#japanese studyblr

[helenstudies]

Look, I knew five languages by age 19 and now I am learning like 3 more. I work as a language instructor and a consultant. If I can give language learners only one advice, this is it.

STOP LEARNING WORDS ON THEIR OWN.

You're doing yourself a disservice by learning lists of "30 words you must know!" "100 most common words!" like it literally means nothing if you cannot use those words in an appropriate context with proper grammar. So what you actually need to do is learn those words via example sentences.

Of course, sentences have more words so you may think you're learning less but you're actually learning the way to use it in context. That's what's important.

Language is about communication, which also means if you want to learn languages, you have to observe how people communicate with each other universally. Native speakers never have a list of words they know and they don't count every single new word they've learned. So why are you doing it to yourself? What native speakers do is listen to the new word, remember the context they're spoken in, and keep using that word in that context. And that's why people go "wait, you can use that word LIKE THAT?" all the time. So you, a language learner, are also allowed to do that. I'm not even saying those word lists are useless but they're the most useful AFTER you've known most of them and are trying to go over them for practice etc. Native speakers do click on those word lists to check out how many words they don't know or to remind themselves of those words or to learn some facts about each word. That should be your goal as well.

Learn sentences. Learn them in context. Do not fall into the "I must know xx amount of words or I'm a failure at language learning" trap perpetuated by bloggers or youtubers or whatever. Have fun with it!

[tokidokitokyo]

Compliments in Japanese

How do you give compliments in Japanese? Japanese tends to be a very 曖昧 (あいまい) or vague language, so direct compliments tend to be less common.

お世辞 おせじ compliment

誉め言葉 ほめことば compliment, praise

Here are some compliments that can be used in most situations.

Appearance・見た目

Polite 髪の毛切りましたか？似合いますね。 かみのけきりましたか？にあいますね。 Did you cut your hair? It looks good on you.

Casual 髪の毛切った？似合うよ。 かみのけきった？にあうよ。 Did you cut your hair? It looks good.

Polite そのシャツ／ワンピース／服いいですね。 そのシャツ／ワンピース／ふくいいですね。 That shirt/dress/outfit looks good.

Casual そのシャツ／ワンピース／服いいね。 そのシャツ／ワンピース／ふくいいね。 That shirt/dress/outfit looks good.

Polite いい笑顔ですね。 いいえがおですね。 You have a nice smile.

Casual いい笑顔だね。 いいえがおだね。 You have a nice smile.

Work・仕事

Polite 良くやりましたね！ よくやりましたね！ Good job! / Well done!

Casual 良くやったね！ よくやったね！ Good job! / Well done!

Polite お見事です！ おみごとです！ Great work! / Excellent!

Casual お見事！ おみごと！ Great work! / Excellent!

Polite 今日のプレゼン／スピーチ／アイディアとても良かったです。 きょうのプレゼン／スピーチ／アイディアとてもよかったです。 Today's presentation/speech/idea was very good.

Casual 今日のプレゼン／スピーチ／アイディアとても良かったよ。 きょうのプレゼン／スピーチ／アイディアとてもよかったよ。 Today's presentation/speech/idea was very good.

Skill・腕前

Polite 料理上手ですね。 りょうりじょうずですね。 You are good at cooking.

Casual 料理上手いね。 りょうりうまいね。 You are a good cook.

Polite 写真を撮るセンスがいいですね。 しゃしんをとるセンスがいいですね。 You have good photography sense.

Casual 写真を撮るセンスがいいね。 しゃしんをとるセンスがいいね。 You have good photography sense.

Polite 英語がペラペラですね。 えいごがペラペラですね。 Your English is very fluent.

Casual 英語がペラペラだね。 えいごがペラペラだね。 Your English is very fluent.

