Speaking and pronunciation
Practical guides on speaking, grammar, pronunciation, listening, and study planning, written for learners who want to use Japanese in real life.
Speaking and pronunciation · Page 37
How to Say Sorry I'm Late in Japanese: Okurete Sumimasen and More
In Japan, being a few minutes late is noticed, but a quick message before the start time and a clear apology on arrival usually smooth it over.
10 min readHow to Ask What Is Your Name in Japanese: O-namae Wa? and More
Asking someone's name in Japanese is less about a fixed question and more about choosing the right level of politeness and leaving out the word you.
9 min readHow to Ask Where the Toilet Is in Japanese: Toire and O-tearai
Asking for the toilet in Japanese takes one short sentence, but knowing the polite word, the signs on the door and the buttons on the seat saves a lot of guesswork.
9 min readHow to Say I'm Busy in Japanese: Isogashii, Bata Bata and More
Saying I'm busy in Japanese is easy; saying it without sounding like a brush-off takes a few softer phrases and the right order.
9 min readHow to Say I Forgot in Japanese: Wasureta, Wasurechatta and Omoidasenai
Japanese has one core verb for forgetting, but the form you choose shows whether you are just stating a fact, sounding sorry about it, or still searching your memory.
10 min readHow to Say It's My First Time in Japanese: Hajimete Desu and More
Saying it is your first time is one of the most useful lines a visitor or newcomer can learn, because in Japan it tends to make people slow down and explain things.
10 min readHow to Say I'm Scared in Japanese: Kowai, Bikkuri, Fuan and Kinchō
English stretches scared to cover fear, shock, worry and nerves, but Japanese usually picks a different word for each, and choosing the right one makes you sound far more natural.
9 min readHow to Say Please Speak Slowly in Japanese: Yukkuri and Mō Ichido
When Japanese comes at you too fast, the right request, said early and calmly, usually turns a stressful exchange into a conversation you can actually follow.
9 min readJapanese at a Bookstore: Finding, Ordering and Covering Books
A Japanese bookstore asks you one question you will not hear anywhere else: would you like a cover on that?
10 min readCycling in Japan: Bicycle Rules, Registration and Phrases
A bicycle is the cheapest way to own your neighbourhood in Japan, and it comes with its own small vocabulary, from the registration sticker to the parking lot.
10 min readJapanese New Year (Oshōgatsu): Customs, Food and Greetings
Oshōgatsu is the biggest holiday of the Japanese year, and it has two sets of greetings: one you stop using at midnight and one you start.
11 min readObon in Japan: Ancestors, Bon Odori, Going Home and Phrases
Obon is when families in Japan welcome their ancestors home for a few days, and when half the country seems to be on the road at the same time.
10 min readPractical guides
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