Exercise 6: Simulation Exercises for Making a Request

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Main strategies used in the sample dialogues:

•        Using an appropriate level of politeness

Since the two roommates are good friends of equal status, the use of honorifics in general and in requests would be a little unnatural. 

•        Using downgraders

The speaker uses certain words (such as sukoshi, chotto) in order to downgrade the request. 

そのテレビの音がちょっと気になっちゃって、音少し下げてくれないかな？  Sou shitain dakedosa, sono terebino otoga chotto kini nachatte, oto sukoshi sagete kurenai kana?

•        Expressing apologies and/or gratitude

Also notice a few apologizing and thanking expressions that were used after the request is made.

•        Being pessimistic

The use of negatives (e.g., ない  nai, ません  masen) makes the speaker sound hesitant or humble, which is a good quality in making a request in Japanese. 

音少し下げてくれないかな？  oto sukoshi sagete kurenai kana?

Compare:

     コンピューター貸してもらえますか？ 

Konpuutaa kashite moraekasuka? ‘Could you lend me your computer?’

     コンピューター貸してもらえませんか？ (more polite)

     Konpuutaa kashite morae masenka?  ‘(literally) Couldn’t you ...?’ 

In interacting with other Japanese speakers, listen carefully to observe their use of these strategies and the situation.  Make your own hypotheses regarding appropriate use of Japanese and be willing to renew them as necessary. 

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