[oshistudy]

tip for improving japanese reading speed!

how about you try some カラオケ???

i've been doing this for a couple years now and i think this has single-handedly made my reading speed in japanese improve to the point of almost being as fast as it is in english (although i still struggle with kanji and katakana sometimes x_x)

to find one, i usually just search on youtube (song name) followed by either カラオケ or ニコカラ. if nobody has made a karaoke for your song of choice, then i'd otherwise search up (song name) followed by 歌詞 (kashi/lyrics) and you'll usually find them that way. i like to use the site utaten.com because they all feature furigana! be a little careful though because while its only happened to me a couple of times, there's been times where the furigana is wrong for one or two words.

i think this is a really fun way to practice especially if you love singing, like i do!! i've never seen anyone else recommend this so i hope this helps

[inkichan]

YouTube Channels for Kids by JLPT Levels

(⁠｡⁠•̀⁠ᴗ⁠-⁠)⁠✧ resources

こんにちは, Japanese learners! Learning a language is an exciting adventure, isn't it? To add a spark of joy to your Japanese learning journey, here's a collection of YouTube channels tailored for kids. Organized by JLPT levels, these channels offer a blend of education and entertainment for learners at different stages. Keep in mind, though, that JLPT levels aren't an exact science like math – language learning can be subjective in terms of difficulty. However, these resources provide a fantastic starting point and a fun way to explore the world of Japanese language and culture. Let's hop into this delightful world of animated learning and playful discoveries!

Friendly reminder to adjust your way of learning in order to make the most of what you're studying to reach the goal you truly want! read my post about it (ᵔ◡ᵔ)

꒰ა ˚₊ ✧・┈・╴N 5 ╴・┈・𐑺 ‧₊˚໒꒱

— Curious George (N5 level)

— Japanese folk tales/anime series (Japanese audio/Japanese subtitles) from BomBom Academy (N5 level)

— Peppa Pig (N5-4 level)

— Anpanman (N5-4 level)

— NHK education (N5-4 level)

꒰ა ˚₊ ✧・┈・╴N4 ╴・┈・𐑺 ‧₊˚໒꒱

— Cinnamon Roll, Sanrio (N4 level)

— [Anime] Atashin'chi (N4-3 level)

꒰ა ˚₊ ✧・┈・╴N3 ╴・┈・𐑺 ‧₊˚໒꒱

— Sesame Street Japan (N3 level)

— Chibi Maruko Chan (N3-2 level)

꒰ა ˚₊ ✧・┈・╴N2 ╴・┈・𐑺 ‧₊˚໒꒱

— Precure (N2 level)

またね～@inkichan

꒰ა ˚₊ ✧・┈・╴﹕꒰ ᐢ｡- ༝ -｡ᐢ ꒱﹕╴・┈・𐑺 ‧₊˚໒꒱

[anza-langblr]

部屋探し｜Apartment Hunting

Let me share with you my current struggles on finding a place to stay in Japan with this long vocabulary list!

住宅（じゅうたく）housing, residential building

住宅街（じゅうたくがい）residential area

最寄り駅（もよりえき）nearest train station

共同住宅（きょうどうじゅうたく）residential complex, apartment house

不動産屋（ふどうさんや）real estate agent

物件（ぶっけん）object, property (real estate)

ネット上（じょう）on the internet

掲載する（けいさい）post, insert (advertisement)

家賃（やちん）rent

共益費（きょうえきひ）common fee, utility fee

加算する（かさん）add

月額（げつがく）monthly amount

初期費用（しょきひよう）initial costs

入居する（にゅうきょ）move into

翌月（よくげつ）next month

翌月分（よくげつぶん）next month's rent

礼金（れいきん）key money (fee paid for rental rights)

敷金（しききん）deposit

保証金（ほしょうきん）deposit

清掃費（せいそうひ）cleaning fee

火災保険料（かさいほけんりょう）fire insurance fee

内見（ないけん）viewing

賃貸（ちんたい）lease, rent

賃貸借契約（ちんたいしゃけいやく）rental contract

借り主（かりぬし）debtor, tenant

貸主（かしぬし）lender, landlord

大家さん（おおや）landlord

一時に（いちどき）at once

滞納（たいのう）falling behind (with a payment)

Moving into a Japanese property comes with high initial costs which can be broken down into numerous different fees. Unfortunately, share houses are not necessarily fully excluded from this, but it really depends on the company. I'm glad that I could take some time to work and save up money before going to Japan. The first month will be very expensive.

