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TheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesBeginning Japanese Phrases 134: が marks a preface to a request to soften the requestもしもし、田中(たなか)ですが、佐藤(さとう)さんはいらっしゃいますか？ hello | Tanaka | is | however | Satou | Mr. | as for | available | (question marker) Hello, this is Tanaka, is Mr. Sato there?   View this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/jphrases-ep-134 View all episodes here: https://thejapanesepage.com/beginning-japanese-phrases-podcast-and-videos/  -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with complete vocabulary and grammar breakdowns as well as sound files of just the Japanese to download.   www.MakotoPlus.com 2023-06-2902 minTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesBeginning Japanese Phrases 133: ～てあげる to do a favor for彼(かれ)は、おばあさんの重(おも)い荷物(にもつ)を持(も)ってあげた。 he | as for | grandmother | 's | heavy | luggage | (direct object marker) | carry | gave  He helped his grandmother with her heavy bags.   View this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/jphrases-ep-133 View all episodes here: https://thejapanesepage.com/beginning-japanese-phrases-podcast-and-videos/  -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with complete vocabulary and grammar breakdowns as well as sound files of just the Japanese to download.   www.MakotoPlus.com 2023-06-2201 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 137: お土産その2 Omiyage Part 2| Japanese Immersion podcastIn the previous episode, Yumi told us she’s going back to Japan with her family. But she was having some issues deciding what to pick as souvenir for her family and friends. This time, she will talk about what she bought and where. Listen to her and take note of ideas for souvenirs for your next trip!   KEY VOCABULARY: 何人(なんにん)か分(ぶん) portion for some people [何人(なんにん)か　“some people” (かindicates it to be “not a specific number”); 分(ぶん) (portion)] 先(さき)ほど earlier; a short while ago; a moment ago 伴侶(はんりょ) spouse 更(さら)に furthermore; moreover 地(じ)元(もと) home area; home town; local area 大学(だいがく)時(じ)代(だい) college years [大学(だいがく) (college; university); 時(じ)代(だい) (era)] 軽(かる)くなっちゃうんです easily turns into (20 to 30 people) [軽(かる)く(easily); なっちゃうcontracted fromなっ...2023-06-1905 minTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesBeginning Japanese Phrases 132: ～てくれる please do; do something (for me)日本語(にほんご)を教(きょう)えてくれてありがとうございます。 Japanese language | direct object marker | teach and | receive and | thank you Thank you for teaching me Japanese.   View this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/jphrases-ep-132 View all episodes here: https://thejapanesepage.com/beginning-japanese-phrases-podcast-and-videos/  -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with complete vocabulary and grammar breakdowns as well as sound files of just the Japanese to download.   www.MakotoPlus.com   2023-06-1501 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 136: お土産その1 Omiyage Part 1| Japanese Immersion podcastYumi is going back to Japan with her family! This is a long-awaited trip. Soon they will be reunited with family and friends, but… There is something troubling Yumi’s mind. Listen to the podcast to know more about it!    KEY VOCABULARY: 帰(き)省(せい) homecoming visit; going to one’s parents’ home うんうんうなるto moan (in pain or in discomfort) [うんうん (onomatopoeia that mimicking the sound of moaning); うなる (to growl; to moan; to grunt)] 夢(ゆめ)のまた夢(ゆめ) a dream within a dream; beyond (one’s) wildest dream [literally, “a dream beyond another dream” which basically means “something impossible to happen” or “something impossible for one to experience”]　 水際対策(みぎわたいさく) border control mea...2023-06-1206 minTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesBeginning Japanese Phrases 131: ～てもらう get someone to do something; to receive; to take; to accept彼女(かのじょ)は、朝起(あさお)きられないので、お母(かあ)さんに起(お)こしてもらう。 she | as for | morning | can't wake | therefore | mother | by | wake | receive  She can't get up in the morning, so her mother wakes her up.   View this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/jphrases-ep-131 View all episodes here: https://thejapanesepage.com/beginning-japanese-phrases-podcast-and-videos/  -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with complete vocabulary and grammar breakdowns as well as sound files of just the Japanese to download.   www.MakotoPlus.com   2023-06-0801 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 135: セントオーガスティンの旅そのニ Saint Augustine part two | Japanese Immersion podcastIn the previous podcast, Yumi started to talk about her family trip to St. Augustine. Don’t miss the end of this story, where she explains the main reason of their trip and why she couldn’t sleep well that night.   KEY VOCABULARY: 予(よ)約(やく) reservation; booking 無(む)効(こう) invalid; void 慌(あわ)てて in a hurry; in haste [fixed phrase] 近(ちか)場(ば) nearby place 重(かさ)ね合(あ)わせてtaking (the both countries’ histories) together and … [重(かさ)ね合(あ)わせる (to layer multiple things; to overlap)] 説得(せっとく) persuasion 温(おん)故知(こち)新(しん) visiting old, learn new [温(おん) (to warm; to rewarm); 故(こ) (old); 知(ち) (to know); 新(しん) (new); this saying means “an attempt to understand new things by studying the past”] 覗(のぞ)いたり doing peeking into (stores) and [覗(のぞ)い from 覗(のぞ)く(to peek into ; to take a quick look at); ~たり、～する (doing such thing like...2023-06-0509 minTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesBeginning Japanese Phrases 130: ～ても even ifいくら調(しら)べても答(こた)えは見(み)つからなかった。 however much | investigating | answer | as for | couldn't find  No matter how much research I did, I could not find the answer.   View this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/jphrases-ep-130 View all episodes here: https://thejapanesepage.com/beginning-japanese-phrases-podcast-and-videos/  -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with complete vocabulary and grammar breakdowns as well as sound files of just the Japanese to download.   www.MakotoPlus.com 2023-06-0101 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 134: セントオーガスティンの旅その一 Saint Augustine part one | Japanese Immersion podcastThis time Yumi went to a trip to St. Augustine, a city she usually goes with her family to the beach. But this time she made a different kind of trip. In this first part of Saint Augustine’s trip story, she tells us about the history of the fortress located there, San Marcos, among other things.   KEY VOCABULARY: 昔(むかし)ながらの unchanged as old time; as it was in the past [a fixed phrase] 日(ひ)帰(がえ)り day trip ～ばかりの頃(ころ) around the time when ~ [～ばかり (just doing ~); 頃(ころ) (approximate time period; around the time)] 砦(とりで)/要塞(ようさい) fort；fortress [slightly differs from each other in definition but basically “fort”] 詰(つ)まった packed [past of 詰(つ)まる (to be packed; to b...2023-05-2905 minTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesBeginning Japanese Phrases 129: あげる give彼(かれ)は、奥(おく)さんに誕生日(たんじょうび)プレゼントをあげました。 he | as for | wife | to | birthday | present | (direct object marker) | gave  He gave his wife a birthday present.   View this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/jphrases-ep-129 View all episodes here: https://thejapanesepage.com/beginning-japanese-phrases-podcast-and-videos/  -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with complete vocabulary and grammar breakdowns as well as sound files of just the Japanese to download.   www.MakotoPlus.com   2023-05-2501 minTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesBeginning Japanese Phrases 128: あいだに during; while into夏休(なつやす)みの間(あいだ)に、富士山(ふじさん)に登(のぼ)りたいです。 summer vacation | during | Mt. Fuji | want to climb I want to climb Mt. Fuji during summer vacation.   View this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/jphrases-ep-128 View all episodes here: https://thejapanesepage.com/beginning-japanese-phrases-podcast-and-videos/  -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with complete vocabulary and grammar breakdowns as well as sound files of just the Japanese to download.   www.MakotoPlus.com 2023-05-1801 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 133裸の文化Naked Culture | Japanese Immersion podcastJapanese culture about nakedness is different from the occidental one. Japanese people go to onsen naked while most occidental people would feel embarrassed for doing this. In this podcast, Yumi talks about it, and about the changes over time around this culture.   KEY VOCABULARY: 恥(は)ずかしがる to be shy of; to be bashful お相(す)撲(もう)さん Sumo wrestler(s) [affectionate way of calling sumo wrestlers] まる見(み)え full view; completely visible [まるprefix for “whole/total/all”/full; 見(み)え noun form of 見(み)える (to be visible)] 伝統(でんとう)国(こく)技(ぎ) traditional national sport 競(きょう)技(ぎ) competition; game; match; contest まる出(だ)し bare; fully exposed 明(めい)治(じ)時(じ)代(だい) Meiji period (1868-1912) 禁(きん)止(し) prohibition 根(ね)強(づよ)くfirmly; persistently [adverb form of 根(ね)強(づよ)い (firm; persistent; deep-seated; deep-rooted) 銭湯(せんとう) public bathhouse [銭(せん) (coin); 湯(とう) (bath water; warm water)] 展(てん)示(じ) する to e...2023-05-1507 minTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesBeginning Japanese Phrases 127: ようになる to reach the point that; to come to be that; to turn into最近(さいきん)、彼(かれ)はドラマをよく見(み)るようになりました。 recently | he | as for | drama | (direct object marker) | often | to see | has come to be that… Lately, he has been watching a lot of dramas.   View this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/jphrases-ep-127 View all episodes here: https://thejapanesepage.com/beginning-japanese-phrases-podcast-and-videos/  -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with complete vocabulary and grammar breakdowns as well as sound files of just the Japanese to download.   