The particles に (Ni) and で (De) can both be used to specify locations, but each serves a different purpose. If you ever wondered how they're different, or you've been using them without knowing the difference, this episode is for you!

In this episode, Kanae and Rachel discuss the basic difference and illustrate it using examples and quizzes. They even talk about which particle to use to describe niche situations like "egging a house" or "dropping a phone in the toilet."

After (or before) listening to this episode, make sure to also check out Mami's article "に vs で: Which Particle To Choose and Why": https://www.tofugu.com/japanese/ni-vs-de/

に VS で: Which Particle To Use For Locations?

Although んだ (nda) and んです(ndesu) are very common ways of ending Japanese sentences, they can be challenging for English speakers to understand because there's no equivalent to these in English.

In this episode, Kanae and Rachel discuss what these sentence enders really are (I mean, what the heck is the ん anyway, right?), and how they are used.

After (or even before) listening to this episode, check out our grammar page about んだ and んです for more in-depth information: [https://www.tofugu.com/japanese-grammar/explanatory-nda-ndesu-noda-nodesu/](https://www.tofugu.com/japanese-grammar/explanatory-nda-ndesu-noda-nodesu/)

んだ and んです: What the Heck Is the ん?!

もったいない (mottainai) is a unique Japanese word that articulates the sense of regret, guilt, and sorrow you feel for wasting all sorts of things — food, physical objects, time, opportunities, and potential.

In this episode, Kanae and Jenny (big fans of mottainai) talk about the nuances of the word, as well as Japan's cultural and religious views that have deeply influenced it or been influenced by it.

For more information about もったいない, check out Kanae's article: https://www.tofugu.com/japanese/mottainai/

もったいない: Learn About "Mottainai" Because It's Mottainai If You Don't

彼 (kare) and 彼女 (kanojo) are Japanese third-person pronouns, meaning "he" and "she." Even though they're the equivalents of these essential English words, Japanese speakers don't really use 彼 and 彼女 in conversation.

In this episode, the Tofugu crew, Kanae, Jenny, and Rachel, discuss the history of 彼 and 彼女, what you sound like when you use them, their more common meanings "boyfriend" and "girlfriend" — and even a slangy way of pronouncing them.

彼・彼女: The Japanese Words for "He" and "She" That We Don't Really Use

This is the second episode in our three-part mini-series on the ins and outs of the Japanese particles は and が. In this episode, Kanae and Jenny focus particularly on the particle は, and answer some more questions from listeners, getting only a little bit sidetracked by spelling reforms, umlauts, and ASMR along the way. Are you all set? 準備はいいですか？

は and が: Part 2

Put your hands up if you agree that は and が are up there with the most confusing aspects of Japanese grammar. Part of the confusion is that they're often conflated as being more or less the same thing. And while that's intuitive in lots of situations, it can be confusing if you come up against an example where they add a different nuance, or where using one of them sounds just plain weird.

If you've ever been confused about は and が, join us for this three-part mini-series on the two trickiest particles in Japanese. In this first episode, Kanae and Jenny discuss particles in general, then shift their focus onto は and が, answering a listener's question and trying not to get too confused themselves as they pick apart different examples.

For more details about は and が, check out Jenny's article: https://www.tofugu.com/japanese/wa-and-ga/

は and が: Part 1

The MEXT Research Scholarship is Japan's government-funded program that will let you do a free master's *and* cover living expenses to boot.

...Sounds too good to be true? Well, Emily is living proof that it's not.

In this episode, Kanae and Rachel welcome Tofugu’s new writer Emily as a co-host and talk about her experience with the scholarship program she just finished in Nagoya a few months ago. Anyone who’s curious about MEXT will find some insight into the application process in this chat, as well as a few words of support if you decide to go for it.

For more detailed information about the MEXT Research Scholarship, check out Emily's article on the Tofugu blog: https://www.tofugu.com/japan/mext-monbukagakusho-scholarship/

MEXT Research Scholarship: Get a Master’s Degree in Japan for Free

In this episode, David Honeycutt, a Japanese resource review writer at Tofugu and an enthusiastic Japanese learner of over a decade, discusses all kinds of things he wishes he knew when he was a beginner Japanese learner. 

