#nutcracker nihongo

[corvid-language-library]

Practical Japanese Vocab: Coupons

I got some coupons from 7-Eleven yesterday so here's some vocab from them:

目印（めじるし）mark (for quick identification)

対象（たいしょう）target, coverage, subject (of taxation etc)

対象外（たいしょうがい）not covered by, not subject to

標準価格（ひょうじゅんかかく）normal price

税抜（ぜいぬき）tax excluded

値引き（ねびき）price reduction, discount

併用（へいよう）combined with, using together

本券（ほんけん）this ticket

該当（がいとう）corresponding to, applicable to, relevant to, coming under, qualifying for

販売（はんばい）sales, selling, marketing

店舗（てんぽ）store, establishment, restaurant

取り扱い（とりあつかい）treatment, service, handling

異なる（ことなる）to differ, to be different

地域（ちいき）region, area, district, locality

Sentences:

このロゴが目印 Marked with this logo

ご予約弁当も対象です。Also covers certain (targeted) bentos.

セブンプレミアムは対象外です。Seven Premium (products) are not covered.

標準価格（税抜）からの値引きとなります。Discount is from standard price (excluding tax)

他のクーポンとの併用はできません。Cannot be used together with other coupons

本券１枚につき該当商品いずれか１コ。Each voucher is for one qualifying product.

カウンター内で販売している揚げ物・フランクが対象です。Applies to fried foods and frankfurters sold at the counter.

店舗により取り扱いの無い場合がございます。Depending on store, products may not be available.

地域により商品名・価格・商品パッケートは異なる場合がおざいます。Product names, prices and packaging my vary depending on region.

[corvid-language-library]

It's not just because it doesn't follow the JLPT pathway that it's shit; it also just teaches unnatural Japanese and doesn't take into account the flexibility of the language. I would be writing totally correct sentences and it'd tell me it's wrong. Native speakers would tell me it's okay to write it the way I wrote it but Duo wouldn't accept it. It also uses incorrect pitch accent and would often use incorrect kanji readings too (I guess that's not an issue anymore if it's not teaching kanji). That's before you get into how repetitive and inflexible it is.

Some more apps I recommend:

Renshuu (quizzes, a dictionary, shiritori, crossword puzzles and forums all in one app!) I believe this does have other language options too? But I tried it with Swedish and it just used a mix of English and Swedish, which made it more confusing lol

Irodori (kinda simiar to Duolingo but more flexible and made specifically for Japanese)

Migii JLPT (if you wanna follow the JLPT structure - a certain amount is free and you can pay to unlock extras)

Kanji Dojo (for learning kanji)

Pibo (for reading practice)

Drops and uTalk are okay for vocab and beginner set phrases. Not great but they're a little extra something

it's poor form to air your petty grievances with someone when it comes out they did something actually bad. save that for companies, like when you learn duolingo removed kanji from its beginner's japanese courses as part of their collab with crunchy roll

[maziijapanese]

Discover the Best Resources for Learning Japanese

Learning Japanese can be a rewarding and enriching experience, but finding the right resources can make all the difference. Whether you're a beginner just starting out or an intermediate learner looking to deepen your knowledge, having access to the right materials and tools is essential. This guide will introduce you to some of the best resources available to help you on your journey to mastering Japanese.

1. Dive into Japanese Pop Culture

One of the most enjoyable ways to learn Japanese is through immersion in the country's rich pop culture. Watching movies, anime, reading manga, and listening to Japanese music allows you to learn the language naturally while staying entertained. Here are some specific recommendations to get you started:

Movies: Films like "Spirited Away," "Your Name," and "My Neighbor Totoro" are not only visually stunning but also offer rich language exposure. Watching these films with Japanese audio and subtitles can help you pick up new vocabulary, understand sentence structures, and appreciate the nuances of spoken Japanese.

Anime: Popular series such as "Naruto," "Attack on Titan," and "My Hero Academia" are excellent choices for improving your listening skills and comprehension. Anime often features casual, conversational Japanese, making it a great tool for learning how people speak in everyday situations.

Manga: For those who prefer reading, manga like "One Piece," "Demon Slayer," and "Tokyo Ghoul" provide engaging stories that can enhance your reading skills. Manga often includes furigana (small kana characters above kanji), making it accessible even if you're still learning kanji.

2. YouTube Videos

YouTube is a treasure trove of Japanese language learning content. From street interviews and tutorials by native speakers to personal vlogs, YouTube offers a plethora of opportunities to hear authentic speech. This can help you improve your listening skills, expand your vocabulary, and grasp sentence structures. Here are some channels to check out:

JapanesePod101: This channel offers lessons for all levels, covering grammar, vocabulary, and cultural tips. With its structured approach, JapanesePod101 can help you progress methodically while providing cultural insights that enrich your learning experience.

