Language | BILINGUAL Feb 16, 2023
Some simple words to power up your conversations in Japanese
by Brendan Craine
Japanese conjunctions, what's their function? Well, they can make your conversations go a lot smoother for one thing.
Language | BILINGUAL Feb 10, 2023
Stressing out at work? Make sure you know how to ask for help
by Yuko Tamura
Worried about talking to your supervisor about alleviating stress? The key is to tell them you want to be proactive in dealing with any potential problems.
Language | BILINGUAL Feb 2, 2023
The Buddhist terms that find their way into everyday conversation
by Brendan Craine
Just as Christian terminology has had an effect on English turns of phrase, Buddhism is the source of a lot of Japanese terms and phrases.
Language | BILINGUAL Jan 27, 2023
Are ‘white’ companies proving to be too much of a good thing for Japan's Gen Z?
by Yuko Tamura
"Black" companies are places of excess: excess overtime, excess chores — not excess pay! And the best way to express the idea of "too much" in Japanese is with the verb-suffix "sugiru."
Language | BILINGUAL Jan 18, 2023
Grammar for grumps: When you just don’t feel all that genki
by Brendan Craine
We can't feel "super genki" all the time, even if that's the prevailing mood that Japanese textbooks try to encourage. Here are some ways to express your dissatisfaction.
National Jan 16, 2023
New AI smartphone app will be able to decipher Japanese cursive manuscripts
by Anika Osaki Exum
The app’s beta version is set for release later this month, while the full version is scheduled to become available to the public this March.
Language | BILINGUAL Jan 9, 2023
Make sure your nouns and verbs match when talking about what to wear
by Yaeko Kabe
Did you notice more kimono than usual being worn on Jan. 9 this year? That's because it was Coming of Age Day, an occasion for which Japanese youth sport their "Sunday best."
Life Jan 7, 2023
Across Japan, baby names are getting more creative
by Thu-Huong Ha
Despite a government-managed list of acceptable kanji, parents are choosing more unique readings for their children than ever before.
How-tos Jan 5, 2023
Listen up! Podcasts can help with that perennial resolution to learn Japanese
by Jennifer O'Donnell
It's New Year's resolution time, did you make yours? If you're looking to improve your Japanese listening skills in 2023 then these podcasts have you covered.
Language | BILINGUAL Jan 3, 2023
Sticking to your Japanese New Year’s resolutions
by Eric Margolis
When speaking about resolutions, it's better to use a more decisive grammatical structure in Japanese than the regular "I want" pattern.
Language | BILINGUAL Dec 30, 2022
There’s more going on in a haiku than just the 5-7-5 syllable rule
by Eric Margolis
Dive into one of Japan's most fascinating art forms during the holidays and think up a couple of haiku poems to celebrate the season.
Language | BILINGUAL Dec 23, 2022
A few phrases for when you head to dinner at your in-laws' house
by Yuko Tamura
Maybe you just want to compliment someone's cooking, or maybe you want to avoid a fight? Either way, brushing up on some Japanese before heading to your in-laws doesn't hurt.