Japanese Hobby

How and where to buy Japanese bar tools directly from Japan

<div> 
 Weddings are always a blast. Meeting old friends you haven‘t seen for years, good food and drinks. I met a longtime buddy of mine who always had a sweet tooth and a special interest in making cocktails. His twin sister is a chef in a thailandese joint in Oslo and there was always a little rivalry going on between the two of them. They love discussing over ingredients and the perfect way of preparation. Lately he found is own obsession though: The art of making drinks.
I‘ve always been interested in making cocktails and of course never said no to a good drink. But who does, right. After the wedding I wanted to get more serious with making drinks and searched the web form the right cocktail gear. I eventually came across the Japanese brand Yukiwa which stood up from the crowd. High level of quality, good design and craftsmanship. All the qualities you are used to from Japanese brands.
Talking with my buddy confirmed that Yukiwa definitely is delivering top quality items and so I decided to buy my first bar essentials by Yukiwa. Their products are pretty pricey in Europe or the States so I searched the Japanese web for some good places to pick up some bar gear.

I came across <a href="http://www.naranja.co.jp/bar">naranja.co.jp</a> where you can find the whole product line by Yukiwa and all the other sought after Japanese bar tool brands like BIRDY, Mr. Slim and Yamachu. You can usually find the same items a tad cheaper at Yahoo Auctions or Rakuten but the selection is still superior at the specialty shop and browsing is way more easy and comfortable.
Ordering the items from outside of Japan
I already wrote a pretty extensve article about <a href="http://japanesetease.net/ultimate-guide-buying-japan/">ordering items from Japan</a> but I wanted to make a special post solely focused on Bar and Cocktail gear. To make things short: Use <a href="http://www.fromjapan.co.jp/?afid=Z21421">Fromjapan</a> as your proxy to order the items for you. Their rates are the cheapest, their packaging is awesome and they are fast as f… (use my link for sign-up and we’ll both receive a 500¥ present by <a href="http://www.fromjapan.co.jp/?afid=Z21421">fromjapan</a>) 
I used their service countless times over the years and have yet to be disappointed.
Like always, if I discover other worthwhile brands for importing or some better shops I’ll update this post accordingly. But for now Naranja has been my main choice. They offer free domestic shipping for orders above 10.500¥
<h3>Japanese bar tool brands to watch out for</h3>
There is a variety of brands in Japan who make quality bar gear. Glasses are usually imported from Riedel (Austrian brand) or Schott Zwiesel (German brand and the glasses I use in my home).
Yukiwa | ユキワ – <a href="http://www.naranja.co.jp/bar/searches?search_keywords=%E3%83%A6%E3%82%AD%E3%83%AF">Naranja</a>
The most well known brand for Japanese bar gear and home of the Baron shaker (which really is a beauty) . Apart from their Cocktail selection they offer coffee drip pots which are highly regarded in the scene. I’m a little part Italian though and am used to my classic pressure Espresso machine so I have no experience with preparing coffee that way.
Birdy | BIRDY – <a href="http://www.naranja.co.jp/bar/searches?search_keywords=birdy">Naranja</a>
A brand with probably the best back story in cocktail shaker history. Tetsuya Yokoyama was struggling to come up with a new product for his families struggling car part manufacturing business. Struck by fate he decided to try making the worlds best shaker and after meeting the cocktail artisan Erik Lorincz they came pretty close to it. Their <a href="https://www.birdy-erik.com/technology">website</a> explains the whole technological aspect of the shaker in detail. It all boils down to the fact that due to a special inner coating, the ingredients will move even faster and so called “air bubbles” will be added into the mix.
Be that as it may, the whole BIRDY collection looks and feels pretty great and if you’re into the look why not treat yourself to some new special cocktail gear.
Mr. Slim | スリム – <a href="http://www.naranja.co.jp/bar/searches?search_keywords=%E3%82%B9%E3%83%AA%E3%83%A0">Naranja</a>
Probably the best looking and most handy jiggers around. The inside of the openings sports a small line which lets you separate each volume and gives you an additional jigger size. They also have a pretty nice
Yamachu | ヤマチュウ – <a href="http://www.naranja.co.jp/bar/searches?search_keywords=%E3%83%A4%E3%83%9E%E3%83%81%E3%83%A5%E3%82%A6">Naranja</a>
The Japanese ice pick maker and even if you didn’t use one before just looking at these beauties makes you want one.

Here are some pictures of my last order I made at Naranja and was proxied by fromjapan. Japanese packaging is just the best, wish I could receive domestically shipped goods in that condition.
<img alt="yukiwa cocktail baron shaker" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-8469" height="683" src="http://japanesetease.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/DSCF2512-1024x683.jpg" width="1024">
<img alt="" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-8470" height="683" src="http://japanesetease.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/DSCF2513-1024x683.jpg" width="1024">
<img alt="" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-8472" height="683" src="http://japanesetease.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/DSCF2515-1024x683.jpg" width="1024">
<img alt="yukiwa bar spoon " class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-8473" height="683" src="http://japanesetease.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/DSCF2516-1024x683.jpg" width="1024">
<img alt="" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-8474" height="683" src="http://japanesetease.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/DSCF2517-1024x683.jpg" width="1024">
<img alt="" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-8475" height="683" src="http://japanesetease.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/DSCF2518-1024x683.jpg" width="1024">
<img alt="" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-8476" height="683" src="http://japanesetease.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/DSCF2519-1024x683.jpg" width="1024">
<img alt="yukiwa cocktail baron shaker" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-8479" height="683" src="http://japanesetease.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/DSCF2522-1024x683.jpg" width="1024">
<img alt="" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-8478" height="683" src="http://japanesetease.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/DSCF2521-1024x683.jpg" width="1024">
<img alt="" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-8480" height="683" src="http://japanesetease.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/DSCF2523-1024x683.jpg" width="1024">
<img alt="yukiwa strainer" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-8481" height="683" src="http://japanesetease.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/DSCF2524-1024x683.jpg" width="1024">
<img alt="" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-8482" height="683" src="http://japanesetease.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/DSCF2525-1024x683.jpg" width="1024">

And if you haven’t done so already, really check out the Japanese youtube channel <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMNI_wdyMJeWxrbxkiZVoVQ">BAR-TIMES</a> (their website is also pretty amazing). Watching these artisans prepare cocktails just has a hypnotic quality to it. They have their own webstore as well (shipping directly from Japan) but their prices are nowhere near competitive comparing them to ordering directly from Naranja or some seller over at Rakuten/YahooAuctions.
 
 </div>

How and where to buy Japanese bar tools directly from Japan

Weddings are always a blast. Meeting old friends you haven‘t seen for years, good food and drinks. I met a longtime buddy of mine who always had a sweet tooth and a sp…

30 Nov 2017

JK, JC, JS, JD, DK

<div>JK, pronounced jeikei ジェイケイ, show up in the middle of phrases that are otherwise mostly Japanese. What are these two Latin letters doing there? What does JK mean? 
 
<a name="more"></a><h2 id="definition">
JK</h2>
JK means <a></a>joshikousei 女子校生, "school girl." 
 
For someone who's not a Japanese native it can be easy to figure out why JK means joshikousei 女子校生. It's because of the : Joshi (J) Kousei (K), JK. However, note that, in Japanese, you don't use the Latin alphabet, you don't write in romaji, you use <a></a> 
 
To elaborate: there is no way to write J or K in Japanese. The minimum you can write is jo じょ, or even ji じ, and ko こ. With kanji, joshikousei is written as 女子校生. With hiragana, as じょしこうせい. If you recall names of anime that have been abbreviated (Watamote, Oregairu, Oreimo, Konosuba, etc.), you'll notice that there is literally no Japanese abbreviation made only of consonants; they are always made of syllables. 
 
So how come JK is a Japanese word? The answer is simple: internet. To talk on the internet you need a computer. And to type Japanese in a computer you normally use romaji. You type romaji which is converted to hiragana then kanji. So only computer people could have come up with JK. The word is a slang. 
<h3>
Origin of JK</h3>
Originally, JK was word used by people looking to date "school girls," joshi kousei 女子校生, in exchanged of compensation ($$$), a practice labelled enjo kousai 援助交際, and yeah, that's kind of a crime. So maybe that's why they chose such a secret code word (JK) the average Japanese citizen wouldn't be able to understand: to avoid suspicion and the police. 
 
However, such people started using the word JK in public internet forums, where users who weren't after school girls browsed by. Obviously, they saw the word they didn't know what meant and asked: "what the fuck does that mean?" Just like you'd ask if you read ROFLMAO for the first time on the internet. 
 
Because of this, the JK criminal slang began being spread in internet forums as just another slang: it was used in place of joshikousei, "high school girl," but it wasn't necessarily used by people looking for compensated dating or prostitution. Its usage continued to spread across the internet, until it finally broke the ultimate barrier and the term JK began being used in the Real World™. 
 
Suddenly, the code word used by old men looking for underage prostitutes was also being used by official organizations trying to look modern by using slangs and advertising stuff to JK's. Magazines were legitimately published with JK on their titles which, obviously, had nothing with criminal activity. 
 
Since everybody uses the word JK as a slang now, it just means "high school girl," and has little to do with its original criminal usage. 
<h2 id="jc-meaning">
JC</h2>
JC means joshi <a href="http://www.japanesewithanime.com/2017/11/gakusei-meaning.html#chuugakusei-meaning">chuugakusei</a> 女子中学生, "middle school girl" in Japanese.The wordmeans女子中学生, "middle school girl" in Japanese.<h2 id="js-meaning">
JS</h2>
JS means joshi <a href="http://www.japanesewithanime.com/2017/11/gakusei-meaning.html#shougakusei-meaning">shougakusei</a> 女子小学生, "elementary school girl" in Japanese.The wordmeans女子小学生, "elementary school girl" in Japanese.<h2 id="jd-meaning">
JD</h2>
JD means joshi <a href="http://www.japanesewithanime.com/2017/11/gakusei-meaning.html#daigakusei-meaning">daigakusei</a> 女子大学生, "college girl" in Japanese.The wordmeans女子大学生, "college girl" in Japanese.<h2 id="jk-number-meaning">
Numbers: jk1, jc3, js2</h2>
JS, JC, JK, JD. The number represents <a></a>Sometimes, a number if added after. The number represents <a href="http://www.japanesewithanime.com/2017/11/japanese-school-years.html">the school year</a> . For example:<ul>
<li>JK1 
joshi koukou ichinensei 女子高校１年生 
High school first year girl.</li>
<li>JC3 
joshi chuugaku sannensei 女子中学３年生 
Middle school third year girl.</li>
<li>JS2 
joshi shougaku ninensei 女子小学２年生 
Elementary school second year girl.</li>
</ul>

 
<a></a>In a way, this is similar to how <a href="http://www.japanesewithanime.com/2017/11/abbreviated-school-years.html">abbreviated school years</a> work in Japanese.<h2 id="dk-meaning">
DK</h2>

After breaking through the cyber barrier, JK also ended up breaking through the gender barrier.

