• Examining the car before you enter it

• How smoothly you are turning the wheel

• Listening for trains at railroad crossings

• Having your blinker on almost entirely through the course

There’s many more, and the instructors are picky. They look for you to do some very specific things in order to be sure you’ve prepared. So what is a person to do? In Gifu there is a nearby school which offers the very SAME course as the actual test! This is a huge benefit to you. Most recommend at least 2 hours of training, but i did it with a single 30 minute session. Here’s how:

• Have a partner ride in the back to observe (record video if allowed)

• Following the training session, quickly record all your thoughts in a voice memo

• Try to recall and record every comment your instructor made

• For $1 you can purchase a very-clear map and route of the course

This is a sample course only. I’m sure it changes often.

STEP 5 – BRAIN TRAINING

Prepare for The Written Test

You’re lucky in this regard. Japanese drivers must take a 100 question test while you get to take a relatively simple and obvious 10 question written test, and you can miss up to 3 questions and still pass. So my opinion is yes, of course, know all your Japanese road signs and basic rules of the road and required distances (signaling, following, etc). But your struggle will not be with the written test. Assuming you pass you’ll be given the practical driving test the same day. If you fail, you will need to reschedule at the time of next availability.

Prepare for The Practical Test

This test consists of you driving one of their vehicles (the same kind of car as the taxi’s you see) around a driving course which is part of the Unten Menyo Center. This is really the key section of this blog post, and the secret to passing the test.

Every day prior to taking the practical test, visualize yourself driving through your memorized course and every precaution that you must take.

I’m serious. Sit in a chair, and pretend it is the drivers seat. Have someone watch you, and explain to them every action. When you lay in bed at night and closer your eyes, see the course. Imagine someone sitting in the back seat and an instructor silently critiquing you. If you are unable to invest in the actual driving school, you must school and judge yourself with repeated visualization of the course and steps to take along the way. Given this – how important is it to learn your weak spots in that initial lesson? I would say – critical.

STEP 6  – TEST DAY

On the actual test day you will return with all of the identical, required paperwork. You and a group of others will be lead to a small room where you will take the written test. In my group, 10 out of 10 people passed the written. A good website with sample tests is located here. You’ll then be instructed to head over to the actual testing course located behind the Unten Menkyo center.  Prior to the test, you’ll sit in a small classroom format and the instructor will inform you what will take place.

• If you are sitting here waiting for the instructor, do not waste time. Use these moments to visually study the course, because you may be the first to go!

Following the instructor explanation, he/she will explain who will go first, second, third, etc. If you are “next” then you have the benefit of riding in the back of the car of the person who is actually testing. Another HUGE benefit to study the course. In my experience, the instructor says very little (unless you crash or test is ended) until you are done. He will offer some limited feedback privately to the test taker.

It’s Your Turn

Now it’s time to let all that visualization training do its job! I hope you’ve memorized the course. Don’t forget to:

• Check the street before you enter the car

• Check the car out before getting in

• Tell the Instructor – Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu!

• Seatbelt / Adjust Chair / Mirrors/ Blinkers

• Stay as far to the LEFT as you can without touching the line

• When preparing to turn, stay as close to the CENTER line as possible

• When preparing to turn, check both ways AND over-shoulder blind spot

• Blinkers on 30 meters before turning

• Check left/right and crosswalks and intersections

• Get up to 40 when asked to, but not higher

• If you can’t see due to an obstacle, act appropriately

Following your test, the instructor will offer some criticisms. This doesn’t necessarily mean you failed! I was corrected on 3 different items. Even if you passed you will have to wait around for some time to find out the results.

