In this dialogue, a man and a woman discuss a cozy sweater they’ve found.
As they consider its price, color, and practicality, it becomes clear the man has someone special in mind for this thoughtful gift.
The exercise that goes along with the audio dialogue is in the 2nd edition Genki 2 Workbook on pg 19 Section C.
The Japanese transcript is in the Genki Answer key book on pg 73, Chapter 13 Section W13-C #2
おとこ (Man): This sweater looks warm, doesn’t it?
おんな (Woman): Yes. It’s not too expensive and the color is also pretty
おとこ: I agree. Since my father’s birthday is soon, I think I want to buy it for him . . . (What do you think, is it a good idea?)
おとこ: That’s nice / Good idea go for it.
おんな: Well then, I decided on this (the sweater) for my dad’s present.
Grammar That Confused Me
Grammar 1: I didn’t know あまり can also be used to modify adjectives?
あまり + (negative) not so much
Examples:
今日はあまりあつくないです。It’s not so hot today.
あまりお酒が好きじゃないです。I don’t like alcohol so much.
Grammar 2: What does これに mean, and why is the particle に used and not これを?
Grammar 2 Clarity: I was told me that を決める means that one thinks carefully about the possibilities and choose something
〜に決める is used when one make up one’s mind and state what the decision is.
Example:
A：プレゼントを決めました。 I decided the present.
B：プレゼントは何ですか。What is the present?
A：セーターに決めました。 I decided I will take the sweater.
I’m still a little iffy on the differences . . .
Grammar 3: The above question led me to my next question.
What’s the difference between to be decided 決まる vs to decide 決める, is this an example of a transitivity pair?
Grammar 3 Clarity???: I don’t have an answer but I believe the main difference is that 決まる is an Intransitive verb and 決める is a Transitive verb.
Your Turn
What do you think of the story?
Did you notice any grammar points you’d like to discuss?
Let me know!