What is Nanpa (And How Should You to Avoid it)?
If you’ve been to Japan long enough, you’ve likely run into nanpa, or the act of trying to pick up strangers in Japanese…
How To Ask Someone on a Date in Japanese
Have you ever wanted to ask someone you are romantically interested in out on a date in Japan? The most straightforward way to do so in Japanese is デートしませんか (Deeto shimasen ka), which means “Would you like to go on a date?” While this is technically correct, you might notice that not a lot of […]
And Japan’s Buzzword of 2016 is kamitteru!
Every year, Jiyukokuminsha publishing house, known for its annual book of slang, hold a buzzwords competition capturing social, political and entertainment trends of the year. The winning word or phrase is chosen by a selection jury from the shortlist drawn up by the publisher. And 2016’s grand prize word, kamitteru, was inspired by a great baseball performance! 神（かみ）ってる Kamitteru […]
Reading the Atmosphere in Japan – 空気読める (Kuuki Yomeru) “to Read the Air”
Have you ever heard the expression “yuuki yomeru” (空気読める – “to read the air”) in Japanese? Ever stumbled across the expression “Kuuki Yomenai”? This Japanese slang is literally translated as “cannot read the air” and jokingly applies to people who struggle to read social situations. Reading The AtmosphereKuuki Yomenai and Social AwkwardnessHow NOT to be KY? Reading […]
Japanese for Love: How to express your feelings
Having many loan words, Japanese for love sometimes might sound familiar to our ears. That’s why it’s not that difficult to learn these useful words and phrases Love-Love…?Origins of Love-Love (ラブラブ)Other Loan words related to LoveTraditional Japanese words related to Love Love-Love…? – They are so love-love!– What are you saying?!– ラブラブだって!– Ah! You […]
Apologizing in Japanese – すみません (Sumimasen), I’m Sorry!
Do you know how to apologize in Japanese correctly? Apologizing is an important part of the Japanese culture, and it’s something that our students always notice and ask about when they come to Japan. You will often see Japanese people saying sumimasen and bowing repeatedly, and you’ll hear it many times throughout your time […]
Japanese Slang: Bibiru (びびる)… Were you Surprised, Scared or Shocked?
Who doesn’t like to learn more about slangs? We believe that when you are learning a foreign language, studying slang is a nice and fun way to widen your vocabulary. Not only will you speak more fluently but you will sound more like a native speaker. Bibiru is a funny word to pronounce, and an interesting point […]
Japanese Slang: What’d you call a Mummy’s Boy in Japanese? A Mazakon?
When you are learning a foreign language, studying slang is a nice and fun way to widen your vocabulary. Not only will you speak more fluently but you will also sound more like a native speaker and surprise your Japanese friends! It also provides an insight into the Japanese culture. Let’s learn the expression “mazakon”. […]