Hajimeni, Kami, Ten, Chi and Sareta.

This is a follow up of my previous video 初めに神は天と地を創造された。:
I thought it would be a nice idea to look more closely at some of the words mentioned in that one simple sentence, or rather verse.
The words are:
初めに Hajimeni - To begin, to start or to originate.
初めまして Hajimemashite - Pleased to meet you (This is the first time.)
神 Kami - God, deity, divinity, spirit.
太陽の神 Taiyou no kami - Sun god.　
天 Ten - Sky, Heaven.
天気 Tenki - Weather.
地 Chi - Earth, Ground, Soil, Land.
地下鉄 Chikatetsu - Underground / Subway
された Sareta - A past action, caused to be, performed.
It is always best to learn Japanese from a native speaker. My pronounciation is far from perfect.

初めに神は天と地を創造された。

はじめにかみはてんとちをそうぞうされた。
初めに神は天と地を創造された。
Hajime ni kami wa ten to chi o souzou sareta.
In the beginning God created the Heavens and the Earth.

初め　はじめ　Hajime = Beginning, Start, Origin.
神　かみ　Kami = God
天　てん　Ten = Heavens
地　ち　Chi = Earth
創造　そうぞう　Souzou = Creation
された　 Sareta = implies that God 'created' Or he carried out, performed, etc
に　Ni = is the particle which indicates location of a person or thing or the location of a short term action, etc.
は　Wa = is the topic marker particle
と　To = means 'and'
を　Wo / O = is a particle which in this case indicates a direct object of action

Hiragana Lesson #3 (ひらがなの授業第三)

Today's Hiragana lesson is presented by my beautiful daughter, Sakura.

Hiragana Lesson #3 is Sa, Shi, Su, Se, So (さ, し, す, せ, そ)

さしみ = Sashimi = Thinly cut slices of raw fish.
すし = Sushi = Vinegared rice
せき = Seki = Chair / Seat
そこ = Soko = There
おいしい = Oishii = Tasty
あさ = Asa = Morning

電車で行きましょう - Let's go by train.

Let's look at some useful words for when you want to travel by train

Platform　ホーム　Hoomu (It is more common for the word 'sen　線　せん' to be used)
Station　駅　－　えき　Eki
Train　電車　－　でんしゃ　Densha
Ticket　切符　－　きっぷ　Kippu
Ticket Office　きっぷうりば　Kippu-uriba
Single (one way) ticket　往復　－　おうふく　Oufuku
Return ticket　片道　－　かたみち　Katamichi
Ticket gate　改札　－　かいさつぐち　Kaisatsuguchi
Fare adjustment office　精算所　－　せいさんじょ　Seisanjo

Kono densha wa Yokohama ni ikimasu ka.
この電車は横浜に行きますか。
このでんしゃはよこはまにいきますか。
Does this train go to Yokohama.

Nan ban sen desu ka.
何番線ですか。
なんばんせんですか。
Which platform number?

Ni ban sen desu.
二番線です。
にばんせんです。
Platform number 2.

Toukyou made ikura desu ka.
東京までいくらですか。
とうきょうまでいくらですか。
How much is it to Tokyo?

Tsugi no Nagoya yuki wa nan-ji desu ka.
次の名古屋行きは何時ですか。
つぎのなごやゆきはなんじですか。
What time is the next train to Nagoya?

Nan-ji ni tsukimasu ka. Juu-ji han ni / hachi-ji han ni.
何時に着きますか。　十時半に　/　八時半に。
なんじつきますか。　じゅうじはんに　/　はちじはんに。
At what time does it arrive?　At 10:30 / At 8:30.

juu-ichi-ji san-juu-go-fun hatsu.
十一時三十五分発。
じゅういちじさんじゅうごふんはつ。
11:35 depature.

いぬのおまわりさん。

まいごの まいごの こねこちゃん、	Maigo no maigo no konekochan,
あなたのおうちは どこですか。	Anata no ouchi wa doko desu ka.
おうちをきいても わからない、	Ouchi wo kiitemo wakaranai,
なまえをきても わからない。	Namae wo kiitemo wakaranai.
ニャン ニャン ニャン ニャーン、	Nyan, nyan, nyan, nya-n,
ニャン ニャン ニャン ニャーン。	Nyan, nyan, nyan, nya-n.
ないてばかりいる こねこちゃん。	Naite bakari iru konekochan.
いぬの おまわりさん こまってしまって。	Inu no omawarisan komatte shimatte.
ワン ワン ワン ワーン、	Wan, wan, wan, wa-n,
ワン ワン ワン ワーン。	Wan, wan, wan, wa-n.
まいごの まいごの こねこちゃん、	Maigo no maigo no konekochan,
このこの おうちは どこですか。	Kono kono ouchi wa doko desu ka.
からすにきいても わからない、	Karasu ni kiitemo wakaranai,
すずめにきいても わからない。	Sozume ni kiitemo wakaranai.
ニャン ニャン ニャン ニャーン、	Nyan, nyan, nyan, nya-n,
ニャン ニャン ニャン ニャーン。	Nyan, nyan, nyan, nya-n.
ないてばかりいる こねこちゃん。	Naite bakari iru konekochan.
いぬの おまわりさん こまってしまって。	Inu no omawarisan komatte shimatte.
ワン ワン ワン ワーン、	Wan, wan, wan, wa-n,
ワン ワン ワン ワーン。	Wan, wan, wan, wa-n.

Ok now, for a rough translation of the song. Because it is children's Japanese it is surprisingly not that easy to translated, but here it goes:

Lost, lost Kitten-chan,

Where is your home?

I asked about you home but you do not understand,

I asked you your name but you do not understand.

Meow, meow, meow, meow,

Meow, meow, meow, meow.

Kitten-chan will not stop crying.

Mr police dog is in trouble.

Bark, bark, bark, bark,

Bark, bark, bark, bark.

Lost, Lost Kitten-chan

Where, where is your house?

