にほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumi

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In this episode, Yumi shares the inspiring story of how her daughter landed the lead role in a local musical production of Percy Jackson—a role she wasn’t even aiming for. Originally cast in a small part, her passion for the story, dedication to rehearsal, and deep knowledge of the material made her stand out. Yumi reflects on what people often call “luck” and reveals the real reason behind unexpected success: enthusiasm and consistent effort. Whether it’s theater or language learning, this episode is a reminder that passion often leads the way. A motivational listen for anyone chasing a dream—or studying Japanese. 🎭📚🇯🇵

KEY VOCABULARY:

端役(はやく) — “Minor role” or “bit part.” 端 means “edge” or “marginal,” and 役 means “role” or “part.” Together, this refers to a small or supporting role in a play or production.
チョイ役(やく) — “Bit part” or “cameo role.” チョイ is a casual way of saying “just a little,” and 役(やく) means “role.” This term is used for a very minor or brief appearance in a performance.
情熱(じょうねつ) — “Passion” or “enthusiasm.” 情 means “emotion” or “feeling,” and 熱 means “heat” or “fervor.” Together, they express strong emotional commitment.
全(ぜん)シリーズ — “The whole series.” 全(ぜん) means “all” or “entire,” and シリーズ (series) refers to a set of works like books or episodes. Together, it means “every part of the series.”
ほぼ — “Almost” or “nearly.” An adverb meaning something is close to being complete or true.
出演者全員(しゅつえんしゃぜんいん) — “All cast members.” 出演者(しゅつえんしゃ) means “cast” or “performers,” and 全員(ぜんいん) means “everyone” or “all members.”
何(なに)かにつけて — “On every occasion” or “at every opportunity.” Used to express that something happens habitually or regularly, no matter the situation.
態度(たいど) — “Attitude” or “behavior.” Refers to a person’s manner or way of acting, especially how it reflects effort or character.
ディレクターとして — “As a director.” ディレクター means “director,” and として indicates the capacity or role in which someone acts.
しかも — “Moreover” or “on top of that.” An adverb used to add additional, often impressive or unexpected, information.
せっかちなのもあるせいか — “Maybe because I’m a bit impatient.” せっかち means “impatient,” and せいか implies a possible reason or cause, used when speculating.
映(うつ)ったよう — “Seemed to appear (a certain way).” 映(うつ)る means “to appear” or “be reflected,” and よう adds a nuance of perception or impression.

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-173

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-173-m

Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.

www.MakotoPlus.com

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In this episode, Yumi shares a heartwarming story about her 17-year-old daughter’s summer vacation, which turned into an unexpected adventure on stage. What began as a small supporting role in a local production of the Percy Jackson Musical soon transformed into a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: being chosen as the lead. From the excitement of her very first audition to the challenges of daily rehearsals and the triumph of nine successful performances, Yumi reflects on the surprises, the hard work, and the “secret” behind what might seem like just good luck. A touching glimpse into family life, perseverance, and the magic of following one’s dreams.

KEY VOCABULARY:

新学期(しんがっき) — "New school term/semester." 新(しん) means "new," and 学期(がっき) means "school term" or "semester."
2週目位(しゅうめぐらい) — "Around the second week." 週(しゅう) means "week," 目(め) is an ordinal marker ("the second week"), and 位(くらい) means "approximately." Put together, it means "about the second week."
夏休(なつやす)みの間中夢中(あいだじゅうむちゅう) — "Absorbed the whole summer vacation." 夏休(なつやす)み means "summer vacation," 間中(あいだじゅ) means "throughout; the whole time," and 夢中(むちゅう) means "absorbed; obsessed; completely into something."
神話(しんわ) — "Myth; mythology." 神 means "god," and 話 means "story" or "tale."
ティーン向(む)け — "For teenagers; aimed at teens." ティーン (from English "teenager") and 向(む)け ("intended for; geared toward"). Used for products, media, or content aimed at a teenage audience.
劇場(げきじょう) — "Theater." 劇 means "drama; play," and 場 means "place." Together, "place for drama" →
端役(はやく) — "Minor role; small part (in a play)." 端 means "edge" or "side," and 役 means "role."
チョイ役(やく) — "Bit part; cameo role." チョイ is a colloquial shortening of ちょっと ("a little"), and 役(やく) means "role." Literally "a little role."
出演(しゅつえん) — "Appearance; performance." 出 means "to go out/appear," and 演(えん) means "performance." Together, "to appear on stage, in a show, or on screen."
主役(しゅやく) — "Leading role; main character." 主 means "main" or "primary," and 役(やく) means "role."
代役(だいやく) — "Substitute role; understudy." 代(だい) means "replacement/substitute," and 役(やく) means "role." Refers to someone who steps in to play a part instead of the original actor.
持(も)ち上(あ)がった — "Came up; arose." From the verb 持(も)ち上(あ)がる (to be raised; to arise). The past tense form 持(も)ち上(あ)がった means "came up" or "was brought up." Often used for topics, issues, or proposals that suddenly appear.
挑戦(ちょうせん) — "Challenge; attempt." 挑(ちょう) means "to challenge," and 戦 means "battle." Together, "to challenge oneself" or "to try." Can be used as a noun or as a verb with する (挑戦(ちょうせん)する = "to challenge/attempt").
公演(こうえん) — "Performance (stage)." 公(こう) means "public," and 演(えん) means "performance." Refers specifically to a theatrical performance, musical, or play presented to an audience.
初舞台大成功(はつぶたいだいせいこう) — "Debut stage, great success." 初(はつ) means "first," 舞台(ぶたい) means "stage," 大(だい) means "big," and 成功(せいこう) means "success." Together, "a debut stage performance that was a big success."
滞(とどこお)りなく — "Smoothly; without delay." 滞(とどこお)り means "hindrance; delay; stagnation," and なく is the negative form ("without"). Expression meaning "without problems; smoothly."
本格的(ほんかくてき) — "Authentic; full-scale; serious." 本格(ほんかく) means "real thing; authentic style," and 的 turns it into an adjective. Refers to something being genuine, professional, or proper.
一応(いちおう) — "For the time being; sort of; just in case." Used to soften statements, meaning "tentatively," "to some extent," or "for the record." Can imply something is not perfect but sufficient.
非常(ひじょう) — "Extreme; very; extraordinary." 非 means "non-/not," and 常 means "usual." Literally "not usual" → "extraordinary; unusual; very." Often used in 非常(ひじょう)に ("extremely; very").
女優(じょゆう)さん — "Actress." 女 means "woman," 優 means "performer/actor." さん is the polite suffix. Refers to a female actor.
素人(しろうと)さん — "Amateur; non-professional." 素 means "plain; unrefined," and 人 means "person." Together, "amateur" or "non-professional." さん adds politeness.
抜擢(ばってき)された — "Was selected; was chosen (for a special role)." 抜擢(ばってき) means "selection for a prominent position, often unexpectedly." された is the passive form of する, so 抜擢(ばってき)された = "was selected/appointed."

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-172

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-172-m

Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.

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In this episode, Yumi visits her family home in Japan, only to find it cold, boring, and isolating—with no internet, books, or entertainment. Feeling stuck in what she jokingly calls a "mini-prison," she unexpectedly finds joy in a Japanese radio show. Listener stories and nostalgic memories rekindle her love for storytelling and inspire her to share more fun tales with her audience. A charming reflection on boredom, discovery, and the power of laughter.

KEY VOCABULARY:

刑務所(けいむしょ) — "Prison." 刑(けい) means "punishment" or "penalty," and 務所(むしょ) means "workplace" or "institution." Together, this refers to a penal institution where people serve criminal sentences.
大(おお)げさ — "Exaggerated; over the top." This word is used to describe something overly dramatic or blown out of proportion. Often used to modestly admit to possible exaggeration, as in "maybe I’m exaggerating."
ローカル局(きょく) — "Local TV/radio station." ローカル means "local" (borrowed from English), and 局(きょく) means "bureau" or "station." Together, it refers to a regional broadcasting station.
映(うつ)る — "To be reflected; to be broadcast." This verb often refers to something being visible on a screen or being shown on TV. In this context, it means "to be shown (on TV)."
高齢(こうれい) — "Elderly; advanced in age." A formal term used to describe older individuals. Common in written and official contexts.
どういうわけか — "For some reason." A phrase used when the reason is unknown or unclear. It adds an air of mystery or puzzlement.
契約以上(けいやくいじょう) — "Beyond the contract limit." 契約(けいやく) means "contract" or "agreement," and 以上(いじょう) means "more than" or "beyond." Used when referring to exceeding agreed terms, such as data usage limits.
節約(せつやく) — "Saving; economizing." Often refers to cutting expenses or conserving resources. Used commonly in household and budget discussions.
放送局(ほうそうきょく) — "Broadcasting station." 放送(ほうそう) means "broadcast," and 局(きょく) is "bureau/station." This refers to a television or radio network office or station.
日曜天国(にちようてんごく) — "Sunday Heaven." The title of a radio program. 日曜(にちよう) means "Sunday," and 天国(てんごく) means "heaven" or "paradise." Together it conveys a cheerful, relaxing Sunday-themed show.
一部分(いちぶぶん) — "A part; a portion." 一部(いちぶ) means "one part," and 分(ぶん) also means "portion" or "segment." Emphasizes that only a partial section of something is being referred to.
クスクス — "Chuckle." An onomatopoeia representing soft, suppressed laughter, like giggling to oneself.
ゲラゲラ — "Loud laughter." Another onomatopoeia, this time representing uninhibited, hearty laughter.
リスナーさん — "Listener (polite)." リスナー is a borrowed word meaning "listener," and さん adds a polite and respectful tone.
おハガキ — "Letter/postcard (from a listener)." ハガキ means postcard, and お is an honorific prefix used to show politeness or respect toward the sender.
一言(ひとこと) — "One remark; a few words." Literally “one word,” but used to mean a short statement or comment.
帰(かえ)ってくるなり — "As soon as (someone) gets home." 帰(かえ)ってくる is "to come back home," and なり expresses an immediate sequence — something happened immediately upon return.
恐竜(きょうりゅう) — "Dinosaur."
体験談(たいけんだん) — "Personal story or experience." 体験(たいけん) means "experience," and 談(だん) means "story or talk." Together, it refers to a shared anecdote or testimony.
いたんだよって — "They were there, you know?" いた is the past form of いる (to exist, for living things), んだ emphasizes explanation, よ adds assertion, and って is quoting a statement.
自身(じしん) — "Oneself; self." Often used to emphasize the subject personally, as in “his own experience.”
地元(じもと) — "Local; hometown." Refers to one’s home area or region.
案外人(あんがいひと) — "Surprisingly, people..." 案外(あんがい) means "unexpectedly" or "surprisingly," and 人(ひと) here refers to people. Often used to express that people may react in a way that’s not expected.
癒(いや)すもの — "Something that heals." 癒す means "to heal" or "soothe," and もの ("thing") indicates the object that performs the action.
気取(きど)りで — "With the air of; acting like." 気取(きど)り means "pretension" or "affectation," and で indicates the manner in which something is done — in this case, acting as if one were an announcer.

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-171

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-171-m

Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.

www.MakotoPlus.com

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In this episode, Yumi returns to Japan in the dead of winter, navigating the chill of an old house, the busyness of inheritance matters, and the quiet grief of family loss. Amid the hardship, she rediscovers the simple joy of soaking in a deep, warm bath. A heartfelt story of discomfort, tradition, and small comforts

KEY VOCABULARY:

はや — "Already; soon." Often implies that time has passed quickly. In the phrase はや3週間(しゅうかん), it intensifies the feeling of how fast those three weeks went by. Common in conversational and narrative contexts.
相続(そうぞく) — "Inheritance." 相 means "mutual" or "together," and 続 means "to continue." Refers to the process of passing assets or rights from the deceased to their heirs.
手続(てつづ)きなど — "Procedures and such." 手続(てつづ)き means "procedure" or "formalities" (手(て) = hand, 続(つづ)き = continuation). The など ("etc.") softens the statement and implies that other tasks were also involved.
ドタバタしていて — "Being hectic or frantic." ドタバタ is onomatopoeic, evoking loud, busy movement. していて is the て-form of する + the progressive いる, showing an ongoing hectic state.
追(お)われているような — "As if being chased." 追(お)われている is the passive progressive form of 追(お)う ("to chase"), indicating "being chased." ような compares the speaker’s situation to that of someone being chased.
断熱材(だんねつざい) — "Insulation material." 断 = to block/cut off, 熱 = heat, 材 = material. Used to describe materials that prevent the transfer of heat in buildings.
ほぼ — "Almost; nearly." An adverb used to express approximation, indicating that two things are nearly the same (e.g., temperatures inside and outside the house).
襲(おそ)われる — "To be struck; attacked." Passive form of 襲(おそ)う ("to attack"). Here, used metaphorically to describe the sharp, overwhelming feeling of cold when leaving the futon.
着替(きが)えなくてはいけません — "Have to change clothes." 着替(きが)える = to change clothes. 〜なくてはいけません is a grammatical structure meaning "must" or "have to." Expresses necessity or obligation.
燃料代(ねんりょうだい) — "Fuel cost." 燃料(ねんりょう) = fuel, and 代(だい) = fee or cost. Together, refers to the expense of heating fuel.
電気代(でんきだい) — "Electricity bill." 電気(でんき) = electricity, 代(だい) = cost. Common compound used to refer to household electricity expenses.
非常(ひじょう)に — "Extremely; very." A formal adverb often used in written or polite speech to emphasize intensity.
ままならず — "Unable to; not going as desired." Classical negative form of ままなる ("to go as intended"). This structure implies a frustrating lack of control, often due to circumstances.
唯一(ゆいいつ) — "Only; sole." A compound meaning "one" (唯) and "exist" (一), used to describe something that is one-of-a-kind or exclusive.
幸(さいわ)い — "Fortunately; luckily." Can function as both a noun and an adverb. Formal or literary in tone; expresses relief or unexpected fortune.
ゆったり — "Leisurely; relaxed." An adverb describing a calm, spacious, and unhurried manner—often used for comfort or space, such as in a bath.
伸(の)ばして — "Stretching out." 伸(の)ばす = to stretch or extend. The て-form (伸(の)ばして) is used here to connect to the next verb 浸(つ)かる ("to soak").
浸(つ)かる — "To soak; to immerse." Often used for soaking in water (like in a bath). The verb implies full bodily immersion and comfort.
野生(やせい)の猿(さる) — "Wild monkeys." 野生(やせい) = "wild," and 猿(さる) = "monkey." Describes animals living naturally in the wild, untouched by domestication.
気持(きも)ちよさそうな — "Looks pleasant/comfortable." 気持(きも)ち = feeling, よい = good, よさそう = seems good. The full phrase is the adjective form used to describe something that appears to feel good.
済(す)ます — "To get by with; to finish." The verb 済(す)ます means "to complete" or "to manage with." In context, it implies using only a shower instead of a bath, often out of convenience.
銭湯(せんとう) — "Public bathhouse." 銭 = money/coin, 湯 = hot water. A traditional, inexpensive facility where people go to bathe.
湯船(ゆぶね) — "Bathtub." 湯 = hot water, 船 = boat. Refers to the tub where one soaks, often large and communal in a public bathhouse.
ジャグジー — "Jacuzzi." Loanword from English, referring to a whirlpool bath with jets.
露天風呂(ろてんぶろ) — "Open-air bath." 露天(ろてん) = under the open sky, 風呂(ふろ) = bath. Typically found in traditional inns or onsen; known for their scenic and relaxing atmosphere.
ぽかぽか — "Nice and warm." Onomatopoeic expression describing the sensation of pleasant warmth, usually used for body temperature.
温(あたた)まる — "To warm up." Intransitive verb meaning "to become warm." Often used for things like the body or a room getting warm.
理想(りそう) — "Ideal." Commonly used to describe a perfect vision or aspiration, especially in phrases like 理想(りそう)の家(いえ) ("dream house") or 理想(りそう)の生活(せいかつ) ("ideal life").

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-170

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-170-m

Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.

www.MakotoPlus.com

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In this episode of Nihongo no Tane, Yumi shares a personal and heartfelt story about returning to Japan for her father’s funeral. From navigating unfamiliar funeral customs to reconnecting with family members she hadn’t seen in years, Yumi reflects on the busy, emotional days that followed her father’s passing. She also talks about what made the ceremony special and how her father’s long life in his hometown was filled with friendship and meaning. A touching episode with insights into Japanese culture and family life.

KEY VOCABULARY:

私(わたくし)ごと — "A personal matter." 私 is read here as わたくし, a formal and humble reading of "I" or "private," and ごと (事) means "matter" or "thing." A humble expression to refer to one's personal affairs, often used in formal or respectful speech.
お葬式(そうしき) — "Funeral." 葬 means "to bury" and 式 means "ceremony." The prefix お adds politeness to the word.
およそ — "About; approximately." A formal adverb used to express an estimated quantity or duration.
脳梗塞(のうこうそく) — "Stroke; cerebral infarction." 脳 means "brain," 梗 means "blockage," and 塞 means "obstruction," referring to a blocked blood vessel in the brain.
麻痺(まひ) — "Paralysis; numbness." 麻 means "numb" or "hemp," and 痺 means "numbness" or "paralysis," used for loss of movement or sensation.
車椅子(くるまいす) — "Wheelchair." 車(くるま) means "vehicle," and 椅子(いす) means "chair," literally describing a wheeled chair.
癌(がん)になり — "Developed cancer." 癌 means "cancer," and 〜になる ("to become") is used here in its ます-stem form なり, which connects to the next verb (手術(しゅじゅつ)をしまして); this is common in narrative style to maintain flow.
手術(しゅじゅつ) — "Surgery; operation." 手 means "hand," and 術 means "technique" or "skill," referring to a medical procedure.
老人(ろうじん)ホーム — "Nursing home." 老人(ろうじん) means "elderly person" (老 = "old," 人 = "person"), and ホーム is "home" in katakana, meaning care facility.
出(で)ることもできず — "Could not go out." 出(で)る means "to go out," こと turns the verb into a noun, できる means "can," and 〜ず is the classical negative of 〜ない, so できず = "could not (and...)"—implying an ongoing state or sequence.
そろって — "All together; as a group." From 揃(そろ)う ("to be gathered/complete"), in て-form to connect actions or indicate simultaneous action.
浸(ひた)っている — "To be immersed (in something)." 浸る means "to soak or immerse," and the 〜ている form indicates a continuous state—here, emotionally immersed.
葬儀屋(そうぎや)さん — "Funeral director." 葬儀(そうぎ) means "funeral service" (葬 = "to bury," 儀 = "ceremony"), 屋 means "shop/person in charge," and さん adds respect.
ああだこうだ — "This and that; back and forth." A colloquial expression representing indecision or a flurry of decisions, often used when things are hectic.
お坊(ぼう)さん — "Buddhist monk." 坊 refers to a Buddhist monk (originally meaning “boy” or “temple person”), and さん adds politeness.
お布施(ふせ) — "Offering to a monk or temple." 布 means "to distribute" or "cloth," 施 means "to give" or "bestow," and together refer to a monetary offering.
年老(としお)いた母(はは) — "Elderly mother." 年老(としお)いた is the past form of 年老(としお)いる ("to grow old," 年 = "year," 老 = "old"), and 母 means "mother"—a respectful phrase for one’s aging mother.
費用(ひよう) — "Cost; expense." 費 means "expense," and 用 means "use" or "purpose"—together meaning "cost required for something."
祭壇(さいだん) — "Altar." 祭 means "ritual" or "festival," and 壇 means "platform"—a ceremonial platform often decorated in religious events.
豪華(ごうか) — "Luxurious; splendid." 豪 means "magnificent" or "extravagant," and 華 means "splendor" or "flower," together describing something rich or ornate.
昭和(しょうわ) — "Showa era." 昭 means "bright" and 和 means "peace," referring to the Japanese era from 1926 to 1989 (Showa 12 = 1937).
末(すえ)っ子(こ) — "Youngest child." 末 means "end," and 子 means "child." The small っ adds emphasis to show it's the last-born.
高齢(こうれい) — "Old age; elderly." 高 means "high," and 齢 means "age," a respectful and formal term for advanced age.
故郷(ふるさと) — "Hometown." 故 means "former" or "deceased," and 郷 means "village"—a nostalgic or sentimental term for one's birthplace.
囲(かこ)まれた人生(じんせい) — "A life surrounded (by something)." 囲(かこ)まれた is the passive past form of 囲(かこ)む ("to surround"), and 人生(じんせい) means "life"—used here to describe a life surrounded by friends.

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-169

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-169-m

Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.

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In this episode of Nihongo no Tane, Yumi shares a shopping trip with her daughter that started with a simple plan to buy one pair of exercise pants but ended with three! She also talks about how their dog, Maro, played a role in this unexpected shopping spree. Along the way, Yumi reflects about how English words get adapted into Japanese. Tune in for a lighthearted and relatable episode filled with everyday moments and language insights!

KEY VOCABULARY:

いわゆる — "So-called; what is commonly known as." Used to introduce a term or phrase that may be more familiar or widely recognized.
愛犬(あいけん) — "Beloved dog; pet dog." 愛(あい) means "love," and 犬(けん) means "dog," together forming a word that expresses affection for one's pet dog.
食(た)べられてしまいまして — "Ended up being eaten (unfortunately)." 食(た)べられる is the passive form of 食(た)べる ("to eat"), indicating that something was eaten by something else. 〜てしまう adds a nuance of regret or unintended consequence.
ビリビリ — "Torn apart; ripped to shreds; electrically tingling." An onomatopoeia that can describe something being ripped apart or the sensation of tingling, like from static electricity.
状態(じょうたい) — "Condition; state; situation." Used to describe the status or condition of something at a given moment.
我慢(がまん) — "Endurance; patience; putting up with something." Refers to enduring discomfort or inconvenience without complaining.
回数(かいすう) — "Number of times; frequency." 回 refers to an instance of an action, and 数 means "number," so together, it indicates how often something happens.
長(なが)い丈(たけ) — "Long length (of clothing)." 長(なが)い means "long," and 丈(たけ) refers to the length of clothing, such as pants or skirts.
ふと — "Suddenly; unexpectedly; without thinking." An adverb used when something comes to mind or happens spontaneously.
どうせ — "Anyway; in any case; after all (with a nuance of resignation)." Often used when expressing that an outcome is inevitable or when giving up on something.
短(たん)パン — "Shorts; short pants." 短(たん) means "short," and パン is short for "pants," forming a casual way to refer to shorts.
際(さい) — "On the occasion of; when." A formal word used to indicate a specific time or situation when something happens.
袖(そで)を通(とお)してみる — "To try on clothes (literally: to pass one's arms through the sleeves)." 袖(そで) means "sleeve," and 通(とお)す means "to pass through," making this phrase a natural way to say "try on clothing."
ぱっと — "At a glance; quickly; suddenly." An adverb used to describe quick actions or immediate impressions.
あら印象(いんしょう) — "Oh, the impression (has changed)!" あら is an exclamation expressing surprise, and 印象(いんしょう) means "impression," often used when something looks different from expectations.
ど忘(わす)れしてしまって — "Completely forgot (momentarily)." ど忘(わす)れ is when you suddenly forget something you usually know. The 〜てしまう adds a nuance of unintended or unfortunate forgetting.
何(なに)だっけ — "What was it again?" A casual phrase used when trying to remember something you forgot.
スペリング — "Spelling." A loanword from English, used in Japanese to refer to how a word is written letter by letter.
ほぼ — "Almost; nearly." Used when something is close to but not entirely complete or exact.
早口言葉(はやくちことば) — "Tongue twister." 早口(はやくち) means "fast-talking," and 言葉(ことば) means "word(s)," together referring to phrases that are difficult to pronounce quickly.

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-168

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-168-m

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In this episode of Nihongo no Tane, Yumi shares her recent conversations with her mother and younger sister in Japan. She reflects on how her elderly mother has developed a habit of one-sided conversations, often hanging up as soon as she’s finished speaking. She also considers her own role as a listener rather than a talker and how being a good listener can be a rare and valuable trait. Tune in for an insightful and relatable discussion on family dynamics, communication, and the importance of listening.

KEY VOCABULARY:

超(こ)えて高齢(こうれい) — Exceeding old age; being very elderly. 超(こ)えて is the te-form of 超(こ)える, meaning "to exceed" or "to go beyond." 高齢(こうれい) means "old age" or "elderly."
一方的(いっぽうてき)に — One-sidedly; unilaterally; without considering the other person. 一方的(いっぽうてき) means "one-sided" or "lacking reciprocity." に is an adverbial particle making it function as an adverb.
まどろっこしい — Frustratingly slow; tedious; sluggish. An adjective describing something that feels slow or inefficient, causing impatience.
返(かえ)そう — Let’s return (something); Let’s respond. 返(かえ)す means "to return" or "to give back," often used for responses. 〜そう is a volitional form indicating intention, like "let’s" or "I will."
終(お)わらされてしまう — To be forced to end (unwillingly); to be made to stop. 終(お)わらされる is the passive causative form of 終(お)わる ("to end"), meaning "to be made to end." 〜てしまう expresses completion or regret, often implying something happened against one's will.
不快(ふかい)なもの — Something unpleasant; something uncomfortable. 不快(ふかい) means "unpleasant" or "discomfort." な makes 不快(ふかい) function as an adjective. もの means "thing," referring to something abstract (a feeling, experience, etc.).
話(はな)しぶりに — Way of talking; manner of speaking. 話(はな)しぶり is a noun meaning "speaking style" or "way of talking." に is a particle indicating the manner or context of something.
不満(ふまん) — Dissatisfaction; complaint; discontent. 不(ふ) is a prefix meaning "not" or "negative." 満(まん) means "full" or "satisfaction," so together, 不満(ふまん) means "not satisfied."
ぶちまけてくれました — (They) vented; (They) spilled everything out. ぶちまける is a slangy, emphatic verb meaning "to pour out one's feelings" or "to reveal everything." 〜てくれました indicates that the action was done for the speaker’s benefit.
うんざりしていたみたい — Seemed to be fed up; looked tired of it. うんざりする means "to be fed up" or "to be sick of something." していた is the past progressive form, indicating ongoing frustration. みたい is a suffix meaning "seems like" or "appears to be."
小一時間(こいちじかん) — About an hour; nearly an hour. 小(こ) in this case means "slightly less than." 一時間(いちじかん) means "one hour."
態度(たいど) — Attitude; manner; behavior. A noun referring to a person’s demeanor, approach, or attitude in a situation.
聞(き)き役(やく)に回(まわ)ること — Taking on the listener’s role; becoming the listener. 聞(き)き役(やく) means "listener role," someone who listens rather than talks. に回(まわ)る means "to take on the role of" or "to turn into." こと turns the phrase into a noun ("the act of taking on the listener role").
発信(はっしん)する — To transmit; to send out information. 発信(はっしん) means "transmission," often used for communication or broadcasting. する makes it a verb ("to transmit" or "to share information").
近況(きんきょう) — Recent situation; current status. 近(きん) means "near" or "recent." 況(きょう) means "condition" or "situation," so together, it means "recent condition" or "current updates."
語(かた)る — To talk about; to tell (a story); to narrate. A formal or literary verb meaning "to tell" or "to recount."
案外(あんがい) — Unexpectedly; surprisingly. 案(あん) means "plan" or "idea." 外(がい) means "outside," so together, it suggests something turning out differently than expected.
ほっとする — To feel relieved; to feel at ease. ほっと is an onomatopoeic word for relief or relaxation. する turns it into a verb, meaning "to feel relieved."