That Japanese Man Yuta: Yuta’s channel features street interviews and discussions about Japanese culture and language. These real-life conversations give you a glimpse into how Japanese is spoken in different contexts, helping you understand colloquial expressions and natural speech patterns.

KemushiChan ロレッタ: Loretta shares her personal experiences, language learning tips, and cultural insights as a native English speaker living in Japan. Her content is relatable and encouraging, making it an excellent resource for learners navigating the challenges of studying Japanese.

3. Video Games

If you enjoy gaming, why not play video games in Japanese? Many popular games offer Japanese language options, and experiencing them in their original language can enhance your reading and listening abilities. Whether you’re battling monsters in Honkai Impact or exploring the fantastical world of Genshin Impact, playing games in Japanese can make learning feel less like studying and more like an adventure. Additionally, exploring genres like otome games, which often involve character interactions and dialogue-heavy scenarios, can provide a fun and immersive way to practice your Japanese.

4. Utilize Learning Apps

Language learning apps have revolutionized the way people study languages, offering a more interactive and enjoyable approach to mastering Japanese. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced learner, there are apps tailored to your level that can help you improve your skills at your own pace.

Using these apps consistently can significantly boost your Japanese skills, as they allow you to learn in a way that’s both flexible and tailored to your individual needs. The combination of structured lessons, interactive exercises, and real-life practice makes these apps powerful tools in your language learning arsenal.

5. Study with Textbooks

Textbooks provide structured learning and comprehensive coverage of grammar, vocabulary, and kanji. They are essential for learners who prefer a more traditional approach to studying Japanese. Some highly recommended textbooks include:

Genki: Perfect for beginners, covering basic grammar, vocabulary, and kanji. The Genki series is widely regarded as one of the best resources for starting your Japanese journey, offering clear explanations, exercises, and audio materials to help you develop your language skills.

Minna no Nihongo: This textbook offers extensive practice in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. It’s particularly popular among language schools in Japan and is known for its thorough approach to teaching Japanese, making it a great choice for learners aiming to build a strong foundation.

Tobira: Ideal for intermediate learners aiming to advance their skills. Tobira bridges the gap between beginner and advanced levels, introducing more complex grammar points and providing ample opportunities for reading and listening practice.

Conclusion

There are numerous engaging and effective resources available for learning Japanese. Whether you’re passionate about pop culture, gaming, using apps, or studying with textbooks, there’s something to suit every learning style. By exploring these resources, you can create a diverse and dynamic study plan that keeps you motivated and helps you make steady progress. So why not try something new today and take your Japanese skills to the next level?

[lonelypond]

Tiger By The Tail, Chapter One

Love Live, NicoMaki, NozoEli, 2.6K, 1/?

Summary: Nishikino Maki is escaping family expectation by wintering in the Nishikino's summer haven, while allowing her childhood friend, Kousaka Honoka to use the family camp as a bed and breakfast. Their friend, Minami Kotori, met Sonada Umi during a design internship in Tokyo and has convinced Umi that her Lily White management group and their primary client, rising social media star Yazawa Nico, should travel to America to help launch Kotori's debut design line. Local Eli Ayase is interested in the new visitors.

Notes: Note about language: I am not going to attempt English to Japanese translation very often and when I use Japanese phrases, I will try to make the intention clear. But if the Japanese natives are alone together, assume they are speaking Japanese although I will have typed English.

Tiger By The Tail, Chapter One

Honoka was back. And with company she’d apparently met at the door.

Nishikino Maki could have stayed out of it. Arguably, she should have stayed out of it. But her ears had perked up at the flow of perfectly spoken Japanese and something about the shrill indignation of the speaker...Maki glanced over the couch. A tiny, almost miniscule woman completely swaddled in a parka was gesturing wildly at a much more buxom specimen, wearing only a fair isle sweater and a scarf over her regular clothes. Honoka was looking very confused.

Honoka, rubbed her head nervously but her smile remained bright, “I’m sorry. Is there a problem?”

The taller woman shook her head and spoke in only slightly accented English. “Pardon the intrusion. Are you Kosaka Honoka?”

“Just call me Honoka.”

“Honoka.” A smile, but Maki was mostly watching the shorter woman fussily unwrap two yards of scarf and continue to mutter. It fascinated.

“Is your friend all right?” Honoka the ever helpful wondered as she unpacked groceries from their totes.

At that there was a stomp. And a “Nico Nico Ni” and some kind of hand gesture. Was this a Japanese form of exorcism? Maki would have to take notes. Eli would be entertained.

“Nico was just expecting…” a hesitation from the taller. A snort from ‘Nico.’ Was her name actually a demand for a smile? Because Maki thought that seemed more foreign to her demeanor than English.

