Insights on vocabulary learning, product releases, and localized study tips.
「〜と思います」 is very useful, but it can be unclear whether you mean an opinion, a guess, or a gentle softening phrase. This article explains the three functions and shows how to choose a clearer wording for each goal. In “Rephrase directions” and “Usage examples,” we also include kana readings (かな（ひらがなよみ）) and IPA for practice.
“すごい” is handy but too broad, so its meaning can get lost. This article groups its functions into praise, awe, degree, surprise, and negative intensity, using CEFR A2 vocabulary. Japanese examples include kana and IPA so learners can start using them right away.
「お願いします」（onegaishimasu） is one of the most common request expressions in Japanese. It is very handy, but its meaning is often vague, because it can work as a request, greeting, thanks, or closing phrase. This article sorts its functions and offers clearer rephrases with examples, kana, and IPA for learners (CEFR A2).
「大丈夫です」 is handy but very broad. Without context it can mean OK or NO, reassurance or refusal, which can cause misunderstandings. This article sorts it by function and offers clear rephrases, with kana and IPA for practice.
「すみません」 can mean apology, thanks, or a call/request. This guide shows how to rephrase by purpose, with kana and IPA, so your meaning is clear and polite (CEFR A2 level).
「できません」 (“I can’t”) is correct, but it may sound strong. This article shows three softer directions—share constraints, offer an alternative, and show willingness—using simple, learner‑friendly English.
「少々お待ちください」 can sound strong because it stops someone. Learn three kinder ways—make a request, check first, or share a reason—in clear, easy English.
On Japanese trains, people usually keep quiet. In this article, we learn the reason — consideration for others — and the gentle phrases used to express it, in learner‑friendly language.
Japan has no tipping custom. People share gratitude with words and attitude. In this article (CEFR A2), learn simple and natural ways to say thank you in Japanese and when to use them.
In Japanese convenience stores, short phrases carry care. We learn expressions like 「温めますか？」 and 「袋はご利用ですか？」 in clear A2-level English, with grammar notes and cultural context for easy translation and understanding.
In Japan we bow to greet, thank, and apologize. This article explains, in clear learner‑friendly English, how angle and words work together（会釈・敬礼・最敬礼／「〜いたします」「〜申し上げます」）.
In Japan, people take off their shoes before entering a home. This article explains why, along with the polite expressions 「お邪魔します」 and 「お上がりください」, in clear, simple language.
Where 「挨拶（あいさつ）」 comes from, how its meaning changed, and how greetings differ across cultures — explained clearly for learners.
Japanese keeps two systems—the native 「ひとつ・ふたつ…」 and the Sino‑Japanese 「いち・に・さん…」. A clear, learner‑friendly guide to how they work and where similar patterns show up across Asia.
As the seasons turn, we gently introduce Japan’s classic poem ‘Iroha’. We cover its basic meaning, history, and where it appears today.
Behind the 'difficulty' of Japanese lies a culture of harmony, living with nature, and words with heart. This article explains these in plain English with learner-friendly examples.
Today we’re starting a blog to share helpful tips and short reads that make Japanese vocabulary learning deeper and more enjoyable.