David covers topics like:

- How to follow some sort of curriculum even if you’re a self-learner
- The power of SRS (Spaced Repetition System)
- Using a built-in dictionary on computers or phones
- Setting tangible goals with deadlines

and more.

Make sure to give it a listen for David’s Japanese learning wisdom!

Things I Wish I Knew When I Was A Beginner Japanese Learner, Feat. David Honeycutt

In this episode, Ian Battaglia, a Japanese resource review writer at Tofugu and an enthusiastic Japanese learner who’s still actively working his way to the advanced level, discusses all kinds of things he wishes he knew when he was a beginner Japanese learner. 

Ian covers topics like:

- Learning Japanese is not a race! Go at your own “sustainable” pace
- A recommended learning order for self-learners to have the foundation for immersion
- Reading practice is surprisingly beneficial in general
- Focus more on practice, not process
- Be okay with not understanding everything in Japanese

and more.

Make sure to give it a listen for Ian’s Japanese learning wisdom!

Things I Wish I Knew When I Was A Beginner Japanese Learner, Feat. Ian Battaglia

In this episode, Emily Suvannasankha, a Japan category writer at Tofugu and an enthusiastic Japanese learner of over a decade, discusses all kinds of things she wishes she knew when she was a beginner Japanese learner. Even more, she also shares tips and advice that she got from interviewing her friends who study Japanese.

Emily covers topics like:

- A little a day adds up to a LOT — make Japanese learning a daily habit
- Don’t let shame keep you from getting back into a groove after a hiatus
- Hiragana, katakana, and some simple kanji are surprisingly easy
- Learn a good chunk of vocabulary before starting to study grammar
- Kanji writing ability is not as important as you think

and more. 

Make sure to give it a listen for some Japanese learning wisdom from Emily and her friends!

Things I Wish I Knew When I Was A Beginner Japanese Learner, Feat. Emily Suvannasankha

In this episode, Emily and Kanae discuss “yuri,” the Japanese genre of women-loving women (wlw) romantic relationships.

Check out this episode to learn a brief history of yuri, famous examples of yuri, and Emily’s yuri/LGBTQ+ recommendations, such as:

    少女革命ウテナ (Revolutionary Girl Utena)
    やがて君になる (Bloom Into You)
    しまなみ誰そ彼 (Our Dreams at Dusk)

… and more!

"Yuri" — Japanese Queer Women Love Stories

よつばと！ (Yotsuba&!) is a Japanese slice-of-life comedy manga series that's become very popular in the Japanese learning community.

In this episode, the Tofugu crew, Kanae and Ian talk about how much they love Yotsuba&! and why it's such a great manga series to pick up for Japanese learners, especially beginners.

After listening to this episode, check out Ian's review article about "Yotsuba&!": https://www.tofugu.com/reviews/yotsubato/

Why Is Everyone Raving about "Yotsuba&!"?

In this episode, the Tofugu crew, Kanae and David discuss why e-books can be great materials for Japanese learners, all their tips for buying Japanese e-books, and their favorite Japanese e-book stores.

After listening to the episode, check out: https://www.tofugu.com/japanese/how-to-buy-japanese-ebooks/

How and Where to Buy Japanese E-Books

Language exchange is a fun and free way to improve your Japanese. But to do it successfully, you should consider a few things.

In this episode, the Tofugu crew, Kanae and Ian discuss tips and practical expressions you can use for language exchange sessions.

For more details, check out: https://www.tofugu.com/japanese/language-exchange/

How To Language Exchange Successfully

In this episode, the Tofugu crew, Kanae and Nick, discuss how "but" in Japanese, けど (kedo), is often used at the end of sentences in real-life conversations.

For more details, check out Kanae's article: https://www.tofugu.com/japanese/kedo/

けど: Why Are Japanese Speakers Always Ending Their Sentences with "But"?

Learn more about Tsujigiri: https://www.tofugu.com/japanese/tsujigiri/

Tsujigiri is a Japanese word that describes some grisly samurai tomfoolery. Find out what this word means, where it came from, and what happened to people who did tsujigiri as a pastime (sick monsters!).

