Japan Moji

Hazu desu

2012-01-25T11:15:00.000-08:00

Hazu desu

Meaning: Expected to (do), supposed to (do).

When to use?

1) After dictionary form of verb or adjective

Kono pasokon wa motto takai hazu desu.

= This computer is expected to be more expensive.

2) After ta-form of verb or adjective

Sou itta hazu desu.

= I'm sure I told you that.

3) After (adjectival) noun + na or no

Kare wa byouki no hazu desu.

= I'm sure he is sick.

4) After nai-form (negative form) of verb or adjective

Kanojo wa ikanai hazu desu.

= I'm sure she will not come.

Hajimeru

2011-10-15T17:49:00.000-07:00

Hajimeru

Meaning: Begin, start (doing task).

When to use?

1) After conjunctive form of verb

Watashi no o-niisan wa senshuu kara nihongo wo benkyou shihajimemashita.

= My eldest brother began to study Japanese last week.

Kyonen piano wo naraihajimemashita.

= I started learning piano last year.

Goro

2011-08-13T06:28:00.003-07:00

Goro

Meaning: Around, about.

When to use?

1) After specified point in time

Kare wa kinou asa ku ji goro dekakemashita.

= He went out yesterday about nine o'clock in the morning.

2) After itsu or nan ji

Nanji goro denwashimashou ka.

= At about what time shall I call?

Narita Airport to Yokohama

2011-07-24T05:11:00.000-07:00

Depending on your departure time, there are many train routes that you can use when you are travelling from Narita Airport to Yokohama. For an instance, if your departure time from Narita Airport is around 8:00 am, you can get on a Skyliner 2 going to Nippori station. From there, change train and get on to JR keihintohoku line going to Yokohama.

Another route that you may consider when your departure time is around 7:00 am, you can get on JR Sobu line (rapid train) going to Tokyo. Then, change train and transfer to JR Yokosuka line going to Yokohama.

Garu

2011-07-01T21:19:00.000-07:00

Garu

Meaning: Someone wants or feels something.

When to use?

1) After the stem of adjective expressing emotion

Kanojo wa motto ii kaban o hoshigatte imasu.

= She wants a better bag.

2) After the stem of adjective expressing sensation

Sono kega hito wa hidoku itagatte imasu.

= That injured person looks to be in terrible pain.

3) After conjunctive form of verb + ta

Kare wa nihon ni ikitagatte imasu.

= He is eager to visit Japan.

Japan Travel eBook - Visitor Edition

2011-06-26T04:28:00.000-07:00

Introducing the first Japan Moji eBook! It is called "Japan Moji Travel - Visitor Edition". This eBook contains the very essential conversation guide when travelling to Japan as visitor. It is divided into three chapters such as "Immigration", "Transportation", and "Hotel Accommodation".

Basically, it will guide you to converse using simple and straightforward Japanese on what to answer when you are facing to an immigration officer, what to ask when you are at the train stations, and how to confirm some information when you arrived at the hotel accommodation.

You don't have to learn how to read kanji characters in order to visit Japan. Using this eBook, you can travel Japan with confidence!

Once you have purchased this eBook, you will always receive the latest copy of this edition for FREE. Buy Now!

Ga

2011-06-08T03:23:00.000-07:00

Meaning: Particle indicating the subject or object for specific verb or adjective.

When to use?

1) After subject just introduced

Kono hito ga hanaoka-san desu. Kare wa daigaku no sensei desu.

= This is Mr. Hanaoka. He is a university teacher.

Ano depato no mae ni ginkou ga arimasu

= There is a bank in front of that department store.

2) After stressed subject

Watashi ga sore mo shimasu.

= I will also do it.

3) After interrogative

Nani ga omoshiroi no desu ka.

= What is so funny?

4) After subject in a relative clause

Watashi ga katta hon wa amerika no sei desu.

= The book I bought is American-made.

Douzo

2011-04-10T04:09:00.000-07:00

Douzo

Meaning: Please, sure, certainly, here it is.

When to use?

1) Used in imperative sentence

Douzo suwatte kudasai.

= Please sit down.

Kochira e douzo.

= This way, please.

2) Used in reply to a request

Konpyu-ta o kashite kuremasen ka. "Hai, Douzo".

= Can I use your computer? "Yes, certainly."

Chotto pen o kashite kuremasen ka. "Douzo".

= Would you lend me your pen for a moment? "Sure.".

Doushitemo

2011-04-02T02:30:00.000-07:00

Doushitemo

Meaning: No matter what, by any means, can't help, at any cost, simply.

When to use?

1) Used with affirmative

Doushitemo shiken no kekka wo kangaete shimaimasu.

= I can't help thinking of the exam result.

Doushitemo kono pasokon ga hitsuyou desu.

= I need this laptop at any cost.

2) Used with negative

Doushitemo kyou made ni owaranakereba narimasen.

= I must finish it by today no matter what.

Doushitemo ikitakunai desu.

= I simply don't want to go.

Doushite

2011-04-02T02:20:00.000-07:00

Doushite

Meaning: Why, how, in what way.

When to use?

1) Asking a method

Kono e wa doushite kakimasuka.

= How do you draw this painting?

2) Asking a reason

Doushite yameta no desu ka.

= Why did you resign?

Leo passed the JLPT - N5!

2011-03-24T05:09:00.001-07:00

"Studying under JapanMoji have been very fruitful in my learning experience. While the lessons and guides posted in the website are already helpful, having a sensei -a Filipino well-versed in Japanese- takes it on a different level because you can confidently practice your conversational Japanese without having any feeling of intimidation. Jess gives spontaneous examples and will also check on your pronunciation and accent, a rare experience for learners who mostly rely on reading materials alone. During breaks, he also shares his previous work experience in Japan which makes the sessions worthwhile.Thanks!" - Leo

Dore

2011-03-19T23:40:00.000-07:00

Dore

Meaning: Which.

When to use?

1) Used as subject

Kono uchi dore ga ichiban yuumei desu ka.

= Which is the most famous of them?

2) Used as object

Ano futatsu no uchi dore wo erabimasu ka.

= Which do you choose of these two?

Dore ga ichiban takai desu ka.

= Which is the most expensive?

3) Before noun (Dore changes to "Dono")

Dono eiga ga omoshiroi desu ka.

= Which movie is interesting?

4) Used with particle

Kono uchi dore ka yasui desu ka.

= Which is cheapest among these?

Dono Kurai

2011-03-19T04:05:00.000-07:00

Dono Kurai

Meaning: How much, how many, how long, how far, how tall.

When to use?

1) Before noun

Dono kurai hon wo atsumemashita ka.

= How many books have you collected?

2) Used as adverb

Gakkou kara eki made dono kurai kakarimasu ka.

= How long does it take from school to the train station?

Shinkansen wa dono kurai kakarimasu ka.

= How long does it take by bullet train?

Dokoro ka

2011-03-11T22:01:00.000-08:00

Dokoro ka

Meaning: To say nothing of, far from, not to speak of, much more, much less, not only, but.., on the contrary.

When to use?

1) After (adjectival) noun

Kanojo wa eigo dokoro ka nihongo mo hanasemasu.

= She can speak not only English but Japanese as well.

Yasai dokoro ka sakana mo tabemasen.

= I don't even eat fish much less vegetable.

2) After dictionary form of verb or adjective

Kare wa jouzu dokoro ka tensai desu.

= He is not only clever but a genius.

3) After nai-form of verb

Kare wa shigoto shite inai dokoro ka monku wo itte iru.

= Not only he does not work, but he complains.

Dokoro de(wa) nai

2011-03-11T21:46:00.000-08:00

Dokoro de(wa) nai

Meaning: Be more than.., be out of the question, not an occasion for.

When to use?

1) After dictionary form of verb/ adjective

Benkyou ni iku dokoro dewa nai.

= Going on a study is out of the question.

Jodan wo itte iru dokoro dewa nai.

= This is not an occasion for joking.

Doko

2011-03-06T02:19:00.000-08:00

Doko

Meaning: Where, what.

When to use?

1) Followed by desu

Byouin wa doko desu ka.

= Where is the hospital?

Suzuki-san wa ima doko desu ka.

= Where is Mr. Suzuki now?

2) Followed by locational particle

Kare wa doko ni hataraite iru no desu ka.

= Where is he working?

Do youbi ni wa doko e iku no desu ka.

= Where are you going on saturday?

3) Followed by possessive particle "no"

Doko no gakkou ni benkyou suru no desu ka.

= At what school are you studying?

