にほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumi

By TheJapanesePage.comEducation Language Learning

にほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumi episodes

December 29, 2025Nihongo no Tane 173: 娘のミュージカル2 My Daughter’s Musical 2 | Japanese Immersion podcast
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
5 min
September 02, 2025Nihongo no Tane 172: 娘のミュージカル My Daughter’s Musical | Japanese Immersion podcast
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
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Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.
www.MakotoPlus.com
5 min
June 16, 2025Nihongo no Tane 171: ラジオ番組 Radio Show | Japanese Immersion podcast
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
5 min
May 05, 2025Nihongo no Tane 170: 日本のお風呂 Japanese Bath | Japanese Immersion podcast
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
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Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.
www.MakotoPlus.com
5 min
April 07, 2025Nihongo no Tane 169: 父のお葬式 My father's funeral| Japanese Immersion podcast
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.
www.MakotoPlus.com
4 min
March 03, 2025Nihongo no Tane 168: 試着室 Fittingroom| Japanese Immersion podcast
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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Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.
www.MakotoPlus.com
5 min
February 03, 2025Nihongo no Tane 167: 会話 Conversation | Japanese Immersion podcast
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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www.MakotoPlus.com
4 min
January 20, 2025Nihongo no Tane 166: お正月映画 New Years Movies | Japanese Immersion podcast
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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Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.
www.MakotoPlus.com
5 min
January 07, 2025Nihongo no Tane 165: あけましておめでとう Happy New Year | Japanese Immersion podcast
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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Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.
www.MakotoPlus.com
5 min
December 23, 2024Nihongo no Tane 164: 大物ぽんちゃんPon-chan, the great | Japanese Immersion podcast
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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Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF.
www.MakotoPlus.com
5 min