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-167

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-167-m

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In this episode of Nihongo no Tane, Yumi takes us back to a beloved Japanese custom that is slowly fading: the “New Year Film” tradition. She recalls how families would flock to theaters to watch holiday releases like Otoko wa Tsurai yo, Tsuribaka Nisshi, and even Godzilla. Yumi fondly remembers her father’s love for these films and reflects on how the genre has evolved, with fewer people nowadays making special New Year trips to the cinema. Instead, she points out how streaming services and a changing culture have shifted the way people experience movies. Tune in for an engaging look at the past and present of celebrating the New Year with film in Japan, and hear Yumi’s thoughts on what she and her family chose to watch this year!

KEY VOCABULARY:

正月映画(しょうがつえいが) — New Year's movie; films typically released around the New Year's season in Japan. 「正月(しょうがつ)」(New Year) + 「映画(えいが)」(movie).
ジャンル — Genre; a category or type, often used to classify movies, books, etc.
年末年始(ねんまつねんし) — Year-end and New Year's; the period encompassing the end of December and the beginning of January. 「年末(ねんまつ)」(year-end) + 「年始(ねんし)」(beginning of the year).
上映(じょうえい)される映画(えいが) — Movies being screened; films that are shown or exhibited in theaters. 「上映(じょうえい)」(screening/showing) is combined with 「される」(passive form of する, "to do"), meaning "to be screened."
後半(こうはん) — The latter half; the second half of a period, such as a month or year. 「後(こう)」(later/after) + 「半(はん)」(half).
封切(ふうき)られる映画(えいが) — Movies being released; films that premiere or are first shown in theaters. 「封切(ふうぎ)る」(to release a movie) in its passive form, 「封切(ふうき)られる」(to be released).
初(はつ)もうで — Hatsumōde; the first shrine visit of the New Year, a traditional Japanese custom. 「初(はつ)」(first) + 「もうで」(visit to a shrine or temple).
シリーズ — Series; a set of related works, often movies, books, or TV shows, released in succession.
監督(かんとく) — Director; the person responsible for overseeing the creation of a movie or other production.
主演(しゅえん) — Leading role; the main actor or actress in a film or production. 「主(しゅ)」(main) + 「演(えん)」(performance).
日誌(にっし) — Diary or journal; often used in titles to indicate a record of events, such as Tsuribaka Nisshi (The Diary of a Fishing Fool). 「日(にっ)」(day) + 「誌(し)」(record).
公開(こうかい)される — To be released or made public; often refers to movies or works being available to the public. 「公開(こうかい)」(release/opening to the public) is combined with 「される」(passive form of する, "to do"), meaning "to be released."
以前(いぜん) — Previously; in the past or before a certain point in time.
平社員(ひらしゃいん) — Ordinary employee; a worker without managerial or senior responsibilities. 「平(ひら)」(plain) + 「社員(しゃいん)」(employee).
大企業(だいきぎょう) — Large company; a big corporation or enterprise. 「大(だい)」(big) + 「企業(きぎょう)」(enterprise).
日本各地(にほんかくち) — Various places in Japan; throughout different regions of the country. 「日本(にほん)」(Japan) + 「各地(かくち)」(various places).
実家(じっか) — One's family home; the house where one grew up or their parents' home. 「実(じっ)」(real/true) + 「家(か)」(home/house).
役(やく) — Role; a part or character played by an actor in a movie or production.
終了(しゅうりょう) — Completion or conclusion; the end of an event, series, or activity. 「終(しゅう)」(end) + 「了(りょう)」(finish).
時期(じき) — Period or season; a specific time frame. 「時(じ)」(time) + 「期(き)」(period).
過去形(かこけい) — Past tense; a grammatical form indicating actions or states in the past. 「過去(かこ)」(past) + 「形(けい)」(form).
定番(ていばん) — Standard or classic; something considered a staple or go-to choice in a particular context. 「定」(fixed) + 「番」(number/order).
なくなりつつあります — Is gradually disappearing; indicates something is in the process of vanishing or declining. 「なくなる」(to disappear) in its ます-stem form, 「なくなり」, followed by 「つつある」(indicates an ongoing process).
時代(じだい)の流(なが)れ — Flow of the times; changes or trends that come with the passing of time. 「時代(じだい)」(era) + 「の」(possessive marker) + 「流(なが)れ」(flow).
ご覧(らん)になりました — (Honorific) Did you watch; a polite way to ask if someone has seen something. 「ご」(honorific prefix) + 「覧(らん)」(look/watch) + 「になりました」(honorific past tense form).

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-166

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-166-m

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In this episode of "Nihongo no Tane," Yumi reflects on her experience welcoming the New Year amidst a busy holiday season. She shares insights into traditional Japanese New Year customs, from preparing osechi ryori to watching NHK’s Kohaku Uta Gassen and giving otoshidama. Despite these celebrations, Yumi explains why this year felt less "new" to her, revealing how a cluttered home and a packed schedule impacted her perspective. Tune in to explore the contrasts between Japanese and American New Year traditions and discover Yumi’s goals for the year ahead!

KEY VOCABULARY:

ばたばた — Hustling and bustling; being in a hurry or busy state.
支払(しはら)いを済(す)ませたり — 支払(しはら)い: payment; を: [object marker]; 済(す)ませたり: settling or completing (済(す)ませる in たり-form, "to settle/finish"). Completing payments or taking care of payments.
おせち料理(りょうり) — Traditional Japanese New Year’s cuisine, often served in a multi-tiered box.
大晦日(おおみそか) — New Year’s Eve (December 31).
紅白歌合戦(こうはくうたがっせん) — 紅白(こうはく): red and white (symbolic colors of Japan); 歌合戦(うたがっせん): singing contest. "Kōhaku Uta Gassen," a famous Japanese New Year’s Eve singing contest.
ゆったり — Feeling relaxed; leisurely.
寝正月(ねしょうがつ) — 寝(ね): sleep; 正月(しょうがつ): New Year. Spending the New Year’s holidays lazing around at home, often sleeping.
ゴロゴロ — Lounging around; idling; onomatopoeia for rolling or loafing.
フレッシュ — Fresh (a loanword from English).
心当(こころあ)たりがありました — 心当(こころあ)たり: having an idea or clue about something; が: [subject marker]; ありました: there was; had. "I had a clue/idea about it."
とっ散(ち)らかっていた — とっ散(ち)らかる: to be messy; scattered everywhere; いた: past progressive form (was messy). "It was all over the place/messy."
日常(にちじょう) — Everyday life; routine.
おうち — Home (casual or polite term for 家(うち), house).
感覚(かんかく) — Sense; sensation; feeling.
お雑煮(ぞうに) — Traditional Japanese soup with rice cakes (mochi), eaten during New Year’s celebrations.
お屠蘇(とそ) — Spiced sake traditionally drunk during New Year’s for good health.
初詣(はつもうで) — 初(はつ): first; 詣: pilgrimage/visit. First shrine visit of the New Year.
初日(はつひ)の出(で) — 初日(はつひ): first sunrise; の出(で): appearance; rising. The first sunrise of the New Year.
お年玉(としだま) — Money given to children as a New Year’s gift.
年賀状(ねんがじょう) — 年賀(ねんが): New Year’s greetings; 状(じょう): letter/card. New Year’s greeting card.
書(か)き初(ぞ)め — 書(か)き: writing (noun form of 書(か)く, to write); 初(はじ)め: first time; beginning. First calligraphy of the year.
お習字(しゅうじ) — お: honorific prefix; 習字(しゅうじ): calligraphy. Calligraphy practice.
抱負(ほうふ) — Resolution; aspiration; ambition.
早速(さっそく) — Immediately; at once; without delay.
下(した)っ腹(はら)が出(で)てきました — 下(した)っ腹(ぱら): lower belly; が: [subject marker]; 出(で)てきました: started to stick out. "My lower belly started sticking out."

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-165

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-165-m

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In this episode of "Nihongo no Tane," Yumi shares delightful stories about Pon-chan, the newest member of her family—a curious and calm kitten! She recounts how Pon-chan has grown from a tiny ball of fluff to a playful companion with a big personality. From quiet visits to the vet to bonding moments with her daughter and dog Maro-chan, Pon-chan’s gentle yet bold nature continues to charm everyone around him. Tune in to hear about his adventures and discover why Yumi believes he’s destined to be a “big deal”!

KEY VOCABULARY:

順調(じゅんちょう) — Smooth; favorable; progressing well (a noun or na-adjective describing something that is going as planned or steadily growing).
すくすくと — Quickly and healthily; thriving (adverb describing the steady growth of children, animals, or plants).
生後(せいご) — Post-birth; the time since birth. Often used to describe the age of babies or young animals, as in "4 months old."
手(て)のひら — The palm of one’s hand; the inner part of the hand.
両手(りょうて) — Both hands; referring to using or involving both hands.
抱(かか)える — To hold in one’s arms; to carry (refers to holding something close, often with both hands or arms).
オス — Male (animal); used to specify the gender of animals.
大物(おおもの)ぶり — Signs of greatness; showing composure or a dignified presence (ぶり indicates the state or manner of 大物(おおもの), "a big deal" or "important figure").
一言(ひとこと) — A single word; one remark or sound.
不安(ふあん)がって — Anxiously; showing unease or worry (te-form of 不安(ふあん)がる, meaning "to feel anxious").
そわそわ — Restlessly; nervously (onomatopoeic word describing someone who cannot settle down due to anxiety or excitement).
様子(ようす) — State; condition; appearance; manner (refers to the way someone or something looks or behaves).
態度(たいど) — Attitude; demeanor; behavior (refers to how someone acts or presents themselves).
駆(か)け寄(よ)ってみたり — Running up to; approaching quickly (te-form of 駆(か)け寄(よ)る, "to run up," combined with みたり, which lists actions like "trying to do" something).
吠(ほ)えたりしていました — Was barking or howling (たり-form of 吠(ほ)える, "to bark," listing actions; していました indicates a past ongoing or repeated action).
おやおや — Oh my!; Well, well! (an exclamation used to express mild surprise or curiosity).
注射(ちゅうしゃ) — Injection; a shot (medical term for administering medicine via a needle).
検査(けんさ) — Examination; inspection; test (medical term referring to tests or checkups).
予防注射(よぼうちゅうしゃ) — Vaccination; preventive injection (a medical shot given to prevent diseases).
ウンチ — Poop; feces (a casual, childlike term for stool).
平気(へいき)な顔(かお) — Calm face; composed expression (describes someone showing no signs of worry or fear).
暴(あば)れたりもせず — Without struggling; not acting violently (たり-form of 暴(あば)れる, "to struggle," combined with もせず, meaning "without even doing").
大(おお)らかで冷静(れいせい)な — Easygoing and calm; composed (な-adjectives 大(おお)らか, "easygoing," and 冷静(れいせい), "calm/composed," connected with で to describe a relaxed and unshaken personality).
親(おや)ばか — Doting parent; overly proud or indulgent parent (describes a parent who boasts about or adores their child excessively).
おもらししちゃった — Had an accident; wet oneself (おもらし, "an accident," plus しちゃった, casual form of してしまった, expressing an unintentional or regrettable action.
期待(きたい)を込(こ)めて — With high hopes; full of expectations (込(こ)めて, te-form of 込(こ)める, "to put into," showing an action done with emotion or intention).

About 大物(おおもの)

The term 大物(おおもの) is often used in Japanese to describe someone of significant stature, importance, or influence in a particular field. It's a versatile word that carries a sense of admiration and respect but can also be used humorously or sarcastically depending on the context.

Meanings and Usage:

A Big Shot or VIP
When used sincerely, 大物(おおもの) refers to someone who is influential or accomplished.
Example:

あの人(ひと)は政治(せいじ)の世界(せかい)では大物(おおもの)です。 (That person is a big shot in the world of politics.)

A Person with a Big Personality or Presence
It can describe someone with an aura of greatness or a larger-than-life presence.
Example:

彼女(かのじょ)は新人(しんじん)だけど、大物感(おおものかん)があります。 (She’s a newcomer, but she has the presence of a big deal.)

Potential for Greatness
Sometimes, it’s used to describe someone who shows promise or potential to become a prominent figure.
Example:

彼(かれ)は若(わか)い頃(ころ)から将来(しょうらい)の大物(おおもの)と言(い)われていました。 (He’s been called a future big shot since he was young.)

Humorous or Sarcastic Use
It can also be used jokingly to describe someone acting overly confident or pretending to be important.
Example:

彼(かれ)は自分(じぶん)のことを大物(おおもの)だと思(おも)っているみたい。 (He seems to think he’s a big deal.)

Cultural Nuance:

The term is tied to the Japanese appreciation for hierarchy and respect for accomplishments. Calling someone 大物(おおもの) implies they have achieved or will achieve something noteworthy, but the tone and intent can vary depending on how it's said and the relationship between the speaker and the subject.

If you're describing someone as 大物(おおもの), it's a way of acknowledging their significance—whether genuinely or playfully. Context is everything!

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-164

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-164-m

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In this episode of "Nihongo no Tane," Yumi introduces a new, furry member of her family —a playful and adorable kitten named Pon-chan! She shares the heartwarming story of how this little ball of fluff captured her heart during a church gathering and quickly became part of the family. From its charming "sock-like" paws to its lively antics, Pon-chan has brought new energy and joy to Yumi’s home. Tune in to hear about the kitten’s journey, its growing bond with other pets, and the simple happiness a tiny companion can bring!

KEY VOCABULARY:

加(くわ)わりました — Joined; was added (past tense of 加(くわ)わる, meaning "to join" or "to be added").
生後(せいご) — Post-birth; the time since birth. Often used to describe the age of babies or young animals, as in "2 months old."
ふわっふわっ — Soft and fluffy; an onomatopoeic expression describing a light, fluffy texture or feeling.
オス — Male (used for animals).
全体(ぜんたい) — The whole; entirety. Refers to something as a whole, like the overall appearance.
足先(あしさき) — Tips of the feet; the ends or extremities of the feet.
ハチワレ — A cat pattern where the fur on the face is divided in the shape of the kanji 八(はち) (hachi, meaning "eight"), creating a "V" shape.
貫禄(かんろく) — Dignity; presence; an aura of authority or maturity, often associated with animals or people that appear strong or confident.
柄(がら) — Pattern; design. Refers to markings or patterns, often on animals or fabrics.
経緯(けいい) — Circumstances; details of how something happened. Often used when describing the background or sequence of events.
間中(あいだじゅう) — Throughout; during the entire time. For example, "throughout the meeting."
丸々(まるまる) — Entirely; fully; completely. Also used to describe something plump or round.
今引(いまひ)き取(と)った — Now adopted; recently taken in. A combination of 今 (now) and 引(ひ)き取(と)る (to take in, adopt, or receive).
すっかり — Completely; thoroughly. Indicates a full or complete state of something.
居心地(いごこち) — Comfort; the feeling of ease or comfort in a place. Often paired with よい (good) or わるい (bad).
もらって頂(ちょう)だい — "Please accept it." A polite way of requesting someone to take or receive something.
ポンポン — Plump; round. Often used to describe a rounded belly, like a cat's.
スクスク — Growing quickly and healthily; an onomatopoeic expression describing steady growth, often of children or animals.
先住(せんじゅう) — Previous resident; used to describe animals (or sometimes people) that were already living somewhere before others arrived.
仲良(なかよ)くなりつつあります — Are gradually becoming close; used to describe forming good relationships over time. [仲良(なかよ)く getting along well; なりつつあります is becoming; a formal way of describing an ongoing change: Formed by なり (ます-stem of なる, "to become"), つつ ("while" or "in the process of"), and あります ("exists"). It means "is in the process of becoming" or "is gradually changing."]
覗(のぞ)き込(こ)む — To peek in; to look into something closely or intently.
喉(のど)をゴロゴロ鳴(な)らしながら — While purring; literally, "while making a rumbling sound in the throat." Refers to the sound cats make when they are content.
幸福(こうふく) — Happiness; bliss; a state of contentment and joy.

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-163

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-163-m

Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.

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In this episode of "Nihongo no Tane," Yumi shares her experience of navigating hurricane season in Florida. From power outages to the community’s resilience, discover how locals handle the intense storms. Yumi reflects on the challenges, unexpected routines, and even a bit of "hurricane weight gain" that come with these events. Tune in for a glimpse into life during storm season and the strength of Floridian spirit!

KEY VOCABULARY:

通(とお)り過(す)ぎました — passed through; went past (通(とお)り: passage, 過(す)ぎる: to pass, ました: polite past form)
幸(さいわ)い — fortunately; luckily (used to express relief in a potentially negative situation)
被害(ひがい) — damage; harm (damage caused by disaster, accident, etc.)
遭(あ)われた方(かた) — those who were affected (遭(あ)う: to suffer or encounter (in passive form 遭(あ)われた), 方(かた): polite term for person or people)
停電(ていでん) — power outage; blackout (停(てい): stop, 電(でん): electricity, referring to interruption of power supply)
発電機(はつでんき) — generator (発電(はつでん): generation of electricity, 機(き): machine, referring to a power generator)
たくましい — resilient; strong-willed (describes someone or something tough and able to withstand difficult situations)
70代後半(だいこうはん)ぐらい — in their late 70s (70代(だい): in their 70s, 後半(こうはん): second half, indicating the late 70s)
ボキッと — with a snap; crack (onomatopoeia that mimics the sound of something breaking abruptly)
対処(たいしょ)する — to deal with; to handle (used for managing a problem or challenging situation)
いざ — when it comes to it; when the moment arrives (used to introduce a real or important situation when one must act)
不自由(ふじゆう)な — inconvenient; restricted (不(ふ): prefix for "not," 自由(じゆう): freedom, describing an uncomfortable or limited situation)
張(は)り切(き)る — to be eager; to be enthusiastic
避難所(ひなんじょ) — evacuation shelter (避難(ひなん): evacuation, 所(しょ): place; referring to shelters designated for emergencies)
駆(か)けつけて — rushing to (someone's aid); hurrying over (駆(か)けつける: to rush to a place, often in response to an emergency)
引(ひ)っ張(ぱ)り出(だ)してきて — to pull out and bring (引(ひ)っ張(ぱ)り出(だ)す: to pull out, and きて: indicating bringing it to the current situation)
大型化(おおがたか) — becoming larger; increasing in size (大型(おおがた): large size, 化(か): -ification, describing a trend of something growing in size)
生(い)き抜(ぬ)いて — to survive through; to make it through (生(い)き抜(ぬ)く: to persevere and survive adverse situations)
生(い)き残(のこ)る — to survive; to remain alive (often in difficult or life-threatening situations)
ハリケーン太り — hurricane weight gain (ハリケーン: hurricane, 太(ふと)り: from 太(ふと)る, meaning "to gain weight," referring to weight gained during hurricane season)
おやつ — snacks (light snacks or treats between meals)
買(か)い込(こ)む — to stock up on; to buy in bulk (to buy large quantities of something, especially to prepare for a shortage)
体重(たいじゅう) — body weight (体(たい): body, 重(じゅう): weight)

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-162

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-162-m

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In this episode of “Nihongo no Tane,” join Yumi as she shares her visit to her elegant piano teacher’s home. Discover how her refined lifestyle, surrounded by antiques, reflects her sophistication, from music to furniture. Yumi reflects on the importance of keeping antiques in good condition, contrasting her teacher's approach with other personal experiences. This episode will transport you to a world of elegance and nostalgia!

KEY VOCABULARY:

塊(かたまり) — embodiment; personification (used metaphorically to describe someone who is the "essence" of something)
弾(ひ)くだけではなくて — not only playing (弾(ひ)く: to play (a string instrument), だけ: only, ではなくて: not only)
演奏(えんそう)されるそうです — it seems it will be performed (演奏(えんそう): performance, される: passive form (to be performed), そうです: it seems)
現代(げんだい) — modern times; contemporary
さらさらと — smoothly; fluently
品々(しなじな) — various items; goods (plural of 品(しな), meaning "item")
もうとうに — long ago; long before (indicating something that happened or was done long ago, often emphasizing it's well in the past)
張(は)り直(なお)した — re-stretched; re-tightened (張(は)り: to stretch; to tighten, 直(なお)した: fixed; redone)
色合(いろあ)い — color tone; hue
刺繍(ししゅう)もほどけたところ — parts where the embroidery has unraveled (刺繍(ししゅう): embroidery, も: also, ほどけた: unraveled, ところ: part; place)
品質(ひんしつ) — quality
保(たも)たれている — is maintained; is preserved (保(たも)たれる: to be maintained, ている: ongoing state)
イマイチ — not so good; lacking
ボロボロで — worn-out; tattered
狂(くる)ってしまってるんです — it has gone out of tune; it’s broken (狂(くる)う: to go crazy or to be out of tune, てしまってる: regrettably; completely)

(Note: In this context, since we are talking about an instrument, "狂(くる)う" refers to the sound being out of tune or off-pitch.)

しかも — moreover; besides
見(み)かけます — to see; to come across (polite form of 見(み)かける)
ピカピカ — shiny; sparkling
新品(しんぴん) — brand new
雑(ざつ)に扱(あつか)われてるなっていう雰囲気(ふんいき)の車(くるま) — a car that feels like it's being treated carelessly (雑(ざつ)に: carelessly, 扱(あつか)われてる: being treated, なっていう: like; that feels, 雰囲気(ふんいき): atmosphere, 車(くるま): car)
ただただ置(お)きっぱなしにしてある — just left as it is (ただただ: just, 置(お)きっぱなし: left as is, にしてある: to have been left)
保存(ほぞん)する — to preserve; to store (保存(ほぞん): preservation, する: verb marker meaning "to do")

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-161

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-161-m

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In this episode of "Nihongo no Tane," Yumi shares her delightful encounter with a professional pianist whose lifestyle is a page out of history. Explore a home adorned with Victorian elegance, complete with a century-old telephone still in use! Immerse yourself in this captivating tale of classical music, vintage fashion, and timeless grace.

KEY VOCABULARY:

教会(きょうかい) — church
個人(こじん) — individual; personal
音楽(おんがく)を専攻(せんこう)されて — to specialize in music (音楽(おんがく): music, を: object marker, 専攻(せんこう)されて: to specialize in - honorific passive form of 専攻(せんこう)する)
憧(あこが)れているところがあって — there is something that I admire (憧(あこが)れている: admiring; longing for, ところ: place; aspect, が: subject marker, あって: there is; existing)
なんか — somehow; kind of (informal)
お誘(さそ)い — invitation (honorific form of 誘(さそ)い)
19世紀(せいき) — nineteenth century (19: nineteenth, 世紀(せいき): century)
服装(ふくそう) — clothing; attire
非常(ひじょう) — extremely; very
膨(ふく)らんだパフスリーブのブラウス — puffy puff-sleeve blouse (膨(ふく)らんだ: puffy, パフスリーブ: puff sleeve, の: possessive marker, ブラウス: blouse)
長(なが)い裾(すそ)の広(ひろ)がったスカート — long, flared skirt (長(なが)い: long, 裾(すそ): hem; skirt edge, の: possessive marker, 広(ひろ)がった: spread out; flared, スカート: skirt)
和風(わふう) — Japanese style
日本風(にほんふう) — Japanese style (synonym of 和風(わふう))
受話器(じゅわき) — telephone receiver
40歳代(さいだい)ぐらい — about in one’s forties (40歳代(さいだい): in one’s forties, ぐらい: approximately)
連発(れんぱつ)する — to repeat continuously; to fire in succession
そっくり — exactly like; spitting image
口癖(くちぐせ) — habitual phrase; pet saying
私(わたし)にとっては — for me (私(わたし): I, にとって: for (someone); from the point of view of, は: topic marker)
出会(であ)えて — to be able to meet (出会(であ)う: to meet, in its て-form)

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-160

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-160-m

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Dive into the original, bittersweet tale of "The Little Mermaid" with this episode of "Nihongo no Tane." Explore the deeper, more poignant version of the story as Yumi contrasts it with the popular Disney adaptation. Join us for a captivating and educational discussion!

KEY VOCABULARY:

人魚姫(にんぎょひめ) The Little Mermaid [人魚(にんぎょ) mermaid + 姫(ひめ) princess]
寝室(しんしつ) bedroom [寝(ね) sleep + 室(しつ) room]
前回(ぜんかい) last time; previous time [前(ぜん) previous + 回(かい) time; instance]
夜明(よあ)けとともに at dawn; along with the dawn [夜明(よあ)け dawn + と and; with + ともに together with]
悲惨(ひさん)な tragic; miserable [悲 sad + 惨 miserable; tragic + な (adjective suffix -na)]
魂(たましい) soul; spirit
風(かぜ)の精(せい) wind spirit [風(かぜ) wind + の (possessive particle) + 精(せい) spirit]
涙(なみだ)が流(なが)れる tears flow; to cry [涙(なみだ) tears + が (subject marker) + 流(なが)れる flow]
呟(つぶや)く to murmur; to mutter
減(へ)ります to decrease [減(へ)る decrease + ます (polite form suffix)]
逆(ぎゃく)に conversely; on the contrary [逆(ぎゃく) opposite; reverse + に (adverbial particle)]
罰(ばつ)ゲーム penalty game [罰(ばつ) punishment + ゲーム game]
説教(せっきょう)っぽい preachy; sermonic [説教(せっきょう) sermon + っぽい (suffix indicating resemblance)]
一層(いっそう) much more; even more
文学的(ぶんがくてき) literary [文学(ぶんがく) literature + 的(てき) (suffix indicating characteristic)]
気兼(きが)ね reservation; constraint
増(ふ)える to increase

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-159

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-159-m

Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.