 
DK means <a></a>The wordmeans <a href="http://www.japanesewithanime.com/2017/11/gakusei-meaning.html#danshikousei-meaning">danshikousei 男子校生</a> , "high school boy" in Japanese.
 

It's such a rare word you can only figure out what it means when it's next to JK, and it's pretty much only used when JK is used too. (JK and DK = high school girls and boys). For most people, DK means Donkey Kong, not "high school boy."

In Japanese, sometimes the letters, pronouncedジェイケイ, show up in the middle of phrases that are otherwise mostly Japanese. What are these two Latin letters doing there? What doesmean?The wordmeans <a href="http://www.japanesewithanime.com/2017/11/gakusei-meaning.html#joshikousei-meaning">joshikousei 女子高生</a> , "high school girl," or, sometimes,女子校生, "school girl."For someone who's not a Japanese native it can be easy to figure out whymeans女子校生. It's because of the(J)(K),. However, note that, in Japanese, you don't use the Latin alphabet, you don't write in, you use <a href="http://www.japanesewithanime.com/2016/08/japanese-alphabet-hiragana-katakana-kanji.html">the Japanese alphabet</a> . So for the average Japanese person the origin of the word would be a lot harder to understand.To elaborate: there is no way to writeorin Japanese. The minimum you can write isじょ, or evenじ, andこ. With kanji,is written as 女子校生. With hiragana, as じょしこうせい. If you recall names of anime that have been abbreviated (, etc.), you'll notice that there is literally no Japanese abbreviation made only of consonants; they are always made of syllables.So how comeis a Japanese word? The answer is simple: internet. To talk on the internet you need a computer. And to type Japanese in a computer you normally use. You typewhich is converted to hiragana then kanji. So only computer people could have come up with. The word is a slang.Originally,was word used by people looking to date "school girls,"女子校生, in exchanged of compensation ($$$), a practice labelled援助交際, and yeah, that's kind of a crime. So maybe that's why they chose such a secret code word () the average Japanese citizen wouldn't be able to understand: to avoid suspicion and the police.However, such people started using the wordin public internet forums, where users who weren't after school girls browsed by. Obviously, they saw the word they didn't know what meant and asked: "what the fuck does that mean?" Just like you'd ask if you read ROFLMAO for the first time on the internet.Because of this, thecriminal slang began being spread in internet forums as just another slang: it was used in place of, "high school girl," but it wasn't necessarily used by people looking for compensated dating or prostitution. Its usage continued to spread across the internet, until it finally broke the ultimate barrier and the termbegan being used in the Real World™.Suddenly, the code word used by old men looking for underage prostitutes was also being used by official organizations trying to look modern by using slangs and advertising stuff to's. Magazines were legitimately published withon their titles which, obviously, had nothing with criminal activity.Since everybody uses the wordas a slang now, it just means "high school girl," and has little to do with its original criminal usage.</div>

JK, JC, JS, JD, DK

JK, pronounced jeikei ジェイケイ, show up in the middle of phrases that are otherwise mostly Japanese. What are these two Latin letters doing there? What does JK mean? JK JK means joshikousei 女子校生, "scho…

30 Nov 2017

Gakusei 学生 + Student Words

<div>sei 生 that mean "student, " be it gakusei, shougakusei, chuugakusei, koukousei, seito, ichinensei, tenkousei, rettousei, danshikousei, joshikousei, and so on. But what's the meaning of these words? And the differences between them? 
 
 
<a name="more"></a><h2 id="student-in-japanese">
How to Say Student in Japanese?</h2>
There are the ways to say "student" in Japanese: 
<ul>
<li>gakusei 学生</li>
<li>seito 生徒</li>
<li>jidou 児童</li>
</ul>
 
Note that, if you look into a dictionary, you might see them translated as "student," "pupil," and "juvenile" respectively. However, when TV and news say "a school student" in Japanese, they might use any of the three words for the "student" part. 
 
There are differences between the words, and I'll explain them below. 
<h2 id="gakusei-vs-seito-vs-jidou">
学生 vs. 生徒 vs. 児童</h2>
Informally, seito and gakusei are basically the same thing. Interchangeable. The word jidou really does mean "juvenile"—it doesn't always mean "student"—so really doesn't make sense to use toward older students. 
 
Formally, on TV and newspapers, the difference between seito and gakusei is that a gakusei is a student enrolled in post-secondary education. That is, a gakusei 学生 is a college or university student, or in a technical course beyond high school. Meanwhile, a seito 生徒 is a middle school or high school student. 
 
Also formally, the difference between seito and jidou is that a jidou is a student enrolled in primary education, not secondary. That is, a jidou 児童 is in elementary school, grade school, or whatever you call it, student. While a seito 生徒 is a middle school or high school student. 
<h2 id="shougakusei-meaning">
Shougakusei 小学生</h2>
A "student," jidou 児童, of a <a></a> 
 
Ages: 6 to 11 (or 7 to 12). 
<h2 id="chuugakusei-meaning">
Chuugakusei 中学生</h2>
A "student," seito 生徒, of a <a></a> 
 
Ages: 12 to 14 (or 13 to 15). 
<h2 id="koukousei-meaning">
Koukousei 高校生</h2>
A "student," seito 生徒, of a <a></a> 
 
Ages: 15 to 17 (or 16 to 18). 
<h3>
kousensei 高専生</h3>
The word kousensei means a gakusei 学生 that attends to a koutou senmon gakkou 高等専門学校, that is, a student of a "technical college," a school that starts as a high school but has a 5 year course instead of 3. Note that, after the first three years, the student isn't considered a koukousei anymore, since he is attending the technical course and not high school curriculum. 
<h2 id="daigakusei-meaning">
Daigakusei 大学生</h2>
A "student," gakusei 学生, of a <a></a> 
 
Ages: 17 to 19 (2 year course), or 21 (4 year course), or 23 (medicine course), or 24 (if started school one year later). 
<h3>
Tandaisei 短大生</h3>
The word tandaisei means a daigakusei that attends to a tanki daigaku 短期大学, that is, a student of a "short-term college," a college with 2-3 year courses instead of 4. 
<h2 id="ichinensei-ninensei-sannensei">
Ichinensei, Ninensei, Sannensei, ...</h2>
The words ichinensei, ninensei, sannensei and so on refer to students of a given <a></a>ichi, ni, san are <a></a>nen 年 is the word for counting <a></a> 
 
For writing, the numbers can be written with kanji (一二三) or Arabic digits (123). Examples: 
 
ichinensei 一年生 (or ichinensei１年生) 
Student in the first year of a shougakkou, or a chuugakkou, or a koukou, or a daigaku. 
 
ninensei 二年生 (or ninensei２年生) 
Student in the second year of a shougakkou, or a chuugakkou, or a koukou, or a daigaku. 
 
sannensei 三年生 (or sannensei３年生) 
Student in the third year of a shougakkou, or a chuugakkou, or a koukou, or a daigaku. 
<h2 id="nensei-list">
List of --nensei 〇年生</h2>
For reference, a full list of nensei 年生 words, together with the ages of students so you can have some idea of what it's supposed to mean if you aren't American. 
 
By the way, <a></a> 
<h3 id="shougakkou-nensei-list">
Shougakkou...nensei</h3>
shougakkou ichinensei 小学校一年生 (or 小学校１年生) 
shougaku ichinensei 小学一年生 (or 小学１年生) 
Elementary school first year. 
Ages 6 to 7. Same as first grade in the USA. 
 
shougakkou ninensei 小学校二年生 (or 小学校２年生) 
shougaku ninensei 小学二年生 (or 小学２年生) 
Elementary school second year. 
Ages 7 to 8. Same as second grade in the USA. 
 
shougakkou sannensei 小学校三年生 (or 小学校３年生) 
shougaku sannensei 小学三年生 (or 小学３年生) 
Elementary school third year. 
Ages 8 to 9. Same as third grade in the USA. 
 
shougakkou yonnensei 小学校四年生 (or 小学校４年生) 
shougaku yonnensei 小学四年生 (or 小学４年生) 
Elementary school fourth year. 
Ages 9 to 10. Same as fourth grade in the USA. 
 
shougakkou gonensei 小学校五年生 (or 小学校５年生) 
shougaku gonensei 小学五年生 (or 小学５年生) 
Elementary school fifth year. 
Ages 10 to 11. Same as fifth grade in the USA. 
 
shougakkou rokunensei 小学校六年生 (or 小学校６年生) 
shougaku rokunensei 小学六年生 (or 小学６年生) 
Elementary school sixth year. 
Ages 11 to 12. Same as sixth grade in the USA. 
<h3 id="chuugakkou-nensei-list">
Chuugakkou...nensei</h3>
chuugakkou ichinensei 中学校一年生 (or 中学校１年生) 
chuugaku ichinensei 中学一年生 (or 中学１年生) 
Middle school first year. 
Ages 12 to 13. Same as seventh grade in the USA; first year of middle school or junior high. 
 
chuugakkou ninensei 中学校二年生 (or 中学校２年生) 
chuugaku ninensei 中学二年生 (or 中学２年生) 
Middle school second year. 
Ages 13 to 14. Same the eighth grade in the USA; second year of middle school or junior high. 
 
chuugakkou sannensei 中学校三年生 (or 中学校３年生) 
chuugaku sannensei 中学三年生 (or 中学３年生) 
Middle school third year. 
Ages 14 to 15. Same as the ninth grade in the USA; high school freshman or first year. 
<h3 id="koukou-nensei-list">
Koukou...nensei</h3>
koukou ichinensei 高校一年生 (or 高校1年生) 
koutou gakkou ichinensei 高等学校一年生 (or 高等学校１年生) 
High school first year. 
Ages 15 to 16. Same as tenth grade in the USA; high school sophomore or second year. 
 
koukou ninensei 高校二年生 (or 高校2年生) 
koutou gakkou ninensei 高等学校二年生 (or 高等学校２年生) 
Middle school second year. 
Ages 16 to 17. Same the eleventh grade in the USA; high school junior or third year.. 
 
koukou sannensei 高校三年生 (or 高校3年生) 
koutou gakkou sannensei 高等学校三年生 (or 高等学校３年生) 
Middle school third year. 
Ages 17 to 18. Same as the twelfth grade in the USA; high school senior or fourth year. 
<h3 id="daigaku-nensei-list">
Daigaku....nensei</h3>
daigaku ichinensei 大学一年生 (大学１年生) 
College first year. University first year. 
Ages 18 and 19. 
 
 daigaku ninensei 大学二年生 (大学２年生) 
College first year. University first year. 
Ages 19 and 20. 
 
daigaku sannensei 大学三年生 (大学３年生) 
College first year. University first year. 
Ages 20 and 21. 
 
daigaku yonnensei 大学四年生 (大学４年生) 
College first year. University first year. 
Ages 21 and 22. 
 
daigaku gonensei 大学五年生 (大学５年生) 
College first year. University first year. 
Ages 22 and 23. 
 
daigaku rokunensei 大学六年生 (大学６年生) 
College first year. University first year. 
Ages 23 and 24. 
<h2 id="joshikousei-meaning">
Joshikousei 女子高生</h2>

The word joshikousei 女子高生 is an abbreviation of joshi koukousei 女子高校生, that is, a "girl," joshi 女子, "high school student," koukousei 高校生. So joshikousei means "high school girl."
 
