New articles

kenjougo (humble language, 謙譲語): Extra-Modest Expressions for Your Inner Circle in Japanese

Learn how to refer humbly to your family, colleagues, and even your boss when speaking to outsiders. Key extra-modest verbs, “de gozaimasu / orimasu” patterns, real-life examples, drills, and pitfalls—perfect for beginners.

How to Use “Ganbatte” Correctly: In Daily Life, Business, and on Social Media

Discover the true meaning of “ganbatte” and its cultural nuance in Japanese. Learn when to say ganbatte, ganbare, or alternatives, see real-life examples for school, work, sports, and SNS, and avoid common mistakes that create unwanted pressure. A must-read guide for beginners who want to encourage others in natural-sounding Japanese.

What Are the Basic Travel Japanese Phrases You Should Know?

Learn must-know travel Japanese phrases for greetings, dining, shopping, transport, hotels, and emergencies. Grab our quick Nihongo cheat sheet and speak with confidence on your Japan trip.

Father’s Day in Japan (父の日) – Gifts, Customs & Meaning

Discover how Father’s Day (Chichi no Hi) is celebrated in Japan on the third Sunday of June. Learn about gift ideas like katatataki-ken and Japanese customs.

level1 (N5)

How to Say “It Will Probably…” in Japanese | Using (short) + deshou（〜でしょう）

Deshou (でしょう) in Japanese grammar: learn the (short-form) + deshou pattern to express guess & prediction, see examples, common mistakes, practice drills, and FAQs for JLPT N5-N4 learners.

How to Say “I Intend to” in Japanese | Using V + tsumori da（〜つもりだ）

Learn how to express plans and intentions in Japanese using the grammar pattern 〜つもりだ、～つもりです. This guide covers how to say things like “I intend to study” or “I don’t plan to eat” with verb short forms and clear examples.

How to Say “Do Such Things As V1 and V2” in Japanese | Using V たり V たりする

Learn how to say “do things like A and B” in Japanese using the grammar pattern V-たり V-たりする. This guide explains how to list example actions naturally with clear conjugation rules and sample sentences.

How to Say “As Many As” and “Only” in Japanese | Using Number + も / しか

Learn how to say “as many as” with 〜も and “only” or “as few as” with 〜しか in Japanese. This guide shows how to express surprise or limitation with numbers and the correct verb forms for each.

level2 (N4)

kenjougo (humble language, 謙譲語): Extra-Modest Expressions for Your Inner Circle in Japanese

Learn how to refer humbly to your family, colleagues, and even your boss when speaking to outsiders. Key extra-modest verbs, “de gozaimasu / orimasu” patterns, real-life examples, drills, and pitfalls—perfect for beginners.

kenjougo (humble language, 謙譲語): Extra-Modest Expressions for Talking About Yourself

Master kenjougo extra-modest verbs like mousu, mairimasu, orimasu, and itashimasu to talk humbly about yourself. Clear rules, charts, real-life examples, practice drills, and common pitfalls for beginners.

N wa V no ni tsukaimasu (N は Vのに使います): Beginner’s Guide to Saying “Use N for …-ing” in Japanese

Master the pattern “N wa V no ni tsukaimasu” to explain what something is used for in Japanese. Clear steps, real-life examples, practice drills, and common pitfalls for beginners.

no wa … desu (のは…です): Beginner Guide to Emphasizing “It Is Adj/N That …” in Japanese

Learn how to spotlight information with no wa … desu (のは…です). Clear rules, verb/adjective/noun patterns, examples, drills, and pitfalls—perfect for Japanese beginners.

Culture

Father’s Day in Japan (父の日) – Gifts, Customs & Meaning

Discover how Father’s Day (Chichi no Hi) is celebrated in Japan on the third Sunday of June. Learn about gift ideas like katatataki-ken and Japanese customs.

Haha no Hi (母の日) – Mother’s Day in Japan, Second Sunday of May

Haha no Hi celebrates mothers across Japan on the second Sunday of May. Discover the post-WWII origins of this American-inspired event, why red carnations are the go-to gift, and how families show appreciation through sweets, handmade cards, and helping with household chores.

Kodomo no Hi (こどもの日) – Japan’s Children’s Day (May 5th) Traditions, Symbols & Golden Week Fun

Kodomo no Hi crowns Golden Week with flying carp streamers, samurai dolls, and sweet kashiwa mochi. Discover the holiday’s history, must‑see events, and how Japanese families celebrate children’s health and happiness.

Midori no Hi (みどりの日) – Japan’s Greenery Day on May 4th & Golden Week Nature Events

Midori no Hi—Greenery Day—honors Emperor Shōwa’s love of plants and spotlights Japan’s environmental ethos. Explore the holiday’s history, eco‑events, free‑entry zoos, and how it slots into Golden Week travel plans.