Learning the Japanese Language

[kyubichan]

my German uncle used to pronounce Japanese with a rather funny accent... like "dekiru" turns to "deykiiruw" ^^ he's awesome at it now. I dunno, something bout most English-speaking people's accents...

[Trine]

for me, the hardest think was the grammar. since my native toung is english, its hard to think straight when thinking in japanese.

[MeAndroo]

for me, the hardest think was the grammar. since my native toung is english, its hard to think straight when thinking in japanese.

I know what you mean. One of the hardest things to get over is making a sentence in your mind in English, then trying to translate it into Japanese. I found I had much better success and spoke with more fluidity and confidence when I formed an idea instead of a sentence, and constructed it in Japanese. It's not easy to get away from English, especially if it's your native and only language, but the sooner you do, the better it will be. Especially since then you won't have to ask "what's that mean in English" about things that really have no parallel.

[Hinata Hyuga]

right now i am in a guild that is teaching anime and so far i can only remember like bits and peices of the language.... i really love the japanese culture and want to learn thier language but its knida hard for me...:graduate:

[Pachinko]

The worst thing about shuffling languages back and forth is that common words can be forgotten.
I have trouble remembering simple phrases like "when's dinner" or "what are we doing today".
I'm sure those in bilingual houses understand what a drag it can be.

[Tamanegi Sensei]

Hey I just came upon somethin that is in need of translation.

Makoto & Tsukutsuku-boushi

[Niner]

Makoto means 'sincerity'. Tsuku is a verb meaning a bunch of different things, depending on the characters used. Boushi can also mean a bunch of different things based on the characters. Most common uses are 'hat' and 'that person'.

[Tamanegi Sensei]

Just a shot in the dirt, but can tsukutsuku-boushi be a kinda cicada as well?

[guesswork]

Just a shot in the dirt, but can tsukutsuku-boushi be a kinda cicada as well?

yes :)

[SanDie5]

Hajimashite !!

Niner is right !(Your Japanese is great !!)

But, in this case, I think Makoto is a name.

[CheChe da BFly]

i'm interested in learning Japanese would anyone be interested in teaching me through private messages or e-mail.

THANKS ANYWAYS

[Haven]

wanna learn japanese?

go to yesjapan.com

I'm a registered member there also by the name Haven....well Haven9270 actually :P

[Tamanegi Sensei]

mada ikibasho ga aribane..or was it mane?

Anyway, Translation.

[Haven]

mada ikibasho ga aribane..or was it mane?

Anyway, Translation.


The sentence appears incorrect :(

Hmmm.... are you listening to Japanese people talking and wrote down quickly what you think you've heard?

[Curan]

I was wondering if anyone had a suggestion on the best way to learn Hiragana quickly, and remember it.

[Senshi]

I just wrote them down over and over and over and over and over and over again until I could remember them with a little thinking... Flash cards could also work but Ive never been big on flash cards...

and once you start reading it a little bit youll slowly get faster and faster with your recognition and memorization

but yah Hiragana is probably the easiest set to learn... Katakana is a little bit harder since alot of the chars do look a bit alike (and spelling japanized words with Katakana is a SUPER pain)... and dont even get me started on how hard Kanji is to remember...

[Curan]

Yeah I have been writing them down alot. I am to ha,hi,fu,he,ho. Though I start forgetting them alot. What can I read that only uses Hiragana or Kana?

[Mana]

Yeah I have been writing them down alot. I am to ha,hi,fu,he,ho. Though I start forgetting them alot. What can I read that only uses Hiragana or Kana?
There is some Japanese manga, especially volumes meant for kids, that have only Kana; there are words in Kanji, but there also have kana written like subtitles on the top so kids who don't know kanji yet can read the words.

[Daravon]

there are a couple high frequency things that keep popping up and irritating me that I don't understand (well, lots, but a few in particular)

what sounds like oboite(-aru) （おぼいて） this is only the way I hear it in speech. Any ideas?

and there there's '-kedo' which I'm sure pops out of the grammar somehow but I don't understand it.

[MeAndroo]

what sounds like oboite(-aru) （おぼいて） this is only the way I hear it in speech. Any ideas?

You're likely referring to oboete(iru) (覚えている), which is a conjugation of the verb "to remember."

and there there's '-kedo' which I'm sure pops out of the grammar somehow but I don't understand it

Kedo usually means "but" in terms of disagreement, but is also often used as a lesser "but" to soften the impact of a sentence.

[Daravon]

Ah, that makes perfect sense.

Also, in H&C episode one, Mayama sees Hagu's hands and says 'chisai te', but isn't　'小'　a -na adjective so it would be 'chiisa na te'? Was he just being sloppy?

And how do you make the japanese parenthesis things in windows?


Thanks so much, it's hard to look things up when you have little questions like this.

[MeAndroo]

Ah, that makes perfect sense.

Also, in H&C episode one, Mayama sees Hagu's hands and says 'chisai te', but isn't　'小'　a -na adjective so it would be 'chiisa na te'? Was he just being sloppy?


Chiisai can be conjugated as either an -i or -na adjective.

[Akitsukisan]

Hajimashite Mina!! Watashi wa akitsuki desu! Doozo yoroshiku onegai shimasu!!

Oh hontone! Hai Hai Wakirimashita!!

(as u know i dont use my real name)

Hai=Yes or okay
iie=No
Sumimasen=Excuse Me
Gomen=Sorry
Arigato=Thank You> Arigatou Gozaimasu is more polite
Jan Ne=See you
Baka=Im sure everyone knows this one.
Ureshi=Happy
Wakirimasen=I dont understand
Wakirimashita=I understand or Okay

[animanic_critic]

Hajimashite Mina!! Watashi wa akitsuki desu! Doozo yoroshiku onegai shimasu!!

Oh hontone! Hai Hai Wakirimashita!!

(as u know i dont use my real name)

Hai=Yes or okay
iie=No
Sumimasen=Excuse Me
Gomen=Sorry
Arigato=Thank You> Arigatou Gozaimasu is more polite
Jan Ne=See you
Baka=Im sure everyone knows this one.
Ureshi=Happy
Wakirimasen=I dont understand
Wakirimashita=I understand or Okay
You have some slight typo errors here...

