In this workshop you will practice a short, realistic shop conversation in Japanese. A customer asks about a SIM card with data, and a staff member answers. You will hear recorded model lines, learn what each one means in English, and then speak both roles yourself. The goal is not to memorize a long script. The goal is to say a few useful sentences clearly and to understand the replies you hear. You can pause the audio, repeat each line, and check your answers with the self-checks after every task.
Starting the conversation as the customer
The customer begins politely and states the main need. Listen to the recorded line «すみません、データつきのSIMカードがほしいです。». In English it means that the speaker is getting attention politely and saying they need a SIM card with data. Notice the order: first a polite opening, then the request. When you practice, say the whole line slowly. Keep your voice calm and clear. You do not need to add extra words. After this line, the staff member usually replies. You will hear that reply in the next section. For now, repeat «すみません、データつきのSIMカードがほしいです。» three times and try to keep the same rhythm. If the line feels long, practice it in two parts, but always finish with the full sentence.
Understanding the staff reply
The staff member answers the customer. Listen to «はい。プリペイドですか、毎月のプランですか。». In English it means that the staff member says yes and then asks whether the customer wants prepaid or a monthly plan. This is a choice question. You only need to understand two options: prepaid and monthly. The customer then gives a clear answer and asks about a specific plan. Listen to «プリペイドで、一か月で二十ギガのプランはありますか。». In English it means that the customer chooses prepaid and asks whether there is a plan with 20 GB for one month. The staff member confirms and gives the price and a request. Listen to «はい、あります。三千円です。パスポートをお願いします。». In English it means that the plan is available, it costs 3,000 yen, and the staff member asks for the customer's passport. These three lines form the core of the conversation.
Speaking both roles
Now you will speak both roles. First, play the customer. Use «すみません、データつきのSIMカードがほしいです。» to open the conversation. Then imagine the staff reply and continue with «プリペイドで、一か月で二十ギガのプランはありますか。». After that, switch roles. Play the staff member and use «はい。プリペイドですか、毎月のプランですか。» and «はい、あります。三千円です。パスポートをお願いします。». When you speak the staff role, focus on a friendly, helpful tone. When you speak the customer role, focus on a clear, polite tone. You can also use the shorter lines for extra practice. «データつきのSIMカードがほしいです。» means that the speaker needs a SIM card with data. «このプランにはデータがどのくらいありますか。» means that the speaker asks how much data a plan has. «一か月で二十ギガです。» means that the answer is 20 gigabytes per month. «プリペイドのSIMはありますか。» means that the speaker asks whether there is a prepaid SIM. Use these shorter lines as warm-ups before the full conversation.
Listen once, then say the phrase yourself. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Checking available voices…
データつきのSIMカードがほしいです。
I need a SIM card with data.
dēta-tsuki no shimu kādo ga hoshii desu
このプランにはデータがどのくらいありますか。
How much data does this plan have?
kono puran ni wa dēta ga dono kurai arimasu ka
一か月で二十ギガです。
It is 20 gigabytes per month.
ikkagetsu de nijū giga desu
プリペイドのSIMはありますか。
Do you have a prepaid SIM?
puripeido no shimu wa arimasu ka
Read one side aloud, then answer in your own words. The goal is to make the exchange yours.
すみません、データつきのSIMカードがほしいです。
Excuse me, I need a SIM card with data.はい。プリペイドですか、毎月のプランですか。
Yes. Is it prepaid or a monthly plan?プリペイドで、一か月で二十ギガのプランはありますか。
Prepaid, and do you have a plan with 20 GB for one month?はい、あります。三千円です。パスポートをお願いします。
Yes, we do. It is 3,000 yen. Your passport, please.Your turn
Try each prompt out loud. Choose a guided start, the full sequence, or a challenge pass after your first attempt.
Guided exchange: customer opens and asks
You are the customer in a small phone shop. The staff member is ready to help. Use the recorded lines as your model. Do not add new information.
Your task: Say the customer's opening line from «すみません、データつきのSIMカードがほしいです。». Then say the customer's follow-up line from «プリペイドで、一か月で二十ギガのプランはありますか。». Pause after each line as if the staff member is answering.
Reply comprehension: choose the correct meaning
You will hear two staff lines. Read the English choices and choose the best meaning for each line. This is a listening check, not a speaking check.
Your task: Listen to «はい。プリペイドですか、毎月のプランですか。». Is the staff member asking about prepaid or monthly, or asking for a passport? Then listen to «はい、あります。三千円です。パスポートをお願いします。». Is the staff member giving a price and asking for a passport, or asking how much data the plan has?
Recall with correct roles: customer and staff
Now you will remember the lines without reading them first. Keep the roles correct: the customer asks, and the staff member answers.
Your task: Say the customer's opening line from memory. It is the line recorded as «すみません、データつきのSIMカードがほしいです。». Then say the staff member's first reply from memory. It is the line recorded as «はい。プリペイドですか、毎月のプランですか。». Next, say the customer's follow-up from memory. It is the line recorded as «プリペイドで、一か月で二十ギガのプランはありますか。». Finally, say the staff member's closing line from memory. It is the line recorded as «はい、あります。三千円です。パスポートをお願いします。».
Common questions
Do I need to understand every word in the recordings?
No. For this workshop, focus on the main meaning of each line. The customer needs a SIM card with data, asks about a plan, and the staff member gives a price and asks for a passport. If you understand those main points, you are ready to practice speaking.
Can I practice both the customer and the staff roles?
Yes. You can play the customer lines and then switch to the staff lines. This helps you understand the whole conversation, not just one side. Use the self-checks after each exercise to judge your own speaking and listening.
Sources and further reading
- japanese: buy a sim cardChecked September 2026
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