Congratulations. You passed! Or you failed. If you passed, you’ll pay up some more fee’s for a license. If you failed, you will reschedule for a future date. If you failed – while in the area, it might not hurt to take one or more driving school lessons.

nakagaii~in good terms~close

that's why I chose this

anata no ega wo watashi wo shiawase ni suru

ur smile makes me happy

kizutsuke chatta

did I hurt you

yari sugi chatta

did I do it too much

did I go beyond the line

itsu mata e ru no

when will we meet again

when can I see you again?

kore chotto tabete ii

darokizukanai (probably won't notice)

kyuuryo - salary

zangyou - ot

shi - city

shakushou - city office

henji - reply

okurimono - gift

yakusoku - promise

jikoshoukai - self intro

shokai - intro

aisatsu - greet

kaiwa - converse / talk

shoutai - invite

soudan - consult

kekkonshiki - wed ceremony

oiwai ni - to celebrate

iwau - celebrate

orei - thank you letter

soudan - consult

chuui shimashita - warned

bokujanai - not me

kenka - quarrel

oreinotegami - thank you letter

ten - score

otona

musuko

musume

kyoumi

koujou

okurimono gift okurimono gift okurimono gift okurimono gift okurimono is gift

• 明日は忙しいし、疲れているし、行けない。(Ashita wa isogashii shi, tsukareteiru shi, ikenai.) - “I’m busy tomorrow, and I’m tired, so I can’t go.”

2. Emphasis: “し” can also be used to emphasize a statement or to add an emotional nuance. For instance:

• 楽しいし、面白いし、最高だ！(Tanoshii shi, omoshiroi shi, saikou da!) - “It’s fun, it’s interesting, it’s the best!”

1. Hearsay: “I heard that…” or “They say that…”

2. Appearance: “It seems like…” or “It looks like…”

In “いそがしいそうです,” it indicates that the speaker has heard or observed that someone is busy.

映画は四時から始まります

えいがはよじからはじまります

Here are the 50 example sentences with both kanji and hiragana for "くて" usage:

### い-Adjectives:

1. 寒くて、外に出たくないです。

(さむくて、そとにでたくないです。)

It's cold, so I don't want to go outside.

2. 美味しくて、たくさん食べました。

(おいしくて、たくさんたべました。)

It was delicious, so I ate a lot.

3. 忙しくて、会いに行けません。

(いそがしくて、あいにいけません。)

I’m busy, so I can't go meet them.

4. 暖かくて、気持ちがいいです。

(あたたかくて、きもちがいいです。)

It’s warm, so it feels nice.

5. 高くて、買えませんでした。

(たかくて、かえませんでした。)

It was expensive, so I couldn’t buy it.

6. 楽しくて、時間が経つのを忘れました。

(たのしくて、じかんがたつのをわすれました。)

It was so fun that I forgot the time.

7. 難しくて、理解できませんでした。

(むずかしくて、りかいできませんでした。)

It was difficult, so I couldn't understand it.

8. 遅くて、電車に間に合いませんでした。

(おそくて、でんしゃにまにあいませんでした。)

I was late, so I missed the train.

9. 面白くて、何度も見ました。

(おもしろくて、なんどもみました。)

It was interesting, so I watched it multiple times.

10. 暑くて、寝られませんでした。

(あつくて、ねられませんでした。)

It was hot, so I couldn’t sleep.

### Na-adjectives:

11. 便利で、使いやすいです。

(べんりで、つかいやすいです。)

It’s convenient and easy to use.

12. 元気で、安心しました。

(げんきで、あんしんしました。)

They were healthy, so I felt relieved.

13. 静かで、勉強しやすいです。

(しずかで、べんきょうしやすいです。)

It’s quiet, so it’s easy to study.

14. 有名で、よく知られています。

(ゆうめいで、よくしられています。)

It’s famous, so it’s well-known.

15. 簡単で、誰でもできます。

(かんたんで、だれでもできます。)

It’s simple, so anyone can do it.

16. きれいで、写真をたくさん撮りました。

(きれいで、しゃしんをたくさんとりました。)

It was beautiful, so I took a lot of photos.

17. 大事で、忘れないようにしました。

(だいじで、わすれないようにしました。)

It’s important, so I made sure not to forget.

18. 安全で、安心しました。

(あんぜんで、あんしんしました。)

It was safe, so I felt relieved.

19. 静かで、よく眠れました。

(しずかで、よくねむれました。)

It was quiet, so I slept well.

20. 不便で、引っ越すことにしました。

(ふべんで、ひっこすことにしました。)

It was inconvenient, so I decided to move.

