Learn Japanese w/ Manga Sensei

Learn Japanese 135: ToIu/と言う

23 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

と言う while often translated to 'to say' in Japanese, this verb combined with particles changes and morphes meaning of sentences. make sure to pay...

Learn Japanese 134: ToKa/とか

22 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Combining to particles! To and Ka! with Special Guest: CeCe.

Learn Japanese 133: NoDa/のだ

21 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when you combine No and Da/Desu or nda? Well, listen in for all that Japanese goodness and learn how to give/ask for explanations!manga-s...

Extra: Coming Soon!

21 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

We are bringing back the Japanese 30 Day challenge! But it is bigger and Sexier. Oh yeah!Starting Jan 1st 2018 we are reviving our 30 Japanese Challen...

Learn Japanese 132: How not to use No/の

20 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Remember の goes before other particles and never before things like: を、から etc.Also, jump in on our live Question and Answer live-stream on f...

Learn Japanese 131: NiMo/にも

19 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Combining more particles!

Learn Japanese 130: Weekly Q&A

18 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Questions we answered today!ha / gawhen do we start our class?how do we organize the podcastwhere do you meet these people?how do I start learning Jap...

Learn Japanese 129: Interview w/ Kyle Johnson

17 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Kyle Johnson is one of the founding members of Manga Sensei and we thought it would be fun for you to get to know him a little better. He has taught E...

Learn Japanese 128: DeWa/では

16 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Another day, another particle compound. Except this one is the simplest one yet. Trust me and check out the podcast and share with people. Also, check...

Learn Japanese 127: NoWa/のは

15 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

のは (no wa) nominalizes (makes a word or phrase into a noun). The following part of the sentence following のは makes comments on the state or co...

Learn Japanese 126: NiWa/には

14 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

には and a compound of particles that indicate the purpose for which something will/was done. This combination of に and は are interesting becaus...

Learn Japanese 125: ToWa/とは

13 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is about the particle compound of と and は which is used to describe something, or indicate that a description or explanation is being...

Learn Japanese 124: (na)Noni/(な)のに pt.2

12 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Part 2 of Noni, using Noni with verbs. remember to follow us on all the socials at Themangasensei

Learn Japanese 123: First Facebook Livestream

11 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Audio from our new weekly Facebook Live-Stream. We drop the big news about the Verb Conjugator, Online Grammar Dictionary, Teaming us with Bahasalangu...

Learn Japanese 122: Interview w/ Gizmo

10 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Today we interviewed one of the funniest Japanese speakers on the interwebz. Gizmo is a Rapper, Creative, Youtuber, and was once a podcaster and has a...

Learn Japanese 121: (na)Noni / (な)のに Pt 1

08 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Noni or na (the particle) Noni is used to indicate that in spite or regardless of whatever is happening there is a result. This result can be positive...

Learn Japanese 120: Base Te Mo/Baseても

08 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Base て + the particle も implies an 'even though' modification to the verb that it modifies. John Sensei breaks it down for ya.

Learn Japanese 119: Demo/Shikashi & でも/しかし

07 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Using but in Japanese is very interesting. Today I break down different words for the word 'but' and what they mean.Most informal to Most Formal (Comm...

Learn Japanese 118: Shika/Dake/Bakari

06 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

The difference between しか, ばかり and & だけ.

Learn Japanese 117: Shika/しか

05 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

しか, written in hiragana is not Deer (鹿) and is similar to the だけ and ばかり, しか is a limiter. Like the previous grammar patterns is u...

Learn Japanese 116: JLPT 2017

04 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Today John Sensei Took the JLPT. What did he think?Make sure to follow us for the new weekly live stream on Facebook at 7pm Sunday US Mountain Time. h...

Learn Japanese 115: Interview w/ Steve Bardzinski

03 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Today I interview a guy who had done it all. Studied abroad, worked in Japan, Married a Japanese woman, been on Japanese television, and more. Enjoy m...

Learn Japanese 114: Bte Bakari Iru/Bてばかりいる。

02 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

One thing to remember is to make sure that you are not confusing the English meaning of 'doing nothing but -verb-' which implied that you are free. Wh...

Learn Japanese 113: Bakari/ばかり

01 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Bakari goes right after nouns without any particles attached and meaning 'nothing but' and can be used in positive and negative situations.Make sure t...

Learn Japanese 112: Dake dewa naku/だけではなく

30 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Dake dewa naku is a combination of a few different grammar points stacked on top of each other. The first is Dake, which we talked about yesterday. Th...

Learn Japanese 111: Dake/だけ

29 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Dake is one of the few words that can be translated almost directly into English; meaning 'only.' used directly after a noun this grammar point can be...

