An HR representative interviews a job applicant, asking about their language skills, driving abilities, and availability.
The conversation reveals both the applicant’s strengths and areas for improvement, with a touch of humor along the way.
The exercise that goes along with the audio dialogue is in the 2nd edition Genki 2 Workbook on pg 19 Section A.
The Japanese transcript is in the Genki Answer key book on pg 72, Chapter 13 Section W13-A #2
人事 (HR): Are you Murano Yoshitaka?
応募者 2 (Applicant): Yes, I am.
人事: Can you speak any foreign language?
応募者 2: Yes, because in college I studied Chinese, I can do it a little bit
人事: Well, can you make a phone call in Chinese?
応募者 2: No. I can read Chinese but can’t speak it much.
人事: Well, Japanese people can read kanji. (Laughs)
応募者 2: . . .
人事: How about driving a car? (Can you drive)
応募者 2: Yes, I can certainly drive.
人事: What days can you come?
応募者 2: Saturday and Sunday are days that I can come.
Grammar That Confused Me
Grammar 1: Just like the last story, I wasn’t sure about his name.
I thought の was separating his last and first named
Grammar 1 Clarity: Last name tends to go 1st in Japanese.
Meaning his name is the following: 村野 (むらの) is his last name and よしたか is his first name.
Grammar 2: What is the purpose of なら, is it to show limitation?
Does it mean Saturday & Sunday are the only days that he can come to work?
土曜日と日曜日ならこられます
Your Turn
Did you enjoy the story or have any grammar questions?
Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!