Real Japanese Talk with Haruka & Saki: Tokyo vs Kansai Podcast

Welcome to Episode 50 of Real Japanese Talk with Haruka & Saki! 🗼🐙

Episode 50! Saki's foreign friend asked for 「鉛筆、みっつ」 (three pencils) at a shop — and the clerk corrected it to 「さんぼん」 (sanbon). "Why does counting CHANGE?!" they panicked. Welcome to one of the absolute hardest parts of Japanese: counters (助数詞). In English, "one, two, three" works for everything. In Japanese, the counter changes depending on what you're counting — and the sound shifts too. Today Haruka and Saki break down the essential counters, the sound changes, and the lifesaving shortcut for when you forget.

Three target words today: 数える (kazoeru, "to count"), 助数詞 (josūshi, "counter" — the special word attached to numbers), and 区別する (kubetsu-suru, "to distinguish" — choosing the right counter by an object's shape and type).

The essential counters: ほん (hon) for long thin things (pencils, umbrellas, bananas!), まい (mai) for flat thin things (paper, plates, shirts), ひき (hiki) for small animals (dogs, cats, fish), だい (dai) for machines and vehicles (cars, computers), はい (hai) for drinks and bowls (coffee, even ramen!). PLUS the sound changes — ippon, nihon, sanbon, roppon — and the golden survival rule: when in doubt, ひとつ・ふたつ・みっつ works for almost anything. Master the common counters first; you don't need all of them at once. The 50th episode, and one of the most requested learner topics ever — counters demystified!

【Today's Vocabulary / 今日の言葉】

・数える (かぞえる) - To check the number or quantity of things one by one and know the total. Equivalent to English "count." When counting things in Japanese, you must not only say the number but also attach a special word called a 「助数詞」 (counter) after it. For example, when counting pencils, instead of 「いち、に、さん」 you say 「いっぽん、にほん、さんぼん」, attaching the counter that matches what you're counting. This is a difficult point for learners. Used as 「数を数える」 (count numbers), 「指折り数える」 (count on fingers), 「お金を数える」 (count money). The noun form 「数え方」 (kazoekata, way of counting) is this episode's very theme.

・助数詞 (じょすうし) - A special word attached after a number when expressing quantity. Equivalent to English "counter." A defining feature of Japanese is that the counter changes based on the shape and type of what's counted — one of the biggest hurdles for learners. Representative counters: 「本」 (hon) for long thin things, 「枚」 (mai) for flat thin things, 「匹」 (hiki) for small animals, 「台」 (dai) for machines and vehicles, 「杯」 (hai) for drinks and bowls, 「人」 (nin) for people, 「冊」 (satsu) for books, 「個」 (ko) for small things in general. Pronunciation also changes by number (ippon, sanbon, roppon), another difficult point. Japanese is said to have hundreds of counters, but only a few dozen are commonly used daily.

・区別する (くべつする) - To discern the difference between one thing and another and separate them. Equivalent to English "distinguish" or "differentiate." In this episode's theme, it refers to distinguishing and choosing which counter to use based on the shape and type of what's counted. For example, distinguish by an object's features: 「本」 if long and thin, 「枚」 if flat, 「匹」 if an animal. This distinction is what makes Japanese counters difficult. In daily life it's a widely-used important word: 「ゴミを区別する」 (separate trash), 「色で区別する」 (distinguish by color), 「公私を区別する」 (separate public and private). Similar words include 「分ける」 (wakeru, to divide) and 「見分ける」 (miwakeru, to tell apart).

📄 Get the Full Transcript with Furigana & Study Guide on our Patreon!シャドーイングに便利な「ふりがな付き台本」はこちら：👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/posts/155837588⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Transparency Disclosure: To maximize your learning experience, this podcast is produced using Google's generative AI technology for precise scriptwriting and clear, high-quality audio generation.

Welcome to Episode 49 of Real Japanese Talk with Haruka & Saki! 🗼🐙

Saki's junior colleague replied to the department head with a cheerful 「了解です！」 (ryōkai desu!) — and the senior staff around them winced. Why? Because 「了解です」 looks polite (it has the polite "desu"!) but is actually inappropriate toward superiors. Welcome to one of the trickiest parts of business Japanese: there are THREE levels of saying "understood," and using the wrong one can come across as rude. Today Haruka and Saki break down the three-tier system with a full workplace roleplay.

Three target words today: 了解 (ryōkai, "understood" — casual, for colleagues and juniors), 承知 (shōchi, "understood" — humble and formal, the business standard for bosses and clients), and 使い分ける (tsukai-wakeru, "to use properly according to the situation").

The three tiers: ①了解 / 了解です — casual, fine for coworkers and friends, but NOT for superiors. ②承知しました / 承知いたしました — the humble business standard for bosses and clients. ③かしこまりました — the most formal, used in customer service. PLUS the surprising reason 「了解」 is inappropriate for superiors (it has military/radio origins with an equal-or-downward nuance!), and the golden rule for learners: when in doubt, 「承知しました」 is almost always safe. A category-3 workplace episode, after Ep.37 (Reading the Air) — the business Japanese series continues! This one will genuinely save you from an awkward moment at work.

