Japanese features a lot of ways to complain about the heat in summer
As we make the shift from 梅雨 (tsuyu, rainy season) to 夏本番 (natsu honban, summertime in earnest), you'll find that the weather will take center stage in many Japanese conversations.
t the general meeting held in Lausanne, Switzerland, on the 25th, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) effectively decided to include breakdancing, skateboarding, sport climbing and surfing as additional events for the 2024 Paris Olympics just as the organizing committee proposed.
The Japanese verb 'kuru' comes in many forms
The irregular verb "kuru" (to come) changes sound and structure depending on the context. And once you learn the rules of using it, prepare to break them.
'Kireru' is a cut above other Japanese verbs
When you're out of breath, losing your temper or can't stand the tension in the room, the verb "kireru" can help describe the situation.
The Japanese words 'mono' and 'koto' can make things tricky
Both "mono" and "koto" mean "thing" in Japanese, but they're used in different ways. And the thing is, nuance matters.
In praise of the perfect Japanese compliment
The Japanese haven't traditionally complimented one another in the workplace, but a book on the power of positive reinforcement has garnered a following.
Don't give up yet on giving and getting in Japanese
One of the first things taught in anthropology classes is that presents exchanged in a given society hardly ever come for free. When someone gives another person something, that always entails some sort of obligation. Acts of giving and receiving are hence highly sensitive ...
Don't forget to use 'sokonau' to mark your failings in Japanese
Ikō to omotte-ita-n-da kedo, misokonatchatta. (I was going to go, but I missed it.) ...
Speaking of that, 'sore' and 'kore' can come in very handy
Karutago-tte iu resutoran ni itta-n-da kedo, sono mise, sugoku yokatta-n-da. (I went to a restaurant called Carthago and it was really good.) ...
What's that we were talking about? Ah yes, the many uses of 'are'
The demonstrative pronouns related to "ano" are for more than just describing what's "over there." For instance, Japanese uses them to convey sentimentality and in monologues.
Raising your voice can convey a different meaning, 'deshō'?
The Japanese words "deshō" and "darō" can be said with different intonations to provide various nuances.
Wondering aloud in Japanese about our Heisei Era memories
The words "deshō" and "darō" can help us put a little conjecture into the way we speak, but that's not the only thing they're used for.
