Japanese Discussion

[KinKaze]

Kon'nichi wa!!
I Started This Thread because I Think A lot of Peoples Wanna Learn Japanese.
I (and I think Many more People besides Me) Loves to watch Animes in their Original Languages,which is Japanese (and with English Subs).I Think Thats Good,Because you get to learn Japanese =D.I've learned some Japanese words while watching Animes.=P

Anyway I Hope that People who Do Know Japanese will Post in this Thread.
In This Thread You Can Post Questions about Japanese words and stuff .
And You Can also post words You Know in Japanese.So That we Can Learn it,and expand our Japanese Vocabulary.

I'll start with the first One,which everyone knows,I Guess =P.

Nani = What


*And If You Know Any Good Sites to Learn Japanese,You Can Post them here too


EDIT---16 April 2007 -----------------------(I'll add more links soon)

Links
http://nihongo.3yen.com/
http://www.guidetojapanese.org/
http://dic.yahoo.co.jp/ (Japanese)
www.thejapanesepage.com/
http://www.japanese-online.com/
http://www.kanjisite.com/html/wak/index.html (Japanese Writing System)
http://hougen.atok.com/ (Japanese)
http://nihongoresources.com/
http://www.csse.monash.edu.au/~jwb/wwwjdic.html

現代日本語文法概説 . Saburoo-sensei's Outline of Modern Japanese Grammar (http://www.geocities.jp/niwasaburoo/shuyoumokuji.html) (It's in Japanese, but it's really good! Thanks to Sumike-Kaito)

Japanese Learners and Speakers FC (http://forums.narutofan.com/showthread.php?t=123545) (by Sumike-kaito)

[Uchiha Suzie]

I've been learning Japanese for a year and a bit now at university, so I'm not gonna post all the words I know :P We mainly learn to write in the scripts in class, so most the sites I know of are all about that which I doubt you want to learn right now. I'll add a phrase to your vocab.
Chiizu suki desu :)

[Svensken]

KinKaze, Please Don't Use Capital Letters So Damn Often :rolleyes:

[GaaraOfTheDesert]

i bet everyone knows this one:

Baka: Idiot


good site (best site): www.japanese.about.com
it also has a forum

[Aruka]

Konnichiwa Minna San! Actually I learned a few japanese words by just watching anime's.

[marz76]

Since we are on the subjuct what the hell does Dattebayo mean anyway.. This is the phrase Naruto uses after EVERY FReaking thing he says... Just drives me nuts sometimes.

[KinKaze]

KinKaze, Please Don't Use Capital Letters So Damn Often :rolleyes:

oh,I thought it looked better you know :rolleyes:

I'll add a phrase to your vocab.
Chiizu suki desu :)

And what Does That Means?

Since we are on the subjuct what the hell does Dattebayo mean anyway.. This is the phrase Naruto uses after EVERY FReaking thing he says... Just drives me nuts sometimes.

There's actually A Thread About That.
http://forums.narutofan.com/showthread.php?t=6176

[Forsaken]

Since we're (hopefully) all Naruto fans, everyone probably knows what I'm about to post... but this is the only Japanese I could think of off the top of my head.

Iruka means "dolphin", and Hatake Kakashi means "farmland scarecrow."

Oh, wait, I did think of something else... Ki o tsukete. "Take care."

[knightlc]

BaGa =_= ..... why learn japs in forums?
it's not like we are going to jap anyway ....
i'll stick to subtitles :p

[poona]

well, I guess i know i bit of japanese seeing that japanese originally evolved form the chinese language, plus i read the chinese manga, so I'll yall some of what I know.
Uzumaki: Whirling.

Naruto: This white and pink roll of meat like food that is sliced into pieces and put into ramen.

[Sayo]

ok what are the following words in japanese
and english


- kitsun

- death god
- elf
- fairy
- sword

[Jaggan]

uhm..
- fox

- shinigami
- dunno
- dunno
- knew once..

XD Japanese is freakin difficult..only things i can say are: I dun/do speak japanese, can you understand english? I'm american (which i'm never ever gonna use)

[cypherkronis]

kon nichi wa. dare ga nihongo wo shite iru? boku ha koukou sannensei de gakkou de nihongo wo totte iru. i'm taking japanese in school and i try to read the manga raw n stuff. maybe this topic could serve as a translation help thingy, like if you have questions about a certain sentence or kanji in the manga, etc. this could work out really well..

[cypherkronis]

o btw. i just read this. chiizu suki desu means i like cheese...lol

[Tsugakyu]

Ohayo... (I always say that, no matter of the time of the day :D)

Sore wa watashi no nindo desu!
(That is my ninja way!)

And Kitsun doesn't mean fox, but Kitsune does. (Notice the E!)

I study japanese on my free time. We mostly learn hiragana and katakana.
The negative thing is, my sensei only speak woman-japanese, and she isn't very familiar with slang (like datte ba yo, which means 'yknow)

Watashi wa Gaara desu.
Anata wa nandesuka?

[Ketsueki]

Brilliant resource site I came across: Japanese Dictionary (http://www.freedict.com/onldict/jap.html)

Also

Most rabid Anime lovers(like myself ^_^) can't help but learn a lot of Japanese words and phrases. Whether it's watching subtitled Anime or listening to Anime music CDs, I've learned a lot of Japanese! I've also started taking Japanese classes as well! Though I'm not even close to being able to speak Japanese fluently, I have picked up a lot of common words and phrases. So here's my little guide to some handy Japanses terms! ^_^ For words or phrases with more complex meanings, I've also put examples from some Animes.

Honorifics

First off, I think the many name honorifics of the Japanese language are what make it so special. If you've watched any subtitled Anime, you've probably noticed that most of the characters add ending "suffixes" to the names of other characters. Well, that's 'cause each "suffix" has its own meaning, and they show how that character feels towards the other characters. You can tell a lot about a character's personality just by knowing the honorifics that they use for the other characters. Here's a run down of what the honorifics mean:

-chan = denotes love and affection. "-chan" is usually used for girls, either close friends (Example: Sakura and her girl friends at school all call each other "-chan") or it can be used to show affection towards a younger girl (Example: Tenchi calls Sasami "Sasami-chan"; Yukito calls Sakura "Sakura-chan"). "-chan" can also be used to show affection to something cute and little, like an animal or a baby (Example: Sasami calls Ryo-ohki "Ryo-chan"; Sakura and Tomoyo call Kero "Kero-chan"). And the only time "-chan" is used for a male is to show great affection towards a lover (Example: If you've ever seen the Japanese version of Sailor Moon or Mon Colle Knights, Usagi calls Mamoru "Mamo-chan"; Rokuna calls Mondo "Mon-chan").

-san = denotes respect and formality. "-san" is pretty much like saying "Mr.", "Ms.", or "Mrs.", except that it's used much more often in Japan, and can be used both with first names and last names.

-kun = denotes either affection to a male ("-kun" for a male is basically the same as "-chan" for a female), or a lower ranking female (Generals, managers, cheifs, etc, call their female employees "-kun"). (Example: At first, Sakura called Li "Li-kun." But as they became better friends, she used his first name instead; "Shaoran-kun."). (Example: The chief of the Galaxy Police calls Kiyone "Kiyone-kun"; The manager at the Bernadarii Insurance Co. calls Meryl "Meryl-kun.")

-sama = denotes great respect. "-sama" is used to show great admiration and respect to a king, lord or lady, or higher ranking person; it also shows great subordinance (On Slayers, Eris calls Rezo "Rezo-sama"; Valgaav calls Gaav "Gaav-sama."). "-sama" can also be used to show a great love, respect, and subordinance to a lover (Example: Ayeka calls Tenchi "Tenchi-sama"; Sylphiel calls Gourry "Gourry-sama.").

-tachi = denotes plurality (Example: For a girl in a group of girls to say "all of us," would be "atashi-tachi.") (Example: To show that you're talking about more that one pokemon, you would say "pokemon-tachi.")

-sensei = a teacher or another kind of instructor

-hakase = a professor
Just a few quick notes

-Some of the words on the following lists, like the family members, already have honorifics. But they are subject to change. For example, "oni-san," which means "older brother," could also be "oni-chan" or "oni-sama". It just depends on who the speaker is. Also, for words describing people, such as "ohime-sama (princess)" or "okaa-san (mother)," the "o" at the beginning isn't always necessary. It just emphasizes on the respect. For example, if you wanted to emphasize on how great and beautiful the moon is, instead of just calling it "tsuki," you could call it "otsuki-sama."

-In Japanese schools, students are more formal, and very often call each other by their last names. First names are usually only used for close friends.

-Some letters in the English language don't exist in Japanese(such as "L," "V," and "X.") Non-Japanese words with these letters are often replaced with other letters that have a similar sound. For example, "L" is replaced with "R" in Japanese.

-And one last note...that in Japanese words, the stress is put on the first syllable of a word. Example, when saying "Pikachu," English speakers would tend to pronounce it "Pikachu," putting the stress on the second syllable. But the correct way to pronounce it would be "Pikachu," with the stress on the first syllable.

Animeyume.com: Learn Some Japanese (http://animeyume.com/liljapaneseguide.html)

[PineNamu]

Itadakimas = time to eat

I heard that on Naruto so haha, I'm not even Japanese!

[cypherkronis]

hahaha! about the ohayo. i always had jap first thing in the morning, now i have it in the afternoon but no matter what i say "ohayo" to my teacher.

[Tsugakyu]

I say ohayo to everybody, always :D

I wish i could have japanese in school too T_T

[Tsugakyu]

Itadakimas = time to eat

I heard that on Naruto so haha, I'm not even Japanese!

Actually, it's Itadaki Masu.

Have you noticed that Lee often pronounces u?

Like "desu", where most other say "dess".

Or "Shimasu", "Shimass"

Et cetera et cetera...

[Inactive DarkFire]

Konnichwa, hajimemashite! Watashi no namae wa Shani desu! Watashi wa juuni sai desu. Dozo yoroshiku. Ogenkidesuka? *Coughs* Since we're giving words and phrases...

A

aa, ee, un, saa = yes (informal)
abayo = casual goodbye, kinda like "see ya"
abunai = dangerous, threatening; when shouted as a command it translates to "look out!"
aburi = fried tofu
ahou = moron
ai = love
aisatsu ni = to greet, say hello to
aishiteru = I love you (romantic love)
aisuru = love, sweetheart, beloved
akari = light
aku = evil, wicked, bad, etc.
aku soku zan = literally "kill evil instantly" (from Rurouni Kenshin)
ane-ue = respectful word for "older sister"; you would use this to talk about your sister when she's not in your presence. If you were talking to her, you would use "onee-san"
ani-ue = respectful word for "older brother"; you would use this to talk about your brother when he's not in your presence. If you were talking to him, you would use "onii-san"
ano/sono/kono/dono/ = basically means "this" when referring to people. In order: "that over there", "that", "this", and "which one?"
ano hi = "this day"
ano hito = literally "that person"
ano toki = literally "that time"; often translates to "back there", "back then", etc.
anou = "well..."
ara/are = oh, or "huh?" ; "Ara" is used by women, "Are" by men.
are/sore/kore/dore = means "this" when referring to objects. Meanings are the same as listed above for "ano/sono/kono/dono"
arigatou gozaimasu = "thank you very much"; the more formal version is "domo arigatou gozaimasu"; the casual verion is "arigatou" (thanks, thank you)
arimasen/imasen = isn't ("arimashita" = was, were)
asagohan/hirugohan/bangohan = in order: breakfast/lunch/dinner/meal
ashita = tomorrow
asoko/soko/koko/doko = means "this" when referring to locations. In order: "there" (far away), "there", "here", "where?"; both "doko wa" and "koko wa" can translate as "where am I?" (literally "where is this place?"
atama = head
atarashii = new
atsui = hot (temperature or weather)


B

baka = idiot, fool, stupid, etc. (all-purpose insult)
bakaga = impossible
bakemono = monster
bento = a box lunch
betsu ni = a multi-purpose negative phrase, usually translated as "nothing" or "not really"
bishonen = beautiful boy
bishoujo = beautiful girl (sometimes translated as "pretty"; the word itself is a combination of "bi" = beautiful and "shoujo" = girl)
bouzu = kid (often used as an insult)
budo = a set of goals/morals for martial artists, such as a philosophy that goes with your particular style, such as "protect the weak" or "revitalize people" or something of that sort.
bushido = the "warrior's code", or code of honor among samurai. One of the main rules of Bushido seems to be "death before dishonor"
busu = ugly girl (a pretty rude insult)


C

chibi = little; can be a noun or adjective
chichi-oya = formal, respectful word for "father"; this is how you would refer to your father outside of his presence. If you were talking to him you would use "otou-san"
chikyuu = Earth (as in the planet)
chigau = different (can also be used as "no" as in "no, it's something different" or "that's wrong". The verb form is "chigaimasu" ("to be different/wrong"
chiisai = small (as in "small in size"; I've also heard the variation "chisana", which may be the noun version, I'm not %100 sure on that.
chotto matte = "wait a minute!" ("matte" is the gerund from of "to wait" which is "matsu"; "chotto" = "for a short time". "chotto" actually has many different meanings, it varies according to context and I don't have a full understanding of this word yet.
clothing nouns: kimono, yukata (summer kimono), obi (sash), haori (coat), hanten (jacket), hakama (skirt pants), tabi (split-toed socks), gi (short men's kimono), zori (sandals for kimono), geta (wooden sandals), warajii (sandals with many woven straw straps for keeping it on your foot securely), manto (cloak)


D

da = as in "no da", a phrase used by Chichiri of Fushigi Yuugi. This is an example of a character using archaic Japanese; he ends almost everything he says with "no da". Chichiri says this to put more emphasis into his arguments and statements, it means something like "what I'm saying is true."
daga = however/but
daijoubu = don't worry, I'm okay, I'll be all right, etc. "daijouka" is "are you okay?"
daikon = large Japanese radish
daimyo = fuedal lord; these people were the next rank above samurai in Japan's fuedal era and were the major landowners.
daisho = traditional pair of swords carried by samurai, consisting of a katana (long sword) and wakizashi (short sword)
daisuki desu/da = I love you. This has more emphasis than "suki desu/da" which means "I love you/I like you" (this refers to boyfriend/girlfriend type love, not romantic marraige-type love. Important difference!). "daisuki" can also describe your favorite things.
dakara = so, therefore
damare = means "be quiet", often translates as "shut up!" or "silence!"
dame = this actually means "bad" or "it's no good" (the opposite of "ii", which means "good" but it's often used (and translated) as "no" (as in "don't do that!"
de gozaru = a "polite phrase" that can be added to the ends of sentences. Only Himura Kenshin of Rurouni Kenshin uses this. It's a very outdated, archaic form of the polite "de gozaimasu" and would almost be like someone walking up to you and saying stuff like "thou art" and other Shakespearan-era English. You know what it means, but you would never use it in regular converstion. Kenshin's just odd -_-;;
desu = this has many complicated uses in speech, but basically it's a polite modifier, and is a more casual form of "de gozaimasu". See a grammar dictionary for how to properly translate "desu", I could never explain it properly
demo/datte = but
densetsu = legend, legendary
dewa = an interjection, has various meanings including "Then...","Well...","Now..." etc.
dim sum = pork buns (a Chinese dish)
do-iu koto da = "what do you mean?"
dojo = school (as in a maritial arts training hall)
doki doki = a phrase meaning "sometimes/from time to time"; it also describes a heartbeat
domo = This word has so many uses I couldn't possibly list them all. One common use is "thank you", functioning as the short version of the full (i.e. very formal) version of "thank you very much" ("domo arigatou gozaimasu"
doozo = here you go, here you are (giving someone something)
dou = how, in what way?; "dou da?" is "how about it?"
dou shite = why?/why not?/how come?; "doushita" can mean "what's wrong?"


E

eeto... = like saying "um..." or "erm...", that sort of thing
expletives: mou, che, chikuso, kuso, shimatta (all meaning damn, shit, crap, etc.)


F

fuku = uniform
fureru = "to touch"
furo = bath
futon = the thin, soft mattresses some Japanese sleep on (most people use Western beds nowadays). They are folded and stored in cabinets when not in use.
fushigi = mystery, wonder, mysterious, etc.


