Japanese Help Thread

Homework giving you a headache? Math gives you a migraine? Can't quite figure out how to do something in photoshop? Never fear, the other members of CAA share their expertise in this forum.

Japanese Help Thread

Postby Stella » Mon Sep 27, 2010 10:07 am

はじめまして.
['hajimemashite' This is a greeting like 'Nice to meet you']

This is a Japanese Help Thread, for anyone learning Japanese or with interest in the language and culture.

Here we can discuss topics like:
- translations
- grammar
- culture
- job opportunities
- missions work with Japanese and Japanese culture

Feel free to post any questions or comments in this thread, or directly PM me.

I grew up in Japan, am bilingual, and have a BA, undergraduate degree in Japanese Studies.
Over the past 7 years I have worked as a translator, as well as taught Japanese at the college level and private lesson, and have taught English as a Second Language to Japanese natives.

どうぞよろしく
['Douzo yoroshiku' Ending greeting when first meeting someone. Means = I look forward to our friendship]

I hope this thread is helpful for you,
Stella
User avatar
Stella
 
Posts: 22
Joined: Thu Sep 09, 2010 7:01 am
Location: Pennsylvania

Postby AnimeGirl » Mon Sep 27, 2010 12:21 pm

Thanks for starting a thread like this! I really need it since I'm learning all by myself XD!!

Let's see....questions....

How do you say "Happy Sabbath" if you know? I was told it was "Ansokubi Omedetou" I think, but I like to be certain before I use it and look like an idiot XD.
"For what use is there in praying if you will only hear what you want to hear." - As I Lay Dying *The Sound Of Truth*

Let's make an AMV together!

Kokoro no Uta The thoughts of an aspiring mangaka (yeah...this is my blog >.>)

Ooh look! I have fanfiction! YAY!!!!!!!
http://www.fanfiction.net/~sevencandlesticks
If you like Tsubasa and Cardcaptors, then you might like what I've written (if I didn't slaughter the series... XD)

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds - Pslam 147:3
User avatar
AnimeGirl
 
Posts: 1053
Joined: Wed Nov 11, 2009 5:51 pm
Location: California

Postby Lynna » Mon Sep 27, 2010 12:35 pm

Huzzah!!! Arigatougozaimasu!
Ummm...I'm having trouble memorizing vocabulary...there's just so much....
especially dates....today is ni sen juu nen, Ku gatsu, ni juu shichi nichi, getsuyoubi right?
I Believe in the Sun/Even when It's not shining/I belive in Love/Even When I Don't Feel it/And I Believe in God/Even when He is silent/And I, I Believe ---BarlowGirl
@)}~`,~ Carry This Rose In Your Sig, As Thanks To All The CAA Moderators
DeviantArttumblrBeneath The Tangles
Avatar (lovingly) taken from The Silver Eye webcomic
User avatar
Lynna
 
Posts: 1374
Joined: Tue Dec 22, 2009 9:38 am
Location: The Other End of Nowhere...

Postby Mr. Rogers » Mon Sep 27, 2010 3:28 pm

http://blog.jimrogers.me/tag/japanese

If anyone would like some great resources for learning Japanese, I have been writing a series on the topic. There are three articles so far with more to come.
User avatar
Mr. Rogers
 
Posts: 1512
Joined: Sat Sep 06, 2003 10:23 pm
Location: Chicago, IL

Postby Hiryu » Mon Sep 27, 2010 5:36 pm

Flash cards help with learning vocab or kana.
User avatar
Hiryu
 
Posts: 457
Joined: Fri Sep 03, 2010 8:09 pm
Location: Pansey,AL

Postby Yuki-Anne » Mon Sep 27, 2010 5:36 pm

Stella -
I currently live in Japan. I really can't think of anything to say except, thank you so much. I can't think of any questions right now, but rest assured, I'll be asking.

Also, one website that's been very helpful to me is smart.fm. It's by Japanese speakers for English speakers learning Japanese, and it was instrumental in helping my hiragana proficiency. It's completely free, and it's one of the only programs I've found that teaches reading as well as vocabulary.

