About This Lesson
Use Deciding whether to keep waiting to practice Japanese conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.
Dialogue
A
すみません、この列は進むのが遅いです。
soo-mee-mah-SEN, KOH-noh REH-tsu-wah soo-SOO-moo noh-gah oh-SOH-ee dess. Excuse me, this line has been moving slowly.
B
ここで待ち続ける価値があるか、決めようとしているのですか。
KOH-koh deh mah-chee-tsu-zoo-KEH-roo KAH-chee gah ah-roo kah, kee-MEH-yoo toh SHEE-teh ee-ROO noh dess kah. Are you trying to decide whether it is worth staying?
A
そうです。窓口の対応が遅れているか、ご存じですか。
SOH dess. mah-doh-GOO-chee noh tie-OH gah oh-koo-REH-teh ee-roo kah, goh-ZOHN-jee dess kah. I am. Do you know if the service desk is running behind?
B
いくつかの依頼に追加の対応が必要なので、列の進みが遅くなっています。
ee-KOOT-soo-kah noh ee-RYE nee TSWEE-kah noh tie-OH gah hee-tsu-YOO nah-noh-deh, REH-tsu noh soo-SOO-mee gah oh-SOH-koo nah-TEH ee-MAHSS. Several requests need extra attention, so the line is moving slowly.
A
私はここにこれ以上長くいられません。
wah-TAH-shee-wah KOH-koh nee KOH-reh ee-JOH nah-GAH-koo ee-rah-reh-MAH-sen. I cannot stay here much longer.
B
待ち続けることもできますし、窓口に依頼を預けていくこともできます。
mah-chee-tsu-zoo-KEH-roo koh-toh moh deh-KEH-mahss-shee, mah-doh-GOO-chee nee ee-RYE oh ah-ZOO-keh-teh ee-KOO koh-toh moh deh-KEH-mahss. You can keep waiting, or leave your request at the desk.
A
後で誰かが確認してくれるなら、依頼を預けていくほうが助かります。
ah-TOH-deh DAH-reh-kah gah kah-koo-NEEN shee-teh-koo-REH-roo nah-rah, ee-RYE oh ah-ZOO-keh-teh ee-KOO hoh gah tahs-kah-ree-MAHSS. Leaving the request would help if someone can review it later.
B
窓口から、進展があったときに連絡してもらえます。
mah-doh-GOO-chee kah-rah, sheen-TEN gah AHT-tah toh-kee nee rehN-rah-koo shee-teh moh-RAH-eh-mahss. The desk can contact you when they have an update.
A
それなら、選択肢がはっきりしました。
soh-reh-NAH-rah, sen-TAH-koo-shee gah HAHK-kee-ree shee-MAH-shee-tah. That gives me a clear choice.
B
では、次の予定が待ってくれないなら、依頼を預けていくほうがよいかもしれません。
DEH-wah, TSOO-gee noh yoh-TEH-ee gah MAHT-teh koo-reh-NAI nah-rah, ee-RYE oh ah-ZOO-keh-teh ee-KOO hoh gah yoh-EE kah shee-REH-mah-sen. Then leaving it may be better if your next commitment cannot wait.Word by Word
すみません
In this dialogue, 「すみません」 politely gets the other person’s attention before asking a question, so it means “Excuse me.” It is commonly used when speaking to a stranger, service worker, or someone you may be interrupting.
この
「この」 points to something near the speaker or already identified as “this”; here it refers to the line the speakers are standing in. It is placed directly before a noun, as in 「この列」, when identifying a particular thing in a conversation.
列
「列」 means the line or queue that people are waiting in here. It is useful at service counters, shops, and other places where people wait in order.
は
In 「この列は」, 「は」 marks the line as the topic of the statement. It sets up information about that line, such as its movement or condition.
進む
「進む」 means “move forward” or “proceed”; in 「列は進む」, it describes the queue advancing. It can also be used for a process or plan that moves forward, but this dialogue uses it for a line.
の
In 「進むのが遅い」, 「の」 turns 「進む」 into “the act or process of moving,” allowing that process to be described as slow. The pattern 「動詞＋のが＋形容詞」 describes how an action or process is.
が
In 「進むのが遅い」, 「が」 marks the process of the line moving as the thing that is slow. This pattern identifies what has the quality described by 「遅い」.
