にほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumi

In this episode of her podcast, Yumi delves into the profound impact of classical music on personal growth, inspired by violin prodigy Yoshimura Himari's mesmerizing performances. She beautifully narrates her own musical journey and the unexpected ways a popular manga stirred a friend's ambition to master Chopin, weaving a narrative that celebrates the transformative power of art and inspiration. Listen to this episode and let us know if you had some experience like this!   KEY VOCABULARY: 聴(き)く - to listen to (music) 演奏(えんそう) - music performance ハマってしまった – got hooked; ended up getting hooked [ハマって (て-form ofハマる/はまる (to get hooked)); しまった(past form of しまう(to end up with ~))] ～というわけです - ～ is what happened; ～ is the reason (for it) [this expression is used to explain a background which lead to a decision or an outcome] きっかけ - opportunity; occasion [an initial opportunity or situation that leads someone or something to something else] ～を習(なら)う to take lessons in 中級(ちゅうきゅう) - intermediate level [中(ちゅう) (middle; intermediate); 級(きゅう) (grade; class; level)] 吹奏楽(すいそうがく)部(ぶ) brass band club [吹奏(すいそう) (wind instrument); 楽(がく) (music); 部(ぶ) (school club)] 地(じ)元(もと)福(ふく)井(い)県(けん) - (my) home region, Fukui prefecture [地(じ)元(もと) (local area); 福(ふく)井(い)県(けん) (Fukui prefecture)] 行進曲(こうしんきょく) marching band music [行進(こうしん) (march; parade); 曲(きょく) (music)] 全国大会(ぜんこくたいかい) - national competition [全(ぜん) (all; whole); 国(こく) (country); 大会(たいかい) (competition; convention)] 序曲(じょきょく) - overture ～作曲(さっきょく) - composed by ～ [作(さく) (make); 曲(きょく)(piece of music); 作曲(さっきょく) means “composition (of music)”] 懐(なつ)かしい nostalgic [an adjective that describes a feeling one feel when reminiscing about good memories] 青春(せいしゅん) - youth; one’s youthful days; time of adolescence; the springtime of one's life [literally, “blue spring”] 流行(はや)る - to be popular; to come into fashion [流行(りゅうこう)する is a very similar word but is mainly used for fashion or cold & flue.] (を)目指(めざ)す - to aim to become ~ [also “to aim a location as a goal to get to”           For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-153 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-153-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Have you ever heard the term "神童" (shindou)? It refers to child prodigy, and this time, Yumi will talk about it. Listen to the podcast and let us know what you think about it in the comments below!   KEY VOCABULARY: 神童(しんどう) child prodigy; genius; wonder child [神(しん) (god); 童(どう) (child)] 大(おと)人(な)に負(ま)けない as good as adults; comparable to adults; unyielding to adult; unbeatable by adult [literally, “unbeatable by adults”; 大(おと)人(な) (adult); に(to; against); 負(ま)けない (unbeatable; unyielding); a fixed phrase which is used when describing young child of high skill or strength] 理(り)解(かい)力(りょく) ability to understand; comprehension; ability [理解(りかい) (understanding; comprehension); 力(りょく) (power; ability)] めちゃくちゃ incredibly; really; super (when used as adverb) 何(なに)気(げ)なくunintentionally; inadvertently; casually 大(おと)人(な)でも難(むずか)しい difficult even for grownups; even grownups would struggle コンクール competition; contest 審査員(しんさいん) judge 感想(かんそう) comment 特別(とくべつ)賞(しょう) special award; special prize 受(う)け答(こた)え (her) answer (in the interview) [literally, “receiving answering” which means “answering to the question that were received”. 受(う)け答(こた)え doesn’t only mean “the answer” which was spoken but also means the way one carries herself or himself in the whole conversation as well] 立(りっ)派(ぱ) splendid; elegant; impressive; fine 教育(きょういく)が行(ゆ)き届(とど)いている well educated in every way (by her parents) [教育(きょういく) (education); 行(ゆ)き届(とど)いている (ているcontinuous form of 行(ゆ)き届(とど)く(to be complete; to be through); ている here is indicating state of “well educated”, not an ongoing action)] バイオリンバカ violin fanatic; violin nut; violin enthusiast [バイオリン (violin); バカ (“fool/ idiot” is used as suffix which means “fanatic” or “enthusiast”)] 鼻(はな)が高(たか)い very proud [literally, “one’s nose is tall”; it is used when parents are proud of his/her child or a teacher being proud of their students] 出来過(できす)ぎてしまう overly capable; too intelligent; too good (in a lot of things) [ 出来過(できす)ぎて(て-form of 出来過(できす)ぎる (出来(でき)る (can) + 過(す)ぎる (beyond; surpass)); しまう(to be ~ unfortunately; to end up ~))] 助(たす)けてあげないといけない must help; should help; unavoidable to help; absolutely necessary to help [literally, “it’s not good if (her parents) don’t help”; 助(たす)けてあげない (negative of 助(たす)けてあげる; あげるindicates providing the action(helping)); と (if); いけない (not good); “～ないといけない” is “must do ~”] 同年代(どうねんだい) same generation [同 (same); 年代 (age; era)] 話(はなし)が 合(あ)わない to have different interest [Literally, “talk don’t match” which means “not able to engage in the same subjects” which really means “can’t have close relationship” or “can’t get along”] ～ならではの unique to ～ [～ならでは (unique to ~); の (“of”; connecting the words before and after it)] 思(おも)いやりconsideration; compassion; understanding (of others situation or emotion)         For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-152 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-152-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Happy New Year! (Better late than never, right?). This year started not too good in Japan, with an earthquake and a plane crushing. So, this time Yumi will talk about it. Have you ever been in an earthquake? Let us know in the comments below!   KEY VOCABULARY: 石川県(いしかわけん)能登(のと)半島(はんとう) the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture [石川県(いしかわけん) (Ishikawa Prefecture); 能登(のと) (Noto); 半島(はんとう) (peninsula)] 炎上(えんじょう)事故(じこ) crash that ended in inferno [炎上(えんじょう)(going up in flames); 事故(じこ) (accident; crash)] 海上(かいじょう)保(ほ)安(あん)庁(ちょう) Japan Coast Guard [海上(かいじょう) (maritime; sea service)保(ほ)安(あん)庁(ちょう)(National Security Agency)] 無事(ぶじ) no damage; unharmed; safety; security 奇(き)跡(せき) miracle 慌(あわ)ただしい constantly busy (with many events); whirlwind; fast-paced 慌(あわ)てない (です) don’t/ doesn’t panic [negative form of 慌(あわ)てる (to panic; to haste; to fluster)] 収(おさ)まる to quiet down; to calm down; to settle 冷静(れいせい) cool; composed; cool-headed [冷(れい) (cool; cold); 静(せい) (quiet; still)] 山(やま)津(つ)波(なみ) landslide; earthflow [山(やま) (mountain; hill); 津(つ)波(なみ) (tsunami; tidal wave); also called “山(やま)崩(くず)れ (landslide)”] ガスの元栓(もとせん) main valve of gas pipe/tank [majority of Japanese household use the propane gas or the city gas for cooking and possibly heating water] 訓練(くんれん) training; discipline; drill; practice うち履(ば)き indoor shoes [うち (inside); 履(ば)き (“foot wear”; noun form of 履(は)く (to wear/to put on (shoes)); also called 上履(うわば)き or ルームシューズ)] 散乱(さんらん)している is scattered around [from 散(さん)乱(らん)する (to scatter around; to scatter); (て)いる here indicates a state/condition of “glass pieces scattered around”)] 裸足(はだし) barefoot 来(きた)るべきして来(き)た ought have come (by now); due to come [literally, “came because it had to come”; a fixed phrase that sounds literary, archaic and formal to modify some occurrence that happened which was destined to happen in the hindsight; 来(きた)るべき (“should come”); して (as); 来(き)た (“has come”)] 南海(なんかい)トラフ巨大(きょだい)地(じ)震(しん) Nankai Trough mega earthquake [南海(なんかい) (Nankai);トラフ (trough); 巨大(きょだい) (mega; colossal; jumbo); 地(じ)震(しん) (earthquake)] 潜(もぐ)り込(こ)んでいる is slipping under [the continuous form of 潜(もぐ)り込(こ)む (to slip under)] ひずみ distortion; skewness; strain 跳(は)ね返(かえ)る bounce back; spring back; recoil [compound verb of 跳(は)ねる (jump; bounce) and 返(かえ)る (return; revert; turn back)] １００年(ねん)間隔(かんかく)で in 100 year interval [間隔(かんかく) (interval; space (in between); distance); で (in)] 耐震(たいしん)化(か) earthquake-proofing [耐震(たいしん)化(か) (earthquake-proofing; earthquake-resistant; earthquake-ready; 耐(たい) (resist; endure); 震(しん) (shake); 化(か) (“-ization”; “-ification”) is a suffix that means “to change into ~”)] 固(こ)定(てい)しておくhave (furniture) to be fastened/anchored [固(こ)定(てい)して (て-form of 固(こ)定(てい)する (to fasten; to anchor; to fix); (て)おくmeans “to have ~ done in advance for preparation of something)] 時(じ)限(げん)爆弾(ばくだん) ticking bomb; time bomb [時(じ)限(げん) (time- programed); 爆弾(ばくだん) (bomb)]       For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-151 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-151-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Let’s talk about sleep! This time, Yumi will talk about her sleeping time, what she was doing when she woke up during the night (and now she stopped!) and how daylight saving times could affect your life or the life of your pet. Listen this episode and let us know what you think!   KEY VOCABULARY: 寝付(ねつ)きがいい easy to fall asleep; to fall asleep quickly [寝付(ねつ)き (falling asleep) indicates “how quickly/easily one normally can fall asleep”; 寝付(ねつ)き is the noun form of 寝付(ねつ)く (to fall asleep)] 周(まわ)りpeople close (to me); people around (me) [周(まわ)りis “vicinity” or “surroundings” and can be used to mean “people around someone”] びっくりされる to have people to get surprised (about me falling asleep so fast) [passive form of びっくりする (to be surprised); the speaker (Yumi) being the receiver of people’s surprise about her falling asleep so fast] 夜(よ)中(なか) midnight; middle of the night 動(どう)画(が) video 平均(へいきん) average 大丈(だいじょう)夫(ぶ) fine; okay 随分(ずいぶん) considerably; fairly; very ズレ deviation; shift; discrepancy [noun form of ズレる (to shift; to deviate; to slide; to slip off; to be out of alignment)] 意(い)外(がい)とunexpectedly [意(い) (thoughts); 外(がい) (outside)] 逆転(ぎゃくてん) reversal [逆(ぎゃく) (reverse; opposite); 転(てん) (turning)] 時差(じさ) time difference 仕(し)方(かた)がない no other choice; nothing one can do [literally “there is no means (to cope)”] 初頭(しょとう) beginning (of a century, etc.) 節約(せつやく) saving 発想(はっそう) idea; concept [noun form of 発想(はっそう)する (conceptualize; to come up with ideas)] 愛犬(あいけん) beloved dog       For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-150 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-150-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

