Once you’ve got the two kana scripts and some kanji down, it can be exciting to start reading actual books in Japanese. The only problem is where to find them! For whatever reason, it’s a lot trickier to buy Japanese … Read more
There are many meanings associated with “mottainai” in Japanese that go far beyond the dictionary definition. Today I’d like to talk about both its basic meaning, as well as the larger significance that it carries into the culture of Japan. … Read more
The most enjoyable conversations are the ones where you really connect with the other person and you have an easy back and forth. One of the best ways to create this pleasant environment is to show agreement with what the … Read more
If you are ever visiting Japan and run into a situation where you need some help from the locals, it helps to know how to ask them the right questions. Perhaps the most critical phrase that you learn how to … Read more
We have now arrived at the final lesson for the free online course Master the Sound of Japanese. Today I am going to talk a little bit about how emotions affect sounds, and then I am going to provide you … Read more