Tag - nihongo

 
 

NIHONGO

Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Voices / FOREIGN AGENDA
Jun 17, 2015
Indians in Japan — a love story beset with challenges
While the recent increase in the number of Indian residents in Japan might appear substantial, it is small compared to the influx seen in some other countries. So why the big difference?
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Jun 15, 2015
Keep pounding away and eventually Japanese will reveal its secrets
If some patterns in Japanese don't make sense yet, just keep pounding the rock. With enough time and repetition, they'll click.
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
Jun 15, 2015
Use -tara to herald the expected and the unexpected
Today we introduce the proper use of 'X (verb in ta form) u3089u3001Y (= phrase).
LIFE / Language / COMMUNICATION CUES
Jun 15, 2015
Ireland's 'yes' to gay marriage
Ireland recently became the first country in the world to legalize gay marriage by referendum.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Jun 8, 2015
Too much 'ganbaru' could push anyone over the edge
For those trying their hardest or already at the end of their rope, 'ganbaru' can seem like a slap in the face rather than a gesture of encouragement.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
Jun 8, 2015
Though you may think you don't need to know mono-no, you do
Today we will introduce the proper use of 'Xu3082u306eu306eY,' which is used to connect contrasting phrases.
LIFE / Language / COMMUNICATION CUES
Jun 8, 2015
Zoo to keep monkey's name as Charlotte
A zoo in Oita will not change the name of a baby monkey despite an uproar over naming her after Britain's newborn princess.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Jun 1, 2015
To know bamboo is to know Asia — and a whole lot of Japanese
This fast-growing plant has found its way into much of the language of Japan, revealing a great deal about the history and culture of East Asia.
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
Jun 1, 2015
Zuibun is more useful than you could have possibly imagined
Today we will introduce some uses of the adverb 'zuibun,' which is used when the speaker wants to say that the degree of something is higher than they were expecting.
LIFE / Language / COMMUNICATION CUES
Jun 1, 2015
New York comes out tops in youth survey
New York has been ranked as the most popular city for young people aged 15 to 29 years old, according to a survey.
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
May 25, 2015
Tried and trusted cures for May's hay fever, chills and ira ira
Despite the glorious weather, the azaleas in full bloom and traditional spring treats that grace the table this month, May is tinged with sorrow.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
May 25, 2015
Courteous keigo is about showing respect to the listener
'Courteous expression' utilizes such verbs as mairimasu, itashimasu , zonjimasu and orimasu.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
May 18, 2015
With yoji jukugo, four little characters can say so much
Saying it in four characters seems to be a pervasive stylistic device permeating all areas of life in Japan, from the pedestrian to the profound.
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
May 18, 2015
When it comes to you and your group, keep your verbs humble
Introducing another kind of keigo, known as 'humble expression.'
LIFE / Language / COMMUNICATION CUES
May 18, 2015
Maglev train sets world speed record
A magnetically levitated train run by Central Japan Railway Co. set a world speed record of 603 kph on April 21 during a manned test run.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
May 11, 2015
In Japanese, mastery of the space-time continuum is just a few words away
Words in Japanese that describe timing and conditions make it easy for speakers to be incredibly precise using very few words.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
May 4, 2015
Dating in Japan never used to be this difficult — or creepy
It's spring and love should be in the air. But it's a bad, bad time to be out there in the dating scene.
LIFE / Language / WELL SAID
May 4, 2015
Introducing goto, the go-to suffix for each and every time
Today we will introduce the proper use of the suffix u3054u3068, meaning 'every' or 'each.'
LIFE / Language / COMMUNICATION CUES
May 4, 2015
Tour guide exam to be more relevant
The Japan Tourism Agency will revamp an exam for tour guides serving foreigners, following criticism that the test contains questions that are too difficult or simply irrelevant to the job.

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