遅い
「遅い」 means “slow” here, describing the line’s progress. It is commonly used for a queue, service, response, movement, or other process that takes time.
です
At the end of 「進むのが遅いです」, 「です」 makes the statement polite. It is used after this kind of description when speaking courteously to someone unfamiliar or in a service situation.
ここ
「ここ」 means “here,” referring to the place where the speaker is waiting. It is used when locating an action or situation at the speaker’s current place.
で
In 「ここで待ち続ける」, 「で」 marks 「ここ」 as the place where the waiting takes place. The pattern 「場所で＋動作」 identifies where an action happens.
待ち続ける
「待ち続ける」 means “keep waiting” or continue to wait, which is the choice being considered here. The pattern 「動詞のます形の語幹＋続ける」 describes continuing that action.
価値
「価値」 means “value” or “worth”; in 「待ち続ける価値」, it refers to whether continuing to wait is worthwhile. It commonly appears with 「価値がある」 when evaluating an action or choice.
ある
In 「待ち続ける価値がある」, 「ある」 says that the value exists, giving the meaning “be worthwhile.” This pattern evaluates whether an action has enough benefit to justify doing it.
か
In 「価値があるか」, 「か」 marks the embedded question of whether continuing to wait is worthwhile. It is used after a clause when that yes-or-no question is part of a larger sentence.
決めよう
「決めよう」 expresses an attempt or intention to decide what to do; in this dialogue, the person is trying to decide whether to keep waiting. It is used when presenting a decision as something to work out or undertake.
と
In 「決めようとしている」, 「と」 marks 「決めよう」 as the intended action in the expression “be trying to decide.” It commonly follows an intention or volitional form before 「とする」.
して
In 「決めようとしている」, 「して」 connects the intended action to 「いる」 and helps form the meaning “be trying to do.” The pattern 「動詞の意向形＋としている」 describes an ongoing attempt or intention.
いる
In 「決めようとしている」, 「いる」 shows that the attempt to decide is currently ongoing. It is used after 「として」 when describing an action or attempt in progress.
そう
In the reply 「そうです」, 「そう」 refers to the statement just made and confirms it as true, meaning “that’s right” or “so.” It is commonly used in 「そうです」 as a polite confirmation.
窓口
「窓口」 means the service desk or counter handling the requests in this scene. It is used for places where people receive assistance, submit requests, or ask about procedures.
対応
「対応」 refers here to the service desk’s handling or response to requests. It is useful when discussing how an office, staff member, or service handles a matter.
遅れて
In 「対応が遅れている」, 「遅れて」 means being delayed or running behind, describing the service response. It is the linking form used before 「いる」 to describe a continuing delayed state.
ご存じ
「ご存じですか」 politely asks whether someone knows or is aware of something, here whether the service desk is delayed. It is used in polite questions about another person’s knowledge, especially in formal or service-related conversations.
いくつか
「いくつか」 means “several” or “a few,” referring here to some requests without giving an exact number. It is commonly placed before a noun, as in 「いくつかの依頼」.
依頼
「依頼」 means a request or task submitted to someone else; here it refers to requests being handled by the service desk. It is useful in office, service, and administrative contexts for a formal request.
に
In 「依頼に追加の対応が必要」, 「に」 marks the requests as the things requiring additional handling. This use identifies the matter or target to which a need applies.
追加
「追加」 means “additional” or “extra”; in 「追加の対応」, it specifies handling beyond the usual response. It commonly comes before 「の」 and a noun when adding something to an existing amount or action.
必要
「必要」 means “necessary” or “needed”; here additional handling is needed for some requests. The pattern 「名詞が必要」 states what is required, while 「必要な＋名詞」 describes something as necessary.
な
In 「必要な」, 「な」 links the noun-like description 「必要」 directly to the noun it describes. It is used in this position with descriptions such as 「必要な対応」.
ので
In 「必要なので」, 「ので」 gives the reason for the line moving slowly: additional handling is needed. It commonly connects a reason to the result or explanation that follows, with a relatively explanatory and polite tone.
進み
「進み」 means the progress or movement of the line in 「列の進み」. It is used here as a noun so that the line’s rate of progress can be described.
遅く
In 「遅くなっています」, 「遅く」 means “slow” in the form used before 「なる」, so the line’s progress has become slow. The pattern 「形容詞のく形＋なる」 describes a change into a state.
