Friday, 3 May 2024

Japanese verbs(動詞:doushi)

 


1. Today's Japanese words 

Here's a breakdown of common Japanese verbs with Kanji, Hiragana, and Romaji:


**Basic Verbs**


* 行く (いく) - iku: To go

* 来る (くる) - kuru: To come 

* 見る (みる) - miru: To see

* 食べる (たべる) - taberu: To eat

* 話す (はなす) - hanasu: To talk 


**-u Verbs (most common)**


* 書く (かく) - kaku: To write

* 読む (よむ) - yomu: To read

* 言う (いう) - iu: To say 


**-ru Verbs (also common)**


* 思う (おもう) - omou: To think

* 待つ (まつ) - matsu: To wait

* 始める (はじめる) - hajimeru: To begin 

Here are more common Japanese verbs:


**Weather-Related Verbs**


* 降る (ふる) - furu: To rain

* 曇る (くもる) - kumoru: To be cloudy 

* 晴れ る (はれる) - hareru: To be sunny 

* 暑い (あつい) - atsui: To be hot 

* 寒い (さむい) - samui: To be cold 


**Other Verbs**


* する (する) - suru: To do

* 忘れる (わすれる) - wasureru: To forget 

* 持つ (もつ) - motsu: To have 

* 勉強する (べんきょうする) - benkyō suru: To study 


**Important Notes**


* Kanji (漢字): Chinese characters used in Japanese writing.

* Hiragana (ひらがな): Phonetic Japanese script for basic words.

* Romaji: Roman alphabet representation of Japanese pronunciation. 


2. Today's topic

Japanese verb conjugation

Japanese verb conjugation, also known as 活用 (katsuyou), is the process of changing the form of a verb to indicate different tenses, aspects, moods, and politeness levels. It is an essential part of Japanese grammar and can be quite complex for learners.


**Verb Groups**


Japanese verbs are typically divided into three groups based on their dictionary form endings:


* **-u verbs (五段動詞 godan dōshi)**: These verbs end in the hiragana character る (ru) in their dictionary form. They are the most common type of verb and are relatively easy to conjugate.


* **-ru verbs (一段動詞 ichidan dōshi)**: These verbs also end in る (ru) in their dictionary form, but they have a different conjugation pattern than -u verbs. They are also relatively common.


* **-iru/eru verbs (二段動詞 nidan dōshi)**: These verbs end in either る (iru) or える (eru) in their dictionary form. They have the most complex conjugation pattern and are less common than -u and -ru verbs.


**Conjugation Patterns**


Each verb group has its own set of conjugation patterns, which determine how the verb is changed to express different meanings. The most common conjugation patterns include:


* **Present tense (現在形 genzai-kei)**: This form is used to express actions that are happening now or habitually.


* **Past tense (過去形 kako-kei)**: This form is used to express actions that happened in the past.


* **Negative (否定形 hintei-kei)**: This form is used to express negative statements.


* **Polite form (丁寧形 teinei-kei)**: This form is used to express politeness or respect.


* **Imperative form (命令形 meirei-kei)**: This form is used to give orders or commands.


**Irregular Verbs**


In addition to the regular conjugation patterns, there are also a number of irregular verbs that do not follow the standard patterns. These verbs need to be memorized individually.


**Learning Japanese Verb Conjugation**


Learning Japanese verb conjugation can be a daunting task, but it is essential for mastering the language. There are a number of resources available to help learners, including textbooks, online conjugators, and language learning apps. With practice, you will be able to conjugate verbs confidently and accurately.


Here are some additional tips for learning Japanese verb conjugation:


* **Start with the most common verb groups:** Focus on learning the conjugation patterns for -u verbs and -ru verbs first, as these are the most common types of verbs.


* **Practice regularly:** The more you practice, the better you will become at conjugating verbs. There are many online resources and apps that can help you with this.


* **Don't be afraid to make mistakes:** Everyone makes mistakes when they are learning a new language. The important thing is to learn from your mistakes and keep practicing.


3- Today’s news

INTERVIEW/ ‘African Kansai-jin’ Rene Hoshino explores ‘who are the Japanese?’

https://www.asahi.com/sp/ajw/articles/15230345

My comic “Manga: Afurika shonen ga nihon de sodatta kekka” (Manga: The result of an African boy growing up in Japan), which depicts my experiences, is a testament to how I overcame those difficulties.


