答え方の基本の型「答え→理由→具体例→聞き返し」
質問に答えるときは、次の4ステップを意識しましょう。
- 答え：Yes / No / It depends. など、まず結論
- 理由：because 〜 / One reason is 〜
- 具体例：For example, 〜 / In my case, 〜
- 聞き返し：How about in your country?
例：
Q: Why are Japanese trains always on time?
A: I think it's because the train companies plan everything very carefully. For example, staff check the timetable down to the second. Trains are important for many people's daily lives. How about trains in your country?
理由に自信がないときは、I think / I heard / Maybe でやわらげればOK。答えは「正解」ではなく「あなたの考え」でかまいません。
ポイント：最後の How about in your country? で、質問攻めが会話に変わります。
暮らし・社会についての質問
Q1: Why are the streets so clean?
A: People are taught from a young age to take their trash home. At school, students clean their classrooms themselves, so we get used to cleaning.
Q2: Is Japan really safe?
A: In my experience, yes, it's generally safe. People often leave their bags on chairs in cafes. But of course, you should still be careful.
Q3: Do Japanese people really work so much?
A: Some people work very long hours, and it has been a social issue. But things are changing, and more companies are trying to improve work-life balance.
Q4: Why are there so many vending machines?
A: They're convenient, and they're rarely broken or damaged. You can get hot and cold drinks from the same machine.
Q5: Why do people wear masks?
A: Some people wear masks when they have a cold, so they don't spread it. Others wear them during allergy season.
ポイント：社会問題は「一部の人は〜、でも変わりつつある」と両面を伝えるのがフェアです。
言葉・習慣についての質問
Q6: Is Japanese difficult to learn?
A: Speaking might not be too hard, but reading is challenging because we use three writing systems: hiragana, katakana, and kanji.
Q7: Why do you bow so much?
A: Bowing is like a handshake in Japan. We bow to say hello, thank you, or sorry.
Q8: What does "sumimasen" mean?
A: It can mean "excuse me," "sorry," or even "thank you." It's a very useful word.
Q9: Why do Japanese people take off their shoes inside?
A: To keep the floor clean. We often sit on the floor, so it makes sense.
Q10: Do Japanese people eat sushi every day?
A: Not really! Sushi is often for special occasions. We eat all kinds of food, like curry, pasta, and ramen.
「すみません」の3つの意味の話は、外国人に「面白い！」と言われる鉄板ネタです。
ポイント：誤解を訂正するときは Not really! と明るく言うと、場が和みます。
食・観光・ポップカルチャーの質問
Q11: What's a must-try food in Japan?
A: I'd recommend okonomiyaki. It's a savory pancake, and you can cook it yourself at some restaurants.
Q12: Where should I go besides Tokyo and Kyoto?
A: How about my hometown? 〜（地元の魅力を2文で）
Q13: What's the best season to visit?
A: Spring and autumn are popular because of the cherry blossoms and the autumn leaves. But winter is great for hot springs and snow.
Q14: Do you watch anime?
A: Yes, sometimes. My favorite is 〜. It's about 〜.
Q15: What souvenirs should I buy?
A: Japanese snacks with local flavors are popular, and they're easy to carry.
Q12 のように地元を紹介できるチャンスは大切にしましょう。有名観光地より、あなたしか知らない情報のほうが相手には魅力的です。
ポイント：I'd recommend 〜 はおすすめを伝える丁寧で便利な表現です。
あなた自身についての質問
日本についての質問の延長で、あなた自身について聞かれることも多いです。
Q16: Have you ever been abroad?
A: Not yet, but I really want to visit 〜 someday.
Q17: What do you do on weekends?
A: I usually 〜. Sometimes I 〜 with my friends.
Q18: What's your favorite place in Japan?
A: I love 〜 because 〜.
Q19: Why are you learning English?
A: Because I want to 〜. For example, 〜.
Q20: What do you like about Japan?
A: I like 〜. But to be honest, I think 〜 could be better.
Q20 のように、良い点だけでなく改善してほしい点も1つ言えると、考えのある人だという印象を与えます。
ポイント：To be honest, 〜 で本音を1つ。深い会話のきっかけになります。
1週間の練習メニューとよくある失敗
1週間メニュー（1日15分）
- 月：Q1〜Q5 の答えを自分の言葉で書き直す
- 火：Q6〜Q10 を同様に
- 水：Q11〜Q15 を同様に（地元紹介を必ず入れる）
- 木：Q16〜Q20 を自分のことで埋める
- 金：質問カードを作り、ランダムに引いて30秒で答える
- 土：答えを録音し、4ステップになっているか確認
- 日：友達や家族と質問し合う
よくある失敗
- Yes / No だけで終わる：必ず理由を1つ足しましょう。
- 「日本人は〜」と全員をまとめる：Many people / In my experience を使います。
- 完璧な答えを求めて黙る：Good question! Let me think. と時間を稼ぐ表現を覚えましょう。
- 聞き返しを忘れる：質問に答えたら、同じ質問を相手にもしてみましょう。
ポイント：Good question! は考える時間をくれる魔法の言葉です。
