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Every now and then, I share a Japanese word or phrase that I find interesting and worth sharing. For some words, the links to the relevant blog posts are provided, where I give you more detailed explanations (e.g. Usage, Origin, Related Words)
無限に
Word Type
Slang
Yomi
むげんに
Literal Meaning
in an infinite manner
Meaning
limitlessly; forever
Additional Info
This slang usage sounds very casual and young
Related Post
Example
このラーメンうますぎ、無限に食えるわ
This ramen is too yum, I can eat it forever
やることが無限にある
I have endless things to do
案の定
Word Type
Word
Yomi
あんのじょう
Literal Meaning
Meaning
As one expected/worried/feared
Additional Info
Usually used for bad incidents, as in the example sentence below.
Related Post
Example
案の定、彼は遅刻してきた
He came late as I worried
…泣かせの
Word Type
idiom
Yomi
なかせの
Literal Meaning
make … cry
Meaning
cause a lot of trouble to …
Additional Info
Related Post
Example
「…泣かせの」という言い回しは、機械翻訳泣かせの表現だ
The phrase “…泣かせの” is an expression that causes a lot of trouble for machine translation
同時通訳者泣かせの早口な演説者
A fast speaker who causes a lot of trouble for simultaneous interpreters
賛否両論
Word Type
word
Yomi
さんぴりょうろん
Literal Meaning
for-against-both-theory
Meaning
There are arguments both for and against something; controversial
Additional Info
Related Post
Example
あの監督の決断は賛否両論だった
The decision of the head coach was controversial.
いわんや …をや
Word Type
idiom
Yomi
Literal Meaning
Meaning
let alone …; needless to mention …
Additional Info
This is a very traditional phrase and is mainly used in writing. It corresponds to 況 …乎 in old Chinese.
Related Post
Example
彼はカタカナすら覚えるのに苦労している。いわんや漢字をや、だ
He’s having trouble memorising katakana; let alone kanji
捗る
Word Type
word
Yomi
はかどる
Literal Meaning
Meaning
“(one’s work/studies) go well; one can stay focused and make much progress (on one’s work/studies)”
Additional Info
The subject is what you do (e.g. work), not a person. (cf) 進捗 (しんちょく): “progress”
Related Post
Example
自宅よりオフィスの方が仕事が捗る
I can focus on working in an office more than at home.
よそはよそ、うちはうち
Word Type
idiom
Yomi
Literal Meaning
Others are others, we are we
Meaning
everyone is different; stop yearning for something that other people have.
Additional Info
a classic phrase often used by parents when their children yearn for something that their friends have (e.g. new video games, fancy expensive toys)
Related Post
Example
お母さん、iPhone 13 Pro Max買って！ひろし君はもう持っているよ！
(kid) “Hey mum, could you buy me iPhone 13 Pro Max? Hiroshi-kun also has got one already!”
よそはよそ、うちはうち
(mum) “Others are others, we are we”
…らしくない
Word Type
phrase
Yomi
Literal Meaning
Meaning
atypical of/not like someone
Additional Info
A word before らしくない is sometimes omitted, as in the second sentence below.
Related Post
Example
あのバンドらしくない曲(きょく)
A song that is atypical of the band
遅刻(ちこく)するなんて、らしくないね
It’s not like (you) to come late.
手のひらを返す
Word Type
idiom
Yomi
てのひらをかえす
Literal Meaning
turn one’s palm over
Meaning
change one’s tune after something one didn’t expect has happened (so that it agrees with the fact); do a 180
Additional Info
(Example of “turning one’s palm over”)
“He must be a fool, I can tell.”
**After knowing he got great marks in exams**
“I knew he is a genius!” (“turning one’s palm over”)
Related Post
Example
すぐに手のひらを返すやつは信用できない
People who easily change their tune are not trustworthy.
お言葉に甘えて
Word Type
idiom
Yomi
おことばにあまえて
Literal Meaning
let me get spoiled by your words
Meaning
a humble and polite expression to use when you accept a favour from someone
Additional Info
Probably not commonly used among young people
Related Post
Humble Japanese Phrases Making You Sound Like Japanese
Example
今日うちで晩御飯食べていきますか？
Do you wanna have dinner at my house today (before you go)?
じゃあ、お言葉に甘えて…
Yes, I’d love to.
サクラ
Word Type
word
Yomi
さくら
Literal Meaning
None
Meaning
a shill
Additional Info
As you know, 桜 (Sakura) means “cherry blossom”, but when written in katakana (サクラ), it also means “a shill”. (Note that サクラ can mean “cherry blossom” as well depending on the context).
Related Post
Interesting Japanese Homonyms With Unexpected Meanings
Example
この口コミサイトにはサクラがたくさんいる
There are lots of shills on this review site
お祈りメール
Word Type
idiom
Yomi
おいのりめーる
Literal Meaning
wish email
Meaning
an email that starts with “We regret to inform you that …” and ends with “We wish you the best in …”
Additional Info
Example of お祈りメール:
大変残念ではございますが、今回は採用を見送らせていただくことになりました。…様の、より一層のご活躍をお祈り申し上げます
You can also say お祈りされた (“I was wished”) when you receive such an email. There is also a (less common) slang term called サイレントお祈り (“silent wish”), which means you get rejected without email notification.