Learn Japanese 110: Base Ta Mama/BTa まま

28 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

While not your mama nor my mama, Bta まま indicates a state of action that have already occurred. It is important to remember that まま cannot hap...

Learn Japanese 109: Tips on Japanese Study

27 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Every Sunday I get to say whatever I want on the topic of Japanese language study. This week I give some advice that might be contrary to what you hav...

Learn Japanese 108: Interview w/ Ai Nakamura

25 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Ai Nakamura is a professional simultaneous interpreter and expert in Japanese teaching as well as marriage and relationships. (We will talk to her abo...

Learn Japanese 107: Made Ni/までに

24 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is part two of learning how to use Made. Make sure you understand exactly when and where something is supposed to end. manga-sensei.com

Learn Japanese 106: Made/まで

24 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

まで is a simple grammar point that we seem to have neglected when talking about measurement and limits these past couple of weeks. まで is essent...

Learn Japanese 105: Mattaku/全く

23 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

The Kanji 全 means all, and depending on if it is a noun (全て subete) or the adverb mattaku can be somewhat confusing in how it is used. In this e...

Learn Japanese 104: Nami (ni)/並みに

21 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Nami (ni) is somewhat tricky and has two distinct meanings. An easy way to differentiate between the two by seeing if 並み is connected to a noun by...

Learn Japanese 103: Tan-i de/単位で

21 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Tan-i de is an underused way to show measurement, particularly the smallest measurement that can be used. Remember this word can only be used after a ...

Learn Japanese 102: Cheating your fluency

20 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Filler words are words that you use in between words, that don't hold any intrinsic meaning. Words like: 'like', 'umm', and 'well...' are good example...

Learn Japanese 101: Interview w/ Van Gessel

19 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Today's interview ran a little long. But trust me it is well worth it. Dr. Van Gessel is a professional Japanese Translator. He has translated novels,...

100th Episode!

18 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Thank You Everyone for helping us hit our first 100 Episodes of free Japanese teaching. We love bring you Japanese goodness every day. Also congrats t...

Learn Japanese 99: Atari/当たり

16 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

One more episode from 100!Atari is a grammar point that is used following a counter to indicate rate. This is often translated to mean 'per' or 'each'...

Learn Japanese 98: Zutsu/ずつ

15 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Zutsu is used to evenly distribute 'somethings'. Remember Zutsu has to be used after a quantifier, like a counter or time.

Learn Japanese 97: Oki Ni/おきに

14 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Oki ni and Goto ni are often confused, this episode is to clear up some of that confusion. Remember: Oki Ni when compared to Goto Ni indicate period i...

Learn Japanese 96: Goto Ni/毎に

13 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Remember to sign up for the 100th episode $100 giveaway. Sign up for our newsletter and have a chance at winning!毎に (ごと)に/Goto ni is used to...

Learn Japanese 95: Q&A

13 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we answer questions from our website submission. If you would like to submit a question to John Sensei to have it answered on air go ...

Learn Japanese 94: Interview w/ Ryler Nielsen

11 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Ryler (not Tyler) Nielsen knows how to learn Japanese. Currently a Ph.D student at the University of Hawaii in Laie, he studies Okinawan and has alot ...

Learn Japanese 93: Mai/毎

10 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

毎 is a common Kanji That goes before words like week, moth etc that means every.

Learn Japanese 92: Yori + Hou/より＋ほう

09 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

より indicates something being compared to, and ほう is more. This episode we combine these two together and contrast/compare things. Also make su...

Learn Japanese 91: Yori/より 2

09 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

より can not only be used in comparison, but also to indicate a point in time or space. Remember is is different that から in off the fact that Ka...

Learn Japanese 90: Yori/より 1

07 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Yori is used to indicate something that is being compared to. (You might have heard this in the previous episode ほう) Sometimes Yori will be follow...

Learn Japanese 89: Hou/ほう

07 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

MORE!!! MOOORE!!! Learn More Japanese. ほう is a noun that indicates what is MORE. usually connected another noun with the particle の and often fo...

Learn Japanese 88: John Sensei Goes Off on how Japanese is taught

06 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is a little bit different. The episode was recorded one time, with no editing and not in the studio. In this episode, John-Sensei goes of...

Learn Japanese 87: Interview w/ Bryce Skankey

04 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Bryce Skankey, and yes that is his real name, work for one of the largest delivery services in the world. Know as Black Cat, he is one of the few fore...

Learn Japanese 86: Kurai/Gurai くらい/ぐらい

03 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Using Kurai or Gurai to indicate an approximate extent or quantity.Using both Kurai or Gurai is fine, just remember that Gurai is a little more common...

