About This Lesson
Use Requesting privacy at a clinic reception to practice Japanese conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.
Dialogue
A
受付で人に聞かれる可能性のあることを話すのは気が進みません。
oo-keh-TSOO-keh deh HEE-toh nee kee-kah-REH-roo kah-NOH-say noh ah-roo KOH-toh oh hah-NAH-soo noh wah kee gah soo-soo-mee-mah-SEN I am not comfortable discussing sensitive details at the reception desk.
B
個人的なことは、別の人に聞かれない場所でお話しできます。
koh-JIN-te-kee nah KOH-toh wah BEH-tsu noh HEE-toh nee kee-kah-reh-NAI bah-SHOH deh oh-HAH-nah-shee deh-KEE-mahss We can move to a private area for anything personal.
A
待合室がすぐ近くにあるので、そうしていただけると助かります。
mah-chee-eye-SHEE-tsoo gah soo-GOO CHI-kah-koo nee ah-roo noh-deh, soh-SHEE-teh ee-tah-dah-keh-roo-toh tah-soo-kah-ree-MAHSS That would help, because the waiting room is very close.
B
プライバシーは大切ですし、そのようなことは人前で話すべきではありません。
puh-RYE-bah-SHEE wah tie-SET-soo dess-SHEE, soh-noh YOH-nah KOH-toh wah HEE-toh-MAH-eh deh hah-NAH-soo BEH-kee deh wah ah-ree-mah-SEN Your privacy matters, and those details should not be discussed in public.
A
背景については、ほとんどを記入用紙に書いてもよろしいでしょうか。
high-KAY nee-tsoo-ee-teh wah, hoh-TOHN-doh oh kee-NYOO YOH-shee nee KAI-teh-moh yoh-roh-SHEE deh-SHOH-kah Could I put most of the background on the written forms instead?
B
そうしていただけますが、医療従事者が個別に質問することもあります。
soh-SHEE-teh ee-tah-dah-keh-MAHSS gah, ee-RYOH JOO-jee-SHAH gah koh-BEH-tsu-nee shee-TSOO-mon soo-ROO KOH-toh moh ah-ree-mahss You can, although the clinician may still ask questions in private.
A
そうしていただけると、私にとって会話がずっと楽になります。
soh-SHEE-teh ee-tah-dah-keh-ROO-toh, wah-TAH-shee nee TOHT-teh kai-WAH gah ZOOT-toh RAH-koo nee NAH-ree-mahss That would make the conversation much easier for me.
B
お呼びする前に、ご希望を記録しておきます。
oh-YOH-bee soo-ROO MAH-eh nee, goh-kee-BOH oh kee-ROH-koo shee-teh oh-kee-MAHSS I will note your preference before you are called.Word by Word
受付
“受付” means the reception desk or reception area, where the speaker is discussing a sensitive matter. In “受付で,” it identifies the place of the action, so this word is useful at clinics, offices, and other service counters.
で
In “受付で,” “で” marks the place where an action happens: at the reception desk. Use it after a place when describing where someone talks, works, or does something.
人
“人” means a person or people; here it refers to other people who might hear the conversation in “人に聞かれる.” It also appears in “人前,” meaning in front of other people, so it is useful when discussing privacy or public situations.
に
In “人に聞かれる,” “に” marks the people by whom the information might be overheard. This use is helpful when identifying the person or people connected with an unwanted action.
聞かれる
In “人に聞かれる,” “聞かれる” means that something may be overheard by other people. Use this form when expressing concern that nearby people could hear private information.
可能性
“可能性” means possibility in “人に聞かれる可能性,” the possibility that other people may overhear something. It is useful after a clause or noun when discussing whether an event might happen.
の
In “可能性のある,” “の” links “可能性” with “ある,” creating the meaning “that has a possibility.” Use this linking pattern when one noun describes the kind or condition of another noun.
ある
In “可能性のあること,” “ある” says that the possibility exists or is present. This pattern is useful for describing something that has a particular condition or characteristic.
こと
“こと” refers to a matter or thing, specifically the matters that might be overheard in “聞かれる可能性のあること.” It commonly follows a description when referring to an event, fact, or topic rather than a physical object.
を
In “ことを話す,” “を” marks the matter being discussed. Use it after the topic or object of an action such as talking about, writing, or explaining something.
話す
“話す” means to talk about or discuss the matters in this line. In “話すのは,” it describes the act of discussing something, a pattern useful when making that activity the topic of a sentence.
は
In “話すのは気が進みません,” “は” marks discussing the matter as the topic and gives the sentence the meaning that this activity is not appealing. Use it to focus on one activity or to contrast it with another possibility.
気
In “気が進みません,” “気” refers to one’s inclination or willingness to do something. This expression is useful when politely saying that an activity does not feel comfortable or appealing.
が
In “気が進みません,” “が” marks “気” as the element whose state is being described. Keep it as part of the expression “気が進みません” when explaining reluctance or a lack of willingness.