What do you eat during the day? Listen to the podcast and find out the new diet Yumi is doing!   KEY VOCABULARY: 実際(じっさい)に actually; really; truly; indeed 具体的(ぐたいてき)に specifically; in detail [具体的 (specific); に (“-ly”; makes the preceding word into adverb form)] 薄(うす)める to dilute; to thin 炒(いた)め物(もの) stir-fry; stir-fried food [炒(いた)め (fry; broil; roast); 物(もの) (thing; item)] 物足(ものた)りなさそうseeming not enough; seeming unsatisfied [物足りな is from 物足りない (not enough; not satisfied); “さ” is necessary between “～な(い)” and そう (seemingly)] 以(い)前(ぜん)は before; prior to [“as for before”] 冷凍食品(れいとうしょくひん) frozen food [冷凍(れいとう) (frozen; freezing);食品(しょくひん) (food; food products)] めんどくさい bothersome; tiresome; cumbersome [shortened from めんどうくさい and sounds more casual] 温(あたた)めておいて warm (them) up for me [温(あたた)めて from 温(あたた)める (to reheat; to warm up); おいて is て-from of (て)おく (to have ~ in a certain condition); て-form is often used when asking to do something in very casual situations] 新鮮(しんせん)な fresh 野(や)菜(さい) vegetables 小(こ)麦(むぎ)食品(しょくひん) wheat-based food products [小(こ)麦(むぎ) (wheat); 食品(しょくひん) (food products)] 自家(じか)製(せい) homemade [自家(じか) (one’s own house); 製(せい) (“-made”; made in)] 立(りっ)派(ぱ)な credible; fine; undeniable 健康(けんこう)オタク health geek [健康(けんこう) (health); オタク (geek; nerd; enthusiast)] 生(しょう)姜(が) ginger 薄(うす)切(ぎ)りthin slice [薄 (thin); 切り(cut; noun form of 切(き)る (to cut))] 炭酸水(たんさんすい) carbonated water [炭酸(たんさん) (carbonic acid); 水(すい) (water)] 風邪(かぜ) cold; flu 予(よ)防(ぼう) prevention       For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-149 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-149-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Yumi continues her talking about the changes she made in her life. What do you think of these changes? Listen to the podcast to know all the changes she made!   KEY VOCABULARY: 大腸(だいちょう)カメラcolonoscopy [大腸(だいちょう) (large intestine; colon)] がん cancer ポリープ polyp 麻(ま)酔(すい) anesthesia [麻(ま) (hemp; flax); 酔(すい) (drunk)] 痛(いた)くもかゆくもない “it’s no concern at all” or “it has no effect on me whatsoever” [literally, “it’s neither painful nor itchy”] 固(こ)形(けい) solid [固(こ) (harden); 形(けい) (form; shape)] 一切(いっさい) absolutely (not); entirely (not) 下(げ)剤(ざい) laxative ずいぶん very; considerably; awfully 申(もう)し訳(わけ)ない I’m sorry [literally, “(it’s) inexcusable”; 申(もう)し訳(わけ) (excuse); ない (not)] 腸内(ちょうない) inside of colon [腸(ちょう) (intestine); 内(ない) (inside)] 順調(じゅんちょう)に steadily; smoothly 溜(た)まる to accumulate 着替(きが)えをする to get changed [着替(きが)え (changing of clothes)] 腸活(ちょうかつ) intestinal activities; promoting activity of the intestines] 食物(しょくもつ)繊(せん)維(い) dietary fiber [食物(しょくもつ) (food); 繊(せん)維(い) (fiber)] 発酵食品(はっこうしょくひん) fermented food [発酵(はっこう) (fermentation); 食品(しょくひん) (food)] 加(か)工(こう)食品(しょくひん) processed food [加(か)工(こう) (processing)] 整(ととの)う (environment) is prepared for; put in order for; becomes conducive for 増々(ますます) increasingly; more and more; even more       For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-148 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-148-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Have you tried stair stepper? Listen to Yumi to know why is she doing it and how it helped her to be in better shape.   KEY VOCABULARY: 階段(かいだん) stair; stairway 目標(もくひょう) goal; objective; target 心臓(しんぞう) heart 心臓(しんぞう)が口(くち)から飛(と)び出(だ)す one’s heart pops out of the chest [it’s a saying that describes bodily feeling where one’s heart is beating so fast due to physical exertion or extreme nervousness that it almost feels as if the heart is about to pop out the mouth] ～うちに while doing ~ ～を目指(めざ)す to aim for ~ 汗(あせ)のかき具(ぐ)合(あい) sweating condition; the way of sweating [汗(あせ)のかき from 汗(あせ)をかく (to sweat);具(ぐ)合(あい) (condition; the way of (sweating))] 息(いき)は切(き)れる be out of breath [usually 息(いき)が切(き)れる; 息(いき) (breath); 切(き)れる (to run out)] 負(ふ)担(たん) burden 足(あし)腰(こし) one’s area of legs, hips lower back [足(あし) (legs); 腰(こし) (hip; lower back); it refers to the whole lower part of body that supports the upper body for one to be able to move around] 歩(ある)き回(まわ)る to walk around [compound word; 歩(ある)き (ます-stem of 歩(ある)く(to walk) + 回(まわ)る (to go around))] ～に対応(たいおう)できない unable to cope with ~ [対応(たいおう)する (to respond; to cope)] 血糖(けっとう)値(ち) blood sugar level [血(けつ) (blood); 糖(とう) (sugar); 値(ち) (value; worth)] 飢餓(きが) starvation; hunger 溜(た)めてある脂(し)肪(ぼう) accumulated fat; fat that has been saved up [溜(た)める (to accumulate); (て)ある (to have something done for a reason)] ～に向(む)いていない not suited for ~; not suitable for ~ [～に向(む)く(to suited for ~); (て)いない (negative of (～て)いる which indicates a condition/situation)] 安静(あんせい) rest 宇(う)宙(ちゅう)飛(ひ)行(こう)士(し) astronaut [宇宙 (universe; cosmos; space); 飛(ひ)行(こう)士(し) (pilot; airman)] 無(む)重力(じゅうりょく) no gravity; weightlessness [無(む) (“non-“); 重力(じゅうりょく) (gravity)] 食(た)べさせてもらう to be assisted to eat (food) [食(た)べさせて isて-form of 食(た)べさせる (to feed; to assist someone eat; to make someone eat); (～て)もらう means “to have someone do ～ for oneself”)]       For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-147 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-147-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Yumi continues her talking about the changes she made in her life. What do you think of these changes? Listen to the podcast to know all the changes she made!   KEY VOCABULARY: 順調(じゅんちょう)に steadily; smoothly; without a hitch 何(なん)度(ど)も many times; frequently; plenty of times 血液検(けつえきけん)査(さ) blood test; blood exam [血液(けつえき) (blood); 検(けん)査(さ) (check; checkup; inspection; exam)] 血管(けっかん) blood vessel [duct; tube] 血栓(けっせん) blood clot [栓(せん) (plug; stopper; spigot)] 可(か)能(のう)性(せい) possibility 大腸(だいちょう)カメラ colonoscopy [大腸(だいちょう) (large intestine)] 食(しょく)物(もつ)繊(せん)維(い) dietary fiber [食(しょく)物(もつ) (food); 繊(せん)維(い) (fiber)] お味噌(みそ)汁(しる) miso soup [味噌(みそ) (miso); 汁(しる) juice; soup] 山(やま)盛(も)り heap [盛り(heap; pile); refers to “a large serving piled up high”] 週(しゅう)に何回(なんかい)か several times a week [週(しゅう)に(in a week); 何回(なんかい)か (several times; か indicates “unspecified numbers”)] 缶詰(かんづめ) canned food [缶(かん) (tin; can); 詰(つめ) (stuffing; packing)] コーヒー派(は) coffee lover [派(は) (faction; side)] 食(しょく)事(じ)内容(ないよう) dietary contents [食事(しょくじ) (meal);内容(ないよう) (content; substance)] 筋(きん)トレ strength training; weight training [shortened from shortened from 筋肉(きんにく)トレーニング; 筋肉(きんにく) (muscle)] 有酸運動(ゆうさんうんどう) aerobic exercise [有 (having; with); 酸素 (oxygen); 運動 (exercise)] 予(よ)算(さん)の都(つ)合(ごう) budgetary reasons; budget constraints [予(よ)算(さん) (budget); 都(つ)合(ごう) (reason; circumstances; convenience)] 紫(し)外(がい)線(せん) ultraviolet rays [紫(し) (purple); 外(がい) (outside); 線(せん) (ray; line)] 日(ひ)焼(や)け止(ど)め sunscreen [日(ひ)焼(や)け (sunburn); 止(ど)め (stopper); also called “日(ひ)焼(や)け止(ど)めクリーム”]       For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-146 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-146-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Yumi has made some changes in her life. What do you think she changed? Listen to the podcast and hear her reflections on this!   KEY VOCABULARY: あまり～ない (there is ) not so much ~; (I have) not so much ~ [あまりmeans “very” or “much” when used with ～ない] これといって nothing special; not worth mentioning [always used with ～ない; “いって” is “言(い)って”, but usually written in hiragana] 神様(かみさま) [God] 退屈(たいくつ) boring; dull; boredom [a state where nothing to do to spend time] つまんない boring; dull [casual for つまらない ; used when one is not having fun because something one is engaged in is not interesting enough] とはいえ but; that said; that being said; having said that [“いえ” is “言え”, and commonly written in hiragana in this phrase] 細身(ほそみ) slender; narrow [細(ほそ) (thin); 身(み) (body)] 外見(がいけん)を気(き)にする worry about the looks/appearance [外見(がいけん) (looks; appearance); 気(き)にする (worry; pay attention to); a commonly used phrase] 観察(かんさつ) する[to observe] 自(じ)信(しん)を持(も)つ have confidence in oneself [自(じ)信(しん) (confidence)] 瘦(や)せる to lose weight; to become thin 戻(もど)る to return; to go back ～そう seems ~; looks like ~; seems to ~ [“ます-stem + そう” is “it looks like doing ~”] 目立(めだ)つ to stand out; to be noticeable 言(い)い訳(わけ) excuse ～かろうが no matter how ~ [“い-adjective stem + かろうが”; 若(わか) is adjective-stem of 若(わか)い (take the い ending); 年(とし)寄(よ)りelderly; elder person ～であろうが no matter ~ [“noun/な- adjective + であろうが”] 食(た)べる量(りょう) the amount to eat; amount of food one eats       For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-145 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-145-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

The Hurricane Idalia has come to Florida, and after its passage, it left Yumi without electricity for a few hours. This made Yumi think about the importance of electricity in her life. Listen to the podcast and hear her reflections on this!   KEY VOCABULARY: 直撃(ちょくげき)する to hit directly [直(ちょく) (direct); 撃(げき) (hit; attack)] 避(ひ)難(なん)する to evacuate; flee; escape 出身(しゅっしん) one’s origin (country, city, town; school) 平(ひら)屋(や) single story house [平(ひら) (flat); 屋(や) (house; roof)] こもる to stay inside; to hide away; to be confined in] パターン (usual) pattern; (common) practice モーボーホーム mobile home; manufactured home [also called モバイルホーム] 自(じ)体(たい) itself [自(じ)(self)] 片(かた)付(づ)ける [tidy up; put away; clean up] 置(お)きっぱなし left ~ alone without attended;  left ~ alone for a period of time [“ます-stem V + っぱなし” means “to have something in one condition for a long time unattended” or “to continue to be in one condition. ～っぱなし is often used in a negative sense (not always).] 電(でん)池(ち) battery 点(つ)くto be lit; to be turned on; to come on 確認(かくにん)する to check; to confirm; to make sure 汲(く)んで to get (water) and … [て-form of 汲(く)む (to ladle; to scoop) and it is used only when scooping water or some liquid into a container] 備(そな)える to prepare; to make preparations; to equip with 買(か)い込(こ)む to buy in large amount; to stock up on [“ます-stem V + 込(こ)む”; 込(こ)む means “to pack in” in this particular compound word] 避(さ)ける to avoid 案(あん)の定(じょう) as expected; sure enough [a fixed phrase. 案(あん) means “expectation” or “idea”. 定(じょう) means “fixed” or “decided”] 不(ふ)衛生(えいせい) unsanitary; hygienic [不(ふ) (un-; in-; non-); 衛生(えいせい) (sanitary; hygienic)] (火(ひ)を)起(お)こす to start/to make (a fire)       For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-144 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-144-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Finally, the trip to Japan ended and Yumi and her family are back in Florida. So, this time Yumi will reflect on the trip and the impressions she had during it. Listen to the podcast and learn what was the thing that left a big impression on her this time!   KEY VOCABULARY: 総(そう)まとめ total conclusion; roundup; overall summary [総(そう) (total); まとめ (conclusion; summary)] 感想(かんそう) view; thought; impression すっきりする become neat [すっきり (neat; pleasant)] ジンベエザメ whale shark 心(こころ)が落(お)ち着(つ)く feels calm; calm one’s mind 写真(しゃしん)に収(おさ)める capture in a picture [収(おさ)める has several meanings but here it means “to capture” or “to store away” the moment in a picture] 幻想的(げんそうてき)な magical; fantasy-like; dream-like [幻想(げんそう) (fantasy; illusion; dream)] どっぷりと浸(ひた)る deeply submerged; totally experience [どっぷり(onomatopoeia that means “completely” or “totally”; it originated from describing when something or someone is submerged in water completely; 浸(ひた)る (to submerge; to get soaked)] これに尽(つ)きる this is always the best; there is nothing better than this [a set phrase; 尽きる usually means “to come to an end” or “(something) to run out”, and this phrase literally says "it always comes to this at the end”] ～するわけではない it’s not that ~; it’s not because ~ ; not necessarily that ~ 配膳(はいぜん)ロボット serving robot [配膳(はいぜん) (waiting; tray service; setting the table)] 興(きょう)味(み)深(ぶか)い fascinating; very interesting [a set phrase and it conjugates as aい-adjective; 興味 (interest)] 汗(あせ)だくdrenched in sweat; dripping with sweat [a set phrase] 涼(すず)し気(げ) looking cool [げis a suffix that means “looking” or “seemingly” which attaches to some い-adjective stems or some nouns to make な-adjective; 涼(すず)しい → 涼(すず)しげ(な)] 短(たん)パン(ぱん) short pants; shorts; trunks [shortened from 短(みじか)いパンツ] (シャープな感(かん)じで)決(き)める to coordinate a style; to style (with the look of sharpness) 気(き)を使(つか)うpay attention [literally “use their attention”] 女(じょ)子(し)力(し) power of femininity; woman’s level of motivation in fashion and style; girliness (as a positive quality) 意(い)識(しき)する to be conscious 面倒(めんどう)くさい bothersome; feel lazy (to do something) [often it’s pronounced めんどくさい]     For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-143 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-143-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

A few months ago, Yumi comment us about the souvenirs she was planning to take to Japan for family and friends. Now that she’s back, she will tell us which are the ones that people liked and which ones may have not being such a success. Listen to the podcast to find out!   KEY VOCABULARY: 経(た)つ (for time) to pass 落(お)ち着(つ)く to settle down 反応(はんのう) response; reactions 喜(よろこ)ぶ to be pleased; to be delighted がっかりされた was disappointing (for people); disappointed (people); had (people) get disappointed [がっかり(disappointment); された (past & passive form of する (to do)); がっかりする means “to get disappointed”; Note: がっかりされる and がっかりさせるsay the something, but がっかりされる have a nuance that “what disappoints people to be receiving people’s disappointment”] 微(び)妙(みょう) tricky; subtle; delicate (situation) 親戚(しんせき) relatives アメリカっぽい American-like; American-ish; American-esque [～っぽい(-ish; -like) is a suffix which is added after nouns or adjectives; アメリカ風(ふう) is a similar another word] ビスケット cookie [crispy cookies that are somewhat dry] 甘(あま)さ控(ひか)えめ low in sugar; not too sweet; less sweet side [甘さ (sweetness); 控(ひか)え “ます-stem” of 控(ひか)える(to refrain); め is a suffix that indicates degree or tendency of some condition] 味(あじ)わい flavor; taste 食(た)べごたえ satisfying to eat [used for food that are satisfying because of a big portion size] そこら中(じゅう) everywhere there; all over the place [中(じゅう)is a suffix that means “all over”, “everywhere”, or “all through”] 奥様(おくさま) wife; house wife; married lady [very polite way to say “married woman”] 派手(はで) loud; flashy; gaudy 生地(きじ) cloth; fabric; material 色使(いろづか)い color usage; use of color ウケ popularity; (people’s response) [used when describing how something (like “Jokes”) is received by people] 一択(いったく) one option; one choice [used when making a choice with no hesitation] 余(あま)る to remain; to be in excess; to be left over     For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-142 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-142-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

This is the final part of the long-awaited journey to Japan! This time, Yumi will tell us about an incredible visit to USJ and more about Tokyo. Listen to the podcast and pay attention to her recommendations for your next trip to Japan!   KEY VOCABULARY: たどり着(つ)くfinally arrive at; to get to (at last); find one’s way to 書斎(しょさい) library; study; sanctum 超(ちょう)おすすめ highly recommended [超(ちょう) (highly; extremely; super); おすすめ(recommendation)] 激(はげ)しかった was intense [激(はげ)しい (violent; intense)] 開場(かいじょう) opening; opening (of the doors) [開(かい) (open); 場(ば) (place; location)] 日差(ひざ)し sunlight; rays of the sun; sunshine [日(ひ)(sun); 差(さ)し (shining); also written as 日射(ひざし)し or 陽射(ひざし)し] 海浜公園(かいひんこうえん) beachfront park; seaside park [海浜 (seaside; beach); 公園(こうえん) (park)] 自(じ)由(ゆう)の女(め)神(がみ)の像(ぞう) statue of liberty [自(じ)由(ゆう) (liberty; freedom);女(め)神(がみ) (Goddess); 像(ぞう) (statue)] 展望台(てんぼうだい) lookout tower [展望 (lookout; viewing); 台(だい) (tower)] 水上(すいじょう)バス water bus; water taxi [水上(すいじょう) (on the water)] 優雅(ゆうが)な elegant; graceful ～のはず is supposed to be ~; should be ~ 熱中症(ねっちゅうしょう)heat stroke; heat exhaustion [熱中(ねっちゅう) (fever); 症(しょう) (illness; symptom; condition (of illness)] 濡(ぬ)れた wet [濡(ぬ)れる (to get wet)] 冷房(れいぼう)の効(き)いている～ air-conditioned [same as 冷房(れいぼう)が効(き)いている～; 冷房(れいぼう) (cooler; air-conditioner); 効(き)いている (is in effect; is on) which is the progressive form of 効(き)く(to be effective)] 避(さ)ける avoid 涼(すず)しい cool (in air temperature) 食(た)べ歩(ある)き eating tour; trying different food at various restaurants while visiting a town 最悪(さいあく) worst (case) [最(さい) (the most); 悪(あく) (bad)] 携帯(けいたい) cell phone [shortened form 携帯(けいたい) (portable); 電(でん)話(わ) (phone)]     For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-141 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-141-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

In this episode, Yumi will tell us about the troubles she encountered while in Japan. Can you imagine what was the most difficult thing during her stay there? You may never imagine what was… Listen to the podcast and find out what it was!   KEY VOCABULARY: 随分(ずいぶん) considerably; rather; fairly; quite お久(ひさ)しぶり it has been a long time [お 久(ひさ)しぶりis politer form for 久(ひさ)しぶり] 無事(ぶじ) safely; with no problems [無事(ぶじ)に can be used here as well] ご無沙汰(ぶさた)しております (I) have been away; (I) haven’t contacting you; (I) have been in touch with you [ご無沙汰(ぶさた) (long silence; situation in which one is not contacting someone); しております I have been (not contacting), which is the humble form for しています; the dictionary form is ご無沙汰(ぶさた)する; a common expression to start a conversation or a letter after not contacting someone for a certain period of time. This expression gives a sense of apology for not being present in their relationship] 長(なが)かったようで短(みじか)かった felt like a long time but actually was a short time [a common expression which is used when one looks back a period of time in the past] 総(そう)じて overall; for the most part; as a whole [総(そう) (whole; total)] 老人(ろうじん)ホーム retirement home; nursing home 歯医(はい)者(しゃ) dentist [歯(は) (teeth); 医者(いしゃ) (doctor)]   ～度(たび)に every time ~; each time ~ [“dictionary form V + 度(たび)に”; 度(たび) counter for occasion, situation or occurrences] 記(き)憶(おく) memory はっきりしてきた became clear [past form of はっきりしてくる (to become clear)] 更新(こうしん)する renew [to renew (a record)] 危(あぶ)なっかしい seemingly dangerous; unsafe looking [an expression from the speaker’s point of view to describe someone to be not safe or not stable while engaging in some activity to the degree that the speaker feels worried about the safety of the person in action] 迷(まい)子(ご)になる to get lost [迷(まい)子(ご) (lost child; lost person)] 干(ほ)す hang out to dry; hang (outside) to dry 乾(かわ)かす dry [to dry] 天(てん)気(き)予(よ)報(ほう) weather forecast [天(てん)気(き) (weather); 予(よ)報(ほう) (forecast)] ～のうちに within (a certain time frame) ドンドンゴロゴロ (onomatopoeia) bang; boom [sound of thunder] 当(あ)たり前(まえ) usual; the norm; common; natural; common place [na-adjective that used to describe something to be natural as a matter of course]     For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-140 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-140-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