G

gaijin = refers to any foreigner
gakkou = highschool
gambatte ne! = "do your best!"
genki da = cheer up, be well, take care, etc. ("genki" literally means energy)
gochisousama! = said at the end of mealtimes, means "thank you for the meal/I'm finished"
gomen nasai = I'm sorry


H

ha = the cutting edge of a sword (just one of many meanings for "ha"
haha-oya = respectful word for "mother"; this is how you would refer to your mother outside of her presence. If you were talking to her you would use "okaa-san"
hai = yes
hajime = beginning, start, the first time, etc. The verb "to begin" is "hajimeru" (with the often-heard command form "hajimete"
hajimemashite = "I'm pleased to meet you (for the first time)"
hakubaikou = white plum (the scent and the flower)
han = half; examples are "hanbun" ("half of me" or "part of me" and "hanyou" ("half-demon"
hana = there are a few meanings for this, including "flower" and "nose"
hanase = imperative form of "to release", it often translates as "release me!" or "let me go!"; the dictionary form is "hanasu"
hanashi = as a noun it means "news, account, story", etc. The dictionary from of the verb "to talk" is "hanasu"; "hanasu also means "to release" (see above)
hane = spring (as in the season)
hayaku = means "faster"; also translates as "hurry up" or "quickly" when used as a command.
hen = weird or strange
hentai = literally "strange", though it's often used in such a way as to get the translation "pervert"
henshin = transform or change
hidari = left
hidoi = mean, cruel
hikari = light, energy (as in a glare, gleam, or ray)
hime = princess
himitsu = secret
hito = man, person
hitokiri = assassin; "hito" means "man" and "kire" is a form of the verb "to cut" ("kiru", so "hitokiri" literally means "Man-Slicer" or "ManSlayer", hence why it's an appropriate job title for an assassin
hitomi = to see, eye
hitotsu no = a part of something (a, one, etc.)
honorifics: the Japanese "honorific" has no English equivalent. They are a way of showing your status in relation to another person and so, depending on how they are used, they can be either respectful or insulting. In rank from highest respect to lowest they are: -sama, -san, -dono, -kun, -chan. They are used as suffixes attached to the ends of words. There has been some debate amongst myself and others about the exact usage of "-dono" as it occurs in anime and manga; it's an older honorific and seems to imply that the speaker is in the service of another person, but this isn't always true in context. As far we can tell its usuage is on a case-by-case basis.
honto = really ("honto desu ka" = "really?"
houshi = priest


I'll post the other half, but if you people dun want me to, I won't, lol XD

[Masaki]

I didn't read everything, so I don't know if it was mentioned yet. What is the word for idiotic? (I know it has the base word of baka, I don't know the rest, though)

[Inactive DarkFire]

Baka is the word for idiotic, baka serves for all insults basically. I think that's basically it, baka. I guess I'll post the next section, lol.

I

ichiban = first, the best, favorite, etc.; "ichi" is "one" and when the Japanese count things they use different classifiers along with the number (kind of like the way we say "two pieces of bread" instead of "two breads". "-ban" is used specifically for counting numerical order.
ie = house
ii = good, nice; "ii desu ka" means "is it okay?", the casual version is "ii ne/na"; the past tense of "ii" is "yokatta" (yup you grammar-seekers, it's an irregular. I hate irregulars )
iie, iya = no; the first is more formal, the second more relaxed and conversational
iinazuke = fiancee
ikari = fury
ikenai = "oh no!"
iku = the dictionary form of "to go"; often you hear it as "ikuzo" meaning "let's go!" This form isn't in my grammar book, so I'm guessing it's some sort of ultra-casual slang version of the verb, but I can't be sure about that.
ima = now
imouto = younger sister
inochi = life
inu = dog
irrashimase! = welcome! (used in restaurants to greet customers)
itachi = weasel
itadakimasu = said at the start of meals, means "let's eat!", "here's to good food", etc.
ite = ouch, ow
itte kimasu = "I'm taking off!" or "I'm leaving now!"; the "itte" part of this is the gerund form of the verb "to go" ("iku" but there is no conjugation with "kimasu" on the end of it, so I'm wondering if I'm not hearing the phrase correctly...
istu = when; "istu mo" means "always, constantly, forever", etc.

J

ja ne/ja na = see you later/see you then
ja matta/mattana = casual "goodbye"
-ja nai/-nai = a suffix that gives an adjective a negative meaning. Japanese "adjectives" don't fully correspond to the English ones, you need to see a grammar book for a proper explanation of negative forms.
janken = the Japanese version of "rock, paper, scissors"; the phrase is "Janken, Janken, Pon!"
jibun = one's self, yourself/himself/herself
jikai = next time
jinchuu = Earthly justice (is also sometimes translated as "revenge"
jitsu wa = "actually..."
jou-chan = "little missy"
joudan janai ="this is no joke!" or "you've got to be kidding!", etc.
juunishi = Japanese version of the Chinese Zodiac (featured in the anime Fruits Basket)

K

ka = a particle that indicates a question
kakkoii! = "cool!"
kami = some common meanings for this word are "spirit" ("Kami-sama" is God), "hair", and "paper"
kamiya = flower; this isn't the generic word for "flower" so I'm thinking it refers to a specific species, I have no idea which one though...
kanai = wife
kanji = perception, feeling. Also refers to the Chinese characters used in Japanese writing.
kanojo = girlfriend
kao = face
kaoru = scent
kare/kareshi = boyfriend
kawaii/kawaiku ne = cute/uncute (from Ranma 1/2)
kaze = wind
keisatsu = police
ken = sword; there are many words for sword according to their type (usually determined by length). Examples: wattou (long battle katana, usually greater than 30 inches in length), katana (generally 25-30 inches long), wakizashi (short sword), kodachi (short sword between a wakizashi and katana in length), tanto (long dagger), kunai (short throwing knives), sakabatou (a fictional reverse-bladed sword), zanbatou (giant sword used to cut down both horse and rider), bokken (wooden sword), and shinai (bamboo practice sword). The sheath or scabbard for a sword is called a "saya".
kenjutsu = swordsmanship
kenkaku = swordsman
kenshin = devotion, dedication; in Rurouni Kenshin it's written with the kanji reading "Heart of Sword"
keredo/kedo = though, although, but
ki/chi = the Asian concept of a life force or life spirit; it's mentioned a lot in martial arts anime. "Ken-ki" is used in Rurouni Kenshin in reference to swords, and in Inuyasha "youki" is used to describe demon energy. "Ki" also means "tree". "Chi" is closer to the Chinese pronuciation of the word.
kimochi = feeling, emotion, pleasure
ki o tsukete = The gerund (command) form of "be careful"; dictionary form is "ki o tsukeru"
kitsune = fox
kirei = pretty, lovely; unlike in English, the Japanese word for "pretty" can also be a noun, and so sometimes you hear it as an affectionate nickname for someone.
kizu = wound (physical cut)
kodomo = child
koekeishiya = successor
koishii, koibito = beloved, lover, sweetheart, etc.
koi = this words has a ton of meanings, including love, goldfish, and "come here!" (the imperative form of the verb "to come", which is "kuru"
kokoro = heart, mind, soul, etc.
konbanwa = good evening
koneko = kitten
konnichi wa = hello, good afternoon
korosu = "to kill"
kotaeru = "to answer"; you'll hear it in various forms in anime, often as a command: "answer me!"
koto wa = thing, what, affair/matter
kotowaru = "to decline" (to refuse do something, such as fight)
kowai = scared, fear, afraid
kumo = a couple meanings, including "spider" and "cloud"

M

maa, maa = "now, now" ; a phrase used to placate someone
maa na = "I guess"
maboroshi = means "illusion", as in a dream or illusion constructed by someone; figuratively it means "mystic" or "mystical". In Escaflowne "Maboroshi no tsuki" means "The Mystic Moon."
machigainai = there's no mistake! (like when you recognize someone, or verify information)
mada = not yet, still
mamoru = "to protect"
masaka = "of course not!", "impossible", "it can't be!", "not really", etc.
massushiro = a phrase, means "clean and white"
mattaku = sheesh, yeesh, jeez, "oh for heaven's sake", etc. General expression of annoyance.
miko = priestess
minna = everyone
miru = "to see"
miso = Japanese soy-based soup
mizu = water
mochi = a Japanese dessert: rice dough (kinda marshmallow in texture) stuffed with ohagi (sweet bean paste)
moko-dono = from Ranma 1/2, means "son-in-law"
mon = family crest, often seen on formal kimono. In the Meji era a "mon" was also a form a currency that was worth less than a "sen".
mononoke = vengeful spirit
mooto = increases the amount of something. An example is "hayaku, hayaku, mooto hayaku" (a phrase from a Spirited Away image song) which means "faster, faster and faster" but "mooto" doesn't mean "and"; it's simply increasing the amount of "hayaku"
mori = forest
moshi moshi = hello (on the phone)
mou ii = a phrase, means "no more" or "that's enough!"
mune = the dull edge of a Japanese sword. It also means "heart"
musume = daughter (in Rurouni Kenshin "itachi musume" = "weasel girl" or literally the daughter of a weasel. Obviously in this case it's being used as in insult)
muzukashii = difficult
myuun = the sound a cat makes, they also make a "nyaa nyaa" sound

[TrendyNinja]

Well ...I am learning japanese too ...I am gonna make my master there ....(hopefully) been saving money ....I can't post all I know because it is too many.But I just started a month ago.But if I start with words I know it Will need lots of space.I must say I also started learning the language because I am fascinated by it.And especially by the kanji.I also like chinese .... but I do not like the way they speak.I like the way they write.

Watashi no namae wa Lefteris desu. Watashi wa grishiajin desu. Watashi wa nihongo no gakushei desu. :p and lots more ...

[nightdevil]

a rep for u DarkFire for your effort!

[Inactive DarkFire]

*Grins and glomps naru89* Arigatou! ^^

N

na ha = a very impolite and abbreviated way to ask someone their name. "O-namae wa" is standard-polite; if you wantto be even more formal you would use "O-namae wa nan to iimasu ka" or "O-namae wa nan to osshaimasu ka" (the latter is very polite ^^)
nakanai de = don't cry, the negative form of the verb "to cry" ("naku". "nakanaide kudasai" = "please don't cry"
nan da/nan de = why, what. "nan da to" is an extreme version of "what", sort of like "WHAT?!"
nan de sute = "what did you say?"
nan = what; a common casual version of this is "nani"
nani yatten no = "what are you doing?"
nani-mo = nothing
naruhodo = I see (as in "I understand"
naze = why (an extreme why, as in "why did you do that?!"
ne = when put as a question, means "right?" (as in "correct". This is just one of the many meanings of "ne"
neko = cat
nezumi/onezumi = mouse/rat
nigeru = "to run"
nihon, nippon/nihongo = Japan/Japanese (language)
nikuma = pork buns
ningen = human
nidoto = never (as in "I'll never do that again"
no = serves several purposes, often as a particle marking a possessive ("Akane no iinazuke" would be "Akane's fiancee" for instance)
numbers: ichi (one), ni (two), san (three), shi or yon (four), go (five), roku (six), shichi or nana (seven), hachi (eight), kyuu or ku (nine), juu (ten), etc.


O

obasan = aunt
obaasan = grandmother. It's important to note that this word is very different from "obasan" above (which only has one "a" in romanji or a short "a" sound in speech). The "a" sound in "obaasan" is held twice as long.
obaba = great-grandmother, or a fairly rude way of saying "old woman"
obou = monk
oden = a mixed meat/vegetable stew
ohagi = sweet bean paste
oi = hey!
oishii = delicious, tasty
ojisan = uncle, or "mister" when used by a non-relative. The Japanese have the habit of sometimes referring to strangers or aquaintances with familial terms. This is one such example.
ojiisan = grandfather. Just as with "obasan" it's important to note the difference in spelling. You hold the "i" sound longer when you want to say "grandfather" as opposed to "uncle".
okaa = mother; in speech this word is almost always used with an honorific. "Okaa-sama" is very respectful, "Okaa-san" is general respect (this is the usual form you hear), "Okaa-chan" is informal and is sort of like saying "mommy".
okari nasai = welcome home
okashira = commander or boss
okonomiyaki = Japanese "pizza" (it's similar to a pancake with sauce and other toppings added. Yum ^_^)
ohayou gozaimasu = good morning (just "ohayou" is like "morning!"
ohisashiburi = "it's been a long time" or "long time no see!"
omoshiroi = interesting or amusing
onna = woman
onegai = please (the full version is "onegai-shimasu" when you're being really polite; if used like a command I've seen it translated as "I beg of you!"
onee = older sister (informal: onee-chan, polite: onee-san
oni = ogre or demon
onii = older brother (informal: onii-chan, polite: onii-san)
onigirii = rice ball
onsen = hot spring
ooji = prince
ookii = big
osuwari = the command form of "to sit" ; actually this is technically a dog command...
otaku = in Japan this words simply refers to a fan of anything, in America it's come to describe an fan of anime specifically.
otoko = man
otou = father; in speech, just as with "okaa", this word is almost always used with an honorific. "Otou-sama" is very respectful, "Otou-san" is general respect (this is the usual form you hear), "Otou-chan" is informal and is sort of like saying "daddy".
otouto = younger brother
otto = husband
ougi = succession technique for a sword or martial arts school, literally means "deep act"
owari = "the end", as in the end of a show or story. The verb "to end" is "owaru"
oyaji = "old man", as in your dad (often used as an insult in anime)
oyasumi nasai = good night


P

paku = the sound a fish makes
pan = bread
particle: the Japanese "particle" refers to the short syllables (no, to, ni, mo, etc.) sprinked in Japanese sentences. The meaning and uses of particles are many and varied. They often serve as object and topic markers, identifying the subject of the sentence (first person pronouns are nearly always followed by a particle. Examples would be "watashi no", "sessha mo", etc.). They also serve a function similar to English preposition "filler" words such as: of, and, the, from, to, etc. To understand particles you need a Japanese grammar dictionary and/or a good textbook.
piyo = the sound a bird makes
pronouns: watakushi (formal "I", watashi (standard "I", atashi (young woman's "I", ore (informal men's "I", boku ("I" for kids or when you're being submissive), sessha ("this unworthy one", washi (used by old people) anata (formal "you", or "beloved" if used between a married couple), kimi (standard "you", omae (casual men's "you", onushi ("you" used by old people), temee (rude version of "you", kisama (really rude version of "you", as in "you shit***!"

Notes on pronoun use: generally used in pairs.

Complementary I/you pairs by politeness level! There are a lot of ways of referring to oneself, depending on gender, age, social position, and relation to the person being addressed. Usually, a person who habitually uses a given first person pronoun will use a complementary second person pronoun to address others.

Ore/omae. Ore is the tough-guy way of saying I, and a guy who says ore usually addresses other (men) as omae. Omae *used* to be polite, it literally means something like honorable-one-in-front-of-me, but usage tends to drag down second (and sometimes first) person pronouns to lower and lower politeness levels. Anime characters who use it: Sanosuke, Yahiko, Battousai, Ranma, Ryouga -- tough guys in general.

Boku/kimi. Boku is the boy's I, used almost from the time a boy becomes aware that he is a boy, up until he decides he's a M-A-N and starts using ore. Kimi is the complementary you; most boku-users seem to use it. Boku-users in anime usually tend to be softer-spoken -- though why Tatewaki Kunou uses it is a mystery, since most of the rest are nice guys: Tenchi Masaki, Tonbo in Kiki's Delivery Service, Hakkai in Gensoumaden Saiyuuki.

Watashi/anata. Standard-polite, used by nearly all adults who don't talk tough.

Atashi/anta. This is a young girl's version of standard-polite and is a little more casual. Akane Tendou uses this.

Washi. I don't remember the complementary you for this; it's a form used by old people. Happousai, Cologne, and Genma use it (even though Genma's not that old).

Sessha/onushi. This unworthy one... and onushi means something like honored lord. Again, both are around 300 years out of date. And we all know who uses these! ^_^x

Then there are two other words for you that I should mention. At least technically they mean you -- they're usually used as epithets: kisama and temee (that's the rough-masculine pronunciation, but it's the only one I ever see). In Japanese, most curses, epithets and insults are simply very rude ways of saying you.


R

rei = soul
rounin = masterless samurai
rurouni = vagabond or wanderer (it's important to note that this word was made up by the creator of Rurouni Kenshin, combining "rounin" (masterless samurai) and "rurou" (vagabond). It doesn't actually exist in the Japanese language)
ryu = school or style (for example, a sword style such as "Hiten Misturugi Ryu".
ryuu = dragon

[TrendyNinja]

It is obvious that you are putting only the words you know in every letter so you are not copying paste.Rep from me too.

[GaaraOfTheDesert]

its just a form of politeness to add the u when you are speaking.

