Start Learning Japanese– category –
New to Japanese? Start here. Beginner guides covering the learning path, kana, numbers, basic phrases, and core grammar. See /how-to-start-learning-japanese/ for a curated starting point.
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Plain Form vs Masu Form in Japanese: When to Use Which Register
Japanese has two main verb registers: the plain form (dictionary form) and the polite masu form. Choosing the right one depends on the situation and your relationship with the listener. 【At a Glance】 FormAlso CalledWhen to UseExample P... -
は vs が for Beginners: When to Use Each Japanese Particle
は (wa) and が (ga) are two of the most important particles in Japanese — and the most confusing for beginners. This guide breaks them down with simple rules and clear examples. 【At a Glance】 ParticleMain RoleFocusExample は (wa)Topic ... -
Japanese Expressions for Talking About Hobbies and Interests
Talking about hobbies is one of the first real conversations you'll have in Japanese. Whether you're meeting a new friend, chatting at a language exchange, or making small talk with a host family — しゅみはなんですか？ ("What are your ho... -
Japanese Expressions for Social Media and Online Communication
【Japanese Online Culture and Language】 Japanese internet and social media have developed their own vocabulary, abbreviations, and expressions. Whether you're reading Japanese Twitter (X), LINE messages, or YouTube comments, this vocabu... -
Japanese Travel Phrases: At the Airport and Hotel
【Travel Phrases From Arrival to Check-In】 Whether you're arriving at Narita, navigating Shinjuku Station, or checking into a ryokan, these phrases cover the key language moments of travel in Japan. Knowing them in advance dramatically ... -
Japanese Expressions for Restaurants: Full Dining Phrase Guide
【Everything You Need to Dine in Japanese】 From entering to paying, Japanese restaurants have a complete set of phrases for each step of the dining experience. This guide covers the full flow so you can dine confidently at any Japanese ... -
Japanese Phrases for Shopping and Bargaining
【Shopping Phrases Beyond いくらですか】 Most learners know いくらですか (how much?). But shopping conversations involve much more — trying things on, asking about availability, comparing products, and handling payment. These phrases wil... -
Japanese Situational Phrases: Hospital, Pharmacy, and Health
【Health Phrases Are High Priority】 When you're unwell abroad, language barriers become critical. Knowing the right Japanese phrases for describing symptoms, visiting a clinic, and using a pharmacy can make a genuine difference. These p... -
Japanese Expressions for Making and Declining Invitations
【Inviting and Declining — Gracefully】 Making plans is central to social life, and the phrases for inviting, accepting, and declining are among the most-used conversational patterns. Japanese has graceful ways to say no without being ru... -
Japanese Expressions for Apologizing: From Casual to Formal
【Apologies in Japanese Culture】 Apologizing is a core social lubricant in Japanese culture. From minor inconveniences to serious professional errors, there's a calibrated set of expressions. Using the right level of apology is as impor...