In the previous episode, Yumi talked about her arrival to Japan. This time, she will talk about what she and her family did after that, like going on a sightseeing bus in Tokyo or visiting an old friend. But, arriving at the countryside where her parents live after going around Tokyo made her wonder about the differences you can find between big cities and the countryside.   KEY VOCABULARY: ２階(かい)建(だ)て double-decker; two-story structure; two-story building [階(かい) (story); 建(だ)て (build)] 国(こっ)会(かい)議(ぎ)事(じ)堂(どう) National Parliament building [国会(こっかい) (parliament); 議事(ぎじ) (proceedings); 堂(どう) (hall)] 皇居(こうきょ) imperial Palace [皇(こう) (imperial);居(きょ) (residence)] ギリギリ just barely (onomatopoeia) 高速道(こうそくどう)路(ろ) expressway; highway [高 (high); 速 (speed)] 優(ゆう)雅(が)に gracefully; elegantly [優(ゆう)雅(が) (elegant; graceful; refined)] 乗(の)り心(ごこ)地(ち) riding comfortability [乗(の)り(riding); 心(ごこ)地(ち) (comfortability; level of physical comfort); 心(ごこ)地(ち) is pronounced ここち by itself] 誇(ほこ)る to be proud 乗(の)り換(か)え connection; transfer of public transportation [乗(の)り(riding); 換(か)え (change; switch)] 素(す)早(ばや)く quickly; promptly [素(す) is prefix  for “exceedingly” in this case] 距(きょ)離(り) distance 接(せっ)する to touch; to come in contact (with) 人口密(じんこうみつ)度(ど) population density [人口(じんこう) (population); 密(みつ)度(ど) (density)] 新(しん)緑(りょく) new spring foliage color [新(しん) (new); 緑(りょく)(green)] 清潔(せいけつ) clean sanitary 整(せい)備(び) maintenance; servicing ～ひとつ…ない no ~ is there; no ~ exists [concise version of ～がひとつもない (there is no ~, not even one; not even one ~ exists)] 溢(あふ)れる to over flow 一切(いっさい)～ない not ~ whatsoever; not ~ at all 整(ととの)い方(かた) the way (things are) in order [整(ととの)い (ます- stem of 整(ととの)う(to be in order)); 方(かた) (the way); “ます- stem V + 方(かた)” is “the way to ~” or “the method of doing ~”]   For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-139 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-139-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Finally, Yumi and her family are in Japan! It’s been a long time since the last visit, and it seems things have changed. At least, at the convenience stores! Listen to her and take note of ideas for souvenirs for your next trip!   KEY VOCABULARY: 片(かた)付(づ)け tidying up  一段落(いちだんらく)  stopping point (before the next stage) [段落 (end; end of a paragraph)]  復活(ふっかつ)させる revive; come back [復活(ふっかつ) (revival; resurrection); させる (causative of ～する)]  真(ま)下(した) right under; directly below) [真(ま) (prefix for “just~”; “right ~”)]  墜落(ついらく) crash 大惨(だいさん)事(じ) catastrophic event [惨事(さんじ) (disaster)] 入(にゅう)国(こく)検(けん)査(さ) Immigration clearance; Passport control; Immigration examination [入国(にゅうこく) (entry into country); 検(けん)査(さ) (examination)]  当(あ)てる hold ~ against [to put ~ on; to put ~against] 国籍(こくせき) nationality; citizenship 実感(じっかん) actual feeling; solid feeling [実感(じっかん) (real feeling); feeling and knowing of something by a first-hand experience] 流暢(りゅうちょう) fluent (in language skill) 丁寧(ていねい)に thoroughly [丁寧(ていねい) can mean “polite” or “courteous”, but here it means “thorough” in explanation] お湯(ゆ)を張(は)る fill up with hot water [張(は)る (to stretch); it describes the way the surface of water looks stretched out to all the way around inside of the tub. It’s sort of an elegant Japanese expression compared to お湯(ゆ)を入(い)れる (to pour the water in), which can be used here.] 湯(ゆ)船(ぶね) bath tub [船(ぶね) (tank; tub; vessel); basically same as “お風呂(ふろ)”, but has the ambiance of old world] つかる is submerged; is soaked 揃(そろ)っている have everything; fully stocked [揃(そろ)う(to be complete; to be all present); (て) いる describes “a certain condition”] ～し、～し、 (揃(そろ)ってますし、~ありましたし、) ~ and ~ and, therefore … [used when listing up reason(s) to support the following conclusion] 快適(かいてき) pleasant; comfort; amenity   For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-138 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-138-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

In the previous episode, Yumi told us she’s going back to Japan with her family. But she was having some issues deciding what to pick as souvenir for her family and friends. This time, she will talk about what she bought and where. Listen to her and take note of ideas for souvenirs for your next trip!   KEY VOCABULARY: 何人(なんにん)か分(ぶん) portion for some people [何人(なんにん)か “some people” (かindicates it to be “not a specific number”); 分(ぶん) (portion)] 先(さき)ほど earlier; a short while ago; a moment ago 伴侶(はんりょ) spouse 更(さら)に furthermore; moreover 地(じ)元(もと) home area; home town; local area 大学(だいがく)時(じ)代(だい) college years [大学(だいがく) (college; university); 時(じ)代(だい) (era)] 軽(かる)くなっちゃうんです easily turns into (20 to 30 people) [軽(かる)く(easily); なっちゃうcontracted fromなってしまう (ends up turning into); んです contracted from のです (“it is the case that ~”; の explanatory particle emphasizing what is being said)] さらに furthermore 交友関係(こうゆうかんけい)が広(ひろ)い has a large circle of friends; has many friends [交友(こうゆう)関係(かんけい) (circle of friends one has; friendships with people one has); 広(ひろ)い (extensive; broad)] 全(ぜん)部(ぶ)合(あ)わせる put (everybody) all together [全(ぜん)部(ぶ) (all parts); 合(あ)わせる (to combine; to put together); causative form of 合(あ)う (to fit; to match) ] お菓子(かし)類(るい) snacks and sweets [お菓子(かし) (snacks; sweets); 類(るい) (kind; type)] 作(つく)り quality of how something was manufactured [noun form of 作(つく)る (to make)] 消毒(しょうどく) disinfection [消 (extinguishing); 毒 (poison)] 何々(なになに)さん so-and-so; Mr. so-and-so 匂(にお)い sent; smell 旗(はた) flag お守(まも)り charm 気(き)持(も)ちを込(こ)める to put one’s heart into something [気(き)持(も)ち (feeling; heart); 込(こ)める (to include)] 1ドルちょっとぐらい about a little over $1 [1ドルちょっと ($1 and a little); ぐらい (approximate; about)] ご報告(ほうこく) しようwill report [報告(ほうこく) (report)]   For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-137 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-137-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Yumi is going back to Japan with her family! This is a long-awaited trip. Soon they will be reunited with family and friends, but… There is something troubling Yumi’s mind. Listen to the podcast to know more about it!    KEY VOCABULARY: 帰(き)省(せい) homecoming visit; going to one’s parents’ home うんうんうなるto moan (in pain or in discomfort) [うんうん (onomatopoeia that mimicking the sound of moaning); うなる (to growl; to moan; to grunt)] 夢(ゆめ)のまた夢(ゆめ) a dream within a dream; beyond (one’s) wildest dream [literally, “a dream beyond another dream” which basically means “something impossible to happen” or “something impossible for one to experience”] 水際対策(みぎわたいさく) border control measures [水際(みぎわ) (beach; shore; coastline; national border); 対策(たいさく) (countermeasures)] 連絡(れんらく)が取(と)れる to be able to get in touch; to be able to make contact [連絡(れんらく) (contact; communication); 取(と)れる to be able to get/to take (potential form of 取(と)る)] 悩(なや)んでいる to be having a hard time [悩(なや)む (to have a hard time with something mentally)] 20 年(ねん)ぶりに for the first time in 20 years [ぶりis a suffix that indicates a period of time that has passed before for one to experience the same situation. It is only used for positive circumstances] フロリダらしい Florida-like; Florida style 頭(あたま)に浮(う)かばない does not come to mind [literally, “doesn’t float to head]; used when one can’t think of ideas and such] 不(ふ)健康(けんこう) unhealthy; poor health どぎつい intense; gaudy; garish; loud in color [ど (casual prefix for “very”, “super” or “extremely”); ぎつい from きつい (intense; forceful; demanding)] 面倒(めんどう)くさい bothersome; hassle あげなきゃいいんじゃないの ？ isn’t it better not to give? [more casual form for あげなければいいのではないのですか？; あげなきゃcontracted fromあげなければ (if you don’t give); いいんじゃ contracted from いいのでは (it’s good; it’s better); ないの contracted from ないのですか (is (it) not?)] 分(わ)け与(あた)えてあげる share; divide out [分(わ)け与(あた)えて (to share); あげる (to do a favor of doing ~)]   帰(かえ)り際(ぎわ)に right before going home; just as one is leaving [帰(かえ)り (”ます- stem” of 帰る); 際(ぎわ) (when; occasion); ”ます- stem V + 際(ぎわ)” is “on one is about to doing something”] 何々(なになに)さん so-and-so; Mr. so-and-so 配(くば)る deliver; distribute; pass around; hand out 御(お)札(ふだ) やお守(まも)り amulets and charms [御(お)札(ふだ) (amulet); お守(まも)り(charm)] 気(き)軽(がる)に easily; without hesitation いろんなとこ many places [いろんな (various); とこ contracted from ところ (place; location) which is only used in casual setting]   For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-136 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-136-m --

In the previous podcast, Yumi started to talk about her family trip to St. Augustine. Don’t miss the end of this story, where she explains the main reason of their trip and why she couldn’t sleep well that night.   KEY VOCABULARY: 予(よ)約(やく) reservation; booking 無(む)効(こう) invalid; void 慌(あわ)てて in a hurry; in haste [fixed phrase] 近(ちか)場(ば) nearby place 重(かさ)ね合(あ)わせてtaking (the both countries’ histories) together and … [重(かさ)ね合(あ)わせる (to layer multiple things; to overlap)] 説得(せっとく) persuasion 温(おん)故知(こち)新(しん) visiting old, learn new [温(おん) (to warm; to rewarm); 故(こ) (old); 知(ち) (to know); 新(しん) (new); this saying means “an attempt to understand new things by studying the past”] 覗(のぞ)いたり doing peeking into (stores) and [覗(のぞ)い from 覗(のぞ)く(to peek into ; to take a quick look at); ~たり、～する (doing such thing like ~ing and ~ing)] お洒落(しゃれ)なstylish; fashionable; chic; lovely 結構(けっこう) fairly; quite a bit 大賑(だいにぎ)わい big crowd 雰(ふん)囲気(いき) atmosphere; mood of a space or situation 子(こ)供(ども)連(づ)れtaking children along 漂(ただよ)ってました (to be in the air) [漂う (to be in the air; to drift)] 清潔感(せいけつかん) sense of cleanliness [清潔 (clean; sanitary)] (ぱぱぱと)しか見なかった looked only (quickly) […しか～ない (to do ~ only …)] 飼(か)っていた had (peacocks) [飼う to have/own (animals or pets)] 野良(のら)クジャク stray peacock [野良(のら) (stray); クジャク (peacock)] 時(とき)すでに遅(おそ)しthe ship has already sailed [literally, “Time is already late”] 順調(じゅんちょう)に smoothly For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-135 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-135-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