4) Followed by subject marker "ga"

Kore no doko ga warui no desu ka.

= What's wrong with this?

Kanji appearing in past tests

2011-03-03T07:31:00.000-08:00

Test your kanji ability by taking the past tests.

JLPT Level N4 (Past Kanji 1992) » online exam

Dou

2011-03-02T04:34:00.000-08:00

Dou

Meaning: What, How, How about.

When to use?

1) Followed verb + noun

Kore wa dou shimasu ka.

= How shall I do this?

Toshokan made dou ikimasu ka.

= How can I go to the library?

2) Followed by desu

Ashita no sukeju-ru wa dou desu ka

= How about your schedule tomorrow?

Sore o tameshi mitara dou desu ka.

= How would it be if you try it?

3) Used with verb Omou

Sono eiga o dou omoimasu ka.

= What do you think of this movie?

Dewa

2011-02-18T04:54:00.000-08:00

Dewa

Meaning: in, at, as for, well, then, so, well then, if so.

When to use?

1) After Noun

Yokohama dewa bukka ga takasugimasu.

= In Yokohama the prices are too high.

Watashi no iken dewa kono kamera ga ii to omoimasu.

= In my opinion, this camera is better.

2) At the beginning of sentence

Dewa ashita ni shimashou.

= Well, let's do it tomorrow.

Dewa kono kaban wo kaimasu.

= Then, I'll buy this bag.

Dewa osakini shitsurei shimasu.

= Well, I'll go ahead.

Desu

2011-02-05T23:07:00.000-08:00

Desu

Meaning: Polite auxiliary verb which indicates: someone or something is in some place or position; someone or something has quality.

When to use?

1) After Noun

Watashi no namae wa Satoshi desu.

= My name is Satoshi.

Kore wa jisho desu.

= This is a dictionary.

2) After dictionary form of adjective

Kare no totta shashin wa kirei desu.

= The picture he took is beautiful.

Deshou

2011-01-29T23:26:00.000-08:00

Deshou

Meaning: Auxiliary verb which means, will (be), shall(be), would (be), probably.

When to use?

1) After Noun

Kono hito wa satou-san deshou.

= This man is probably Mr. Satou.

2) After dictionary form of verb/ adjective

Kanojo wa totemo tsuyoi deshou.

= She is very strong, isn't she?

Anata mo gakusei deshou.

= You are also a student, aren't you?

3) After nai form of verb/ adjective

Kono sagyou wa kinyoubi made ni dekinai deshou.

= This task will probably not be completed by Friday.

Demo

2011-01-23T01:10:00.000-08:00

Demo

Meaning: but, even, or something, in spite of.

When to use?

1) After the beginning of sentence

Demo takasugiru yo.

= But it's too expensive.

2) After interrogative word

Dare demo sonna koto wa dekimasu ne.

= Anybody can do that.

Doko demo kaimono wo shimasu.

= I will go shopping anywhere.

3) After (adjectival) noun

Kanojo wa shuumatsu demo hatarakimasu.

She works even on weekends.

Dekiru

2010-12-20T22:30:00.001-08:00

Dekiru

Meaning: Can perform something, can be done, be finished, be ready, be made, be performed.

When to use?

1) After (object) noun + ga

Otobaiku no unten ga dekimasu ka.

= Can you drive a motorcyle?

2) Used as intransitive verb

Shukudai ga dekimashita.

= The homework is finished.

Asagohan no youji ga dekimashita.

= Preparation for breakfast is finished.

Ekimae ni atarashii gakkou ga dekimashita.

= A new school has been built in front of the train station.

Kanji appearing in past tests

2010-11-29T04:43:00.000-08:00

Test your kanji ability by taking the past tests.

Vocabulary appearing in past tests

2010-11-29T04:42:00.000-08:00

Test your vocabulary ability by taking the past tests.

Grammar points appearing in past tests

2010-11-29T04:40:00.000-08:00

Test your grammar ability by taking the past tests.

De aru

2010-11-26T22:10:00.000-08:00

De aru

Meaning: Same as desu, no desu, but it is commonly used in written or formal language instead of da/desu

When to use?

1) After (adjectival) noun

Rando ma-ku wa nihon no yokohama ni taterareta ta-wa de aru.

= Land mark is a tower built in yokohama Japan.

2) After dictionary form of verb/ adjective + no

Kono houhou sureba mondai wa kaiketsu sareru no de aru.

= The problem will be solved in this method.

Vocabulary List (101 to 150)

2010-11-09T23:31:00.000-08:00

Vocabulary list for JLPT level N5.
101. おします (oshimasu) - push
102. おそい (osoi) - late; show
103. おちゃ (ocha) - tea
104. おてあらい (お手洗い, o-te-arai) - lavatory; toilet
105. おとうさん (o-tou-san) - [someone's] father
106. おとうとさん (o-touto-san) - [someone's] younger brother
107. おとこ (otoko) - man; male
108. おとこのこ (男の子, otoko-no-ko) - boy
109. おととい (ototoi) - the day before yesterday
110. おととし (ototoshi) - the year before last
111. おとな (大人, otona) - adult
112. おなか (onaka) - stomach
113. おなじ (onaji) - same
114. おにいさん (o-nii-san) - [someone's] older brother
115. おねえさん (o-nee-san) - [someone's] older sister
116. おばさん (obasan) - aunt
117. おばあさん (o-baa-san) - grandmother
118. おべんとう (o-ben-tou) - lunch box
119. おぼえます (oboemasu) - memorize
120. おもい (omoi) - heavy
121. おもしろい (omoshiroi) - interesting; fun; funny
122. およぎます (oyogimasu) - swim
123. おります (arimasu) - get off
124. おわります (owarimasu) - end; finish
125. おんがく (ongaku) - music
126. おんな (女, onna) - woman, female
127. おんなのこ (女の子, onna-no-ko) - girl
128. ～かい (~kai) - no. of times/ floors
129. がいこく (外国, gai-koku) - foreign country
130. がいこくじん (外国人, gai-koku-jin) - foreigner
131. かいしゃ (会社, kai-sha) - company
132. かいだん (kai-dan) - stairs
133. かいもの (買いもの, kai-mono) - shopping
134. かいます (買います, kaimasu) - buy
135. かえします (kaeshimasu) - return [object]
136. かえります (kaerimasu) - return [home]
137. かお (kao) - face
138. かかります (kakarimasu) - take [time/ money]
139. かぎ (kagi) - key
140. かきます (書きます, kakimasu) - write
141. がくせい (学生, gaku-sei) - student
142. ～かげつ (~kagetsu) - no. of months
143. かけます (kakemasu) - wear [eyeglass], dial a phone
144. かさ (kasa) - umbrella
145. かします (kashimasu) - lend
146. かぜ (kaze) - wind, cold
147. かぞく (家族, kazoku) - family
148. かた (kata) - person
149. がっこう (ga-kkou) - school
150. かど (kado) - corner

De

2010-11-08T23:53:00.000-08:00

Meaning: At, in, on, by, with, from, for, because of

When to use?

1) After noun expressing place where an action is performed

Kanojo wa heya de ongaku o kiite imasu.

= She is listening the music in her room.

2) After noun expressing place where an event is or where an action occurs

Kare no ie de pa-ti- ga arimasu.

= There will be a party at his house.

3) After noun expressing range for comparison

Yamada san wa chimu de ichiban se ga takai desu.

= Mr. Yamada is the tallest in the team.

4) After noun expressing method or means

Kare wa basu de shigoto ni ikimasu.

= He will go to work by bus.

5) After noun expressing material or ingredients

Sake wa kome de tsukuraremasu.

= Sake is made from rice.

6) After noun expressing reason or cause

Kanojo no okage de shiken o goukaku shimashita.

= I passed the exam because of her.

7) After noun expressing time taken to finish an action

Ni jikan de kaerimasu.

= I will be home in two hours.

8) After noun expressing point in time when something terminates

Yasumi wa kyou de owarimasu.

= The vacation will end today.

9) After noun expressing price

Kono kaban wa ichi man en de kaimashita.

= I bought this bag for ten thousand yen.

10) After noun expressing age

Watashi wa ni juu ni sai de kekkon shitai desu.

= I want to marry at the age of twenty two.

Datte

2010-11-07T23:33:00.000-08:00

Datte

Meaning: But, because, also, even

When to use?

1) At the beginning of the sentence

"Ikanai no?" "Datte tsukarete iru n deshou."

= "You don't want to go?" "Because I'm tired"

2) After noun

"Sonna koto wa iya desu." "Watashi datte iya desu"

= "I hate such things." "Me, too."