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KEY VOCABULARY:

筋肉(きんにく) muscle
証拠(しょうこ) evidence; proof
と思(おも)いつつ我慢(がまん)しているんですが though I think; I'm enduring [と思(おも)う (to think) + つつ (while) + 我慢(がまん)している (enduring; tolerating; している is the continuous form of する to do) + んですが (explanatory particle ん + が indicating contrast or but)]
キョトン blankly [an onomatopoeia indicating a blank or puzzled expression]
原作(げんさく) original work
手(て)に入(い)れた obtained [手(て)に入(い)れる (to obtain; to get) in past form]
刺(さ)されたような like being stabbed [刺(さ)された (was stabbed; passive form of 刺(さ)す to stab) + ような (like; as if)]
変(か)えちゃってるねっていう saying you've changed it [変(か)える (to change) in the ちゃう form indicating completion or regret + てる (abbreviated form of ている continuous form) + ね (particle indicating confirmation or agreement) + っていう (to say)]
改(あらた)めて again; formally
海(うみ)の底(そこ) bottom of the sea [海(うみ) (sea) + の (possessive particle) + 底(そこ) (bottom)]
沈(しず)んだ船(ふね) sunken ship [沈(しず)んだ (sunken; past form of 沈(しず)む to sink) + 船(ふね) (ship)]
どうしても no matter what; by all means
引(ひ)き換(か)えに in exchange for [引(ひ)き換(か)え (exchange) + に (particle indicating purpose or cause)]
話(はな)せなくなっちゃうんですね cannot talk [話(はな)せなく (cannot talk; negative potential form of 話(はな)す to talk) + なっちゃう (casual form of なってしまう to end up) + んですね (explanatory particle ん + です + ね indicating confirmation)]
残酷(ざんこく)なこと cruel thing [残酷(ざんこく)な (cruel) + こと (thing)]
切(き)り取(と)られる to be cut off [切(き)り取(と)る (to cut off) in passive form]
何(なに)にせよ in any case; whatever it is
しかも moreover; furthermore
魔法(まほう)をかけられてしまいます will be cursed; will be enchanted [魔法(まほう) (magic; curse) + を (object marker) + かけられて (passive form of かける to cast) + しまいます (indicates an action done completely or unfortunately)]
無事(ぶじ)に safely; without incident
生涯幸(しょうがいしあわ)せ lifelong happiness [生涯(しょうがい) (lifetime; life) + 幸せ (happiness)]
海(うみ)の泡(あわ) sea foam [海(うみ) (sea) + の (possessive particle) + 泡(あわ) (foam)]
結婚式執(けっこんしきと)り行(おこな)われて wedding ceremony was held [結婚式 (wedding ceremony) + 執(と)り行(おこな)われて (was held; て-form of 執(と)り行(おこな)われる to hold a ceremony)]
突(つ)き刺(さ)して to pierce; to stab [突(つ)き刺(さ)す (to pierce; to stab) in て-form]

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-158

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-158-m

Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.

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Discover the art of simple, family-friendly cooking with Yumi in this episode of "Nihongo no Tane." Join her as she shares her culinary journey, from experimenting with vegetarian recipes to catering to her family's diverse tastes. Don't miss this engaging and relatable episode!

KEY VOCABULARY:

飽(あ)きられてしまいます Will get tired of [飽(あ)きる (to get tired of); passive form + しまう (to end up); ます (polite form)]
組(く)み合(あ)わせて Combine [組(く)み合(あ)わせる (to combine); て-form (conjunctive form)]
高度(こうど)な Advanced
真似(まね)はできません Cannot imitate [真似(まね) (imitation); は (topic marker); できません (cannot do)]
結婚(けっこん)したばかり Just married [結婚(けっこん)する (to marry); した (past tense); ばかり (just)]
引(ひ)っ越(こ)しをきっかけに Triggered by moving [引(ひ)っ越(ご)し (moving); を (object marker); きっかけ (trigger; opportunity); に (particle indicating context)]
処分(しょぶん)しまして Disposed of [処分(しょぶん)する (to dispose); し (stem form); まして (polite form)]
手元(てもと)にあるのは What I have on hand [手元(てもと) (on hand); に (particle indicating location); ある (to have); の (nominalizer); は (topic marker)]
印刷(いんさつ)したもの Printed thing [印刷(いんさつ)する (to print); した (past tense); もの (thing)]
訳(やく)したもの Translated thing [訳(やく)す (to translate); した (past tense); もの (thing)]
手(て)の込(こ)んだもの Elaborate thing [手(て)の込(こ)む (to elaborate); だ (past tense); もの (thing)]
複雑(ふくざつ)な Complex
書(か)いてあったら If it is written [書(か)く (to write); て-form + ある (to be); たら (conditional)]
パパっと Quickly [onomatopoeic word indicating quickness]
さっと炒(いた)めるだけ Just quickly stir-fry [さっと (quickly); 炒(いた)める (to stir-fry); だけ (only)]
いまいち Not quite right; not very good [slang]
ひき肉(にく) Ground meat, etc.
刻(きざ)んだもの Chopped things [刻(きざ)む (to chop); だ (past tense); もの (thing)]
詰(つ)め込(こ)んで Stuffed [詰(つ)め込(こ)む (to stuff); て-form (conjunctive form)]
喜(よろこ)ばれるもの Pleasing thing [喜(よろこ)ぶ (to please); passive form; もの (thing)]
好(この)み Preference
一人(ひとり)ずつ One by one [一人(ひとり) (one person); ずつ (each)]
野菜(やさい)しか食(た)べません Only eat vegetables [野菜(やさい) (vegetables); しか (only); 食(た)べません (do not eat)]
全員(ぜんいん)バラバラ All different [全員(ぜんいん) (everyone); バラバラ (different)]
少(すく)なくとも At least
食(た)べてもらえれば If they can eat [食(た)べる (to eat); ても (conditional); らえる (potential form); ば (if)]

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-157

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-157-m

Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.

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Ever wondered why Japanese kids dislike piman more than broccoli? Find out on this new episode of "Nihongo no Tane" as Yumi delves into the fascinating world of vegetables and their cultural significance. Don't miss this entertaining and educational episode!

KEY VOCABULARY:

ピーマン bell pepper [ピーマン is a transliteration of "piment," the French word for pepper. In Japanese, it specifically refers to the green bell pepper.]
母語(ぼご) native language [母語(ぼご) consists of 母 (mother) and 語 (language). Together, they mean "native language" or "mother tongue."]
ゲラゲラ笑(わら)います laugh loudly [ゲラゲラ is an onomatopoeia for loud, hearty laughter, and 笑(わら)います is the polite form of 笑(わら)う (to laugh).]
唐辛子(とうがらし) chili pepper [唐辛子(とうがらし) is made up of 唐 (Tang dynasty, here used to mean China) and 辛子(からし) (spicy, pepper). Together, they refer to chili pepper.]
説(せつ) theory [説(せつ) means "theory" or "explanation."]
由来(ゆらい) origin [由来(ゆらい) means "origin" or "source."]
言(い)われている said to be [言(い)われている is the passive form of 言(い)う (to say), meaning "it is said" or "is said to be."]
一番近(いちばんちか)い closest [一番近(いちばんちか)い consists of 一番(いちばん) (number one; the most) and 近(ちか)い (close), meaning "closest."]
代表(だいひょう) representative [代表(だいひょう) means "representative" or "representation."]
日本語版(にほんごばん) Japanese version [日本語版(にほんごばん) consists of 日本語(にほんご) (Japanese language) and 版(はん) (version), meaning "Japanese version."]
入(い)れ替(か)えられていた replaced [入(い)れ替(か)えられていた is the passive past form of 入(い)れ替(か)える (to replace), meaning "had been replaced."]
嫌(きら)われている disliked [嫌(きら)われている is the passive form of 嫌(きら)う (to dislike), meaning "is disliked."]
設定(せってい) setting [設定(せってい) means "setting" or "configuration."]
伝(つた)わった was introduced [伝(つた)わった is the past form of 伝(つた)わる (to be introduced; to be transmitted), meaning "was introduced."]
この頃(ごろ) during this period; these days
一般的(いっぱんてき)に generally [一般的(いっぱんてき)に is an adverbial form of 一般的(いっぱんてき) (general), meaning "generally."]
食卓(しょくたく) dining table [食卓(しょくたく) consists of 食(しょく) (meal) and 卓(たく) (table), together meaning "dining table."]
食(た)べられていました was eaten [食(た)べられていました is the past passive form of 食(た)べる (to eat), meaning "was eaten."]
肉詰(にくづ)め stuffed with meat [肉詰(にくづ)め is made up of 肉(にく) (meat) and 詰(つ)め (stuffed), referring to something stuffed with meat.]
比(くら)べると compared to [比(くら)べると is the conditional form of 比(くら)べる (to compare), meaning "when compared to."]
調理法(ちょうりほう) cooking method [調理法(ちょうりほう) consists of 調理(ちょうり) (cooking) and 法(ほう) (method), meaning "cooking method."]
食育(しょくいく) food education [食育(しょくいく) consists of 食(しょく) (food) and 育(いく) (education), together meaning "food education."]
ないんじゃないかな don't think so [ないんじゃないかな is a casual form of expressing doubt, meaning "I don't think so."]
以上(いじょう) more than; above
太(ふと)りすぎ overweight [太(ふと)りすぎ consists of 太(ふと)る (to gain weight) and すぎ (too much), meaning "overweight."]
負(ま)けずに not losing [負(ま)けずに is the negative form of 負(ま)ける (to lose), meaning "without losing" or "not losing."]
した方(ほう)がいい should do [した方(ほう)がいい is a suggestion form of する (to do), meaning "should do."]

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-156

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-156-m

Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.

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What happens when Yumi decides to tackle Spanish through English? Find out on this new episode of “Nihongo no Tane” as she shares the funny and challenging moments of her language learning journey. Tune in and join the adventure!

KEY VOCABULARY:

何(なに)かと one thing or another
バタバタしている to be very busy doing different things [a phrase used to describe someone is very busy by moving around doing things constantly. バタバタ is onomatopoeia which is mimicking sounds of a person who is making noise by moving around doing things]
録音(ろくおん)する to record (audio) [録音(ろくおん) (recording)]
～という気(き)持(も)ちになれません don’t feel like doing ~ [literally, “can’t become the mood of ~”;という (used as connector linking modifying phrase and a noun that is modified); 気(き)持(も)ち (feeling; mood); になれません (“can’t become”; polite potential form of polite form of になれない (can’t become))]
何(なに)も文(もん)句(く)はない (I) have no complaint; there is no complaint [何(なに)も (“(not) at all” when used in a negative phrase); 文(もん)句(く) (complaint; objection); はない (there is no ~)]
心配事(しんぱいごと) worries; troubles [something that troubles or worries one’s mind]
忘(わす)れちゃいます end up forgetting; forget unfortunately [contraction of 忘(わす)れてしまいます and it’s very casual; ちゃいます (contracted form てしまいます); note: (忘(わす)れ)ちゃう is contraction of (忘(わす)れ)てしまう]
韓国(かんこく)語(ご) Korean language [韓国(かんこく) (Korea); 語(ご) (language)]
～ということで since/because/ as it is the case that ~; it is the case that ~ and [という (modifying connector); こと (it means “case”, “situation” or “fact”); で (て-form of だ/です) used to connect to the next phrase. It can be translated as “because/since/ as” or “and” as conjunctive]
～たばかりjust (moved to US) [“plain past form V + ばかり” means “just did ~”/”has just done ~”]
変(か)わりよう the way/manner of (her) change [変(か)わり (“change”; noun form of 変(か)わる (to change); よう (look; appearance; manner; circumstance))]
っていう感(かん)じで (she) was like ~ and [っていう(casual for “という”); で (て-form of だ/です to continue to the next phrase)]
和気(わき)あいあいと very happily; cheerfully; lively [和気(わき)あいあいdescribes the way people are interacting enjoying each other’s company in a lively and cheerful atmosphere; と (making the preceding phrase adverbial form)]
～たところ when (I) did ~; after (I) did ~ [“plain past form V + ところ”]
～た途(と)端(たん) as soon as doing ~ [“plain past V + 途(と)端(たん)”]
教(おし)えてもらえる can receive teaching; can have (someone) teach (me) [“て-form V + もらう” means “to have someone do something for you (or someone else)”); 教(おし)えて (て-form of 教(おし)える (to teach); もらえる (potential form of もらう))]
というふうに (言(い)ってくれまして) said that ~ [“いうふうに” is sort of extra and can be omitted as in “と(言(い)ってくれまして)”. However, Yumi obviously summarized what her husband said instead of quoting him exactly, therefore というふうに is used to give a sense of “(he said) along the line of such and such”]
～じゃないかなと思(おも)います (I) think it might be that ~; I think that ~ [じゃないか (casual forではないか (isn’t that ~?)); な (emphatic particle used at the end of one’s own idea or thought, but it also add softness); と思(おも)います (I think that)]

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-155

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-155-m

Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.

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In this episode of her podcast, Yumi shares her personal story of dental discovery and recovery, emphasizing the vital role of dental care in our lives and the resilience needed to overcome oral health hurdles. Listen to this episode and let us know if you had some experience like this!

KEY VOCABULARY:

歯(は)医(い)者(しゃ) - dentist [歯(は) (tooth); 医(い)者(しゃ) (physician; medical doctor)]
別(べつ)の件(けん) - another matter; another case [別(べつ) (another; separate); 件(けん) (matter; case)]
診(み)てもらう to be seen/ to be examined (by a doctor) [診(み)て (て-form of 診(み)る (to examine medically); ～てもらう means “to get/ to have ~ done” which indicates one is receiving help or service from someone)]
被(かぶ)せ物(もの) - crown (dental terminology)
取(と)りかえる- to replace
嚙(か)み合(あ)わせ – bite [嚙(か)み (from 嚙(か)む (to bite; to clench)) + 合(あ)わせ (noun form of 合(あ)わせる(to match; to place together))]
型(かた)を取(と)る – take an impression (for teeth)
知(ち)覚(かく)過(か)敏(びん)- sensory sensitivity [知(ち)覚(かく) (perception of physical senses); 過(か)敏(びん) (hypersensitivity)]
我(が)慢(まん) - tolerance; endurance; bearing; patience
まな板(いた) cutting board
暴(あば)れようが声(こえ)を出(だ)そうが no matter how much struggle or scream [～ようが means “no matter how much ~”or “even if (one) does ~”;暴(あば)れよう(plain volitional form of 暴(あば)れる (to act violently; to struggle) + が (however; but)); 声(こえ)を出(だ)そう (plain volitional form of 声(こえ)を出(だ)す (to speak; to vocalize) + が (however; but))]
命(いのち)を握(にぎ)られる one’s life is in the hands (of someone); one’s life is at the mercy of [命(いのち) (life); 握(にぎ)られる (“to be held”; passive form of 握(にぎ)る (to grip; to clasp; to hold; to seize (power)))]
情(なさ)けない- miserable; pitiable; shameful;　pathetic
姿(すがた) - appearance; image; figure; state [In the context of competitions or contests]
麻(ま)酔(すい)の注射(ちゅうしゃ) - anesthetic injection/shot [麻(ま)酔(すい) (anesthesia); の (of); 注射(ちゅうしゃ) (injection; shot)]
歯(は)ぎしり– teeth grinding [歯(は) (tooth; teeth); きしり(grinding; creaking)]
食(く)いしばりclenching
市(し)販(はん)の – store-bought; over the counter [市(し) (market); 販(はん) (selling)]
仕(し)方(かた)ない – there is no other way; there no alternative
随分(ずいぶん)- very; extremely; quite

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-154

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-154-m

Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.

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In this episode of her podcast, Yumi delves into the profound impact of classical music on personal growth, inspired by violin prodigy Yoshimura Himari's mesmerizing performances. She beautifully narrates her own musical journey and the unexpected ways a popular manga stirred a friend's ambition to master Chopin, weaving a narrative that celebrates the transformative power of art and inspiration. Listen to this episode and let us know if you had some experience like this!

KEY VOCABULARY:

聴(き)く - to listen to (music)
演奏(えんそう) - music performance
ハマってしまった – got hooked; ended up getting hooked [ハマって (て-form ofハマる/はまる (to get hooked)); しまった(past form of しまう(to end up with ~))]
～というわけです - ～ is what happened; ～ is the reason (for it) [this expression is used to explain a background which lead to a decision or an outcome]
きっかけ - opportunity; occasion [an initial opportunity or situation that leads someone or something to something else]
～を習(なら)う to take lessons in
中級(ちゅうきゅう) - intermediate level [中(ちゅう) (middle; intermediate); 級(きゅう) (grade; class; level)]
吹奏楽(すいそうがく)部(ぶ) brass band club [吹奏(すいそう) (wind instrument); 楽(がく) (music); 部(ぶ) (school club)]
地(じ)元(もと)福(ふく)井(い)県(けん) - (my) home region, Fukui prefecture [地(じ)元(もと) (local area); 福(ふく)井(い)県(けん) (Fukui prefecture)]
行進曲(こうしんきょく) marching band music [行進(こうしん) (march; parade); 曲(きょく) (music)]
全国大会(ぜんこくたいかい) - national competition [全(ぜん) (all; whole); 国(こく) (country); 大会(たいかい) (competition; convention)]
序曲(じょきょく) - overture
～作曲(さっきょく) - composed by ～ [作(さく) (make); 曲(きょく)(piece of music); 作曲(さっきょく) means “composition (of music)”]
懐(なつ)かしい nostalgic [an adjective that describes a feeling one feel when reminiscing about good memories]
青春(せいしゅん) - youth; one’s youthful days; time of adolescence; the springtime of one's life [literally, “blue spring”]
流行(はや)る - to be popular; to come into fashion [流行(りゅうこう)する is a very similar word but is mainly used for fashion or cold & flue.]
(を)目指(めざ)す - to aim to become ~ [also “to aim a location as a goal to get to”

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-153

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-153-m

Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.

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Have you ever heard the term "神童" (shindou)? It refers to child prodigy, and this time, Yumi will talk about it. Listen to the podcast and let us know what you think about it in the comments below!

KEY VOCABULARY:

神童(しんどう) child prodigy; genius; wonder child [神(しん) (god); 童(どう) (child)]
大(おと)人(な)に負(ま)けない as good as adults; comparable to adults; unyielding to adult; unbeatable by adult [literally, “unbeatable by adults”; 大(おと)人(な) (adult); に(to; against); 負(ま)けない (unbeatable; unyielding); a fixed phrase which is used when describing young child of high skill or strength]
理(り)解(かい)力(りょく) ability to understand; comprehension; ability [理解(りかい) (understanding; comprehension); 力(りょく) (power; ability)]
めちゃくちゃ incredibly; really; super (when used as adverb)
何(なに)気(げ)なくunintentionally; inadvertently; casually
大(おと)人(な)でも難(むずか)しい difficult even for grownups; even grownups would struggle
コンクール competition; contest
審査員(しんさいん) judge
感想(かんそう) comment
特別(とくべつ)賞(しょう) special award; special prize
受(う)け答(こた)え (her) answer (in the interview) [literally, “receiving answering” which means “answering to the question that were received”. 受(う)け答(こた)え doesn’t only mean “the answer” which was spoken but also means the way one carries herself or himself in the whole conversation as well]
立(りっ)派(ぱ) splendid; elegant; impressive; fine
教育(きょういく)が行(ゆ)き届(とど)いている well educated in every way (by her parents) [教育(きょういく) (education); 行(ゆ)き届(とど)いている (ているcontinuous form of 行(ゆ)き届(とど)く(to be complete; to be through); ている here is indicating state of “well educated”, not an ongoing action)]
バイオリンバカ　violin fanatic; violin nut; violin enthusiast [バイオリン (violin); バカ (“fool/ idiot” is used as suffix which means “fanatic” or “enthusiast”)]
鼻(はな)が高(たか)い very proud [literally, “one’s nose is tall”; it is used when parents are proud of his/her child or a teacher being proud of their students]
出来過(できす)ぎてしまう overly capable; too intelligent; too good (in a lot of things) [ 出来過(できす)ぎて(て-form of 出来過(できす)ぎる (出来(でき)る (can) + 過(す)ぎる (beyond; surpass)); しまう(to be ~ unfortunately; to end up ~))]
助(たす)けてあげないといけない must help; should help; unavoidable to help; absolutely necessary to help [literally, “it’s not good if (her parents) don’t help”; 助(たす)けてあげない (negative of 助(たす)けてあげる; あげるindicates providing the action(helping)); と (if); いけない (not good); “～ないといけない” is “must do ~”]
同年代(どうねんだい) same generation [同 (same); 年代 (age; era)]
話(はなし)が合(あ)わない to have different interest [Literally, “talk don’t match” which means “not able to engage in the same subjects” which really means “can’t have close relationship” or “can’t get along”]
～ならではの unique to ～ [～ならでは (unique to ~); の (“of”; connecting the words before and after it)]
思(おも)いやりconsideration; compassion; understanding (of others situation or emotion)

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-152

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-152-m

Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.

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Happy New Year! (Better late than never, right?). This year started not too good in Japan, with an earthquake and a plane crushing. So, this time Yumi will talk about it. Have you ever been in an earthquake? Let us know in the comments below!

KEY VOCABULARY:

石川県(いしかわけん)能登(のと)半島(はんとう)　the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture [石川県(いしかわけん) (Ishikawa Prefecture); 能登(のと) (Noto); 半島(はんとう) (peninsula)]
炎上(えんじょう)事故(じこ) crash that ended in inferno [炎上(えんじょう)(going up in flames); 事故(じこ) (accident; crash)]
海上(かいじょう)保(ほ)安(あん)庁(ちょう) Japan Coast Guard [海上(かいじょう) (maritime; sea service)保(ほ)安(あん)庁(ちょう)(National Security Agency)]
無事(ぶじ) no damage; unharmed; safety; security
奇(き)跡(せき) miracle
慌(あわ)ただしい constantly busy (with many events); whirlwind; fast-paced
慌(あわ)てない (です) don’t/ doesn’t panic [negative form of 慌(あわ)てる (to panic; to haste; to fluster)]
収(おさ)まる to quiet down; to calm down; to settle
冷静(れいせい) cool; composed; cool-headed [冷(れい) (cool; cold); 静(せい) (quiet; still)]
山(やま)津(つ)波(なみ) landslide; earthflow [山(やま) (mountain; hill); 津(つ)波(なみ) (tsunami; tidal wave); also called “山(やま)崩(くず)れ (landslide)”]
ガスの元栓(もとせん) main valve of gas pipe/tank [majority of Japanese household use the propane gas or the city gas for cooking and possibly heating water]
訓練(くんれん) training; discipline; drill; practice
うち履(ば)き indoor shoes [うち (inside); 履(ば)き (“foot wear”; noun form of 履(は)く (to wear/to put on (shoes)); also called 上履(うわば)き or ルームシューズ)]
散乱(さんらん)している is scattered around [from 散(さん)乱(らん)する (to scatter around; to scatter); (て)いる here indicates a state/condition of “glass pieces scattered around”)]
裸足(はだし) barefoot
来(きた)るべきして来(き)た ought have come (by now); due to come [literally, “came because it had to come”; a fixed phrase that sounds literary, archaic and formal to modify some occurrence that happened which was destined to happen in the hindsight; 来(きた)るべき (“should come”); して (as); 来(き)た (“has come”)]
南海(なんかい)トラフ巨大(きょだい)地(じ)震(しん) Nankai Trough mega earthquake [南海(なんかい) (Nankai);トラフ (trough); 巨大(きょだい) (mega; colossal; jumbo); 地(じ)震(しん) (earthquake)]
潜(もぐ)り込(こ)んでいる is slipping under [the continuous form of 潜(もぐ)り込(こ)む (to slip under)]
ひずみ distortion; skewness; strain
跳(は)ね返(かえ)る bounce back; spring back; recoil [compound verb of 跳(は)ねる (jump; bounce) and 返(かえ)る (return; revert; turn back)]
１００年(ねん)間隔(かんかく)で in 100 year interval [間隔(かんかく) (interval; space (in between); distance); で (in)]
耐震(たいしん)化(か) earthquake-proofing [耐震(たいしん)化(か) (earthquake-proofing; earthquake-resistant; earthquake-ready; 耐(たい) (resist; endure); 震(しん) (shake); 化(か) (“-ization”; “-ification”) is a suffix that means “to change into ~”)]
固(こ)定(てい)しておくhave (furniture) to be fastened/anchored [固(こ)定(てい)して (て-form of 固(こ)定(てい)する (to fasten; to anchor; to fix); (て)おくmeans “to have ~ done in advance for preparation of something)]
時(じ)限(げん)爆弾(ばくだん) ticking bomb; time bomb [時(じ)限(げん) (time- programed); 爆弾(ばくだん) (bomb)]

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-151

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-151-m

Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.

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Let’s talk about sleep! This time, Yumi will talk about her sleeping time, what she was doing when she woke up during the night (and now she stopped!) and how daylight saving times could affect your life or the life of your pet. Listen this episode and let us know what you think!