This time Yumi went to a trip to St. Augustine, a city she usually goes with her family to the beach. But this time she made a different kind of trip. In this first part of Saint Augustine’s trip story, she tells us about the history of the fortress located there, San Marcos, among other things.   KEY VOCABULARY: 昔(むかし)ながらの unchanged as old time; as it was in the past [a fixed phrase] 日(ひ)帰(がえ)り day trip ～ばかりの頃(ころ) around the time when ~ [～ばかり (just doing ~); 頃(ころ) (approximate time period; around the time)] 砦(とりで)/要塞(ようさい) fort；fortress [slightly differs from each other in definition but basically “fort”] 詰(つ)まった packed [past of 詰(つ)まる (to be packed; to be clogged)] 石灰(せっかい)石(せき) lime stone [石灰(せっかい) (lime); 石(せき) (stone)] 遡(さかのぼ)りますと going back (in the history) [遡る (to date back); と (when; if)] 取(と)り戻(もど)す take back; regain 牢(ろう)屋(や) jail; prison 脱走兵(だっそうへい) defector; deserter [脱走(だっそう) (escape; desertion); 兵(へい) (solider)] 投獄(とうごく)されていた were imprisoned; were incarcerated [投獄(とうごく)される (to get imprisoned); (て) いた indicates a situation or state] 入(いり)江(え) inlet; cove; bay 合流(ごうりゅう)する merge; come together 狙(ねら)い撃(う)ち sniping; snipe attack [狙(ねら)い (aim); 撃(う)ち (shooting)] 領(りょう)土(ど)争(あらそ)い territorial dispute [領(りょう)土(ど) (territory); 争(あらそ)い (dispute; conflict)] 翻弄(ほんろう)された was trifled with; was tossed around 凄(すさ)まじさ ferocity; savagery [noun form of 凄(すさ)まじい (horrible; terrible)] 愚(おろ)かさ foolishness; absurdity [noun form of 愚(おろ)か (foolish)] 感慨(かんがい)にふけってしまいました was absorbed in deep emotion [感慨(かんがい)にふける (to be overcome with emotion; to be sunk in thought); 感慨(かんがい) (deep emotion which arises from deep thought or introspection)] 目的(もくてき)を果(は)たす accomplish the goal; fulfill the objective [目的(もくてき) (goal; purpose); (を)果(は)たす (to fulfill)]   For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-134 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-134-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Japanese culture about nakedness is different from the occidental one. Japanese people go to onsen naked while most occidental people would feel embarrassed for doing this. In this podcast, Yumi talks about it, and about the changes over time around this culture.   KEY VOCABULARY: 恥(は)ずかしがる to be shy of; to be bashful お相(す)撲(もう)さん Sumo wrestler(s) [affectionate way of calling sumo wrestlers] まる見(み)え full view; completely visible [まるprefix for “whole/total/all”/full; 見(み)え noun form of 見(み)える (to be visible)] 伝統(でんとう)国(こく)技(ぎ) traditional national sport 競(きょう)技(ぎ) competition; game; match; contest まる出(だ)し bare; fully exposed 明(めい)治(じ)時(じ)代(だい) Meiji period (1868-1912) 禁(きん)止(し) prohibition 根(ね)強(づよ)くfirmly; persistently [adverb form of 根(ね)強(づよ)い (firm; persistent; deep-seated; deep-rooted) 銭湯(せんとう) public bathhouse [銭(せん) (coin); 湯(とう) (bath water; warm water)] 展(てん)示(じ) する to exhibit; to display 海水浴場(かいすいよくじょう) designated swimming area beach 彫刻(ちょうこく)家(か) sculptor [彫刻(ちょうこく)(carving; sculpture); 家(か) (suffix for some professions or title for people with highly skill) 裸(ら)体(たい) naked body; nudity 矛(む)盾(じゅん)する to contradict [矛(む)盾(じゅん) (contradictory)] 価値(かち)観(かん) sense of values; value system [価値(かち) (value); 観(かん) (view)] 普(ふ)段(だん) usual; ordinary 基(き)準(じゅん) standard 中(ちゅう)世(せい) Middle Age 股(こ)間(かん) crotch; groin [股(こ) (groin; thigh); 間(かん) (between)]   For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-133 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-133-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Description: Japan is a country with many hot springs. Going to one is an experience you may not want to miss during your stay in Japan. Listen to Yumi talking about ryokans, hot springs and how she overcame the embarrassment about going naked to one.   KEY VOCABULARY: 湧(わ)いてきた started gushing out; started bubbling out [湧(わ)いて from 湧(わ)く(to gush out); てきた from てくる (to start doing ~)] (お湯(ゆ)に)つかる to be soaked (in warm water); to be submerged (in warm water)] (足をお湯に)つける to soak (one’s feet in hot water); to put (one’s feet in hot water) 成分(せいぶん) composition 効能(こうのう) benefit; effect; efficacy おもてなし hospitality 懐石(かいせき)料(りょう)理(り) traditional Japanese meal brought in courses 名産物(めいさんぶつ) local special products [名(めい) (famous); 産(さん)物(ぶつ) (products; produce)]   施(し)設(せつ) facility 癒(いや)す to heal 庭園(ていえん) garden [garden that is professionally designed and maintained; 庭(てい) (garden; yard); 園(えん) (park)] ~なんか such as ~; such thing as ~ 堪能(たんのう)する to indulge in; to enjoy 露(ろ)天(てん)風(ぶ)呂(ろ) open-air bath   見知(みし)らぬ人(ひと) stranger(s) [見知らぬ (unacquainted; unfamiliar; unknown; strange)] 抵抗(ていこう) resistance; reluctance; opposition そっか “Ah, I see”; “Oh, I get it”; “Oh, okay” [a very casual expression which stems from そうか/そうですか] 指(さ)す to indicate; to point 個(こ)室(しつ) private room 思(し)春(しゅん)期(き) adolescence 付(つ)き合(あ)い fellowship; friendship   For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-132 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-132-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Yumi went with her family to see the Super Mario Brothers movie. Listen to Yumi talk about her thoughts on the movie and what she wanted to do after watching it!   KEY VOCABULARY: 公開(こうかい)される to be open; to be open to the public [公開(こうかい) (opening to the public; release)] 話(わ)題(だい)に上(のぼ)る to come up in conversation [話(わ)題(だい) (topic)] 毎週(まいしゅう)のように almost every week [毎(まい) (every);週(しゅう)(week)] 期(き)待(たい)通(どお)りas expected; as hoped for [期(き)待(たい) (expectation; anticipation; hope)] 再現(さいげん)される to be reproduced [再現(さいげん) (reproduction; recreation; reenactment)]  心(こころ)をつかまれる to be touched; to be captured [つかまれる (to be grasped); passive form of つかむ (to catch; to grasp)]  ネタバレ spoiler; spoiling a story [shortened fromネタがバレる; ネタ(core of a story); バレる(to be exposed)] 揃(そろ)ってall together [adverb stemmed from 揃(そろ)う(to be all present; (all pieces) to be complete)]  この辺(へん)にしておく to leave it here [辺(へん) (area); この辺(へん) (around here; this vicinity); にしておく (to leave ~ as)] 平日(へいじつ) week day(s) 物語性(ものがたりせい) story theme; narrativity [物語 (story); 性 (nature; quality; -ness)]  取(と)り入(い)れる to adopt; to take in 動(どう)機(き) motivation; incentive 与(あた)える to give; to provide 冒険(ぼうけん)する to explore [冒険(ぼうけん) (exploration; adventure)] ハマる to get hooked [slang for “to get addicted” but can be used in a good way as well; stemmed fromはまる to get stuck; to fall in (a ditch, trap etc.)] 続出(ぞくしゅつ)する to appear one after another 誇(ほこ)れる can proud [potential form of 誇(ほこ)る (to proud)] 超有名(ちょうゆうめい) super famous [超(ちょう) (super-; ultra-); 有名(ゆうめい) (famous)]   For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-131 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-131-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Last time, Yumi talked about things she does on a daily basis. This time, she speaks about things she does occasionally and then things she would like to do in the future.   KEY VOCABULARY: こまめに frequently; diligently; regularly 大(おお)掃(そう)除(じ) major cleanup 掃(そう)除(じ)機(き) vacuum cleaner 拭(ふ)く to wipe 隅(すみ)っこ corner; recess [隅(すみ)っこ is casual or spoken language for 隅(すみ) (corner; recess)] 安息(あんそく)日(び)sabbath [安息(あんそく) (rest; relax)] 勧(すす)める to recommend; to advise; to encourage 美(び)容(よう) beauty; beautiful appearance; youthful appearance 幾(いく)つか some; several; few 解説(かいせつ) commentary; explanation 鋭(するど)く sharply; keenly 図(と)書(しょ)館(かん) library [図(と)書(しょ) (books; reading materials); 館(かん) (building)] 興味(きょうみ) interest 油(あぶら)絵(え) oil painting [油(あぶら)(oil); 絵(え) (picture; drawing)] 壁(かべ) wall 抽(ちゅう)象(しょう)画(が) abstract art [抽(ちゅう)象(しょう)(abstraction); 画(が) (drawing)] 飾(かざ)り decoration; ornament 金粉(きんぷん) gold dust [金 (gold); 粉 (power)] 近日(きんじつ)中(ちゅう) soon; in few days; one of these days [近(きん) (near); 中(ちゅう) (within)] 挑戦(ちょうせん) challenge; attempt; try; dare     For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-130 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-130-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

In today’s episode, Yumi shares a few things she does every single day (or almost every day).   KEY VOCABULARY: 精神的(せいしんてき) psychological; mental; spiritual [精神(せいしん) (mind; spirit; soul); 的 suffix (-ical, -ive, -al, -ic,-y and etc.)​] 専門的(せんもんてき) professional; [専門(せんもん) (specialty; expert; area of expertise)] 運動(うんどう)不(ぶ)足(そく) lack of physical exercise; inactivity [運動(うんどう) (physical exercise); 不(ふ) 足(そく) (insufficiency; deficiency; lack)] 解消(かいしょう) resolution; reduction [also “cancellation”] 見(み)回(まわ)りpatrolling 泥棒情報(どろぼうじょうほう) theft information (of the neighborhood) [泥棒(どろぼう) (thief; burglary; robbery); 情報(じょうほう) (information)] 意(い)外(がい)とunexpectedly; surprisingly [ 意(い) (idea; thought); 外(がい) (outside); 意(い)外(がい)に means the same but more formal] 筋肉(きんにく)トレーニング ; 筋肉(きんにく) (muscle)] 風邪(かぜ)を引(ひ)くto catch a cold [風邪(かぜ) (cold); 引(ひ)く(to catch；to pull) stemmed from “to pull a cold into the body”] 医(い)療(りょう)費(ひ) medical bill [医(い)療(りょう)(medical care); 費(ひ) (expense)] 維持(いじ)するto maintain; to retain; to sustain 断食(だんじき) fasting; fast [断(だん) (to cut; to refuse); 食(じき) (food)] 練習(れんしゅう)practice; training; exercise 記(き)憶力(おくりょく) ability to retain memory [記(き)憶(おく) (memory); 力(りょく) (ability; power; strength)] 回復(かいふく)する to recover; to recuperate; to restore 自己(じこ)肯定感(こうていかん) self-esteem; sense of self-approval [自己(じこ) (self); 肯定(こうてい) (affirmative; positive); 感(かん) (feeling)] 価値(かち) worth; value; merit 否(ひ)定(てい)する to deny; to negate 心配(しんぱい)性(しょう)nervous temperament; prone to worrying 楽観的(らっかんてき) optimistic; easy-going     For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-129 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-129-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Yumi brought her family to Universal Studios in Orlando and couldn't help but compare the experience to her visit to Universal Studios in California more than two decades ago. Both the theme park and Yumi herself have undergone significant transformations since then.   KEY VOCABULARY: 遠足(えんそく) school trip; field trip 揃(そろ)って all together [揃(そろ)う(to make a full set; to be all present)] 街並(まちな)み cityscape [街(まち) (city; town); 並(な)み (row or line of houses)] 再現(さいげん) recreation; reenactment; reproduction [再(さい) (again); 現(げん) (appearance)] 噴(ふ)くto emit; to spout; to flush 人混(ひとご)み crowd of people [混(こ)み (mix; blend)] 避(さ)ける to avoid 吐(は)き気(け)を催(もよお)する to feel nauseated [吐(は)き気(け) (nausea); 催(もよお)する (to feel; to hold)] 収(おさ)まる to settle down; to fit into 効(き)く to be effective 炭酸飲料(たんさんいんりょう) carbonated drink [炭酸(たんさん) (carbonic acid); 飲料(いんりょう) (beverage)] 普(ふ)段(だん) normally; normal 仕(し)方(かた)がない there is no (other) way 足元(あしもと) one’s feet 激(はげ)しく揺(ゆ)れる to swing violently [激(はげ)しく(violently); 揺(ゆ)れる (to shake)] 休憩(きゅうけい)を挟(はさ)む to take a break in-between [休憩(きゅうけい) (break; rest); 挟(はさ)む (to put in-between)] 乗(の)り物(もの)酔(よ)い motion sickness [乗(の)り物(もの) (vehicle; ride); 酔い (intoxication; motion sickness)] 若干(じゃっかん) somewhat ~する訳(わけ)ではない it’s not that ~ [訳(やく) (reason)] 締(し)め付(つ)ける to tighten; to fasten tight     For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-128 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-128-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Yumi is worried about inflation. Everything is more expensive. Still, she maintains a positive outlook with affirmations and positive thinking. Even when bad things happen, there is always something to be grateful for.   KEY VOCABULARY: 必死(ひっし)に with one’s best effort; work very hard to do something; with one’s best effort; desperately 節約(せつやく)する save money 食(しょく)費(ひ) food expense 電(でん)気(き)代(だい) electricity bill [電(でん)気(き) (electricity); 代(だい) (charge; fee; substitute)] 便乗(びんじょう)値(ね)上(あ)げ piggyback price increase [便乗(びんじょう)(getting a ride; getting on the bandwagon); 値(ね)上(あ)げ (price increase)] 機(き)能(のう) function 高級(こうきゅう)な high-end; high-class; luxury [高(こう) (high);級(きゅう) (class)] 値引(ねび)き discount; price reduction [値(ね) (price); 引(び)きnoun form of 引(ひ)く(to pull); sound changes from 引(ひ)き to 引(び)き when combined with other word in front of it] 必需品(ひつじゅひん) essentials; necessity 冷(ひ)や汗(あせ) cold sweat [冷(ひ)や (cold; chilled); 汗(あせ) (sweat)] 順調(じゅんちょう) nice and steady; doing good 絶望感(ぜつぼうかん) sense of despair [絶望(ぜつぼう) (despair; hopelessness); 感(かん) (feeling; emotion; sensation)] 満(み)たされる be filled with [normally used with a very positive emotion. it actually sounds humorous for this word to be used with 絶望感(ぜつぼうかん) (despair)] 貯金(ちょきん) savings [貯(ちょ) (to store); 金(きん) (money)] 引(ひ)き寄(よ)せの法則(ほうそく) law of attraction [引(ひ)き寄(よ)せ to draw or pull (something) toward; 法則(ほうそく) (rule; law)] 潜在(せんざい)意(い)識(しき) subconsciousness [潜在(せんざい) (latent); 意(い)識(しき) (consciousness)] 浸透(しんとう)するpermeate [permeation; soaking] 科(か)学的根拠(がくてきこんきょ) scientific foundation [科(か)学的(がくてき) (scientific); 根拠(こんきょ) (basis; grounds; foundation; reason)]     For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-127 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-127-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

In this episode of Nihongo no Tane, Yumi discusses onomatopoeia in Japanese. She mentions that there are approximately 5,000 onomatopoeic words in Japanese, making it the language with the most onomatopoeia in the world. Onomatopoeic words can have multiple meanings and be used in various situations. For example, you probably know ペラペラ to mean "fluent" when describing someone's language skills, but did you know it can also mean "flimsy" when referring to paper flapping about in the wind? Learning onomatopoeia can be challenging but rewarding. Find a new onomatopoeia expression and use it today!   KEY VOCABULARY: 眼(め)鏡(がね)をかけている to wear glasses [眼(め)鏡(がね) (eye glasses); かける (to put on); (て)いる indicates the state of wearing glasses] 視(し)力(りょく) eyesight; vision [視(し) (visual; vision); 力(りょく)(strength; power)] ～は、もちろん  not only ~; definitely for (driving) [もちろん (of course)] つまずく to trip (over); to stumble てしまう to end up with doing ~ [“te-form + しまう” is used for unfavorable situation/outcome or unexpected, surprising or unintended outcome] ～じゃないですか isn’t it; right? [sounds fairly casual] 若返(わかがえ)る to be rejuvenated; to feel younger; to reverse aging [若 (young; youth); 返る(to return)] 擬(ぎ)声(せい)語(ご) onomatopoeia (words that mimic people’s voice or sounds or call that animals or insects make) [擬(ぎ) (quasi-; imitation); 声(せい) (voice); also there is 擬(ぎ)音(おん)語(ご) which is words that mimic sound of things] 擬(ぎ)態(たい)語(ご) onomatopia; mimetic word (word that mimics an action, condition or manner that does not make a sound ) [態(たい) (condition; state of things)] 結構(けっこう) fairly; quite bit; rather [it can also mean “excellent”, “delightful”, “enough” or  “fine”] ～らしい -like ; typical of ~; characteristic of ~ [a suffix which follows noun] 場(ば)面(めん) situation; circumstance 流暢(りゅうちょう)に fluently [流暢(りゅうちょう) (fluent)] どんどん上(じょう)手(ず)になる to get better at something quickly [どんどん describes quick way that something is being done] 雷(かみなり)thunder 寝(ね)転(ころ)がっている to be lying around (for a period of time) [寝(ね)転(ころ)がってte-form of 寝(ね)転(ころ)がる(to lie down; to throw oneself down)] のどを鳴(な)らす to make a sound with one’s throat [のど (throat); 鳴(な)らす (to ring; to make a sound)] 一(ひと)つ一(ひと)つ one by one 丁寧(ていねい)に thoroughly; carefully; with care 無理(むり) impossible; not able     For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-126 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-126-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Yumi wraps up her talk about buying two cars and the problem with buying insurance for teenage drivers.   KEY VOCABULARY: 更新(こうしん)する to renew; to update 代理店(だいりてん) agency 事(じ)情(じょう)circumstance; condition; situation 担当(たんとう) being in charge; being 曇(くも)った表(ひょう)情(じょう) worried/sad look on one’s face [曇(くも)った (cloudy); 表情(ひょうじょう) (facial expression; facial look)] ため息 sigh [ため (collect; gather); 息 (breath)] 嫌(きら)う dislike; not to like 計算(けいさん)する to calculate; compute; to figure (out) 予(よ)想(そう)する to expect; to anticipate 仕方(しかた)ない  inevitable; having no (other) choice; unavoidable [仕方(しかた) (method; means); ない (not; no)] 年間(ねんかん) one year period; annually; annual 顎(あご)が外(はず)れそうになる one’s jaw drops [顎(あご) (jaw); 外(はず)れる(to unhinge; to come off); そうに(almost; nearly)] ＊Yumi made a mistake with this idiom: 顎が外れるis supposed to be used when laughing hard. However, this is often mistakenly used when shocked or surprised. She probably was thinking of the English idiom “jaw drop” which is used when shocked or surprised and not when laughing—the opposite of the Japanese idiom! 相談(そうだん)する to consult; to ask (someone) for advice 確率(かくりつ) likelihood; chances; probability 加(か)入(にゅう)する to join; to become a member 高齢者(こうれいしゃ) elderly people かけ金(きん)  premium なんとかなる to make (things) work one way or another; to manage somehow [なんとか (somehow; one way or another); なる(to result in; to turn out)] 心(こころ)がける to keep in mind; to try to; to aim to; to bear in mind         For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-125 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-125-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Today, Yumi continues her story about her recent car-buying experiences.   KEY VOCABULARY: 普通(ふつう)(の) normal; common 結構(けっこう)  fairly 頑張(がんば)る  endure; survive; keep at it; make an effort    自宅(じたく) one’s home; one’s house めでたく happily; with much joy [this word has a celebratory connotation to it] 面倒(めんどう)な troubling; troublesome; difficult [面倒(めんどう)(trouble)] スケジュールを組(く)む schedule ~; arrange a schedule [組(く)む (form; arrange; assemble)] ローンを組(く)む  get a loan; take out a loan 重(かさ)なる overlap; occur at the same time; pile up 免許取(めんきょと)り立(た)て  newly-licensed [“masu-stem + 立(た)て” means “newly ~” or “freshly ~”] 車屋(くるまや)  car dealership [カーセンター is also used] 不思議(ふしぎ)な  strange; mysterious 下取(したど)りする  trade in ずつ each [written eitherずつ orづつ] 利子(りし)  interest (on a loan) 月々(つきづき)の  monthly [same as 毎月(まいつき)の] 順調(じゅんちょう)  favorable; all right [describes of events when going without any problems] 万歳(ばんざい)  hooray 保険(ほけん)  insurance     For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-124 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-124-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Until recently, Yumi’s family has only had one car. This is unusual in the part of Florida that she lives in. Most families have at least two cars. But Yumi and Clay both work from home and until their son got his driver’s license, they rarely had need for a second car. But now their son has his license, Yumi decided … it was time.   KEY VOCABULARY: 仮免許(かりめんきょ)  driver’s permit; learner’s permit 同乗(どうじょう)する ride along 運転免許(うんてんめんきょ) driver’s license 取得(しゅとく) obtainment 普通(ふつう) normal; common; ordinary 就職(しゅうしょく) する  get employed; come to employed 自動車学校(じどうしゃがっこう) driving school 随分(ずいぶん) very; considerably; extremely のんき carefree; laid back; easygoing 必要(ひつよう)ない not necessary; not needed 経済的 economic 購入(こうにゅう)する purchase; buy 自体(じたい) itself 企業(きぎょう) business; corporation; enterprise 心配(しんぱい) worried; concerned [it’s used as adjective here but it can be noun as well] 安全運転(あんぜんうんてん) safe driving 子煩悩(こぼんのう)な very loving; very dedicated [used to describe very loving and dedicated parents] 奮発(ふんぱつ)する spend some generous amount of money than expected; be generous at gifting something than expected [奮発(splurge; generous spending; generous treat)]    大奮発(だいふんぱつ) big splurge; super generous treat 勇気(ゆうき) courage; bravery 要(い)る need; require     For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-123 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-123-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

