Learn Japanese w/ Manga Sensei

More Hou

06 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today we are talking more about the word Hoh, and the phrase Hoh Gah Ih. This is almost always used with past tense. “It’s better if you…”

More Yori

05 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today we talk about when Yori is used, how it’s used, and when to use it by itself. There are multiple versions of Yori and I go over differentiatin...

Hou Ga and Yori

02 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re going over two different grammar points, which are Hoh Gah and Yori. We use these in contrast to each other or in a phrase. I explain ho...

Auxiliary Word Beki

01 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re talking about a very similar word to Hazu, which is Beki. This word is often paired with Dah, such as Beki-Dah with the accent going dow...

Hard Musts vs Soft Musts

31 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today I will talk about the word “Hazu.” This is basically the first and most simplistic of the musts or shoulds in Japanese. I give examples and ...

Appropriate and Unique Responses

30 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It can often be difficult for new and even intermediate Japanese speakers to come up with the appropriate response to certain questions and sentences,...

Dou

26 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This word usually indicates a question and today we will be diving into how to use this word and the difference between this word and another word sim...

The Adjective Hoshii

25 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re talking about another adjective that indicates desire, but alongside that showing of desire, we want to do it over a particular item. I ...

Garu

24 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today we are going to be going over Garu, which is over somebody else. In Japanese we often talk about area of information, which basically is who can...

Auxiliary Adjective Tai

23 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This is when we take a verb and we attach an adjective part to the end. Like the word Nai. To not eat is Tabei Nai. Today we’re doing something very...

Another Phrase Using Koto

15 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

When using Kotoh it’s a nominalizer so everything before Kotoh is modifying Kotoh. Usually with verbs we’re going to see things ending in base 3 o...

More About Koto

12 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today I go more in depth into Kotoh. We go over the phrase “Kotoh gah, Dekidu.” Using phrases to simplify bigger ideas or sentences.

How to Express Have You Ever

11 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The phrase “Have you ever…?” is what we will be going over today. I explain how to ask this type of question and give examples.

Mono, Koto’s Twin

10 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Monoh is a physical thing, and used like when you say “It’s on the tip of my tongue.” This is used like Kotoh, but has to be used with tangible ...

Tangible or Intangible Things; Koto

09 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Kotoh means thing, or what. In this episode I describe another way to overcome those moments when you can’t think of the right word or words to say....

-Ba Yokatta

08 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today I will discuss this base 4 phrase. This base is a very simple if, having clause A and clause B, the two different parts of our sentences, being ...

Full Review; Bases and Base 4

05 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

I go over the various bases that we have talked about in previous episodes. I explain what base 4 is, how to use it more effectively along with the wo...

Ba Yokatta

01 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Manga Sensei, John Sensei teaches us our first official Japanese phrase, Ba Yokatta. Before this, we have covered individual parts ...

Base 4, Ba

29 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, John Sensei gives us a review of the 4th base, Ba. We have covered bases 1-5 before and even gone into depth on specific bases.

Verbs, hajimeru

26 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This verb means to start. This is a unique verb because of how it is used with other verbs. I explain how and when it’s used.

Stacking Particles

25 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re talking about how to use different types of particles together. No-deh, neh, yo, Genki-nah.

Jya-na, Goodbye

22 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

There are various different ways to say goodbye to people. Yana is an informal way to say bye to your friends.

Kashida, Feminine Particle

21 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This is a particle typically used by women, or feminine speaking individuals.

Technical Particle, Nado

15 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This is a particle to make things ambiguous, which often refers to things such as “et cetera,” or “In the like.” I compare Nanca and Nado.

A Little Bit of Filler, Nanka

14 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Nanca is a word to replace “um.” The difference about this word though is it has a meaning, kind of like an unknown/abstract object, like “thing...

Kamoshidenai, the Difference in Probability

13 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This word is used in place of “might.” This is used when something has a lower probability of happening than deshoh.

Desu, at the End of the Speech

12 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This is used when there is some uncertainty, or something is unknown about which you are speaking. “I will ‘probably’ go to Japan.”

