Archive for 'Grammar'
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…
How do you say Shopping in Japanese? Posted by keiko on Nov 28, 2016
Hi everyone! Hope you all enjoyed Thanksgiving Holiday if you are in a country where people celebrate Thanksgiving. We had a nice long break from school and work this past week. Kids are not too crazy about going back to school tomorrow. Has anyone enjoyed after Thanksgiving Holiday shopping? Here in U.S. shopping is popular…
How to say good bye in Japanese? Posted by keiko on Nov 22, 2016
Sayo-nara (さようなら) Hi there everyone! Hope everyone is doing well out there. Some of you might be busy preparing your house for welcoming your family and friends for Thanksgiving this week. Your children might be already out of school, at least here in U.S. Nonetheless, this is busy time of the year…
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…
5 ways of using Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu in Japanese Posted by keiko on Nov 10, 2016
What does Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu mean ???? Hi everyone, hope you are enjoying this beautiful fall weather. Here in Pacific Northwest, weather has been beautiful, and I am really enjoying the autumn color of leaves everywhere. Rain is coming soon, so I better enjoy this moment while we have it. 🙂 I have quite…
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…