Do you want to learn Japanese? Start by reading through these posts for a fun introduction to the Japanese language, including useful Japanese words, basic Japanese grammar and other Japanese lessons for beginners!
“If we spoke a different language, we would perceive a somewhat different world.” ‒ Ludwig Wittgenstein Do you agree with this quote? I know I do. Many languages have beautiful and unique words which cannot be translated precisely. These words often represent concepts which are so unique to that culture, there is simply no equivalent … Read more
Have you ever wondered how English internet slang words like ‘lol’ and ‘lmao’ translate into Japanese? Look no further, we have the answers right here. Since the dawn of the internet, the way we communicate has changed, whether you speak English or Japanese! Words like ‘lol’ became a natural part of internet slang because we … Read more
Are you new to anime? Maybe you’re reminiscing about some of your favorite childhood series? Whether you came from classics like Naruto or One Piece, or newer favorites like Demon Slayer and Jujutsu Kaisen, there are a lot of Japanese words you commonly hear in anime episodes. Some famous anime words can be used as … Read more
There are similar punctuation marks in Japanese and English like the question mark and the exclamation mark but there are other punctuation marks you’ve probably never seen or used before! Punctuation helps us express ourselves and show emotion in our writing but did you know that it wasn’t a part of the Japanese language until … Read more
When learning to read kanji, you will come across the concepts of kunyomi and onyomi, which are basically the two ways to read a kanji character! Kunyomi and onyomi are often called the Japanese reading and Chinese reading respectively. But why are there two different ways to read kanji you might ask? And what does … Read more
We can’t think of Japan without associating it with the word kawaii! Not only is kawaii (かわいい) an adjective to describe something that is ‘cute’, ‘lovely’, or ‘adorable’, but it is also part of a bigger culture in Japan. Kawaii culture encompasses the cute and quirky, from Harajuku fashion to anime and manga, mascots, games, … 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