www.MakotoPlus.com   2023-05-1101 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 132温泉と裸 Onsen and Nakedness | Japanese Immersion podcastDescription: Japan is a country with many hot springs. Going to one is an experience you may not want to miss during your stay in Japan. Listen to Yumi talking about ryokans, hot springs and how she overcame the embarrassment about going naked to one.   KEY VOCABULARY: 湧(わ)いてきた started gushing out; started bubbling out [湧(わ)いて from 湧(わ)く(to gush out); てきた from てくる (to start doing ~)] (お湯(ゆ)に)つかる to be soaked (in warm water); to be submerged (in warm water)] (足をお湯に)つける to soak (one’s feet in hot water); to put (one’s feet in hot water) 成分(せいぶん) composition 効能(こうのう) benefit; effect; efficacy おもてなし hospitality 懐石(かいせき)料(りょう)理(り) traditional Japanese meal brought in courses 名産物(めい...2023-05-0805 minTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesBeginning Japanese Phrases 126: ～つもり mean to; intend to彼女(かのじょ)は、彼(かれ)と結婚(けっこん)するつもりでした she | as for | he | with | marry | to do | intend to | did She was going to marry him.   View this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/jphrases-ep-126 View all episodes here: https://thejapanesepage.com/beginning-japanese-phrases-podcast-and-videos/  -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with complete vocabulary and grammar breakdowns as well as sound files of just the Japanese to download.   www.MakotoPlus.com   2023-05-0401 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 131マリオ Mario | Japanese Immersion podcastYumi went with her family to see the Super Mario Brothers movie. Listen to Yumi talk about her thoughts on the movie and what she wanted to do after watching it!   KEY VOCABULARY: 公開(こうかい)される to be open; to be open to the public [公開(こうかい) (opening to the public; release)] 話(わ)題(だい)に上(のぼ)る to come up in conversation [話(わ)題(だい) (topic)] 毎週(まいしゅう)のように almost every week [毎(まい)　(every);週(しゅう)(week)] 期(き)待(たい)通(どお)りas expected; as hoped for [期(き)待(たい) (expectation; anticipation; hope)] 再現(さいげん)される to be reproduced [再現(さいげん) (reproduction; recreation; reenactment)]  心(こころ)をつかまれる to be touched; to be captured [つかまれる (to be grasped); passive form of つかむ (to catch; to grasp)]  ネタバレ spoiler; spoiling a story [shortened fromネタがバレる; ネタ(core of a story); バレる(to be exposed)] 揃(そろ)ってall together [adverb stemmed from 揃(そろ)う(t...2023-04-2405 minTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesBeginning Japanese Phrases 125: ～くなる to become [adjectives change to a くbefore なる]さっきから急(きゅう)にお客(きゃく)さんが増(ふ)えて、お店(みせ)が忙(いそが)しくなりました。 recently | suddenly | customers | (subject marker) | increased and | store (polite) | busy | became Recently, the number of customers suddenly increased and the store became busier.   View this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/jphrases-ep-125 View all episodes here: https://thejapanesepage.com/beginning-japanese-phrases-podcast-and-videos/  -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with complete vocabulary and grammar breakdowns as well as sound files of just the Japanese to download.   www.MakotoPlus.com   2023-04-2001 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 130 やってみたいこと Things I want to try | Japanese Immersion podcastLast time, Yumi talked about things she does on a daily basis. This time, she speaks about things she does occasionally and then things she would like to do in the future.   KEY VOCABULARY: こまめに frequently; diligently; regularly 大(おお)掃(そう)除(じ) major cleanup 掃(そう)除(じ)機(き) vacuum cleaner 拭(ふ)く to wipe 隅(すみ)っこ　corner; recess [隅(すみ)っこ is casual or spoken language for 隅(すみ) (corner; recess)] 安息(あんそく)日(び)sabbath [安息(あんそく) (rest; relax)] 勧(すす)める to recommend; to advise; to encourage 美(び)容(よう) beauty; beautiful appearance; youthful appearance 幾(いく)つか some; several; few 解説(かいせつ) commentary; explanation 鋭(するど)く sharply; keenly 図(と)書(しょ)館(かん) library [図(と)書(しょ) (books; reading materials); 館(かん) (building)] 興味(きょうみ) interest 油(あぶら)絵(え) oil painting [油(あぶら)(oil); 絵(え) (picture; drawing)] 壁(かべ) wall 抽(ちゅう)象(しょう)画(が) abstract art [抽(ちゅう)象(しょう)(abstraction); 画(が) (drawing)] 飾(かざ)り decoration; ornament 金粉(きんぷん) gold dust [金 (gold); 粉 (power)] 近日(きんじつ)中(ちゅう) soon; in few days; one of these days [近(きん) (near); 中(ちゅう) (within)] 挑戦(ちょうせん) challenge; attempt; try; dare     For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website...2023-04-1707 minTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesBeginning Japanese Phrases 124: がる to show signs of being (something); to feel; to think新(あたら)しいゲームを欲(ほ)しがる子供(こども)はたくさんいます。 new | game | (direct object marker) | want | to feel | children | as for (topic marker) | many | exist There are many children who want a new game.   View this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/jphrases-ep-124 View all episodes here: https://thejapanesepage.com/beginning-japanese-phrases-podcast-and-videos/  -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with complete vocabulary and grammar breakdowns as well as sound files of just the Japanese to download.   www.MakotoPlus.com 2023-04-1301 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 129 毎日やっていること Things I do every day | Japanese Immersion podcastIn today’s episode, Yumi shares a few things she does every single day (or almost every day).   KEY VOCABULARY: 精神的(せいしんてき) psychological; mental; spiritual [精神(せいしん) (mind; spirit; soul); 的 suffix (-ical, -ive, -al, -ic,-y and etc.)​]　 専門的(せんもんてき) professional; [専門(せんもん) (specialty; expert; area of expertise)] 運動(うんどう)不(ぶ)足(そく) lack of physical exercise; inactivity [運動(うんどう) (physical exercise); 不(ふ) 足(そく) (insufficiency; deficiency; lack)] 解消(かいしょう) resolution; reduction [also “cancellation”] 見(み)回(まわ)りpatrolling 泥棒情報(どろぼうじょうほう) theft information (of the neighborhood) [泥棒(どろぼう) (thief; burglary; robbery); 情報(じょうほう) (information)] 意(い)外(がい)とunexpectedly; surprisingly [ 意(い) (idea; thought); 外(がい) (outside); 意(い)外(がい)に means the same but more formal] 筋肉(きんにく)トレーニング ; 筋肉(きんにく) (muscle)] 風邪(かぜ)を引(ひ)くto catch a cold [風邪(かぜ) (cold); 引(ひ)く(to catch；to pull) stemmed from “to pull a cold into the body”] 医(い)療(りょう)費(ひ) medical bill [医(い)療(りょう)(medical care); 費(ひ) (expense)] 維持(いじ)するto maintain; to retain; to sustain 断食(だんじき) fasting; fast [断(だん) (to cut; to refuse); 食(じき) (food)] 練習(れんしゅう)practice; training; exercise 記(き)憶力(おくりょく) ability to retain memory [記(き)憶(おく) (memory); 力(りょく) (ability; power; strength)] 回復(かいふく)する to recove...2023-04-1007 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 128 ユニバーサルスタジオ Universal Studios Orlando | Japanese Immersion podcastYumi brought her family to Universal Studios in Orlando and couldn't help but compare the experience to her visit to Universal Studios in California more than two decades ago. Both the theme park and Yumi herself have undergone significant transformations since then.   KEY VOCABULARY: 遠足(えんそく) school trip; field trip 揃(そろ)って all together [揃(そろ)う(to make a full set; to be all present)] 街並(まちな)み cityscape [街(まち) (city; town); 並(な)み (row or line of houses)] 再現(さいげん) recreation; reenactment; reproduction [再(さい) (again); 現(げん) (appearance)] 噴(ふ)くto emit; to spout; to flush 人混(ひとご)み crowd of people [混(こ)み (mix; blend)] 避(さ)ける to avoid 吐(は)き気(け)を催(もよお)する to feel nauseated [吐(は)き気(け) (nausea); 催(もよお)する (to feel; to hold)] 収(おさ)まる to settle down; to fit into 効(き)く to be effective 炭酸飲料(たんさんいんりょう) carbonated drink [炭酸(たんさん) (carbonic acid); 飲料(いんりょう) (beverage)] 普(ふ)段(だん) normally; normal 仕(し)方(かた)がな...2023-04-0307 minTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesBeginning Japanese Phrases 123: のですか？ (used when asking questions, seeking an explanation, or to show interest in learning more)今(いま)、何(なに)をしているのですか？ now | what | (direct object marker) | doing | (question seeking an explanation) What are you doing now?   View this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/jphrases-ep-123 View all episodes here: https://thejapanesepage.com/beginning-japanese-phrases-podcast-and-videos/  -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with complete vocabulary and grammar breakdowns as well as sound files of just the Japanese to download.   www.MakotoPlus.com 2023-03-2301 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 127 引き寄せの法則 The Law of Attraction | Japanese Immersion podcastYumi is worried about inflation. Everything is more expensive. Still, she maintains a positive outlook with affirmations and positive thinking. Even when bad things happen, there is always something to be grateful for.   KEY VOCABULARY: 必死(ひっし)に with one’s best effort; work very hard to do something; with one’s best effort; desperately 節約(せつやく)する save money 食(しょく)費(ひ) food expense 電(でん)気(き)代(だい) electricity bill [電(でん)気(き) (electricity); 代(だい) (charge; fee; substitute)] 便乗(びんじょう)値(ね)上(あ)げ piggyback price increase [便乗(びんじょう)(getting a ride; getting on the bandwagon); 値(ね)上(あ)げ (price increase)] 機(き)能(のう) function 高級(こうきゅう)な high-end; high-class; luxury [高(こう) (high);級(きゅう) (class)] 値引(ねび)き discount; price reduction [値(ね) (price); 引(び)きnoun form of 引(ひ)く(to pull); sound changes from 引(ひ)き to 引(び)き when combined with other word in front of it] 必需品(ひつじゅひん) essentials; necessity 冷(ひ)や汗(あせ) cold sweat [冷(ひ)や (cold; chilled); 汗(あせ) (sweat)] 順調(じゅんちょう) nice and steady; doing good 絶望感(ぜつぼうかん) sense of despair...2023-03-2007 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 126 オノマトペ Onomatopoeia | Japanese Immersion podcastIn this episode of Nihongo no Tane, Yumi discusses onomatopoeia in Japanese. She mentions that there are approximately 5,000 onomatopoeic words in Japanese, making it the language with the most onomatopoeia in the world. Onomatopoeic words can have multiple meanings and be used in various situations. For example, you probably know ペラペラ to mean "fluent" when describing someone's language skills, but did you know it can also mean "flimsy" when referring to paper flapping about in the wind? Learning onomatopoeia can be challenging but rewarding. Find a new onomatopoeia expression and use it today!   