Ashes of death': Book on 1954 Bikini Atoll H-bomb blast with Japanese victim released

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20240503/p2a/00m/0na/021000c

One crewman from Shizuoka Prefecture aboard the Daigo Fukuryu Maru tuna fishing boat died, and many crew on vessels from Kochi Prefecture were exposed to radiation from the blast in the northwestern Pacific Ocean.




Thursday, 2 May 2024

Japanese honorifics **keigo**

 

1. Today's Japanese words

Here are some key Japanese vocabulary words related to honorifics, along with example sentences in romaji:


**Basic Honorific Suffixes:**


* **さん (san):** This is the most common honorific suffix, similar to "Mr./Ms./Mrs." in English.

    * Example: Tanaka-san (田中さん) - Mr./Ms. Tanaka


* **くん (kun):** Used for boys and young men, similar to "boy" or "bro" informally.

    * Example: Yamada-kun (山田くん) - Yamada-kun (young man)


* **ちゃん (chan):** Used for girls and young women, similar to "sweetie" or "dear" informally.

    * Example: Suzuki-chan (鈴木ちゃん) - Suzuki-chan (young woman)


* **様 (sama):** Very formal and respectful, similar to "Sir/Madam."

    * Example: Tanaka-sama (田中様) - Mr./Ms. Tanaka (formal)


**Other Honorific Titles:**


* **先生 (sensei):** Teacher, doctor, or any professional deserving respect.

    * Example: Watanabe-sensei (渡辺先生) - Mr./Ms. Watanabe (teacher/doctor)


* **先輩 (senpai):** Senior colleague or student.

    * Example: Sato-senpai (佐藤先輩) - Senior Sato


**Prefixes:**


* **お (o):** Polite prefix added to nouns, like "o-kashi" (おかし) for sweets.

    * Example: O-tsukaresama deshita (お疲れさまでした) - Thank you for your hard work.


* **ご (go):** Similar to "o," but often used with titles or verbs for added politeness.

    * Example: Go-chisou sama deshita (ごちそうさまでした) - Thank you for the meal.


**参る (mairu)**


* **Meaning:** To come, to go, to visit (someone of higher status), to do (something for someone of higher status)

* **Usage:** Used to show respect to the person or place being visited or to whom something is being done.

* **Examples:**

    * **社長がいらっしゃったら、お伝えいたします。** (Shachō ga irasshattara, otsutaeitashimasu) - If the president is here, I will tell him.

    * **来週、東京へ参ります。** (Raishū, Tōkyō e mairimasu.) - I will be going to Tokyo next week.

    * **お客様のご要望を承ります。** (Okyaku-sama no goyōbō o uketamawarimasu.) - I will take care of your request.


**いただく (itadaku)**


* **Meaning:** To receive, to take, to eat, to drink, to experience (something given by someone of higher status)


* **Usage:** Used to show humility when receiving something or experiencing something from someone of higher status.

* **Examples:**

    * **お心遣いをいただき、ありがとうございます。** (O-kokorozukai o itadaki, arigatō gozaimasu.) - Thank you for your kindness.

    * **差し入れをいただき、大変うれしく思います。** (Sashiire o itadaki, taihen ureshiku omoimasu.) - I am very happy to receive your gift.



**Additional Notes:**


* **参る (mairu)** is a more formal honorific than **いただく (itadaku)** and is typically used in more formal situations.

* **いただく (itadaku)** is a more common honorific and is used in a wider variety of situations.

* Both **参る (mairu)** and **いただく (itadaku)** can be used with the verb **する (suru)** to form more complex honorific verb forms. For example, **お伺いする (osawagi suru)** means "to ask (someone of higher status)" and **お召し上がりになる (召し上がる nasaru)** means "to eat (someone of higher status)".


2. Today's topic

Japanese honorifics, also known as **keigo**, are a complex system of grammatical forms used to convey politeness, respect, and humility in speech. They are an essential part of Japanese communication and are used in a wide variety of contexts, from everyday conversations to formal business interactions.


**Types of Keigo**


There are three main types of keigo:


* **Teineigo (丁寧語)**: This is the most basic level of politeness and is used in everyday conversations with friends, family, and acquaintances. It is characterized by the use of polite verb endings (-masu, -desu) and certain polite expressions.