I asked the crow, but he does not know,

I asked the sparrows, but they do not know.

Meow, meow, meow, meow,

Meow, meow, meow, meow.

Kitten-chan will not stop crying.

Mr Police dog is in trouble.

Bark, bark, bark, bark.

Bark, bark, bark, bark.

A quick lesson:
まいご - maigo - lost / stray
こねこ - koneko - kitten (a baby word for kitten is ニャンこ - nyanko - meow-child)
わからない - wakaranai - Don't know / Do not understand (I have used both translations because it made more sense with the song)
ニャン - nyan - meow
ワン - wan - bark / woof
おまわりさん - omawarisan - Policeman (A friendly term)
からす - karasu - crow / raven
すずめ - suzume - sparrow (In the translation I have used the plural, sparrows, because in the animation we see three sparrows)

Every Day Saturday #8 Dasai

Today's everyday Saturday word is　ダサイ － Dasai.

ダサイ means uncool, unfashionable or unsophisticated. It is actually an appreviation of the phrase:

だって、埼玉の。。。
だってさいたまの。。。
Datte Saitama no...
But, That's from Saitama...

In Tokyo, Saitama is seen has a place were the people are uncool or whatever comes out of the outer suburb of Saitama is unfashionable.

彼はダサいですよ！－　かれはダサいですよ！
kare wa dasai desu yo! - He is uncool!

彼の服装いつもダサい。　－　かれのふくそういつもダサい。
Kare no fukusou itsumo dasai. - His clothes are unfashionable (His clothes are always out of style)

Kanji Breakdown:

埼玉 = Saitama

服装 = Fukusou = Clothes

彼 = Kare = He

埼 = Cape, Spit, Promontory
ON Reading: Ki
KUN Reading: Saki, Sai, Misaki

玉 = Jewel, Ball
ON Reading: Gyoku
KUN Reading: Tama, Dama

服 = Clothing, Admit, Obey, Discharge
ON Reading: Fuku
KUN Reading: Hatsu, Hara

装 = Attire, Dress, Pretend, Disguise, Profess
ON Reading: Sou, Shou
KUN Reading: Yosou-u, Yosou-ui

Saitama

夏 - なつ - Natsu - Summer.

Think of Summer in Japan and the following things come to mind. Festivals, Fireworks and Cicada. So lets take a look at a few Summer time associated Japanese words:

Cicada

Cicada, otherwise know in Japanese has 蝉 - せみ - Semi.
Not only are these insects relatively large, they are also very, very noisy. The noise is deafening and their constant drone which sounds like 'Si si si si si' is none stop day and night. The nearest we have in the UK to the sound of cicada's is that of crickets, but imagine the sound of crickets but a 100 times louder that is kind of like the sound of cicada. Now Japanese children love to catch cicada and you will often see Japanese children in the parks or countryside with nets. 　
An example sentence:
子供は網で蝉を捕まえた。
こどもはあみでせみをつかまえた。
Kodomo wa ami de semi wo tsukamaeta.
Children caught cicadas with a net.

Yukata

Yukata or in Japanese 浴衣 - ゆかた - Yukata
Yukata are a light cotton kimono which is often worn in the summer, especially when attending a fireworks display or a festival. Yukata's are often given in Japanese style hotels, and at Onsen (Hot Springs)
An example sentence:
浴衣を履きましょう。
ゆかたをはきましょう。
Yukata wo hakimashou.
Let's wear Yukata.

Fireworks

Fireworks, in Japanese: 花火 - はなび - Hanabi.
The Japanese love their fireworks. Nearly every town and city will have a firework display at least once during the summer. It is like a mini festival in itself, with lots of stores selling sweets and food and various other goods. friends, lovers, families with children all gathering together and sitting down ready to watch the fireworks. There will be women, children and men dressed in yukata. Then eventually the fireworks display will start and there will be plenty of 'Oooohs' and 'Aaaaahs' with typical Japanese words being spoken to one another such has 'Sugoi' and 'Kirei'
An example sentence:
空は花火で光ります。
そらははなびでひかります。
Sora wa hanabi de hikarimasu.
The fireworks light up the sky.

Festivals

Another common sight in Japan during the summer are festivals. The Japanese for festival is: 祭り - まつり - Matsuri.
The festivals can range from a school festival, a local village or town festival or to more larger festivals such as Obon. There are festivals held through out the year in Japan but during the summer there seems to be a festival at least once every week being held somewhere or another.
An example sentence:
私は祭りを楽しかった。
わたしはまつりをたのしかった。
Watashi wa matsuri wo tanoshikatta.
I enjoyed the festival.

Genie In The House

魔神：　ありがとう。
私：　Eeeeh! あなたはだれですか。
魔神：　私は魔神です。
私：　魔神。
魔神：　はい。
私：　すごい、私は願いがありますか。
魔神：　はい。　でも、私には秘密がある。
私:　何。
魔神：　私には秘密がある。
私：　何。
魔神：　あなたは私のちんちん擦るしました。Wah ha ha ha!
私：　Aaaaaaargh!

まじん：　ありがとう。
わたし：　Eeeeh!　あなたはだれですか。
まじん：　わたしはまじんです。
わたし：　まじん。
まじん：　はい。
わたし：　すごい、わたしはねがいがありますか。
まじん：　はい、でも、わたしにはひみつがある。
わたし：　なに。
まじん：　わたしにはひみつがある。
わたし：　なに。
まじん：　あなたはわたしのちんちんこするしました。Wah ha ha ha!
わたし： Aaaaaaargh!

Majin: Arigatou.
Watshi: Eeeeh!. anata wa dare desu ka?
Majin: Watashi wa majin desu.
Watshi: Majin?
Majin: Hai.
Watshi: Sugoi, watashi wa negai ga arimasu ka?
Majin: Hai, demo, watashi ni wa himitsu ga aru.
Watshi: Nani?
Majin: Watshi ni wa himitsu ga aru.
Watashi: Nani?
Majin: Anata wa watashi no chinchin kosuru shimashita. Wah ha ha ha!
Watashi: Aaaaaaargh!

