![[Japanese idioms] 角が立つ (kado ga tatsu) – Cause tension](https://blog.gokigen.jp/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/角が立つ8.png)
[Japanese idioms] 角が立つ (kado ga tatsu) – Cause tension
Meaning The phrase “角かどが立たつ” (Corners stand out.) means causing friction or hurting someone’s feelings by being too direct or blunt... Read more.
![[Japanese idioms] 腕が鳴る (ude ga naru) – I’m excited to put my skills to the test](https://blog.gokigen.jp/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/腕が鳴る5.png)
[Japanese idioms] 腕が鳴る (ude ga naru) – I’m excited to put my skills to the test
Meaning The phrase “腕うでが鳴なる” (My arms are making a sound) is a Japanese idiom that expresses eager anticipation to show one’s skills... Read more.
![[Japanese idioms] 腹をくくる (hara o kukuru) – Make up your mind](https://blog.gokigen.jp/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/腹をくくる2.png)
[Japanese idioms] 腹をくくる (hara o kukuru) – Make up your mind
Meaning The phrase “腹はらを括くくる” (Tie up your stomach) means to brace yourself or to make up your mind to face a difficult or unavoidable... Read more.
(short) + のに: How to Say “Even Though” in Japanese
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.
V (present short) + まで: How to Say “Until …” in Japanese
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.
V-ば: If X is the case, then Y is/will be in the case
Introduction V-ば expresses a general “If X, then Y” relationship. It’s a core conditional you’ll use for rules, tendencies, and good-result expectations... Read more.
Causative-Passive in Japanese: V-される／させられる and “(Forcee) は (Forcer) に V-される／させられる”
Introduction When you want to say you were made/forced to do something—like “I was made to study by my parents”—Japanese uses the causative-passive. You’ll... Read more.
Let Someone Do in Japanese: Causative + てあげる／てくれる／てもらう
Introduction Want to say “I let my daughter eat cake,” “My dad let me drive,” or “I was allowed to keep a pet”? At N4 level, you can express this neatly... Read more.
What Does “Senpai” Mean in Japanese? Usage, Cultural Context, and Common Misconceptions
If you’ve watched Japanese drama or anime, you’ve probably heard someone say, “Senpai!” Literally translating to “someone who came before,” senpai refers... Read more.
How to Say “I Love You” in Japanese: Phrases, Cultural Nuance, and Alternatives
The most common ways to say “I love you” in Japanese: 好きです (Suki desu) Casual confession — most natural for everyday use 大好きです (Daisuki... Read more.