Are you good at "察する" and "空気を読む"?
"察する" is a verb that means "get the message". It is used when you understand what someone is trying to tell you, even if that person is not expressing himself/herself directly.
"空気を読む" is a phrase that means "read between the lines". It is used when you understand what you're supposed to say/do even though it's not explicitly instructed to.
Japan is called a high-context culture, which means that the ability of "察する" and "空気を読む" is required if you want to get used to life in Japan.
Amy is talking to Meg about her boyfriend who is from a foreign country.
- Amy: I had an argument with Jim. He told me that he doesn't know how I feel about him.
ジムと喧嘩しちゃった。私の気持ちが分からないって。 - Meg: Why? I think you two are really close.
なんで？すごく仲が良いじゃん。 - Amy: I don't know why he suddenly said something like that. Even if I'm tired, I cook for him, do the cleaning...because I like him. I don't know why he can't get it.
何でいきなりそんな事を言ったんだろう。どんなに疲れていても、(彼が)好きだから、料理も掃除もするのに。察してほしいなぁ。 - Meg: I guess he may think that doing housework is just one of your tasks. Why don't you put your feelings into words like him?(He is straightforward.)
ジムは家事をエイミの仕事だと思っているんじゃない⁉彼みたいに、思っている事を言葉にしたら?
Ken is complaining about service quality of a cellphone company.
- Leo: Did you get a new cell phone?
新しい携帯、買った？ - Ken: Yeah, here it is. I'm so frustrated because I could've gotten a more reasonable payment plan, but the service staff didn't introduce it to me at all! I even asked him to recommend me the most cost effective plan. I don't know why he couldn't take the hint... He is very inconsiderate.
うん、これ。もっと安い料金プランがあったのに、店員が教えてくれなかったんだ。お勧めを聞いたのに。なんで空気を読めない(or客の要望を察しない)んだろう...気が利かない。 - Leo: It's his job to give you the best service possible, isn't it? Hmm, I think it is more about him not having a sense of responsibility than him being inconsiderate.
出来るだけ良いサービスを提供するのが、彼の仕事だろ？んー、気が利かないというより、責任感がないと思う。