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Dare to take action in Japanese with '<i>isso</i>' and '<i>omoikitte</i>'

Language | WELL SAID Dec 22, 2020

Dare to take action in Japanese with 'isso' and 'omoikitte'

by Akemi Tanahashi and Hitomi Tashiro

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 '<i>mushiro</i>' and '<i>kaette</i>' rather than falling behind on your Japanese

Language | WELL SAID Dec 8, 2020

Study 'mushiro' and 'kaette' rather than falling behind on your Japanese

by Akemi Tanahashi and Hitomi Tashiro

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

Language | BILINGUAL Dec 1, 2020

I'm sorry, but I think you can complain a little bit better than that

by Eric Margolis

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

Language | WELL SAID Dec 1, 2020

A verb tense for when you've been the subject of someone else's machinations

by Akemi Tanahashi and Hitomi Tashiro

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

Language | BILINGUAL Nov 24, 2020

A few tips on what to focus on in the final stretch leading to the JLPT

by Haruka Murayama

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

Language | WELL SAID Nov 24, 2020

We won't force you to learn 'yogi naku,' but you can't help doing so anyway

by Akemi Tanahashi and Hitomi Tashiro

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'

Language | WELL SAID Nov 17, 2020

You should know there's nothing better than 'ni koshita koto wa nai'

by Akemi Tanahashi and Hitomi Tashiro

The "koto da" and "ni koshita koto wa nai" structures express strong certainties that you should do something.

Learn how to use '<em>uchi ni</em>' while you're still in Japan

Language | WELL SAID Nov 10, 2020

Learn how to use 'uchi ni' while you're still in Japan

by Akemi Tanahashi and Hitomi Tashiro

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

Language | WELL SAID Nov 3, 2020

Learning the causative form will let you speak Japanese with ease

by Akemi Tanahashi and Hitomi Tashiro

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 <em>'naradewa'</em> can offer

Language | WELL SAID Oct 27, 2020

The possibilities only 'naradewa' can offer

by Akemi Tanahashi and Hitomi Tashiro

The structures 'naradewa' and 'ni kagiru' point out the singularity of something that's usually rather good.

Apart from '<em>bestu ni shite</em>,' the '<em>tomokaku</em>' structure is useful for making exceptions

Language | WELL SAID Oct 20, 2020

Apart from 'bestu ni shite,' the 'tomokaku' structure is useful for making exceptions

by Akemi Tanahashi and Hitomi Tashiro

The "tomokaku" structure helps when you want to take one element of what you're talking about out of the conversation.

The more you study '<em>ba … hodo,</em>' the better you'll be at Japanese

Language | WELL SAID Oct 13, 2020

The more you study 'ba … hodo,' the better you'll be at Japanese

by Akemi Tanahashi and Hitomi Tashiro

Describing the relationship between two things in Japanese is often understandable with the "ba … hodo" grammar point.

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