gokigen japanese blog – Grammar, Culture & Beyond - Explore essential grammar tips, JLPT strategies, and real-world cultural insights.

Kawaii Culture: Meaning of “Cute” in Japanese and Why It Matters

Discover the real meaning of kawaii (かわいい) in Japanese! From daily life and fashion to mascots and anime, explore how “cute” became a cultural power shaping Japan’s society and global image.

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.

Make It ~ in Japanese: い-adj + くする / な-adj + にする

Learn the super-useful pattern い-adjective + くする / な-adjective + にする to say “make something ~” in Japanese. Clear formation, natural examples, polite requests (〜してください), common mistakes, and quick practice for JLPT N4.

V (short) + 間に (aida ni): How to Say “While / During …” in Japanese

Learn how to use V (short) + 間に to say “while / during …” in Japanese. Clear rules (use ている), forms with verbs/adjectives/nouns, natural examples, “間に vs. ながら / 間,” common mistakes, and quick practice for JLPT N4 learners.

Japanese V-てある: Result of Preparation

Learn how to use V-てある to say “has been done (in preparation)” in Japanese. See the pattern with transitive verbs, the difference from ておく, why intransitives don’t work, the set phrase ～と書いてあります, plus examples, drills, and common mistakes.

Japanese Passive Form れる・られる: How to Say “be ~ed” and “be done by” with Natural Examples

Master the Japanese passive (れる・られる). Learn how to build (Doee) は (Doer) に V-れる/られる, conjugation for ru/u/irregular verbs, and when to use it: adversity passive, neutral reports, and positive passives. With clear examples, practice, and common mistakes.

short form + はずです: Beginner’s Guide to Saying “I’m sure / It should be …” in Japanese

Learn how to use plain (short) form + はずです to express “I’m sure that…” or “It should be…” in Japanese. Clear formation for verbs, adjectives, and nouns (including negatives & past), natural examples, practice, and common mistakes—perfect for JLPT N4 learners.

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