【Today's Vocabulary / 今日の言葉】

・了解 (りょうかい) - To understand and accept what someone says or requests. Equivalent to English "understood" or "roger." A casual reply used with equals or juniors — colleagues, friends, subordinates. Used as 「了解」, 「了解です」, 「了解しました」. Important note: 「了解です」 has the polite "desu" and looks courteous, but it's actually considered inappropriate toward superiors like bosses and clients. This is because 「了解」 originally came from military and radio use, carrying an equal-or-downward nuance. For superiors in business, 「承知しました」 is the correct choice. One of the most common mistakes new working adults make.

・承知 (しょうち) - To understand and accept another's request or circumstances. Equivalent to English "understood," but more humble and polite than 「了解」. The standard business reply used toward bosses, clients, and superiors. Used as 「承知しました」, 「承知いたしました」. It shares the kanji with the humble verb 承る (uketamawaru), carrying the feeling of elevating the other person while humbling oneself. Frequently used in business emails too. When in doubt, 「承知しました」 is almost always safe — never rude even to superiors. An even more formal version used in customer service is 「かしこまりました」.

・使い分ける (つかいわける) - To appropriately use multiple things according to situation, person, or purpose. Equivalent to English "use properly according to the situation" or "use differently." In this episode's theme, it refers to correctly choosing reply words (ryōkai, shōchi, kashikomarimashita) based on your relationship with the other person. Casual 「了解」 for colleagues, polite 「承知しました」 for bosses, and the most formal 「かしこまりました」 for customers — the higher the person's status, the more polite the word. Japanese finely changes words based on relationships, so the skill of 「使い分ける」 is very important. Used as 「言葉を使い分ける」 (use words differently), 「敬語を使い分ける」 (use keigo appropriately), 「状況に応じて使い分ける」 (use according to situation).

📄 Get the Full Transcript with Furigana & Study Guide on our Patreon!シャドーイングに便利な「ふりがな付き台本」はこちら：👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/posts/155837588⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Transparency Disclosure: To maximize your learning experience, this podcast is produced using Google's generative AI technology for precise scriptwriting and clear, high-quality audio generation.

Welcome to Episode 48 of Real Japanese Talk with Haruka & Saki! 🗼🐙

Saki's foreign friend came to Japan dreaming of a yukata date — then panicked when she couldn't figure out how to put the yukata on! Welcome to one of the most beloved parts of Japanese summer: the 夏祭り (natsumatsuri, summer festival). With festival season approaching, Haruka and Saki guide you through everything: the yukata (summer kimono), the irresistible food stalls, and the classic games like goldfish scooping. A perfect seasonal episode as summer heats up!

Three target words today: 浴衣 (yukata, the summer kimono that's the star of every festival — easier and more casual than a regular kimono), 屋台 (yatai, "food stall" — takoyaki, yakisoba, shaved ice, candy apples, cotton candy), and 金魚すくい (kingyo-sukui, "goldfish scooping" — the iconic game with the fragile paper scoop called a poi).

PLUS the full festival guide: yukata's history (it began as post-bath loungewear!), the geta wooden sandals, rental and dressing services for those who can't tie it themselves, and other games like yo-yo fishing and shateki (cork-gun shooting). Summer festivals are held at local shrines and temples, often paired with spectacular hanabi (fireworks) displays. A seasonal episode after Ep.45 (Rainy Season) — the Japanese summer series continues! Rent a yukata, hit the stalls, and make unforgettable memories.

【Today's Vocabulary / 今日の言葉】

・浴衣 (ゆかた) - A casual, lightweight kimono worn in summer. Described in English as "summer kimono" or "light cotton kimono." Read 「ゆかた」 (a jukujikun — a special reading not based on individual kanji). Easier to wear than a formal kimono, it's the standard attire for summer events like festivals, fireworks displays, and Bon dances. Worn by both men and women, paired with 下駄 (geta, wooden sandals). It originally was 「湯帷子」 (yukatabira), loungewear worn after bathing, which gradually became summer outerwear. Modern dressing services and rentals mean you can enjoy it even if you can't put it on yourself. Floral patterns are popular for women, and modern designs are trending too. Used as 「浴衣を着る」 (wear a yukata), 「浴衣姿」 (in yukata), 「浴衣デート」 (yukata date).

・屋台 (やたい) - A mobile or simple stall offering food, drinks, or games at festivals and fairs. Equivalent to English "food stall" or "street stall." One of the greatest joys of summer festivals, enlivening them with great smells and energy. Classic food stalls offer takoyaki, yakisoba, shaved ice, candy apples, cotton candy, chocolate bananas, grilled squid, frankfurters, etc. Game stalls include goldfish scooping, yo-yo fishing, cork-gun shooting, and lottery draws. Used as 「屋台が並ぶ」 (stalls line up), 「屋台で買う」 (buy at a stall), 「屋台を回る」 (go around the stalls). Incidentally, there are also mobile stalls selling ramen, which can be seen outside of festivals too.