Learn Japanese 85: Koro/Goro ころ/ごろ

02 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Koro/Goro (both are fine) are used to express approximate time, particularly around a specific point in time. Plus It can be used after a noun or a ve...

Learn Japanese 84: B4 Ba Yokatta/ば　よかった

02 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

I wish I would have posted this Episode earlier! B4 B yokatta is all about expressing regret! It's amazing what the Ba combos can do! check it out!

Learn Japanese 83:Ba + Hodo/ ば + ほど

31 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Today we go crazy and throw two grammar points together. B4 Ba (if) and B3 Hodo (the extent that) to mean 'the more you X the more you will Y.' This i...

Learn Japanese 82: Hodo/ほど

31 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

To the extent that you listen to this podcast, you will gain magical powers. Okay, while that may not be true, the grammar point 'Hodo' is used after ...

Learn Japanese 81: Myths about Learning Japanese

29 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Every Sunday John-Sensei is given freedom to speak his mind about something to do with Japanese language and culture. This week he may have gone a lit...

Learn Japanese 80: Interview w/ Toru Fukuyama

28 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Toru Fukuyama works for Sokudoku in Japan. A company that teaches people how to read and retain more information and improve their memory. A master at...

Learn Japanese 79: Moshi/もし

28 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Moshi Moshi, Okay, not that kind of Moshi... But what if you could 'what if' in Nihongo. That's what we are going to help you with today! Tune in and ...

Learn Japanese 78: Kana/かな

27 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wondered how to say 'I wonder'? Today John Sensei breaks down a fun and fluid Grammar point - Kana.Kana is a sentence ending combination of parti...

Learn Japanese 77: Nara/なら

26 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

other then grammar point is also said as Nara, Naraba, or (B3/Bta Verb)No Nara. If you see that don't panic they are all the same.Nara by itself is mo...

Learn Japanese 76: BTa Ra/たら

25 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Bta + ra has a combined meaning of 'if' and 'when' that makes it distinct from B4 ba. Make sure that when you use it that the second clause, is the co...

Learn Japanese 75: Ba/ば

23 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

How to use basic 'if' in Japanese? Find out with today's podcast! ＊Remember base 4 is えmanga-sensei.com

Learn Japanese 74: Under Appreciated Benefits Of Learning Japanese

22 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In this Episode, I take some time to talk about some benefits of learning Japanese that you may not initially think of when starting you Japanese Stud...

Learn Japanese 73: Interview w/ Brittany & Jordan Olsen

22 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Check out John Sensei's Interview with the Olsens.—both of whom speak Japanese! Brittany is the author and illustrator of the book Dendo. Jordan, al...

Learn Japanese 72: Datte/だって

20 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Today we do a little more informal of an episode and use some colloquial nihongo! Manga-Sensei.com

Learn Japanese 71: Naze Naraba/なぜならば

19 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Continuing on giving reason, today we talk about Naze Naraba/なぜならば and how to use it. This can get a little complicated so make sure to pay ...

Learn Japanese 70: Toatte/とあって

18 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

This is a little bit more of an advanced episode but give it your best! we have you back, and if you have any questions we will answer them at our web...

Learn Japanese 69: Yue Ni/故に

17 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Today we learn an advanced grammar pattern that is used in formal writing to indicate reason.*Remember: Yue ni cannot be used with a specific case. on...

Learn Japanese 68: No Kankei De/の関係で

17 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

We continue this week learning how to use reason and 'because' like sentences. Today's grammar point uses relationships and connections to explain why...

Learn Japanese 67: Learning through reading Manga

16 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In this Episode, we break down how to learn Japanese fro Manga. How to memorize large amounts of Vocab words in your long-term memory, and how to star...

Learn Japanese 66: Interview w/ Zach Westhoff

15 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Today I interview my friend Zach Westhoff about studying in Japan and how to learn Japanese as a high school student.Zach is full of helpful advice an...

Learn Japanese 65: Okagede/おかげ

13 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Today's lesson is the last of the "because" group. Learn how to use Okagede here and check us out on our website for more information. Manga-sensei.co...

Learn Japanese 64: Sei/せい(か)

13 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

The second in the せい group. In this episode, we learn how to use the more neutral version implying reason or fault.Check out more at our website: ...

Learn Japanese 63: Sei/せい (で)

12 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Continuing with our reason series, today we are talking about せい (で)with is used to express an unfortunate result of something.Enjoy this awesom...

Learn Japanese 62: Kara 3/から

10 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Today we go over the final use of Kara and how it is used! This Kara is our reason Kara, expressing cause. This version of Kara may be the most common...