3) With interrogative pronoun

Kanojo wa supotsu nara nan datte dekimasu.

= If it's sports, she can play everything.

Dare

2010-11-05T23:23:00.000-07:00

Dare

Meaning: Who

When to use?

1) Subjective with ga

Dare ga kono kaban o wasuremashita no ka shitte imasu ka.

= Do you know who left this bag?

2) Objective with o or ni

Dare ni kikitai no desu ka.

= Who do you want to ask?

3) Complement that describes the subject

Asoko ni suwatte iru hito wa dare desu ka.

Who is the person sitting over there?

4) Possessive sentence with no

Sore wa dare no pasokon desu ka.

= Whose computer is that?

Kanji appearing in past tests

2010-10-31T18:15:00.002-07:00

Test your kanji ability by taking the past tests.

Vocabulary appearing in past tests

2010-10-31T18:15:00.001-07:00

Test your vocabulary ability by taking the past tests.

Grammar points appearing in past tests

2010-10-31T18:14:00.001-07:00

Test your grammar ability by taking the past tests.

Going out

2010-10-26T05:48:00.000-07:00

Simple conversations when going out for travel or leisure.

Have you got everything? - 忘れ物はないですか。(Wasuremono wa nai desuka?)
I left something in my room - 部屋に忘れ物をしてきた。(Heya ni wasuremono wo shite kita.)
Hurry up, or we will not be in time - 急がないと間に合わないでしょう。(Isoganai to maniawanai desho.)
Have you got the key? - 鍵は持ちました。(Kagi wa mochimashita?)
Did you lock the door? - 玄関の鍵は閉めましたか。(Genkan no kagi wa shimemashitaka?)
The bus is coming! - バスが来ていますよ！(Basu ga kite imasu yo.)
Please wait! - 待ってください！(Matte kudasai!)

Computer hardware and software terms - Part 2

2010-10-25T05:39:00.000-07:00

These are the common computer hardware and software terminologies.
21) Server - サーバー (Sa-ba-)
22) Server reboot - サーバリブート (Sa-ba- Ribu-to)
23) Service - サービス (Sa-bisu)
24) Size - サイズ (Saizu)
25) Site - サイト (Saito)
26) Sub domain - サブドメイン (Sabu Domein)
27) Support - サポート (Sapo-to)
28) Shell - シェル (Sheru)
29) System - システム (Shisutemu)
30) Journal - ジャーナル (Ja-naru)
31) Serial - シリアル (Shiriaru)
32) Script - スクリプト (Sukuriputo)
33) Schedule - スケジュール (Sukeju-ru)
34) Start - スタート (Suta-to)
35) Standby mode - スタンバイモード (Sutanbai mo-do)
36) Spool - スプール (Supu-ru)
37) Space - スペース (Supe-su)
38) Slot - スロット (Surotto)
39) Secondary - セカンダリ (Sekandari)
40) Security - セキュリテイ (Sekyuriti)

Kanji appearing in past tests

2010-10-23T22:54:00.000-07:00

Test your kanji ability by taking the past tests.

Vocabulary appearing in past tests

2010-10-23T22:53:00.000-07:00

Test your vocabulary ability by taking the past tests.

Grammar points appearing in past tests

2010-10-23T22:51:00.000-07:00

Test your grammar ability by taking the past tests.

Computer hardware and software terms - Part1

2010-10-23T05:12:00.000-07:00

These are the common computer hardware and software terminologies.
1) Guide - ガイド (Gaido)
2) Category - カテゴリ (Kategori)
3) Client - クライアント (Kurayanto)
4) Crash - クラッシュ (Kurasshu)
5) Graphic - グラフィック (Gurafikku)
6) Cleaning - クリーニング (Kuri-ningu)
7) Click - クリック (Kurikku)
8) Group - グループ (Guru-pu)
9) Close - クロース (Kuro-su)
10) Case - ケース (Ke-su)
11) Get - ゲット (Getto)
12) Code - コード (Ko-do)
13) Copy - コピー (Kopi-)
14) Command - コマンド (Komando)
15) Command center - コマンドセンター (Komando Senta-)
16) Comment - コメント (Komento)
17) Console - コンソール (Konso-ru)
18) Contents - コンテンツ (Kontentsu)
19) Control - コントロール (Kontoro-ru)
20) Configuration - コンフィギュレーション (Konfigyure-shon)

Dakedo

2010-10-21T07:24:00.000-07:00

Dakedo

Meaning: But, however, though, still, nevertheless

When to use?

1) At the beginning of sentence

Kono kuruma ga hoshii. Dakedo takasugimasu.

= I want this car. However, it is too expensive.

2) After (adjectival) noun

Ashita wa ame dakedo dekakemasu ka.

= Will you go out though it might be rainy tomorrow?

3) After dictionary form of verb/adjective

K1 o mitai n dakedo doko de kippu o kattara ii no ka wakarimasen.

= I want to see K1, but I don't know where I can buy a ticket.

4) After ta-form of verb/adjective

MP3 o katta n dakedo tsukau no ga muzukashii desu.

= I bought an MP3 player, but it is difficult to use.

Dake

2010-10-12T23:44:00.000-07:00

Dake

Meaning: Just, only, simply, as much as

When to use?

1) After noun

Sore ga dekiru no wa suzuki dake desu.

= Suzuki is the only one who can do it.

2) After particle

Sono koen wa nihon dake ni arimasu.

= That garden exists only in Japan.

3) After dictionary form of verb

Kore wa yasui dake desu. Hinshitsu wa yoi desu.

= This is just cheap. The quality is good.

4) After ta form of verb/adjective

Anata wo mi ni kita dake desu.

= I just came here to see you.

5) After nai-form of verb/adjective

Ikitakunai dake desu.

= I just don't want to go.

6) After adjectival noun

Kanojo wa yuumei + na dake de taishita gaka dewa arimasen.

= He is merely famous, and not much an artist.

Kanji appearing in past tests

2010-10-12T07:33:00.002-07:00

Test your kanji ability by taking the past tests.

JLPT Level N5 (Past Kanji 1992) » make test

Vocabulary appearing in past tests

2010-10-12T07:33:00.001-07:00

Test your vocabulary ability by taking the past tests.

JLPT Level N5 (Past Vocabulary - 1992) » online quizzes

Grammar points appearing in past tests

2010-10-12T07:32:00.001-07:00

Test your grammar ability by taking the past tests.

JLPT Level N5 (Past Grammar - 1992) » create tests

Dakara

2010-10-11T22:00:00.000-07:00

Dakara

Meaning: That's why, and so, therefore, because

When to use?

1) At the beginning of sentence.

Kaigi ga atta sou desune. Ee, dakara okuremashita.

= I hear there was a meeting. Yes, that's why I was late.

2) After dictionary, ta or nai form of verb/adjective + noun.

Ashita wa hayaku okiru n dakara mou nete kudasai.

= Go to be now because you have to get up early tomorrow.

Okaasan wa mou itta n dakara anata mo hayaku itte kudasai.

= Your mother has already gone so you should hurry and go too.

3) After noun + na + noun

Kanojo wa gakusei nan n dakara motto benkyou shinakute wa ikemasen.

= Because she is a student, she have to study more.

Breakfast

2010-10-10T22:00:00.000-07:00

Simple conversations when having a breakfast.