Genie: Thank you.
Me: Eeeeh! Who are you?
Genie: I am a Genie.
Me: A Genie?
Genie: Yes.
Me: Amazing. Do I have a wish?
Genie: Yes, but, I have a secret.
Me: What?
Genie: I have a secret.
Me: What?
Genie: You rubbed my penis. Wah ha ha ha!
Me: Aaaaaaargh!

私
わたし
Watashi = Me / I / Myself

魔神
まじん
Mejin = Genie.

願い
ねがい
Negai = Wish.

秘密
ひみつ
Himitsu = Secret.

何
なに
Nani = What.

擦る
こする
Kosuru = Rub

ちんちん
Chinchin = Penis (slang word)

Every Day Saturday #7 Okaerinasai.

In the last everyday Saturday we learnt that when we return home we say:
Tadaima　－　ただいま　－　I'm Back
The reply to tadaima is:
Okaerinasai　－　お帰りなさい　－　おかえりなさい　－　Welcome home

A simple sentence:

関口さん:　"ただいま"
Mr Sekiguchi: "Tadaima"
関口さん:　"お帰りなさい"
Mrs Sekiguchi: "Okaerinasai"

朝飯前 - あさめしまえ - Asameshimae - A Piece of cake.

This is the raw unedited version of the video, which, I have found out is going to be used by a Japanese teaching channel on YouTube.

簡単　－　かんたん　－　Kantan　－　Easy

朝飯前　－　あさめしまえ　－　Asameshimae　－　Piece of cake.
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Easy as pie.
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　No sweat.　
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　A cinch.

Hiragana Lesson #2 (ひらがなの授業第二)

か　－　Ka.
き　－　Ki.
く　－　Ku.
け　－　Ke.
こ　－　Ko.

あい　－　愛　－　Ai　－　Love.
え　－　絵　－　E　－　Picture.
こ　－　子　－　Ko　－　Child.
あき　－　秋　－　Aki　－　Autumn.
あお　－　青　－　Ao　－　Blue / Green.
こい　－　鯉　－　Koi　－　Koi Carp.

Body Parts. Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes.

My daughter singing 'Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes' in Japanese.



Atama, Kata, Hiza, Ashi.
Hiza, Ashi.
Hiza, Ashi.
Atama, Kata, Hiza, Ashi.
Me to Mimi to Kuchi, to Hana.
Atama, Kata, Hiza, Ashi.
Hiza, Ashi.

あたま、かた、ひざ、あし。
ひざ、あし。
ひざ、あし。
あたま、かた、ひざ、あし。
めとみみとくちとはな。
あたま、かた、ひざ、あし。
ひざ、あし。

頭、肩、膝、足。
膝、足。
膝、足。
頭、肩、膝、足。
膝、足。
目と耳と口と鼻。
頭、肩、膝、足。
膝、足。

頭 - あたま - Atama - Head
肩 - かた - Kata - Shoulder
膝 - ひざ - Hiza - Knee
足 - あし - Ashi - Foot (Leg)
目 - め - Me - Eye
耳 - みみ - Mimi - Ear
口 - くち - Kuchi - Mouth
鼻 - はな - Hana - Nose

Particles # 1

Japanese particles are similar to the English 'to,' 'of' 'from.' etc. But when you are learning Japanese it is hard to know which particle to use and where. Again, there are many different particles in Japanese, but I will only cover a few of those that I know and will not go into too much detail.....But where do I start? I guess it is best to start with the particle WA は As you may notice the particle for wa is written with the Hiragana for ha and not actually わ 'wa' It is just one of those strange Japanese things, which I cannot explain.

Wa は has several usages but it's basic function is to set off a topic. Examples being:

明日は日曜日です。Ashita wa nichi-youbi desu. As for tomorrow, it's Sunday (Tomorrow is Sunday)

わたしはステイブです。Watshi wa steiibu desu. As for me, I am Steve (I am Steve / my name is Steve)

Wa can also be used in the following construction Noun + wa Noun + ga. Wa indicates a topic, which is the first noun, about which an aspect or quality (the second noun) is explained. e.g.:

象は鼻がながいです。Zou wa hana ga nagai desu. The Elephant, its nose is long. (Elephants have long noses / The elephant has a long nose)

Ga が　Normally indicates the subject of the sentence. Examples are:

あそこにわたしの車がありますか。Asoko ni watashi no kuruma ga arimasu ka. Is my car over there?

あそこに銀行があります。Asoko ni ginkou ga arimaus. There's a bank over there.

雪が降っている。Yuki ga futte iru. It is snowing.　

Ka か is the particle used as a question marker and comes at the end of a sentence. e.g.:

お元気ですか。O-genki desu ka. Are you well?

これはだれの傘ですか。Kore wa dare no kasa ka. Whose umbrella is this?

映画を見にいきませんか。Eiga o mi ni ikimasen ka. How about going to see a film? (movie?)

No の　is used between two nouns to indicate that the first possesses or is modifying the second. It can also indicate position or location.

これは関口さんの傘です。kore wa Sekiguchi-san no kasa desu. This is Mr. Sekiguchi's umbrella.

それが田中さんの車です。Kore ga Yamada-san no kuruma desu. That is Mr Tanaka's car.

山田さんは英語の先生です。Yamada-san wa Eigo no sensei desu. Mrs Yamada is a teacher of English.

机の上，いすの下，学校の前，この建物の後ろ。Tsukue no ue, isu no shita, gakkou no mae, kono tatemono no ushiro. On top of the desk, under the chair, in front of the school, behind this building.

O を indicates the object of an action, indicates the direct object of a passive verb and is also used with verbs indicating wishes or desires.

関口さんは手紙を書いている。Sekiguchi-san wa tegami o kaite iru. Mr. Sekiguchi is writing a letter.

