IA03 · Formal language

Before you start

This level assumes the intermediate level and intermediate grammar. Words are in kanji with furigana, and the notes explain their register: which belong to the press and documents and which to conversation.

This lesson assumes what you saw in the earlier ones. If something feels shaky, go back to it:

• IA01understanding economic news
• IA02following political news

What you learn

Many verbs have a formal equivalent made of two kanji + する: 買う → 購入する, 使う → 使用する, 終わる → 終了する. The formal ones are for notices, signs and documents; for speaking, use the others.

You practise them in kana; underneath you can see how they are usually written.

• 実施じっしjisshicarrying out, implementation実施する is the formal form of 行う or する: アンケートを 実施します (we will carry out a survey).
• 開始かいしkaishistart, beginning開始する is the formal form of 始まる / 始める; you'll see it on signs: 受付開始 (reception opens).
• 終了しゅうりょうshuuryouend, close終了する is the formal form of 終わる: 本日の 営業は 終了しました (we're closed for today).
• 購入こうにゅうkounyuupurchase購入する is the formal form of 買う, typical of online shops and forms: 購入する ボタン (buy button).
• 使用しようshiyouusage, use (formal)使用する is the formal form of 使う: 使用中 (in use), 使用禁止 (do not use). It sounds like しよう (let's do, from する).
• 提出ていしゅつteishutsusubmission提出する is handing in a document: レポートを 提出する. It is more formal and precise than 出す.
• 了承りょうしょうryoushouacknowledgement, consentVery formal, typical of notices: ご了承ください (we ask for your understanding).
• 検討けんとうkentouconsideration, review検討する is to consider something before deciding. In business, 検討します can be a polite way of saying no.
• 対応たいおうtaiouhandling, response
• 申請しんせいshinseiapplication (official)申請 is an application to an authority (ビザの 申請); 申し込み is an everyday sign-up.

Practice

A short text with words and grammar you already know; kanji carry their reading above. Read it and answer.