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Learn Japanese Pod

Learn Japanese Pod

Alex Brooke

Japan, Podcast, Jlpt, Japanese, Education, Language Courses, Osaka, Study, Tokyo

4.8917 Ratings

Overview

This is a podcast and website for studying Japanese

153 Episodes

Fun Friday 31: Bear attacks in Japan

Welcome to the Fun Friday edition of the Learn Japanese Pod podcast — the show where we sit down with cool people doing cool things in Japan. In this episode, I talk with Wes Lang about the recent rise in bear encounters and attacks across Japan: the latest stats, what’s causing them, and what Japan is doing to prevent future incidents. We also dive into Wes’s long experience as a master hiker. He was the first American to complete the Hyakumeizan, and he shares practical advice on how to prepare for the unlikely event of meeting a bear on the trail — including what to do, what not to do, and some useful bear-related vocabulary in Japanese. I learned a lot from this interview with Wes, and I now feel slightly more prepared to go hiking — and hopefully avoid any battles with bears! Wes is the creator of hikinginjapan.com, an authoritative resource with detailed information on hundreds of hikes and mountains across Japan. If you love hiking, Japanese nature, or just a good story, you won’t want to miss this one.

Transcribed - Published: 27 November 2025

Podcast 61: Talking about Positive Emotions in Japanese

Welcome to another episode of Learn Japanese Pod!In this episode we talk about how to express positive emotions in Japanese. You’ll learn some vocabulary, grammar and also a little bit about Japanese culture and how people in Japan tend to display their emotions in public. Premium members can access detailed show notes as well as extra podcast dialogues and audio drills. To find out more, visit out Patreon page here: Learn Japanese Pod Premium Membership. For more information about the podcast, visit the main site here: Learn Japanese Pod

Transcribed - Published: 11 August 2025

Podcast 61: Just the dialogues

The Japanese-only audio drills for podcast 59 have moved to our new Patreon page. Please click the link below for access: Learn Japanese Pod Patreon

Transcribed - Published: 11 August 2025

Fun Friday 30: Interview with Timothy Reid

Podcast Guest: Timothy Reid – From English Teacher to Award-Winning Musician and Game Industry Pro in Japan This week on the podcast, I’m thrilled to welcome Timothy Reid, a multi-talented artist and creator whose journey to success in Japan is nothing short of inspiring. Originally from North Yorkshire in the UK, Timothy moved to Japan in 2011 after graduating from the University of Leeds. Like many foreigners, he started out teaching English just to get by — but everything changed in 2014 when he won a national guitar contest. That moment launched him straight into the Japanese music industry. Since then, he’s done it all: from touring and recording as a professional guitarist, to demoing gear in-store, teaching at music schools, and more recently, breaking into Japan’s video game industry, contributing to both big-name AAA titles and indie games. In this episode, we talk about learning Japanese, breaking into the music and gaming industries, and what it really takes to build a life and career in Japan. If you’re interested in living in Japan, pursuing a creative career here, or just want to hear an honest, fascinating story about surviving and thriving abroad, you won’t want to miss this conversation. If you’ve ever dreamed of building a successful creative career in Japan, this is an unmissable episode packed with insight, inspiration, and hard-won lessons. Click on the links below for Timothy’s home page and social media account: Timothy Reid Official Website Timothy Reid Instagram For more Japanese language learning podcasts and interviews with people doing cool stuff in Japan, visit: Learn Japanese Pod

Transcribed - Published: 28 June 2025

Podcast 60: Talking about cleaning and household chores in Japanese

Welcome to another episode of Learn Japanese Pod! This time, we’re diving into a topic that’s more than just daily vocabulary—it’s a cultural deep dive into cleanliness, chores, and the Japanese mindset around keeping things tidy. In this episode, Alex and Ami Sensei explore how to talk about household chores in natural, conversational Japanese. You’ll pick up useful words and phrases for cleaning, washing, tidying up, and more—perfect for everyday situations in Japan. But that’s just the start. We also go beyond the grammar and vocab to look at why cleanliness is so important in Japanese culture. From kids cleaning their classrooms to monks scrubbing temple floors, you’ll learn how these everyday actions reflect deeper values like discipline, respect, and mindfulness—ideas that shape how people live, speak, and interact in Japan. We also compare the Japanese approach to cleanliness with Western attitudes and explore how understanding these cultural differences can help you become not just linguistically fluent, but culturally fluent too. So if you’ve ever wondered what chores can teach you about Japan—and want to sound more natural when talking about them—this is the episode for you! Enjoy!

