TCJ Blog

Many learners find Japanese pronunciation relatively easy, as the language does not rely on a stress accent like English or tonal distinctions like Chinese or Thai. However, Japanese has a unique feature known as pitch accent, in which words with the same pronunciation can carry different meanings depending on their accent pattern. This is a crucial element for conveying meaning accurately and being clearly understood by listeners. In this article, we explore the basics of Japanese pitch accent and key points to be aware of, along with examples of homophones, in an accessible and easy-to-understand way.

Kanji is hard but it is interesting if you come to know it little by little. More Kanji you memorize, the more vocabulary you can use. And more Japanese phrases you can read. Moreover, even if you find words you do not know, you will be able to understand its meaning from the kanji used in that word.

The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N3 is the middle level of the five-level JLPT scale. According to the official JLPT website, this level indicates the ability to understand Japanese used in everyday situations to a certain extent. In this article, we take a closer look at the expected reading level and common test tendencies for JLPT N3. We also introduce effective study methods, recommended materials, and key strategies to help learners strengthen their reading comprehension and work toward their goals in a clear and approachable way.

Dogs bark with a “wan-wan,” and rain falls with a “shito-shito” sound. Japanese is a language where onomatopoeia is highly developed. We often add nouns or verbs to these onomatopoeic words, creating expressions rich in imagery and meaning. Today, we introduce some of these interesting Japanese words.

When Japanese hear the word “flower,” they think of cherry blossoms (Sakura) immediately. Why do Japanese love Sakura so much? This time, I would like to introduce you to the symbol of Japan, Sakura, and the Japanese words related to it.