Breakfast is ready - 朝食が準備できました。(Choushoku ga junbi dekimashita)
You should eat breakfast - 朝食をちゃんと食べてください。(Choushoku wo chanto tabete kudasai)
I don't feel like eating now - 今は何も食べたくないです。(Ima, nani mo tabetakunai desu)
I have no appetite - 食欲がないです。(Shokuyoku ga nai desu)
Have some coffee - コーヒーをどうぞ。(Ko-hi wo douzo)

"NAI" form conjugation - Irregular verbs

2010-10-09T23:08:00.000-07:00

Using the irregular verbs dictionary form, replace “Suru” with “Shinai”. Only the verb "Kuru" has a conjugation of "Konai"
1. かいぎをする (kaigi wo suru) = かいぎをしない (kaigi wo + shinai)
2. かいものをする (kaimono wo suru) = かいものをしない (kaimono wo + shinai)
3. けっこんをする (kekkon wo suru) =けっこんをしない (kekkon wo + shinai)
4. コピーをする (kopi- wo suru) =コピーをしない (kopi- wo + shinai)
5. さんぽをする (sanpo wo suru) = さんぽをしない (sanpo wo + shinai)
6. しごとをする (shigoto wo suru) = しごとをしない (shigoto wo + shinai)
7. しつもんをする (shitsumon wo suru) = ～しつもんをしない (shitsumon wo + shinai)
8. する (suru) =しない (shinai)
9. しゅくだいをする (shukudai wo suru) =しゅくだいをしない (shukudai wo + shinai)
10. せんたくをする (sentaku wo suru) = せんたくをしない (sentaku wo + shinai)
11. そうじをする (souji wo suru) = そうじをしない (souji wo + shinai)
12. でんわをする (denwa wo suru) = でんわをしない (denwa wo + shinai)
13. はなしをする (hanashi wo suru) =はなしをしない (hanashi wo + shinai)
14. パーテーをする (pa-ti- wo suru) =パーテーをしない (pa-ti- wo + shinai)
15. べんきょうをする (benkyou wo suru) =べんきょうをしない (benkyou wo + shinai)
16. りょうりをする (ryouri wo suru) = りょうりをしない (ryouri wo + shinai)
17. りよこうをする (ryokou wo suru) =りょこうをしない (ryokou wo + shinai)
18. れんしゅうをする (renshuu wo suru) = れんしゅうをしない (renshuu wo + shinai)
19. くる (kuru) =こない (konai)

Getting Out of Bed in the Morning

2010-10-09T05:04:00.000-07:00

These are the useful conversations in the morning.

Good morning - おはようございます。(Ohayou gozaimasu)
Are you awake? - 目が覚ましましたか？(Me ga samashimashitaka)
Please get up early - 早く起きてください。(Hayaku okite kudasai)
It's time to get up - 時間ですよ。(Jikan desuyo)
What time is it now? - 今、何時ですか？(Ima, nanji desuka)
I still have time - まだ時間がありますよ。(Mada jikan ga arimasuyo)
Just a second - あと少しだけです。(Ato sukoshi dake desu)
I'm sleep - 眠いです。(Nemui desu)
I feel cold - 寒いです。(Samui desu)
I don't want to go to school today - 今日は学校に行きたくないです。(Kyou wa gakkou ni ikitakunai desu)
Are you feeling sick? - 具合が悪いのですか？(Guai ga warui no desuka)
I have a stomach ache - おなかが痛いです。(Onaka ga itai desu)
Did you sleep well last night? 昨晩はよく眠れましたか？(Sakuban wa yoku nemuremashitaka)
I had a strange dream - 変な夢を見ました。(Hen na yume wo mimashita)
You disturbed my sleep - あなたのおかげで眠れなかった。(Anat no okage de nemurenakatta)
I forgot to set an alarm clock - 目覚まし時計をかけ忘れました。(Mezamashi dokei wo kake wasuremashita)
Will you turn off the alarm clock? - 目覚まし時計を止めてくれませんか？(Mezamashi dokei wo tomete kuremasenka)

Daga

2010-10-07T06:55:00.000-07:00

Daga

Meaning: But, however

When to use?

1) At the beginning of sentence.

Taifuu ga owatta. Daga ouku no inochi ga ushinawareta.

= The typhoon is over. However, many people lost their lives.

2) After dictionary, ta or nai form of verb/adjective + noun.

Takai no daga hinshitsu ga yoi desu.

= It's expensive but the quality is good.

Kanojo no jimusho ni tazuneta no daga, aenakatta.

= I dropped in at her office but I wasn't able to see her.

Commonly used Interrogatives

2010-10-05T08:14:00.000-07:00

These are the commonly used interrogatives (plain and formal) form.

1. Who - dare, donata (formal)
2. Whose - dare no, donata no (formal)
3. With whom - dare to, donata to (formal)
4. What - nan + desuka, nani + particle or noun
5. What number - nan + ban
6. What time - nan + ji
7. By what - nan de, nani de
8. Which day of the week - nan + youbi
9. Which day of the month - nan + nichi
10. Which month - nan + gatsu
11. When - itsu
12. How much (price) - ikura
13. How many - ikutsu, nan-ko (for small objects)
14. How many people - nan + nin
15. How many (long objects) - nan + hon, nan + bon
16. How many sheets - nan + mai
17. How many (books) - nan + satsu
18. How many times - nan + kai, nan + do
19. How many hours - nan + jikan
20. How many minutes - nan + pun, nan + fun
21. How long, how much, how many (for quantity) - donogurai, donokurai
22. Where - doko, dochira (formal)
23. At where (action) - doko de, dochira de (formal)
24. At where (existence) - doko ni, dochira ni (formal)
25. To where (direction) - doko ni (doko e), dochira ni (dochira e) (formal)
26. Which - dore, dochira (formal)
27. Which + noun - dono + noun, dochira no + noun (formal)
28. Which company's/ country's - doko no, dochira no (formal)
29. Why - doushite, nande, naze (formal)

Must know when going out for Food and Drinks

2010-09-27T17:45:00.000-07:00

The following practice must be observed when you are going out for Food and Drinks with Japanese colleagues or friends.

1. Do not point your chopsticks at anyone and never cross chopsticks on top of your plate or bowl.

2. Do not stick your chopsticks into your food specially not into rice. Usually, only at funerals are chopsticks stuck into the rice and placed onto the alter.

3. Do not use your chopsticks to pass food directly to another person's chopsticks or to serve food to another, you may use the opposite ends.

4. When drinking alcoholic beverages, it is a Japanese custom to serve each other, rather than pouring the beverage into one's own glass. You are supposed to check your friend's cups, and serve them more once their cups are getting empty. Likewise, if someone wants to serve you more, you should quickly empty your glass and empty it towards that person.

5. Usually, in restaurants it's customary to get a small, moist rolled-up towel (cold in summer; hot in winter) called an "Oshibori" to wipe your hands. When you are done using the towel carefully fold it and set it aside on the table.

6. When the food comes along, wait until the host offers something before serving yourself.

7. Eating noodle soup or Ramen is very popular in Japan. It's normal to make loud slurping sounds when you're eating noodles. Slurping hot food like ramen is polite as it shows that you are enjoying it.

8. When leaving the restaurant, making a comment to the chef on how good the food was will be most appreciated. You can say "Arigatou gozaimasu, Oishii deshita" or "Gochizosama deshita", it means that the food was delicious.

Humble Verbs

2010-09-26T17:31:00.000-07:00

These are the commonly used humble verbs:
Itadakimasu - to drink/eat/receive (Plain form is "Taberu")
Itashimasu - to do (Plain form is "Suru")
Mairimasu - to go/come (Plain form is "Iku/Kuru")
Moushiagemasu - to say (Plain form is "Iu")
Sashiagemasu - to give (Plain form is "Ageru")
Ukagaimasu - to go/come/ask (Plain form is "Iku/Kuru/Tazuneru")
Haiken suru - to look at/inspect (Plain form is "Miru")

Respectful Verbs

2010-09-26T05:24:00.000-07:00

These are the commonly used respectful verbs:
De gozaimasu - to be (Plain form is "Da")
Gozonji desu - to know (Plain form is "Shitte iru")
Irasshaimasu - to be/stay/come/go (Plain form is "Iru")
Meshiagarimasu - to eat (Plain form is "Taberu")
Nasaimasu - to do (Plain form is "Suru")
osshaimasu - to say (Plain form is "Iu")

On top of Mt. Fuji

2010-09-24T17:28:00.000-07:00

A beautiful sunrise on top of Mt. Fuji at exactly 4:00 am. Finally, after almost 5 years of my project assignment in Japan, I was able to climb the top of Mt. Fuji.

This is one of the reasons why there are so many foreigners coming to Japan and very interested to climb the Mt. Fuji.

Convenience of using SUICA card

2010-09-23T17:07:00.000-07:00

Tips for foreigners who are planning to stay in Japan for work or vacation. It is better to use the SUICA card for your daily train transportation. SUICA is the rechargeable prepaid card of Japan Rail East. It can be used to pay the fare for all trains in Tokyo region, trains, subways and monorails except shinkansen (bullet train).

SUICA can be purchased at vending machines or ticket counters in any Japan railway stations. The initial cost of deposit is 500 yen which is refundable plus the initial load amount. The initial amount is 1500 yen. It can also be recharged at vending machines and the maximum amount to be charged is 20,000 yen. You can check the current balance shown on the small display everytime you pass a ticket gate. The usage history can be checked at vending machines. The card will become invalid if not used for ten years. To refund the 500 yen deposit, just bring the SUICA card to the ticket counter.

Furthermore, it can also be used for shops such as convenience stores, kiosks and restaurants around railway stations instead of cash.