[languagelvlup]

i'm in this really annoying cycle of intermediate japanese where i can read but it's really slow and annoying because i don't know enough kanji, and i need to read more to learn more kanji, but i don't want to read because it's really slow and annoying etc

[hanaflorbloom]

why cant kanji just get like... downloaded into my brain

like im just a girl. why must i learn kanji 😞

[maziijapanese]

JLPT Tips and Tricks: Conquer the Exam with Confidence

The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is a standardized assessment of Japanese language proficiency for non-native speakers. Whether you're aiming for N5, the introductory level, or N1, the most challenging one, thorough preparation is crucial for success. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you ace your JLPT exam:

1. Understand the Test Format

Familiarize yourself with the JLPT's structure and scoring system. The test consists of three main sections: Vocabulary, Grammar & Reading, and Listening. Each section has a specific number of questions and allotted time. Knowing the format will help you manage your time effectively during the exam.

2. Set Realistic Goals and Create a Study Plan

Establish achievable goals based on your current Japanese language proficiency and the JLPT level you're targeting. Develop a realistic study plan that incorporates daily or weekly study sessions. Allocate sufficient time to cover all the necessary grammar points, vocabulary, and Kanji.

3. Gather High-Quality Learning Resources

Utilize a variety of effective learning resources to enhance your preparation, such as textbooks, online courses, language learning apps, and practice tests, choosing those that align with your learning style and preferences.

4. Practice Regularly and Consistently

Regular practice is essential for success in the JLPT. Take practice tests frequently to familiarize yourself with the question formats, timing, and scoring system. Consistent practice will help you identify areas for improvement and build your confidence. Focus on Active Learning Techniques

Active learning techniques, such as flashcards, mnemonics, and summarizing key concepts, can significantly enhance your memorization and retention of Kanji, vocabulary, and grammar rules.

Besides, immerse yourself in Japanese, surround yourself with as much Japanese as possible. Listen to Japanese music, watch Japanese movies and TV shows, and read Japanese books and articles. This exposure will improve your listening comprehension, reading skills, and overall language proficiency.

5. Stay Positive and Believe in Yourself

Maintain a positive mindset and believe in your ability to succeed in the JLPT. Your confidence and determination will play a significant role in achieving your goals.

Remember, the JLPT is a challenging but rewarding exam. With dedication, perseverance, and the right strategies, you can conquer the test and achieve your Japanese language proficiency goals.

Goodluck for guys!

[burgeoning-ambition]

Business Japanese Review Part One: Emails!

I'm not sure how many posts I'll make about Business Japanese, but probably more than one so I say the part one is warranted, haha.

Feel free to add anything or any questions in the notes! Like I said, this isn't a fully comprehensive infographic. Also, what do people think of the lined paper style background for the title page/intro? I think they look kinda cute for the introduction, but not for the informative parts...

One thing I will add that I couldn't fit on the slides: I think some textbooks don't have super clear distinctions between 「謙譲語Ⅰ」　「謙譲語Ⅱ」 and 「ていねいご」, so I only specifically mention 謙譲語 broadly here. Parts of 謙譲語Ⅱ and ていねいご are both described as "extra-modest" in some things, for example! Just keep in mind that my post is a simplification, and if you're interested in formal language, maybe start at learning all of the different keigo categories and what they involve!

Vocab list note: The set phrases in the greetings and closings are all comparable to set phrases in English for greetings and closings of emails. I'm putting these set phrases in their entirety in the list, with a comparable English set phrase as the definition. Do not take these as equivalent phrases! They have a similar feeling, but I am not asserting that they have identical meanings. I'm just offering something comparable in case it helps a person make more sense of them!

The full vocab list + a transcript of the post is under the cut!

Vocabulary List

試験（しけん）－　Exam, test

質問（しつもん）－　Question

食事会（しょくじかい）－　Dinner Party, Dinner Meeting/Lunch Meeting/etc.

お知らせ（おしらせ）－　Notification, Notice

会社（かいしゃ）－　Company

営業部（えいぎょうぶ）－　Sales Department

部長（ぶちょう）－　Section/Department Head

「いつもお世話になっております」　－　This is a basic email greeting, similar to "Good afternoon" or "Hello, [name]" even though the meaning doesn't match at all!