彼女は犬に手を噛まれた。Kanojo wa inu ni te o kamareta. She had her hand bitten by a dog.

コーヒーを飲みたいんです。Koohii o nomitai n desu. I want to drink coffee.

Ni に　in it's basic form indicates 'in, at, on and to.' Example sentences are:

新聞は机の上にあります。Shinbun wa tsukue no ue ni arimasu. The newspaper is on the desk.

田中さんは東京に住んでいます。Tanaka-san wa Toukyou ni sunde imasu. Mr. Tanaka lives in Tokyo.

月曜日に大阪へ行きます。Getsuyoubi ni Oosaka e ikimasu. I'm going to Osaka on Monday.

日本に行きたい。Nihon ni ikitai. I want to go to Japan.

Yo よ　Urges a course of action, indicates a request or a command, a statement of certainty and even a scolding or contempt.

あの展覧会へ行ってみましょうよ。Ano tenran-kai e itte mimsahou yo. (Come on) let's go to that exhibition.

私の家にも来て下さいよ。Watashi no ie ni mo kite kudasai yo. Come to my house, too.

今日は金曜日ですよ。Kyou wa kinyoubi desu yo. Today is Friday, (You know)

だめですよ。Dame desu yo. Stop it.

E へ　This indicates a direction or a goal, or a destination to which one is moving towards or as arrived at. It also indicates the recipient of an action.

いつ京都へ行きますか。Itsu Kyouto e ikimasu ka. When are you going to Kyoto?

この電車は六時に東京駅へ到着しました。Kono densha wa rokuji ni Toukyou eki e touchaku shimashita. This train arrived at Tokyo station at six o'clock.

夕方関口さんへ電話をかけたが，いなかった。Yuugata Sekiguchi-san e denwa o kaketa ga, inakatta. I telephoned Mr. Sekiguchi this evening, but he was not there.

関口さんへの電話があったのは何時でしたか。Sekiguchi-san e no denwa ga atte no wa nan-ji desu ka. What time did that phone call come from Mr Sekiguchi?

De で　Indicates the location of an action, a means or implement 'by, with', materials used and the reason for something. e.g.:

私は，図書館で本を読んでいます。Watashi wa, tosho-kan de hon wo yonde imasu. I am reading a book in the library.

私は日本へ飛行機できました。Watashi wa Nihon e hikouki de kimashita. I came to Japan by aeroplane.

このケーキは，卵と砂糖で作ります。Kono keeki wa, tomago to satou de tsukurimasu. This cake is made of (with) eggs and sugar.

台風で電車が止まった。Taifuu de densha ga tomatta. The train stopped on account of the typhoon.

To と As a few meanings but here we will just concentrate on one and that is the one that follows nouns and indicates such meanings as 'and' and 'with and sets of names.

田中さんと山田さんは日本人です。Tanaka-san to Yamada-san wa Nihon-jin desu. Mr. Tanaka and Mrs Yamada are Japanese.

りんごとみかんとどちらが好きですか。Ringo to mikan to dochira ga suki desu ka? Which do you like more, apples or mandarin oranges?

明日この問題について，先生と話すつもりです。Ashita kono mondai ni tsuite, sensei to hanasu tsumori desu. Tomorrow I intend to discuss this problem with my teacher (doctor, lawyer, etc).

Ne ね Sometimes pronounced Nee ねえ indicates emotion or feelings of admiration, agreement with another person, softens a request and indicates a variance of opinion.

きれいな花ねえ。Kirei na hana nee. What a pretty flower!

本当にそうですね。Hontou ni sou desu ne. That is so true.

必ず手紙を下さいね。Kanarazu tegami o kudasai ne. Be sure to write me a letter.

そうですかね。Sou desu ka ne. You think so?

Made まで Indicates a time limit or a place to which an action extends (often paired with 'kara から' ) Also when at the end of a sentence it can mean something along the lines of "That is all"

このデパートは，土曜日と日曜日は八時までです。Kono depaato wa, doyoubi to nichiyoubi wa hachi-ji made desu. This department store is open until eight o'clock on Saturdays and Sundays.

ここから京都まで何時間かかりますか。Koko kara Kyouto made nan-jikan kakarimasu ka. How long does it take to get from here to Kyoto.

今日はここまで。Kyou wa koko made. That is all for today.

Kara から　Indicates the time or place at which something begins. When used trailingly at the end of a sentence it indicates a warning to the listener. e.g.:

銀行は九時から開いています。Ginkou wa ku-ji kara aite imasu. The banks open from nine o'clock.

見学はここから出発します。Kengaku ha koko kara shuppatsu shimasu. The Tour (of a museum, town, etc.) starts from here.

新聞をすみからすみまで読んだ。Shinbun o sumi kara sumi made yonda. I read the newspaper from beginning to end.

勉強しないと試験に合格できないから...... Benkyou shinai to shiken ni goukaku dekini kara...... If you don't study, you won't be able to pass the exam (so you better study).

Emotions

I'm so happy.	うれしいです。	Ureshii desu.
I'm enjoying myself.	楽しいです。	Tanoshii desu.
I'm so sad.	かなしいです。	Kanashii desu.
I'm lonely.	さびしいです。	Sabishii desu.
I'm so sorry.	ざんねんです。	Zannen desu.
I'm disappointed.	がっかりしました。	Gakkari shimashita.
I'm very worried.	しんぱいです。	Shinpai desu.
I feel very uneasy.	ふあんです。	Fuan desu.
I'm afraid.	こわいです。	Kowai desu.
I was surprised.	びっくりしました。	Bikkuri Shimashita.
I was shocked.	おどろきました。	Odorokimashita.
This is interesting.	おもしろいです。	Omoshiroi desu.
This is boring	つまらないです。	Tusmaranai desu.