I often used it whenever I go to ramen shops near the train stations.

Chuu ni

2010-09-22T17:37:00.000-07:00

Chuu ni

Meaning: During, Within

It often euphonically changes to juu ni.

When to use?

1) After noun expressing period of time.

Natsu yasumi chuu ni hawaii ni iku tsumori desu.

= I plan to go to Hawaii during the summer vacation.

Raishuu chuu ni yasumi o doko de sugosu ka kimemasu.

= I'll decide within next week where to spend my vacation.

Choudo

2010-09-21T17:26:00.000-07:00

Choudo

Meaning: (Have) just (done), Exactly, Precisely

When to use?

1) It is used with ta-form of verb, followed by tokoro (or bakari) + da or desu.

Choudo shukudai o oeta tokoro desu.

= I've just finished the homework.

Choudo ima tsuita bakari da.

= I've just arrived.

2) Before number expression

Choudo juu ji ni kite kudasai.

Please come at ten sharp.

Chittomo

2010-09-20T17:21:00.000-07:00

Chittomo

Meaning: (Not) at all, (Not) a bit

It is commonly used with a negative statements.

When to use?

1) Followed by negative verb

Chittomo kamaimasen.

= I don't mind at all.

(In affirmative sentences, use sukoshi)

Sukoshi nihongo ga wakaremasu.

= I can understand a little Japanese.

Chau

2010-09-19T17:10:00.000-07:00

Chau

Meaning: Going to (do), Finish (doing), (Do something) completely

This is usually used by women. It is the informal equivalent of te shimau.

It is used after the stem of te-form of verbs whose dictionary form ends with -u, -ku, -tsu, or -ru. It becomes jau after the stem of te-form of verbs whose dictionary form ends with -bu, -gu, -mu, or -nu. Sometimes by no when form a question. The past forms becomes chatta/jatta (plain form) and chaimashita/jaimashita (polite form).

When to use?

1) After the stem of te-form of verb

Ima kaetchau n desu ka.

= Are you going to leave now?

Kare ni warui koto o shichaimashita.

= I"ve done wrong to him.

Cha

2010-09-17T16:55:00.000-07:00

Cha

Meaning: If, When

This is usually used by women. It is the informal equivalent of te wa or tara.

It is used after the stem of te-form of verbs whose dictionary form ends with -u, -ku, -tsu, or -ru. It becomes ja after the stem of te-form of verbs whose dictionary form ends with -bu, -gu, -mu, or -nu.

When to use?

1) After the stem of te-form of verb

Soko e itcha ikemasen.

= You must not go there.

Sonna koto o sarecha okorimasu.

= I'll get angry if you do that.

Bun

2010-09-13T17:54:00.000-07:00

Bun

Meaning: Quantity, part, portion, degree

When to use?

1) After dictionary form of verb

Taberu bun wa nai desu.

= There is not enough to eat.

2) After ta-form of verb

Kaita bun o misete kudasai.

= Please show me the part that you've written.

3) After nai-form of verb

Iranai bun wa kaeshite kudasai.

= Please return the portion that you don't need.

Beki Desu

2010-09-12T21:04:00.000-07:00

Beki Desu

Meaning: Should, Ought to (do)

When to use?

1) After dictionary form of verb

Isshoukenmei benkyou su(ru) beki desu.

= You should study hard.

Sonna kabang o kau beki dewa nai.

= You should'nt buy that bag.

2) Use as adjective

Sore wa mokuteki subeki ten da.

= That's the point you should make as a goal.

Common Adverbs

2010-09-10T19:03:00.000-07:00

The following adverbs are placed flexibly in any position in a sentence except at the end.
Amari - (あまり) (Not) very much
Ato de - (後で) Later
Chanto - (ちゃんと) Neatly, properly, punctually, correctly
Chotto - (ちょっと) A little, a bit, a moment
Douzo - (どうぞ) Please
Hotondo - (ほとんど) Almost, hardly, seldom (with a negative)
Korekkiri - (これっきり) Once and for all
Maamaa - (まあまあ) So-so
Mazu - (まず) To begin with, first of all
Mou - (もう) Already, (by) now, soon, yet (in questions)
Sakki - (さっき) A short while ago
Shibaraku - (しばらく) For a while, for the time being
Shitagatte - (したがって) Accordingly
Sukkari - (すっかり) Completely, perfectly
Sukoshi - (少し) A little, a bit, a moment
Sukoshimo - (すこしも) At all
Susunde - (すすんで) Willingly, voluntarily
Taihen - (たいへん) Very (much)
Tatoe - (たとえ) Even, no matter
Tokuni - (特に) Especially, in particular
Tonikaku - (とにかく) Anyhow, anyway, in any case
Totemo - (とても) Very, really, (not) by any means
Tsui - (つい) Unintentionally, by mistake
Yagate - (やがて) Before long, soon
Yoku - (よく) Often, well, hard
Yukkuri - (ゆっくり) Slowly, without hurry
Zehi - (ぜひ) by all means
Zuibun - (ずいぶん) Fairly, very much
Zutto - (ずっと) All the time

Bakari

2010-09-09T18:18:00.000-07:00

Bakari

Meaning: Only, just, always, be ready to (do), have just (done), about

When to use?

1) After te-form of verb followed by iru/imasu

Kanojo wa asonde bakari iru.

= She is always playing.

2) After dictionary form of verb followed by da/desu

Kanojo wa itsumo taberu bakari desu.

= She is always ready to eat.

3) After ta-form of verb followed by da/desu

Ima kuukou ni tsuita bakari desu.

= I've just arrived at the airport.

4) After noun

Kanojo wa benkyou bakari shite iru.

= She is always studying.

5) After particle

Kanojo wa koen ni bakari ikimasu.

= She always goes to the park

6) After noun expressing length or quantity

Nishukkan bakari rusu ni shimasu.

I'll be away about 2 weeks.

Naha Hari Dragon Boat Race

2010-09-08T17:13:00.000-07:00

Naha Hari Dragon Boat Race is one of the famous festivals in Okinawa, Japan. Hari dragon boat race were said to be imported from China to Okinawa during the era of the Ryukyu Kingdom. This event is being held every year to pray for the fishermen's safety and big catch for the year. Different organizations are competing in this race from the main hari.

This is one of the challenging and exciting activities I attended during my stay in Okinawa, Japan. I belong to the blue team headed by our Japanese department manager. Usually, there are 10 people on both sides of the boat and 1 leader standing at the back side to give instructions. It took about 10 minutes going to the target margin and back to the starting point.

Naruhodo

2010-09-07T17:00:00.000-07:00

"Naruhodo" is used when you were convinced by getting the answer to your question.
For some instance:
Suzuki: Nande konakattan desuka? (Why you didn't come?)
Nagakura: Michi ga konde ita kara rashii desu yo. (Because I heard that the street was crowded)
Suzuki: Naru hodo ne. Omatsuri datta kara ne. (Ah! I see! It's because of the festival)

Hazu

2010-09-06T18:52:00.000-07:00

"Hazu" is used when you are sure about the state of the things.
For some instance:
Yamamoto: Nani o shite iru no desuka? (What are you doing?)
Takahashi: Aoi shatsu o sagashite iru n da. (I'm looking for my blue shirt)
Yamamoto: Heya ni atta hazu dakedo... (I'm sure it was in the room)

Counter for YEARS OLD (SAI)

2010-09-05T16:46:00.000-07:00

Counter for years old. Notice that "ssai" is being used for one, eight and ten. And, "hatachi" is used for 20 years old.
1) ISSAI - 1 year old
2) NISAI - 2 years old
3) SANSAI - 3 years old
4) YONSAI - 4 years old
5) GOSAI - 5 years old
6) ROKUSAI - 6 years old
7) NANASAI - 7 years old
8) HASSAI - 8 years old
9) KYUUSAI - 9 years old
10) JUSSAI - 10 years old
11) HATACHI - 20 years old

Counter for BIRDS (WA)

2010-09-03T16:41:00.000-07:00

Counter for birds. Notice that "wa" becomes "ba" for number three and "ppa" for number ten.
1) ICHIWA - 1 bird
2) NIWA - 2 birds
3) SANBA - 3 birds
4) YONWA - 4 birds
5) GOWA - 5 birds
6) ROKUWA - 6 birds
7) NANAWA - 7 birds
8) HACHIWA - 8 birds
9) KYUUWA - 9 birds
10) JUPPA - 10 birds

Counter for BOOKS and VOLUMES (SATSU)

2010-09-02T16:36:00.001-07:00

Counter for books and volumes. Notice that "ssatsu" is being used for numbers one, eight and ten.
1) ISSATSU - 1 set
2) NISATSU - 2 sets
3) SANSATSU - 3 sets
4) YONSATSU - 4 sets
5) GOSATSU - 5 sets
6) ROKUSATSU - 6 sets
7) NANASATSU - 7 sets
8) HASSATSU - 8 sets
9) KYUUSATSU - 9 sets
10) JUSSATSU - 10 sets

Counter for PERSONS (NIN)

2010-09-01T16:09:00.000-07:00

Counter for persons. Notice that "nin" is being used for numbers three to ten.
1) HITORI - 1 person
2) FUTARI - 2 persons
3) SANNIN - 3 persons
4) YONIN - 4 persons
5) GONIN - 5 persons
6) ROKUNIN - 6 persons
7) NANANIN/ SHICHININ - 7 persons
8) HACHININ - 8 persons
9) KYUUNIN/ KUNIN - 9 persons
10) JUUNIN - 10 persons

Linguistic competence required for each JLPT level

2010-09-01T05:42:00.000-07:00

Level N1 - Have the ability to understand Japanese used in different circumstances.

