Let's read Aladdin and the Magic Lamp part 1! / Japanese Learning Support LLC
Do you know the story of Aladdin and the magic lamp?
It's a very famous story, so I'm sure you've all heard it at least once!
Today let's read "Aladdin and the Magic Lamp" in Japanese.
Please use this Japanese reading material for training to pass the JLPT or for correcting your pronunciation!
"Aladdin and the Magic Lamp"
Once upon a time, there was a man called Aladdin.
Aladdin lived with his mother, but they had no money, so he stole things from stores every day to feed his mother.
But Aladdin had a kind heart, so whenever he saw sick people or poor children he would give them some of his food.
One day, an old man appeared before Aladdin.
Old man: "I'd like to ask you for a job. Can you do it?"
Aladdin: "What's a job?"
Grandpa: "It's an easy job. All you have to do is get a lamp from the cave."
Aladdin: "Then you should go yourself."
Grandfather: "Hahaha. I have a bad leg. I can't walk in the cave. If you bring me the lamp, I'll give you anything you want."
Aladdin: Oh, really?
Aladdin had many desires.
So I decided to take on my grandfather's job.
That night, Aladdin followed his grandfather to a large cavern.
When the old man said the magic words, the entrance to the cave slid open wide.
Grandpa: "Now, go and get me the lamp at the very back of this cave."
Aladdin: Yes, I'm coming.
Aladdin immediately went into the dark cave.
There were a lot of antiques in the cave.
Aladdin went on his way, looking for the lamp.
At last, he reached the very end of the cave and found an old lamp.
Aladdin: "Is this the lamp the old man wanted ? It's very old."
Aladdin carefully put the lamp in his pocket and hurried off to the exit.
Grandfather: "Oh, you've finally come. I've been looking forward to it. Now, give me the lamp."
Aladdin: "This is it. Here you go."
Grandpa: "That's right. This is it!"
When the old man took the lamp he said some magic words.
Then, rumble...
The cave entrance suddenly began to close.
Aladdin: What do you mean?!
Grandpa: "Hahaha. I'm lying when I say I'll give you anything you want. All I asked you to do was get this lamp. I've already got the lamp, so I'm done with you."
Aladdin: Hey!
As they spoke, all the doors to the cave closed and Aladdin was trapped inside.
To be continued…
So what will become of Aladdin?
Stay tuned for part 2!
Now, let's go back and study the grammar that appears in the text.
In today's story,
Aladdin: "Is this the lamp the old man wanted ? It's very old."
Aladdin said this.
What does "want" mean?
First, let's review the word "want."
What do you all want for your birthday?
Accessories? Watches? Computers? Money?
When you say what you want,
Sample1 I want some accessories.
Sample2 I want a computer.
Sample 3 I want money.
Let me put it like this.
So when do we use "want"?
To sum up, "want" is used when the subject is someone else, not yourself.
Sample 1 The baby is crying because he wants milk.
Sample 2 It was my child's birthday last month, so I bought him the toy he wanted.
Sample3 Even if your dog wants treats, don't give them too many! They'll get fat.
"Baby," "child," "dog"...In these cases, "want" is used when a person or animal other than the speaker is the subject.
Therefore, generally speaking, you cannot use "want" when "I" is the subject.
× I want some new clothes.
It also sounds unnatural to use "want" when referring to someone other than "watashi."
My son wants a toy.
In cases like this, it will sound more natural if you add phrases like "He said..." or "That's right."
〇 My son said he wanted a toy.
My son wants a toy.
By the way, when the subject is "you," things get a little complicated.
For example, if you are asking a question, you would use "want."
Sample1 What do you want most right now?
Sample 2 (Adult to child) Do you want this?
However, please be aware that this is considered rude when used with someone older than you.
Also, if it's not a question, you can use "want."
Sample1 This is the necklace you wanted before! It's a birthday present!
Why not try using this grammar to talk about things that other people want?
That's all for today! See you in the next blog!