KEY VOCABULAR...2023-03-1307 minTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesBeginning Japanese Phrases 122: ので therefore; because of that今日(きょう)は、忙(いそが)しかったので、とても疲(つか)れました。 today  | as for | busy | was | therefore | very | tired Today was a busy day and I'm very tired.   View this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/jphrases-ep-122 View all episodes here: https://thejapanesepage.com/beginning-japanese-phrases-podcast-and-videos/  -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with complete vocabulary and grammar breakdowns as well as sound files of just the Japanese to download.   www.MakotoPlus.com   2023-03-0901 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 125 車購入その3 Buying Cars Part 3 | Japanese Immersion podcastYumi wraps up her talk about buying two cars and the problem with buying insurance for teenage drivers.   KEY VOCABULARY: 更新(こうしん)する to renew; to update 代理店(だいりてん) agency 事(じ)情(じょう)circumstance; condition; situation 担当(たんとう) being in charge; being 曇(くも)った表(ひょう)情(じょう) worried/sad look on one’s face [曇(くも)った (cloudy); 表情(ひょうじょう) (facial expression; facial look)] ため息 sigh [ため (collect; gather); 息 (breath)] 嫌(きら)う dislike; not to like 計算(けいさん)する to calculate; compute; to figure (out) 予(よ)想(そう)する to expect; to anticipate 仕方(しかた)ない  inevitable; having no (other) choice; unavoidable [仕方(しかた) (method; means); ない (not; no)] 年間(ねんかん) one year period; annually; annual 顎(あご)が外(はず)れそうになる one’s jaw drops [顎(あご) (jaw); 外(はず)れる(to unhinge; to come off); そうに(almost; nearly)]　＊Yumi made a mistake with this idiom: 顎が外れるis supposed to be u...2023-03-0604 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 124 車購入その２ Buying Cars Part 2 | Japanese Immersion podcastToday, Yumi continues her story about her recent car-buying experiences.   KEY VOCABULARY: 普通(ふつう)(の) normal; common 結構(けっこう)  fairly 頑張(がんば)る  endure; survive; keep at it; make an effort    自宅(じたく) one’s home; one’s house めでたく happily; with much joy [this word has a celebratory connotation to it] 面倒(めんどう)な troubling; troublesome; difficult [面倒(めんどう)(trouble)] スケジュールを組(く)む schedule ~; arrange a schedule [組(く)む (form; arrange; assemble)] ローンを組(く)む  get a loan; take out a loan 重(かさ)なる overlap; occur at the same time; pile up 免許取(めんきょと)り立(た)て  newly-licensed [“masu-stem + 立(た)て” means “newly ~” or “freshly ~”] 車屋(くるまや)  car dealership [カーセンター is also used] 不思議(ふしぎ)な  strange; mysterious 下取(したど)りする  trade in ずつ each [written eitherずつ orづつ] 利子(りし)  interest (on a loan) 月々(つきづき)の  ...2023-02-2704 minTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesBeginning Japanese Phrases 121: が but; however [connects two phrases while softening a request]すみません、渋谷駅(しぶやえき)への行(ゆ)き方(かた)がわからないんですが、教(おし)えてください。 excuse me | Shibuya station | to | 's | way to go | (subject/object marker) | don't know | (softens explanations) | teach | please Excuse me, I don't know how to get to Shibuya station.   View this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/jphrases-ep-121 View all episodes here: https://thejapanesepage.com/beginning-japanese-phrases-podcast-and-videos/  -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with complete vocabulary and grammar breakdowns as well as sound files of just the Japanese to download.   www.MakotoPlus.com 2023-02-2301 minTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesBeginning Japanese Phrases 120: V＋終わる to finish (something)やっとこの長(なが)い小説(しょうせつ)を読(よ)み終(お)わりました。 finally | this | long | novel | (direct object marker) | reading | finished I finally finished reading this long novel.   View this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/jphrases-ep-120 View all episodes here: https://thejapanesepage.com/beginning-japanese-phrases-podcast-and-videos/  -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with complete vocabulary and grammar breakdowns as well as sound files of just the Japanese to download.   www.MakotoPlus.com 2023-02-1601 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 123 車購入その１ Buying Cars Part 1 | Japanese Immersion podcastUntil recently, Yumi’s family has only had one car. This is unusual in the part of Florida that she lives in. Most families have at least two cars. But Yumi and Clay both work from home and until their son got his driver’s license, they rarely had need for a second car. But now their son has his license, Yumi decided … it was time.   KEY VOCABULARY: 仮免許(かりめんきょ)  driver’s permit; learner’s permit 同乗(どうじょう)する ride along 運転免許(うんてんめんきょ) driver’s license 取得(しゅとく) obtainment 普通(ふつう) normal; common; ordinary 就職(しゅうしょく) する  get employed; come to employed 自動車学校(じどうしゃがっこう) driving school 随分(ずいぶん) very; considerably; extremely2023-02-1303 minTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesBeginning Japanese Phrases 119: 一番 #1; the best; -est北海道(ほっかいどう)と沖縄(おきなわ)と東京(とうきょう)で、一番暑(いちばんあつ)いのはどこですか？ Hokkaido | and | Okinawa | and |Tokyo | at | most | hot| as for which | where | question Out of Hokkaido, Okinawa, and Tokyo, which place is the hottest?   View this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/jphrases-ep-119 View all episodes here: https://thejapanesepage.com/beginning-japanese-phrases-podcast-and-videos/  -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with complete vocabulary and grammar breakdowns as well as sound files of just the Japanese to download.   www.MakotoPlus.com 2023-02-0901 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 122 節分の鬼 The Oni of Setsubun | Japanese Immersion podcastFebruary 3rd was setsubun in Japan. The day that marks the end of winter and is followed by the beginning of spring. Listen as Yumi tells us a little bit about how this special occasion is celebrated in Japan.   KEY VOCABULARY: 節分(せつぶん) last day of winter in the traditional Japanese calendar 立春(りっしゅん) first day of spring in the traditional Japanese calendar 季節(きせつ)の変(か)わり目(め) time of change of seasons; time when season changes 邪気(じゃき) evil spirit; misfortune; bad vibes that cause illness or other misfortune  　　 煎(い)る roast (beans) 願(ねが)い事(ごと)  one’s wish; one’s desire; prayer 叶(かな)う come true; (wish) be answered 風習(ふうしゅう) t...2023-02-0604 minTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesBeginning Japanese Phrases 118: ～で by; with (means)タクシーで会社(かいしゃ)に行(い)きました。 taxi | by | company | to | went (I) took a cab to the office.   View this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/jphrases-ep-118 View all episodes here: https://thejapanesepage.com/beginning-japanese-phrases-podcast-and-videos/  -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with complete vocabulary and grammar breakdowns as well as sound files of just the Japanese to download.   www.MakotoPlus.com 2023-02-0201 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 121 丙午 Hinoeuma | Japanese Immersion podcastIn today’s podcast, Yumi digs deep into an interesting superstition which caused the birth rates to plummet one year in the 1960s. It has to do with the Chinese Zodiac, the Edo period, and Natsume Souseki. Listen to find out about this fascinating bit of historical trivia.   KEY VOCABULARY: 十二支(じゅうにし) 12 animal signs of Chinese zodiac 干支(えと) 60 year cycle of 12 zodiac signs and 5 elements in Chinese astrology 暗記(あんき)する memorize ~歳違(さいちが)い  ~ years apart ひと回り １２年 [one full cycle of 12 zodiac signs]　　 ~年区切(ねんくぎ)り(で) by ~ year segment マンモス校(こう) very large school; school with a large number of students 当(あ)たり前(まえ) usual; common; ordinary 少子化(しょうしか)  declining bi...2023-01-3006 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 120 マナティーと人魚 Manatees and Mermaids | Japanese Immersion podcastYumi recently visited Silver Springs, a nature park in Florida which is famous for its glass bottom boats and manatees. Did you know manatees may have been mistaken for mermaids? Yumi then shares some stories about Japanese mermaids.   KEY VOCABULARY: 州立公園(しゅうりつこうえん)　state park 被害(ひがい)  damage; injury; harm 諦(あきら)める give up; abandon 水(みず)湧(わ)く spring out; gush out 水族館(すいぞくかん) aquarium 癒(いや)す heal 第一印象(だいいちいんしょう)  first impression 好奇心旺盛(こうきしんおうせい) full of curiosity; full of inquisitiveness 好奇  心(curiosity; inquisitiveness)  旺盛(vigorous; exuberant)　　 人魚(にんぎょ) mermaid 暗(くら)がり darkness 上半身(じょうはんしん) upper body 見世物小屋(みせものごや) show tent; circus tent; freak show 見世物(spectacle; exhibition; show) 小屋(hut) 購入(こうにゅう)する purchase 随分(ずいぶん) a lot; considerably; fairly 不老長寿(ふろうちょうじゅ)  immortality 不老 (no aging) 長寿(longevity) 子宝(こだから)  fe...2023-01-2306 minTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesBeginning Japanese Phrases 117: ～と思います I think; I believe that…マークさんは肉(にく)が嫌(きら)いだと思(おも)います。 Mark | as for | meat | dislike | (copula) | I think I think Mark doesn't like meat.   View this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/jphrases-ep-117 View all episodes here: https://thejapanesepage.com/beginning-japanese-phrases-podcast-and-videos/  -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with complete vocabulary and grammar breakdowns as well as sound files of just the Japanese to download.   www.MakotoPlus.com 2023-01-1901 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 119 呼吸と日本語 Breathing and Learning Japanese | Japanese Immersion podcastSometimes simple analogies hit home the hardest. Learning a language is like breathing. It’s the small repetitive acts that keep us going and growing. Keep growing your Japanese little by little by studying, reading, and listening to Japanese daily.   