こいぬ　の　ちびすけThe Little Puppy Chibisuke

Read a sample in Japanese

What you'll learn

Chibisuke, a little puppy, boasts that he is a big dog because his shadow appears larger than John's in the morning. John takes him to the field at noon where their shadows are both small, making Chibisuke sad. In the evening, Chibisuke's shadow grows large again, bringing him joy, and John reminds him that he is still a little dog with a big shadow.

Key vocabulary

Grammar points you'll meet

• ～てしまう N4Expresses completion of an action, often with a sense of regret or unintended consequence.
  タイヘンナ　コトニ　ナツチヤツタア。
• ～そうです N4Indicates that something appears to be a certain way based on appearance or hearsay.
  ヒガ　シヅミサウニ　ナツタトキ

Cultural notes

• Shadow PlayThe story uses the size of shadows at different times of day as a metaphor for perception and humility. In Japanese culture, shadows are often used in poetry and stories to represent one's true nature or perspective.

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Topics & grammar

Short Storychildrenpridehumilityhumorousheartwarming〜そうだsou da · I heard that (hearsay)〜てしまうte shimau · ended up (regret)