KEY VOCABULARY:

寝付(ねつ)きがいい easy to fall asleep; to fall asleep quickly [寝付(ねつ)き (falling asleep) indicates “how quickly/easily one normally can fall asleep”; 寝付(ねつ)き is the noun form of 寝付(ねつ)く (to fall asleep)]
周(まわ)りpeople close (to me); people around (me) [周(まわ)りis “vicinity” or “surroundings” and can be used to mean “people around someone”]
びっくりされる to have people to get surprised (about me falling asleep so fast) [passive form of びっくりする (to be surprised); the speaker (Yumi) being the receiver of people’s surprise about her falling asleep so fast]
夜(よ)中(なか) midnight; middle of the night
動(どう)画(が) video
平均(へいきん) average
大丈(だいじょう)夫(ぶ) fine; okay
随分(ずいぶん) considerably; fairly; very
ズレ deviation; shift; discrepancy [noun form of ズレる (to shift; to deviate; to slide; to slip off; to be out of alignment)]
意(い)外(がい)とunexpectedly [意(い) (thoughts); 外(がい) (outside)]
逆転(ぎゃくてん) reversal [逆(ぎゃく) (reverse; opposite); 転(てん) (turning)]
時差(じさ) time difference
仕(し)方(かた)がない no other choice; nothing one can do [literally “there is no means (to cope)”]
初頭(しょとう) beginning (of a century, etc.)
節約(せつやく) saving
発想(はっそう) idea; concept [noun form of 発想(はっそう)する (conceptualize; to come up with ideas)]
愛犬(あいけん) beloved dog

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-150

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-150-m

Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.

www.MakotoPlus.com

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What do you eat during the day? Listen to the podcast and find out the new diet Yumi is doing!

KEY VOCABULARY:

実際(じっさい)に actually; really; truly; indeed
具体的(ぐたいてき)に specifically; in detail [具体的 (specific); に (“-ly”; makes the preceding word into adverb form)]
薄(うす)める to dilute; to thin
炒(いた)め物(もの) stir-fry; stir-fried food [炒(いた)め (fry; broil; roast); 物(もの) (thing; item)]
物足(ものた)りなさそうseeming not enough; seeming unsatisfied [物足りな is from 物足りない (not enough; not satisfied); “さ” is necessary between “～な(い)” and そう (seemingly)]
以(い)前(ぜん)は before; prior to [“as for before”]
冷凍食品(れいとうしょくひん) frozen food [冷凍(れいとう) (frozen; freezing);食品(しょくひん) (food; food products)]
めんどくさい bothersome; tiresome; cumbersome [shortened from めんどうくさい and sounds more casual]
温(あたた)めておいて warm (them) up for me [温(あたた)めて from 温(あたた)める (to reheat; to warm up); おいて is て-from of (て)おく (to have ~ in a certain condition); て-form is often used when asking to do something in very casual situations]
新鮮(しんせん)な fresh
野(や)菜(さい) vegetables
小(こ)麦(むぎ)食品(しょくひん) wheat-based food products [小(こ)麦(むぎ) (wheat); 食品(しょくひん) (food products)]
自家(じか)製(せい) homemade [自家(じか) (one’s own house); 製(せい) (“-made”; made in)]
立(りっ)派(ぱ)な credible; fine; undeniable
健康(けんこう)オタク health geek [健康(けんこう) (health); オタク (geek; nerd; enthusiast)]
生(しょう)姜(が) ginger
薄(うす)切(ぎ)りthin slice [薄 (thin); 切り(cut; noun form of 切(き)る (to cut))]
炭酸水(たんさんすい) carbonated water [炭酸(たんさん) (carbonic acid); 水(すい) (water)]
風邪(かぜ) cold; flu
予(よ)防(ぼう) prevention

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-149

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-149-m

Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.

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Yumi continues her talking about the changes she made in her life. What do you think of these changes? Listen to the podcast to know all the changes she made!

KEY VOCABULARY:

大腸(だいちょう)カメラcolonoscopy [大腸(だいちょう) (large intestine; colon)]
がん cancer
ポリープ polyp
麻(ま)酔(すい) anesthesia [麻(ま) (hemp; flax); 酔(すい) (drunk)]
痛(いた)くもかゆくもない “it’s no concern at all” or “it has no effect on me whatsoever” [literally, “it’s neither painful nor itchy”]
固(こ)形(けい) solid [固(こ) (harden); 形(けい) (form; shape)]
一切(いっさい) absolutely (not); entirely (not)
下(げ)剤(ざい) laxative
ずいぶん very; considerably; awfully
申(もう)し訳(わけ)ない I’m sorry [literally, “(it’s) inexcusable”; 申(もう)し訳(わけ) (excuse); ない (not)]
腸内(ちょうない) inside of colon [腸(ちょう) (intestine); 内(ない) (inside)]
順調(じゅんちょう)に steadily; smoothly
溜(た)まる to accumulate
着替(きが)えをする to get changed [着替(きが)え (changing of clothes)]
腸活(ちょうかつ) intestinal activities; promoting activity of the intestines]
食物(しょくもつ)繊(せん)維(い) dietary fiber [食物(しょくもつ) (food); 繊(せん)維(い) (fiber)]
発酵食品(はっこうしょくひん) fermented food [発酵(はっこう) (fermentation); 食品(しょくひん) (food)]
加(か)工(こう)食品(しょくひん) processed food [加(か)工(こう) (processing)]
整(ととの)う (environment) is prepared for; put in order for; becomes conducive for
増々(ますます) increasingly; more and more; even more

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-148

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-148-m

Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.

www.MakotoPlus.com

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Have you tried stair stepper? Listen to Yumi to know why is she doing it and how it helped her to be in better shape.

KEY VOCABULARY:

階段(かいだん) stair; stairway
目標(もくひょう) goal; objective; target
心臓(しんぞう) heart
心臓(しんぞう)が口(くち)から飛(と)び出(だ)す one’s heart pops out of the chest [it’s a saying that describes bodily feeling where one’s heart is beating so fast due to physical exertion or extreme nervousness that it almost feels as if the heart is about to pop out the mouth]
～うちに while doing ~
～を目指(めざ)す to aim for ~
汗(あせ)のかき具(ぐ)合(あい) sweating condition; the way of sweating [汗(あせ)のかき from 汗(あせ)をかく (to sweat);具(ぐ)合(あい) (condition; the way of (sweating))]
息(いき)は切(き)れる be out of breath [usually 息(いき)が切(き)れる; 息(いき) (breath); 切(き)れる (to run out)]
負(ふ)担(たん) burden
足(あし)腰(こし) one’s area of legs, hips lower back [足(あし) (legs); 腰(こし) (hip; lower back); it refers to the whole lower part of body that supports the upper body for one to be able to move around]
歩(ある)き回(まわ)る to walk around [compound word; 歩(ある)き (ます-stem of 歩(ある)く(to walk) + 回(まわ)る (to go around))]
～に対応(たいおう)できない unable to cope with ~ [対応(たいおう)する (to respond; to cope)]
血糖(けっとう)値(ち) blood sugar level [血(けつ) (blood); 糖(とう) (sugar); 値(ち) (value; worth)]
飢餓(きが) starvation; hunger
溜(た)めてある脂(し)肪(ぼう) accumulated fat; fat that has been saved up [溜(た)める (to accumulate); (て)ある (to have something done for a reason)]
～に向(む)いていない not suited for ~; not suitable for ~ [～に向(む)く(to suited for ~); (て)いない (negative of (～て)いる which indicates a condition/situation)]
安静(あんせい) rest
宇(う)宙(ちゅう)飛(ひ)行(こう)士(し) astronaut [宇宙 (universe; cosmos; space); 飛(ひ)行(こう)士(し) (pilot; airman)]
無(む)重力(じゅうりょく) no gravity; weightlessness [無(む) (“non-“); 重力(じゅうりょく) (gravity)]
食(た)べさせてもらう to be assisted to eat (food) [食(た)べさせて isて-form of 食(た)べさせる　(to feed; to assist someone eat; to make someone eat); (～て)もらう means “to have someone do ～ for oneself”)]

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-147

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-147-m

Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.

www.MakotoPlus.com

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Yumi continues her talking about the changes she made in her life. What do you think of these changes? Listen to the podcast to know all the changes she made!

KEY VOCABULARY:

順調(じゅんちょう)に steadily; smoothly; without a hitch
何(なん)度(ど)も many times; frequently; plenty of times
血液検(けつえきけん)査(さ) blood test; blood exam [血液(けつえき) (blood); 検(けん)査(さ) (check; checkup; inspection; exam)]
血管(けっかん) blood vessel [duct; tube]
血栓(けっせん) blood clot [栓(せん) (plug; stopper; spigot)]
可(か)能(のう)性(せい) possibility
大腸(だいちょう)カメラ colonoscopy [大腸(だいちょう) (large intestine)]
食(しょく)物(もつ)繊(せん)維(い) dietary fiber [食(しょく)物(もつ) (food); 繊(せん)維(い) (fiber)]
お味噌(みそ)汁(しる) miso soup [味噌(みそ) (miso); 汁(しる) juice; soup]
山(やま)盛(も)り heap [盛り(heap; pile); refers to “a large serving piled up high”]
週(しゅう)に何回(なんかい)か several times a week [週(しゅう)に(in a week); 何回(なんかい)か (several times; か indicates “unspecified numbers”)]
缶詰(かんづめ) canned food [缶(かん) (tin; can); 詰(つめ) (stuffing; packing)]
コーヒー派(は) coffee lover [派(は) (faction; side)]
食(しょく)事(じ)内容(ないよう) dietary contents [食事(しょくじ) (meal);内容(ないよう) (content; substance)]
筋(きん)トレ strength training; weight training [shortened from shortened from 筋肉(きんにく)トレーニング; 筋肉(きんにく) (muscle)]
有酸運動(ゆうさんうんどう) aerobic exercise [有 (having; with); 酸素 (oxygen); 運動 (exercise)]
予(よ)算(さん)の都(つ)合(ごう) budgetary reasons; budget constraints [予(よ)算(さん) (budget); 都(つ)合(ごう) (reason; circumstances; convenience)]
紫(し)外(がい)線(せん) ultraviolet rays [紫(し) (purple); 外(がい) (outside); 線(せん) (ray; line)]
日(ひ)焼(や)け止(ど)め sunscreen [日(ひ)焼(や)け (sunburn); 止(ど)め (stopper); also called “日(ひ)焼(や)け止(ど)めクリーム”]

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-146

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-146-m

Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.

www.MakotoPlus.com

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Yumi has made some changes in her life. What do you think she changed? Listen to the podcast and hear her reflections on this!

KEY VOCABULARY:

あまり～ない (there is ) not so much ~; (I have) not so much ~ [あまりmeans “very” or “much” when used with ～ない]
これといって nothing special; not worth mentioning [always used with ～ない; “いって” is “言(い)って”, but usually written in hiragana]
神様(かみさま) [God]
退屈(たいくつ) boring; dull; boredom [a state where nothing to do to spend time]
つまんない boring; dull [casual for つまらない ; used when one is not having fun because something one is engaged in is not interesting enough]
とはいえ but; that said; that being said; having said that [“いえ” is “言え”, and commonly written in hiragana in this phrase]
細身(ほそみ) slender; narrow [細(ほそ) (thin); 身(み) (body)]
外見(がいけん)を気(き)にする worry about the looks/appearance [外見(がいけん) (looks; appearance); 気(き)にする (worry; pay attention to); a commonly used phrase]
観察(かんさつ) する[to observe]
自(じ)信(しん)を持(も)つ have confidence in oneself [自(じ)信(しん) (confidence)]
瘦(や)せる to lose weight; to become thin
戻(もど)る to return; to go back
～そう seems ~; looks like ~; seems to ~ [“ます-stem + そう” is “it looks like doing ~”]
目立(めだ)つ to stand out; to be noticeable
言(い)い訳(わけ) excuse
～かろうが no matter how ~ [“い-adjective stem + かろうが”; 若(わか) is adjective-stem of 若(わか)い (take the い ending);
年(とし)寄(よ)りelderly; elder person
～であろうが no matter ~ [“noun/な- adjective + であろうが”]
食(た)べる量(りょう) the amount to eat; amount of food one eats

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-145

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-145-m

Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.

www.MakotoPlus.com

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The Hurricane Idalia has come to Florida, and after its passage, it left Yumi without electricity for a few hours. This made Yumi think about the importance of electricity in her life. Listen to the podcast and hear her reflections on this!

KEY VOCABULARY:

直撃(ちょくげき)する to hit directly [直(ちょく) (direct); 撃(げき) (hit; attack)]
避(ひ)難(なん)する to evacuate; flee; escape
出身(しゅっしん) one’s origin (country, city, town; school)
平(ひら)屋(や) single story house [平(ひら) (flat); 屋(や) (house; roof)]
こもる to stay inside; to hide away; to be confined in]
パターン (usual) pattern; (common) practice
モーボーホーム mobile home; manufactured home [also called モバイルホーム]
自(じ)体(たい) itself [自(じ)(self)]
片(かた)付(づ)ける [tidy up; put away; clean up]
置(お)きっぱなし left ~ alone without attended; left ~ alone for a period of time [“ます-stem V + っぱなし” means “to have something in one condition for a long time unattended” or “to continue to be in one condition. ～っぱなし is often used in a negative sense (not always).]
電(でん)池(ち) battery
点(つ)くto be lit; to be turned on; to come on
確認(かくにん)する to check; to confirm; to make sure
汲(く)んで to get (water) and … [て-form of 汲(く)む (to ladle; to scoop) and it is used only when scooping water or some liquid into a container]
備(そな)える to prepare; to make preparations; to equip with
買(か)い込(こ)む to buy in large amount; to stock up on [“ます-stem V + 込(こ)む”; 込(こ)む means “to pack in” in this particular compound word]
避(さ)ける to avoid
案(あん)の定(じょう) as expected; sure enough [a fixed phrase. 案(あん) means “expectation” or “idea”. 定(じょう) means “fixed” or “decided”]
不(ふ)衛生(えいせい) unsanitary; hygienic [不(ふ) (un-; in-; non-); 衛生(えいせい) (sanitary; hygienic)]
(火(ひ)を)起(お)こす to start/to make (a fire)

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-144

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-144-m

Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.

www.MakotoPlus.com

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Finally, the trip to Japan ended and Yumi and her family are back in Florida. So, this time Yumi will reflect on the trip and the impressions she had during it. Listen to the podcast and learn what was the thing that left a big impression on her this time!

KEY VOCABULARY:

総(そう)まとめ total conclusion; roundup; overall summary [総(そう) (total); まとめ (conclusion; summary)]
感想(かんそう) view; thought; impression
すっきりする become neat [すっきり (neat; pleasant)]
ジンベエザメ whale shark
心(こころ)が落(お)ち着(つ)く feels calm; calm one’s mind
写真(しゃしん)に収(おさ)める capture in a picture [収(おさ)める has several meanings but here it means “to capture” or “to store away” the moment in a picture]
幻想的(げんそうてき)な magical; fantasy-like; dream-like [幻想(げんそう) (fantasy; illusion; dream)]
どっぷりと浸(ひた)る deeply submerged; totally experience [どっぷり(onomatopoeia that means “completely” or “totally”; it originated from describing when something or someone is submerged in water completely; 浸(ひた)る (to submerge; to get soaked)]
これに尽(つ)きる this is always the best; there is nothing better than this [a set phrase; 尽きる usually means “to come to an end” or “(something) to run out”, and this phrase literally says "it always comes to this at the end”]
～するわけではない it’s not that ~; it’s not because ~ ; not necessarily that ~
配膳(はいぜん)ロボット serving robot [配膳(はいぜん) (waiting; tray service; setting the table)]
興(きょう)味(み)深(ぶか)い fascinating; very interesting [a set phrase and it conjugates as aい-adjective; 興味 (interest)]
汗(あせ)だくdrenched in sweat; dripping with sweat [a set phrase]
涼(すず)し気(げ) looking cool [げis a suffix that means “looking” or “seemingly” which attaches to some い-adjective stems or some nouns to make な-adjective; 涼(すず)しい → 涼(すず)しげ(な)]
短(たん)パン(ぱん) short pants; shorts; trunks [shortened from 短(みじか)いパンツ]
(シャープな感(かん)じで)決(き)める to coordinate a style; to style (with the look of sharpness)
気(き)を使(つか)うpay attention [literally “use their attention”]
女(じょ)子(し)力(し) power of femininity; woman’s level of motivation in fashion and style; girliness (as a positive quality)
意(い)識(しき)する to be conscious
面倒(めんどう)くさい bothersome; feel lazy (to do something) [often it’s pronounced めんどくさい]

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-143

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-143-m

Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.

www.MakotoPlus.com

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A few months ago, Yumi comment us about the souvenirs she was planning to take to Japan for family and friends. Now that she’s back, she will tell us which are the ones that people liked and which ones may have not being such a success. Listen to the podcast to find out!

KEY VOCABULARY:

経(た)つ (for time) to pass
落(お)ち着(つ)く to settle down
反応(はんのう) response; reactions
喜(よろこ)ぶ to be pleased; to be delighted
がっかりされた was disappointing (for people); disappointed (people); had (people) get disappointed [がっかり(disappointment); された (past & passive form of する (to do)); がっかりする means “to get disappointed”; Note: がっかりされる and がっかりさせるsay the something, but がっかりされる have a nuance that “what disappoints people to be receiving people’s disappointment”]
微(び)妙(みょう) tricky; subtle; delicate (situation)
親戚(しんせき) relatives
アメリカっぽい American-like; American-ish; American-esque [～っぽい(-ish; -like) is a suffix which is added after nouns or adjectives; アメリカ風(ふう) is a similar another word]
ビスケット cookie [crispy cookies that are somewhat dry]
甘(あま)さ控(ひか)えめ low in sugar; not too sweet; less sweet side [甘さ (sweetness); 控(ひか)え “ます-stem” of 控(ひか)える(to refrain); め is a suffix that indicates degree or tendency of some condition]
味(あじ)わい flavor; taste
食(た)べごたえ satisfying to eat [used for food that are satisfying because of a big portion size]
そこら中(じゅう) everywhere there; all over the place [中(じゅう)is a suffix that means “all over”, “everywhere”, or “all through”]
奥様(おくさま) wife; house wife; married lady [very polite way to say “married woman”]
派手(はで) loud; flashy; gaudy
生地(きじ) cloth; fabric; material
色使(いろづか)い color usage; use of color
ウケ popularity; (people’s response) [used when describing how something (like “Jokes”) is received by people]
一択(いったく) one option; one choice [used when making a choice with no hesitation]
余(あま)る to remain; to be in excess; to be left over

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-142

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-142-m

Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.

www.MakotoPlus.com

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This is the final part of the long-awaited journey to Japan! This time, Yumi will tell us about an incredible visit to USJ and more about Tokyo. Listen to the podcast and pay attention to her recommendations for your next trip to Japan!

KEY VOCABULARY:

たどり着(つ)くfinally arrive at; to get to (at last); find one’s way to
書斎(しょさい) library; study; sanctum
超(ちょう)おすすめ highly recommended [超(ちょう) (highly; extremely; super); おすすめ(recommendation)]
激(はげ)しかった was intense [激(はげ)しい (violent; intense)]
開場(かいじょう) opening; opening (of the doors) [開(かい) (open); 場(ば) (place; location)]
日差(ひざ)し sunlight; rays of the sun; sunshine [日(ひ)(sun); 差(さ)し (shining); also written as 日射(ひざし)し or 陽射(ひざし)し]
海浜公園(かいひんこうえん) beachfront park; seaside park [海浜 (seaside; beach); 公園(こうえん) (park)]
自(じ)由(ゆう)の女(め)神(がみ)の像(ぞう) statue of liberty [自(じ)由(ゆう) (liberty; freedom);女(め)神(がみ) (Goddess); 像(ぞう) (statue)]
展望台(てんぼうだい) lookout tower [展望 (lookout; viewing); 台(だい) (tower)]
水上(すいじょう)バス　water bus; water taxi [水上(すいじょう) (on the water)]
優雅(ゆうが)な elegant; graceful
～のはず is supposed to be ~; should be ~
熱中症(ねっちゅうしょう)heat stroke; heat exhaustion [熱中(ねっちゅう) (fever); 症(しょう) (illness; symptom; condition (of illness)]
濡(ぬ)れた wet [濡(ぬ)れる (to get wet)]
冷房(れいぼう)の効(き)いている～ air-conditioned [same as 冷房(れいぼう)が効(き)いている～; 冷房(れいぼう) (cooler; air-conditioner); 効(き)いている (is in effect; is on) which is the progressive form of 効(き)く(to be effective)]
避(さ)ける avoid
涼(すず)しい cool (in air temperature)
食(た)べ歩(ある)き eating tour; trying different food at various restaurants while visiting a town
最悪(さいあく) worst (case) [最(さい) (the most); 悪(あく) (bad)]
携帯(けいたい) cell phone [shortened form 携帯(けいたい) (portable); 電(でん)話(わ) (phone)]

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-141

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-141-m

Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.

www.MakotoPlus.com

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In this episode, Yumi will tell us about the troubles she encountered while in Japan. Can you imagine what was the most difficult thing during her stay there? You may never imagine what was… Listen to the podcast and find out what it was!

KEY VOCABULARY:

随分(ずいぶん) considerably; rather; fairly; quite
お久(ひさ)しぶり it has been a long time [お久(ひさ)しぶりis politer form for 久(ひさ)しぶり]
無事(ぶじ) safely; with no problems [無事(ぶじ)に can be used here as well]
ご無沙汰(ぶさた)しております (I) have been away; (I) haven’t contacting you; (I) have been in touch with you [ご無沙汰(ぶさた) (long silence; situation in which one is not contacting someone); しております I have been (not contacting), which is the humble form for しています; the dictionary form is ご無沙汰(ぶさた)する; a common expression to start a conversation or a letter after not contacting someone for a certain period of time. This expression gives a sense of apology for not being present in their relationship]
長(なが)かったようで短(みじか)かった felt like a long time but actually was a short time [a common expression which is used when one looks back a period of time in the past]
総(そう)じて overall; for the most part; as a whole [総(そう) (whole; total)]
老人(ろうじん)ホーム retirement home; nursing home
歯医(はい)者(しゃ) dentist [歯(は) (teeth); 医者(いしゃ) (doctor)]
～度(たび)に every time ~; each time ~ [“dictionary form V + 度(たび)に”; 度(たび) counter for occasion, situation or occurrences]
記(き)憶(おく) memory
はっきりしてきた became clear [past form of はっきりしてくる (to become clear)]
更新(こうしん)する renew [to renew (a record)]
危(あぶ)なっかしい seemingly dangerous; unsafe looking [an expression from the speaker’s point of view to describe someone to be not safe or not stable while engaging in some activity to the degree that the speaker feels worried about the safety of the person in action]
迷(まい)子(ご)になる to get lost [迷(まい)子(ご) (lost child; lost person)]
干(ほ)す hang out to dry; hang (outside) to dry
乾(かわ)かす dry [to dry]
天(てん)気(き)予(よ)報(ほう) weather forecast [天(てん)気(き) (weather); 予(よ)報(ほう) (forecast)]
～のうちに within (a certain time frame)
ドンドンゴロゴロ (onomatopoeia) bang; boom [sound of thunder]
当(あ)たり前(まえ) usual; the norm; common; natural; common place [na-adjective that used to describe something to be natural as a matter of course]

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-140

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-140-m

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In the previous episode, Yumi talked about her arrival to Japan. This time, she will talk about what she and her family did after that, like going on a sightseeing bus in Tokyo or visiting an old friend. But, arriving at the countryside where her parents live after going around Tokyo made her wonder about the differences you can find between big cities and the countryside.

KEY VOCABULARY:

２階(かい)建(だ)て double-decker; two-story structure; two-story building [階(かい) (story); 建(だ)て (build)]
国(こっ)会(かい)議(ぎ)事(じ)堂(どう) National Parliament building [国会(こっかい) (parliament); 議事(ぎじ) (proceedings); 堂(どう) (hall)]
皇居(こうきょ) imperial Palace [皇(こう) (imperial);居(きょ) (residence)]
ギリギリ just barely (onomatopoeia)
高速道(こうそくどう)路(ろ) expressway; highway [高 (high); 速 (speed)]
優(ゆう)雅(が)に gracefully; elegantly [優(ゆう)雅(が) (elegant; graceful; refined)]
乗(の)り心(ごこ)地(ち) riding comfortability [乗(の)り(riding); 心(ごこ)地(ち) (comfortability; level of physical comfort); 心(ごこ)地(ち) is pronounced ここち by itself]
誇(ほこ)る to be proud
乗(の)り換(か)え connection; transfer of public transportation [乗(の)り(riding); 換(か)え (change; switch)]
素(す)早(ばや)く quickly; promptly [素(す) is prefix for “exceedingly” in this case]
距(きょ)離(り) distance
接(せっ)する to touch; to come in contact (with)
人口密(じんこうみつ)度(ど) population density [人口(じんこう) (population); 密(みつ)度(ど) (density)]
新(しん)緑(りょく) new spring foliage color [新(しん) (new); 緑(りょく)(green)]
清潔(せいけつ) clean sanitary
整(せい)備(び) maintenance; servicing
～ひとつ…ない no ~ is there; no ~ exists [concise version of ～がひとつもない (there is no ~, not even one; not even one ~ exists)]
溢(あふ)れる to over flow
一切(いっさい)～ない not ~ whatsoever; not ~ at all
整(ととの)い方(かた) the way (things are) in order [整(ととの)い (ます- stem of 整(ととの)う(to be in order)); 方(かた) (the way); “ます- stem V + 方(かた)” is “the way to ~” or “the method of doing ~”]

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-139

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-139-m

Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.

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Finally, Yumi and her family are in Japan! It’s been a long time since the last visit, and it seems things have changed. At least, at the convenience stores! Listen to her and take note of ideas for souvenirs for your next trip!

