If you’ve ever studied Japanese, Chinese, or Korean—or traveled around East Asia—you’ve probably noticed a striking similarity: Chinese characters appear in all three cultures. These characters are called kanji in Japanese, Hanzi in Chinese, and Hanja (한자) in Korean. But do Koreans still learn Hanja (Chinese characters) in school the way Japanese students rigorously study […]
—from someone who actually finished all three books—and lived to write about it If you’re here, you’ve likely heard about the Heisig method—the famous system behind Remembering the Kanji. Maybe you’ve seen an SRS deck with keywords like “river,” “idea,” or “collapse.” You’re curious whether this method works—and whether it’s worth investing months (or even […]
If you’re watching anime or reading manga (or listening to or reading Yakuza words) and hear a character shout something like: 「見るか！」 You might wonder — are they asking a question? Or refusing something? The answer is: it depends on the tone and context. In anime and casual Japanese, 〜か isn’t always a simple question […]
If you’re preparing for the JLPT N5 (Japanese Language Proficiency Test), mastering the kanji is one of the most essential first steps. This is the complete, curated list of all JLPT N5 kanji — including readings (On’yomi and Kun’yomi) and real-world vocabulary examples. Whether you’re studying on your own, using flashcards, or building a digital […]
Learning kanji can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re just beginning your journey with the Japanese language or studying for your first JLPT exam. The JLPT N5 is the entry-level test in the Japanese Language Proficiency Test series, and it covers the most essential, beginner-friendly kanji that form the foundation for everything that follows. To […]
The character お (pronounced “oh”) is the fifth and final vowel in the Japanese gojūon sequence: i.e. a, i, u, e, o. Though it’s the last of the vowel group, it’s just as essential — appearing in hundreds of common words, polite expressions, and foundational grammar patterns. Whether you’re greeting someone with おはよう (ohayou – […]
When you’re learning Japanese, each kana character you study isn’t just a symbol to memorize — it’s a piece of a larger linguistic puzzle that reveals how the Japanese language works. The hiragana character え (pronounced “eh”) is one of the five foundational vowels and a sound you’ll encounter constantly in everyday conversation, reading, and […]
The hiragana character う (pronounced “oo”, like in “food”) is the third vowel in the Japanese gojūon order (i.e. a, i, u, e, o) and a fundamental sound in the language. As with its vowel siblings, う is clear, consistent, and essential for forming words, conjugating verbs, and expressing tone in both written and spoken […]
When you’re just starting out with Japanese, few characters are as important to your foundation as い. It’s the second vowel in the gojūon order (i.e. a, i, u, e, o) and one of the five core sounds that appear in nearly every aspect of Japanese speech and grammar. Like its vowel siblings, い is […]
Learning Japanese is like piecing together a puzzle — every character you master reveals more about how the language works. The hiragana character あ (pronounced “ah”) is one of the most essential pieces of that puzzle. It’s the very first sound in the gojūon order (i.e. a, i, u, e, o), and the starting point […]
Embark on a thrilling Kanji Quest Adventure to master Japanese numbers 1 to 100! Forget boring memorization—here’s a beginner-friendly, self-taught journey using kanji as magical runes in a fantasy world. This guide covers numbers 1–10 and the tens (10, 20, 30, 40–100) with unique mnemonics, treasure hunts, and creative exercises. No apps or books needed—just […]
Ready to master the JLPT N5 kanji and unlock the basics of Japanese reading and writing? The JLPT N5 is the first level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, covering about 100 foundational kanji used in everyday life, such as 一 (いち ichi, one), 日 (にち nichi / ひ hi, day/sun), and 車 (しゃ sha […]
If you’ve watched any action-packed anime or gritty Japanese dramas/films, chances are you’ve heard a character yell something like: 「手を出すんじゃねえ！」Don’t you dare lay a hand (on them)! This kind of phrase is often delivered with fire and fury, but what exactly is going on grammatically? And how does it differ from more standard expressions? 🔍 […]
If you’re learning Japanese, you’ve probably heard of Kansai-ben (関西弁), the vibrant dialect spoken in the Kansai region, which includes Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nara, and Wakayama. But did you know that Kyoto has its own unique dialect? Known as Kyoto-ben (京都弁), this variation of Kansai-ben is softer, more elegant, and deeply influenced by Kyoto’s historical […]
