NIHONGO LINGO

🍎NIHONGO LINGO🍎 EP29: Japanese Words with “Do” Hi, it’s Coo! This time, we’re exploring fun and expressive Japanese words that begin with “ど” (do) — not donuts or donguri, but words like dokonjō (guts), dosutoraiku (totally my type), and domannaka (dead center)! 🍡 You’ll learn where this strong prefix comes from, how it’s used in phrases like “超ド級” (super “Do”-class!), and why “doaho” sound...

🍎NIHONGO LINGO🍎 EP28: What is Tanabata? Hi, it’s Coo! This time, we’re diving into one of Japan’s most charming summer traditions — Tanabata, or the Star Festival 🎋 Why is it pronounced “Tanabata” and not “Shichiseki”? What’s the story of the “Tanabatatsume” woman? And how do different regions in Japan celebrate it? 📌In this episode: ✔ Why “Tanabata” is read that way ✔ A mix of Chinese legends...

🍎NIHONGO LINGO🍎 EP27: What does “mashi” mean in Japanese? Konbanwa! It’s Coo from NIHONGO LINGO 🌙 In this episode, we’re exploring the word “mashi”, which is used when comparing two not-so-great things — and picking the less bad one! 😅 📌 In This Episode: ✔ What kind of adjective is “mashi”? ✔ Common phrases like “yori mashi,” “mada mashi,” and “mashi na hou” ✔ How “dochira ka to ieba” compare...

🍎NIHONGO LINGO🍎 EP26：Eye surgery Hi, it’s Coo! This time, I’ll share a surprising experience — I had to get eye surgery all of a sudden! 👁️💦 It started with a stye… but ended in laser treatment for holes in my retina. I’ll walk you through the whole process: the exams, the diagnosis, the cost, and the emotions! 📌 In This Episode: ✔ What does “検査する (kensa suru)” mean? ✔ What kind of tests...

🍎NIHONGO LINGO🍎 EP25：Words that describe rain in Japanese Hi, it’s Coo! In this episode, we’re talking about Japanese words that describe the sound and strength of rain — perfect for the rainy season in Japan, known as tsuyu! 🌧️ We’ll explore how different rain sounds have different names in Japanese, from gentle potsu potsu to intense dosha-buri. You’ll also hear a classic proverb about growth...

🍎NIHONGO LINGO🍎 EP24：Quiet Quitting Hi, it’s Coo! Today’s topic is the buzzword “Quiet Quitting” — a new way of thinking about work that’s been spreading on social media. It doesn’t mean you’re quitting your job — it means you stop overworking and protect your time and energy 🧘‍♀️💼 📌 In This Episode: ✔ What “quiet quitting” actually means ✔ Where the phrase came from (Hint: TikTok!) ✔ My tho...

🍎NIHONGO LINGO🍎 EP23：Words related to green tea Hi, it’s Coo! This time, we’re exploring unique Japanese expressions related to green tea — yes, green tea! 🍵 You’ll learn what it means to “cloud tea,” why standing tea stems are lucky, and how “mechakucha” ties in! 📌 In This Episode: ✔ What does “cha wo nigosu” (to cloud tea) mean? ✔ Why would you “boil tea with your belly button”? ✔ Fun expre...

🍎NIHONGO LINGO🍎 EP22：What Do “Yabai” and “Egui” Really Mean? Hi, it’s Coo! Today I’m talking about two of the most expressive and flexible Japanese words: “Yabai” and “Egui”! These words can mean anything from “terrible” to “amazing” — and you’ll hear them everywhere in Japan! By the way… this episode’s upload was a little late — thanks for your patience! 📌 In This Episode: ✔ What does “yabai”...

🍎NIHONGO LINGO🍎 EP21: Bento Culture Hi, this is Coo! In this episode, I talk about Japan’s unique bento (lunch box) culture. 📌 What you’ll learn in this episode: ✔ What makes Japanese bentos special (nutrition, balance, and beauty) ✔ My experience with school lunches in Australia ✔ How I started making bentos for my son due to allergies ✔ The colorful world of kyaraben (character bentos) ✔ How...

🍎NIHONGO LINGO🍎 EP20: Tips for Enjoying Tokyo Hi, this is Kuu from NIHONGO LINGO! In this episode, I’ll share practical tips for enjoying Tokyo, based on my 15+ years living in the city. 📌 What’s in this episode: ✔ Why it's important to research in advance before heading out ✔ If a place takes reservations — book it early! ✔ Keep your schedule light and flexible — delays are common ✔ Don’t...

EP19: Hair Salon in Japan Hi, it’s Coo! Today’s theme is "Hair Salon in Japan"! 📌 What you’ll learn in this episode: ✔ Do you need a reservation at a Japanese hair salon? ✔ How to find a salon: Google Maps and Instagram are your best friends! ✔ Typical menu items: Cut, color, perm, and head spa! ✔ What happens when you get to the salon? Common conversations you’ll hear ✔ How much does i...

🍎NIHONGO LINGO🍎 EP18: How to Buy a Commuter Pass (Teikiken) Hi, this is Coo! In this episode, I’ll talk about “teikiken” (commuter passes) — useful and cost-effective tickets for students in Japan. 📌 What you’ll learn in this episode: ✔ What is a "commuter pass"? What documents are needed (like "tsuugaku shoumeisho") ✔ How to buy a teikiken at the JR counter or ticket machin...

🍎NIHONGO LINGO🍎 EP17: The Price of Rice in Japan Hi, this is Coo! In today’s episode, we’re talking about rice—Japan’s most important staple food—and why the price of rice has been rising recently. 📌 What you’ll learn in this episode: ✔ Why is rice getting more expensive in Japan lately? ✔ Easy explanations of difficult words from Japanese news articles ✔ The effects of heatwaves, reduced harve...

