50+ Introductory Phrases in Japanese
In this post I give over 50 introductory phrases, with translations. that can be used as starting blocks to build Japanese sentences.
Category Archives: Japanese Study: Beginner
Japanese Writing Lab #7: A fun event or trip
Having trouble finding opportunities to practice writing in Japanese? In this post I wrote in Japanese about a fun experience I had. I ask you to try doing the same, and in exchange I’ll give my feedback on your writing. Japanese learners of any level are invited, and there is no length requirements on the result.
The Compound Verb 着替える (kigaeru) and a Question of Particles
Japanese is rife with compound verbs, which are generally composed by taking the verb stem (what I like to call the ‘pre-masu form’) of one verb and attaching it to a second verb. For example 食べ終わる (“tabeowaru”) which is comprised of the verb stem of 食べる (“taberu”, meaning “to eat”) and 終わる (“owaru”, meaning “to… Read More »
10 Japanese Expressions Involving Cats
I put together a list of 10 expressions in Japanese that involve our favorite furry friend––the cat.
50 Hints for Learning Japanese
I’ve made a list of 50 hints for learning Japanese based on my own experience, covering everything from kanji, listening, and grammar to study habits and other topics.
Japanese fairy tale translation: “The Crane’s Flute” (鶴の笛) by Hayashi Fumiko
In this post I’ve translated Hayashi Fumiko’s classic fairy tale “The Crane’s Flute” (鶴の笛) in full, a simple story that touches upon important topics.
Analysis of a common Internet phrase: “詳しくはこちら” (kuwashiku wa kochira)
Languages have different vocabulary and grammar for different areas (or “domains” as I call them), for example newspapers, popular novels, and Internet forums. This can be frustrating because being knowledgable in one domain doesn’t mean you’ll have an easy time in another. But the plus side is that once you learn some common phrases and… Read More »
The right and wrong way to use the verb あげる (ageru) in Japanese
The nuances of expressing politeness is one of the most difficult parts of mastering the Japanese language, especially if your native language doesn’t have a strong concept of politeness levels (in my opinion, English does not). One of the things I always talk about when asked about politeness is the verb trio “kureru”, “morau”, and… Read More »
Introducing the Japanese Correction Service (JCS): get feedback on your Japanese writing
I’m always on the lookout for different ways to help people throughout the world improve their Japanese. For example, a few months ago I started experimenting with free online classes, and I also have a series of articles about practicing writing in Japanese (Japanese Writing Lab). After having an exchange with one of my readers… Read More »
仮名遣い (kanazukai):Writing the right way in Japanese
When studying a foreign language, once you are able to learn enough grammar, characters, and vocabulary to be able to start reading books made for native-speakers, a new world of nearly unlimited knowledge opens to you. This is true not just for entertainment (novels, etc.), but also for study materials such as textbooks. This post… Read More »