conjunctions,接続詞 (setsuzoku-shi),

 

1. Today's Japanese words

 Here's a breakdown of some popular Japanese dishes with their romaji and a brief explanation:

* **Sushi (すし):** Thin slices of raw fish served on vinegared rice.

* **Sashimi (さしみ):** Thinly sliced raw fish or seafood, often served with soy sauce and wasabi.

* **Tempura (天ぷら):** Deep-fried seafood and vegetables in a light batter.

* **Ramen (ラーメン):** Wheat noodle soup with various toppings like meat, vegetables, and a flavorful broth.

* **Udon (うどん):** Thick wheat noodles served in a hot broth or with a dipping sauce.

* **Soba (そば):** Buckwheat noodles served hot or cold with various toppings.

* **Donburi (どんぶり):** A large bowl of rice topped with savory ingredients like meat, fish, or vegetables.

* **Yakitori (やきとり):** Grilled skewered chicken.

* **Okonomiyaki (お好み焼き):** A savory pancake with cabbage, meat, seafood, and various toppings.

* **Takoyaki (たこ焼き):** Savory balls of batter filled with diced octopus.

* **Miso Soup (味噌汁, Misoshiru):** A staple Japanese soup made with a base of dashi broth and softened miso paste.

* **Gyoza (餃子):** Pan-fried or steamed dumplings filled with savory ingredients like pork, vegetables, or shrimp.

* **Tonkatsu (とんかつ):** A deep-fried breaded pork cutlet.

* **Oyakodon (親子丼):** A bowl of rice topped with chicken, egg, and scallions.

* **Nikujaga (肉じゃが):** A hearty stew with simmered beef, potatoes, carrots, and onions.

* **Curry Rice (カレーライス, Karē Raisu):** A Japanese take on curry, with a thick, savory sauce served over rice.

* **Unagi Don (鰻丼):** Grilled freshwater eel served over a bed of rice. 

* **Sukiyaki (すき焼き):** A hot pot dish where thinly sliced meat, vegetables, and tofu are cooked tableside in a savory broth.

* **Shabu Shabu (しゃぶしゃぶ):** Another hot pot dish where thinly sliced meat is swirled in a boiling broth. 

* **Onigiri (おにぎり):** Rice balls wrapped in seaweed, often filled with savory ingredients like salmon, tuna, or pickled plum.

* **Edamame (枝豆):** Steamed or boiled green soybeans, a popular appetizer.

* **Yakisoba (焼きそば):** Stir-fried noodles with vegetables and meat.

* **Chawanmushi (茶碗蒸し):** A savory steamed egg custard dish with various ingredients like seafood and vegetables.

2. Today's topic

conjunctions,接続詞 (setsuzoku-shi),

Japanese conjunctions, also known as 接続詞 (setsuzoku-shi), are words that connect phrases, clauses, or sentences together. They play a crucial role in Japanese grammar, helping to establish relationships between different parts of speech and creating a logical flow in written and spoken language.

Just like English conjunctions, Japanese conjunctions come in a variety of forms, each serving a specific purpose. Some of the most common Japanese conjunctions include:

**1. そして (soshite)**

Meaning: "and"

Usage: そして is used to connect two or more items or events that occur in sequence. It indicates a continuation or addition of information.

Example: 私はご飯を食べましたそしてお風呂に入りました。(Watashi wa gohan o tabemashita soshite ofuro ni hairiました。) - I ate dinner and then took a bath.

**2. が (ga)**

Meaning: "but," "however," "though"

Usage: が is used to introduce a contrasting or opposing idea. It highlights a difference or exception to what has been previously stated.

Example: 私は勉強が好きですが、ゲームも好きです。(Watashi wa benkyō ga suki desu ga, gēmu mo suki desu.) - I like studying, but I also like playing games.

**3. けれども (keredomo)**

Meaning: "but," "however," "still"

Usage: けれども is similar to が but is often used in more formal or literary contexts. It emphasizes a contrast while maintaining a sense of politeness or respect.

Example: 私は疲れているけれども、頑張ります。(Watashi wa tsukarete imasu keredomo, ganbarimasu.) - I'm tired, but I'll keep trying.

**4. だから (dakara)**

Meaning: "so," "therefore," "because"

Usage: だから is used to indicate a cause-and-effect relationship or to express a logical conclusion based on preceding information.

Example: 雨が降っているだから、傘を持って出かけます。(Ame ga futte iru dakara, kasa o motte dekakeru.) - It's raining, so I'll take an umbrella.

**5. でも (demo)**

Meaning: "but," "however," "even so"

Usage: でも is a more informal and casual version of けれども. It introduces a contrasting idea but maintains a conversational tone.

Example: 私は料理が苦手です。でも、頑張ります。(Watashi wa ryōri ga nigate desu. Demo, ganbarimasu.) - I'm not good at cooking. But, I'll try my best.

* **なのに (nanoni):** Meaning: "yet," "even though" (indicates contrast despite expectation)

* **ば (ba):** Meaning: "if" (introduces a hypothetical situation)

* **ので (node):** Meaning: "because" (indicates reason in a polite way)

* **もしくは (moshikuwa):** Meaning: "or," "else" (expresses alternatives)

* **したがって (shitagatte):** Meaning: "therefore," "consequently" (shows a logical conclusion)

3- Today’s news

‘Solo wedding’ trend captures glam photos, no partner required

https://www.asahi.com/sp/ajw/articles/15225464

Kura Sushi opens first outlet in Ginza, luring foreign tourists

https://www.asahi.com/sp/ajw/articles/15262227