Ja Ne (See you), not Jan Ne
Arigatou (Thank You), not Arigato;
Wakarimasen (Don't Understand), not Wakirimasen
Wakarimashita (I Understand/Understood); not Wakirimashita

Some few pointers...

[isolatedotaku]

Hajimashite Mina!! Watashi wa akitsuki desu! Doozo yoroshiku onegai shimasu!!

Oh hontone! Hai Hai Wakirimashita!!

(as u know i dont use my real name)

Hai=Yes or okay
iie=No

Wakirimasen=I dont understand
Wakirimashita=I understand or Okay

Konban wa, shoshinsha-kempai.

I am not a fan of the belief that "Hai" means "Yes" and "Iie" means "No". They really mean "That's right" and "That's wrong" respectfully. Otherwise negative questions can be a problem. I.e., to a question like "Ja, banana ga arimasen ka" So you have no bananas?" the reply is "Hai, arimasen, "That's right, we have none." Or Iie, arimasu, "That's wrong, we have some".

That is helpful to keep in mind when someone askes you about likes and dislikes as well.

You have some slight typo errors here...
Arigatou (Thank You), not Arigato;
Some few pointers...

Actually, Arigatou can be spelt Arigato. That is because there are more then 1 Romaji system. If you want to clearly define it, Arigatou is spelt ありがとう.

[Kyou sohma]

hi-okay
yuskosaie-highschool girls
so-terd(it really means the other word but im not gonna say it

lol not much

[Itachi Uchiha]

I am not a fan of the belief that "Hai" means "Yes" and "Iie" means "No". They really mean "That's right" and "That's wrong" respectfully. Otherwise negative questions can be a problem. I.e., to a question like "Ja, banana ga arimasen ka" So you have no bananas?" the reply is "Hai, arimasen, "That's right, we have none." Or Iie, arimasu, "That's wrong, we have some".


"Hai" or "iie" alone is best translated as yes and no... you are making it "that's right" or "that's wrong" by adding the arimasu or imasu (inanimate object or living creature) which refers to the presence of something.

[Akitsukisan]

hai means yes or okay, iie means no i was right how can i be wrong...

[animanic_critic]

"Hai" and "Iie" are basically "Yes" and "No" respectively, as Itachi Uchiha mentioned before. But in order to avoid confusing with other intended definitions, the more apt terms for "That's right" and "That's not true" are "Sou desu" and "Chigaimasu" respectively... not like I'm saying they're the only standard terms.

[Kuzu Ryu Sen]

Of course, there's also the informal "un" and "uun". But no, you can't render "hai" as "yes" because in other languages, its very common to say "yes, that's wrong" as opposed to English's "no, that's wrong". Literally speaking, "right" is "ataru" (or "migi", but that's a bad joke) and wrong is "chigau" or "machigau". "Sou desu" is "is that right?/that's so/that's right" depending on the inflection, usually more used to indicate agreement during a conversation.

In fact, its a leading source of confusion. "So we don't have it right?" "No." "What? So we do have it?" "No." "What? Do we have it or not?" "No, we don't have it!"

Just imagine that whole spiel in a Chinese accent.

"hi-okay
yuskosaie-highschool girls
so-terd(it really means the other word but im not gonna say it"

That's so far off I don't even know what you're trying to say.

[Daravon]

Here's a question, 'summimasen', I know, is used as apology, but it sounds like a negative form. So what does the 'sumi-' part mean?

I've heard 'samui' used to describe the weather, but can you use it for other things that are cold?

I'm looking for a comprehensive explanation of honorifics. As soon as I think I have them figured out I hear something totally contrary. Especially -chan and -kun.

[isolatedotaku]

hai means yes or okay, iie means no i was right how can i be wrong...


Wakirimasen=I dont understand
Wakirimashita=I understand or Okay

My apologies, I was wrong to question your flawlessness.

Daravon, this should help:

-kun: This suffix is used at the end of boys' names to express familiarity or endearment. It is also sometimes used by men among friends, or when addressing someone younger or of a lower station.

-chan: This is used to express endearment, mostly toward girls. It is also used for little boys, pets, and even among lovers. It gives a sense of childish cuteness.

Definitions provided by the Del Rey editor of Genshiken.

[Kuzu Ryu Sen]

-kun can also be used by a boss to an underling, regardless of gender.

samui is a cold enviroment, tsumetai is a cold object/touch.

As for sumimasen, the root is sumu... but sumimasen has become an expression that has very little to do with the original root verb.

済む 【すむ】 (v5m,vi) to finish; to end; to be completed; (P) [V][Ex][G][GI][S][A]

[kyubichan]

@isolatedotaku

it's 'wakarimasen', right? (".)

'sumimasen' and 'gomen nasai' can both either mean excuse me, or sorry... like when you bump into someone, you sometimes say "oh, excuse me" instead of "oh, i'm sorry", so I guess they can be interchangeable? pls. correct me if I am mistaken.

[animanic_critic]

@isolatedotaku

it's 'wakarimasen', right? (".)

'sumimasen' and 'gomen nasai' can both either mean excuse me, or sorry... like when you bump into someone, you sometimes say "oh, excuse me" instead of "oh, i'm sorry", so I guess they can be interchangeable? pls. correct me if I am mistaken.
You're perfectly correct on this. "Sumimasen" and "Gomen nasai" are very much interchangeable when "Excuse me" and "I'm sorry" are intended.

However, "Excuse me", being ambioguous as it may be, can be connoted as "Shitsurei shimasu" as being wanting to leave politely. The most formal and seldom-used way for seeking forgiveness is "Moushiniku gozaimasen".

[Akitsukisan]

Hmm Im guessing kun and chan are everyday use for names in Japan right.. I seen so many anime shows and all i here is kun and chan... Im sure its used like that in Japan everyday...

Call by there normal first and last name aint formal and polite

[animanic_critic]

Call by there normal first and last name aint formal and polite
For truly formal manner of addressing someone, particularly your master or superior, -sama may be used, although it can still be used when girls to address guys they really respect.

If the person has a unique title, then the formal way of calling him/her is simply through the title such as inchou (director), taichou (captain/commanding officer), shachou (manager) and kaichou (company president).