KEY VOCABULARY:

片(かた)付(づ)け tidying up
一段落(いちだんらく) stopping point (before the next stage) [段落 (end; end of a paragraph)]
復活(ふっかつ)させる revive; come back [復活(ふっかつ) (revival; resurrection); させる (causative of ～する)]
真(ま)下(した) right under; directly below) [真(ま) (prefix for “just~”; “right ~”)]
墜落(ついらく) crash
大惨(だいさん)事(じ) catastrophic event [惨事(さんじ) (disaster)]
入(にゅう)国(こく)検(けん)査(さ) Immigration clearance; Passport control; Immigration examination [入国(にゅうこく) (entry into country); 検(けん)査(さ) (examination)]
当(あ)てる hold ~ against [to put ~ on; to put ~against]
国籍(こくせき) nationality; citizenship
実感(じっかん) actual feeling; solid feeling [実感(じっかん) (real feeling); feeling and knowing of something by a first-hand experience]
流暢(りゅうちょう) fluent (in language skill)
丁寧(ていねい)に thoroughly [丁寧(ていねい) can mean “polite” or “courteous”, but here it means “thorough” in explanation]
お湯(ゆ)を張(は)る fill up with hot water [張(は)る (to stretch); it describes the way the surface of water looks stretched out to all the way around inside of the tub. It’s sort of an elegant Japanese expression compared to お湯(ゆ)を入(い)れる (to pour the water in), which can be used here.]
湯(ゆ)船(ぶね) bath tub [船(ぶね) (tank; tub; vessel); basically same as “お風呂(ふろ)”, but has the ambiance of old world]
つかる is submerged; is soaked
揃(そろ)っている have everything; fully stocked [揃(そろ)う(to be complete; to be all present); (て) いる describes “a certain condition”]
～し、～し、 (揃(そろ)ってますし、~ありましたし、) ~ and ~ and, therefore … [used when listing up reason(s) to support the following conclusion]
快適(かいてき) pleasant; comfort; amenity

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-138

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-138-m

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In the previous episode, Yumi told us she’s going back to Japan with her family. But she was having some issues deciding what to pick as souvenir for her family and friends. This time, she will talk about what she bought and where. Listen to her and take note of ideas for souvenirs for your next trip!

KEY VOCABULARY:

何人(なんにん)か分(ぶん) portion for some people [何人(なんにん)か　“some people” (かindicates it to be “not a specific number”); 分(ぶん) (portion)]
先(さき)ほど earlier; a short while ago; a moment ago
伴侶(はんりょ) spouse
更(さら)に furthermore; moreover
地(じ)元(もと) home area; home town; local area
大学(だいがく)時(じ)代(だい) college years [大学(だいがく) (college; university); 時(じ)代(だい) (era)]
軽(かる)くなっちゃうんです easily turns into (20 to 30 people) [軽(かる)く(easily); なっちゃうcontracted fromなってしまう (ends up turning into); んです contracted from のです (“it is the case that ~”; の explanatory particle emphasizing what is being said)]
さらに furthermore
交友関係(こうゆうかんけい)が広(ひろ)い has a large circle of friends; has many friends [交友(こうゆう)関係(かんけい) (circle of friends one has; friendships with people one has); 広(ひろ)い (extensive; broad)]
全(ぜん)部(ぶ)合(あ)わせる put (everybody) all together [全(ぜん)部(ぶ) (all parts); 合(あ)わせる (to combine; to put together); causative form of 合(あ)う (to fit; to match) ]
お菓子(かし)類(るい) snacks and sweets [お菓子(かし) (snacks; sweets); 類(るい) (kind; type)]
作(つく)り quality of how something was manufactured [noun form of 作(つく)る (to make)]
消毒(しょうどく) disinfection [消 (extinguishing); 毒 (poison)]
何々(なになに)さん so-and-so; Mr. so-and-so
匂(にお)い sent; smell
旗(はた) flag
お守(まも)り charm
気(き)持(も)ちを込(こ)める to put one’s heart into something [気(き)持(も)ち (feeling; heart); 込(こ)める (to include)]
1ドルちょっとぐらい about a little over $1 [1ドルちょっと ($1 and a little); ぐらい (approximate; about)]
ご報告(ほうこく) しようwill report [報告(ほうこく) (report)]

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-137

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-137-m

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Yumi is going back to Japan with her family! This is a long-awaited trip. Soon they will be reunited with family and friends, but… There is something troubling Yumi’s mind. Listen to the podcast to know more about it!

KEY VOCABULARY:

帰(き)省(せい) homecoming visit; going to one’s parents’ home
うんうんうなるto moan (in pain or in discomfort) [うんうん (onomatopoeia that mimicking the sound of moaning); うなる (to growl; to moan; to grunt)]
夢(ゆめ)のまた夢(ゆめ) a dream within a dream; beyond (one’s) wildest dream [literally, “a dream beyond another dream” which basically means “something impossible to happen” or “something impossible for one to experience”]
水際対策(みぎわたいさく) border control measures [水際(みぎわ) (beach; shore; coastline; national border); 対策(たいさく) (countermeasures)]
連絡(れんらく)が取(と)れる to be able to get in touch; to be able to make contact [連絡(れんらく) (contact; communication); 取(と)れる to be able to get/to take (potential form of 取(と)る)]
悩(なや)んでいる to be having a hard time [悩(なや)む (to have a hard time with something mentally)]
20 年(ねん)ぶりに for the first time in 20 years [ぶりis a suffix that indicates a period of time that has passed before for one to experience the same situation. It is only used for positive circumstances]
フロリダらしい Florida-like; Florida style
頭(あたま)に浮(う)かばない does not come to mind [literally, “doesn’t float to head]; used when one can’t think of ideas and such]
不(ふ)健康(けんこう) unhealthy; poor health
どぎつい intense; gaudy; garish; loud in color [ど (casual prefix for “very”, “super” or “extremely”); ぎつい from きつい (intense; forceful; demanding)]
面倒(めんどう)くさい bothersome; hassle
あげなきゃいいんじゃないの？ isn’t it better not to give? [more casual form for あげなければいいのではないのですか？; あげなきゃcontracted fromあげなければ (if you don’t give); いいんじゃ contracted from いいのでは (it’s good; it’s better); ないの contracted from ないのですか (is (it) not?)]
分(わ)け与(あた)えてあげる share; divide out [分(わ)け与(あた)えて (to share); あげる (to do a favor of doing ~)]
帰(かえ)り際(ぎわ)に right before going home; just as one is leaving [帰(かえ)り (”ます- stem” of 帰る); 際(ぎわ) (when; occasion); ”ます- stem V + 際(ぎわ)” is “on one is about to doing something”]
何々(なになに)さん so-and-so; Mr. so-and-so
配(くば)る deliver; distribute; pass around; hand out
御(お)札(ふだ) やお守(まも)り amulets and charms [御(お)札(ふだ) (amulet); お守(まも)り(charm)]
気(き)軽(がる)に easily; without hesitation
いろんなとこ many places [いろんな (various); とこ contracted from ところ (place; location) which is only used in casual setting]

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-136

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-136-m

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In the previous podcast, Yumi started to talk about her family trip to St. Augustine. Don’t miss the end of this story, where she explains the main reason of their trip and why she couldn’t sleep well that night.

KEY VOCABULARY:

予(よ)約(やく) reservation; booking
無(む)効(こう) invalid; void
慌(あわ)てて in a hurry; in haste [fixed phrase]
近(ちか)場(ば) nearby place
重(かさ)ね合(あ)わせてtaking (the both countries’ histories) together and … [重(かさ)ね合(あ)わせる (to layer multiple things; to overlap)]
説得(せっとく) persuasion
温(おん)故知(こち)新(しん) visiting old, learn new [温(おん) (to warm; to rewarm); 故(こ) (old); 知(ち) (to know); 新(しん) (new); this saying means “an attempt to understand new things by studying the past”]
覗(のぞ)いたり doing peeking into (stores) and [覗(のぞ)い from 覗(のぞ)く(to peek into ; to take a quick look at); ~たり、～する (doing such thing like ~ing and ~ing)]
お洒落(しゃれ)なstylish; fashionable; chic;　lovely
結構(けっこう) fairly; quite a bit
大賑(だいにぎ)わい big crowd
雰(ふん)囲気(いき) atmosphere; mood of a space or situation
子(こ)供(ども)連(づ)れtaking children along
漂(ただよ)ってました (to be in the air) [漂う (to be in the air; to drift)]
清潔感(せいけつかん) sense of cleanliness [清潔 (clean; sanitary)]
(ぱぱぱと)しか見なかった looked only (quickly) […しか～ない (to do ~ only …)]
飼(か)っていた had (peacocks) [飼う to have/own (animals or pets)]
野良(のら)クジャク stray peacock [野良(のら) (stray); クジャク (peacock)]
時(とき)すでに遅(おそ)しthe ship has already sailed [literally, “Time is already late”]
順調(じゅんちょう)に smoothly

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-135

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-135-m

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This time Yumi went to a trip to St. Augustine, a city she usually goes with her family to the beach. But this time she made a different kind of trip. In this first part of Saint Augustine’s trip story, she tells us about the history of the fortress located there, San Marcos, among other things.

KEY VOCABULARY:

昔(むかし)ながらの unchanged as old time; as it was in the past [a fixed phrase]
日(ひ)帰(がえ)り day trip
～ばかりの頃(ころ) around the time when ~ [～ばかり (just doing ~); 頃(ころ) (approximate time period; around the time)]
砦(とりで)/要塞(ようさい) fort；fortress [slightly differs from each other in definition but basically “fort”]
詰(つ)まった packed [past of 詰(つ)まる (to be packed; to be clogged)]
石灰(せっかい)石(せき) lime stone [石灰(せっかい) (lime); 石(せき) (stone)]
遡(さかのぼ)りますと going back (in the history) [遡る (to date back); と (when; if)]
取(と)り戻(もど)す take back; regain
牢(ろう)屋(や) jail; prison
脱走兵(だっそうへい) defector; deserter [脱走(だっそう) (escape; desertion); 兵(へい) (solider)]
投獄(とうごく)されていた were imprisoned; were incarcerated [投獄(とうごく)される (to get imprisoned); (て) いた indicates a situation or state]
入(いり)江(え) inlet; cove; bay
合流(ごうりゅう)する merge; come together
狙(ねら)い撃(う)ち sniping; snipe attack [狙(ねら)い (aim); 撃(う)ち (shooting)]
領(りょう)土(ど)争(あらそ)い territorial dispute [領(りょう)土(ど) (territory); 争(あらそ)い (dispute; conflict)]
翻弄(ほんろう)された was trifled with; was tossed around
凄(すさ)まじさ ferocity; savagery [noun form of 凄(すさ)まじい (horrible; terrible)]
愚(おろ)かさ　foolishness; absurdity [noun form of 愚(おろ)か (foolish)]
感慨(かんがい)にふけってしまいました was absorbed in deep emotion [感慨(かんがい)にふける (to be overcome with emotion; to be sunk in thought); 感慨(かんがい) (deep emotion which arises from deep thought or introspection)]
目的(もくてき)を果(は)たす accomplish the goal; fulfill the objective [目的(もくてき) (goal; purpose); (を)果(は)たす (to fulfill)]

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-134

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-134-m

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Japanese culture about nakedness is different from the occidental one. Japanese people go to onsen naked while most occidental people would feel embarrassed for doing this. In this podcast, Yumi talks about it, and about the changes over time around this culture.

KEY VOCABULARY:

恥(は)ずかしがる to be shy of; to be bashful
お相(す)撲(もう)さん Sumo wrestler(s) [affectionate way of calling sumo wrestlers]
まる見(み)え full view; completely visible [まるprefix for “whole/total/all”/full; 見(み)え noun form of 見(み)える (to be visible)]
伝統(でんとう)国(こく)技(ぎ) traditional national sport
競(きょう)技(ぎ) competition; game; match; contest
まる出(だ)し bare; fully exposed
明(めい)治(じ)時(じ)代(だい) Meiji period (1868-1912)
禁(きん)止(し) prohibition
根(ね)強(づよ)くfirmly; persistently [adverb form of 根(ね)強(づよ)い (firm; persistent; deep-seated; deep-rooted)
銭湯(せんとう) public bathhouse [銭(せん) (coin); 湯(とう) (bath water; warm water)]
展(てん)示(じ) する to exhibit; to display
海水浴場(かいすいよくじょう) designated swimming area beach
彫刻(ちょうこく)家(か) sculptor [彫刻(ちょうこく)(carving; sculpture); 家(か) (suffix for some professions or title for people with highly skill)
裸(ら)体(たい) naked body; nudity
矛(む)盾(じゅん)する to contradict [矛(む)盾(じゅん) (contradictory)]
価値(かち)観(かん) sense of values; value system [価値(かち) (value); 観(かん) (view)]
普(ふ)段(だん) usual; ordinary
基(き)準(じゅん) standard
中(ちゅう)世(せい) Middle Age
股(こ)間(かん) crotch; groin [股(こ) (groin; thigh); 間(かん) (between)]

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-133

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-133-m

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Description:

Japan is a country with many hot springs. Going to one is an experience you may not want to miss during your stay in Japan. Listen to Yumi talking about ryokans, hot springs and how she overcame the embarrassment about going naked to one.

KEY VOCABULARY:

湧(わ)いてきた started gushing out; started bubbling out [湧(わ)いて from 湧(わ)く(to gush out); てきた from てくる (to start doing ~)]
(お湯(ゆ)に)つかる to be soaked (in warm water); to be submerged (in warm water)]
(足をお湯に)つける to soak (one’s feet in hot water); to put (one’s feet in hot water)
成分(せいぶん) composition
効能(こうのう) benefit; effect; efficacy
おもてなし hospitality
懐石(かいせき)料(りょう)理(り) traditional Japanese meal brought in courses
名産物(めいさんぶつ) local special products [名(めい) (famous); 産(さん)物(ぶつ) (products; produce)]
施(し)設(せつ) facility
癒(いや)す to heal
庭園(ていえん) garden [garden that is professionally designed and maintained; 庭(てい) (garden; yard); 園(えん) (park)]
~なんか such as ~; such thing as ~
堪能(たんのう)する to indulge in; to enjoy
露(ろ)天(てん)風(ぶ)呂(ろ) open-air bath
見知(みし)らぬ人(ひと) stranger(s) [見知らぬ (unacquainted; unfamiliar; unknown; strange)]
抵抗(ていこう) resistance; reluctance; opposition
そっか “Ah, I see”; “Oh, I get it”; “Oh, okay” [a very casual expression which stems from そうか/そうですか]
指(さ)す to indicate; to point
個(こ)室(しつ) private room
思(し)春(しゅん)期(き) adolescence
付(つ)き合(あ)い fellowship; friendship

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-132

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-132-m

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Yumi went with her family to see the Super Mario Brothers movie. Listen to Yumi talk about her thoughts on the movie and what she wanted to do after watching it!

KEY VOCABULARY:

公開(こうかい)される to be open; to be open to the public [公開(こうかい) (opening to the public; release)]

話(わ)題(だい)に上(のぼ)る to come up in conversation [話(わ)題(だい) (topic)]

毎週(まいしゅう)のように almost every week [毎(まい)　(every);週(しゅう)(week)]

期(き)待(たい)通(どお)りas expected; as hoped for [期(き)待(たい) (expectation; anticipation; hope)]

再現(さいげん)される to be reproduced [再現(さいげん) (reproduction; recreation; reenactment)]

心(こころ)をつかまれる to be touched; to be captured [つかまれる (to be grasped); passive form of つかむ (to catch; to grasp)]

ネタバレ spoiler; spoiling a story [shortened fromネタがバレる; ネタ(core of a story); バレる(to be exposed)]

揃(そろ)ってall together [adverb stemmed from 揃(そろ)う(to be all present; (all pieces) to be complete)]

この辺(へん)にしておく to leave it here [辺(へん) (area); この辺(へん) (around here; this vicinity); にしておく (to leave ~ as)]

平日(へいじつ) week day(s)

物語性(ものがたりせい) story theme; narrativity [物語 (story); 性 (nature; quality; -ness)]

取(と)り入(い)れる to adopt; to take in

動(どう)機(き) motivation; incentive

与(あた)える to give; to provide

冒険(ぼうけん)する to explore [冒険(ぼうけん) (exploration; adventure)]

ハマる to get hooked [slang for “to get addicted” but can be used in a good way as well; stemmed fromはまる to get stuck; to fall in (a ditch, trap etc.)]

続出(ぞくしゅつ)する to appear one after another

誇(ほこ)れる can proud [potential form of 誇(ほこ)る (to proud)]

超有名(ちょうゆうめい) super famous [超(ちょう) (super-; ultra-); 　有名(ゆうめい) (famous)]

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-131

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-131-m

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Last time, Yumi talked about things she does on a daily basis. This time, she speaks about things she does occasionally and then things she would like to do in the future.

KEY VOCABULARY:

こまめに frequently; diligently; regularly
大(おお)掃(そう)除(じ) major cleanup
掃(そう)除(じ)機(き) vacuum cleaner
拭(ふ)く to wipe
隅(すみ)っこ　corner; recess [隅(すみ)っこ is casual or spoken language for 隅(すみ) (corner; recess)]
安息(あんそく)日(び)sabbath [安息(あんそく) (rest; relax)]
勧(すす)める to recommend; to advise; to encourage
美(び)容(よう) beauty; beautiful appearance; youthful appearance
幾(いく)つか some; several; few
解説(かいせつ) commentary; explanation
鋭(するど)く sharply; keenly
図(と)書(しょ)館(かん) library [図(と)書(しょ) (books; reading materials); 館(かん) (building)]
興味(きょうみ) interest
油(あぶら)絵(え) oil painting [油(あぶら)(oil); 絵(え) (picture; drawing)]
壁(かべ) wall
抽(ちゅう)象(しょう)画(が) abstract art [抽(ちゅう)象(しょう)(abstraction); 画(が) (drawing)]
飾(かざ)り decoration; ornament
金粉(きんぷん) gold dust [金 (gold); 粉 (power)]
近日(きんじつ)中(ちゅう) soon; in few days; one of these days [近(きん) (near); 中(ちゅう) (within)]
挑戦(ちょうせん) challenge; attempt; try; dare

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-130

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-130-m

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In today’s episode, Yumi shares a few things she does every single day (or almost every day).

KEY VOCABULARY:

精神的(せいしんてき) psychological; mental; spiritual [精神(せいしん) (mind; spirit; soul); 的 suffix (-ical, -ive, -al, -ic,-y and etc.)]
専門的(せんもんてき) professional; [専門(せんもん) (specialty; expert; area of expertise)]
運動(うんどう)不(ぶ)足(そく) lack of physical exercise; inactivity [運動(うんどう) (physical exercise); 不(ふ) 足(そく) (insufficiency; deficiency; lack)]
解消(かいしょう) resolution; reduction [also “cancellation”]
見(み)回(まわ)りpatrolling
泥棒情報(どろぼうじょうほう) theft information (of the neighborhood) [泥棒(どろぼう) (thief; burglary; robbery); 情報(じょうほう) (information)]
意(い)外(がい)とunexpectedly; surprisingly [ 意(い) (idea; thought); 外(がい) (outside); 意(い)外(がい)に means the same but more formal]
筋肉(きんにく)トレーニング ; 筋肉(きんにく) (muscle)]
風邪(かぜ)を引(ひ)くto catch a cold [風邪(かぜ) (cold); 引(ひ)く(to catch；to pull) stemmed from “to pull a cold into the body”]
医(い)療(りょう)費(ひ) medical bill [医(い)療(りょう)(medical care); 費(ひ) (expense)]
維持(いじ)するto maintain; to retain; to sustain
断食(だんじき) fasting; fast [断(だん) (to cut; to refuse); 食(じき) (food)]
練習(れんしゅう)practice; training; exercise
記(き)憶力(おくりょく) ability to retain memory [記(き)憶(おく) (memory); 力(りょく) (ability; power; strength)]
回復(かいふく)する to recover; to recuperate; to restore
自己(じこ)肯定感(こうていかん) self-esteem; sense of self-approval [自己(じこ) (self); 肯定(こうてい) (affirmative; positive); 感(かん) (feeling)]
価値(かち) worth; value; merit
否(ひ)定(てい)する to deny; to negate
心配(しんぱい)性(しょう)nervous temperament; prone to worrying
楽観的(らっかんてき) optimistic; easy-going

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-129

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-129-m

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Yumi brought her family to Universal Studios in Orlando and couldn't help but compare the experience to her visit to Universal Studios in California more than two decades ago. Both the theme park and Yumi herself have undergone significant transformations since then.

KEY VOCABULARY:

遠足(えんそく) school trip; field trip
揃(そろ)って all together [揃(そろ)う(to make a full set; to be all present)]
街並(まちな)み cityscape [街(まち) (city; town); 並(な)み (row or line of houses)]
再現(さいげん) recreation; reenactment; reproduction [再(さい) (again); 現(げん) (appearance)]
噴(ふ)くto emit; to spout; to flush
人混(ひとご)み crowd of people [混(こ)み (mix; blend)]
避(さ)ける to avoid
吐(は)き気(け)を催(もよお)する to feel nauseated [吐(は)き気(け) (nausea); 催(もよお)する (to feel; to hold)]
収(おさ)まる to settle down; to fit into
効(き)く to be effective
炭酸飲料(たんさんいんりょう) carbonated drink [炭酸(たんさん) (carbonic acid); 飲料(いんりょう) (beverage)]
普(ふ)段(だん) normally; normal
仕(し)方(かた)がない there is no (other) way
足元(あしもと) one’s feet
激(はげ)しく揺(ゆ)れる to swing violently [激(はげ)しく(violently); 揺(ゆ)れる (to shake)]
休憩(きゅうけい)を挟(はさ)む to take a break in-between [休憩(きゅうけい) (break; rest); 挟(はさ)む (to put in-between)]
乗(の)り物(もの)酔(よ)い motion sickness [乗(の)り物(もの) (vehicle; ride); 酔い (intoxication; motion sickness)]
若干(じゃっかん) somewhat
~する訳(わけ)ではない it’s not that ~ [訳(やく) (reason)]
締(し)め付(つ)ける to tighten; to fasten tight

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-128

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-128-m

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Yumi is worried about inflation. Everything is more expensive. Still, she maintains a positive outlook with affirmations and positive thinking. Even when bad things happen, there is always something to be grateful for.

KEY VOCABULARY:

必死(ひっし)に with one’s best effort; work very hard to do something; with one’s best effort; desperately
節約(せつやく)する save money
食(しょく)費(ひ) food expense
電(でん)気(き)代(だい) electricity bill [電(でん)気(き) (electricity); 代(だい) (charge; fee; substitute)]
便乗(びんじょう)値(ね)上(あ)げ piggyback price increase [便乗(びんじょう)(getting a ride; getting on the bandwagon); 値(ね)上(あ)げ (price increase)]
機(き)能(のう) function
高級(こうきゅう)な high-end; high-class; luxury [高(こう) (high);級(きゅう) (class)]
値引(ねび)き discount; price reduction [値(ね) (price); 引(び)きnoun form of 引(ひ)く(to pull); sound changes from 引(ひ)き to 引(び)き when combined with other word in front of it]
必需品(ひつじゅひん) essentials; necessity
冷(ひ)や汗(あせ) cold sweat [冷(ひ)や (cold; chilled); 汗(あせ) (sweat)]
順調(じゅんちょう) nice and steady; doing good
絶望感(ぜつぼうかん) sense of despair [絶望(ぜつぼう) (despair; hopelessness); 感(かん) (feeling; emotion; sensation)]
満(み)たされる be filled with [normally used with a very positive emotion. it actually sounds humorous for this word to be used with 絶望感(ぜつぼうかん) (despair)]
貯金(ちょきん) savings [貯(ちょ) (to store); 金(きん) (money)]
引(ひ)き寄(よ)せの法則(ほうそく) law of attraction [引(ひ)き寄(よ)せ to draw or pull (something) toward; 法則(ほうそく) (rule; law)]
潜在(せんざい)意(い)識(しき) subconsciousness [潜在(せんざい) (latent); 意(い)識(しき) (consciousness)]
浸透(しんとう)するpermeate [permeation; soaking]
科(か)学的根拠(がくてきこんきょ) scientific foundation [科(か)学的(がくてき)　(scientific); 根拠(こんきょ) (basis; grounds; foundation; reason)]

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-127

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-127-m

Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.

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In this episode of Nihongo no Tane, Yumi discusses onomatopoeia in Japanese. She mentions that there are approximately 5,000 onomatopoeic words in Japanese, making it the language with the most onomatopoeia in the world.

Onomatopoeic words can have multiple meanings and be used in various situations. For example, you probably know ペラペラ to mean "fluent" when describing someone's language skills, but did you know it can also mean "flimsy" when referring to paper flapping about in the wind? Learning onomatopoeia can be challenging but rewarding. Find a new onomatopoeia expression and use it today!

KEY VOCABULARY:

眼(め)鏡(がね)をかけている to wear glasses [眼(め)鏡(がね) (eye glasses); かける (to put on); (て)いる indicates the state of wearing glasses]

視(し)力(りょく) eyesight; vision [視(し) (visual; vision); 力(りょく)(strength; power)]

～は、もちろん not only ~; definitely for (driving) [もちろん (of course)]

つまずく to trip (over); to stumble

てしまう to end up with doing ~ [“te-form + しまう” is used for unfavorable situation/outcome or unexpected, surprising or unintended outcome]

～じゃないですか isn’t it; right? [sounds fairly casual]

若返(わかがえ)る to be rejuvenated; to feel younger; to reverse aging [若 (young; youth); 返る(to return)]

擬(ぎ)声(せい)語(ご) onomatopoeia (words that mimic people’s voice or sounds or call that animals or insects make) [擬(ぎ) (quasi-; imitation); 声(せい) (voice); also there is 擬(ぎ)音(おん)語(ご) which is words that mimic sound of things]

擬(ぎ)態(たい)語(ご) onomatopia; mimetic word (word that mimics an action, condition or manner that does not make a sound ) [態(たい) (condition; state of things)]

結構(けっこう) fairly; quite bit; rather [it can also mean “excellent”, “delightful”, “enough” or “fine”]

～らしい -like ; typical of ~; characteristic of ~ [a suffix which follows noun]

場(ば)面(めん) situation; circumstance

流暢(りゅうちょう)に fluently [流暢(りゅうちょう) (fluent)]

どんどん上(じょう)手(ず)になる to get better at something quickly [どんどん describes quick way that something is being done]

雷(かみなり)thunder

寝(ね)転(ころ)がっている to be lying around (for a period of time) [寝(ね)転(ころ)がってte-form of 寝(ね)転(ころ)がる(to lie down; to throw oneself down)]

のどを鳴(な)らす to make a sound with one’s throat [のど (throat); 鳴(な)らす (to ring; to make a sound)]

一(ひと)つ一(ひと)つ one by one

丁寧(ていねい)に thoroughly; carefully; with care

無理(むり) impossible; not able

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-126

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-126-m

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Yumi wraps up her talk about buying two cars and the problem with buying insurance for teenage drivers.