Some simple sentences

Today's party was a lot of fun.	きょうのパーテイーはとても楽しかったです。	Kyou no paatii wa totemo tanoshikatta desu.
You look happy. Has something good happened?	うれしそうですね。なにかいいことがあったんですか。	Ureshisou desu ne. Nani ka ii koto ga atta n desu ka.
This novel is interesting.	このしょうせつはおもしろいです。	Kono shousetsu wa omoshiroi desu.
I am very lonely as I don't have any friends.	ともだちがいなくてとてもさびしいです。	tomodachi ga inakute, totemo sabishii desu.
I was surprised the price was so high.	あまりねだんがたかいのでびっくりしました。	Amari nedan ga takai node, bikkuri shimashita.

パーテイー。　Paatii. Party.

しょうせつ。　（小説）　Shousetsu. Novel.

ともだち。　（友達）　Tomodachi. Friend.

ねだん。　（値段）　Nedan. Price / cost.

たかい。（高い）　Takai. Expensive.

Another way of saying happy is しあわせ。（幸せ） Shiawase. This word also means Fortune, good luck and blessing.

幸せをねがう。　Shiawase o negau. Good Luck. (To wish someone) Good Luck.

幸せなかてい。　Shiawase na katei. A happy home

When you describe someone else's emotions "...sou desu (looks, seems") is added to the steam of the adjective.

山田さんはしあわせそうです。	Yamada-san wa shiawase sou desu.	Mrs Yamada looks happy.
おじはとてもさびしそうでした	Oji wa totemo sabishi sou deshita.	My uncle seemed very lonely.

There are a few different ways to say 'I love you' in Japanese. One is わたしはあなたが大好きです。(watashi wa anata ga dai suki desu.) There is a more direct and more romantic way to say 'I love you' and that is to simply say あいしてる（愛してる） Aishiteru. But it would be best to say that to your wife. The Japanese by their very nature, do not express their love openly. They tend to prefer to say ........が大好きです。

There is another word for love and that is こい （恋） Koi. This love for the opposite sex or a strong feeling or longing for a specific person. This too, can also be described as 'romantic or passionate love' Even though 恋 and 愛 both have the same meaning it is generally excepted that 恋 is selfish and 愛 is real love. There is a verse that explains the difference and reads like this: "Koi is always wanting. Ai is always giving."

Street Kanji #6 - Eki

駅　－　えき　－　Eki　－　Train Station.
東京駅。　－　とうきょうえき。　－　Toukyou eki.　－　Tokyo Station.

Kanji Break Down:

駅 = Train Station.
ON Reading: Eki.

東 = East.
ON Reading: Tou.
KUN Reading: Higashi.

京 = Capital.
ON Reading: Kyou, Kei, Kin.
KUN Reading: Miyako.

Every Day Saturday #6 - Tadaima

Tadaima ただいま is a word you will often hear being said in Japan when some one has returned home.

ただいま。　－　Tadaima.　－　I'm Back!

ただいま、お母さん。　－　Tadaima, okasaan.　－　I'm home mum / mother.

Try and remember to use it when you return to your Japanese friends house. They will appreciate it. Would you like to know how to reply to tadaima? That will be covered in the next Every Day Saturday, lesson.

Kanji Break Down:

母 = Mother, Mum.
ON Reading: Bo.
KUN Reading: Haha, Mo.

Basic Directions - Sound File.

Directions #1 - Basic Directions.

右　－　みぎ　－　Migi　－　Right.

左　－　ひだり　－　Hidari　－　Left.

真っ直ぐ　－　まっすぐ　－　Massugu　－　Straight Ahead.

真っ直ぐ行ってください。　－　まっすぐいってください。　　

Massugu itte kudasai.　－　Please go straight (ahead.)

左に曲がってください。　－　ひだりにまがってください。　

Hidari ni magatte kudasai.　－　Please turn left.

右に曲がってください。　－　みぎにまがってください。

Migi ni magatte kudasai.　－　Please turn right.

KANJI BREAK DOWN.

右 = Right.

ON Reading: U, Yuu.

KUN Reading: Migi.

左 = Left.

ON Reading: Sa, Sha.

KUN Reading: Hidari.

真 = True, Reality, (Buddhist Sect.)

ON Reading: Shin.

KUN Reading: Ma, Makoto.

直 = Straightaway, honesty, frankness, fix, repair.

ON Reading: Choku, Jiki, Jika.

KUN Reading: Tadachini, Naosu, Naoru, Naoki, Sugu.

曲 = Bend, Music, Melody, Composition, Pleasure, Injustice, Fault, Curve, Crooked, Perverse, Lean.

ON Reading: Kyoku.

KUN Reading: Magaru, Mageru, Kuma.

Please note:

It is more common to see Massugu written in Hiragana まっすぐ。

Colours #1 - 虹 － Rainbow

Let's look at colours. Today we will look at the seven colours of the rainbow.

赤い　－　 あかい　－　Akai　－　Red
オレンジ色　ー　Orenjiiro　－　Orange
黄色い　－　きいろい　－　Kiiroi　－　Yellow
緑　－　みどり　－　Midori　－　Green
青色　－　あおいろ　－　Aoiro　－　Blue
藍色　－　あいいろ　－　Aiiro　－　Indigo
紫色　－　むらさきいろ　－　Murasakiiro　－　Violet.

Kanji Break Down.
赤: Red.
ON Reading: Seki, Shaku.
KUN Reading: Aka, Akai, Akaramu, Akarameru.

黄: Yellow.
ON Reading: Kou, Ou.
KUN Reading: Ki, Ko.

緑: Green.
ON Reading: Ryoku, Roku.
KUN Reading: Midori.

青: Blue, Green.
ON Reading: Sei, Shou.
KUN Reading: Ao, Aoi.

藍: Indigo.
ON Reading: Ran.
KUN Reading: Ai.

紫: Voilet, Purple.
ON Reading: Shi.
KUN Reading: Murasaki.

色: Colour.
ON Reading: Shoku, Shiki.
KUN Reading: Iro.

