JLPT N2 Letters and Vocabulary, Grammar Test
問題1_の言葉の読み方として最もよいものを、1・2・3・4から一つ選びなさい。
1) バスの<u>運賃</u>を払う。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
運賃 (うんちん) is the correct reading for the kanji 運賃, which means 'fare' or 'freight charge'. The sentence means 'Pay the bus fare.'
Why other options are incorrect:
This is an incorrect reading for 運賃.
This is an incorrect reading for 運賃.
This is an incorrect reading for 運賃.
2) 風が強くて、髪が<u>乱れて</u>しまつた。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
乱れて (みだれて) is the correct reading for the kanji 乱れる, meaning 'to be disarranged' or 'to be in disorder'. The sentence means 'The wind was strong, and my hair got messy.'
Why other options are incorrect:
This is the reading for 崩れて (kuzurete), meaning 'to crumble' or 'to collapse'.
This is the reading for 荒れて (arete), meaning 'to be rough' or 'to be wild'.
This is the reading for 暴れて (abarete), meaning 'to act violently' or 'to rampage'.
3) 前田さんは子どもたちに止しい泳ぎ方の<u>模範</u>を示した。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
模範 (もはん) is the correct reading for the kanji 模範, meaning 'model' or 'example'. The sentence means 'Maeda-san showed a good example of how to swim to the children.'
Why other options are incorrect:
This is an incorrect reading for 模範.
This is an incorrect reading for 模範.
This is an incorrect reading for 模範.
4) 思った以上に<u>険しかった</u>。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
険しかった (けわしかった) is the correct reading for the kanji 険しい, meaning 'steep' or 'rugged'. The sentence means 'It was steeper than I thought.'
Why other options are incorrect:
This is the reading for 眩しかった (mabushikatta), meaning 'was dazzling'.
This is the reading for 恐ろしかった (osoroshikatta), meaning 'was frightening' or 'was terrible'.
This is the reading for 激しかった (hageshikatta), meaning 'was intense' or 'was violent'.
5) さっき<u>握手</u>していた人は誰ですか。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
握手 (あくしゅ) is the correct reading for the kanji 握手, meaning 'handshake'. The sentence means 'Who was that person you were just shaking hands with?'
Why other options are incorrect:
This is an incorrect reading for 握手.
This is an incorrect reading for 握手.
This is an incorrect reading for 握手.
問題2_の言葉の読み方として最もよいものを、1・2・3・4から一つ選びなさい。
6) その<u>ぬの</u>を広げてください。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
布 (ぬの) is the correct kanji for 'cloth' or 'fabric'. The sentence means 'Please spread out that cloth.'
Why other options are incorrect:
袋 (ふくろ) means 'bag'.
衣 (ころも/い) means 'clothing' or 'garment'.
帯 (おび/たい) means 'belt' or 'sash'.
7) 今後は、<u>ふくし</u>の仕事に就く予定です。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
福祉 (ふくし) is the correct kanji for 'welfare'. The sentence means 'I plan to take on welfare work in the future.'
Why other options are incorrect:
This is an incorrect kanji combination for 'fukushi'.
This is an incorrect kanji combination for 'fukushi'.
This is an incorrect kanji combination for 'fukushi'.
8) 毎日たくさんのごみが<u>すてられて</u>いる。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
捨てられて (すてられて) is the correct kanji for 'to be thrown away' (passive form of 捨てる). The sentence means 'A lot of garbage is thrown away every day.'
Why other options are incorrect:
拾う (ひろう) means 'to pick up'. This kanji is incorrect for 'suterarete'.
投げる (なげる) means 'to throw'. This kanji is incorrect for 'suterarete'.
採る (とる) means 'to take' or 'to collect'. This kanji is incorrect for 'suterarete'.
9) 小山さんの<u>きげん</u>がよいときに頼んでみよう。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
機嫌 (きげん) is the correct kanji for 'mood' or 'temper'. The sentence means 'Let's try asking Koyama-san when he's in a good mood.'
Why other options are incorrect:
This is an incorrect kanji combination for 'kigen'.
This is an incorrect kanji combination for 'kigen'.
気兼 (きがね) means 'hesitation' or 'constraint', which is a different word.
