100+ Basic Japanese Words to Learn

Learning Japanese can feel overwhelming at first, but mastering basic greetings and essential vocabulary is a great way to ease into your studies. Whether you’re planning a trip to Japan, interacting with Japanese speakers, or just curious about the language, these words and phrases will help you build a solid foundation. But what are the […]

Miniature school desk and chair placed on scattered flashcards featuring basic Japanese hiragana characters.

What is Kakkoi (かっこいい): Meaning, Use & Examples

Have you heard of the term kakkoi (かっこいい)? When you step onto the streets of Tokyo, the fashion alone is enough to stop you in your tracks. You might constantly find yourself doing a double-take at the effortless style surrounding you. In English, you might instinctively reach for a phrase like, “Oh my God, that’s […]

what is kakkoi

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