Q&A

How to say “thanks to you I’ve passed JLPT(Japanese-Language Proficiency Test) N5” in Japanese?

Published:1st March 2019

* JLPT means “Japanese-Language Proficiency Test”. If you are interested in JLPT, please check the following website for more details. Answer by Japanese teacher Explanation Congratulations on passing your JLPT N5! I hope it is the start for further Japanese […]

How to say sorry when you want to apologize to your friends in Japanese?

Published:21st February 2019

Answer by Japanese teacher Explanation It is indeed an unfortunate accident. When we want to say sorry, we usually say “sumimasen”. However, since you are friends, you can use the more casual version “gomen”. “Gomen” comes from “ごめんなさい gomennasai” which […]

How to say “please go to the international terminal” in Japanese?

Published:20th February 2019

Answer by Japanese teacher Explanation Onegaishimasu is a useful phrase whenever we are in need of someone’s help or favour. When used with the word “made” before it, that is, “~ made onegaishimasu”, it means “please go to ~”. Try […]

How to say “Full tank, please” in Japanese?

Updated:20th February 2019
Published:13th February 2019

Answer by Japanese teacher Explanation Petrol stations are called gasorin sutando (ガソリンスタンド) in Japanese. There are two types of petrol stations in Japan, full-service and self-service. Full-service petrol stations are those where attendants are on hand to fill up your tank as per […]

How to say “Does this train go to Shinjuku?” in Japanese?

Updated:8th June 2019
Published:21st January 2019

Answer by Japanese teacher Explanation The phrase ～e ikimasu means “to go to ~”. Thus Shinjuku e ikimasu means to go to Shinjuku. You can simply put the subject kono densha (this train) in front to ask this question. Train […]

How to say “I want to book a taxi for tomorrow at 6.30am” in Japanese?

Published:29th December 2018

Answer by Japanese teacher Explanation The phrase yoyakushimasu means “to book or to reserve something”. If you conjugate the masu form of the verb to “~tai”, it means “I want to ~”. In this case, yoyakushitai means “I want to […]

What is “naruhodo”?

Published:22nd December 2018

Question: Does “naruhodo” mean the same thing as “soodesuka” (I see)? Why does my Japanese friend give me a strange look when I reply with “naruhodo”? | Answer by Japanese teacher: Soodesuka means “I see” and is used when you realize or understand something that you did not do so previously. なるほど naruhodo also means “I see” but there is an additional nuance to it. You must accept and agree to what someone has mentioned.

How to say “you don’t have to work so hard” in Japanese?

Published:19th December 2018

I think my Japanese girlfriend is the most hardworking person I've ever met. She has to juggle between her studies and part-time job and only sleeps at 2am every night. We don't even spend much time together. With her exams coming up soon, she sometimes stays awake the whole night. As a result, she falls sick very often. I'm afraid that this will take a toll on her health in the long run. I want to tell her she doesn't have to work so hard. How do I say it in Japanese?

How To Say “How old are you?” In Japanese?

Published:2nd December 2018

Answer by Japanese teacher Explanation In general, it is not recommended to ask for someone’s age in Japan because it is not considered a very polite thing to do. However, if you must, and if the situation allows you to […]

How to say “Are you alright?” in Japanese?

Published:24th November 2018

Answer by Japanese teacher Explanation There are a few ways of saying “alright” in Japanese. When asking if someone feels alright, you can say daijoobu desu ka. Daijoobu means alright and adding ka at the end of the sentence turns […]