February 3rd was setsubun in Japan. The day that marks the end of winter and is followed by the beginning of spring. Listen as Yumi tells us a little bit about how this special occasion is celebrated in Japan.   KEY VOCABULARY: 節分(せつぶん) last day of winter in the traditional Japanese calendar 立春(りっしゅん) first day of spring in the traditional Japanese calendar 季節(きせつ)の変(か)わり目(め) time of change of seasons; time when season changes 邪気(じゃき) evil spirit; misfortune; bad vibes that cause illness or other misfortune  煎(い)る roast (beans) 願(ねが)い事(ごと)  one’s wish; one’s desire; prayer 叶(かな)う come true; (wish) be answered 風習(ふうしゅう) traditional custom in a regional/ tribal culture 販売(はんばい)を始(はじ)める launch sales  保育園(ほいくえん) nursery school and preschool (usually combined) 大泣(おおな)きする cry one’s eyes out; cry hard 幼児虐待(ようじぎゃくたい) child abuse かわいそうになる feel sorry (for someone) 伝統行事(でんとうぎょうじ) traditional event 相対的(そうたいてき) relative 絶対(ぜったい) definite     For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-122 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-122-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

In today’s podcast, Yumi digs deep into an interesting superstition which caused the birth rates to plummet one year in the 1960s. It has to do with the Chinese Zodiac, the Edo period, and Natsume Souseki. Listen to find out about this fascinating bit of historical trivia.   KEY VOCABULARY: 十二支(じゅうにし) 12 animal signs of Chinese zodiac 干支(えと) 60 year cycle of 12 zodiac signs and 5 elements in Chinese astrology 暗記(あんき)する memorize ~歳違(さいちが)い  ~ years apart ひと回り １２年 [one full cycle of 12 zodiac signs] ~年区切(ねんくぎ)り(で) by ~ year segment マンモス校(こう) very large school; school with a large number of students 当(あ)たり前(まえ) usual; common; ordinary 少子化(しょうしか)  declining birth rate [少 (few; a little); 子 (child); 化 (change toward)] 根強(ねづよ)い  persistent; deep-rooted; deep-seated 迷信(めいしん) superstition とんでもない  outrageous; terrible 江戸時代(えどじだい)  Edo period [the last era of ruling of samurai government] 八百屋(やおや)  produce store; fruits and vegetable store 小説家(しょうせつか) novelist; fiction writer 現代的(げんだいてき)な modern; contemporary 世代(せだい) generation ~年生(ねんう)まれ  born in year ~ [one word and it’s adjective] 気(き)にする worry (about) 明治時代(めいじじだい)  Meiji period [the first era after the fall of the samurai government]   For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-121 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-121-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Yumi recently visited Silver Springs, a nature park in Florida which is famous for its glass bottom boats and manatees. Did you know manatees may have been mistaken for mermaids? Yumi then shares some stories about Japanese mermaids.   KEY VOCABULARY: 州立公園(しゅうりつこうえん) state park 被害(ひがい)  damage; injury; harm 諦(あきら)める give up; abandon 水(みず)湧(わ)く spring out; gush out 水族館(すいぞくかん) aquarium 癒(いや)す heal 第一印象(だいいちいんしょう)  first impression 好奇心旺盛(こうきしんおうせい) full of curiosity; full of inquisitiveness 好奇  心(curiosity; inquisitiveness)  旺盛(vigorous; exuberant) 人魚(にんぎょ) mermaid 暗(くら)がり darkness 上半身(じょうはんしん) upper body 見世物小屋(みせものごや) show tent; circus tent; freak show 見世物(spectacle; exhibition; show) 小屋(hut) 購入(こうにゅう)する purchase 随分(ずいぶん) a lot; considerably; fairly 不老長寿(ふろうちょうじゅ)  immortality 不老 (no aging) 長寿(longevity) 子宝(こだから)  fertility 恵(めぐ)まれる to be gifted; to be blessed     For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-120 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-120-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Sometimes simple analogies hit home the hardest. Learning a language is like breathing. It’s the small repetitive acts that keep us going and growing. Keep growing your Japanese little by little by studying, reading, and listening to Japanese daily.   KEY VOCABULARY: 新年(しんねん)の抱負(ほうふ) New Year’s resolution 一番(いちばん)最初(さいしょ)に the very first thing… 痩せたい want to lose weight 大成功(だいせいこう) big success ∼もつかの間(ま) ∼ was only short time 気(き)が緩(ゆる)む relax too much; lose an intention; become remiss 健康的(けんこうてき)に in healthy way；in healthy manner 瘦せ型体系 body type that is easy to lose weight 維持(いじ)する maintain; keep; sustain 参考にする refer to; learn from 一生懸命(いっしょうけんめい) with utmost effort; as one can 集中(しゅうちゅう)する concentrate; focus 短期間(たんきかん) short period of time 呼吸(こきゅう) breathing; breath 聖書(せいしょ) bible 毎日毎日(まいにちまいにち) every day; day after day     For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-119 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-119-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

In this short message, Yumi has some good news to share with the New Year.   KEY VOCABULARY: 令和(れいわ)5(５)年(ねん) Reiwa 5 西暦(せいれき) Western calendar 新年早々(しんねんそうそう) early in the New Year; at the beginning of the New Year 引(ひ)っ越(こ)し move (to a new house) 実家(じっか) one’s parent’s home; home where one grew up in 長(なが)い間(あいだ) long time 孫(まご) grandchildren 低学年(ていがくねん) early grade levels 節(ふし) occasion; time; section; passage; season; holiday 情報(じょうほう) information 長生(ながいけ)き long life 一期一会(いちごいちえ) once-in-a-life experience; an encounter that should be cherished 挨拶(あいさつ) greetings     For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-118 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-118-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

As the year 2022 comes to a close, Yumi thinks back on all the things that happened to her and her family this year.   KEY VOCABULARY: 今年(ことし) this year 最後(さいご) last; final 何(なに)も覚(おぼ)えていません don’t remember anything 性格(せいかく) personality; character 写真(しゃしん) photo 娘(むすめ) daughter ウクレレ ukulele いわゆる the so-called 弾(ひ)き語(がた)り singing to one’s own accompaniment 遊園地(ゆうえんち)  amusement park 成人式(せいじんしき) coming-of-age-ceremony 運動会(うんどうかい)  sports day 映画(えいが) movie ブルーベリー狩(が)り blueberry picking 掃除(そうじ) cleaning 裏庭(うらにわ) backyard 教会(きょうかい) church 風邪(かぜ)気味(ぎみ)  slight cold 体験(たいけん) experience 笑(わら)い話(ばなし) funny story       For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-117 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-117-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

This year’s kanji has been selected. Out of 220,000 votes, the kanji for war or battle was chosen. Yumi talks about this as well as what’s been going on in Japan recently.   KEY VOCABULARY: 戦争(せんそう) war 漢字能力検定(かんじのうりょくけんてい)協会(きょうかい) Kanji Proficiency Test Association 戦(たたか)う to fight; to battle 全国(ぜんこく) all of the country; the whole country 印象(いんしょう) impression 同時多発(どうじたはつ)テロ  simultaneous attacks (particularly 9/11) 物騒(ぶっそう) troubled; disturbed さらに in addition; moreover 大盛(おおも)り上(あ)がり  great excitement 優勝(ゆうしょう)候補(こうほ) favored candidate; best bet for the title; favored for victory 勝利(しょうり) victory 残念(ざんねん)ながら unfortunately 練習(れんしゅう)に練習(れんしゅう)を重(かさ)ねて practice upon practice 礼儀正(れいぎただ)しい polite; courteous     For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-116 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-116-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Yumi’s daughter speaks Japanese, but sometimes incorrectly. In today’s episode, Yumi tells us how her daughter messes up “to give” in Japanese, and this spurred her to research how to best teach あげる・くれる・もらう(give and receive). Yumi discovered the key is to understand Japanese culture. Listen as she explains.   KEY VOCABULARY: あげる・くれる・もらう To Give and Receive in Japanese ゴチャまぜ mess; jumble; chaos おやつ snack ちょうだい please give me 日本(にほん)の文化(ぶんか) Japanese culture 考(かんが)え方(かた) way of thinking 内(うち)と外(そと) inside and outside 当(あ)たり前(まえ) natural; obvious; common 想像(そうぞう)する to imagine 真(ま)ん中(なか) in the middle 見事(みごと)に splendidly     For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-115 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-115-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Yumi has a problem. The three large pecan trees in her backyard have produced tons of pecans. In this episode, she talks about what she’s doing with the pecans and then compares pecans to chestnuts in Japan.   KEY VOCABULARY: ピーカン pecan 我(わ)が家(や) my house 裏庭(うらにわ) backyard 地面(じめん) ground 食(く)い込(こ)む bite into; to dig into; to encroach 敷(し)き詰(つ)められた to be covered with 季節(きせつ)外(はず)れ unseasonal 殻(から) shell 作業(さぎょう) work 単純(たんじゅん) simple 無(む)になれる become free from thoughts 自生(じせい)する growing wild 農家(のうか) farmer 栽培(さいばい) cultivate 脂肪分(しぼうぶん) fat content 脂質(ししつ) fats 栗(くり) chestnuts 甘露煮(かんろに) candied (chestnuts) お菓子(かし) candy; sweets 縄文時代(じょうもんじだい) Jomon period (over 3000 years ago) 鬼皮(おにかわ) hard shell of a nut 渋皮(しぶかわ) inner skin of a chestnut 面倒(めんどう)くさい bothersome リス squirrel     For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-114 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-114-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