[nightdevil]

oh ya TrendyNinja, i accidently rep u lol...

[Someisa]

I take Japanese at my school, and I moved out of my house and an hour away just so I could switch to a school that offers Japanese. Sadly, my class is filled with a bunch of morons who slow me down completely.

Anyway...

Biggest problem I hear when people speak Japanese is their pronounciation, but since you people watch subtitled stuff all the time, you should have a good idea of how to pronounce things. That's the easiest part though, and that is about all you can learn from watching anime.

Sore wa nan desu ka?
"What is that?" Sore means "that" (the object near the person whom you are speaking with). Nan is the question word for "what". Wa is a topic marker, and is difficult for me to explain, so I'll let you look it up. Ka marks the sentence as a question.

Kore wa chizu desu.
"This is a map." Kore means "this" (the object near the speaker) Chizu is also a word for "map".

Ikura desu ka?
"How much does it cost?"

Chizu wa ichimai nihyaku en desu.
"It costs 200 Yen for one map." Ichi is the number one, and mai is the counter for flat objects like paper. There are many different counters for many different things, learn them somewhere else. Nihyaku is the number two hundred, ni being two and hyaku being hundred. En is the word for Yen, I have no idea why they are different.

[Inactive DarkFire]

*Grins* Yatta! I have noclue what reps are, but yay XD I made this list a bit back, and I had it saved in Wordpad for future references, lol. I want to take Japanesenext year, since it's only available in high school ^-^ This list was helped with my friend, who's currently taking it ^^

S

sake = rice "wine" (it's brewed like a beer)
sakura = cherry blossom
samurai = Japan's ancient warrior class (one step above peasants), officially abolished at the start of the Meji era (186
sashimi = sliced raw fish
sasuga ha = "nothing less from", as when someone lives up to his/her reputation or does something cool that you expected
satsujinhan-nin = killer/murder; "satsujin" is a shorter version.
sayounara = farewell (as in "goodbye forever" or for a long time)
seiyuu = voice actor/actress
sen = a breakdown of Japanese currency, in today's money I believe 100 sen = 1 yen (not %100 sure though)
sensei = teacher; it's often used as a suffix after someone's name and indicates that they are very knowledgeble in a certain area (doctors, teachers, and writers often get a "-sensei" after their name). In America "sensei" has a more limited definition as a "martial arts instructor".
shishou = old term for "master" in the martial arts
senshi = soldier
sempai = upperclassmen/predecessor; essentially someone who has studied or been there before you
sepukku = ritual suicide
shakkin = debt (as in money)
shihondai = assistant master
shikari shite = generally translated as "hang in there! or "snap out of it!". "shikari shiro" is the informal male speech version. The literal "snap out of it" is "ii kagen ni shinasai/ii kagen ni shiro" (male speech); it kind of means "behave yourself!"
shikashi = however/but
shinda = "died"; this is the plain past tense of "shinu", which means "to die".
shinji = form of the verb "to believe" ("shinjiru". You hear the verb in its various forms everywhere in anime, but I've only heard "shinji" as a name (from Evangelion). I'm not sure of its precise meaning in that form.
shinjitsu = truth
shinma = literally "gods" + "demons", used to describe the supernatural beings in Vampire Princess Miyu
shinpai = worry
Shinto/Shintoism = the native religion of Japan. Shintoism consists mainly of ancestor worship and the worship of various animal spirits. Shinto temples are distinguished by the large orange-red "Tori" gates placed outside the main temple (these are commonly seen in anime).
shitsure shimasu = lit. "please excuse what I am about to do". It's what you say when you enter someone else's house.
shogun = warlord
shoji = the sliding rice paper doors in Japanese houses
shounen = boy
shoujo = girl
sonna = such
soo = so (the one word that's the same in Japanese and English)
sore = that
soredemo = however/but
soro soro = soon, "it's almost time", "it is time for...", etc. This phrase has a lot of translations, it's hard to pin down a precise meaning.
soshite = and
sou ka = I see or "do I?" (the ka indicates a question)
sou na = no, as in "no, that can't be!" or "no way!"
sou desu ne = yes it is; "sou sou" can mean "oh yeah..."
so-yo = that's true, that's right!
subete = all, everything
sugoi! = awesome!, cool!, wow!, etc.
suhama = rice cake
sukoshi = literally "to a small degree"; usual translations: a bit, few, slight, slightly, little, some, any
sumanu/sumanai/sumimasen = "pardon me" or "excuse me", also translates to "I'm sorry" or even "thank you"; this word has so many variations.
suru = "to do"; "nani o suru?" = "what are you doing?"
sushi = we all know this one, rice topped with raw fish (or some other kind of sea life) and wrapped in seaweed


T

tabun = probably
taberu = "to eat"
-tachi = when added to things, makes them plural ("hito-tachi" = "folk, people" for example). When used with first and second person pronouns -tachi can make words that mean we/our and "you guys"; ore/boku/watashi-tachi all mean "we/our" and "omeatachi" means "you guys", essentially referring to a group of people (see notes on pronoun use above).
tadaima = I'm home, I'm back, etc.
taichou = captain, commander
taisetsu na/ni = important (as in "this is very important/special to me"
tamago = egg
tamashii = soul; In Inuyasha "Shikon no Tama" means "Jewel of the Four Souls"
tanuki = raccoon (the Japanese raccoon dog, actually)
taousu = defeat (in battle)
tasukete = help
tataku = to hit, beat, or knock.
tatami = the straw mats that cover floors in traditional Japanese homes
tattaka = fight/battle
tatte = command form of "to stand up"; dictionary form is "tatsu"
tempura = deep-fried vegetables
tenchuu = divine or heavenly justice (from Rurouni Kenshin)
tenshi = angel
to = a particle, means "and" when linking two words
tori = bird, also refers specifically to a chicken or rooster; "tori no atama" = "rooster head" (from Rurouni Kenshin)
tsubasa = wings; a single wing is called a "hane"
tsuee = strong, as in "he's strong"
tsugi = next
tsuki = moon (as in the satellite)
tsuzuku = a phrase, "to be continued"
tsuyoi = strong, powerful


U

udon = a kind of Japanese noodle
unmei = fate or destiny
usagi = rabbit
urasai! = "shut up!" or just "be quiet"
ureshii = happy
uso = lie


W

wai! = yay!
wakaru/wakatta/wakarimashita = various forms of "to understand" ("wakaru"
wakaranai = common negative form of "to understand"
wan = the sound a dog makes
writing: the Japanese written system is very complicated and consists of three separate scripts that are used together: Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji.

Hiragana is the Japanese native script and consists of 46 basic characters. Hiragana is a syllabary rather than an alphabet (ka, ki, ko, ku, etc.) so English words cannot be neatly transcribed into Hiragana or vice versa. "Romanji" is the Japanese term for native words written in the English alphabet. Several systems exists for transcribing Japanese words into English script, the most common of which is the Hepburn system.

Katakana is also 46 characters and has the same sounds as Hiragana, but is used primarily for writing foreign words and for emphasis (similar to the way we use bold or italic characters).

Kanji are Chinese characters that have been adapted for the Japanese language. There are literally thousands of different Kanji, and much of Japanese is written in them. Kanji are often used for proper nouns (such as names and places) and also distinguish between homonyms (which are very common in Japanese). Earlier in this glossary I mentioned that "koi" is a homonym word with many meanings. In speech, the meaning is determined by context, in writing a different Kanji will be used for each meaning of koi so you know exactly which one the author means (not a bad system, actually). In manga that are read by kids, you'll often see the Kanji written with tiny Hiragana symbols (called "furigana" on the side. This is because children in Japan gradually learn their Kanji as they go through school, and so if they come across an unfamiliar one they need to know how to pronounce it (hence the Hiragana, which they already know). Full literacy in Japan is very difficult, which is why reading and writing is so imporant to them. Japanese kids spend most of your primary education learning Kanji, and they're so stringent about it Japan has one of the highest literacy rates in the world (96%!) For a fantastic and extremely informative site on Kanji and the Japanese writing system in general, please visit The Kanji SITE.


Y

yahari/yappari = literally "as expected"; usally translated as "as I thought", "just as I suspected", "you really are", "can it be that you're?", etc.
yakisoba = pan-fried noodles ("soba" are buckwheat noodles)
yakitori = skewered barbecured chicken
yakusoku = promise
yamete/yamero = casual command forms of "to stop"; "yamete" is feminine usage, "yamero" masculine
yare yare = oh well, "oh brother", etc.
yarou = very casual way of saying "guy"; often it's used as insult, in which case it's translated as "you jerk" or "shit***!", etc.
yatta! = he/she/I did it!
yatto = finally
yen = Japanese money; although the exact exchange rate varies day by day, 100 yen usually equals 1 U.S. dollar. In the 19th century (i.e. the Meji era) a yen, much like our dollar, was worth considerably more, around 100 dollars!
yo = just as in English, this is a really casual greeting. As a particle in Japanese speech, "yo" adds emphasis to a word or statement (in some cases, it acts like an exclamation point as far as meaning's concerned)
yokai = "roger!"
yokatta = an expression of relief, this is the past tense of "ii" ("good); it literally means "that was good" but it usually translates as "I'm so glad" or "thank goodness"
yosha! = "all right", "let's go", "let's do it!", etc.
youma/youkai = demon
yowai = weak
yume = dream
yuurei = ghost
yuki = snow
yurusenai! = "I won't allow/permit it!", "I can't forgive this!", etc.; "to forgive/pardon" is "yurusu"


Z

zenzen = a negative modifier, basically means "at all", in use is translates as "that wasn't good at all" or "that was a bad/unfortunate thing"
zettai! = absolutely!/definitely! This phrase can be translated many, many ways; it basically acts as empahsis to make another word seem stronger.

[cypherkronis]

shanisan, kochirakoso. boku ha genki da kedo tsumaranai. boku ha jurouku sai da. shanisan ha nihongo ga jouzu da. doko kara(?) naraimashita ka. doko ni sunde iru ka? matta ato.

[Inactive DarkFire]

1: Ichi
2: Ni
3: San
4: Yon/Shi (Yon more popularly used; Used in ages also)
5: Go
6: Roku
7: Sichi/Nana (Nana is used in ages)
8: Hachi
9: Kyu/Ku
10: Juu
11: Juuichi
12: Juuni
13: Juusan
14: Juuyon or Juushi
15: Juugo
16: Juuroku
17: Juusichi or Juunana
18: Juuhachi
19: Juukyu or Juuku
20: Nijuu

Just a moment, please. = Chotto matte kudasai.

How are you?/Are you fine? = Ogenkidesuka? (Little kids also sometimes say "Ogenki?")

Yes, I'm fine. = Hai, genkidesu. (Little kids would respond "Genki!")

No, I'm not. = Iie, genkidewa arimasen.

I'm so-so. = Mama, genkidesu.

Boifurendo = Boyfriend

You = Anata
Your = Anata no

Me = Watashi
My = Watashi no (This is explained in the list - No is a possession marking particle. XD)

Let me introduce you. = Goshoukaishimasu.

Excuse me/I'm sorry (Not an apology... Just an I'm sorry, like I'm sorry for getting in your way. XD Something like that...) = Sumimasen

Watashi no namae wa _____ desu = My name is _____

Watashi wa _____ sai desu = I am ______ years old

Dozo yoroshiku = Please favor me



That's all I have ^-^

[Zenn]

Wakatiniwa, tutinicuks = I will not lose this fight

I want to learn Japanese, because i want and will visit Japan one day, i am certain upon that...

[Inactive DarkFire]

cypherkronis-kun, I could understand only parts of what you said, lol. I got the part about me being skillful in the Japanese language (Which I don't think is true, lol.) and that you're 16 years old, and I'm sure you aren't boring ^-^ *Glomps* That's basically all I could translate, and I don't even know if that's right ^^;; My japanese is limited when it's in sentence structure, lol.

[cypherkronis]

woah, you coulda fooled me. lol. well i said, "likewise" in regards to ure hajimemashite. thats kochira koso. whered you learn jap from? and also where you live. and then, matta ato. see you later. ok heres a quick grammar lesson.

most japanese grammar works with the verb, unlike english. like, "i didnt do it", in japanese, would be a change in the verb "to do", etc. "i like to speak", would be a change in the verb "to speak". also, all japanese sentences end in the verb.

heres an example:

watashi ha cypherkronis desu.

watashi - I

cypherkronis - my name

desu - the verb. the closest equivalent to "desu" in english is "is". can you define "is"? not very well. pretty much, its a statement. whatever preceeds "desu", simply "is".

ha - the japanese language has another major element, particles. basically, a particle is a marker in a sentence that has some meaning. there is a particle that marks a question in a sentence. there is a particle that marks possession, etc. the particle "ha" is a particle that marks the topic of a sentence. you might be tempted to think that the above sentence means i am cypherkronis, where "ha" = "am". that isnt the case.

watashi ha - the sentence topic is marked as "I"
cypherkronis desu - "is/am cypherkronis"

i hope thats clear.

heres a contrary example :

watashi ha kazoku ga nai.

the second part of the sentence after "ha" means "there is no family". clearly, the sentence cant mean "I am there is no family". it means I have no family. "ha" marked the sentence topic as "I".

so in conclusion: Watashi ha cypherkronis desu. I am cypherkronis.

[cypherkronis]

ok, more with verbs. time to negatives!

here are some verbs

hanashimasu - to speak

oyogimasu - to swim

yomimasu - to read

these verbs are all in the polite masu form. the masu form is present progressive.

watashi ha yomimasu. - I read.

It doesnt mean that I am reading right now. It means that I read, in general. Also, it kinda implies I will read in the future, just like it does in english. Its something you do. Like if someone asks you, do you read? You say, yeah I read. Got that? cool.

heres how to convert to negative:

Watashi ha yomimasen. - I do not read.

Notice, the masu changed to masen.

Watashi ha hanashimasen. - I do not speak.

Thats the negative.

Now, past tense.

Watashi ha yomimashita. - I read. (pronounced "red", word)

Watashi ha hanashimashita. I spoke.

masu changed to mashita.

ok, now past negative (oh my!)

remember the desu verb? its past tense is deshita. thats gunna come into play.

Watashi ha yomimasen deshita. I did not read.

Watashi ha hanashimasen deshita. I did not speak.

you take the negative form of the verb, and add deshita. ( kinda like saying, it was so )

so thats it. enjoy : )

[cypherkronis]

ok, so whats goin on now? lets do another particle, "no". it is used to demark possession. for instance:

watashi - I
konpuuta - computer

Watashi no konpuuta - my computer

furui - old

Watashi no konpuuta ha furui desu.

"no" is like "of" in english in a lot of cases. new york no college means a college in/of new york. some people in class joke around and call me kaze no bykov, or bykov of the wind. (kaze = wind)

also, you can string together "no"s

for instance : My computers OS

Watashi no konpuuta no OS

or My computer's OS's price

Watashi no konpuuta no OS no price.

got it? cool

[Inactive DarkFire]

Lol. I learn Japanese from mostly Anime, and my friend. I'm just eager to get into Japanese class next year ^^ I read your posts, and I got totally lost, lol XD *Still needs more work in the Japanese section* I'm Chinese, so I have better luck with Chinese lol. I forgot a lot of it though, seeing how I haven't done anything with Chinese for 4 years XD But I live in Michigan, and Yeeaaahh ^^

[Tsugakyu]

I learn japanese from my sensei ^^

[cypherkronis]

anata no sensei no namae ha nan desu ka?

[Tsugakyu]

Watashi no sensei no namae wa Yuka desu.

[cypherkronis]

anata no gakkou ha japan bowl he itta koto ga aru ka?

[KinKaze]

anata no sensei no namae ha nan desu ka?
Watashi no sensei no namae wa Yuka desu.

Hey I'm Starting to understand Some...
You guys Said this I Guess,
cypherkronis: Whats Your Teachers Name?
Tsugakyu:My Teachers Name is Yuka.

anata no gakkou ha japan bowl he itta koto ga aru ka?
But This One I Don't know =P

Anyway I wanna Thnks DarkFire =P For His Post! (And Also cypherkronis)
Arigatou Gozaimasu!!

[Inactive DarkFire]

Oi oi oi, I'm a girl :D I'm called a guy so often I really don't care anymore though XD Glad I could help with somethin? ^^

[HyugaHinata]

I've studied Japanese for several years, so I'm quite fluent in it. I'd explain some of the basic grammar rules, but it'd take too long here.

So here are some words to boost your vocabulary.

