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JLPT N4 ながら (Nagara): How to say “While…” in Japanese

ながら (nagara) is used to describe two actions happening at the same time, performed by the same person. It connects to the first action and translates roughly as “while doing ~” or “as ~.”Eating breakfast while checking your phone. Listening to music while studying. Walking while talking — we do two things at once all […]

Hay Fever in Japan? 8 Proven Ways to Beat Kafunsho 

Spring in Japan is known for the beautiful pink foliage, but also winds of yellow mists dispersing pollen and causing nationwide hay fever, or 花粉症 (kafunshou). Enjoying the sakura viewing in Tokyo, let alone living comfortably, during Japan’s peak pollen season, is close to impossible when you are being plagued by incessant sneezes, itchy eyes, […]

Feature image showing Kafunshou rising like a mist over the cedar trees

JLPT N5 Grammar ~ませんか (Masenka): Meaning, Example, Use

Ever heard a Japanese friend say いっしょに食べませんか? (issho ni tabe masenka) and wanted to respond, or say the same thing yourself? ~ませんか (masen ka) is one of the most natural and polite ways to make suggestions and invitations in Japanese. In this context, 食べませんか (tabemasenka) literally translates as “Won’t you eat?” but naturally means “Would […]

JLPT N5 template