Learn Japanese FAQ

Archive for April, 2009

Q: In one of your videos you mention Canon wordtanks and said they were useful when you were learning Japanese. I’ve had a look on the internet and they look quite pricey, so I’d like to make sure I bought the right one for my level!   My girlfriend and I are only beginning to learn Japanese (your website has been invaluable to us!), which model was your first Wordtank? Is it better to buy a wordtank that is maybe more suitable for an intermediate level? – Alex

A: I actually used a really, really old one which actually you might be able to get second hand on ebay  or somewhere.  I can’t remember the model but it was top of the range ten years ago.   Otherwise I’d say go for the best one you can afford.  The higher up you go the better the specs e.g. animated kanji etc.  and it’s very much a case of you get what you pay for.

I did buy a cheap one when I first started but quickly realised how much better than the top of the range ones where, they save a lot hassle!  I jumped up from the bottom to second to the top Japanese class thanks to my wordtank.  Needless to say the local computer store sold out of them when my friends started asking how I did it!

Q: hey what does karaoke mean beacuse i was told it was japanese and that it means to sing off key is that true – vickboy

It would be great if that was the meaning!

No, “kara” means “empty” and “oke” is short for “orchestra”   It originally started out as tapes for orchestra practice with one part missing that you could play yourself, hence “empty orchestra”   Then they had the great idea of doing pop songs and the boom was born.

Karaoke machines in Japan are crazy these days,  you can just hum the song and it will find it for you and some of them even have pitch correction so you’re never out of tune.

I think I prefer your explanation though!

Be genki,

Richard

Q: Do you think Rosseta Stone Language learning program is a good choice?   Mr.  Myers

A: In general I think the Rosseta Stone probably is the best computer learning solution out there.  I tried it a few years ago to learn another language, but the Japanese one is pretty much the same.   The hardest part I found was the insistance on “immersion” where they don’t give you the translations of the phrases.  For simple things like names of things or actions this is fine, but there were many sentences where I got totally the wrong meaning!   But if you combine it with another course for meaning then the actual system is very good.   The pictures are a little dated and I did get a bit bored with them, but if you have the patience then I’d say go for it.

Another more recent computer based programme is Rocket Japanese, which is a bit more “fun”, might be worthwhile having a look at.

Q: Can you tell me how to say please + you’re welcome?  Anna

A:  Please depends slighly on what you want to say, but I guess お願いします　onegaishimasu is probably the best way to translate it.  You should use お願いします　 a lot, it creates a very good impression.   You’re welcome is usually translated as どういたしまして　dou i ta shi ma shi te.   But as you can tell it is such a mouthful that most people just say いいえ　iie  instead, which means “no worries” sort of thing.

Q: how to say “again” or “repeat” in Japanese?   Markell

A:  Good question this one!  The phrase you need is もう一回　mou ikkai = one more time.  You hear it a lot, including in the song below!