Zurui = cunning/sly

Kitsui = tight/close/intense

Kusuri = medicine/drug

Wakai = young (person)

Kanji = feeling

Kitsune = fox

Kanji = chinese character

Shiro = castle

Shiro = white

Keisatsu = police.

Bake/Obake = Ghost/goblin/monster

Guntai = army/troops

Zenin = approval

Nameru = to lick (dictionary form)

Namemasu = to lick (present tense)

Moeru = to burn (dictionary form)

Gomi = rubbish

Enpitsu = pencil

Yasumi = vacation

Koibito = lover

Yukkuri = slowly, easily (e.g. Yukkuri oyasumi = rest easily)

Yasumi = vacation/holiday

Bashou = place

Jishou = dictionary

A lot of these have different meanings depending on their kanjis.

This site is great for translation help - http://www.csse.monash.edu.au/cgi-bin/cgiwrap/jwb/j-e/sjis/dict

[HornyHippo]

I've learned a lot with anime as well. Thanks for this topic!

http://animeyume.com/liljapaneseguide.html <3

[HyugaHinata]

Watashi wa Gaara desu.
Anata wa nandesuka?

Did you mean to ask 'who are you'? Because 'nan desu ka' means 'what are you'. Who are you would be 'Anata wa dare desu ka?'

Or you could say 'Anata wa?', which is 'and you?'

Another word I just remembered -

Suugaku = Math.

Have you noticed that Lee often pronounces u?

Like "desu", where most other say "dess".

Or "Shimasu", "Shimass"

Et cetera et cetera...

In Japan, it's quite common to not pronounce the 'u' in 'su' syllables if they come at the end of a word.

Tengoku = heaven

Jigoku = hell

Chikyuu = Earth

Fushigi = mysterious/strange

Hoshi = star

Hoshii = want/desire

Fukushuu = revenge

Tabetai = want to eat

Remove the 'masu' and add 'tai' to make 'I want to do (verb)'

Removes the 'masu' and add 'takunai' to make 'I don't want to do (verb)'

[hyuganeji]

i've been wondering...what do byakugan and sharingan translate to....sry of this has been already posted.

[HyugaHinata]

Byakkugan is literally 'white eye(s)' (based on the kanji). I don't know what Sharingan is.

[KinKaze]

Oi oi oi, I'm a girl :D I'm called a guy so often I really don't care anymore though XD Glad I could help with somethin? ^^

Gomen nasai =P I didn't expect You were a Girl.
Anyway Thnks for Your post.

And btw cypherkronis writes 16 as jurouku and you write it as juuroku.
I see this little differences in words a lot. (example in Naruto:Chouji and Choji,Hyuga and Hyuuga)
So can you Use both?? or is one of them wrong.

[Inactive DarkFire]

*Laughs* Don't worry, no one ever does... lol. A lot of times people do that, like from Inuyasha, Hojo and Houjo, Kikyou and Kikyo, and those examples from Naruto too. I, truthfully, don't know if they make a difference, Romanji can be spelled differently I guess, butttt yeah.

[HyugaHinata]

Gomen nasai =P I didn't expect You were a Girl.
Anyway ThnkS for Your post.

And btw cypherkronis writes 16 as jurouku and you write it as juuroku.
I see this little differences in words a lot. (example in Naruto:Chouji and Choji,Hyuga and Hyuuga)
So can you Use both?? or is one of them wrong.

That's a very complicated aspect of Japanese. The furigana (hiragana over the kanji) in 'Hyuuga' may actually be 'Hyuuga', but since the sounds are quite similar, it is often translated as having one 'u' in the subtitles.

Another reason is that it reads easier with only one 'u', even though it may not be exactly correct.

[Fudoshin]

woah, you coulda fooled me. lol. well i said, "likewise" in regards to ure hajimemashite. thats kochira koso. whered you learn jap from? and also where you live. and then, matta ato. see you later. ok heres a quick grammar lesson.

most japanese grammar works with the verb, unlike english. like, "i didnt do it", in japanese, would be a change in the verb "to do", etc. "i like to speak", would be a change in the verb "to speak". also, all japanese sentences end in the verb.

heres an example:

watashi ha cypherkronis desu.

watashi - I

cypherkronis - my name

desu - the verb. the closest equivalent to "desu" in english is "is". can you define "is"? not very well. pretty much, its a statement. whatever preceeds "desu", simply "is".

ha - the japanese language has another major element, particles. basically, a particle is a marker in a sentence that has some meaning. there is a particle that marks a question in a sentence. there is a particle that marks possession, etc. the particle "ha" is a particle that marks the topic of a sentence. you might be tempted to think that the above sentence means i am cypherkronis, where "ha" = "am". that isnt the case.

watashi ha - the sentence topic is marked as "I"
cypherkronis desu - "is/am cypherkronis"

i hope thats clear.

heres a contrary example :

watashi ha kazoku ga nai.

the second part of the sentence after "ha" means "there is no family". clearly, the sentence cant mean "I am there is no family". it means I have no family. "ha" marked the sentence topic as "I".

so in conclusion: Watashi ha cypherkronis desu. I am cypherkronis.

Ok I read thru this entire thread... and this is just BUGGING THE HELL OUT OF ME. The particle is pronounced Wa but it use's the Ha Hiragana. So Just to give you an example

Boku wa uiru sumidekunikuto desu. Doozo yoroshiku.

The Particle after Boku (word for male saying I) is the particle Wa, not Ha. I can see how you can confuse the two but it just irritates the crap out of me. lol sorry.

[HyugaHinata]

ha - the japanese language has another major element, particles. basically, a particle is a marker in a sentence that has some meaning. there is a particle that marks a question in a sentence. there is a particle that marks possession, etc. the particle "ha" is a particle that marks the topic of a sentence. you might be tempted to think that the above sentence means i am cypherkronis, where "ha" = "am". that isnt the case.

Generally, the 'wa' particle is used immediately after the subject of a sentence.

[Inactive DarkFire]

Yeah, I thought it was 'wa', not 'ha', since I got really confused when he said ha. I thought it was just me, lol. Thanks for clearing that up. And, thanks for clearing up the other point, Hinata-chan ^^

[Charlie_K]

ohhhh.. im so confused

[Ero-Simon]

Hmm, well I have been studying Japanese at University for a little over a year now so I will keep this short and sweet rather than give you everything I have ;)
An oldy but a goody:
Takai desu ne! = That's/It's Expensive!

[HyugaHinata]

Yeah, I thought it was 'wa', not 'ha', since I got really confused when he said ha. I thought it was just me, lol. Thanks for clearing that up. And, thanks for clearing up the other point, Hinata-chan ^^

No worries. It's always confusing when there are confusing and/or contradictory things such as this in a language.

Takai desu ne! = That's/It's Expensive!

Pretty much, although the 'desu ne' means something like 'isn't it', so "that's expensive, isn't it?"

'Ne' on it's own can mean 'hey', 'right?', or 'ok?'

[seta101]

I'm taking Japanese, so I'm open to any questions you might have!

[cypherkronis]

o, regarding ha. heres the thing. the character for ha, in every other case besides the particle case, is pronounced 'ha'. the ONLY case where it is pronounced 'wa' is like in watashi ha cypherkronis desu. there is an actual wa character that is totally different. this bugged me for a while too, but i used 'ha' cuz its accurate, and when i wanna type in japanese, i wanna the correct characters come out. whatever romanji you see me type is what the microsoft ime accepts as the correct writing (because the correct kanji/hiragana come out). yup..

[cypherkronis]

o and also, about the whole topic/subject thing, sorry if what i said was confusing, i guess i just kept typing and didnt look back. the reason i say that the wa particle marks the topic and not the subject is because there are cases where watashi isnt what the verb acts upon or with. i cant think of an example for the life of me, im racking my brain but i cant. dang... anyway, yeah, thats the reason i chose to phrase it is this way. cuz if u get in ure head that the rest of the sentence after ha has to be something that absolutely directly deals with 'watashi', you might get very confused later on..

[HyugaHinata]

I managed to translate "Uzumaki Naruto". I don't have access to the Japanese manga, so I cant' check the kanji, but I think that Uzumaki is 'spiral', and Naruto is 'whirlwind', so the whole things would be 'spiral whirlwind'.

The other option for a Naruto kanji would be 'fish paste', which doesn't really make sense.

[Sayo]

are hatake and such normal names in japan =/

[cerberus1989]

Well I know Baka=idiot and that Neko=cat but my vocabulary in Japanese is limited to the lessons in Shonen Jump

[hyuganeji]

hmm...
aka is red, mizu is water, katon is fire(i think), watashi is I, Kaze is wind(i think)

*as u can see my vocab is very limited...not to mention that some might be wrong

[Sayo]

lol every1 who watched naruto knows baka,...... BAKA!

ramen = noodles :S
kitsun = Fox
arigati = hi
oni chan = borther
nee chan = lil sister
date bayoo = something stupid that naruto always says -__-"
etc etc

[Zumaeta]

lol every1 who watched naruto knows baka,...... BAKA!

ramen = noodles :S
kitsun = Fox
arigati = hi
oni chan = borther
nee chan = lil sister
date bayoo = something stupid that naruto always says -__-"
etc etc


I know Kitsun from Love Hina.

[Shikamaru2k]

How do you say these phrases in japanese (text and pron.)

"How troublesome..." - Nara Shikamaru
"I got lost on the way of life..." - Hatake Kakashi
"Hard work is important..." - Rock Lee/Gai

[Kodain]

heh. I find it rather pleasing to read this and see that quite alot of ppl know japanese. Seems alot of swedes know it as well. Sore wa ii (thats fine/nice). At any rate. I got a sentence for u I want u to translate. see it as a test of your skills. "Ningen wa kudaran soshite tsumaranai. Boku tamani genbou boku wa ningen ga nai". Ganbatte anata-tachi.

[Arima Teppei]

Well it aint that hard i learned that:

Watashi wa = My name/I am

and there are some more words you can easily learn in japanese.

[Shikamaru2k]

A human is stupid and insignificant. Sometimes choosing [SOMETHING] sometimes humans [SOMETHING][SOMETHING]

Didn't know the last part..
Translate it please..

[Kodain]

"humans are stupid and worthless. Sometimes I wish I wasnt a human" something like that. btw, that sig of yours...heh. The 1st one i know of to have Ahlgrens Bilar as fav candy. ok. il give thee 1 word this time. "Kyoukan".

[Shikamaru2k]

Kyoukan - I've heard it before.. isn't that like an assassin or something (maybe it means many things, I dont know..)

BTW. Do you know Ahlgrens Bilar ?

Can you translate these phrases? (really wanna know..):

"How troublesome..." - Nara Shikamaru
"I got lost on the way of life..." - Hatake Kakashi
"Hard work is important..." - Rock Lee/Gai

[ramenboy]

Ohayou, i know "shirimochi no [insert name here]" means "falling on ass [person]" i learnt that from Viewtiful Joe ^_^

[Gejimayu]

Japanese student here, trying to break into freelance translation (anime, manga, whatever). You know anyone offering work or internships, drop me a line? Native English speaker, excellent writing skills, about JLPT level 2 Japanese (and always still learning!) with strong comprehension and inferential skills and a familiarity with the culture... Well, I'll leave it at that. ^_^;

Also, for some Naruto related translations:
"How troublesome..." is the English rendering of "Mendōkusē"　（面倒くせえ）, which is Shikamaru's pronunciation of the word "mendōkusai"　（面倒臭い）, which means "stinks of trouble/bother".

I don't know the Japanese used for Kakashi's "I got lost on the path of life", but my guess as to how I would translate that from the English would be, "Jinsei no michi ni mayotta"　（人生の道に迷った）, from jinsei = life, michi = path, and the plain past-tense form of "mayou" = to get lost.

"Hard work is important" is another one that I don't remember the exact Japanese they used, but there's "Doryoku ga jūyō desu" (努力が重要です） for "Hard work is important" and then "Doryoku ga boku no subete desu" （努力が僕の全てです） for "Hard work is everything to me."

Also, props to Viz and their translators, since their translation of Sharingan （写輪眼） as "Mirror Wheel Eye" is about as accurate as it gets.

As for my vocab contribution to this thread, I'll caution everyone to be sure to recognize their long and short vowels. Onii-chan (おにいちゃん) is your big brother, Oni-chan (鬼ちゃん) is an affectionate way of referring to an ogre. Whenever you work with Japanese, remember that long vowels are the same vowel held for double the length of a normal syllable and can make critical differences like this.　Also, don't slack on the distinctions between vowels, since it makes the difference between "kusa" (草) or "grass" and "kuso" (くそ) which you all already know. ^_^

[lycanthrope1983]

hello

i am curious about how you say "you total moron" in japanese?

thx

[bakahito]

As an eager Japanese major I just have to make my little linguistic contribution to this thread. I'm currently taking classes right now at a University, but I have had the unique advantage of going to an actually Japanese high school so I might just be able to to answer your questions about colloquial/anime Japanese. I'm pretty good when it comes to kanji and radicals (Those little seemingly random pictures that make up an entire character...and, yes, if you take intensive Japanese, you will have to memorize them. ugh) and I can have a good comprehension of the language.

For all of you eger folks are who are trying to learn Japanese but just can't wrap your head around those darn particles (wa, o, ni, and so on), try thinking of them in terms of "postpostions". In English we use prepositions to define location and relative positions. In Japanese, the same often holds true, just in a different order: I went to my house...ie ni ikimashita (lit. "my house [to that location] I have gone). Its tricky, but with a lotta practice it can be mastered.

And on another random note...anybody ever wonder where the infamous word "baka" comes from? It actually was a sort of jargon developed by monks and it consists of the chacters: 馬 (ba/uma, meaning horse) and 鹿 (ka/shika, meaning deer). Now why on earth would horse-deer mean idiot? The actual entomology comes from a an old saying that a person who cannot discern the difference between a horse and a dear must be slow in the head. For some variety in your Japanese word list, try using "Aho" (the Osaka dialect equivalent of baka).

*wheh* Ok...well thats my ranting for today. I love this stuff and could write for hours! hehe...

[So Desu Ka]

as someone said earlier, Iruka = Dolphin, Hatake Kakashi = Farmland Scarecrow, and Uzumaki Naruto = fish sausage in ramen. It is a white, many pointed star looking thing with a red swirl in the middle, the red swirl is uzumaki and the meat is naruto

[Lee]

i have always wanted to learn japanese but i have never been assed to.

[Gejimayu]

bakahito -- Another story I read in Mangajin regarding the origin of "baka" (other than the idea that it was forced fit "ateji" type word) was that an ancient Chinese leader told his officers that a deer was a horse, and wanted to see if they'd stand up to him or be yes men.

[Crucifixation]

Having learnt chinese for 13 years, I can understand Kanji, since Kanji originates from Chinese (correct me if I am wrong)
It's only the pronounciation that's different.
Itachi = weasel
Kage-buushin = shadow seperation of body
Orochimaru = Big snake...circle? O_o (I can't really explain the meaning of "Maru". It just mean anything circular, or pill.)
Rasengan = Swirling...circle?

But I've always thought that it's KitsunE. And "kitsune" can also mean fried beancurd.
Correct me if I am wrong again. These are just the chinese meanings.

[bakahito]

Gejimayu--Haven't hear that heard that story regarding the origins of "baka". I'll have to break out some of the old text books and look into it. I always try to remain skeptical about the entomological roots of kanji considering that a great deal of them are simply cutesy folk entomolgies and the roots tend to be way back in old Chinese or just some obscure combination of radicals.

[Kodain]

Kyoukan - I've heard it before.. isn't that like an assassin or something (maybe it means many things, I dont know..)

BTW. Do you know Ahlgrens Bilar ?

kyoukan is assassin yes. and the reason i know Ahlgrens bilar is cuz im a swede. another word for ya. a real easy one. "samasu"

[ap0s]

i g0t the ultimate trick for learning!
go there : www.bigfatcrooks.com (itll only cost you 340 $ ) !

just kidding !
i also started learning japanese

heres 2 good steps:
1- go to the japanese learning website narutofan advertises ( its very good ) and download the trial, study it for 1 hour, then:
2-go to: www.japanese-online.com they have the best courses !

now i kinda understand written japanese.

[HornyHippo]

heres 2 good steps:
1- go to the japanese learning website narutofan advertises ( its very good ) and download the trial, study it for 1 hour, then:
2-go to: www.japanese-online.com they have the best courses !

now i kinda understand written japanese.
Where is that add?