「だんだん涼しくなってまいりました」　－　Similar to "I hope this email finds you well"

さて　－　Now, Well, Then

謙譲語（けんじょうご）－　Humble Language / Extra-Modest Language

下記の通り（かきのとおり）－　The Following

返事（へんじ）－　Reply

「お待ちしております」　－　Similar to "Awaiting your reply"

「よろしくお願いいたします」　－　Similar to "Thank you"

「取り急ぎお返事申し上げます」　－　Similar to "Please get back to me soon"

申し上げます（もうしあげます）－　To Offer, To Extend (thanks, congratulations, greetings, etc.), To Do, To State（謙譲語）

以上（いじょう）－　Since, Seeing That, Above-mentioned

なお　－　Furthermore, In Addition

日時（にちじ）－　Date and Time

午後（ごご）－　PM (Time)

場所（ばしょ）－　Place, Location

集会室（しゅうかいしつ）－　Meeting Room, Assembly Room/Hall

[hamusuke-japanese-learning]

Two-kanji compounds using only elementary 3rd-grade kanji!

[ros3ybabe]

Daily Check-in: September 29, 2024 ☀️

Sunday was wayyyy more productive than I had initially planned, and I still had taken a nap! I love those kinds of days so much!

What I Accomplished ☕️

worked a ~7hour shift (on a station I have never run before for a full shift, and dare I say I did wonderfully) 🍔

took an 1.5hour nap

completed and aubmitted my 2 pre lab assignments for chem

completed and submitted my weekly quiz for chem (got a 16/20, so I only missed 2 questions)

completed my part 1 and part 2 assignments for intro to business

completed my email introduction assignment for intro to business

took some psyc textbook notes

made some delicious boiled potstickers as a late night snack

video called my boyfriend

Random Stuff 🍄

didn't study japanese but am definitely going to create a consistent study routine now that I found a teacher I like on italki for Japanese

need to fill out my planner for the month cause I have so much that I forgot to put in there

I took the "second skin" off my tattoo cause it was kinda gross and dang it does my tattoo itch. I know that means it's healing but ughhhh, I hate the itching

I forgot to get my Netflix subscription back. my boyfriend and I are starting weekly video call date nights (so like watching a movie or TV show together over video call) and Netflix is the easiest so I gots to get it again

need to rewrite my budget to hopefully fit monthly payments for a Mac into my budget

on that note, need to research what MacBook I want to purchase when I get paid next because I think it'd be more beneficial to use for school instead of my current chromebook (especially since I have an Ipad)

gotta make time to do some adulting tasks this week

Stuff For Tomorrow, September 30th 📧

email my Dietetic mentor about my availability this week

fill out my planner with upcoming things

study for the TEAS Exam

study japanese

take accounting notes for chapter 7

finish psyc chapter 4, 5 and 6 notes

get chem notes from classmate for missed Wednesday class

workout

skincare AM + PM

guided journal AM + PM

do laundry

maybe take a nap??? before my lab???

take out bathroom trash + maybe kitchen trash if roommates don't do it

wash dishes

Gonna be a great week, i just know it. I'm finally locking in and getting shit done as it should be <3

til next time lovelies 🩷

[helenstudies]

It's funny learning both japanese and chinese because in chinese when chinese learners complain about difficult words they are those that have simple strokes, about 3 or less pinyin pronunciations but have 58 different meanings and need specific usages where as in japanese, the difficult kanjis have 40 strokes like they've clawed all the way to earth from hell and have 80 different pronunciation but the meaning is pretty much the same across the words. So when I see chinese learners complain about a difficult word it's "guys, I think we should've left this word to die in classical chinese" but when japanese learners complain about a difficult word my response is either "that's just 8 radicals on top of each other. that's not hard" or "who angered a kami of kunyomi dominion, my god."

[tokidokitokyo]

Phones in Japanese

Some vocabulary for phones in Japanese.

