✅ 集める
meaning: to collect, to gather
pronunciation: atsumeru
🌟 This verb is used when collecting things or gathering people, like in “collecting stamps” or “gathering people.”
example:
ふるいきってをあつめています。
Furui kitte o atsumete imasu.
I collect old stamps.
あしたのパーティーのためにひとをあつめました。
Ashita no paatii no tame ni hito o atsumemashita.
I gathered people for tomorrow's party.
✅ 謝る
meaning: to apologize
pronunciation: ayamaru
🌟 This verb is used when you want to say “sorry” or apologize to someone, like when you're late or make a mistake.
example:
ともだちにおくれてあやまりました。
Tomodachi ni okurete ayamarimashita.
I apologized to my friend for being late.
まちがえたときは、すぐにあやまったほうがいいです。
Machigaeta toki wa, sugu ni ayamatta hou ga ii desu.
When you make a mistake, it's best to apologize quickly.
✅ 注意する
meaning: to warn, to be careful, to point something out
pronunciation: chuui suru
🌟 You can use this verb when warning someone or telling them to be careful. It’s also used when you point out a problem or correct someone’s behavior.
example:
くるまにちゅういしてください。
Kuruma ni chuui shite kudasai.
Please watch out for cars.
せんせいはがくせいにスマホをつかわないようにちゅういしました。
Sensei wa gakusei ni sumaho o tsukawanai you ni chuui shimashita.
The teacher warned the students not to use their smartphone.
✅ 遠慮する
meaning: to hold back, to decline politely
pronunciation: enryo suru
🌟 This verb is used when you politely decline something or hold back out of consideration. It’s common in Japanese culture to show modesty.
example:
おさけはよわいので、きょうはえんりょします。
Osake wa yowai node, kyou wa enryo shimasu.
I’m not good with alcohol, so I’ll pass today.
えんりょしないで、なんでもきいてください。
Enryo shinaide, nandemo kiite kudasai.
Don’t hesitate—feel free to ask anything.