We also made a video about Tsujigiri: https://tfg.li/tsujigirivid

iTunes:https://tfg.li/tofugu-podcast
Google Play: https://tfg.li/tofugu-gplay

The Tofugu Podcast: Episode 1

Tsujigiri, the Japanese Word for "Cutting Someone Down to Test a New Sword"

Get more from us at: https://tfg.li/2fEcRty

Merry Christmas! Tofugu brings you a special holiday-themed podcast episode, where you can learn everything there is to know about Japanese Christmas. If you want to celebrate the holiday in Japan, you best learn a thing or two about KFC, cake, boots, and more.

Plus we learn some surprising revelations about Santa's political views.

Read all about Japanese Christmas in our article: https://tfg.li/christmasinjapan

iTunes:https://tfg.li/tofugu-podcast
Google Play: https://tfg.li/tofugu-gplay

Christmas in Japan and How to Celebrate It Right

Find us at: https://www.tofugu.com/

There's a secret history of Jesus that even Dan Brown doesn't know about. It's the legend of Japanese Jesus. You see, he didn't die on the cross. Oh no, sir. He went on an amazing journey and wound up in Japan.

Find out all about Jesus' amazing adventure and secret Japanese life on the Tofugu podcast. And when you're done, read the article here: https://tfg.li/japanesejesus

iTunes:https://tfg.li/tofugu-podcast
Google Play: https://tfg.li/tofugu-gplay

The Legend of Japanese Jesus

We talk to Tofugu translator Kristen about the difference between transitive and intransitive verbs. This concept trips up a lot of Japanese learners. Even people who think they know how transitivity pairs work in Japanese, they don't really. Kristen helps you understand transitive/intransitive verbs once and for all.

iTunes:https://tfg.li/tofugu-podcast
Google Play: https://tfg.li/tofugu-gplay

Transitive and Intransitive Verbs in Japanese feat. Kristen

Visit our guest at:
http://www.spoon-tamago.com/

This week, Michael has a conversation with the creator and curator of Spoon & Tamago, Johnny Strategy. As an architecture expert, Johnny gives Michael (and you) four excellent Tokyo walking tours that show off some of Japan's most stellar buildings. Johnny also touches on the Japanese design scene and what his experience was like growing up in Japan. 

Plus, there are a some neat anecdotes like the time Johnny ruined Studio Ghibli for everybody and the time Johnny changed the course of One Punch Man.

To hear more from Johnny, check out the links below:
Spoon & Tamago: http://www.spoon-tamago.com/
S&P eShop: https://shop.spoon-tamago.com/
Curated Tokyo Guides: http://www.spoon-tamago.com/tokyoguide/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SpoonTamago

4 Tokyo Walking Tours That Showcase Japanese Design feat. Spoon & Tamago

Get more from us at: https://tfg.li/2fEcRty

There's a good chance that you're using a Japanese resource that's merely tricking you into thinking you're being efficient. These companies make more money, and you get a false sense of "feeling good" and "feeling like you're making progress." In actuality, you aren't learning nearly as effectively as you could be, not to mention efficiently!

In this episode, Michael and Koichi argue that actual efficiency has more to do with "creating the right kind of suffering" in your Japanese studies. They also talk about which popular Japanese learning tools actually help you to be efficient, versus the ones that trick you into thinking you're being efficient. And, of course, because this episode is about efficiency, they also show why (and how) you should spend less time so you can learn more Japanese. Sounds like it doesn't make sense, but if you listen, you'll understand why this is important.

By the way, we also write about learning Japanese:

http://tofugu.com/japanese/

iTunes:https://tfg.li/tofugu-podcast
Google Play: https://tfg.li/tofugu-gplay

The Efficiency Myth (and How Japanese Resources Fake Efficiency)

Read the article: https://tfg.li/2wMOjkR

This is maybe the most frustrating aspect of studying kanji. You start learning 山 as やま. Cool, one kanji memorized. Wait... it can also be read as さん. 

Wait. All your other kanji have 2 or 4 extra readings too! Some are on'yomi. Some are kun'yomi.

Why does this have to be so complicated?!

It may seem confusing at first, but if you learn the difference between on'yomi/kun'yomi readings, where they came from, and how they work, we promise it will make learning kanji a lot easier.

Listen to this kanji-tastic episode where Kristen explains all this and more. When you're breezing through kanji like a pro, you'll be glad you did.

iTunes:https://tfg.li/tofugu-podcast
Google Play: https://tfg.li/tofugu-gplay

What's the Difference Between On'yomi and Kun'yomi Kanji?