And perhaps Maki really should have minded her own business. But... “The short one has put a curse on us for being a rustic backwater she’s being forced to slum in. Apparently, we are about to contaminate her perfectly crafted image.”

The shorter one spun, almost faster than Maki could blink, strangely dangerous red eyes narrowed and locked on. Maki felt struck by the accusation in the gaze.

“Shitsurei na hito desu ne.” Nico snarled

Yes, Maki was being rude, but so was insulting the host in a language Honoka didn’t understand. If Maki was giving up her Christmas solitude, she was certainly not going to let her friends be run over by Little Miss Misanthrope. Maki decided her best response was a shrug and an eye roll. Match attitude for attitude.

“Hello.” The taller woman spoke slowly. “I am Tojo Nozomi. Please forgive Nico. Jet lag is difficult.”

Nico obviously spoke enough English to be unhappy at the apology on her behalf but chose not to speak.

“Konnichiwa. ” Maki was still stretched out, leaning on the arm of the couch, enjoying the show.

“Nihongo jyouzu desu ne, doko de naratta no desu ka?” Nozomi’s turquoise eyes brightened with curiosity.

“Watashi wa Tōkyō ni sunde imasu.” Maki had lived in Japan and had dual citizenship, at least until her 22nd birthday, although she’d been based in New York City for high school and college.

“Interesting.” Nozomi inclined her head, “May I have your name?”

“Oh, that’s Maki. She’s…” Honoka had put the groceries away and stepped around Nico.

Maki hopped up, interrupting Honoka, “Let’s get them settled in their room. The double upstairs?”

“ummm...I’m not sure, there were...” Honoka scrunched up her face, trying to remember details.

Nozomi clarified. “Two more people are due. They had to wait for some of the luggage to clear customs.”

“That’s right, there were 4 of you. And two rooms.” Honoka bopped herself on the side of the head.

The tiny woman had stopped glaring at Maki and stepped forward. “Take Nico to her room. Now.” She did speak English. Fairly smoothly.

Nozomi seemed uncomfortable and made a half bow. “Nico is tired and would appreciate privacy.”

“Upstairs?” Maki asked, searching for a bag but Nico had the handle of her rolling suitcase clutched in a hanging off the side of a cliff from a sapling grip.

Rapid fire Japanese from the shorter woman and then a reluctant translation. “Nico agreed to the master suite.”

“That’s my room.” Maki was startled. When she’d agreed to let Honoka run the Nishikino family camp as a bed and breakfast, she insisted Honoka keep the master suite unbooked.

Nico’s arms were crossed and she was glaring.

“Nico has certain expectations of privacy.” Nozomi offered smoothly.

“No.” Maki snapped.

Honoka turned to Maki, blue eyes pleading. “There’s two rooms. Your parents are in Japan…I figured it wouldn’t be a problem.”

“The bathroom’s shared.” Maki hissed, coming around the island and dragging Honoka down the hall towards the door.

“Maki…” Honoka whined, Maki hated it when Honoka whined. “Kotori asked us as a favor.”

Kotori had asked for a favor. Said these were friends of hers. Maki should have obviously asked for more details.

“This is your problem, Honoka. Put her in the garage.”

“That’s my room.”

Maki glared at Honoka.

“It’s a tiny loft.” Honoka had both hands out, pleading. Maki tried not to think of the clutter that Honoka had probably buried her bed in.

Maki’s hand flashed out, pointing back to their guests. “She’s tiny.”

“Maki....” more whining.

Glances were exchanged between the guests and Nozomi stepped forward, “Is there a problem?”

“No, no, not a problem…”Honoka had started waving her arms, “just a hiccup, but Maki’s really nice and it’ll all be okay, right, Maki?” Honoka had one of Maki’s arms in a not so friendly vise.

Maki closed her eyes, humming a darker patch of the Nutcracker, then grimaced at Honoka, “I’m going to Eli’s. NO ONE goes into my bedroom.”

“Nobody wants to...” Honoka almost sagged with relief but still clung.

“Oh, just be quiet, Honoka.” Maki shook off her friend, and grabbed her coat, tossing her hair back and pulling her watch cap over the curls. She could rant at Eli and then be back after jet lag had knocked out the problems. Good strategy.

“See you later.” Nozomi called out. “Thank you for your hospitable greeting.”

Nico snorted.

Maki growled.

###

“I can’t believe Honoka would do that.” Maki was pacing, she’d already done a dozen circuits of Eli’s tiny storefront office.

Eli looked down at her friend, reaching out to grab the pine swags that Maki was thrashing the air with. Eli took some care hanging them off nails, “It’s Honoka. What did you expect. You agreed to let her run a B and B out of your family’s camp. Even if you only did it to annoy your parents, you still did it.”