KEY VOCABULARY:

更新(こうしん)する to renew; to update

代理店(だいりてん) agency

事(じ)情(じょう)circumstance; condition; situation

担当(たんとう) being in charge; being

曇(くも)った表(ひょう)情(じょう) worried/sad look on one’s face [曇(くも)った (cloudy); 表情(ひょうじょう) (facial expression; facial look)]

ため息 sigh [ため (collect; gather); 息 (breath)]

嫌(きら)う dislike; not to like

計算(けいさん)する to calculate; compute; to figure (out)

予(よ)想(そう)する to expect; to anticipate

仕方(しかた)ない inevitable; having no (other) choice; unavoidable [仕方(しかた) (method; means); ない (not; no)]

年間(ねんかん) one year period; annually; annual

顎(あご)が外(はず)れそうになる one’s jaw drops [顎(あご) (jaw); 外(はず)れる(to unhinge; to come off); そうに(almost; nearly)]　＊Yumi made a mistake with this idiom: 顎が外れるis supposed to be used when laughing hard. However, this is often mistakenly used when shocked or surprised. She probably was thinking of the English idiom “jaw drop” which is used when shocked or surprised and not when laughing—the opposite of the Japanese idiom!

相談(そうだん)する to consult; to ask (someone) for advice

確率(かくりつ) likelihood; chances; probability

加(か)入(にゅう)する to join; to become a member

高齢者(こうれいしゃ) elderly people

かけ金(きん) premium

なんとかなる to make (things) work one way or another; to manage somehow [なんとか (somehow; one way or another); なる(to result in; to turn out)]

心(こころ)がける to keep in mind; to try to; to aim to; to bear in mind

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-125

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-125-m

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Today, Yumi continues her story about her recent car-buying experiences.

KEY VOCABULARY:

普通(ふつう)(の) normal; common

結構(けっこう) fairly

頑張(がんば)る endure; survive; keep at it; make an effort

自宅(じたく) one’s home; one’s house

めでたく happily; with much joy [this word has a celebratory connotation to it]

面倒(めんどう)な troubling; troublesome; difficult [面倒(めんどう)(trouble)]

スケジュールを組(く)む schedule ~; arrange a schedule [組(く)む (form; arrange; assemble)]

ローンを組(く)む get a loan; take out a loan

重(かさ)なる overlap; occur at the same time; pile up

免許取(めんきょと)り立(た)て newly-licensed [“masu-stem + 立(た)て” means “newly ~” or “freshly ~”]

車屋(くるまや) car dealership [カーセンター is also used]

不思議(ふしぎ)な strange; mysterious

下取(したど)りする trade in

ずつ each [written eitherずつ orづつ]

利子(りし) interest (on a loan)

月々(つきづき)の monthly [same as 毎月(まいつき)の]

順調(じゅんちょう) favorable; all right [describes of events when going without any problems]　　

万歳(ばんざい) hooray

保険(ほけん) insurance

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-124

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-124-m

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Until recently, Yumi’s family has only had one car. This is unusual in the part of Florida that she lives in. Most families have at least two cars. But Yumi and Clay both work from home and until their son got his driver’s license, they rarely had need for a second car. But now their son has his license, Yumi decided … it was time.

KEY VOCABULARY:

仮免許(かりめんきょ) driver’s permit; learner’s permit

同乗(どうじょう)する ride along

運転免許(うんてんめんきょ) driver’s license

取得(しゅとく) obtainment

普通(ふつう) normal; common; ordinary

就職(しゅうしょく) する get employed; come to employed

自動車学校(じどうしゃがっこう) driving school

随分(ずいぶん) very; considerably; extremely

のんき carefree; laid back; easygoing

必要(ひつよう)ない not necessary; not needed

経済的 economic

購入(こうにゅう)する purchase; buy

自体(じたい) itself

企業(きぎょう) business; corporation; enterprise

心配(しんぱい) worried; concerned [it’s used as adjective here but it can be noun as well]

安全運転(あんぜんうんてん) safe driving

子煩悩(こぼんのう)な very loving; very dedicated [used to describe very loving and dedicated parents]

奮発(ふんぱつ)する spend some generous amount of money than expected; be generous at gifting something than expected [奮発(splurge; generous spending; generous treat)]

大奮発(だいふんぱつ) big splurge; super generous treat

勇気(ゆうき) courage; bravery

要(い)る need; require

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-123

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-123-m

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February 3rd was setsubun in Japan. The day that marks the end of winter and is followed by the beginning of spring. Listen as Yumi tells us a little bit about how this special occasion is celebrated in Japan.

KEY VOCABULARY:

節分(せつぶん) last day of winter in the traditional Japanese calendar

立春(りっしゅん) first day of spring in the traditional Japanese calendar

季節(きせつ)の変(か)わり目(め) time of change of seasons; time when season changes

邪気(じゃき) evil spirit; misfortune; bad vibes that cause illness or other misfortune 　　

煎(い)る roast (beans)

願(ねが)い事(ごと) one’s wish; one’s desire; prayer

叶(かな)う come true; (wish) be answered

風習(ふうしゅう) traditional custom in a regional/ tribal culture

販売(はんばい)を始(はじ)める launch sales

保育園(ほいくえん) nursery school and preschool (usually combined)

大泣(おおな)きする cry one’s eyes out; cry hard

幼児虐待(ようじぎゃくたい) child abuse

かわいそうになる feel sorry (for someone)

伝統行事(でんとうぎょうじ) traditional event

相対的(そうたいてき) relative

絶対(ぜったい) definite

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-122

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-122-m

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In today’s podcast, Yumi digs deep into an interesting superstition which caused the birth rates to plummet one year in the 1960s. It has to do with the Chinese Zodiac, the Edo period, and Natsume Souseki. Listen to find out about this fascinating bit of historical trivia.

KEY VOCABULARY:

十二支(じゅうにし) 12 animal signs of Chinese zodiac

干支(えと) 60 year cycle of 12 zodiac signs and 5 elements in Chinese astrology

暗記(あんき)する memorize

~歳違(さいちが)い ~ years apart

ひと回り１２年 [one full cycle of 12 zodiac signs]　　

~年区切(ねんくぎ)り(で) by ~ year segment

マンモス校(こう) very large school; school with a large number of students

当(あ)たり前(まえ) usual; common; ordinary

少子化(しょうしか) declining birth rate [少 (few; a little); 子 (child); 化 (change toward)]

根強(ねづよ)い persistent; deep-rooted; deep-seated

迷信(めいしん) superstition

とんでもない outrageous; terrible

江戸時代(えどじだい) Edo period [the last era of ruling of samurai government]

八百屋(やおや) produce store; fruits and vegetable store

小説家(しょうせつか) novelist; fiction writer

現代的(げんだいてき)な modern; contemporary

世代(せだい) generation

~年生(ねんう)まれ born in year ~ [one word and it’s adjective]

気(き)にする worry (about)

明治時代(めいじじだい) Meiji period [the first era after the fall of the samurai government]

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-121

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-121-m

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Yumi recently visited Silver Springs, a nature park in Florida which is famous for its glass bottom boats and manatees. Did you know manatees may have been mistaken for mermaids? Yumi then shares some stories about Japanese mermaids.

KEY VOCABULARY:

州立公園(しゅうりつこうえん)　state park

被害(ひがい) damage; injury; harm

諦(あきら)める give up; abandon

水(みず)湧(わ)く spring out; gush out

水族館(すいぞくかん) aquarium

癒(いや)す heal

第一印象(だいいちいんしょう) first impression

好奇心旺盛(こうきしんおうせい) full of curiosity; full of inquisitiveness 好奇心(curiosity; inquisitiveness) 旺盛(vigorous; exuberant)　　

人魚(にんぎょ) mermaid

暗(くら)がり darkness

上半身(じょうはんしん) upper body

見世物小屋(みせものごや) show tent; circus tent; freak show 見世物(spectacle; exhibition; show) 小屋(hut)

購入(こうにゅう)する purchase

随分(ずいぶん) a lot; considerably; fairly

不老長寿(ふろうちょうじゅ) immortality 不老 (no aging) 長寿(longevity)

子宝(こだから) fertility

恵(めぐ)まれる to be gifted; to be blessed

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-120

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-120-m

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Sometimes simple analogies hit home the hardest. Learning a language is like breathing. It’s the small repetitive acts that keep us going and growing. Keep growing your Japanese little by little by studying, reading, and listening to Japanese daily.

KEY VOCABULARY:

新年(しんねん)の抱負(ほうふ) New Year’s resolution

一番(いちばん)最初(さいしょ)に the very first thing…

痩せたい want to lose weight

大成功(だいせいこう) big success

∼もつかの間(ま) ∼ was only short time

気(き)が緩(ゆる)む relax too much; lose an intention; become remiss

健康的(けんこうてき)に in healthy way；in healthy manner

瘦せ型体系 body type that is easy to lose weight

維持(いじ)する maintain; keep; sustain

参考にする refer to; learn from

一生懸命(いっしょうけんめい) with utmost effort; as one can

集中(しゅうちゅう)する concentrate; focus

短期間(たんきかん) short period of time

呼吸(こきゅう) breathing; breath

聖書(せいしょ) bible

毎日毎日(まいにちまいにち) every day; day after day

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-119

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-119-m

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In this short message, Yumi has some good news to share with the New Year.

KEY VOCABULARY:

令和(れいわ)5(５)年(ねん) Reiwa 5

西暦(せいれき) Western calendar

新年早々(しんねんそうそう) early in the New Year; at the beginning of the New Year

引(ひ)っ越(こ)し move (to a new house)

実家(じっか) one’s parent’s home; home where one grew up in

長(なが)い間(あいだ) long time

孫(まご) grandchildren

低学年(ていがくねん) early grade levels

節(ふし) occasion; time; section; passage; season; holiday

情報(じょうほう) information

長生(ながいけ)き long life

一期一会(いちごいちえ) once-in-a-life experience; an encounter that should be cherished

挨拶(あいさつ) greetings

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-118

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-118-m

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As the year 2022 comes to a close, Yumi thinks back on all the things that happened to her and her family this year.

KEY VOCABULARY:

今年(ことし) this year

最後(さいご) last; final

何(なに)も覚(おぼ)えていません don’t remember anything

性格(せいかく) personality; character

写真(しゃしん) photo

娘(むすめ) daughter

ウクレレ ukulele

いわゆる the so-called

弾(ひ)き語(がた)り singing to one’s own accompaniment

遊園地(ゆうえんち) amusement park

成人式(せいじんしき) coming-of-age-ceremony

運動会(うんどうかい) sports day

映画(えいが) movie

ブルーベリー狩(が)り blueberry picking

掃除(そうじ) cleaning

裏庭(うらにわ) backyard

教会(きょうかい) church

風邪(かぜ)気味(ぎみ) slight cold

体験(たいけん) experience

笑(わら)い話(ばなし) funny story

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-117

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-117-m

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This year’s kanji has been selected. Out of 220,000 votes, the kanji for war or battle was chosen. Yumi talks about this as well as what’s been going on in Japan recently.

KEY VOCABULARY:

戦争(せんそう) war

漢字能力検定(かんじのうりょくけんてい)協会(きょうかい) Kanji Proficiency Test Association

戦(たたか)う to fight; to battle

全国(ぜんこく) all of the country; the whole country

印象(いんしょう) impression

同時多発(どうじたはつ)テロ simultaneous attacks (particularly 9/11)

物騒(ぶっそう) troubled; disturbed

さらに in addition; moreover

大盛(おおも)り上(あ)がり great excitement

優勝(ゆうしょう)候補(こうほ) favored candidate; best bet for the title; favored for victory

勝利(しょうり) victory

残念(ざんねん)ながら unfortunately

練習(れんしゅう)に練習(れんしゅう)を重(かさ)ねて practice upon practice

礼儀正(れいぎただ)しい polite; courteous

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-116

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-116-m

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Yumi’s daughter speaks Japanese, but sometimes incorrectly. In today’s episode, Yumi tells us how her daughter messes up “to give” in Japanese, and this spurred her to research how to best teach あげる・くれる・もらう(give and receive). Yumi discovered the key is to understand Japanese culture. Listen as she explains.

KEY VOCABULARY:

あげる・くれる・もらう To Give and Receive in Japanese

ゴチャまぜ mess; jumble; chaos

おやつ snack

ちょうだい please give me

日本(にほん)の文化(ぶんか) Japanese culture

考(かんが)え方(かた) way of thinking

内(うち)と外(そと) inside and outside

当(あ)たり前(まえ) natural; obvious; common

想像(そうぞう)する to imagine

真(ま)ん中(なか) in the middle

見事(みごと)に splendidly

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-115

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-115-m

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Yumi has a problem. The three large pecan trees in her backyard have produced tons of pecans. In this episode, she talks about what she’s doing with the pecans and then compares pecans to chestnuts in Japan.

KEY VOCABULARY:

ピーカン pecan

我(わ)が家(や) my house

裏庭(うらにわ) backyard

地面(じめん) ground

食(く)い込(こ)む bite into; to dig into; to encroach

敷(し)き詰(つ)められた to be covered with

季節(きせつ)外(はず)れ unseasonal

殻(から) shell

作業(さぎょう) work

単純(たんじゅん) simple

無(む)になれる become free from thoughts

自生(じせい)する growing wild

農家(のうか) farmer

栽培(さいばい) cultivate

脂肪分(しぼうぶん) fat content

脂質(ししつ) fats

栗(くり) chestnuts

甘露煮(かんろに) candied (chestnuts)

お菓子(かし) candy; sweets

縄文時代(じょうもんじだい) Jomon period (over 3000 years ago)

鬼皮(おにかわ) hard shell of a nut

渋皮(しぶかわ) inner skin of a chestnut

面倒(めんどう)くさい bothersome

リス squirrel

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-114

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-114-m

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In this episode Yumi talks about Kuroyanagi Tetsuko, a longtime announcer and personality, and her secrets for living long and well.

KEY VOCABULARY:

義理(ぎり)のお母さん Mother-in-law

物忘(ものわす)れ forgetfulness

予防(よぼう) prevention

若々(わかわか)しく youthful

将来(しょうらい)に備(そな)えたい to prepare for the future

黒柳徹子(くろやなぎてつこ) Kuroyanagi Tetsuko (born August 9, 1933)

女優(じょゆう) actress

団子(だんご) dango; dumpling

放送(ほうそう) broadcast

テレビ業界(ぎょうかい) the TV industry

クイズ番組(ばんぐみ) Quiz (TV) show

正解率(せいかいりつ) percentage of correct answers

司会者(しかいしゃ) host; MC; announcer

小説(しょうせつ) novel

勉強熱心(べんきょうねっしん) studious

興味(きょうみ)が湧(わ)いた become interested in

ユニセフの親善大使(しんぜんたいし) UNICEF Goodwill ambassador

認知症(にんちしょう) dementia; senility

上品(じょうひん) elegant

下品(げひん) vulger

影響(えいきょう) influence

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-113

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-113-m

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Description:

It’s Thanksgiving and Black Friday season in the US. Yumi talks a little about what she and her family is doing and compares that with Japanese holidays.

KEY VOCABULARY:

感謝祭とブラックフライデー Thanksgiving and Black Friday

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-112

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-112-m

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Daylight savings time in America is the one thing all Americans can agree to hate, and yet… they still can’t seem to come together long enough to pass a law to rid themselves of the twice-a-year menace. Yumi shares her thoughts and hope that this “Fall back” will be the last.

KEY VOCABULARY:

夏時間(なつじかん) summer time

早起(はやお)き rising early

時刻(じこく) time; the hour

有効(ゆうこう) valid; effective

電力(でんりょく)の節約(せつやく) saving energy

目的(もくてき) goal; purpose

実際(じっさい)に actually

徐々(じょじょ)に gradually

連動(れんどう) working together; being linked (to)

時計(とけい)の針(はり) hands of a clock

昼夜(ちゅうや) day and night

逆転(ぎゃくてん) sudden change; reversal

交通事故(こうつうじこ) traffic accident

採用(さいよう) use; adoption

説(せつ)がある there is a theory

公務員(こうむいん) civil servant

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-111

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-111-m

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Yumi’s family band! It was one of her dreams and recently her family had a chance to perform. Listen as she tells us her thoughts on families coming together to perform.

KEY VOCABULARY:

弾(ひ)きます to play (stringed instrument such as piano or guitar)

中級(ちゅうきゅう)の初(はつ)め beginning of intermediate stage

音符(おんぷ) musical notes

伴奏(ばんそう) (musical) accompaniment

演奏(えんそう) (musical) performance

上手(うま)い下手(へた) skillful or unskilled

素人(しろうと)の私(わたし) an amateur such as I am

長男(ちょうなん) eldest son

担当(たんとう)の人(ひと) person in charge

急遽(きゅうきょ) hurriedly; in a hurry

いろいろ原因(げんいん) various causes

感動的(かんどうてき) impressive; moving

録音(ろくおん) audio recording

録画(ろくが) video recording

年(とし)を経(へ)るにしたがって as the years go by

成長(せいちょう) growth; becoming an adult

出番(でばん) one’s turn on stage; one’s shift

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-110

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-110-m

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Fall is a great time for families to get together and have fun. In this episode, Yumi shares a little about a recent multi-family getogether. There was much talking, children playing, and then… someone brought out a rope for a game of tug-of-war.

KEY VOCABULARY:

遊(あそ)びに行(い)く to go visit (someone); to have fun with

ちっちゃい子(こ)どもさん a small child

それぞれ思(おも)い思(おも)いに as each one likes; as each one pleases

しばらくすると a little later; after that

綱引(つなひき)き tug of war

力持(ちからも)ち strong person

小柄(こがら) small frame; small person

偶然(ぐうぜん) coincidence; chance

相手(あいて)チ(ち)ーム(む) the other team; opponent’s team

隙(すき) chance; opportunity; gap; break; interval

粘(ねば)り勝(が)ち hard-fought win; winning through perseverance

体力(たいりょく)のある to have physical strength

持久力(じきゅうりょく)のある to have endurance; stamina

ハの字(じ) the “ha” character (shape)

運動靴(うんどうぐつ) athletic shoes

腕力(わんりょく) physical strength; arm strength

全日本(ぜんにほん) all Japan

運動会(うんどうかい) athletic meet; sports field day

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-109

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-109-m

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Most years, Yumi takes her family to a nearby farm to experience cows, goats, fun outdoor activities, and homemade ice cream. Clay… didn’t do very well in the heat. Listen as Yumi talks about this year’s trip, and her thoughts on cows.

KEY VOCABULARY:

秋(あき) fall; autumn

牧場(ぼくじょう) farm

先日(せんじつ) the other day

同士(どうし) fellow (cousin); mutual

写真(しゃしん) photograph

インスタ映(ば)え looking good on Instagram

メイン main (reason)

本物(ほんもの)の a real…

の影響(えいきょう) the influence of

経営(けいえい)が苦(くる)しい business is suffering

気分(きぶん)が悪(わる)い feel bad

滞在(たいざい)する to stay

牛肉(ぎゅうにく) beef

乳製品(にゅうせいひん) dairy products

牛革(ぎゅうかわ) cowhide

牛(ぎゅう)タン cow tongue

焼(や)き肉(にく) grilled meat

悪趣味(あくしゅみ) bad taste

ぽつぽつと斑点(はんてん) spots and specks

模様(もよう) pattern

手作(てづく)りのアイスクリーム handmade

産地直送(さんちちょくそう) direct from the farm fresh

大満足(だいまんぞく) deeply satisfied

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-108

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-108-m

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The taste of fall has come and Yumi shares her thoughts about what this time of the year means in Japan. For more fun autumn words, please see our new lesson page here: https://thejapanesepage.com/no-aki-the-autumn-of-japanese-expressions-for-fall/

KEY VOCABULARY:

秋(あき) fall; autumn

特(とく)に especially

大喜(おおよろこ)び great joy

南部(なんぶ) southern part

秋(あき)らしく飾(かざ)ります fall decor

実(み) fruit

柔(やわ)らかく soft

涼(すず)しい cool

苦手(にがて) not good at

玄関(げんかん) entrance (of a house)

に比(くら)べる compared to

繊維質(せんいしつ) dietary fiber

砂糖(さとう) sugar

代表的(だいひょうてき) representative of

一方(いっぽう) on one hand

煮(に) boil

蒸(むし) steam

大好物(だいこうぶつ) favorite thing

味覚(みかく)の秋(あき) autumn of taste

食欲(しょくよく)の秋(あき) autumn of appetite

さつまいも sweet potato

柿(かき) persimmon

栗(くり) chestnut

ギンナン ginkgo nut

カツオ skipjack tuna; bonito

秋刀魚(さんま) mackerel pike (fish)

数(かぞ)え切(き)れない countless

一択(いったく) singular choice; only choice

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-107

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-107-m

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Hurricanes and typhoons. Not much fun, but both Japan and where Yumi currently lives, Florida, experience them annually. Japan not only has typhoons but other natural disasters— particularly earthquakes. Therefore, Yumi reasons, Japanese people tend to have a higher sense of crisis and therefore make tons of preparations. Listen as she compares Japan and Florida’s preparations for bad weather.

KEY VOCABULARY:

台風(たいふう)とハリケーン typhoons and hurricanes

同(おな)じもの same thing

気象現象(きしょうげんしょう) weather phenomena

熱帯(ねったい) tropics

低気圧(ていきあつ) low (atmospheric) pressure; low-pressure system

毎年(まいとし) every year

大型(おおがた) large-scale

中部(ちゅうぶ) central region

北中部(ほくちゅうぶ) north central

直撃(ちょくげき) direct hit

被害(ひがい) damage

食料(しょくりょう) foodstuffs; food

戦々恐々(せんせんきょうきょう) trembling with fear; filled with trepidation

やや強(つよ)かった somewhat strong; a little strong

ホッとしました to feel relieved

9月中旬(がつちゅうじゅん) middle of September

ドキドキ heart beating fast; thrilled; scared

によると according to

一安心(ひとあんしん) feeling of relief; peace of mind

海岸(かいがん) coast; beach

川岸(かわぎし) riverbank

護岸工事(ごがんこうじ) levee protection works

建設(けんせつ) construction

テトラポット concrete breakwater objects that look like large jacks off the coast in Japan

堤防(ていぼう) embankment; levee

自然(しぜん)のまま natural; as nature intended

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-106

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-106-m

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The exciting conclusion of Yumi’s “cleaning the dryer vent” two-part series. Okay, maybe not too exciting, but there are a number of useful vocabulary words (see below), and she ends with a lesson how this relates to learning Japanese.

KEY VOCABULARY:

詰(つ)まっている clogged

乾燥機(かんそうき) dryer

穴(あな) hole

私自身(わたしじしん) myself

直(なお)したい want to fix

ホームセンター DIY store; home improvement store

業務用(ぎょうむよう) industrial use

大型掃除機(おおがたそうじき) large-sized vacuum cleaner

馬力(ばりき) horse power

吸(す)い込(こ)む to suck up; to inhale; to breathe in

節約(せつやく) economizing; saving money

無駄(むだ) waste; no use; pointlessness

一切(いっさい)ありません none whatsoever; not at all

真空(しんくう) vacuum

隙間(すきま) crack; opening; gap

一旦(いったん) once; for a moment; temporarily

真(ま)っ黒(くろ)い pitch black

空気(くうき)が通(とお)っている air is flowing through

通常通(つうじょうどお)り as usual; as normal

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-105

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-105-m

Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.

www.MakotoPlus.com

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Yumi is a do-it-yourselfer. With the help of YouTube, she has learned how to fix quite a few things around the house. But this time, it was a big challenge. The dryer’s vent going outside was clogged and the length and angle of the vent made reaching the clog very difficult. Listen as she describes the challenge.

KEY VOCABULARY:

乾燥機(かんそうき) dryer

調子(ちょうし)が悪(わる)い in bad shape; not doing well; out of condition

洗濯物(せんたくもの) laundry; the washing

乾(かわ)かす to dry

一般的(いっぱんてき) general

生乾(なまがわ)き half-dried

湿(しめ)ってる damp; moist; wet

点滅(てんめつ) flashing; blinking

説明書(せつめいしょ) manual; printed instructions

熱風(ねっぷう) hot air

詰(つ)まっている clogged

空気(くうき) air

火事(かじ) fire

危険性(きけんせい)がある hazardous; risky

検索(けんさく) search

距離(きょり) distance

謳(うた)い文句(もんく) promotional line; catchphrase; slogan; advertised claim

素人(しろうと) amateur

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-104

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-104-m

Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.

www.MakotoPlus.com

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Last week, a friend of ours brought his son over to talk about Japan. This young man really wants to move to Japan. Yumi felt a little nostalgic after the meeting. His strong desire to learn Japanese and live in Japan reminded her of her husband Clay when he was younger. Today, she tells a little more about this son and the challenges he has to overcome.

KEY VOCABULARY:

前回(ぜんかい) last time; last episode

息子(むすこ)くん (other person’s) son

我(わ)が家(や) my home; our house

遊(あそ)びに来(き)た came to visit

若者(わかもの) young man

憧(あこが)れている longing for; admiring; attracted by

田舎町(いなかまち) small town; country small town

同(おな)じ年頃(としごろ) about the same age

あっという間(ま)に in no time

話(はな)し相手(あいて) conversation partner; someone to talk to

文化(ぶんか)に浸(ひた)りたい to want to be immersed in (Japanese) culture

軍隊(ぐんたい) military

眼科(がんか)の先生(せんせい) Ophthalmologist; eye doctor

基地(きち) (military) base

ポロリ(ぽろり)と漏(も)らした let slip

宣言(せんげん) declaration

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-103

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-103-m

Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.

www.MakotoPlus.com

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Japan is a very safe country. It is also very clean. There isn’t much garbage on the streets as you might see in other countries. However, there aren’t many public garbage cans. Listen as Yumi explains the connection between the lack of garbage cans and public safety.