[aoi_n_asul]

then there's sensei for teacher right? is it also used to address doctors?

[animanic_critic]

then there's sensei for teacher right? is it also used to address doctors?
Although rarely, it may also be used to address their gurus of any field. -shishou is another term for -sama, but it's more specific as it usually connotes your mentor in a combat field.

[isolatedotaku]

Calling someone by their first and/or last name without an honorific implies that you know them on a really personal level (i.e. girlfriend and boyfriend, family members). I don't suggest doing it while in Japan, because it might make the person you are talking to uncomfortable.

Also, make sure to never use an honorific on your own name when talking about yourself. You might come off as weird.

And yes, it is "wakarimasen" 「わかりません」.

Sensei - Literally meaning "one who has come before," this title is used for teachers, doctors, or masters of any profession or art. (Once again, Del Rey's translation notes are some of the best).

[Kuzu Ryu Sen]

Using an honourific on yourself will not come off as merely weird, but also massively MASSIVELY egotistical.

[LadyYuina]

Um...

Can someone tell me how you say: It no longer hurts... in Japanese. I'd appreciate it if someone answers. Thank you. By the way, I might have more stuff like this asked just so you all know, but rest assured it will be far and between, needless to say, it will not be often. (If I do ask of more, it's always for a reason for my lack of knowledge where Japanese is concerned).

[Kuzu Ryu Sen]

mou itakunai desu.

[animanic_critic]

The more formal way of saying "It no longer hurts" is "Mou itaku arimasen (もう 痛くありません)" :tup: .

[LadyYuina]

The name "Ai" is it pronounced:

"aye"

OR

"Ah-ee"

OR

can it be both ways??

[isolatedotaku]

Ai as in 愛「LOVE」 or 藍「INDIGO」 ? Or even あい　or アイ?

For the first, "Aye" is how you hear them spoken most often. For the latter, it would be "Ah-ee" because they are seperate Hiragana and Katakana (each hira/kata is stress, i.e ありがとう "Ah-Ri-Gah-Toe").

It all depends on how it is written in Japanese.

[Kuzu Ryu Sen]

Not quite. A is always ah, and I is always ee, so when you put it together, it should always be ah-ee. However, when you say it fluently, the sounds melt together, so it sounds like "aye," but it's really "ah-ee" really quick.

Much like in English, where "pu-ro-now-un-see-eh-shun" is a little different than "pronounciation."

[Dark Lord]

These are some of the words I've picked up... Please tell me if any are wrong...
moto- more
hoshi- star
neko- cat
baka- stupid
nezumi- rat
demo- but
itsumo- forever

[Illjwamh]

mou itakunai desu.
The desu isn't really necessary here though, especially if you're being informal.

[NausicaaBoy]

?????????????????????????????????????????????


why didnt my character show up?

[isolatedotaku]

何ですか？

If you can see that, your computer can read IME Japanese. If not, I suggest you get IME Japanese.

Also, what character didn't show up? All I see are question marks.

[Dark Lord]

何ですか？

If you can see that, your computer can read IME Japanese. If not, I suggest you get IME Japanese.

Also, what character didn't show up? All I see are question marks.
Hey... How come last time I looked, I couldn't read it, I just saw a bunch of squares... but now I can see the characters clearly...

[Daravon]

Does ありがとう mean anything literally? Is there a kanji for it?

What exactly is the word for 'excuse me' as in literally 'excuse me from this place'? I've never seen in spelled and they say it damn fast. Something-shimasu.

If 'Dou suru' means something like 'what to do' and 'shite' is a polite form of 'suru' than does 'doushite' have any connection?

[hekikuu]

What exactly is the word for 'excuse me' as in literally 'excuse me from this place'? I've never seen in spelled and they say it damn fast. Something-shimasu.

Excuse me is "shitsurei suru" or "shitsurei shimasu." Literally, that translates to, "I do a rude thing." You can also say sumimasen or sumimasen desu.

[soundchazer]

Excuse me is "shitsurei suru" or "shitsurei shimasu." Literally, that translates to, "I do a rude thing." You can also say sumimasen or sumimasen desu.

I have seen shitsurei shimasu being used more when someone enters a room when is not being expected. It would be almost an equivalent to Ojama shimasu, with the difference being the last one is used when entering a place as a guest, most likely a house.

Sumimasen is more common word for anything from "Excuse me, could you tell me...?" to "Excuse me for being late".

This is just empiric observation though, so if someone can disprove it, that would be appreciated.

Now there is a third word: Gommen nasai which would be the translation for "I'm sorry" and tends to be used when you performed an action which troubled someone else, like bumping into someone, spilling coffee or telling a lie.

[Itachi Uchiha]

Does ありがとう mean anything literally? Is there a kanji for it? Arigatou? Means - thank you (literal meaning - grateful)... It has a kanji character too, but I don't have my computer set up to type the character for you...

What exactly is the word for 'excuse me' as in literally 'excuse me from this place'? I've never seen in spelled and they say it damn fast. Something-shimasu.
Hekikuu/Soundchaser already answered this one...

If 'Dou suru' means something like 'what to do' and 'shite' is a polite form of 'suru' than does 'doushite' have any connection? I'm not exactly sure what you're asking here, so I don't have an answer for you...

[Mana]

Japanese has more words to apologize for something than any other language >_>;

[soundchazer]

If 'Dou suru' means something like 'what to do' and 'shite' is a polite form of 'suru' than does 'doushite' have any connection?

Dou suru is really two words and means "what to do" or in a more lax sense "what are you going to do". Doushite is ONE word, and it means "why", "for what purpose".

They are not related. Doushite is actually written: 如何して

and dou suru is written: どうする

If they were related, they would share the initial kanji, and they don't.

Another way to say why would be Naze or 何故.

Hope this helps.

[Illjwamh]

Shitsure Shimasu ("I am commiting a rudeness") is, as already mentioned, frequently used to excuse oneself from whatever. I suppose using it in an unannounced entrance as well. You can also use it to interrupt somebody, and in past tense when you're apologizing for something that's already been done, rather than something you're doing at the moment. This would be shitsure shimashita.

