New articles

Japanese Causative: V-せる／させる & “(Causer) は (Causee) に V-せる/させる”

Learn how to say “make/let someone do” in Japanese with the causative: V-せる／させる and the sentence pattern “(Causer) は (Causee) に V-せる/させる.” Clear rules, particle tips (に vs を), natural examples, practice, and common mistakes—perfect for beginners.

Imperative Form in Japanese (命令形)

Learn how to make and use the Japanese imperative form (命令形): ru/u-verb rules, irregulars (する→しろ／せよ, 来る→来い), negative imperative (dictionary + な), when it’s appropriate, and how it compares to なさい／てください—plus natural examples and practice.

V-stem + なさい: How to Give Firm “Do ~” Commands in Japanese

Learn V-(stem) + なさい to give firm commands in Japanese—how to form it, when it’s appropriate (parents/authority to juniors), natural examples, exam-style uses, practice, and mistakes to avoid. Includes quick contrasts with てください and the stronger imperative (命令形).

Before/After in Japanese: V (present short) + 前に / V (past short) + 後で

Master “before/after doing” in Japanese with V (present short) + 前に and V (past short) + 後で. Clear rules, natural examples, “てから” nuance, practice, and common mistakes—perfect for JLPT N4 learners.

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)

Japanese Causative: V-せる／させる & “(Causer) は (Causee) に V-せる/させる”

Learn how to say “make/let someone do” in Japanese with the causative: V-せる／させる and the sentence pattern “(Causer) は (Causee) に V-せる/させる.” Clear rules, particle tips (に vs を), natural examples, practice, and common mistakes—perfect for beginners.

Imperative Form in Japanese (命令形)

Learn how to make and use the Japanese imperative form (命令形): ru/u-verb rules, irregulars (する→しろ／せよ, 来る→来い), negative imperative (dictionary + な), when it’s appropriate, and how it compares to なさい／てください—plus natural examples and practice.

V-stem + なさい: How to Give Firm “Do ~” Commands in Japanese

Learn V-(stem) + なさい to give firm commands in Japanese—how to form it, when it’s appropriate (parents/authority to juniors), natural examples, exam-style uses, practice, and mistakes to avoid. Includes quick contrasts with てください and the stronger imperative (命令形).

Before/After in Japanese: V (present short) + 前に / V (past short) + 後で

Master “before/after doing” in Japanese with V (present short) + 前に and V (past short) + 後で. Clear rules, natural examples, “てから” nuance, practice, and common mistakes—perfect for JLPT N4 learners.

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.