Language | COMMUNICATION CUES Jun 8, 2015
A zoo in Oita will not change the name of a baby monkey despite an uproar over naming her after Britain's newborn princess.
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.
Language | BILINGUAL May 25, 2015
Tried and trusted cures for May's hay fever, chills and ira ira
by Kaori Shoji
Despite the glorious weather, the azaleas in full bloom and traditional spring treats that grace the table this month, May is tinged with sorrow.
Language | WELL SAID May 25, 2015
Courteous keigo is about showing respect to the listener
by Akemi Tanahashi and Hitomi Tashiro
"Courteous expression" utilizes such verbs as mairimasu, itashimasu , zonjimasu and orimasu.
Language | BILINGUAL May 18, 2015
With yoji jukugo, four little characters can say so much
by Peter Backhaus
Saying it in four characters seems to be a pervasive stylistic device permeating all areas of life in Japan, from the pedestrian to the profound.
Language | WELL SAID May 18, 2015
When it comes to you and your group, keep your verbs humble
by Akemi Tanahashi and Hitomi Tashiro
Introducing another kind of keigo, known as "humble expression."
Language | COMMUNICATION CUES May 18, 2015
A magnetically levitated train run by Central Japan Railway Co. set a world speed record of 603 kph on April 21 during a manned test run.
Language | BILINGUAL May 11, 2015
In Japanese, mastery of the space-time continuum is just a few words away
by Daniel Morales
Words in Japanese that describe timing and conditions make it easy for speakers to be incredibly precise using very few words.
Language | BILINGUAL May 4, 2015
Dating in Japan never used to be this difficult — or creepy
by Kaori Shoji
It's spring and love should be in the air. But it's a bad, bad time to be out there in the dating scene.
Language | WELL SAID May 4, 2015
Introducing goto, the go-to suffix for each and every time
by Akemi Tanahashi and Hitomi Tashiro
Today we will introduce the proper use of the suffix ごと, meaning "every" or "each."