KEY VOCABULARY: 新年(しんねん)の抱負(ほうふ) New Year’s resolution 一番(いちばん)最初(さいしょ)に the very first thing… 痩せたい want to lose weight 大成功(だいせいこう) big success ∼もつかの間(ま) ∼ was only short time 気(き)が緩(ゆる)む relax too much; lose an intention; become remiss 健康的(けんこうてき)に in healthy way；in healthy manner 瘦せ型体系 body type that is easy to lose weight 維持(いじ)する maintain; keep; sustain 参考にする refer to; learn from 一生懸命(いっしょうけんめい) with utmost effort; as one can2023-01-1604 minTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesBeginning Japanese Phrases 116: ～と言っていました ~ said先生(せんせい)は、「明日試験(あしたしけん)がある」と言(い)っていました。 teacher | as for | tomorrow | test | exists | (quotation marker) | said (see vocabulary for explanation) The Teacher said that there would be an exam tomorrow.   View this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/jphrases-ep-116 View all episodes here: https://thejapanesepage.com/beginning-japanese-phrases-podcast-and-videos/  -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with complete vocabulary and grammar breakdowns as well as sound files of just the Japanese to download.   www.MakotoPlus.com 2023-01-1202 minTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesBeginning Japanese Phrases 115: ～は、～かったです (TOPIC) was (ADJ) Part 2北海道(ほっかいどう)は、寒(さむ)かったです。 Hokkaido | as for | cold | was Hokkaido was cold.   View this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/jphrases-ep-115 View all episodes here: https://thejapanesepage.com/beginning-japanese-phrases-podcast-and-videos/  -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with complete vocabulary and grammar breakdowns as well as sound files of just the Japanese to download.   www.MakotoPlus.com 2023-01-0501 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 118 2023年　令和5年　あけましておめでとうございますHappy New Year Reiwa 5 / 2023! | Japanese Immersion podcastIn this short message, Yumi has some good news to share with the New Year.   KEY VOCABULARY: 令和(れいわ)5(５)年(ねん) Reiwa 5 西暦(せいれき) Western calendar 新年早々(しんねんそうそう) early in the New Year; at the beginning of the New Year 引(ひ)っ越(こ)し move (to a new house) 実家(じっか) one’s parent’s home; home where one grew up in 長(なが)い間(あいだ) long time 孫(まご) grandchildren 低学年(ていがくねん) early grade levels 節(ふし) occasion; time; section; passage; season; holiday 情報(じょうほう) information 長生(ながいけ)き long life 一期一会(いちごいちえ) once-in-a-life experience; an encounter that should be cherished 挨拶(あいさつ) greetings     For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website...2023-01-0202 minTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesBeginning Japanese Phrases 114: ～は、～かったです (TOPIC) was (ADJ) #1きのうのパーティーは、楽(たの)しかったです。 yesterday | 's | party | as for | fun | was Yesterday's party was fun.   View this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/jphrases-ep-114 View all episodes here: https://thejapanesepage.com/beginning-japanese-phrases-podcast-and-videos/  -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with complete vocabulary and grammar breakdowns as well as sound files of just the Japanese to download.   www.MakotoPlus.com 2022-12-2901 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 117 今年一年ありがとうございました！ Thanks for your support this year! | Japanese Immersion podcastAs the year 2022 comes to a close, Yumi thinks back on all the things that happened to her and her family this year.   KEY VOCABULARY: 今年(ことし) this year 最後(さいご) last; final 何(なに)も覚(おぼ)えていません don’t remember anything 性格(せいかく) personality; character 写真(しゃしん) photo 娘(むすめ) daughter ウクレレ ukulele いわゆる the so-called 弾(ひ)き語(がた)り singing to one’s own accompaniment 遊園地(ゆうえんち)  amusement park 成人式(せいじんしき) coming-of-age-ceremony 運動会(うんどうかい)  sports day 映画(えいが) movie ブルーベリー狩(が)り blueberry picking 掃除(そうじ) cleaning 裏庭(うらにわ) backyard 教会(きょうかい) church 風邪(かぜ)気味(ぎみ)  slight cold 体験(たいけん) experience 笑(わら)い話(ばなし) funny story       For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/ni...2022-12-2604 minTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesBeginning Japanese Phrases 113: Aは Bが（好き・嫌い）です A (likes/hates) Bローラさんは、肉(にく)が嫌(きら)いです。 Laura | as for | meat | doesn't like Laura doesn't like meat.   View this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/jphrases-ep-113 View all episodes here: https://thejapanesepage.com/beginning-japanese-phrases-podcast-and-videos/  -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with complete vocabulary and grammar breakdowns as well as sound files of just the Japanese to download.   www.MakotoPlus.com 2022-12-2201 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 116 今年の漢字「戦」 This Year’s Kanji | Japanese Immersion podcastThis year’s kanji has been selected. Out of 220,000 votes, the kanji for war or battle was chosen. Yumi talks about this as well as what’s been going on in Japan recently.   KEY VOCABULARY: 戦争(せんそう) war 漢字能力検定(かんじのうりょくけんてい)協会(きょうかい) Kanji Proficiency Test Association 戦(たたか)う to fight; to battle 全国(ぜんこく) all of the country; the whole country 印象(いんしょう) impression 同時多発(どうじたはつ)テロ  simultaneous attacks (particularly 9/11) 物騒(ぶっそう) troubled; disturbed さらに in addition; moreover 大盛(おおも)り上(あ)がり  great excitement 優勝(ゆうしょう)候補(こうほ) favored candidate; best bet for the title; favored for victory 勝利(しょうり) victory 残念(ざんねん)ながら unfortunately 練習(れんしゅう)に練習(れんしゅう)を重(かさ)ねて practice upon practice 礼儀正(れいぎただ)しい polite; courteous     For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to th...2022-12-1905 minTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesBeginning Japanese Phrases 112: にする make (something)教室(きょうしつ)では静(しず)かにしてください。 classroom | in | as for | quiet | do | please Please be quiet in the classroom.   View this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/jphrases-ep-112 View all episodes here: https://thejapanesepage.com/beginning-japanese-phrases-podcast-and-videos/  -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with complete vocabulary and grammar breakdowns as well as sound files of just the Japanese to download.   www.MakotoPlus.com   2022-12-1501 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 115 あげる・くれる・もらう To Give and Receive in Japanese | Japanese Immersion podcastYumi’s daughter speaks Japanese, but sometimes incorrectly. In today’s episode, Yumi tells us how her daughter messes up “to give” in Japanese, and this spurred her to research how to best teach あげる・くれる・もらう(give and receive). Yumi discovered the key is to understand Japanese culture. Listen as she explains.   KEY VOCABULARY: あげる・くれる・もらう To Give and Receive in Japanese ゴチャまぜ mess; jumble; chaos おやつ snack ちょうだい please give me 日本(にほん)の文化(ぶんか) Japanese culture 考(かんが)え方(かた) way of thinking 内(うち)と外(そと) inside and outside 当(あ)たり前(まえ) natural; obvious; common 想像(そうぞう)する to imagine 真(ま)ん中(なか) in the middle 見事(みごと)に splendidly     For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and...2022-12-1205 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 114 ピーカンナッツと栗 Pecans and Chestnuts | Japanese Immersion podcastYumi has a problem. The three large pecan trees in her backyard have produced tons of pecans. In this episode, she talks about what she’s doing with the pecans and then compares pecans to chestnuts in Japan.   KEY VOCABULARY: ピーカン pecan 我(わ)が家(や) my house 裏庭(うらにわ) backyard 地面(じめん) ground 食(く)い込(こ)む bite into; to dig into; to encroach 敷(し)き詰(つ)められた to be covered with 季節(きせつ)外(はず)れ unseasonal 殻(から) shell 作業(さぎょう) work 単純(たんじゅん) simple 無(む)になれる become free from thoughts 自生(じせい)する growing wild 農家(のうか) farmer 栽培(さいばい) cultivate 脂肪分(しぼうぶん) fat content 脂質(ししつ) fats 栗(くり) chestnuts 甘露煮(かんろに) candied (chestnuts) お菓子(かし) candy; sweets 縄文時代(じょうもんじだい...2022-12-0504 minTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesBeginning Japanese Phrases 111: Adverb + する to do; to makeおじいさんは、スズメにやさしくしました。 grandfather | as for | sparrow | to | kindly | did Grandfather was nice to the sparrow.   View this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/jphrases-ep-111 View all episodes here: https://thejapanesepage.com/beginning-japanese-phrases-podcast-and-videos/  -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with complete vocabulary and grammar breakdowns as well as sound files of just the Japanese to download.   www.MakotoPlus.com 2022-12-0101 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 113 黒柳徹子さん Kuroyanagi Tetsuko | Japanese Immersion podcastIn this episode Yumi talks about Kuroyanagi Tetsuko, a longtime announcer and personality, and her secrets for living long and well.   KEY VOCABULARY: 義理(ぎり)のお母さん Mother-in-law 物忘(ものわす)れ forgetfulness 予防(よぼう) prevention 若々(わかわか)しく youthful 将来(しょうらい)に備(そな)えたい to prepare for the future 黒柳徹子(くろやなぎてつこ) Kuroyanagi Tetsuko (born August 9, 1933) 女優(じょゆう) actress 団子(だんご)  dango; dumpling 放送(ほうそう) broadcast テレビ業界(ぎょうかい) the TV industry クイズ番組(ばんぐみ) Quiz (TV) show 正解率(せいかいりつ) percentage of correct answers 司会者(しかいしゃ) host; MC; announcer 小説(しょうせつ) novel 勉強熱心(べんきょうねっしん) studious 興味(きょうみ)が湧(わ)いた become interested in ユニセフの親善大使(しんぜんたいし)  UNICEF Goodwill ambassador 認知症(にんちしょう) dementia; senility 上品(じょうひん) elegant 下品(げひん) vulger 影響(えいきょう) influence   For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take...2022-11-2805 minTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesBeginning Japanese Phrases 110: ～と思いますto think (of doing); to wanting to; to plan (to do)来年(らいねん)は、アメリカに帰(かえ)ると思(おも)います。 next year | as for | America | to | to return | (quotation marker) | to think  I think I will go back to the US next year.   