Vocabulary

Help Questions

AP Japanese Language and Culture › Vocabulary

Questions 1 - 10
1

Based on the passage: 友だちの美咲(みさき)と健(けん)は週末に鎌倉(かまくら)へ小旅行を計画する。朝は駅前で待ち合わせ、江ノ電で海を見ながら移動する。混む前に神社で参拝(さんぱい)し、静かな道を散策(さんさく)する。昼は名物のしらす丼を食べ、店の人におすすめを聞く。帰りはお土産を買い、**予定(よてい)**を確認して早めに帰宅する。What does the word 予定 mean in this passage?

予報のような天気の情報

駅での集合場所の目印

前もって決めた計画やスケジュール

突然の思いつきで変わる気分

Explanation

This question tests AP Japanese Language and Culture vocabulary skills, specifically understanding the nuanced meaning of 予定 (yotei) in context. In Japanese, vocabulary often carries specific contextual meanings that go beyond simple dictionary definitions. In this passage, the friends are planning a trip to Kamakura, and at the end they confirm their 予定 before heading home early, indicating this word refers to their planned itinerary or schedule. Choice B is correct because it captures the meaning of 予定 as 'plans or schedule decided in advance,' which fits perfectly with the context of a planned day trip. Choice A is incorrect because it confuses 予定 with 予報 (weather forecast), while Choice C misinterprets it as spontaneous mood changes rather than planned activities. Encourage students to look for contextual clues like 計画する (to plan) earlier in the passage. Practice identifying how vocabulary relates to the overall narrative structure to build comprehension skills.

2

As discussed in the text, what does the word 満室 mean in this passage? 友だちの美咲(みさき)と健(けん)は週末の小旅行(こりょこう)を計画(けいかく)する。二人は温泉(おんせん)旅館(りょかん)に泊(と)まり、地元(じもと)の名物(めいぶつ)も食べたい。人気(にんき)の宿(やど)はすぐ満室になるので、健は今夜(こんや)ネットで予約すると言う。朝食(ちょうしょく)は和食(わしょく)で、焼(や)き魚(ざかな)が出るらしい。移動(いどう)は混(こ)む前(まえ)に出発(しゅっぱつ)して、時間(じかん)に余裕(よゆう)を持つ。

客が多くて部屋が全部うまること

部屋が新しくてきれいな状態

旅館が改装で休みになること

部屋代が高くなる時期

Explanation

This question tests AP Japanese Language and Culture vocabulary skills, specifically understanding the meaning of 満室 (manshitsu) in the context of accommodation availability. In Japanese hospitality vocabulary, 満室 combines the characters for 'full' (満) and 'room' (室) to indicate a state where all rooms are occupied. In this passage, the text states that popular inns quickly become 満室, which is why Ken needs to make reservations online tonight, clearly establishing the urgency created by limited availability. Choice B is correct because it accurately defines 満室 as 'a state where guests are numerous and all rooms are filled,' capturing both the cause and effect of this situation. Choice A is incorrect because it misinterprets the characters to mean 'new and clean rooms,' ignoring the contextual clues about booking urgency. To help students master this vocabulary, practice with real-world scenarios like hotel websites showing 満室 status. Encourage students to recognize how compound words in Japanese often have meanings directly related to their component characters.

3

As discussed in the text, what does the word 既読(きどく)スルー mean in this passage? 私(わたし)は通学(つうがく)中(ちゅう)、スマホで連絡(れんらく)を取(と)ることが多(おお)い。グループチャットで予定(よてい)を送(おく)ると、相手(あいて)の表示(ひょうじ)がすぐ「既読(きどく)」になる。ところが返事(へんじ)が来(こ)ないまま、しばらく時間(じかん)が過(す)ぎることもある。友(とも)だちはそれを既読(きどく)スルーと言(い)い、少(すこ)し不安(ふあん)になるらしい。私(わたし)は授業(じゅぎょう)中(ちゅう)で打(う)てないだけの時(とき)もあるので、あとで必(かなら)ず返信(へんしん)する。便利(べんり)な一方(いっぽう)で、気持(きも)ちの行(い)き違(ちが)いも起(お)きやすいと感(かん)じる。

