Category: Notes

  • Love Key!? 合鍵

    Love Key!? 合鍵

    Recently while watching a Japanese drama I came across the word 合鍵 (あいかぎ). Given the context in which it was used, I was quite surprised to find out later that my mental image of the Kanji had been quite different to the reality. The word as follows: 合鍵 あいかぎ Spare Key Equally, a ‘copy of…

  • Proving Your Tardiness

    Proving Your Tardiness

    As punctual and reliable as Japanese public transportation is, there are unfortunately occasions where not everything goes according to plan. Tardiness just isn’t acceptable for the working adult, perhaps moreso in Japan than most other countries. So it is then that when even despite your best efforts acts of god seem to smite you, there…

  • Gugurekasu Lyrics

    Gugurekasu Lyrics

    Here are the lyrics to the famous Vocaloid song ‘Gugurekasu’ – Go Google it! The song was created by AaminP (あー民P) using the voices of vocaloid characters Megurine Luka and Kamui Gakupo -【巡音ルカと神威がくぽ】. I’ve also added translation notes and insights into the Japanese language used and slang terms from 2ch at the bottom of this…

  • Hanpa Nai – 半端ない

    Hanpa Nai – 半端ない

    Here’s a curious expression I came across a while ago on Twitter. 半端ない. You might recognise it from 中途半端, but this slang version has quite a different meaning!

  • Taking Messages in Japanese – 伝言

    Taking Messages in Japanese – 伝言

    Continuing with the theme of taking messages, here is a look at another note with a few new expressions. This one is more formal and can also be used to make notes about visitors. Be sure to check out the other post first.

  • Taking a Message / とのこと

    Taking a Message / とのこと

    Office messages are known as 伝言 (でんごん) and a vital part of business life in Japan, or indeed many countries. Today we take a look at a simple example and a peculiar piece of grammar that is often used when taking messages.

  • You’ve Got Mail!

    You’ve Got Mail!

    Unexpected things in the mail are always a concern. “Oh no, what have I missed? It’s not a bill, is it? Or worse, overdue tax payments? Heaven forbid I have to make a phone call in Japanese…” Today we take a look at a standard postal note to help you deal with stuff like this.

  • Do Without Asking / 勝手ながら

    Here’s a nice little piece of grammar that you can use instantly to convey a polite message. How to write a note telling someone you’re taking the day off with Katte Nagara (勝手ながら).