Eyes Closed: Me wo Tsuburu vs Me wo Tojiru Differences
The Difference Between “目をつぶる” (me wo tsuburu) and “目を閉じる” (me wo tojiru) Have you ever heard phrases like “目をつぶって!” (me wo tsubutte – Close your eyes!) or “目を閉じて!” (me wo tojite – Close your eyes!) and wondered if they mean the same...
Clarifying ‘思いつく’ (Omoitsuku) and ‘思い浮かべる’ (Omoikaberu): What’s the Difference?
Understanding the Difference Between “思いつく” (Omoitsuku) and “思い浮かべる” (Omoikaberu) When you first encounter the Japanese expressions “思いつく” (omoitsuku) and “思い浮かべる” (omoikaberu), they might sound quite similar. Both seem to relate to the idea of something coming to mind, but what exactly sets...
教師 (Kyoshi) vs. 先生 (Sensei): A Deep Dive Into What Sets Them Apart
By JPLT DIALOG Plus | Published on August 30, 2024 | Last updated on October 21, 2025 When learning Japanese, the distinction between 教師 (Kyoshi) vs. 先生 (Sensei) often trips up students. While both words relate to “teacher,” they are not interchangeable....
Unpacking “通りすがり” (Toorisugari): What Does “Sugari” Mean?
Exploring the Meaning of “通りすがり” (Toorisugari): What Does “Sugari” Mean? When you first encounter the term “通りすがり” (toorisugari), you might wonder about the meaning of “すがり” (sugari). This term seems unique and isn’t commonly seen in other contexts. Why is “すがり” used...
Ooku no Oya vs Oya no Ooku: Understanding Their Nuances
The Difference Between “多くの親” (Ooku no Oya) and “親の多く” (Oya no Ooku) in Japanese When learning Japanese, you might come across phrases like “多くの親” (ooku no oya) and “親の多く” (oya no ooku). Both translate to “many parents,” but their meanings and nuances...
Tomodachi vs. Yuujin: Choosing the Right Word for ‘Friend’
Understanding the Difference Between “友達” (Tomodachi) and “友人” (Yuujin) Both “友達” (tomodachi) and “友人” (yuujin) translate to “friend” in English, but did you know they are used in different situations? You might be wondering if “友達” (tomodachi) is more casual and “友人”...