Yuko

Japanese from Scratch with YUKO

Education EN ↓ 96 episodes

This is a podcast for beginner-level Japanese learners who want to get used to the rhythm and basic vocabulary of the language. Each episode will discuss different topics such as introducing yourself, hobbies, favorite foods, lifestyle questions, useful phrases when traveling to Japan and more. The host(s) will speak clear and natural Japanese.

Author

Yuko

Category

Education

Podcast website

podcasters.spotify.com

Latest episode

Jun 26, 2026

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Episodes

#71 When Your Friend Isn’t Feeling Well 24.10.2025

In the last episode, we learned how to talk about your own condition. This time, let’s learn what to say to someone who isn’t feeling well — how to give gentle advice and care for them. Please enjoy !

#70 How to Talk About Your Condition 17.10.2025

Today’s topic is “How to talk about your condition” in Japanese. You’ll learn some very common phrases that Japanese people use when they feel good, tired, or a bit sick. Please enjoy listening!

#69 Verbs! wear = kimasu, hakimasu, kaburimasu and more 10.10.2025

Today’s topic is daily verbs. Expanding your vocabulary is one of the most important parts of learning a language! Let’s look at some common verbs that appear in your morning routine, when you get dressed, and when you go out. Please enjoy listening!

#68 Good points of learning Japanese ~Nihon-go wa muzukashikunai desu! 03.10.2025

Today, I’d like to share some of the good points of learning Japanese. Actually, Japanese has many features that make it easier than you might think. Let me introduce a few!

#67 Dictionary Form : I'm bad at drawing.~E o kaku no ga heta desu. 26.09.2025

Following the te-form, which we featured last week, today we’ll focus on the dictionary form. I will introduce four common uses of the dictionary form at the beginner level: To say likes, dislikes, and skills. To say “before doing something.” To talk about plans, dreams, or goals. To use the casual plain form in conversation. Please enjoy listening!

#66 Te-form : Please listen! ~Kiite kudasai! 19.09.2025

Japanese verb conjugation might feel a little difficult at first, because there are many forms, like the masu-form, the te-form, the dictionary form, and the nai-form. Today, I will introduce five uses of te-form that are usually learned at the beginner level. Please enjoy listening!

#65 Japanese Manners You Should Know 12.09.2025

Today, I want to talk about some Japanese customs that aren’t really about language, but about daily life. They’re not written anywhere, but most people follow them naturally. If you know these, your stay in Japan will be much smoother, and you’ll also get a better sense of how Japanese people think. You won’t hear a lot of Japanese today—so just sit back and enjoy learning about Japanese customs...

#64 Counters ~Hitotsu, Futatsu/ Ippon, ni-hon... 05.09.2025

Today, we’re going to talk about Japanese counters. In Japanese, when you count things, you often need a special word. It seems that many Japanese learners feel overwhelmed by having to memorize so many different counters. Honestly, even as a native speaker, I sometimes feel the same way. But through today’s episode, I hope you’ll feel a little more confident using Japanese counters! Please enjoy...

#63 Wedding in Japan ~Nihon no Kekkonshiki 29.08.2025

Today, we’ll introduce some useful Japanese words and expressions related to weddings in Japan. I’ll also talk about a few important customs to remember. With these tips, you can feel more confident when attending a wedding in Japan!

#62 Na-adjective : Kirei na kooen ga arimasu. 22.08.2025

Last time, we talked about i-adjectives. If you haven’t listened yet, please give it a try! Today, let’s move on to the other type of adjectives in Japanese: na-adjectives. After listening to this episode and the previous one, I'am sure you're starting to feel more confident using them. Please enjoy listening!

#61 I-adjective : Raamen wa oishikatta desu! 15.08.2025

Today, we’re going to talk about “i-adjectives” . I’ve seen many Japanese learners struggle to get comfortable using adjectives, as their conjugations can be quite complicated. There are two main types of adjectives in Japanese: i-adjectives and na-adjectives. Today, we’ll focus only on i-adjectives. Please enjoy listening!

