Learn Japan in 30-second reels
Real phrases for the konbini, the restaurant, the train — each with romaji and English, ready to use the second you land.
All videos
Survival
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The Storm Heading for Your Trip Has a Name. Nobody in Japan Will Use It.
taifū jūni-gō · Typhoon No. 12
Survival
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The Yukata in Your Ryokan Room. Wrap It the Wrong Way and You Are Dressed Like the Dead.
gyaku desu yo · It's the other way around.
Survival
▶
Everyone at the Shrine Is Tying Little Papers to a Rack. That's Bad Luck Being Left Behind on Purpose.
omikuji · a paper fortune drawn at a shrine
Intermediate
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Mid August a Japanese River Fills With Lanterns. Each One Is Somebody Going Home.
tourou nagashi · Floating lantern ceremony
Beginner
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A Phone Is Sitting Alone on a Table in Tokyo. It Is Not Lost. It Is a Fence.
seki, totteru n desu · Sorry, this seat's taken
Survival
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A Stranger Just Sat Down at Your Table in Tokyo. The Staff Put Them There.
aiseki · sharing a table with a stranger
Survival
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The One Word That Makes You Instantly Polite in Japan
dōzo · Here you go. / Go ahead.
Survival
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One Word, Three Meanings: Sumimasen
sumimasen · Excuse me / Sorry / Thank you
Beginner
▶
I'm Studying Japanese
nihongo o benkyō shite imasu · i'm studying japanese
Survival
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It's Pouring in Japan — and There's a Machine by Every Door You're Walking Past
kasa-bukuro · umbrella sleeve
Intermediate
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The Color That Tells You Hot or Cold on a Japanese Vending Machine
tsumetai / atatakai · cold / warm
Intermediate
▶
Never Touch a Taxi Door in Japan
~ made onegai shimasu. · To ~, please.
Intermediate
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One Japanese Word Does the Job of Three
sumimasen · excuse me / sorry / thank you
Intermediate
▶
The Summer Outfit Locals Wear to Festivals (and What to Say)
yukata · summer cotton kimono
Beginner
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Japan Hands You a Hot Towel — Don't Use It Wrong
oshibori · wet hand towel
Intermediate
▶
Why Japanese People Keep Saying This While You Talk
sō desu ka · oh, I see / is that so (the 'I'm listening' sound)
Intermediate
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How to Actually Pray at a Japanese Shrine
nirei nihakushu ichirei · two bows, two claps, one bow (how to pray at a shrine)
Intermediate
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The Food Paradise Hiding Under Japanese Department Stores
depachika · department-store basement food hall
Intermediate
▶
Onsen Rules Tourists Always Break
kakeyu · rinsing off before getting in
Intermediate
▶
Why Japanese People Say This Before Every Meal
itadakimasu · I gratefully receive (said before eating)
Intermediate
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Japan's Secret 6th Season — and the Word That Saves Your June Trip
tsuyu · the rainy season (early-summer wet stretch)
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