機会 (kikai) ＝ chance, opportunity

June 15, 2008- June 21, 2008

Japanese Word: 機会

Hiragana Equivalent: きかい

Pronunciation: kikai

Meaning/s: chance, opportunity

More information about 機会: Independently, the Kanji character 機 (pronounced as ki) is used to signify the word “machine”, “chance”, “opportunity” or “aircraft”. It may be also pronounced as hata which means “loom”. On the other hand, 会 (pronounced as kai) means “meeting”, “assembly”, “party”, “association” and “club”. It may also be pronounced as e, carrying the meaning “understanding”.

Here are the correct stroke sequences in writing the Kanji form of きかい.

Here are some of the sentences that use 機会.

• あらゆる機会を利用しなさい。　＝　Avail yourself of every opportunity.
• あらゆる　＝　arayuru　＝　every
• 機会 （きかい）　＝　kikai　＝　opportunity
• を　＝　wo (object indicator particle)
• 利用しなさい （りようしなさい）　＝　riyō shinasai　＝　avail/utilize (imperative manner)

• この機会を必ず利用すべきだ。　＝　You should avail this opportunity without fail.
• この　＝　kono　＝　this (noun modifier form)
• 機会 （きかい）　＝　kikai　＝　opportunity
• を　＝　wo (object indicator particle)
• 必ず （かならず）　＝　kanarazu　＝　without fail
• 利用するべき （りようするべき）　＝　riyō suru beki　＝　should avail/utilize
• だ　＝　da　＝　are

• これはあなたには唯一の機会である。　＝　This is your only chance.
• これ　＝　kore　＝　this
• は　＝　wa (topic indicator particle)
• あなた　＝　anata　＝　you
• に　＝　ni (location of person, thing or short-term action indicator particle)
• は　＝　wa (topic indicator particle)
• 唯一 （ゆいつ）　＝　yuitsu　＝　only
• の　＝　no (verb and adjective nominalizer or possession indicator particle)
• 機会 （きかい）　＝　kikai　＝　chance
• で　＝　de (“by means of” particle)
• ある　＝　aru　＝　to have

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国籍 (kokuseki) ＝ Nationality

June 8, 2008- June 14, 2008

Japanese Word: 国籍

Hiragana Equivalent: こくせき

Pronunciation: kokuseki

Meaning/s: nationality

More information about 国籍: The Kanji character 国 (pronounced as kuni) can be used independently to refer to the English word “country”. 籍 (pronounced as seki), on the other hand, means “one’s family register” or “one’s domicile”.

Here are the correct stroke sequences in writing the Kanji form of こくせき.

Here are some of the sentences that use 国籍.

• 国籍に関係なく誰でも受け入れる。　＝　We accept anybody, irrespective of nationality.
• 国籍 （こくせき）　＝　kokuseki　＝　nationality
• に　＝　ni (location of person, thing or short-term action indicator particle)
• 関係なく （かんけいなく）　＝　kankēnaku　＝　irrespective of
• 誰でも （だれでも）　＝　daredemo　＝　anyone
• 受け入れる （うけいれる）　＝　uke ireru　＝　to accept

• 国籍や性別または職業などで人を差別してはいけない。　＝　You must not discriminate against people based on nationality, gender or occupation.
• 国籍 （こくせき）　＝　kokuseki　＝　nationality
• や　＝　ya (“such things as” particle)
• 性別 （せいべつ）　＝　sēbetsu　＝　gender
• または　＝　mata wa　＝　or
• 職業 （しょくぎょう）　＝　shokugyō　＝　occupation
• など　＝　nado　＝　et cetera
• で　＝　de (“by means of” particle)
• 人 （ひと）　＝　hito/shto　＝　person
• を　＝　wo (object indicator particle)
• 差別 （さべつ）　＝　sabetsu　＝　discrimination
• してはいけない　＝　shte wa ikenai　＝　must no do

• 彼の国籍はどこですか。　＝　What is his nationality?
• 彼 （かれ）　＝　kare　＝　he
• の　＝　no (verb and adjective nominalizer or possession indicator particle)
• 国籍 （こくせき）　＝　kokuseki　＝　nationality
• は　＝　wa (topic indicator particle)
• どこ　＝　doko　＝　where
• ですか　＝　deska　＝　is it?

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野菜 (yasai) ＝ Vegetable

June 1, 2008- June 7, 2008

This post is a day late...

