日本語の会話を上達させたい
nihongo no kaiwa o jōtatsu sasetai
To say "I want to improve my speaking in japanese" in Japanese, use 日本語の会話を上達させたい (nihongo no kaiwa o jōtatsu sasetai).
This phrase is used to express a desire to become more proficient at speaking a specific language. It is most appropriate when speaking to a language instructor or a mentor regarding specific skill development.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase breaks down as follows: 日本語 (Japanese) + の (possessive particle) + 会話 (conversation) + を (object particle) + 上達させたい (improve/make progress + want to).
Which one should you use?
The default form 日本語の会話を上達させたい focuses specifically on improving conversation skills (jōtatsu). An alternative expression, 日本語を話せるようになりたい, focuses on the goal of "becoming able to speak" (hanaseru yō ni naritai), which is a very common way to express the same intent.
How do you pronounce it?
nihongo no kaiwa o jōtatsu sasetai
Did you know?
- If you use the word 上達 (jōtatsu) to describe your progress, you are treating your speaking ability like a martial art or a musical instrument. In Japanese, this term is commonly used for mastery of a craft or a physical skill rather than just academic knowledge.
- In Japanese, the concept of 'speaking skill' is often expressed as 話す力 (hanasu chikara), which literally translates to 'speaking power'.
- While 上達 (improvement) is used for skills, Japanese speakers often avoid saying 'I want to improve' directly to teachers to avoid sounding too demanding. Instead, they might use more humble phrases to express a hope for progress.
Examples in context
- 日本語の会話を上達させたいです。Nihongo no kaiwa o joutatsu sasetai desu.I want to improve my Japanese conversation skills.
- もっと日本語の会話を上達させたいと考えています。Motto Nihongo no kaiwa o joutatsu sasetai to kangaete imasu.I am thinking that I want to improve my Japanese speaking more.
- 独学で日本語の会話を上達させたい。Dokugaku de Nihongo no kaiwa o joutatsu sasetai.I want to improve my Japanese speaking through self-study.
Example conversation
Misaki and Yota are talking about their language goals.
- 美咲 Misaki実は、日本語の会話を上達させたいんです。jitsu wa, nihongo no kaiwa o joutatsu sasetai n desu.Actually, I want to improve my Japanese speaking.
- 陽太 Yotaいいですね。一緒に練習しましょうか？ii desu ne. issho ni renshuu shimashou ka?That's great. Shall we practice together?
- 美咲 Misaki本当ですか？お願いします！hontou desu ka? onegai shimasu!Really? Please do!
- 陽太 Yotaいいですよ。明日から始めましょう。ii desu yo. ashita kara hajimemashou.Sure. Let's start tomorrow.