Transcribed - Published: 7 June 2025

Podcast 60: Just the dialogues

The Japanese-only audio drills for podcast 59 have moved to our new Patreon page. Please click the link below for access: Learn Japanese Pod Patreon

Published: 7 June 2025

Fun Friday 29: Setting up a business in Japan

In this podcast, Alex and Andy talk about their experience setting up a company in Japan, why they did it and how! In this episode of Learn Japanese Pod, Andy and I dive into the world of starting a small business in Japan. We share our personal journeys of setting up our own company , the lessons we learned, and the surprises we encountered along the way. If you’re a foreigner living in Japan—or planning to move here—and you’ve ever thought about launching your own business, this episode is packed with useful insights and real talk. What We Talked About in This Episode Here are some of the main topics we covered: Why we decided to set up a company in Japan Our motivations, goals, and what pushed us to take the leap from freelance to incorporating. Types of companies you can register in Japan We break down common structures like the Godo Kaisha (GK) and Kabushiki Kaisha (KK), and why we chose what we did. Legal and financial help – Do you need a lawyer or tax accountant? How we found help with paperwork, taxes, and navigating the legal landscape. The process of registering a company in Japan From choosing a company name to getting all the documents stamped, we share what was smooth—and what wasn’t. Hanko culture and paperwork What it was like getting our hankos (personal/company seals) made and how they’re used for official documents. Registering your company name Tips and gotchas when reserving a name, and how we made sure ours passed. Our overall experience – Was it easy or hard? We compare notes on how bureaucratic (or not) the process was, and how long it took. Listen to the Episode Click here to listen now or find it on your favorite podcast platform. Key Takeaways Preparation is key – Research and planning go a long way in making the process smoother. Get help – Hiring a bilingual tax accountant or lawyer can save you time and stress. Japan’s system is unique – Cultural and legal differences (like using hankos) can be surprising, but manageable with guidance. It’s possible! – Setting up a company in Japan as a foreigner is very doable with the right support and mindset. For more podcasts on learning the Japanese language and discovering more about the culture of Japan, click here!

Transcribed - Published: 31 May 2025

Podcast 59: How to understand Japanese in Japanese

In this episode, you’ll learn how to understand Japanese vocabulary — using only Japanese. Specifically, we’ll focus on how to ask for the meaning of words in Japanese and try to understand the explanations you hear. Mastering this skill not only boosts your vocabulary but also deepens your understanding of how words are naturally used in context. And remember, this becomes an exponential process – the more words you learn, the more words you can learn. It’s an extremely effective way to improve fluency. Admittedly, this can be a challenging skill to develop, especially for beginners who may not yet have enough vocabulary to follow explanations in Japanese. However, it’s an incredibly valuable skill to work on at any level. Over time, it will greatly improve your ability to use and understand Japanese more like a native speaker.

Transcribed - Published: 30 April 2025

Podcast 59: Just the dialogues

The Japanese-only audio drills for podcast 59 have moved to our new Patreon page. Please click the link below for access: Learn Japanese Pod Patreon

Published: 30 April 2025

Fun Friday 28: The Sento Mindset with Katheryn Gronauer

In this Fun Friday edition of the Learn Japanese Pod podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Katheryn Gronauer, a Tokyo-based entrepreneur with a fascinating background. She shared incredible insights and stories, including her unique experience growing up in a family that managed sento—traditional Japanese public baths. We talked about what it was like helping her family run the business and how those early experiences shaped her approach to leadership and personal developmenttoday. Katheryn has since taken that knowledge and applied it to her coaching practice, The Sento Mindset, which focuses on rethinking life with honesty and courage to achieve your goals and achieve success. Beyond that, we discussed life in Tokyo, and plenty of other thought-provoking topics. It was a fantastic conversation, and I can’t wait for you to hear it!  

