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
In English, we use the word ‘amazing’ to describe a multitude of things, ranging from food to experiences to the weather! The most common way to say amazing in Japanese is sugoi (すごい). Like ‘amazing’, this word can be used in a variety of situations. However, it leans more on the casual side, so depending … Read more
‘Good job’ is one of those phrases of encouragement we all love to hear, especially if it’s in relation to our Japanese skills! In Japanese, there are multiple ways to say ‘good job’, depending on hierarchy, social context and even the effort someone is putting in. Even people who don’t speak Japanese may recognise the … Read more
March in Japan is a month of transition. Winter is fading, plum blossoms are in full bloom, and cherry blossoms begin to appear in the warmer regions. Schools and companies prepare for graduation ceremonies, and the whole country feels fresh and full of new beginnings! Whether you’re planning a spring trip or exploring Japanese culture … Read more
If you’re starting Japanese from scratch, learning hiragana is your very first step. Japanese uses three writing systems, but beginners begin with the two phonetic alphabets – hiragana and katakana. Together, they’re known as the kana. They represent sounds, not meanings. And once you can read them, you can pronounce any Japanese word correctly. That’s … Read more
Most Studio Ghibli movies feel totally magical, and that’s why we love them! But many of the details they show are very real, and we can actually learn a lot about Japanese culture from watching Ghibli movies. Look closely, and you’ll spot everyday Japanese traditions and customs woven into the stories. Shrines, school routines, shared … Read more
Most Studio Ghibli films feel so complete and original that it’s easy to assume they were written purely for the screen! But several of them actually began as novels, manga, or even much older folktales. It’s not always obvious which is which. In some cases the film follows the original closely. In others, Studio Ghibli … Read more
For many learners, anime is their first real exposure to Japanese. And watching anime in the original version is many people’s motivation to start learning Japanese. It’s no wonder so many people ask if you can learn Japanese watching anime! Well, anime can be a useful tool for learning Japanese – but only if you … Read more
Studio Ghibli movies are often recommended to Japanese learners, but not all of them are equally helpful for language practice! Some feature dramatic speech, unusual vocabulary, or fantasy settings that don’t reflect how people talk in everyday life. If your goal is to improve listening skills and get used to natural Japanese, it helps to … Read more