HSC Japanese in Context key terms

Fixed words used when meeting, greeting, or parting from someone, such as ohayō gozaimasu or sayōnara. Recognising these quickly helps listeners identify the start and end of a spoken exchange.

A spoken exchange between two or more people, usually informal or semi-formal. Exam listening tasks often present a dialogue where speakers negotiate plans, make requests, or resolve a misunderstanding.

The skill of understanding spoken Japanese from audio recordings played once or twice. Candidates must follow gist, specific details, and speaker intention without pausing or rewinding.

Brief handwritten notes taken while listening to capture numbers, names, times, and key decisions. Efficient note-taking reduces reliance on memory when answering detail questions.

The most important content words in a passage, such as place names, dates, or repeated nouns. Identifying them helps listeners locate answers and ignore distracting background information.

The main point or central message that a speaker or writer wants to convey. Questions often ask candidates to choose the statement that best matches this overall meaning.

A summary that condenses a longer text into its essential points. Writing or choosing a summary requires distinguishing central ideas from supporting examples and minor details.

A paragraph, a group of sentences developing one idea. Recognising paragraph boundaries helps readers track how an argument or narrative progresses through a text.

Conjunctions such as shikashi, dakara, or mata that signal contrast, cause, or addition between sentences. They reveal the logical direction of a text and often mark where an answer lies.

The meaning conveyed by a word, phrase, or sentence in context. Exam questions may ask candidates to choose the closest paraphrase of an underlined expression.

Vocabulary, the stock of words a learner knows. A broad vocabulary supports both reading comprehension and accurate expression in writing tasks.

Chinese-derived characters used in Japanese writing, each carrying meaning and usually one or more readings. Reading tasks require recognising on-yomi and kun-yomi in compound words.

The way a kanji or word is pronounced, including on-yomi and kun-yomi. Choosing the correct reading depends on the word and context, not the character alone.

The rounded syllabary used for grammatical endings, native words, and furigana. Fluent recognition of hiragana is essential for reading verb endings and particles accurately.

The angular syllabary used mainly for loanwords, names, and emphasis. Reading tasks often include katakana words borrowed from English that candidates must interpret correctly.

Particles such as wa, ga, o, ni, and de that mark grammatical roles in a sentence. Misreading a particle can change who performs an action or what is being described.

Grammar, the rules governing how words combine into sentences. Exam tasks test control of verb forms, tense, politeness level, and sentence patterns.

Japanese honorific language, including sonkeigo, kenjōgo, and teineigo. Choosing the right level depends on the relationship between speaker, listener, and the person discussed.

Polite speech marked by desu, masu, and related forms. It is the default register for formal writing and for speaking to strangers or people of higher status.

Writing style or register, such as the polite dearu style of reports versus the casual da style of diaries. Consistency of style is a common criterion in writing assessment.

A written composition or essay produced by the candidate. Tasks usually specify a topic, audience, length, and purpose, and reward clear structure and appropriate register.

The structure or organisation of a piece of writing, including introduction, body, and conclusion. Clear structure helps readers follow the argument and earns marks for coherence.

Punctuation marks such as the Japanese full stop and comma. Correct punctuation clarifies sentence boundaries and improves readability in extended writing.

An email, a common text type in writing tasks. Candidates must use appropriate greetings, state purpose clearly, and close politely according to the relationship with the recipient.

A letter, often tested as a formal or semi-formal writing task. It requires a salutation, seasonal greeting, body, closing, and signature in the expected order.

A document, handout, or set of materials used as source information. Reading tasks may require extracting relevant facts from notices, timetables, or brochures.

A caution or warning, often printed on signs, packaging, or notices. These short texts test whether readers can identify prohibited actions and conditions of use.

A deadline, the latest time by which something must be done. Listening and reading texts frequently mention deadlines that candidates must record accurately.

A reservation or booking for a service such as a restaurant, hotel, or event. Dialogue tasks often involve changing or confirming details of a reservation.

Currency exchange, the act of converting money from one currency to another. Practical texts may ask candidates to calculate costs using an exchange rate.

A train, a frequent topic in transport announcements and travel dialogues. Understanding platform numbers, transfer instructions, and delays is often tested.

Guidance or information given to help someone, as in a station announcement or tourist notice. These texts usually combine directions with warnings or opening hours.

The environment, a recurring theme in reading passages about recycling, energy, and conservation. Arguments often present causes, effects, and proposed solutions.

Culture, including customs, festivals, and everyday social practices. Reading and writing tasks often ask candidates to compare cultural practices or explain a tradition.

An opinion or view held by a person. Writing tasks often require stating a position, supporting it with reasons, and acknowledging an opposing view.

A reason given to justify a claim or action. Strong answers link each reason to evidence or examples rather than listing unsupported statements.

An example used to illustrate or support a general statement. Concrete examples make writing more persuasive and demonstrate understanding of the topic.

Reference or consultation, as in consulting a dictionary or source material. Knowing when to check a reference supports accuracy in reading and writing tasks.

Reviewing or checking one's work again before submission. Rereading for particle errors, tense consistency, and register improves the final writing score.