Understanding “そう思います” [Sou Omoimasu] vs. “そうだと思います”[Sou Da to Omoimasu]
What is the difference between “そう思います” (sou omoimasu) and “そうだと思います” (sou da to omoimasu)? “Isn’t ‘そう思います’ (I think so) and ‘そうだと思います’ (I think so) the same?” “In a certain situation, when I...
Present vs. Past “Thank You”: When to Use Each Form
What is the difference between “ありがとうございます” (arigatou gozaimasu) and “ありがとうございました” (arigatou gozaimashita)? “When I say ‘ありがとうございます’ (Thank you) and ‘ありがとうございました’ (Thank you very much), they seem the same to me…””In a certain...
Learning Japanese Particles: ‘は’ vs. ‘が’ Explained
[Japanese Learning] I don’t understand how to use “は” (wa) and “が” (ga). “When I say, ‘彼は先生です。’ (He is a teacher) and ‘彼が先生です。’ (He is a teacher), they seem the same to...
“How to Use ‘すぐ’ [sugu] and ‘もうすぐ’ [mou sugu] Correctly in Japanese”
[Japanese Learning] What’s the difference between “すぐ” (sugu) and “もうすぐ” (mou sugu)? “I thought ‘もうすぐだね～’ (It’s almost time) and ‘すぐだね～’ (It’s soon) mean the same thing…””When I said ‘誕生日すぐだね’ (Your birthday is...
Correct Usage of ‘多い’ [ooi] in Japanese: Avoid Common Mistakes
[Japanese Learning] Why can’t you say “多い人” (a lot of people) or “多い雨” (a lot of rain)? “When I said ‘多い人だね～’ (a lot of people), I was told that’s not how you...
Difference Between “jōzu” and “tokui”: How to Explain Them
How are “上手” (jōzu) and “得意” (tokui) different? How should I explain it? “上手” (jōzu) and “得意” (tokui) sound similar, but there is a significant difference. If I ask, “Are ‘上手’ and...
Distinguishing ‘Yatto,’ ‘Tsui ni,’ and ‘Tōtō’: Nuance Explained
[Japanese Language Learning]The Difference Between “やっと,” “ついに,” and “とうとう” “Isn’t ‘yatto,’ ‘tsuini,’ and ‘tōtō’ all the same?””What’s the difference between ‘yatto’ and ‘tsuini’? Don’t both express happiness?””Is ‘tōtō’ often used in a...
Distinguishing ‘Sameru’ vs ‘Hieru’: Differences Explained
[Japanese Language Learning] The Difference Between “冷める” [Sameru] and “冷える” [Hieru] “Isn’t ‘hieru’ and ‘sameru’ the same?””I was told that using ‘hieru’ in a certain situation was incorrect…””Can you explain clearly what...
Kunai vs Naide: Key Differences in Japanese Expressions
[Japanese Language Learning] What is the Nuance Difference Between “入ってほしくない” [Haitte Hoshikunai] and “入らないでほしい”? [Hairanaide Hoshii] “I don’t want you to enter there. I want you not to enter there. They seem...
Comparing ‘he’ vs ‘made’: Key Differences Explained
[Japanese Language Learning] Differences Between “図書館へ行きます” [Toshokan e Ikimasu] and “図書館まで行きます” [Toshokan Made Ikimasu] “図書館へ行きます” [Toshokan e Ikimasu] and “図書館まで行きます” [Toshokan Made Ikimasu] – do they have the same meaning? “図書館へ行きます” (Toshokan e...
Understanding Gakusei ja nai~n desu and Gakusei ja nai desu
[Japanese Language Learning] Differences Between “学生じゃないんです” (Gakusei ja nai n desu) and “学生じゃないです” (Gakusei ja nai desu) Are “学生じゃないんです” (Gakusei ja nai n desu) and “学生じゃないです” (Gakusei ja nai desu) the same...
～ませんか [~masen ka] vs. ～ましょうか [mashou ka]: What’s the Difference?
[Japanese Language Learning] Is there any difference between ～ませんか (masen ka) and ～ましょうか (mashou ka)? “～ませんか (masen ka) and ～ましょうか (mashou ka) sound similar, but…””When I said ～ましょうか, (mashouka) I was told...
“わかりません” vs. “知りません”: What’s the Difference?
[Japanese Learning] How Do “わかりません” (Wakarimasen) and “知りません” (Shirimasen) Differ? “Even though ‘わかりません’ (wakarimasen) and ‘知りません’ (shirimasen) sound similar…” “When I said ‘知りません!’ (shirimasen), I was told that usage was incorrect…” “I...
6 Effective Japanese Study Methods for Beginners: Key Tips
6 Effective Japanese Study Methods for Beginners: Key Tips By JPLT DIALOG Plus | Published on August 08, 2024 Effective Japanese Study Methods: 6 Key Strategies for Beginners Are you eager to...
Japanese Self-Study: Why People Quit and How to Overcome It
Japanese Language Learning: Why Self-Study Often Fails and How to Fix It Many people start learning Japanese independently but struggle to continue. As tourism in Japan grows and more people seek to...
Overcoming Japanese Speaking Hurdles: Challenges & Fixes
I can’t think of Japanese words on the spot! A thorough explanation of the causes and countermeasures. “Although I study Japanese, I struggle to come up with words on the spot…”“I get...
Can’t Find the Words During Online Japanese Lessons? Causes and Solutions Explained
Can’t Find the Words During Online Japanese Lessons? Causes and Solutions Explained “I’m learning Japanese, but I can’t find the words during lessons…””Are there any tips for getting words to come out...
Are Online Japanese Lessons Effective? Explaining the Causes and Solutions
Are Online Japanese Lessons Effective? Explaining the Causes and Solutions “I heard that online Japanese lessons are not very effective. Is that true?””I’m taking lessons but don’t feel like I’m improving…””I’m wondering...
How Long Does it Take to Speak Japanese? Effective Study Methods and Tips Explained!
How Long Does it Take to Speak Japanese? Effective Study Methods and Tips Explained! “How long does it take to be able to speak Japanese?” “Is there an effective way to learn...
Comprehensive Guide to Choosing an Online Japanese School!
Comprehensive Guide to Choosing an Online Japanese School! “I want to learn Japanese online, but which school should I choose?””How can I judge the quality of the lessons and the experience of...