Language | WELL SAID Oct 7, 2019
Speak Japanese with certainty by using 'zettai'
by Akemi Tanahashi and Hitomi Tashiro
The word "zettai" has a feeling of absoluteness and certainty that can emphasize the confidence you have in what you're saying.
Language | WELL SAID Sep 23, 2019
Vary your way of emphasis with 'totemo' and its cousins
by Akemi Tanahashi and Hitomi Tashiro
The word "totemo" is a very handy word as it means "very." But it's not the only word that can help you emphasize what you're talking about.
Language | BILINGUAL Sep 16, 2019
Listening for the subtle sounds of autumn
by Kaori Shoji
Everyone's talking about the weather. While it's great to know the vocabulary needed to express seasons and temperature, there are also a few adverbs that will come in handy.
Language | WELL SAID Sep 16, 2019
Just once I'd like to use 'ichido' correctly
by Akemi Tanahashi and Hitomi Tashiro
The word "ichido" can mean "one time," but the nuance changes depending on the particle you pair it with.
Language | BILINGUAL Jul 22, 2019
Japanese features a lot of ways to complain about the heat in summer
by Kaori Shoji
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.
Language | NEWS IN NIHONGO Jul 22, 2019
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.
Language | WELL SAID Jul 8, 2019
The Japanese verb 'kuru' comes in many forms
by Akemi Tanahashi and Hitomi Tashiro
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.
Language | WELL SAID Jul 1, 2019
'Kireru' is a cut above other Japanese verbs
by Akemi Tanahashi and Hitomi Tashiro
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.
Language | BILINGUAL Jun 24, 2019
The Japanese words 'mono' and 'koto' can make things tricky
by Paul Dargan
Both "mono" and "koto" mean "thing" in Japanese, but they're used in different ways. And the thing is, nuance matters.
Language | BILINGUAL Jun 17, 2019
In praise of the perfect Japanese compliment
by Kaori Shoji
The Japanese haven't traditionally complimented one another in the workplace, but a book on the power of positive reinforcement has garnered a following.
Language | BILINGUAL Jun 3, 2019
Don't give up yet on giving and getting in Japanese
by Peter Backhaus
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 ...
Language | WELL SAID Jun 3, 2019
Don't forget to use 'sokonau' to mark your failings in Japanese
by Akemi Tanahashi and Hitomi Tashiro
Ikō to omotte-ita-n-da kedo, misokonatchatta. (I was going to go, but I missed it.) ...