Transcribed - Published: 30 January 2025

Podcast 58: Using a bank in Japan

In this podcast, we’ll dive into the process of opening a bank account in Japan, providing you with essential vocabulary and practical phrases that will help you confidently handle your finances. Not only will you learn how to navigate the specific steps of opening an account, but we’ll also cover useful language for managing money in various situations—whether you’re making a deposit, withdrawing cash, transferring funds, or even discussing your account with bank staff. These are practical skills that go beyond the basics covered in many textbooks, ensuring you’re better equipped to manage your money in Japan. We’ll also explore the cultural context surrounding Japanese banks, shedding light on unique practices and expectations so you can better understand how the system works and avoid potential confusion. By the end of the episode, you’ll be prepared with both the language skills and cultural insights to handle a wide range of financial interactions with ease. To get access to extra premium content including podcasts, audio drills and pdf show notes, visit out Patreon page here.

Transcribed - Published: 29 September 2024

Podcast 58: Just the dialogues

The Japanese-only audio drills for podcast 58 have moved to our new Patreon page. Please click the link below for access: Learn Japanese Pod Patreon

Published: 29 September 2024

Podcast 57: Talking About Money in Japanese

In this podcast, we’re focusing on useful verbs and phrases related to using money, Japanese coins and banknotes. We also discuss the proper etiquette for handling money in Japan Learn Japanese Pod Patreon Page

Transcribed - Published: 20 July 2024

Podcast 57: Just the dialogues

The Japanese-only audio drills for podcast 57 have moved to our new Patreon page. Please click the link below for access: Learn Japanese Pod Patreon

Published: 20 July 2024

Fun Friday 27: How not to be an obnoxious tourist in Japan

In recent years, Japan has experienced a surge in tourism, with millions flocking to its stunning temples, bustling cities, and serene landscapes. However, this boom has also brought about a significant issue: overtourism. As more travelers visit, overcrowding and a minority of obnoxious tourists has become increasingly problematic, causing frustration and discomfort among the locals who call these beautiful places home. Overtourism in Japan is fueled by various factors, including the cheap yen, the boom in post pandemic travel and lack of local planning and infrastructure adequate for the volume of tourists. While the causes are complex and multifaceted, each visitor has the power to make a difference. By being mindful and respectful, you can contribute positively to your experience and the well-being of the local communities. In this episode, we dive into the do’s and don’ts of tourism etiquette in Japan. From cultural sensitivities to practical tips, we’ll guide you on how to enjoy your trip without becoming an unwelcome guest. Tune in to learn how to be a considerate traveler and ensure your visit leaves a positive impact.

Transcribed - Published: 20 June 2024

Podcast 56: Dating in Japan

In this podcast, we focus on phrases related to dating in Japan. We’ll cover phrases to express your feelings about someone as well as describe your current and past relationship status. Finally, we talk about how dating culture in Japan differs from dating in the West. Check out our Patreon page to get access to extra dialogues, audio drills and show notes. Learn Japanese Pod Patreon Page

Transcribed - Published: 31 May 2024

Podcast 56: Just the dialogues

The Japanese-only audio drills for podcast 56 have moved to our new Patreon page. Please click the link below for access: Learn Japanese Pod Patreon