Related Post
Example
就活中、お祈りメールをたくさんもらって辛かった
When looking for a job, I received lots of “wish emails” and that was tough
文武両道
Word Type
idiom
Yomi
ぶんぶりょうどう
Literal Meaning
None
Meaning
the spirit of pursuing excellence in both sports and academics
Additional Info
Related Post
Example
あのサッカー部のキャプテンはテストでも学年１位をとり、文武両道を達成している。
The captain of the soccer club scored the best on the school exams; he achieves the spirit of excelling in both sports and academics.
…日和
Word Type
word
Yomi
…びより
Literal Meaning
None
Meaning
a perfect (fine) weather to do …
Additional Info
Related Post
Example
今日は天気が良くて、野球日和(やきゅうびより)だ！
The weather is good today; perfect weather to play baseball!
洗濯日和 (せんたくびより)
perfect weather to do laundry
右も左も分からない
Word Type
idiom
Yomi
みぎもひだりもわからない
Literal Meaning
don’t understand right or left
Meaning
don’t know anything, esp. in a new place/environment
Additional Info
It’s often used to describe yourself when you’re a complete stranger to a new place or unfamiliar with things in a new environment. This phrase is often used to show one’s gratitude, as in the example below.
Related Post
Example
入社したばかりで右も左も分からない時に、先輩に色んなことを教えてもらって非常に助かった。
When I just joined the company and didn’t know anything, I was taught a lot of stuff by my senpai and that was very helpful.
目から鱗
Word Type
Idiom
Yomi
めからうろこ
Literal Meaning
The scales (fall) from one’s eyes
Meaning
= enlightening, informative, eye-opening
Additional Info
While this phrase originates from Bible, it is more casually used in Japanese than English.
Related Post
Example
あの先生の授業は、マジ目から鱗だった
The lecture by the teacher was quite an eye-opener
ちんぷんかんぷん
Word Type
Word
Yomi
None
Literal Meaning
None
Meaning
mumbo jumbo; be all Greek
Additional Info
Its kanji is 珍紛漢紛 but rarely used
Related Post
Example
ハイデガーの「存在と時間」を試しに読んでみたけど、ちんぷんかんぷんだった
I tried reading Heidegger’s “Being and Time” but it was all Greek to me
つまらないものですが…
Word Type
idiom
Yomi
None
Literal Meaning
(This) is trivial/not interesting, but…
Meaning
This is not much/just a little something, but…
Additional Info
A traditional Japanese phrase to say when you give a present to someone in a humble way. It’s not commonly used among young ppl these days, but still often used in anime/drama.
Related Post
Humble Japanese Phrases Making You Sound Like Japanese
Example
これ、つまらないものですが…
This is not much, but (I hope you’ll like it)
わざわざすみません、ありがとうございます！
Oh you didn’t have to, thank you very much!
~じゃあるまいし
Word Type
phrase
Yomi
~じゃあるまいし
Literal Meaning
None
Meaning
As something/someone is not ~
Additional Info
Often used when one denies something
Related Post
None
Example
子供じゃあるまいし、こんなので興奮しないわ！
As I’m not a kid, I don’t get excited by things like this!
ドラマじゃあるまいし、そんな奇跡は起きないよ
As it’s not a drama, such a miracle won’t happen
二度寝する
Word Type
standard
Yomi
にどねする
Literal Meaning
None
Meaning
go back to sleep soon after waking up
Additional Info
None
Related Post
None
Example
週末はつい二度寝してしまう。
On weekends, I can’t resist going back to sleep after I wake up.
やみつき
Word Type
standard
Yomi
やみつき
Literal Meaning
None
Meaning
be absorbed in something; addicted
Additional Info
It is often used to describe food that is so yummy that it makes you addicted. Originally, やみつき is written as “病み付き” and means “catch a disease”, but this meaning is rarely used nowadays. It is often used as やみつきになる, “be addicted”
Related Post
None
Example
一度食べたらやみつきになる味
The taste that makes you addicted once you have it.
杞憂
Word Type
standard
Yomi
きゆう
Literal Meaning
None
Meaning
unduly worrying about something that is very unlikely to occur; unnecessary fear/worrying
Additional Info
It originates from an ancient Chinese philosophical (Taoist) text, 列子 (Liezi), where a man from 杞 (Qi) enormously worried and feared that the sky might fall down someday, insomuch that he couldn’t sleep. The word 杞憂 is short for 杞人憂天, meaning “a man from 杞 worries about the sky”. It is often used as 杞憂に終わった, meaning “ended up being/turned out to be 杞憂” (≒ “what one was worried about didn’t happen”). The kanji 憂 is used in the notoriously difficult-to-write Japanese word “憂鬱 (ゆううつ)”, meaning “depression”.
Related Post
None
Example
新しい学校で友達が出来るか心配していたけど、杞憂に終わった。
I was worried that I could make friends at a new school, but that worrying turned out to be unnecessary.
筋トレしすぎたら今の服が入らなくなるかもと心配したけど、完全に杞憂だった
I was worried that if I work out too much, I may become too big to wear the clothes I have now. But that was completely unnecessary worrying (= it has never happened).