・金魚すくい (きんぎょすくい) - A classic festival stall game. Described in English as "goldfish scooping." Using a small tool called a 「ポイ」 — fitted with thin paper — you scoop goldfish out of the water. The poi's paper is very thin and weak, so it tears quickly, making it surprisingly hard to catch goldfish. You can take home the goldfish you catch. Difficult but addictive, it's a summer festival staple enjoyed by kids and adults alike. The trick is to insert the poi at an angle and scoop swiftly in the direction the goldfish moves. Used as 「金魚すくいをする」 (do goldfish scooping), 「金魚すくいに挑戦する」 (try goldfish scooping). There's also a similar game called 「スーパーボールすくい」 (bouncy ball scooping).

📄 Get the Full Transcript with Furigana & Study Guide on our Patreon!シャドーイングに便利な「ふりがな付き台本」はこちら：👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/posts/155837588⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Transparency Disclosure: To maximize your learning experience, this podcast is produced using Google's generative AI technology for precise scriptwriting and clear, high-quality audio generation.

Welcome to Episode 47 of Real Japanese Talk with Haruka & Saki! 🗼🐙

Saki's foreign friend couldn't figure out what 「パソコン」 (pasokon) stood for — and when told it's "personal computer," snapped: "Why cut it off in the MIDDLE?!" Welcome to one of Japanese's most relentless habits: shortening every long katakana word into something compact. Pasokon (personal computer), sumaho (smartphone), rimokon (remote control), eakon (air conditioner), konbini (convenience store) — the original English is often unrecognizable. Today Haruka and Saki run through the essential abbreviations, the full names behind them, and the surprising rhythmic rule that governs how Japanese shortens words.

Three target words today: 略す (ryakusu, "to abbreviate/shorten" — the core habit), 正式名称 (seishiki-meishō, "official/full name" — the original that gets forgotten), and 便利 (benri, "convenient" — why short words spread).

The abbreviation gallery: pasokon, sumaho, rimokon, eakon, konbini, sūpā (supermarket), depāto (department store), apo (appointment). Plus brand abbreviations: sutaba (Starbucks), famima (FamilyMart), misudo (Mister Donut). And the fascinating rule: Japanese abbreviations tend to land on FOUR sounds (mora) — pa-so-ko-n, ri-mo-ko-n, e-a-ko-n — because four-beat rhythm feels natural in Japanese. A category-9 wasei-eigo episode, the first since Ep.29 (My Pace)! Master these and daily life in Japan gets dramatically easier.

【Today's Vocabulary / 今日の言葉】

・略す (りゃくす) - To shorten a long word or name. Equivalent to English "abbreviate" or "shorten." Japanese has an extremely strong tendency to mercilessly abbreviate long katakana words (loanwords) in particular. It takes part of the original word to shorten it: 「パーソナルコンピューター」 becomes 「パソコン」, 「スマートフォン」 becomes 「スマホ」, 「コンビニエンスストア」 becomes 「コンビニ」. Brand names are shortened too: 「スターバックス」 becomes 「スタバ」. Abbreviations are easy to say and remember, so they're widely used in daily conversation. Used as 「名前を略す」 (shorten a name), 「言葉を略す」 (abbreviate a word), 「略して言う」 (say in shortened form). Noun forms: 「略」 (ryaku), 「略語」 (ryakugo, abbreviation).

・正式名称 (せいしきめいしょう) - The official (formal) name that has not been abbreviated or shortened. Equivalent to English "official name" or "full name." Because abbreviations are widely used in Japan, many people don't know or have forgotten the original full names. For example, the full name of 「コンビニ」 is 「コンビニエンスストア」, and the full name of 「スマホ」 is 「スマートフォン」. Getting too used to abbreviations, people sometimes can't answer when asked for the full name. In documents and formal settings, using the official name rather than the abbreviation is good manners. Used as 「正式名称で書く」 (write the full name), 「正式名称を確認する」 (confirm the official name). A combination of 「正式」 (official) + 「名称」 (name).

・便利 (べんり) - Being convenient and useful; easy to use and helpful. Equivalent to English "convenient." The very reason abbreviations spread — short words are easy to say and remember, hence convenient. A basic vocabulary word used very frequently in daily life. Applicable to a wide range of things: objects, tools, services, places, words, etc. Used as 「便利な道具」 (convenient tool), 「駅が近くて便利」 (convenient with the station nearby), 「このアプリは便利」 (this app is handy). The antonym is 「不便」 (fuben, inconvenient). Incidentally, the 「コンビニエンス」 in 「コンビニ」 (convenience store) comes precisely from English "convenience" — meaning "a convenient store."

