JLPT N3 Reading Test
Read the Japanese text below and answer the questions.
誕生日のお祝いや結婚祝い、子どもが入学したときのプレゼントなど生活していると贈りものをする機会がよくあります。何のためにおくるのかやその人との関係性にもよりますが、どんなものを贈ればいいのかこまってしまうことも少なくないでしょう。特に日本に住んでいる外国人の皆さんには文化が違うこともあって大変ですよね。今日はいくつか状況を分けてプレゼントを選ぶアドバイスをしようと思います。
まず、旅行のお土産やちょっとした事のお礼ぐらいなら、食べたり飲んだりできるものがいいでしょう。洋服や財布、鞄などをあげる人もいますが、そこまでいいものをあげる必要はないと思います。もらう人が遠慮なく受け取れて、あとに残らないものを選んでみてください。
次に結婚や就職、入学など人生の大切なタイミングで送るプレゼントについてです。こういうときにはその人がこれから必要になるものをあげるといいでしょう。結婚なら夫婦で使える食器、就職祝いなら時計やペン、手帳なんかもいいですね。入学祝いは勉強に役立つものをあげると喜ばれると思います。また、シンプルに現金を渡すというのも多いですが、いくらぐらい渡せばいいのかはなかなか難しいので事前に調べておくといいですね。
プレゼントは気持ちで選ぶものだから、というのはよく言われることですが、気持ちで選んでくれたから何でも嬉しいとは限りません。その国の常識や文化を考えて、ちょうどいいものを選ぶようにしましょう。
In daily life, there are many occasions to give gifts, such as for birthdays, weddings, or when a child enters school. The reason for giving a gift and your relationship with the person will affect your choice, but sometimes it can be difficult to decide what to give. This can be especially challenging for foreigners living in Japan due to cultural differences. Today, I will share some advice on choosing the right gift for different situations.
For small gifts, such as souvenirs from a trip or a simple thank-you present, food or drinks are a good choice. Some people give clothes, wallets, or bags, but there is no need to give something that expensive. It is best to choose something that the person can receive without hesitation and that does not last too long.
For important life events such as weddings, getting a new job, or entering school, it is good to give something the person will need. For a wedding, tableware that the couple can use together is a nice option. For a new job, a watch, pen, or planner can be useful. For a school entrance celebration, something helpful for studying would be appreciated.
Giving money is also common in Japan for these occasions, but it can be difficult to decide how much to give. It is a good idea to check in advance what amount is appropriate.
People often say that the most important thing about a gift is the thought behind it, but that does not mean any gift will always be appreciated. It is important to consider cultural norms and choose something suitable for the situation.
Was It Difficult or Easy?
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If you were able to read this level of Japanese, you can consider yourself at an intermediate level. You must have worked really hard to get to this point. Well done!
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