View this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/jphrases-ep-110 View all episodes here: https://thejapanesepage.com/beginning-japanese-phrases-podcast-and-videos/  -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with complete vocabulary and grammar breakdowns as well as sound files of just the Japanese to download.   www.MakotoPlus.com 2022-11-2401 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 112 感謝祭とブラックフライデー Thanksgiving and Black Friday | Japanese Immersion podcastDescription: It’s Thanksgiving and Black Friday season in the US. Yumi talks a little about what she and her family is doing and compares that with Japanese holidays.   KEY VOCABULARY: 感謝祭とブラックフライデー Thanksgiving and Black Friday     For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-112 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation...2022-11-2104 minTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesBeginning Japanese Phrases 109: ～しようと思っています planning; intending to今年(ことし)は、何(なに)をしますか？ はい、今年(ことし)は日本語(にほんご)を勉強(べんきょう)しようと思(おも)っています。 this year | as for | what | (direct object marker) | to do | (question marker) yes | this year | as for | Japanese language | (direct object marker) | study | intend to do | am thinking What are you going to do this year? I'm planning to study Japanese this year.   View this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/jphrases-ep-109 View all episodes here: https://thejapanesepage.com/beginning-japanese-phrases-podcast-and-videos/  -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with complete vocabulary and grammar breakdowns as well as sound files of just the Japanese to download.   www.MakotoPlus.com 2022-11-1702 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 111 夏時間 Summer Time | Japanese Immersion podcastDaylight savings time in America is the one thing all Americans can agree to hate, and yet… they still can’t seem to come together long enough to pass a law to rid themselves of the twice-a-year menace. Yumi shares her thoughts and hope that this “Fall back” will be the last.   KEY VOCABULARY: 夏時間(なつじかん) summer time 早起(はやお)き rising early 時刻(じこく) time; the hour 有効(ゆうこう) valid; effective 電力(でんりょく)の節約(せつやく) saving energy 目的(もくてき) goal; purpose 実際(じっさい)に actually 徐々(じょじょ)に gradually 連動(れんどう) working together; being linked (to) 時計(とけい)の針(はり) hands of a clock 昼夜(ちゅうや) day and night 逆転(ぎゃくてん) sudden change; reversal 交通事故(こうつうじこ) traffic accident 採用(さいよう) use; adoption 説...2022-11-1405 minTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesBeginning Japanese Phrases 108: ～そうです It seems; I hear that天気予報(てんきよほう)によると、今日(きょう)は雨(あめ)が降(ふ)るそうです。 weather forecast | according to | as for today | rain | fall | appears According to the weather forecast, it's going to rain today.   View this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/jphrases-ep-108 View all episodes here: https://thejapanesepage.com/beginning-japanese-phrases-podcast-and-videos/  -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with complete vocabulary and grammar breakdowns as well as sound files of just the Japanese to download.   www.MakotoPlus.com 2022-11-1001 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 110 家族バンド Family Band | Japanese Immersion podcastYumi’s family band! It was one of her dreams and recently her family had a chance to perform. Listen as she tells us her thoughts on families coming together to perform.   KEY VOCABULARY: 弾(ひ)きます to play (stringed instrument such as piano or guitar) 中級(ちゅうきゅう)の初(はつ)め beginning of intermediate stage 音符(おんぷ) musical notes 伴奏(ばんそう) (musical) accompaniment 演奏(えんそう) (musical) performance 上手(うま)い下手(へた)  skillful or unskilled 素人(しろうと)の私(わたし) an amateur such as I am 長男(ちょうなん) eldest son 担当(たんとう)の人(ひと) person in charge 急遽(きゅうきょ) hurriedly; in a hurry いろいろ原因(げんいん) various causes 感動的(かんどうてき) impressive; moving 録音(ろくおん) audio recording 録画(ろくが) video recording 年(とし)を経(へ)るにしたがって as the years go by 成長(せいちょう) growth; becoming an a...2022-11-0705 minTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesBeginning Japanese Phrases 107: ～って you said; I hear that; they said (quotation marker)今日(きょう)は、雨(あめ)が降(ふ)るって天気予報(てんきよほう)で言(い)っていたよ。   as for today | rain fall | I hear | weather | forecast | at | was saying | (emphatic)  The weather forecast said it would rain today.   View this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/jphrases-ep-107 View all episodes here: https://thejapanesepage.com/beginning-japanese-phrases-podcast-and-videos/  -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with complete vocabulary and grammar breakdowns as well as sound files of just the Japanese to download.   www.MakotoPlus.com 2022-11-0301 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 109 綱引き Tug of War| Japanese Immersion podcastFall is a great time for families to get together and have fun. In this episode, Yumi shares a little about a recent multi-family getogether. There was much talking, children playing, and then… someone brought out a rope for a game of tug-of-war.   KEY VOCABULARY: 遊(あそ)びに行(い)く to go visit (someone); to have fun with ちっちゃい子(こ)どもさん  a small child それぞれ思(おも)い思(おも)いに  as each one likes; as each one pleases しばらくすると a little later; after that 綱引(つなひき)き tug of war 力持(ちからも)ち strong person 小柄(こがら) small frame; small person 偶然(ぐうぜん)  coincidence; chance 相手(あいて)チ(ち)ーム(む) the other team; opponent’s team 隙(すき)  chance; opportunity; gap; break; interval 粘(ねば)り勝...2022-10-3106 minTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesBeginning Japanese Phrases 106: ご～ください please (do something) [polite]こちらの資料(しりょう)をご覧(らん)ください。 this | of (connector) | materials | (direct object marker) | look | please  Please refer to this document.   View this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/jphrases-ep-106 View all episodes here: https://thejapanesepage.com/beginning-japanese-phrases-podcast-and-videos/  -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with complete vocabulary and grammar breakdowns as well as sound files of just the Japanese to download.   www.MakotoPlus.com 2022-10-2701 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 108 牧場に行きました I went to a farm | Japanese Immersion podcastMost years, Yumi takes her family to a nearby farm to experience cows, goats, fun outdoor activities, and homemade ice cream. Clay… didn’t do very well in the heat. Listen as Yumi talks about this year’s trip, and her thoughts on cows.   KEY VOCABULARY: 秋(あき) fall; autumn 牧場(ぼくじょう) farm 先日(せんじつ) the other day 同士(どうし) fellow (cousin); mutual 写真(しゃしん) photograph   インスタ映(ば)え looking good on Instagram メイン main (reason) 本物(ほんもの)の a real… の影響(えいきょう) the influence of 経営(けいえい)が苦(くる)しい  business is suffering 気分(きぶん)が悪(わる)い feel bad 滞在(たいざい)する to stay 牛肉(ぎゅうにく) beef 乳製品(にゅうせいひん) dairy products 牛革(ぎゅうかわ) cowhide 牛(ぎゅう)タン cow tongue 焼(や)き肉(にく) gr...2022-10-2406 minTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesBeginning Japanese Phrases 105: お～ください please (do something) [polite]ご自由(じゆう)にお使(つか)いください。 freely | use (polite) | please Please feel free to use it.   View this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/jphrases-ep-105 View all episodes here: https://thejapanesepage.com/beginning-japanese-phrases-podcast-and-videos/  -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with complete vocabulary and grammar breakdowns as well as sound files of just the Japanese to download.   www.MakotoPlus.com 2022-10-2001 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 107 秋の味覚がいっぱい Full of autumn flavors | Japanese Immersion podcastThe taste of fall has come and Yumi shares her thoughts about what this time of the year means in Japan. For more fun autumn words, please see our new lesson page here: https://thejapanesepage.com/no-aki-the-autumn-of-japanese-expressions-for-fall/   KEY VOCABULARY: 秋(あき) fall; autumn 特(とく)に especially 大喜(おおよろこ)び great joy 南部(なんぶ) southern part 秋(あき)らしく飾(かざ)ります fall decor 実(み) fruit 柔(やわ)らかく  soft 涼(すず)しい cool 苦手(にがて) not good at 玄関(げんかん) entrance (of a house) に比(くら)べる compared to 繊維質(せんいしつ) dietary fiber 砂糖(さとう) sugar 代表的(だいひょうてき) representative of 一方(いっぽう) on one hand 煮(に) boil 蒸(むし) steam 大好物(だいこうぶつ) favorite thing 味覚(みかく)の秋(あき)  autumn of taste 食欲(しょくよく)の秋(あき) autumn of appetite さつまいも sweet pot...2022-10-1803 minTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesBeginning Japanese Phrases 104: ～まで until電車(でんしゃ)が来(く)るまでまだ少(すこ)し時間(じかん)があります。 train – (subject) – to come – until – still – a little – time - have There's still a little time before the train arrives.   View this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/jphrases-ep-104 View all episodes here: https://thejapanesepage.com/beginning-japanese-phrases-podcast-and-videos/  -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with complete vocabulary and grammar breakdowns as well as sound files of just the Japanese to download.   www.MakotoPlus.com 2022-10-1301 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 106 台風とハリケーン Typhoons and Hurricanes | Japanese Immersion podcastHurricanes and typhoons. Not much fun, but both Japan and where Yumi currently lives, Florida, experience them annually. Japan not only has typhoons but other natural disasters— particularly earthquakes. Therefore, Yumi reasons, Japanese people tend to have a higher sense of crisis and therefore make tons of preparations. Listen as she compares Japan and Florida’s preparations for bad weather.   KEY VOCABULARY: 台風(たいふう)とハリケーン typhoons and hurricanes 同(おな)じもの same thing 気象現象(きしょうげんしょう) weather phenomena 熱帯(ねったい) tropics 低気圧(ていきあつ) low (atmospheric) pressure; low-pressure system 毎年(まいとし) every year 大型(おおがた) large-scale 中部(ちゅうぶ) central region 北中部(ほくちゅうぶ) north central 直撃(ちょくげき) direct hit 被害(ひがい) damage 食料(しょくりょう) foodstuffs; food 2022-10-1006 minTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesBeginning Japanese Phrases 103: ～なさいdo毎日日本語(まいにちにほんご)を勉強(べんきょう)しなさい。 