寝ぼけSleepyhead

What you'll learn

Taro, a sleepy boy, decides to be prepared for sports day. But after his mother says it's canceled due to rain, he goes back to sleep. Later, his parents rush him to get ready, and he goes to school only to find it empty. He returns home embarrassed, realizing it's Sunday.

Key vocabulary

Grammar points you'll meet

• ～てしまう N4Indicates that an action is completed, often with a sense of regret or finality.
  太郎さんはしじゅう寝ぼけてしくじるので、口惜しくてたまりません。
• ～なければならない N4Must do; obligation.
  寝ぼけてはならぬと、寝床の中で考えはじめました。
• ～と言われた N4Someone said (to me). Passive form of 言う.
  太郎さんは昨日先生が「雨が降ったら運動会はおやめ」と言われた事を思い出して、安心して眠りました。
• ～てみる N4To try doing something.
  どっちが本当だろうと考えてみましたが、どうしてもわかりません。

Cultural notes

• 運動会 (Sports Day)Sports day is a major annual event in Japanese schools, featuring races, relay, and team competitions. It is often held on a Saturday and may be canceled or postponed due to rain.
• 日曜は休み (Sunday is a holiday)In Japan, most schools are closed on Sundays. Taro's mistake of going to school on Sunday highlights his confusion.

Try a comprehension question

Read a sample in Japanese

Topics

Short Storychildrenconfusiondeterminationhumorousaozora bunko