In this episode we get into Japanese pronunciation.

Whether you are a beginner, advanced, or fluent, you'll find something in this episode that will help you to improve your pronunciation. 

To read more, check out our (really in-depth) guide:

https://www.tofugu.com/japanese/japanese-pronunciation/

Ways to Improve Your Japanese Pronunciation

Read more about ちょっと in our article:

http://www.tofugu.com/japanese/chotto/

We talk about ちょっと. At first it seems like a simple, little word. But, it actually has many meanings and ways to use it. We cover most of them, I think.

ちょっと, a Little Word That Means a Lot

Hi, it's me, Sensei Jeff. I'm here to teach all you white belts how to count in Japanese. Punch! Punch! Punch!

(Actually, we teach you how to count from zero to uh... a mysterious number. And, we teach you how to count in the Japanese style, rather than the Chinese style that's more common. It's a pretty neat episode, despite sounding so basic. Read more about it in our article!)

https://www.tofugu.com/japanese/counting-in-japanese

Featuring: Koichi, Michael, and Mami (for the first time!)

Counting in Japanese with Your Karate Teacher Sensei Jeff

Have you ever wondered why 人々 is ひとびと and not ひとひと, or even ひとぴと? Or why it’s てがみ instead of てかみ, or くさばな and not くさはな?

It’s all because of a little thing called rendaku, or “sequential voicing,” which we talk about in this episode. While most Japanese teachers will just say, “it’s a mystery,” we’ll teach you the rules that make things rendaku or not, and the exceptions in between.

Of course, we couldn’t explain EVERYTHING. For that, you’ll have to jump over to our very in-depth rendaku article on Tofugu: https://www.tofugu.com/japanese/rendaku

Rendaku: Why it's HITOBITO and not HITOHITO

In this, the first episode in our "First-Person Pronouns" series, we talk about わたし, わたくし and あたし. Despite all coming from the kanji 私, each of these three pronouns carries a different level of formality and gives a different impression.

We’ve included some exercises to practice things like which specific situations call for わたし and which call for わたくし.

After you’ve listened to this episode, check out our article on Japanese first-person pronouns:
https://www.tofugu.com/japanese/japanese-first-person-pronouns/

First-Person Pronouns: 私 (わたし/わたくし/あたし)

In this episode, the Tofugu research team answers questions about だ and です from our listeners, such as:

"Is it true that だ isn't just a less polite form of です?"

"What are the real differences between だ and です?"

After listening to this episode, check out our article on Tofugu.com for more info:
"だ and です : Venturing beyond Textbook Rules into Real-Life Use" (www.tofugu.com/japanese/da-vs-desu-in-real-life/)

だ and です: Part I

In this episode, two native Japanese speakers (Kanae/Mami) and two English-speaking Japanese learners (Cameron/Rachel) discuss two types of noun-based adjectives, な-adjectives and の-adjectives.

Later in the episode, the Tofugu Crew goes through quizzes such as "What's the difference between 本当な〜 and 本当の〜?" to help deepen their understanding.

After listening to the episode, check out more details in our article:
MAKING SENSE OF な-ADJECTIVES and の-ADJECTIVES https://www.tofugu.com/japanese/na-adjectives-no-adjectives/

Making Sense of な-adjectives and の-adjectives

Put on your thinking caps, folks! In this episode, the Tofugu crew — Kanae, Cameron, Mami, and Rachel — discuss the differences between 考える and 思う, two Japanese words for "think."

After listening to the episode, check our article to do some more thinking about "thinking":
https://www.tofugu.com/japanese/omou-kangaeru/

思う VS 考える — Two Kinds of "Thinking"

In this episode, Mami, Cameron, and Kanae talk about two sentence-ending particles, よ (yo) and ね (ne). They dive deep into their different nuances and uses, with a lot of examples. Also make sure not to miss a special cameo appearance of a very special holiday guest! 

After listening to this episode, check out our article on Tofugu.com for more info:
"よ and ね: WHAT DO THESE PARTICLES REALLY MEAN TO JAPANESE SPEAKERS?" (https://www.tofugu.com/japanese/yo-vs-ne/)

よ VS ね — Two Particles with Lots of Attitude

For people who want to visit Japan, live in Japan, and learn Japanese. Please excuse the tangents.

Tofugu

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