That being said, Stella, I do think I'll have some grammar questions for you at some point in the future.
Image
New and improved Yuki-Anne: now with blog: http://anneinjapan.blog.com
User avatar
Yuki-Anne
 
Posts: 1637
Joined: Thu Aug 10, 2006 10:33 am
Location: Japan

Postby Stella » Mon Sep 27, 2010 7:04 pm

Wow everyone! I am so excited to see postings here already - and look forward to responding tomorrow morning!

It's been a LLLoooooNNNg day in my world, so 'oyasuminasai' for now!
[good night]
User avatar
Stella
 
Posts: 22
Joined: Thu Sep 09, 2010 7:01 am
Location: Pennsylvania

Postby Stella » Tue Sep 28, 2010 10:24 am

Here's a few notes for now:

1) Sabbath greeting
AnimeGirl, I am confirming your phrase with a colleague and will post as soon as I hear back from her

2) Memorizing vocab, kanji, etc
Getting a memorizing system for yourself is one of the KEYS to language learning.
Especially with Japanese.

As Hiryu mentioned, Flashcards are a great way.
- Physical flash cards
- Computerized flash cards (there are several sites)

One of my favorites, is studying with a friend or a small group.
Quizzing each other, keeps you on your toes.

There is also a Japanese 'Slap Card' card game.

One 'deck' of flash cards are placed on the floor. Everyone sits in a circle.

One person is the 'Caller'.
The card is called out, and whoever slaps it first gets it.
The one with the most cards 'Wins'.

Stay tuned for more posts ^u^
User avatar
Stella
 
Posts: 22
Joined: Thu Sep 09, 2010 7:01 am
Location: Pennsylvania

Postby Hiryu » Tue Sep 28, 2010 7:52 pm

Is the card game like "Slap Jack", where you have to get a certain card, or does it not matter at all?
User avatar
Hiryu
 
Posts: 457
Joined: Fri Sep 03, 2010 8:09 pm
Location: Pansey,AL

Postby Stella » Wed Sep 29, 2010 5:42 pm

It is a 'slap' game because you SLAP the card that is called.
You are not matching cards together with other cards.

For example, let's use the Japanese alphabet.

Each card has a letter in Japanese written: A, I , U, E, O, KA, etc

The Japanese-side is face up.
The English-side is face down.

When the caller says "KA", then the first person who sees and slaps the KA card, wins that card.
User avatar
Stella
 
Posts: 22
Joined: Thu Sep 09, 2010 7:01 am
Location: Pennsylvania

Postby Hiryu » Thu Sep 30, 2010 8:04 pm

Ah, I see.

I was wondering if anyone had any stories on any culture shock they experienced. Did you learn about Japanese culture before you went or not?
User avatar
Hiryu
 
Posts: 457
Joined: Fri Sep 03, 2010 8:09 pm
Location: Pansey,AL

Postby Lilac#18 » Sat Oct 02, 2010 12:47 pm

[color="Plum"]How'd you say/write "Serene" or "Serenity?"[/color]
FKA Selenite
B careful of bad habits u form when ur single. In most cases u'll carry them over into ur marriage! - Damita Haddon

"Apparently, it takes more than just the sword." - Mirai (Future) Trunks

24When you lie down, you shall not be afraid; yes, you shall lie down, and your sleep shall be sweet. Proverbs 3:24 AMP

@)}~`,~ Carry This Rose In Your Sig, As Thanks, To All The CAA Moderators.

Image
User avatar
Lilac#18
 
Posts: 2349
Joined: Mon Feb 04, 2008 11:06 pm
Location: USA

Postby Stella » Sun Oct 03, 2010 5:22 pm

Culture Shock
----------------
Did everyone experience culture shock only in Japan?
How about when you returned home?

Yes, differences in culture can be quite shocking.
But often times, getting 're-acclimated' to life back home can be just as jarring.

