Japanese Blog

Explore Japanese learning resources, Japanese language and culture.

What Does Shouganai Mean in Japanese? Shi (し) – Shikata ga nai, Shouganai

What do the Japanese Words “Shouganai” and “Shikata ga nai” Mean in English? 「しかた(が)ない、しょうがない」、Shikata ga nai, shouganaiThere’s nothing you can do. / It can’t be helped. 日本語   Expressing Ideas…In Casual Conversations… To Express Ideas In any language, there are definitely some popular phrases that can help to facilitate communication and express ideas clearly.  If […]
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How I Passed the JLPT N2 – Student Testimonial / JLPT Exam Guide

JLPT N2 Exam Guide – Table of Contents: 1. Background The JLPT N2 level is considered a landmark achievement for those hoping to use Japanese in their careers.  When applying for companies where some level of Japanese is required, N2 is often the benchmark for business level, while N1 is pretty much equivalent to native-level […]
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What does Arigatou mean? – あいうえお Blog! 「あ」

「あ」ありがとう – あいうえお Blog!   日本語はこちらから Hello, everyone! This will be the first in a series of blogs we will call  “AIUEO” IntroductionWhy choose Arigatou?Origins of ArigatouQuiz Time! Introduction Here at Coto and our staff and teachers will be writing blogs about the Japanese language and Japanese culture in the coming weeks. The reason why […]
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Reading the Atmosphere in Japan – 空気読める (Kuuki Yomeru) "to Read the Air"

Have you ever heard the expression “yuuki yomeru” (空気読める – “to read the air”) in Japanese? Ever stumbled across the expression “Kuuki Yomenai”? This Japanese slang is literally translated as “cannot read the air” and jokingly applies to people who struggle to read social situations. Reading The AtmosphereKuuki Yomenai and Social AwkwardnessHow NOT to be KY? Reading […]
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The Japanese Silver Week, a Rare Five-Day Break

You might have heard of Silver Week (シルバーウィーク), an expression coined in 2009, referring to 3 consecutive Japanese national holidays in early autumn. But did you know that the Japanese Silver Week, in fact, does not occur annually?  The Respect for the Aged Day And… On that day, the Japanese pay their respect to the elderly and […]
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13 Japanese Chopsticks Taboos You Should Know About

In this blog, we will tell you everything you need to know about taboos to avoid while using chopsticks! We know very well that using Japanese chopsticks is quite a challenge at first. However, with a bit of practice, you will soon be a natural! Did you know? The size of your hands matters when it comes to finding the […]
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What do Itadakimasu (いただきます) and Gochisousamadesu (ごちそうさまです) Mean?

IntroductionItadakimasu (いただきます)Gochisousamadesu (ごちそうさまです) Eating in Japan: Using Itadakimasu and Gochisousamadesu Ever wondered about the meaning of the most important Japanese expressions for meal? Clapping hands together. “Itadakimasu!” This is an aspect of the Japanese culture which is well-known and loved by many. Simply ask any of our students for the reason of coming to Japan, […]
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Moshi Moshi (もしもし): Japanese Phone Etiquette

Speaking in Japanese on the phone is a next level challenge for most students. Here's our handy guide for some key phrases that you need to know.
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Knowing how to say "No" in Japanese

Saying 'no' in Japan is a tricky subject. The Japanese will rarely give a direct no to an answer, preferring instead to give an indirect answer that conveys the message of no.
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Learning to say Good Morning in Japanese: Ohayougozaimasu, Ohayou

Greeting in the Morning Be the first to say it! Other Morning Greetings In a Working Environment… Greeting in the Morning Ohayou gozaimasu! おはようございます! Good morning! Having a good command of Japanese greetings is the first step towards building smooth relationships in Japan. Whether you are coming for a short trip or for a few […]
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Japanese Etiquette: "After You", どうぞ、お先に (Douzo Osaki ni)

  Japanese Etiquette & MannersPlease go ahead…Going the extra mile to be even more Polite Japanese Etiquette & Manners Travelling abroad forces us to reconsider our manners and to think about the other culture’s rules. For many expatriates in Japan adapting to the local culture is not always an easy change! Behaviors, rules, manners can […]
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The Japanese Language Proficiency Test: JLPT

Are you currently studying Japanese? If so, then you might be interested in knowing more about the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, in short, the JLPT! Launched in 1984 as a biannual testing service by the Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges & Services, the JLPT is a tool to evaluate and certify the Japanese proficiency of […]
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