Gurai

11 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This word is used to give an approximation. It’s one of those words that is also going to be used for time. It has to do with a specific quantity.

Goro

08 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This word is usually used with time. It has to do with approximation, for example “About this time,” or around this time.

Amari

08 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

I give you the different ways to pronounce Amari, and break down how to use this word in different sentences, including mainly negative sentences.

Names

23 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Today we're talking about the various ways to say "I" and the number of ways you can use names. We go over when to use someone's first or last name, a...

Two Things Happening During the Same Period

22 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We talk about the word idah, which is the most basic version of the word "while." We go over different versions of "while" and "during," and the most ...

Reflexive 3rd Person Pronoun

21 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This is when you are referring to yourself in the 3rd person, such as when you say "I didn't think that 'I' could get into college." The second I is i...

Nagara

18 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This word happens when you put things in base 2. It's another version to express "while." It indicates that the action preceding the verb is taking pl...

Money and Numbers

17 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Today I talk about exchange rates and where to place money symbols. I talk about 1, 10, 100, 1000, 10,000, and so forth.

Pronouns and Name Suffixes

16 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Today we go over pronouns and name suffixes, such as Jibun, which is similar to myself or my. We learn how to refer to girls or boys and talk about th...

Temple Kanji and Posts, Aida Ni

15 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

I talk about the very middle symbol you find in many Japanese passage ways or entrances called aida.

Uchi Ni

14 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This is not the uchi of your home, but the symbol looks like a person under a cage. This is quite similar to idah. We learn how to say "While I was le...

Particles De, Ni

10 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

I talk about particles in this episode. Atto is usually put with de, or uchi with ni.

How to Attach Directional Particles to Verbs

09 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

“It’s on your right side.” I go over directions like North and South. Where to find the location of an item like a remote, or cell phone.

Directional Basics

08 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I talk about before something happens and after something happens. Both before you and after you, or in front of you and behind you.

Basic Overview of Directions

07 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Many things in Japanese are often temporal as they are physical, and we’re talking about how this pertains to directions. I go over various types of...

Question Particle, Male and Female Speech

04 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Today I talk more about formality and how men and women speak differently. Men tend to be less polite when talking versus when women speak.

Kanji

03 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Kanji can often be a detriment if learned early, which is why I’ve chosen to talk about it later in this podcast. It’s better to get used to the l...

Teh Base

02 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

I go more into the different forms of “But.” I talk about “Even though,” and various other words like But.

Formality and Being Polite

01 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re diving a little deeper into how we use formality and why we use Des, Dah, Mas, and the plain form noun.

Vector Verbs Part 5

20 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This is the last episode in the vector verb series. Today I go over some of the confusing things between the different vector verbs and make some clar...

Vector Verbs Part 4

19 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Today we are talking about the last verb when it comes to the three major vector verbs, Morau. This one is the easiest version of the three.

Vector Verbs Part 3

18 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

I talk about the word Kureru, which goes along with the word Agheru. I talk about going from party B to party A and give some examples.

Vector Verbs Part 2

17 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The first group of vector verbs where it comes from the speaker’s area of information to the listener’s area of information. I will talk about the...

Vector Verbs Part 1, Movement of an Object

16 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

There are a number of different types of verbs in Japanese. Some are implied to have more than one meaning. Some are meant to communicate movement. We...

The Humble and Polite Form

13 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

I explain how to talk in this form by improving and increasing the level of diction. The difference between talking to your family members, friends, a...

The Particle Zutsu

12 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This particle indicates equal distribution of quantity. Like when passing out a piece of candy, you give one piece of candy to each friend.

5 of the Main Japanese Bases

11 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Ah ih oo eh oh. I briefly explain the 5 bases or vowels in Japanese and when these are used.

Toki and the Optional Particle Ni

10 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Ni usually needs to go with a verb and is used for an emphasis as to what happens “when.” I talk about what role Toki plays with the word Ni.

Using Time More Efficiently

09 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Today we are talking about time. There are various symbols and words to use for time, such as “Toki”, which I go over in this episode.

The Limiter Shka

06 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This is exclusively used with negative words. It’s like Bakari, but only used with words that have negative meanings.

