Chihiro Hanami

Author

Reviewer: Chihiro Hanami
Japanese native and language educator with about 10 years of experience teaching and developing courses and materials.
She studied and taught in 5 different countries. Her most recent teaching role was at University of Pennsylvania in the U.S.
Other than teaching all levels of Japanese in various settings from personal tutoring to college courses, she also has experience writing articles about Japanese language and culture and teaching English.
Education: M.A. in Japanese pedagogy, Purdue University. B.A from the school of Japanese language and culture, Tsukuba University.

level3 (N3)

Nにとって (N ni totte): For N / from N’s standpoint in Japanese

by gokigen japanese, Chihiro Hanami February 28, 2026

Introduction Have you ever wanted to say “For me…”, “From your standpoint…”, or “As far as students are concerned…” in Japanese? For example: When... Read more.

level3 (N3)

何といっても (nanto ittemo) — “Above all / undeniably”

by gokigen japanese, Chihiro Hanami February 21, 2026

Introduction Have you ever wanted to say, “No matter what, this is the #1 choice” in Japanese? For example: When you want to highlight the most important point... Read more.

level3 (N3)

Nといえば (N to ieba): “Speaking of…” / “When you mention…”

by gokigen japanese, Chihiro Hanami February 14, 2026

Introduction Do you know the phrase Nといえば? It’s a natural way to react when someone mentions something and you want to connect it to a well-known image,... Read more.

level2 (N4)

V (short) + ことにしている: How to Say “Make it a Habit to …”

by gokigen japanese, Chihiro Hanami January 8, 2026

Introduction Do you know how to express ‘‘do as a regular practice’’? Use V (short) + ことにしている to say you make something a habit/rule for yourself.... Read more.

level2 (N4)

V (short) + ことにする: How to Say “Decide to do …” in Japanese

by gokigen japanese, Chihiro Hanami January 4, 2026

Introduction Do you know how to say ‘‘decide to do something’’? For example: Use V (short) + ことにする to say you decide to do something. It expresses... Read more.

level2 (N4)

N のように / N のような: How to Say “Like N / Similar to N” in Japanese

by gokigen japanese, Chihiro Hanami January 1, 2026

Introduction Do you know how to express similarity or likeness? Use N のように and N のような to say something is like N or similar to N. 1. Meaning &... Read more.

level2 (N4)

V-stem + 方 (kata): How to Say “How to do ~” in Japanese

by gokigen japanese, Chihiro Hanami December 29, 2025

Introduction Do you know how to express the idea of “how to do” something or the “way of doing” something in Japanese? V-stem + 方 (kata)... Read more.

level2 (N4)

V/adj-て + も: How to Say “Even If …” in Japanese

by gokigen japanese, Chihiro Hanami December 3, 2025

Introduction Do you know how to express the idea of “even if” or “regardless of”? For example, “Even if it’s hot, I will go out” or... Read more.

level2 (N4)

(short) + のに: How to Say “Even Though” in Japanese

by gokigen japanese, Chihiro Hanami November 25, 2025

Introduction Do you know how to express the idea of “even though” or “despite”? For example, “Even though I studied a lot, I got a... Read more.

level2 (N4)

V (present short) + まで: How to Say “Until …” in Japanese

by gokigen japanese, Chihiro Hanami November 14, 2025

Introduction Want to say “I’ll wait until it stops raining” or “I’ll keep working hard until I pass the exam?” Use V (present short) + まで to... Read more.