ひらがなの授業第一 (Hiragana Lesson #1)

Like English Japanese has 5 vowels. They are also phonetically similar to the English vowels.

あ = a Sounds like the 'a' in Father.

い = i Sounds like the 'i' in Machine.

う = u Sounds like the 'u' in Flu.

え = e Sounds like the 'e' in Get or Let.

お = 0 Sounds like the 'o' on Open or Hope.

Japanese Words I Have Mixed Up #1 Kirei or Kirai?

I have been known to mix up the wrong words, while trying to speak Japanese. So I thought I would do a couple of video lesson on words I have used by mistake. In this one we look at:
きれい (kirei) and きらい (kirai)

きれい - kirei = Pretty / beautiful
きらい - kirai = Hate / dislike

Example Sentences:
彼女はとてもきれいだ。 - Kanojo wa totemo kirei da.
She is very pretty / beautiful (She looks very pretty / beautiful)

卵はきらいです。 - Tamago wa kirai desu.
I hate / dislike eggs.

The Kanji for Kirai (きらい) is: 嫌い

Kanji Break down.

嫌 = Dislike, Detest, Hate.
ON Reading: Ken, Gen.
KUN Reading: Kirau, Kirai, Iya.

卵 = Egg, Ovum, Spawn, Roe.
ON Reading: Ran.
KUN Reading: Tamago.

彼 = He, That, The.
ON Reading: Hi.
KUN Reading: Kare, Kano.

女 = Woman, Female.
ON Reading: Jo, Nyo, Nyou.
KUN Reading: Onna, Me.

Days of the Week. Part 2

When the Japanese talk about the days of the week, they will often use abbreviated forms:
So instead of saying, for example 'Gestuyoubi', which means Monday, they will just say 'Getsu'

Monday - Getsuyoubi - Getsu.
Tuesday - Kayoubi - Kaa.
Wednesday - Suiyoubi - Sui.
Thursday - Mokuyoubi - Moku.
Friday - Kinyoubi - Kin.
Saturday - Doyoubi - Doo.
Sunday - Nichiyoubi - Nichi.

Sentence examples:
Getsu, sui, kin wa kaigi ga arimasu -
There are meetings on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Doo, nichi wa uchi ni imasu -
I'm home on Saturday and Sunday / I'll be home on Saturday and Sunday.

Kaa, moku wa jikan ga arimasu -
I have time on Tuesday and Thursday.

In any given month a certain day of the week will come round four or five times. You can specify, for example, precisely which Saturday, by saying:
dai-ichi / dai-ni / dai-san / dai-yon / dai - go doyoubi -
The first / second / third / fourth / fifth Saturday of the month.

Days of the week. Part 1

Monday　－　月曜日　－　げつようび　－　Getsuyoubi
Lit: Moon Day

Tuesday　－　火曜日　－　かようび　－　Kayoubi
Lit: Fire Day

Wednesday　－　水曜日　－　すいようび　－　Soiyoubi
Lit: Water Day

Thursday　－　木曜日　－　もくようび　－　Mokuyoubi
Lit: Wood Day

Friday　－　金曜日　－　きにょうび　－　Kinyoubi
Lit: Gold Day

Saturday　－　土曜日　－　どようび　－　Doyoubi
Lit: Soil Day

Sunday　－　日曜日　－　にちようび　－　Nichiyoubi
Lit: Sun Day



Kanji Break Down.

月 = Moon, Month.
ON Reading: Getsu, Gatsu.
KUN Reading: Tsuki.

曜 = Weekday.
ON Reading: You.

日 = Day, Sun, Counter for days.
ON Reading: Nichi, Jitsu.
KUN Reading: Hi, Bi, Ka.

火 = Fire.
ON Reading: Ka.
KUN Reading: Hi, Bi, Ho.

水 = Water.
ON Reading: Sui.
KUN Reading: Mizu.

金 = Gold.
ON Reading: Kin, Kon, Gon.
KUN Reading: Kane, Kana, Gane.

土 = Soil, Earth, Ground.
ON Reading: Do, To.
KUN Reading: Tsuchi.

Three Useful Phrases.

もう一度お願いします。　もういちどおねがいします。
Mou ichido onegaishimasu.
One more time, please.

ゆっくり話すお願いします。　ゆっくりはなすおねがいします。
Yukkuri hanasu onegaishimasu.
Please speak slowly.

ローマ字書いてをください。　ろまじかいてをください。
Romaji kaite wo kudasai.
Please write it down in Romaji.

もう - Mou = Again.
一度 - ichido = Once.
お願いします - Onegaishimasu = Please, to request a service, Please do something for me.
書いて - Kaite = Is the 'Te' form or conjugation of the verb 'Kaku' 書く.
ローマ - Roma.
字 - Ji.
ローマ字 - Romaji.

When you see the small 'tsu' っ it indicates, not only a double consonant but also a small pause.
So ゆっくり - Yu-kkuri.

Kanji Break Down:

一 = One, One radical (No. 1).
ON Reading: Ichi, Itsu.
KUN Reading: Hitotsu.

度 = Degrees, Occurrence, Time, Counter for occurrences.
On Reading: Do, To, Taku.
KUN Reading: Tabi, Tai.

願 = Petition, Request, Vow, Wish, Hope.
ON Reading: Gan.
KUN Reading: Negau, Negai

話 = Talk, Tale.
ON Reading: Wa.
KUN Reading: Hanasu, Hanashi.

字 = Character, Letter, Word.
ON Reading: Ji
KUN Reading: Aza, Azana.

書 = Write
ON Reading: Sho
KUN Reading: Kaku, Gaki.

What is the difference between "kudasai" and "onegaishimasu"?

Both "kudasai （ください）" and "onegaishimasu （お願いします）" are used when making a request for items. "Kudasai （ください）" follows the object and the particle "o".

Kitte o kudasai. 切手をください。
Please give me stamps.
Mizu o kudasai. 水をください。
Water, please.