every day | Japanese language | (direct object marker) | study | do Study Japanese everyday.   View this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/jphrases-ep-103 View all episodes here: https://thejapanesepage.com/beginning-japanese-phrases-podcast-and-videos/  -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with complete vocabulary and grammar breakdowns as well as sound files of just the Japanese to download.   www.MakotoPlus.com 2022-10-0601 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 105 乾燥機の穴そうじ　その2 Cleaning the Dryer’s Vent Part 2 | Japanese Immersion podcastThe exciting conclusion of Yumi’s “cleaning the dryer vent” two-part series. Okay, maybe not too exciting, but there are a number of useful vocabulary words (see below), and she ends with a lesson how this relates to learning Japanese.   KEY VOCABULARY: 詰(つ)まっている clogged 乾燥機(かんそうき) dryer 穴(あな) hole 私自身(わたしじしん) myself 直(なお)したい want to fix ホームセンター DIY store; home improvement store 業務用(ぎょうむよう) industrial use 大型掃除機(おおがたそうじき) large-sized vacuum cleaner 馬力(ばりき) horse power 吸(す)い込(こ)む to suck up; to inhale; to breathe in 節約(せつやく) economizing; saving money 無駄(むだ) waste; no use; pointlessness 一切(いっさい)ありません none whatsoever; not at all 真空(しんくう) vacuum 隙間(すきま) crack; opening; gap 一旦(いったん) once...2022-10-0304 minTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesBeginning Japanese Phrases 102: ～たらどうですか？how about if…; what if you (did this)今日(きょう)は、寒(さむ)いので、ジャケットを着(き)たらどうですか？ today | as for | cold | therefore | jacket | (direct object marker) | if wear | how about | ? It's cold today, so why don't you wear a jacket?   View this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/jphrases-ep-102 View all episodes here: https://thejapanesepage.com/beginning-japanese-phrases-podcast-and-videos/  -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with complete vocabulary and grammar breakdowns as well as sound files of just the Japanese to download.   www.MakotoPlus.com   2022-09-2901 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 104 乾燥機の穴そうじ　その１ Cleaning the Dryer’s Vent Part 1 | Japanese Immersion podcastYumi is a do-it-yourselfer. With the help of YouTube, she has learned how to fix quite a few things around the house. But this time, it was a big challenge. The dryer’s vent going outside was clogged and the length and angle of the vent made reaching the clog very difficult. Listen as she describes the challenge.   KEY VOCABULARY: 乾燥機(かんそうき) dryer 調子(ちょうし)が悪(わる)い in bad shape; not doing well; out of condition 洗濯物(せんたくもの) laundry; the washing 乾(かわ)かす to dry 一般的(いっぱんてき) general 生乾(なまがわ)き half-dried 湿(しめ)ってる damp; moist; wet 点滅(てんめつ) flashing; blinking 説明書(せつめいしょ) manual; printed instructions 熱風(ねっぷう) hot air 詰(つ...2022-09-2604 minTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesTheJapanesePage.com - Beginning Japanese PhrasesBeginning Japanese Phrases 101: ～かもしれません may; might; perhaps明日(あす)は雪(ゆき)が降(ふ)るかもしれません。 tomorrow | as for | snow | (marker) | fall | might It may snow tomorrow.   View this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/jphrases-ep-101 View all episodes here: https://thejapanesepage.com/beginning-japanese-phrases-podcast-and-videos/  -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with complete vocabulary and grammar breakdowns as well as sound files of just the Japanese to download.   www.MakotoPlus.com   2022-09-2201 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 103 息子君 A Friend’s Son | Japanese Immersion podcastLast week, a friend of ours brought his son over to talk about Japan. This young man really wants to move to Japan. Yumi felt a little nostalgic after the meeting. His strong desire to learn Japanese and live in Japan reminded her of her husband Clay when he was younger. Today, she tells a little more about this son and the challenges he has to overcome.   KEY VOCABULARY: 前回(ぜんかい) last time; last episode 息子(むすこ)くん (other person’s) son 我(わ)が家(や) my home; our house 遊(あそ)びに来(き)た came to visit 若者(わかもの) young man 憧(あこが)れている  longing for; admiring; attracted by 田...2022-09-1903 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 102 地下鉄サリン事件 Tokyo Subway Sarin Attack | Japanese Immersion podcastJapan is a very safe country. It is also very clean. There isn’t much garbage on the streets as you might see in other countries. However, there aren’t many public garbage cans. Listen as Yumi explains the connection between the lack of garbage cans and public safety.   KEY VOCABULARY: 先日(せんじつ) the other day 我(わ)が家(いえ) our house; our family 長年(ながねん)の友達(ともだち) long-time friend 息子(むすこ)さん (his) son; someone else’s son 遊(あそ)びに来(き)ました came over; came to visit 一生懸命(いっしょうけんめい) with utmost effort 文化(ぶんか)や歴史(れきし) culture or history 禅(ぜん) Zen Buddhism 話題(わだい)になった became a topic of conversation テロを防(ふせ)ぐため in order to prevent terrorism 即答(そくとう)  immediate reply 地下鉄(ちかて...2022-09-1203 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 101 101回目のプロポーズ The 101st Proposal | Japanese Immersion podcastThe 101st episode. Today, Yumi shares some details and trivia about a 1991 hit TV drama called The 101st Proposal starring Takeda Tetsuya and Asano Atsuko.   KEY VOCABULARY: 101回目(かいめ) 101st time 101回目(かいめ)のプロポーズ 101st Proposal (1991 Fuji TV drama) 平成(へいせい)3年(ねん) Heisei 3; 1991 フジテレビ Fuji TV (TV Station) 放送(ほうそう)された was broadcast 武田鉄矢(たけだてつや) Takeda Tetsuya [Japanese folk singer and actor; he has a weekly podcast called 今朝の三枚おろし (This Morning’s Three Cuts) where he shares interesting tidbits from some book he’s recently read. The topics vary widely, but it is always interesting. He has a deep knowledge in a wide variety of topics. Recommended for intermediates and above.] 浅野温子(あさのあつこ) Asano Atsuko...2022-09-0504 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 100 百回 100 Times| Japanese Immersion podcast100th episode. Yumi started this podcast exactly two years ago and is now on her 100th episode. Today, Yumi talks about several interesting Japanese phrases that include the word 百【ひゃく】 (hundred). Also, to celebrate the 100th episode, Makoto+ members not only get a full transcript, but we also created an Anki flashcard deck with dozens of key vocabulary words heard in today’s podcast. Not only that, each card has a sound file. Listen, learn, and repeat with Yumi!   KEY VOCABULARY: 百回(ひゃっかい)目(め) the 100th time たどり着(つ)く to arrive at (after a struggle); to finally reach 百貨店(ひゃっかてん)  departme...2022-08-2905 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 99 掃除と神様 Cleaning and the Gods| Japanese Immersion podcastYumi has been on a cleaning kick. She’s always been tidy, but recently, she’s gotten serious about it. Japan has very clean streets despite (or perhaps because of) the fact that there are few public trash cans. Is there some connection with Japanese history and mythology to explain this?   KEY VOCABULARY: 掃除(そうじ) cleaning ピカピカ  with a glitter; with a sparkle; shiny and new 磨(みが)いています polishing; shining 主婦(しゅふ) housewife; homemaker 言葉(ことば)に触発(しょくはつ)されて  inspired by words [言葉 (words) に (by) 触発 (triggering; inspiring) されて (passive)] 管理(かんり) control; management 整理(せいり) sorting; arrangement; putting in order 真剣(しんけん)に earnestly; in earnest 隙間(すきま)  crevice; crack; gap 面倒(めんどう)くさい bothersome; tiresom...2022-08-2203 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 98 オノマトペ4 Onomatopoeia Part 4| Japanese Immersion podcastYumi continues her discussion on onomatopoeia in Japanese. Japanese use sound words and mimetic words far more frequently than in English. Learning how to use these words well will help improve your fluency.   KEY VOCABULARY: オノマトペ onomatopoeia ごちゃごちゃ messy; confused; chaotic 整理(せいり)されていない  not organized 状態(じょうたい) condition; state of things ペコペコ very hungry; starving ペラペラ fluent (speaking foreign languages); incessantly (speaking) 流暢(りゅうちょう)に fluent; flowing ゴロゴロする  roll about; idling about; thundering; purring ガタンゴトン clickety-clack 終点(しゅうてん) terminus; last stop (train) 川上(かわかみ) upstream ドンブラコドンブラコ effect of tumbling クンクン effect of sniffing ドドドド sound of something heavy moving rapidly グラグラ  wobbling; shaking; unsteadily ピキピキ snapping 豊富(ほうふ)に abu...2022-08-1504 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 97 オノマトペ3 Onomatopoeia Part 3| Japanese Immersion podcastYumi continues her discussion on onomatopoeia in Japanese. Japanese use sound words and mimetic words far more frequently than in English. Learning how to use these words well will help improve your fluency.   KEY VOCABULARY: オノマトペ onomatopoeia 日本人(にほんじん)らしく話(はなし)せる to be able to speak like a Japanese 汗(あせ)をかいた to sweat さっぱり refreshed 含(ふく)まれます includes さっぱり分(わ)からない don’t know at all ゴロゴロ loafing; rolling; sound of thunder 回転(かいてん)する to rotate; to turn クタクタ exhausted; tired; worn out 芯(しん)  wick; core; heart; center カンカンになっている to be very angry 絶対許(ぜったいゆる)さない absolutely won’t forgive   For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the compreh...2022-08-0805 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 96 オノマトペ2 Onomatopoeia Part 2| Japanese Immersion podcastYumi continues her discussion on onomatopoeia in Japanese. Japanese use sound words and mimetic words far more frequently than in English. Learning how to use these words well will help improve your fluency.   