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21 Examples of “Interests”: How to Answer and Ask
At a Glance ExpressionReadingMeaning 趣味は〜ですshumi wa ~ desuMy hobby is ~ 〜にハマっている~ ni hamatte iruI'm into ~ / hooked on ~ 〜が好きです~ ga suki desuI like ~ 〜に興味があります~ ni kyoumi ga arimasuI'm interested in ~ One of ... -
20 Examples of Talking About Your Hometown
One of the most natural conversation topics when meeting new people in Japan is where you are from. Whether you are at a language exchange, a work orientation, or just chatting with a new acquaintance, knowing how to talk about your home... -
Difference Between TALK, SPEAK, SAY in Japanese
When you try to describe a conversation in Japanese, you quickly run into a problem: there are three common verbs that all seem to mean "to talk" or "to say." Native speakers choose between 話す (iu) based on subtle but important differe... -
28 Examples of “Weekend” To Use In Japanese
At a Glance WordReadingMeaning 週末shuumatsuweekend 土日donichiSaturday and Sunday (casual) 休日kyuujitsuday off / holiday 連休renkyuuconsecutive days off "週末、何してた？" — "What did you do on the weekend?" This is one of the most com... -
へんこう vs しゅうせい vs ていせい：You Should Know The Way to Use
When you need to say something was changed, modified, or corrected in Japanese, you have three main options: 変更する. Dictionaries often list them as synonyms, but native speakers use them in distinct situations. Getting them right will... -
How To Correctly Write Your Name In Japanese
One of the first things you will be asked to do in Japan — whether filling in a form, checking into a hotel, or introducing yourself in class — is write your name. But your name in Japanese is not just a translation: it follows a specifi... -
What is The Difference Between “simekiri” and “kigen”?
Miss a 締 (kigen) pass and things just... expire. Both words relate to time running out, but they are used in very different situations. Once you understand the one key distinction between them, choosing the right word will always be eas... -
Full Guide: Difference Between 警戒, 注意報 and 警報
At a Glance WordReadingLevelMeaning 警戒keikaiPersonal vigilancecaution / being on alert 注意報chuuihouLevel 1 — Advisorybe aware / weather advisory 警報keihouLevel 2 — Warningdanger / take action 特別警報tokubetsu keihouLevel 3 — Specia... -
Commonly Confused Words: 閉まる and 閉める
At a Glance VerbReadingTypeMeaning 閉まるshimaruIntransitive (自動詞)to close (by itself) 閉めるshimeruTransitive (他動詞)to close (something) 開く / 開くaku / hirakuIntransitiveto open (by itself) 開けるakeruTransitiveto open (something... -
支払う vs 5 means of 払う: What’s the difference?
At a Glance WordReadingCore Meaning 払うharauto pay / to brush away (broad) 支払うshiharauto pay money (formal, financial) 現金払いgenkin baraicash payment カード払いkaado baraicard payment 分割払いbunkatsu baraiinstallment payment At a ...