"Onegaishimasu" can be replaced with "kudasai" in the examples above. It sounds a little more polite. The particle "o" can be omitted in this case.

Kitte (o) onegaishimasu. 切手 (を) お願いします。
Please give me stamps.
Mizu (o) onegaishimasu. 水 (を) お願いします。
Water, please.

However, there are some situations when only "onegaishimasu" is used.

(1) When making a request for service.

Tokyo eki made onegaishimasu. 東京駅までお願いします。
Tokyo Station, please. (to a taxi driver)
Kokusai denwa onegaishimasu. 国際電話お願いします。
Overseas telephone call, please. (on the phone)

(2) When asking for someone on the phone.

Kazuko-san onegaishimasu. 和子さんお願いします。
May I speak to Kazuko?

For making requests that involve action (please listen etc.), the verb "te form" is added to "kudasai". "Onegaishimasu" can not be used in this case.

Chotto matte kudasai. ちょっと待ってください。
Wait a moment, please.
Ashita kite kudasai. 明日来てください。
Please come tomorrow.

～ましょう － Mashou － Let's~.

You're with your friend and you want to do something or go somewhere. The following are things you might suggest:

Let's have a drink.
一杯やりましょう。－ いっぱいやりましょう。－ Ippai yarimashou.

Let's have a meal.
食事にしましょう。－ しょくじにしましょう。－ Shokuji ni shimashou.

Let's go to the movies.
映画に行きましょう。－ えいがにいきましょう。－ Eiga ni ikimashou.

Let's go shopping.
買い物に行きましょう。－ かいものにいきましょう。－ Kaimono ni ikimashou.

To say 'Let's do something' add '~mashou at the end of the verb. With 'u' ending verbs drop the 'u' and add 'i' plus 'mashou'
Examples:
'Au' means to meet. To say 'Let's meet,' drop the 'u' and add 'i' so it will read 'Aimashou'
'Suwaru' - sit
'Suwarimashou - Let's sit (down)

With 'ru' ending verbs, drop the 'ru'
Examples:
'Miru' - See.
'Mimashou' - Let's see.
'Kakureru' - Hide.
'Kakuremashou' - Let's hide.

Be warned; Not all verbs work like the above. In Romaji, verbs have been placed into three groups. Group 1 Are the 'u' dropping conjugation. Group 2 Are the 'ru' dropping conjugation and Group 3 are the irregular conjugation. This will be explain further in another lesson.

Ko-So-A-Do

Following from the last lesson, I thought it would be a good idea to look at 'Ko-So-A-Do.' In other words; 'Ko-words, So.words, A-words and Do-words.'

Direction:
こちら　－　Kochira　－　Here, This way.
そちら　－　Sochira　－　There, That way.
あちら　－　Achira　－　Over there.
どちら　－　Dochira　－　Where.

People:
こちら　－　Kochira　－　This person.
そちら　－　Sochira　－　That person.
あちら　－　Achira　－　That person over there.
どなた　/　だれ　－　Donata / Dare　－　Who?

Thing:
これ　－　Kore　－　This.
それ　－　Sore　－　That.
あれ　－　Are　－　That over there.
どれ　－　Dore　－　Which?

Place:
ここ　－　Koko　－　Here.
そこ　－　Soko　－　There.
あそこ　－　Asoko　－　Over there.
どこ　－　Doko　－　Where?

Demonstrative:
このカメラ　－　Kono kamera　－　This camera.
そのカメラ　－　Sono kamera　－　That camera.
あのカメラ　－　Ano kamera　－　That camera over there.
どのカメラ　－　Dono kamera　－　Which camera?

How much? - Ikura desu ka.

When you go shopping in Japan the following easy phrase will come in very handy. The phrase is:
Ikura desu ka. - いくらですか。How much?



そのカメラはいくらですか。　－　Sono kamera wa ikura desu ka. 　－　How much is that camera?
十二万五千円です。　－　じゅうにまんごせんえんです。　－　Juunimangosen en desu.　－　It is 25,000 Yen.

あれはいくらですか。　－　Are wa ikura desu ka.　－　How much is that?

これはいくらですか。　－　Kore wa ikura desu ka.　－　How much is this?

これ = Kore is next to the speaker (This one next to me.)

その = Sono is next to the listener (That one next to you.)

あれ = Are is away from both speaker and listener (That one other there.)

あれは傘いくらですか。　－　あれはかさいくらですか。　－　Are wa kasa ikura desu ka.　－　How much is the umbrella (Over there)?

おのはテレビいくらですか。　－　Sono wa terebi ikura desu ka.　－　How much is the telly (next to you)?

これはラジオいくらですか。　－　Kore wa rajio ikura desu ka.　－　How much is this radio (next to me, here)？

Kanji break down:

十 = Ten, 10 = ON Reading: Juu, Jitsu, Jutsu / KUN Reading: Too, To.

二 = Two, 2 = ON Reading: Ni, Ji / KUN Reading: Futa, Futatsu, Futatabi.

万 = Ten Thousand, 10,000 = ON Reading: Man, Ban / KUN Reading: Yorozu.

五 = Five, 5 = ON Reading: Go / KUN Reading: Itsu, Itsutsu.　

千 = Thousand, 1000 = ON Reading: Sen / KUN Reading: Chi.

円 = Yen, Round, Circle = ON Reading: En / KUN Reading: Marui, Maru, Mado, Madoka, Maroyaka.

傘 = Umbrella = ON Reading: San / KUN Reading: Kasa.

Street Kanji # 5

Todays street Kanji is 止まれ. This means to 'Stop' or to 'Halt' The above is also often seen has a road marking.

ここで止まるな。　－　Koko de tomaru na.　－　Don't stop here.

止 = Stop , Halt

Nihongo Quick Lesson - Dekimasu.

出来ますか　－　できますか　－　Dekimasu ka.　－　Can you do it?

出来ます　－　できます　－　Dekimasu.　－　I can do it.

The verb dekiru means "can" or "be able to (do something)."

