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 […]
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 […]
How to count Japanese numerics on a base-ten system up to 100 million, write Japanese kanji for numbers and say Japanese counters.
This week Nezu San will teach us about Japanese Haniwa Pottery
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 ! […]
Primary colors in Japanese seem easy and straightforward, but you’d be surprised by how much culture and history go behind them.
Spring in Japan explodes with the delicate beauty of sakura, or cherry blossoms. This breathtaking spectacle draws locals and tourists to celebrate Hanami, the centuries-old tradition of appreciating these ephemeral blooms. Check out this blog for Japan’s Sakura forecast and recommended places to have a hanami around Tokyo! Sakura Forecast 2026 While dates vary slightly […]
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 […]