🍎NIHONGO LINGO🍎 EP16: What Does "Futsuu" (Normal) Mean in Japan? Hi! This is Coo. In this episode, I talk about a common Japanese word: 普通 (futsuu) , which means "normal" or "usual." 📌 What you’ll learn in this episode: ✔ How the word "futsuu" is used in daily Japanese ✔ Why "futsuu" can be confusing or hard to define ✔ Unspoken social rules in Japan: graduation dress codes, indoor shoes, and...

🍎NIHONGO LINGO🍎 EP15: Breakfast in Japan 🍚 Hi! This is Coo. In today’s episode, I talk about “Breakfast in Japan”! 📌 What you’ll learn in this episode ✔ What a typical Japanese breakfast looks like: rice, miso soup, grilled fish, pickles, and more ✔ Modern breakfast habits in Japan: toast, cereal, or just coffee? ✔ My own experience growing up with a “hearty breakfast” family ✔ How my husband’...

🍎 NIHONGO LINGO 🍎 EP14: Ramen Hi! This is Coo. In today’s episode, I talk about one of Japan’s most beloved foods… RAMEN! 📌 What you’ll learn in this episode ✔ A deep dive into ramen soup types: shoyu, miso, tonkotsu, shio, seafood & vegetable ✔ Regional ramen flavors — Hokkaido’s miso, Kyushu’s tonkotsu, Tokyo’s shoyu origins ✔ Ramen shop culture: ticket machines, counter manners, slurping...

🍎Welcome to NIHONGOLINGO🍎 EP13: Sasu-Kyu & Gender Roles in Japan Hi! This is Coo. In today’s episode, I talk about "Sasu-Kyu" (Sasuga Kyushu) and Gender Roles in Japan. 📌 What you’ll learn in this episode ✔ What is "Sasu-Kyu" (さす九)? A viral meme about Kyushu’s cultural norms ✔ The image of "Kyushu Danji" (九州男児) – Strong men or outdated values? ✔ A controversial family story: "Women s...

🍎 NIHONGOLINGO 🍎 EP12: What to Do in an Emergency in Japan? 🚨 Hi! This is Coo. In today’s episode, I talk about what to do in an emergency in Japan! 📌 What you’ll learn in this episode ✔ Emergency numbers in Japan – Who to call for police, fire, or medical emergencies ✔ What to say when calling 110 (police) and 119 (ambulance/fire department) ✔ How to describe your location clearly in Japanese...

EP11：Japanese Dialects Hi! This is Coo. In today’s episode, I talk about "Japanese Dialects" (Hōgen)! 🍎 What you’ll learn in this episode ✔ What are Japanese dialects? The unique ways of speaking across different regions ✔ Famous dialects! Kansai-ben, Hakata-ben, Tohoku-ben, and Okinawan Uchinaaguchi ✔ Fun facts about dialects! Same words, different meanings? Unique intonations? ✔ Dial...

🍎WELCOME TO NIHONGO LINGO🍎 EP10：The Convention on the Rights of the Child Hi! This is Coo. In today’s episode, I talk about The Convention on the Rights of the Child and education in Japan. 🎙️ What you’ll learn in this episode ✔ Can foreign children attend school in Japan? 🎓 ✔ How does Japanese law affect children's right to education? 📜 ✔ What is the Convention on the Rights of the Child...

🍎WELCOME TO NIHONGO LINGO🍎 EP9：University entrance examination Hi! This is Coo. In today’s episode, I talk about university entrance exams in Japan! 🎙️ What you’ll learn in this episode ✔ How Japanese university entrance exams work: National vs. private universities ✔ Why Japanese university entrance exams are "one-shot tests" ✔ How the U.S. admission process differs: SAT, ACT, GPA, e...

🍎WELCOME TO NIHONGO LINGO🍎 Hi! This is Coo. Today's episode is all about the anime and manga "Medalist" —a story centered around figure skating ! Why did I choose this topic? 1️⃣ Because both my child practices figure skating . 2️⃣ Because the manga author’s personal story and the deep connections between fans and creators fascinated me! 📝 What you’ll learn in this episode ✔ What...

🍎 WELCOME TO NIHONGO LINGO🍎 EP6：How to Separate Trash in Japan Hi! This is Coo. Today’s episode is all about garbage separation in Japan! What you’ll learn in this episode ✔ What does "分別" (bunbetsu) mean? ✔ Why are Japan’s garbage rules different in each city? ✔ What’s the difference between “burnable” and “non-burnable” trash? ✔ What is “生ゴミ” (nama gomi)? Understanding tricky J...

🍎 WELCOME TO NIHONGO LINGO 🍎 EP6：Tokyo's packed trains Hi! This is Coo. In today’s episode, I’ll talk about Tokyo’s rush hour trains! What you’ll learn in this episode ✔ How crowded Tokyo’s trains are & the surprising number of passengers at Shinjuku Station ✔ My experiences with rush hour trains & women-only cars ✔ The differences between Osaka and Tokyo’s train culture ✔ Why do people...

🍎 NIHONGO LINGO 🍎 Episode 5：Medical Insurance in Japan Hi! This is Coo. Today’s topic might be a bit challenging: Japan’s health insurance system! What you’ll learn in this episode ✔ How Japan’s health insurance works (Shaho & Kokuho) ✔ The role of patient ID cards and insurance cards at hospitals ✔ Differences in medical costs for children, adults, and seniors Japan’s healthcare system is...