Pre-reading questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
講師がそれぞれの質問を読むので答えましょう。
- Do you buy omamori?
- What is your goal for next year?
Vocabulary
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
単語、意味、例文を読みます。講師に続いて音読しましょう。
- wish /wish/
- traffic /TRAF-ik/
- see /see/
- luck /luhk/
- whether (…or) /WETH-er/
[verb] – to hope that something you want will be made real because of good luck or magical powers
I wish you good health!
[noun] – the number of vehicles moving along roads, or the amount of aircraft, trains, or ships moving along a route
The traffic is heavy at this hour.
[verb] – to understand, know, or realize
Lori’s behavior was seen as rude.
[noun] – the force that causes things, especially good things, to happen to you by chance and not as a result of your own efforts or abilities
Good luck with your exam!
[conjunction] – (used to introduce two or more possibilities) it is not important if
Whether I have chicken or pork, I’ll still eat dinner.
Article reading
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
記事を音読しましょう。講師はあなたの発音とイントネーションを確認します。
Say goodbye to 2022 and welcome the new year with Japanese charms! Use them to wish for success, good health, and others.
Education
Look for a charm with the kanji 学業成就 (gakugyou jouju, academic achievement) to help you reach your learning goals or pass the test.
Traffic safety
交通安全 (koutsu anzen, traffic safety) omamori come in different sizes, colors, and designs. If you don’t own a car, you can still get special bicycle charms at some temples.
Love
縁結 (enmusubi, marriage) is often seen as a lucky charm for lovers. But, this will help you connect with people and may lead to you making good friends!
Wealth
Keep the gold or yellow 商売繁盛 (shoubai hanjou, prosperous business) charms close to your wallet—or better yet, inside—to help you with financial success!
Protection against evil
The very first omamori 厄除 (yakuyoke, warding off evil) offers protection against bad luck or evil. This amulet is always useful, even if you’ve been unlucky or don’t know which one to buy.
Whether you live in Japan or not, be sure to visit a shrine before the year ends!
Education
Look for a charm with the kanji 学業成就 (gakugyou jouju, academic achievement) to help you reach your learning goals or pass the test.
Traffic safety
交通安全 (koutsu anzen, traffic safety) omamori come in different sizes, colors, and designs. If you don’t own a car, you can still get special bicycle charms at some temples.
Love
縁結 (enmusubi, marriage) is often seen as a lucky charm for lovers. But, this will help you connect with people and may lead to you making good friends!
Wealth
Keep the gold or yellow 商売繁盛 (shoubai hanjou, prosperous business) charms close to your wallet—or better yet, inside—to help you with financial success!
Protection against evil
The very first omamori 厄除 (yakuyoke, warding off evil) offers protection against bad luck or evil. This amulet is always useful, even if you’ve been unlucky or don’t know which one to buy.
Whether you live in Japan or not, be sure to visit a shrine before the year ends!
True or False:
Read the sentences and identify if they are true or false based on the article.
文章を読んで、記事に基づいて正誤を答えましょう。
- The very first Omamori is Yakuyoke.
- Gakugyou jouju will help you pass the test.
- Only car owners can have koutsu anzen.
- Shoubai hanjou is gold or yellow in color.
- Enmusubi is only meant for lovers.
Fill in the blanks
Choose the correct word from the table then fill in the blanks.
適切な言葉を選んで空欄を埋めましょう。
| wish | traffic | see | luck | whether |
- The book is _______ as a manual.
- I’m going to the bookstore, _______ you like it or not!
- Don’t forget to _______ first before blowing out the candle!
- How long did you get stuck in _______?
- He had bad _______ this year, so he’s getting a lucky charm.