### Negative forms:

21. 面白くなくて、途中でやめました。

(おもしろくなくて、とちゅうでやめました。)

It wasn’t interesting, so I stopped halfway.

22. お金がなくて、困っています。

(おかねがなくて、こまっています。)

I have no money, so I'm in trouble.

23. 元気じゃなくて、家にいました。

(げんきじゃなくて、いえにいました。)

I wasn’t feeling well, so I stayed at home.

24. 暇じゃなくて、手伝えませんでした。

(ひまじゃなくて、てつだえませんでした。)

I wasn’t free, so I couldn’t help.

25. 涼しくなくて、汗をかきました。

(すずしくなくて、あせをかきました。)

It wasn’t cool, so I was sweating.

26. 簡単じゃなくて、難しいです。

(かんたんじゃなくて、むずかしいです。)

It’s not easy, it’s difficult.

27. 静かじゃなくて、うるさいです。

(しずかじゃなくて、うるさいです。)

It’s not quiet, it’s noisy.

28. 新しくなくて、古いです。

(あたらしくなくて、ふるいです。)

It’s not new, it’s old.

29. 甘くなくて、少し辛いです。

(あまくなくて、すこしからいです。)

It’s not sweet, it’s a bit spicy.

30. 早くなくて、遅いです。

(はやくなくて、おそいです。)

It’s not fast, it’s slow.

### Combining multiple adjectives:

31. 安くて美味しいです。

(やすくておいしいです。)

It’s cheap and delicious.

32. 明るくて広い部屋です。

(あかるくてひろいへやです。)

It’s a bright and spacious room.

33. 優しくて頼りになる友達です。

(やさしくてたよりになるともだちです。)

They are a kind and reliable friend.

34. 小さくて軽いバッグです。

(ちいさくてかるいばっぐです。)

It’s a small and light bag.

35. 甘くて美味しいお菓子です。

(あまくておいしいおかしです。)

It’s a sweet and tasty snack.

36. 涼しくて気持ちがいい風です。

(すずしくてきもちがいいかぜです。)

It’s a cool and pleasant breeze.

37. 若くて元気な先生です。

(わかくてげんきなせんせいです。)

He is a young and energetic teacher.

38. 速くて便利な電車です。

(はやくてべんりなでんしゃです。)

It’s a fast and convenient train.

39. 面白くてためになる本です。

(おもしろくてためになるほんです。)

It’s an interesting and educational book.

40. 寒くて暗い夜です。

(さむくてくらいよるです。)

It’s a cold and dark night.

### Describing reasons:

41. 暑くて水をたくさん飲みました。

(あつくてみずをたくさんのみました。)

It was hot, so I drank a lot of water.

42. 疲れていて、寝ました。

(つかれていて、ねました。)

I was tired, so I slept.

43. 怖くて泣きました。

(こわくてなきました。)

I was scared, so I cried.

44. 悲しくて話せませんでした。

(かなしくてはなせませんでした。)

I was sad, so I couldn’t talk.

45. お腹が空いていて、何か食べました。

(おなかがすいていて、なにかたべました。)

I was hungry, so I ate something.

46. 寒くてコートを着ました。

(さむくてこーとをきました。)

It was cold, so I wore a coat.

47. 眠くて勉強できません。

(ねむくてべんきょうできません。)

I’m sleepy, so I can’t study.

48. 遅くて急ぎました。

(おそくていそぎました。)

I was late, so I hurried.

49. 痛くて我慢できません。

(いたくてがまんできません。)

It hurts, so I can’t bear it.

50. 楽しくて時間を忘れました。

(たのしくてじかんをわすれました。)

It was so fun that I forgot the time.

These examples illustrate how "くて" is used

1. 天気が良くて、気分がいいです。

(Tenki ga yokute, kibun ga ii desu.)

“The weather is nice, so I feel good.”

2. 彼は優しくて、頼りになります。

(Kare wa yasashikute, tayori ni narimasu.)

“He is kind and reliable.”

3. 犬が元気で可愛くて、大好きです。

(Inu ga genki de kawaikute, daisuki desu.)

