Every spring, two cute and romantic events are celebrated in Japan: Valentine’s Day (February 14) and White Day (March 14). On Valentine’s Day, the ladies express their love and admiration for the significant males in their life, usually by gifting them chocolate! Men are expected to respond a month later on White Day. After this … Read more

Among Japan’s unique unofficial holidays is White Day. Held exactly one month after Valentine’s Day – March 14, this is the day on which men express their appreciation for the women in their lives –  friends, coworkers, and especially lovers. Boyfriends treat this holiday as a special time to give their significant others chocolates, candy, … Read more

Just like how we have other words in English for ‘man’ such as guy, bloke, or dude, Japanese has synonyms for ‘man’ which you should know! The kanji for male in Japanese is 男 (kunyomi: otoko, onyomi: dan) and you will often see it written on public toilets in Japan, so if there’s one take … Read more

One of the first words we learn in Japanese is onna / 女 meaning ‘woman/female’, but it can also be one of the least polite ways to refer to women.  When referring to people in Japanese, it’s good to be conscious of the feeling that different words may give to the listener. More appropriate words … Read more

Parents usually address their children by their given name when speaking to them. In Japanese, there are certain nuances to consider when talking about your son or somebody else’s son. Musuko (息子 / むすこ) is the standard Japanese word for ‘son’. Depending on whose son is being talked about, other words such as musuko-san (息子さん) … Read more

Musume (娘 / むすめ) is the standard word for daughter in Japanese. However, there are differences in the ways it can be used. It depends on whose daughter you are speaking about, or speaking to.  Not a lot of Japanese words for daughter exist, compared to ones for mother, father, sister, or brother. Because of … Read more