Japanese

If you’ve ever wondered how to say ‘me in Japanese’ or seen words like boku, watashi, or ore in anime or textbooks—this guide is for you.

Watching anime and spotting words that sound suspiciously English? Yep, that's exactly what it is! Those moments when anime characters say "スマホ" (sumaho) or grab something from a "コンビニ" (konbini) are the best examples of Japanese English words in action. If you’re learning

Ever noticed how characters in your favorite Japanese dramas seem to share the same few Japanese surnames? You’re not imagining things. Names like Watanabe, Tanaka, and Yamaguchi appear frequently because Japan has a relatively small pool of common family names compared to many Western countries. For Japanese language learners

When I worked as an ALT in Japan, I noticed how students would huddle around phones, stealing every last minute of their break time to watch their favorite anime. Their faces lit up at familiar catchphrases, laughing and mimicking characters with perfect intonation. If you love anime too (and really,

When I landed in Sumida Tokyo as an ALT, I thought I knew enough Japanese to get by. Boy, was I wrong! My first week, I embarrassed myself countless times by using the wrong version of yes in Japanese in different situations. My students erupted in laughter when I casually

Ever been in a situation where you needed to say no in Japanese but didn't want to come across as rude? Japanese culture places huge value on politeness and avoiding direct confrontation, making a simple "no" much trickier than you might expect. In this post, I&

Learning to say thank you in Japanese isn't just about knowing a single phrase - it's about mastering a key part of Japanese culture. Whether you're planning a trip to Tokyo, watching anime without subtitles, or just starting your Japanese learning journey, knowing different

With countless Japanese textbooks filling the market, finding the perfect learning companion feels like searching for a needle in a haystack. Whether you're dreaming of Japanese anime without subtitles or planning a trip to Tokyo, the right Japanese learning textbooks can make all the difference between frustration and

Curious about writing Japanese kanji for love? These beautiful characters can express feelings that sometimes words in English can't capture. Whether you're writing a note to someone special, looking for a Japanese-inspired tattoo, or just growing your language skills, learning these kanji is both useful and