Im starting to understant written japanese too, thanks to your webb.

[Rin]

i g0t the ultimate trick for learning!
go there : www.bigfatcrooks.com (itll only cost you 340 $ ) !

just kidding !
i also started learning japanese

heres 2 good steps:
1- go to the japanese learning website narutofan advertises ( its very good ) and download the trial, study it for 1 hour, then:
2-go to: www.japanese-online.com they have the best courses !

now i kinda understand written japanese.

Did you really learned how to read just by studying that website?

[mary no jutsu]

hmmmm i learn all my japanese from watching anime so this is wat i've learned

gomenasai-im srry(thanks you shinobu)
dai jo bu- are u ok
sumimasen-not really sure but i think it means excuse me
ohayo-goodmorning
konbonwa-goodnight?
o genki desu ka-how are u
arigato-thank you
baka-stupid
chotto matte- not really sure about this one but i think it means something along the lines of hold on
tame-no
itadeki mas-lets eat
bakemono-monster
i know the ending for name like chan san sama dono
chiisai-little
yakusoku-promise
ai shi teru-i love yu
shi- i think this means death

[Shikamaru]

I don't know if this has been brought up or not, but in the case of 'ou', the 100% accurate translation would be ô. 'Ou' is correct, but ô is the absolute. It's just a useful little tidbit to know, being that 'ou' is common in Japanese.

e.g. arigatou becomes arigatô.

[edit:] Also remember, when you're trying to learn Japanese from anime, that the fansubs aren't 100% accurate. Even groups like AonE and ANBU aren't completely accurate. They're students of the language in almost all cases, and as such, are bound to make mistakes and outright inaccurate translations here and there. So, don't take the exact translation of some things, to be correct. It's entirely possible that it isn't.

[tsubame]

yup..its better if you bought books on it..or visiting that webby..its quite a useful website to learn some basic japanese..haha..

[Kodain]

sore wa atari. tonikaku. "Yomigaere". nanda sore wa ka. "that is correct. anyhow. "yomigaere" whats that word?" a challenge from me to you. ganbatte ne

[Naruto_Uzumaki]

Im learning without going to school
weird
im a slow learner:D

[Yukai]

tonokaku should be anyway.

[hanabishi]

1: Ichi
How are you?/Are you fine? = Ogenkidesuka? (Little kids also sometimes say "Ogenki?")

Yes, I'm fine. = Hai, genkidesu. (Little kids would respond "Genki!")


It's not just kids who would use that, it's just informal speech.

[Kodain]

so, I guess you don't know what yomigaere means...I'll give you two more days.

[hanabishi]

Kyoukan - I've heard it before.. isn't that like an assassin or something (maybe it means many things, I dont know..)

BTW. Do you know Ahlgrens Bilar ?

Can you translate these phrases? (really wanna know..):

"How troublesome..." - Nara Shikamaru
"I got lost on the way of life..." - Hatake Kakashi
"Hard work is important..." - Rock Lee/Gai

I can only tell you Shikamaru's because a few months ago my Japanese friend taught me the phrase "mendoukusai" (めんどうくさい) which she said means "I don't want to go" or "I don't feel like it" or "I'm too lazy". In episode 110-111 you can hear Shikamaru saying "mendoukusei" (めんどうくせい)　pretty often.

[hanabishi]

Argh, it ruined it by adding smilies

めんどうくさい

and

めんどうくせい

[Sayo]

i know younger sis = nee chan
what older sis?

[hanabishi]

Older sister is oneesan, yougner sister is imoto. and older brother is oniisan not oni san. Younger brother is ototo.

[hanabishi]

onisan would be talking to the evil demon type thing. Oh, I guess i can show the kanji for each as well in case some people don't know it. Sometimes the double vowel in romaji can be confusing so I added the hiragana beside the kanji.

older sister お姉さん　－－おねえさん
younger sister　妹　－－　いもうと
younger brother　弟　－－　おとうと
older brother　お兄さん　－－おにいさん

[Volcom24]

baka is short for bakatadi which which means stupid

sannin means 3 people

Ane/oneesan- older sister
imoto/imotosan- younger sister

urosai-noisy/irratating

when they say kun,san,chan,sama they are refering to someones status
san-someone that is equal in status to you
kun-boy
chan-baby or child
sama-someone respected

[hanabishi]

I've never heard anyone refer to their younger sister as imotosan. The only time I could think of someone refering to their younger sibling in that respect would be while introducing them. Watashi no imoto wa Suzysan desu. 私の妹はSuzyさんです。-chan can be used for close friends as well. 私の友達はあきちゃんです。
urusai = noisy.
Sorry if I seem kind of anal. But I figure that if people want to learn, the want to learn the correct way.

[Hoshikuzu]

Well, I don't know much, but I know the meanings of some of the names in Naruto so I guess I'll put those up

Sakura= Cherry Blosom
Konohamaru= Round leaf?

hmm.. I had a lot earlier, guess I forgot most of them lol, put up more when i remember

[Volcom24]

When talking to your younger sister you refer to her as imotosan. however its not a commonly used word because older siblings refer to their younger siblings by their name

[Shards]

yea they dont even use imotosan anymore

[Yukai]

Ano... anyone noe unforgivable in jap is wat?

[The_weapon_master]

I know few japanese words by watching animes like Naruto, Samurai X,etc...

This is my favourite word CHANDARO!! it means DAMN IT! :cool:

[DeathWolf]

i need help!!! can someone transalte

hi there!! thx for buying things in my shop! hav a great day! for my neopets shop? :o

into japanses?

[Sayo]

aaaawww onee san, i knew that XD XD XD !!!!!

[blind51de]

Ano... anyone noe unforgivable in jap is wat?

"I can't forgive you"/"Unforgivable!" = "Yurusenai"

Definitely a quick phrase to pick up.

[kamashi666]

Konnichiwa!! Watashi no mamayowa Kamashi666 Desu!! Genki Desuka?
(Translate this. I can help teach a little)

[Kodain]

Konnichiwa!! Watashi no mamayowa Kamashi666 Desu!! Genki Desuka?
(Translate this. I can help teach a little)

"Hello. I'm (now what the heck mamayowa is) Kamashi666. How are you?"

[hanabishi]

Maybe he/she meant namae.

[Dody]

some fast stuff & easy stuff to give .. to learn ;)

土曜日do youbi - saturday
日曜日nichi youbi - sunday
月曜日getsu youbi -monday
火曜日ka youbi - tuesday
水曜日sui youbi - wednsday
木曜日moku youbi - thursday
（sorry i forgot the spelling)kai youbi - friday
u can also forget about 曜日ーyoubi ^^

[hanabishi]

kin youbi is friday
金曜日

[5il3nc3r]

I have a few downloaded sites (saved all the pages on my hard drive) that teaches japanese. I could send them over if you guys want (ask through PMs, as to not spam this topic).

One is a little big cuz it has .wav files for each pronounciation.


Oh and I also got a little game called Slime Forest. It's a fan made (which means it's pretty ugly) RPG where to hit your enemies, they show an hiragana/katakana and you have to type the romanji for it to hit the monster. It's useful to learn the caracters, but not much help to learn words.

[Eclectic Replicant]

i have a really good vocabulary,i'll post it here once i get it translated (it's in spanish) i have been using it as a dictionary.

triying to put my two pennyes here :cool

[parker pyne]

What's

monkey
ape
gorilla
baboon
orangutan

in japanese?

[5il3nc3r]

monkey = saru (thus Sarutobi)
ape = saru as well
gorilla = gorira
baboon = dunno
orangutan = dunno either

All taken from my english - japanese dictionary

[parker pyne]

monkey = saru (thus Sarutobi)
ape = saru as well
gorilla = gorira
baboon = dunno
orangutan = dunno either

All taken from my english - japanese dictionary
thx so much!

[Kaori Masako]

We've been learning Japanese for a year now, my fiance is much more dedicated then I am, and he was lucky enough to go to Japan earlier this year. We are planning on going back next summer, so I'm still trying to par up on my skills.
I recognize a few words here and there, and can say somethings, but I still have a long way to go. I'm also facinated with learning about Japanese culter.

[Kevinthewiseone]

yeah i want to learn to

i think everyone also know this one

Orgato = Thank you

Not sure if i spelled it right in Japanese
yeah i have bad spelling i know

[Kaori Masako]

I think it's Arigato. :)

[Zareidriel]

I know Japanese nearly fluently. Any questions?

Yes, Arigato is 'thank you', and either Arigato Gozaimasu or Domo Arigato Gozaimasu is 'thank you very much'. Domo is the equivailent to 'thanks', or a light apology.

[Kodain]

Domo also means: Hello/How are you. Thus it can be used as a greeting

[xmerchentx]

i know some....


yada=my
itadakimatsu=a phrase said before a meal giving thanks for the food

btw if ne1 knows what the kun,chan,san and stuff after pplz names mean plz tell me...ie...sasuke-kun, sakura-chan, sakura-san, naruto-kun

[Kaori Masako]

Hmm, well Kun, and San are used for males, and Chan for females, they are some what of an endering term, showing respect. You can call others this, but you should never refer to yourself or address yourself as xmerchentx-san.

What I want to know is... does ama mean what I think it means?

[5il3nc3r]

to add on, I think -chan is usually referred to kids and has kind of a cute meaning (thus sasuke would feel insulted if you called him sasuke-chan, as it would mean he's cute (little puppy cute) and girls obviously love being called cute so -chan goes well with a girl's name :P )

-kun is usually used for young boys. Usually the -kun mean's young I think.

-san is a sign of respect and can be used for either guys or girls.

-sama is to show that this person is knowledgeable (teacher, etc.)

-sensei is simply master (orochimaru called the third sarutobi-sensei because he was his teacher when they were younger)

-senpai is for someone more knowledgeable than you.

My explanations might be missing precisions, but that's mostly it.

[HiroX]

Here's a good saying.

-Omae wa doryoku no tensei da.


Gai sensei taught me that.

Omae = you
Doryoku = effort
no = sorta like 's, gives ownership to something, in this case effort or work
Tensei = genius
da = alternate form of desu

Basically translates to "You are a genius of hard work"
*does nice guy pose*

[xmerchentx]

lol if san is for guys then y does rock lee always say....,"sakura-san" all the time


and thanks guys....ps (already new what sama was ...my interpretation of sama was like master/leader hinse the way the sound nins called sasuke...sasuke-kun b4 the fight and sasuke-sama afterwords....after they said he would b their master/leader)

[HiroX]

Using "san" after names isn't just for guys. It's sort of like the general term you use after someones name regardless of gender.

Here's some other nihongo (japenese language) goodies...

Makudonarudo = McDonalds
Nihon = Japan
Amerika = America
~go = if "go" follows a country name like "Nihongo", then it means language
~jin = if "jin" follows a country name like "Amerikajin", then it means nationality

[HyugaHinata]

lol if san is for guys then y does rock lee always say....,"sakura-san" all the time


and thanks guys....ps (already new what sama was ...my interpretation of sama was like master/leader hinse the way the sound nins called sasuke...sasuke-kun b4 the fight and sasuke-sama afterwords....after they said he would b their master/leader)

-kun is generally used for boys/men only.

-san can be used for either gender.

[Gejimayu]

To correct some earlier stuff:
yada, in most cases, is a contraction of "Iya da" or "Iya desu" (in ascending order of formality) where "iya" is used to express dislike or to answer a question in the negative. Sometimes where it's used as a 'shocked' kind of response "yada" can be translated as "Oh my!"

itadakimasu means "I am partaking" but is basically, like it was said, a phrase the Japanese use before they eat.

Also, there are different types of "you" with varying levels of respect. A few of the basic ones:
Anata- Basic 2nd person address, while any form of address not using a title or honorific can be slightly disrespectful, this is one of the most formal options. Can be used between couples with an affectionate tone.
Kimi- Written with the same kanji as "-kun", this is generally used for those of equal status (that you are friends/familiar with) or lower status (from a boss to a subordinate). Disrespectful when used with a senior or someone not in your group.
Anta- Contraction of anata, while not openly disrespectful, it is completely informal and used only among people familiar with each other.
Kisama- An openly disrespectful and rough word for "you"
Omae- Means "honorable front", depending on the tone can be used affectionately between friends and from men to women or girls or can be used as an insulting form of address (sometimes pronounced omee~ by rough types like Naruto for the second purpose)

So, in referring to someone you're not familiar with, try to use their name and an honorific or their title. Save using "you" for when you know them and be sure to use the right one for the right time.

[Volcom24]

Heres a bunch of random words that came to my mind

skebe-Dirty old man

nani-what

see you later-ja ne or ja mata
baibai-bye bye

dame-no good, shame on you

kobito-midget

yokudekimashita-well done

[Kodain]

btw if ne1 knows what the kun,chan,san and stuff after pplz names mean plz tell me...ie...sasuke-kun, sakura-chan, sakura-san, naruto-kun

It's not that hard really. san is about the same as Mr. and Ms. kun is often used if the person you speak to is younger than you. chan literally means little. so it's often used for kids. Sama is about the same as master or lord. Senpai is about the same as a upper classman. like someone who is older than you and thus have more respect usually.

[blind51de]

Err...

"shikashi" can translate to "however"

[Kaori Masako]

I read in one book that Ja Mata is something you say when you are departing (saying goodbye/see you), and Ja Ne is what you can say in responce to the other person, but that you shouldn't or can't use it vice versa. Is this true?

[Gejimayu]

Both "ja mata" and "ja ne" are informal ways of saying goodbye, but I've never heard of them being fixed into the challenge/response routine like that. The "ja" part, which conveys the "goodbye" feeling, is a contraction of "de wa", which is short for "sore de wa" ('with that'), which is part of the common phrase "Sore de wa, o-saki ni shitsurei shimasu" (lit. 'With that, I will commit an impoliteness ahead of you.', used to say something like, "Well then, I'll be going ahead").

Contracting something that much makes it informal, but using "ja", it's typically only used by the person leaving. The difference between "ja mata" and "ja ne" is that the "mata" part means "again", so it's like saying "See you again" or "Later", and "ne" is just the generic sentence-ending particle that serves to soften the phrase (instead of "I'm leaving" it sounds more like "I'll be off"). If two people were leaving at the same time, I guess it would sound more natural if the first one said "ja mata", and the second "ja ne", but I don't see any reason why it couldn't be used the other way around besides any specific circumstances.

[Kaori Masako]

Hmm.. what would be the proper "goodbye" for 2 people on the phone to use?
Or say someone was at my house, and they were leaving, they say "ja mata" what should I say in responce if it wouldn't be Ja Ne?

[Axell]

First of all, Great IDEA!!! :amuse
I'm gonna learn Japanese in Januray 2005, and I'm all fired up about it :smile-big
But I think you guys should also post the japanese words, but not their pronanciation, but how do they look.
Cuz many times, in Naruto manga, there are some japanese words, that we can't understand, don't you agree?
And showing us, how a certain word/phrae looks like, you would help us understand not only the anime, but also the manga more! :wink

[Gejimayu]

Kaori- On the phone, the person who called would usually be given the opportunity to end the call first, using a similar phrase to one used when leaving in person. The Japanese are so adamant about maintaining manners even when they're on the phone that it's not uncommon to see people talking on a phone and bowing as if the person was in front of them.

If someone's leaving and they say "ja mata", I don't know if there's a programmed response to this kind of thing at that level of familiarity, but "ja ne" would work, as well as some other stuff... I remember the first Japanese classes I ever took, at the end, the instructor would say, "Ja, mata mokuyoobi" if we were going to meet on Thursday, or "Ja, mata raishuu" if we were going to meet next week, and our response would be the same without the "ja".

In more formal situations, a person leaving would thank the host for their hospitality and offer a token apology (something like "ojama shimashita" - "I have intruded") and the host would politely refuse the token apology and thank the guest for staying.