KEY VOCABULARY: オノマトペ onomatopoeia 擬音語(ぎおんご)  sound word onomatopoeia 擬態語(ぎたいご) mimetic word 音(おと)を真似(まね) imitating sounds ぴかぴか光(ひか)るto sparkle; to glitter; to twinkle ギラギラ glaringly; dazzlingly バキーっ  boom ドカーン boom ドドド b.b.boom 迫力(はくりょく)が出(で)ます show power; have strength ドキドキする to be excited; to be nervous わくわく to be excited にやにや笑(わら)う to smirk ニコニコ smile キリキリと痛(いた)みます sharp pain チクチク痛(いた)い prickling pain 頭(あたま)がズキズキする throbbing headache 脈(みゃく) pulse ガンガン...2022-08-0106 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 95 オノマトペ Onomatopoeia Part 1| Japanese Immersion podcastYumi is surprised by Clay’s usage of onomatopoeia. “Just as a Japanese person would say,” she thought. Onomatopoeia is used much more often in Japanese than we would in English. Yumi is convinced learning to use onomatopoeia correctly and in natural situations will greatly improve your Japanese conversation.   KEY VOCABULARY: オノマトペ onomatopoeia よっぽど to a large extent; greatly 日本人(にほんじん)らしい like a Japanese person ぐうぐう寝(ね)てる fast asleep; sleeping soundly すやすや寝(ね)る to sleep like a baby; sleeping peacefully 雰囲気(ふんいき) atmosphere; mood ズンズン前(まえ)に進(すす)む to boldly move forward; to steadily make progress どんどん食(た)べてください please keep eating; please continue to enjoy your food 擬音語(ぎおんご) onomatopoeic...2022-07-2504 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 94 認知症予防 Preventing Dementia| Japanese Immersion podcastToday, Yumi looks at a few ways to help prevent dementia. Good news! By listening to this podcast, you are already doing one very powerful thing.   KEY VOCABULARY: 認知症(にんちしょう) dementia; senility; cognitive impairment 認知症予防(にんちしょうよぼう) dementia prevention 言(い)い方(かた) way of saying; term アルツハイマー型認知症(がたにんちしょう) Alzheimer's disease 症状(しょうじょう) symptoms 開口一番(かいこういちばん) first words out of one's mouth 義理(ぎり)のお母さん mother-in-law 公務員(こうむいん) civil servant 規則(きそく) rules; regulations 政治家(せいじか) politician 高齢(こうれい)の方(かた) elderly person 自営業(じえいぎょう) self-employed 常(つね)に always 外国語(がいこくご) foreign language   For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-94 2022-07-1805 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 93 オフ会（やる気） Face-to-face Meeting (Motivation)| Japanese Immersion podcastWe spend so much time behind our computer screens, so it is nice to, once-in-a-while, actually meet people. Today, Yumi shares a meeting with a Makoto+ member who happened to be in town. It was a lot of fun and helped motivate Yumi to keep on doing what she's doing.   KEY VOCABULARY: わざわざ taking the trouble (to do something) 海(うみ)を越(こ)えて crossing the sea and 有名人(ゆうめいじん) famous person 用事(ようじ) business; tasks; affairs 年齢(ねんれい) age 鬼滅(きめつ)の刃(やいば) Demon Slayer (manga/anime) 披露(ひろう) presentation; displaying 自画自賛(じがじさん) self-praise 阿部寛(あべひろし) Abe Hiroshi (famous movie and TV star in Japan) 日本通(にほんつう) expert of Japan; Japanophile 交流(こうりゅう) exchange 機会(きかい)があれば wh...2022-07-1104 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 92 君の歴史 History of ”kun”| Japanese Immersion podcastA Makoto+ member had a question for Yumi. "Why are Diet members (Japanese parliament) called "kun" when "kun" is mostly for little boys?" Good question. Listen as Yumi delves into the fascinating history behind this common honorific title.   KEY VOCABULARY: 子供(こども)の頃(ころ) when I was a kid; childhood そういう感(かん)じ such a feeling; that's how (I) feel 新聞社(しんぶんしゃ) newspaper company 決(き)まりがある there's a rule 年下(としした) younger (person) 現代(げんだい)の日本(にほん) modern Japan 国会議員(こっかいぎいん) Diet member 子供(こども)っぽい childish 年齢(ねんれい)の高(たか)い方(かた)  older people 違和感(いわかん) feeling out of place; uncomfortable feeling; bad feeling 明治時代(めいじじだい) Meiji period (1868-1912) 江戸時代(えどじだい) Edo period (1603-1868) 武士(ぶし) samurai; warrior 農民(のうみん) farmer 商人(しょうにん) merchant 身分制度(みぶんせいど...2022-07-0404 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 91 魚の数え方 How to Count Fish | Japanese Immersion podcastYumi continues to talk about counters in Japanese. This series started due to a question from a listener about how to count Godzilla. Then, she talked about rabbits (which uses 一羽 ichiwa -- just like birds). This time, she turns her attention to fish. Fish in general are easy to count. But… of course, it isn't that simple in the real world.   KEY VOCABULARY: 数(かぞ)え方(かた) way of counting 島国(しまぐに) island country たくさんの種類(しゅるい) many varieties 季節(きせつ)による by season; according to the season サバ (mackerel)、サンマ (Pacific saury; mackerel pike)、アジ (horse mackerel)、マグロ (tuna)、ブリ (Japanese amberjack)、イワシ (sardine)、カツオ (bonito)、イカ (squid)、カニ (crab)、エビ (shrimp)、貝類(かいるい) (shellfish)、海藻(かいそう) (s...2022-06-2005 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 90 ウサギの数え方 How to Count Rabbits| Japanese Immersion podcastYumi continues counting in Japanese. Last time, she discussed how to count Godzilla (is it 一匹 ippiki or 一頭 ittou?). This week, she turns her attention to the interesting counter for rabbits. Is it 一匹 ippiki? Nope. It's 一羽 ichiwa -- just like birds. Why? Listen as Yumi gives two possible etymologies.   KEY VOCABULARY: 数(かぞ)え方(かた) way of counting 頭(とう) counter for large animals (meaning head) 匹(ひき) counter for most small animals and insects 羽(わ) counter for birds and rabbits (means feathers) 束(たば) bundles 把(わ) counter for bundles 説(せつ)があります there is a theory 生類(しょうるい)憐(あわ)れみ mercy on living things 食糧事情(しょくりょうじじょう) foo...2022-06-1304 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 89 ゴジラの数え方 How to Count Godzilla| Japanese Immersion podcastIn the original Godzilla movie from 1954, the professor uses the counter 一匹 to count Godzilla. But isn't 匹 used with small animals? Shouldn't Godzilla be counted as 一頭? This was a bit of a puzzle for Yumi too, so she researched the subject. Listen as Yumi explains what she discovered.   KEY VOCABULARY: ゴジラ Godzilla [mix of ゴリラ (gorilla) and クジラ (whale)] 白黒(しろくろ) Black and white [in Japanese, "white and black"] 科学的(かがくてき)な説明(せつめい) scientific explanation 古臭(ふるくさ)い stale; old-fashioned; hackneyed; trite 普遍性(ふへんせい) universality; omnipresence 興味深(きょうみぶか)い very interesting; of great interest 昆虫(こんちゅう) insects; bugs 研究者(けんきゅうしゃ) researchers 脚本(きゃくほん) script 数(かぞ)え方(かた) way of counting For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comp...2022-06-0604 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 88 自殺について About Suicide| Japanese Immersion podcastJapan has many wonderful things. The latest technology, tons of entertainment, low crime… but Japan also has one of the highest rates of suicide. Why is this so? Yumi talks about this difficult subject and gives a few of her thoughts about how to help prevent it.   KEY VOCABULARY: 自殺率(じさつりつ) suicide rate 私自身(わたしじしん)は I, myself; as for me, I… 有名(ゆうめい)な芸能人(げいのうじん) famous entertainer 他(ほか)の国(くに)の人(ひと) a person from another country 真面目(まじめ) serious; honest; sober; earnest 働(はたら)き者(もの) hard worker ブラック企業(きぎょう) business that exploits its employees 残業(ざんぎょう) overtime work 従業員(じゅうぎょういん) employee; worker 上司(じょうし) boss; superior 精神科(せいしんか) psychiatry 助言(じょげん) advice   For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podca...2022-05-3005 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 87 ママは心配 Mother is Worried | Japanese Immersion podcastYumi was very careful to always keep a sharp eye out on her children when they were young. In the shortest of moments, the unthinkable can happen. Japan is a very safe country most of the time, but children are left unsupervised moreso than in other countries. Yumi wonders is it's time to rethink that.   KEY VOCABULARY: 行方不明(ゆくえふめい) missing (person); lost; whereabouts unknown 一致(いっち)する to match; to agree; to conform キャンプ場(じょう) camp site ほんのちょっと only a little; just a little 警察(けいさつ) police 諦(あきら)めずに never give up; not giving up 残念(ざんねん)な悲(かな)しいニュース unfortunate and sad news 誘拐(ゆうかい)される to be kidnapped ...2022-05-2305 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 86 オペラ座の怪人 The Phantom of the Opera | Japanese Immersion podcastDid you know Yumi once fell asleep during a production of Cats. You may be thinking, that's because it was in English! Nope. It was a performance in Nagoya in Japanese. She then concluded stories with lines sung rather than spoken make her sleepy and aren't worth the money. But then she saw The Phantom of the Opera. Listen as Yumi explains a similarity that musical shares with modern anime.   KEY VOCABULARY: オペラ座(ざ) opera house 怪人(かいじん) phantom; mysterious person 映画版(えいがばん) movie version; film version 舞台美術(ぶたいびじゅつ) stage design; scenic design 俳優(はいゆう)さん  actor 舞台(ぶたい) state (theater); scene...2022-05-1604 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 85 一日一万歩 Walking 10,000 Steps a Day | Japanese Immersion podcastWalk 10,000 steps a day! Have you heard that slogan? Today, Yumi talks about how many steps the latest research suggests you should walk and what one should do with conflicting health suggestions.   KEY VOCABULARY: 体(からだ)に良(よ)い good for the body 若(わか)い頃(ころ) youth; when (I) was young ラジオ局(きょく)に勤(つと)めていた Worked at a radio station 田舎町(いなかまち)  country town 階段(かいだん) stairs 健康効果(けんこうこうか)がある have health benefits; effective for health 万歩計(まんぽけい) pedometer 最新(さいしん)の研究(けんきゅう) latest research イエス様(さま) Jesus 何事(なにごと)も all things; everything; anything 食(た)べ過(す)ぎず飲(の)み過(す)ぎず don't eat too much; don't drink too much ほどほどに in moderation 本末転倒(ほんまつてんとう) failing to properly evaluate the (relative) importance (of); putting the cart before the horse; getting one's priorities backwards For upper beginners to interme...2022-05-0905 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 84 人生１００年その２ Living to a Hundred Part 2 | Japanese Immersion podcastLiving to 100 is becoming more common in Japan. In the 1960s, only a few hundred people were over a hundred. Today, that number is around 80,000. Yumi continues with a few of her thoughts about how she plans to live longer.   