Language | BILINGUAL Jun 22, 2015
When too much is not enough, just dial up the 'sugiru'
by Peter Backhaus
When something is in excess, English commonly uses the adverb "too." Japanese expresses similar things with the verb "sugiru."
Language | WELL SAID Jun 22, 2015
Let your green-eyed monster loose with 'urayamashii'
by Akemi Tanahashi and Hitomi Tashiro
Today we introduce the proper use of the adjective うらやましい, meaning "jealous" or "envious. ...
Language | MORNING ENGLISH Jun 22, 2015
To differentiate it from foreign-brewed fare, the National Tax Agency is considering defining "Japanese sake" as a home-brewed alcoholic drink made from Japanese-grown rice.
Language | BILINGUAL Jun 15, 2015
Keep pounding away and eventually Japanese will reveal its secrets
by Daniel Morales
If some patterns in Japanese don't make sense yet, just keep pounding the rock. With enough time and repetition, they'll click.
Language | WELL SAID Jun 15, 2015
Use -tara to herald the expected and the unexpected
by Akemi Tanahashi and Hitomi Tashiro
Today we introduce the proper use of "X (verb in ta form) ら、Y (= phrase).
Language | COMMUNICATION CUES Jun 15, 2015
Ireland recently became the first country in the world to legalize gay marriage by referendum.
Language | MORNING ENGLISH Jun 15, 2015
The move to lower the voting age will give an estimated 2.4 million people aged 18 and 19 suffrage.
Language | BILINGUAL Jun 8, 2015
Too much 'ganbaru' could push anyone over the edge
by Colin P.A. Jones
For those trying their hardest or already at the end of their rope, "ganbaru" can seem like a slap in the face rather than a gesture of encouragement.
Language | WELL SAID Jun 8, 2015
Though you may think you don't need to know mono-no, you do
by Akemi Tanahashi and Hitomi Tashiro
Today we will introduce the proper use of "XもののY," which is used to connect contrasting phrases.
Language | BILINGUAL Jun 1, 2015
To know bamboo is to know Asia — and a whole lot of Japanese
by Mark Schreiber
This fast-growing plant has found its way into much of the language of Japan, revealing a great deal about the history and culture of East Asia.
Language | WELL SAID Jun 1, 2015
Zuibun is more useful than you could have possibly imagined
by Akemi Tanahashi and Hitomi Tashiro
Today we will introduce some uses of the adverb "zuibun," which is used when the speaker wants to say that the degree of something is higher than they were expecting.
Language | COMMUNICATION CUES Jun 1, 2015
New York has been ranked as the most popular city for young people aged 15 to 29 years old, according to a survey.