Published: 31 May 2024

Podcast 55: Asking for confirmation in Japanese

In this podcast, we’re focusing on a crucial skill for mastering Japanese fluency and expanding your vocabulary which is confirming information. When visiting Japan, it is likely you might mishear what is being said or you simply don’t understand the vocabulary being used. So, whether you’re confirming a restaurant reservation or seeking clarity in a conversation, this skill is indispensable for effective communication and deepening your grasp of Japanese. And the good news is, you only need to learn a couple of phrases to be able to confirm information in Japanese. So, check out the dialogues and vocabulary in this podcast to get a better understanding of this topic. Check out our Patreon page to get access to extra dialogues, audio drills and show notes. Learn Japanese Pod Patreon Page  

Transcribed - Published: 27 April 2024

Podcast 55: Just the dialogues

The Japanese-only audio drills for podcast 55 have moved to our new Patreon page. Please click the link below for access: Podcast 54 Audio dialogue drills

Published: 27 April 2024

Podcast 54: Phrase that use 気 in Japanese

The topic for this lesson is the word 気 Ki. 気 has a lot of meanings depending on context. It up in has various meanings such as spirit, heart or mind. It can also mean mood or air. You probably already know the word 元気 Genki which means well. Another example would be 気分 Kibun which means feeling or mood. And there is also 気圧 Kiatsu which means atmospheric pressure. However, in this lesson, we’re going to focus more on how 気 is used in conversational phrases related to thinking, your mind and your attitude. So, if you can remember at least a few of these phrases, your spoken Japanese will definitely sound more natural and fluent. Check out the podcasts, show notes and extra audio drill to learn more. Patreon: Podcast 54: Phrase that use 気 in Japanese

Transcribed - Published: 1 April 2024

Podcast 54: Just the dialogues

The Japanese-only audio drills for podcast 54 have moved to our new Patreon page. Please click the link below for access: Podcast 54 Audio dialogue drills

Published: 1 April 2024

Podcast 53: Natural disasters in Japan

In today’s episode, we’re diving into a crucial topic that anyone living in or visiting Japan should know at least a little about, and that is to stay safe during a natural disaster. Japan is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, and is prone to various natural disasters such as earthquakes, typhoons, heavy rain, and tsunami. And as language learners, it’s good to not only master everyday conversational Japanese but also understand the language used in various emergency situations. So, today we’ll look at some basic vocabulary related to natural disasters and phrases related to disaster preparedness.

Transcribed - Published: 26 February 2024

Podcast 53: Just the dialogues

The Japanese-only audio drills for podcast 53 have moved to our new Patreon page. Please click the link below for access: Learn Japanese Pod Patreon page

Published: 26 February 2024

Podcast 52: Dealing with a cold in Japan

In this lesson we’ll discuss how to deal with a cold which is pretty common during the winter months in Japan. We’ll look at how to describe symptoms and remedies for recovery.

Transcribed - Published: 15 January 2024

Podcast 52: Just the dialogues

The Japanese-only audio drills for podcast 52 have moved to our new Patreon page. Please click the link below for access: Learn Japanese Pod Patreon page

Published: 15 January 2024

Podcast 51: Ōsōji – Year end cleaning

In Japan, the tradition of “大掃除” (Ōsōji), meaning “big cleaning,” takes place at the end of the year. This cultural practice involves a thorough cleaning of homes, workplaces, and public spaces to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one with a fresh start. Families engage in deep cleaning, decluttering, and organizing to symbolize leaving behind the past and preparing for a clean slate in the coming year. It is a shared activity that fosters a sense of renewal and harmony within the family, work colleagues and community.

Transcribed - Published: 29 December 2023

Podcast 51: Just the dialogues

The Japanese-only audio drills for podcast 51 have moved to our new Patreon page. Please click the link below for access: Learn Japanese Pod Patreon page

Published: 29 December 2023

Fun Friday 26: 2023 Review with Andy

As the sun sets on 2023, I recently hung out with my good friend Andy on the Fun Friday edition of the podcast to review the highs and lows of the past year in Japan. Enjoy!      

Transcribed - Published: 22 December 2023

Fun Friday 25: Interview with Peter Manthei, again!