Japanese Word: 野菜

Hiragana Equivalent: やさい

Pronunciation: yasai

Meaning/s: vegetable

More information about 野菜: The two Kanji characters that comprise 野菜 can be used independently. 野 (pronounced as no) means “field” while 菜 (pronounced as na) refers to “greens” or “vegetables”.

Here are the correct stroke sequences in writing the Kanji form of やさい.

Here are some of the sentences that use 野菜.

• あなたはもっと野菜を食べた方が良いですよ。　＝　You better eat more vegetables.
• あなた　＝　anata　＝　you
• は　＝　wa (topic indicator particle)
• もっと　＝　motto　＝　more
• 野菜 （やさい）　＝　yasai　＝　vegetables
• を　＝　wo (object indicator particle)
• 食べた方が良い （たべたほうがいい）　＝　tabeta hō ga ī　＝　better eat
• です　＝　des　＝　am
• よ　＝　yo (request, certainty or contempt indicator particle)

• その店は野菜を売っている。　＝　That store is selling vegetables.
• その店 （そのみせ）　＝　sono mise　＝　that store
• は　＝　wa (topic indicator particle)
• 野菜 （やさい）　＝　yasai　＝　vegetables
• を　＝　wo (object indicator particle)
• 売っている （うっている）　＝　utte iru　＝　is selling

• トマトは果物ですか、それとも野菜ですか。　＝　Is tomato a fruit or a vegetable?
• トマト　＝　tomato　＝　tomato
• は　＝　wa (topic indicator particle)
• 果物 （くだもの）　＝　kudamono　＝　fruit
• ですか　＝　deska　＝　is it?
• それとも　＝　soretomo　＝　or
• 野菜 （やさい）　＝　yasai　＝　vegetables
• ですか　＝　deska　＝　is it?

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世界 (sekai) ＝ The World, Society, The Universe

May 25, 2008- May 31, 2008

This is yet another delayed post. :(

In the Japanese language, the English words “the world”, “society” and “the universe” are equivalent to the Kanji 世界 (pronounced as sekai). 世界 is written in the Hiragana writing system as せかい.

世界 is commonly used to signify the world. Among the two Kanji characters that make up 世界, only 世 (pronounced as yo) has the capability to be used independently. It carries the meanings “world”, “society”, “age” and “generation”.

Here are the correct stroke sequences in writing the Kanji form of せかい.

Here are some of the sentences that use 世界.

• 米は世界の多くの地域で作られています。　＝　Rice is grown in many parts of the world.
• 米 （こめ）　＝　kome　＝　rice
• は　＝　wa (topic indicator particle)
• 世界 （せかい）　＝　sekai　＝　world
• の　＝　no (verb and adjective nominalizer or possession indicator particle)
• 多く （おおく）　＝　ōku　＝　many
• の　＝　no (verb and adjective nominalizer or possession indicator particle)
• 地域 （ちいき）　＝　chīki　＝　region/area
• で　＝　de (in, at or location of action indicator particle)
• 作られています （つくられています）　＝　tsukurarete imas　＝　is grown

• 平和しか世界を救うことはできない。　＝　Nothing but peace can save the world.
• 平和 （へいわ）　＝　heiwa　＝　peace
• しか　＝　shka　＝　only (for negative statements)
• 世界 （せかい）　＝　sekai　＝　world
• を　＝　wo (object indicator particle)
• 救う （すくう）　＝　sukū　＝　save
• こと　＝　koto　＝　thing/matter
• は　＝　wa (topic indicator particle)
• できない　＝　dekinai　＝　cannot

• あなたは空想の世界に生きている。　＝　You are living in a world of fantasy.
• あなた　＝　anata　＝　you
• は　＝　wa (topic indicator particle)
• 空想 （くうそう）　＝　kūsō　＝　fantasy
• の　＝　no (verb and adjective nominalizer or possession indicator particle)
• 世界 （せかい）　＝　sekai　＝　world
• に　＝　ni (location of person, thing or short-term action indicator particle)
• 生きている （いきている）　＝　ikite iru　＝　are living

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真実 (shinjitsu) ＝ Truth, Reality

May 18, 2008-May 24, 2008

The Japanese equivalent of the words “truth” and “reality” is 真実 (read as shinjitsu). In the Hiragana writing system, it is written as しんじつ.

The two Kanji characters that comprise the word 真実 can actually be used individually. They also possess meanings which are similar to “truth” or “reality”. However somehow, they have other unique denotations. 真 (read as makoto) may mean “genuineness” while 実 (read as jitsu) may mean “sincerity”, “fidelity”, “kindness”, “faith”, “substance”, and “essence”. It may also be pronounced as mi carrying the meanings “fruit”, “nut”, “seed”, “content” and “good outcome”.