私は日本語を読むことが出来ます。　－　わたしはにほんごをよむことが出来ます。　－　Watashi wa nihongo wo yomu koto ga dakimasu.　－　I can read Japanese.

あなたはピアノを弾くことが出来ますか。　－　あなたはピアノをひくことができますか。　－　Anata wa piano wo hiku koto ga dekimasu ka.　－　Can you play the piano?

出来ません　－　できません　－　Dekimasen.　－　Cannot do.

出来ました　－　できました　－　Dekimashita.　－　I did do.

出来ませんでした　－　できませんでした　－　Dekimasen deshita.　－　I was not able to do.

日本語出来るな　－　にほんごできるな　－　Nihongo dekiru na　－　You know Japanese. / You can do Japanese. / You are good at Japanese.

=============================================

止まります。　－　とまります。　－　Tomarimasu.　－　To stop / Halt.

=============================================

とう　－　Tou　－　Counter for large animals.

Kanji Break Down:

来 = Come, Due, Next, Cause, Become.
ON Reading: Rai, Tai.
KUN Reading: Kuru, Kitaru, Kitasu, Ki, Ko.

読 = Read.
ON Reading: Doku, Toku, You
KUN Reading: Yomu.

弾 = Play, Bullet, Twang, Flip, Snap,.
ON Reading: Dan, Tan#
KUN Reading: Hiku, Hazumu, Tama, Hajiku, Hajikeru, Tadasu, Hajikiyumi.

止 = Stop, Halt
ON Reading: Shi
KUN Reading: Tomaru, Tomeru, Todomeru, Todome, Todomaru, Yameru, Yamu.

Every Day Saturday # 5 World Cup Special.

On June the 11th The World Cup finally kicked off after 4 years of waiting. So to celebrate that, let's look at some Japanese World Cup related words:

South Africa　南アフリカ　Minami Afurika

Host Nation　招請国　Shouseikoku　

National Team　ナショナルチーム　Nashonaru Chiimu

World Cup　ワールドカップ　Waarudo kappu

Football　フットボール　Futtobooru

Tournament　トーナメント　Toonamento

Goal　ゴール　Gooru

Goalkeeper　ゴールキ－パー　Goorukiipaa

Penalty　ペナルテイー　Penarutei-

Off side　オフサイド　Ofu saido

Pass　パス　Pasu

Foul　ファウル　Fauru

Yellow card　イエローカード　Ieroo kaado

Red card　レッドカード　Reddo kaado

Free Kick　フリーキック　Furii kikku

Kick　蹴る　Keru

Trophy　トロフィー　Torofii

England　イングランド　Ingurando

Kanji Break Down:

南 = South.
ON Reading: Nan, Na.
KUN Reading: Minami.

招 = Beckon, Invite, Summon, Engage.
ON Reading: Shou.
KUN Reading: Maneku.

請 = Solicit, Invite, Ask.
ON Reading: Sei, Shin, Shou.
KUN Reading: Kou, Ukeru.

国 = Country.
ON Reading: Koku.
KUN Reading: Kuni.

蹴 = Kick.
ON Reading: Shuku, Shuu.
KUN Reading: Keru.

Just a bit of fun. A football related advert from Japan

I thought, now the world cup is upon us once again, I would post this football related funny advert from Japan. It has subtitles, so you may pick up some Japanese, also.

Verbs # 2: 泣く or 鳴く ?

Lesson Notes:

Today’s verb is:　泣く Naku means to cry.

The positive present masu form of Naku is: 泣きます = nakimasu = crying.
The negative present masu form of Naku is: 泣きません = nakimasen = not crying.
The positive past masu form of Naku is: 泣きました = nakimashita = cried.
The negative past masu form of Naku is: 泣きませんでした = nakimasendeshita = did not cry.

その赤ちゃんが泣きました。　Sono akachan ga nakimashita.　The baby cried.

その = Sono = That / The.
赤ちゃん = Akachan = Baby.
が = Ga = Subject particle / marker.
泣きました = Nakimashita = Cried.


There is also another Naku the Kanji is different 鳴く and means the sound made my dogs, cats and birds, etc?

For example:

猫が鳴いています = neko ga naite imasu = the cat is meowing.

猫 = Neko = Cat.
鳴いて = Naite = The 'Te' form of 鳴く. In this case it means 'meowing.'
います = Imasu; Used for living animated things, such has animals, fish and people.

犬が鳴いています = inu ga naite imasu = the dog is barking.

犬 = Inu = Dog.

In the above sentence 鳴いて now means 'barking.'

The sound word for crying is: しくしく Shiku shiku = sobbing, crying.

More Sentence Examples:

彼女は一日じゅう泣きました。= Kanojuu wa ichinichijuu nakimashita. = She cried all day.
庭で鳥がいます。 = Niwa de tori ga naite imasu. = A bird is singing in the garden.
お母さんがしくしくしています = Okaasan ga shiku shiku shite imasu. = Mother is crying.

Kanji Break Down:

泣 = Cry, Weep, Moan.
ON Reading: Kyuu.
KUN Reading: Naku.

赤 = Red.
ON Reading: Seki, Shaku.
KUN Reading: Aka, Akai, Akaramu, Akarameru.

鳴 = Chirp, Meow, Bark, Sound, Ring, Echo, Honk.
ON Reading: Mei.
KUN Reading: Naku, Naru, Narasu.

猫 = Cat.
ON Reading: Byou.
KUN Reading: Neko.

犬 = Dog.
ON Reading: Ken.
KUN Reading: Inu.

彼 = He, That, The.
ON Reading: Hi.
Kun Reading: Kare, Kano.

女 = Woman, Female.
ON Reading: Jo, Nyo, Nyou.
KUN Reading: Onna, Me.

庭 = garden, Courtyard, Yard.
ON Reading: Tei.
KUN Reading: Niwa.

母 = Mother, Mum.
ON Reading: Bo
KUN Reading: Haha, Mo.