It’s been a while but in this Fun Friday edition of the podcast I met up with my good friend and Japan enthusiast, Peter of Beards Brewery. He’s just completed an epic two-month journey across Japan and in this episode I caught up with him to get a debriefing on his trip. We chatted about his adventures, using Japanese on the road, and recommendations on places to visit. If you are planing a visit to Japan, definietly check out this podcast as Peter gives some great advice on planning and enjoying your trip to the fullest. When Peter isn’t jet setting around the globe, you can usaully find him studying Japanese and brewing some seriously delicious ninja level beer in beautiful northern Michigan at Beards Brewery.  

Transcribed - Published: 15 December 2023

Podcast 50: How to refuse things in Japanese

In this lesson, you’ll learn how to refuse things in Japanese. This is an important skill to have, as you’ll often find yourself in situations where you need to say no to someone. You’ll also learn how to refuse offers in Japanese appropriately in different situations using different levels of politeness. A word of warning. Not all the phrases in this lesson can be used in polite conversation so be careful! For our premium members you can download an extra premium podcast that goes into more detail on this topic, Japanese audio drills and PDF show notes. Visit our Patreon page for more information here. 

Transcribed - Published: 10 November 2023

Podcast 50: Just the dialogues

The Japanese-only audio drills for podcast 50 have moved to our new Patreon page. Please click the link below for access: Podcast 50 Japanese Audio Drill

Published: 10 November 2023

Fun Friday 24: Interview with Matthew Dons

In this podcast I interview Matthew Dons, a dear friend and long term resident of Japan. We talk about his experiences of doing a home stay when he first came to Japan. Matthew also gives his advice on the dos and don’ts of Japanese etiquette and culture to make your stay in Japan go more smoothly. You can find out more about Matthew through the following link below: MathewDons.com For more podcasts and information on our Japanese language learning courses go to Learn Japanese Pod  

Transcribed - Published: 25 August 2023

Fun Friday 23: Things to see in Kyoto with Ben

If you are interested in visiting Kyoto then this podcast is for you. In this Fun Friday edition of the podcast I interview my long suffering brother Ben about his work as a tourguide in Kyoto. We talk about what to visit, when to come, etiquette for tourists, food, history and more! For more Japan themed podcasts visit Learn Japanese Pod

Transcribed - Published: 11 August 2023

Podcast 49: How to disagree with people in Japanese

In this lesson we will teach you useful phrases for disagreeing with people and how to use them in different situations. Different phrases and inflections in your voice can be interpreted in many ways, from being vague to being very direct or even rude. Compared to some cultures, Japanese people tend to be less confrontational and don’t always express their opinions clearly or directly. So if you disagree with someone in Japanese, try to err on the side of being polite and less direct. With this in mind, check out the podcast to get an idea of how to use these phrases naturally in conversation. Want access to the show notes and extra audio drills? Join our Premium Patreon membership.

Transcribed - Published: 30 April 2023

Podcast 49: Just the dialogues

The Japanese-only audio drills for podcast 48 have moved to our new Patreon page. Please click the link below for access: Podcast 49 Japanese Audio Drill

Published: 30 April 2023

Podcast 48: Levels of certainty in Japanese

In this lesson Ami Sensei and I will teach you how to express different levels of certainty in Japanese. You’ll learn how to express the probability you think something will happen through various example sentences and dialogues. In English we do this all the time with words such as “definitely”, “probably” and “might”. And of course, you can do that in Japanese too. However, spoken Japanese tends to be less direct and uses more tentative language. And that means there are a lot of ways to say you think something may or might happen. Check out the podcast to hear example sentences and natural dialogues to help you learn how to express yourself more fluently in Japanese. Join our Patreon Page to get access to PDF show notes, extra audio drills and more! Click here to get access to the Learn Japanese Pod Patreon Membership 

Transcribed - Published: 5 March 2023

Podcast 48: Just the dialogues

The Japanese-only audio drills for podcast 48 have moved to our new Patreon page. Please click the link below for access: Podcast 48 Japanese Audio Drill

