Achieving solidarity requires more than words
With the anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake, we're reminded of the solidarity of the people of Tohoku. Now if only we could find that unity in our politics.
Dare to take action in Japanese with 'isso' and 'omoikitte'
The terms "isso" and "omoikitte" both convey the nuance of doing something daring, or even "taking the plunge." Learn when it's best to use them.
Study 'mushiro' and 'kaette' rather than falling behind on your Japanese
The adverbs "mushiro" and "kaette" indicate alternative preferences, but the difference lies in whether the alternative comes down to personal judgement.
I'm sorry, but I think you can complain a little bit better than that
Japanese is well-known for being an indirect language, but that doesn't mean you can't make your dissatisfaction with a situation clear to others.
A verb tense for when you've been the subject of someone else's machinations
When you've been made to do something against your will, try and wrap your tongue around the causative passive to express yourself.
A few tips on what to focus on in the final stretch leading to the JLPT
If you haven't started recapping for the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test yet, consider this your warning.
We won't force you to learn 'yogi naku,' but you can't help doing so anyway
Ano suigai de ōku no katagata ga hinan-seikatsu o yogi naku saremashita. ...
You should know there's nothing better than 'ni koshita koto wa nai'
The "koto da" and "ni koshita koto wa nai" structures express strong certainties that you should do something.
Learn how to use 'uchi ni' while you're still in Japan
The "uchi ni" and "aida ni" structures denote time frames, but one is more specific than the other.
Learning the causative form will let you speak Japanese with ease
The causative forms of Japanese verbs can help relay the ideas of making someone do something or letting them do something they want to do.
The possibilities only 'naradewa' can offer
The structures 'naradewa' and 'ni kagiru' point out the singularity of something that's usually rather good.
Apart from 'bestu ni shite,' the 'tomokaku' structure is useful for making exceptions
The "tomokaku" structure helps when you want to take one element of what you're talking about out of the conversation.
