Transportation and Traffic

 1. Today's Japanese words

Japanese Basic Words for Transportation and Traffic (Romaji) Vehicles: のりもの (norimono): Vehicle (general term) くるま (kuruma): Car じどうしゃ (jidousha): Automobile タクシー (takushi): Taxi バス (basu): Bus 電車 (densha): Train 地下鉄 (chikatetsu): Subway 飛行機 (hikōki): Airplane 自転車 (jitensha): Bicycle オートバイ (ōtobai): Motorcycle Traffic: こうつう (koutsuu): Traffic 信号 (shingō): Traffic light 渋滞 (jūtai): Traffic jam 事故 (jiko): Accident 一方通行 (ippōtōkō): One-way street 駐車禁止 (chūsha kinshi): No parking 駐輪場 (chūrinjō): Bicycle parking 横断歩道 (ōdankōhō): Crosswalk 速度制限 (sokudo seigen): Speed limit 通行止め (tsūkōdome): Closed to traffic Directions: 地図 (chizu): Map 駅 (eki): Station 停留所 (teiryūjo): Bus stop 案内 (annai): Information 右 (migi): Right 左 (hidari): Left 直進 (chokushin): Straight Uターン (yūtān): U-turn Additional words: 切符 (kippu): Ticket 運賃 (unchin): Fare 乗り換え (norikae): Transfer 遅延 (chien): Delay 満席 (manseki): Full Tip: You can combine these words to form basic phrases, like "バス停はどこですか?" (Doko desu ka? - Where is the bus stop?) or "電車が遅延しています。" (Densha ga chien shite imasu. - The train is delayed.) 2. Today's topic Nengajo: Japan's New Year's Greeting Card Tradition In a nutshell: What: Beautifully designed cards sent to wish recipients a happy and healthy new year. When: Mailed in late December to arrive on January 1st. Who: Sent to friends, family, colleagues, and acquaintances (varying levels of formality). Why: To strengthen relationships and show respect, even with those you don't see often. Details: History: Roots in the Heian era (794-1185) as formal greetings for distant relationships. Modern postal system in the 1800s made nationwide exchange possible. Significance: Deeply ingrained in Japanese culture, showcasing etiquette and well-wishes. Can mend strained relationships and reconnect with those out of touch. Designs: Vibrant and varied, featuring zodiac animals, traditional symbols, or modern illustrations. Content: Standard phrases like "Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu" (Happy New Year!), personal updates, and hopes for the coming year. Etiquette: Formality level depends on your relationship with the recipient. Use appropriate language and respectfulness. Modern twist: Digital nengajo are gaining popularity, but traditional cards remain highly valued. Summary: Nengajo is more than just a card; it's a cultural treasure that strengthens bonds and upholds tradition. Sending these beautiful greetings is a way to extend warmth, respect, and good wishes for the new year to those near and far. 3- Today’s news Japanese inn turns to tourists to ease labor shortage https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231229_13/ The inn has organized a "work while travel" system that pays visitors for tasks such as cleaning and serving meals. The program also includes accommodation, food and access to the onsite hot spring during non-working hours. Art of nengajo not what it was but still an enduring custom https://www.asahi.com/sp/ajw/articles/1509909 Basic Japanese-1 https://youtu.be/GoD7Hov1ubY?si=WVB9OZpf_nbXEQKL Basic Japanese-2 https://youtu.be/IKHxwSktbuA?si=XODWDSAlec_9KOvO Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/1479683192767399 Nihongo class https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHjfs_9aRSSZiWcMB3rbC4g Nippon Kempo(Karate) class https://www.youtube.com/@malaysianipponkempo https://www.facebook.com/groups/172316952417482 Japanese cosmetics https://www.facebook.com/groups/3865037687058443?locale=ja_JP