KEY VOCABULARY:

先日(せんじつ) the other day

我(わ)が家(いえ) our house; our family

長年(ながねん)の友達(ともだち) long-time friend

息子(むすこ)さん (his) son; someone else’s son

遊(あそ)びに来(き)ました came over; came to visit

一生懸命(いっしょうけんめい) with utmost effort

文化(ぶんか)や歴史(れきし) culture or history

禅(ぜん) Zen Buddhism

話題(わだい)になった became a topic of conversation

テロを防(ふせ)ぐため in order to prevent terrorism

即答(そくとう) immediate reply

地下鉄(ちかてつ)サリン事件(じけん) Tokyo subway sarin gas attck

オウム真理教(しんりきょう) Aum Shinrikyo doomsday cult that mixed elements of Buddhism, Hinduism, and end time Christian beliefs

宗教団体(しゅうきょうだんたい) religious group

毒(どく)ガス poisonous gas

一切(いっさい)なくなりました completely disappeared; all gone

不思議(ふしぎ)な国(くに) strange country

殺人事件(さつじんじけん) murder incidents

凶悪犯罪(きょうあくはんざい) atrocious crimes

例(れい)がない unprecedented

安倍元総理大臣(あべもとそうりだいじん) Former Prime Minister Abe

手作(てづく)りの銃(じゅう) handmade gun

記憶(きおく)に新(あたら)しいところです fresh on one’s mind; fresh in one’s memory

違法(いほう) illegal

猟師(りょうし)さん hunter

手先(てさき)が器用(きよう)な skillful; dexterous with one’s hands

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-102

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-102-m

Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.

www.MakotoPlus.com

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The 101st episode. Today, Yumi shares some details and trivia about a 1991 hit TV drama called The 101st Proposal starring Takeda Tetsuya and Asano Atsuko.

KEY VOCABULARY:

101回目(かいめ) 101st time

101回目(かいめ)のプロポーズ 101st Proposal (1991 Fuji TV drama)

平成(へいせい)3年(ねん) Heisei 3; 1991

フジテレビ Fuji TV (TV Station)

放送(ほうそう)された was broadcast

武田鉄矢(たけだてつや) Takeda Tetsuya [Japanese folk singer and actor; he has a weekly podcast called 今朝の三枚おろし (This Morning’s Three Cuts) where he shares interesting tidbits from some book he’s recently read. The topics vary widely, but it is always interesting. He has a deep knowledge in a wide variety of topics. Recommended for intermediates and above.]

浅野温子(あさのあつこ) Asano Atsuko [Actress]

最終回(さいしゅうかい) final episode (of a TV program)

視聴率(しちょうりつ) viewing rate; ratings (of a TV program)

リメイク remake

チェロ奏者(そうしゃ) Cellist

お見合(みあ)い a formal marriage interview [often set up by matchmakers]

冴(さ)えないおじさん dull older man; unattractive older man

結婚式当日(けっこんしきとうじつ) the day of (her) wedding

ひたむきに dedicated; single mindedly; earnestly

ダンプカー dump truck

僕(ぼく)は死(し)にません I won’t die

美女(びじょ)と野獣(やじゅう) Beauty and the Beast

交通(こうつう)マナー traffic manners; traffic etiquette

台本(だいほん) script

流行語(りゅうこうご) buzzword; vogue word; popular phrase

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-101

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-101-m

Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.

www.MakotoPlus.com

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100th episode. Yumi started this podcast exactly two years ago and is now on her 100th episode. Today, Yumi talks about several interesting Japanese phrases that include the word 百【ひゃく】 (hundred).

Also, to celebrate the 100th episode, Makoto+ members not only get a full transcript, but we also created an Anki flashcard deck with dozens of key vocabulary words heard in today’s podcast. Not only that, each card has a sound file. Listen, learn, and repeat with Yumi!

KEY VOCABULARY:

百回(ひゃっかい)目(め) the 100th time

たどり着(つ)く to arrive at (after a struggle); to finally reach

百貨店(ひゃっかてん) department store

百獣(ひゃくじゅう)の王(おう) King of a hundred beasts (lion)

種類(しゅるい) variety; sort; kind

という意味(いみ) such a meaning

百戦錬磨(ひゃくせんれんま) veteran; battle-worn; rich in experience

経験(けいけん)を積(つ)む to gain experience; to accumulate experiences

戦(たたか)い fight; battle; struggle

鍛(きた)える to forge; to drill; to train; to discipline

百花繚乱(ひゃっかりょうらん) a gathering of many talented people; gathering of many beautiful women; simultaneous emergence of many talents and achievements

乱(みだ)れる to be disordered; to be disarrayed; to be upset; to be confused; to lapse into chaos

能力(のうりょく)がある人(ひと) a person with ability

優(すぐ)れた人物(じんぶつ) an outstanding person; person of distinction

同(おな)じ時期(じき)に at the same time

活躍(かつやく)する to be active; to flourish; to participate actively

百回(ひゃっかい)を迎(むか)える to reach 100 times; to welcome the 100th time

私(わたし)の気持(きも)ち my feelings

紹介(しょうかい)します to introduce; (I) will introduce

続(つづ)く to continue

受験勉強(じゅけんべんきょう) studying for a test; studying for school entrance exams

諦(あきら)めないで don’t give up

最後(さいご)まで until the end

試(し)験(けん) test

こうやって in this way; like this

～気(き)がします I have a feeling that~

見(み)たことある (I’ve) seen it before

穴(あな)を掘(ほ)る to dig a hole

あともう一息(ひといき) just a little more [literally, after one more breath]

宝物(たからもの)に届(とど)く to reach the treasure

隣(となり) next to; next door; neighbor

同(おな)じように in the same way

諦(あきら)めずに without giving up

最後(さいご)まで until the end

手(て)に入(い)れる to obtain; to procure; to get a hold of

気持(きも)ちはわかります (I) understand the feeling

辿(たど)り着(つ)く to arrive at (after a struggle); to finally reach; to find one’s way to

～を目指(めざ)して aiming for ~

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-100

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-100-m

Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.

www.MakotoPlus.com

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Yumi has been on a cleaning kick. She’s always been tidy, but recently, she’s gotten serious about it. Japan has very clean streets despite (or perhaps because of) the fact that there are few public trash cans. Is there some connection with Japanese history and mythology to explain this?

KEY VOCABULARY:

掃除(そうじ) cleaning

ピカピカ with a glitter; with a sparkle; shiny and new

磨(みが)いています polishing; shining

主婦(しゅふ) housewife; homemaker

言葉(ことば)に触発(しょくはつ)されて inspired by words [言葉 (words) に (by) 触発 (triggering; inspiring) されて (passive)]

管理(かんり) control; management

整理(せいり) sorting; arrangement; putting in order

真剣(しんけん)に earnestly; in earnest

隙間(すきま) crevice; crack; gap

面倒(めんどう)くさい bothersome; tiresome

綿棒(めんぼう) cotton swab

竹串(たけぐし) bamboo skewer

神道(しんとう) Shinto

境内(けいだい) grounds (of shrine); compound

神話(しんわ) mythology; legend

日本(にほん)の国旗(こっき) Japanese flag

清潔(せいけつ) cleanliness; hygienic

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-99

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-99-m

Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.

www.MakotoPlus.com

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Yumi continues her discussion on onomatopoeia in Japanese. Japanese use sound words and mimetic words far more frequently than in English. Learning how to use these words well will help improve your fluency.

KEY VOCABULARY:

オノマトペ onomatopoeia

ごちゃごちゃ messy; confused; chaotic

整理(せいり)されていない not organized

状態(じょうたい) condition; state of things

ペコペコ very hungry; starving

ペラペラ fluent (speaking foreign languages); incessantly (speaking)

流暢(りゅうちょう)に fluent; flowing

ゴロゴロする roll about; idling about; thundering; purring

ガタンゴトン clickety-clack

終点(しゅうてん) terminus; last stop (train)

川上(かわかみ) upstream

ドンブラコドンブラコ effect of tumbling

クンクン effect of sniffing

ドドドド sound of something heavy moving rapidly

グラグラ wobbling; shaking; unsteadily

ピキピキ snapping

豊富(ほうふ)に abundantly

身近(みぢか)に near at hand; near oneself

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-98

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-98-m

Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.

www.MakotoPlus.com

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KEY VOCABULARY:

オノマトペ onomatopoeia

日本人(にほんじん)らしく話(はなし)せる to be able to speak like a Japanese

汗(あせ)をかいた to sweat

さっぱり refreshed

含(ふく)まれます includes

さっぱり分(わ)からない don’t know at all

ゴロゴロ loafing; rolling; sound of thunder

回転(かいてん)する to rotate; to turn

クタクタ exhausted; tired; worn out

芯(しん) wick; core; heart; center

カンカンになっている to be very angry

絶対許(ぜったいゆる)さない absolutely won’t forgive

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-97

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-97-m

Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.

www.MakotoPlus.com

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KEY VOCABULARY:

オノマトペ onomatopoeia

擬音語(ぎおんご) sound word onomatopoeia

擬態語(ぎたいご) mimetic word

音(おと)を真似(まね) imitating sounds

ぴかぴか光(ひか)るto sparkle; to glitter; to twinkle

ギラギラ glaringly; dazzlingly

バキーっ boom

ドカーン boom

ドドド b.b.boom

迫力(はくりょく)が出(で)ます show power; have strength

ドキドキする to be excited; to be nervous

わくわく to be excited

にやにや笑(わら)う to smirk

ニコニコ smile

キリキリと痛(いた)みます sharp pain

チクチク痛(いた)い prickling pain

頭(あたま)がズキズキする throbbing headache

脈(みゃく) pulse

ガンガン痛(いた)い pounding pain

万(まん)が一(いち) just in case; in the unlikely event

ふわふわ fluffy; lightly floating

ぷにぷに fluffy; squishy; bouncy

ぷるぷる soft and fluffy; jiggling; wobbling

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-96

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-96-m

Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.

www.MakotoPlus.com

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Yumi is surprised by Clay’s usage of onomatopoeia. “Just as a Japanese person would say,” she thought. Onomatopoeia is used much more often in Japanese than we would in English. Yumi is convinced learning to use onomatopoeia correctly and in natural situations will greatly improve your Japanese conversation.

KEY VOCABULARY:

オノマトペ onomatopoeia

よっぽど to a large extent; greatly

日本人(にほんじん)らしい like a Japanese person

ぐうぐう寝(ね)てる fast asleep; sleeping soundly

すやすや寝(ね)る to sleep like a baby; sleeping peacefully

雰囲気(ふんいき) atmosphere; mood

ズンズン前(まえ)に進(すす)む to boldly move forward; to steadily make progress

どんどん食(た)べてください please keep eating; please continue to enjoy your food

擬音語(ぎおんご) onomatopoeic word; word that mimics a sound

擬態語(ぎたいご) mimetic word; word that mimics an action, condition, or manner that does not make a sound

ゲラゲラ笑(わら)う to guffaw; to roar with laughter

シクシク泣(な)いている to softly cry; to weep; to sob

ポロポロ泣(な)いている to wail; to cry with large drops of tears

きらきら光(ひか)る sparkling light

カチカチ clattering; knocking; clacking

雨(あめ)がザーザー降(ふ)っている raining heavily

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-95

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-95-m

Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.

www.MakotoPlus.com

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Today, Yumi looks at a few ways to help prevent dementia. Good news! By listening to this podcast, you are already doing one very powerful thing.

KEY VOCABULARY:

認知症(にんちしょう) dementia; senility; cognitive impairment

認知症予防(にんちしょうよぼう) dementia prevention

言(い)い方(かた) way of saying; term

アルツハイマー型認知症(がたにんちしょう) Alzheimer's disease

症状(しょうじょう) symptoms

開口一番(かいこういちばん) first words out of one's mouth

義理(ぎり)のお母さん mother-in-law

公務員(こうむいん) civil servant

規則(きそく) rules; regulations

政治家(せいじか) politician

高齢(こうれい)の方(かた) elderly person

自営業(じえいぎょう) self-employed

常(つね)に always

外国語(がいこくご) foreign language

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-94

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-94-m

Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.

www.MakotoPlus.com

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We spend so much time behind our computer screens, so it is nice to, once-in-a-while, actually meet people. Today, Yumi shares a meeting with a Makoto+ member who happened to be in town. It was a lot of fun and helped motivate Yumi to keep on doing what she's doing.

KEY VOCABULARY:

わざわざ taking the trouble (to do something)

海(うみ)を越(こ)えて crossing the sea and

有名人(ゆうめいじん) famous person

用事(ようじ) business; tasks; affairs

年齢(ねんれい) age

鬼滅(きめつ)の刃(やいば) Demon Slayer (manga/anime)

披露(ひろう) presentation; displaying

自画自賛(じがじさん) self-praise

阿部寛(あべひろし) Abe Hiroshi (famous movie and TV star in Japan)

日本通(にほんつう) expert of Japan; Japanophile

交流(こうりゅう) exchange

機会(きかい)があれば whenever (I) have a chance

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-93

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-93-m

Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.

www.MakotoPlus.com

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A Makoto+ member had a question for Yumi. "Why are Diet members (Japanese parliament) called "kun" when "kun" is mostly for little boys?" Good question. Listen as Yumi delves into the fascinating history behind this common honorific title.

KEY VOCABULARY:

子供(こども)の頃(ころ) when I was a kid; childhood

そういう感(かん)じ such a feeling; that's how (I) feel

新聞社(しんぶんしゃ) newspaper company

決(き)まりがある there's a rule

年下(としした) younger (person)

現代(げんだい)の日本(にほん) modern Japan

国会議員(こっかいぎいん) Diet member

子供(こども)っぽい childish

年齢(ねんれい)の高(たか)い方(かた) older people

違和感(いわかん) feeling out of place; uncomfortable feeling; bad feeling

明治時代(めいじじだい) Meiji period (1868-1912)

江戸時代(えどじだい) Edo period (1603-1868)

武士(ぶし) samurai; warrior

農民(のうみん) farmer

商人(しょうにん) merchant

身分制度(みぶんせいど) status system; class system

廃止(はいし) abolish

敬称(けいしょう) honorary titles

平等(びょうどう) equality; impartiality

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-92

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-92-m

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Yumi continues to talk about counters in Japanese. This series started due to a question from a listener about how to count Godzilla. Then, she talked about rabbits (which uses 一羽 ichiwa -- just like birds). This time, she turns her attention to fish. Fish in general are easy to count. But… of course, it isn't that simple in the real world.

KEY VOCABULARY:

数(かぞ)え方(かた) way of counting

島国(しまぐに) island country

たくさんの種類(しゅるい) many varieties

季節(きせつ)による by season; according to the season

サバ (mackerel)、サンマ (Pacific saury; mackerel pike)、アジ (horse mackerel)、マグロ (tuna)、ブリ (Japanese amberjack)、イワシ (sardine)、カツオ (bonito)、イカ (squid)、カニ (crab)、エビ (shrimp)、貝類(かいるい) (shellfish)、海藻(かいそう) (seaweed)、ワカメ (wakame seaweed)、昆布(こんぶ) (konbu kelp)、フグ (puffer fish)

水族館(すいぞくかん) aquarium

漁師(りょうし)さん fisherman

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-91

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-91-m

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Yumi continues counting in Japanese. Last time, she discussed how to count Godzilla (is it 一匹 ippiki or 一頭 ittou?). This week, she turns her attention to the interesting counter for rabbits. Is it 一匹 ippiki? Nope. It's 一羽 ichiwa -- just like birds. Why? Listen as Yumi gives two possible etymologies.

KEY VOCABULARY:

数(かぞ)え方(かた) way of counting

頭(とう) counter for large animals (meaning head)

匹(ひき) counter for most small animals and insects

羽(わ) counter for birds and rabbits (means feathers)

束(たば) bundles

把(わ) counter for bundles

説(せつ)があります there is a theory

生類(しょうるい)憐(あわ)れみ mercy on living things

食糧事情(しょくりょうじじょう) food situation

一般(いっぱん)の庶民(しょみん) ordinary folk; common people

頓智話(とんちばなし) story of a quick-witted person

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-90

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-90-m

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In the original Godzilla movie from 1954, the professor uses the counter 一匹 to count Godzilla. But isn't 匹 used with small animals? Shouldn't Godzilla be counted as 一頭? This was a bit of a puzzle for Yumi too, so she researched the subject. Listen as Yumi explains what she discovered.

KEY VOCABULARY:

ゴジラ Godzilla [mix of ゴリラ (gorilla) and クジラ (whale)]

白黒(しろくろ) Black and white [in Japanese, "white and black"]

科学的(かがくてき)な説明(せつめい) scientific explanation

古臭(ふるくさ)い stale; old-fashioned; hackneyed; trite

普遍性(ふへんせい) universality; omnipresence

興味深(きょうみぶか)い very interesting; of great interest

昆虫(こんちゅう) insects; bugs

研究者(けんきゅうしゃ) researchers

脚本(きゃくほん) script

数(かぞ)え方(かた) way of counting

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-89

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-89-m

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Japan has many wonderful things. The latest technology, tons of entertainment, low crime… but Japan also has one of the highest rates of suicide. Why is this so? Yumi talks about this difficult subject and gives a few of her thoughts about how to help prevent it.

KEY VOCABULARY:

自殺率(じさつりつ) suicide rate

私自身(わたしじしん)は I, myself; as for me, I…

有名(ゆうめい)な芸能人(げいのうじん) famous entertainer

他(ほか)の国(くに)の人(ひと) a person from another country

真面目(まじめ) serious; honest; sober; earnest

働(はたら)き者(もの) hard worker

ブラック企業(きぎょう) business that exploits its employees

残業(ざんぎょう) overtime work

従業員(じゅうぎょういん) employee; worker

上司(じょうし) boss; superior

精神科(せいしんか) psychiatry

助言(じょげん) advice

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-88

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-88-m

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Yumi was very careful to always keep a sharp eye out on her children when they were young. In the shortest of moments, the unthinkable can happen. Japan is a very safe country most of the time, but children are left unsupervised moreso than in other countries. Yumi wonders is it's time to rethink that.

KEY VOCABULARY:

行方不明(ゆくえふめい) missing (person); lost; whereabouts unknown

一致(いっち)する to match; to agree; to conform

キャンプ場(じょう) camp site

ほんのちょっと only a little; just a little

警察(けいさつ) police

諦(あきら)めずに never give up; not giving up

残念(ざんねん)な悲(かな)しいニュース unfortunate and sad news

誘拐(ゆうかい)される to be kidnapped

神隠(かみかく)し (the idea that the gods take missing children who cannot be found)

千(せん)と千尋(ちひろ)の神隠(かみかく)し Spirited Away (anime)

冒険(ぼうけん) adventure

現実(げんじつ)には as for reality; but really

敏感(びんかん) sensitive; alert; aware

小学校(しょうがっこう)の高学年(こうがくねん) upper elementary school

後(あと)からついていきました followed after

それに比(くら)べると compared to that; comparing the two

話題(わだい)になりました became a hot topic of conversation

幼児(ようじ) toddler; young child

判断(はんだん)する to judge

無事(ぶじ)に safe and sound; safely

責任(せきにん)を取(と)る to take responsibility

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-87

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-87-m

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Did you know Yumi once fell asleep during a production of Cats. You may be thinking, that's because it was in English! Nope. It was a performance in Nagoya in Japanese. She then concluded stories with lines sung rather than spoken make her sleepy and aren't worth the money. But then she saw The Phantom of the Opera.

Listen as Yumi explains a similarity that musical shares with modern anime.

KEY VOCABULARY:

オペラ座(ざ) opera house

怪人(かいじん) phantom; mysterious person

映画版(えいがばん) movie version; film version

舞台美術(ぶたいびじゅつ) stage design; scenic design

俳優(はいゆう)さん actor

舞台(ぶたい) state (theater); scene or setting

華(はな)やかな衣装(いしょう) gorgeous costumes

幻想的(げんそうてき) fantastic; magical; wondrous; fairytale-like

傑作(けっさく) masterpiece; best work

演劇(えんげき) drama; theater; play

恋愛(れんあい) love; passion; emotion

主人公(しゅじんこう) protagonist; main character; hero (of a story)

不気味(ぶきみ)な weird; ominous; eerie

暗(くら)い雰囲気(ふんいき) dark atmosphere

気味(きみ)が悪(わる)い creepy (feeling); uneasy feeling; giving one the creeps

魅力的(みりょくてき) charming; fascinating; attractive

現象(げんしょう) phenomenon

進撃(しんげき)の巨人(きょじん) Attack on Titan

世界観(せかいかん) world view; outlook on the world

共通点(きょうつうてん) point in common; common features

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-86

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-86-m

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Walk 10,000 steps a day! Have you heard that slogan? Today, Yumi talks about how many steps the latest research suggests you should walk and what one should do with conflicting health suggestions.

KEY VOCABULARY:

体(からだ)に良(よ)い good for the body

若(わか)い頃(ころ) youth; when (I) was young

ラジオ局(きょく)に勤(つと)めていた Worked at a radio station

田舎町(いなかまち) country town

階段(かいだん) stairs

健康効果(けんこうこうか)がある have health benefits; effective for health

万歩計(まんぽけい) pedometer

最新(さいしん)の研究(けんきゅう) latest research

イエス様(さま) Jesus

何事(なにごと)も all things; everything; anything

食(た)べ過(す)ぎず飲(の)み過(す)ぎず don't eat too much; don't drink too much

ほどほどに in moderation

本末転倒(ほんまつてんとう) failing to properly evaluate the (relative) importance (of); putting the cart before the horse; getting one's priorities backwards

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-85

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-85-m

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Living to 100 is becoming more common in Japan. In the 1960s, only a few hundred people were over a hundred. Today, that number is around 80,000. Yumi continues with a few of her thoughts about how she plans to live longer.

KEY VOCABULARY:

保険(ほけん) insurance

漠然(ばくぜん) vague; obscure; hazy

長生(ながい)き long life

金(かね)を貯(た)めてください please save up money

最高齢(さいこうれい) oldest (person); oldest age

認定(にんてい)されています is recognized; is certified

老人福祉法(ろうじんふくしほう) Welfare Law for the Elderly

その頃(ころ) at that time

和食(わしょく) Japanese food; Japanese diet

子育(こそだ)て raising children

紫外線(しがいせん) ultraviolet rays

摂(と)っています taking (vitamins; protein; etc.)

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-84

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-84-m

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Getting in shape and staying healthy isn't just to feel better now, it also increases the change one can live longer. Japanese have the longest life expectancies on earth. Today, Yumi shares a few of her thoughts about how she plans to live longer.

KEY VOCABULARY:

水筒(すいとう) canteen; water bottle; thermos

グビグビ in loud gulps (drinking)

水分(すいぶん)をとる to take (drink) liquids

意識(いしき)し始(はじ)める to begin to be aware of; becoming aware of; to be conscious of

平均寿命(へいきんじゅみょう) life expectancy

排泄(はいせつ) excretion (poop or pee)

手(て)を借(か)りる to get someone's help; to ask for help

生活習慣病(せいかつしゅうかんびょう) lifestyle disease; disease caused by lifestyle choices

老化(ろうか)する to age; to grow old

若々(わかわか)しく保(たも)つ to maintain youthfulness

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-83

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-83-m

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Do you have allergies? Yumi lives in Florida and while she doesn't have bad allergies, the pollen season is bad. In Japan, however, people with allergies don't just have pollen to worry about but yellow dust from Mongolia called 黄砂【こうさ】 also.

KEY VOCABULARY:

花粉(かふん) pollen

花粉症(かふんしょう) hay fever; allergy to pollen

の季節(きせつ) the season of…

アレルギーがある to have allergies

幸(さいわ)いなことに thankfully; a good thing is

砂埃(すなぼこり) a cloud of dust or sand

積(つ)もる to build up; to accumulate

日本海側(にほんかいがわ) Western Japan on the side of the Sea of Japan

偏西風(へんせいふう) prevailing westerlies; prevailing winds blowing from west to east

モンゴルの砂漠(さばく) Mongolia deserts

PM2・5 atmospheric particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers; PM2.5

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-82

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-82-m

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Spring has sprung, and Japan is filled with pink-hued flowers floating in the air. Yumi shares a few of her sakura-related thoughts and memories.

KEY VOCABULARY:

桜(さくら) cherry blossoms

花見(はなみ) flower viewing; meeting others under cherry trees to enjoy talking and drinking while watching the blossoms.

満開(まんかい) full bloom

地元(じもと) hometown; local area

名所(めいしょ) famous places

川(かわ)のほとり river edge

川(かわ)の堤防(ていぼう) river bank; river embankment

並木道(なみきみち) tree-lined street

毛虫(けむし) catepillar

ソメイヨシノ Yoshino cherry; the most common type of cherry tree in Japan

早(はや)い者勝(ものが)ち first come, first served; the early bird catches the worm

本格的(ほんかくてき) seriously; for real; authentic; full-scale

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-81

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-81-m

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So-and-so looks just like that celebrity! Oh, I don't think so.

Recently two people told Yumi her son resembles someone famous. Yumi looked at the celebrities online and… didn't see the resemblance.

How is it some people see a resemblance when others don't? Today, Yumi talks about this phenomenon.

KEY VOCABULARY:

似(に)ている resembling; looks like

まず初(はじ)めは first of all

有名選手(ゆうめいせんしゅ) famous athlete

羽生結弦選手(はにゅうゆづるせんしゅ) the athlete Hanyuu Yuzuru [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yuzuru_Hanyu]

同感(どうかん) agree; same feeling; same opinion

芸能人(げいのうじん) celebrity; entertainer; performer

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-80

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-80-m

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Do you do well speaking in front of others? Today, Yumi talks about giving speeches.

KEY VOCABULARY:

成人式(せいじんしき) coming of age ceremony

ユダヤ式(しき) Jewish style

儀式(ぎしき) ceremony; rite; ritual

招待(しょうたい) invitation

緊張(きんちょう)のあまり was so nervous that; too nervous

一時中断(いちじちゅうだん) temporary suspension

ハプニング happening; unexpected incident; unforeseen event; surprising occurrence

吐(は)き気(け)を乗(の)り越(こ)える to overcome nausea

体験(たいけん) experience

吐(は)き気(け)を催(もよお)す to feel nausea [催(もよお)す can mean "to hold (an event or party)" or "to feel (sensation; emotion; sickness; etc.)"]

演説(えんぜつ) speech

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-79

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-79-m

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決まり文句 kimari monku are cliched phrases used in certain situations. Today, Yumi talks about a few useful kimari monku and the situations you should use them in. Using kimari monku in the right way will make your conversational Japanese much smoother.

KEY VOCABULARY:

決(き)まり文句(もんく) set cliché phrases

挨拶(あいさつ) greetings

ある場面(ばめん) a certain scene/situation

本来(ほんらい) origin

関係(かんけい)なく unrelated

日本語独特(にほんごどくとく) unique to Japanese

どうかしてる somethings wrong (with someone or something); not right (in the head); not oneself; nuts

洗濯機(せんたっき) washing machine

文法的(ぶんぽうてき) grammatically

何(なん)とかする I'll figure out something.

