Language | BILINGUAL Jul 8, 2019
Get in tune with the sound of Japanese vocabulary
by Daniel Morales
Certain Japanese words sound like they should represent an action, can you guess what a word means by how it's pronounced?
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 | NEWS IN NIHONGO Jul 8, 2019
A look at an article that points out how Japanese officials should help the foreign residents of their cities and towns.
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 | NEWS IN NIHONGO Jul 1, 2019
Japan offers highest paid paternity leave in the world, but few take it
Read an article on parental leave and pick up some vocabulary related to raising kids in the modern world.
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 | WELL SAID Jun 24, 2019
The ugly truth behind using 'mittomonai' and 'kakkowarui'
by Akemi Tanahashi and Hitomi Tashiro
The words "mittomonai" and "kakkowarui" are used when behavior or appearance is unbecoming, but the former carries more shame.
National Jun 21, 2019
New law holds government responsible for teaching Japanese to all foreign residents
by Tomohiro Osaki
The legislation places the onus for providing learning opportunities on the state but does not contain any concrete measures to fund.
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 | WELL SAID Jun 17, 2019
Speak Japanese smoothly by mastering the difference between 'sara-sara' and 'zara-zara'
by Akemi Tanahashi and Hitomi Tashiro
The onomatopoeic terms "sara-sara" and "zara-zara" both refer to textures, but do you know which is soft and which is coarse?
Language | NEWS IN NIHONGO Jun 17, 2019
The Central Japan Railway Co. will shorten its interior cleaning time for the Tokaido Shinkansen arriving at Tokyo Station by two minutes, allowing it to be finished in about 10 minutes.
Language | BILINGUAL Jun 10, 2019
Here’s to nattō, Japan’s original superfood
by Yukari Tanaka
One of the country’s most notable 健康食品 (kenkō shokuhin, health food products), 納豆 is made from 大豆 (daizu, soybeans) fermented with 枯草菌 (kosōkin, bacillus subtilis).