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Understanding the Subtle Differences Between ‘Iku nara’ and ‘Iku no nara’
The Difference Between “行くなら” (Iku nara) and “行くのなら” (Iku no nara) “Should I use ‘行くなら’ (Iku nara) or ‘行くのなら’ (Iku no nara)? Aren’t they the same in meaning?” “What’s the difference between ‘映画に行くなら、ポップコーンも買ってきて’ (Eiga ni iku nara, poppukōn mo katte kite)...
Learning Japanese Requests: When to Use ‘Onegaishimasu’ vs. ‘Kudasai’
Which is Correct: ’Ocha, Onegaishimasu’ vs ‘Ocha, Kudasai’ “I can’t really tell the difference between ‘お茶お願いします’ (Ocha, onegaishimasu) and ‘お茶ください’ (Ocha, kudasai)…””I was once told that using ‘お茶お願いします’ (Ocha, onegaishimasu) in a certain situation was a bit off…””Could you clearly explain the...
MESSAGE FOR STUDENTS FROM JPLT’S SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
For those who have just started learning Japanese, the only important key is to ACHIEVE YOUR DREAMS. Each person has different goals when studying Japanese. Some people aim to pass qualification exams like the JLPT to get a job or advance their...
The Difference Between “１年おき” and “１年ごと”
The Difference Between “１年おき” and “１年ごと” “Should I use ‘１年おき’ or ‘１年ごと’? Aren’t they the same in meaning?””What’s the difference between ‘毎年健康診断を受ける’ and ‘毎年健康診断を１年おきに受ける’? Aren’t both saying that you get a checkup every year?””Which is correct: ‘この植物は１年ごとに花を咲かせる’ or ‘この植物は１年おきに花を咲かせる’?” “１年おき” and “１年ごと” are...
he Difference Between “大人向け” and “大人向き”
The Difference Between “大人向け” (otonamuke) and “大人向き” (otonamuki) “Should I use ‘大人向け’ or ‘大人向き’? Aren’t they the same in meaning?”“Is ‘子供向けのゲームも大人向きなものがある’ natural Japanese?”“Is ‘この映画は大人向けですが、内容は面白いので子どもでも楽しめます’ correct Japanese?” The expressions “大人向け” (otonamuke) and “大人向き” (otonamuki) might look similar, but they have clear distinctions. These...
The Difference Between “ほど” and “くらい/ぐらい”
The Difference Between “ほど” and “くらい/ぐらい” “Should I use ‘ほど’ or ‘くらい/ぐらい’? Aren’t they all the same in meaning?” “What’s the difference between ‘この本は300ページほどある’ and ‘この本は300ページくらいある’?” “In business situations, which is correct: ‘値段は1万円ほどです’ or ‘値段は1万円ぐらいです’?””ほど” and “くらい/ぐらい” are both expressions indicating degree...