Do you want to learn how to write the Kanji forms of “truth”? Here are the guides for you.

Here are some of the sentences that use 真実.

• あなたには真実を知る権利があります。　＝　You have the right to know the truth.
• あなた　＝　anata　＝　you
• に　＝　ni (location of person, thing or short-term action indicator particle)
• は　＝　wa (topic indicator particle)
• 真実 （しんじつ）　＝　shinjitsu　＝　truth
• を　＝　wo (object indicator particle)
• 知る （しる）　＝　shiru　＝　to know
• 権利 （けんり）　＝　kenri　＝　right
• が　＝　ga (subject indicator particle)
• あります　＝　arimas　＝　to have

• あなたはいつか真実が分かるでしょう。　＝　You shall know the truth someday.
• あなた　＝　anata　＝　you
• は　＝　wa (topic indicator particle)
• いつか　＝　itsuka　＝　someday
• 真実 （しんじつ）　＝　shinjitsu　＝　truth
• が　＝　ga (subject indicator particle)
• 分かる （わかる）　＝　wakaru　＝　to know, to understand
• でしょう　＝　desho　＝　shall (connotes a possibility that a certain thing may happen)

• あなたはいつも真実を語るべきだ。　＝　You should always tell the truth.
• あなた　＝　anata　＝　you
• は　＝　wa (topic indicator particle)
• いつも　＝　itsumo　＝　always
• 真実 （しんじつ）　＝　shinjitsu　＝　truth
• を　＝　wo (object indicator particle)
• 語る （かたる）　＝　kataru　＝　to tell
• べき　＝　beki　＝　should
• だ　＝　da　＝　are

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My Unique Way of Learning the Kanji (漢字)

Currently throughout the Philippines, most students are on their summer vacation. This period of the year perhaps, is their most desired moment for finally, they’ll be away from exams, projects, hectic schedules, “terror teachers” and bullies. I am a student by the way, and just like most of the Filipino students, I am presently spending my two-month long summer vacation. Nevertheless, I don’t consider it as such…because lessons incessantly haunt me.

I am an incoming third year student of the Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku (ミンダナオ国際大学). My course is BS in International Studies major in Japanese Language and Studies. At this period, me and the rest of my classmates will be handled by four Japanese Nihongo (日本語) professors—Prof. Ichido Miyake, Prof. Ayumi Kobayashi, Prof. Mika Haruyama and Prof. Yasuko Kuroda. The first three already made their move even though it’s still summer vacation. They gave us loads of Japanese-related stuff—signing up at Mixi.jp, writing a diary, etc. Other than that, they also encouraged us to study…study…and study.

That request was the most horrifying of all. Honestly, I really find it difficult to study Japanese on my own especially, the familiarization of the Kanji characters. Though it’s hard, it must be done at once because it is my specialization. I’ve tried various methods of Japanese language learning and I must say, none of them were quite effective. But, I still never stop searching for a learning style that suits me.

Two days ago, I started a new learning method which I originally conceived. This method involves the labeling of certain things found within my room in Kanji characters. I only use a color marker, a piece of paper and a scotch tape in doing this activity. So far, I’ve labeled at least ten things. Some of these are the wall (壁), my mirror (鏡) and the windows (窓).

Before I label a thing in Kanji, I get to know first the correct stroking of the character through a Japanese language learning application. Learning the correct sequence of strokes is one of the elements in learning the Kanji. Although it’s not so a very important factor nowadays, I guess it is still better to follow the long-established rules. It will be a great challenge for anybody’s discipline for sure.

I have learned more than ten Kanji characters in just a very short span of time through this method. It never makes me feel exhausted. It rather excites me. Doing it everyday will really allow you to learn the 2000+ Kanji characters effortlessly.

This new method has proven itself to be very suitable to me. In fact, my interest about it constantly grows bigger and bigger and I’m so determined to pursue it in the future. I think I’m starting to love the Japanese language once again.

I am planning to expand the scope of labeling things anytime this week. By which time, the things in our house’ living room and in the kitchen will be included in the labeling. I’m also thinking of perhaps labeling my parents and my pets. That would be awesome! :)

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愛 (ai) ＝ Love

May 11, 2008-May 17, 2008

Do you know the Japanese translation of the word “love”? If you don’t, now’s the time for you to know.

The Japanese equivalent of the word “love” is 愛. In the Hiragana writing system, it is spelled as あい and bears the pronunciation ai.