📄 Get the Full Transcript with Furigana & Study Guide on our Patreon!シャドーイングに便利な「ふりがな付き台本」はこちら：👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/posts/155837588⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Transparency Disclosure: To maximize your learning experience, this podcast is produced using Google's generative AI technology for precise scriptwriting and clear, high-quality audio generation.

Welcome to Episode 46 of Real Japanese Talk with Haruka & Saki! 🗼🐙

Saki's foreign friend got hit with the classic 「それはちょっと…」 (sore wa chotto…) and froze, thinking "A little WHAT?" — not realizing they'd just been completely, politely rejected. Welcome to 「ちょっと」 (chotto), one of the most overloaded words in Japanese. Textbooks teach it as "a little," but in real life it means a dozen different things depending on context. Today Haruka and Saki decode every hidden meaning, with a special focus on the dreaded "rejection chotto" and the mind-bending "emphasis chotto."

Three target words today: ちょっと (chotto, the magic word — literally "a little" but so much more), 断る (kotowaru, "to refuse/decline" — because 「それはちょっと…」 is a soft NO without ever saying no), and 強調 (kyōchō, "emphasis" — because 「ちょっと信じられない」 doesn't mean "a little unbelievable," it means QUITE unbelievable — the exact opposite!).

The many faces of chotto: ①"a little" (ちょっと待って), ②soft refusal (それはちょっと…), ③calling out (ちょっと！= hey!), ④prefacing a request (ちょっといい？), ⑤emphasis meaning "quite" (ちょっと信じられない). Plus the cultural key: when a Japanese person trails off with 「ちょっと…」, that's a polite no — don't push for the reason. A spiritual sequel to Ep.8 (Sumimasen's 5 meanings) and Ep.39 (Otsukaresama) — the all-purpose phrase series continues! Master chotto and you've unlocked a core piece of how Japanese really works.

【Today's Vocabulary / 今日の言葉】

・ちょっと (ちょっと) - One of the most polysemous words in Japanese. The base meaning is "a little" or "slightly" (English "a little"), but context can make it mean something completely different. Main uses: ①a little 「ちょっと待って」 (wait a moment), ②soft refusal 「それはちょっと…」 (trailing off to indicate declining), ③calling out 「ちょっと！」 (= hey!/excuse me!), ④prefacing a request 「ちょっといい？」 (can precede an important matter), ⑤emphasis 「ちょっと信じられない」 (= quite, the opposite of "a little"!), ⑥cushioning/softening 「ちょっと分からないです」 (softened "I don't know"). Especially 「それはちょっと…」 symbolizes Japan's culture of not refusing directly. One of the most confusing words for foreigners — context judgment is essential.

・断る (ことわる) - To communicate that you will not accept another's request, invitation, or offer. Equivalent to English "refuse" or "decline." In Japan, the culture of refusing indirectly — without saying a clear "No" — is strong. People often decline by trailing off with 「それはちょっと…」, or using vague expressions like 「今日は厳しいかな」 (today might be tough) or 「考えておきます」 (I'll think about it). Because refusing directly causes 角が立つ (kado ga tatsu — relationships sour), people use softened refusals as consideration not to hurt the other person. Used as 「誘いを断る」 (decline an invitation), 「仕事を断る」 (decline work), 「丁重に断る」 (politely decline). Deeply connected to Ep.9 (Tatemae) and Ep.33 (Maemuki ni kentō) — a core of Japanese social communication.

・強調 (きょうちょう) - To say something with particular strength or make it stand out. Equivalent to English "emphasis." As a curious use of 「ちょっと」, despite its base meaning of "a little," context can flip it to mean "quite" or "very" as emphasis. For example, 「ちょっと信じられない」 means not "a little unbelievable" but "quite unbelievable"; 「ちょっとやばい」 means "incredibly crazy." This is a uniquely Japanese rhetorical technique where deliberately using an understated word (chotto) paradoxically expresses strong feeling. Used as 「強調する」 (to emphasize), 「強調される」 (to be emphasized), 「〜を強調」 (emphasize X). An important word frequent in meetings and presentations too: 「ここを強調したい」 (I want to emphasize this).

📄 Get the Full Transcript with Furigana & Study Guide on our Patreon!シャドーイングに便利な「ふりがな付き台本」はこちら：👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/posts/155837588⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Transparency Disclosure: To maximize your learning experience, this podcast is produced using Google's generative AI technology for precise scriptwriting and clear, high-quality audio generation.

Welcome to Episode 45 of Real Japanese Talk with Haruka & Saki! 🗼🐙

Saki's foreign friend hit the Japanese rainy season and panicked: "Why does it rain SO much?! My laundry won't dry at all!" Welcome to 梅雨 (tsuyu), Japan's unique month-long rainy season — a humidity hell that catches every foreigner off guard. It's not the temperature that gets you; it's the 80%+ humidity that makes 25°C feel unbearably sticky. Today Haruka and Saki break down the rainy season survival guide: how to handle laundry that won't dry, mold warfare, food safety, and the cultural side — teru-teru-bōzu weather dolls and the beautiful ajisai (hydrangea) that defines the season. Perfectly timed, since it's June right now!