進みません
In “気が進みません,” “進みません” expresses that the speaker does not feel inclined to proceed with the discussion. This polite expression is useful when declining or expressing discomfort without sounding direct or abrupt.
個人的
“個人的” means personal in “個人的なこと,” referring to private matters. Use it before “な” and a noun when describing information or issues connected to someone’s private life.
な
In “個人的なこと,” “な” links the descriptive word “個人的” to the noun “こと.” Use this connector after this type of descriptive word when it comes directly before a noun.
別
In “別の人に聞かれない場所,” “別” means separate or different. The pattern “別の” is useful when referring to another person, place, or option distinct from the one already mentioned.
聞かれない
In “別の人に聞かれない場所,” “聞かれない” means not be overheard by another person. Use this negative form when describing a place or situation where others cannot hear what is said.
場所
“場所” means a place or area, here a private area where other people will not overhear the conversation. It is useful after a description when specifying a suitable location for an action.
お話し
In “お話しできます,” “お話し” refers politely to talking or discussing something. This polite wording is suitable when a staff member offers to discuss a personal matter with a visitor.
できます
In “お話しできます,” “できます” means can do or can arrange, so the staff member can discuss the matter in the private place. Use it to offer an available action or service politely.
待合室
“待合室” means the waiting room, the area where patients wait before being called. This compound is useful in clinics and other places where people wait for an appointment or service.
すぐ
In “すぐ近く,” “すぐ” means right or very, emphasizing that the waiting room is immediately nearby. Use it before a place or distance expression when something is extremely close.
近く
In “すぐ近くにある,” “近く” means nearby or close by. Use it with “にある” to describe where a place or object is located.
ので
In “待合室がすぐ近くにあるので,” “ので” introduces the reason for the speaker’s request: the waiting room is very close. Use it to give a reason in a relatively soft and explanatory way.
そうして
In “そうしていただけると,” “そうして” means doing that way, referring to moving to a private area. Use it after a previously mentioned action when referring back to that action without repeating it.
いただける
In “そうしていただけると,” “いただける” politely expresses that the other person can kindly do the requested action. This form is useful when making a respectful request or explaining that someone’s help would be appreciated.
と
In “そうしていただけると助かります,” “と” links the condition of receiving that help with the result that it would be helpful. Use this pattern when stating what result follows if someone does something.
助かります
“助かります” means that something would be helpful or appreciated, as in “そうしていただけると助かります.” Use it to make a request sound considerate, especially when asking someone for assistance.
プライバシー
“プライバシー” means privacy, which the staff member says is important. It is useful in healthcare, administrative, and other situations involving personal information.
大切
In “プライバシーは大切です,” “大切” means important or something that should be valued. Use it after a topic when affirming its importance in a polite statement.
です
In “大切です,” “です” gives the statement a polite ending: privacy is important. Use it after a descriptive word or noun when making a polite assertion.
し
In “大切ですし,” “し” adds this statement as one reason or point before another statement. Use it when giving more than one supporting point or explanation.
その
In “そのようなこと,” “その” means that or those and points back to the matters just discussed. Use it before a noun or descriptive expression when referring to something already mentioned.
よう
In “そのようなこと,” “よう” contributes the meaning “such a kind” or “of that sort.” Together with “その” and “な,” it describes matters like the sensitive details already mentioned.
人前
“人前” means in front of other people or in public, as in “人前で話す.” Use it when discussing whether an action should happen where other people can see or hear it.
べき
In “話すべきではありません,” “べき” expresses what ought to be done; with the following negative expression, the meaning is that the details ought not to be discussed publicly. Use it to state a strong expectation or appropriate conduct.
ありません
In “話すべきではありません,” “ありません” completes the polite negative expression meaning that something should not be done. Here it makes the statement that discussing those matters in public is not appropriate.
背景
“背景” means background information, referring here to information about the person’s situation or history. It is useful when describing context that can be provided on a form or explained during an interview.
について
In “背景については,” “について” means about or concerning and introduces the topic of the background information. Use it after a noun when explaining, asking about, or writing information concerning that topic.
ほとんど
In “ほとんどを記入用紙に書いて,” “ほとんど” means most of the information, though not necessarily all of it. Use it when referring to the larger part of something while leaving room for exceptions.
記入用紙
“記入用紙” means a form or sheet on which information is filled in. It is useful in clinics, offices, and other settings where personal details are collected in writing.
書いて
In “記入用紙に書いても,” “書いて” means write or fill in, referring to putting the background information on the form. Use this form when connecting writing with a following request or permission expression.
も
In “書いてもよろしいでしょうか,” “も” is part of the permission pattern meaning “is it all right if I write it?” Use it after a te-form verb when asking whether an action is permitted.
よろしい
In “よろしいでしょうか,” “よろしい” means acceptable or all right in a polite way. This expression is useful when respectfully asking for permission.
でしょう
In “よろしいでしょうか,” “でしょう” softens the permission question and makes it more courteous. Use it in polite questions when you want to sound less direct.