携帯電話 けいたいでんわ mobile phone, cell phone

携帯 けいたい mobile phone, cell phone (abbreviated)

スマートフォン smartphone

スマホ smartphone (abbreviated)

電話番号 でんわばんごう phone number

シムカード・SIMカード SIM card

(携帯) メール (けいたい) メール text message (usually just メール)

通話 つうわ phone call

データプラン data plan

契約 けいやく contract

適法契約 てきほうけいやく legal contract

保証期間 ほしょうきかん warranty period

分割払い ぶんかつばらい installment payment plan

プリペイド式携帯電話 プリペイドしきけいたいでんわ prepaid mobile phone

データ量上限 データりょうじょうげん data cap

ローミング roaming

モバイルネットワーク事業者 モバイルネットワークじぎょうしゃ mobile network operator

ネットワーク受信エリア ネットワークじゅしんエリア network coverage area

サービス状況 サービスじょうきょう service status

サービス停止 サービスていし service outage

セルラーネットワーク cellular network

ワイヤレスブロードバンド wireless broadband

ワイファイ Wi-Fi (usually written as Wi-Fi)

[greencabarette]

Japanese activities by grammar points

So... I made these for myself last month by assembling exercises from different textbooks. They're about really basic stuff cause I'm just getting started, but I thought they may be of help to someone else and wanted to share! <3

Causative

Causative-passive

Conditional forms (ば-conditional,　-たら,　なら)

Passive

Potential

ので、のに

のです / んだ

Some of them also include an explanation from the book "A Handbook of Japanese Grammar Patterns for Teachers and Learners" (it's wonderful, i really recommend it!).

[inkichan]

いろどり · irodori - Japanese for life in Japan

(⁠｡⁠•̀⁠ᴗ⁠-⁠)⁠✧ resources

IRODORI is a useful website made by The Japan Foundation. It is a series of 3 textbooks, with audios and materials completely free, focusing on developing skills useful for life in Japan.

Whether you are planning to come to Japan in the future and want to learn what you should be able to do before you arrive, or whether you are already living in Japan and wish to check your Japanese ability and increase the number of things you can do, we sincerely hope that this textbook will help you achieve your goals. - "what is irodori" website page.

The textbooks are super organized, divided in: starter (A1), elementary 1 and elementary 2. Finishing elementary 2 means having an A2 level [At A2 level, you can hold short, basic everyday conversations on familiar topics.]

I recommend styling your learning method with the goal you have in mind. You can understand more about it reading the post I made.

Hope it was helpful! Let me know and let's share resources~

またね～@inkichan

꒰ა ˚₊ ✧・┈・╴﹕꒰ ᐢ｡- ༝ -｡ᐢ ꒱﹕╴・┈・𐑺 ‧₊˚໒꒱

[anza-langblr]

オフィスで耳にした単語（１）

名詞 // Nouns

演習（えんしゅう）practice 開発費（かいはつひ）development cost 奇数（きすう）uneven number 後半（こうはん）latter half 借金（しゃっきん）debt, loan 実践（じっせん）practice, implementation 消防設備点検（しょうぼうせつびてんけん）Fire Safety Equipment Inspection 消防（しょうぼう）fire fighting 設備（せつび）equipment 前半（ぜんはん）first half 貸与（たいよ）loan, lending 点検（てんけん）inspection 添付ファイル（てんぷ）attached file 備品（びひん）fixtures, furnishing, equpiment 部署（ぶしょ）department 予算（よさん）budjet

動詞 // Verbs

該当する（がいとう）meet (qualifications), falling under, being applicable 加担する（かたん）assist, participate, support 換算する（かんさん）convert (currency) 記載する（きさい）list, note, record 計算する（けいさん）calculate 実施する（じっし）carry out 借金する（しゃっきん）borrow money 出社する（しゅっしゃ）go to the office 請求する（せいきゅう）demand, charge, bill 使いこなす（つかいこなす）handle, master 投資する（とうし）invest 並び替える（ならびかえる）arrange 配布する（はいふ）distribute 儲ける（もうける）make profit, earn

形容詞 // Adjectives

細かい（こまかい）small 精神的な（せいしんてき）mental, spiritual, moral

その他 // Other

気合が入る（きあい が はいる）be motivated 掲題の件ですが…（けいだい）concerning the matter mentioned before (common expression in business emails) ご一読ください（いちどく）please, read it through 承知いたしました（しょうち）Understood 即座に（そくざ）right there on the spot 即興で（そっきょう）improvised, without any preperation 本日の勤務を終了いたします（ほんじつ は きんむ を しゅうりょう いたします）I am finishing work for today