Tag - grammar

 
 

GRAMMAR

Japan Times
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
Sep 23, 2019
Vary your way of emphasis with 'totemo' and its cousins
The word 'totemo' is a very handy word as it means 'very.' But it's not the only word that can help you emphasize what you're talking about.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Sep 16, 2019
Listening for the subtle sounds of autumn
Everyone's talking about the weather. While it's great to know the vocabulary needed to express seasons and temperature, there are also a few adverbs that will come in handy.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
Sep 16, 2019
Just once I'd like to use 'ichido' correctly
The word 'ichido' can mean 'one time,' but the nuance changes depending on the particle you pair it with.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Jul 22, 2019
Japanese features a lot of ways to complain about the heat in summer
As we make the shift from u6885u96e8 (tsuyu, rainy season) to u590fu672cu756a (natsu honban, summertime in earnest), you'll find that the weather will take center stage in many Japanese conversations.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / NEWS IN NIHONGO
Jul 22, 2019
Breakdancing likely added to 2024 Olympics in Paris
t the general meeting held in Lausanne, Switzerland, on the 25th, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) effectively decided to include breakdancing, skateboarding, sport climbing and surfing as additional events for the 2024 Paris Olympics just as the organizing committee proposed.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
Jul 8, 2019
The Japanese verb 'kuru' comes in many forms
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.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
Jul 1, 2019
'Kireru' is a cut above other Japanese verbs
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.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Jun 24, 2019
The Japanese words 'mono' and 'koto' can make things tricky
Both 'mono' and 'koto' mean 'thing' in Japanese, but they're used in different ways. And the thing is, nuance matters.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Jun 17, 2019
In praise of the perfect Japanese compliment
The Japanese haven't traditionally complimented one another in the workplace, but a book on the power of positive reinforcement has garnered a following.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Jun 3, 2019
Don't give up yet on giving and getting in Japanese
One of the first things taught in anthropology classes is that presents exchanged in a given society hardly ever come for free. When someone gives another person something, that always entails some sort of obligation. Acts of giving and receiving are hence highly sensitive social endeavors, and so is...
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
Jun 3, 2019
Don't forget to use 'sokonau' to mark your failings in Japanese
Ikō to omotte-ita-n-da kedo, misokonatchatta. (I was going to go, but I missed it.)
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
May 27, 2019
Speaking of that, 'sore' and 'kore' can come in very handy
Karutago-tte iu resutoran ni itta-n-da kedo, sono mise, sugoku yokatta-n-da. (I went to a restaurant called Carthago and it was really good.)
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
May 20, 2019
What's that we were talking about? Ah yes, the many uses of 'are'
The demonstrative pronouns related to 'ano' are for more than just describing what's 'over there.' For instance, Japanese uses them to convey sentimentality and in monologues.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
Apr 29, 2019
Raising your voice can convey a different meaning, 'deshō'?
The Japanese words 'deshu014d' and 'daru014d' can be said with different intonations to provide various nuances.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
Apr 22, 2019
Wondering aloud in Japanese about our Heisei Era memories
The words 'deshu014d' and 'daru014d' can help us put a little conjecture into the way we speak, but that's not the only thing they're used for.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
Apr 1, 2019
Take your Japanese to the point where you can even use 'sae' and 'made' correctly
The particles u307eu3067 and u3055u3048 both emphasize degree, the former expressing the limits of time, space, quantity and so on. By attaching it to a noun (X), the construction Xu307eu3067 can translate to “until X”
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Mar 18, 2019
Hay fever season gets people sneezing and talking
A good way to start a conversation in Japanese at this time of year is to talk about allergies and hay fever in particular. Learning the vocabulary for sore eyes and runny noses can also help at your local pharmacy.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language
Mar 4, 2019
Navigating the tricky world of permission when speaking Japanese
When speaking Japanese, getting the basics of language relating to permission can be helpful, from asking a colleague to pick up your slack to requesting a photo with a celebrity.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
Feb 25, 2019
Use 'ijō' to go beyond the usual boundaries in Japanese
The term 'iju014d' usually translates as 'more than,' but it can be used for more than just that.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
Feb 4, 2019
After learning how to use 'irai' properly, you'll be able to look back with confidence
The word 'irai' translates as 'since,' and it can be tacked on to both nouns and verbs.

Longform

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