Sumimasen, or its more informal variant sumanai, literally means "I am unsettled" or "I don't feel entirely right". It's basically like saying "excuse me". In other words, you could go up to a random person and ask them how to find something and open with this, and the essential message is, "Excuse me, I feel uncomfortable bothering a stranger, but..."

Again, it can be used in past tense for things already done.

[soundchazer]

Shitsure Shimasu ("I am commiting a rudeness") is, as already mentioned, frequently used to excuse oneself from whatever. I suppose using it in an unannounced entrance as well. You can also use it to interrupt somebody, and in past tense when you're apologizing for something that's already been done, rather than something you're doing at the moment. This would be shitsure shimashita.

Sumimasen, or its more informal variant sumanai, literally means "I am unsettled" or "I don't feel entirely right". It's basically like saying "excuse me". In other words, you could go up to a random person and ask them how to find something and open with this, and the essential message is, "Excuse me, I feel uncomfortable bothering a stranger, but..."

Or you can say it when you did something to a friend or acquaintance with the same intention:

"Sumimasen, omatase shimashita" (Excuse me for being late/ making you wait).

Again, it can be used in past tense for things already done.

And the past tense would be sumimasen deshita.

[MeAndroo]

Shitsure Shimasu ("I am commiting a rudeness") is, as already mentioned, frequently used to excuse oneself from whatever. I suppose using it in an unannounced entrance as well. You can also use it to interrupt somebody, and in past tense when you're apologizing for something that's already been done, rather than something you're doing at the moment. This would be shitsure shimashita.


Nitpicky: Don't forget the i in shitsurei.

You can also say sumimasen or sumimasen desu.

I've never heard anyone say "sumimasen desu." Can I ask in what situation you've heard it?

[Daravon]

Thanks a lot, the literal meanings help a ton. As well as the kanji.

Would anyone care to recommend a book, or textbook, for someone that already reads kana and 4 kyuu+random kanji? Or maybe some easy reading material with furigana, some manga? Many of the books I've found that really discuss japanes grammar are all romanization which bothers me because I'll never learn any new characters that way.

[soundchazer]

Nitpicky: Don't forget the i in shitsurei.



I've never heard anyone say "sumimasen desu." Can I ask in what situation you've heard it?

I was wondering that myself.

[Kuzu Ryu Sen]

Thanks a lot, the literal meanings help a ton. As well as the kanji.

Would anyone care to recommend a book, or textbook, for someone that already reads kana and 4 kyuu+random kanji? Or maybe some easy reading material with furigana, some manga? Many of the books I've found that really discuss japanes grammar are all romanization which bothers me because I'll never learn any new characters that way.

My university uses the Genki set of textbooks, and they're quite good, complete with a glossary, grammar explanations, and an audio CD.

http://www.amazon.com/Genki-Integrated-Course-Elementary-Japanese/dp/4789009637/sr=8-1/qid=1158631931/ref=pd_bbs_1/103-9201466-1358246?ie=UTF8&s=books

This is volume 1, which is too basic given your level, but it was the only one Amazon had a picture for. Volume 2 is likely more appropriate, and it's got the same cover, except 1 is 2 and it's green, not orange.

[Hiroshi-san]

Ohayo Gozaimasu Tomodachi's!O-genki desu ka?*bows*Its so good to have other people teach the japanese language to people all over the world who wants to learn about other cultures and styles of writing and whatsnot.So whats going on in here?^__^

[Daravon]

Why is it that in anime I hear people refer to japan as what sounds like 'Nippon'. Why do they say that and is it still 日本?

[Kuzu Ryu Sen]

Because 本 can be read hon, pon, and bon among others depending on the context.

[soundchazer]

well... the reality is you can read it in several ways.

The Japanese language has several sets of sound for any particular kanji. The sound that is supposed to come close to the original Chinese sound for the Kanji is called onyomi. The sound that was adopted by the Japanese for the same Kanji is called kunyomi. At the very least, the vast majority of kanji will haver two sounds attached to it (one onyomi, one kunyomi). More often than not though, there are variations to the onyomi sound.

In this case 本, although normally refered to in onyomi as HON, it can also have 2 variations: PON and BON.

That is why both Nippon and Nihon are correct. I use Nihon myself.

That same kanji is used to count long cylindrical objects and it is the best example of the variation being present within a group of words:

一本 --- Ippon (one cylindrical object)
二本 --- Nihon (2 cylindrical objects)
三本 --- Sanbon (3 cylindrical objects)

[Tamanegi Sensei]

Ok, the skivvy goes like this.

I'm teaching myself about hira and kata symbols for letters such as Ka and ne. Now I'm havin trouble understanding this. How do words like Kaki and Haisha become dentist or summer?

[Niner]

You can barely speak passable English as it is. I don't think trying to branch out to another language is advisable. But anyway.

What do you mean "how do they become dentist or summer"? Those are the meanings assigned to them by the Japanese language, just as English assigns meanings to the words "dentist" and "summer" and "cat" and "dog". Are you asking for the etymology of the words in the Japanese language? If you are, you're going to have to do more than study hiragana and katakana, because most words, especially nouns, have a counterpart in kanji that takes the place of the phonetic hiragana and katakana characters in modern Japanese writing.

[mamimi_kawaii]

Wow, this thread is really helpful! I'm trying to learn tid-bits of japanese in my spare time, until I can get my hands on some books and things, so this is a great help! My biggest problem right now is which parts of words to emphasize, like how the "in" in the english word "indoor" is emphasized. How do you know what to emphasize in Japanese words?

[Tamanegi Sensei]

You can barely speak passable English as it is. I don't think trying to branch out to another language is advisable.


Hey! Screw you!! Damn you and your ****in elitism!!!

I'm askin a legit question here in my own words and you and those fartknockers are insulting me when I didn't do anything to you?!!

I just want to know how the romaji of kaki becomes summer!

I don't need any of your bull!!

[mamimi_kawaii]

Tamanegi san, you make me crave stimulating argument. But obviously, I'm not going to get anything stimulating from you, so I'm going elsewhere. We only want you to speak ligitimate English. If you can't do that, I don't see why you're here.

[Kuzu Ryu Sen]

夏季 - Kaki. Ka as the onyomi for natsu - summer, and ki from kisetsu - season.

Natsu is the more popular term for summer though.