既読になる前に急いで返信すること

通知を切って誰とも連絡しないこと

メッセージを削除してなかったことにすること

既読表示の後に返事をしないままにすること

Explanation

This question tests AP Japanese Language and Culture vocabulary skills, specifically understanding the nuanced meaning of 既読スルー(きどくスルー) in context. In Japanese, vocabulary often carries specific cultural connotations and contextual meanings that differ from direct translations. In this passage, the text describes messages being marked as '既読' (read) but '返事が来ないまま' (no reply comes), and friends call this 既読スルー, which makes them feel anxious. Choice B is correct because it captures the meaning of 既読スルー as ignoring a message after it's been marked as read - a modern digital communication phenomenon. Choice C is incorrect because it describes replying quickly before the message is marked as read, which is the opposite of ignoring after reading. Encourage students to understand modern Japanese digital communication terms and their social implications. Practice with texts about social media and messaging etiquette to build familiarity with contemporary vocabulary.

4

As discussed in the text, what does the word 打(う)ち合(あ)わせ mean in this passage? 会社(かいしゃ)で新(あたら)しい企画(きかく)が始(はじ)まる。私(わたし)は担当(たんとう)者(しゃ)として、関係者(かんけいしゃ)と短(みじか)い打(う)ち合(あ)わせをする。そこで目的(もくてき)と日程(にってい)を確認(かくにん)し、役割(やくわり)も決(き)める。議事録(ぎじろく)はすぐ共有(きょうゆう)し、認識(にんしき)のずれを防(ふせ)ぐ。上司(じょうし)は「報連相(ほうれんそう)を忘(わす)れないで」と言(い)う。私(わたし)は期限(きげん)までに成果(せいか)を出(だ)せるよう、優先順位(ゆうせんじゅんい)を整(ととの)える。

企画を中止して予定を白紙に戻すこと

関係者同士で事前に相談し確認すること

資料を印刷して配る作業

仕事の失敗を責め合うこと

Explanation

This question tests AP Japanese Language and Culture vocabulary skills, specifically understanding the nuanced meaning of 打ち合わせ(うちあわせ) in context. In Japanese, vocabulary often carries specific cultural connotations and contextual meanings that differ from direct translations. In this passage, the narrator conducts a short 打ち合わせ with stakeholders to confirm objectives, schedules, and roles for a new project, indicating it's a pre-project coordination meeting. Choice B is correct because it captures the meaning of 打ち合わせ as consultation and confirmation among relevant parties before starting work. Choice A is incorrect because it refers to blaming each other for work failures, which is negative and doesn't match the constructive planning context. Encourage students to recognize 打ち合わせ as an essential business practice in Japan for ensuring alignment before projects begin. Practice with workplace and project management texts to understand this common professional vocabulary.

5

Based on the passage, what does the word 準備 mean in this passage? 祖母(そぼ)の家(いえ)では夏祭(なつまつ)りの支度(したく)をする。朝(あさ)から家族(かぞく)で提灯(ちょうちん)を出し、玄関(げんかん)を掃除(そうじ)する。母(はは)は浴衣(ゆかた)を出し、私は帯(おび)を結(むす)ぶ練習(れんしゅう)をする。夕方(ゆうがた)になると、近所(きんじょ)の人も手伝(てつだ)いに来(く)る。みんなで屋台(やたい)の材料(ざいりょう)をそろえ、祭(まつ)りの準備が整(ととの)う。

浴衣を新しく買い替えること

祭りの前に必要なことを整えること

祭りの後に道を片づけること

屋台で客に商品を売ること

Explanation

This question tests AP Japanese Language and Culture vocabulary skills, specifically understanding the meaning of 準備 (junbi) in the context of festival preparations. In Japanese culture, 準備 encompasses all the preparatory activities needed to ensure an event runs smoothly, reflecting the importance of thorough advance planning. In this passage, the family engages in various activities like putting out lanterns, cleaning, and preparing yukata, with the text concluding that the festival 準備 is complete after gathering stall materials. Choice A is correct because it defines 準備 as 'arranging necessary things before the festival,' which perfectly captures the comprehensive pre-event activities described. Choice B is incorrect because it confuses 準備 with post-festival cleanup, completely reversing the temporal relationship indicated by the context. To help students understand this concept, emphasize how 準備 in Japanese culture often involves meticulous attention to detail and group coordination. Practice identifying different types of 準備 in contexts ranging from daily activities to major events, highlighting the cultural value placed on being well-prepared.