What do you all think?
User avatar
Stella
 
Posts: 22
Joined: Thu Sep 09, 2010 7:01 am
Location: Pennsylvania

Postby Stella » Sun Oct 03, 2010 5:28 pm

Serenity:

静けさ 【しずけさ】[shizukesa] (n) stillness; silence; hush; calm; serenity; (P)
冷静 【れいせい】[reisei] (adj-na,n) calm; composure; coolness; serenity; (P)
平静 【へいせい】[heisei] (adj-na,n) calm; serenity; tranquillity; tranquility; (P)
User avatar
Stella
 
Posts: 22
Joined: Thu Sep 09, 2010 7:01 am
Location: Pennsylvania

Postby Stella » Sun Oct 03, 2010 5:31 pm

Serene:

明鏡止水 【めいきょうしすい】[meikyoushisui] (n) clear and serene (as a polished mirror and still water) 


天空海濶; 天空海闊 【てんくうかいかつ】[tenku ukaikatsu] (n) the open sky and the serene sea; as open as the sky and serene as the sea; magnanimous 


乙に澄ます 【おつにすます】[otsu ni sumasu] (exp,v5s) to affect a serene mood; affect a serious demeanor; to act prudishly; to assume an air of superiority 


真澄の空 【ますみのそら】[masumi no sora] (exp) perfectly clear and serene sky 


春日遅々; 春日遅遅 【しゅんじつちち】[shunjitsu chichi] (n) spring day being long and balmy; serene spring day 


失意泰然 【しついたいぜん】[shitsuitaizen] (adj-t,adv-to) (arch) keeping calm and collected at times of disappoinment; maintaining a serene state of mind in adversity 


澄み切る 【すみきる】[sumikiru] (v5r,vi) to be serene; (P) 


清澄 【せいちょう】[seichou] (adj-na,n) clear; serene; (P)
User avatar
Stella
 
Posts: 22
Joined: Thu Sep 09, 2010 7:01 am
Location: Pennsylvania

Postby Yuki-Anne » Sun Oct 03, 2010 6:10 pm

Stella (post: 1428884) wrote:Culture Shock
----------------
Did everyone experience culture shock only in Japan?
How about when you returned home?

Yes, differences in culture can be quite shocking.
But often times, getting 're-acclimated' to life back home can be just as jarring.

What do you all think?


I'm still kind of working through some of the stages of culture shock. I experienced the initial, "Oh, everything's so cool and different!" and then the, "Where's American food when I need it?" when I visited last year, but when I moved here this year, it became mostly an issue of becoming comfortable with my differentness. As a white person with fair hair, I really stand out in a crowd, especially where I am out in the country. And as a person who isn't particularly skinny, it's been hard for me to not compare myself to all of the super-skinny Japanese women around.

So while becoming comfortable in my own skin was a tricky deal in America, it's been even more of a roller coaster here.



Thanks for the stuff on serenity! It was fascinating to see the kanji. I noticed that first one on "serene," about being calm as cool, still water, incorporated the kanji for "stop" and "water." That's just kind of cool. I love that you posted the kanji, because it helps so much with understanding the thought processes that go into this language.

Do you know of any good resources for learning kanji radicals? I'm learning kanji, and I know a few of the radicals, but my textbooks are for Japanese elementary schoolers, so even if they do explain that stuff, it's hard for me to understand.
Image
New and improved Yuki-Anne: now with blog: http://anneinjapan.blog.com
User avatar
Yuki-Anne
 
Posts: 1637
Joined: Thu Aug 10, 2006 10:33 am
Location: Japan

Postby Kaori » Mon Oct 04, 2010 10:02 am

@Stella: はじめまして!私の名前はかおりと申します。よろしくお願いします。

AnimeGirl wrote: How do you say "Happy Sabbath" if you know? I was told it was "Ansokubi Omedetou" I think, but I like to be certain before I use it and look like an idiot XD.

That does, in fact, translate into “Happy Sabbath.â€
Let others believe in the God who brings men to trial and judges them. I shall cling to the God who resurrects the dead.
-St. Nikolai Velimirovich

MAL
User avatar
Kaori
 
Posts: 1463
Joined: Wed Dec 22, 2004 4:48 pm
Location: 一羽の鳥が弧を描いてゆく

Postby Lynna » Tue Oct 05, 2010 4:34 pm

Yuki-Anne (post: 1428906) wrote:
Do you know of any good resources for learning kanji radicals? I'm learning kanji, and I know a few of the radicals, but my textbooks are for Japanese elementary schoolers, so even if they do explain that stuff, it's hard for me to understand.