とっくのとうに
Word Type
idiom
Yomi
とっくのとうに
Literal Meaning
None
Meaning
a long time ago; ages ago
Additional Info
It is often used when someone asks you something and you answer “It was done/finished loooong time ago!”. Instead of とっくのとうに, just とっくに is also used but the former puts more emphasis on the statement.
Related Post
None
Example
え、彼女はどうだって？とっくのとうに別れたよ。
What, how is my girlfriend? We broke up ages ago.
金魚のフン
Word Type
idiom
Yomi
きんぎょのふん
Literal Meaning
goldfish poop
Meaning
people who always follow or tag along with a particular person
Additional Info
This idiom comes from the fact that when goldfish takes a poop, the poop often remains attached to it, like following it. It is often used as 金魚の糞のように or 金魚の糞みたいに, both meaning “like goldfish poop”. It might be somewhat old-fashioned; a more famous phrase which has a similar (if not the same) meaning would be 虎の威を借る狐, literally meaning “a fox that borrows the authority of a tiger” and figuratively “people who behave pretentiously behind someone strong or important”.
Related Post
None
Example
彼は金魚の糞みたいに上司といつも一緒にいる
He is always with his boss like goldfish poop.
冷やかし
Word Type
idiom
Yomi
ひやかし
Literal Meaning
something that cools off things
Meaning
1. people who look around a shop in a non-serious or even mocking manner with no intention to purchase an item or service there.
2. the act of making fun of someone
Additional Info
Its verb form is 冷やかす. Originally, it means “just to look around women in a brothel for fun and leave without spending money”. Therefore, it is still often used in that sense but also used for other things, like entering a kimono shop, taking heaps of pictures of the items, and leaving the store without buying anything. It is often used in the phrase 冷やかしはお断り, meaning “冷やかし is not allowed”, i.e. “If you don’t intend to buy anything, please don’t come in”.
Related Post
None
Example
冷やかしの客が多くて、腹が立つ.
I feel irritated because there are lots of customers who enter my store just for fun and don’t buy anything.
しょぼい
Word Type
casual word
Yomi
しょぼい
Literal Meaning
None
Meaning
of poor quality; lousy; unexciting; dull
Additional Info
None
Related Post
None
Example
このゲーム、マジでしょぼい
This game is so dull.
結果論
Word Type
idiom
Yomi
けっかろん
Literal Meaning
result theory
Meaning
an idea/afterthought with hindsight; subsequently suggesting an optimal choice one could have taken in the past
Additional Info
It is often used to criticise the act of saying that one should have done something after everything has become clear. One of its synonyms is たられば (“what-if scenario”).
Related Post
None
Example
「去年株に投資すべきだった」と言うけど、それは結果論に過ぎない。
Although you say “You should have invested in stocks”, that is just an idea with the benefit of hindsight.
早い者勝ち
Word Type
idiom
Yomi
はやいものがち
Literal Meaning
people who come early win
Meaning
First come, first served
Additional Info
It sounds slightly childish compared to its synonym, 先着順 (せんちゃくじゅん), meaning “first-arrive order”. Its antonymous expression (proverb) would be 残り物には福がある, meaning “a fortune is in the remnants”, similar to “good things come to those who wait”.
Related Post
None
Example
チョコレート欲しい人はこっちにおいで！早い者勝ちだよ！
If you want chocolates, please come here! First come, first served!
屁でもない
Word Type
idiom
Yomi
へでもない
Literal Meaning
not even a fart
Meaning
trivial; have no value or impact; nothing
Additional Info
Synonym of 痛くも痒くもない (“not painful or itchy”)
Related Post
None
Example
好きな人にみんなの前で告白してフラれた時の辛さと比べたら、こんなの屁でもない
This is nothing compared to the hardship that I had when I confessed my love to my crush and got rejected in front of everyone.
あっという間
Word Type
idiom
Yomi
あっというま, attoiuma
Literal Meaning
While saying あ
Meaning
the blink of an eye; in a very short time; time flies
Additional Info
This idiom is so common that some people probably do not notice its literal meaning. It is often used as あっという間に… (“in the blink of an eye”) or あっという間だった (“it was the blink of an eye”)
Related Post
None
Example
あっという間に雨が止んだ。
It stopped raining in the blink of an eye.
たられば
Word Type
idiom
Yomi
たられば, tarareba
Literal Meaning
None
Meaning
hypothetical; unreal; what if
Additional Info
It comes from the conditional forms ~たら and ~れば. It is often used to talk about what if one had done something in the past.
Related Post
None
Example
今更たらればの話をしてもしょうがない。
It is no use to talk about now what if we had done this and that in the past.
かけらもない
Word Type
idiom
Yomi
かけらもない, kakera mo nai
Literal Meaning
(there is) not even a piece.
Meaning
not … at all
Additional Info
It is used as …のかけらもない, meaning “(there is/one has) no … at all”
Related Post
None
Example
彼にはファッションセンスのかけらもない
He has no fashion sense whatsoever.
目がない
Word Type
idiom
Yomi
めがない, meganai
Literal Meaning
have no eyes
Meaning
have a strong interest/liking; really like; be preoccupied
Additional Info
None
Related Post
None
Example
チョコレートには目がない。
I have a strong liking for chocolates
ホッとする
Word Type
standard
Yomi
ほっとする, hottosuru
Literal Meaning
None
Meaning
feel relieved
Additional Info
Synonym of 安心する
Related Post
None
Example
迷子になった息子を見つけて、ホッとした。
I found my son after he got lost and I felt relieved.
