Tag - nihongo

 
 

NIHONGO

Japan Times
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
Dec 22, 2020
Dare to take action in Japanese with 'isso' and 'omoikitte'
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.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Dec 15, 2020
Cook up a sweet Japanese lesson … and some good food at the same time
Following a recipe in Japanese can be a language lesson all on its own. Get some grammar, add some vocabulary and serve fresh.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
Dec 15, 2020
Certainly, 'tashika ni' is a Japanese term you'll want to know
While 'tashika' on its own in a sentence conveys the idea that something is most likely true, adding the particle 'ni' to it will make it more definite.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Dec 8, 2020
Japan's 2020 buzzwords still contain a sense of whimsy in spite of trying times
At the start of the year it was expected that 2020's buzzwords would all be related to the Olympics. Oh, how quickly that can change.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
Dec 8, 2020
Study 'mushiro' and 'kaette' rather than falling behind on your Japanese
The adverbs 'mushiro' and 'kaette' indicate alternative preferences, but the difference lies in whether the alternative comes down to personal judgement.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Dec 1, 2020
I'm sorry, but I think you can complain a little bit better than that
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.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
Dec 1, 2020
A verb tense for when you've been the subject of someone else's machinations
When you've been made to do something against your will, try and wrap your tongue around the causative passive to express yourself.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Nov 24, 2020
A few tips on what to focus on in the final stretch leading to the JLPT
If you haven't started recapping for the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test yet, consider this your warning.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
Nov 24, 2020
We won't force you to learn 'yogi naku,' but you can't help doing so anyway
Ano suigai de ōku no katagata ga hinan-seikatsu o yogi naku saremashita.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Nov 17, 2020
An abundance of grammatical gratitude
As we approach a time of giving thanks, whether it's Thanksgiving or the year-end holidays, brush up on your ability to show gratitude in Japanese.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
Nov 17, 2020
You should know there's nothing better than 'ni koshita koto wa nai'
The 'koto da' and 'ni koshita koto wa nai' structures express strong certainties that you should do something.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Nov 10, 2020
Put your back into these body-related terms
Working from home is resulting in shoulder and back pain for some, but it won't hurt to brush up on some idioms.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
Nov 10, 2020
Learn how to use 'uchi ni' while you're still in Japan
The 'uchi ni' and 'aida ni' structures denote time frames, but one is more specific than the other.

Longform

Professional cleaner Hirofumi Sakurai takes a moment to appreciate some photographs in a Gotanda apartment whose occupant died alone.
The last cleanup: Life and death in a lonely Japan