#60 How to Greet People in Japanese – Formal and Casual 08.08.2025

Today, I’d like to talk about Japanese greetings—like ohayou gozaimasu (good morning), konnichiwa (hello), and konbanwa (good evening). These might seem simple at first, but the expressions you use can change depending on the time of day or the situation. Once you get used to choosing the right greeting for each moment, your Japanese will sound much more natural!

#59 How to use "Doozo" and "Doomo" 01.08.2025

Today, I’d like to focus on another pair of phrases that many Japanese learners find confusing: doozo and doomo. You must be familiar with the phrases like "Doozo yoroshiku onegai shimasu." or "Doomo Arigatoo gozaimasu." Let's learn when we can use Doomo and Doozo in other situations!

#58 How to Use "Onegai Shimasu, Kudasai, Sumimasen" ? 25.07.2025

Do you know the difference between "Onegai shimasu" and "Kudasai," which can both be translated as "please" in English? And do you know when and how to use "Sumimasen"? Today, I’ll be answering these questions — ones that many Japanese learners might be wondering about. I hope you enjoy the episode!

#57 Useful Japanese for Hands-On Activities! 18.07.2025

Today, we will introduce some useful Japanese expressions and sample conversations you can use during hands-on activities in Japan. Let's make your experience in Japan even more memorable with Japanese! Please enjoy!

#56 Particle "kara" "made" and "mo" 11.07.2025

Our particle series continues! Today, we’ll look at three more essential particles: kara, made and mo. Mastering them will help you talk about time, places, and even emphasize things more naturally. Please enjoy!

#55 Particle "no" "to" and "ya" 04.07.2025

Did you listen to the past four episodes featuring the particles ni, de, o, wa, ga, yo, ne and Ka? Our particle series continues! In today’s episode, we’ll focus on three very common Japanese particles: no, to, and ya. Please enjoy listening!

#54 Particle "ka" "yo" and "ne" 27.06.2025

In today’s episode, we’ll focus on three very common Japanese particles: ka, ne, and yo. These are called sentence-ending particles. They’re small words that come at the end of a sentence and add extra meaning or feeling. Please enjoy listening!

#53 Particle "wa" and "o" 20.06.2025

Today marks one year since we started this podcast! Thank you so much for listening and supporting us throughout this journey. ありがとうございます。 Today, we’re going to take a look at one of the most confusing pairs for learners: the particles 「は」 (wa) and 「が」 (ga). Please enjoy listening!

#52 Particle "de" and "o" 13.06.2025

Today, I’m going to explain two very common particles: "de" and "o". The particle "de" adds information to the sentence, like “where,” “what,” or “how” something is done. The particle "o" is known as the direct object marker. Enjoy listening!

#51 Particle "ni" 06.06.2025

te, ni, o, wa.... Are you confident how to use the particles in Japanese? I guess many Japanese language learners hate particles... Today, I would like to focus on the particle "ni" and explain the basic idea of this particle, including when and how we use it in a sentence. Please enjoy!

#50 Casual Conversation at School Vol.2 At University 30.05.2025

This time, we are talking about university life in Japan! We’ll go over some unique words and expressions you might hear on campus, and share some useful example conversations too. Please enjoy!

#49 Casual Conversation at School Vol.1 23.05.2025

This week, we’re switching gears a bit and focusing on casual conversations with Japanese friends—especially for junior high school,and high school . You will also learn some unique terms used in Japanese school! Please enjoy!

#48 Useful Expressions for Homestays Vol.2 16.05.2025

This week, we will continue to introduce expressions and tips to make your homestay in Japan more comfortable and to facilitate communication. You will learn phrases you can use when eating with your host family and when you are not feeling well! 

#47 Useful Expressions for Homestays Vol.1 09.05.2025

Today and next week, I’ll be sharing useful phrases you can use when staying with or visiting a Japanese family in Japan. You'll also pick up some helpful tips and good manners to make the most of your homestay in Japan. Please enjoy!

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