6

Based on the passage, what is the implied meaning of 余裕 in the context given? 友だちの美咲(みさき)と健(けん)は週末の小旅行(こりょこう)を計画(けいかく)する。二人は温泉(おんせん)旅館(りょかん)に泊(と)まり、地元(じもと)の名物(めいぶつ)も食べたい。人気(にんき)の宿(やど)はすぐ満室(まんしつ)になるので、健は今夜(こんや)ネットで予約すると言う。移動(いどう)は混(こ)む前(まえ)に出発(しゅっぱつ)して、時間(じかん)に余裕を持つ。急(あわ)てず行動(こうどう)できるように、少(すこ)し早(はや)めに家(いえ)を出る。

荷物を最小限に減らすこと

新しい道を試す勇気があること

旅館の料金を値切ること

時間にゆとりがあり落ち着けること

Explanation

This question tests AP Japanese Language and Culture vocabulary skills, specifically understanding the nuanced meaning of 余裕 (yoyuu) in the context of travel planning. In Japanese, 余裕 conveys the concept of having margin, leeway, or breathing room, which extends beyond mere time to encompass mental and physical comfort. In this passage, the travelers plan to depart before traffic gets heavy to have 時間に余裕, and the following sentence reinforces this by mentioning leaving home a bit early to avoid rushing. Choice A is correct because it captures the comprehensive meaning of 余裕 as 'having ample time and being able to remain calm,' which reflects both the temporal and psychological aspects of the word. Choice C is incorrect because it completely misinterprets 余裕 as bargaining over prices, which has no connection to the time management context presented. When teaching this concept, help students understand that 余裕 represents a valued cultural attitude in Japan of planning ahead to avoid stress. Practice identifying how 余裕 appears in various contexts beyond just time, such as financial or emotional situations.

7

Based on the passage, what does the word 助言 mean in this passage? 先生(せんせい)へ: 文化祭(ぶんかさい)の企画(きかく)について連絡(れんらく)します。私(わたし)たちの班(はん)は地域(ちいき)の課題(かだい)を調べ、発表(はっぴょう)します。私は資料(しりょう)作成(さくせい)を担当(たんとう)し、図書館(としょかん)で文献(ぶんけん)を集めます。締切(しめきり)までに下書(したが)きを提出(ていしゅつ)し、先生の助言を受けたいです。より良(よ)い発表にするためのヒントがほしいです。

相手をほめて気分を上げること

発表内容を秘密にすること

強い命令で従わせること

改善のためのアドバイスをすること

Explanation

This question tests AP Japanese Language and Culture vocabulary skills, specifically understanding the meaning of 助言 (jogen) in the context of teacher-student academic interactions. In Japanese educational culture, 助言 represents guidance or advice given to help someone improve, reflecting the valued mentor-student relationship. In this passage, the student wants to submit a draft and receive the teacher's 助言, with the following sentence explicitly stating they want 'hints to make a better presentation,' clearly indicating constructive feedback. Choice B is correct because it accurately defines 助言 as 'giving advice for improvement,' which aligns with the educational context of refining work before final submission. Choice A is incorrect because it misinterprets 助言 as praise to boost mood, missing the constructive improvement aspect central to the term's meaning. When teaching this vocabulary, emphasize how 助言 differs from criticism or commands, representing supportive guidance in Japanese culture. Students should practice recognizing 助言 in various contexts like academic feedback, career counseling, and peer review situations.

8

Based on the passage, what does the word 予約 mean in this passage? 友だちの美咲(みさき)と健(けん)は週末の小旅行(こりょこう)を計画(けいかく)する。二人は温泉(おんせん)旅館(りょかん)に泊(と)まり、地元(じもと)の名物(めいぶつ)も食べたい。人気(にんき)の宿(やど)はすぐ満室(まんしつ)になるので、健は今夜(こんや)ネットで予約すると言う。朝食(ちょうしょく)は和食(わしょく)で、焼(や)き魚(ざかな)が出るらしい。移動(いどう)は混(こ)む前(まえ)に出発(しゅっぱつ)して、時間(じかん)に余裕(よゆう)を持つ。

