The word "irai" translates as "since," and it can be tacked on to both nouns and verbs.

Often used in casual conversation, "-ppanashi" is added to a verb to indicate something that is done for an extended period of time. It can also have the nuance that something has been left in an improper state.

"Hidari" (left) and "migi" (right) are used in several well known expressions in Japanese that indicate everything from a level of skill to a propensity for spending money.

The verb かねる is slightly complicated. It translates as “being unable to” and is often attached to a verb (X) in its masu-stem form (the masu-form with ます removed).

Depending on whether it's used as a noun, an idomatic expression or as an adverb, 'shidai' can mean something entirely different.

A holdover from Japanese past still makes for a convenient way to express the idea of "at least" in daily conversation.

There are many ways to use the verb 落(お)ち着(つ)く, which means to calm down, relax and be comfortable.

When trying to figure out what someone wants in Japanese, your relationship with them is as important as their request.

The word "tada" and it's rarer counterpart "mottomo" help link sentences in conversational and written Japanese.

To indicate the state of a thing or matter, use the て-form of a verb (X) and add ある (to exist) on the end.