Feature Articles
Grammar/Expressions
12/16/01 - Particles: To
The functions of particle "to" include complete listing, accompaniment, quotation, and so on.11/04/01 - Sentence Ending Particles (2)
Learn more about sentence ending particles.10/21/01 - Sentence Ending Particles (1)
In Japanese, there are many particles that are added to the end of a sentence. They express the speaker's emotions of doubt, emphasis, caution, hesitation, wonder, admiration, and so on.10/14/01 - Expressions Used in Letters
The difference between written language and conversational language in Japanese is much greater than in English. Learn some set expressions used in formal letters.10/07/01 - Japanese for Travelers: Getting Around
Do you plan to go for a trip to Japan? Learn some useful expressions before you go. Speaking the language of the country your visiting makes the trip more fun!09/30/01 - Conversation Openers and Fillers
In conversations, openers and fillers are used quite often to smooth communication. Let's learn about frequently used openers and fillers.09/23/01 - Body Part Expressions: Head
There are many expressions including head in Japanese. Let's take a look these words, phrases and proverbs.09/16/01 - Particles: De
The functions of particle "de" include place of action, means, materials, and so on.09/09/01 - Particles: Ni
The Particle "ni" has quite a few different functions such as indirect object marker, location, direction, time, and so on.09/02/01 - Particles: O and No
A particle is a word that shows the relationship of a word, a phrase, or a clause to the rest of the sentence. We will look at the functions of the particle "o" and "no".08/26/01 - Onomatopoeic Phrases (3)
Japanese is filled with onomatopoeic phrases, the words that describe sound or action directly. We will take a look at onomatopoeic phrases related hunger, eating, taste and so on.08/05/01 - Shopping at Department Store
Japanese department stores are much bigger than their North American counterparts, and you can buy almost anything there. Let's learn useful expressions for shopping.07/29/01 - Proverbial Flowers
There are quite a few Japanese proverbs including flowers. Let's take a look at some of the expressions, and learn flower vocabulary.06/17/01 - Expressing One's Thoughts
When expressing one's thought, feelings, opinions, ideas and guesses, "~ to omou (I think that ~)" is frequently used. Find out more.06/10/01 - Counters
Each language has different ways for counting objects. Japanese uses a variety of counters, often based on the shape of the object. Find out more.06/03/01 - The Extended Use of the Verb "Suru"
The verb "suru (to do)" has many extended uses that occur quite often.05/27/01 - Specificity of Japanese Verbs
Some Japanese verbs are more specific when describing actions than English verbs. We will have a look what verbs are used to describe "to wear" and "to play".05/13/01 - Particles: Wa VS Ga
Particles are probably one of the most difficult and confusing aspects of Japanese sentences. The two most confusing seem to be "wa" and "ga".04/08/01 - Talking on the Phone
Let's learn common expressions used on the phone. Don't be intimidated by phone calls. Practice makes perfect!04/01/01 - All About Adjectives
There are two types of adjectives in Japanese. Japanese adjectives differ from their English counterparts. Find out more.03/11/01 - All About Verbs
Verbs forms are considered to be difficult to learn. The good news is the system itself is rather simple, as far as memorizing certain rules.03/04/01 - Proverbial Fish
Fish are closely related to Japanese culture. There are quite a few expressions and proverbs including fish in Japanese. Find out more.02/18/01 - Expressions of Ability
Ability and potential can be expressed by two different ways. Find out more.01/28/01 - Visiting Someone's Place
Japanese seem to have many formal phrases for certain actions. Learn some common expressions you are likely to use when visiting Japanese homes.12/16/00 - Let's Sing the "Rudolph" Song in Japanese
The Japanese celebrate Christmas in their own way. There are many Christmas songs translated into Japanese. Let's sing "Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer" in Japanese!11/25/00 - Expressions of Desire
There are two ways to express desire or wish. Find out more.11/18/00 - Health Problems (2)
You will learn more vocabulary and expressions that will be helpful when you have health problems.11/11/00 - Health Problems (1)
You will learn some expressions to describe health problems.10/07/00 - Personal Pronouns
A pronoun is a word that takes the place of a noun. The use of Japanese personal pronouns is quite different from English. Find out more.09/30/00 - Expressing Uncertainty
You will learn phrases to express uncertainty and the difference between "darou" and "kamoshirenai".09/23/00 - Expressing Apologies
Apologizing is considered a virtue in Japan. Learn some expressions to apologize.09/16/00 - Onomatopoeic Phrases (2)
You will learn some onomatopoeic phrases to describe "sleeping."09/09/00 - Onomatopoeic Phrases (1)
Japanese is filled with onomatopoeic phrases, the words describing sound or action directly. Find out more.09/02/00 - Quantity Expressions
Quantity expressions are used as adverbial phrases. You will learn how to express "many", "a little" etc.08/19/00 - Expressing Emotions (2): Interjections and Exclamations
You will need quite a bit of experience in, and understanding of, a culture to speak its language naturally. Expressing emotions is an integral part.08/12/00 - Expressing Emotions (1): Pleasure and Sadness
You will learn how to express your emotions when you are happy or sad.08/05/00 - Greetings for Special Occasions (2)
You will learn greetings when seeing someone after a long absence and for New Year's celebration.07/29/00 - Greetings for Special Occasions (1)
Greeting with appropriate words is important for socializing. You will learn greetings for celebrations and for somebody who is ill.07/08/00 - Tanabata Song
July 7th is Tanabata (Star Festival) in Japan. You will learn vocabulary and expressions (giongo) from the lyrics.05/14/00 - Koi-nobori Song
May 5th is Japan's national holiday, Kodomo no hi (Children's Day). Families with boys fly koi-nobori (carp kites) to pray for their children's strong growth. Do you want know the Koi-nobori song?