“The dog is energetic and cute, and I love it.”

4. 宿題が多くて、困っています。

(Shukudai ga ookute, komatteimasu.)

“I have a lot of homework, and I’m struggling.”

5. この料理は美味しくて、止まりません。

(Kono ryouri wa oishikute, tomarimasen.)

“This food is delicious, and I can’t stop eating.”

6. 仕事が忙しくて、遊ぶ時間がありません。

(Shigoto ga isogashikute, asobu jikan ga arimasen.)

“Work is busy, so I don’t have time to play.”

7. 彼は賢くて、よく勉強します。

(Kare wa kashikokute, yoku benkyou shimasu.)

“He is smart and studies a lot.”

8. 家が広くて、快適です。

(Ie ga hirokute, kaiteki desu.)

“The house is spacious and comfortable.”

9. 友達が優しくて、助かります。

(Tomodachi ga yasashikute, tasukarimasu.)

“My friends are kind, and I appreciate it.”

10. 映画が面白くて、二回見ました。

(Eiga ga omoshirokute, nikai mimashita.)

“The movie was interesting, so I watched it twice.”

11. 彼女は笑顔が素敵で、明るいです。

(Kanojo wa egao ga sutekide, akarui desu.)

“She has a lovely smile and is cheerful.”

12. コーヒーが熱くて、飲めませんでした。

(Koohii ga atsukute, nomemasen deshita.)

“The coffee was too hot, so I couldn’t drink it.”

13. 猫が静かで、かわいくて癒されます。

(Neko ga shizuka de, kawaikute iyasaremasu.)

“The cat is quiet and cute, and it’s soothing.”

14. 天気が暑くて、外に出たくないです。

(Tenki ga atsukute, soto ni de takunai desu.)

“The weather is hot, so I don’t want to go outside.”

15. この本は長くて、時間がかかります。

(Kono hon wa nagakute, jikan ga kakarimasu.)

“This book is long, so it takes time to read.”

16. ご飯が安くて、美味しいです。

(Gohan ga yasukute, oishii desu.)

“The meal is cheap and delicious.”

17. 部屋が綺麗で、落ち着きます。

(Heya ga kirei de, ochitsukimasu.)

“The room is clean and calming.”

18. 景色が綺麗で、感動しました。

(Keshiki ga kirei de, kandou shimashita.)

“The scenery was beautiful, and I was moved.”

19. 部屋が寒くて、ストーブをつけました。

(Heya ga samukute, sutoobu o tsukemashita.)

“The room was cold, so I turned on the heater.”

20. 車が速くて、安全です。

(Kuruma ga hayakute, anzen desu.)

“The car is fast and safe.”

21. ご飯が少なくて、まだお腹が空いています。

(Gohan ga sukunakute, mada onaka ga suiteimasu.)

“There wasn’t much food, so I’m still hungry.”

22. 天気が悪くて、キャンセルしました。

(Tenki ga warukute, kyanseru shimashita.)

“The weather was bad, so I canceled.”

23. 音楽が素敵で、心が癒されます。

(Ongaku ga suteki de, kokoro ga iyasaremasu.)

“The music is beautiful, and it heals my soul.”

24. 彼女は親切で、付き合いやすいです。

(Kanojo wa shinsetsu de, tsukiai yasui desu.)

“She is kind and easy to get along with.”

25. この椅子は硬くて、座りにくいです。

(Kono isu wa katakute, suwari nikui desu.)

“This chair is hard, so it’s difficult to sit on.”

26. 道が狭くて、危なかったです。

(Michi ga semakute, abunakatta desu.)

“The road was narrow and dangerous.”

27. 電車が遅くて、遅刻しました。

(Densha ga osokute, chikoku shimashita.)

“The train was late, so I was late.”

28. 彼は真面目で、仕事が早いです。

(Kare wa majime de, shigoto ga hayai desu.)

“He is serious and works quickly.”

29. ご飯が冷たくて、美味しくなかったです。

(Gohan ga tsumetakute, oishikunakatta desu.)

“The food was cold, and it wasn’t delicious.”

