TCJ Blog

The other day, I spoke with a Japanese language learner who owns a shop. They mentioned, “I'm really not good at answering the phone, so I have my Japanese part-time staff handle calls.” In fact, it seems that over half of Japanese people also feel uncomfortable using the phone for work. This time, let's introduce not only phone-related vocabulary but also phone etiquette and conversation phrases useful for handling calls in companies and work settings. Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

The way Japanese uses “yes” (hai) and “no” (iie) is quite unique. For example, to the question “Have you finished your meal?” the answer would be “Hai, I’ve finished.” But even to the opposite question, “Haven’t you finished your meal?” the reply is still “Hai, I haven’t finished yet.” In Japanese, “hai” can be used to answer both types of questions, even though their meanings are completely opposite.

As a Japanese teacher and web writer, I will show you some tips on how to write easy-to-read sentences. ・Use hiragana, katakana, and kanji appropriately. ・Let’s learn the basic rules for using punctuation marks such as “。” and “、” ・Japanese is an SOV language. Let’s learn about the principle of “one sentence, one idea”!

When you visit Japan, you’ll come across Japanese currency—the yen. Today, we’re introducing the banknotes and coins currently used in Japan. Let’s take a closer look at the different types of yen, including the unique designs you might not usually pay attention to. This is a great opportunity to connect with Japanese culture and history, making your journey of learning Japanese even more enjoyable.

In language learning, adjectives constitute one of the most essential elements, and Japanese is no exception. When used effectively, they enable precise descriptions of people, objects, and places. In this article, we will examine Japanese adjectives, including their types, usage, and practical strategies for mastering them.