Japan is famously divided into 47 unique prefectures, each boasting its own distinct heritage, food culture, and breathtaking sights. Whether you’re planning a short visit or a grand tour, use this guide to discover what makes each corner of Japan special. From the snowy landscapes of Hokkaido to the sun-soaked beaches of Okinawa, there’s something […]
Learning kanji can seem like an overwhelming task for native English speakers, especially given that Japanese uses thousands of characters, each with multiple readings. However, with the right approach, you can break it down into manageable steps and steadily build your knowledge. Below are the most effective and practical methods to start learning kanji as […]
Learning kanji can be one of the most challenging parts of learning Japanese, especially for beginners. This post introduces 100 of the most useful and commonly seen kanji in everyday Japanese. These are foundational characters you’ll encounter in signs, menus, labels, dates, and basic vocabulary. Mastering them will give you a strong start in reading […]
Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan, is known not only for its historical landmarks but also for its unique dialect, Kyoto-ben (京都弁, きょうとべん [Kyoto-ben]). Kyoto-ben has a refined, gentle tone, often reflecting the elegance of Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage. For Japanese learners, understanding Kyoto-ben can add depth to your linguistic skills and make your interactions […]
If you’re studying Japanese and want to explore regional dialects, Tohoku-ben (東北弁) is a fascinating and unique choice. Spoken in the Tohoku region (northeastern Japan), Tohoku dialect is known for its distinct sounds, unique vocabulary, and rural charm. This guide will introduce you to the basics of Tohoku-ben, including pronunciation, common phrases, and grammar differences […]
The Hakata dialect, or Hakata-ben (博多弁), is a charming regional variety of Japanese spoken in Fukuoka, Kyushu. Known for its warm and friendly tone, Hakata-ben is a must-learn for anyone living in or visiting the area. This blog post will introduce you to the basics of Hakata-ben, from grammar and verb conjugations to common phrases […]
If you’re studying Japanese and want to expand your understanding beyond standard Japanese (標準語・ひょうじゅんご・hyoujungo), exploring regional dialects (方言・ほうげん・hougen) can be a fascinating journey. One of the most unique and vibrant dialects is Hiroshima-ben (広島弁・ひろしまべん・hiroshimaben), spoken in Hiroshima Prefecture and surrounding areas. In this blog post, we’ll explore the key features of Hiroshima-ben, including common phrases, […]
If you’ve ever visited Osaka or watched movies or shows set in the Kansai region, you’ve probably noticed that people in Osaka speak a little differently. The Osaka dialect (大阪弁, おおさかべん) is one of the most iconic and fun regional dialects of Japan. Known for its friendly and expressive tone, mastering even a little bit […]
Learning the Okinawan dialect (also known as Uchinaaguchi うちなーぐち) can be a fascinating journey for any intermediate Japanese language learner. Okinawan Japanese is a branch of the broader Ryukyuan language family and differs significantly from standard Japanese in pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar. While the standard dialect is commonly spoken today, understanding the traditional Okinawan language […]
Proverbs carry timeless wisdom, and 井の中の蛙、大海を知らず (A frog in a well does not know the great ocean) is one of Japan’s most cherished. This saying has long encouraged us to broaden our horizons and seek greater knowledge beyond our immediate surroundings. It speaks to the dangers of limited perspectives and calls for exploration. However, what […]
If you’re an advanced Japanese learner, you’ve likely come across the unique, gruff way yakuza characters speak in movies, dramas, or even anime. The yakuza way of speaking is a stylized version of Japanese that emphasizes masculinity, toughness, and dominance. It’s fascinating and rich in linguistic nuance, making it a great exercise for advanced learners. […]
The grammar point “〜てみる” (te miru) is a useful construction for intermediate Japanese learners. It combines the て-form of a verb with the verb “みる” (to see/look) to express the idea of “trying to do something” or “doing something to see what happens.” What is てみる? The grammar point 〜てみる combines the て-form of a […]
In Japanese grammar, “〜たところで” (ta tokorode) is a phrase that means “even if an action or a state were realized” or often (to put it even more simply) just “even if”. It suggests that even if the action were to occur, the result would not change. Here’s how to use “〜たところで” in a sentence: Note: […]