Maki blew her bangs out of her eyes, “I didn’t do it to annoy my parents. Honoka needs some actual experience. I wanted to help.”

“I know.” Eli paused, debating if the swag was level enough that customers wouldn’t think the Christmas decorations had been hung by elves drunk on nog. Then she swatted Maki with a spare pine branch. “Plus, bonus, if it annoys your parents…”

“Eli…” Maki’s voice held a note of warning.

“Sorry.” Eli laughed and climbed down, folding up the step ladder, and being a good friend, changed the subject, “Japanese friends of Kotori, huh. Bet they were stylish.”

Maki shrugged, “The tiny one was mostly wrapped up in a puffer jacket that she could have rolled down Cadillac Mountain in.”

“I’ll have to stop by. How long are they staying? You should invite them to the Nutcracker.”

Maki turned her back on Eli, appreciating the seasonal touches Eli had scattered around her office, a pair of antique snowshoes, skiing pictures, white and blue knit hats with Bibi and a snowflake embroidered on the brim, “Talk to Honoka.”

“I will.” Eli bounded behind her desk, chin propped on hand, “We need to meet more people. This is a very dead town in the winter.”

“I’m fine.”

“They’ll go back to Japan, you can try out flirting with no consequences.” Eli winked.

Maki raised a judge-y eyebrow at Eli, “Flirting always has consequences.”

“Not for the forthright.” Eli leaned back, the picture of smug, blonde charisma.

“Good luck with that.” Maki kicked a rug while Eli preened, “Can I borrow a snowmobile sometime?”

Eli leaned forward, looking at the printout on her desk. “Sure. Have a rental party tomorrow, but anytime after that. Need a guide?”

Maki shook her head.

“Where are you headed?”

Hands in her pocket, Maki sighed, “Just out.”

“Harasho.”

Maki had had enough polite conversation. It was time to move this to Eli’s garage/ballet studio and the upright Maki slummed on when Eli needed live music. “Let’s practice.”

“Go warm up. I’ll be right there.”

Maki nodded.

###

Very nice space, Nozomi decided, as she looked around the clean, bright wood of the walls, large framed photographs of rural rice paddy, bamboo, and temple scenes blending nicely into the natural feel. Nozomi wondered if there was a Shinto shrine or temple anywhere close. New Year’s would be strange without visiting one.

Nico frowned, “Why aren’t we in New York City?”

“Because Umi’s designer friend is amazing, based here, and we’ve been invited as guests…” Nozomi nudged Nico as she curled up in a chair, looking miserable, “Plus, the scenery is quite lovely.”

Nico glared at her manager, “You're not talking about the snow are you?”

“Why not have some fun?” Nozomi bounce sat on the bed, trying out its springiness.

“Nico is working.”

“Nico is always working.”

“Yes.” Nico was taking in every detail of the room and there weren’t nearly enough.

“Nico should take a break. Ask a girl out. Get a private tour…” Nozomi’s go to look was a leer and it infected her voice.

“Nico isn’t interested.”

“It’ll be a long, cold three weeks then.” Nozomi flopped back on the bed. She hoped the upstairs mattresses were this comfy.

“Nico will stay close to the fire.”

Nozomi sat up. “Women are warmer.”

“Nico doesn’t need entanglements.”

“I wouldn’t mind being tangled in…” Nozomi ended her teasing, for the moment, at Nico’s fierce glare.

“Leave Nico alone.”

Nozomi bowed, giggling, “Yes, your majesty. Maybe I’ll go see if that snappy, sassy redhead is back and we bond can over your bad habits.”

Nico looked for something to throw as Nozomi hustled out the door.

###

The music always helped. Maki had gotten another stern email from her parents suggesting she enter Columbia to start her MBA studies, since she had decided not to pursue medical school. As a pre med, she’d been able to sneak through college with a music major, taking the required science courses for her planned out future. But that had just made the thought of so many hours in school not in front of any kind of keyboard unbearable. So she’d fled to Maine and looked up her summer childhood friends, including Honoka.

After she’d finished at Eli’s, Maki had just walked straight into the music room she’d turned the walkout basement into, to continue practicing the Tchaikovsky pieces that Eli had decided on, and the March that Honoka had chosen for their latest video, with Maki playing as seriously as possible and Honoka cracking as many nuts as she could in the costumes that Kotori had come up with. They were filming that tomorrow, if Honoka remembered.

