gokigen japanese

study tips

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.
study tips

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.
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.
level2 (N4)

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.
study tips

How to Learn Japanese for Beginners – Master Hiragana, Katakana, Kanji & Core Skills

Start learning Japanese today! Clear goals, step-by-step kana & kanji hacks, online listening, speaking, reading, writing tips, plus apps to keep you motivated.
level2 (N4)

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.
level2 (N4)

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.
level2 (N4)

o-verb-stem kudasai (お〜ください): Beginner’s Guide to Respectful “Please Do” in Japanese

Master the o/go + verb-stem + kudasai pattern to give polite advice and requests in Japanese. Simple rules, clear examples, drills, and pitfalls for beginners.
level2 (N4)

V-te irasshaimasu (て いらっしゃいます): Beginner Guide to Honorific “-ing” in Japanese

Master V-te irasshaimasu (て いらっしゃいます) to show respect for ongoing actions in Japanese. Simple rules, clear examples, common pitfalls, and practice drills for beginners.
level2 (N4)

o-verb-stem-ni naru (お〜になる): Beginner’s Guide to Honorifying Japanese Verbs

Learn how to turn almost any verb into a polite honorific with the o + verb-stem + ni naru pattern. Structure, examples, drills, and common pitfalls for Japanese beginners.