10) これは、会社にとって大きな<u>そんしつ</u>だ。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
損失 (そんしつ) is the correct kanji for 'loss' or 'damage'. The sentence means 'This is a big loss for the company.'
Why other options are incorrect:
This is an incorrect kanji combination for 'sonshitsu'.
This is an incorrect kanji combination for 'sonshitsu'.
消失 (しょうしつ) means 'disappearance' or 'extinction', which is a different word.
問題3()に入れるのに最もよいものを、 1・2・3・4から一つ選びなさい。
11) アンケートでは、質問に( )回答の人もいた。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
無回答 (むかいとう) means 'no answer' or 'unanswered'. The sentence means 'In the survey, there were also people who gave no answer to the questions.'
Why other options are incorrect:
空 (くう/そら) means 'empty' or 'sky'. It does not form a common compound with 回答 in this context.
欠 (けつ) means 'lack' or 'absence'. While related to absence, 欠回答 is not a standard term.
失 (しつ) means 'loss' or 'failure'. It does not form a common compound with 回答 in this context.
12) この本には海外にある日本( )の家がたくさん載つている。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
日本風 (にほんふう) means 'Japanese style'. The sentence means 'This book features many Japanese-style houses located overseas.'
Why other options are incorrect:
気 (き) means 'spirit' or 'mood'. 日本気 is not a standard compound.
類 (るい) means 'kind' or 'sort'. 日本類 is not a standard compound.
状 (じょう) means 'state' or 'condition'. 日本状 is not a standard compound.
13) 壁( )のソファーに座る。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
壁際 (かべぎわ) means 'by the wall' or 'edge of the wall'. The sentence means 'Sit on the sofa by the wall.'
Why other options are incorrect:
所 (ところ) means 'place'. 壁所 is not a standard compound.
辺 (へん) means 'area' or 'vicinity'. 壁辺 is not a standard compound.
域 (いき) means 'region' or 'area'. 壁域 is not a standard compound.
問題4 ( )に入れるのに最もよいものを、 1・2・3・4から一つ選びなさい。
14) 彼は本当は優しい人なのに、無口なせいで、冷たい人だとよく( )される
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
誤解 (ごかい) means 'misunderstanding'. The sentence means 'Even though he is actually a kind person, because he is quiet, he is often misunderstood as a cold person.'
Why other options are incorrect:
観測 (かんそく) means 'observation' or 'measurement'. It does not fit the context of being perceived incorrectly.
決意 (けつい) means 'determination' or 'resolution'. It does not fit the context.
承認 (しょうにん) means 'approval' or 'recognition'. It does not fit the context.
15) 新製品の売れ行きが( )なので、生産量を増やすことにした。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
好調 (こうちょう) means 'favorable' or 'going well'. The sentence means 'Since the sales of the new product are favorable, we decided to increase production.'
Why other options are incorrect:
温厚 (おんこう) means 'gentle' or 'mild-mannered', typically used for personality.
円満 (えんまん) means 'harmonious' or 'perfect', often used for relationships or resolutions.
適切 (てきせつ) means 'appropriate' or 'suitable'. While sales might be suitable, 'favorable' is a better fit for increasing production.
16) 彼は、どんな仕事でもミスひとつなく期日までに仕上げてくれるので、本当に( )部下だと思う。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
頼もしい (たのもしい) means 'reliable' or 'dependable'. This fits the context of a subordinate who completes tasks perfectly and on time. The sentence means 'He finishes any job without a single mistake by the deadline, so I think he is a truly dependable subordinate.'
Why other options are incorrect:
たくましい means 'strong', 'robust', or 'brave', usually referring to physical or mental strength.
輝かしい (かがやかしい) means 'brilliant' or 'glorious', usually referring to achievements or future prospects.
親しい (したしい) means 'intimate' or 'familiar', referring to a close relationship.
17) 食費を( )するために,なるべく外食をしないようにしている。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
節約 (せつやく) means 'saving' or 'economizing'. This fits the context of trying to reduce food expenses. The sentence means 'In order to save on food expenses, I try not to eat out as much as possible.'
Why other options are incorrect:
減量 (げんりょう) means 'weight loss' or 'reduction in quantity', but it's not typically used for saving money.
省略 (しょうりゃく) means 'omission' or 'abbreviation'.
