Complete JLPT N4 Vocabulary List

Studying for the JLPT N4 usually means two things: scribbling down flashcards for new kanji and flipping through loads of vocabulary. That is because to pass the N4, you’ll need to put in around 550 to 1,000 study hours and learn about 1,500 vocabulary words, including everything from the N5 level. But what exactly is […]

person writing jlpt n4 kanji

35 Japanese Proverbs & Inspiring Sayings You Need to Know

Japanese proverbs, or ことわざ (kotowaza), are a great way to spice up and improve your language skills with more figurative speech. Exploring outside the typical methods of memorizing kanji and vocabulary, kotowaza can teach you how to use more nuanced phrases.  Plus, they can help you dive deeper into Japanese culture. Kotowaza paint a picture […]

Japanese zen garden, an old tradition capturing the wisdom of Japanese philosophy much like Japanese proverbs

Get Tongue-Tied: Trickiest Japanese Tongue Twisters to Try

Looking for a fun way to improve your Japanese enunciation? Japanese tongue twisters, or hayakuchi kotoba (早口言葉), are short, challenging phrases that help train your tongue, improve fluency, and boost confidence when speaking. Try one a day and make it part of your study routine — yes, even while performing your oral hygiene routine ! […]

A language tutor practicing Japanese tongue twisters with a young learner in a cozy home setting.

How to Say Yes in Japanese: 10 Essential Ways with Examples!

When learning Japanese, “Yes” (はい – hai) and “No” (いいえ – iie) are among the first words you encounter. However, just like in English, there are many ways to say “yes” in Japanese, each with different levels of formality and nuances. If you want to build a strong foundation in everyday Japanese, check out 48 Useful and Basic […]

How to Say Yes in Japanese 10 Essential Ways with Examples!

How to Use Who, What, When, Where, Why and How in Japanese!

How to Ask Fundamental Questions in Japanese: Who, What, Where, and More? More commonly known as the 5W’s and 1H, these are more or less the essentials to almost every language when it comes to asking questions. In this blog, we’ll cover how to express who, what, when, where, why, and how in Japanese! Who […]

Why-Where-When-Who-What-How

16 Basic Japanese Greetings to Know for Everyday Life

There are four basic Japanese greetings, or aisatsu (挨拶), that can be used at different times of the day. If you’re starting to learn Japanese, this will be the first thing you’re introduced to. After all, you don’t want to accidentally claim “Good morning” in the middle of the night or say “Have a good […]

4 Basic Japanese Greetings Ohayou, Konnichiwa, Konbanwa and Oyasumi