N3 · 40 words

Rules and manners

What is allowed, what is not, and the unwritten rules of behaving in public.

Two kinds of word meet here: the stiff kanji of signs and notices — 禁止(きんし), 許可(きょか), 飲食(いんしょく) — and the everyday language of consideration for others. The key idea is 迷惑(めいわく), trouble caused to other people: much of Japanese public behaviour is explained not by a rule but by not wanting to cause 迷惑(めいわく). Notices are often polite requests rather than orders, and ご遠慮(えんりょ)ください, "please refrain", means "do not".

The words

Verb (5)

乱すto disturb; to throw into disorderVerbN3

列(れつ)を乱(みだ)さないように、一人(ひとり)ずつ進(すす)んでください。Please move forward one at a time so as not to break up the queue.

Common in 秩序(ちつじょ)を乱(みだ)す, to disturb public order.

謝るto apologiseVerbN3

迷惑(めいわく)をかけたときは、すぐに謝(あやま)ったほうがいいです。When you have caused trouble, it is best to apologise straight away.

心がけるto make a point of; to bear in mindVerbN3

電車(でんしゃ)では、静(しず)かに話(はな)すように心(こころ)がけています。On the train I make a point of speaking quietly.

割り込むto cut in; to push inVerbN3

列(れつ)に割(わ)り込(こ)む人(ひと)がいて、みんな怒(おこ)っていました。Someone pushed into the queue and everyone was annoyed.

騒ぐto make a noise; to make a fussVerbN3

電車(でんしゃ)の中(なか)で騒(さわ)がないでください。Please do not make a noise on the train.

This list belongs to Politeness, favours and manners — six lists and 240 words that can also be practised as a whole.

Practise this list

Multiple choice and gaps, drawn from exactly these 40 words. Whatever you get wrong comes back tomorrow.