A to-do list can be an incredibly helpful tool for organizing and prioritizing tasks in our daily lives. If you’re learning Japanese and want to incorporate this useful concept into your language skills, it’s essential to know how to express “to do list” correctly. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to convey this idea, enabling you to communicate effectively in various situations. So, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions
When it comes to formal situations, such as business meetings or official correspondence, it’s important to use appropriate honorific language in Japanese. Here are a few ways to express “to do list” formally:
- 1. 仕事（しごと）リスト (Shigoto Risuto)
This expression directly translates as “work list” and is commonly used in professional settings. The term “仕事” (shigoto) refers to work or tasks, while “リスト” (risuto) is borrowed from the English word “list.”
- 2. タスク（たすく）リスト (Tasuku Risuto)
Another formal and widely recognized expression is “タスクリスト” (tasuku risuto), which uses the English loanword for “task.” This term is commonly used in formal settings and has become a standard word in Japan for a to-do list.
Informal Expressions
For casual or everyday conversations, you can use less formal expressions. Here are a few options:
- 1. やることリスト (Yarukoto Risuto)
The phrase “やること” (yarukoto) translates to “things to do” or “tasks to complete.” Adding “リスト” (risuto), which means “list,” creates a casual and straightforward expression for your to-do list.
- 2. することリスト (Surukoto Risuto)
An alternative casual expression is “することリスト” (surukoto risuto). “すること” (surukoto) means “things to do” or “tasks to perform,” and when combined with “リスト” (risuto), it forms a simple and informal way to express a to-do list.
Examples and Usage Tips
Now that we’ve covered formal and informal expressions for a to-do list, let’s take a look at some examples and usage tips to enhance your understanding:
1. Example:
私（わたし）のタスクリストには、次（つぎ）の項目（こうもく）があります。
This translates to: “On my to-do list, I have the following items.”
Usage Tip:
When referring to a to-do list, it can be helpful to introduce it with phrases like “私のタスクリストには” (watashi no tasuku risuto ni wa) meaning “on my to-do list” or “私のやることリストには” (watashi no yarukoto risuto ni wa) meaning “on my list of things to do”. This clarifies the context clearly during conversations or written correspondence.
2. Example:
明日（あした）の仕事（しごと）リストを作（つく）る前（まえ）に、今日（きょう）の予定（よてい）を終（お）わらせましょう。
Translated as: “Let’s finish today’s schedule before making tomorrow’s to-do list.”
Usage Tip:
In this example, “作る前に” (tsukuru mae ni) is used to mean “before making.” This phrase can be substituted with “作成（さくせい）する前に” (sakusei suru mae ni), which also means “before creating,” depending on the level of formality you wish to convey.
3. Example:
彼女（かのじょ）にやることリストを作（つく）ってもらいました。
Translated as: “I had her make a to-do list for me.”
Usage Tip:
In this example, “彼女に” (kanojo ni) is used to mean “by her” or “from her.” You can replace “彼女” (kanojo) with any appropriate pronoun, such as “彼” (kare) for “him” or “私自身（わたし じしん）” (watashi jishin) for “myself” to indicate who created the to-do list.
Wrap Up
Congratulations on learning how to say “to do list” formally and informally in Japanese! By understanding these expressions and incorporating them into your vocabulary, you’ll be able to effectively communicate your tasks and priorities in various situations, both personal and professional. Remember to adapt your language use depending on the formality required, and don’t hesitate to ask native speakers for guidance when needed. Keep up the great work and enjoy your journey of mastering the Japanese language!