か
At the end of “よろしいでしょうか,” “か” marks the sentence as a question. Use it at the end of a polite statement when asking for confirmation or permission.
いただけます
In “そうしていただけますが,” “いただけます” politely says that the requested action can be done for the speaker. This form is useful when granting a request while adding a qualification or further information.
医療従事者
“医療従事者” means a healthcare professional or worker involved in medical care. It is useful in a clinic when referring generally to the person who may ask medical questions.
個別
In “個別に質問する,” “個別” means individually or separately, indicating that questions may be asked in a private one-to-one setting. Use it when distinguishing individual treatment or discussion from a group setting.
質問
In “質問する,” “質問” means questions or questioning about the patient’s information. It is useful in appointments, interviews, and other situations where someone needs specific answers.
する
In “質問する,” “する” combines with “質問” to mean ask questions or carry out questioning. This noun-plus-する pattern is useful for describing an action based on an activity noun.
あり
The segment “あり” appears in the polite form “あります” in “質問することもあります.” It contributes the idea that such questioning exists or occurs, a pattern useful when mentioning that an event may happen.
あります
In “質問することもあります,” “あります” means that there are occasions when the clinician asks questions. This pattern is useful for saying that something sometimes happens without presenting it as certain every time.
私
In “私にとって,” “私” means me or I, identifying the speaker’s personal perspective. Use it when explaining how a situation affects the speaker.
にとって
In “私にとって,” “にとって” means for me or from my perspective. Use it after a person or group when describing what is easy, important, difficult, or helpful for them.
会話
“会話” means the conversation, specifically the discussion with the clinic staff. It is useful when talking about how an interaction feels or how smoothly people communicate.
ずっと
In “ずっと楽になります,” “ずっと” means much or considerably, emphasizing a strong improvement in comfort. Use it before a comparison or change when the difference is noticeably greater.
楽
In “会話がずっと楽になります,” “楽” means easier or more comfortable for the speaker. Use it to describe a reduction in difficulty, strain, or discomfort.
なります
In “楽になります,” “なります” means becomes, showing a change into a more comfortable state. Use it after a descriptive word when describing how something changes.
お呼び
In “お呼びする前に,” “お呼び” refers politely to calling the patient. This respectful wording is useful when staff members describe calling someone for an appointment or consultation.
前
In “お呼びする前に,” “前” means before, placing the recording of the preference earlier than the call. Use it after an action or event when describing what happens beforehand.
ご希望
“ご希望” means your preference or request, expressed politely and respectfully. In this clinic setting, it refers to the patient’s wish to discuss sensitive details privately.
記録
In “ご希望を記録しておきます,” “記録” means a record or note of the patient’s preference. It is useful when staff document information so it can be remembered or followed later.
して
In “記録しておきます,” “して” connects the action of recording with the following expression. It is the linking form of “する” used here to say that the recording will be done in advance.
おきます
In “記録しておきます,” “おきます” means doing something beforehand so it is ready for a later situation. Use it after a te-form verb when an action is completed in preparation for what comes next.
Grammar Points
〜てもよろしいでしょうか
書いてもよろしいでしょうか。
KAI-teh-moh yoh-roh-SHEE deh-SHOH-kahMay I write it?
A very polite way to ask for permission. It is more formal than 〜てもいいですか。
〜ておきます
記録しておきます。
kee-ROH-koo shee-teh oh-kee-MAHSSI will make a note of it in advance.
Shows that someone does an action in preparation for later or to keep something ready.
Japanese Vocabulary
すぐ近く
adv
soo-GOO CHI-kah-koo
very close; nearby
待合室がすぐ近くにある
プライバシー
noun
puh-RYE-bah-SHEE
privacy
プライバシーは大切です
可能性
noun
kah-NOH-say
possibility
聞かれる可能性のあること
気が進みません
phrase
kee gah soo-soo-mee-mah-SEN
I am not comfortable; I do not feel comfortable
ことを話すのは気が進みません
個人的なこと
phrase
koh-JIN-te-kee nah KOH-toh
personal matters
個人的なことは、別の人に聞かれない場所でお話しできます
受付
noun
oo-keh-TSOO-keh
reception desk
受付で人に聞かれる可能性のあることを話す
場所
noun
bah-SHOH
place
聞かれない場所でお話しできます
人前
noun
HEE-toh-MAH-eh
in public; in front of other people
そのようなことは人前で話すべきではありません
待合室
noun
mah-chee-eye-SHEE-tsoo
waiting room
待合室がすぐ近くにある
大切
adj
tie-SET-soo
important
プライバシーは大切です
聞かれる
verb
kee-kah-REH-roo
be overheard
人に聞かれる可能性のあること
別の人
phrase
BEH-tsu noh HEE-toh
another person
別の人に聞かれない場所
Quiz
Spelling
Tap the letters to spell the word.
personal matters
Show Answer
個人的なことI am not comfortable; I do not feel comfortable
Show Answer
気が進みませんvery close; nearby
Show Answer
すぐ近くbe overheard