初耳
Word Type
idiom
Yomi
はつみみ, hatsumimi
Literal Meaning
first ears
Meaning
I’ve just learnt it; I didn’t know that; I was today’s years old
Additional Info
寝耳に水 (“water on sleeping ears”) is an idiom meaning “astonished to hear something”.
Related Post
None
Example
えちょっと待って、あの二人付き合っているの？ 初耳だよ!
Wait, are they dating? I didn’t know that!
内弁慶
Word Type
idiom
Yomi
うちべんけい, uchi benkei
Literal Meaning
inside Benkei; Benkei at home
Meaning
be aggressive and arrogant towards one’s parents/family at home (内/ウチ), but quiet and faint-hearted outside (外/ソト).
Additional Info
弁慶 (Benkei), whose full name is 武蔵坊弁慶 (Benkei Musashibo), was a historic monk warrior (1155–1189) who was allegedly known for his strong power and aggressive nature. Similarly, ネット弁慶, literally “Internet Benkei”, means “a keyboard warrior”.
Related Post
None
Example
うちの息子は典型的な内弁慶で、外では静かでシャイなのに家では偉そうにする。
My son is a typical “Benkei at home”; while he is quiet and shy outside, he is arrogant and self-important at home.
有言実行
Word Type
四字熟語
Yomi
ゆうげんじっこう, yuugen jikkou
Literal Meaning
with words, carry out
Meaning
“keep one’s word; (laudably) accomplish what one has promised before”
Additional Info
Antonym: するする詐欺 (suru suru sagi): “All-Talk-No-Action Fraud”
Related Post
None
Example
あの選手(せんしゅ)は有言実行で金(きん)メダルをとった。
The athlete won the gold medal as he/she promised before.
職業病
Word Type
Slang
Yomi
しょくぎょうびょう, shokugyou byou
Literal Meaning
occupational disease
Meaning
something you can’t resist doing (whether you like it or not) because you do it all the time at work
Additional Info
Translators may often find themselves assessing the quality of subtitles while watching films due to their 職業病
Related Post
Slang Meaning of 職業病 (shokugyou byou, “Occupational Disease”)
Example
歯科医の男友達が、人が話しているときについ歯を見てしまうと言っていたけれど、まさに職業病だね
A male friend of mine who is a dentist said that he cannot help checking the teeth of someone when they’re talking. This is exactly his 職業病
自己満
Yomi
じこまん, jikoman
Literal Meaning
None
Meaning
self-satisfaction/for the sake of satisfying oneself
Additional Info
It can be either negative or neutral, as shown in the example sentences below.
Related Post
None
Example
人のためと彼は言うけど、ただの自己満に見える
Tho he says it’s for others, it looks like he’s just self-satisfied
自己満で絵を描いている
I draw pictures just for fun/myself
寝落ちする
Yomi
ねおちする, neochisuru
Literal Meaning
to sleep and fall
Meaning
to fall asleep while doing something, without realising it.
Additional Info
Synonym of 船(ふね)を漕(こ)ぐ, literally meaning “row a boat” and figuratively “nod off while sitting”
Related Post
None
Example
テレビゲームしてたら寝落ちしてた。
I was playing video games and fell asleep without realising it.
腹八分目 (はらはちぶんめ)
Literal Meaning
belly 80 %
Meaning
to stop eating when you feel 80% full (for your good health)
Additional Info
There is a saying, “腹八分目に医者(いしゃ)いらず” meaning “You don’t need a doctor by exercising 腹八分目”.
Related Post
Meaning of 腹八分目 (hara hachi bun me) and 分 (bun) in Japanese
Example
腹八分目の食事(しょくじ)を心(こころ)がけよう
Keep it in mind that you stop eating when you feel 80% full.
バレる
Literal Meaning
None
Meaning
“(something you hide is) discovered/found out by someone; become known to the public”
Additional Info
And ネタバレ means “spoiler”, which is short for “ネタがバレる” (an idea comes known to the public). ネタバレする means “to spoil (a plot of movies/books/manga, etc.)”
Related Post
None
Example
子供(こども)の頃(ころ)、ポケモン赤にハマったなぁ。あ、歳(とし)がバレる
When I was a child, I was into Pokémon Red. Oops, that’d reveal my age.
樽(たる)の中にお金(かね)を隠(かく)していたが、すぐバレた。バレルだけに…
Although I hid my money inside a barrel, it bareta (was discovered) easily. Because it’s “barrel”, you know…?
~だけに
Literal Meaning
None
Meaning
because ~, you know?
Additional Info
It is used when you make a (cheesy) pun. Usually, It’s used in inverted word order and put at the end of a sentence/remark.
Related Post
Meaning of だけに (dake ni) and Its Usage to Make a Pun in Japanese
Example
このスープあっさりしてるね、アサリだけに
This soup tastes “assari” (light), because it’s “asari” (clam) soup, you know?
~ は別腹 (べつばら)
Literal Meaning
“have a separate stomach for ~”
Meaning
(Even after I eat a lot) I can still eat ~
Additional Info
It is often used when you make an excuse or provide a reason for eating something (esp. desserts or snacks) after you eat a whole meal.