なんとかなる Something will come up.

どうでもいい Anything is fine.

なんでもない It's nothing.

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-78

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-78-m

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Did you know Makoto+ also has online courses? We just added one on Japanese names and it is free for Shogun or lifetime members.

https://makotoplus.com/

Today, Yumi talks a little about Japanese names. To her, it is natural that 渡部 is "Watanabe" but Japanese names aren't quite as easy for the learner of Japanese. Understanding Japanese names is critical for improving understanding of movies, novels, and conversational Japanese

KEY VOCABULARY:

名前(なまえ)の読(よ)み方(かた) how to pronounce a name

苗字(みょうじ) family name; last name

変(か)わった名字(みょうじ) a strange name; an unusual name

珍(めずら)しい unusual

ラジオ局(きょく) radio station

全国的(ぜんこくてき)に nationally; the nation as a whole

地元(じもと)で local; locally

旧姓(きゅうせい) maiden name

世代(せだい)を遡(さかのぼ)ります going back generations [遡(さかのぼ)る (to go back (in time); to date back to; to trace back to)]

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-77

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-77-m

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Yumi posts daily vocabulary images on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/thejapanshop/). For the past month or so, the lessons have been on Japanese slang. Slang can be fun but also a little dangerous if used in improper contexts. Listen as Yumi talks about slang and her time as a radio DJ.

KEY VOCABULARY:

一時的(いちじてき) temporary

仲間同士(なかまどうし) among friends; peers [the 同士 means "fellow" or "mutual" and shows the members of that group are similar in some way.]

犯罪者(はんざいしゃ) criminal

業界用語(ぎょうかいようご) industry terminology; professional jargon

ラジオ局(きょく) radio station

完(かん)パケ complete package; recording of a program from start to finish

ギャラ fee paid to performing artists

番宣(ばんせん) program (theater; TV; radio; etc) [short for 番組宣伝(ばんぐみせんでん)]

ドタキャン last-minute cancellation

流行(はや)りの言葉(ことば) buzzword

俗語(ぞくご) slang; colloquialism

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-76

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-76-m

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Yumi's cat and her childish embarrassment (this story is from when she was a first grade elementary student) gets her into some trouble at school. Do you know what 濡(ぬ)れ衣(ぎぬ)を着(き)せる means? Listen to today's podcast and find out.

KEY VOCABULARY:

思(おも)い出(で) memories; recollections; reminiscences

真(ま)っ赤(か) bright red

教室(きょうしつ) classroom

〇〇君(くん) boy called X [the 〇〇 is read "maru maru" and indicates a certain but unnamed name]

恥(は)ずかしかった was embarrassed; was shy

察(さっ)してくれた (the teacher) sensed and sympathized with (Yumi's embarrassement) [察(さっ)する (to sympathize with; to guess; to sense; to presume; to judge]

濡(ぬ)れ衣(ぎぬ)を着(き)せる falsely accuse someone of a crime; pin a crime on someone; frame [literally, to put wet clothes (on someone)]

叱(しか)られる to be scolded

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-75

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-75-m

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Continuing with the animal-theme from recent episodes, Yumi tells us about her first cat. The cat was plump and so received the name "Koro" (roly-poly). But… there was a reason for the cat's plumpness. Little Yumi was surprised when strange-looking mice-like creatures began coming out of her cat.

KEY VOCABULARY:

子(こ)どもの頃(ころ) childhood

思(おも)い出(で) memory

三毛猫(みけねこ) calico cat

名付(なづ)けた named (the cat)

すりすり snuggling; cuddling

かわいがりました to be affectionate; to pet (a pet); to cherish

押(お)し入(い)れ closet

ねずみ色(いろ) gray [mouse colored]

お察(さっ)しの通(とお)り as you can guess; as you may have figured out

感心(かんしん)して took to heart; admire; be impressed; astonishment

本能(ほんのう) instincts

お医者(いしゃ)さん doctor

看護師(かんごし) nurse

産婆(さんば)さん midwife (obsolete)

助産師(じょさんし)さん midwife (current term)

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-74

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-74-m

Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.

www.MakotoPlus.com

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Today, Yumi tells us more about her experiences with dogs and cats and why she originally didn't like dogs (before getting two of them)!

KEY VOCABULARY:

思(おも)い出(で) memories; recollections; reminiscences

犬派(いぬは) dog person [派 (clique; group; faction; party; camp)]

猫派(ねこは) cat person

反応(はんのう)が良(よ)い responsive; good reaction

しつけ discipline; training

おすわり sit (dog command in Japanese)

お手(て) shake paw (dog command)

おかわり shake the other paw (dog command) [this is a command to have a dog place its second paw in one's hand; literally, "another helping" or "refill"]

警察犬(けいさつけん) police dog

番犬(ばんけん) watch dog

牧羊犬(ぼくようけん) sheepdog

苦手(にがて) not good at; not one's cup of tea; dislike of; cannot stand…

恐怖心(きょうふしん) fear; terror [literally a heart of fear]

幼児期(ようじき) infancy; childhood; early years

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-73

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-73-m

Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.

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Are you Team Cat or Team Dog?

KEY VOCABULARY:

飼(か)っていますto have (a pet); to own (a pet)

里親(さとおや) foster parent; caretaker (pets)

動物病院(どうぶつびょういん) animal hospital

避妊手術(ひにんしゅじゅつ) sterilization (operation)

猫派(ねこは) cat person; cat lover [派 (faction; party; camp; group; sect)]

犬派(いぬは) dog person; dog lover

表(おもて) front (side); public face

裏(うら) back (side); hidden side

ツンデレ hot-cold personality type

甘(あま)やかす to pamper; to indulge (someone)

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-72

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-72-m

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Catching a cold isn't fun, but it gave Yumi a chance to think about what's important. Too often we only appreciate the good things in life when they are gone.

KEY VOCABULARY:

無(な)くすとわかる understand (something) if (you) lose it

大切(たいせつ)なもの something important

前回(ぜんかい) last time

夢(ゆめ)が叶(かな)った dream came true

風邪(かぜ)をひきました caught a cold

健康(けんこう)の大切(たいせつ)さ importance of good health

当たり前(まえ) obvious; to be expected

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-71

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-71-m

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What is happiness? It may sound like Yumi is waxing philosophical in today's episode, but she actually gives a rather concrete definition. What do you think? When are you the happiest?

KEY VOCABULARY:

幸(しあわ)せ happiness

定義(ていぎ) definition

状態(じょうたい) condition; state; situation; circumstance

実現(じつげん) actualization; realization

コツコツと steadily; laboriously

節約(せつやく) economizing; cutting back

貯金(ちょきん) saving money; putting money aside

夢(ゆめ)が叶(かな)った dream came true

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-70

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-70-m

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Yumi went to the movies for the first time in a long time. This event made her think about how different cultures react to stimuli. This leads to a discussion on 我慢 (gaman, perseverance, endurance, bearing something) which is a very Japanese thing to do.

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-69

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-69-m

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Yumi thinks back on her New Year's resolution (新年の抱負 shinnen no houfu) from last year. She kept at it admirably… for exactly one day. This year, she shares advice she heard that might make keeping resolutions better. Just keep moving forward. One step at a time. One kanji or vocabulary word at a time.

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-68

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-68-m

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あけましておめでとうございます! Yumi wanted to give a short New Year's message instead of her normal, longer talks.

We deeply appreciate every one of our listeners. 日本語(にほんご)の種(たね)を今年(ことし)もどうぞよろしくお願(ねが)い申(もう)し上(あ)げます。Please continue listening this year also.

Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-67

あけましておめでとうございます Happy New Year!

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-67

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-67-m

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Party! Party! Recently, Yumi has gone to many parties. One party after another. In the US, many people hold parties and get-togethers at their house. In Japan, restaurants and karaoke boxes are more common.

Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-66

パーティーパーティー Party! Party!

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-66

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-66-m

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America is called the melting pot. You can met people from all sorts of places and experience many different cultures. Yumi thinks on her experiences and how they are similar or dissimilar to Japanese culture.

Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-65

文化の違い Cultural Differences

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-65

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-65-m

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Recently, Yumi took her family to see Atlanta's large aquarium. While normally very ケチ (cheap), on vacation, she enjoys spending money. Listen as she talks about her trip and future plans for traveling.

Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-64

水族館 Aquarium

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-64

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-64-m

Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.

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Yumi went to that mystery dinner she mentioned a few episodes ago. Her part was a geisha and she went wearing a kimono.

Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-63

着物その② Kimono Part 2

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-63

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-63-m

Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.

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What to do with wrinkled apples that no one wants to eat? Make dessert with it! Yumi didn't want to throw out the old apples so she searched for an easy but delicious recipe for apple pie. Which country has the easiest recipes do you think?

Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-62

アップルパイ Apple Pie

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-62

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-62-m

Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.

www.MakotoPlus.com

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When it is a little cold, Yumi bundles up. She is pretty sensitive to the cold. But she has noticed other people both in America and elsewhere face the cold differently.

Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-61

寒さ Coldness

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-61

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-61-m

Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.

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Are you scared of flying? Would an hour flight be less scary than a twenty-hour flight? Yumi is ready to go back to Japan after several years of not being able to visit. But some people have a fear of flying. Listen as Yumi talks about this.

Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-60

飛行機 Airplanes

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-60

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-60-m

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Yumi was recently invited to a "Mystery Dinner" in which the participants dress up as a certain character and act out a murder mystery. She will go as a geisha. In preparation for the dinner, she researched a little about how to wear a kimono.

Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-59

着物 Kimono

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-59

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-59-m

Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.

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In today's episode, Yumi shares an amusing "scary" story. The 100 Tale Game. This is a game where people gather at midnight to light 100 candles and tell one hundred scary tales. With each tale, a candle is extinguished. Once the final tale is told, the final candle is extinguished and… something scary is said to happen.

In this story, the scariest thing in the world appears. What is it? Well, you'll have to listen to find out.

BTW, the story is found in the 9th issue of our Makoto magazine. Here's the issue:

https://www.thejapanshop.com/products/makoto-japanese-e-zine-9-december-2018

Or if you become a Shogun Makoto+ member (https://makotoplus.com/) you can will have unlimited access to ALL Makoto back issues in web format.

Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-58

百物語 100 Tale Game

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-58

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-58-m

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It's October and Yumi turns her attention to scary movies and tales.

BTW, she mentions Lafcadio Hearn's Kwaidan. We have a series of videos of the English tales here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vUvc7DQX4o&list=PLJNhDugUSaWe4EGlYf8rZnXA5tgog2ZTG

Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-57

怖い話 Scary Stories

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-57

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-57-m

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Yumi continues her discussion on food. This time, it's all about chopsticks. Chopsticks can be used with all types of food unlike forks or spoons which are made for certain types only. Then, she tells us of surprising studies regarding the use of chopsticks.

Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-56

箸 Chopsticks

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-56

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-56-m

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Every culture has its staple foods. In Japan, the main staple is rice. In the US, maybe it is bread or at least wheat products. Yumi isn't a huge fan. Do you like bread?

Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-55

パンがきらい I don't like bread

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-55

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-55-m

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Do you like to go camping? When Yumi was young, she loved going camping with the Girl Scouts. She enjoyed the campfires, the outdoor cooking, and having fun with friends. But now… Well, let's just say she prefers to not encounter bugs in the wild (or anywhere else).

Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-54

キャンプ camp

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-54

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-54-m

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What do one's hands reveal about who you are and how hard you work? Yumi explores this thought after videoing her own hands playing the piano.

Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-53

習うより慣れろ Learn best by doing

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-53

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-53-m

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Rather than trying to intellectually understand something, first try doing it. Eventually, your mind will catch up with your body. That's the idea behind the Japanese saying, 「習うより慣れろ」 (narau yori nareru).

In today's podcast, Yumi explains her thoughts on this subject.

Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-52

習うより慣れろ Learn best by doing

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-52

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-52-m

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Noisy and seemingly everywhere, the Japanese semi are a big part of Japanese culture. Listen as Yumi explains how semi act as a kind of clock, and how the Japanese love nature.

Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-51

セミ Cicadas

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-51

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-51-m

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Listen as Yumi compares her experience in Japan and in Florida regarding hurricanes and typhoons.

Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-50

台風 Typhoons and Disaster Prevention

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-50

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-50-m

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質実剛健 shitsu jitsu gouken: 質実 shitsu jitsu (simplicity; plainness) + 剛健 gouken (vigor; sturdiness) – to do things sincerely with fortitude and vigor but not pretention.

Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-49

質実剛健 to do things earnestly without pretention

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-49

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-49-m

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www.MakotoPlus.com

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Have you ever done karaoke? Listen as Yumi explains the proper way to enjoy karaoke in Japan.

Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-48

カラオケ Karaoke

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-48

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-48-m

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www.MakotoPlus.com

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Is two hours by car a long trip? Or is it like driving in your neighborhood? Listen as Yumi tells us her thoughts on her sense of far distances compared to others.

Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-47

車で By Car

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-47

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-47-m

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www.MakotoPlus.com

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After nearly a year and a half, Yumi finally went somewhere more than an hour from her house. Disney Springs. There, she did some shopping and realized our shopping habits have changed over the years.

Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-46

お買い物 Shopping

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-46

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-46-m

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www.MakotoPlus.com

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How do you say the number 1 in Japanese? In English, there is "one" but in Japanese, well, it depends. Do you mean one cup? One person? One book or…? There are too many ones in Japanese. Yumi thinks this attention to details is common among Japanese.

Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-45

細かい Attention to details

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-45

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-45-m

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www.MakotoPlus.com

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English has plenty of four-letter-words. Dirty words. Words you ought not to say in polite company. But what about Japanese? Today, Yumi looks at how few—if any—dirty words there are in Japanese. Of course, using the wrong politeness level in certain situations can be more rude than any English four-letter-word!

Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-44

汚い言葉 dirty words in Japanese

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-44

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-44-m

Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.

www.MakotoPlus.com

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What's the hardest part about having a conversation in a foreign language? Yumi believes it is 「雑談」 zatsudan (small talk; chit-chat) and I think she's right. Listen as she talks about this difficult but everyday situation and how to improve your abilities.

Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-43

雑談 small talk; chit chat

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-43

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-43-m

Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.

www.MakotoPlus.com

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Middle C is the first thing piano students in the US learn. But in Japan, it is different—at least it was when Yumi was a little girl.

Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-42

ピアノのABC The ABCs of the Piano

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-42

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-42-m

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www.MakotoPlus.com

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"Are!" That thing. You know… that "are." Do you ever have trouble remembering a word or name? Listen as Yumi explains one method that has helped her improve her memory and reduced the number of "are" in conversation.

Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-41

ピアノとあれ！ Piano and "are!"

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-41

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-41-m

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www.MakotoPlus.com

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There's one thing that Yumi always does before starting a project, studying, or doing work. That is cleaning. She needs to have a clean desk to get a proper start. How about you?

Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-40

その前に掃除 Before that, clean up!

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-40

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-40-m

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www.MakotoPlus.com

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Don't give up! That's Yumi's message for us today. Recently, her electric well suddenly stopped working. That meant no water for the house which means no toilets, washing clothes, or drinking water. Just when they were about to call the well specialists, she decided to try one more thing…

Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-39

あきらめないで Don't give up!

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-39

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-39-m

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www.MakotoPlus.com

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Recently, Yumi heard a friend sing a song in Spanish. What's this? She immediately recognized it as a song she learned while in school in Japan. Listen as Yumi explains why Japanese songs are so beautiful.

Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-38

追憶 Reminiscence

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-38

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-38-m

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www.MakotoPlus.com

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Last week, Yumi let us know she recently started practicing piano again. She really enjoys it. Now. But when she was younger, she didn't practice much because it wasn't enjoyable to her. Listen as Yumi gives a few words of advice about how to learn to like something you don't currently like.

Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-37

嫌いなものを好きになる Learning to Like what You Don't Like

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-37

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-37-m

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www.MakotoPlus.com

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Last week, Yumi let us know she recently started practicing piano again. Maybe she has practiced too much. Listen as she talks about her hand hurting.

Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-36

手が痛い My hand hurts

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-36

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-36-m

Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.

www.MakotoPlus.com

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Can you play the piano? Listen as Yumi explains why Japanese people tend to say they can't when they really can.

Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-35

ピアノ Piano

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-35

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-35-m

Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.

www.MakotoPlus.com

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Recently, Yumi's son had his wisdom teeth removed. Learn what "wisdom teeth" is called in Japanese and why. The reason might surprise you.

Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-34

親知らず Wisdom Teeth

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-34

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-34-m

Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.

www.MakotoPlus.com

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Well water can be wonderful or… it can be a disaster. When Yumi moved into her new Floridian home, the well water was clear and delicious. Then, it turned brown. Listen as she talks about what she did.

Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-33

井戸水 Well Water

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-33

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://makotoplus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-33-m

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Spring has sprung and Yumi has turned her attention to the great outdoors—or at least the outdoors immediately beyond the indoors. A garden. Or maybe just her roses.

Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-32

園芸シーズン Gardening Season

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-32

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-32-m

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www.TheJapanesePage.com/makoto

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Yumi has always wanted one thing. That is, to share clothes with a family member. She has a younger sister, but as you'll hear, that didn't work out. Now, her daughter, Megumi, is almost the same size…

Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-31

洋服 Clothes

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-31

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-31-m

Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.

www.TheJapanesePage.com/makoto

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Yumi, who lives in Florida, recently moved to a new house with a much larger yard. Her old push mower would take hours to cut it. Instead of buying a riding mower, she tried out a robot lawn mower. Listen as she tells you her thoughts on it.

Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-30

ロボット芝刈り機 Robot Lawn Mower

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-30

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-30-m

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www.TheJapanesePage.com/makoto

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Way back in episode 24 (https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-24/), Yumi mentioned her kids were looking to do some volunteering. Now it's time for an update. Listen as Yumi talks about what volunteer work they found.

Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-29

ボランティア Volunteering

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-29

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-28-m

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www.TheJapanesePage.com/makoto

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Way back in episode 21, Yumi told us about her new puppy, Maro. Now it's time for an update. Listen as Yumi talks about Maro's mischief.

Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-28

マロのイタズラ Maro's Mischief

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-28

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-28-m

Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.

www.TheJapanesePage.com/makoto

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Ever wonder why Japanese fruits are so expensive? A $300 melon?! Listen to Yumi explain it all.

Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-27

日本の果物 Japanese Fruits

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-27

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-27-m

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www.TheJapanesePage.com/makoto

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As mentioned in the previous episode, Yumi had a scary experience. Her cat got scared and ran up a tall tree. She left us in a cliffhanger last week. Listen as Yumi let's us know what happened.

Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-26

猫がにげた！その２ The Cat Ran Away! Part 2

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-26

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-26-m

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www.TheJapanesePage.com/makoto

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Just last week, Yumi had a scary experience. Her cat got scared and ran up a tall tree. What did she do? Did the cat make it out all right? Listen as Yumi explains just what happened in this two-part podcast.

Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-25

猫がにげた！ The Cat Ran Away!

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-25

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-25-m

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www.TheJapanesePage.com/makoto

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Are you a volunteer? Recently, Yumi's children joined a club which required some volunteering time. Finding a safe place to volunteer during the pandemic is a challenge, but it is doable. Listen as Yumi talks about volunteering options.

Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-24

ボランティア Volunteering

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-24

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-24-m

Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.

www.TheJapanesePage.com/makoto

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More and more people are working at home 自宅で. Listen as Yumi talks a little about her experiences working from home and how other people are doing it too.

Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-23

自宅で (Work) at Home

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-23

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-23-m

Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.

www.TheJapanesePage.com/makoto

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Did you know there is a hot spring that semi-wild monkeys enjoy? It's found in Japan and in this episode of Nihongo no Tane, Yumi tells us all about it.

Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-22

サルが入る温泉 Monkeys entering an onsen

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-22

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-22-m

Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.

www.TheJapanesePage.com/makoto

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Yumi has a new family member! Not a new baby but a dog.

Listen as Yumi talks about how she feels about this new development.

Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-21

まろ Maro

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-21

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-21-m

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www.TheJapanesePage.com/makoto

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Do you know the Japanese folktale Urashima Taro? 浦島太郎

It is kind of like Rip Van Winkle.

Listen as Yumi talks about how she feels like Urashima Taro every time she returns to Japan.

Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-20

浦島太郎 Urashima Taro

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-20

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-20-m

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Looking for Japanese immersion practice?

Recently, Yumi threw a surprise party for her eldest son. In today's podcast, she reveals her thoughts on surprise parties—something not too common in Japan. Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-19

パーティー pa-ti- – Party

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-19

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-19-m

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Looking for Japanese immersion practice?

Today, Yumi talks about New Year's resolutions. How did Yumi's past resolutions turn out? Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-18

新年 shinnen – New Year

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-18

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-18-m

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www.TheJapanesePage.com/makoto

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Looking for Japanese immersion practice?

Today, Yumi talks about the holiday season. Christmas and Hanukkah are behind us, but, in Japan, there is still one more BIG day to come. Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-17

ホリデーシーズン horide-shi-zun – Holiday Season

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-17

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-17-m

Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.

www.TheJapanesePage.com/makoto

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Looking for Japanese immersion practice?

Today, Yumi talks about yuki. Snow. Snow is beautiful isn't it? But for those who grew up shovelling snow and driving on ice, maybe it isn't missed much. Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-16

Keyword: 雪 yuki – snow

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-16

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-16-m

Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.

www.TheJapanesePage.com/makoto

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Looking for Japanese immersion practice?

Today, Yumi talks about setsuyaku. How to save and be smart with money. Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-15

Keyword: 節約 setsuyaku – savings; economizing

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-15

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-15-m

Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.

www.TheJapanesePage.com/makoto

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Fireplace TV? Listen as Yumi talks about new ways people use video to get some sleep, and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-14

Keyword: 暖炉 danro - Fireplace

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-14

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-14-m

Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.

www.TheJapanesePage.com/makoto

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Minimalism is taking the world by a storm, it seems. Listen as Yumi talks about decluttering in Japanese , and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-12

Keyword: ミニマリスト minimarisuto - Minimalist

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-13

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-13-m

-- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.TheJapanesePage.com/makoto

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Yumi likes to jog. In fact, she is out jogging right now as I type these words. Listen as she talks about jogging and Japan, and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-12

Keyword: ジョギング jogingu - Jogging

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-12

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-12-m

-- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.TheJapanesePage.com/makoto

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Nihongo to Tane 11: 小鳥 kotori - Small Bird

Yumi has been enjoying her new backyard with all the various birds that visit her bird feeder. Listen as she describes the different birds she sees, and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-11

Keyword: 小鳥 kotori - Small Bird

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-11

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-11-m

-- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.TheJapanesePage.com/makoto

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Learning kanji tops the challenging list for learners of Japanese. But what are the advantages of learning kanji? Listen as Yumi talks about the fun Chinese characters in Japanese.

Keyword: 漢字 kanji - Chinese Characters

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-10

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-10-m

-- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.TheJapanesePage.com/makoto

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Japan has many, many onsen (hot spring spas) throughout the country. Listen as Yumi explains the appeal and why it an onsen may not be as enjoyable for children.

Keyword: 日本の温泉 Nihon no Onsen - Japanese Hot Springs

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-9

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript in your members area.

-- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript and key vocabulary. www.TheJapanesePage.com/makoto

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Have you ever been to Nara in Japan? It's a beautiful place with a rich history, but what is it most famous for? The deer.

Listen to Yumi talk about the deer of Nara.

Keyword: 奈良の鹿 Nara no Shika - Nara's Deer

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-8

If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript in your members area.

-- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript and key vocabulary. www.TheJapanesePage.com/makoto

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What could better illustrate Japanese ingenuity than the Japanese toilet. With all its buttons and kanji, the Japanese toilet certainly is impressive. Listen to Yumi talk about the history and function of the toilet.

While not mentioned in the podcast, the Japanese actually have a long history in toilet innovation. The warlord Takeda Shingen is credited with having invented the water flush toilet.

Keyword: 日本のトイレ nihon no toire - Japanese Toilets

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-7

She is such a きれい好き that she spoke a little fast. Try to glean as much as you can, and if you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript in your members area.

-- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript and key vocabulary. www.TheJapanesePage.com/makoto

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Yumi shares an embarrassing memory of her childhood--the moment she realized her home was... not clean. From that moment on, she became きれい好き!

Keyword: きれい好き kirei zuki - love of cleanliness

For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Take a quiz on this episode here:

https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-6

She is such a きれい好き that she spoke a little fast. Try to glean as much as you can, and if you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript in your members area.

-- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript and key vocabulary. www.TheJapanesePage.com/makoto

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For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ About this episode: 秋（あき）が来（き）ました！ Fall is here! This week, Yumi continues with the Fall theme. Pears, grapes, and many other delicious foods come to mind. She wraps things up with a famous fall-themed haiku. See this episode's page at https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-5 -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript and key vocabulary. www.TheJapanesePage.com/makoto

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For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ About this episode: 秋（あき）が来（き）ました！ Fall is here! Fall is the time for many things. The leaves start to fall, the weather takes a cool turn, and people want to do more than just sip pumpkin-flavored lattes (or do they?). Have you heard of 「スポーツの秋」 or 「食欲の秋」 or 「読書の秋」? Well, in Japan, these activities come to mind in the fall. See this episode's page at https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-4 -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript and key vocabulary. www.TheJapanesePage.com/makoto

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For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ About this episode: Do you have a phobia? Are you afraid of spiders? Heights? Learn how to express your fears in Japanese as you hear Yumi confess hers. See this episode's page at https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-3/ -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript and key vocabulary. www.TheJapanesePage.com/makoto

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For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ About this episode: What animals do you like? In this episode, Yumi talks about her favorite animals and why she likes them. What's her favorite animal? Why does she like the Red Panda? See this episode's page at https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-2/ -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript and key vocabulary. www.TheJapanesePage.com/makoto

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For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/

Invariably, you will be asked to give a self introduction (自己紹介 jiko shoukai) in Japan. In this episode, Yumi explains a little about what topics you should include, and then she gives her 自己紹介 as an example.

-- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript and key vocabulary. www.TheJapanesePage.com/makoto

にほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumi: Recent Episodes

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