Dakeh and Bakari

05 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Dakeh is used to say things like “Only.” Bakari is more like “Nothing but.” I give examples of the differences between the words.

The Japanese Particle, Demo

03 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, John Sensei teaches us about demo. Demo means "however" or "but" in Japanese and has many different ways of saying it, depending o...

Alternative Use of No

02 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

I talk about nominalizers, or anything that changes a part of speech into a noun. I explain where No plays into this.

The Limitation Particle, Dakeh

30 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This is used for things like alone, or just, or merely. I give examples of when to use this word in sentences.

Difference Between Ni and Heh

29 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

I explain when to use Heh in place of Ni, like when you’re writing a long letter or text. Pronounced more like Eh rather than Heh.

When Not to Use Ni

28 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

I go over times when it is not necessary for you to use Ni, such as days, dates, or years.

The Japanese Particle, 'Ga' Alternative Uses

27 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Although we covered ga in the 30-day challenge, we are going more in-depth on the other uses of ga. John Sensei teaches us how to combine 2 sentences ...

Nodeh, Another Way to Say Because

26 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This word indicates a reason or a cause. This word is different from Kara and I explain why and when to use it.

The Japanese Particle, Madeh-Ni

23 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This is a slight modification to “Madeh.” How to go from Kara to Madeh and Madeh-Ni.

The Japanese Particle, Made

22 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

John Sensei teaches the particle madeh, which is used similarly to kara, except it’s used to end sentences.

The Japanese Particle, Karah Pt. 2

21 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Today we talk about an additional meaning of Kara. This particle has to do with the reason that you are doing something. Kind of like the word “Beca...

The Japanese Particle, Karah Pt. 1

20 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

John Sensei teaches how to use kara in a sentence. He goes over how to use it in a regular sentence and then how to use it in various tenses such as p...

The Other "Mou", A Japanese Adverb

19 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

There is a very similar sounding but different meaning mou. Mou, is an adverb, unlike mo which is a particle. John Sensei teaches us how to pronounce ...

Semantics and Specifics of Mo

16 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, John Sensei goes deeper into more specific uses of mo and how to properly use them. The apporiate placement and use of mo is very ...

Introduction To the Second Section of Manga Sensei

15 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

John Sensei introduces us to the next set of Japanese that he will be teaching. He provides clarification on the goals and subject matter that will be...

Self Evaluation and Review

14 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Today, John Sensei urges us to take a break from learning new things and evaluate where we are at with our Japanese language skills thus far. He gives...

Day 31 - End of 30-Day Challenge

13 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Review of the Manga Sensei 30 Day Challenge. Setting the baseline of learning moving forward. Feel free to go back and review, to carry the knowledge ...

"In Order to"; Day 30 of the 30-Day Challenge

13 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Combing the learning to make sense of the Japanese words we have learned thus far. Including the last grammar point — the form “in order to” or ...

Ing - Ending; Day 29 of the 30-Day Challenge

12 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

State of verbing, unique conjugation, focusing on the Japanese equivalent of the ING ending. Two states of verb; condition and action.

Particle - Ne; Day 28 of the 30-Day Challenge

09 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Sentence ending particles: Japanese explanation mark and Japanese relation particle. Particle — Ne. Conversation bubbles, and infinitive statements ...

Reveiw of Concepts and Conjugation of Japanese; Day 27 of the 30-Day Challenge

08 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Today, John Sensei wants to review some concepts and conjugation of Japanese. This episode is a perfect opportunity for you to review some of what we ...

Wo, The Direct Object Marker Pt. 2; Day 26 of the 30-Day Challenge

07 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Although we have learned about wo before this episode, it is important to know about some exceptions. John Sensei gives us more specific uses of this ...

The Kodoasaur; Day 25 of the 30-Day Challenge

06 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

John Sensei teaches us about the "kodoasaur" which is used to define ownership of information. This is one of the lessons that the tools located at ww...

Adverbs; Day 24 of the 30-Day Challenge

05 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode we cover adverbs in Japanese. The sentance structure in Japanese is much different than English. John Sensei in an earlier episode ...