Example
デザートは別腹だから、こってりラーメンを食べた後でも全然食べれる
As I have a separate stomach for desserts, I can readily eat them even after I’ve eaten thick-taste ramen
朝飯前(あさめしまえ)
Literal Meaning
“before breakfast”
Meaning
a piece of cake, very easy
Additional Info
It’s a synonym of お茶のこさいさい
Example
あの万年最下位のチームに勝(か)つなんて、朝飯前だ。
It’s a piece of cake (for us) to beat that team, which always ranks at the bottom.
胃袋(いぶくろ)を掴(つか)む
Literal Meaning
“grab/grip one’s stomach”
Meaning
“attract or ‘grip’ someone you like by cooking her/him delicious food”
Additional Info
It is usually used as “…に胃袋を掴まれた meaning “My stomach has been gripped by …)” when you are smitten by a great cook.
Example
初めて彼の手料理を食べた時に完全に胃袋を掴まれてしまい、それ以来、仕事が終わるとすぐ彼の家に行くようになった。
When I ate his home-cooked meal for the first time, my stomach was completely gripped, and since then I started going to his house as soon as I finish work.
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Last updated:
December 23, 2022
Get Your Daily Vocab Boost with 4 Japanese Word of the Day Resources
What have you done today?
If you’re like most people, the response isn’t that thrilling.
“I went to work.”
“I went to school.”
“I consumed disconcerting amounts of coffee that test the limits of both science and reason.”
But what if you could have a much more interesting response to that ubiquitous question?
If you’re studying Japanese, you don’t ever have to give a boring answer again.
Japanese word of the day resources can help you accomplish something interesting every day by introducing you to new Japanese words and phrases on a daily basis.
These four resources can help get your vocabulary on point while adding a little excitement to your life.
Download:
This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you
can take anywhere.
Click here to get a copy. (Download)
Why Use a Japanese Word of the Day Resource?
If you’re trying to expand your Japanese vocabulary, word of the day resources are a great option.
For one thing, using one makes it easier to study every day. Since these resources are designed to be used daily, they become a part of your daily routine.
After some time, you won’t even have to think about setting aside time to study—you’ll just do it.
By using word of the day resources, you’ll also encounter words you might not otherwise think to study.
Of course, you’ll see plenty of common words. But you may also run into some weird Japanese words that are fun and totally usable but you’d never think to learn without your word of the day resource pointing you in the right direction.
Word of the day resources also allow you to fit a little learning into every day. If you want to learn Japanese fast, daily study is one of the best ways to do so. It helps keep your language skills strong and ensures that you don’t backslide.
And these resources take so little time that you can fit a bit of studying into even the busiest day.
How to Get the Most from Every Japanese Word of the Day
Subscribe to word of the day email lists to get learning in your inbox.
A lot of online word of the day resources offer an email subscription, so go ahead and sign up.
If you’re getting words delivered straight to your inbox, it’ll make them even easier to remember to study and save you those valuable seconds it takes to visit your favorite website or app for your daily Japanese word.
Consider using multiple resources if you want to learn faster.
If you’re prepared to spend a little more time expanding your vocabulary, consider using multiple word of the day resources.
Each resource offers different kinds of vocabulary. Sure, you may occasionally encounter a word you’ve already learned, but that’ll only help to reinforce it.
Plus, if you use multiple resources, it’s easy to fit them into different parts of your schedule. For instance, use one at breakfast, one at lunch and one at dinner. A delicious Japanese word is part of a balanced meal!
Try using the words you learn immediately.
Don’t wait to try out your new word. If you learned some food vocabulary, try using it the next time you visit your kitchen. Learn clothing vocabulary? That’s a perfect excuse to go shopping for clothes so that you can mumble it to yourself and hope the salespeople don’t judge you for it—or, if you’re in a Japanese-speaking place, practice on the salespeople!
Regardless of how you do it, using the vocabulary you’ve learned immediately will help reinforce what you learned and prepare you to use it in conversation.
“Japanese Kanji a Day Practice Pad Volume 1”
This handy physical resource is a printed set of practice sheets, formatted much like a page-a-day calendar, complete with a year’s worth of daily kanji practice. However, since this pad doesn’t attach specific dates to words, it’s easy to just pick up where you left off even if you miss a day.
Each entry provides stroke order instructions to write the kanji, its meanings and readings as well as two examples of the kanji used in a compound.
Since you’re not learning specific words but rather kanji, this means you’ll be able to recognize and read it in any words you see it in. It’s learning that packs a punch!
Additionally, each sheet is edged by boxes in which you can practice writing the kanji of the day.
The entries start relatively simple and get more complex as you go on. It’s such a painless way to practice kanji that you might be sad when you finish the entire pad.
But don’t get too sad! “Kanji a Day Practice Pad Volume 2” was created so you can ramp up the difficulty and keep the learning ball rolling.
“Japanese Phrase a Day Practice Pad”
Okay, this is kind of cheating: This isn’t a word a day but a phrase a day. But it’s still pretty awesome.
Brought to you by the same publisher as “Kanji a Day Practice Pad,” this pad offers a very similar format, but with a focus on phrases rather than kanji.
Designed for intermediate Japanese students, this practice pad focuses on teaching useful phrases that’ll help with everyday situations if you ever visit Japan.