KEY VOCABULARY: 保険(ほけん) insurance 漠然(ばくぜん) vague; obscure; hazy 長生(ながい)き long life 金(かね)を貯(た)めてください please save up money 最高齢(さいこうれい) oldest (person); oldest age 認定(にんてい)されています is recognized; is certified 老人福祉法(ろうじんふくしほう) Welfare Law for the Elderly その頃(ころ) at that time 和食(わしょく) Japanese food; Japanese diet 子育(こそだ)て raising children 紫外線(しがいせん)  ultraviolet rays 摂(と)っています taking (vitamins; protein; etc.) For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then...2022-05-0205 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 83 人生１００年その１ Living to a Hundred Part 1 | Japanese Immersion podcastGetting in shape and staying healthy isn't just to feel better now, it also increases the change one can live longer. Japanese have the longest life expectancies on earth. Today, Yumi shares a few of her thoughts about how she plans to live longer.   KEY VOCABULARY: 水筒(すいとう) canteen; water bottle; thermos グビグビ in loud gulps (drinking) 水分(すいぶん)をとる to take (drink) liquids  意識(いしき)し始(はじ)める to begin to be aware of; becoming aware of; to be conscious of 平均寿命(へいきんじゅみょう) life expectancy 排泄(はいせつ) excretion (poop or pee) 手(て)を借(か)りる to get someone's help; to ask for help 生活習慣病(せいかつしゅうかんびょう) lifestyle disease; disease caused by lifestyle choices 老化(ろうか)する...2022-04-2504 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 82 黄砂 Yellow Asian Dust | Japanese Immersion podcastDo you have allergies? Yumi lives in Florida and while she doesn't have bad allergies, the pollen season is bad. In Japan, however, people with allergies don't just have pollen to worry about but yellow dust from Mongolia called 黄砂【こうさ】 also.   KEY VOCABULARY: 花粉(かふん) pollen 花粉症(かふんしょう) hay fever; allergy to pollen の季節(きせつ) the season of… アレルギーがある to have allergies 幸(さいわ)いなことに thankfully; a good thing is 砂埃(すなぼこり) a cloud of dust or sand 積(つ)もる to build up; to accumulate 日本海側(にほんかいがわ) Western Japan on the side of the Sea of Japan 偏西風(へんせいふう) prevailing westerlies; prevailing winds blowing from west to east モンゴルの砂漠(さばく) Mongolia deserts ...2022-04-1803 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 81 桜の季節 Cherry Blossom Season | Japanese Immersion podcastSpring has sprung, and Japan is filled with pink-hued flowers floating in the air. Yumi shares a few of her sakura-related thoughts and memories. KEY VOCABULARY: 桜(さくら) cherry blossoms 花見(はなみ) flower viewing; meeting others under cherry trees to enjoy talking and drinking while watching the blossoms. 満開(まんかい) full bloom 地元(じもと) hometown; local area 名所(めいしょ) famous places 川(かわ)のほとり river edge 川(かわ)の堤防(ていぼう) river bank; river embankment 並木道(なみきみち) tree-lined street 毛虫(けむし) catepillar ソメイヨシノ Yoshino cherry; the most common type of cherry tree in Japan 早(はや)い者勝(ものが)ち first come, first served; the early bird catches the worm 本格的(ほんかくてき) seriously; for real; authentic; full-scale   For upper beginners to intermediat...2022-04-1105 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 80 似ている Resembling | Japanese Immersion podcastSo-and-so looks just like that celebrity! Oh, I don't think so. Recently two people told Yumi her son resembles someone famous. Yumi looked at the celebrities online and… didn't see the resemblance. How is it some people see a resemblance when others don't? Today, Yumi talks about this phenomenon.   KEY VOCABULARY: 似(に)ている resembling; looks like まず初(はじ)めは first of all 有名選手(ゆうめいせんしゅ) famous athlete 羽生結弦選手(はにゅうゆづるせんしゅ) the athlete Hanyuu Yuzuru [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yuzuru_Hanyu] 同感(どうかん) agree; same feeling; same opinion 芸能人(げいのうじん) celebrity; entertainer; performer   For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension ques...2022-04-0404 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 79 人前でのスピーチ Speaking in Front of Others | Japanese Immersion podcastDo you do well speaking in front of others? Today, Yumi talks about giving speeches.   KEY VOCABULARY: 成人式(せいじんしき) coming of age ceremony ユダヤ式(しき) Jewish style 儀式(ぎしき) ceremony; rite; ritual 招待(しょうたい) invitation 緊張(きんちょう)のあまり was so nervous that; too nervous 一時中断(いちじちゅうだん) temporary suspension ハプニング happening; unexpected incident; unforeseen event; surprising occurrence 吐(は)き気(け)を乗(の)り越(こ)える to overcome nausea 体験(たいけん) experience 吐(は)き気(け)を催(もよお)す to feel nausea [催(もよお)す can mean "to hold (an event or party)" or "to feel (sensation; emotion; sickness; etc.)"] 演説(えんぜつ) speech   For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here:2022-03-2804 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 78 決まり文句 Set Phrases | Japanese Immersion podcast決まり文句 kimari monku are cliched phrases used in certain situations. Today, Yumi talks about a few useful kimari monku and the situations you should use them in. Using kimari monku in the right way will make your conversational Japanese much smoother.   KEY VOCABULARY: 決(き)まり文句(もんく) set cliché phrases 挨拶(あいさつ) greetings ある場面(ばめん) a certain scene/situation 本来(ほんらい) origin 関係(かんけい)なく unrelated 日本語独特(にほんごどくとく) unique to Japanese どうかしてる somethings wrong (with someone or something); not right (in the head); not oneself; nuts 洗濯機(せんたっき) washing machine 文法的(ぶんぽうてき) grammatically 何(なん)とかする I'll figure out something. なんとかなる Something will come up. どうでもいい Anything is fine. なんでもない It's nothing.   For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen...2022-03-2104 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 77 名前 Names | Japanese Immersion podcastDid you know Makoto+ also has online courses? We just added one on Japanese names and it is free for Shogun or lifetime members. https://makotoplus.com/ Today, Yumi talks a little about Japanese names. To her, it is natural that 渡部 is "Watanabe" but Japanese names aren't quite as easy for the learner of Japanese. Understanding Japanese names is critical for improving understanding of movies, novels, and conversational Japanese   KEY VOCABULARY: 名前(なまえ)の読(よ)み方(かた) how to pronounce a name 苗字(みょうじ) family name; last name 変(か)わった名字(みょうじ) a strange name; an unusual name 珍(めずら)しい unusual ラジオ局(きょく) radio station...2022-03-1405 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 76 スラング Slang | Japanese Immersion podcastYumi posts daily vocabulary images on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/thejapanshop/). For the past month or so, the lessons have been on Japanese slang. Slang can be fun but also a little dangerous if used in improper contexts. Listen as Yumi talks about slang and her time as a radio DJ.   KEY VOCABULARY: 一時的(いちじてき) temporary 仲間同士(なかまどうし) among friends; peers [the 同士 means "fellow" or "mutual" and shows the members of that group are similar in some way.] 犯罪者(はんざいしゃ) criminal 業界用語(ぎょうかいようご) industry terminology; professional jargon ラジオ局(きょく) radio station 完(かん)パケ complete package; recording of a program from start to finish ギャラ fee paid to performing artists 番宣(ばん...2022-03-0704 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 75 濡れ衣を着せる【ぬれぎぬをきせる】 Framing Someone | Japanese Immersion podcastYumi's cat and her childish embarrassment (this story is from when she was a first grade elementary student) gets her into some trouble at school. Do you know what 濡(ぬ)れ衣(ぎぬ)を着(き)せる means? Listen to today's podcast and find out.   KEY VOCABULARY: 思(おも)い出(で) memories; recollections; reminiscences 真(ま)っ赤(か) bright red 教室(きょうしつ) classroom 〇〇君(くん) boy called X [the 〇〇 is read "maru maru" and indicates a certain but unnamed name] 恥(は)ずかしかった was embarrassed; was shy 察(さっ)してくれた (the teacher) sensed and sympathized with (Yumi's embarrassement) [察(さっ)する (to sympathize with; to guess; to sense; to presume; to judge] 濡(ぬ)れ衣(ぎぬ)を着(き)せる falsely accuse someone of a crime; pin a crime on someone; frame [literally, to put wet clo...2022-02-2803 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 74 コロちゃん Koro | Japanese Immersion podcastContinuing with the animal-theme from recent episodes, Yumi tells us about her first cat. The cat was plump and so received the name "Koro" (roly-poly). But… there was a reason for the cat's plumpness. Little Yumi was surprised when strange-looking mice-like creatures began coming out of her cat.   KEY VOCABULARY: 子(こ)どもの頃(ころ) childhood 思(おも)い出(で) memory 三毛猫(みけねこ) calico cat 名付(なづ)けた named (the cat) すりすり snuggling; cuddling かわいがりました to be affectionate; to pet (a pet); to cherish 押(お)し入(い)れ closet ねずみ色(いろ) gray [mouse colored] お察(さっ)しの通(とお)り as you can guess; as you may have figured out 感心(かんしん)して took to heart; admire; be impressed; astonishment 本能(ほんのう) instincts 2022-02-2104 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 73 犬の思い出 Memories of Dogs | Japanese Immersion podcastToday, Yumi tells us more about her experiences with dogs and cats and why she originally didn't like dogs (before getting two of them)!   KEY VOCABULARY: 思(おも)い出(で) memories; recollections; reminiscences 犬派(いぬは) dog person [派 (clique; group; faction; party; camp)] 猫派(ねこは) cat person 反応(はんのう)が良(よ)い responsive; good reaction しつけ discipline; training おすわり sit (dog command in Japanese) お手(て) shake paw (dog command) おかわり shake the other paw (dog command) [this is a command to have a dog place its second paw in one's hand; literally, "another helping" or "refill"] 警察犬(けいさつけん) police dog 番犬(ばんけん) watch dog 牧羊犬(ぼくようけん) sheepdog ...2022-02-1404 minにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumiにほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with YumiNihongo no Tane 72 猫派？犬派？ Are you a cat person or a dog person? | Japanese Immersion podcastAre you Team Cat or Team Dog?   KEY VOCABULARY: 飼(か)っていますto have (a pet); to own (a pet) 里親(さとおや) foster parent; caretaker (pets) 動物病院(どうぶつびょういん) animal hospital 避妊手術(ひにんしゅじゅつ) sterilization (operation) 猫派(ねこは) cat person; cat lover [派 (faction; party; camp; group; sect)] 犬派(いぬは)  dog person; dog lover 表(おもて) front (side); public face 裏(うら) back (side); hidden side ツンデレ hot-cold personality type 甘(あま)やかす to pamper; to indulge (someone)   For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.c...2022-02-0703 min