The Difference Between “アンケートに回答する” and “アンケートを回答する”(Ankēto ni kaitō suru vs. Ankēto o kaitō suru)
(アンケート「に」答えるJoy vs. アンケート「を」持つJoy) 「アンケートに回答する」（正しい） 「アンケートを回答する」（不自然） 英語では “Answer the survey” なので「を」を使いたくなりますが、日本語の「回答する（Kaitō suru）」は「返事をする」という意味です。つまり、「対象（Target）」を示す必要があります。JoyとKenと一緒に正しい助詞を覚えましょう！ 🗣 会話シーン (Conversation Scene) Joyがお店でアンケート用紙をもらいました。 Joy ケンさん、このお店のアンケート を 回答しました！ クーポンがもらえますよ。 (Ken, I “answered [object marker]” this shop’s survey! I can get...
The Difference Between “道” (Michi), “通り” (Toori), and “道路” (Douro)
(Joy walking on a path [Michi], shopping on a street [Toori], and pointing at asphalt [Douro]) “Please tell me the way.” (Michi o oshiete) “This street is lively.” (Kono toori wa…?) “Construction...
The Difference Between “計画する” (Keikaku Suru) and “予定する” (Yotei Suru)
(Joy making a detailed strategy [Keikaku] vs. Joy marking a calendar [Yotei]) “I plan to go to Japan.” Is it 計画 (Keikaku) or 予定 (Yotei)? In English, “Plan” covers both. But in...
The Difference Between “値引き” (nebiki) and “割引” (waribiki)
(Joy finding a clearance item [Nebiki] vs. Joy calculating a percentage sale [Waribiki]) “100 yen off!” “20% off!” In Japanese, we use different words depending on how the price is reduced. 値引き...
Experience the Charm of Japanese Food! Enjoyable Dishes and Eating Tips for Beginners
Experience the Charm of Japanese Food! Enjoyable Dishes and Eating Tips for Beginners Ramen, sushi, tempura… Japanese cuisine is rich in variety! But that’s not all. In fact, Japan is home to...
The Difference Between “召し上がりください (meshiagarikudasai)” and “召し上がってください (meshiagatte kudasai)”
(Joy urging to eat hot food [Meshiagatte] vs. Joy presenting a meal elegantly [Meshiagari]) “Please eat.” 召し上がって ください。 (Meshiagatte kudasai) (お) 召し上がり ください。 ((O) Meshiagari kudasai) Both are polite Honorifics (Sonkeigo). But...
The Difference Between “幸せ” (Shiawase), “幸い” (Saiwai), and “幸福” (Kōfuku)
(Emotional Joy [Shiawase], Formal/Lucky Joy [Saiwai], Philosophical Joy [Kōfuku]) “I feel happy.” (Shiawase) “It would be appreciated.” (Saiwai) “The pursuit of happiness.” (Kōfuku) Japanese has multiple words for happiness. 幸せ (Shiawase) is...
The Difference Between “食べたことがない” (Tabeta koto ga nai) and “食べなかったことがある” (Tabenakatta koto ga aru)
(Joy with zero experience [Tabeta koto nai] vs. Joy remembering one skipped meal [Tabenakatta koto aru]) “I have never eaten breakfast.” (Lifestyle) “There was a time I didn’t eat breakfast.” (Exception) These...
The Difference Between “食べてはいけません” (Tabete wa ikemasen) and “食べないでください” (Tabenai de kudasai)
(Joy breaking a rule [Ikemasen] vs. Joy taking Ken’s food [Naide kudasai]) “You must not eat here.” (Rule) “Please don’t eat this.” (Request) Both mean “Don’t eat,” but the vibe is completely...
Understanding the Meaning of “お伺いしておりますか” (Oukagai shiteimasu ka)
Understanding the Meaning of “お伺いしておりますか” (Oukagai shiteimasu ka) Have you ever heard the phrase “お伺いしておりますか” (Oukagai shiteimasu ka) and wondered what it really means? Maybe you’ve encountered it in business contexts but...
Explore Japan’s Long History! A Beginner’s Guide to History
Explore Japan’s Long History! A Beginner’s Guide to History “Japanese history seems difficult” or “Where should I start studying?” Have you ever thought about that? History is not just about memorizing past...
Let’s Learn the Difference Between Shrines and Temples in Japan!
In Japan, shrines (jinja) are primarily Shinto places of worship, characterized by rituals and offerings to kami, while temples (otera) are Buddhist sites focused on meditation and spiritual practice. Understanding these distinctions...
Clarifying “止まる” (Tomaru) vs. “止める” (Tomeru): Key Differences
(Bus stopping [Tomaru] vs. Joy stopping a taxi [Tomeru]) “The car stops.” (Kuruma ga tomaru) “I stop the car.” (Kuruma o tomeru) In Japanese, we distinguish between things happening naturally (Intransitive) and...
Eyes Closed: Me wo Tsuburu vs Me wo Tojiru Differences
(Joy closing her eyes peacefully [Tojiru] vs. Ken squeezing his eyes shut to ignore a mistake [Tsuburu]) “I closed my eyes to sleep.” (Me wo tojiru) “I turned a blind eye to...
Clarifying ‘思いつく’ (Omoitsuku) and ‘思い浮かべる’ (Omoikaberu): What’s the Difference?
(Joy having a lightbulb moment [Omoitsuku] vs. Joy picturing a memory in a thought bubble [Omoiukaberu]) “I came up with a plan.” (Omoitsuku) “I pictured her face.” (Omoiukaberu) In Japanese, the verbs...
教師 (Kyoshi) vs. 先生 (Sensei): A Deep Dive Into What Sets Them Apart
(Joy bowing to a doctor [Sensei] vs. Joy writing her occupation on a resume [Kyoushi]) “Good morning, Tanaka-sensei!” “My occupation is Kyoushi.” If you look up “Teacher” in a dictionary, you will...
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...
Ooku no Oya vs Oya no Ooku: Understanding Their Nuances
(Joy looking at a crowd [Ooku no Oya] vs. Joy pointing to a pie chart [Oya no Ooku]) “Many parents read books.” (Ooku no oya) “Most of the parents read books.” (Oya...
Tomodachi vs. Yuujin: Choosing the Right Word for ‘Friend’
(Joy taking a selfie with a friend [Tomodachi] vs. Joy giving a formal speech [Yuujin]) “I’m hanging out with my friend.” (Tomodachi) “As a representative of her friends…” (Yuujin) In English, a...
“Nihon de” vs. “Nihon e”: Travel Contexts in Japanese Explained
The Difference Between “Nihon de Ryokō Shimasu” and “Nihon e Ryokō Shimasu” “Both phrases indicate a place, but what’s the difference between ‘Nihon de’ (日本で) and ‘Nihon e’ (日本へ)?”“Does ‘Nihon de Ryokō...