* **Sonkeigo (尊敬語)**: This is a more formal level of politeness and is used to show respect to the listener or someone being spoken about. It is characterized by the use of special honorific verb forms and certain honorific expressions.


* **Kenjōgo (謙譲語)**: This is the most formal level of politeness and is used to show humility or modesty. It is characterized by the use of special humble verb forms and certain humble expressions.


**Honorific Suffixes**


In addition to polite and humble verb forms, keigo also makes use of a number of honorific suffixes that are attached to nouns to show respect. Some of the most common honorific suffixes include:


* **-san**: This is the most basic honorific suffix and is used with the names of friends, family, and acquaintances.


* **-sama**: This is a more formal honorific suffix and is used with the names of superiors, customers, and people who are worthy of respect.


* **-dono**: This is a very formal honorific suffix and is used with the names of high-ranking people, such as royalty and government officials.


* **-go**: This is an honorific prefix that is attached to nouns to show respect. It is often used with titles, such as **sensei** (teacher) and **haisha** (dentist).


**Using Keigo**


The use of keigo is a complex and nuanced topic, and there are many factors to consider when choosing which form of keigo to use. These factors include the social relationship between the speaker and the listener, the setting of the conversation, and the topic of conversation.


**Learning Keigo**


Learning keigo can be a challenge for non-native speakers of Japanese, but it is an essential skill for anyone who wants to communicate effectively in Japanese. There are a number of resources available to help you learn keigo, including textbooks, online courses, and language exchange partners.


**Conclusion**


Keigo is an important part of Japanese culture and is essential for anyone who wants to communicate effectively in Japanese. By understanding the different types of keigo and how to use them, you can show respect to others and avoid making social faux pas.




3- Today’s news

Keidanren in call to make Japan an ‘AI, robotics powerhouse’

https://www.asahi.com/sp/ajw/articles/15233450


Malaysia and Japan test recycling dead palm trees into biofuel

https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Environment/Malaysia-and-Japan-test-recycling-dead-palm-trees-into-biofuel



Wednesday, 1 May 2024

Parts of Speech in Japanese


1. Today's Japanese words

Here is an explanation of Japanese parts of speech in English (without using a spreadsheet):


**Parts of Speech in Japanese**


Japanese has nine major parts of speech:


1. **Nouns (名詞, めいし):** Nouns refer to people, places, things, or ideas. They can be concrete or abstract. Examples of nouns include 猫 (neko, "cat"), 東京 (Tōkyō, "Tokyo"), 本 (hon, "book"), and 愛 (ai, "love").


2. **Pronouns (代名詞, だいめいし):** Pronouns take the place of nouns. They can be used to avoid repetition or to refer to something that has already been mentioned. Examples of pronouns include 私 (watashi, "I"), あなた (anata, "you"), 彼 (kare, "he"), 彼女 (kanojo, "she"), and それ (sore, "that").


3. **Verbs (動詞, どうし):** Verbs express actions, states of being, or occurrences. They are conjugated based on tense, politeness level, and other factors. Examples of verbs include 食べる (taberu, "to eat"), 行く (iku, "to go"), 読む (yomu, "to read"), and 思う (omou, "to think").


4. **Adjectives (形容詞, けいようし):** Adjectives describe nouns or pronouns. They come before the words they modify. Examples of adjectives include 大きい (ōkii, "big"), 赤い (akai, "red"), 面白い (omoshiroi, "interesting"), and 美しい (utsukushii, "beautiful").


5. **Adverbs (副詞, ふくし):** Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. They typically indicate manner, time, place, or degree. Examples of adverbs include ゆっくり (yukkuri, "slowly"), 昨日 (kinō, "yesterday"), ここ (koko, "here"), and 非常 (hijō, "very").


6. **Particles (助詞, じょし):** Particles indicate the grammatical function of words in a sentence. They are attached to nouns, pronouns, and verbs. Examples of particles include は (wa, "topic marker"), を (o, "direct object marker"), に (ni, "location marker"), and から (kara, "from").


7. **Auxiliary Verbs (助動詞, じょどうし):** Auxiliary verbs are used to add grammatical meaning to verbs. They can indicate tense, politeness level, or modality. Examples of auxiliary verbs include する (suru, "to do"), くれる (kureru, "to give"), and ことができる (koto ga dekiru, "can do").


8. **Conjunctions (接続詞, せつぞくし):** Conjunctions connect words, phrases, or clauses. They can indicate cause, effect, condition, or contrast. Examples of conjunctions include そして (soshite, "and"), だから (dakara, "so"), もし (moshi, "if"), and けれども (keredomo, "but").


9. **Interjections (感嘆詞, かんたんし):** Interjections express emotions or sudden exclamations. They are not typically used in sentences. Examples of interjections include ああ (aa, "ah"), うわあ (uwaa, "wow"), and やれやれ (yareyare, "oh dear").


**Understanding Japanese parts of speech is essential for mastering Japanese grammar. By learning how to identify and use the different parts of speech, you will be able to construct grammatically correct sentences and express yourself clearly in Japanese.**


2. Today's topic

## Japanese Grammar in English


Japanese grammar is quite different from English grammar, so it can be challenging for native English speakers to learn. However, with some effort and resources, it is definitely possible to master.


**Here are some of the key differences between Japanese and English grammar:**


* **Word order:** Japanese is a **subject-object-verb (SOV)** language, while English is a **subject-verb-object (SVO)** language. This means that the order of words in a sentence is typically different in the two languages. For example, the Japanese sentence "私は本を読みます" (watashi wa hon o yomimasu) would be "I read a book" in English.

* **Particles:** Japanese uses particles to indicate the grammatical function of words in a sentence. Particles are small words that are attached to nouns, pronouns, and verbs. For example, the particle "wa" (は) is used to mark the subject of a sentence, while the particle "o" (を) is used to mark the direct object.

* **Verb conjugations:** Japanese verbs conjugate based on tense, politeness level, and other factors. This means that the form of a verb changes depending on the context in which it is used. For example, the verb "読む" (yomu, "to read") has different forms for the present tense (読みます, yomimasu), the past tense (読みました, yomimashita), and the polite form (読みます, yomimasu).

* **Adjectives:** Japanese adjectives come before the nouns they modify. For example, the Japanese sentence "赤い本" (akai hon) would be "red book" in English.



**In addition to using these resources, there are a few other things you can do to help you learn Japanese grammar:**


* **Practice speaking and writing Japanese as much as possible.** The more you use the language, the more comfortable you will become with its grammar rules.

* **Find a language partner or tutor who can help you practice your grammar.** A native Japanese speaker can provide you with feedback and help you correct your mistakes.

* **Don't be afraid to make mistakes.** Everyone makes mistakes when they are learning a new language. The important thing is to learn from your mistakes and keep practicing.


Learning Japanese grammar can be challenging, but it is also rewarding. With hard work and dedication, you can learn to speak and write Japanese fluently.


**Here are some additional tips for explaining Japanese grammar in English:**


* **Use clear and concise language.** Avoid using jargon or technical terms that your audience may not understand.

* **Break down complex concepts into smaller, more manageable pieces.** Use examples and diagrams to illustrate your points.

* **Be patient and understanding.** It takes time for people to learn new grammar rules.

* **Make it fun!** There are many ways to make learning Japanese grammar fun, such as playing games, watching movies, and listening to music.


3- Today’s news

Burmese woman rises to top of time-honored inn in Gunma

https://www.asahi.com/sp/ajw/articles/15226797

A woman from Myanmar has been appointed general manager of Ginsyotei Awashima.


Ngun Nei Par, 31, was promoted from front desk clerk to the top post last November in her ninth year in Japan.


“I will be going all out to make our ryokan a warm place where people will feel like stopping at again,” Ngun said in fluent Japanese.


Engineer/programmer' ranked No. 1 dream job for 1st time among junior high boys in Japan

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20240501/p2a/00m/0li/011000c

For elementary school boys, the top three choices were "soccer player," "baseball player," and "video creator," with "engineer/programmer" coming in at No. 6. For elementary school girls, "pastry chef" was the most popular, followed by "teacher" and "doctor," with "singer" coming in seventh and "animator" in ninth.



Self-introductions and daily greetings

Greetings  * おはようございます。 (Ohayō gozaimasu.) - Good morning.  * こんにちは。 (Konnichiwa.) - Hello / Good day.  * こんばんは。 (Konbanwa.) - G...