Learn Japanese 61: Kara 2/から

09 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Learn the other way you can use kara and how it is used to designate time. For more information check out our website manga-sensei.com

Learn Japanese 60: Using Anime To Learn Japanese

09 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

I get asked all the time how to use Anime and Manga to learn Japanese. In today's Sunday episode I wanted to give some answers.

Learn Japanese 59: Interview W/ Parker Andrus

08 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

We've been so excited to finally get to release this interview! Parker Andrus is a Japanese speaking extraordinaire. Parker has done it all. From teac...

Learn Japanese 58: Kara 1/から

06 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

*the first of three episode explaining all the various meanings of Kara.For more information on Kara or to find other great Japanese language material...

Learn Japanese 57: Node/ので

06 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

The first of our 'Because' podcasts. Node is the most simple and straightforward of the reason particles. Check back tomorrow for more ways to give re...

Learn Japanese 56: B2 Tsutsu/つつ

05 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

How to use tsutsu and tsutsu ni aru.Plus you get to hear John-Sensei's smooth voice. (FREE!)

Learn Japanese 55: Nagara(mo)/ながら

03 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

This episode will help you distinguish the differences between nagara (mo) and nagara. Check it out! For more information on Nagara visit our website ...

Learn Japanese 54: Tokoro/ところ 2

03 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Using Tokoro/ところ:1. Location N+(の)ところ2. The time that it takes to get to a location Nは　Nから Time (minutes, hours, days)+の とこ...

Learn Japanese 53: Name Suffixes

02 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

How should you refer to Japanese People?Sama　様Dono　どのSensei　先生San　さんChan　ちゃんKun　君or Tan　たん

Learn Japanese 52: Interview W/ Sam Wilson

30 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I interview my friend Sam Wilson Who gets to use Japanese at his job. We go in-depth about how to make mistakes and use them when lea...

Learn Japanese 51: Counters

30 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

How to use counters, and what they even are!For a comprehensive list, check us out at:manga-sensei.com

Extra #2: 50 Episodes in the books!

29 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Thank you to everyone who makes manga-sensei possible!To anyone who mentions out 50 podcast celebration gets 25% off anything in the store as a thank ...

Learn Japanese 49: Sue Ni/末(に)

28 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

末(に)indicates the end of an arduous period of time. The main nuance between this end/after is the hard word and effort that does into the thing th...

Learn Japanese 48: Tokoro (da)/ところ(だ)

27 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Learn how to Use ところ (だ) for an instance or state of doing something! We are here for your Japanese learning 365 days a year! 100% Free!manga-...

Learn Japanese 47: Uchi ni/内に

26 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

How does Uchi ni differ from B2 Nagara, and Aida? Remember after that Past tense cannot be used with Base Ta. Manga-sensei.com

Learn Japanese 46: Online Resources For Learning Japanese

24 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Cool Online Resources:www.tofugu.com/www.linguee.com/www.manga-sensei.com/nihongodera.com/tools/furigana-makerwww.jisho.orgOthers:http://maggiesensei....

Learn Japanese 45: Interview W/ Colter Christiansen

23 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Coulter Christensen is an Actor and Student that has just been accepted into Waseda, a prestigious university in Tokyo for one year to intensively stu...

Learn Japanese 44: B2 Nagara/ながら

22 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Join us as we learn about how to use Nagara/ながら today! A new podcast every day.Also Check out our other language materials at manga-sensei.co...

Learn Japanese 43: Aida/間

21 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Today we are going to review the modifier "aida/間" for time and location. Don't forget to check out our other language materials at manga-sensei.com...

Learn Japanese 42: Ato/後

21 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Bた後であと　後Learn how to use Ato for after!For even more Japanese Wonderful Fantastically stuff check us out at: manga-sensei.com

Learn Japanese 41: Mae/前

20 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Today we talk about 前 and how it is used in location/direction and time.for more info check us out at manga-sensei.com

Learn Japanese 40: Toki/時

19 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

*Sorry for the late upload, manga-sensei experienced some technical difficulties with our internet connection. We look forward to bringing you 2 podca...

Learn Japanese 39: After 10,000 Mistakes...

18 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

New Sunday format! We talk about how to make mistakes, How to get over them and WHY we need them.10,000 mistakes is no formula for perfection, but per...

Learn Japanese 38: Interview W/ Aaron James

17 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

The first in our interview is my friend Aaron James. He is a Proud Idahoan and lover of learning. He has lived in both Japan and China, and has found ...

Learn Japanese 37: Formalities In Giving

16 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Learn how to be more polite when using Ageru, Kureru and Morau.For more wonderful Japanese-y goodness there is always our website at manga-sensei.com