Japanese grammar
Conditional Forms in Japanese: 〜たら, 〜ば, 〜と, 〜なら
Learn how to use Japanese conditional forms 〜たら, 〜ば, 〜と, and 〜なら to express “if” situations and possibilities. Understand their differences with examples.
Author
Nana Takagi
Nana Takagi is a Japanese teacher and the creator of NihongoNana. She makes short, easy Japanese lessons for learners around the world on this blog, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, and teaches private online lessons.
Japanese grammar
Top 10 Useful Japanese Filler Words
Discover the top 10 useful Japanese filler words to make your conversations sound natural and fluent. Learn when to use them to keep the conversation flowing!
Blog in Japanese
日本のアルバイト – Part time jobs in Japan
Read about part-time jobs in Japan, including convenience stores, customer service, and hourly wages. Perfect for Japanese learners seeking practical, everyday terms.
Japanese grammar
Japanese Honorifics: When to Use Them and Their Nuances
Japanese honorifics indicate social relationships and respect levels. Common ones include さん (-san) for politeness, くん (-kun) for boys or junior males, and ちゃん (-chan) for close friends or young children. Correct use reflects cultural values of respect, hierarchy, and connection, and is essential for effective communication in Japan.
Japanese grammar
How to Say “I want to~, I want” in Japanese : ～たい, ～ほしい
This blog explains how to express desires in Japanese using 〜たい (for wanting to do something) and 〜ほしい (for wanting something). It covers forming these expressions, their usage in sentences, how to express others’ desires, common pitfalls, and includes exercises for practice.
Blog in Japanese
日本のハロウィン – Halloween in Japan
Halloween in Japan is popular but lacks “trick-or-treating.” In Shibuya, people dress up, gather, and have fun. Convenience stores sell Halloween sweets, and theme parks hold special events. Activities include costumes, eating sweets, and attending events. Shibuya and theme parks are recommended spots to enjoy Halloween in Japan.
Japanese grammar
The Difference Between 覚える and 思い出す : “Remember” in Japanese
The difference between 覚える (oboeru) and 思い出す (omoidasu), which both mean “remember” in Japanese. 覚える means to learn or memorize new information, while 思い出す means to recall something from memory. Understanding these distinctions helps express oneself accurately in Japanese.
Japanese grammar
Everything You Need to Know about Honorifics in Japanese
Japanese honorifics convey respect and social hierarchy. -san is the neutral, versatile choice. -kun is used for younger males or friends, while -chan conveys warmth, often for children or close friends. -sama shows high respect, and Sensei addresses teachers or experts. Use them wisely to fit the context.
Japanese grammar
When to use うち or 家(いえ) “House/Home”
In Japanese, 家 (ie) refers to the physical structure of a house, while うち (uchi) conveys a more personal sense of “home,” emphasizing emotional connection, family, and belonging. うち is often used in daily conversation to express closeness, and even refers to oneself in some dialects, like Kansai.