歯医者 - Haisha. Ha = tooth, isha = doctor. Simple.

And romaji is nothing. It's a phonetic representation of the word written in the Latin alphabet so that Western people can actually read it. It doesn't become anything.

Wow, this thread is really helpful! I'm trying to learn tid-bits of japanese in my spare time, until I can get my hands on some books and things, so this is a great help! My biggest problem right now is which parts of words to emphasize, like how the "in" in the english word "indoor" is emphasized. How do you know what to emphasize in Japanese words?

You don't. Japanese words are more or less supposed to be pronounced with equal weight on each syllable. Although technically, they do have minor stresses/accents such as hashi meaning bridge or chopsticks depending on the stress. However, people can tell from context 99% of the time, and it's a lot better to say stressless ha-shi than overexaggerate (which you see all the time when NA VAs try to say Japanese names) and say HAAAAA-shi.

[mamimi_kawaii]

Okay thank you! I was always confused by that.

And on another note, please don't get on my case about calling "Tamanegi_sensai" tamanegi san. Someone with so little speaking skills would never make it to be called Sensai.

[Kuzu Ryu Sen]

Okay thank you! I was always confused by that.

And on another note, please don't get on my case about calling "Tamanegi_sensai" tamanegi san. Someone with so little speaking skills would never make it to be called Sensai.

Sensei actually. Just call him Tama. It works since Tamashii doesn't show up anymore.

[mamimi_kawaii]

Oops. I always end up spelling Sensei wrong. I'm glad English is my native language, I would be ashamed at my age to mis-spell something like that; say, teacher, or wise one. Esh... let's do the wave. :thewave:

[soundchazer]

You can barely speak passable English as it is. I don't think trying to branch out to another language is advisable. But anyway.

What do you mean "how do they become dentist or summer"? Those are the meanings assigned to them by the Japanese language, just as English assigns meanings to the words "dentist" and "summer" and "cat" and "dog". Are you asking for the etymology of the words in the Japanese language? If you are, you're going to have to do more than study hiragana and katakana, because most words, especially nouns, have a counterpart in kanji that takes the place of the phonetic hiragana and katakana characters in modern Japanese writing.

Just to expand on Niner's idea, the use of Kanji in Japan shouldn't be thought of on the same basis of Chinese writing. Yes, the Japanese got their Kanji from the Chinese, but several of them were adopted because of their phonetics and NOT because of the ideogram. Therefore, while Kanji for Mountain or River may be the same in both places, there will be several others that will have different meanings because the Japanese never intended to use them as ideograms.

That is one of the reasons why a Japanese person won't be automagically able to read Mandarin. To put it in an anime context, in the first or second episode of Ranma 1/2, Genma shows Ranma a travel guide written in Chinese, and Ranma goes off saying "but you don't even know Chinese!"

[LadyYuina]

"Blank", ore ga mamotteru.

If someone, persay a guy wanted to say "I'll protect you, "blank" to someone. Is this one way of saying it?

[MeAndroo]

"Blank", ore ga mamotteru.

If someone, persay a guy wanted to say "I'll protect you, "blank" to someone. Is this one way of saying it?

Mamotte(i)ru is the conjugation of mamoru that means "I am protecting." If you wanted to say, I will protect you, you'd say "Kimi/anata/other version of you wo mamoru."

[lyleanna]

hi... can anyone translate the name "Ana" or "Anna" in japanese?

[animanic_critic]

hi... can anyone translate the name "Ana" or "Anna" in japanese?
"Ana" = "アナ". I take it as a Western name, so I typed it in Katakana form. Hope this serves you well :cool:

[Kuzu Ryu Sen]

It is as it is. Ana is as AC said, and Anna would just be A-n-na. It's the same thing, so there's no translation to be had.

[So Panic.]

I've never experienced any Japanese Language instruction but I have a simple question. Hopefully I won't sound retarded but I couldn't find a clear explanation on any websites.

If I was asking a simple question in Japanese (Where is this, Where is that; That and this being replaced by objects?) what would the structure of the sentence be? I'm aware that English and most asian languages differ mainly in syntax so I'm a little iffy about how this works?


If I'm not being clear enough please don't waste your time. I've never been a great english student as far as correctly identifying grammar structure.

[Kuzu Ryu Sen]

Where is this (kore wa doko desu ka) would be in the form of:
This-topic marker-where-copula-question marker.

Japanese in general is Subject-Object-Verb rather than Subject-Verb-Object.

An example would be:

I (subject) give (verb) this to Ben (object) --> watashi (subject) wa Ben-san (object) ni kore o agemasu (verb).

[lyleanna]

how can you say in japanese these sentences:
I hate you but still I can't help myself to think of you.

and what is meant by
donna muzukashii koto datte
I just got it from the lyrics of asunaro ginga

[LadyYuina]

Shinde itakunai.
I don't want to die.

Futari tomo nani shiteru'n desu ka.
What are you two doing?

Are these two written/mean the right thing correctly?

[Kuzu Ryu Sen]

Kimi o kirai, datte kimi no koto o kangaeru wa shikatanai. (is the best I can do)
I hate you but still I can't help myself to think of you.

donna muzukashii koto datte is part of the line "donna muzukashii koto datte
kitto kitto kotae ga aru"
Whatever difficult thing occurs, for sure, for sure, I will have an answer.

Shinitakunai.
I don't want to die.

Futaritomo wa nani o suru/shite desu ka?
What are you two doing?

[Baka Neko]

Shinde itakunai.
I don't want to die.

Futari tomo nani shiteru'n desu ka.
What are you two doing?

Are these two written/mean the right thing correctly?

Kuzu Ryu Sen got the first one, but the second one you have is a casual way of saying what Kuzu Ryu Sen said, so it is correct.

[Tamanegi Sensei]

Heres the skivvy. I'm headin to Komatsu and try out what I learned through my poketto hon. For. I want to say "table for 2." But so far all I got is teburu to ni. Or do I say Yori? no thats than as in this is better than that.

[Illjwamh]

how can you say in japanese these sentences:
I hate you but still I can't help myself to think of you.



Kimi ga (dai)kirai kedo, (kimi o) kangaenakereba ikenai (yo).