短縮 (たんしゅく) means 'shortening' or 'reduction in time'.
18) 簡単にお金がもうかるというような話に、すぐ ( )のはやめたほうがいい。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
飛びつく (とびつく) means 'to jump at' or 'to snap at', implying eagerly accepting something without much thought. This fits the context of being easily swayed by tempting offers. The sentence means 'It's better to stop immediately jumping at stories like 'you can easily make money'.'
Why other options are incorrect:
駆け込む (かけこむ) means 'to rush into' or 'to take refuge'.
触れ合う (ふれあう) means 'to come into contact with' or 'to interact'.
寄りかかる (よりかかる) means 'to lean on' or 'to depend on'.
19) やりたい仕事内容の( )があつたので、早速応募することにした。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
求人 (きゅうじん) means 'job offer' or 'recruitment'. This fits the context of finding a job that matches desired work content. The sentence means 'There was a job offer with the content I wanted, so I immediately decided to apply.'
Why other options are incorrect:
催促 (さいそく) means 'demand' or 'request for prompt action'.
入社 (にゅうしゃ) means 'joining a company'.
収集 (しゅうしゅう) means 'collection' or 'gathering'.
20.友達だと思っていたのに、私のいないところで( )と私の悪口を言っていたなんてひどい。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
こそこそ means 'secretly' or 'stealthily'. This fits the context of someone badmouthing another person behind their back. The sentence means 'I thought we were friends, but it's terrible that you were secretly badmouthing me when I wasn't around.'
Why other options are incorrect:
うとうと describes dozing off or nodding off.
ぶるぶる describes trembling or shivering.
じろじろ describes staring fixedly or scrutinizing.
問題 5 _ の言葉に意味が最も近いものを、 い2・3・4から一つ選びなさい
21) この建物を壊すのは<u>惜しい</u>。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
惜しい (おしい) means 'regrettable' or 'a shame'. In this context, it implies that the building is too good to be destroyed. もったいない (mottainai) means 'what a waste' or 'too good to waste', which is the closest meaning.
Why other options are incorrect:
危ない (あぶない) means 'dangerous'.
めんどうくさい means 'troublesome' or 'bothersome'.
難しい (むずかしい) means 'difficult'.
22) きちんと<u>テンポ</u>を合わせてください。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
テンポ (tempo) refers to the speed or pace, especially in music or rhythm. 速さ (はやさ) means 'speed'.
Why other options are incorrect:
長さ (ながさ) means 'length'.
高さ (たかさ) means 'height'.
大きさ (おおきさ) means 'size'.
23) そのニュースは<u>たちまち</u>広まった。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
たちまち (tachimachi) means 'instantly' or 'immediately'. すぐに (sugu ni) also means 'immediately'.
Why other options are incorrect:
次第に (しだいに) means 'gradually'.
確かに (たしかに) means 'certainly' or 'surely'.
意外に (いがい) means 'unexpectedly' or 'surprisingly'.
24) 研究の<u>概要</u>を述べる。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
概要 (がいよう) means 'outline' or 'summary'. 大体の内容 (daitai no naiyou) means 'general content' or 'rough content', which is the closest meaning.
Why other options are incorrect:
詳しい内容 (くわしいないよう) means 'detailed content', which is the opposite of 概要.
主な目的 (おもなもくてき) means 'main purpose'.
最終的な目的 (さいしゅうてきなもくてき) means 'final purpose'.
25) あのときは<u>油断していた</u>。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
油断していた (yudan shiteita) means 'was off guard' or 'was careless'. 気を付けていなかった (ki wo tsukete inakatta) means 'wasn't paying attention' or 'wasn't careful', which is the closest meaning.
Why other options are incorrect:
慌てていた (あわてていた) means 'was flustered' or 'was in a hurry'.
何も覚えていなかった (なにもおぼえていなかった) means 'didn't remember anything'.
迷っていた (まよっていた) means 'was lost' or 'was hesitating'.
問題6 次の言葉の使い方として最もよいものを、 1・2・3・4から一つ選びなさい。
26) <u>早期</u>
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
早期 (そうき) means 'early stage' or 'early period' of a process or condition. Option 4 uses it correctly to refer to finding a disease at an early stage. The sentence means 'Due to advances in medicine, it has become possible to find diseases at an early stage.'
