Language Studies

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,…

In Japanese, the word “どうも” (doumo) is a very versatile and frequently used word that can mean a few different things depending on the context.  どうも, pronounced “dou-mo,” is a phrase you’d come across when you’re eating in at an izakaya or a restaurant. You can also use it to…

The JLPT N3 〜み (~mi) is a suffix that attaches to adjectives (mostly い-adjectives) and turns them into nouns. It’s similar to adding ~ness to an adjective in English (i.e., sweetness). However, there are some differences, the biggest being that nouns with 〜み express a quality or condition that cannot…

The JLPT N3 grammar かける (kakeru) is a very useful expression to describe when you have started something but haven’t finished, or when you’re in the middle of something. The expression is mostly used to say: Halfway through.. In the middle of.. Not yet finished Make Sure to Watch Coto…

If you work in Japan, chances are you have been invited to and participated in a bonenkai (忘年会)? They are Japan’s high-spirited parties, usually held at bars or izakayas with plenty of drinks, to celebrate the end of the year in Japan. Instead of a family-focused event, it is often…

Planning to study for the JLPT? Short for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, JLPT is the most recognized Japanese language certification used by employers, universities, and immigration authorities to assess non-native speakers’ Japanese proficiency. People say that passing the JLPT opens many doors, like landing a job in Japan and…

Winter in Japan means the night arrives faster, but that’s the perfect excuse for a city like Tokyo to wrap millions of colorful, high-jolt LEDs around the trees to chase away the dark. These are otherwise known as winter illuminations. Altogether, you’ll find the city’s busiest streets transformed into something…

Japan is one of those countries blessed with not just four seasons, but four amazing ones. Spring brings cherry blossoms, summer lights up with fireworks festivals, autumn glows with vibrant momiji, and finally, winter arrives with powder-soft snow in ski destinations like Hokkaido and sparkling winter illuminations in major cities…