作品Free Graded Reading
質屋の通帳The Pawnshop Passbook
Shichiya no Tsuuchō
by 薄田 泣菫 · Susukida Kyūkin
JLPT N1Short StoryClassical / archaicQuiz ready
A struggling writer visits a stranger to borrow a pawnshop passbook — a hilarious premise.
What you'll learn
What you'll learnThe narrator recalls a visit from a young writer named K, who awkwardly asks to borrow a pawnshop passbook to pawn his haori. The narrator does not have one, leading to an embarrassing conversation. Later, the narrator's friend Dr. U comments on the cultural significance of pawnshop passbooks for artists.
Language difficultyAdvanced · 75/100
Key vocabulary
Key vocabulary| 質屋 (しちや) | pawnshop |
|---|---|
| 通帳 (つうちょう) | passbook, bankbook |
| 羽織 (はおり) | haori (Japanese coat) |
| 拝借 (はいしゃく) | borrow (humble) |
| 悔恨 (かいこん) | remorse, regret |
Grammar points you'll meet
Grammar points you'll meet- ～てゐる (archaic form of ～ている) N3Progressive or state. In classical/literary style, てゐる is used instead of ている.京都に住んでゐた頃、たしか花時の事だつたと思ひます。
- ～やうだ (ようだ) - seem, appear N4Expresses conjecture or resemblance based on appearance.初めて伺つて、失礼な事を申すやうですが、
- ～ながら (while, although) N3Indicates simultaneous action or a contrasting state.高名な画家の住居にしては、見すぼらし過ぎる家だなと思ひ乍ら、
- ～てしまう (finish, regret) N4Indicates completion or an unfortunate result.断られてしまひました。
Cultural notes
Cultural notes- Pawnshop Passbooks in JapanPawnshop passbooks (質屋の通帳) were used to record transactions with pawnshops. They were common household items, especially among those who needed quick cash. Artists often used them as a practical tool for managing finances.
- 谷口靄山 and the Painter's House谷口靄山 (Taniguchi Aizan, 1807-1883) was a notable Japanese painter of the Nanga school. The house described in the text was his former residence, which had historical significance but had fallen into disrepair.
Try a comprehension question
Try a comprehension questionWhy did K氏 visit the narrator?
- To borrow a pawnshop passbook
- To sell his haori
- To ask for a loan
- To borrow money
Sensei's reading tip
Sensei's reading tipPay attention to archaic kana usage like ゐ (wi) and ぢゃ (ja) – these are historical spellings that may be pronounced differently today.
Read a sample in Japanese
Read a sample in Japanese京都に住んでいた頃、確か花時の事だったと思います。私が縁端でぼんやり日向ぼっこをしていると、女中が来客の名刺を取り次いで来ました。名刺にはＫ――とありました。Ｋ氏は私には初めての客でしたが、友人Ｈ氏の弟子筋にあたる人で、その頃新進作家として一寸売り出していました。Ｋ氏は座敷に入って来ました。細面の色の白い、言葉数の至って少なそうな人でした。初対面の挨拶をしました後は、暫くは接穂がなさそうに黙ってもじもじしていましたが、やがて言いにくそうにこんなことを言いました。「初めて伺って、失礼な事を申すようですが、お宅には質屋の通帳がおありでしょうか。」「質屋の通帳？」私は自分の耳を疑うように客の顔を見ました。「は、質屋の通帳を。」Ｋ氏はぽつりぽつりと言葉を切るように言いました。「お持ちでしたら一寸拝借したいと思いまして。」「何にお使いになるんですか。」
Read the full text with furigana + instant lookups in Yomimaru →
Topics
More N1 reads