Each sheet features the Japanese phrase, the English transliteration (in romaji), the translation of the phrase as well as any relevant Japanese cultural notes associated with it.
As an awesome bonus, buying the pad gives you access to online audio recordings of each phrase so you’re never in doubt about how to pronounce something.
Innovative Language
It’s free. It’s versatile. And it’s daily.
No one can claim that Innovative Language’s Japanese word of the day isn’t darn close to perfect.
Each entry comes with everything you could possibly want to know about the Japanese word on display, including: an audio pronunciation, an associated image, the word spelled in kana, examples of phrases and sentences that use that word and audio pronunciation of the examples.
Plus, you can sign up to receive emails with a word-of-the-day mini lesson to fill your inbox with great learning material.
If you want to spread the Japanese love, you can also share the word of the day on social media or even embed it in your own personal website.
Transparent Language
Prefer a simple, refined format? Transparent Language provides a Japanese word of the day with a soothing, minimalist aesthetic. All the better to focus on the word itself!
Every day, Transparent Language provides a Japanese word along with its audio, romaji reading, translation and what part of speech it is.
After that, you also get an example sentence that uses the word, complete with its own audio pronunciation, reading and translation. Use this as a chance to learn the word in context and study how it’s actually used in conversation.
You can share the word of the day on Twitter, have it delivered to you via email or subscribe to the RSS feed.
So what have you done today?
These four Japanese word of the day resources can help you answer: “I took a step closer to Japanese fluency.”
And that’s something to be excited about!
Download:
This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you
can take anywhere.
Click here to get a copy. (Download)
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Definitions
| Japanese > English |
| 寒い |
| 1. adj. cold (ambient temperature, as a winter day is cold) |
| 今日は寒い。 — It is cold today. |
| 2. adj. (figuratively) fearful |
| 背筋が寒くなる — a chill runs down one’s spine |
| 3. adj. (of a joke) terrible; not funny |
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自由、じゆう、jiyuu いみ（meaning）：Freedom, liberty, as it pleases you
れいぶん（example sentence）：私は自由になりたい！Watashi wa jiyuuni naritai!
ほんやく（translation）：I want be free! (…said every Disney princess, lol )
Any and all questions or comments about the language are welcomed! じゃあ、また明日ね！
Japanese Word of the Day 3/10/16 ＼(^ω^＼)
知り合い、しりあい、shiriai
いみ（meaning）：Acquaintance
れいぶん（example sentence）：かれ？いいえ、彼は仕事でただ私の知り合いだよ。kare? iie, kare wa shigoto de tada watashi no shiriai da yo.
ほんやく（translation）：Him? No, he’s just my acquaintance at work.
Any and all comments or questions about the language are welcomed! じゃあ、また明日ね！^-^
Japanese Word of the Day 3/7/2016 (ﾉ≧∀≦)ﾉ
自立、じりつ、jiritsu
いみ（meaning）： Independence, self-reliance
れいぶん（example sentence）：私は年をとるときに、もっと自立になりたいです。Watashi wa toshi wo toru toki ni, motto jiritsu ni naritai desu.
ほんやく（translation）：When I am older, I want to be more self-reliant.
Any and all comments or questions about the language are welcomed ! じゃあ、また明日ね！ ^-^
Japanese Word of the Day 3/4/16 (ﾉﾟ▽ﾟ)ﾉ
機会、きかい、kikai
いみ（meaning）：opportunity, chance
れいぶん（example sentence）：成功の機会を見かけると、待たないで。seikou no kikai wo mikakeruto, matanai de.
ほんやく（translation）：If you see an opportunity of success, don’t wait.
If you have any questions about Japanese, comment in that comment section down there! ^^
Also, check out Tsukuyomi-MLP’s blog called, Today’s Kanji, if you’re learning Kanji; want to learn Kanji; or just curious! じゃ、また
Japanese Word of the Day 3/3/16 ~(˘▾˘~)
信念、しんねん、shinnen
いみ（meaning）：belief, faith, conviction (noun, verb, no-adjective)
れいぶん（example sentence）：私たちの信念は別だけど、大丈夫です。watashitachi no shinnen wa betsu da kedo, daijoubu desu.
ほんやく（translation）：Our beliefs are different, but it’s okay.
If you have any questions about the language, feel free to leave a comment! じゃ、また明日ね！^-^
Japanese Word of the Day 3/2/16 （〜^∇^)〜
歯がゆい、はがゆい、hagayui
いみ（meaning）：Irritated, impatient, tantalized (adjective)
れいぶん（example sentence）：だれか私のケーキをたべたから、私は歯がゆいだよ！dareka ga watashi no keeki wo tabeta kara, watashi wa hagayui da yo!
ほんやく（translation）：I’m irritated, because someone ate my cake!
We’ve all been there. I get legitimately ticked when someone eats my food. (The fact that it’s not actually mine, but is merely in my mind is irrelevant, lol. 8P) I
Japanese Word of the Day 3/1/16 o(^^o)
成長、せいちょう、seichou
いみ （meaning）：Growth, grow to adulthood （noun or verb）
れいぶん（example sentence）：成長ことはときどき難しいけど、いいですよ。Seichou koto wa tokidoki muzukashii kedo, ii desu yo.
