From fortune tellers to weather forecasts and prediction markets, people are constantly trying to predict the future. This week's Bilingual explores the Japanese grammar of possibility, probability and certainty. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2026/06/18/language/japanese-grammar-prediction-fortune/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #life #language #nihongo #vocabulary #grammar #jlptn1 #jlptn3 #jlptn4
Predicting the future, one Japanese grammar point at a time

From fortune tellers to weather forecasts and prediction markets, learn how Japanese expresses uncertainty.

The Japan Times
"Ganbare!" It's one of the most common phrases you'll hear during the World Cup. But is it always the best way to encourage someone? This week's Bilingual looks at the Japanese language of support, resilience and perseverance. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2026/06/11/language/japanese-world-cup-soccer/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #life #language #nihongo #vocabulary #soccer #jlptn5 #jlptn4
The fighting words fueling support for Japan’s World Cup team

Learn how Japanese expresses support, perseverance and encouragement through World Cup vocabulary and everyday phrases.

The Japan Times
New bike rules have rolled out across Japan, but confusion on the road is also creating an opening for scammers. This week's Bilingual looks at what's changed, what to look out for and how Japanese expresses "have to." https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2026/04/24/language/bicycle-laws-japanese-language/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #life #language #nihongo #vocabulary #grammar #jlptn4 #jlptn3 #cycling
The language around Japan’s new bike rules leaves no room for ‘maybe’

Blue tickets are now being issued for minor traffic offenses, but you have to watch you don't get scammed.

The Japan Times

Finally got my certificate for passing the Japanese Language Proficiency Test for the N4 level in December. Now I passed N5 and N4 with a year between them but N3 will not be that easy, or that fast.

#JLPT #JLPTN4 #learningjapanese #japanese

Valentine’s Day in Japan is shifting from obligation to indulgence, as people embrace life’s small luxuries for themselves. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2026/02/13/language/valentines-japan-self-love-luxury/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #life #language #nihongo #vocabulary #grammar #jlptn4
In Japan, Valentine’s Day has become a personal luxury

Valentine’s Day in Japan is shifting from obligation to indulgence, as people embrace life’s small luxuries for themselves.

The Japan Times
Today is #JLPT result day, I passed #JLPTN4 with much better results that I expected. My #japanese is continuously getting better.
Have you broken your New Year’s resolution already? Learn some Japanese grammatical terms that help you frame things in a more forgiving way. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2026/01/15/language/japanese-resolutions-goals-language/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #life #language #newyear039sresolutions #oshogatsu #nihongo #grammar #vocabulary #jlptn3 #jlptn2 #jlptn4
Just because you broke your resolution doesn’t mean you failed

Breaking a New Year’s resolution doesn’t equal failure. Japanese grammar offers a gentler way to rethink goals and progress.

The Japan Times
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
A dictionary revision illustrates how Japanese keeps on evolving

The newly revised Dictionary of Basic Japanese Grammar updates example sentences and grammar notes to reflect language shifts since 1989.

The Japan Times
We’re halfway through October, which means the hunt will soon be on for fall foliage. Learn how to ask about the when, where and why in Japanese while exploring the country’s most picturesque photo spots. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2025/10/16/language/autumn-leaves-japanese-trees/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #life #language #nihongo #vocabulary #grammar #jlptn5 #jlptn4
The what, where and when of Japan’s autumn leaves

Autumn in Japan is a lesson in color and language — learn how to ask the right questions when it comes to hunting fall foliage.

The Japan Times
From straight to curly: Getting your hair done in Japanese

From perms to straightening, navigating a Japanese salon isn’t difficult when you know the right words.

The Japan Times