Lesson notes · ≈ JLPT N5 · Beginner 1
ask past impression and reason
Ask 「どうでしたか」 about a past experience, then use 「〜からです」 to give its reason.
After a trip, use 「どうでしたか」 to ask what the other person thought of it.
The question asks about a past experience. Whether it was enjoyable or not, answer in the past tense.
To give your impression, use 「楽しかったです」 for an い-adjective and 「賑やかでした」 for a な-adjective.
After hearing their impression, use 「どうして」 to follow up if you want to know the reason.
Put the reason before 「から」: 痛かった＋からです means “because I had a stomachache” here.
「どうでしたか」 asks for an impression; 「どうしてですか」 asks for a reason. Each calls for a different answer.
A reason can also explain an action: 「忙しかったからです」 explains why the person didn’t go out with friends—because they were busy.
The examples put the topic before 「は」. If both people know the topic, you can simply ask 「どうでしたか」.
How was your day off?
How was the festival?
A: How was your day off?
B: It was a lot of fun.
A: How was the festival?
B: It was lively.
A: How was the hot spring?
B: It was nice. But it was a little noisy.
A: How was it?
B: It wasn't fun.
A: How was the trip?
B: It wasn't interesting.
Level 1 · Recognise
Which sentence is correct?
Level 1 · Recognise
Listen and choose the meaning
Level 2 · Build
Put the words in order
How was your holiday?
Level 3 · Use
What goes in the blank?
先週 どうでしたか。
How was last week's holiday?
A: Why didn't you go out with your friends?
B: Because I was busy.
A: Why?
B: Because I had a stomachache.
