑な依頼」 links 「複雑」 to the noun 「依頼」 and lets the phrase mean “a complicated request.” Use the same linking pattern after a な-type adjective before a noun. Here it shows that 「複雑」 describes 「依頼」.
依頼
「依頼」means “request” in the context of asking for help with a service matter. It is the matter being discussed in 「依頼の相談」. Use it with 「する」 in a new example such as 「仕事を依頼する」 when asking someone to do a task.
の
The 「の」 in 「依頼の相談」 links 「依頼」 and 「相談」, meaning a consultation about the request. It shows the relationship between two nouns rather than marking an action. A reusable pattern is 「Aの相談」 for consultation about A.
相談
「相談」means consultation or help in 「複雑な依頼の相談」. It refers to discussing the request with someone who can provide guidance. Use 「相談する」 in a new example when you want to discuss a problem or request advice.
こちら
「こちら」means “this one” or “this side” here, referring politely to the line being indicated. In 「こちらの列」, it identifies the particular queue near the speaker. Use it when politely pointing out a place, person, or option.
列
「列」means “line” or “queue” in 「こちらの列」. It refers to the group of people waiting in order for service. A reusable pattern is 「列に並ぶ」 when joining a queue.
です
「です」makes the statement polite in 「こちらの列ですか」, asking whether this is the correct line. It is the polite form used at the end of a noun-based statement. Use 「Aですか」 to politely check whether something is A.
か
The 「か」 at the end of 「こちらの列ですか」 marks the sentence as a question. It turns the polite statement into a request for confirmation. Use it after a polite sentence when asking for information or verification.
この
「この」means “this” and directly modifies 「列」 in 「この列」. It points to the line near the speaker. Use 「この＋名詞」 when identifying something close to the speaker.
は
The 「は」 in 「この列は」 marks the line as the topic and sets up a comparison with another type of request. The sentence says this line is for simple questions, not detailed requests. Use 「AはBです」 to state information about A.
簡単
「簡単」means “simple” in 「簡単な質問」, describing questions that do not require detailed assistance. The な connects it to 「質問」. A reusable pattern is 「簡単な＋名詞」 for something simple.
質問
「質問」means “question” in 「簡単な質問用」. It identifies the kind of service this line is intended for. Use 「質問がある」 in a new example when you have a question.
用
The 「用」 in 「簡単な質問用」 means “for” or “intended for,” so the phrase means “for simple questions.” It is attached to a noun or noun phrase to show the purpose of something, as in 「質問用」. The same pattern appears in 「詳しい依頼用」 in this dialogue.
で
The 「で」 in 「簡単な質問用で、詳しい依頼用ではありません」 connects the first description to the following explanation. It helps present what the line is for and then what it is not for. Here it is part of a noun-based connective pattern before 「、」.
詳しい
「詳しい」means “detailed” in 「詳しい依頼」 and 「詳しい案内」. It describes help or a request that needs more information or explanation. Use 「詳しい＋名詞」 when describing something detailed.
ありません
「ありません」makes the statement negative and polite in 「詳しい依頼用ではありません」, meaning the line is not for detailed requests. It is used here after the noun-based negative pattern 「では」. Use it in polite statements about something not existing or not being the indicated type.
案内
「案内」means guidance or information in 「案内が分かりにくかった」 and 「詳しい案内」. In this setting, it refers to signs or explanations that help people find the right service. Use 「案内をする」 in a new example when giving someone directions or information.
が
The 「が」 in 「案内が分かりにくかった」 marks 「案内」 as the thing that was difficult to understand. It identifies the subject of the description. Use 「Aが分かりにくい」 when A is hard to understand or follow.
分かりにくかった
「分かりにくかった」means “was hard to understand” in 「案内が分かりにくかった」. The form describes the guidance as difficult to follow in the past. Use 「Aが分かりにくい」 for a present description and change it to 「分かりにくかった」 when describing a past experience.
ので
The 「ので」 in 「案内が分かりにくかったので」 gives the reason for not knowing where to wait: the guidance was hard to understand. It links a reason to its result in a relatively polite, explanatory way. Use 「理由ので、結果」 when explaining why something happened.
どこ
「どこ」means “where” in 「どこで待てばよいか」. It asks for the place where the speaker should wait. Use it with a location marker, such as 「どこで」, when asking where an action should happen.
待てば
「待てば」means “if or when [someone] waits” and appears in 「どこで待てばよいか」, asking where it would be appropriate to wait. The conditional form combines with 「よい」 to express what one should do. A reusable pattern is 「どこで待てばよいですか」 when asking where to wait.
よい
「よい」means “good” or “okay” in the pattern 「待てばよい」, which asks what action is advisable. Together with the conditional form, it expresses “should” or “would be okay to.” Use 「Vばよいですか」 when asking what you should do.
分かりませんでした
「分かりませんでした」means “I was not sure” or “I did not know” in 「どこで待てばよいか分かりませんでした」. The polite past form describes the speaker’s uncertainty at that time. Use 「分かりません」 for present uncertainty and 「分かりませんでした」 when referring to a past situation.
必要
「必要」means “necessary” or “needed” in 「詳しい案内が必要なら」. It says that detailed guidance is needed for the person’s request. Use 「Aが必要」 when saying that A is necessary.
なら
The 「なら」 in 「詳しい案内が必要なら」 means “if” or “when” the stated condition applies. It introduces the condition for joining the other line. Use 「Aなら、B」 when giving advice based on a situation or need.
メイン
「メイン」means “main” in 「メインカウンター」. It identifies the principal service counter in the area. Use it before a noun when distinguishing the main facility or location from another one.
カウンター
「カウンター」means “counter” or “desk” in 「メインカウンター」. It refers to the place where staff provide service. Use 「カウンターで聞く」 in a new example when asking staff at a counter.
近く
「近く」means “near” or “the nearby area” in 「メインカウンターの近く」. It identifies the location close to the main counter. A reusable pattern is 「Aの近く」 for a place near A.
に
The 「に」 in 「列に並んでください」 marks the line that the person should join. It indicates the destination or place associated with lining up. Use 「場所に並ぶ」 when saying which line or place someone should join.
並んで
「並んで」means “line up” or “queue” and connects the action to the polite request 「ください」 in 「列に並んでください」. Together, the phrase politely tells someone to join the line. Use 「Aに並んでください」 when directing someone to a queue.
ください
「ください」makes 「並んでください」 a polite request meaning “please line up.” It follows the connecting form of the verb to ask someone to do an action. Use 「Vてください」 for a polite request in a service situation.
移動
「移動」means “movement” or “moving” in 「移動する前に」. It refers to moving from the current line to another place. Use it with 「する」 when describing a move from one location to another.
する
「する」means “do” and forms the verb 「移動する」, meaning “move.” In 「移動する前に」, it describes the action that will happen before asking at reception. Nouns such as 「移動」 can combine with 「する」 to express an action.
前
「前」means “before” in 「移動する前に」. The pattern places one action before another, so the speaker will ask before moving. Use 「Vる前に」 when saying what to do before an action.
受付
「受付」means “reception” or the reception desk in 「受付で聞いたほうがよいですか」. It is the place where the speaker can ask for guidance before changing lines. Use 「受付で聞く」 when asking at a reception desk.
聞いた
「聞いた」means “asked” in 「聞いたほうがよいですか」. Together with 「ほうがよい」, it asks whether asking is the preferable action. Use the pattern 「Vたほうがよいですか」 when asking whether you should do something.
ほう
The 「ほう」 in 「聞いたほうがよいですか」 refers to the preferable option or course of action. The whole pattern 「Vたほうがよい」 gives advice or asks what would be better, so here it means “should I ask?” Use it when comparing an action with not taking that action.
こと
「こと」means “thing” or “matter” in 「必要なこと」. The phrase refers to the matters or information that the person needs to tell the reception staff. A reusable pattern is 「必要なことを伝える」 for telling someone what is needed.
を
The 「を」 in 「必要なことを受付の人に伝えてください」 marks 「必要なこと」 as the thing being conveyed. It identifies the object of 「伝える」. Use 「Aを伝える」 when conveying A to someone.
人
「人」means “person” in 「受付の人」, referring to the person working at reception. The 「の」 phrase identifies which person is meant. Use 「場所の人」 or 「担当の人」 in a new example to refer to a person connected with a place or role.
伝えて
「伝えて」means “tell” or “convey” and connects to 「ください」 in 「必要なことを受付の人に伝えてください」. The full phrase politely asks the listener to tell the reception staff what is needed. Use 「AにBを伝えてください」 when asking someone to convey B to A.
正しい
「正しい」means “correct” or “right” in 「正しい場所」 and 「正しい列」. It identifies the place or queue that matches the person’s request. Use 「正しい＋名詞」 when selecting the correct option or location.
場所
「場所」means “place” in 「正しい場所」. It is the destination to which the reception staff can direct the person. Use 「場所を案内する」 when guiding someone to a place.
して
The 「して」 in 「案内してくれます」 connects 「案内する」, meaning “guide,” to 「くれます」. The whole expression says that someone will guide the speaker to the right place. Use 「Vてくれます」 when someone does something helpful for you.
くれます
「くれます」shows that another person does something for the speaker’s benefit in 「案内してくれます」. Here, the reception staff will guide the person to the correct place. Use 「誰かがVてくれます」 when describing helpful action provided by someone else.
間違った
「間違った」means “wrong” or “mistaken” in 「間違った列」. It describes the line where the speaker does not want to wait. Use 「間違った＋名詞」 when identifying an incorrect choice, place, or direction.
待ちたく
The 「待ちたく」 in 「待ちたくありません」 expresses “want to wait” before the negative ending. Together, the phrase means “do not want to wait.” Use 「Vたくありません」 when politely saying that you do not want to do something.
