News and resources

Why I Took J-TEST Instead of JLPT — And How I Passed

Most of us are familiar with JLPT, which is probably the most famous Japanese language certification test recognized by both education institutions and companies in Japan — but there’s another standardized test,  J-Test, that deserves more attention. Ever heard of it? It might not be as popular as the JLPT, but higher-level Japanese learners recommended […]

An empty classroom of many many seats.

Why Do You Omit So Many Words in Japanese?

Why do Japanese people omit words? The Japanese often omit words because the meaning is clear from the context. Instead of repeating information that both speakers already know, Japanese relies on shared understanding, making conversations sound more natural and efficient. Now we journey beyond the textbook to dive into natural Japanese, which often involves omitting words […]

Omitting words in Japanese feature image

12 Unique Japanese Hand Gestures & What They Really Mean

Many people are surprised to learn that Japanese hand gestures don’t always mean what they expect — and in some cases, they mean the exact opposite of a similar gesture back home. Body language might seem more universal than spoken language, but it’s still shaped by culture, and Japan has plenty of its own unique […]

Feature image showing a couple of different hand gestures

21 Japanese Internet & Texting Slang to Sound Cool

Like lol, jk, and even XD; Japanese people have their own version of internet slang and texting lingo — also known as ネットスラング (netto surangu). Have you ever tried using social media, like Facebook, YouTube, or Twitter, in Japanese? Scoured across comments sections, posts, and message boards are letters and symbols being used in ways […]

Japanese internet slang

How Many Hours Does It Take to Pass the JLPT?

Learn how many hours of study it will take you to pass each level of the JLPT. This illustrated guide compares how many hours of Japanese study per JLPT level. Did you know that it takes just as long to pass the N2 as it does to become a certified public accountant in the US?

Classic black alarm clock next to study books, symbolizing the time and effort needed to prepare for the JLPT exam.