Why other options are incorrect:
早期 is not typically used to refer to the early part of a vacation. 「夏休みの初め (なつやすみのはじめ)」 or 「夏休みの前半 (なつやすみのぜんはん)」 would be more appropriate.
早期 is not used for an early flight. 「早朝便 (そうちょうびん)」 (early morning flight) or 「早い便 (はやいびん)」 (early flight) would be more appropriate.
早期 is not typically used for the early days of living alone. 「一人暮らしの初め (ひとりぐらしのはじめ)」 or 「一人暮らしを始めた頃 (ひとりぐらしをはじめたころ)」 would be more appropriate.
27) <u>偉大</u>
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
偉大 (いだい) means 'great' or 'grand', typically used for people, achievements, or historical figures. Option 2 uses it correctly to describe a great painter. The sentence means 'There are many great painters in this country.'
Why other options are incorrect:
偉大 is not typically used to describe a speech. 「素晴らしい (すばらしい)」 (wonderful) or 「感動的 (かんどうてき)」 (moving) would be more appropriate.
偉大 is not used for the size or grandeur of a house. 「立派な (りっぱな)」 (splendid) or 「大きな (おおきな)」 (large) would be more appropriate.
偉大 is not typically used for animals. 「立派な (りっぱな)」 (fine/splendid) or 「素晴らしい (すばらしい)」 (wonderful) would be more appropriate.
28) <u>印</u>
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
印 (しるし) means 'mark', 'sign', or 'symbol'. Option 1 uses it correctly to mean putting a mark on something. The sentence means 'For reviewing, I put a mark on important words with a red pen.'
Why other options are incorrect:
In this context, 印 is used incorrectly. 「合図 (あいず) に」 (as a signal) would be more appropriate.
In this context, 印 is used incorrectly. 「目印 (めじるし) に」 (as a landmark) would be more appropriate.
In this context, 印 is used incorrectly. 「交通標識 (こうつうひょうしき)」 (traffic signs) would be more appropriate.
29) <u>続出</u>
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
続出 (ぞくしゅつ) means 'appearing one after another' or 'occurring in succession', often used for negative or problematic things. Option 1 uses it correctly to describe a series of injuries. The sentence means 'Due to the snow since yesterday, people falling and getting injured are appearing one after another.'
Why other options are incorrect:
続出 is not used for continuous actions like coughing. 「せきが続いて (せきがつづいて)」 (coughing continuously) would be more appropriate.
続出 is not used for continuous presence or appearance in a show. 「出演している (しゅつえんしている)」 (appearing in a show) or 「続いている (つづいている)」 (continuing) would be more appropriate.
続出 is generally used for negative occurrences. For products being released one after another, 「発売される (はつばいされる)」 (to be released) or 「次々と出る (つぎつぎとでる)」 (to come out one after another) would be more appropriate.
30) <u>さまたげる</u>
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
妨げる (さまたげる) means 'to hinder', 'to obstruct', or 'to impede'. Option 3 uses it correctly to mean hindering the progress of a meeting. The sentence means 'Please don't hinder the progress of the meeting with irrelevant remarks.'
Why other options are incorrect:
To prevent something from falling, 「固定した (こていした)」 (fixed) or 「補強した (ほきょうした)」 (reinforced) would be more appropriate.
To prevent a price increase, 「抑えた (おさえた)」 (suppressed) or 「防いだ (ふせいだ)」 (prevented) would be more appropriate.
To prevent accidents, 「防ぐ (ふせぐ)」 (prevent) would be more appropriate.
問題7 次の文の( )に入れるのに最もよいものを、1・2・3・4から一つ選びなさい。
31) この小説は、物語が進む ( )主人公の少年の心理が変化していくのが面白い。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
につれて (ni tsurete) means 'as...; in proportion to...; with...'. It indicates that one thing changes or progresses in conjunction with another. The sentence means 'This novel is interesting because the psychology of the protagonist boy changes as the story progresses.'
Why other options are incorrect:
としても (to shitemo) means 'even if' or 'even though'.
とはいえ (to wa ie) means 'although' or 'even so', indicating a concession.
