APIEReading: Manners and Politeness in Japan
Manners and being polite
Answers and an explanation for each question appear once you add this activity to your own library.
🇯🇵 Polite Habits in Japan
💡 How to use this lesson
👩🏫 For Teachers:
Teach the core basics in 8 minutes. Have students read aloud, then check their comprehension with the 8 interactive questions below.
🧑🎓 For Learners:
Read the short passage first and check the Word Helper cards. Then answer the 8 questions to test your understanding!
📖 Reading Passage
Level A1 • 8 Min ReadMany people in Japan bow when they say hello. People also say arigato gozaimasu to say thank you. A small bow is a nice extra with it. Another helpful word is sumimasen. It usually means sorry, but you can say it for excuse me or thank you too. In some places, people take off their shoes at the entrance and put on slippers.
🔍 Word Helper & Language Notes
To bend your head or body forward to show respect, say hello, or say thank you.
A useful word for sorry, excuse me, or even a polite thank you.
Soft, light footwear worn indoors after removing outdoor shoes.
The front door area where you step into a house or building.
Pattern: "Thank you for..." → "Thank you for the cake."
Why this works: Use this simple pattern whenever someone gives you something nice!
✏️ Lesson Exercises (8 Questions)
Easy → ChallengeTrue or False?
People in Japan bow when they say hello.
True or False?
"Arigato gozaimasu" means goodbye.
Multiple Choice
What do people put on after taking off their shoes at the entrance?
Multiple Choice
What can the word "sumimasen" mean?
Fill in the Blank
A small ____ (type word here) is a nice extra when you say "arigato gozaimasu".
Hint: Type the exact word from the reading passage.
Fill in the Blank
People take off their shoes at the ____ (type word here).
Hint: Type the place name where shoes are removed.
Multiple Choice (Tricky!)
Which word can you use to say BOTH 'sorry' and 'thank you'?
Challenge Question
Which action shows good manners in a Japanese home?
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