The Japan TimesJan 15
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
The Japan TimesDec 28
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
Japan’s milestone birthdays: Why 60, 77, 80, 88 and 99 matter so much

A look at Japan’s milestone birthdays, the traditions behind them and how the grammar pattern “ni totte” expresses their personal meaning.

The Japan Times
The Japan TimesNov 26
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
As bathroom behavior changes, these Japanese expressions can help explain why

A subtle shift seems to be happening in the bathrooms of the nation. Learn how to describe it using structures that indicate tendencies.

The Japan Times
The Japan TimesNov 18
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
The Japan TimesSep 17, 2025
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
How Japanese captures the subtle shift into autumn

From the equinox to cooler mornings, Japanese grammar and expressions reflect how the season gradually deepens into autumn.

The Japan Times
The Japan TimesAug 21, 2025
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
Expressing annoyance with work group chats in Japanese

Some employees value the convenience; others feel trapped by after-hours texts and social expectations embedded in office messaging culture.

The Japan Times
The Japan TimesJul 11, 2025
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
An emoji used to say it all. Now it might say too much.

With World Emoji Day approaching, it's a good opportunity to recognize how important these digital pictures have become.

The Japan Times
Robin HübnerJul 7, 2025

Just took the JLPT N3 this Sunday morning at SOAS in London

somehow found myself in an unusually social crowd of strangers before the test registration, ... which also made me remember part of why i ever started this in the first place

#JLPT #jlptn3

The Japan TimesJul 5, 2025
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
What’s the first thing you think of when you think of a Japanese summer?

Fireworks and festivals are part of the traditional Japanese summer, but what do people associate with the season these days?

The Japan Times
The Japan TimesJun 12, 2025
Rain, rain, go away? That’s not likely during Japan’s rainy season. Learn how the language of the season goes beyond weather forecasts and into disasters. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2025/06/12/language/rainy-season-japanese-downpour/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #life #language #nihongo #vocabulary #grammar #jlptn2 #jlptn3 #rainyseason
In the forecast for June — a lot of talk about the weather

From 'tsuyu' to 'amayadori,' the current season has no shortage of vocabulary for downpours, floods and wet weather.

The Japan Times