30. 学校が遠くて、通学が大変です。

(Gakkou ga tookute, tsuugaku ga taihen desu.)

“The school is far, so commuting is tough.”

31. 映画がつまらなくて、途中で寝ました。

(Eiga ga tsumaranakute, tochuu de nemashita.)

“The movie was boring, so I fell asleep halfway through.”

32. 彼女は賢くて、色々なことを知っています。

(Kanojo wa kashikokute, iroiro na koto o shitteimasu.)

“She is smart and knows a lot of things.”

33. 夜が静かで、ぐっすり眠れました。

(Yoru ga shizuka de, gussuri nemuremashita.)

“The night was quiet, so I slept soundly.”

34. 彼は強くて、頼りになります。

(Kare wa tsuyokute, tayori ni narimasu.)

“He is strong and dependable.”

35. この靴は古くて、壊れそうです。

(Kono kutsu wa furukute, kowaresou desu.)

“These shoes are old and look like they’re about to break.”

36. 天気が良くて、外で遊びました。

(Tenki ga yokute, soto de asobimashita.)

“The weather was good, so we played outside.”

37. その歌は綺麗で、心が安らぎます。

(Sono uta wa kirei de, kokoro ga yasuragimasu.)

“That song is beautiful and brings peace to my heart.”

38. ケーキが甘くて、もう一つ食べたいです。

(Keeki ga amakute, mou hitotsu tabetai desu.)

“The cake was sweet, so I want to eat another one.”

39. この町は静かで、暮らしやすいです。

(Kono machi wa shizuka de, kurashi yasui desu.)

“This town is quiet and easy to live in.”

40. 仕事が疲れて、すぐに寝ました。

(Shigoto ga tsukarete, sugu ni nemashita.)

“I was tired from work, so I went to bed right away.”

41. コンサートが楽しくて、忘れられません。

(Konsaato ga tanoshikute, wasureraremasen.)

“The concert was fun, and I can’t forget it.”

42. 車が大きくて、駐車が難しいです。

(Kuruma ga ookikute, chuusha ga muzukashii desu.)

mou tsuita no desu ka / have u arrived

もうついたのですか

しあい shiai match game

せいかつ life

せんたく laundry

だいじ important

休暇中に働かなければならない

(きゅうかちゅうにはたらかなければならない)

Word Breakdown in Hiragana

1. 休暇 (きゅうか, kyūka): Holiday or vacation.

2. 中 (ちゅう, chū): During or in the middle of something.

3. 働く (はたらく, hataraku): To work.

4. なければならない: A grammatical construction meaning “must” or “have to.”

English Meaning

This sentence means, “I must work during my vacation or holidays.” It expresses an obligation or necessity to work even when one is supposed to have time off.

Example Sentence

1. 休暇中に働かなければならないのは大変です。

(きゅうかちゅうにはたらかなければならないのはたいへんです。)

• “Having to work during the holidays is tough.”

2. 多くの人が休暇中に働く必要があります。

(おおくのひとがきゅうかちゅうにはたらくひつようがあります。)

1. Polite Greetings & Openings

• Thank you for your continued support.

ã„ã¤ã‚‚ãŠä¸–話ã«ãªã£ã¦ãŠã‚Šã¾ã™ã€‚(Itsumo osewa ni natte orimasu.)

• Thank you for your cooperation.

ã”å”力ã„ãŸã ãã€ã‚ã‚ŠãŒã¨ã†ã”ã–ã„ã¾ã™ã€‚(Gokyouryoku itadaki, arigatou gozaimasu.)

• I apologize for the inconvenience.

ã”迷惑をãŠã‹ã‘ã—ã¦ç”³ã—訳ã”ã–ã„ã¾ã›ã‚“。(Gomeiwaku o okake shite moushiwake gozaimasen.)

2. Making Requests & Offers

• Could you please check this?

ã“ã¡ã‚‰ã‚’ã”確èªã„ãŸã ã‘ã¾ã™ã§ã—ょã†ã‹ï¼Ÿ(Kochira o go-kakunin itadakemasu deshou ka?)

• I will take care of it.