Japanese Adjectives Pt. 3; Day 23 of the 30-Day Challenge

02 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Today we learn more about Japanese adjectives and their conjugations. John Sensei reviews what we have learned so far and goes deeper into conjugation...

Japanese Adjectives Pt. 2; Day 22 of the 30-Day Challenge

01 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In the second lesson about adjectives, John Sensei teaches us how to conjugate adjectives. As we have talked about before, Japanese is a very contexua...

Japanese Adjectives Pt.1; Day 21 of the 30-Day Challenge

30 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

John Sensei teaches us about the two types of adjectives within the Japanese language. We learn the difference between the two groups and practice dif...

The Japanese Particle, De Pt. 2; Day 20 of the 30-Day Challenge

29 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We have previously covered the location of action usage of de. Today John Senei teaches us how de can be used as a use marker. We learn how to utilize...

The Japanese Particle, No; Day 19 of the 30-Day Challenge

28 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The Japanese particle, no is very versatile and has many uses. John Sensei teaches us how to use it properly and also how useful it can be. No can be ...

Ni, The Direction Particle Pt. 2; Day 18 of the 30-Day Challenge

25 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

John Sensei goes deeper on the intricacies of the direction particle, ni. He explains how it is extra specific in written form and can help describe a...

The Japanese Particle, Mo; Day 17 of the 30-Day Challenge

24 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

John Sensei teaches us about the Japanese particle, mo. John tells us about some do's and don'ts and advises against overusing this particle.

The Japanese Particle, De; Day 16 of the 30-Day Challenge

23 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

De is used to describe the location of actions. John Sensei teaches us how to use this particle properly and elaborates on how useful it can be. We al...

Day 16 Bonus Episode

23 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this bonus episode for Day 16, John Sensei goes on Instagram to thank all of you listeners supporting this podcast. John reminds us of the differen...

Wo, The Direct Object Marker; Day 15 of the 30-Day Challenge

22 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

John Sensei teaches us about wo, the direct object marker of Japanese. Direct object markers mark the recipient of an action. John also teaches us how...

Ni, The Direction Particle; Day 14 of the 30-Day Challenge

21 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

(Actually episode 14) In today's episode, John Sensei teaches us about Ni. Ni is the particle that is used to indicate direction in Japanese. He also ...

The Japanese Particle, Ka; Day 13 of the 30-Day Challenge

17 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Today we talk about Ka, another particle within Japanese. Ka acts as a question mark in Japanese. The uses change depending on the situation and how p...

Existence Verbs, Iru and Eru; Day 12 of the 30-Day Challenge

16 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Today, John teaches us about two existence verbs iru and eru. One of the general rules of which to use is whether you are talking about a living thing...

Japanese Verb Exceptions; Day 11 of the 30-Day Challenge

15 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

John Sensei teaches us about the exceptions in the verb rules of Japanese, which are suru and kuru. He talks about how useful they can be and how to p...

Conjugation of Japanese Verbs pt. 2, The Quadrant; Day 10 of the 30-Day Challenge

14 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In the second part of Japanese conjugation of verbs, John Sensei teaches us about the quadrant. The quadrant helps determine how to conjugate a verb b...

Conjugation of Japanese Verbs pt. 1; Day 9 of the 30-Day Challenge

11 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

John Sensei introduces us to the different conjugations of Japanese verbs. He teaches us his methods of breaking them up into different "bases" to sim...

Japanese Verbs pt. 2 Godan Verbs; Day 8 of the 30-Day Challenge

09 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

John Sensei teaches us about godan verbs on day 8 of the 30-day challenge. There are 3 types of Japanese verbs and we have already talked about ichida...

Japanese Verbs pt. 1, Ichidan Verbs; Day 7 of the 30-Day Challenge

08 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

On day 7 of the challenge, we talk about Japanese verbs and more specifically, ichidan verbs. John talks about the 2 other groups of Japanese verbs an...

The Japanese Particles, To and Ya; Day 6 of the 30-Day Challenge

04 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Today we cover more grammatical particles. These two are very similar so don't worry, it won't be too difficult to learn both in the same day. To and ...