The Difference Between 静か (shizuka) vs しずかな (shizuka na)｜Japanese Grammar (N5–N3)
(Joy in a quiet library [Shizuka] vs. Joy pointing to a quiet place [Shizuka na]) “This room is quiet.” (Koko wa shizuka desu.) “This is a quiet room.” (Kore wa shizuka na...
The Difference Between うるさい (urusai) vs にぎやか (nigiyaka)｜Japanese Grammar (N5–N3)
(Joy annoyed by noise [Urusai] vs. Joy enjoying a lively street [Nigiyaka]) “Shut up!” vs. “What a lively party!” In Japanese, describing sound and people is tricky. うるさい (Urusai) means “Noisy/Annoying” (Negative)....
The Difference Between 分かる (wakaru) vs 理解する (rikai suru)｜Japanese Grammar (N5–N3)
(Joy having an idea [Wakaru] vs. Joy analyzing data [Rikai suru]) “I get it!” vs. “I comprehend the theory.” In Japanese, 分かる (Wakaru) is intuitive and emotional. 理解する (Rikai suru) is logical...
The Difference Between 持つ (motsu) vs 持っている (motte iru)｜Japanese Grammar (N5–N3)
(Joy picking up a box [Motsu] vs. Joy owning a car [Motteiru]) “I have a pen.” (Motteiru) “I will hold your bag.” (Motsu) In Japanese, 持つ (Motsu) is an instant action (to...
The Difference Between 出る (deru) vs 出す (dasu)｜Japanese Grammar (N5–N3)
(Sun appearing [Deru] vs. Joy submitting homework [Dasu]) “The sun comes out.” (Hi ga deru) “I take out the trash.” (Gomi o dasu) They look similar, but 出る (Deru) is when something...
The Difference Between 入る (hairu) vs 入れる (ireru)｜Japanese Grammar (N5–N3)
(Joy entering a room [Hairu] vs. Joy putting a phone in a bag [Ireru]) “I enter the room.” (Heya ni hairu) “I put the pen in the box.” (Hako ni pen o...
The Difference Between 付ける (tsukeru) vs 付く (tsuku)｜Japanese Grammar (N5–N3)
(Joy turning on a light [Tsukeru] vs. Rice stuck on Ken’s face [Tsuku]) “I turn on the TV.” (Terebi o tsukeru) “The TV is on.” (Terebi ga tsuiteiru) One is an action...
The Difference Between 開く (aku) vs 開ける (akeru) ｜Japanese Grammar (N5–N3)
(Automatic door opening [Aku] vs. Joy opening a door [Akeru]) “The door opens.” (Doa ga aku) “I open the door.” (Doa o akeru) In English, the word “Open” is the same. But...
The Difference Between 乗る (noru) vs 乗せる (noseru)｜Japanese Grammar (N5–N3)
(Alt Text: Joy getting on a train [Noru] vs. Joy loading luggage [Noseru]) “I ride the bus.” (Basu ni noru) “I load the luggage.” (Nimotsu o noseru) 乗る (Noru) is when YOU...
The Difference Between 見る (miru) vs 観る (miru) vs 見える (mieru) vs 見られる (mirareru)｜Japanese Grammar (N5–N3)
(Joy seeing Mt. Fuji [Mieru] vs. Joy watching a movie [Miru/Kan]) “I see a bird.” (Mieru) “I watch a movie.” (Miru) “I can see (have a chance to see) the panda.” (Mirareru)...
Hear, Listen, or Ask? The Difference Between 聞く, 聴く, and 訊く (N3-N5)
(Joy hearing a sound [聞く], listening to music [聴く], and asking a question [訊く]) “Did you hear that?” “I listen to music.” “I ask a question.” In Japanese, all of these are...
What’s the Difference? 貸す (kasu) vs. 借りる (kariru) – A Simple Guide to “Lend” and “Borrow”
(Joy lending a pen [Kasu] vs. Joy borrowing a pen [Kariru]) “Please borrow me a pen.” (Mistake!) “Please lend me a pen.” (Correct!) In Japanese, 貸す (Kasu) is to lend, and 借りる...
The Difference Between “ようだ” (you da) and “みたいだ” (mitai da)｜Japanese Grammar (N5–N3)
(Detective Joy analyzing [You da] vs. Chatting Joy [Mitai da]) “It seems like it will rain.” 雨（あめ）が 降（ふ）る ようだ。 雨（あめ）が 降（ふ）る みたいだ。 Both sentences mean the same thing. But one sounds like...
How to Get the Best Out of Your Unlimited Access to Japanese Learning in JPLT Online School
How to Get the Best Out of Your Unlimited Access to Japanese Learning in JPLT Online School By JPLT DIALOG Plus | Published on October 23, 2025 Learn More, Speak More, and...
Student Roadmap: Beginner Level — Your First Step Toward Speaking Japanese Confidently
Student Roadmap: Beginner Level — Your First Step Toward Speaking Japanese Confidently By JPLT DIALOG Plus | Published on October 23, 2025 Discover the Joy of Learning Japanese Close your eyes for...
Let’s Learn About Japanese Festivals! Traditional Events and Culture
Let’s Learn About Japanese Festivals! Traditional Events and Culture Hello! Have you ever experienced a Japanese festival? Japan has many fun and exciting festivals to enjoy. This time, Eri-san, a staff member...
Enjoy Japan’s Four Seasons While Learning Japanese!
Enjoy Japan’s Four Seasons While Learning Japanese! Hello, everyone studying Japanese! Japan’s four seasons are characterized by beautiful nature, unique customs, and culture tailored to each season. In this post, Eri-san from...
What is the difference between “落ちそうだった” (ochisou datta) and “落ちるところだった” (ochiru tokoro datta)?
(Joy watching wobbling books [Ochisou] vs. Joy being saved from falling [Ochiru tokoro]) “The cup looked like it would fall.” (Ochisou datta) “I almost fell (but you saved me).” (Ochiru tokoro datta)...
Learn Japanese Through Gourmet! Master Japanese While Enjoying Delicious Food!
Learn Japanese Through Gourmet! Master Japanese While Enjoying Delicious Food! Hello everyone! Are you studying Japanese and interested in Japanese food culture? In fact, Japanese food is a very useful tool for...
“Nenjiru” vs “Inoru” – What’s the Difference?
(Joy using mental power [Nenjiru] vs. Joy praying to God [Inoru]) “I pray for peace.” (Heiwa o inoru) “I pray/chant silently.” (Kokoro de nenjiru) While both involve prayer, 祈る (Inoru) is asking...