Japanese pronunciation might look simple at first, but for English speakers, vowels can be surprisingly tricky. The good news is: Japanese vowels follow very clear rules. Once you learn them, your Japanese will sound much more natural.
expression
If you're learning Japanese, you’ve probably heard that “わたし (watashi)” means “I.” But wait — have you also heard ぼく (boku), おれ (ore), あたし (atashi), うち (uchi), 自分 (jibun)? Yes, they all mean “I”, but each has its own unique tone, image, and context. Your gender, age, region, and relationship with the listener can all affect which one sounds natural. Let’s explore six commonly used Japanese first-person pronouns with examples and context, and also introduce a few fun, old-school expressions you might hear in anime or novels.
expression
If you've ever talked with native Japanese speakers, you've probably heard the word “mendokusai”. It doesn’t usually appear in textbooks, but it’s a word Japanese people use all the time in everyday life. So what does it mean, and how can you use it naturally? In this article, we’ll break it down with real examples and helpful tips!
expression