Since koukou is an abbreviation of koutou gakkou, the word joshi koutou gakkou sei 女子高等学校制 is synonymous with joshikousei. 
 
On the internet, in Japanese forums, the word joshikousei 女子高生 is sometimes written as JK. That's a slang, so might see it in manga. 
 
A joshikousei is not necessarily from an "all-girls high school," <a></a> 
 
To say simply "school girl" in Japanese, say "girl student." Like this: joshi seito 女子生徒 or joshi gakusei 女子学生. 
<h2 id="danshikousei-meaning">
Danshikousei 男子高生</h2>
A danshikousei is the male counterpart of joshikousei. So danshikousei means "high school boy." 
 
Unlike joshikousei, the word danshikousei isn't as common. It also has the synonyms danshi koukousei 男子高校生 and danshi koutou gakkousei 男子高等学校生. In particular, a certain anime has this world in the title: 
<ul>
<li>danshi koukousei no nichijou 男子高校生の日常 
Daily lives of high school boys. (also known as nichibros)</li>
</ul>
 
To say simply "school boy" in Japanese, say "student boy." Like this: danshi seito 男子生徒 or danshi gakusei 男子学生. 
<h2 id="yuutousei-meaning">
Yuutousei 優等生</h2>
A yuutousei 優等生 is a "student," gakusei 学生, who has "academic excellence," yuutou 優等. In other words: yuutousei means "honor student" or simply "excellent student." 
<h2 id="rettousei-meaning">
Rettousei 劣等生</h2>
A rettousei 劣等性 is a "student," gakusei 学生, who has "academic inferiority," rettou 劣等. In other words: rettousei means "student with poor grades" or something like that. 
<h2 id="tenkousei-meaning">
Tenkousei 転校生</h2>
A tenkousei 転校生 is a "student," gakusei 学生 who "has changed schools," tenkou shita 転校した. In other words: tenkousei means "transfer student." 
<h2 id="ryuugakusei-meaning">
Ryuugakusei 留学生</h2>
A ryuugakusei 留学生 is a "student," gakusei 学生, who is "studying abroad (in another country)," ryuugaku suru 留学する. In other words: ryuugakusei means "exchange student."

In anime set in school it's normal to hear a bunch of words containing生 that mean "student, " be it, and so on. But what's the meaning of these words? And the differences between them?There are the ways to say "student" in Japanese:Note that, if you look into a dictionary, you might see them translated as "student," "pupil," and "juvenile" respectively. However, when TV and news say "a school student" in Japanese, they might use any of the three words for the "student" part.There are differences between the words, and I'll explain them below.Informally,andare basically the same thing. Interchangeable. The wordreally does mean "juvenile"—it doesn't always mean "student"—so really doesn't make sense to use toward older studentsFormally, on TV and newspapers, the difference betweenandis that ais a student enrolled in post-secondary education. That is, a学生 is a college or university student, or in a technical course beyond high school. Meanwhile, a生徒 is a middle school or high school student.Also formally, the difference betweenandis that ais a student enrolled in primary education, not secondary. That is, a児童 is in elementary school, grade school, or whatever you call it, student. While a生徒 is a middle school or high school student.A "student,"児童, of a <a href="http://www.japanesewithanime.com/2017/11/japanese-school-years.html#shougakkou-years">shougakkou 小学校</a> . Equivalent to elementary school student in the United States (except for the first grade, which would be kindergarten).Ages: 6 to 11 (or 7 to 12).A "student,"生徒, of a <a href="http://www.japanesewithanime.com/2017/11/japanese-school-years.html#chuugakkou-years">chuugakkou 中学校</a> . Equivalent to middle school or junior high in the United States (except it has three years and would last until the US high school freshman year too).Ages: 12 to 14 (or 13 to 15).A "student,"生徒, of a <a href="http://www.japanesewithanime.com/2017/11/japanese-school-years.html#koukou-years">koukou 高校</a> . Equivalent to high school in the United States (last three years only).Ages: 15 to 17 (or 16 to 18).The wordmeans a学生 that attends to a高等専門学校, that is, a student of a "technical college," a school that starts as a high school but has a 5 year course instead of 3. Note that, after the first three years, the student isn't considered aanymore, since he is attending the technical course and not high school curriculum.A "student,"学生, of a <a href="http://www.japanesewithanime.com/2017/11/japanese-school-years.html#daigaku-years">daigaku 大学</a> . Any student of a post-secondary education. University student, college student, etc.Ages: 17 to 19 (2 year course), or 21 (4 year course), or 23 (medicine course), or 24 (if started school one year later).The wordmeans athat attends to a短期大学, that is, a student of a "short-term college," a college with 2-3 year courses instead of 4.The wordsand so on refer to students of a given <a href="http://www.japanesewithanime.com/2017/11/japanese-school-years.html">school year</a> in a given education level. Theare <a href="http://www.japanesewithanime.com/2016/10/japanese-numbers-ichi-ni-san.html">the numbers in Japanese</a> , and年 is the word for counting <a href="http://www.japanesewithanime.com/2017/03/years-in-japanese.html">years in Japanese</a> For writing, the numbers can be written with kanji (一二三) or Arabic digits (123). Examples:一年生 (or１年生)Student in the first year of a, or a, or a, or a二年生 (or２年生)Student in the second year of a, or a, or a, or a三年生 (or３年生)Student in the third year of a, or a, or a, or aFor reference, a full list of年生 words, together with the ages of students so you can have some idea of what it's supposed to mean if you aren't American.By the way, <a href="http://www.japanesewithanime.com/2017/04/age-years-old-in-japanese.html">how to say years old in Japanese</a> has been covered in another post.小学校一年生 (or 小学校１年生)小学一年生 (or 小学１年生)Elementary school first year.Ages 6 to 7. Same as first grade in the USA.小学校二年生 (or 小学校２年生)小学二年生 (or 小学２年生)Elementary school second year.Ages 7 to 8. Same as second grade in the USA.小学校三年生 (or 小学校３年生)小学三年生 (or 小学３年生)Elementary school third year.Ages 8 to 9. Same as third grade in the USA.小学校四年生 (or 小学校４年生)小学四年生 (or 小学４年生)Elementary school fourth year.Ages 9 to 10. Same as fourth grade in the USA.小学校五年生 (or 小学校５年生)小学五年生 (or 小学５年生)Elementary school fifth year.Ages 10 to 11. Same as fifth grade in the USA.小学校六年生 (or 小学校６年生)小学六年生 (or 小学６年生)Elementary school sixth year.Ages 11 to 12. Same as sixth grade in the USA.中学校一年生 (or 中学校１年生)中学一年生 (or 中学１年生)Middle school first year.Ages 12 to 13. Same as seventh grade in the USA; first year of middle school or junior high.中学校二年生 (or 中学校２年生)中学二年生 (or 中学２年生)Middle school second year.Ages 13 to 14. Same the eighth grade in the USA; second year of middle school or junior high.中学校三年生 (or 中学校３年生)中学三年生 (or 中学３年生)Middle school third year.Ages 14 to 15. Same as the ninth grade in the USA; high school freshman or first year.高校一年生 (or 高校1年生)高等学校一年生 (or 高等学校１年生)High school first year.Ages 15 to 16. Same as tenth grade in the USA; high school sophomore or second year.高校二年生 (or 高校2年生)高等学校二年生 (or 高等学校２年生)Middle school second year.Ages 16 to 17. Same the eleventh grade in the USA; high school junior or third year..高校三年生 (or 高校3年生)高等学校三年生 (or 高等学校３年生)Middle school third year.Ages 17 to 18. Same as the twelfth grade in the USA; high school senior or fourth year.大学一年生 (大学１年生)College first year. University first year.Ages 18 and 19.大学二年生 (大学２年生)College first year. University first year.Ages 19 and 20.大学三年生 (大学３年生)College first year. University first year.Ages 20 and 21.大学四年生 (大学４年生)College first year. University first year.Ages 21 and 22.大学五年生 (大学５年生)College first year. University first year.Ages 22 and 23.大学六年生 (大学６年生)College first year. University first year.Ages 23 and 24.Sinceis an abbreviation of, the word女子高等学校制 is synonymous withOn the internet, in Japanese forums, the word女子高生 is sometimes written as. That's a slang, so might see it in manga.is not necessarily from an "all-girls high school," <a href="http://www.japanesewithanime.com/2017/11/gakkou-shougakkou-chuugakkou-koukou-meaning.html#single-sex-schools">joshikoukou 女子高校</a> . She just needs to be a high school student. She can be from a coed school too.To say simply "school girl" in Japanese, say "girl student." Like this:女子生徒 or女子学生.is the male counterpart of. Someans "high school boy."Unlike, the wordisn't as common. It also has the synonyms男子高校生 and男子高等学校生. In particular, a certain anime has this world in the title:To say simply "school boy" in Japanese, say "student boy." Like this:男子生徒 or男子学生.優等生 is a "student,"学生, who has "academic excellence,"優等. In other words:means "honor student" or simply "excellent student."劣等性 is a "student,"学生, who has "academic inferiority,"劣等. In other words:means "student with poor grades" or something like that.転校生 is a "student,"学生 who "has changed schools,"転校した. In other words:means "transfer student."留学生 is a "student,"学生, who is "studying abroad (in another country),"留学する. In other words:means "exchange student."</div>

