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How to Say “I Love You” in Japanese

How do you say “I love you” in Japanese while hitting all the right nuances and intentions? In Japanese, romantic is often viewed through two distinct lenses: 恋 (koi) and 愛 (ai). 恋 (koi) refers to romantic love or the initial spark of attraction. Interestingly, Japanese uses the same figure of speech as English when […]

how to say i love you in japanese

Valentine’s Day in Japan: What to Do & Where to Go

Have you ever wondered how Valentine’s Day is celebrated in Japan? While we all associate Valentine’s Day with romantic dinners and roses, things take a unique turn in Japan! Forget men giving chocolates; in Japan, on February 14, women give chocolates to their loved ones. This does not always have to be their romantic partner. […]

valentines day in japan

Common Japanese Classroom Phrases and Words for Students

When you become a Japanese language student, you might wonder what common Japanese classroom words and phrases you will hear when you go to school. Of course, you will learn new vocabulary as you go, but in this case, we are talking about phrases you should know so you can understand your teacher’s directions, ask […]

Kids in a class with their teacher and asking questions.

Itadakimasu (いただきます) and Gochisousama Deshita (ごちそうさまでした): Meaning and Explanation

If you’ve ever dined at a Japanese restaurant, you’ve likely seen people press their palms together and say “Itadakimasu” before eating and “Gochisousama deshita” afterward. In English, these are usually translated as “Let’s eat” and “Thank you for the meal.” But while they function like “saying grace,” the meaning goes much deeper than simple manners. […]

meaning of itadakimasu and gouchisousama