にあたって (ni atatte) means 'at the time of' or 'on the occasion of', indicating a specific timing for an action.
32) 昨日行ったレストランは、味もサービスも最低だった。 ( )行きたくない。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
二度と (nido to) means 'never again'. It is often used with negative verbs to express a strong intention not to repeat an action. The sentence means 'The restaurant I went to yesterday had terrible taste and service. I never want to go there again.'
Why other options are incorrect:
必ずしも (kanarazushimo) means 'not necessarily', used with negative expressions.
まさか (masaka) means 'by no means' or 'impossible', expressing disbelief or surprise.
あまりに (amarini) means 'too much' or 'excessively'.
33) 今回のオリンピックで、体操の青木選手は、メダルは獲得できなかった( ) 、素晴らしい演技も見せてくれた。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
ものの (mono no) means 'although; but; however'. It indicates a concession, where the latter part of the sentence presents something contrary to or unexpected given the former part. The sentence means 'In this Olympics, gymnast Aoki couldn't win a medal, but he showed a wonderful performance.'
Why other options are incorrect:
からといって (kara to itte) means 'just because... doesn't mean...'. It's used to deny a logical consequence.
どころか (dokoroka) means 'far from it' or 'on the contrary', indicating a strong contrast or unexpected outcome.
あげくに (ageku ni) means 'in the end' or 'finally', often used when a negative result follows a series of events.
34) 60代の父が、趣味( )何歳から始めても遅くないだろうと言って、最近ピアノ教室にか通い始めた
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
としてなら (toshite nara) means 'if it's for the purpose of...' or 'if it's as a...'. It sets a condition or a specific perspective. The sentence means 'My 60-year-old father recently started attending piano lessons, saying that if it's for a hobby, it's never too late to start at any age.'
Why other options are incorrect:
としてだけ (toshite dake) means 'only as', which doesn't fit the nuance of setting a condition for starting something.
にとっては (ni totte wa) means 'for (someone/something)' or 'from the perspective of', indicating a viewpoint.
にとっても (ni totte mo) is similar to にとっては, meaning 'even for (someone/something)'.
35) 約束の時間に友人の家に着いてインターホンを押すと、慌てた様子で友人が玄関に出てきた。 ( )、パジャマの姿のままだった。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
起きたばかりらしく (okita bakari rashiku) means 'it seems like they just woke up'. ばかり (bakari) indicates 'just finished doing something', and らしい (rashii) indicates 'it seems that' or 'it appears that'. This fits the context of the friend appearing in pajamas, suggesting they had just woken up. The sentence means 'When I arrived at my friend's house at the promised time and rang the intercom, my friend came out to the entrance in a hurry. It seemed like they had just woken up, still in their pajamas.'
Why other options are incorrect:
起きるところだったら (okiru tokoro dattara) means 'if they were about to wake up', which doesn't fit the past tense context.
起きるところらしく (okiru tokoro rashiku) means 'it seems like they are about to wake up', which doesn't fit the past tense context.
起きたばかりだったら (okita bakari dattara) means 'if they had just woken up', which is a conditional statement and doesn't fit the descriptive context.
36) 「リマインド」とは「再確認」の意味を持ち、「会議の日程が近づいてきたので、出席者にリマインドした。」( )使用されるビジネス用語である。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
というように (to iu you ni) means 'in such a way that' or 'like'. It is used to give an example of how something is used or done. The sentence means "'Remind' means 'reconfirmation', and it's a business term used 'like' in the sentence 'The meeting schedule was approaching, so I reminded the attendees.'"
Why other options are incorrect:
というような (to iu you na) means 'such as' or 'like', but it typically precedes a noun, not a verb phrase like 使用される.
ということのように (to iu koto no you ni) means 'like the fact that', which is grammatically possible but less natural for giving a direct example of usage.
ということのような (to iu koto no you na) means 'such as the fact that', which precedes a noun and is less natural here.
37) 学校や病院では定期的に避難訓練が行われている。避難訓練を( )、火災などがあったときに落ち着いて行動できるからだ。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
しておくことで (shite oku koto de) means 'by doing something in advance' or 'by having done something'. It indicates that the preceding action is the means or cause for the following result. The sentence means 'Evacuation drills are regularly conducted at schools and hospitals. This is because by conducting evacuation drills in advance, people can act calmly in case of a fire or other disaster.'