I'm not sure how good this site is considered to be from a more knowlegable perspective, but before I thought it was really cool http://www.kanjisite.com/
I Believe in the Sun/Even when It's not shining/I belive in Love/Even When I Don't Feel it/And I Believe in God/Even when He is silent/And I, I Believe ---BarlowGirl
@)}~`,~ Carry This Rose In Your Sig, As Thanks To All The CAA Moderators
DeviantArttumblrBeneath The Tangles
Avatar (lovingly) taken from The Silver Eye webcomic
User avatar
Lynna
 
Posts: 1374
Joined: Tue Dec 22, 2009 9:38 am
Location: The Other End of Nowhere...

Postby AnimeGirl » Tue Oct 05, 2010 7:20 pm

[quote="Kaori (post: 1429022)"]@Stella: は]

Yeah, I was aware it wouldn't be known amongst non-Saturday goers XD!!! I should of asked the people at Japanese Church (the one I went to is the same denomination as I am) when I had the chance *sigh* I hope I get to go next time, but thanks for clarifying!!! I've always wanted to say "Happy Sabbath" in Japanese!
"For what use is there in praying if you will only hear what you want to hear." - As I Lay Dying *The Sound Of Truth*

Let's make an AMV together!

Kokoro no Uta The thoughts of an aspiring mangaka (yeah...this is my blog >.>)

Ooh look! I have fanfiction! YAY!!!!!!!
http://www.fanfiction.net/~sevencandlesticks
If you like Tsubasa and Cardcaptors, then you might like what I've written (if I didn't slaughter the series... XD)

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds - Pslam 147:3
User avatar
AnimeGirl
 
Posts: 1053
Joined: Wed Nov 11, 2009 5:51 pm
Location: California

Postby Stella » Tue Oct 05, 2010 7:56 pm

Sorry I wasn't able to help with the 'Happy Sabbath' - I never got confirmation from my friend :(
User avatar
Stella
 
Posts: 22
Joined: Thu Sep 09, 2010 7:01 am
Location: Pennsylvania

Postby Stella » Tue Oct 05, 2010 7:57 pm

About the Kanji Question:
Are you looking for reading or writing radicals?

My absolute favorite kanji website is Jim Breen's JDIC.
http://www.csse.monash.edu.au/~jwb/cgi-bin/wwwjdic.cgi?1C

Having a website compilation version of ALL kanji dictionaries, makes life SO much easier.

It does take a little time to get use to the site.
So make sure to play around with it, and see how it works.

It is a MUST for any translator.

You can also google 'kanji stroke order' and find great sites to help with Stroke Order
http://www.yamasa.org/ocjs/kanjijiten/english/index.html
is an example
User avatar
Stella
 
Posts: 22
Joined: Thu Sep 09, 2010 7:01 am
Location: Pennsylvania

Postby Stella » Tue Oct 05, 2010 7:59 pm

About.com as Kaori mentioned, is also helpful for kanji/radicals
User avatar
Stella
 
Posts: 22
Joined: Thu Sep 09, 2010 7:01 am
Location: Pennsylvania

Postby AnimeGirl » Wed Oct 06, 2010 4:37 pm

Stella (post: 1429352) wrote:Sorry I wasn't able to help with the 'Happy Sabbath' - I never got confirmation from my friend :(


It's OK; it's probably a hard term to try and find. For me, at church, this phrase is very common. I keep forgetting it's uncommon for everyone else XD!!! But thank you anyway!

I'll post more questions later!
"For what use is there in praying if you will only hear what you want to hear." - As I Lay Dying *The Sound Of Truth*

Let's make an AMV together!

Kokoro no Uta The thoughts of an aspiring mangaka (yeah...this is my blog >.>)

Ooh look! I have fanfiction! YAY!!!!!!!
http://www.fanfiction.net/~sevencandlesticks
If you like Tsubasa and Cardcaptors, then you might like what I've written (if I didn't slaughter the series... XD)

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds - Pslam 147:3
User avatar
AnimeGirl
 
Posts: 1053
Joined: Wed Nov 11, 2009 5:51 pm
Location: California

Postby ABlipinTime » Fri Oct 08, 2010 5:50 pm

Would you teach us some greetings and common sayings / words used in daily conversation?
Thanks!
- God is always with us, especially when we feel most alone.
http://ablipintime.deviantart.com/
Htom Sirveaux (post: 1435089) - "We should all start speaking telepathically."
Midori (post: 1457302) "Sometimes, if I try hard, I can speak in English."
(post: 1481465) "Overthinking is an art."
Goldenspines - "Fighting the bad guys and rescuing princesses from trolls and all that. "
User avatar
ABlipinTime
 
Posts: 1006
Joined: Sun Aug 22, 2010 1:19 am

Postby Rusty Claymore » Fri Oct 08, 2010 10:26 pm

I was wondering if you knew what was the best place to learn about teaching english in Japan, or other such activities such as building projects and such.