あまり
「あまり」means “not very” or “not much” in 「あまり分かりやすくない」. It is used with the negative expression to say that the sign is not very clear. Use 「あまり＋negative expression」 when limiting the degree of something.
分かりやすく
The 「分かりやすく」 in 「あまり分かりやすくない」 contributes the meaning “easy to understand” before the negative element. It describes the sign as not easy to follow. Use 「分かりやすい」 for something clear and 「分かりやすくない」 when saying it is not clear.
ない
The 「ない」 in 「分かりやすくない」 makes the description negative, meaning “is not easy to understand.” It follows the connecting form 「分かりやすく」. Use it to say that a quality or condition does not apply.
よく
「よく」means “often” in 「よくあること」. It says that waiting in the wrong line happens frequently. Use 「よく＋verb」 to describe an action or event that occurs often.
ある
「ある」means “happen” in 「よくあること」, describing an event that occurs often. It combines with 「こと」 to refer to something that happens. Use 「よくある」 when saying that a situation is common.
まず
「まず」means “first” in 「まず聞いてから」. It sets the order of actions: asking comes before joining the correct line. Use it to introduce the first step in instructions or a plan.
聞いて
「聞いて」means “ask” here and connects the first action to 「から」 in 「まず聞いてから」. The phrase means “after asking first.” Use 「Vてから」 when one action must happen before the next.
から
The 「から」 in 「聞いてから」 means “after,” showing that joining the line happens after asking. It marks the starting point in the sequence of actions. Use 「Vてから、B」 when saying “after doing V, do B.”
並びます
「並びます」means “line up” or “will queue” in 「正しい列に並びます」. It is the speaker’s polite statement about the next action after asking. Use 「場所に並びます」 when politely saying that you will join a particular line.
そうすれば
「そうすれば」means “if you do that” or “then” and refers to asking first and joining the correct queue. Inside the expression, 「そう」points back to that previous action, while 「すれば」 supplies the conditional meaning “if you do.” Use it to state the expected result of an action just mentioned.
余計
「余計」means “extra” or “unnecessary” in 「余計に待たずに済む」. It describes waiting that would result from joining the wrong line and having to wait again. Use 「余計な＋名詞」 for something unnecessary or additional.
待たずに
「待たずに」means “without waiting” in 「余計に待たずに済む」. It uses a negative form to show that the person can avoid the extra waiting. A reusable pattern is 「Vずに」 for doing something without doing V.
済む
「済む」means “manage without” or “be enough” in 「待たずに済む」. The whole expression means that the person can avoid extra waiting. Use 「Vずに済む」 when a situation can be handled without doing V.
はず
「はず」means “should” or “is expected to” in 「余計に待たずに済むはずです」. It presents the result as an expectation based on asking first and joining the correct queue. Use 「Vはずです」 or 「Aはずです」 when making a confident expectation.
Grammar Points
必要なら、～
必要なら、こちらの詳しい案内を伝えてください。
hee-tsuh-YOH nah-RAH, koh-CHEE-rah noh koo-wah-SHEE ahn-NAI oh tsuh-TAH-eh-teh koo-dah-SAI.If needed, please provide the detailed information here.
「なら」は条件を表します。「必要なら」は「if needed」という意味で、条件を丁寧に示す表現です。
～ずに済む
正しい列に並んでください。余計に待たずに済みます。
tah-dah-SHEE REH-tsu nee nah-RAHN-deh koo-dah-SAI. yoh-KEE nee mah-TAH-zoo nee soo-MEE-mahs.Please line up in the correct line. You can avoid waiting unnecessarily.
「～ずに済む」は、望ましくない行動をしなくてもよい、または避けられることを表します。
Japanese Vocabulary
こちら
pron
koh-CHEE-rah
this one; here
こちらの列ですか?
すみません
intj
soo-mee-mah-SEN
excuse me
すみません、複雑な依頼の相談はこちらの列ですか?
案内
noun
ahn-NAI
guidance; information; sign
案内が分かりにくかった
依頼
noun
ee-RAI
request
複雑な依頼
簡単な
adj
kahn-TAHN-nah
simple
簡単な質問
質問
noun
shee-tsuh-MOHN
question
簡単な質問
詳しい
adj
koo-wah-SHEE
detailed
詳しい依頼用
相談
noun
soh-DAHN
consultation; help
依頼の相談
必要なら
phrase
hee-tsuh-YOH nah-RAH
if needed
詳しい案内が必要なら
複雑な
adj
foo-koo-tsuh-NAH
complicated
複雑な依頼
分かりにくかった
adj
wah-kah-REE nee-koo-KAHT-tah
was confusing; was hard to understand
案内が分かりにくかったので
列
noun
REH-tsu
line; queue
こちらの列
Quiz
Spelling
Tap the letters to spell the word.
excuse me
Show Answer
すみませんif needed
Show Answer
必要ならwas confusing; was hard to understand
Show Answer
分かりにくかったquestion