In Japanese, the word “どうも” (doumo) is a very versatile and frequently used word that can mean a few different things depending on the context.  どうも, pronounced “dou-mo,” is a phrase you’d come across when you’re eating in at an izakaya or a restaurant. You can also use it to thank someone. You can also […]

Kanji can be beautiful, but some of them can also be downright intimidating. While most learners start with simple characters like 日 (day) or 木 (tree), Japanese writing also hides a few monsters: characters so complex and rare that even native speakers may pause before reading or writing them. So what are the most difficult […]

The Business Japanese Proficiency Test (BJT) is both a great addition and an alternative to the JLPT, especially if you want to work in Japan. But should you take it?

From classic Ghibli films to tear-jerking slice-of-life, check out our recommended anime shows to binge-watch if you’re a beginner in Japanese.

Learn how to tell time in Japanese with this easy guide. Master hours, minutes, and seconds in Japanese, including pronunciation and tips.

Luckily, with a little bit of crash course, you’ll be able to understand the social cues of the art of saying thank you in Japanese.

Japanese is considered to be one of the hardest languages to learn in the world. Studies have shown that on average, it takes about 2,200 classroom hours to learn Japanese on a proficient level, which is equivalent to 88 consecutive weeks. That being said, it remains one of the most fascinating and beautiful languages to […]

Once you’ve turned your name into a Japanese version, you might start thinking about what kind of cool Japanese nickname you can use. In Japan, nicknames go beyond simple shortened versions of names. They are sweet, playful names to express the closeness of your relationship. Whether it is a couple calling each other by pet […]

What ghosts or creatures chronicled in Japanese folklore are lurking among the shadows, or perhaps hidden in plain sight?

If you’re preparing for the JLPT N3 or just stepping into intermediate-level Japanese, you’re entering an exciting stage. The JLPT N3 vocabulary list includes around 3,750 words, which contain a mix of practical terms you’ll encounter in everyday conversations, at school, in the workplace, and even in formal settings.  While N3 is often considered one […]