[Axell]

Numbers
one - ichi
two - ni
three - san
four - shi or jun
five - go
six - roku
seven - shichi
eight - hachi
nine - kyu
ten - juu
seventy - nana-ju
one hundred - hyaku


Directions & Locations
left - hidari
right - migi
forward, front - mae
backward, rear - ushiro
behind, go back - ato
level (front) - jun
reverse (back) - gyaku
open stance - hiraki-gamae
closed stance - tai-gamae
single form - tan-en
pair form - so-tai
upwards - uwa
cross - juji
face-level - jo-dan
mid-level - chu-dan
low level - ge-dan
inside - uchi
outside - soto
sideways, horizontal - yoko
edge of foot - sokuto


Action and Technique Words
greeting - gassho
posture - gamae
hard technique - goho
soft technique - juho
footwork - umpoho
rolling, falling - ukemi
movement - tai sabake
form, shape - kata
lesson - gakka
system of practice - hokei
basics - kihon
striking, offense - atemi
punch - zuki
kick - geri
cut - kiri
block - uke
open-hand - kagite
escape - nuki
twist - gote
wrap, bind up - maki
throw - nage
exterior - omote
demonstration - embu
sparring - randori
returning wave - gaeshi
ceremony - chinkon


People & Places
kempo student - kenshi
teacher - sensei
Founder, - So-Doshin kaiso
WSKO Director - kancho
practice hall - dojo
headquarters - hombu


Parts of the Body & Clothes
hand - te
foot - ashi
fist - ken
wrist - kote
upper arm - jo-haku
elbow - hiji
knee - hiza
groin - kinteki
thumb - yubi
neck - kubi
uniform - gi
sleeve - sode
belt - obi


Common Phrases
Please (formal) -onegai-shimasu
Thank You - arigato-gozaimasu
please - kudesai
Excuse me - gomen nasai
Ho! - Yoi
begin - hajime
sitting properly - seiza
sit down - chakuza
shout - kiai


Other Useful Words
ouch - itai
work - samu
water - mizu
pressure points - keimyaku
end, finished - owarimasu

[Kaori Masako]

Has anyone ever used the Pimsler Audio Set, or the Rosetta Stone software?

We have both, for Japanese, though I have not been able to use much of it yet.

[kaitenjyuuken]

i've been reading the whole 8 threads...
my head is going to burst... :confused

domo arigato gozaimasu, minna-san
boku no namae wa kaitenjyuuken, boku wa jyusan sai desu, naruto suki desu!!

~owari~

[Axell]

i've been reading the whole 8 threads...
my head is going to burst... :confused

domo arigato gozaimasu, minna-san
boku no namae wa kaitenjyuuken, boku wa jyusan sai desu, naruto suki desu!!

~owari~

woaw!!!!
yo man, you learn fast :blink
i hope i will talk like this in january (learning japanese in jan. :cool )

and what did you say there?? (in japanese....)

[Eeky]

Word: - - Translation:

Jigoku x_x - - Hell

Shinri O_O - - Truth

Aku Yo nou x_x - - Evil

Shinwa - - Legend

Gunbu - - The Military

I know more words, but dunno how to write them (learned from FMA).

-Kris

[Volcom24]

numbers

one-itchi
two-ni
three-san
four-yon,shi
five-go
six-roku
seven-nana,shichi
eight-hatchi
nine-ku,kyu
ten-jyu

for numbers four,seven, and nine shi,shichi, and kyu are never used unless you are counting months or or hours. shinimasu means to die.

[chalba]

"Kutabacchi maeyo" as it says in my sig.

it means, "well, fuck that". i don't know if it's spelled right, but that's what i got from the lyrics to The Pillows' song, Instant Music. :)

[HisshouBuraiKen]

OK, guys, when you type japanese in romaji, you DON'T want to type the "wa" particle as "ha". Even though it's written that way, since you say "wa", you type "wa". People who don't know japanese will get confused.

Here's a useful grammar pattern for you
Noun + kara miru to + opinion. It means, "if you look at it from noun('s point of view)"

For example:

Hinata wa Naruto ga kekko tsuyoi to omouga, ore kara miru to, aitsu wa motto keiken ga hitsuyou da.

"Hinata thinks Naruto is really strong, but from my point of view, he needs more experience."

If you guys just want to look up random words, go to

http://www.csse.monash.edu.au/~jwb/wwwjdic.html

You'll get the kanji, kana and english meaning. I use it all the time; it's the best dictionary on the web, and can probably tell you 99% of what you want to know. There're options for exact matches and stuff if you need to narrow down the results. give it a try!

[royal_ken]

"Kutabacchi maeyo" as it says in my sig.

it means, "well, fuck that". i don't know if it's spelled right, but that's what i got from the lyrics to The Pillows' song, Instant Music. :)

"Kutabacchi maeyo" actually means why don't you just die.

I work as a translator so if anyone wants to ask some questions about japanese go ahead and ask me or PM me :NF smile:

[Kevinthewiseone]

I think it's Arigato. :)


Yeah thats it

[blind51de]

Damn, I keep trying to find the circumflexed vowels on this computer.

When a vowel is repeated twice in a row, it gets written in romaji with one vowel with a circumflex above it (^).

[Naruto_Uzumaki]

Here this should do (http://carnage.fanfic.org/glossary.html)

here r some basic words on japanese...

[Ketsueki]

Anyone recoomend any books to read for someone wishing to learn conversational japanese? Not really intrested in the written language for now, will learn that later... just for now I want something to learn conversational japanese.

[Ruuppa]

Wrote on my japanese exam:

*Nande, kono kodomo?
-Hai. Kono kodomo wa AKUMA!
*...
Anata wa obaka.
-Iie. Watashi wa shinobi!!
*...
Anata wa obaka Narutard.

Narutard wa warui soshite baka otaku.

//wants to see senseis notes on this :smile-big

[Axell]

would you translate it please :P

[UltraJounin]

Could someone clarify the translation for "Impossible" ? From watching anime anytime I see "impossible" I THINK I hear "bakana." But I've been listening to japanese lesson cds and they say that "impossible" = "moodi" ? Can someone explain please?

[Volcom24]

Could someone clarify the translation for "Impossible" ? From watching anime anytime I see "impossible" I THINK I hear "bakana." But I've been listening to japanese lesson cds and they say that "impossible" = "moodi" ? Can someone explain please?

I don't know what bakana and moodi are and I don't think they are words or

sound like any words. Can't really explain it. But impossible is fukano which

means cannot be done and arienai which means cannot exist or happen.

[blind51de]

"Baka na" is something like "That's idiotic" in a disbelieving tone, IIRC.

[UltraJounin]

"Baka na" is something like "That's idiotic" in a disbelieving tone, IIRC.

That seems to be what I've heard then. Normally when a character does something amazing it seems to be the typical outburst.

[HiroX]

Gaara used the Tanuki neiri no jutsu to fully power the Shikaku. In the subtitles, it was translated as Forced sleep technique. The translation is more along the lines of this.

Tanuki = Racoon
Neiri = sleeping in
no = possesive modifier
jutsu = art of

Basically, the technique is very appropriate since Gaara's animal is a racoon in any case. Anyone remember the Tanuki suit in Mario 3?

[NarutoAddict]

Yo, koo idea to have a learnin Japanese thread hey can some one school me on the sentence structure of a sentnce with an adjective and/or adverb???? Possibly give me some examples?? Also could someone just bombard me with different particles and there use???? PLZZZZ I would really appreciate it :amuse :cool

[royal_ken]

Gaara used the Tanuki neiri no jutsu to fully power the Shikaku. In the subtitles, it was translated as Forced sleep technique. The translation is more along the lines of this.

Tanuki = Racoon
Neiri = sleeping in
no = possesive modifier
jutsu = art of

Basically, the technique is very appropriate since Gaara's animal is a racoon in any case. Anyone remember the Tanuki suit in Mario 3?

In Japan, it's well known that raccoons and foxes transform into people to decieve innocent people. I know it's irrelevant but I just wanted to mention it hehe

[Sakashi]

i've been learning japanese for a year now. this is going to be a big post, im just gonna list everysingle japanese i can think of.

pan: bread
otoubai: motorbike
Kimochi: emotion, feelings (you here this alot in japanese pop songs.)
suki: like
daisuki: very like, love
sakana: fish
arigato: thank you
sumimasen: sorry
Ja mata: cya
sayoonara: good bye
ohaiyo gosaimasu: good mornig
konichiwa: good afternoon or hello
konbanwa: good evening
oyasuminasai: good night
hai: yes
iie: no
anatawa: you
watashiwa: me
bokuwa: me(used by boys only)
danshi: boy
umi: sea
yama: moutain
eiga: movie
eigo: english
nihongo: japanese language
nihonjin: japanese
nihon: japan
taiiku: P.E
ongaku: music
baka: idiot
tabemasu: eat
nomimasu: drink
onamaewa nan deska: whats your name
watashi wa *name* desu: my name is *name*
anatawa baka desu: you are an idiot
yakyuu: baseball
tsuri: fishing
sakaa: soccer
chisu: chair
kokuban: blackboard
fudebako: pencil case
enpitsu: pencil
hon: book
gohan: rice
asagohan: breakfast
hirogohan: lunch
bangohan: dinner
bijutsu: art
suogaku: math
genki: well
genkiwa dodesuka: are you well
ee okage samade genki desu: thank you im fine
getsuyobi: monday
kayobi: tuesday
suiyobi: wednesday
mokuyobi: thursday
kinyobi: friday
doyobi: saturday
nichyobii: sunday
aruite: walk
shinkansen: bullet train
gaako: school
chuugaako: junior high
koko: senior high
ichi: 1
ni:2
san:3
yon:4
go:5
roku:6
nana:7
hachi:8
kyu:9
ju:10
juichi:11
nijuichi:21
sanjuichi:31
hyaku:100
zen:1000
yen: japanese currency
sushi: sushi
fune: boat
tenki: weather
samui: cold
attatakai: warm
suzushii: cool
astui: hot
yuki: snowy
hare: windy
kawaii: cute
dono tenkiwa dodesuka: hows the weather
kyo: today
keno:yesterday
ashuta:tomorrow
yuna: moon
yami: paper
ganbate: cheer (noun)

hope this helps. sorry if my post is too long.

[Axell]

does anybody know the word for B****H in japanese ?? :P

[Dody]

ok here is some simple grammer for every1 to learn.. (am studying japanese from 2 months now ..so :) )..

anyway ..

rainen watashi wa ninhon ni ikimasu
(next year , am going to japan)

rai (next) nen (year) - so u can also say raigetsu it means next month i think its easy till now..

watashi wa - hehe from this thread i guess everyone knows wut does it means..

nihon - japan , as for the jap langauge its nihongo (go means langauge)

ok , ni is an particale , u put it after the place u wanna goto !

ikimasu - will go (the root word is IKU) ,so u can say it in slang langauge ikuru , but for now just use ikimasu ^^

~for past tense use ikimashita (i went) , ikimasen (i wont go) ikimasen deshita (i didnt go) ~

ill try next time to write more usful sentence .. i hope this helpd :)

[Ketsueki]

does anybody know the word for B****H in japanese ?? :Pmesuinu / ikeike... aparently.

[XxD666CxX]

Yo Ro Shi Ku

[Lo Gah Lok]

You're probably all away, but anyone looking on this, how do you say, "I'm away" in japanese? Thanks to anyone who will help me.

[KK]

i'm trying to learn japanese on my own as well...
watashiwa nihongo-ga sukoshi wakarimas. :smile-big

[siewmei88]

btw, itadakimasu is not time to eat...it actually means something like a praise to their God for blessing them with food....my japanese friend told me that.
sister=onesan
brother=onisan
this is to who is confused when they learn these two words from jap anime...i certainly was

[Masaki]

Does anyone know what Zanmato means? I think Zan means instantly, but I don't know Mato.

[Sakashi]

you guys should buy an Oxford Japanese->english dictionary. i got one's it's pretty cheap. i think it's 20bucks for a standard one and 50 bucks for a better one. anyway, some more japanese for you guys to learn.

renshu = practice
renshushimas = practicing
renshushimasen = not practiscing
renshushimashita = practiced
renshushimasen deshita = did not practice
benkyo = study
benkyoshimasen = not studying
benkyoshimasen deshita = didn't study
benkyoshimas = studying
benkyoshimashita = studied

shimas = to do
shimasen = not do
shimasendeshita = didn't do
shimashita = did

asking for somthing.

enpitsu = pencil
kudasai = please
enpitsu o kudasai = pass the pencil please
o = object o <--------- very hard to explain. go study japanese

hope this helps^^

[hanabatake]

Watashi ha daigaku no ichinensei desu. koko de yonnen gurai nihongo wo benkiyou shimashita. watashi ha nihon de eigo no sensei ni naritai desu kedo daigaku ni owaranakuja ikemasen. Im a freshman in college, I studied Japanese for four years in high school, and I want to become an English teacher in Japan! But I have to finish college first... o.o As for what "datte ba yo" means, Tsugakyu was right about it being slang, but it doesn't directly mean "yknow".. if you break it down, it is a slurred verision of "desu yo" ( which does mean "y'know") which turned into "desu wa yo" which turned into "datte wa yo" which turned into "datte ba yo", which no longer means "yknow" but turns into "Hear what I'm saying because I'm right!!". Naruto is a very energetic and forceful character, and when he says "datte ba yo" he is exerting a sense of force and a kind of bratty authority into what he says. I know this is way too technical but I was bored and thought I'd give a thorough answer. :)

[hanabatake]

I guess a really quick way to say "I'm away" is imasen.. or inai. Which means "absent." So "chotto matte, inai da.." would be, hold on a sec, I'm absent. There may be a better translation but that's the best I could think of. :)

[hanabatake]

Could someone clarify the translation for "Impossible" ? From watching anime anytime I see "impossible" I THINK I hear "bakana." But I've been listening to japanese lesson cds and they say that "impossible" = "moodi" ? Can someone explain please?

People translate "baka na" as "impossible" when the characters are surprised, but in English with our slang it means more like "Thats ridiculous" or "No way.." To say "impossible" is not moodi, its muri. But in Japanese, the way you pronounce "r" sounds sound very close to the "d" sound in English, so I can see where that came from :).

[Shieny]

oOoo!! I know teh greetings.. and a few other things! ^^

Ohayo Gozaimasu-Good morning (or just Ohayo).
Konban wa- Good evening
Konnichiwa- Already explained above... but it means Good afternoon.

Arigato-Thank you
-Gozaimasu-Thank you Very much
-Gozaimashita - Thank you for your kind words.
Douitashimashite/Dooitashimashite-You're welcome..or something near there..

Doozo Yoroshiku- Uhh.. I think it means "nice to meet you for the first time" or whatever.
Yoroshiku nan da na- Ganster way of saying "nice to meet you" . :3

Irasshaimase- Welcome

Yeah.. I only scratch the surface.. I don't know much Japanese.. I Can even read some hiragana.. yet not know what it means. hehe.. I need to study harder..

[HisshouBuraiKen]

If anyone here is seriously considering learning Japanese, I strongly urge you to learn how to read/write it at the same time you're learning to speak. It will come in all kinds of handy and although it might seem intimidating at first, Hiragana/Katakana (collectively known as kana) are very eary to learn; with regular practice, anyone can learn both sets in a month.

A very important tip for learning kana faster is: Practice writing words and names in kana. Seriously, you have no idea how much easier it becomes when you start associating the sounds with something concrete, like a name or word. Write "Kakashi" 50 times in each alphabet and the "ka" and "shi" kana will be yours for life.

The best way to go about it is to take a course at a college. Self-study is good when you have a basic grasp of the language, but if you're starting from scratch, you'll just end up teaching yourself a buch of insults and swears.

[HisshouBuraiKen]

Next tip is for pronunciation! Japanese has 5, and ONLY 5, vowel sounds

a (as in father)
i (as in ears)
u (as in ooh, baby)
e (as in eraser)
o (as in oh, snap!)

All sounds in the japanese alphabet consist of these vowels by themselves, or a consonant plus one of the vowels. You can find a chart online here, along with sounds to help you get the pronunciation:

http://www.kanachart.com/

There is one lone consonant sound, and it comes at the after (and ONLY the after) a vowel. That sound is "n," as in "lantern", Anbu, or shuriken.

Check the site out, it's very useful.

It's not mine, BTW. I'm not big on cats :P

[Ihateseaguls]

Many good advices, but yet to find a good site. Check this out!

http://www.japanese-online.com/NonMem_JLL.htm

It`s even with sound!

kon`nichi wa.

Watashi wa Oystein Hordvi san desu . Hajimemashite. Doozo yoroshiku.

Watashi wa Norwegian-jin desu. (dunno what Norway is in japanese)
anata wa?

It`s really good!

[DeathWolf]

check this one out..think its usefull..dont no if you guys have pot this but wadeva

http://www.freedict.com/onldict/jap.html

[hanabishi]

Can someone tell me if this is correct..I am pretty sure the するshould change to something else..maybe すってor すんで

世界を征服するが欲しいです。

Thanks.

