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You might already learn that there are many ways to say “no” in Japanese, but did you know that Japanese people themselves never directly use the word “no” in conversations? Why is this the case? And is there another way that Japanese people say that two-letter word? In this episode,…
Did you know that Japan has a second Valentine’s Day called White Day? In Japan, Valentine’s Day has a bit of a twist; the original Valentine’s Day (on February 14) is for women to give chocolates or small gifts to men. These can range from giri-choco (obligatory chocolates for colleagues…
There are many reasons you might want to study Japanese: maybe you want to move to Japan someday or make Japanese friends. Maybe you even want to understand your favorite Japanese anime. But then there’s an issue: you might not have the resources to take an in-person lesson, maybe because…
While you might not believe in the otherworldly mythology, it’s best to avoid going against Japanese superstitions. That is because while there are a lot of countries with their own unique beliefs, Japan takes the occult taboos to another level! Many of these may seem strange to someone unfamiliar with…
Did you know how the Chinese zodiac signs are adopted in Japan? While the Lunar New Year is not widely celebrated here, the country adopted the Chinese zodiac around the 6th century, and it now has its own unique Japanese spin. There are 12 animals in the zodiac, with each…
When you think of Shinjuku, you might think of this iconic city center as a place known for its landmarks and nightlife, but it is also a place not just for the average businessperson, but for students as well. Naturally, there are many coffee shops and cafés where students can…
When you become a Japanese language student, you might wonder what common Japanese classroom words and phrases you will hear when you go to school. Of course, you will learn new vocabulary as you go, but in this case, we are talking about phrases you should know so you can…
If you’ve ever dined at a Japanese restaurant, you’ve likely seen people press their palms together and say “Itadakimasu” before eating and “Gochisousama deshita” afterward. In English, these are usually translated as “Let’s eat” and “Thank you for the meal.” But while they function like “saying grace,” the meaning goes…
Coto Japanese Institute, our new full-time Japanese language school opening in October 2026, is excited to open its very first pre-application. Through this online pre-application, students interested in studying at our brand-new school can submit an inquiry and begin their journey with us. From there, we’ll gradually guide applicants through…
The JLPT N3 phrase そんなに (sonna ni) is a very useful everyday phrase that means, “that much,” “so much,” or “to that extent.” Most often, そんなに appears in negative sentences to downplay or deny the extent of something, making statements sound softer or more polite. When used in positive sentences,…