ほんやく（translation）：Growth is difficult sometimes, but it’s good, ya know.
Okay, I have an explanation for why I haven’t posted in a while, lol. I’m just going to sum it up as life But I’m back now and I’m gonna try my hardest to upload these daily —
Japanese Word of the Day 10/21/15
小休止、（しょうきゅうし）、Shoukyuushi
いみ（meaning）：Short break, breather
れいぶん（example sentence）：疲れたから、小休止が必要です。tsukareta kara, shoukyuushi ga hitsuyou desu.
ほんやく（translation）：I need a break because I’m tired.
I’m alive! Hello everyone! I took a week off/didn’t get around to posting for a week, and now I’m back for business, lol.
Any and all questions about the language are welcomed in the comments section or though PM! じゃ
Japanese Word of the Day 10/13/15
政治家、（せいじか）、seijika
いみ（meaning）：Politician, statesman
れいぶん（example sentence）：その政治家が好きじゃない。sono seijika ga suku janai.
ほんやく（translation）：I don’t like that politician.
Any and all questions about the language are welcomed in the comments section or through PM! じゃあ、また明日ね！^-^
Japanese Word of the Day 10/12/15
自制、（じせい）、jisei
いみ（meaning）：Self control, self restraint
れいぶん（example sentence）：他のぬいぐるみが買いたいけど、自制しないとだめ。hoka no nuigurumi ga kaitai kedo, jisei shinai to dame
ほんやく（translation）：I want to buy another plush, but I must control myself.
Any and all questions about the language are welcomed in the comments section or through PM! じゃあ、また明日ね！^-^
Japanese Wod of the Day 10/9/15
負けず嫌い、（まけずぎらい）、makezugirai
いみ（meaning）： Sore loser, hating to lose, unyielding, competative
れいぶん（example sentence）：あなたは負けず嫌いだよ！anata wa makezugirai da yo!
ほんやく（translation）：You’re such a sore loser!
Any and all comments about the language are welcomed in the comments section or through PM! じゃあ、また明日ね！^-^
Japanese Word of the Day 10/6/15
我慢、（がまん）、gaman
いみ（meaning）：Patience, endurance, perseverance
れいぶん（example sentence）：言語を習ったかったら、我慢が要ります。gengo wo naratta ra, gaman ga irimasu.
ほんやく（translation）：If you want to learn a language, you need endurance.
Learning any language is a long journey. One with many ups and downs; challenges and rewards. Without a doubt, it takes endurance and perseverance. Depending on how much you really want it, learning a lang
Japanese Word of the Day 10/5/15
政見、（せんけん）、senken
いみ（meaning）：Political views
れいぶん（example sentence）：あなたの先見はなんですか？Anata no senken wa nan desu ka
ほんやく（translation）： What are your political views.
Politics…oh boy. ‘Nuff said. lol
Any and all questions about the language are welcomed in the comments section or through PM! じゃあ、また明日ね！^-^
Japanese Word of the Day 10/4/15
時間潰し、（じかんつぶし）、jikantsubushi
いみ（meaning）：to kill time, time-waster (slang)
れいぶん（example sentence）：私は時間つぶしが必要です。watashi wa jikantsubushi ga hitsuyou desu.
ほんやく（translation）：I need to waste some time.
Sorry for the delay in posting entries! すみません If you would like to keep up will my blog and when I post new entries, you can click the follow button to get notifications. First click on Japanese Word of the Day on the to
Japanese Word of the Day 10/1/15
目的、（もくてき）、mokuteki
いみ（meaning）：purpose, goal, aim, objective,
れいぶん（example sentence）：私の目的は日本語を習います。watashi no mokuteki wa nihongo wo naraimasu.
ほんやく（translation）：My goal is to learn Japanese.
Any and all questions about the language are welcomed in the comments section or through PM! じゃあ、また明日ね！^-^
Japanese Word of the Day 9/29/15
しゃれ、share
いみ(meaning): Joke, pun, witticism
れいぶん(example): そのしゃれはバカだよ！sono share wa baka da yo!
ほんやく(translation): That joke is stupid!
Like this… しゃれing is caring #corny joke
Any and all questions about the language are welcomed in the comments section or through PM! じゃあ、また明日ね！^-^
Japanese Word of the Day 9/28/15
才能、（さいのう）、sainou
いみ（meaning）：Talent, ability
れいぶん（example sentence）：自分のことを喋ることは私の才能です。jibun no koto wo shaberu koto wa watashi no sainou desu.
ほんやく（translation）：Talking about myself is my talent.
Any and all questions about the language are welcomed in the comments section or through PM! じゃあ、また明日ね！^-^
Japanese Word of the Day 9/25/15
専攻、（せんこう）、senkou
いみ（meaning）：major, major subject, special study
れいぶん（example sentence）：あなたの専攻は何ですか？anata no senkou wa nan desu ka?
ほんやく（translation）：What is your major?
Any and all question about the language are welcomed in the comments section or through PM! じゃあ、また明日ね！^-^
Japanese Word of the Day 9/23/15
意見、（いけん）、iken いみ（meaning）：opinion, view, comment
れいぶん（example sentence）：じゃあ、それはただあなたの意見だよ。Jaa, sore wa tada anata no iken da yo
ほんやく（translation）：Well, that’s just your opinion, you know?