The parenthesized parts are not necessary. The dai would add emphasis to kirai, so it would mean like...I really hate you[/i], the yo is just an emphatic to add on to declarative statements and is used frequently by females in many dialects, and the kimi o really isn't necessary, as the subject has already been established earlier on and therefore it is implied in the rest of the sentence.

Literally translated, this sentence means: I hate you, but if I don't think of you I can't exist.

[animanic_critic]

Heres the skivvy. I'm headin to Komatsu and try out what I learned through my poketto hon. For. I want to say "table for 2." But so far all I got is teburu to ni. Or do I say Yori? no thats than as in this is better than that.
"Futari de teburu onegaishimasu". I'm not 100% certain on whether I got this correctly myself, so if anyone else has a better suggestion, feel free to correct me.

[kyubichan]

"Futari de teburu onegaishimasu".

"Table for two, please."

That sounds correct.

[kazamisan]

how do you say

I want to be with you forever and ever?

[isolatedotaku]

how do you say

I want to be with you forever and ever?

Zutto issho-ni itai "I wanna stay with you forever"

Close enough?

[kazamisan]

thanks much dude! I just wanted to say it to my girlfriend....:love:

[TheLaughingMan]

I heard that Nintendo is suppose to come out with a game to learn several languages using the DS. Is this just a rumor or are they actually do it, if so when is the release scheduled for.

[Demon_Killer]

I heard that Nintendo is suppose to come out with a game to learn several languages using the DS. Is this just a rumor or are they actually do it, if so when is the release scheduled for.


"Wunderbar!," which is the title of a new game, being released in Lepzig, Germany, to teach the user English, is due in Germany on October 13th.

Nintendo has yet to announce anything regarding any similar games geared at numerous languages, but it seems inevitable. This way, when you pull your DS out during school, you can say you are using it for "educational purposes only."

Though this is a potential breakthrough to facilitate the language learning experience, Nintendo has made it clear the DS will not turn into an educational tool. Apparently Nintendo just did not want us carrying around any extra books, how thoughtful of them.

[TheLaughingMan]

As long as they use the touch screen for learning and practiceing kanji and kana they would make a big profit off of it. Plus who said that people have to buy it. It can only help Nintendo gain praise and money. Enough people would buy it to make it a success.

[Illjwamh]

I'd use it for that. I need all the kanji help I can get.

[Kanna]

i have two questions;
Dose anyone have tips on remembering symbols?
and
Does anyone know how i can remember the words and there pronciations?
:help:

[Illjwamh]

Symbols? You mean like kanji? Just drill 'em. Over and over. Mnemonic devices can help too, but it's best if you come up with your own.

As for pronunciation, each kana character is always pronounced the same every time, so get those down and you won't have a problem. Just remember tha it's not English, and there is never any stress on any particular syllables.

[kyubichan]

Kanji: Get a proper dictionary. Start memorizing by strokes (i.e. memorize the one stroke kanji, then the two stroke ones, etc.) .

Words/pronunciation: Also, get a dictionary. There are two types of kanas: hiragana and katakana. Although basically pronounced in the same way, it would help if you knew how to write them first as your mind will adapt to the syllabication. Words written in katakana differ in context if written in hiragana so... yeah.

[LadyYuina]

How would you say in Japanese:

"If you understand this, then good for you!"

Thanks a bunch to whoever translates this for me. :)

[animanic_critic]

"kore wo wakattara, yokattadesu ne (これを 分かったら よかったですね。)"

Just a half-effort from me :la: .

[LadyYuina]

Can anyone else translate it for me aside from him?

And thanks for the half-effort nonetheless.

[Kuzu Ryu Sen]

kore ga wakerareru nara, naka naka desu. - or maybe jouzu desu.

If you can understand this, then you're pretty good. - or you're good at this.

Good for you is not very easily translated. Yokatta is literal, but tends towards more of a expressing sympathy/relief sort of feeling - a "that's a good thing." It's not a congratulatory term in terms of accomplishment.

[Illjwamh]

Kore ga wakarakereba, omedeto!

If this is understandable (to you), congratulations!

[LadyYuina]

I want to say "I didn't understand anything", but I don't know if I wrote it right. Correct me if I am wrong. Thank you.

Boku no zenzen wo wakari jyanai.

or...

Boku no wakari wo nanimo jyanai.

[Kuzu Ryu Sen]

Well, unless your nick is a lie, you should use "watashi" or "atashi," the female pronouns.

And it would be "watashi wa nanimo zenzen wakaranai deshita."

I think... it's been a while.

[LadyYuina]

Well, unless your nick is a lie, you should use "watashi" or "atashi," the female pronouns.

And it would be "watashi wa nanimo zenzen wakaranai deshita."

I think... it's been a while.

I am a girl, I assure you of that. I simply used "boku" because I wanted to use it for something and it pertains to a guy character. So I merely tried to write it like how a guy would say it.

[Illjwamh]

Well, unless your nick is a lie, you should use "watashi" or "atashi," the female pronouns.

And it would be "watashi wa nanimo zenzen wakaranai deshita."

I think... it's been a while.
This is right, except for the end. Technically you could say it like that, but it would sound weird. You'd want it to be either wakaranakatta or wakarimasendeshita, depending on how you wanted it to sound. The first is casual, while the second is more polite.

[LadyYuina]

So sorry, but I have more questions...

Are these correct? :sweatdrop

Kore wa koi no you ni
This is similiar to/like love

Watashi no kokoro ni tegami
A letter to my heart

Isshou ni kara
Because we're together

[animanic_critic]

"Kore wa koi no you desu" (これわ 恋 の よう です) is more appropriate if you're intending to make it a full sentence.

"Bokura wa isshou nandesu" (ぼくらわ いっしょ なんです) is a better translation.

It's been awhile since I've used Japanese in real life. I admit that it's getting a little rusty.

[LadyYuina]

"Kore wa koi no you desu" (これわ 恋 の よう です) is more appropriate if you're intending to make it a full sentence.

"Bokura wa isshou nandesu" (ぼくらわ いっしょ なんです) is a better translation.

It's been awhile since I've used Japanese in real life. I admit that it's getting a little rusty.