In this episode Yumi talks about Kuroyanagi Tetsuko, a longtime announcer and personality, and her secrets for living long and well.   KEY VOCABULARY: 義理(ぎり)のお母さん Mother-in-law 物忘(ものわす)れ forgetfulness 予防(よぼう) prevention 若々(わかわか)しく youthful 将来(しょうらい)に備(そな)えたい to prepare for the future 黒柳徹子(くろやなぎてつこ) Kuroyanagi Tetsuko (born August 9, 1933) 女優(じょゆう) actress 団子(だんご)  dango; dumpling 放送(ほうそう) broadcast テレビ業界(ぎょうかい) the TV industry クイズ番組(ばんぐみ) Quiz (TV) show 正解率(せいかいりつ) percentage of correct answers 司会者(しかいしゃ) host; MC; announcer 小説(しょうせつ) novel 勉強熱心(べんきょうねっしん) studious 興味(きょうみ)が湧(わ)いた become interested in ユニセフの親善大使(しんぜんたいし)  UNICEF Goodwill ambassador 認知症(にんちしょう) dementia; senility 上品(じょうひん) elegant 下品(げひん) vulger 影響(えいきょう) influence   For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-113 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-113-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Description: It’s Thanksgiving and Black Friday season in the US. Yumi talks a little about what she and her family is doing and compares that with Japanese holidays.   KEY VOCABULARY: 感謝祭とブラックフライデー Thanksgiving and Black Friday     For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-112 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-112-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Daylight savings time in America is the one thing all Americans can agree to hate, and yet… they still can’t seem to come together long enough to pass a law to rid themselves of the twice-a-year menace. Yumi shares her thoughts and hope that this “Fall back” will be the last.   KEY VOCABULARY: 夏時間(なつじかん) summer time 早起(はやお)き rising early 時刻(じこく) time; the hour 有効(ゆうこう) valid; effective 電力(でんりょく)の節約(せつやく) saving energy 目的(もくてき) goal; purpose 実際(じっさい)に actually 徐々(じょじょ)に gradually 連動(れんどう) working together; being linked (to) 時計(とけい)の針(はり) hands of a clock 昼夜(ちゅうや) day and night 逆転(ぎゃくてん) sudden change; reversal 交通事故(こうつうじこ) traffic accident 採用(さいよう) use; adoption 説(せつ)がある there is a theory 公務員(こうむいん) civil servant     For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-111 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-111-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Yumi’s family band! It was one of her dreams and recently her family had a chance to perform. Listen as she tells us her thoughts on families coming together to perform.   KEY VOCABULARY: 弾(ひ)きます to play (stringed instrument such as piano or guitar) 中級(ちゅうきゅう)の初(はつ)め beginning of intermediate stage 音符(おんぷ) musical notes 伴奏(ばんそう) (musical) accompaniment 演奏(えんそう) (musical) performance 上手(うま)い下手(へた)  skillful or unskilled 素人(しろうと)の私(わたし) an amateur such as I am 長男(ちょうなん) eldest son 担当(たんとう)の人(ひと) person in charge 急遽(きゅうきょ) hurriedly; in a hurry いろいろ原因(げんいん) various causes 感動的(かんどうてき) impressive; moving 録音(ろくおん) audio recording 録画(ろくが) video recording 年(とし)を経(へ)るにしたがって as the years go by 成長(せいちょう) growth; becoming an adult 出番(でばん) one’s turn on stage; one’s shift     For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-110 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-110-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Fall is a great time for families to get together and have fun. In this episode, Yumi shares a little about a recent multi-family getogether. There was much talking, children playing, and then… someone brought out a rope for a game of tug-of-war.   KEY VOCABULARY: 遊(あそ)びに行(い)く to go visit (someone); to have fun with ちっちゃい子(こ)どもさん  a small child それぞれ思(おも)い思(おも)いに  as each one likes; as each one pleases しばらくすると a little later; after that 綱引(つなひき)き tug of war 力持(ちからも)ち strong person 小柄(こがら) small frame; small person 偶然(ぐうぜん)  coincidence; chance 相手(あいて)チ(ち)ーム(む) the other team; opponent’s team 隙(すき)  chance; opportunity; gap; break; interval 粘(ねば)り勝(が)ち  hard-fought win; winning through perseverance 体力(たいりょく)のある to have physical strength 持久力(じきゅうりょく)のある to have endurance; stamina ハの字(じ)  the “ha” character (shape) 運動靴(うんどうぐつ) athletic shoes 腕力(わんりょく) physical strength; arm strength 全日本(ぜんにほん) all Japan 運動会(うんどうかい) athletic meet; sports field day     For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-109 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-109-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Most years, Yumi takes her family to a nearby farm to experience cows, goats, fun outdoor activities, and homemade ice cream. Clay… didn’t do very well in the heat. Listen as Yumi talks about this year’s trip, and her thoughts on cows.   KEY VOCABULARY: 秋(あき) fall; autumn 牧場(ぼくじょう) farm 先日(せんじつ) the other day 同士(どうし) fellow (cousin); mutual 写真(しゃしん) photograph   インスタ映(ば)え looking good on Instagram メイン main (reason) 本物(ほんもの)の a real… の影響(えいきょう) the influence of 経営(けいえい)が苦(くる)しい  business is suffering 気分(きぶん)が悪(わる)い feel bad 滞在(たいざい)する to stay 牛肉(ぎゅうにく) beef 乳製品(にゅうせいひん) dairy products 牛革(ぎゅうかわ) cowhide 牛(ぎゅう)タン cow tongue 焼(や)き肉(にく) grilled meat 悪趣味(あくしゅみ) bad taste ぽつぽつと斑点(はんてん)  spots and specks 模様(もよう) pattern 手作(てづく)りのアイスクリーム handmade 産地直送(さんちちょくそう) direct from the farm fresh 大満足(だいまんぞく) deeply satisfied   For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-108 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-108-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

The taste of fall has come and Yumi shares her thoughts about what this time of the year means in Japan. For more fun autumn words, please see our new lesson page here: https://thejapanesepage.com/no-aki-the-autumn-of-japanese-expressions-for-fall/   KEY VOCABULARY: 秋(あき) fall; autumn 特(とく)に especially 大喜(おおよろこ)び great joy 南部(なんぶ) southern part 秋(あき)らしく飾(かざ)ります fall decor 実(み) fruit 柔(やわ)らかく  soft 涼(すず)しい cool 苦手(にがて) not good at 玄関(げんかん) entrance (of a house) に比(くら)べる compared to 繊維質(せんいしつ) dietary fiber 砂糖(さとう) sugar 代表的(だいひょうてき) representative of 一方(いっぽう) on one hand 煮(に) boil 蒸(むし) steam 大好物(だいこうぶつ) favorite thing 味覚(みかく)の秋(あき)  autumn of taste 食欲(しょくよく)の秋(あき) autumn of appetite さつまいも sweet potato 柿(かき) persimmon 栗(くり) chestnut ギンナン ginkgo nut カツオ skipjack tuna; bonito 秋刀魚(さんま) mackerel pike (fish) 数(かぞ)え切(き)れない countless 一択(いったく) singular choice; only choice   For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-107 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-107-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Hurricanes and typhoons. Not much fun, but both Japan and where Yumi currently lives, Florida, experience them annually. Japan not only has typhoons but other natural disasters— particularly earthquakes. Therefore, Yumi reasons, Japanese people tend to have a higher sense of crisis and therefore make tons of preparations. Listen as she compares Japan and Florida’s preparations for bad weather.   KEY VOCABULARY: 台風(たいふう)とハリケーン typhoons and hurricanes 同(おな)じもの same thing 気象現象(きしょうげんしょう) weather phenomena 熱帯(ねったい) tropics 低気圧(ていきあつ) low (atmospheric) pressure; low-pressure system 毎年(まいとし) every year 大型(おおがた) large-scale 中部(ちゅうぶ) central region 北中部(ほくちゅうぶ) north central 直撃(ちょくげき) direct hit 被害(ひがい) damage 食料(しょくりょう) foodstuffs; food 戦々恐々(せんせんきょうきょう) trembling with fear; filled with trepidation やや強(つよ)かった somewhat strong; a little strong ホッとしました to feel relieved 9月中旬(がつちゅうじゅん) middle of September ドキドキ heart beating fast; thrilled; scared によると according to 一安心(ひとあんしん) feeling of relief; peace of mind 海岸(かいがん) coast; beach 川岸(かわぎし) riverbank 護岸工事(ごがんこうじ) levee protection works 建設(けんせつ) construction テトラポット concrete breakwater objects that look like large jacks off the coast in Japan 堤防(ていぼう) embankment; levee 自然(しぜん)のまま natural; as nature intended   For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-106 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-106-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

The exciting conclusion of Yumi’s “cleaning the dryer vent” two-part series. Okay, maybe not too exciting, but there are a number of useful vocabulary words (see below), and she ends with a lesson how this relates to learning Japanese.   KEY VOCABULARY: 詰(つ)まっている clogged 乾燥機(かんそうき) dryer 穴(あな) hole 私自身(わたしじしん) myself 直(なお)したい want to fix ホームセンター DIY store; home improvement store 業務用(ぎょうむよう) industrial use 大型掃除機(おおがたそうじき) large-sized vacuum cleaner 馬力(ばりき) horse power 吸(す)い込(こ)む to suck up; to inhale; to breathe in 節約(せつやく) economizing; saving money 無駄(むだ) waste; no use; pointlessness 一切(いっさい)ありません none whatsoever; not at all 真空(しんくう) vacuum 隙間(すきま) crack; opening; gap 一旦(いったん) once; for a moment; temporarily 真(ま)っ黒(くろ)い pitch black 空気(くうき)が通(とお)っている air is flowing through 通常通(つうじょうどお)り as usual; as normal   For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-105 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-105-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Yumi is a do-it-yourselfer. With the help of YouTube, she has learned how to fix quite a few things around the house. But this time, it was a big challenge. The dryer’s vent going outside was clogged and the length and angle of the vent made reaching the clog very difficult. Listen as she describes the challenge.   KEY VOCABULARY: 乾燥機(かんそうき) dryer 調子(ちょうし)が悪(わる)い in bad shape; not doing well; out of condition 洗濯物(せんたくもの) laundry; the washing 乾(かわ)かす to dry 一般的(いっぱんてき) general 生乾(なまがわ)き half-dried 湿(しめ)ってる damp; moist; wet 点滅(てんめつ) flashing; blinking 説明書(せつめいしょ) manual; printed instructions 熱風(ねっぷう) hot air 詰(つ)まっている clogged 空気(くうき) air 火事(かじ) fire 危険性(きけんせい)がある hazardous; risky 検索(けんさく) search 距離(きょり) distance 謳(うた)い文句(もんく)  promotional line; catchphrase; slogan; advertised claim 素人(しろうと) amateur   For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-104 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-104-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Last week, a friend of ours brought his son over to talk about Japan. This young man really wants to move to Japan. Yumi felt a little nostalgic after the meeting. His strong desire to learn Japanese and live in Japan reminded her of her husband Clay when he was younger. Today, she tells a little more about this son and the challenges he has to overcome.   KEY VOCABULARY: 前回(ぜんかい) last time; last episode 息子(むすこ)くん (other person’s) son 我(わ)が家(や) my home; our house 遊(あそ)びに来(き)た came to visit 若者(わかもの) young man 憧(あこが)れている  longing for; admiring; attracted by 田舎町(いなかまち) small town; country small town 同(おな)じ年頃(としごろ) about the same age あっという間(ま)に in no time 話(はな)し相手(あいて) conversation partner; someone to talk to 文化(ぶんか)に浸(ひた)りたい to want to be immersed in (Japanese) culture 軍隊(ぐんたい) military 眼科(がんか)の先生(せんせい)  Ophthalmologist; eye doctor 基地(きち) (military) base ポロリ(ぽろり)と漏(も)らした let slip 宣言(せんげん) declaration   For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-103 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-103-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Japan is a very safe country. It is also very clean. There isn’t much garbage on the streets as you might see in other countries. However, there aren’t many public garbage cans. Listen as Yumi explains the connection between the lack of garbage cans and public safety.   KEY VOCABULARY: 先日(せんじつ) the other day 我(わ)が家(いえ) our house; our family 長年(ながねん)の友達(ともだち) long-time friend 息子(むすこ)さん (his) son; someone else’s son 遊(あそ)びに来(き)ました came over; came to visit 一生懸命(いっしょうけんめい) with utmost effort 文化(ぶんか)や歴史(れきし) culture or history 禅(ぜん) Zen Buddhism 話題(わだい)になった became a topic of conversation テロを防(ふせ)ぐため in order to prevent terrorism 即答(そくとう)  immediate reply 地下鉄(ちかてつ)サリン事件(じけん) Tokyo subway sarin gas attck オウム真理教(しんりきょう)  Aum Shinrikyo  doomsday cult that mixed elements of Buddhism, Hinduism, and end time Christian beliefs 宗教団体(しゅうきょうだんたい)  religious group 毒(どく)ガス poisonous gas 一切(いっさい)なくなりました completely disappeared; all gone 不思議(ふしぎ)な国(くに) strange country 殺人事件(さつじんじけん) murder incidents 凶悪犯罪(きょうあくはんざい) atrocious crimes 例(れい)がない unprecedented 安倍元総理大臣(あべもとそうりだいじん) Former Prime Minister Abe 手作(てづく)りの銃(じゅう) handmade gun 記憶(きおく)に新(あたら)しいところです  fresh on one’s mind; fresh in one’s memory 違法(いほう) illegal 猟師(りょうし)さん hunter 手先(てさき)が器用(きよう)な skillful; dexterous with one’s hands   For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-102 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-102-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

The 101st episode. Today, Yumi shares some details and trivia about a 1991 hit TV drama called The 101st Proposal starring Takeda Tetsuya and Asano Atsuko.   KEY VOCABULARY: 101回目(かいめ) 101st time 101回目(かいめ)のプロポーズ 101st Proposal (1991 Fuji TV drama) 平成(へいせい)3年(ねん) Heisei 3; 1991 フジテレビ Fuji TV (TV Station) 放送(ほうそう)された was broadcast 武田鉄矢(たけだてつや) Takeda Tetsuya [Japanese folk singer and actor; he has a weekly podcast called 今朝の三枚おろし (This Morning’s Three Cuts) where he shares interesting tidbits from some book he’s recently read. The topics vary widely, but it is always interesting. He has a deep knowledge in a wide variety of topics. Recommended for intermediates and above.] 浅野温子(あさのあつこ) Asano Atsuko [Actress] 最終回(さいしゅうかい) final episode (of a TV program) 視聴率(しちょうりつ) viewing rate; ratings (of a TV program) リメイク remake チェロ奏者(そうしゃ) Cellist お見合(みあ)い a formal marriage interview [often set up by matchmakers] 冴(さ)えないおじさん dull older man; unattractive older man 結婚式当日(けっこんしきとうじつ) the day of (her) wedding ひたむきに dedicated; single mindedly; earnestly ダンプカー dump truck 僕(ぼく)は死(し)にません I won’t die 美女(びじょ)と野獣(やじゅう) Beauty and the Beast 交通(こうつう)マナー traffic manners; traffic etiquette 台本(だいほん) script 流行語(りゅうこうご) buzzword; vogue word; popular phrase   For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-101 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-101-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