Published: 5 March 2023

Podcast 47: Small Talk in Japanese

In this podcast, Ami Sensei and I talk about how to make small talk in Japanese. We talk about appropriate topics and ones to avoid. And we also teach you some useful vocabulary, phrases and grammar to make you sound more natural and fluent. Please note we have opened a new Premium membership that provides even more Japanese fluency lessons and materials for serious students of Japanese. Learn Japanese Pod Premium Membership  

Transcribed - Published: 29 January 2023

Podcast 47: Just the dialogues

The Japanese-only audio drills for podcast 47 have moved to our new Patreon page. Please click the link below for access: Podcast 47 Japanese Audio Drill

Transcribed - Published: 29 January 2023

Fun Friday 22: 2022 Review

In this Fun Friday edition of the podcast, Alex, A-Chan and Andy talk about the major events that shaped Japan in 2022. For more Japan themed podcasts visit Learn Japanese Pod

Transcribed - Published: 29 December 2022

Podcast 46: Darui (Shorts)

In this podcast you will learn what Darui means and how to use it naturally in conversation in Japanese. This lesson includes the main podcast lesson, PDF show notes and an extra audio drill. You can find all of these resources by going to Learn Japanese Pod

Transcribed - Published: 19 December 2022

Podcast 46: Just the dialogues (Shorts)

In this lesson, you will learn what Darui means. Check out the example sentences and dialogues to learn how these phrases are naturally used by native Japanese speakers in conversation. Example 1: 怠い – Darui I’m tired Example 2: 天気が悪くて体がだるい – Tenki ga warukute karada ga darui I’m so tired because of the weather. Example 3: 今日めっちゃだるいよ – Kyō meccha darui I’m super tired today. Example 4: これから打ち合わせなんだよね。超だるい – Kore kara uchiawase nan da yo ne. Chō darui.  I’ve got a meeting now. I really don’t want to go. (Lit. it makes me tired)  Example 5: 二日酔いでマジだるい – Futsukayoi de maji darui.   I’m dead tired because I’m hungover.   Example 6: 人混みがだるい – Hitogomi ga darui.  The crowds tire me out. 

Transcribed - Published: 19 December 2022

Podcast 45: How to agree with people in Japanese

In this lesson you will learn how to agree with people in Japanese. Check out the example sentences and dialogues to learn how these phrases are naturally used by native Japanese speakers in conversation. How to study This lesson includes the main podcast lesson, PDF show notes and an extra audio drill. You can find all of these resources by going to Learn Japanese Pod