Gakusei 学生 + Student Words

sei 生 that mean "student, " be it gakusei, shougakusei, chuugakusei, koukousei, seito, ichinensei, tenkousei, rettousei, danshikousei, joshikousei, and so on. But what's the meaning of these words? An…

30 Nov 2017

Christmas Words List

<div> 
 
 
<a name="more"></a><h2 id="christmas-in-japanese">
Christmas in Japanese</h2>
The word Christmas translated to Japanese is just the very same word written with <a></a><a></a> 
<ul>
<li>kurisumasu クリスマス 
Christmas.</li>
<li>X-masu Xマス 
ekkusu-masu エックスマス 
Xmas.</li>
</ul>
 
<a></a>Just like in America (and probably the rest of the world, too), in Japanese Christmas is celebrated every year 25th of December. Below is <a href="http://www.japanesewithanime.com/2017/03/dates-japanese-date-format.html">how that date is written in Japanese</a> <ul>
<li>jyuu-ni-gatsu ni-jyuu-go-nichi １２月２５日 
<a href="http://www.japanesewithanime.com/2017/03/months-in-japanese.html">Month 12 (December)</a>, day 25.</li>
</ul>

 

The same is true for that day just before Christmas.
<ul>
<li>kurisumasu ibu クリスマス・イヴ 
Christmas Eve.</li>
<li>jyuu-ni-gatsu ni-jyuu-yon-nichi １２月２４日 
jyuu-ni-gatsu ni-jyuu-yokka １２月２４日 
Month 12 (December), day 24.</li>
</ul>

<h3>
Time & Planning</h3>

<ul>
<li>yotei 予定 
Plans.</li>
<li>yotei ga nai 予定がない 
To not have plans (for Christmas).</li>
<li>jikan to basho 時間と場所 
Time and place.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>jiki 時期 
Time. Season. (Christmas)</li>
<li>yuuru ユール 
Yule.</li>
<li>chigai 近い 
Near.</li>
<li>kurisumasu ga chikai クリスマスが近い 
Christmas is near.</li>
<li>kurisumasu ga chikadzuku クリスマスが近づく 
Christmas approaches ("coming near").</li>
<li>kurisumasu ga chikadzuiteiru クリスマスが近づいている 
Christmas is approaching.</li>
<li>kurisumasu ga chikadzuitekita クリスマスが近づいてきた 
Christmas is coming near.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>kurisumasu ga hajimaru クリスマスが始まる 
Christmas begins.</li>
<li>kurisumasu ga owaru クリスマスが終わる 
Christmas ends</li>
</ul>
<h3>
Spending Christmas</h3>
<ul>
<li>kurisumasu wo sugosu クリスマスを過ごす 
To pass Christmas. To spend Christmas (doing).</li>
<li>kurisumasu wo sugoshita クリスマスを過ごした 
To have passed Christmas. To have spent Christmas (doing).</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>isshoni kurisumasu wo sugosu 一緒にクリスマスを過ごす 
To pass Christmas together.</li>
<li>tomodachi to kurisumasu wo sugosu 友達とクリスマスを過ごす 
yuujin to kurisumasu wo sugosu 友人とクリスマスを過ごす 
To pass Christmas with your friends </li>
<li>koibito to kurisumasu wo sugosu 恋人とクリスマスを過ごす 
To pass Christmas together with your lover.</li>
<li>kareshi to kurisumasu wo sugosu 彼氏とクリスマスを過ごす 
To pass Christmas with your boyfriend.</li>
<li>kanojo to kurisumasu wo sugosu 彼女とクリスマスを過ごす 
To pass Christmas with your girlfriend.</li>
<li>kazoku to kurisumasu wo sugosu 家族とクリスマスを過ごす 
To pass Christmas with your family.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>kuri-bocchi クリぼっち 
Lone Christmas. Spending it alone.</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="merry-christmas">
Merry Christmas</h2>

To say merry Chrstimas in Japanese, you just say:
<ul>
<li>merii kurisumasu メリークリスマス 
Merry Christmas</li>
</ul>

 

There are Japanese words for "merry," "cheerful," like youki 陽気. So do people say youki kurisumasu 陽気クリスマス? No. They don't. It's merii kurisumasu メリークリスマス. It's not really about what it means. It's basically just Japanese people copying what they hear in Hollywood Christmas movies. (no, I'm not even joking. American movies disseminate Christmas culture far better than anything the church has ever done, just like anime does with Japan)
<h2 id="happy-hanukkah">
Happy Hanukkah</h2>

Japanese people don't know about Hanukkah. Period.

 

There aren't Home Alone movies about Hanukkah. No movies = no fame. If your holidays are worth caring about you need a couple of worldwide blockbusters about it. Sure there has to be one person at least who celebrates Hanukkah in Japan, but, generally, people don't know about it, so it's just Christmas.

 

If you do encounter the phrase below, it'll be in a Japanese article talking about fads in America.
<ul>
<li>happii hanuka ハッピーハヌカ 
Happy Hanukkah.</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="happy-holidays">
Happy Holidays</h2>

In America there's a weird trend of saying "happy holidays," because... because... I have no idea? It's some stupid phrase someone came up with. What if you commemorate something in July? Nobody says "happy holidays" in July. So what kind of chronological discrimination is this?

 

Anyway the phrase below is actually used in Japanese (not with the same frequency as merry Christmas, though)
<ul>
<li>happii horidee ハッピーホリデー 
Happy holiday. (preferred)</li>
<li>happii horideezu ハッピーホリデーズ 
Happy holidays.</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="christmas-stuff">
Christmas Stuff</h2>
<ul>
<li>kurisumasu kyaroru クリスマスキャロル 
Christmas carol.</li>
<li>kurisumasu kaado クリスマスカード 
Christmas card.</li>
<li>kurisumasu paatyi クリスマスパーティ 
kuripa クリパ 
Christmas party.</li>
<li>kurisumasu konseeto クリスマスコンサート 
kurikon クリコン 
Christmas concert. 
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="santa-claus">
Santa</h2>
<ul>
<li>santa サンタ 
Santa.</li>
</ul>

 
Yep. Santa.
<ul>
<li>santa kuroosu サンタクロース 
Santa Claus.</li>
</ul>

 
He lives in the:
<ul>
<li>kita 北 
North. (<a href="http://www.japanesewithanime.com/2017/03/north-west-south-east-cardinal-directions.html">cardinal directions</a>)</li>
<li>hokkyoku 北極 
North pole. The Arctic.</li>
<li>hokkyoku de kurasu 北極で暮らす 
Living by the North Pole.</li>
</ul>

 
Where he has a:
<ul>
<li>koujou 工場 
Factory. Workshop.</li>
</ul>

 
And employs:
<ul>
<li>yousei 妖精 
Fairies. (a type of, at least)</li>
<li>erufu エルフ 
Elf. Elves.</li>
<li>kurisumasu erufu クリスマスエルフ 
Christmas elves.</li>
</ul>

 

And then he has a list of:
<ul>
<li>iiko 良い子 
Good kids.</li>
<li>warui ko 悪い子 
Bad kids.</li>
</ul>

 
Whom he gives:
<ul>
<li>purezento プレゼント 
Presents.</li>
<li>sekitan 石炭 
Coal.</li>
</ul>

 

And let's not forget what he drives:
<ul>
<li>sori ソリ 
Sled.</li>
<li>sora 空 
Sky.</li>
<li>sora tobu 空飛ぶ 
Sky-flying.</li>
<li>sora tobu sori 空飛ぶソリ 
Sky flying sled.</li>
</ul>

 

And how he enters in houses:
<ul>
<li>entotsu 煙突 
Chimney.</li>
<li>entotsu kara hairu 煙突から入る 
Enter by the chimney. "Enter from the chimney."</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="santa-reindeer">
Reindeer</h2>

The names of the Santa Claus's reindeer in Japanese are as follows:
<ol>
<li>dasshaa ダッシャー 
Dasher.</li>
<li>dansaa ダンサー 
Dancer.</li>
<li>puransaa プランサー 
Prancer.</li>
<li>vikusen <a href="http://www.japanesewithanime.com/2017/03/vu-kana-katakana-u-diacritic.html">ヴ</a>ィクセン 
Vixen.</li>
<li>kometto コメット 
Comet.</li>
<li>kyuupiddo キューピッド 
Cupid.</li>
<li>donnaa ダンナー 
Donner Dunder. Donder.</li>
<li>burisshen ブリッツェン 
Blitzen. Blixem. Blixen.</li>
<li>rudorufu ルドルフ 
Rudolph.</li>
</ol>

 

Other words and phrases:
<ul>
<li>tonakai トナカイ (馴鹿) 
Reindeer.</li>
<li>sora tobu sori wo hiku tonakai 空飛ぶソリを引くトナカイ 
Reindeer pulling sky-flying sled. 
The reindeer that pull the sky-flying sled.</li>
<li>aka hana no tonakai 赤鼻のトナカイ 
Red-nose reindeer. 
Red-nosed reindeer.</li>
</ul>

<h2 id="christmas-food">
Food</h2>


The names of some traditional Christmas foods:
<ul>
<li>shichimenshou 七面鳥 
Turkey.</li>
<li>furaido chikin フライドチキン 
Friend chiken.</li>
<li>kurisum—</li>
</ul>

Whoa, whoa, whoa. Wait, what?

 

Fried chicken?

 

Since when is friend chicken a "traditional Christmas food"? Has the world of fast food capitalism and the world of Christmas capitalism collided so hard fast food chains are now traditional? What is going on here???

 

Well, you see, why do people eat a turkey in Christmas dinner? That's because... it's tradition. And what is Christmas? A tradition. A religious tradition. The Christmas dinner is a very literally a feast of the religious kind, at least it was, originally. A country that doesn't have a long history of Christian religious traditions, such as Japan, ends up eating whatever sounds good for the dinner. In Japan's case, it is, seriously, fried chicken. 
 
That's right. They eat turkey. They eat friend chicken.
<ul>
<li>kurisumasu keeki クリスマスケーキ 
Christmas cake. </li>
<li>kurisumasu pudhingu クリスマスプディング 
Christmas pudding.</li>
<li>reebukuuhen レープクーヘン 
Lebkuchen. (German treat)</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="christmas-cake-woman">
Christmas Cake Woman</h2>

In Japan, the term "Christmas cake," or kurisumasu keeki クリスマスケーキ, may sometimes refer to an unmarried woman above 25 years old. This is because Christmas cakes are meant to be consumed by Christmas, which is day 25. This idiom implies a woman above 25 years old should have trouble marrying, as she's still "on the shelf" (unmarried) after the best date for purchase.