100th episode. Yumi started this podcast exactly two years ago and is now on her 100th episode. Today, Yumi talks about several interesting Japanese phrases that include the word 百【ひゃく】 (hundred). Also, to celebrate the 100th episode, Makoto+ members not only get a full transcript, but we also created an Anki flashcard deck with dozens of key vocabulary words heard in today’s podcast. Not only that, each card has a sound file. Listen, learn, and repeat with Yumi!   KEY VOCABULARY: 百回(ひゃっかい)目(め) the 100th time たどり着(つ)く to arrive at (after a struggle); to finally reach 百貨店(ひゃっかてん)  department store   百獣(ひゃくじゅう)の王(おう) King of a hundred beasts (lion) 種類(しゅるい) variety; sort; kind という意味(いみ) such a meaning 百戦錬磨(ひゃくせんれんま) veteran; battle-worn; rich in experience 経験(けいけん)を積(つ)む to gain experience; to accumulate experiences   戦(たたか)い fight; battle; struggle 鍛(きた)える to forge; to drill; to train; to discipline 百花繚乱(ひゃっかりょうらん) a gathering of many talented people; gathering of many beautiful women; simultaneous emergence of many talents and achievements         乱(みだ)れる to be disordered; to be disarrayed; to be upset; to be confused; to lapse into chaos 能力(のうりょく)がある人(ひと) a person with ability 優(すぐ)れた人物(じんぶつ)  an outstanding person; person of distinction 同(おな)じ時期(じき)に at the same time 活躍(かつやく)する to be active; to flourish; to participate actively 百回(ひゃっかい)を迎(むか)える to reach 100 times; to welcome the 100th time 私(わたし)の気持(きも)ち my feelings 紹介(しょうかい)します to introduce; (I) will introduce 続(つづ)く to continue 受験勉強(じゅけんべんきょう) studying for a test; studying for school entrance exams 諦(あきら)めないで don’t give up 最後(さいご)まで until the end 試(し)験(けん) test こうやって in this way; like this ～気(き)がします I have a feeling that~ 見(み)たことある (I’ve) seen it before 穴(あな)を掘(ほ)る to dig a hole あともう一息(ひといき) just a little more [literally, after one more breath] 宝物(たからもの)に届(とど)く to reach the treasure 隣(となり) next to; next door; neighbor 同(おな)じように in the same way 諦(あきら)めずに without giving up 最後(さいご)まで until the end 手(て)に入(い)れる to obtain; to procure; to get a hold of 気持(きも)ちはわかります (I) understand the feeling 辿(たど)り着(つ)く to arrive at (after a struggle); to finally reach; to find one’s way to ～を目指(めざ)して aiming for ~   For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-100 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-100-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Yumi has been on a cleaning kick. She’s always been tidy, but recently, she’s gotten serious about it. Japan has very clean streets despite (or perhaps because of) the fact that there are few public trash cans. Is there some connection with Japanese history and mythology to explain this?   KEY VOCABULARY: 掃除(そうじ) cleaning ピカピカ  with a glitter; with a sparkle; shiny and new 磨(みが)いています polishing; shining 主婦(しゅふ) housewife; homemaker 言葉(ことば)に触発(しょくはつ)されて  inspired by words [言葉 (words) に (by) 触発 (triggering; inspiring) されて (passive)] 管理(かんり) control; management 整理(せいり) sorting; arrangement; putting in order 真剣(しんけん)に earnestly; in earnest 隙間(すきま)  crevice; crack; gap 面倒(めんどう)くさい bothersome; tiresome 綿棒(めんぼう) cotton swab 竹串(たけぐし) bamboo skewer 神道(しんとう) Shinto 境内(けいだい) grounds (of shrine); compound 神話(しんわ) mythology; legend 日本(にほん)の国旗(こっき) Japanese flag 清潔(せいけつ) cleanliness; hygienic   For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-99 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-99-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Yumi continues her discussion on onomatopoeia in Japanese. Japanese use sound words and mimetic words far more frequently than in English. Learning how to use these words well will help improve your fluency.   KEY VOCABULARY: オノマトペ onomatopoeia ごちゃごちゃ messy; confused; chaotic 整理(せいり)されていない  not organized 状態(じょうたい) condition; state of things ペコペコ very hungry; starving ペラペラ fluent (speaking foreign languages); incessantly (speaking) 流暢(りゅうちょう)に fluent; flowing ゴロゴロする  roll about; idling about; thundering; purring ガタンゴトン clickety-clack 終点(しゅうてん) terminus; last stop (train) 川上(かわかみ) upstream ドンブラコドンブラコ effect of tumbling クンクン effect of sniffing ドドドド sound of something heavy moving rapidly グラグラ  wobbling; shaking; unsteadily ピキピキ snapping 豊富(ほうふ)に abundantly 身近(みぢか)に near at hand; near oneself   For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-98 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-98-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Yumi continues her discussion on onomatopoeia in Japanese. Japanese use sound words and mimetic words far more frequently than in English. Learning how to use these words well will help improve your fluency.   KEY VOCABULARY: オノマトペ onomatopoeia 日本人(にほんじん)らしく話(はなし)せる to be able to speak like a Japanese 汗(あせ)をかいた to sweat さっぱり refreshed 含(ふく)まれます includes さっぱり分(わ)からない don’t know at all ゴロゴロ loafing; rolling; sound of thunder 回転(かいてん)する to rotate; to turn クタクタ exhausted; tired; worn out 芯(しん)  wick; core; heart; center カンカンになっている to be very angry 絶対許(ぜったいゆる)さない absolutely won’t forgive   For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-97 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-97-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Yumi continues her discussion on onomatopoeia in Japanese. Japanese use sound words and mimetic words far more frequently than in English. Learning how to use these words well will help improve your fluency.   KEY VOCABULARY: オノマトペ onomatopoeia 擬音語(ぎおんご)  sound word onomatopoeia 擬態語(ぎたいご) mimetic word 音(おと)を真似(まね) imitating sounds ぴかぴか光(ひか)るto sparkle; to glitter; to twinkle ギラギラ glaringly; dazzlingly バキーっ  boom ドカーン boom ドドド b.b.boom 迫力(はくりょく)が出(で)ます show power; have strength ドキドキする to be excited; to be nervous わくわく to be excited にやにや笑(わら)う to smirk ニコニコ smile キリキリと痛(いた)みます sharp pain チクチク痛(いた)い prickling pain 頭(あたま)がズキズキする throbbing headache 脈(みゃく) pulse ガンガン痛(いた)い pounding pain 万(まん)が一(いち)  just in case; in the unlikely event ふわふわ fluffy; lightly floating ぷにぷに fluffy; squishy; bouncy ぷるぷる soft and fluffy; jiggling; wobbling   For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-96 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-96-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Yumi is surprised by Clay’s usage of onomatopoeia. “Just as a Japanese person would say,” she thought. Onomatopoeia is used much more often in Japanese than we would in English. Yumi is convinced learning to use onomatopoeia correctly and in natural situations will greatly improve your Japanese conversation.   KEY VOCABULARY: オノマトペ onomatopoeia よっぽど to a large extent; greatly 日本人(にほんじん)らしい like a Japanese person ぐうぐう寝(ね)てる fast asleep; sleeping soundly すやすや寝(ね)る to sleep like a baby; sleeping peacefully 雰囲気(ふんいき) atmosphere; mood ズンズン前(まえ)に進(すす)む to boldly move forward; to steadily make progress どんどん食(た)べてください please keep eating; please continue to enjoy your food 擬音語(ぎおんご) onomatopoeic word; word that mimics a sound 擬態語(ぎたいご) mimetic word; word that mimics an action, condition, or manner that does not make a sound ゲラゲラ笑(わら)う to guffaw; to roar with laughter シクシク泣(な)いている to softly cry; to weep; to sob ポロポロ泣(な)いている to wail; to cry with large drops of tears きらきら光(ひか)る sparkling light カチカチ clattering; knocking; clacking 雨(あめ)がザーザー降(ふ)っている raining heavily   For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-95 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-95-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Today, Yumi looks at a few ways to help prevent dementia. Good news! By listening to this podcast, you are already doing one very powerful thing.   KEY VOCABULARY: 認知症(にんちしょう) dementia; senility; cognitive impairment 認知症予防(にんちしょうよぼう) dementia prevention 言(い)い方(かた) way of saying; term アルツハイマー型認知症(がたにんちしょう) Alzheimer's disease 症状(しょうじょう) symptoms 開口一番(かいこういちばん) first words out of one's mouth 義理(ぎり)のお母さん mother-in-law 公務員(こうむいん) civil servant 規則(きそく) rules; regulations 政治家(せいじか) politician 高齢(こうれい)の方(かた) elderly person 自営業(じえいぎょう) self-employed 常(つね)に always 外国語(がいこくご) foreign language   For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-94 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-94-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

We spend so much time behind our computer screens, so it is nice to, once-in-a-while, actually meet people. Today, Yumi shares a meeting with a Makoto+ member who happened to be in town. It was a lot of fun and helped motivate Yumi to keep on doing what she's doing.   KEY VOCABULARY: わざわざ taking the trouble (to do something) 海(うみ)を越(こ)えて crossing the sea and 有名人(ゆうめいじん) famous person 用事(ようじ) business; tasks; affairs 年齢(ねんれい) age 鬼滅(きめつ)の刃(やいば) Demon Slayer (manga/anime) 披露(ひろう) presentation; displaying 自画自賛(じがじさん) self-praise 阿部寛(あべひろし) Abe Hiroshi (famous movie and TV star in Japan) 日本通(にほんつう) expert of Japan; Japanophile 交流(こうりゅう) exchange 機会(きかい)があれば whenever (I) have a chance   For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-93 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-93-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

A Makoto+ member had a question for Yumi. "Why are Diet members (Japanese parliament) called "kun" when "kun" is mostly for little boys?" Good question. Listen as Yumi delves into the fascinating history behind this common honorific title.   KEY VOCABULARY: 子供(こども)の頃(ころ) when I was a kid; childhood そういう感(かん)じ such a feeling; that's how (I) feel 新聞社(しんぶんしゃ) newspaper company 決(き)まりがある there's a rule 年下(としした) younger (person) 現代(げんだい)の日本(にほん) modern Japan 国会議員(こっかいぎいん) Diet member 子供(こども)っぽい childish 年齢(ねんれい)の高(たか)い方(かた)  older people 違和感(いわかん) feeling out of place; uncomfortable feeling; bad feeling 明治時代(めいじじだい) Meiji period (1868-1912) 江戸時代(えどじだい) Edo period (1603-1868) 武士(ぶし) samurai; warrior 農民(のうみん) farmer 商人(しょうにん) merchant 身分制度(みぶんせいど) status system; class system 廃止(はいし) abolish 敬称(けいしょう) honorary titles 平等(びょうどう) equality; impartiality   For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-92 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-92-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Yumi continues to talk about counters in Japanese. This series started due to a question from a listener about how to count Godzilla. Then, she talked about rabbits (which uses 一羽 ichiwa -- just like birds). This time, she turns her attention to fish. Fish in general are easy to count. But… of course, it isn't that simple in the real world.   KEY VOCABULARY: 数(かぞ)え方(かた) way of counting 島国(しまぐに) island country たくさんの種類(しゅるい) many varieties 季節(きせつ)による by season; according to the season サバ (mackerel)、サンマ (Pacific saury; mackerel pike)、アジ (horse mackerel)、マグロ (tuna)、ブリ (Japanese amberjack)、イワシ (sardine)、カツオ (bonito)、イカ (squid)、カニ (crab)、エビ (shrimp)、貝類(かいるい) (shellfish)、海藻(かいそう) (seaweed)、ワカメ (wakame seaweed)、昆布(こんぶ) (konbu kelp)、フグ (puffer fish) 水族館(すいぞくかん) aquarium 漁師(りょうし)さん fisherman   For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-91 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-91-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Yumi continues counting in Japanese. Last time, she discussed how to count Godzilla (is it 一匹 ippiki or 一頭 ittou?). This week, she turns her attention to the interesting counter for rabbits. Is it 一匹 ippiki? Nope. It's 一羽 ichiwa -- just like birds. Why? Listen as Yumi gives two possible etymologies.   KEY VOCABULARY: 数(かぞ)え方(かた) way of counting 頭(とう) counter for large animals (meaning head) 匹(ひき) counter for most small animals and insects 羽(わ) counter for birds and rabbits (means feathers) 束(たば) bundles 把(わ) counter for bundles 説(せつ)があります there is a theory 生類(しょうるい)憐(あわ)れみ mercy on living things 食糧事情(しょくりょうじじょう) food situation 一般(いっぱん)の庶民(しょみん) ordinary folk; common people                 頓智話(とんちばなし) story of a quick-witted person   For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-90 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-90-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

In the original Godzilla movie from 1954, the professor uses the counter 一匹 to count Godzilla. But isn't 匹 used with small animals? Shouldn't Godzilla be counted as 一頭? This was a bit of a puzzle for Yumi too, so she researched the subject. Listen as Yumi explains what she discovered.   KEY VOCABULARY: ゴジラ Godzilla [mix of ゴリラ (gorilla) and クジラ (whale)] 白黒(しろくろ) Black and white [in Japanese, "white and black"] 科学的(かがくてき)な説明(せつめい) scientific explanation 古臭(ふるくさ)い stale; old-fashioned; hackneyed; trite 普遍性(ふへんせい) universality; omnipresence 興味深(きょうみぶか)い very interesting; of great interest 昆虫(こんちゅう) insects; bugs 研究者(けんきゅうしゃ) researchers 脚本(きゃくほん) script 数(かぞ)え方(かた) way of counting For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-89 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-89-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Japan has many wonderful things. The latest technology, tons of entertainment, low crime… but Japan also has one of the highest rates of suicide. Why is this so? Yumi talks about this difficult subject and gives a few of her thoughts about how to help prevent it.   KEY VOCABULARY: 自殺率(じさつりつ) suicide rate 私自身(わたしじしん)は I, myself; as for me, I… 有名(ゆうめい)な芸能人(げいのうじん) famous entertainer 他(ほか)の国(くに)の人(ひと) a person from another country 真面目(まじめ) serious; honest; sober; earnest 働(はたら)き者(もの) hard worker ブラック企業(きぎょう) business that exploits its employees 残業(ざんぎょう) overtime work 従業員(じゅうぎょういん) employee; worker 上司(じょうし) boss; superior 精神科(せいしんか) psychiatry 助言(じょげん) advice   For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-88 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-88-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Yumi was very careful to always keep a sharp eye out on her children when they were young. In the shortest of moments, the unthinkable can happen. Japan is a very safe country most of the time, but children are left unsupervised moreso than in other countries. Yumi wonders is it's time to rethink that.   KEY VOCABULARY: 行方不明(ゆくえふめい) missing (person); lost; whereabouts unknown 一致(いっち)する to match; to agree; to conform キャンプ場(じょう) camp site ほんのちょっと only a little; just a little 警察(けいさつ) police 諦(あきら)めずに never give up; not giving up 残念(ざんねん)な悲(かな)しいニュース unfortunate and sad news 誘拐(ゆうかい)される to be kidnapped 神隠(かみかく)し (the idea that the gods take missing children who cannot be found) 千(せん)と千尋(ちひろ)の神隠(かみかく)し Spirited Away (anime) 冒険(ぼうけん) adventure 現実(げんじつ)には as for reality; but really 敏感(びんかん) sensitive; alert; aware 小学校(しょうがっこう)の高学年(こうがくねん) upper elementary school 後(あと)からついていきました followed after それに比(くら)べると compared to that; comparing the two 話題(わだい)になりました became a hot topic of conversation 幼児(ようじ) toddler; young child 判断(はんだん)する to judge 無事(ぶじ)に safe and sound; safely 責任(せきにん)を取(と)る to take responsibility   For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-87 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-87-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Did you know Yumi once fell asleep during a production of Cats. You may be thinking, that's because it was in English! Nope. It was a performance in Nagoya in Japanese. She then concluded stories with lines sung rather than spoken make her sleepy and aren't worth the money. But then she saw The Phantom of the Opera. Listen as Yumi explains a similarity that musical shares with modern anime.   KEY VOCABULARY: オペラ座(ざ) opera house 怪人(かいじん) phantom; mysterious person 映画版(えいがばん) movie version; film version 舞台美術(ぶたいびじゅつ) stage design; scenic design 俳優(はいゆう)さん  actor 舞台(ぶたい) state (theater); scene or setting 華(はな)やかな衣装(いしょう) gorgeous costumes 幻想的(げんそうてき) fantastic; magical; wondrous; fairytale-like 傑作(けっさく) masterpiece; best work 演劇(えんげき) drama; theater; play 恋愛(れんあい) love; passion; emotion 主人公(しゅじんこう) protagonist; main character; hero (of a story) 不気味(ぶきみ)な weird; ominous; eerie 暗(くら)い雰囲気(ふんいき) dark atmosphere 気味(きみ)が悪(わる)い creepy (feeling); uneasy feeling; giving one the creeps 魅力的(みりょくてき) charming; fascinating; attractive 現象(げんしょう) phenomenon 進撃(しんげき)の巨人(きょじん) Attack on Titan 世界観(せかいかん) world view; outlook on the world 共通点(きょうつうてん) point in common; common features   For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-86 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-86-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Walk 10,000 steps a day! Have you heard that slogan? Today, Yumi talks about how many steps the latest research suggests you should walk and what one should do with conflicting health suggestions.   KEY VOCABULARY: 体(からだ)に良(よ)い good for the body 若(わか)い頃(ころ) youth; when (I) was young ラジオ局(きょく)に勤(つと)めていた Worked at a radio station 田舎町(いなかまち)  country town 階段(かいだん) stairs 健康効果(けんこうこうか)がある have health benefits; effective for health 万歩計(まんぽけい) pedometer 最新(さいしん)の研究(けんきゅう) latest research イエス様(さま) Jesus 何事(なにごと)も all things; everything; anything 食(た)べ過(す)ぎず飲(の)み過(す)ぎず don't eat too much; don't drink too much ほどほどに in moderation 本末転倒(ほんまつてんとう) failing to properly evaluate the (relative) importance (of); putting the cart before the horse; getting one's priorities backwards For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-85 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-85-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Living to 100 is becoming more common in Japan. In the 1960s, only a few hundred people were over a hundred. Today, that number is around 80,000. Yumi continues with a few of her thoughts about how she plans to live longer.   KEY VOCABULARY: 保険(ほけん) insurance 漠然(ばくぜん) vague; obscure; hazy 長生(ながい)き long life 金(かね)を貯(た)めてください please save up money 最高齢(さいこうれい) oldest (person); oldest age 認定(にんてい)されています is recognized; is certified 老人福祉法(ろうじんふくしほう) Welfare Law for the Elderly その頃(ころ) at that time 和食(わしょく) Japanese food; Japanese diet 子育(こそだ)て raising children 紫外線(しがいせん)  ultraviolet rays 摂(と)っています taking (vitamins; protein; etc.) For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-84 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-84-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Getting in shape and staying healthy isn't just to feel better now, it also increases the change one can live longer. Japanese have the longest life expectancies on earth. Today, Yumi shares a few of her thoughts about how she plans to live longer.   KEY VOCABULARY: 水筒(すいとう) canteen; water bottle; thermos グビグビ in loud gulps (drinking) 水分(すいぶん)をとる to take (drink) liquids  意識(いしき)し始(はじ)める to begin to be aware of; becoming aware of; to be conscious of 平均寿命(へいきんじゅみょう) life expectancy 排泄(はいせつ) excretion (poop or pee) 手(て)を借(か)りる to get someone's help; to ask for help 生活習慣病(せいかつしゅうかんびょう) lifestyle disease; disease caused by lifestyle choices 老化(ろうか)する to age; to grow old 若々(わかわか)しく保(たも)つ to maintain youthfulness   For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-83 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-83-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Do you have allergies? Yumi lives in Florida and while she doesn't have bad allergies, the pollen season is bad. In Japan, however, people with allergies don't just have pollen to worry about but yellow dust from Mongolia called 黄砂【こうさ】 also.   KEY VOCABULARY: 花粉(かふん) pollen 花粉症(かふんしょう) hay fever; allergy to pollen の季節(きせつ) the season of… アレルギーがある to have allergies 幸(さいわ)いなことに thankfully; a good thing is 砂埃(すなぼこり) a cloud of dust or sand 積(つ)もる to build up; to accumulate 日本海側(にほんかいがわ) Western Japan on the side of the Sea of Japan 偏西風(へんせいふう) prevailing westerlies; prevailing winds blowing from west to east モンゴルの砂漠(さばく) Mongolia deserts PM2・5  atmospheric particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers; PM2.5   For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-82 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-82-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Spring has sprung, and Japan is filled with pink-hued flowers floating in the air. Yumi shares a few of her sakura-related thoughts and memories. KEY VOCABULARY: 桜(さくら) cherry blossoms 花見(はなみ) flower viewing; meeting others under cherry trees to enjoy talking and drinking while watching the blossoms. 満開(まんかい) full bloom 地元(じもと) hometown; local area 名所(めいしょ) famous places 川(かわ)のほとり river edge 川(かわ)の堤防(ていぼう) river bank; river embankment 並木道(なみきみち) tree-lined street 毛虫(けむし) catepillar ソメイヨシノ Yoshino cherry; the most common type of cherry tree in Japan 早(はや)い者勝(ものが)ち first come, first served; the early bird catches the worm 本格的(ほんかくてき) seriously; for real; authentic; full-scale   For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-81 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-81-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