Three target words today: 湿気 (shikke, "humidity / moisture" — the true villain of tsuyu), ジメジメ (jimejime, the onomatopoeia for that damp, sticky, unpleasant feeling), and 対策 (taisaku, "countermeasures" — how Japanese people fight back against the damp).

PLUS the full survival toolkit: 部屋干し (heya-boshi, indoor laundry drying) with special anti-odor detergent, 除湿機 (dehumidifiers) and 除湿剤 (moisture absorbers) for closets, mold prevention through ventilation, and food poisoning awareness. Plus the cultural beauty: teru-teru-bōzu dolls children hang in windows wishing for sunshine, and ajisai hydrangeas that bloom gorgeously in the rain. Your guide to surviving (and appreciating) Japan's rainy season starts here! Seasonal series, after Ep.28 (New Year)!

【Today's Vocabulary / 今日の言葉】

・湿気 (しっけ) - The moisture contained in the air. Equivalent to English "humidity" or "moisture." The reading 「しっけ」 is colloquial and common (「しっき」 is also valid, but 「しっけ」 is natural in everyday speech). Japan's rainy season and summer have very high humidity — moisture affects perceived discomfort even more than temperature. Above 80% humidity, you feel a sticky, clingy heat. Humidity also causes mold, so Japanese people use dehumidifiers and moisture absorbers. Used as 「湿気が多い」 (high humidity), 「湿気がこもる」 (humidity builds up), 「湿気を取る」 (remove moisture), 「湿気対策」 (humidity countermeasures). The antonym is 「乾燥」 (kansō, dryness). Winter is dry, rainy season and summer are humid — that's the character of Japan's climate.

・ジメジメ (じめじめ) - An onomatopoeia describing a damp, sticky, unpleasant atmosphere with high humidity. Equivalent to English "damp" or "humid and clammy." A season-defining word used frequently during the rainy season and on humid days. 「今日もジメジメするなー」 (it's so damp again today) is used almost like a standard rainy-season greeting. Beyond physical dampness, it applies to mood — 「ジメジメした気分」 (a damp, gloomy mood). Figuratively, it can even describe a gloomy, dark personality — 「ジメジメした性格」. A related onomatopoeia is 「ジトジト」 (wetter); the opposite is 「カラッと」 (dry and refreshing). Used as 「ジメジメした天気」 (damp weather), 「ジメジメする」 (to feel damp).

・対策 (たいさく) - A method or means to deal with a problem or difficult situation. Equivalent to English "measure" or "countermeasure." Refers to responses that prevent or mitigate some problem (humidity, mold, disasters, illness, etc.). During the rainy season, various 対策 become necessary: 「湿気対策」 (humidity countermeasures), 「カビ対策」 (mold countermeasures), 「食中毒対策」 (food poisoning countermeasures). An important word used frequently in business and social contexts too. Used as 「対策を立てる」 (devise a countermeasure), 「対策を講じる」 (take measures), 「対策を取る」 (take action), 「○○対策」 (X-countermeasures). Similar to 「予防」 (prevention), but 「対策」 more often refers to concrete actions and means.

📄 Get the Full Transcript with Furigana & Study Guide on our Patreon!シャドーイングに便利な「ふりがな付き台本」はこちら：👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/posts/155837588⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Transparency Disclosure: To maximize your learning experience, this podcast is produced using Google's generative AI technology for precise scriptwriting and clear, high-quality audio generation.

Welcome to Episode 44 of Real Japanese Talk with Haruka & Saki! 🗼🐙

Saki's foreign friend went to a Japanese doctor for a headache, said "head pain," and froze when the doctor asked "What KIND of pain?" Welcome to one of the most unique features of Japanese medicine: doctors expect you to describe your pain through ONOMATOPOEIA. Saying "it hurts" isn't enough — you need to specify "zukizuki" (throbbing), "chikuchiku" (pricking), "hirihiri" (burning), or one of many others. This is a make-or-break skill for foreigners living in Japan. Today Haruka and Saki run through the essential pain onomatopoeia with a full doctor-patient roleplay covering headaches AND sore throats.

Three target words today: ズキズキ (zukizuki, throbbing pulsing pain — for headaches, toothaches, swollen injuries), チクチク (chikuchiku, pricking like a needle — for sore throats, skin irritation, itchy sweaters), and 症状 (shōjō, "symptoms" — the critical word doctors will ask you to describe).

PLUS the bonus pain onomatopoeia: ヒリヒリ (hirihiri, burning — sunburns, scrapes, spicy food), ジンジン (jinjin, dull aching numbness — bruises, nerve pain), キリキリ (kirikiri, sharp twisting — stomach pain, stress). Master these and your Japanese doctor visits become 10x more effective. The third onomatopoeia episode after Ep.23 (Fatigue) and Ep.27 (Texture) — the practical onomatopoeia series continues!