 

This term isn't really related to Christmas, it's just a way of saying, but I figured it should be included here anyway.
<h2 id="christmas-presents">
Presents</h2>

There are a couple of words for "present" in Japanese:
<ul>
<li>purezento プレゼント 
Present.</li>
<li>gifuto ギフト 
Gift.</li>
<li>okurimono 贈り物 
Given thing.</li>
<li>omiyage お土産 
Souvenir. ("produce from earth")</li>
</ul>

 

They each have their differences and are used in different circumstances. In the case of Christmas, the word preferred comes from the English "present," purezento.
<ul>
<li>kurisumasu purezento クリスマスプレゼント 
kuripure クリプレ 
Christmas present.</li>
<li>purezento bokkusu プレゼントボックス 
Present box. Gift box.</li>
</ul>
<h3>
Giving & Receiving</h3>

There are a few ways to say you're "giving a present" in Japanese, or "receiving a present." First, let's start with the most basic verb:
<ul>
<li>purezento suru プレゼントする 
To give a present. To "present." </li>
</ul>

 

The above only works because in Japanese the word purezento is also a verb (to present, to gift). The auxiliary suru means "to do," it does not mean "to give."

 
<a></a>Another way of saying it is using the verbs <a href="http://www.japanesewithanime.com/2016/10/ageru-kureru-morau-difference.html">kureru, ageru and morau</a> <ul>
<li>purezento wo ageru プレゼントをあげる 
To give a present.</li>
<li>purezento wo kureru プレゼントをくれる 
To be given a present. (most of the time)</li>
<li>purezento wo morau プレゼントを貰う 
To take a present.</li>
</ul>

 

Because these are also auxiliary verbs, they can be combined with purezento suru:
<ul>
<li>purezento shite ageru プレゼントしてあげる 
To present.</li>
<li>purezento shite kureru プレゼントしてくれる 
To be presented. (most of the time)</li>
</ul>
<h4>
Example Phrases</h4>
<ul>
<li>purezento shite kurete, arigatou プレゼントしてくれて、ありがとう 
[For] presenting [me], thanks. 
(very unlikely to be said)</li>
<li>purezento arigatou プレゼントありがとう 
Thanks for the present. 
(more likely to be said)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>kore, ageru yo これ、あげるよ 
This, [I'll] give [to you]. 
This is for you. *hands present*</li>
<li>purezento wa nani ga hoshii? プレゼントは何が欲しい？ 
What [do you] want for present?</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>kattekureta? 買ってくれた？ 
[You] bought [it] for [me]?</li>
<li>katteageru 買ってあげる 
[I'll] buy [it] for [you].</li>
</ul>
<h3>
Buying</h3>
<ul>
<li>yosan 予算 
Budget. "Expected amount." (to buy the present)</li>
<li>kachi 価値 
Value. Worth.</li>
<li>nedan 値段 
Price.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>kau 買う 
To buy.</li>
<li>kattekuru 買ってくる 
To go buy and then come back.</li>
<li>kattekita 買ってきた 
To have bought and come back.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>en 円 
Yen. Anime money!</li>
<li>doru ドル 
Dollar.</li>
</ul>
<h3>
Receiver</h3>
<ul>
<li>tomodachi 友達 
yuujn 友人 
Friend.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>koibito 恋人 
Lover.</li>
<li>kareshi 彼氏 
Boyfriend.</li>
<li>kanojo 彼女 
Girlfriend.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>okusama 奥様 
Wife.</li>
<li>dannasama 旦那様 
Husband.</li>
</ul>
<h3>
Common Gifts</h3>
<a></a>omocha) can be either singular (toy) or plural (toys).The words below are translated to plural, but <a href="http://www.japanesewithanime.com/2017/08/plurals-in-japanese-grammar.html">Japanese plurals</a> don't work the same way they do in English, so the same word () can be either singular (toy) or plural (toys).<h4>
Children & Hobbies</h4>
<ul>
<li>omocha おもちゃ 
Toys.</li>
<li>ningyou 人形 
Dolls.</li>
<li>geemu ゲーム 
Video-games.</li>
<li>hon 本 
Books.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>kyarakutaa guzzu キャラクターグッズ 
"Character goods." Backpacks, etc. with anime characters.</li>
<li>dizzuni guzzu ヂッズニーグッズ 
Disney goods. (same as above, but Disney characters)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>jitensha 自転車 
Bicycle.</li>
<li>sanrinsha 三輪車 
Tricycle.</li>
<li>supootsu youhin スポーツ用品 
Sports goods.</li>
</ul>
<h4>
Clothing</h4>
<ul>
<li>irui 衣類 
Clothes.</li>
<li>fasshon ファッション 
Fashion.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>baggu バッグ 
Bag.</li>
<li>saifu 財布 
Wallet.</li>
<li>fasshon komono ファッション小物 
Fashion accessories.</li>
<li>akusesarii アクセサリー 
Accessories.</li>
<li>ude tokei 腕時計 
Wristwatch.</li>
<li>kosume コスメ 
Cosmetics.</li>
</ul>
<h4>
Other</h4>
<ul>
<li>pea gifuto ペアギフト 
Pair gift. 
A matching item, often given from boyfriend to girlfriend or vice-versa so that both of them wear as a pair.</li>
<li>yuumei burando 有名ブランド 
Famous brand (of clothing).</li>
<li>yuumei sutoa 有名ストア 
Famous store.</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="christmas-tree">
Tree</h2>

The word for "tree" in Japanese is:
<ul>
<li>ki 木 
Tree.</li>
</ul>

 
However, that's just a normal, everyday tree. The holiday tree is called something else, Englishier:
<ul>
<li>tsurii ツリー 
Tree.</li>
<li>kurisumasu tsurii クリスマスツリー 
Christmas tree.</li>
</ul>

 
It also has some less common names, based on Christianity:
<ul>
<li>chie no ki 知恵の樹 
Tree of knowledge (of good and evil).</li>
<li>seijuu 聖樹 
Holy tree.</li>
</ul>

 
Concerning the type of tree the Christmas tree is:
<ul>
<li>jouryoku shokubutsu 常緑植物 
Evergreen plant. "Normally green planted thing."</li>
<li>shin'youjuu 針葉樹 
Conifer.</li>
<li>touhi-zoku トウヒ属 
Spruces family. Picea.</li>
<li>matsu-zoku マツ属 
Pines family. Pinus.</li>
<li>momi-zoku モミ属 
Firs family. Abies.</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="christmas-decorations">
Decorations</h2>

The word for decoration in Japanese is:
<ul>
<li>kazari 飾り 
Decoration. Decorations.</li>
</ul>

 

And it comes from a verb, so it has all these sibling words:
<ul>
<li>kazaru 飾る 
To decorate.</li>
<li>kazari tsukeru 飾り付ける 
To decorate. "To attach decorations."</li>
<li>kazari tsuke 飾りつけ 
The act of decorating. The attachment of decorations.</li>
</ul>

<h3>
Typical Ornaments</h3>

<ul>
<li>oonamento オーナメント 
Ornaments.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>tsurii toppu ツリートップ 
Tree-top. Treetopper.</li>
<li>hoshi 星 
Star.</li>
<li>tenshi 天使 
Angel.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>oonamento booru オーナメントボール 
Ornament ball. 
Christmas baubles.</li>
<li>gaarando ガーランド 
Garland.</li>
<li>mooru モール 
Tinsel.</li>
<li>ribon リボン 
Ribbon.</li>
<li>beru ベル 
Bell.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>ringo リンゴ (林檎) 
Apple.</li>
<li>kashirui 菓子類 
Pastries.</li>
<li>kyandhi kein キャンディケイン 
Candy cane.</li>
<li>men 綿 
Cotton. (as fake snow)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>souroku ろうそく (蝋燭) 
Candles.</li>
<li>tenshoku 電飾 
Decorative illumination.</li>
<li>irumineeshon raito イルミネーションライト 
"Illumination light." (yes, really) 
Lights of [decorative] illumination. Colored lights.</li>
<li>kurisumasu irumineeshon クリスマスイルミネーション 
Christmas illumination.</li>
</ul>


<h2 id="christmas-weather">
Weather</h2>

Japan is in the northern hemisphere, therefore, in December, when it's Christmas, it is:
<ul>
<li>fuyu 冬 
<a href="http://www.japanesewithanime.com/2016/10/natsu-haru-fuyu-aki-meaning.html">Winter</a>.</li>
</ul>

 

And the temperature is:
<ul>
<li>samui 寒い 
tsumetai 冷たい 
Cold.</li>
</ul>
 
That is, the the weather is samui, while everything you touch is tsumetai. (<a></a>soto wa samui 外は寒い, but "the wind is cold," can be either kaze wa tsumetai 風は冷たい or kaze wa samui 風は寒い. 
 
When it's cold, it's normal to: 
<ul>
<li>furueru 震える 
To tremble (with cold). To quiver.</li>
<li>kaze wo hiku 風邪を引く 
To catch a cold.</li>
</ul>

 

So it's better to get something:
<ul>
<li>atatakai 暖かいatatakai 温かい 
Warm. (<a href="http://www.japanesewithanime.com/2016/08/atsui-atatakai-samui-tsumetai-difference.html">暖かい vs. 温かい</a>)</li>
<li>atatakai ie 暖かい家 
Warm house. (not cold like outside)</li>
<li>atatakai fuku 暖かい服 
Warm clothes.</li>
<li>atatakai ocha 温かいお茶 
Warm tea.</li>
<li>atatakai ofuro 温かいお風呂 
Warm bath.</li>
<li>atatakai kazoku 温かい家族 
Warm family.</li>
</ul>
That is, the the weather is, while everything you touch is. ( <a href="http://www.japanesewithanime.com/2016/08/atsui-atatakai-samui-tsumetai-difference.html">samui vs. tsumetai</a> ). That means "outside is cold,"外は寒い, but "the wind is cold," can be either風は冷たい or風は寒い.When it's cold, it's normal to:
<h2 id="christmas-snow">
Snow</h2>


Since it's cold during Christmas, there's a lot of:
<ul>
<li>yuki 雪 
sunoo スノー 
Snow.</li>
</ul>

 

Which is often called:
<ul>
<li>shiroi 白い 
White.</li>
<li>masshiro 真っ白 
Pure white.</li>
<li>shiroi, tsumetai yuki 白い冷たい雪 
White, cold snow.</li>
<li>shirokute tsumetai yuki 白くて冷たい雪 
White cold snow.</li>
<li>masshiro na yuki 真っ白な雪 
Pure white snow.</li>
<li>masshiro de tsumetai yuki 真っ白で冷たい雪 
Cold snow that's purely white.</li>
</ul>
 