When Maki next looked at a clock it was after 2 a.m. Too late. But she was barely sleepy. Time to curl up with milk and cookies and a Christmas cartoon? Stretching her arms out in front of her, Maki stepped out, the snow crunching under her unlaced boots, stars distant but bright in the cold, clear night. Bracing. Maki should have just taken the stairs. Stomping through the snow while humming a very fast March, Maki found herself even more alert, shaking off the cold as she switched to slippers and strolled into the kitchen. Quick warm up some milk with cinnamon, Maki glanced over her shoulder, Honoka had left the fire going. Maki would have to talk to her about that...wait, was someone on the couch?

“Hello?”

Sharp red eyes glowered above a scowl.

Maki wondered if somehow Nico had heard the piano, even through the soundproofing, “I’m sorry, did I wake you up?”

A shrug, or more accurately the blanket Honoka’s Japanese guest had swaddled around herself moved slightly up, then down.

“I haven’t been sleeping so I’m hoping some warm milk and cookies will fix that.” Maki considered measures as she poured out a pint into the pot, “Would you like some?”

“Arigato.”

Maki poured more milk into the pot, took out the cinnamon, and turned on the flame. Humming Elligton’s Sugar Rum Cherry take, Maki started stirring.

“Why so quiet?” A voice grumped next to her.

Maki jumped slightly, managing to squelch a squeal and only splatter a third of the milk.

“I’m not quiet. I’m humming.” Maki turned to Nico, squaring her shoulders back to loom slightly. Nico’s glance paused briefly as she looked straight ahead, then ticked up to meet Maki’s.

“Not you.” Nico spun, waving both hands in a broad gesture that took in all the windows. “Here.”

Maki scratched her cheek, “It’s supposed to be quiet. It’s the woods.”

Nico hmmpphed. “Too quiet to sleep.”

“How can it be too quiet to sleep?” Maki was genuinely puzzled and found herself watching to see what Nico was going do next.

Nico sighed, started to say something, then her eyes went wide just as Maki’s nostrils flinched at an acridly sweet burning odor, and Nico shoved forward, pushing Maki to the side, using the blanket to snatch the pot off the stove by its handle, “Baka.”

“Just let me…” Maki reached for the pot, but Nico slapped her hand down.

“Sit.” Nico pointed to the front room.

“This is my…”

Nico shoved the pot under Maki’s nose and Maki stepped back, gagging, “Sit.”

Grumbling, Maki moved to the counter, leaning. Nico, with swift, sure movements, took a quick tour of every cabinet and assembled a new batch of ingredients. Maki tried to get a good look through the constantly shifting speedster but Nico was moving so fast it was hard to focus on what she had in her hands.

“Is that chocolate? I’m not…”

Nico turned, raised a finger to her lips, and shushed Maki, who decided slumping morosely in one of the stools was the right mood. But she just couldn’t keep her frown when the smell of cinnamon and chocolate with just the slightest hint of some heated spice started to warm her.

Maki, twirling a curl, was staring out the window, when a box of shortbread and a mug of meltingly dark hot chocolate landed in front of her. Nico had already shuffled past, rewrapping herself in the blanket, and claiming the far end of the couch.

“Arigato.” Maki said as she picked up the offerings and followed. Nico was staring expectantly. Maki cleared her throat nervously, “I was planning to watch some Christmas cartoons…”

Nico seemed bored, and shrugged, staring ahead into the fire, suddenly disinterested in Maki.

“Did Honoka leave the fire?” Maki asked quietly.

“Nico knows how to make fire.” Nico shivered, “wanted warmer.”

Maki jumped up, hurried to her bedroom and came back with the queen sized wool ‘Good Medicine’ blanket off her bed, leaning over the back of the couch to wrap it around Nico, “you can borrow this while you’re here. If Honoka’s only given you a comforter, it might help.”

Another period of staring while Maki watched the fire and wondered what notes the flares of yellow and orange would translate too if she were scoring the backdrop to a winter’s night.

“Jet lag Nico. You?” Nico broke the silence.

The chocolate was richer and sweeter than Maki was used to, with the slightest bite of what might be a hot pepper. “Never sleep.”

Nico grunted, “bad for skin.”

Maki drew in a hugely dramatic puff of air and patted her chest over her heart, “Harsh.”

Nico giggled.

Mood eased, Maki ventured a question. “Talking snowman or talking reindeer?”

Nico tapped her mug, then her lip quirked up into what looked like a smirk from the side, “Grinch.”

Maki grabbed the remote.

A/N: Well, here we go again. Buckle in for the winter holidays, this story will cover Christmas, New Year's, and the Lunar New Year, a holiday very meaningful to me. There will probably be more romance than the main two, but I'm still working out the details.

I have had the most stressful of Autumns and I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to get in the mood for a holiday jam. But I know I'd miss it too much. I'll be continuing the werewolf shenanigans of Midnight Apocalypse Dance Party as this goes on. And at some point, Can't Get Started will finish...probably. I blame the title.