【Today's Vocabulary / 今日の言葉】

・ズキズキ (ずきずき) - Onomatopoeia describing pulsing, repetitively-strong pain that throbs like a heartbeat. Equivalent to English "throbbing" or "pulsing pain." The feeling of waves of 「ズキッ、ズキッ」 in rhythm with your heartbeat. One of the most frequently used pain onomatopoeia in Japanese medical settings — used for headaches, toothaches, swollen injuries, and inflammation that pulses from within. Used as 「頭がズキズキする」 (my head is throbbing), 「歯がズキズキ痛む」 (my tooth is throbbing), 「傷口がズキズキする」 (the wound is throbbing). Japanese doctors classically ask patients 「どんな痛みですか？ズキズキしますか？」 (What kind of pain? Is it throbbing?). For foreigners visiting Japanese doctors, just knowing this onomatopoeia makes consultations dramatically smoother.

・チクチク (ちくちく) - Onomatopoeia describing small, repetitive pain like being pricked by a needle. Equivalent to English "pricking" or "prickling." The sensation of sharp, small stimuli in succession. Versatile — used not only for pain but also for tactile sensations. Concrete uses: ①sore throat during cold onset 「喉がチクチクする」, ②insect bites or skin irritation 「肌がチクチクする」, ③fabric texture like wool sweaters 「セーターがチクチクする」, ④psychological pain like guilt 「胸がチクチクする」. Essential vocabulary in medical settings for conveying mild pain or early symptoms. Best learned in contrast with 「ズキズキ」 (throbbing strong pain) — the contrast makes both stick.

・症状 (しょうじょう) - The manifestation of an illness or injury — the abnormal state appearing in the body. Equivalent to English "symptom." Essential medical vocabulary — doctors, nurses, and pharmacists classically ask patients 「症状を教えてください」 (please tell me your symptoms). Japanese medical practice combines symptom description with onomatopoeia (zukizuki, chikuchiku) for specificity. Used as 「症状が出る」 (symptoms appear), 「症状を訴える」 (complain of symptoms), 「症状が悪化する」 (symptoms worsen), 「症状が和らぐ」 (symptoms ease). Absolutely essential vocabulary for foreigners visiting Japanese clinics. Even pharmacists often ask 「どんな症状ですか？」 (What are your symptoms?) when buying over-the-counter medicine.

📄 Get the Full Transcript with Furigana & Study Guide on our Patreon!シャドーイングに便利な「ふりがな付き台本」はこちら：👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/posts/155837588⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Transparency Disclosure: To maximize your learning experience, this podcast is produced using Google's generative AI technology for precise scriptwriting and clear, high-quality audio generation.

Welcome to Episode 43 of Real Japanese Talk with Haruka & Saki! 🗼🐙

Saki's foreign friend watched her press her hands together and say "itadakimasu" before eating alone — and asked in genuine confusion: "Who are you talking to?!" Welcome to one of Japan's most fundamental food customs, and one that no English translation can fully capture. 「いただきます」 (itadakimasu) and 「ごちそうさま」 (gochisōsama) are far more than "Bon appétit" or "Thanks for the meal" — they carry deep philosophical meaning about life, gratitude, and the unseen labor behind every dish. Today Haruka and Saki unpack the etymology, the meaning, and the practical rules for foreigners.

Three target words today: 感謝 (kansha, "gratitude" — directed at the food''s producers, the people who delivered it, the cook, AND the food itself), 命 (inochi, "life" — the kanji for itadakimasu literally means "I receive (life)", acknowledging that vegetables, fish, and meat all had life), and 習慣 (shūkan, "custom / habit" — drilled into Japanese kids from kindergarten through the school lunch ritual).

The etymology bombshell: 「ご馳走様」 (gochisōsama) — the characters mean "running around." Long ago, gathering ingredients required people to literally run around (or run horses) to prepare a meal, so the phrase means "thank you for running around for me." Plus the practical foreigner guide: Do you say it eating alone? (Often yes.) At restaurants? (Yes, the chef appreciates it.) Is hand-pressing required? (No — varies by family and region; Kansai tends to do it more.) Your guide to one of the most beautiful expressions in Japanese starts here!

【Today's Vocabulary / 今日の言葉】

・感謝 (かんしゃ) - The feeling of being thankful for another's kindness or favor. Equivalent to English "gratitude" or "thanks." Expressing gratitude is highly valued in Japanese society and used frequently in everyday conversation. 「いただきます」 expresses multi-layered gratitude in a single word — to the farmers who grew the food, to those who transported it, to the cooks, and to the food itself. Used as 「感謝する」 (to be grateful), 「感謝の気持ち」 (feeling of gratitude), 「感謝を伝える」 (express thanks). Synonyms include 「ありがたい」 (grateful) and 「お礼」 (thanks), but 「感謝」 has a more formal, polite tone. Common in business emails too: 「いつも感謝しております」 (I'm always grateful).