So-and-so looks just like that celebrity! Oh, I don't think so. Recently two people told Yumi her son resembles someone famous. Yumi looked at the celebrities online and… didn't see the resemblance. How is it some people see a resemblance when others don't? Today, Yumi talks about this phenomenon.   KEY VOCABULARY: 似(に)ている resembling; looks like まず初(はじ)めは first of all 有名選手(ゆうめいせんしゅ) famous athlete 羽生結弦選手(はにゅうゆづるせんしゅ) the athlete Hanyuu Yuzuru [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yuzuru_Hanyu] 同感(どうかん) agree; same feeling; same opinion 芸能人(げいのうじん) celebrity; entertainer; performer   For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-80 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-80-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Do you do well speaking in front of others? Today, Yumi talks about giving speeches.   KEY VOCABULARY: 成人式(せいじんしき) coming of age ceremony ユダヤ式(しき) Jewish style 儀式(ぎしき) ceremony; rite; ritual 招待(しょうたい) invitation 緊張(きんちょう)のあまり was so nervous that; too nervous 一時中断(いちじちゅうだん) temporary suspension ハプニング happening; unexpected incident; unforeseen event; surprising occurrence 吐(は)き気(け)を乗(の)り越(こ)える to overcome nausea 体験(たいけん) experience 吐(は)き気(け)を催(もよお)す to feel nausea [催(もよお)す can mean "to hold (an event or party)" or "to feel (sensation; emotion; sickness; etc.)"] 演説(えんぜつ) speech   For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-79 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-79-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

決まり文句 kimari monku are cliched phrases used in certain situations. Today, Yumi talks about a few useful kimari monku and the situations you should use them in. Using kimari monku in the right way will make your conversational Japanese much smoother.   KEY VOCABULARY: 決(き)まり文句(もんく) set cliché phrases 挨拶(あいさつ) greetings ある場面(ばめん) a certain scene/situation 本来(ほんらい) origin 関係(かんけい)なく unrelated 日本語独特(にほんごどくとく) unique to Japanese どうかしてる somethings wrong (with someone or something); not right (in the head); not oneself; nuts 洗濯機(せんたっき) washing machine 文法的(ぶんぽうてき) grammatically 何(なん)とかする I'll figure out something. なんとかなる Something will come up. どうでもいい Anything is fine. なんでもない It's nothing.   For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-78 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-78-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Did you know Makoto+ also has online courses? We just added one on Japanese names and it is free for Shogun or lifetime members. https://makotoplus.com/ Today, Yumi talks a little about Japanese names. To her, it is natural that 渡部 is "Watanabe" but Japanese names aren't quite as easy for the learner of Japanese. Understanding Japanese names is critical for improving understanding of movies, novels, and conversational Japanese   KEY VOCABULARY: 名前(なまえ)の読(よ)み方(かた) how to pronounce a name 苗字(みょうじ) family name; last name 変(か)わった名字(みょうじ) a strange name; an unusual name 珍(めずら)しい unusual ラジオ局(きょく) radio station 全国的(ぜんこくてき)に nationally; the nation as a whole 地元(じもと)で local; locally 旧姓(きゅうせい) maiden name 世代(せだい)を遡(さかのぼ)ります going back generations [遡(さかのぼ)る (to go back (in time); to date back to; to trace back to)]   For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-77 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-77-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Yumi posts daily vocabulary images on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/thejapanshop/). For the past month or so, the lessons have been on Japanese slang. Slang can be fun but also a little dangerous if used in improper contexts. Listen as Yumi talks about slang and her time as a radio DJ.   KEY VOCABULARY: 一時的(いちじてき) temporary 仲間同士(なかまどうし) among friends; peers [the 同士 means "fellow" or "mutual" and shows the members of that group are similar in some way.] 犯罪者(はんざいしゃ) criminal 業界用語(ぎょうかいようご) industry terminology; professional jargon ラジオ局(きょく) radio station 完(かん)パケ complete package; recording of a program from start to finish ギャラ fee paid to performing artists 番宣(ばんせん) program (theater; TV; radio; etc) [short for 番組宣伝(ばんぐみせんでん)] ドタキャン last-minute cancellation 流行(はや)りの言葉(ことば) buzzword 俗語(ぞくご)  slang; colloquialism   For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-76 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-76-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Yumi's cat and her childish embarrassment (this story is from when she was a first grade elementary student) gets her into some trouble at school. Do you know what 濡(ぬ)れ衣(ぎぬ)を着(き)せる means? Listen to today's podcast and find out.   KEY VOCABULARY: 思(おも)い出(で) memories; recollections; reminiscences 真(ま)っ赤(か) bright red 教室(きょうしつ) classroom 〇〇君(くん) boy called X [the 〇〇 is read "maru maru" and indicates a certain but unnamed name] 恥(は)ずかしかった was embarrassed; was shy 察(さっ)してくれた (the teacher) sensed and sympathized with (Yumi's embarrassement) [察(さっ)する (to sympathize with; to guess; to sense; to presume; to judge] 濡(ぬ)れ衣(ぎぬ)を着(き)せる falsely accuse someone of a crime; pin a crime on someone; frame [literally, to put wet clothes (on someone)] 叱(しか)られる to be scolded   For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-75 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-75-m

Continuing with the animal-theme from recent episodes, Yumi tells us about her first cat. The cat was plump and so received the name "Koro" (roly-poly). But… there was a reason for the cat's plumpness. Little Yumi was surprised when strange-looking mice-like creatures began coming out of her cat.   KEY VOCABULARY: 子(こ)どもの頃(ころ) childhood 思(おも)い出(で) memory 三毛猫(みけねこ) calico cat 名付(なづ)けた named (the cat) すりすり snuggling; cuddling かわいがりました to be affectionate; to pet (a pet); to cherish 押(お)し入(い)れ closet ねずみ色(いろ) gray [mouse colored] お察(さっ)しの通(とお)り as you can guess; as you may have figured out 感心(かんしん)して took to heart; admire; be impressed; astonishment 本能(ほんのう) instincts お医者(いしゃ)さん doctor 看護師(かんごし) nurse 産婆(さんば)さん midwife (obsolete) 助産師(じょさんし)さん midwife (current term)   For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-74 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-74-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Today, Yumi tells us more about her experiences with dogs and cats and why she originally didn't like dogs (before getting two of them)!   KEY VOCABULARY: 思(おも)い出(で) memories; recollections; reminiscences 犬派(いぬは) dog person [派 (clique; group; faction; party; camp)] 猫派(ねこは) cat person 反応(はんのう)が良(よ)い responsive; good reaction しつけ discipline; training おすわり sit (dog command in Japanese) お手(て) shake paw (dog command) おかわり shake the other paw (dog command) [this is a command to have a dog place its second paw in one's hand; literally, "another helping" or "refill"] 警察犬(けいさつけん) police dog 番犬(ばんけん) watch dog 牧羊犬(ぼくようけん) sheepdog 苦手(にがて) not good at; not one's cup of tea; dislike of; cannot stand… 恐怖心(きょうふしん) fear; terror [literally a heart of fear] 幼児期(ようじき) infancy; childhood; early years   For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-73 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-73-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Are you Team Cat or Team Dog?   KEY VOCABULARY: 飼(か)っていますto have (a pet); to own (a pet) 里親(さとおや) foster parent; caretaker (pets) 動物病院(どうぶつびょういん) animal hospital 避妊手術(ひにんしゅじゅつ) sterilization (operation) 猫派(ねこは) cat person; cat lover [派 (faction; party; camp; group; sect)] 犬派(いぬは)  dog person; dog lover 表(おもて) front (side); public face 裏(うら) back (side); hidden side ツンデレ hot-cold personality type 甘(あま)やかす to pamper; to indulge (someone)   For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-72 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-72-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Catching a cold isn't fun, but it gave Yumi a chance to think about what's important. Too often we only appreciate the good things in life when they are gone.   KEY VOCABULARY: 無(な)くすとわかる understand (something) if (you) lose it 大切(たいせつ)なもの something important 前回(ぜんかい) last time 夢(ゆめ)が叶(かな)った dream came true 風邪(かぜ)をひきました caught a cold 健康(けんこう)の大切(たいせつ)さ importance of good health 当たり前(まえ) obvious; to be expected For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-71 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-71-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

What is happiness? It may sound like Yumi is waxing philosophical in today's episode, but she actually gives a rather concrete definition. What do you think? When are you the happiest? KEY VOCABULARY: 幸(しあわ)せ happiness 定義(ていぎ) definition 状態(じょうたい) condition; state; situation; circumstance 実現(じつげん) actualization; realization コツコツと steadily; laboriously 節約(せつやく) economizing; cutting back 貯金(ちょきん) saving money; putting money aside 夢(ゆめ)が叶(かな)った dream came true For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-70 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-70-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Yumi went to the movies for the first time in a long time. This event made her think about how different cultures react to stimuli. This leads to a discussion on 我慢 (gaman, perseverance, endurance, bearing something) which is a very Japanese thing to do. For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-69 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-69-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Yumi thinks back on her New Year's resolution (新年の抱負 shinnen no houfu) from last year. She kept at it admirably… for exactly one day. This year, she shares advice she heard that might make keeping resolutions better. Just keep moving forward. One step at a time. One kanji or vocabulary word at a time. For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-68 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-68-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

あけましておめでとうございます! Yumi wanted to give a short New Year's message instead of her normal, longer talks. We deeply appreciate every one of our listeners. 日本語(にほんご)の種(たね)を今年(ことし)もどうぞよろしくお願(ねが)い申(もう)し上(あ)げます。Please continue listening this year also. Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-67   あけましておめでとうございます Happy New Year! For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-67 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-67-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Party! Party! Recently, Yumi has gone to many parties. One party after another. In the US, many people hold parties and get-togethers at their house. In Japan, restaurants and karaoke boxes are more common. Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-66     パーティーパーティー Party! Party! For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-66 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-66-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

America is called the melting pot. You can met people from all sorts of places and experience many different cultures. Yumi thinks on her experiences and how they are similar or dissimilar to Japanese culture. Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-65    文化の違い Cultural Differences For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-65 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-65-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Recently, Yumi took her family to see Atlanta's large aquarium. While normally very ケチ (cheap), on vacation, she enjoys spending money. Listen as she talks about her trip and future plans for traveling. Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-64   水族館 Aquarium For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-64 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-64-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Yumi went to that mystery dinner she mentioned a few episodes ago. Her part was a geisha and she went wearing a kimono.   Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-63 着物その② Kimono Part 2 For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-63 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-63-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

What to do with wrinkled apples that no one wants to eat? Make dessert with it! Yumi didn't want to throw out the old apples so she searched for an easy but delicious recipe for apple pie. Which country has the easiest recipes do you think? Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-62 アップルパイ Apple Pie For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-62 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-62-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

When it is a little cold, Yumi bundles up. She is pretty sensitive to the cold. But she has noticed other people both in America and elsewhere face the cold differently. Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-61 寒さ Coldness For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-61 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-61-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Are you scared of flying? Would an hour flight be less scary than a twenty-hour flight? Yumi is ready to go back to Japan after several years of not being able to visit. But some people have a fear of flying. Listen as Yumi talks about this. Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-60 飛行機 Airplanes For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-60 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-60-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Yumi was recently invited to a "Mystery Dinner" in which the participants dress up as a certain character and act out a murder mystery. She will go as a geisha. In preparation for the dinner, she researched a little about how to wear a kimono. Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-59 着物 Kimono For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-59 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-59-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

In today's episode, Yumi shares an amusing "scary" story. The 100 Tale Game. This is a game where people gather at midnight to light 100 candles and tell one hundred scary tales. With each tale, a candle is extinguished. Once the final tale is told, the final candle is extinguished and… something scary is said to happen. In this story, the scariest thing in the world appears. What is it? Well, you'll have to listen to find out. BTW, the story is found in the 9th issue of our Makoto magazine. Here's the issue: https://www.thejapanshop.com/products/makoto-japanese-e-zine-9-december-2018 Or if you become a Shogun Makoto+ member (https://makotoplus.com/) you can will have unlimited access to ALL Makoto back issues in web format. Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-58 百物語 100 Tale Game For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-58 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-58-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

It's October and Yumi turns her attention to scary movies and tales. BTW, she mentions Lafcadio Hearn's Kwaidan. We have a series of videos of the English tales here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vUvc7DQX4o&list=PLJNhDugUSaWe4EGlYf8rZnXA5tgog2ZTG Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-57 怖い話 Scary Stories For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-57 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-57-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Yumi continues her discussion on food. This time, it's all about chopsticks. Chopsticks can be used with all types of food unlike forks or spoons which are made for certain types only. Then, she tells us of surprising studies regarding the use of chopsticks. Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-56 箸 Chopsticks For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-56 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-56-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com

Every culture has its staple foods. In Japan, the main staple is rice. In the US, maybe it is bread or at least wheat products. Yumi isn't a huge fan. Do you like bread? Listen to the podcast and then take the quiz on the episode's webpage: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-55 パンがきらい I don't like bread For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this episode here: https://thejapanesepage.com/podcast-nihongonotane-55 If you are a Makoto+ member, you can find the transcript, English translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF for printing: https://MakotoPlus.com/podcast-nihongonotane-55-m -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript, translation, key vocabulary, and a downloadable PDF. www.MakotoPlus.com