なって
In 「遅くなっています」, 「なって」 connects the change into a slow state with 「います」. It is useful in the pattern 「形容詞のく形＋なっている」 for describing a current resulting condition.
います
In 「遅くなっています」, 「います」 shows that the line is currently in the changed state of having become slow. The polite form 「ています」 commonly describes an ongoing state or situation.
私
「私」 means “I” or “me”; here it identifies the speaker as the person who cannot remain longer. It is a neutral and widely usable way to refer to oneself in polite conversation.
これ
In 「これ以上」, 「これ」 refers to the current amount or situation, giving the sense “beyond this.” It is commonly used when setting a limit on time, quantity, or degree.
以上
In 「これ以上長く」, 「以上」 means “any further” or “more than this,” setting a limit on how much longer the speaker can stay. The pattern 「これ以上＋quantity or description」 expresses that no further amount is possible or desired.
長く
In 「これ以上長くいられません」, 「長く」 means “for a long time” and describes the duration of staying. It is the form used before 「いられません」 to say that the speaker cannot remain for any longer period.
いられません
「いられません」 means “cannot stay” in this dialogue, expressing that the speaker is unable to remain at the location. It is useful when politely explaining that time or circumstances prevent continued presence.
こと
In 「待ち続けることもできます」, 「こと」 turns the action 「待ち続ける」 into the idea of “continuing to wait.” The pattern 「動詞の辞書形＋こと」 allows an action to function as a noun in a sentence.
も
In 「待ち続けることもできます」, 「も」 adds continuing to wait as another available possibility, meaning “can also.” It is commonly used to add an option or item to information already mentioned.
できます
「できます」 means “can” or “be able to”; here it says that continuing to wait is possible. It is commonly used after an action noun with 「ことができます」 to state ability or permission.
し
In 「できますし」, 「し」 connects this possibility with another possibility, leaving the explanation open for an additional option. It is useful when listing reasons, features, or alternatives without making the first item the only one.
預けて
In 「依頼を預けていく」, 「預けて」 means to leave or entrust the request with the desk. It connects the act of entrusting something to the following movement away in 「預けていく」.
いく
In 「預けていく」, 「いく」 adds the idea of going on after leaving the request at the desk. The pattern 「て形＋いく」 can describe doing something and then moving away or continuing onward.
後
In 「後で」, 「後」 means “later” or “afterward,” referring to a time after the request is left. The pattern 「後で＋動作」 is used when saying that something will happen later.
誰か
「誰か」 means “someone,” referring to an unspecified person who may review the request. It is commonly used when the exact person is unknown or not important to the statement.
確認
「確認」 means “check” or “review”; here someone will review the request later. It is useful for checking information, documents, requests, or the status of a matter.
くれる
In 「確認してくれる」, 「くれる」 shows that someone will perform the review as a favor for the speaker. The pattern 「動詞て形＋くれる」 describes another person doing something beneficial for the speaker or someone close to the speaker.
なら
In 「確認してくれるなら」, 「なら」 introduces the condition “if someone will review it.” It commonly follows a stated or understood situation before giving a judgment, preference, or result.
を
In 「依頼を預けていく」, 「を」 marks 「依頼」 as the object being left with the desk. It identifies what receives the action of the verb.
ほう
In 「預けていくほうが助かります」, 「ほう」 identifies leaving the request as the option that would be more helpful. The pattern 「Aほうがいい」 or 「Aほうが助かる」 compares or recommends one option.
助かります
「助かります」 means “that would help” or “I would appreciate that” here, referring to leaving the request for later review. It is a polite way to describe an option that makes the speaker’s situation easier.
から
In 「窓口から」, 「から」 marks the service desk as the source from which contact will come. This source use is common with information, messages, calls, or other actions originating from a person or organization.
進展
「進展」 means progress or a development in a matter; here it refers to an update about the request. It is useful when reporting that work or a case has moved forward.
あった
In 「進展があったとき」, 「あった」 says that progress or a development occurred. It is the past form used inside the time expression for the point when an update has occurred.
とき
In 「進展があったとき」, 「とき」 means “when” or “the time that,” identifying the time at which progress occurs. It commonly follows a clause to connect an event with another action.