This title is because I suddenly did math and decided Maki and Rin were born in the Year of The Tiger, the third years in the Year Of The Rat, the rest in Ox and that seems to work. So I'm going with it,Thank you everyone who keeps reading these. Knowing Love Live still connects us has been a bright spot. I appreciate your support.

[corvid-language-library]

Today's kanji that I fucking hated until 10 minutes ago is 財 (property, money, assets, wealth). Couldn't remember it for the life of me so I looked into the radicals more. Turns out 才 comes from 手 (hand) and this led me to do research and discover that yes shells were once used as currency. So having shells in your hand basically meant you had money and actually this kanji makes total sense. Love when kanji teaches me history!

Also here's a dumb mnemonic for the most commom onyomi readings:

By having lots of shellfish (貝), the genius (才) got wealthy by using them to make psychic (さい) xylophones (ざい)

The kunyomi is たから but it seems 宝 is used more often for that anyway?

Update: I've been told that the above information is not actually correct, so until I've had a chance to verify it, I'm turning off reblogs. Remember to double-check stuff you read on the internet, everyone!

[corvid-language-library]

一瞬、私のユフィちゃんだと思ったよ！

ガチャのカプセルは持って帰ってネコズのおもちゃになるよ。まん丸じゃないから不規則に転がって楽しいらしい

[corvid-language-library]

Can someone explain the difference between としたら and なら for me? I think I get it but I'm not sure if there's grey areas where either one can be used or if it's quite clear cut.

My textbook gives the example:

その話が本当だとしたら、うれしいです。

But I could also use なら here, right?

The other example is:

飛行機で行くとしたら、いくらぐらいかかりますか。

Could I use なら here too? I feel like the answer's either no or technically yes but it's not very natural. The textbook suggests you could use "行く場合は" instead.

I also tried to write my own example:

ね、え���ちゃんは振られたことになったそうだ。それとしたら、おそらく日中泣き通する。

Is it correct? Is it natural? (Not just the use of としたら but all of it.)

[corvid-language-library]

I love how cute and expressive and simple Japanese is so much! I love that when my colleague dropped me off at the station at 15:45 for a 15:47 train I didn't have to say "wahhh cutting it fine, I hope I make it!" because I could just say "o, girigiri" which is infinitely more fun and contains none of the stress the English "equivalent" does. I love how when we went to clean the filter for the air con and she saw how dirty it was she laughed and said "aaah yabai!" where I might have said "oh wow that's gross". I love that when people answer phone calls with "moshi moshi?" I love just adding little particles to the end of a word or sentence to give it extra nuance, like "yo" to basically mean "you know/you realize that" or "kana" to show I'm speculating something. I love how I said this one colleague complains all the time and my Japanese colleague said "ah yes, he's butsu-butsu". I love "chau" basically being used as the "whoopsie" form of the verb. God, I could sit here for days and list all the things I love about this language. It's not been easy to learn and I'm still a beginner but my GOD it's worth the struggles!

[corvid-language-library]

Today's kanji that I fucking hate is 収. I always forget it. Every time it crops up on my kanji learning app and I see the words it features in I'm like, I do not know those words, what the fuck are those words. It's so simple too, only 4 strokes, which just makes it even more insulting.

Fuck you, 収, you absolute fuck.

[corvid-language-library]

It definitely helps to read and see kanji out in the wild! Here are some other tips/apps that might help you:

Ponpon.sensei (on TikTok and Instagram) has a series called The Joy of Kanji, where Ritomo takes you through the origins of a kanji per video and mnemonics to help you remember them

Kanji Dojo is a great little app for practising writing and reading kanji. I definitely find writing kanji helps me remember it when reading!

Renshuu is another fun little app with kanji crosswords for N4+ (also kana crosswords, vocab quizzes and kanji quizzes)

Learning the names of places and their kanji and what they mean has actually really helped me learn kanji. I know Hokkaido is 北海道, which means north + sea + road, and the area I live in is 東北 (Tohoku) and once again it has that 北 kanji meaning "north" as well as the kanji for 'east', and 東京 (Tokyo) also has the kanji for east...

But yeah I do think learning words alongside kanji is very important. If you're just trying to learn the kanji on their own, it's a very frustrating process. But learning actual words feels like you're learning something useful, and it's always a lovely "aha!" moment when you find a word that shares a kanji with a different word with the same reading.

Personally I love learning kanji, a lot more than I love learning grammar! I was always a grammar girlie before, but Japanese has me fawning over vocab like you wouldn't believe <3

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

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

[corvid-language-library]

"The English brain zooms out, while the Japanese brain zooms in"

Helpful for Japanese learners and interesting for linguistics enthusiasts!

