On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Do you have any funny or embarrassing Japanese language mistake stories?
Topics Discussed
- What Ikigai Connections is
- How you say “fart” in Japanese
- The tricky nature of the Japanese passive form
- Getting similar sounding Japanese words confused
- The confusion that can occur when you speak more than two languages
- The various ways gochisōsama can be used
- The difference between the words oppai and ippai
- The importance of learning things in context
- The many different counters used in Japanese
- How Japanese people make mistakes when using honorific language
- The confusion that can arise due to the Japanese language’s long versus short vowel distinction
- The way the meaning of a kanji can change depending on whether you are reading it in Chinese or Japanese
- And much more!
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Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.
If you’re interested in a career involving Japanese, then make sure to check out IkigaiConnections.com. All the relevant links are below.
- Ikigai Connections Website
- Ikigai Connections Facebook
- Ikigai Connections Twitter
- Ikigai Connections on Instagram
If you’d like to learn more about Kasia, then check out this episode of the Inside Japan podcast.
If you would like to read more funny and/or embarrassing stories about mistakes made by people speaking Japanese, check out the link below to the Reddit thread that was mentioned during this episode.
The latest episode of the Japan Station podcast, can be found below.
If you would like to check out the Kimito Designs shop, then use the link below. Remember to use the coupon code OPENING10 when you check out to get 10% off (valid until the end of 2020).
Japanese Vocabulary List
Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen’s WWWJDIC.
- Ikigai
- 生きがい : 生き甲斐(P); 生きがい; 生甲斐 【いきがい】 (n) reason for living; something one lives for; purpose in life; raison d’être
- Onara
- おなら (n) wind; gas; fart
- Eiga
- 映画 【えいが】 (n,adj-no) movie; film
- Osou
- 襲う 【おそう】 (v5u,vt) (1) to attack; to assail; to make an assault; to strike; to hunt down
- Osowaru
- 教わる 【おそわる】 (v5r,vt) to be taught; to learn; to take lessons in
- Yōchien
- 幼稚園 【ようちえん】 (n) kindergarten
- Yūenchi
- 遊園地 【ゆうえんち】 (n) amusement park
- Kitte
- 切手 【きって】 (n) stamp (postage); merchandise certificate
- Gochisōsama
- ご馳走様 : ご馳走様(P); ご馳走さま(P); 御馳走様 【ごちそうさま】 (int) (1) (uk) thank you (for the meal); that was a delicious meal
- Ōyasan
- 大家さん : 大家さん; 大屋さん 【おおやさん】 (n) (hon) (See 大屋・おおや) landlord; landlady
- Oya
- 親 : 親(P); 祖 【おや】 (n) (1) (親 only) parent; parents; mother and father
- Shitagi
- 下着 【したぎ】 (n) underwear
- Uwagi
- 上着 : 上着(P); 上衣; 表着 【うわぎ(P); じょうい(上衣)】 (n) coat; tunic; jacket; outer garment
- Gomibako
- ごみ箱 【ごみばこ】 (n) garbage can; rubbish bin; trash can; dustbin
We Want Your Questions
Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We’re always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.
Special Thanks
Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)
Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.
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Full Show Notes
What are you funniest Japanese mistakes? | Ichimon Japan 30