連絡
「連絡」 means contact or communication; here it refers to the desk contacting the speaker about an update. It is commonly used for messages, calls, or other communication about a matter.
もらえます
In 「連絡してもらえます」, 「もらえます」 means that the speaker can have or receive someone’s action, here contact from the desk. The pattern 「動詞て形＋もらえる」 is useful when asking whether someone can do something for the speaker.
それ
In 「それなら」, 「それ」 refers to the information just given about leaving the request and receiving contact later. It is commonly used to connect that information to a conclusion or next decision.
選択肢
「選択肢」 means a choice or available option; here the information has made the alternatives clear. It is useful when discussing possible actions in a decision.
はっきり
「はっきり」 means “clearly”; in 「選択肢がはっきりしました」, the available choice has become clear. It commonly describes information, distinctions, decisions, or conditions that are no longer vague.
しました
In 「はっきりしました」, 「しました」 expresses that something became clear or reached that state, with polite past wording. It is used here to describe the result of receiving the new information.
次
「次」 means “next,” referring here to the commitment after the current wait. It commonly comes before a noun, as in 「次の予定」, to identify what follows in time or order.
予定
「予定」 means a plan, schedule, or appointment; here it refers to the speaker’s next commitment. It is useful when discussing arrangements that determine how much time is available.
待って
In 「次の予定が待ってくれない」, 「待って」 is the waiting action connected to 「くれない」, expressing that the next commitment will not wait for the speaker. The pattern 「動詞て形＋くれる」 can describe an action expected as a favor, including its negative form when that favor will not happen.
くれない
In 「待ってくれない」, 「くれない」 says that the next commitment will not wait for the speaker, so there is no flexibility to remain longer. It is the negative form of the favor-giving construction 「動詞て形＋くれる」.
よい
In 「預けていくほうがよい」, 「よい」 means “good” or “preferable,” presenting leaving the request as the better option. It is used in the pattern 「ほうがよい」 for a polite recommendation or judgment.
かもしれません
「かもしれません」 expresses a polite possibility, so 「預けていくほうがよいかもしれません」 means that leaving the request may be better. In this construction, 「かも」 introduces the possibility, 「しれ」 is the middle part of the fixed possibility expression, and 「ません」 provides its polite ending; together they avoid stating the recommendation as certain.
Grammar Points
〜ようとしている
決めようとしている
kee-MEH-yoo toh SHEE-teh ee-ROOis trying to decide
Attach ようとしている to the verb's volitional form to express trying or being about to do something.
〜てもらえます
連絡してもらえます
rehN-rah-koo shee-teh moh-RAH-eh-mahssCan you contact me?
〜てもらえます is a polite way to ask someone to do something for you.
Japanese Vocabulary
すみません
intj
soo-mee-mah-SEN
excuse me
すみません、この列は進むのが遅いです。
依頼
noun
ee-RYE
request
いくつかの依頼に追加の対応が必要なので、列の進みが遅くなっています。
価値
noun
KAH-chee
value; worth
ここで待ち続ける価値があるか、決めようとしているのですか。
決める
verb
kee-MEH-roo
to decide
決めようとしている
ここで待ち続ける価値があるか、決めようとしているのですか。
進む
verb
soo-SOO-moo
to move forward; to progress
この列は進むのが遅いです。
窓口
noun
mah-doh-GOO-chee
service desk; counter
窓口の対応が遅れているか、ご存じですか。
対応
noun
tie-OH
response; handling; service
窓口の対応が遅れているか、ご存じですか。
待ち続ける
verb
mah-chee-tsu-zoo-KEH-roo
to keep waiting
ここで待ち続ける価値があるか、決めようとしているのですか。
遅い
adj
oh-SOH-ee
slow
この列は進むのが遅いです。
遅れる
verb
oh-koo-REH-roo
to be delayed; to fall behind
遅れている
窓口の対応が遅れているか、ご存じですか。
追加
noun
TSWEE-kah
additional; extra
いくつかの依頼に追加の対応が必要なので、列の進みが遅くなっています。
列
noun
REH-tsu
line; queue
この列は進むのが遅いです。
Quiz
Spelling
Tap the letters to spell the word.
to decide
Show Answer
決めようとしているto keep waiting
Show Answer
待ち続けるexcuse me
Show Answer
すみませんto be delayed; to fall behind