"Bokura wa isshou nandesu" sounds weird to me. I don't know if you're wrong or not, but it just sounds weird to me. I think mine sounds weird too, although would a Japanese person understand it if they read "isshou ni kara" as "because we're together?

[animanic_critic]

Your translation isn't wrong as well. Translation is eventually a very tricky topic because an English phrase/sentence can be translated into Japanese in myriad ways. The conjuction 'kara' for 'because' is a very common form of translation but it isn't the only one. Mine may not be mentioned by people too often, but I believe it's still a valid sentence.

Yes, a Japanese person will certainly understand the phrase 'issho ni kara' as 'because/since we're together', although the presence of 'ni' is something I'm not so sure about.

[Akira169]

It's "isshou kara." When you have "isshou ni" you usually put a verb afterwards.

I'd understand it, but I would never say "isshou ni kara."

(I'm Japanese. Ready to help anyone!)

[LadyYuina]

It's "isshou kara." When you have "isshou ni" you usually put a verb afterwards.

I'd understand it, but I would never say "isshou ni kara."

(I'm Japanese. Ready to help anyone!)

Thank you, Akira169!

How about this one? What does it mean?

Boku ga utau to kimi wa waraukara.

I guessed it as: I sing (because)/(and) you are laughing/I'm singing and you are laughing. (I am probably completely wrong, aren't I?) :eek5:

[MeAndroo]

Thank you, Akira169!

How about this one? What does it mean?

Boku ga utau to kimi wa waraukara.

I guessed it as: I sing (because)/(and) you are laughing/I'm singing and you are laughing. (I am probably completely wrong, aren't I?) :eek5:

I believe it means "because you laugh if/when I sing."

[LadyYuina]

Sorry, but this has been bugging me and I just have to ask.

For the word Senpai, is "Sempai" okay, too? I always thought it was only Senpai, or am I wrong?

[Kuzu Ryu Sen]

The kana is se-n-pa-i, but the sound blurs a bit between m and n, so that's why in previous romanizations, it was rendered sempai. Under the new Hepburn, it should be senpai.

To quote Wiki:

"Senpai is often seen romanized as sempai, in accordance with the initial version of the Hepburn romanization system."

[aburame shino]

kurai kimochi ni natta....

[animanic_critic]

kurai kimochi ni natta....
No idea whether you want this to be translated, but it simply means "It turned into a dark/gloomy mood/feeling/sensation"... roughly.

[Tamanegi Sensei]

Naraku no hana can mean both flower of darkness and/or flower of hell right?

[animanic_critic]

I assume that this phrase is synonymous with Higurashi No Naku Koro Ni Kai's opening theme. It doesn't mean Flower of Darkness actually (which would otherwise be Yami no Hana/闇の花); it leans more towards Flower of Hell, since Naraku (奈落) and Jigoku (地獄) are synonyms.

[laborpilot86]

Something that's always confused me...

whats Japanese for 'please come again/back'?

[Illjwamh]

Naraku no hana can mean both flower of darkness and/or flower of hell right?
Depends on how literal you want your translation to be. Loosely done, both work fine.

[priji]

Other Common Phrases

Sumimasen. (sue-me-ma-sen)
Excuse me.

Gomen nasai. (go-men na-sai)
I'm sorry.

Domo arigatou gozaimasu. (doe-mo ah-ree-gah-toh go-zah-ee-mas)
Thank you.

Ohayoo gozaimasu! (o-ha-yo go-zah-ee-mas)
Good morning!

Konnichiwa! (kon-ni-chi-wah)
Good day! (Hello!)

Konbanwa. (kon-ban-wah)
Good evening.

[Anime_Lovr]

why do they have san,kun,chan,nii-chan,and other things like that in anime like naruto-kun or misa-chan????

[Illjwamh]

They're called honorifics, and they've been explained before.

"sama" is much more honorific than "san", almost worshipful. Here is a list of most honorifics used in names:

-chan (chahn): Small or baby. Used among very close friends and relatives, especially females
-kohai (ko-hah-ee): One's junior. Usually substituted with –kun or -chan
-kun (kun): Used among very close friends and relatives, especially males
-sama (sah-mah): Lord. Used when addressing people of utmost respect or when referring to gods. Usually employed in concurrence with a title but can also be used with a name
-san (sahn): A close equivalent to Mr. and Mrs. Used as a respectful method of addressing people of similar status
-senpai (sen-pah-ee): Upperclassman. Used in relation to fellow classmates of higher level or age
-sensei (sen-say): Teacher, master or doctor. Used either at school or while being involved in a discipline or art


Check out Kjeldoran's lecture on Frequently Used Terms (http://www.animeacademy.com/anime101/Frequently_Used_Terms/anime101.html) for other terms that you hear often in anime!

There's another one that isn't really an honorific at all, and that's the point. It's referred to as yobisute, and it's where you don't add anything to the name at all. This is a very intimate form of addressing someone and unless they're a member of your immediate family, a very close friend or a significant other, you wouldn't ever use this. It would be insulting, or at the very least make the person you were talking to uncomfortable.

In fact, it's generally considered a big step in a relationship (romantic or friendly) when the people involved feel they can begin referring to each other this way.

[laborpilot86]

What's interesting is that in anime (even stories set in the real world) -kohai is almost never used, with -kun, -chan, and -san used even among student characters. I wonder if -kohai is falling out of use in Japanese like the way that 'Madame' in English is falling out of use. Languages to change over time, and of read some articles on the Japan Times about some of the changes that have occured in Japanese speech, including the subtle ways the honorifics have changed.

[Zelkiiro]

why do they have san,kun,chan,nii-chan,and other things like that in anime like naruto-kun or misa-chan????
They are endings you give to someone.

For example, -san pretty much means Mr., Mrs., or Miss.
-sama is usually translated as Lord or Master.
-kun and -chan are friendlier endings given to friends, no real translation.

And when Romanizing, be careful of how you do so. Assuming the word "ouki" exists, writing it as "ooki" would cause confusion, since the latter word means "large".

[Tamanegi Sensei]

Ok, here's the skivvy.

8 years ago there was a Final Fantasy IX Coke commerical. At the end it says, "Tsu-na-ga-ru" Putting those 4 together, what the hell does it translate to?

