Some frequently used words convey different meanings according to context, and among them, the Japanese word chotto 「ちょっと」is quite a challenge to master. If you are learning Japanese, you have probably heard this word before. But what is the meaning of chotto? How and when should you use it? 教師：新（あたら）しいうち、見（み）つかった？学生：いいえ、まだです。昨日（きのう）見（み）に行ったけど、家賃（やちん）が９万円だった。教師：ああ、そうか。それはちょっと高（たか）いね。学生：いいえ、ちょっとじゃないです。すごく高（たか）いです。 Teacher: Have you found your new flat?Student: No, not yet. […]

This is an older post – to see our upcoming monthly events – click here Monthly Events at Coto Join Local festival and Omikoshi experience in Iidabashi 夏祭り・おみこし体験をしよう！ Friday, September 11th 17:00-21:00 in Iidabashi Are you up for the Omikoshi challenge with the locals? The Tsukudo-jinja Shrine Festival is held mid-September in Iidabashi Chiyoda Ward. […]

Picking People up?Where did the Word come from?Usage Examples When you are learning a foreign language, studying slang is a funny way to deepen your vocabulary. Not only will you speak more fluently but you will sound more like a native speaker. Moreover, slang gives you an interesting point of view on society. Let’s see how Japanese people […]

July’s Japanese word: Natsubate Have you experienced Japanese summer yet? They are very hot and humid! Starting July, temperatures reach such point that you have literally the impression to be in a permanent sauna. Not only foreigners, but Japanese people too suffer from the Japanese summer heat. You may feel physically tired, lose your appetite and have trouble […]

This is an older post – to see our upcoming monthly events – click here Monthly Events at Coto Go for Lunch!　Kagurazaka area ランチツアー！ 神楽坂 Wednesday, August 5th 12:30-13:50 in Kagurazaka If you like donburi, you will probably love Hitsumabushi. Hitsumabushi is a donburi with three different ways to eat! Of course you can eat […]

This is an older post – to see our upcoming monthly events – click here Monthly Events at Coto Cooking class 料理クラス Monday, June 8th 12:40-13:55 in Coto Japanese Academy Oshi-zushi Did you know that there are various different ways to make sushi? These include nigiri-zushi, maki-zushi, temaki-zushi, chirashi-zushi, and oshi-zushi. In this event, we […]

This is an older post – to see our upcoming monthly events – click here Monthly Events at Coto Cooking class　料理クラス Wednesday, May 13th 12:40-13:55 in Coto Japanese Academy Oshi-zushi Did you know that there are various different ways to make sushi? These include nigiri-zushi, maki-zushi, temaki-zushi, chirashi-zushi, and oshi-zushi. In this event, we will […]

This is an older post – to see our upcoming monthly events – click here Monthly Events at Coto We are planning the following events in February, March and April. Please send your request for participation to info@cotoacademy.com Norimaki Cooking Class 飾り巻を作ろう！ Wednesday, February 18th -Time: 12:40-13:50 -Place: Coto Japanese Academy -Fee: 2500yen -Number of […]

(日本語はギャラリーの下をご覧ください） What kind of year was 2014 to everyone? 「みなさんにとって2014年はどんな年でしたか？」 With that question, our first year-end party as Coto Japanese Academy began. The venue this time was the organic restaurant Salt and Soil, a 2 minute walk from the school. There was delicious food and an all you can drink plan, and over 70 students […]

Have you seen those boats that look like houseboats floating on the Sumida River or Tokyo Bay? In Japanese they are called “屋形船 yakatabune.” The kanji characters mean a boat that is shaped like a roof, and they are boats with on-board facilities to hold eating and drinking parties. (日本語の記事はアルバムの下をご覧ください） What is “Yakatabune 屋形船” A […]