Lesson 68 People’s blood type
Topic Question: Why do Japanese people like to ask people’s blood type?
▮ Try Answering the Question Yourself
Think about the reasons behind this unique Japanese cultural practice. Consider how it relates to personality traits and compatibility in relationships and social interactions.
▮ Sample Answer
“In Japan, asking someone’s blood type is common because many believe it can predict personality traits and assess compatibility with others. This belief is similar to horoscopes in Western cultures. For example, Type A is thought to be diligent and kind, whereas Type O is seen as outgoing and sociable.”
▮ Words to Learn and Their Meanings about Sample Answer
- Cultural practice (文化的慣行): A habit or tradition that is part of the culture of a group of people.
- Personality traits (性格特性): Characteristics that help to define how a person behaves, feels, and thinks.
- Compatibility (相性): The ability of two things or people to exist or live together without problems or conflict.
- Diligent (勤勉な): Showing care and conscientiousness in one’s work or duties.
- Sociable (社交的な): Willing to talk and engage in activities with other people; friendly.
▮ Answer the Instructor’s 3 Questions Based on the Sample Answer
- What is the reason Japanese people ask about blood type?
- What can blood type predict according to Japanese belief?
- Give examples of personality traits associated with two blood types.
▮ Mastering Middle School English Grammar
from … to until since for
From… to…
● We lived in Japan from 1996 to 2005.
● I work from Monday to Friday.
You can also say from… until… :
● We lived in japan from 1996 until 2005.
Until…
● They’re leaving town tomorrow.
They’ll be away until Friday.
● I went to bed early, but I wasn’t tired.
I read a book until 3:00 a .m.
● Wait here until I come back.
You can also say till (= until):
● Wait here till I come back.
Compare:
● ‘How long will you be away)” “Until Monday.”
● “When are you coming back?” “On Monday.”
Since + a time in the past (to now)
We use since after the present perfect (have been/ have done, etc.):
● Joe is in the hospital. He has been in the hospital since Monday.
(= from Monday to now)
● Sue and Dave have been married since 2002.
(= from 2002 to now)
● It has been raining since I arrived.
Compare:
● We lived in Japan from 1996 to 2005
We lived in Japan until 2005.
● Now we live in Denver. We came to Denver in 2005.
We have lived in Denver since 2005. (= from 2005 until now)
We use for (not/ since) + a period of time (three days / 10 years, ere.):
● Joe has been in the hospital for three days. (not since three days)
For + a period of time
● Gary stayed with us for three days.
● I’m going away for a few weeks.
● They’ve been married for 10 years.
3 Example Sentences Based on the Sample Answer and Grammar practice:
- Let’s find out our blood types and see if we are compatible.
- Don’t rely only on blood type to understand someone’s personality.
- We’ve been discussing the importance of blood types in Japanese culture since the beginning of our lesson.
Make Sentences Based on the Above Example Sentences Yourself:
