Keigo-Japanese polite language

 

1. Today's Japanese words

Here's some basic Japanese vocabulary about animals with romaji:

* **Common pets:**

    * Inu (いぬ) - Dog

    * Neko (ねこ) - Cat

    * Usagi (うさぎ) - Rabbit

    * Hamusutā (ハムスター) - Hamster

* **Farm animals:**

    * Ushi (うし) - Cow

    * Buta (ぶた) - Pig

    * Niwatori (にわとり) - Chicken

* **Wild animals:**

    * Kuma (くま) - Bear

    * Saru (さる) - Monkey

    * Kitsune (きつね) - Fox

    * Tora (とら) - Tiger

* **Sea creatures:**

    * Sakana (さかな) - Fish

    * Iruka (いるか) - Dolphin

    * Kame (かめ) - Turtle

* **Birds:**

    * Tori (とり) - Bird

    * Ahiru(アヒル) - Duck

    * Taka (たか) - Hawk

* **Insects:**

    * Mushi (むし) - Bug

    * Hachi (はち) - Bee

    * Cho (ちょう) - Butterfly

 

2. Today's topic

Keigo-Japanese polite language

Japanese polite language, also known as keigo, is a complex system of grammatical and lexical features that are used to convey respect and deference to the listener. It is an essential part of Japanese culture and is used in a wide variety of situations, from everyday conversations to formal business meetings.

There are three main categories of keigo:

* **Polite language (teineigo)**: This is the most basic level of keigo and is used in most everyday situations. It is characterized by the use of the sentence-ending particle "desu" (です) and the verb suffix "-masu" (ます). For example, the basic form of the verb "to eat" is "taberu" (食べる), but the polite form is "tabemasu" (食べます).

* **Respectful language (sonkeigo)**: This level of keigo is used to show respect to someone who is higher in status than the speaker. It is characterized by the use of special verb forms and honorific suffixes. For example, the verb "to give" is "yaru" (やる) in basic form, but the respectful form is "kudasaru" (下さる). The honorific suffix "-sama" (様) is used to show respect to someone of very high status, such as a customer or a guest.

* **Humble language (kenjougo)**: This level of keigo is used to downplay the speaker's own status or abilities. It is characterized by the use of special verb forms and prefixes. For example, the verb "to know" is "shiru" (知る) in basic form, but the humble form is "oshiete itadaku" (教えていただく). The prefix "o-" (お) is used to make nouns and verbs more humble.

In addition to these three main categories, there are also a number of other keigo features, such as honorific titles and special phrases for requesting and offering things.

Learning keigo can be a bit daunting at first, but it is essential for anyone who wants to communicate effectively in Japanese. There are many resources available to help you learn keigo, including textbooks, websites, and online courses.

Here are some additional tips for using keigo:

* **Pay attention to the situation.** The level of keigo that you use will depend on the situation. For example, you would use more keigo when talking to your boss than you would when talking to your friend.

* **Be respectful of the listener.** Keigo is a way of showing respect to the listener, so it is important to use it appropriately. If you are not sure what level of keigo to use, it is better to err on the side of caution and use more keigo than you think is necessary.

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

3- Today’s news

Mie horse-riding festival held without a hitch after criticism

https://www.asahi.com/sp/ajw/articles/15256443

The Shinto ritual, said to date back about 700 years, is held to divine crop harvests based on whether the horses ridden by young residents in feudal attire can clear the final obstacle.

the festival came under fire after a horse broke a front leg and was put down last year.

After consulting with veterinarians, organizers decided to do away with the earthen wall, modify the slope to make it less steep and prohibit riders from inflicting violence on the horses to make them run.

“I am relieved that everything went well,” said Yoshichiyo Ito, who heads the organizing group. “The festival has changed from its traditional form, but it is OK if both people and horses are safe and unhurt.”

Teleworking in Japan shrinks after COVID, hybrid working on rise

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20240512/p2g/00m/0li/008000c

adverbs:fukushi(副詞)

 

1. Today's Japanese words

Here's some basic Japanese vocabulary about adverbs with romaji:

**Formation:**

* Many adverbs are formed by changing the ending of an adjective.

* **-i adjectives (い形容詞):** Replace the final "-i" with "-ku."

  * Example: Hayai (速い, fast) -> Hayaku (早く, quickly)

  * Example: Kirei (綺麗, beautiful) -> Kirei ni (綺麗に, beautifully)

* **-na adjectives (な形容詞):** Replace the final "-na" with "-ni."

  * Example: Shizuka na (静かな, quiet) -> Shizuka ni (静かに, quietly)

  * Example: Yasashii (優しい, kind) -> Yasashiku (優しく, kindly)

**Common adverbs:**

* **Time (時間):**

    * Ima (今, now)

    * Ashita (明日, tomorrow)

    * Kyonen (去年, last year)

    * Itsumo (いつも, always)

    * Tokidoki (時々, sometimes)

* **Place (場所):**

    * Koko (ここ, here)

    * Soko (そこ, there)

    * Doko (どこ, where)

    * Dokodemo (どこでも, anywhere)

    * Dochi (どっち, which (direction))

* **Manner (様子):**

    * Hayaku (早く, quickly)

    * Yukkuri (ゆっくり, slowly)

    * Kirei ni (綺麗に, beautifully)

    * Jishin ni (自信を持って, confidently)

    * Yoku (よく, well)

* **Degree (程度):**

    * Takusan (たくさん, a lot)

    * Sukoshi (少し, a little)

    * Zenzen (全然, not at all)

    * Taishou (たいそう, very)

    * Motto (もっと, more)

* **Interrogation (疑問):**

    * Doko ni (どこへ, where to)

    * Itsu (いつ, when)

    * Naze (なぜ, why)

    * Dōshite (どうして, how)

    * Ikura (いくら, how much)

**Tips:**

* Not all adverbs follow these formation rules. Some are standalone words.

* Pay attention to sentence structure. Adverbs typically come before the verb they modify.

2. Today's topic

adverbs:fukushi(副詞)

Here is an explanation of Japanese adverbs in English:

**What are adverbs?**

Adverbs are words that modify verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs. They provide more information about how, when, where, why, or to what extent something happens or is true.

**Japanese adverbs vs. English adverbs**

Japanese adverbs are similar to English adverbs in many ways, but there are also some important differences.

* **Form:** Japanese adverbs are typically formed by adding the suffix **-ku** to the base form of an adjective. For example, the adjective **hayai** (fast) becomes the adverb **hayaku** (quickly) when the suffix **-ku** is added.

* **Position:** Japanese adverbs can be placed anywhere in a sentence, but they are typically placed before the verb they are modifying. For example, the following sentence means "I eat quickly":

```

私は早く食べます。

(Watashi wa hayaku tabemasu.)

```

* **Function:** Japanese adverbs can modify verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs. For example, the adverb **hayaku** can modify the verb **tabemasu** (eat), the adjective **oishii** (delicious), or the adverb **takusan** (a lot).

**Types of Japanese adverbs**

There are many different types of Japanese adverbs, but some of the most common include:

* **Adverbs of time:** These adverbs indicate when something happens. For example, **ima** (now), **ashita** (tomorrow), and **itsumo** (always).

* **Adverbs of place:** These adverbs indicate where something happens. For example, **koko** (here), **soko** (there), and **doko** (where).

* **Adverbs of manner:** These adverbs indicate how something happens. For example, **hayaku** (quickly), **yukkuri** (slowly), and **kireini** (cleanly).

* **Adverbs of degree:** These adverbs indicate to what extent something happens. For example, **takusan** (a lot), **sukoshi** (a little), and **zenzen** (not at all).

* **Adverbs of interrogation:** These adverbs are used to ask questions. For example, **doko ni** (where to), **itsu** (when), and **naze** (why).

**Examples of Japanese adverbs in sentences**

Here are some examples of Japanese adverbs in sentences:

* **私は早く食べます。** (Watashi wa hayaku tabemasu.) - I eat quickly.

* **その映画は面白かった。** (Sono eiga wa omoshirokatta.) - That movie was interesting.

* **彼はいつも笑顔で話します。** (Kare wa itsumo egao de hanashimasu.) - He always talks with a smile.

* **私はたくさんの本を読みました。** (Watashi wa takusan no hon o yomimashita.) - I read a lot of books.

* **どこに行きたいですか？** (Doko ni ikitai desu ka?) - Where do you want to go?

3- Today’s news

Dogs in kimono parade at Nara temple linked to Prince Shotoku

https://www.asahi.com/sp/ajw/articles/15242821

Japan bullet trains host wrestling, dining events in new travel trend

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20240511/p2g/00m/0na/002000c

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

Particle (助詞 - joshi)

 

1. Today's Japanese words

* **Particle (助詞 - joshi):** A small word added after nouns, verbs, adjectives or phrases to show their grammatical function in a sentence.  

Here are some common particles and their uses:

* **Wa (は - wa):** Topic marker. Indicates the topic of the sentence. 

    * Example: Hanako-wa sensei desu. (花子は先生です。 - Hanako is a teacher.)

* **Ga (が - ga):** Subject marker. Indicates the subject of the sentence.

    * Example: Watashi-ga nihongo o benkyo shite imasu. (私は日本語を勉強しています。 - I am studying Japanese.)

* **O/Wo (を - o/wo):** Object marker. Indicates the object receiving the action of the verb.

    * Example: Gohan o tabemasu. (ご飯を食べます。 - I eat rice.)

* **No (の - no):** Possession marker. Shows ownership or relation.

    * Example: Watashi no hon. (私の本。 - My book.)

* **Mo (も - mo):** Also particle. Indicates inclusion, similar to "too" or "also" in English.

    * Example: Kare mo imasu. (彼もいます。 - He is also here.) 

* **Ni (に - ni):** Direction/Location marker. Indicates direction or location.

    * Example: Nihon ni ikimasu. (日本に行きます。 - I am going to Japan.)

    * Example: Gakkou de nihongo o benkyo shimasu. (学校で日本語を勉強します。 - I study Japanese at school.)

* **De (で - de):** Location marker. Indicates the location of an action.

    * Example: Eiga theater de miru. (映画館で観る。 - I watch it at a movie theater.)

* **Kara (から - kara):** Reason/Cause marker. Indicates the reason or cause for something.

    * Example: Ame *ga* furu *kara*, gakkou ni ikemasen. (雨が降る *kara*, 学校に行けません。 - Because it is raining, I cannot go to school.)

* **Made (まで - made):** Extent/Limit marker. Indicates the extent or limit of something.

    * Example: Juu-ji (jyuu-ji) *made* matte imasu. (十時 *まで* 待っています。 - I will wait until 10 o'clock.)

* **To (と - to):** Conjunction. Connects nouns, phrases, or clauses. 

    * Example: Nihongo *to* Eigo o hanashimasu. (日本語 *と* 英語を話します。 - I speak Japanese and English.

* **Ka (か - ka):** Question marker. Forms interrogative sentences.

    * Example: Nani *o* tabemasu ka? (何 *を* 食べますか？ - What do you eat?)

* **Ne (ね - ne):** Confirmation/Agreement checker. Seeks agreement or confirmation from the listener.

    * Example: Samui desu ne. (寒いですね。 - It's cold, isn't it?)

2. Today's topic

**joshi (助詞)**

Japanese particles, also known as **joshi (助詞)** or **tenioha (てにをは)**, are small words that follow nouns, verbs, adjectives, or phrases to indicate grammatical relationships and functions. 

They are essential for constructing grammatically correct Japanese sentences and conveying subtle nuances in meaning.

Unlike English, which relies heavily on word order to determine the meaning of a sentence, Japanese uses particles to mark the subject, object, topic, and other grammatical elements. This allows for greater flexibility in sentence structure and can make it challenging for learners to master.

**Common Japanese Particles**

Here are some of the most common and essential Japanese particles:

* **Wa (は):** Topic marker, indicating the element that is being focused on or emphasized.

* **Ga (が):** Subject marker, highlighting the subject of a sentence.

* **O/Wo (を):** Direct object marker, indicating the recipientああ of an action.

* **No (の):** Possessive marker, showing ownership or belonging.

* **Mo (も):** Inclusive particle, including oneself or something else in a group.

* **Ni (に):** Direction marker, indicating movement towards a place, time, or person.

* **De (で):** Location marker, indicating a place or time of an action.

* **Kara (から):** Cause or reason marker, indicating the reason or cause for something.

* **Made (まで):** Extent or limit marker, indicating the extent or limit of something.

* **To (と):** Conjunction, connecting nouns, phrases, or clauses.

* **Ka (か):** Question marker, forming interrogative sentences.

* **Ne (ね):** Agreement marker, seeking agreement or confirmation from the listener.

* **Yo (よ):** Emphasis marker, adding emphasis or highlighting a point.

3- Today’s news

Men still call the shots on if holy sites can ban women

https://www.asahi.com/sp/ajw/articles/15221358

Gifu cormorant fishing viewing boats back to normal May 11

https://www.asahi.com/sp/ajw/articles/15246965

Kamiichidan Verbs

 

Kamiichidan Verbs - Sample Conjugations

Kamiichidan verbs, also known as "ichidan verbs ending in iru," are a group of Japanese verbs that share a similar conjugation pattern. Here are some sample conjugations to illustrate:

Verb: 行く (iku) - To go

• Present (polite):行きます (ikimasu)
• Present (negative):行きません (ikimasen)
• Past (polite):行きました (ikimashita)
• Past (negative):行きませんでした (ikimasendeshita)
• Non-past (plain):行く (iku)
• Non-past (negative):行かない (ikanai)
• Te-form (present):行って (itte)
• Te-form (past):行って (itte)
• Conditional:行けば (iketeba)

Verb: 話す (hanasu) - To speak

• Present (polite):話します (hanashimasu)
• Present (negative):話しません (hanashimasen)
• Past (polite):話しました (hanashimashita)
• Past (negative):話しませんでした (hanashimashendeshita)
• Non-past (plain):話す (hanasu)
• Non-past (negative):話さない (hanasanai)
• Te-form (present):話して (hanashite)
• Te-form (past):話して (hanashite)
• Conditional:話せば (hanaseba)

Verb: 頼む (たのむ) (tanomu) - To ask

• Present (polite):頼みます (tanomimasu)
• Present (negative):頼みません (tanomimasen)
• Past (polite):頼みました (tanomimashita)
• Past (negative):頼みませんでした (tanomimashendeshita)
• Non-past (plain):頼む (tanomu)
• Non-past (negative):頼まない (tanomanai)
• Te-form (present):頼んで (tanonde)
• Te-form (past):頼んで (tanonde)
• Conditional:頼めば (tanomeba)

Remember, this is just a small sample. All Kamiichidan verbs follow a similar conjugation pattern, with the stem (dictionary form) ending in "iru." You can conjugate any Kamiichidan verb by following these patterns.

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.