Friendly to Senior
Care · Conversation
昔、よく作っていたお料理はありますか？得意なお料理を教えていただけますか？ — Were there dishes you used to cook often? Could you tell me about a dish you were especially good at making? (Care · Conversation, Friendly to Senior, JLPT N4)
You
昔、よく作っていたお料理はありますか？得意なお料理を教えていただけますか？
むかし、よくつくっていたおりょうりはありますか？とくいなおりょうりをおしえていただけますか？
Were there dishes you used to cook often? Could you tell me about a dish you were especially good at making?
Romaji: Mukashi, yoku tsukutte ita oryōri wa arimasu ka? Tokui na oryōri wo oshiete itadakemasu ka? / Reply Romaji: Arimasu yo. Omisoshiru wa mukashi kara tokui deshite...
Reply
ありますよ。お味噌汁は昔から得意でして…。
ありますよ。おみそしるはむかしからとくいでして…。
Oh yes. Miso soup has always been something I was good at...
Gesture & etiquette
Lean slightly forward with genuine curiosity and nod gently as they speak. Allow natural pauses — never complete their sentences or rush them, as this can cause embarrassment.
Asking about cooking memories engages procedural memory, which often stays vivid throughout life. Seniors take pride in sharing culinary expertise — these conversations reinforce dignity, identity, and warm emotional connection.