Reading skills: Able to read writings with logical complexity and/or abstract writings on a variety of topics, such as newspaper editorials and critiques, and comprehend both their structures and contents.

Listening skills: Able to comprehend orally presented materials such as coherent conversations, news reports, and lectures, spoken at natural speed in a broad variety of settings, and is able to follow their ideas and comprehend their contents comprehensively.

Level N2 - Have the ability to understand Japanese used in everyday situations, and in a variety of circumstances to a certain degree.

Reading skills: Able to read materials written clearly on a variety of topics, such as articles and commentaries in newspapers and magazines as well as simple critiques, and comprehend their contents.

Listening skills: Able to comprehend orally presented materials such as coherent conversations and news reports, spoken at nearly natural speed in everyday situations as well as a variety of settings, and is able to follow their ideas and comprehend their contents.

Level N3 - Have the ability to understand Japanese used in everyday situations to a certain degree.

Reading skills: Able to read and understand written materials with specific contents concerning everyday topics.

Listening skills: Able to listen and comprehend coherent conversations in everyday situations, spoken at near-natural speed, and is generally able to follow their contents as well as grasp the relationship among the people involved.

Level N4 - Have the ability to understand basic Japanese.

Reading skills: Able to read and understand passages on familiar daily topics written in basic vocabulary and kanji.

Listening skills: Able to listen and comprehend conversations encountered in daily life and generally follow their contents, provided that they are spoken slowly.

Level N5 - Have the ability to understand some basic Japanese.

Reading skills: Able to read and understand typical expressions and sentences written in hiragana, katakana, and basic kanji.

Listening skills: Able to listen and comprehend conversations about topics regularly encountered in daily life and classroom situations, and is able to pick up necessary information from short conversations spoken slowly.

Counter for SMALL, ROUND or NON-SPECIFIC OBJECTS (KO)

2010-08-31T16:02:00.000-07:00

Counter for small, round or non-specific objects. Notice that "kko" is being used for numbers one, six and ten.
1) IKKO - 1 item
2) NIKO - 2 items
3) SANKO - 3 items
4) YONKO - 4 items
5) GOKO - 5 items
6) ROKKO - 6 items
7) NANAKO - 7 items
8) HACHIKO - 8 items
9) KYUUKO - 9 items
10) JUKKO - 10 items

Counter for KILOGRAMS or KILOMETERS (KIRO)

2010-08-30T17:19:00.000-07:00

Counter for kilograms or kilometers. Notice that "kkiro" is being used for numbers six and ten.
1) ICHIKIRO - 1 kilogram or kilometer
2) NIKIRO - 2 kilograms or kilometers
3) SANKIRO - 3 kilograms or kilometers
4) YONKIRO - 4 kilograms or kilometers
5) GOKIRO - 5 kilograms or kilometers
6) ROKKIRO - 6 kilograms or kilometers
7) NANAKIRO - 7 kilograms or kilometers
8) HACHIKIRO - 8 kilograms or kilometers
9) KYUUKIRO - 9 kilograms or kilometers
10) JUKKIRO - 10 kilograms or kilometers

Particles or Grammar List

2010-08-29T17:22:00.000-07:00

The following particles are commonly used in JLPT level N5. Some particles may have different meaning or usage as compare to other levels.
は -The subject or object of verb as the topic of a sentence. Note that the particle wa is expressed by は, and not by わ.
1. After subject
かれはせんせいです。
2. After object
このてがみはもだちからもらいました。
3. After topic of sentence
えいがはなにがすきですか。

が - Subject marker; object for specific verb or adjective
1. After subject
だれがきましたか。
すすきさんがきました。
あ！バスがきました！

を - Object marker; direct object of a verb; starting point of an action; a place where something or somebody is passing.
1. After direct object
なにをたべましたか。
2. After noun expressing place
このとおりをみぎにまがってください。

に - Goal, Location and Group indicator; at, in, on, for, from, to, toward
1. After noun expressing time
どようびによこはまへいきます。
2. After noun expressing location
かれはどこにいますか。
3. After noun expressing direciton
にもつはへやにおいてください。

で - By means (using); Location at which the action occurs or done
1. After noun expressing place where an action is performed.
レストランでたべました。
2. After noun expressing method or means
バスでかえりました。
3. After noun expressing time taken to finish an action
にじかんでおわりました。

へ - Direction or destination
にちようびにはこねへいきます。

から - From (Starting point in time or place); Reason indicator
1. After noun expressing point in time
じむしょからえきまで５ふんです。
2. After (adjectival) noun
あさってはやすみですから、うちにいます。

まで - Until (Up to, including)
1. After noun expressing time limit
７じまでしごとをします
2. After dictionary form of verb
つぎのでんしゃがくるまでごふんある。

の - Possessive marker; Hyphen
1. After personal pronoun
これはわたしのかばんです。
これはフィリピンのりょうりです。
2. Expressing the telephone number
でんわばんごうは１２３-４５６７

と - And; together with
1. Between nouns
コーヒーとパンをおねがいします。
2. After noun expressing person
おかあさんといきます。

か - Question marker
At the end of the question
これはあなたのほんですか。

も - Indicating, "also", "too", "as well as"
1. After noun
わたしもうたがすきです。
2. After interrogative word
きょうはどこにもきません。

ね - Asking for agreement
このラーメンはおいしいですね。

よ - Giving an information
これはゆうめいですよ。

よね - Confirmation
あしたのかいぎはあさ１０じからですよね。

Counter for MONTHS (As a unit - KAGETSU)

2010-08-29T17:03:00.000-07:00

Counter for months as a unit. Notice that "kka" is being used for numbers one, six and ten.
1) IKKAGETSU - 1 month
2) NIKAGETSU - 2 months
3) SANKAGETSU - 3 months
4) YONKAGETSU - 4 months
5) GOKAGETSU - 5 months
6) ROKKAGETSU - 6 months
7) NANAKAGETSU - 7 months
8) HACHIKAGETSU - 8 months
9) KYUUKAGETSU - 9 months
10) JUKKAGETSU - 10 months

Counter for DAYS (As a unit - KA)

2010-08-27T16:49:00.000-07:00

Counter for days as a unit. Notice that "ka" is being used for numbers two to ten except one.
1) ICHINICHI - 1 day
2) FUTSUKA - 2 days
3) MIKKA - 3 days
4) YOKKA - 4 days
5) ITSUKA - 5 days
6) MUIKA - 6 days
7) NANOKA - 7 days
8) YOUKA - 8 days
9) KOKONOKA - 9 days
10) TOOKA - 10 days

Counter for DAYS OF THE MONTH (KA)

2010-08-26T17:37:00.000-07:00

Counter for days of the month. Notice that "ka" is being used for numbers two to ten except one.
1) TSUITACHI - 1st day of the month
2) FUTSUKA - 2nd day of the month
3) MIKKA - 3rd day of the month
4) YOKKA - 4th day of the month
5) ITSUKA - 5th day of the month
6) MUIKA - 6th day of the month
7) NANOKA - 7th day of the month
8) YOUKA - 8th day of the month
9) KOKONOKA - 9th day of the month
10) TOOKA - 10th day of the month

Counter for LONG OBJECTS (HON)

