Tag - grammar

 
 

GRAMMAR

Japan Times
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
Mar 3, 2020
Talking about other people in Japanese using the 'garu' structure
You can tack 'tai' on the end of a verb to express what you want to do, but if you're going to speak for someone else then it's best to get a handle on the 'garu' ending.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
Feb 25, 2020
Endowed with the talent for understanding the Japanese structures using 'nagara ni'
The structures 'nagara ni' and 'nagara no' are used in very specific ways in Japanese, which makes their comprehension slightly easier.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
Feb 18, 2020
People won't throw you under the bus if you're able to use 'kuse ni' correctly
Using the grammatical structure 'X kuse ni Y' has the same effect as 'despite X, Y' and can be used to convey a feeling of ill will.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
Feb 11, 2020
As long as you learn 'sae ... areba,' communication in Japanese will get easier
The 'sae ... areba' pattern is used to express ideas like 'if only' and can be used in several simple situations as well as more complex ones.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
Feb 4, 2020
You should know how to use 'hazu'
The particle 'hazu' basically translates as 'should' in English, but can sometimes be rendered as 'no wonder.'
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
Jan 28, 2020
Filled to the brim with tips on how to use 'zukume' and 'zukushi'
The suffixes 'zukume' and 'zukushi' express the idea of 'entirety' and 'variety,' and are sure to give you an edge in more formal situations.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
Jan 21, 2020
At least 'semete' can help you describe the bare minimum in Japanese
The adverb 'semete' can mean 'at least' in English, but there's a nuance that goes with it that further specifies how it can be used.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
Jan 14, 2020
If you study just one thing this week, make it 'bakari'
The word 'bakari' can be used in many situations in Japanese and can be seen in some of these cases as a replacement for the two different meanings of the English word 'just.'
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Jan 7, 2020
Divining fortunes and reading blood types in the Year of the Rat
It's the Year of the Rat and writer Haruka Murayama dips into the language of the zodiac.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
Jan 7, 2020
Despite the fact 'noni' is difficult for some, it's still a particle you should learn early
Whether it's used to connect sentences or simply to add emphasis, 'noni' is important to convey the idea of 'even though.'
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
Dec 24, 2019
You've got nothing to lose if you start studying the meanings of 'motomoto'
The word 'motomoto' conveys a sense of 'originally,' but it can also be used to express that you have nothing to lose in a given situation.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
Dec 17, 2019
The structure 'to itta' is a great example of the ways Japanese give examples
Not to be confused with 'to iu,' the structure that uses 'to itta' can help when you're providing examples for things in a designated category.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
Dec 10, 2019
The grammar point known as 'to iu'
When you're trying to describe what something is in Japanese, the structure 'to iu' can come in very handy.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
Nov 26, 2019
Work toward mastery of 'ni mukete' and 'o mezashite'
The structures 'ni mukete' and 'o mezashite' help express your working toward a goal, with the latter being the more concrete option.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Nov 19, 2019
Reuniting with old Japanese friends of all different kinds
Whether they're your 'shin'yu016b,' your 'tomodachi' or your 'nakama,' reuniting with Japanese friends is always a blast.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
Nov 12, 2019
Here's some advice. If you want to help a friend out, stick to -tara ii desu
With your friends, giving and asking for advice in Japanese can be done in several ways. Just make sure you don't accidentally use these structures with your boss!
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Nov 4, 2019
How to express the ups and downs of a tax hike
Describing the rise in a tax hike and a rise in prices means using two different words in Japanese. In either case, things aren't looking up.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
Oct 28, 2019
By the way, do you know how to use 'hanashi wa kawaru kedo' in a sentence?
Changing the topic in a Japanese conversation is easier than you think and two terms in particular can help. 'Tokorode,' have you been studying Japanese long?
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
Oct 21, 2019
Expressing what you've been thinking about doing with 'to omotte-iru' and '-tai to omotte iru'
Using the 'tai' verb ending expresses desire in Japanese, but adding 'omotte-iru' can help convey the idea that your wants are not spontaneous.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
Oct 7, 2019
Speak Japanese with certainty by using 'zettai'
The word 'zettai' has a feeling of absoluteness and certainty that can emphasize the confidence you have in what you're saying.

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