[Dody]

Watashi ha daigaku no ichinensei desu. koko de yonnen gurai nihongo wo benkiyou shimashita. watashi ha nihon de eigo no sensei ni naritai desu kedo daigaku ni owaranakuja . :)

ur good in japanese lang.. but please , dont use wo cos there is nothing in japanese called.. its just o .
plus ha we write it as wa in romaji . but in the grammer is ha. romaji is an way to express the jap langauge in romanian so tis wa. cos its pronounced as wa.

[hanabishi]

I guess the fluent people aren't around to help me with my post. But that's okay, I asked my friend and she fixed it for me.

欲しい is for nouns only

世界を征服したいです。is the correct sentence. It's much shorter, but harder to say.

[Firebred]

hmm how do u say i love u in jap :D

[Firebred]

[/QUOTE]--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

check this one out..think its usefull..dont no if you guys have pot this but wadeva

http://www.freedict.com/onldict/jap.html[QUOTE]
this is a better translator
http://poets.notredame.ac.jp/cgi-bin/jedi-inon

[lemonlime]

I started learning japanese awhile ago, I've frorgotton alot. I remember it being pretty easy (for me at least) But like I said; I forgot alot.

Kuro = Black. Kuroi = darkness. Tenshi = death. Ken = sword. Suzu = Bell. Shin = soul/spirit. Neko = cat. Inu = dog. I/myself = watashi/watashiku(I think). Aka = red. Aoi = blue. Thoes are the basics for anime fans :D

I also learned most katakana, some hirigana and a little kanji.

A good site for all thoes and the actual japanese language would be Kanjidict (http://kanjidict.stc.cx/?d1=on&s=&max=10&exact=on&btnE=Search+EN%E2%86%92JA&d3=on&d9=on&d15=on&d16=on)
But you need the windows japanese character pack which I'm not to sure about myself :confused God help me I use firefox and I cant find anything.

[HyugaHinata]

Here`s a word that most people will like : Futsukayoi = Hangover. :)

[ShiroKoinu]

I love you is I believe aishiteru or something similar, incase you were still wondering Firebred. ^_^

[Nyarlathotep]

I found a rather interesting page:http://www.msu.edu/~lakejess/kanjigame.html

It's (like the name states) a kanji game, but it also uses hiragana, katakana and kana, but only the ones teached up to 6th grade of primary school (I think, someone told me that, but I don't know).

[spiderpig]

I guess the fluent people aren't around to help me with my post. But that's okay, I asked my friend and she fixed it for me.

欲しい is for nouns only

世界を征服したいです。is the correct sentence. It's much shorter, but harder to say.

D: So... Which is it? (I'm not on a computer with IME) Sutte or Sunde?

By the way, the person who typed "moodi", it's supposed to be "muri" or "muuri". I need to check.

I won't say that my Japanese is good (God, learning Higher Chinese helps a lot with Kanji), but I guess it's... passable with the fact that I managed to survive in Japan for 2 weeks by speaking my rather, elementary Japanese. O_o

[HyugaHinata]

Here is a little test for you all.

Translate "Shin no hanzai wa kanji de kakimasu!" into English.

I'll post the answer in about a week or so. :)

[Vergil]

I wonder how this will go, it'll probably get to 3 posts and then die. right then use this thread to practice your japanese skillz.
This site is good to get you started:
http://japanese.about.com/

the way this works is we type want we want to say in japanese and then have english subtitles. then if you have any suggestions on how to help the person above you then say so. I guess I'll start with some introductions:

konnichi wa. Paraggio desu. hajimemashite. watashi wa igirisujin desu

(hi. my name is Paraggio, how are you?. I am british)

[KK]

Well, a very similar thread just like this one exists.
http://forums.narutofan.com/showthread.php?t=2469&highlight=learn+japanese
However, seeing as that thread is quite dead, I will let this one live and see where it goes.

[Dimezanime20]

arigatou gozaimasu kagakusha-san. boku no namea wa dimez desu [ i think thats how it goes]. hajimemashite. anata wa?

EDIT: thank you kagakusha. my name is dimez. nice to meet you [or was it how you doing?]. yours [your name]?

thats the best i can do for now.:D

[Vergil]

arigatou gozaimasu kagakusha-san. boku no namea wa dimez desu [ i think thats how it goes]. hajimemashite. anata wa?

EDIT: thank you kagakusha. my name is dimez. nice to meet you [or was it how you doing?]. yours [your name]?

thats the best i can do for now.:D

from what I can gather I think when the topic is obvious (such as in this case the topic is introductions) then there is no need for the entire sentence. i think "dimez desu" is sufficient.

dimez wa amerikaijen desu ka? watashi wa Taco Bell ga suki desu.

(I'm not sure if that's right but: are you american? I like taco bell)

[Cynnah]

All right I'll give it a try but I just started learning with a book so...

Ohayô-gozaimasu! Watashi wa Nancy desu. hajimemashite. Watashi wa neko to ryokô ga suki desu. Anatatachi wa ongaku ga suki desu ka.

(Good morning. My name is Nancy. How are you. I like cats and travelling. Do you like music?)

[Dimezanime20]

Damn this is harder than I though it would be. Cynnah just broke me down. Even with the translation, I have no idea on how to respond. I need to learn more!

[Yanagi]

Watashi wa Yanagi. Jitsu wa...keigo ni nigate kara, amari tsukawanai. (Sore wa ii no ka na...nihongo ni senko shite no ni...)

I'm Yanagi. Truth is...I suck at polite form so I don't really use it. (I wonder if that's okay...even though I'm majoring in Japanese...)

[Dimezanime20]

If only you can teach me Yanagi. DAMN!! Anyways, why not polite form? I heard the japanese are polite.:D Anyways, you've been watching too much of them japanese punk movies.LOL j/k.

[Cynnah]

Sorry dimezanime16! I didn't mean to break you down! ;)
I also think it is very hard! Personnaly, I have to think from french to english to japanese!!! But I think we can do it if people like Yanagi can help us...

[Dimezanime20]

if yanagi is willing to.:D

[Vergil]

yeah I'm going to have to really go through the entire book before I can even begin to engage in conversation. but I'll add to it with:

so desu ka?

(is that so?) - I think that's a great phrase for when you have no idea whats going on!

[Yanagi]

Daijoubu yo. Minna wo tetsudatte (jikan ga attara...)

Keigo to ka, teini ni shabette to ka...nihonjin wa sore wo jitaku de narabu. Gakkou de benkyou shitemo, mada totemo muzukashii to omotte. Keigo wa bunpou ijou. Sore wa bunka.


It's fine with me. I'll help you guys out (time allowing)

Things like being formal and speaking politely...It's what Japanese learn from the home. Even if you study it in school, I still think it's very hard. Their polite form goes beyond grammar. It's cultural.

[Ittai]

Grrr...I'm in Japanese one and I'm at absolute top of my class, but I feel like its going to slow for me. I HAVE SO MUCH TO LEARN IN SO LITTLE TIME!!!HAYAKU, SENSEI!!!!HAYAKUUUU~!!!! :crying

[Dimezanime20]

Daijoubu yo. Minna wo tetsudatte (jikan ga attara...)

Keigo to ka, teini ni shabette to ka...nihonjin wa sore wo jitaku de narabu. Gakkou de benkyou shitemo, mada totemo muzukashii to omotte. Keigo wa bunpou ijou. Sore wa bunka.


It's fine with me. I'll help you guys out (time allowing)

Things like being formal and speaking politely...It's what Japanese learn from the home. Even if you study it in school, I still think it's very hard. Their polite form goes beyond grammar. It's cultural.

Thank you!!:D:) I'm gonna give you something that I have never done while being on this forum. Give reps!!:D:)
I hope this thread stays alive so that you'll be able to teach us.

[Cynnah]

Yeah but how do we really get started? Maybe we should have things like "Topic of the day" or something like that or else we will end up being only able in presenting ourselves!!!

[iroha haroto]

Me: Kore no nasu ikura desu ka?
Clerk: Sen-en desu.
Me: Honto?
Clerk: Hai.
Me: Takai desu yo...hyaku-en?
Clerk: Kechi...

"How much is this eggplant right here?"
"Thousand yen"
"Really?"
"That is correct"
"That's expensive ... 100 yen?"
"Cheapskate."

[Dimezanime20]

The only one I understood in that whole thing was "Honto", "Kechi" [I forgot until I read the english.:D], and "Hai" [off course]. I need help badly!

[Vergil]

yeah we need some sort of structure to this thread. Right, imagine you are all at a bar and we are all meeting for the first time.

konichiwa .watashi wa Paraggio desu, hajimemashite. sa...biru demo nomimasho ka?

[Dimezanime20]

Iie. Suki janai biru. Oh, sou, watashi was Dimez desu. Douzo yoroshiku.

[Gunshin]

Ore wa GUNSHIN da yokuoboetoke. Oboerare nakatara buchinomeshite yaru ze. Wakataka?!

^_^

[HyugaHinata]

Sorry about the late response. It means "The true crime would be to write in kanji!"

Now, can someone translate this from English to Japanese?

"No longer mere earthbeings and planetbeings are we, but bright children of the stars."

[poona]

Sorry about the late response. It means "The true crime would be to write in kanji!"

Now, can someone translate this from English to Japanese?

I translated it in Chinese to compensate for my ignorance of Japanese... so here goes.

"我們從此就不再僅僅是地球或任何其他星球上的生命體, 而是天上的星在發出光芒的孩子."

[HyugaHinata]

I see. I know very little Chinese (it was my first language, but I soon hated the kanji, which I believe to be a crime against humanity). It's such a cumbersome language.

Can you please explain all the characters, what they mean, and how they come together in your translation?

[poona]

Its not an exact translation really. It means "From now on, we are no longer mere life forms from earth or any other planet, but the shining children of the stars in the sky"

The first part of the sentence,"我們從此就不再僅僅是" means " From now on, we are no longer merely..." "我們" means "us" or "we", and "從此" means "from now on". "不再" means "no longer" or " not anymore". "僅僅" means "mere".

The second half is "地球或任何其他星球上的生命體..." which means "The life form of Earth or any other planet...". "地球" is Earth, "或" is "or", "任何" is "any", "其他" is "other". "星球上的" means "... on a certain planet(earth for example), because "星球" means "planet". "生命體" "means life form".

I'll give you a few minutes to digest that before I go on to the last part coz Chinese is pretty damn hard...

[SweetNaruLover]

This is for all you guys who want to go to Japan and who want to be seen as fluently (maybe even native) Japanese speakers!!!
Ok there goes my Japanese knowledge!! ahrrhum!! read, oh students:

If you meet someone and want to say something formal:
Doozo yoroshiku onegai shimasu
This means literally: please treat me well in the future. mostly used by first meetings in formal occasions. (business) oh yeah, and don't forget to bow!
Or just say:
Watashi wa (your name) desu
I am (name). but this is only for people at your age!

If you want to talk about something you have in common (and you have the feeling the japanese person likes hanging too ) say this:
Kimi wa mattari suru koto ga suki da yo ne?
It means: you love the hanging too, right?

And if you're talking about hobbies anyways, you can also give this good advice to your Japanese friend:
Karaoke no heya ni uruskute mo ii desu!
Which means: it can be very noisy in the karaoke room!

If your Japanese conversationpartner is an greenpeace (or whatsoever) activist, you can better say this:
Umi ni robotto o sutete wa ikemasen!
Translated: You may not dump robots into the sea!

If you plan on eating dinner, or you get a Japanese guest at home, the next phrases will be very useful:
Shokuji no mae ni ashi o arawanaide mo ii desu
You don't have to wash your feet before dinner.
Kono furaipan o karite mo ii desu!
You can borrow my frying-pan!
It may happen your host/hostess starts looking at you funny when you say this, but you can save your ass out of this situation by saying this:
Mada hazukashi?
Meaning: Still shy?

If you get accosted in the streets by a Japanese reporter of a very famous television company,there's a lot of panic and noise, they point the camera at you and ask you things you don't understand at all, come with a sensationstory like this! :
Futuri no wakai onna no ko ga ginkoo gotoo o shite mita!
Two young girls tried to rob the bank!!!
( After you've said this, its wise to run away like mad [but hey, you've been on Japanese television!] ^_^v )

And if you didnt have enough after all this tough talk, and still didnt convince those Japanese that you're japanese too, you can do three things! (now read closely my students!):
1. Admit you were fooling around and say this:
Nihongo wa hanase masen
I don't speak Japanese

2. Deny all by saying this:
Watashi? Gaijin zya nai yo!
Me? I'm no foreigner!!
To strenghten that statement you can add this phrase:
Hyaku paasento miss/mister nihon desu!
I am 100% miss/mister Japan!!!

3. Just go home to those cranky teachers, boring lessons and average grades to follow a trustfull course of Japanese and return 10 years later for revenge....

This course was brought to you by:
~Sweetnarulover!!! :D

[HyugaHinata]

Its not an exact translation really. It means "From now on, we are no longer mere life forms from earth or any other planet, but the shining children of the stars in the sky"

The first part of the sentence,"我們從此就不再僅僅是" means " From now on, we are no longer merely..." "我們" means "us" or "we", and "從此" means "from now on". "不再" means "no longer" or " not anymore". "僅僅" means "mere".

The second half is "地球或任何其他星球上的生命體..." which means "The life form of Earth or any other planet...". "地球" is Earth, "或" is "or", "任何" is "any", "其他" is "other". "星球上的" means "... on a certain planet(earth for example), because "星球" means "planet". "生命體" "means life form".

I'll give you a few minutes to digest that before I go on to the last part coz Chinese is pretty damn hard...

Yeah, you're right. Chinese is extremely difficult, and it looks like it was invented by sadistic aliens with a life expectancy of 2000 years. It's cumbersome and inefficient.

It takes a lifetime to learn, and there are few ways of properly classifying kanji for categorization into a dictionary.

Still, I admire your commitment to learning kanji, even if it's not that useful. I've heard that the Chinese will often do business in English when dealing with other countries.

This is my translation into Japanese.

"Tada no chikyu no ikimono to wakusei no ikimono ja nai. Ima, watashitachi wa, hoshi-san tachi no mabushii kodomotachi."

ただのちきゅうのいきものとわくせいのいきものじゃない。今、私たちは、
ほしさんたちのまぶしいこどもたち。

[poona]

Yeah, you're right. Chinese is extremely difficult, and it looks like it was invented by sadistic aliens with a life expectancy of 2000 years. It's cumbersome and inefficient.

It takes a lifetime to learn, and there are few ways of properly classifying kanji for categorization into a dictionary.

Still, I admire your commitment to learning kanji, even if it's not that useful. I've heard that the Chinese will often do business in English when dealing with other countries.

This is my translation into Japanese - "Tada no chikyu no ikimono to wakusei no ikimono ja nai. Ima, watashitachi wa, hoshi-san tachi no mabushii kodomotachi."

ただの地球のいきものとわくせいのいきものじゃない。今、私たち輪、
ほしさんたちのまぶしいこどもたち。

I was never really commited to learning Kanji, its just that I'm half Chinese and the language and literature was carved into my brain at school. Chinese has been getting more popular these days though, I think people just learn it for the challenge. Kanji's accually a kind of writing you have to learn when your really young, thats probably why you hate it so bad :laugh .

Anyway, its nice to be admired once in a while, thx :amuse

[HyugaHinata]

Nah, I hate kanji because it's so stupid and there are much easier ways of communicating.

In my view, English took many languages, and brought them into one cohesive, simple whole. It's much better than French which has masculine and feminine nouns. XD

[poona]

Ahh hell, its just a language. But my problem with Japanese is all the "desu", "yo", "dayo" and all those other words you have to use and the end of EVERY SINGLE SENTENCE. Its pretty annoying... but like I said, hell, its just a language.

[SweetNaruLover]

In my view, English took many languages, and brought them into one cohesive, simple whole. It's much better than French which has masculine and feminine nouns. XD
everything's better than french.... :huh

[Dimezanime20]

Nani? Boku wa funiochinai. Onegai kurikaesu.

[HyugaHinata]

Ahh hell, its just a language. But my problem with Japanese is all the "desu", "yo", "dayo" and all those other words you have to use and the end of EVERY SINGLE SENTENCE. Its pretty annoying... but like I said, hell, its just a language.

It's not compulsory to use 'yo' or 'desu'. Quite often, people will omit the ends of the sentences.

Chinese is an awful language for adults to learn - it takes too long to be funcitonally literate. The fact that they use pictures also makes them look like cavepeople.