Why other options are incorrect:
しておくには (shite oku ni wa) means 'in order to do in advance', which doesn't fit the causal relationship here.
しているとしても (shite iru to shitemo) means 'even if doing', indicating a concession.
しているかという (shite iru ka to iu) means 'whether doing', which is used for questions or uncertainty.
38) 明日、友達と映画を見に行くことになった。映画館で映画を見るのは、大学の時以来だから、約5年( )だ。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
ぶり (buri) is a suffix indicating 'after a period of time' or 'for the first time in (period of time)'. It fits the context of seeing a movie in a cinema after a 5-year interval. The sentence means 'Tomorrow, I'm going to see a movie with a friend. It's been about 5 years since I last saw a movie at the cinema, since university.'
Why other options are incorrect:
まで (made) means 'until' or 'to'.
など (nado) means 'etc.' or 'and so on'.
きり (kiri) means 'only' or 'since (a certain time)', but 5年きり is not a natural expression for 'after 5 years'.
39) 睡眠には、体や脳にたまった疲労をとる効果がある。睡眠時間を削ることは、体や脳を回復させる大切な機会を奪うことに( )のだ 。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
ほかならない (hoka naranai) means 'nothing but' or 'nothing other than'. It emphasizes that something is precisely what it is, often used to state a strong conclusion or truth. The sentence means 'Sleep has the effect of relieving fatigue accumulated in the body and brain. Cutting down on sleep is nothing other than depriving the body and brain of a precious opportunity to recover.'
Why other options are incorrect:
欠かせない (kakasenai) means 'indispensable' or 'essential'.
すぎない (suginai) means 'merely' or 'nothing more than', implying a limited extent.
限らない (kagiranai) means 'not necessarily' or 'not limited to'.
40) (会社で)<br>木村: 「山下さん、先ほどさくら銀行の南さんからお電話がありまして。今日中に連絡してほしい( )。<br> 山下: 「はい、わかりました」
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
とのことでした (to no koto deshita) is a polite way to convey information or a request received from someone else, meaning 'I heard that...' or 'They said that...'. This fits the context of relaying a message from a caller. The sentence means 'Yamashita-san, Ms. Minami from Sakura Bank called earlier. She said she would like you to contact her today.'
Why other options are incorrect:
ことになりました (koto ni narimashita) means 'it has been decided that' or 'it has come to be that', indicating a decision or change in situation.
と助かるのですが (to tasukaru no desu ga) means 'it would be helpful if', expressing a hope or request indirectly.
ようにしてください (you ni shite kudasai) means 'please make sure to do', which is a direct instruction, not a way to relay a message.
41) 駅前に新しくできたカフェに友達を誘って行ってみたら、定休日だった。事前に確認しておく( ) 。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
べきだった (beki datta) means 'should have done'. It expresses regret or a sense that something ought to have been done. The sentence means 'I invited a friend to the new cafe in front of the station, but it was closed. I should have checked in advance.'
Why other options are incorrect:
しかなかった (shika nakatta) means 'had no choice but to', which doesn't fit the context of regret.
ほどではなかった (hodo de wa nakatta) means 'wasn't to the extent that', which doesn't fit the context.
せいだった (sei datta) means 'it was because of' or 'it was the fault of', which implies blame rather than regret for one's own action.
42) (インタビューで)<br>選手: 「今回優勝できたのは、多くの方に( )。本当にありがとうございました。」
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
応援していただいたおかげです (ouen shite itadaita okage desu) is the most appropriate polite expression. いただく is the humble form of もらう, used when receiving a favor from a superior or someone one respects, which is suitable for a public statement by an athlete thanking supporters. おかげです means 'thanks to'. The sentence means 'The reason I was able to win this time is thanks to the support I received from many people. Thank you very much.'
Why other options are incorrect:
応援してくださったおかげです (ouen shite kudasatta okage desu) uses くださる, which is a respectful verb for the giver, but いただく is generally preferred when the speaker is the recipient of the favor and wants to express humility.
応援してくださったことだと思います (ouen shite kudasatta koto da to omoimasu) means 'I think it's because they supported me'. The addition of ことだと思います makes it less direct and less like a heartfelt thank you.
