Friendly to Senior
Care · Conversation
お庭の手入れは、ご自分でなさっていたんですか。 — Did you tend the garden yourself? (Care · Conversation, Friendly to Senior, JLPT N4)
You
お庭の手入れは、ご自分でなさっていたんですか。
おにわのていれは、ごじぶんでなさっていたんですか。
Did you tend the garden yourself?
Romaji: Oniwa no teire wa, gojibun de nasatte itan desu ka. / Reply Romaji: Ee, bara wo sodatete imashita yo. Ima demo natsukashii desu.
Reply
ええ、薔薇を育てていましたよ。今でも懐かしいです。
ええ、ばらをそだてていましたよ。いまでもなつかしいです。
Yes, I grew roses. I still miss them now.
Gesture & etiquette
Sit at eye level, lean slightly forward. When they share specific flowers, react with genuine interest ('薔薇!きれいだったでしょうね'). Bring a flower or potted plant to the room later if it sparks joy.
Gardening memories often run deep — Showa-era family homes commonly had small gardens (盆栽, 薔薇, 紫陽花, 椿). The phrasing 'ご自分で' (yourself) honors their personal craftsmanship. Listen for flower preferences and seasonal stories. If they express longing for the garden, validate ('懐かしいですね') — don't try to 'fix' the feeling.