2010-08-25T17:27:00.000-07:00

Counter for long objects. Notice that "hon" becomes "pon" for numbers one, six, eight and ten. While it changes to "bon" for number three.
1) IPPON - 1 bottle
2) NIHON - 2 bottles
3) SANBON - 3 bottles
4) YONHON - 4 bottles
5) GOHON - 5 bottles
6) ROPPON - 6 bottles
7) NANAHON - 7 bottles
8) HACHIHON/ HAPPON - 8 bottles
9) KYUUHON - 9 bottles
10) JUPPON - 10 bottles

Counter for SMALL ANIMALS (HIKI)

2010-08-24T17:21:00.000-07:00

Counter for small animals. Notice that "hiki" becomes "piki" for numbers one, six, eight and ten. While it changes to "biki" for number three.
1) IPPIKI - 1 fish
2) NIHIKI - 2 fishes
3) SANBIKI - 3 fishes
4) YONHIKI - 4 fishes
5) GOHIKI - 5 fishes
6) ROPPIKI - 6 fishes
7) NANAHIKI - 7 fishes
8) HACHIHIKI/ HAPPIKI - 8 fishes
9) KYUUHIKI - 9 fishes
10) JUPPIKI - 10 fishes

Counter for CUPS or GLASSES (HAI)

2010-08-23T17:15:00.000-07:00

Counter for cups or glasses. Notice that "hai" becomes "pai" for numbers one, six and ten. While it changes to "bai" for number three.
1) IPPAI - 1 glass
2) NIHAI - 2 glasses
3) SANBAI - 3 glasses
4) YONHAI - 4 glasses
5) GOHAI - 5 glasses
6) ROPPAI - 6 glasses
7) NANAHAI - 7 glasses
8) HACHIHAI - 8 glasses
9) KYUUHAI - 9 glasses
10) JUPPAI - 10 glasses

Counter for MINUTES (FUN)

2010-08-22T17:09:00.000-07:00

Counter for minutes. Notice that "fun" becomes "pun" for numbers one, three, four, six, eight and ten.
1) IPPUN - 1 minute
2) NIFUN - 2 minutes
3) SANPUN - 3 minutes
4) YONPUN - 4 minutes
5) GOFUN - 5 minutes
6) ROPPUN - 6 minutes
7) NANAFUN - 7 minutes
8) HACHIFUN/ HAPPUN - 8 minutes
9) KYUUFUN - 9 minutes
10) JUPPUN - 10 minutes

Ashita Hareru Kana

2010-08-21T08:24:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite Japanese songs. It was used in Japan TV series entitled "Daisakusen". I appreciated the song specially when I was on dispatch in Japan living in the company dormitory. Life in Japan is not that easy if you are not yet accustomed. Have to make adjustments in dealing with the environment and culture.

Everytime I heard this song, it always remind me that even if you have encountered big problems, still a clear tomorrow will come and shine. Don't lose your hope and keep on moving. The title of this song is "Ashita Hareru Kana" which means "Will tomorrow be a clear day?".

List of Counters

2010-08-20T16:04:00.000-07:00

There are different counters for counting the object depending on their nature or shape. Below are the commonly used counters:
1) BAI (倍) - used for multiplicative number; times
2) BAN (番) - used for ranking
3) BANME (番目) - used for ordinal number
4) DAI (台) - used for vehicles or machines
5) DORU (ドル) - used for dollars
6) EN (円) - used for yen
7) FUN (分) - used for minutes
8) GATSU (月) - used for months of the year
9) HAI (杯) - used for cups or glasses
10) HIKI (匹) - used for small animals, fish or insects
11) HON (本) - used for long objects like sticks, bottles, etc.
12) JI (時) - used for time (o'clock)
13) JIKAN (時間) - used for hours
14) KA (日) - used for days of the month starting from second to tenth day
15) KAGETSU (ヶ月) - used for months
16) KAI (回) - used for frequency
17) KIRO (キロ) - used for kilometers or kilograms
18) KO (個) - used for small objects, round, or non-specific shape
19) MAI (枚) - used for thin or flat objects such as paper, board, slice, etc.
20) NEN (年) - used for years
21) NICHI (日) - used for days of the month after the tenth day
22) NIN (人) - used for persons
23) SAI (才) - used for years old
24) SATSU (冊) - used for books, volumes
25) SHUUKAN (週間) - used for weeks
26) WA (羽) - used for birds

"NAI" negative form conjugation - Group 2 verbs

2010-08-19T08:15:00.001-07:00

Using the group 2 verbs dictionary form, replace “Ru” with “Nai”.
1. あける (akeru) = あけない (ake + nai)
2. あげる (ageru) = あげない (age + nai)
3. いれる (ireru) = いれない (ire + nai)
4. うまれる (umareru) = うまれない (umare + nai)
5. おしえる (oshieru) = おしえない (oshie + nai)
6. おぼえる (oboeru) = おぼえない (oboe + nai)
7. かける (kakeru) = ～かけない (kake + nai)
8. きえる (kieru) = きえない (kie + nai)
9. こたえる (kotaeru) = こたえない (kotae + nai)
10. しめる (shimeru) = しめない (shime + nai)
11. たべる (taberu) = たべない (tabe + nai)
12. つかれる (tsukareru) = つかれない (tsukare + nai)
13. つける (tsukeru) = つけない (tsuke + nai)
14. つとめる (tsutomeru) = つとめない (tsutome + nai)
15. でる (deru) = でない (de + nai)
16. ならべる (naraberu) = ならべない (narabe + nai)
17. はれる (hareru) = はれない (hare + nai)
18. みせる (miseru) = みせない (mise + nai)
19. わすれる (wasureru) = わすれない (wasure + nai)
20. あびる (abiru) = あびない (abi + nai)
21. いる (iru) = いない (i + nai)
22. おきる (okiru) = おきない (oki + nai)
23. おりる (oriru) = おりない (ori + nai)
24. かりる (kariru) = かりない (kari + nai)
25. きる (kiru) = きない (ki + nai)
26. できる (dekiru) = できない (deki + nai)
27. みる (miru) = みない (mi + nai)

Toriaezu

2010-08-18T14:44:00.001-07:00

Toriaezu is commonly used when the person is giving an initial choice while considering other options. For an instance, you are in the restaurant but not decided yet what to order. Initially, you ask a glass of Juice while thinking what meal to order. You can say "Toriaezu, Juu-su o kudasai" which means "In the meantime, please give me a glass of Juice".

My First Travel to Japan

2010-08-16T08:03:00.000-07:00

I was so excited when I arrived at NARITA Tokyo Japan on my first project assignment. I felt a bit nervous because the airport is so big that you can see many exit directions. To be able for you to reach the main building you have to transfer from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 via monorail. Nervous because I don't speak well in Japanese during that time and very few Japanese can speak English. So, I looked for some other ways to easily find my target destination and I need to be in Yokohama to meet the company staff who will guide me to the apartment unit.

Fortunately, there are many sign boards inside the airport where in you can see Japanese characters and "romaji" reading in alphabet. I just followed the sign boards and bought a ticket at the limousine bus ticket counter (It is located right after the passport exit gate). Usually they will ask you "Doko ni ikimasuka?" which means "Where are you going?". On the timetable I found Yokohama City Air Terminal (YCAT) and checked what time would be the next departure. When I got the ticket, I immediately went to find the bus stop which has the code like the one printed on my ticket. The baggage assistant approached me to see the ticket and guide me to the appropriate line where I supposed to get on. I am really thankful that the local people were very polite and I felt relieved especially when I got on the bus going to Yokohama station.

I realized that having a little background about Japan and basic knowledge on their language will give you more comfortable travel in Japan. If you can easily read hiragana characters on top of kanji characters on the sign boards and directions, you have a big advantage to enjoy and maximize your trip. Simple vocabulary words will be of great help during your stay in Japan.

Essential Adjectives

2010-08-15T08:26:00.000-07:00

The powerpoint presentation contains the essential adjectives for JLPT-N5. Note that "-" indicates the reading between kanji and hiragana.

