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

"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

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

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

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

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

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

Thinking about a haircut in Japan? From straight to curly, here’s your guide to salon lingo, styles and expectations. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2025/10/09/language/japanese-hair-salon-haircut/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #life #language #nihongo #vocabulary #beauty #hairstyles #jlptn5 #jlptn4 #livinginjapan