For further proof, heres exhibit A: (For nostalgia purpose only)
http://www.retrojunk.com/details_commercial/6538/

[Niner]

tsunagaru - "tied together, connected to, related to"

5 seconds in Google, o yea

[ProfessorWashu]

What's interesting is that in anime (even stories set in the real world) -kohai is almost never used, with -kun, -chan, and -san used even among student characters. I wonder if -kohai is falling out of use in Japanese like the way that 'Madame' in English is falling out of use. Languages to change over time, and of read some articles on the Japan Times about some of the changes that have occured in Japanese speech, including the subtle ways the honorifics have changed.

I've seen -kohai used in some manga. For instance, I believe both Genshiken and Kashimashi Girl Meets Girl use -kohai at some points. But you're right, it's an honorific that seems to be used less and less. Maybe it's a sign of the times. I mean, think how many times the term "gay" has changed meanings in the USA. Language is fluid, and changes over time. Maybe -kohai's time is up. Is senpai next?!

[Illjwamh]

Kohai is more often used to refer to/describe someone than to address them directly. For example, to a friend you might say, "This is my kohai on the track team, Akitsuki-kun." It sounds more natural than saying, "This is Akitsuki-kohai from the track team."

To me, anyway. But of course I'm not a native speaker. I'm just going from my own experience with the language.

[Zelkiiro]

Kohai is more often used to refer to/describe someone than to address them directly. For example, to a friend you might say, "This is my kohai on the track team, Akitsuki-kun." It sounds more natural than saying, "This is Akitsuki-kohai from the track team."

To me, anyway. But of course I'm not a native speaker. I'm just going from my own experience with the language.
It would still be "-kohai", I imagine. Being that it translates as "madame", which usually precedes a name as "Mr." or "Lord" would, it would operate the same way as -san or -sama.

[Illjwamh]

"Madame"? What?

[Zelkiiro]

"Madame"? What?
Someone said it meant "madame"...maybe I read something wrong? >___>;

Either way, if it's a title, it operates the same way.

[Natsuke Takeda]

Greetings from Nagoya!

Showa-ku sure is... boring >.>

Anyways, kohai is usually used as an example of the sempai/kohai system, which technically means seniority (sempai) has distinction over kohai. In a team, it's the same way, the lower ranked players of a team are kohai and refer to themselves as such, and the talk of the starters and upperclassmen as sempai. Kohai usually just means teammate or someone in equal rank and terms of you.

In terms of speaking, kohai is NOT an honorific like sempai, so please refrain from saying things like "Natsuke-kohai"

Cause although it would be correct if you were my age or teammate, it can actually come off as insulting!

[Illjwamh]

Someone said it meant "madame"...maybe I read something wrong? >___>;

Yeah, I don't know where you got that from. :sweat:

And since when does it mean an equal? A senpai is a senior and a kohai is a junior. I was not even aware there was a special term for someone of equal status (though I wouldn't be surprised if there were).

[ProfessorWashu]

Greetings from Nagoya!

Showa-ku sure is... boring >.>

Anyways, kohai is usually used as an example of the sempai/kohai system, which technically means seniority (sempai) has distinction over kohai. In a team, it's the same way, the lower ranked players of a team are kohai and refer to themselves as such, and the talk of the starters and upperclassmen as sempai. Kohai usually just means teammate or someone in equal rank and terms of you.

In terms of speaking, kohai is NOT an honorific like sempai, so please refrain from saying things like "Natsuke-kohai"

Cause although it would be correct if you were my age or teammate, it can actually come off as insulting!

Just want to put forth that I only placed -kohai as an honorific because I was using "honorific" as a synonym for title, or something you call someone to distinguish them as a class.

I wasn't aware that it was improper to refer to someone with their name and then -kohai (i.e. Katsuragi-kohai) so thanks for the tip. It really does seem condescending, now that I think about it.

[Natsuke Takeda]

kohai does mean junior, but it can also be used in terms of someone equal to you, at least in term of being casual.

Regardless, it could probably only be used rarely. If anything, it's probably a jab, but with me not knowing much of the Japanese culture that deeply, I don't think a "jab" is good anyways.

[ProfessorWashu]

I see what you mean. Subordinates refer to their superiors with higher ranking terms, but once you're the superior, you can refer to your subordinates about any way you want. Most likely you'd just expect to see them referred to by their last name in Japan. (A complete guess.) Respectful, but still putting forth the message "You are below me." A team that had been together a long time might have superiors who refer to subordinates by their first names, but I doubt it.

[LadyYuina]

Hontou ni wakatta deshou?

I was wondering if this makes sense, and if it does, what does it mean? I heard this being said on a talk show, but it was being spoken by a non-Japanese person. Is it something along the lines of:

"Was it really understood?" "Did we really understand?"

[animanic_critic]

Those two suggested answers are valid enough, but an alternative answer can be "You've really understood, right?". I've long had the impression that 'deshou' carries the sense of doubt by the speaker to the person in concern.

[LadyYuina]

Ah, I see. Thank you. I like the way yours sound better, and it's probably better translated that way.

[GWS923]

Hontou ni wakatta deshou?

I was wondering if this makes sense, and if it does, what does it mean? I heard this being said on a talk show, but it was being spoken by a non-Japanese person. Is it something along the lines of:

"Was it really understood?" "Did we really understand?"

It makes sense, but it means, "Do you really understand?" although the subject of the sentence is vague (as it's left out)

Edit: I don't know why I didn't see animanic_critic's post earlier. Sorry.

Although "Deshou?" can indicate asking for agreement, in a similar fashion to the particle "ne." Or it can mean "probably." It's vague.

[animanic_critic]

The particles 'ne' and 'deshou' both carry the sense of probability, although I'm usually inclined to believe that the former one mostly connotes agreement. GWS923 is right; I too always have the problem of identifying the subject in a typical Japanese sentence, since they are not stated in casual or colloquial cases.

[ERZUE7]

how my name in japanes my name is nathan sorry that i can not give my last name
becuase well you know.

[animanic_critic]

Your name will be usually spelled using the katakana system, since it's a Western name. It can be translated into two ways, so see which fits you the best:

ネイサン (nei-san)
ネイタン (nei-tan)

The first one sounds closer to your name, although it sounds close to "nee-san", i.e. your own elder sister.