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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22 Simple Ways to Use Quiet (静か) in Japanese
At a Glance WordReadingMeaning 静かshizukaquiet / silent / calm 静かなshizuka naquiet (adjective, before noun) 静かにshizuka niquietly (adverb) 静まり返るshizumari kaeruto fall completely silent Picture a library, a temple garden at dawn... -
Top 12 Examples to Use About Instructions in Japanese
At a Glance WordReadingMeaning 指示shijiinstruction / directive 指示するshiji suruto give instructions 指示を受けるshiji wo ukeruto receive instructions 指示書shijishowritten instructions On your first day at a Japanese company, your sup... -
26 Ways to Use Words Related to Test You’ll Use
At a Glance WordReadingMeaning テストtesutotest (casual/school) 試験shikenexam (formal) 検定kenteicertification exam 合格goukakupass 不合格fugoukakufail Whether you're studying for the JLPT, a university entrance exam, or just a school q... -
The Complete Guide to Figuring out “okoru, shikaru, donaru”
Imagine someone loses their temper at you, a parent corrects a child's behaviour, or a boss shouts across the office. In English, "getting angry," "scolding," and "yelling" each describe a different shade of anger — and so does Japanese.... -
12 Examples of Using “Happy(shiawase)” You Can Easily Use
If you look up "happy" in a Japanese dictionary, you'll find several candidates — but which one do native speakers actually use for deep, lasting contentment? Many learners default to 嬉せ (shiawase). This guide explains what makes it sp... -
Did You Know Other Meaning of さくさくJapanese Use?
さくさく is one of Japanese's wonderful onomatopoeia words that does double duty: it describes the satisfying crunch of crispy food, and it also captures the feeling of getting things done efficiently and without friction. Once you know ... -
Creative Ways To Correctly Use “sakarau”, “tatetsuku” and “oshikiru”
Japanese has several words for pushing back against someone or something — but 逆る each capture a different flavor of defiance. Mixing them up can make a gentle situation sound confrontational or miss the point entirely. Yuka: What's th... -
74 Must-Know The DATE in Japanese for Making Better Conversations
At a Glance ExpressionReadingMeaning 今日kyoutoday 昨日kinouyesterday 明日ashitatomorrow 曜日youbiday of the week 日付hizukedate Imagine you're in Japan and someone asks: "今日は何日ですか？" (What's today's date?) — and you freeze. Know... -
You Will Be Able To Use “That’s too bad.” in Japanese in 10 Seconds.
When something disappointing happens — a cancelled plan, a missed chance, bad news from a friend — the word you want in Japanese is 残念 (zan'nen). It covers everything from a light "that's a shame" to a heartfelt "I'm really gutted," de... -
47 Tips For Choosing Your Sports Club: “bukatsu” or “sa-kuru”?
If you are curious about Japanese school life, you have probably heard the word 部活, クラブ (kurabu), and サークル (sākuru)? Each one describes a different type of group activity in Japan, and understanding the distinction tells you a l...
