In this workshop you will practice a short, realistic shop conversation in Japanese. You will learn how to say you need an envelope, ask whether a large envelope is available, request a small envelope, and ask which one is the long envelope. You will also hear a full exchange between a customer and a staff member. Each native example is provided as a recording reference. Before you practice, read the English explanation so you understand what the Japanese line means and when to use it. Then try the three tasks: a guided exchange, a reply comprehension choice, and a recall task where you play both roles. Speak aloud, even quietly. Accuracy grows with repetition, so repeat each line several times. If you are unsure, slow down and focus on clear endings such as desu, arimasu ka, and kudasai. You do not need to invent new phrases; use only the lines you have practiced.
Stating what you need
The most direct way to say you need an envelope is «封筒が必要です。» «封筒が必要です。». This means 'I need an envelope.' The particle ga marks the thing you need, and hitsuyou desu means 'is necessary' or 'I need.' You can use this line at a shop, a hotel front desk, or an office. It is neutral-polite, so it works in most everyday situations. When you want to get a staff member's attention first, you can add sumimasen at the beginning, as in «すみません、封筒が必要です。» «すみません、封筒が必要です。». Sumimasen means 'excuse me' and is a common way to start a polite request. After you say this, the staff member may ask what kind of envelope you want. A typical reply is «はい、どんな封筒ですか。» «はい、どんな封筒ですか。», which means 'Yes, what kind of envelope?' The word donna means 'what kind of.' Listen for this question so you can answer with a size or type.
Asking about size and availability
To ask whether a large envelope is in stock, use «大きい封筒はありますか。» «大きい封筒はありますか。». This means 'Do you have a large envelope?' The pattern wa arimasu ka asks whether something exists or is available. Ookii means 'large' and directly modifies fuutou, envelope. If you want to include a specific size like A4, you can say «A4の大きい封筒はありますか。» «A4の大きい封筒はありますか。», which means 'Do you have a large A4 envelope?' Here A4 no ookii fuutou combines the paper size with the adjective. When the staff member confirms, a natural reply is «はい、あります。こちらです。» «はい、あります。こちらです。», meaning 'Yes, we do. Here it is.' The word kochira means 'this way' or 'here,' and desu makes it polite. If you are looking at several envelopes and want to identify the long one, ask «長い封筒はどれですか。» «長い封筒はどれですか。», which means 'Which one is the long envelope?' Dore means 'which one' when there are three or more choices. Finally, if you have already decided you want a small envelope, say «小さい封筒をください。» «小さい封筒をください。», which means 'A small envelope, please.' The ending o kudasai means 'please give me.'
Listen once, then say the phrase yourself. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Checking available voices…
封筒が必要です。
I need an envelope.
Fūtō ga hitsuyō desu.
大きい封筒はありますか。
Do you have a large envelope?
Ōkii fūtō wa arimasu ka.
小さい封筒をください。
A small envelope, please.
Chiisai fūtō o kudasai.
長い封筒はどれですか。
Which one is the long envelope?
Nagai fūtō wa dore desu ka.
Read one side aloud, then answer in your own words. The goal is to make the exchange yours.
すみません、封筒が必要です。
Excuse me, I need an envelope.はい、どんな封筒ですか。
Yes, what kind of envelope?A4の大きい封筒はありますか。
Do you have a large A4 envelope?はい、あります。こちらです。
Yes, we do. Here it is.Your turn
Try each prompt out loud. Choose a guided start, the full sequence, or a challenge pass after your first attempt.
Guided shop exchange
Imagine you are at a stationery counter. You need an envelope, and the staff member asks what kind you want. You will play the customer. Use only the lines you have practiced.
Your task: Say the customer's first line to get attention and state your need. Then, when the staff member asks what kind of envelope, ask whether they have a large A4 envelope. Speak clearly and pause after each line. You can repeat the exchange twice.
Understand the staff reply
You have asked whether the shop has a large A4 envelope. Now read the staff member's reply and choose what it means.
Your task: Read the staff reply «はい、あります。こちらです。» «はい、あります。こちらです。». Decide whether it means: (a) 'No, we do not have it,' (b) 'Yes, we do. Here it is,' or (c) 'Which one is the long envelope?' Say your choice aloud, then say the correct English meaning.
Recall both roles
Now you will play both the customer and the staff member in a short exchange. Use the lines from the full dialogue. Imagine the scene: a customer needs an envelope, and a staff member helps.
Your task: First, say the customer's opening line. Then switch roles and say the staff member's question. Switch back and ask about a large A4 envelope. Finally, switch to the staff member and give the reply. Do this without looking at the lines if you can.
Common questions
Can I use these lines in any shop?
These lines are neutral-polite and work in many everyday situations, such as stationery shops, hotel front desks, or offices. However, the exact stock and sizes depend on the shop. Use the question patterns to ask about what is available, and listen for the staff reply.
What if I do not understand the staff reply?
You can politely ask the staff to repeat by saying sumimasen, which you already practiced as an opening. You can also point to the envelope you want and say «小さい封筒をください。» «小さい封筒をください。» if you have decided. It is fine to take your time and use the phrases you know.
Sources and further reading
- japanese: buy envelopeChecked September 2026
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