The Japanese are known for their politeness, but because of their polite nature, it can be hard to say no in a straightforward way. That’s why there are many ways to say no in Japanese! The most direct way to say ‘no’ in Japanese is iie (いいえ). But just like in English, there are many … Read more
We all know that Japan is famous worldwide for being a polite culture. Japanese honorifics are one of the ways that people show this respect when speaking to each other. “Honorific” means to give or show honor or respect. Honorifics are small words that come before a name (a prefix) or after a name (a … Read more
After you learn to say ‘hello’ in Japanese, next you’d be curious about how to say ‘goodbye’, right? How do you say goodbye in Japanese? Usually, the first Japanese word for goodbye that we learn is sayonara (さよなら). Well, it does mean ‘goodbye’ – but not in the same way the English word does! In … Read more
So you want to learn Japanese, but you don’t have time or money for classes? Learning a new language is hard, and most people who try end up quitting before they get very far. It takes time and persistence. The Pimsleur courses are one of the most famous self-study language courses out there. They use … Read more
Finally! The long, cold winter is over, and spring is arriving in Japan! Spring is many people’s favourite season in Japan. As in other countries, spring is a sign of new life and a fresh start. The most famous symbol of spring in Japan is sakura – cherry blossom flowers. As you will see, there … Read more
Everybody loves a party. And not many people love a party more than the Japanese! Each year, thousands of different festivals take place across Japan. These festivals are usually rooted in the Shinto tradition. Many date back hundreds of years. However, Japanese festivals are more than just a religious event. They represent a chance to … Read more
The word ‘hello’ is one of the first words we want to learn in any language! It’s no surprise that when we start learning Japanese, we want to learn the word ‘hello’ first. This simple greeting helps us make connections and friends. Well, of course nothing is ever simple in Japanese… You may have learned … Read more
If you’re studying Japanese, you probably love Japan. Whatever you love about Japan – anime, kawaii culture, traditional culture, food, snacks – there’s a box for that! And what’s better than getting a special delivery from Japan? How about getting a special delivery from Japan every single month! Don’t forget that you can buy most … Read more