・命 (いのち) - The state of being alive, or life itself. Equivalent to English "life." The core keyword behind 「いただきます」 — the kanji 「頂きます」 means "I humbly receive (life)." The Japanese view: vegetables, fish, and meat all had life, and we live by receiving that life. This uniquely Japanese expression of respect blends Buddhist influence with ancient Japanese reverence for all living things. Used as 「命を大切にする」 (treasure life), 「命がけ」 (life-risking), 「命の恩人」 (lifesaver). Similar to 「生命」 (seimei), but 「いのち」 (inochi) carries a more emotional, poetic tone.

・習慣 (しゅうかん) - Behavior or rules that become naturally ingrained through repetition. Equivalent to English "custom" or "habit." For Japanese people, 「いただきます」 and 「ごちそうさま」 are textbook examples of food customs drilled in from childhood through family meals and school lunches. At lunchtime, entire classes chant 「手を合わせてください、いただきます！」 (please press your hands together, itadakimasu!). This habit naturally continues into adulthood. Covers everything from personal habits (lifestyle, study habits) to cultural customs (food customs, etiquette). Used as 「習慣をつける」 (form a habit), 「習慣を変える」 (change a habit), 「悪い習慣」 (bad habit), 「良い習慣」 (good habit).

📄 Get the Full Transcript with Furigana & Study Guide on our Patreon!シャドーイングに便利な「ふりがな付き台本」はこちら：👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/posts/155837588⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Transparency Disclosure: To maximize your learning experience, this podcast is produced using Google's generative AI technology for precise scriptwriting and clear, high-quality audio generation.

Welcome to Episode 42 of Real Japanese Talk with Haruka & Saki! 🗼🐙

Saki sent her younger coworker a routine LINE message ending with a period — and got back a trembling reply: "Did I do something wrong?!" Welcome to one of Japan's most fascinating modern phenomena: マルハラ (maru-hara, "period harassment"). For Gen Z, a single 「。」 at the end of a sentence reads as cold, angry, or dismissive — while older generations were taught it's the mark of polite, proper Japanese. The same character means completely opposite things across generations. Today Haruka and Saki dissect this generational chasm with side-by-side LINE message demonstrations and a survival guide for messaging Gen Z colleagues without making them tremble.

Three target words today: 句点 (kuten, "period / full stop" — pronounced "kuten," but called "maru" colloquially), 世代 (sedai, "generation" — the same period means completely opposite things across them), and 冷たい (tsumetai, "cold / distant" — what Gen Z feels when they see 「。」 in your messages).

The survival rules: replace 「。」 with emojis (「了解です😊」), exclamation marks (「ありがとう！」), or elongated endings (「了解です〜」). Plus the broader 「○○ハラ」 family — power-hara, sex-hara, mora-hara, sume-hara, remo-hara, logi-hara — and now maru-hara joins the lineup. A genuinely current Japanese phenomenon that went viral on TikTok in 2023-2024 and is now mainstream discourse. Spiritual sequel to Ep.34 (Taipa) and Ep.18 (Oshi-katsu) — the modern Japan series continues!

【Today's Vocabulary / 今日の言葉】

・句点 (くてん) - The 「。」 symbol placed at the end of a Japanese sentence. Equivalent to English "period" or "full stop." In the "correct Japanese" taught in schools, a 句点 (。) goes at the end of sentences while a 読点 (、) goes within them. Colloquially called 「マル」 (maru), used as 「文末にマルを付ける」 (put a maru at the end). The core keyword in 「マルハラ」 (maru-hara, period harassment) — many young people perceive a period at sentence-end as "cold" or "angry." Even a simple reply like 「了解しました。」 can make Gen Z think "are they in a bad mood?" Used as 「句点を打つ」 (place a period), 「句点を省略する」 (omit the period), 「句点を打たない文化」 (a culture of not using periods).

・世代 (せだい) - A group of people born and raised in the same era. Equivalent to English "generation." In Japan, generations like Showa, Heisei, Gen Z, Yutori, Dankai, Bubble, etc. each have notably different values, communication styles, and cultures, making generational comparison a frequent topic. As the maru-hara example shows, the same symbol 「。」 can carry completely opposite meanings across generations — generational gaps are a major theme of contemporary Japanese society. Used as 「世代が違う」 (different generations), 「世代を超える」 (transcend generations), 「次の世代」 (next generation), 「若い世代」 (younger generation), 「上の世代」 (older generation). In offices, terms like 「新卒世代」 (new-grad cohort), 「中堅世代」 (mid-career), 「ベテラン世代」 (veteran) are also common.