This snow often come from the skies, so: 
<ul>
<li>furu 降る 
To rain.</li>
<li>yuki ga furu 雪が降る 
The snow rains. (It's raining snow).</li>
</ul>
 
Some more snowy terms:This snow often come from the skies, so:Some more snowy terms:<ul>
<li>masshiro na yuki no youni 真っ白な雪のように 
Like pure white snow. (someone's skin, a character's hair, etc.)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>yukimichi 雪道 
Snow-covered road. "Snow road."</li>
<li>yukigumo 雪雲 
Snow cloud.</li>
<li>seppen 雪片 
sunoo fureeku スノーフレーク 
Snow flake.</li>
<li>sunoo buranketto スノーブランケット 
Snow blanket.</li>
<li>kousetsu 降雪 
Snow fall. "Fall snow."</li>
<li>fubuki 吹雪 
Snow storm. "Spew snow." 
(also a certain One Punch Man character's name)</li>
<li>hatsuyuki 初雪 
"First snow" of the season.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>yukidama 雪玉 
Snowball.</li>
<li>yukinage 雪投げ 
Snowball fight. "Throwing snow."</li>
<li>marui 丸い 
Round. Ball-like.</li>
</ul>

<h2 id="christmas-snowman">
Snowman</h2>

<ul>
<li>yukidaruma 雪だるま 
sunooman スノーマン 
Snowman.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>boushi 帽子 
Cap. Hat.</li>
<li>mafuraa マフラー 
Muffler. Scarf.</li>
<li>me 目 
Eyes.</li>
<li>petto botoru no kyappu ペットボトルのキャップ 
Pet bottle's cap.</li>
<li>hana 鼻 
Nose.</li>
<li>ninjin ニンジン 
Carrot.</li>
<li>kuchi 口 
Mouth.</li>
<li>botan ボタン 
Buttons.</li>
<li>ishikoro 石ころ 
Pebbles.</li>
</ul>
<ul></ul>


<h2 id="christmas-religion">
Religion</h2>

As we all know (I think?), Christmas is sort of based on the birth of:
<ul>
<li>iesu kurisuto イエス・キリスト 
Jesus Christ.</li>
</ul>

 
The central idea behind:
<ul>
<li>kirisuto-kyou キリスト教 
Christianity</li>
</ul>
 
Which is a: 
<ul>
<li>shuukyou 宗教 
Religion.</li>
<li>kyoukai 教会 
Church. Congregation.</li>
</ul>

 
So much that a synonym for "Christmas" in Japanese is:
<ul>
<li>seitansai 聖誕祭 
"Saint," seijin 聖人 
"Birth," tanjou 誕生 
"Festival," matsuri 祭</li>
</ul>
 
(which is kind of ironic, because seitan pronounced like "Satan," so the word is kind of also "Satan festival." By the way, Satan is just satan サタン in Japanese, the sa is pronounced like sardine.) 
 
By the way, other holy words for Christmas are: 
<ul>
<li>seiya 聖夜 
Holy night. Christmas eve.</li>
<li>seika 聖菓 
Holy pastry. Christmas cake.</li>
<li>seijuu 聖樹 
Holy tree. Christmas tree.</li>
</ul>
Which is a:(which is kind of ironic, becausepronounced like "Satan," so the word is kind of also "Satan festival." By the way, Satan is justサタン in Japanese, theis pronounced like sardine.)By the way, other holy words for Christmas are:<h3>
Christianity in Japan</h3>

Japan isn't a particularly Christian country, but they do celebrate Christmas. Because everybody in the world celebrates Christmas. Not because they are christian or because they care about Christ, of course not. 
 
They celebrate it because it's fun. 
 
And there is food. 
 
And you get presents. 
 
So, in Japan, as well as in many other non-Christian countries, even though they do some Christmas stuff in Christmas, people don't really associate the event and the holidays with Christianity. Because, I mean, who could? What does a fat old man in red clothes breaking into homes going after kids have to do with the bible? I don't really see a connection here. 
 
In practice, this means that, while there's a lot of Christians in Christian countries celebrating the birth of Christ in Christmas, there isn't as many in Japan, so you don't really get to see Christian stuff in Christmas with the same frequency you would see the United States or, for example, in Brazil, where I'm from. 
 
I'm just saying this in case you're wondering why, even though there are so many anime with Christmas episodes, you never see anything Christian related in those episodes, you only see the trees, and decorations, and food, and cake eating, and presents, etc. This would be the why.

Since it's almost Christmas, I figured I should make a list of Japanese words related to the holidays, including some assorted vocabulary and phrases, too.The word Christmas translated to Japanese is just the very same word written with <a href="http://www.japanesewithanime.com/2017/05/japanese-writing-system.html">the Japanese alphabet</a> , in <a href="http://www.japanesewithanime.com/2016/10/why-japanese-cant-english.html">a way the Japanese can pronounce</a> </div>

Christmas Words List

Christmas in Japanese The word Christmas translated to Japanese is just the very same word written with kurisumasu クリスマス Christmas. X-masu Xマス ekkusu-masu エックスマス Xmas. Just like in America (and …

30 Nov 2017

School Years List

<div>To begin with, the Japanese school system, much like the rest of the world, works by grades which are associated to years.
Not that the numbers can be written with kanji (一二三四五) or Arabic digits (１２３４５).
You can create words for students of a given year by adding the suffix sei 生 to the year words. For example: ichinen-sei 一年生 is an ichinen student, a "first year student." Also works for ninensei, sannensei, etc.
Other important words:Some other posts you might want to see later:<h2 id="hoikusho-years">
Hoikusho 保育所</h2>

The hoikusho 保育所 is a school for babies, literally, ages under five. As one would expect, this kind of school doesn't show up much in anime.

 

In Japanese, the word hoikusho means "nursing," hoiku 保育, "place," sho 所. A nursing place. A nursery, or nursing school.
<h2 id="youchien-years">
Youchien 幼稚園</h2>

The youchien 幼稚園 is a school for children ages ranging from 3 years old to 5 years old.

 

In Japanese, the word youchien means "infancy," youchi 幼稚, "garden," en 園. Infancy garden. A garden for infants. A kindergarten. 
 
Note, however, that in the Unites States the term kindergarten refers to the first year of elementary school (which would be the last year of a youchien). The first two years of youchien would be equivalent to preschool or pre-kindergarten in the US.
<h3>
School Years</h3>

youchien nenshou 幼稚園年少

Junior year of kindergarten.

(nenshou means "youth," literally "age little.")

Ages 3 to 4. Preschool, pre-kindergarten in the US.

 

youchien nenchuu 幼稚園年中

Middle year of kindergarten.

(nenchuu is literally "age middle.")

Ages 4 to 5. Preschool, pre-kindergarten in the US.

 

youchien nenchou 幼稚園年長

Senior year of kindergarten.

(nenchou means "senior," literally "age long.")

Ages 5 to 6. Kindergarten in the US.
<h2 id="shougakkou-years">
Shougakkou 小学校</h2>
shougakkou 小学校 in Japan would be equivalent to an "elementary school," "primary school," or "grade school" in the United States from first grade and up. 
 
A student of a shougakkou is a <a></a>The小学校 in Japan would be equivalent to an "elementary school," "primary school," or "grade school" in the United States from first grade and up.A student of ais a <a href="http://www.japanesewithanime.com/2017/11/gakusei-meaning.html#shougakusei-meaning">shougakusei 小学生</a> 
 

In Japanese, the word shougakkou means "small," shou 小, "school," gakkou 学校. Small school.
<h3>
Shougaku 小学</h3>

Sometimes, shougakkou is abbreviated to shougaku 小学.
<h3>
School Years</h3>

shougakkou ichinen 小学校一年 (or 小学校１年) 
shougau ichinen 小学一年 (or 小学１年)

Elementary school first year.

Ages 6 to 7. Same as first grade in the USA.

 

shougakkou ninen 小学校二年 (or 小学校２年) 
shougaku ninen 小学二年 (or 小学２年)

Elementary school second year.

Ages 7 to 8. Same as second grade in the USA.

 

shougakkou sannen 小学校三年 (or 小学校３年) 
shougaku sannen 小学三年 (or 小学３年)

Elementary school third year.

Ages 8 to 9. Same as third grade in the USA.

 

shougakkou yonnen 小学校四年 (or 小学校４年) 
shougaku yonnen 小学四年 (or 小学４年)

Elementary school fourth year.

Ages 9 to 10. Same as fourth grade in the USA.

 

shougakkou gonen 小学校五年 (or 小学校５年) 
shougaku gonen 小学五年 (or 小学５年)

Elementary school fifth year.

Ages 10 to 11. Same as fifth grade in the USA.

 

shougakkou rokunen 小学校六年 (or 小学校６年) 
shougaku rokunen 小学六年 (or 小学６年)

Elementary school sixth year.

Ages 11 to 12. Same as sixth grade in the USA.
<h2 id="chuugakkou-years">
Chuugakkou 中学校</h2>

The chuugakkou 中学校 in Japan has no real equivalent in the United States school system.

 

This is because it starts at the same time as "middle school," however, in the US "middle school" is sometimes called "junior high school" instead. Most notably, the last year of chuugakkou is equivalent to the freshman year (first year) of high school in the US.
 
A student of a chuugakkou is a <a></a> 
 A student of ais a <a href="http://www.japanesewithanime.com/2017/11/gakusei-meaning.html#chuugakusei-meaning">chuugakusei 中学生</a> 
The word chuugakkou means "middle," chuu 中, "school," gakkou 学校. Middle school.
<h3>
Chuugaku 中学</h3>

Sometimes, chuugakkou is abbreviated to chuugaku 中学.
<h3>
School Years</h3>

chuugakkou ichinen 中学校一年 (or 中学校１年) 
chuugaku ichinen 中学一年 (or 中学１年)

Middle school first year.

Ages 12 to 13. Same as seventh grade in the USA; first year of middle school or junior high.

 

chuugakkou ninen 中学校二年 (or 中学校２年) 
chuugaku ninen 中学二年 (or 中学２年)

Middle school second year.

Ages 13 to 14. Same the eighth grade in the USA; second year of middle school or junior high.

 

chuugakkou sannen 中学校三年 (or 中学校３年) 
chuugaku sannen 中学三年 (or 中学３年)

Middle school third year.

Ages 14 to 15. Same as the ninth grade in the USA; high school freshman or first year.
<h2 id="koukou-years">
Koukou 高校</h2>
koukou 高校 in Japan is equivalent to the last three years of high school in the United States. 
 
