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10 Useful Japanese Counters Posted by ranita on Dec 2, 2016
For counting anything in Japanese, different affixes are attached to numbers. These affixes are called counters or 助数詞 josūshi. Japanese counters are used to count objects of different sizes and shapes, living things, time, actions etc. For example, 柿を一個ください Kaki wo ikko kudasai (give me one persimmon). The counter for round objects is 個 ko…
30 Useful Idiomatic Phrases in Japanese Posted by ranita on Nov 28, 2016
In Japanese, idiomatic phrases are called ‘慣用語’ or kanyougo. They are often used by native speakers during conversations. Idioms add flavor to a language. They are simple phrases or expressions which might not make sense literally, but have ‘figurative meanings’. It is difficult to grasp the nuance of an idiomatic expression unless you are sure…
Why Japanese Traditional Arts End in ‘Do’ Posted by ranita on Nov 16, 2016
As Japanese language learners, we are introduced to Japanese traditions and arts from time to time. Let us take a look at some of these arts and how they are performed. The kanji ‘ 道 ’ signifies path or route. The 訓読み kunyomi (Japanese reading) for this kanji is みち michi and its 音読み onyomi…
Let’s learn about Japanese Fruits Posted by ranita on Nov 9, 2016
The Japanese word for fruit is 果物 kudamono. Today, let us learn about some common fruits which you can buy at any grocery store in Japan. Long ago in Japan, fruits were called 水菓子 mizugashi or water sweets. They were regarded as confectioneries. However, this concept changed over the years and now fruits are called…
Why I chose to become a polyglot Posted by ranita on Nov 4, 2016
Hi (こんにちは)! My name is Ranita and I am from India (インド). I have been learning Japanese (日本語) for over six years now. I have lived in Japan (日本) for a year and during my stay, I immersed myself into everything Japanese. I am very excited to join the Japanese blog. Looking forward to share…