Want to get better at Japanese? Reading is one of the best ways to improve your language skills. It’s especially important to read a lot when you’re learning a language with a different writing system, like Japanese. Hiragana, katakana and kanji can be overwhelming at first. But with enough reading practice, reading these characters will … Read more
Asking someone for a service or favour is never complete without saying ‘please’ and in Japanese, ‘please’ is usually translated as either onegaishimasu or kudasai. But what’s the difference between these two words and are there more? Yes, there are many words for ‘please’ in Japanese and as always, context is king! Saying ‘please’ in … Read more
Almost everyone knows how to say ‘thank you’ in Japanese using the word arigatou but as you probably guessed, there are many other ways to express gratitude! Japan is a country with a long history of hierarchy and many layers of social etiquette which means we end up with many Japanese words for ‘thank you’, … Read more
Do you have someone in your life who’s obsessed with Japan? (It’s ok if that person is you… I won’t tell anyone 😉 ) Are you looking for cool Japanese gift ideas for Christmas or a birthday? Start by checking out my list of dream Japanese themed gifts! I’ve put together this gift guide of … Read more
So you’ve decided to learn Japanese but rather than joining a language school or taking some classes you want to do it on your own! Can you learn Japanese by yourself? Of course you can, and there are many people who have already done it (including me!) If you have an internet connection and a … Read more
Ah, New Year! It’s the best time to gather and celebrate all around the world. Japan values the importance of New Year or shōgatsu (正月 / しょうがつ) as much as other countries do. In fact, Japanese new year celebrations are rich in tradition and festivities! Families and individuals begin their preparations as early as December, … Read more
They say time flies by when you’re having fun. One day, you’re exchanging gifts by the Christmas tree, then a few days later, everyone’s counting down to the New Year! We hope continuing your Japanese learning is part of your resolutions! 😉 Ganbatte! In fact, in this article, we will learn how to say Happy … Read more
Do you plan to spend the holidays in Japan? Maybe you have a Japanese pen pal who you want to wish an enjoyable winter holiday? Saying ‘Merry Christmas’ in Japanese is very easy: merii kurisumasu (メリークリスマス)! The English phrase has no direct translation in Japanese, because the holiday was only adapted from the West during … Read more