A student of a koukou is a <a></a>The高校 in Japan is equivalent to the last three years of high school in the United States.A student of ais a <a href="http://www.japanesewithanime.com/2017/11/gakusei-meaning.html#koukousei-meaning">koukousei 高校生</a> <h3>
Koutou Gakkou 高等学校</h3>

You may have noticed that, unlike shougakkou and chuugakkou, the word koukou has no gakkou in it. This is because the word koukou is an abbreviation of koutou gakkou 高等学校. Despite being an abbreviation, koukou is used with more frequency than koutou gakkou in anime.

 

The word koutou gakkou means "high grade," koutou 高等, "school," gakkou 学校. High-grade school. High school.
<h3>
School Years</h3>

koukou ichinen 高校一年 (or 高校１年) 
koutou gakkou ichinen 高等学校一年 (or 高等学校１年)

High school first year.

Ages 15 to 16. Same as tenth grade in the USA; high school sophomore or second year.

 

koukou ninen 高校二年 (or 高校２年) 
koutou gakkou ninen 高等学校二年 (or 高等学校２年)

Middle school second year.

Ages 16 to 17. Same the eleventh grade in the USA; high school junior or third year..

 

koukou sannen 高校三年 (or 高校３年) 
koutou gakkou sannen 高等学校三年 (or 高等学校３年)

Middle school third year.

Ages 17 to 18. Same as the twelfth grade in the USA; high school senior or fourth year.
<h2 id="daigaku-years">
Daigaku 大学</h2>

A daigaku 大学 in Japan is any post-secondary school, this includes universities, colleges, etc.
 
A student of a daigaku is a <a></a> 
 A student of ais a <a href="http://www.japanesewithanime.com/2017/11/gakusei-meaning.html#daigakusei-meaning">daigakusei 大学生</a> 
The word daigaku means "large" or "big," dai 大, "education," gaku 学. Large education.
<h3>
daigakkou 大学校</h3>

One would think that since shougaku and chuugaku are abbreviations of shougakkou and chuugakkou, daigaku ought to be an abbreviation of daigakkou, right?

 

Wrong.

 

The word daigaku is not an abbreviation of daigakkou. The word daigaku as-is is the word the education officials of Japan chose for post-secondary education. And, yes, the naming is a mess. Nobody is saying it makes sense. I just want to note if a school calls itself a daigakkou, "big school," they aren't necessarily an actual daigaku, "college." These words are not the same thing.
<h3>
School Years</h3>

daigaku ichinen 大学一年 (大学１年)

College first year. University first year.

Ages 18 and 19.

 

daigaku ninen 大学二年 (大学２年)

College first year. University first year.

Ages 19 and 20.

 

daigaku sannen 大学三年 (大学３年)

College first year. University first year.

Ages 20 and 21.

 

daigaku yonnen 大学四年 (大学４年)

College first year. University first year.

Ages 21 and 22.
<h2 id="other-courses">
Other Courses</h2>

Besides the schools above there are other types of schools that should be taken note of.
<h3>
Koutou Senmon Gakkou 高等専門学校</h3>

A koutou senmon gakkou is a mix of high-school and college. A technical college.

 

While the normal koutou gakkou (koukou) has three school years, a koutou senmon gakkou has five school years. You'd start it at 15 or 16 years old (just like in a koukou), but finish it 19 or 20 years old.

 

The words koutou senmon gakkou mean "high-grade," koutou 高等, "specialty," 専門, "school," gakkou 学校. A high school to create specialists, technicians.
<h3>
Tanki Daigaku 短期大学</h3>

A tanki daigaku is a college with fewer years than normal. It's equivalent to "junior college" in the united states.

 

While the average daigaku course takes four years to complete, a tanki daigaku takes only two or three years.

 

The words tanki daigaku mean "short," tan 短, "term," ki 期, "university," daigaku 大学. A short term college or university.
<h3>
Ika Daigaku 医科大学</h3>

An ika daigaku is a "medical college."

 

As one would expected, a course in medicine is harder than your average course, and take longer to complete. Because of that, an ika daigaku usually takes six years to graduate from, compared to the four years of the average college. The graduate would have at least 23 or 24 years old.

 

The words ika daigaku mean "medical science," ika 医科, "school," gakkou 大学. Medical science school. Medicine school.
</div>

School Years List

To begin with, the Japanese school system, much like the rest of the world, works by grades which are associated to years. Not that the numbers can be written with kanji (一二三四五) or Arabic digits (１２３４…

30 Nov 2017

Gakkou + School Words | 学校

<div>gakkou 学校. But is it a shougakkou 小学校 or a chuugakkou 中学校? Wait. What's the difference between shougakkou and chuugakkou, again? What about koukou??? What are the meanings of all these words?! 
 

 

<h2 id="shougakkou-meaning">
Shougakkou 小学校</h2>

shougakkou 小学校 is a school for children ages around 6 to 12 (<a></a>shou 小.小学校 is a school for children ages around 6 to 12 ( <a href="http://www.japanesewithanime.com/2017/11/japanese-school-years.html#shougakkou-years">shougakkou has 6 grades</a> ). It's similar to an elementary school in the United States. The word is written with the kanji for "small,"小.<h2 id="chuugakkou-meaning">
Chuugakkou 中学校</h2>
chuugakkou 中学校 is a school for children ages around 12 to 15 (<a></a>chuu 中.中学校 is a school for children ages around 12 to 15 ( <a href="http://www.japanesewithanime.com/2017/11/japanese-school-years.html#chuugakkou-years">chuugakkou has 3 grades</a> ). It's similar to a middle school or junior high in the United States, but not exactly. The word is written with the kanji for "middle,"中.<h3>
Shougakkou vs. Chuugakkou</h3>

One difference between shougakkou and chuugakkou is that "school uniforms," gakkou seifuku 学校制服, are normally required to be worn from chuugakkou and above. Students of a shougakkou rarely have uniforms.

 

This means if an anime character does not wear a school uniform in school, they are shougakkou students, "elementary school" students.
<h2 id="koukou-meaning">
Koukou 高校</h2>
koukou 高校 is a school for teenagers aged around 15 to 18 (<a></a>koutou gakkou 高等学校, which means "high grade school."高校 is a school for teenagers aged around 15 to 18 ( <a href="http://www.japanesewithanime.com/2017/11/japanese-school-years.html#koukou-years">koukou has 3 grades</a> ). It's similar to a high school in the United states. The word is an abbreviation of高等学校, which means "high grade school."<h2 id="daigaku-meaning">
Daigaku 大学</h2>
daigaku 大学 is any post-secondary school. Any college or university. For students 18 and above. (<a></a>dai 大. 
<h2 id="school-in-japanese">
How to Say School in Japanese?</h2>
There are three ways to say "school" in Japanese: 
<ul>
<li>gakkou 学校</li>
<li>gakuen 学園</li>
<li>gakuin 学院</li>
</ul>

 
The most common of the above is, of course, gakkou. But what about the other two? What's the difference between gakkou and gakuen, gakuen and gakuin, and gakkou and gakuin?

 

There really isn't any big difference. They can all be translated as just "school." But, for the sake of reference, I'll explain a bit more about them below. 
<h2 id="gakkou-meaning">
Gakkou 学校</h2>


A gakkou is any "school." This includes shougakkou, chuugakkou, koukou, as well as basically any other school.
<h2 id="gakuen-meaning">
Gakuen 学園</h2>

The word gakuen means literally "study garden," but it has nothing to do with gardening.

 

There are two meanings for gakuen.

 

First, a place that combines multiple schools. That is, if a normal gakkou can be a kindergarten, an elementary school, middle school, or a high school, etc. A gakuen usually combines two of these. For example, you can have a gakuen that has a kindergarten and an elementary school, or a gakuen that has a middle school and a high school, etc.

 

In anime, characters are often students of a middle school or high school, so a gakuen that combines multiple educational stages isn't very useful (in anime).

 

The second meaning, (more useful in anime), is a "school," gakkou 学校, that's prestigious enough to call itself a gakuen instead of just gakkou like everyone else. In this case, the gakuen is often a high school or college. (in anime, it's often frequented by the most filthily rich students ever).
<h2 id="gakuin-meaning">
Gakuin 学院</h2>

The word gakuin means literally "study organ (institution)."

 

Historically, a gakuin was a school associated to the Christian church. It's also commonly used to refer to private schools. You could say that a gakuin is an educational institution endorsed by someone (other than the government).

 

In manga and anime, a gakuin often conducts some shady business in the shadows.
大学 is any post-secondary school. Any college or university. For students 18 and above. ( <a href="http://www.japanesewithanime.com/2017/11/japanese-school-years.html#daigaku-years">daigaku courses usually take 4 years</a> ) It is written with the kanji for "big,"大.There are three ways to say "school" in Japanese:<h2 id="single-sex-schools">
Coed & Single-Sex Schools</h2>
 
<ul>
<li>kyougaku 共学 
Coed. (literally "together (both sexes) education")</li>
</ul>
 
Some schools only allow students of a certain sex. These types are common in anime, specially in <a href="http://www.japanesewithanime.com/2017/11/moe-meaning.html">moe</a> anime containing only girls. Such schools are called:Most schools are coed (co-educational, teach both guys and girls), and get called:Some schools only allow students of a certain sex. These types are common in anime, specially inanime containing only girls. Such schools are called:<ul>
<li>danshikou 男子校 
A school for "boys," danshi 男子.</li>
<li>joshikou 女子校 
A school for "girls," joshi 女子.</li>
</ul>

 

In the case of high-schools there are some similar words (note the kou is a different kanji):
<ul>
<li>danshi koukou 男子高校 
danshikou 男子高 
High school for boys.</li>
<li>joshi koukou 女子高校 
joshikou 女子高 
High school for girls.</li>
</ul>

 
<a></a>High school girls, whether from coed or single-sex schools, are sometimes called <a href="http://www.japanesewithanime.com/2017/11/gakusei-meaning.html#joshikousei-meaning">joshikousei 女子高生</a> 

<h2 id="public-private-schools">
Public & Private Schools</h2>

Some schools are public and some schools are private. The words used to differentiate between one and the other are these:
<ul>
<li>kouritsu 公立 
Public. (literally "government erected")</li>
<li>toritsu 都立 
Public, built by the city. (literally "city erected")</li>
<li>shiritsu 私立 
Private. (literally "private erected") 
(and yes, this is the same kanji as watashi 私)</li>
</ul>

 
Examples:
<ul>
<li>shiritsu gakkou 私立学校 
shiritsu gakuen 私立学園 
Private school.</li>
<li>kouritsu 公立学校 
kouritsu gakuen 公立学園 
Public school.</li>
</ul>

Most anime is in a school, and everybody knows "school" in Japanese is a学校. But is it a小学校 or a中学校? Wait. What's the difference betweenand, again? What about??? What are the meanings of all these words?!</div>

Gakkou + School Words | 学校

gakkou 学校. But is it a shougakkou 小学校 or a chuugakkou 中学校? Wait. What's the difference between shougakkou and chuugakkou, again? What about koukou??? What are the meanings of all these words?! Shoug…

30 Nov 2017

NG

Is like saying: sore wa dame それはダメ That's not good (don't do that!) Except not exactly. Everything that's NG is dame, but only a some things called dame are NG. It's true that NG comes from "not good…

29 Nov 2017

Gaijin

<div>baka gaijin on the internet and, being the anime connoisseur you are, you know <a></a>gaijin means? Well, gaijin means "foreigner." You've been called a "stupid foreigner." 
 