[corvid-language-library]

Japanese vocab: some words I messed up/forgot this week:

Colour indicates pitch accent (pink = high then falling, orange = remains high, purple = flat)

All sample sentences are from Renshuu app.

景色（けしき）- scenery, scene, landscape [noun] その国は山の景色が美しいので有名です。The country is renowned for its beautiful mountain scenery.

贈り物（おくりもの）- gift, present [noun] エミは素敵な贈り物に驚きました。Emi was surprised at the nice gift.

郊外（こうがい）- suburb, commuter belt [noun] 郊外から通う学生はバスで通学している。Students that commute from the suburbs come to school by bus.

最も（もっとも）- most, extremely [adv] 日曜日は私が最も暇な日だ。Sunday is the day I'm most free.

とうとう - finally, at last, in the end, ultimately [adv] とうとう私の姉は婚約した。Finally, my sister got engaged

適当（てきとう）- suitable, proper, appropriate [な-adj] 適当な時に彼にそれを言いましょう。I will tell him at the proper time.

無くなる（なくなる）- to be lost, to be used up [v1, intr] 彼女は元気が無くなった。She's not as energetic as she once was.

鳴る（なる）- to sound [v1, intr] 突然ベルが鳴った。Suddenly, the bell rang.

構う（かまう）- to mind, to care about [v1, /intr] ここに座っても構いませんか？Do you mind if I sit here?

しばらく - for a moment, for a minute しばらく考えさせてください。Let me think for a moment.

講義（こうぎ）- lecture [noun/v3] 講義の間、彼女はとても退屈だった。She was very bored during the lecture.

招待する（しょうたいする）- to invite [v3] 彼をパーティーに招待してもいい？Can we invite him to the party?

倒れる（たおれる）- to fall (over, down) [v2, intr] その男は倒れた木に座っていた。The man was sitting on a fallen tree.

[corvid-language-library]

Today's comprehensible input. I love learning about little cultural differences like this! This isn't something I've noticed particularly because I've not done much in the way of exchanging gifts, but it makes sense to me. And actually, I prefer the Japanese way! I hate when I get a gift and people tell me to open it because they want to see my reaction (maybe it's a neurodivirgent thing because I've had to train myself to make appropriate facial expressions and I'm scared of reacting incorrectly and upsetting people).

[corvid-language-library]

So, some basics:

Consistency is key to learning most things. 10 minutes a day is better than 1 hour every Saturday.

Realism is also key. Don't plan to study 2 hours every day if you also have a full-time job or just other things going on in your life. You will give up and then you will be sad.

A tidy, devoted study space really helps.

Some people like to have a strict plan/study schedule and stick to it. Some people like making plans and then doing whatever they feel like anyway. If you're a Chaos Learner then that's okay; just roll with it, embrace the chaos, follow the inspiration.

Not all studying has to involve sitting at a desk with a textbook, especially with language learning. Use fun little apps while waiting for the microwave to finish. Watch an anime with English subtitles and try to catch a couple of words. Browse the news headlines while you have your breakfast and try to translate one.

Flashcards can help you learn vocab but immersion works better. It's very common to hear people say things like "oh I know lots of cooking vocab because I like watching cooking shows in my TL". You never hear anyone say "I know lots of cooking vocab because I made an anki deck and reviewed it every day for a month."

Don't overwhelm yourself by jumping in the deep end and trying to learn everythign all at once. Get the basics down. Review them often.

There is basically no single way to study and you're gonna just have to try things out and see what works for you personally.

Acknowledge that it's hard. Japanese in particular is hard for native English speakers because it's SO different to English (idk if you're a native English speaker actually, sorry my bad if you're not!) There are times when the thing you WANT to say sounds completely weird and wrong in Japanese, and there are a lot of Japanese words or concepts that don't translate neatly into English. Don't lose hope!

Some people like to stick to 1-2 resources at a time, some people prefer to use a wide range. I find the latter exposes you to the language in more contexts, which means I can use it better in completely new contexts too.

Some things I've done for learning Japanese (this became an essay so I'm putting it under a cut, sorry!)

1) Take notes from grammar videos on Youtube

Find a video covering the grammar I want to study (start with N5 topics if you're brand new to it)

Watch the video all the way through and just try to absorb the information

Watch the video again on a different day, but this time take notes and sample sentences

Put the grammar point into an Anki deck (I use the free knock-off version of the app because fuck paying money)

2) Work with a textbook

Popular textbooks include Genki, Minna No Nihongo and Japanese From Zero

Make sure my study space is clean and tidy. Acquire background music and 3 different drinks because I have ADHD and require extra stimulation to keep me focused

Read textbook. Make notes. Use coloured pens to help things stand out. Do textbook exercises.