・冷たい (つめたい) - Either physically low in temperature, or emotionally distant in attitude. Equivalent to English "cold" — covering both physical coldness and psychological coldness. Physical: 「冷たい水」 (cold water), 「冷たい風」 (cold wind). Psychological/attitudinal: 「冷たい態度」 (cold attitude), 「冷たい目」 (cold eyes), 「冷たい返事」 (cold reply). In the maru-hara context, a period at sentence-end is felt as 「冷たい」 — meaning "dismissive," "distant," "in a bad mood." For Gen Z, a sentence with 「。」 reads as "cutting off the conversation" or "not wanting to talk anymore," giving a chilling sensation. Used as 「冷たくする」 (act cold), 「冷たく感じる」 (feel cold/distant), 「冷たい人」 (cold person).

📄 Get the Full Transcript with Furigana & Study Guide on our Patreon!シャドーイングに便利な「ふりがな付き台本」はこちら：👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/posts/155837588⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Transparency Disclosure: To maximize your learning experience, this podcast is produced using Google's generative AI technology for precise scriptwriting and clear, high-quality audio generation.

Welcome to Episode 41 of Real Japanese Talk with Haruka & Saki! 🗼🐙

Saki's foreign friend watched her crack a raw egg over rice for breakfast — and recoiled in horror: "You eat RAW EGGS?! I can't believe it!" Welcome to one of Japan's most beloved (and most foreigner-shocking) culinary inventions: TKG, 卵かけご飯 (tamago kake gohan, rice with raw egg). Today Haruka and Saki break down why Japan is the ONLY country where eating raw eggs is completely safe — and how Japan's egg production system makes it possible.

Three target words today: 生卵 (nama-tamago, "raw egg" — taboo in most countries but breakfast staple in Japan), 新鮮 (shinsen, "fresh" — Japan's world-class egg freshness management is what makes it all possible), and 〜ならでは (~naradeha, "unique to / distinctively" — TKG is uniquely a Japanese phenomenon).

PLUS the science: Japan's salmonella contamination rate is roughly 1/100 of that in Europe and the US, thanks to GP (Grading & Packing) Centers, mandated egg-by-egg washing/disinfection/inspection, and the legal requirement that egg packages display "raw consumption permitted" and a "best-eaten-raw-by" date. Plus a full TKG style guide: classic shoyu (soy sauce), yolk-only TKG, onsen-tamago TKG, with negi/nori toppings, and the "TKG-only" soy sauce sold in supermarkets. Your guide to Japan's raw-egg miracle starts here!

【Today's Vocabulary / 今日の言葉】

・生卵 (なまたまご) - An egg that hasn't been cooked — a raw, unprocessed egg. Equivalent to English "raw egg." In Japan, eating raw eggs is deeply embedded in daily life: tamago kake gohan (TKG), sukiyaki dipping sauce, natto toppings. Globally, this is extremely rare — in Western countries, raw eggs are considered "absolutely off-limits" due to salmonella infection risk. The UK's Food Standards Agency warns pregnant women, the elderly, and infants to avoid raw eggs. Japan can safely eat them because of rigorous quality control at GP (Grading & Packing) Centers and an egg production system explicitly designed for raw consumption. Used as 「生卵をかける」 (pour raw egg over), 「生卵を割る」 (crack a raw egg), 「生卵が苦手」 (not good with raw eggs). Pronunciation: 「なまたまご」 (nama-tamago).

・新鮮 (しんせん) - When fish, meat, vegetables, eggs, etc. are just-harvested or just-caught and in good condition. Equivalent to English "fresh." In Japan, awareness of food freshness is extremely high, with world-class freshness management systems built especially for seafood and eggs. For eggs, they're washed, inspected, and packaged at GP Centers immediately after laying, reaching supermarket shelves in a "raw-consumption-safe" state. This supports Japan's unique raw-egg culture. It also has figurative uses — 「新鮮な気持ち」 (fresh feeling), 「新鮮な驚き」 (fresh surprise) — to express the novelty of sensations or experiences. Used as 「新鮮な野菜」 (fresh vegetables), 「新鮮さを保つ」 (maintain freshness), 「新鮮味がある」 (has a freshness to it).

・ならでは (ならでは) - An expression indicating a characteristic unique to a particular person, place, or time. Equivalent to English "unique to" or "distinctively (of)." Carries the nuance of "only ~ has it, nowhere else," used to emphasize the uniqueness or appeal of the subject. For example, 「日本ならではの文化」 means "a culture unique to Japan, found nowhere else." TKG is precisely 「日本ならではの食文化」 (food culture unique to Japan). A common and useful expression in tourism guides, gourmet introductions, and brand marketing. Before 「ならでは」, you can place place names, people's names, time periods, or situations. Used as 「○○ならではの味」 (taste unique to ○○), 「ここならではの体験」 (experience unique to here), 「春ならではの楽しみ」 (joys unique to spring).

📄 Get the Full Transcript with Furigana & Study Guide on our Patreon!シャドーイングに便利な「ふりがな付き台本」はこちら：👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/posts/155837588⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Transparency Disclosure: To maximize your learning experience, this podcast is produced using Google's generative AI technology for precise scriptwriting and clear, high-quality audio generation.