@AnimeGirl: はぴ さばす!!aka: hapi sabasu! >_< somehow I don't think that was quite what you were looking for... n.n
Proverbs 31:32 "...when she watches anime, she keeps the room well lit and sits at a safe distance."
User avatar
Rusty Claymore
 
Posts: 1258
Joined: Sun Jan 03, 2010 2:18 pm
Location: Alaska

Postby Hiryu » Sat Oct 09, 2010 7:27 pm

Check out the JET Programme, Rusty.

ABlipinTime (post: 1430041) wrote:Would you teach us some greetings and common sayings / words used in daily conversation?
Thanks!


You mean like "Hello, How are you, Nice weather today,etc"? You can find that almost anywhere on the internet with Google.
User avatar
Hiryu
 
Posts: 457
Joined: Fri Sep 03, 2010 8:09 pm
Location: Pansey,AL

Postby Kaori » Sun Oct 10, 2010 4:12 am

Rusty Claymore (post: 1430122) wrote:I was wondering if you knew what was the best place to learn about teaching english in Japan, or other such activities such as building projects and such.

Like Hiryu said, Jet Program is probably the most common route.

Or, if you are interested in teaching at a private Christian school in Japan rather than working as an ALT at a Japanese school, check out ACSI. There are two accredited Christian schools in Japan and a whole bunch of smaller, unaccredited ones.
Let others believe in the God who brings men to trial and judges them. I shall cling to the God who resurrects the dead.
-St. Nikolai Velimirovich

MAL
User avatar
Kaori
 
Posts: 1463
Joined: Wed Dec 22, 2004 4:48 pm
Location: 一羽の鳥が弧を描いてゆく

Postby Mithrandir » Sun Oct 10, 2010 7:28 am

Stella (post: 1429354) wrote:About the Kanji Question:
Are you looking for reading or writing radicals?

My absolute favorite kanji website is Jim Breen's JDIC.
http://www.csse.monash.edu.au/~jwb/cgi-bin/wwwjdic.cgi?1C

Having a website compilation version of ALL kanji dictionaries, makes life SO much easier.

It does take a little time to get use to the site.
So make sure to play around with it, and see how it works.

It is a MUST for any translator.



In case you're curious, there's an EXCELLENT iPhone app that's based of Jim Breen's JDIC out there. I use it all the time and it's absolutely spectacular!
User avatar
Mithrandir
 
Posts: 11071
Joined: Fri Jun 27, 2003 12:00 pm
Location: You will be baked. And then there will be cake.

Postby Stella » Wed Oct 20, 2010 6:13 am

I found this advertised on facebook

http://friends.nihongo.fm/public/home.jhtml;jsessionid=9830A34EA6C4FBB37D375925EC1154BA.wfn-web-5

It seems to be a 'free' location to meet up with people from different countries/languages to discuss travel or perhaps practice speaking?

Anyone know anything about it?
User avatar
Stella
 
Posts: 22
Joined: Thu Sep 09, 2010 7:01 am
Location: Pennsylvania

Postby Lilac#18 » Thu Nov 18, 2010 7:39 pm

[color="Plum"]How do you say/write "I like video games", "I'm bored" and "I want to get married"?[/color]
FKA Selenite
B careful of bad habits u form when ur single. In most cases u'll carry them over into ur marriage! - Damita Haddon

"Apparently, it takes more than just the sword." - Mirai (Future) Trunks

24When you lie down, you shall not be afraid; yes, you shall lie down, and your sleep shall be sweet. Proverbs 3:24 AMP

@)}~`,~ Carry This Rose In Your Sig, As Thanks, To All The CAA Moderators.

Image
User avatar
Lilac#18
 
Posts: 2349
Joined: Mon Feb 04, 2008 11:06 pm
Location: USA

Next

Return to Tutorials

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 81 guests