keigoLesson 70

Calling a Public Office — Person in charge

Situation

Where
On the phone
Who
You and a person in charge
Goal
To ask which documents you need before visiting.

Conversation

Show

A

Sorry to trouble you. I'd like to ask about a procedure.

B

Yes, what kind of procedure?

A

I'd like to check the required documents in advance.

B

You'll need your residence card, the application form, and a fee.

A

Understood. Thank you for your thoroughness.

Vocabulary (10)

osoreirimasu

excuse me / much obliged

Polite acknowledgement of imposition.

tetsuzuki

procedure

手続きについて伺う = "to ask about a procedure."

jizenni

in advance

事前に確認する = "to check beforehand."

tesuuryou

handling fee

Many procedures require one.

donoyouna

what kind of (polite)

Polite version of どんな.

goteineini

how thoughtful of you

Thanks for someone's care/thoroughness.

soudan

consultation

相談する = to consult; asking before deciding is valued.

taiou

handling / response

対応します = "I will handle it."

junbi

preparation

準備しておきます = "I will prepare it in advance."

shiryou

materials / documents

資料を共有します = "I will share the materials."

Grammar

Verb stem + たいのですが

Polite request: 伺いたいのですが.

どのような + noun

Polite "what kind of": どのような手続き.

A、それから B

And then / also, listing items.

Cultural Notes

Workplace etiquette

Calling ahead to confirm documents (事前に確認) saves a wasted trip — offices appreciate prepared visitors.

Formality level

Keigo. お忙しいところ恐れ入ります is a graceful phone opener.

Common mistake

Public offices often close on weekends and by 5 pm. Confirm hours when you call.

Quiz

What does "恐れ入ります" mean?

What does "手続き" mean?

What does "事前に" mean?

What does "手数料" mean?

What does "どのような" mean?

What does "ご丁寧に" mean?

How is the pattern "〜たいのですが" used?

How is the pattern "どのような〜" used?

How is the pattern "それから" used?

What is the goal of this conversation?

Flashcards

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