Daiji Posted by Ginny on Aug 22, 2009
In Japanese, there exists a special set of kanji called daiji (大字) for the numbers. The daiji (大字) are used for important financial statements. In the past, the kanji for the numbers we normally use could be easily manipulated to change for the benefit of the person. For example, all you need to do is to…
Japanese Tea Ceremony Posted by Ginny on Aug 19, 2009
Chanoyuu (茶の湯) is the art Japanese Tea Ceremony. Chanoyuu (茶の湯) is a formal ceremony involving various forms of tea etiquette. The main focus is centered on a type of green tea called macha (抹茶). The actual presiding of the ceremony is called chadoo (茶道). The tea ceremony is one of Japan’s oldest traditions. Even now…
Kore, Sore, Are Posted by Ginny on Aug 16, 2009
In Japanese, there are ways to say, ‘this, that and that over there’ This – kore (これ). Refers to things that are close to the speaker. That – sore (それ). Refers to things that are close to the person you are talking to. That over there – are (あれ). Refers to things that are far away…
The To Particle Posted by Ginny on Aug 13, 2009
The to (と) particle is one of the most extensive particles in Japanese grammar. For today, we’ll only look at two possible meanings that can be conveyed by to (と). The to (と) particle can be used as a conjunction. You can use to (と) to add nouns together. For example, you could say, ‘I study English…
The Yo Particle Posted by Ginny on Aug 10, 2009
The yo (よ) particle can be used for emphasis. For example a sentence like uso ja nai yo (うそじゃないよ) means something like, ‘I assure you it’s not a lie!’ Another example is, honto des yo (ほんとですよ) which means something like, ‘I assure you it’s true!’ Without the yo (よ), honto des (ほんとです) or uso ja nai (うそじゃない)…
Answers to the Word of the Day Posted by Ginny on Aug 7, 2009
1) あせる (to be impatient, hasty) https://blogs.transparent.com/wotd/today/japanese.htm?date=03-01-2009 2) ゆっくりする (to relax) https://blogs.transparent.com/wotd/today/japanese.htm?date=03-02-2009 3) いなか (countryside) https://blogs.transparent.com/wotd/today/japanese.htm?date=03-05-2009 4) 入試 (entrance exam) https://blogs.transparent.com/wotd/today/japanese.htm?date=03-09-2009 5) 合コン (match making party) https://blogs.transparent.com/wotd/today/japanese.htm?date=03-10-2009 6) いじわる (mean) https://blogs.transparent.com/wotd/today/japanese.htm?date=03-11-2009 7) けち (stingy, cheap, frugal) https://blogs.transparent.com/wotd/today/japanese.htm?date=03-12-2009 おかしい (funny, strange) https://blogs.transparent.com/wotd/today/japanese.htm?date=03-13-2009 9) おしゃれ (fashionable) https://blogs.transparent.com/wotd/today/japanese.htm?date=03-16-2009 10) しぶい (tasteful) https://blogs.transparent.com/wotd/today/japanese.htm?date=03-17-2009 11) きもい (disgusting) https://blogs.transparent.com/wotd/today/japanese.htm?date=03-18-2009 12) あたたかい…
Word of the Day Exercise Posted by Ginny on Aug 4, 2009
Some of you may know the Word of the Day provided by Transparent Language. It’s an awesome list of Japanese vocabulary accompanied by sound. It also provides the word in context with various conjugations of the word. Today’s list is a review of some of the words you may have forgotten. Next time I’ll provide…