Lesson 6
Classroom Japanese and Useful Expressions
Starting and Ending the Lesson with -mashou
In a Japanese classroom, teachers use predictable set phrases to mark the flow of a lesson. Many of these phrases use the verb ending 〜ましょう (-mashou), which translates to 'let's do (something)'. This ending attaches to the stem of a polite verb and functions as an inclusive invitation or a gentle announcement of an activity.
To open the lesson, a teacher will typically say: 始めましょう (Hajimemashou, 'Let's begin'). When it is time for a recess or pause, you will hear: 休みましょう (Yasumimashou, 'Let's take a break'). Finally, when the class concludes, the teacher says: 終わりましょう (Owarimashou, 'Let's finish'). Recognizing these cues helps you stay oriented during group instruction.
Students usually respond politely at the start and end of class. At the beginning, standard greetings like おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu, 'Good morning') or こんにちは (Konnichiwa, 'Hello') are used. At the conclusion, students bow and say: ありがとうございました (Arigatou gozaimashita, 'Thank you very much for what you did'), using the past tense to express gratitude for the completed lesson.
Teacher Instructions with -te kudasai
When instructors direct students to read, write, or listen, they combine the connective form of verbs (known as the te-form) with ください (kudasai, 'please'). The construction [Verb in te-form] + ください creates a polite instruction or request: 'Please do [action].'
Common instruction verbs include: 見てください (Mite kudasai, 'Please look'), 聞いてください (Kiite kudasai, 'Please listen'), 言ってください (Itte kudasai, 'Please say / repeat'), 読んでください (Yonde kudasai, 'Please read'), and 書いてください (Kaite kudasai, 'Please write'). For example, 本を読んでください (Hon o yonde kudasai) means 'Please read the book.'
Instructors may also say もう一度言ってください (Mou ichido itte kudasai, 'Please say it once more') during pronunciation drills. The word もう (mou) means 'more' or 'another', and 一度 (ichido) means 'one time', making this phrase an essential pattern for asking someone to repeat themselves.
Expressing Understanding and Confusion
During class, teachers often check your comprehension by asking: わかりますか (Wakarimasu ka, 'Do you understand?'). The base verb is わかる (wakaru), which means to understand or comprehend.
If you understand the material, respond with: はい、わかりました (Hai, wakarimashita, 'Yes, I understood'). Learners often wonder why the past tense わかりました (-mashita) is used here; in Japanese, using the past tense signifies that the process of understanding has already been completed successfully in your mind.
If you do not understand, use the polite negative present form: いいえ、わかりません (Iie, wakarimasen, 'No, I don't understand'). Admitting that you do not understand is welcomed in Japanese classrooms, as it prompts the instructor to rephrase or offer examples.
Asking for Help and Clarification
When you need assistance, start by raising your hand and saying: 質問があります (Shitsumon ga arimasu, 'I have a question'). The word 質問 (shitsumon) means 'question', and the existence verb あります (arimasu) is paired with the subject marker particle が (ga).
If the teacher speaks too quickly, you can ask them to slow down by saying: ゆっくり言ってください (Yukkuri itte kudasai, 'Please speak slowly'). The adverb ゆっくり (yukkuri) means 'slowly' or 'leisurely'. If you simply need something repeated, say: もう一度お願いします (Mou ichido onegaishimasu, 'Once more, please'). Here, お願いします (onegaishimasu) is a polite request word used when asking for a favor or service.
To ask how to say a specific English word in Japanese, use the pattern: [English word] は日本語で何ですか ([Word] wa Nihongo de nan desu ka, 'What is [word] in Japanese?'). Notice the particle で (de), which marks the means, language, or tool being used—in this case, 'by means of the Japanese language'.
Everyday Politeness: Sumimasen and Shitsurei Shimasu
Two indispensable polite phrases in any learning setting are すみません (sumimasen) and 失礼します (shitsurei shimasu). While both convey respect, they serve slightly different everyday purposes.
すみません (Sumimasen) functions as 'excuse me' to get someone's attention, as a mild apology ('I am sorry'), and even as an expression of grateful surprise when someone goes out of their way to help you. For instance, when interrupting the teacher to ask a question, begin with: すみません、質問があります (Sumimasen, shitsumon ga arimasu).
失礼します (Shitsurei shimasu) literally means 'I am going to commit a discourtesy' and is used as a polite greeting when entering or leaving a teacher's office, or when joining/leaving an ongoing class session. When leaving, you use the past form: 失礼しました (Shitsurei shimashita, 'Excuse me for having intruded').
Lesson quiz · 1 of 5
How should a student politely respond when asked 'わかりますか' (Wakarimasu ka) and they understand the content?