Everyone has an opinion; whether we share them or not. They can strengthen our connections with others, can be the platform for mutual ground, or can be the fire by which bridges are burned, lol — depending on the situation an
Japanese Word of the Day 9/22/15
自修、（じしゅう）、Jishuu
いみ（meaning）：Self study, teaching onself
れいぶん（example sentences）：日本語を習ている時に、たくさんの人々は自修をこのんでいます。nihongo wo narau toki ni, takusan no hitobito ha jishuu wo kondeimasu.
ほんやく（translation）：When learning Japanese, many people prefer self study.
Any and all questions about the language are welcomed in the comments section or through PM! じゃあ、また明日ね！^-^
Japanese Word of the Day 9/21/15
自身、（じしん）、jishin
いみ（meaning）：Self-confidence, Confidence (in oneself) (noun, verb)
れいぶん（example sentence）：私はもっと自信になりたいです。watashi ha motto jishin ni naritai desu.
ほんやく（translation）：I want to be more confident.
Self-confidence is something that I — and many of you — strive for more of every single day. I realized, more so recently, that taking risks and stepping out of your comfort zone may be uncomfortable, but it i
Japanese Word of the Day 9/20/15
生活費、（せいかつひ）、seikatsuhi
いみ（meaning）： Living expenses
れいぶん（example sentences）：日本に生活費はあまり高くないです。nihon ni seikatsu ha amari takakunai desu.
ほんやく（translation）： The living expenses in Japan is not so expensive.
I truly apologize for having missed Friday, you guys. すみません、すみません！>.< But here is a very practical word to know. Boring? — perhaps but living expenses are something that everyone is going to have to consider
Japanese Word of the Day 9/17/15
敏い、（さとい）、satoi
いみ（meaning）：Clever, smart (adjective)
れいぶん（example sentence）：彼は敏い子供ですね。
ほんやく（translation）： He is a clever child, isn’t he.
Any and all questions about the language are welcomed in the comments section or through PM! じゃあ、また明日ね！^-^
Japanese Word of the Day 9/16/15
お持て成し、（おもてなし）、omotenashi
いみ（meaning）：hospitality, reception, treatment, service, entertainment
れいぶん（example sentences）：お持て成しのために、ありがとうざいました。omotenashi no tame ni arigatou gozaimashita.
ほんやく（translation）：Thank you for your hospitality!
The Japanese tend to be very hospitable and kind people. ^-^ In order to express specifically your gratitude for the hospitality that you will undoubtedly receive in Japan, this word
Japanese Word of the Day 9/15/15
建前、（たてまえ）、Tatemae いみ（meaning）：[nuanced] face, official stance, public position or attitude (as opposed to private thoughts)
れいぶん（example sentence）： 仕事に居る時に、建前を喋る。shigoto ni iru toki ni, tatemae wo shaberu
ほんやく（translation）：When I’m at work, I talk tatemae
建前 is a tricky word to translate because there isn’t a word for it in English. Some explanation is needed to understand it. ^-^ In Japanese culture, 建前 means to say w
Japanese —
gennaio 14, 2023
Japanese Word of the Day
The Importance of Studying Japanese Every Day
Japanese is a fascinating language, spoken by over 125 million people worldwide. It is the official language of Japan and is also spoken in other countries such as Brazil and the United States. Learning Japanese can open many doors, both personally and professionally. In today’s globalized world, being able to speak more than one language is a valuable skill, and Japanese is no exception. In this article, we will explore the benefits of studying Japanese every day and how to make the most of your daily study time.
The Benefits of Daily Japanese Study
When it comes to learning a new language, consistency is key. Daily study will help you retain what you’ve learned and make progress more quickly. Even just a few minutes of daily practice can make a big difference over time.
Cognitive benefits: Daily study can help to improve cognitive abilities such as memory, focus, and problem-solving skills. Research has shown that the more you use your brain, the stronger it becomes.
Career Advancement: Knowing Japanese can help you stand out in the job market and open up new career opportunities. Japan is a leading economy in the world, and many companies are looking for bilingual employees who can communicate effectively with their Japanese counterparts.
Cultural Understanding: Japan is a country with a rich and unique culture, learning Japanese can help you understand and appreciate it better. From traditional festivals to modern pop culture, studying Japanese will give you a deeper understanding of Japan and its people.
Effective Study Techniques
One way to make the most of your daily study time is to use effective study techniques. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
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Use flashcards: Flashcards are a great way to memorize new words and phrases. Write the Japanese word on one side and the English translation on the other.
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Practice speaking: Speaking is an essential part of learning any language. Practice speaking Japanese with native speakers or language exchange partners.
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Watch Japanese TV shows and movies: Watching Japanese TV shows and movies is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the language and culture.
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Use our tool: We have created a tool that gives you a new Japanese word to learn every day. This will help you to expand your vocabulary and make daily study more fun.
Studying Japanese every day can be a fun and rewarding experience. By making the most of your daily study time, you can improve your cognitive abilities, advance your career, and gain a deeper understanding of Japanese culture. Remember that consistency is key, and don’t be afraid to use our tool to make your daily study more enjoyable. With dedication and effort, you’ll be speaking Japanese fluently in no time.
Don’t forget to check out our Guide to Start Learning Japanese
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