[SweetNaruLover]

This is for all you guys who want to go to Japan and who want to be seen as fluently (maybe even native) Japanese speakers!!!
Ok there goes my Japanese knowledge!! ahrrhum!! read, oh students:

If you meet someone and want to say something formal:
Doozo yoroshiku onegai shimasu
This means literally: please treat me well in the future. mostly used by first meetings in formal occasions. (business) oh yeah, and don't forget to bow!
Or just say:
Watashi wa (your name) desu
I am (name). but this is only for people at your age!

If you want to talk about something you have in common (and you have the feeling the japanese person likes hanging too ) say this:
Kimi wa mattari suru koto ga suki da yo ne?
It means: you love the hanging too, right?

And if you're talking about hobbies anyways, you can also give this good advice to your Japanese friend:
Karaoke no heya ni uruskute mo ii desu!
Which means: it can be very noisy in the karaoke room!

If your Japanese conversationpartner is an greenpeace (or whatsoever) activist, you can better say this:
Umi ni robotto o sutete wa ikemasen!
Translated: You may not dump robots into the sea!

If you plan on eating dinner, or you get a Japanese guest at home, the next phrases will be very useful:
Shokuji no mae ni ashi o arawanaide mo ii desu
You don't have to wash your feet before dinner.
Kono furaipan o karite mo ii desu!
You can borrow my frying-pan!
It may happen your host/hostess starts looking at you funny when you say this, but you can save your ass out of this situation by saying this:
Mada hazukashi?
Meaning: Still shy?

If you get accosted in the streets by a Japanese reporter of a very famous television company,there's a lot of panic and noise, they point the camera at you and ask you things you don't understand at all, come with a sensationstory like this! :
Futuri no wakai onna no ko ga ginkoo gotoo o shite mita!
Two young girls tried to rob the bank!!!
( After you've said this, its wise to run away like mad [but hey, you've been on Japanese television!] ^_^v )

And if you didnt have enough after all this tough talk, and still didnt convince those Japanese that you're japanese too, you can do three things! (now read closely my students!):
1. Admit you were fooling around and say this:
Nihongo wa hanase masen
I don't speak Japanese

2. Deny all by saying this:
Watashi? Gaijin zya nai yo!
Me? I'm no foreigner!!
To strenghten that statement you can add this phrase:
Hyaku paasento miss/mister nihon desu!
I am 100% miss/mister Japan!!!

3. Just go home to those cranky teachers, boring lessons and average grades to follow a trustfull course of Japanese and return 10 years later for revenge....

This course was brought to you by:
~Sweetnarulover!!! :D

/posted it b4/

[Dimezanime20]

Actually, it's Itadaki Masu.

Have you noticed that Lee often pronounces u?

Like "desu", where most other say "dess".

Or "Shimasu", "Shimass"

Et cetera et cetera...

what about ikadokimasu?

[Dimezanime20]

Please Sweetnarulover-sensei, teach us more!:D:)

[Leto]

Heres my Japanese lesson for the day: Baka = Idiot :wink enjoy

[SweetNaruLover]

oh I know more nonsense...
but if you survive with it in japan... XD I doubt it... :rofl

(though the above sentences are 100% right!)

[cupnoodles]

how bout teaching me japanese street talk? like "sup, dawg?"

[Gunshin]

I'll help all of you learn Japanese seeing how I went to one of the most prestigious highschools in Japan, Ritsumeikan.

Introducing yourself: Omae no namae nanka doudemo iishi, oreno namae mo oshieru kiwa nai.

Getting help from police: Kesatsu nanka kuso kurae.

Introducing yourself politely to a girl: Ore wa henshitsusha de renzokuhujoboukouhan da.

[Dimezanime20]

I'll help all of you learn Japanese seeing how I went to one of the most prestigious highschools in Japan, Ritsumeikan.

Introducing yourself: Omae no namae nanka doudemo iishi, oreno namae mo oshieru kiwa nai.

Getting help from police: Kesatsu nanka kuso kurae.

Introducing yourself politely to a girl: Ore wa henshitsusha de renzokuhujoboukouhan da.

mind telling us what they translate into?

[poona]

It's not compulsory to use 'yo' or 'desu'. Quite often, people will omit the ends of the sentences.

Chinese is an awful language for adults to learn - it takes too long to be funcitonally literate. The fact that they use pictures also makes them look like cavepeople.

Well my mom learnt to speak Chinese when she was in her 20's or something so its not hard to learn to speak it. Its harder to learn to write Chinese cause it requires usage of both sides of the brain where as English only requires one. I dont really like to use the word "better" cause its really opinion based, but I'll say its easier to learn English.

[Gunshin]

People don't learn "Chinese", they learn "Mandarin" or "Cantonese".

[poona]

People don't learn "Chinese", they learn "Mandarin" or "Cantonese".
Whatever... :laugh Grammarian... :notrust

[Gunshin]

Whatever... :laugh Grammarian... :notrust
Actually, I don't care to much, but a lot of my chinese friends get upset when people say "you speak chinese man". So it kind of grew on me too. :smile-big

[JesusFreakDK]

Any Chinese dialect is utterly insane. So much vocal work you've got to do, manipulating all those sounds. Doesn't agree with my native Korean tongue. *Sad* Although, I'd like to learn it. I have a few Korean friends who're good at the calligraphy, er, writing Chinese characters. Many old Korean manuscripts still use Chinese lettering.

Let's see, among the phrases I know...(sad, all picked up from anime)
Obviously these aren't accurate at all, if anyone can correct them, please do.

Nani = What
Omai = You
Hai = Yes (formal?)
Eyeh = No
Yoroshikun = Pleased to meet you
Sankyu/Arigatou gozaimas = Thank you (latter is much more formal. I know that there are other ways to say "thank you")
Sumimasen/Gomen desai = Sorry (latter formal)
Domo = I forgot :-(
Ohaiyo = Good morning
Konichiwa = Greeting, not sure of the literal. Maybe how are you?
Betsuni = Not really ?
Scashi/Dakara = But/However ?
Temeh = Damn you/a curse?
Honto = Really
Yakusoku = Promise (I know this one because the word is the same as Korean)
Damanegi = Onion (I know this for same reason as above)
Jotto matte = Wait a second
Daijobu = Are you all right?
Oi = Hey

Gah, my limited word pool is thoroughly exhausted. If someone could confirm these that would be great. I'm such an otaku...^^;;

[JesusFreakDK]

That's great SweetNaruLover! I'm sure those phrases will come in handy when trying to get a one-night stand with a sweet Jap chick...or just fail horribly...

In other news, I've got a completely useless command of single Japanese words. Would anyone be able to confirm them? I know it's not going with the flow of this thread, but I'd like some help. Thanks.

Nani = What
Omai = You
Hai = Yes (formal?)
Eyeh = No
Yoroshikun = Pleased to meet you
Sankyu/Arigatou gozaimas = Thank you (latter is much more formal. I know that there are other ways to say "thank you")
Sumimasen/Gomen desai = Sorry (latter formal)
Domo = I forgot :-(
Ohaiyo = Good morning
Konichiwa = Greeting, not sure of the literal. Maybe how are you?
Betsuni = Not really ?
Scashi/Dakara/Demo = But/However ?
Temeh = Damn you/a curse?
Honto = Really
Yakusoku = Promise (I know this one because the word is the same as Korean)
Damanegi = Onion (I know this for same reason as above)
Jotto matte = Wait a second
Daijobu = Are you all right?
Oi = Hey
Sou desu ka = I see
Hayaku = Hurry
Onegai = Please
Koros = I'll kill you
Shine = DIE! lol :-)

Well, I've thoroughly exhausted my limited word pool. That's about all I can think of!

[Temari103]

Well, a very similar thread just like this one exists.
http://forums.narutofan.com/showthread.php?t=2469&highlight=learn+japanese
However, seeing as that thread is quite dead, I will let this one live and see where it goes.


Lol, you are lke a teacher saying that way. Lol again. And not in a bad way. Your avatar maks you more of like a teacher. :laugh

[Gunshin]

Nani = What
Omai = You
Hai = Yes (formal?)
Eyeh = No
Yoroshikun = Pleased to meet you
Sankyu/Arigatou gozaimas = Thank you (latter is much more formal. I know that there are other ways to say "thank you")
Sumimasen/Gomen desai = Sorry (latter formal)
Domo = I forgot :-(
Ohaiyo = Good morning
Konichiwa = Greeting, not sure of the literal. Maybe how are you?
Betsuni = Not really ?
Scashi/Dakara/Demo = But/However ?
Temeh = Damn you/a curse?
Honto = Really
Yakusoku = Promise (I know this one because the word is the same as Korean)
Damanegi = Onion (I know this for same reason as above)
Jotto matte = Wait a second
Daijobu = Are you all right?
Oi = Hey
Sou desu ka = I see
Hayaku = Hurry
Onegai = Please
Koros = I'll kill you
Shine = DIE! lol :-)

Well, I've thoroughly exhausted my limited word pool. That's about all I can think of!

http://img46.photobucket.com/albums/v141/sculbasher/forashit/NODOfG.jpg

You just got those off of animes huh? :sad Your pronounciation is wrong on a lot of them and keep in mind that in anime, translators change the meaning so that it is more fluid in english.

Omae
Korosu
Iie
Ohayoo
Domo = Short for thank you, however can mean a couple other things.
Shikashi not Scashi
Teme = Rude way of saying "YOU".
Chotto Matte
Daijoubu
Korosu = Kill

[JesusFreakDK]

Thanks a lot for the corrections, Gunshin. BTW, nice pic of the dog. o_O

I'd imagine that being a translator would take a lot of work. Not only being fluent in two languages, but also making everything understandable and fluent without drastically changing the meaning of things.

BTW, how you phonetically wrote those words...is there a proper way to write Japanese words in English? Just curious.

[Gunshin]

Thanks a lot for the corrections, Gunshin. BTW, nice pic of the dog. o_O

I'd imagine that being a translator would take a lot of work. Not only being fluent in two languages, but also making everything understandable and fluent without drastically changing the meaning of things.

BTW, how you phonetically wrote those words...is there a proper way to write Japanese words in English? Just curious.
Yes, its called "romanji". In Japanese there is hirogana, katakana (used for foriegn words and computer words), kanji, and romanji (english spelling and pronounciation).

Translating does take a bit of work, because many Japanese words do not make sense when translated directly to another language.

[Dimezanime20]

http://img46.photobucket.com/albums/v141/sculbasher/forashit/NODOfG.jpg

You just got those off of animes huh? :sad Your pronounciation is wrong on a lot of them and keep in mind that in anime, translators change the meaning so that it is more fluid in english.

Omae
Korosu
Iie
Ohayoo
Domo = Short for thank you, however can mean a couple other things.
Shikashi not Scashi
Teme = Rude way of saying "YOU".
Chotto Matte
Daijoubu
Korosu = Kill
damnit!:D i was going to correct him!

[GaaraOfTheDesert]

Any Chinese dialect is utterly insane. So much vocal work you've got to do, manipulating all those sounds. Doesn't agree with my native Korean tongue. *Sad* Although, I'd like to learn it. I have a few Korean friends who're good at the calligraphy, er, writing Chinese characters. Many old Korean manuscripts still use Chinese lettering.

Let's see, among the phrases I know...(sad, all picked up from anime)
Obviously these aren't accurate at all, if anyone can correct them, please do.

Nani = What
Omae = You
Hai = Yes (formal?)
Iie = No
Yoroshikun = Pleased to meet you
Sankyu/Arigatou gozaimasu = Thank you (latter is much more formal. I know that there are other ways to say "thank you")
Sumimasen/Gomen desai = Sorry (latter formal) i thought it was 'nasai', but you never know
Domo = I forgot :-( thank you
Ohaiyo = Good morning
Konichiwa = Greeting, not sure of the literal. Maybe how are you?
Betsuni = Not really ?
Scashi/Dakara = But/However ? SCA doesn't really exist in japanese
Teme = Damn you/a curse?
Honto = Really
Yakusoku = Promise (I know this one because the word is the same as Korean)
Damanegi = Onion (I know this for same reason as above)
chotto matte = Wait a second
Daijobu = Are you all right?
Oi = Hey

Gah, my limited word pool is thoroughly exhausted. If someone could confirm these that would be great. I'm such an otaku...^^;;

i corrected some, i hope

[iroha haroto]

Iie, by "no", bt the way means, "no" and "incorrect". It implies the exact opposite of an affirmative response. So, if someone asked, the equivalent of "Are there no bananas?" ("Banana wa arimasen desu ka?"? not sure a bit rusty) The response using "iie" would be "Iie, banana wa arimasu." or "No, there are bananas."

Wakata?

[iroha haroto]

Interesting tip: Baka in kanji is made of the character for horse, "uma" and the character for deer, "shika" (hence the deer-boar-butterfly formation in the manga; Shikamaru, Ino, which is boar, and Choji, the first syllable can mean butterfly, as in chocho.)

The kanji in actuality has no relatedness to the actual meaning, the word is actually descended from some obscure Sanskrit word, and was merely given the kanji for unknown reasons.

[iroha haroto]

Nah, I hate kanji because it's so stupid and there are much easier ways of communicating.

In my view, English took many languages, and brought them into one cohesive, simple whole. It's much better than French which has masculine and feminine nouns. XD

When you look at it linguistically, English is horrendous, actually. There are so many grammatical exceptions to the basic rules, compared to other Germanic and Latin languages. However, on the bright side, many of the conjugations have been cut down, since Latin, which has over 10 conjugations for verbs. Hence Latin is dead as a language. It's also interesting how people use Latin rooted words to sound smart and intelligent, as opposed to the Saxon rooted words, which often devolved into rude and pedestrian terms.

Kanji as a written form, is like many of our modern words. There are a certain set of root characters, representing certain basic ideas, and they are combined to form new words. It's much more than just pictures, since some of the characters describe concepts that aren't tangible, and also it's interesting to be able to derive the origins about the concept by observing the kanji alone. Like for example, the kanji "kokoro" means heart, directly, but it also symbolises the nature or essence of something when paired in other kanji.

[Dimezanime20]

When you look at it linguistically, English is horrendous, actually. There are so many grammatical exceptions to the basic rules, compared to other Germanic and Latin languages. However, on the bright side, many of the conjugations have been cut down, since Latin, which has over 10 conjugations for verbs. Hence Latin is dead as a language. It's also interesting how people use Latin rooted words to sound smart and intelligent, as opposed to the Saxon rooted words, which often devolved into rude and pedestrian terms.

Kanji as a written form, is like many of our modern words. There are a certain set of root characters, representing certain basic ideas, and they are combined to form new words. It's much more than just pictures, since some of the characters describe concepts that aren't tangible, and also it's interesting to be able to derive the origins about the concept by observing the kanji alone. Like for example, the kanji "kokoro" means heart, directly, but it also symbolises the nature or essence of something when paired in other kanji.

thanks for that piece of info.

btw, anybody knows the difference between ikadokimasu and itadakimasu?

[HyugaHinata]

When you look at it linguistically, English is horrendous, actually. There are so many grammatical exceptions to the basic rules, compared to other Germanic and Latin languages. However, on the bright side, many of the conjugations have been cut down, since Latin, which has over 10 conjugations for verbs. Hence Latin is dead as a language. It's also interesting how people use Latin rooted words to sound smart and intelligent, as opposed to the Saxon rooted words, which often devolved into rude and pedestrian terms.

Kanji as a written form, is like many of our modern words. There are a certain set of root characters, representing certain basic ideas, and they are combined to form new words. It's much more than just pictures, since some of the characters describe concepts that aren't tangible, and also it's interesting to be able to derive the origins about the concept by observing the kanji alone. Like for example, the kanji "kokoro" means heart, directly, but it also symbolises the nature or essence of something when paired in other kanji.

Kanji = hanzai. I hate it. I see cultures who use kanji as close to cavepeople.

So, I plan to dress up as a caveman to Japanese class. MUWAHAHAHAHAHA!

[Nihongaeri]

btw, anybody knows the difference between ikadokimasu and itadakimasu?Let's see, one is a real word, where as the other is not. Yep, that's pretty much it.

But allow me to introduce a new Japanese word, "mokkori". Translated in one word, I guess "bulge" would be best... the thing is it is quite often used to refer to the bulge created in one's crotch by genitalia, particularly when wearing tight clothing... it also infers that this "bulge" is somewhat rounded, and semi-soft (soft-looking at least)... It is an off-color, semi-crass word, so if you go around shouting it in Japan you'll sound like a complete moron... It's not so horrible a word that you should never ever say it though, and it does make for good jokes sometimes...