"NAI" negative form conjugation - Rimasu

2010-08-13T23:22:00.000-07:00

Replace “Ru” with “Ra” + NAI. In case of "Aru", it will be converted to "Nai"
1. ある (aru) = ない (nai)
2. うる (uru) = うらない (ura + nai)
3. おわる (owaru) = おわらない (owara + nai)
4. かえる (kaeru) = かえらない (kaera + nai)
5. かかる (kakaru) = かからない (kakara + nai)
6. かぶる (kaburu) = かぶらない (kabura + nai)
7. ～がります (- garimasu) = ～がらない (~gara + nai)
8. きる (kiru) = きらない (kira + nai)
9. こまる (komaru) = こまらない (komara + nai)
10. しまる (shimaru) = しまらない (shimara + nai)
11. しる (shiru) = しらない (shira + nai)
12. すわる (suwaru) = すわらない (suwara + nai)
13. つくる (tsukuru) = つくらない (tsukura + nai)
14. とまる (tomaru) = とまらない (tomara + nai)
15. とる (toru) = とらない (tora + nai)
16. なる (naru) = ならない (nara + nai)
17. のぼる (noboru) = のぼらない (nobora + nai)
18. のる (noru) = のらない (nora + nai)
19. はいる (hairu) = はいらない (haira + nai)
20. はしる (hashiru) = はしらない (hashira + nai)
21. はじまる (hajimaru) = はじまらない (hajimara + nai)
22. はる (haru) = はらない (hara + nai)
23. ふる (furu) = ふらない (fura + nai)
24. まがる (magaru) = まがらない (magara + nai)
25. やる (yaru) = やらない (yara + nai)
26. わかる (wakaru) = わからない (wakara + nai)
27. わたる (wataru) = わたらない (watara + nai)

“NAI” negative form conjugation – Mimasu, Imasu and Chimasu

2010-08-12T23:13:00.000-07:00

To convert in negative form, just replace “Mu” with “Ma”, “U” with "Wa" and "Tsu" with "Ta" + NAI.
1. すむ (sumu) = すまない (suma + nai)
2. たのむ (tanomu) = たのまない (tanoma + nai)
3. のむ (nomu) = のまない (noma + nai)
4. やすむ (yasumu) = やすまない (yasuma + nai)
5. よむ (yomu) = よまない (yoma + nai)
6. あう (au) = あわない (awa + nai)
7. あらう (arau) = あらわない (arawa + nai)
8. いう (iu) = いわない (iwa +nai)
9. うたう (utau) = うたわない (utawa + nai)
10. かう (kau) = かわない (kawa + nai)
11. すう (suu) = すわない (suwa + nai)
12. ちがう (chigau) = ちがわない (chigawa + nai)
13. つかう (tsukau) = つかわない (tsukawa + nai)
14. ならう (narau) = ならわない (narawa + nai)
15. たつ (tatsu) = たたない (tata + nai)
16. まつ (matsu) = またない (mata + nai)
17. もつ (motsu) = もたない (mota + nai)

Ohayou Gozaimasu

2010-08-12T21:36:00.000-07:00

Listen to the dialogue between A and Ueda.
A: A, Ohayou gozaimasu.
Ueda: Ohayou gozaimasu.
A: Kyou wa ii tenki desu ne.
Ueda: Sou desu ne. Ii tenki desu ne.
A: Kinou, Ueda san wa doko ni ikimashita ka.
Ueda: Kinou wa shinjuku ni ikimashita.
A: A, sou desu ka. Watashi mo shinjuku ni ikimashita. Ueda san wa hitori de ikimashita ka.
Ueda: Iie, tomodachi to.
A: A, sou desu ka. Watashi wa hitori de ikimashita.
Ueda: Sou desu ka.

Download audio file: Ohayou Gozaimasu

“NAI” negative form conjugation – Shimasu, Nimasu and Bimasu

2010-08-11T23:06:00.000-07:00

Replace “Su” with “Sa”, “Nu” with "Na" and “Bu” with “Ba” + NAI.
1. おす (osu) = おさない (osa+ nai)
2. かえす (kaesu) = かえさない (kaesa + nai)
3. かす (kasu) = かさない (kasa + nai)
4. けす (kesu) = けさない (kesa + nai)
5. さす (sasu) = ささない (sasa + nai)
6. だす (dasu) = ださない (dasa + nai)
7. なくす (nakusu) = なくさない (nakusa + nai)
8. はなす (hanasu) = はなさない (hanasa + nai)
9. わたす (watasu) = わたさない (watasa + nai)
10. しぬ (shinu) = しなない (shina + nai)
11. あそぶ (asobu) = あそばない (asoba + nai)
12. よぶ (yobu) = よばない (yoba + nai)

"NAI" negative form conjugation - Ku and Gu

2010-08-10T22:59:00.000-07:00

To convert from dictionary form to negative form, just replace “Ku” with “Ka”, "Gu" with "Ga" + NAI.
1. あく (aku) = あかない (aka + nai)
2. あるく (aruku) = あるかない (aruka + nai)
3. いく (iku) = いかない (ika + nai)
4. おく (oku) = おかない (oka + nai)
5. かく (kaku) = かかない (kaka + nai)
6. きく (kiku) = きかない (kika + nai)
7.さく (saku) = さかない (saka + nai)
8. つく (tsuku) = つかない (tsuka + nai)
9. なく (naku) = なかない (naka + nai)
10. はく (haku) = はかない (haka + nai)
11. はたらく (hataraku) = はたらかない (hataraka + nai)
12. ひく (hiku) = ひかない (hika + nai)
13. ふく (fuku) = ふかない (fuka + nai)
14. みがく (migaku) = みがかない (migaka + nai)
15. およぐ (oyogu) = およがない (oyoga + nai)
16. ぬぐ (nugu) = ぬがない (nuga + nai)

Hajimemashite

2010-08-09T07:44:00.000-07:00

Listen to the dialogue between arisu and yamaguchi.
Arisu: Hajimemashite, arisu desu. Dozo yoroshiku.
Yamaguchi: A, hajimemashite. Yamaguchi desu. Dozo yoroshiku.. Arisu-san wa dochirakara desuka.
Arisu: Watashi wa kanada kara kimashita.
Yamaguchi: Aa, sou desuka. Hitori de kimashitaka.
Arisu: Iie, kazoku to kimashita.
Yamaguchi: Arisu-san, oshigoto wa?
Arisu: Watashi wa terekomyunikeshon no kaisha no enjinia desu.
Yamaguchi: Sou desu ka.
Arisu: Yamaguchi san wa?
Yamaguchi: Watashi wa nihongo no kyoushi desu.
Arisu: Sou desuka. Doko no gakkou desu ka.
Yamaguchi: Meguro desu.
Arisu: Gakko no namae wa?
Yamaguchi: MLC desu.
Arisu: Aa, sou desu ka.

Download audio file: Hajimemashite

BA ... HODO ...

2010-08-07T22:39:00.000-07:00

Ba... + Hodo...

Meaning: the more... the more...

When to use?

1) Used with verb

Benkyou sureba suru hodo umaku narimasu.

= The more you study, the better you can do.

2) Used with adjective

Hayakereba hayai hodo ii.

= The sooner, the better.

BA

2010-08-06T22:33:00.000-07:00

Ba.

Meaning: if, when

When to use?

1) Used in ba-form of verb

Asoko ni ikeba Tanaka-san ni aemasu.

= If you go over there, you can see Mr. Tanaka.

2) After (adjectival) noun + nara (conditional form of da)

Getsu youbi ame naraba sanka shimasen.

= I will not join if it is rainy on monday.

3) Used in ba-form of adjective

Yoroshikereba douzo totte kudasai.

= If it is alright(OK), please get it.

Queens Tower, Sakuragichou Yokohama

2010-08-06T16:50:00.000-07:00

Queens Tower, sakuragichou. This is my first working place where I worked as an IT engineer. This place is very popular in yokohama Japan because of its fascinating view. Beside Queens Tower is the Land Mark tower, which is very famous for having the fastest elevator and one of the tallest building in Japan. Furthermore, the old Japan shipping vessel called "Nippon Maru" is also located near the Queens Tower. Sakuragichou is just one station away from Yokohama station.
I was assigned to work in JGC (Japan Gas Corporation) to develop and maintain the software application that is being used in gas refinery construction. It was a good experience to work with Japanese clients, Indian and German consultants.

AU

2010-08-05T22:28:00.000-07:00

Au.

Meaning: Each other, reciprocally

When to use?

1) After conjunctive form of verb

Tasukeau koto ga taisetsu desu.

= It is important to help each other.

Sono mondai ni tsuite hanashiaeba kaiketsu dekiru to omoimasu.

= If you talk with each other about that problem, I think you can solve it.

ATO DE

2010-08-04T22:19:00.000-07:00

Ato De.

Meaning: After, Later

When to use?

1) After noun + no

Itsumo bangohan no ato de ju-su- o nomimasu.

= I usually drink juice after dinner.

2) After ta-form of verb

Shukudai ga owatta ato de undou o shimasu.

= I want to take exercise after I finish the homework.

3) Used as adverb

Ato de denwa shimashou ka.

= Shall I call you later?