応援していただいたことだと思います (ouen shite itadaita koto da to omoimasu) also uses ことだと思います, making it less direct and less like a heartfelt thank you, compared to the direct 'おかげです'.
問題8次の文のに人る最もよいものを、 1・2・3・4から一つ選びなさい。
43) 隣のクラスの友達とけんかしてしまい、学校の廊下で ___ ___ _★_ ___ なくなってしまった。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The correct order is すれ違っても目を合わせることすらなくなってしまった. The phrase 目を合わせる (me o awaseru) means 'to make eye contact'. こと (koto) nominalizes the verb phrase, allowing it to be followed by すら (sura), which means 'even', emphasizing the extent of the situation. The sentence means 'I had a fight with a friend from the next class, and now we can't even make eye contact when we pass each other in the school hallway.'
Why other options are incorrect:
すら follows a noun or nominalized phrase. It cannot directly follow 目を合わせる.
目を合わせる is a verb phrase. It needs こと to be nominalized before すら.
すれ違っても means 'even if we pass each other'. This is the first part of the phrase, not the part that fits the ★ position.
44) このソファーは、それなりの大きさはあるが、見た目 ___ ___ _★_ ___ 楽に動かせる。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The correct order is 見た目ほどの重さはないため一人でも楽に動かせる. ほど (hodo) indicates 'to the extent of'. 重さはないため (omosa wa nai tame) means 'because it doesn't have the weight'. 一人でも (hitori demo) means 'even one person'. The sentence means 'This sofa has a decent size, but because it's not as heavy as it looks, one person can easily move it.'
Why other options are incorrect:
ほどの is part of the phrase 見た目ほどの重さはないため. It cannot be the ★ part.
でも follows 一人. It cannot be the ★ part.
重さはないため is part of the phrase 見た目ほどの重さはないため. It cannot be the ★ part.
45) 友達にスキー旅行に誘われている 。返事を ___ ___ _★_ ___ まだ返事ができていない。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The correct order is 返事をしなければと思いながらも仕事の予定が決まっていなくてまだ返事ができていない. しなければ (shinakereba) means 'must do'. と思いながらも (to omoinagara mo) means 'even though I thought'. 仕事の予定が (shigoto no yotei ga) means 'my work schedule'. 決まっていなくて (kimatte inakute) means 'hasn't been decided'. The sentence means 'I've been invited by a friend for a ski trip. Even though I thought I had to reply, my work schedule hasn't been decided yet, so I haven't been able to reply.'
Why other options are incorrect:
決まっていなくて follows 仕事の予定が. It cannot be the ★ part.
しなければ is part of the phrase しなければと思いながらも. It cannot be the ★ part.
と思いながらも follows しなければ. It cannot be the ★ part.
46) 私は、美術館では音声ガイドの機械を借りて、説明を聞きながら作品を鑑賞する。作品のどこに ___ ___ _★_ ___ その作品をより深く味わえるからだ。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The correct order is 作品のどこに注目して鑑賞したらいいのかがわかるとその作品をより深く味わえるからだ. 注目して (chuumoku shite) means 'to focus on'. 鑑賞したら (kanshou shitara) means 'if I appreciate'. いいのかが (ii no ka ga) means 'whether it is good to'. わかると (wakaru to) means 'if I understand'. The sentence means 'When I go to an art museum, I borrow an audio guide and appreciate the works while listening to the explanations. This is because if I know where to focus and how to appreciate the work, I can enjoy it more deeply.'
Why other options are incorrect:
わかると follows いいのかが. It cannot be the ★ part.
注目して follows どこに. It cannot be the ★ part.
鑑賞したら follows 注目して. It cannot be the ★ part.
47) 雪が降っている ___ ___ _★_ ___ 風がほとんどないからだろう。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The correct order is 雪が降っているわりにそんなに寒く感じないのは風がほとんどないからだろう. わりに (wari ni) means 'considering/relatively'. そんなに (sonnani) means 'that much'. 寒く感じないのは (samuku kanjinai no wa) means 'the reason it doesn't feel cold'. The sentence means 'Even though it's snowing, it doesn't feel that cold, probably because there's almost no wind.'
Why other options are incorrect:
わりに is the first part of the phrase. It cannot be the ★ part.