ç§ãŒå¯¾å¿œã„ãŸã—ã¾ã™ã€‚(Watashi ga taiou itashimasu.)

• Would you like me to assist you?

ãŠæ‰‹ä¼ã„ã—ã¾ã—ょã†ã‹ï¼Ÿ(Otetsudai shimashou ka?)

3. Expressing Gratitude & Apologies

• I sincerely appreciate your support.

心より感è¬ç”³ã—上ã’ã¾ã™ã€‚(Kokoro yori kansha moushiagemasu.)

• Thank you for your patience.

ãŠå¾…ãŸã›ã—ã¦ç”³ã—訳ã”ã–ã„ã¾ã›ã‚“。(Omatase shite moushiwake gozaimasen.)

• I deeply regret the mistake.

大変申ã—訳ã”ã–ã„ã¾ã›ã‚“ã§ã—ãŸã€‚(Taihen moushiwake gozaimasen deshita.)

4. Business Phone Etiquette

• Thank you for calling.

ãŠé›»è©±ã‚ã‚ŠãŒã¨ã†ã”ã–ã„ã¾ã™ã€‚(Odenwa arigatou gozaimasu.)

• Who may I ask is calling?

失礼ã§ã™ãŒã€ãŠåå‰ã‚’伺ã£ã¦ã‚‚よã‚ã—ã„ã§ã—ょã†ã‹ï¼Ÿ(Shitsurei desu ga, onamae o ukagatte mo yoroshii deshou ka?)

• May I transfer your call?

ãŠã¤ãªãŽã„ãŸã—ã¾ã™ã®ã§ã€å°‘々ãŠå¾…ã¡ãã ã•ã„。(Otsunagi itashimasu node, shou shou omachi kudasai.)

5. Business Email Closings

• Best regards

敬具 (Keigu) [Formal]

• Humbly yours

何å’よã‚ã—ããŠé¡˜ã„ã„ãŸã—ã¾ã™ã€‚(Nani tozo yoroshiku onegai itashimasu.)

Would you like practice with specific business situations, like emails or meetings?

I won't wish the wish you wish to wish.

My mom told me her classmate's husband was a seaman, and I thought, 'Okay, so that’s the secret.' Seaman equals big house. In my little kid brain, I was like, ‘Got it! I’ll find me a partner with a good job, and we’ll have that house too.’

Fast forward to college, then work, and, well, let's just say I forgot about that childhood plan of finding the perfect partner. Now, I’m 29, and I’ve learned that life has its own timeline. Houses don’t magically appear, and sometimes the partner you imagine isn’t the one you end up with. Funny how that works, huh?

What I’ve figured out is that what really matters isn’t necessarily the big house or the fancy job, but the love and memories we build along the way. Sure, I don’t have that childhood dream house yet, but I’ve got something better—growth, lessons, and moments I wouldn’t trade for all the houses in the world.

So, yeah, maybe one day I’ll get that dream home, but for now, I’m okay with what I’ve built—inside and out. And honestly, that’s enough for me.

My mom told me her classmate's husband was a seaman, and I thought, 'Okay, so that’s the secret.' Seaman equals big house. In my little kid brain, I was like, ‘Got it! I’ll find me a partner with a good job, and we’ll have that house too.’

Fast forward to college, then work, and, well, let's just say I forgot about that childhood plan of finding the perfect partner. Now, I’m 29, and I’ve learned that life has its own timeline. Houses don’t magically appear, and sometimes the partner you imagine isn’t the one you end up with. Funny how that works, huh?

What I’ve figured out is that what really matters isn’t necessarily the big house or the fancy job, but the love and memories we build along the way. Sure, I don’t have that childhood dream house yet, but I’ve got something better—growth, lessons, and moments I wouldn’t trade for all the houses in the world.

So, yeah, maybe one day I’ll get that dream home, but for now, I’m okay with what I’ve built—inside and out. And honestly, that’s enough for me.

Shokubutsu - plant

Kono atari - this area

べつに 何も したくない。

(Betsu ni nanimo shitakunai.)

I don’t really want to do anything.べつに 何も したくない。

(Betsu ni nanimo shitakunai.)