Exercise 2: Refusals

Situation 1: Sample Dialogue

The parts in red are the refusal expressions you’ve been asked to write down.  The parts in blue are other important supporting strategies that will be covered more fully later in the unit.

上司：木村さん、ちょっとお願いがあるんですけれど。Kimura-san, chotto onegaiga arun desu keredo.  ‘Kimura-san, I have a favor to ask of you.’

従業員：あ、何ですか。  A, nandesuka?  ‘What is it?’

上司：えーと、田中さんが突然、インフルエンザで倒れてしまったんですよ。だから明日、入れるでしょうか。  Eeto, Tanaka-sanga totsuzen infuruenzade taorete shimattan desuyo.  Dakara asu, haireru desyouka.  ‘Well, Tanaka-san has suddenly been attacked by the flu.  Would you be able to sub for him tomorrow?’

従業員：あー、明日の夜ですよね。  Aa, asuno yoru desuyone.  ‘Well, tomorrow evening, right?’

上司：はい。  Hai.  ‘Right.’

従業員：あの、実は私、あの、明日の夜は授業を取っていまして、  Ano, jitsuwa, watashi, ano, asuno yoruw jugyouwo totte imashite,  ‘Well, actually I have a class tomorrow evening…’

上司：あー。  Aa.  ‘Ah.’

従業員：代われないと思うんですが。  Kawarenaito omoun desuga.  ‘I don’t think I can replace him.’

上司：そうですか。  Soudesuka.  ‘Is that right?’

従業員：申し訳ないんですけれども、他の人に聞いてみてもらえますか？  Moushiwake naindesu keredomo, hokano hitoni kite mite morae masuka?  ‘I’m sorry but could you ask someone else?’

上司：わかりました。  Wakarimashita.  ‘Okay, I understand.’

従業員：はい、すみません。  HH

Hai, sumimasen.  ‘I’m sorry.’