From turning 60 to reaching 88, Japan marks certain birthdays with their own stories and superstitions. This week we break down the kanji origins behind milestone ages — and how にとって helps express what they mean. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2025/12/28/language/zodiac-ages-japan-birthdays/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #life #language #nihongo #vocabulary #grammar #jlptn3 #yearofthehorse
Aside from the potty talk, a survey on bathroom habits can help us learn how to describe emerging trends in Japanese. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2025/11/26/language/bathroom-habits-japan-men/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #life #language #nihongo #vocabulary #grammar #jlptn3 #jlptn2 #jlptn1
After 36 years, one of Japan’s essential grammar guides is getting an update — including modern usage, example sentences and a rethink of "da/desu." https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2025/11/19/language/japanese-dictionary-updates-grammar/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #life #language #nihongo #vocabulary #grammar #jlptn3 #jlptn4
Autumn in Japan isn’t announced — it creeps in. And the language is built to catch every little change. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2025/09/18/language/japanese-grammar-tekuru-teiku/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #life #language #nihongo #vocabulary #grammar #jlptn3
Group work chats can be helpful when it comes to small things, but at what point do Japanese workers think they step over the line? https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2025/08/22/language/japan-work-harassment-line/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #life #language #nihongo #vocabulary #grammar #jlptn2 #jlptn3 #jlptn4
July 17 is World Emoji Day! But is it only going to be Gen Xers and Millennials that celebrate it? https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2025/07/11/language/emoji-japanese-gen-z-texts/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #life #language #nihongo #emoji #vocabulary #jlptn3 #jlptn1 #grammar
What’s the first word that comes to mind when you think of a Japanese summer? A new poll reveals whether those in their 20s and those older than 40 think of the same thing. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2025/07/05/language/japanese-summer-words-fireworks/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #life #language #nihongo #vocabulary #heat #summer #heatstroke #jlptn3