 
<a name="more"></a><h2 id="gaijin-definition">
Definition</h2>

Basically, gaijin 外人 is a derogatory way of saying "foreigner" in Japanese. It's a kinda racist word. It's like saying "immigrants" in American, except not exactly.

 

Since gaijin means "foreigner" you would think that, if you are American, you can't possibly be called a gaijin by another American, since, you know, you're both Americans! You aren't "foreigners." However, the word gaijin is just sort of a meme used by the non-Japanese anime community to say "you're not Japanese."
<h2 id="gaijin-pronunciation">
Gaijin Pronunciation</h2>

Now that you know gaijin (outside of Japan) is just a fandom joke, you better prepare yourself to mock other people, correctly, by knowing how to pronounce gaijin. Because nothing is more weeb than pointing out at some weeb calling other weebs gaijin and saying: "you are not even pronouncing gaijin right, you baka gaijin!"

 

How gaijin is pronounced:
<ul>
<li>Guy Djinn.</li>
<li>Guy Engine (without the "en")</li>
<li>Guy Gym (not exactly, but close enough)</li>
</ul>

 
How gaijin is NOT pronounced:
<ul>
<li>Gay Jim</li>
<li>Giant Gem</li>
<li>Gee Dim</li>
</ul>
 
Now, if you're wondering why the fuck is it written gaijin if it's not pronounced Gay Jim, which'd be the closest letters possible, that's because the Hepburn <a href="http://www.japanesewithanime.com/2016/08/romaji-meaning.html">romaji</a> system has a pronunciation close to Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, not to English. As a Brazilian, I can guarantee you gaijin sounds exactly like exactly what it's written... in Brazilian Portuguese pronunciation.Now, if you're wondering why the fuck is it written gaijin if it's not pronounced Gay Jim, which'd be the closest letters possible, that's because the Hepburnsystem has a pronunciation close to Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, not to English. As a Brazilian, I can guarantee yousounds exactly like exactly what it's written... in Brazilian Portuguese pronunciation.<h2 id="gaijin-kanji">
Kanji of Gaijin</h2>
<a></a>gaijin are 外 and 人, meaning "outside" and "person" respectively. So, if we were to go by the literal meaning, then gaijin means "outsider." But in practice it means someone who's foreigner. You don't use gaijin to point at someone who's outside your house or comes from outside your village.The <a href="http://www.japanesewithanime.com/2016/08/japanese-alphabet-hiragana-katakana-kanji.html">kanji</a> ofare 外 and 人, meaning "outside" and "person" respectively. So, if we were to go by the literal meaning, thenmeans "outsider." But in practice it means someone who's foreigner. You don't useto point at someone who's outside your house or comes from outside your village.
 
<a href="http://www.japanesewithanime.com/2016/12/kunyomi-onyomi-kanji-meaning-differences.html">kun'yomi</a> readings):Other words with the same kanji (note they havereadings):<ul>
<li>soto 外 Outside.</li>
<li>hito 人 Person.</li>
<li>sono no hito 外の人 Person outside.</li>
<li>hoka no hito 外の人 People from other places.</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="gaikokujin-meaning">
Gaikokujin 外国人</h2>

Besides gaijin, there's another word, gaikokujin 外国人, which also means "foreigner" in Japanese.

 
gaijin means literally "person of outside," the word gaikokujin means "person from outside country." That is, a "person," hito 人, of a "foreign country," gaikoku 外国. 
 
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfaXktsKYAGUSJKYzt4XFFFIGiqa4S6Ov9fqcHcUxoF4XvlVwTbYaN8dwogOpzhyphenhyphengsMhAION7JMC-8M9th2o86kTEQ8M9G_YAaiLvg5ZZqB_IgfVf567Xna_e47Yp2LFVgVkzPovighkw/s1600/gaikokujin-giant-killing.png"><img alt="gaijin / gaikokujin Japanese sample from manga Giant Killing" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfaXktsKYAGUSJKYzt4XFFFIGiqa4S6Ov9fqcHcUxoF4XvlVwTbYaN8dwogOpzhyphenhyphengsMhAION7JMC-8M9th2o86kTEQ8M9G_YAaiLvg5ZZqB_IgfVf567Xna_e47Yp2LFVgVkzPovighkw/s1600/gaikokujin-giant-killing.png" title="Brazilians?!?! Hue, hue, hue, can't believe I'm seeing this."></a>Basically, whilemeans literally "person of outside," the wordmeans "person from outside country." That is, a "person,"人, of a "foreign country,"外国.<h2 id="gaijin-vs-gaikokujin">
外人 vs. 外国人</h2>

Now the question is: what's the difference between gaijin and gaikokujin? What's the difference between 外人 and 外国人? Do these two words really mean exactly the same thing?

 

Yes and no.

 

It's true that both words mean "foreigner," and that they're almost interchangeable, however, there's a difference in nuance.

 

The word gaikokujin is a normal term. The word gaijin may be considered an offensive term. So if you want to actually say "foreigner" in Japanese, you'd want to say gaikokujin, not gaijin.
<h3>
Why is Gaijin Offensive?</h3>
gaijin is offensive while gaikokujin is not, it's that (according to ainori_dewi-san's answer to <a></a>gaijin is often used with negative connotations, therefore it's a negative word, while gaikokujin would be neutral. 
 
The reason for this is kind of obvious. Look at this: 
<ul>
<li>nihonjin 日本人 Japanese person.</li>
<li>chuugokujin 中国人 Chinese person.</li>
<li>kankokujin 韓国人 South Korean person.</li>
<li>chousenjin 朝鮮人 North Korean person.</li>
<li>taiwanjin 台湾人 Taiwanese person.</li>
<li>gaijin 外人 The rest of the world. The outsiders (of Asia)</li>
</ul>

 

In other words, gaijin was sort of a racist slur used to pretty much anyone that wasn't Asian. Or at least that was what it was, until people forgot about it.

 

Nowadays gaijin is used like gaikokujin. People don't really attribute it to racism, everybody just sorta knows it's a bad word. TV and newspapers avoid using gaijin, preferring the Politically Correct gaikokujin instead. In a way, saying gaijin in Japanese is like saying "japs" in English.

 

Even the Yakuza knows to use gaikokujin instead.
<blockquote cite="https://boingboing.net/2010/08/10/yakuza-3-review.html" class="tr_bq">
"You got your salaryman in there, the delinquent school girl and her sugar daddy, Chinese people, and even those Nigerian touts. What's with all the fucking gaijin (foreigners) in the area anyway? It used to be just Japanese, Koreans and Chinese." 
 
"M: Don't say gaijin. Say Gaikokujin. It's more polite. Jake's a gaijin." 
 
"S: Yeah, I forget sometimes. What's with all the fucking gaikokujin in Kabukicho anyway?"</blockquote>
— <a href="https://boingboing.net/2010/08/10/yakuza-3-review.html">The actual Yakuza, reviewing a game about the Yakuza</a>. 
<h3>
Historically</h3>
Another minor thing is that, long, long, long ago, gaijin 外人, at the time pronounced guwaijin, didn't mean someone from a foreign country, but really an outsider or someone who had nothing to do with something, exactly as the kanji would imply. Note, however, that this isn't he current usage of the word. It's just a usage it once had. 
 
So that's the difference between gaijin and gaikokujin, and what gaijin means.As for why the wordis offensive whileis not, it's that (according to ainori_dewi-san's answer to <a href="https://detail.chiebukuro.yahoo.co.jp/qa/question_detail/q1014413700">なぜ「外人」は差別用語なのですか？</a> ), the wordis often used with negative connotations, therefore it's a negative word, whilewould be neutral.The reason for this is kind of obvious. Look at this:Another minor thing is that, long, long, long ago,外人, at the time pronounced, didn't mean someone from a foreign country, but really an outsider or someone who had nothing to do with something, exactly as the kanji would imply. Note, however, that this isn't he current usage of the word. It's just a usage it once had.So that's the difference betweenand, and whatmeans.
So you've been called aon the internet and, being the anime connoisseur you are, you know <a href="http://www.japanesewithanime.com/2016/07/baka-meaning.html">what baka means</a> , but you aren't very sure about whatmeans? Well,means "foreigner." You've been called a "stupid foreigner."</div>

Gaijin

baka gaijin on the internet and, being the anime connoisseur you are, you know gaijin means? Well, gaijin means "foreigner." You've been called a "stupid foreigner." Definition Basically, gaijin 外人 …

29 Nov 2017

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This time content only, no furigana restrictions

1.) Yawara

This time content only, no furigana restrictions

1.) Yawara

The website, the app and tons of content

The website, the app and tons of content

1. Learn Hiragana and Katakana

2. Get a textbook. My favorite:
Genki (second edition with a lovely MP3 CD)

1. Learn Hiragana and Katakana

2. Get a textbook. My favorite:
Genki (second edition with a lovely MP3 CD)

1. よつばと！(Yotsuba!)

1. よつばと！(Yotsuba!)

This time content only, no furigana restrictions

1.) Yawara

This time content only, no furigana restrictions

1.) Yawara

The website, the app and tons of content

The website, the app and tons of content

1. Learn Hiragana and Katakana

2. Get a textbook. My favorite: Genki (second edition with a lovely MP3 CD)

1. Learn Hiragana and Katakana

2. Get a textbook. My favorite: Genki (second edition with a lovely MP3 CD)

1. よつばと！(Yotsuba!)

1. よつばと！(Yotsuba!)

2. Get a textbook. My favorite:
Genki (second edition with a lovely MP3 CD)

2. Get a textbook. My favorite:
Genki (second edition with a lovely MP3 CD)