Nowadays I actually just read the textbook aloud and answer the questions orally because I'm working with a textbook below my level and my speaking needs more practice than the grammar/vocab it's teaching me

3) Written journal

Find a nice notebook. Write very, very simple sentences (literally like, "today is Sunday. I eat breakfast at 9 o'clock.")

Use a different coloured pen for new words so they stand out more. It's pretty cool when you look back and realise there's a bunch of words that at one time you didn't know but now you use them easily all the time.

Don't worry about grammar. Don't worry about using the right words. If you only feel comfortable using one tense, just use one tense. You'll build on it, and when you look back in several months you'll be able to correct yourself.

4) Apps

For Japanese I use Renshuu, Irodori, Kanji Dojo and Migii JLPT

Practice things in the app. If there's new vocab you want to learn, you can write in a notebook if you have one to hand or just on your phone somewhere. Then put it in an Anki deck. Same with grammar.

Use Anki to review

5) Graded readers/bilingual stories

If you're a high enough level, try to read the story without the English first. If you're not then just skip this step for now; no need to overwhelm yourself.

Read the story alongside the English. Highlight words in Japanese and English in the same colour. Don't do it for every word if every word is new; just words you want to learn or thing are most important.

Copy to your notebook/into an Anki deck

6) TV shows with English subtitles

Honestly I don't use TV shows/anime to study so much as to practise catching words I've previously learned. If I'm watching a TV show then it's because I wanna relax but also feel productive

Some people use it for sentence mining and stuff but idk what programs they use. Pretty sure if you google around you'll find answers!

7) HelloTalk/Tandem/Other language exchange apps

Message native Japanese speakers to practice your Japanese. They can correct you and you can correct their English. In theory.

I never found anyone I wanted to talk to and most of the conversations were repetitive and boring but idk maybe you'll have more luck

8) Video games

I'm currently playing Pokemon X in Japanese.

Best to play a game you're familiar with if you're new to the language.

Don't bother looking up every word; just look up ones that repeat a lot. Maybe pay attention to grammar patterns if you can spot them.

If your brain gets exhausted then you can just skip dialogue and explanations; don't feel obligated to try and read and understand everything that comes up on your screen. Do your best when you have the energy, let yourself relax and enjoy the game when you don't.

9) Sing a song

Go on Spotify and search for Japanese music + genre of your choice.

Find a song you like. Vow to learn it by heart

Listen actively to see what words you can catch. If you're still very new to the language that might be none at all. That's okay.

Copy the lyrics. If they contain kanji you don't know, put the lyric through Google Translate and it'll tell you how to say it. Make a note.

Find a translation online so you at least know what you're singing about

Listen and practice line by line. You can find the song on Youtube and slow the speed down so you can practice at a slower speed if need be

Don't worry if it takes weeks or even months!

10) Radio as background noise

You won't understand shit at first but before long you'll be able to pick out maybe 1 or 2 words here and there and it's SO exciting

Repeat words and phrases you hear. Look up words/phrases you hear repeatedly. Put them in an Anki deck

You can also do this with podcasts but I don't really know any podcasts, I'm not really a podcast person. I'm sure you can find some if you google though.

11) Ask Tumblr

Stuck on a grammar thing? Don't understand the difference between two synonyms? Ask tumblr! I've always found people on here really helpful and kind and willing to offer explanations and examples when you're stuck

You can also post your own writings and ask for feedback/corrections. You won't always get them but I find I do, and people are always super helpful and encouraging and never judgy

(If you do get judgy comments/anons in your ask box then dw we langblrs will DEFEND you fiercely I promise!)

hiii i need a bit of help!

soo um… to sum it up; i never learnt how to study. and i want to learn how to study, mostlyyyy so i can learn japanese could i have some study tips or techniques, maybe? i've already figured out i learn best when reading if that helps ┐(´◡｀)┌ otherwise um… no clue ;;

so umh... help pls,,

[corvid-language-library]

Today I worked out the meaning of a word with unknown kanji based on knowing the different parts/radicals, go me.

For those curious, the sentence/word was:

写真は拡大イメージです。

大 I know, of course, and I understood the rest of the sentence. Looked at 拡 and thought, okay. Hand + spacious/wide... oh, like manually making something wider? So that word must be something like make bigger/enlargen! Which totally makes sense given the context!

Looked it up and I was right!

Anyway this is a reminder that kanji gets easier if you keep practising and make the effort to learn your radicals.

[corvid-language-library]

ほうき (broom) sounds like a shortened/lazy version of ひこうき (plane) and they actually have nothing to do with each other etymology wise but now I'm just imagining a witch with a thick accent pointing to her broomstick being like "s'my h'ouki right there"