Transcribed - Published: 25 November 2022

Podcast 45: Just the dialogues

In this lesson you will learn how to agree with people in Japanese. Check out the example sentences and dialogues to learn how these phrases are naturally used by native Japanese speakers in conversation. Main Dialogue (Japanese) A: 今日めっちゃ暑いよね。 B: だよね。 A: なんか、夏は好きだけど湿気が嫌い。 B: わかる、わかる。 A: 今年の夏は猛暑が続いたよね。 B: 本当だよね。 Main Dialogue (Pronunciation) A: Kyō meccha atsui yo ne. B: Da you ne. A: Nanka, natsu wa suki dakedo, shikke ga kirai. B: Wakaru, wakaru. A: Kotoshi no natsu wa mōsho ga tsuzuita da yo ne. B: Hontō da yo ne. Main Dialogue (English) A: It’s really hot today isn’t it? B: Right. A: So, I like the summer but I don’t like the humidity. B: I know, I know. A: This year’s summer heat has been extreme hasn’t it? B: That’s true. Extra phrases Please note that you can listen to the example sentences in the dialogue-only audio file which is on our podcast feed. The podcast feed can be subscribed to by visiting the Learn Japanese Pod website. 1. そうだね– Sō da ne – That’s right. The first phrase you should know is そうだねsō da ne or そうだよsō da yo which means that’s right or I agree. You can even shorten that to だよねDa yo ne, which is a casual way to agree with someone and means something like, “right?”. If you want to be more polite you would say そうですね Sō desu ne. 2. 僕もそう思う– Boku mo sō omou – I think so too, This means something like, ”yeah I think so too”. For example: a. この試験は難しすぎ – Kono shiken wa muzukashi sugi This test is too hard. b. うん、僕もそう思う – Un, boku mo sō omou Yup, I think so too. 3. 確かに- Tashika ni – Certainly / Absolutely Here’s an example using 確かに: a. あの映画超怖かったよね – Ano eiga chō kowakatta yo ne That movie was so scary b. 確かに – Tashika ni It certainly was. 4. 賛成できる– Sansei dekiru – I can agree / I agree This means that you can agree with an idea or you agree to doing something. For example: そのアイディアは賛成できる – Sono aidia wa sansei dekiru I can agree with that idea / I second that Learn Japanese Pod その提案は賛成できる – Sono teian wa sansei dekiru I can agree to that plan. 5. 間違いない / 間違いなく– Machigai nai / Machigau naku – No doubt This means something like without doubt, or no question about it. For example: a. 今日めっちゃ寒い – Kyō meccha samui Today’s really cold. b. うん、 間違いない – Un, machigai nai Yup, no question about it. 6. もちろん – Mochiron – Of course もちろん is used as an affirmative response to a statement someone makes. For example; a. 今日の晩御飯は簡単なものでいい?- Kyō no bangohan wa kantan na mono de ii? Do you mind if we just do something simple for dinner tonight? b. もちろん – Mochiron Of course. 7. 当たり前じゃん – Atarimae jan – Obviously / That goes without saying This phrase means something like obviously, that goes without saying or that’s a given. Here’s an example: a. 彼女の誕生日プレゼント忘れちゃだめだよ – Kanojo no tanjōbi puresento wasureccha dame. You cannot forget your girlfriend’s birthday present. b. 当たり前じゃん – Atarimae jan Well, obviously

Transcribed - Published: 25 November 2022

Podcast 44: What does “Hampa nai” mean? (Shorts)

In this podcast, Ami Alex tell you the meaning of 半端ない Hanpa nai  and how to use it naturally in a conversation in Japanese. For more Japanese language learning podcasts visit Learn Japanese Pod

Transcribed - Published: 30 July 2022

Podcast 44: Just the dialogues (Shorts)

This post includes only Japanese dialogues and sentence examples from podcast #44 “Hanpa nai”. This lesson focuses on the phrase 半端ないhampa nai which means something like amazing, epic or unbelievable. Here are example sentences from the podcast: Example 1: 半端ないよね – Hampa nai yo ne That’s really awesome Example 2: あの人半端ないよね – Ano hito hampa nai yo ne That person is really awesome Example 3: あの人の料理マジ半端ない – Ano hito no ryōri maji hampa nai That person’s cooking is incredible Example 4: あの人の筋肉マジ半端ない – Ano hito no kinniku maji hampa nai That guy is seriously muscly Example 5: 彼女のダンス超半端ない – Kanojo no dansu chō hampa nai Her dancing is incredible Example 6: ロブは5ヶ国語話せる。彼は半端ないね – Robu wa go ka kokugo hanaseru. Kare wa hanpa nai ne. Rob can speak 5 languages. He’s amazing.   For more Japanese learning podcasts visit Learn Japanese Pod

Transcribed - Published: 30 July 2022

Podcast 43: Receiving compliments in Japanese

This lesson focuses on how to receive compliments in Japanese. We’ll teach you some useful phrases you can use to respond to people who say nice things to you. We’ll also discuss Japanese attitudes towards compliments, why they make them and what they really mean. Spoiler alert, the cultural mindset in Japan might be quite different from your own, so be mindful of the differences! For more Japanese study podcasts visit: Learn Japanese Pod