旅館の部屋を前もって確保すること

温泉に入って体を休めること

週末に出発する時刻を変更すること

旅館で朝食のメニューを作ること

Explanation

This question tests AP Japanese Language and Culture vocabulary skills, specifically understanding the meaning of 予約 (yoyaku) in the context of travel planning. In Japanese, 予約 refers to the act of reserving or booking something in advance, which is a crucial cultural practice for securing accommodations and services. In this passage, Ken mentions that popular inns fill up quickly, so he will 予約 online tonight, clearly indicating the need to secure rooms ahead of time. Choice A is correct because it captures the meaning of 予約 as 'securing inn rooms in advance,' which aligns perfectly with the context of avoiding fully booked accommodations. Choice B is incorrect because it confuses 予約 with menu creation, which has no connection to the reservation system described in the passage. When teaching this vocabulary, emphasize how 予約 is essential in Japanese culture for restaurants, hotels, and various services. Students should practice identifying contextual clues like 満室 (fully booked) that signal the need for advance reservations.

9

As discussed in the text, what does the word 締切 mean in this passage? 先生(せんせい)へ: 文化祭(ぶんかさい)の企画(きかく)について連絡(れんらく)します。私(わたし)たちの班(はん)は地域(ちいき)の課題(かだい)を調べ、発表(はっぴょう)します。私は資料(しりょう)作成(さくせい)を担当(たんとう)し、図書館(としょかん)で文献(ぶんけん)を集めます。締切までに下書(したが)きを提出(ていしゅつ)し、先生の助言(じょげん)を受けたいです。遅(おく)れると全体(ぜんたい)の準備(じゅんび)が進(すす)みません。

班の人数を決める会議

文化祭の当日の開始時間

図書館が閉まる時刻

提出物を出してよい最終日

Explanation

This question tests AP Japanese Language and Culture vocabulary skills, specifically understanding the meaning of 締切 (shimekiri) in the context of academic project management. In Japanese academic and business culture, 締切 literally means 'closing off' and refers to the final deadline by which something must be submitted or completed. In this passage, the student mentions submitting a draft 'by the 締切' and wanting to receive the teacher's advice, with the following sentence emphasizing that delays would hinder overall preparations. Choice A is correct because it precisely defines 締切 as 'the final day when submissions may be turned in,' capturing the definitive nature of this time limit. Choice C is incorrect because it confuses 締切 with library closing hours, missing the broader context of project submission deadlines. To help students master this concept, practice with real-world examples of 締切 in various contexts like homework, applications, and contest entries. Emphasize how respecting 締切 is crucial in Japanese culture and reflects consideration for others' schedules and group coordination.

10

Based on the passage, what does the word 提灯 mean in this passage? 祖母(そぼ)の家(いえ)では夏祭(なつまつ)りの支度(したく)をする。朝(あさ)から家族(かぞく)で提灯を出し、玄関(げんかん)に飾(かざ)る。紙(かみ)でできた明(あ)かりが夜道(よみち)を照(て)らすので、雰囲気(ふんいき)が出る。母(はは)は浴衣(ゆかた)を出し、私は帯(おび)を結(むす)ぶ練習(れんしゅう)をする。夕方(ゆうがた)には近所(きんじょ)の人も集(あつ)まる。

浴衣の下に着る白い服

祭りで鳴らす大きな太鼓

夜を明るくする紙のランプ

神社に供える米の袋

Explanation

This question tests AP Japanese Language and Culture vocabulary skills, specifically understanding the meaning of 提灯 (chouchin) in the context of traditional Japanese festival decorations. In Japanese culture, 提灯 are paper lanterns that serve both practical and aesthetic purposes, creating atmospheric lighting for festivals and traditional events. In this passage, the family takes out 提灯 in the morning and decorates the entrance with them, with the text explicitly stating these paper-made lights illuminate the night path and create atmosphere. Choice A is correct because it accurately defines 提灯 as 'paper lamps that brighten the night,' capturing both their material composition and functional purpose. Choice B is incorrect because it confuses 提灯 with taiko drums, showing a complete misunderstanding of this traditional lighting element. To help students master this cultural vocabulary, show images of various 提灯 styles and discuss their use in different contexts from festivals to traditional restaurants. Emphasize how 提灯 represent the intersection of practical needs and aesthetic traditions in Japanese culture.

Page 1 of 4