のは follows 寒く感じない. It cannot be the ★ part.
そんなに follows わりに. It cannot be the ★ part.
問題9次の文章を読んで、 文章全体の内容を考えて、48 から 51 の中に入る最もよいものを、1・2・3・4から一つ選びなさい。
Reading Passage
香道
ベルナールマリー
「香道」とは、香りを楽しむ日本の伝統文化です。私は、友人が香道の体験ができる教室に誘ってくれたのをきっかけに、初めて香道のことを知りました。私は普段から香水などで香りを楽しんでいるので、香道の体験も楽しむことができました。
香道は、「香木」と呼ばれる木の破片を熱し、その香りを楽しみます。「香木」【48】そのような名前の木がもともと存在するわけではありません。いくつかの種類の木の中で、様々な自然条件のもとで、年月の経過によって香りを発生させるようになった木をそう呼びます。人工的に生産できないため、大変貴重なものと【49】。
香道には600年以上の歴史がありますが、その存在はあまり知られていません。数に限りがある香木は、香道が広まり需要が増えすぎればなくなるおそれもあります。【50】、香道ではあまり多くの弟子を受け入れませんでした。香道がよく知られていないのは、そういった事情もあるそうです。
香道では、香りをかいで、じっくりと味わうことを「香りを聞く」と言います。香りに心を傾けて聞くことを基本に、香りを聞きながら古典文学を鑑賞したり、どれがどの香木の香りかを当てて楽しんだりもします。
繊細な香りを心の中でゆっくり味わうことを通して、私は「香りを聞く」という意味がわかったような気がしました。香水のように手軽ではありませんが、このような香りの楽しみ方も【51】。
English Summary & Annotations
【48】
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
といっても (to ittemo) means 'although one says; even if one says'. It is used to introduce a qualification or a counter-statement to what was just mentioned. Here, it clarifies that '香木' is not a tree that originally exists by that name, despite being called 'incense wood'.
Why other options are incorrect:
のように (no you ni) means 'like' or 'as if', which doesn't fit the nuance of qualification here.
のほかに (no hoka ni) means 'besides' or 'in addition to', which is not suitable for this context.
であっても (de attemo) means 'even if it is', which implies a stronger concession than what is needed here.
【49】
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
されています (sarete imasu) is the passive form of する (to do), meaning 'is done' or 'is considered'. In this context, it means that incense wood 'is considered' to be very valuable. The sentence means 'Because it cannot be produced artificially, it is considered to be very valuable.'
Why other options are incorrect:
しておきます (shite okimasu) means 'will do in advance' or 'will do for future use', which is an active action by the speaker.
しておく点です (shite oku ten desu) means 'it is the point of doing in advance', which is grammatically awkward and doesn't fit the meaning.
されている点です (sarete iru ten desu) means 'it is the point of being done', which is grammatically possible but less natural than a direct passive statement here.
【50】
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
そのため (sono tame) means 'therefore' or 'for that reason'. It indicates a cause-and-effect relationship. The preceding sentence states that limited incense wood could disappear if demand increases, and the following sentence explains that Kodo therefore did not accept many disciples. The sentence means 'For that reason, Kodo did not accept many disciples.'
Why other options are incorrect:
一方 (ippou) means 'on the other hand', indicating a contrast.
ちなみに (chinami ni) means 'by the way' or 'incidentally', used to add related information.
ところが (tokoroga) means 'however' or 'surprisingly', indicating an unexpected turn of events.
【51】
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
いいものだと思います (ii mono da to omoimasu) means 'I think it's a good thing'. This phrase expresses the author's personal opinion and conclusion about this way of enjoying fragrance, fitting the end of a reflective speech. The sentence means 'Although it's not as easy as perfume, I think this way of enjoying fragrance is also good.'
Why other options are incorrect:
いいと思ったのでしょう (ii to omotta no deshou) means 'they probably thought it was good', which refers to someone else's past thought, not the author's current opinion.
よかったはずです (yokatta hazu desu) means 'it should have been good' or 'it was supposed to be good', implying an expectation or certainty about a past event.
よかったのではありません (yokatta no de wa arimasen) means 'it wasn't good, was it?' or 'it's not that it was good', which is a negative or questioning statement.