Transcribed - Published: 15 July 2022

Podcast 43: Just the dialogues

These are just the Japanese dialogues and example sentences taken from podcast #43 “Receiving compliments in Japanese”. This lesson focuses on how to receive compliments in Japanese. We’ll teach you some useful phrases you can use to respond to people who say nice things to you. We’ll also discuss Japanese attitudes towards compliments, why they make them and what they really mean. Spoiler alert, the cultural mindset in Japan might be quite different from your own, so be mindful of the differences! But the best way to learn about compliments is in context so check out the dialogue and example sentences below. Main dialogue (Japanese) A: 日本語上手だね! B: いやいや。まだまだだよ。 A: いやあ、日本人みたいに喋ってる! B: そんなことないよ。勉強中だよ! A: でもすごいよ! B: 是非もっと教えてください。 Main dialogue (Pronunciation) A: Nihongo jōzu da ne B: Iyaiya. Mada mada da yo. A: Iyaa, nihonjin mitai ni shabetteru. B: Sonna koto nai yo. Benkyō chuu da yo. A: Demo sugoi yo. B: Zehi motto oshiete kudasai. Main dialogue (English) A: Your Japanese is great! B: No, no. Not yet. A: No, but you speak just like a Japanese person! B: Not at all. I’m still studying. A: But it’s amazing. B: Please teach me by all means. Example sentences Example 1: A: 料理が上手いね B: いやいや A: Ryōri ga umai ne B: Iya iya A: Your cooking is great B: No, no. Example 2: A: お洒落だね B: そうかな A: Oshare da ne B: Sō kana A: You’re stylish B: Is that really true? Example 3 A: 料理が上手いね B: 全然 A: Ryōri ga umai ne B: Zenzen A: Your cooking is great B: Not at all Example 4 A: あみ先生お洒落だね B: とんでもないです A: Ami Sensei, oshare da ne B: Tondemonai desu A: Ami Sensei, you are so stylish B: No, not at all. (Don’t be silly now) Example 5 A: 料理が上手い B: そんなことないけど嬉しい A: Ryōri ga umai ne B: Sonna koto nai kedo ureshii A: Your cooking is great B: That’s not true but I’m happy to hear that. Example 6 A: お洒落だね B: おかげさまで A: Oshare da ne B: Okagesama de A: You’re so stylish B: Thanks to you!

Transcribed - Published: 15 July 2022

Podcast 42: What does Toriaezu mean? (Shorts)

In this podcast, Ami Sensei and Alex teach you the meaning of とりあえず Toriaezu and how to use it naturally in Japanese conversation. For more Japanese podcasts visit Learn Japanese Pod

Transcribed - Published: 30 June 2022

Podcast 42: Just the dialogues (Shorts)

This lesson focuses on the word Toriaezu, what it means and how to use it naturally in conversation in Japanese. What does Toriaezu mean? とりあえず Toriaezu roughly translates as “for the time being” or “for now we’ll do so and so”. This is a useful phrase to use when you want to make a temporary decision before committing to a more substantial or permanent solution. This phrase is often used when you are ordering food at an Izakaya, which is Japanese style pub. You can use とりあえず Toriaezu to order drinks or small snacks while you are deciding what to order for your main dishes. Let’s look at the example sentences below: Example Sentences Here are some examples of how to use とりあえず Toriaezu naturally in Japanese conversation. You can listen to the following example sentences with the extra listening practice audio file that is included in the podcast feed. 1. とりあえずビールで Toriaezu biiru de We’ll have beer for now 2. とりあえずワインで Toriaezu wain de We’ll have wine for now 3. とりあえずお冷で Toriaezu ohiya de We’ll have water for now 4. とりあえずなんか食べよう Toriaezu nanka tabeyō Let’s eat something for now 5. とりあえず買う Toriaezu kau I’ll buy it for now 6. とりあえず行く Toriaezu iku I’ll go for now 7. とりあえずやってみる Toriaezu yatte miru I’ll try it for now 8. とりあえず映画見よう Toriaezu eiga o miyō I’ll watch the movie for now 9. とりあえず生で Toriaezu nama de We’ll have a beer for now For more Japanese study podcasts go to Learn Japanese Pod

Transcribed - Published: 30 June 2022

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