The Kanji character for あい　contains strokes that are similar to that of the Kanji character for こころ (pronounced as kokoro) which is 心. こころ in Japanese means “heart”. Indeed, even in countries of Japan and China (where Kanji originated), it is believed that the heart serves as a representation of love.

The Japanese use the Kanji character 愛　more than its Hiragana counterpart. According to some, using 愛　instead of あい in essays, novels or poems adds a more romantic effect.

愛 is included in the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) Level 2 Kanji characters list.

Observe the image below to learn how to write it correctly.

Here are some of the sentences that use 愛.

• 愛している。　＝　I love you.
• 愛している （あいしている）　＝　ai shte iru　＝　I love you

• あなたは私を愛しているのですか。　＝　Do you love me?
• あなた　＝　anata　＝　you
• は　＝　wa (topic indicator particle)
• 私 （わたし）　＝　watashi　＝　I
• を　＝　wo (object indicator particle)
• 愛しているの （あいしているの）　＝　ai shteiru no　＝　“the thing of loving”
• ですか　＝　deska　＝　do you?

• あなたを心から愛しています。　＝　I love you with all my heart.
• あなた　＝　anata　＝　you
• を　＝　wo (object indicator particle)
• 心 （こころ）　＝　kokoro　＝　heart
• から　＝　kara　＝　from
• 愛しています （あいしています）　＝　ai shte imas　＝　am loving

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奇麗 (kirei) ＝ Beautiful, Clean, Nice...

May 4, 2008-May 10, 2008

Before I go further, I want to apologize to all of you about this much delayed post. I was quite busy last Sunday and acted so lazy during the entire first week of May. Anyway, I still don’t forget it, and I guess now’s the time to give it to you.

Ladies and gentlemen, a round of applause for VJ Czar World’s first Japanese Word of the Week—奇麗!

奇麗 is read as きれい (kirei). It is a Japanese word that means either of the following: beautiful, clean, nice, tidy, pretty and fair. きれい is also written in Kanji as 綺麗. But, this way of writing is not advisable for the first character is an outdated Kanji. Although 奇麗 can be used, most of the Japanese prefer the Hiragana writing きれい, probably because it is simpler and easier to write. However, if you want to impress others and feel like you’re a genius, I recommend you to use the Kanji equivalent. To write it appropriately, follow the images below.

Here are some of the sentences that use 奇麗.

• 私はとても奇麗です。　＝　I am very beautiful.
• 私 （わたし）　＝　watashi　＝　I
• は　＝　wa (topic indicator particle)
• とても　＝　totemo　＝　very
• 奇麗 （きれい）＝　kirei　＝　beautiful
• です　＝　des　＝　am

• 彼女は宿題を奇麗に作りました。　＝　She made the assignment beautifully.
• 彼女 （かのじょ）　＝　kanojo　＝　she
• は　＝　wa (topic indicator particle)
• 宿題 （しゅくだい）　＝　shukudai　＝　assignment
• を　＝　wo (object indicator particle)
• 奇麗に （きれいに）　＝　kirei ni　＝　beautifully
• 作りました （つくりました）　＝　tsukurimashta　＝　to make (past tense)
  

• いつも手を奇麗にしておきなさい。　＝　Always keep your hands clean.
• いつも　＝　itsumo　＝　always
• 手 （て）　＝　te　＝　hands
• を　＝　wo (object indicator particle)
• 奇麗に （きれいに）　＝　kirei ni　＝　“cleanly”
• しておきなさい　＝　shte okinasai　＝　must do/should do

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4 Obsolete Kana Characters

Studying the Kana characters is one of the most essential things that you should take in order for you to be proficient in Japanese language. Kana is a writing system which is composed of 92 characters—46 under the hiragana (ひらがな), and 46 under the katakana (カタカナ). But did you know that the number of the Kana characters before was 96?

Before 1946, there were Kana characters which bore the “we” (/ɰe/) and “wi” (/ɰi/) sounds. These characters, to date, are obsolete—old-fashioned and no longer in general use. Instead of using them, ウィ and ウェare preferred as substitutes to signify “wi” and “we”, respectively, for onomatopoeia and foreign words.

The image on the right shows the Kana characters for “we”. The above is “we’ in hiragana while below is its katakana equivalent. It is thought that during the Kamakura Period, ゑ was being criticized as a character having the same pronunciation as え which is イェ. This might be the cause of its removal from the official Kana writing system.

Meanwhile, on the left are the Kana characters for “wi”. The main possible reason for its elimination in the official orthography is the fact that ゐ and い bears the same pronunciation which is /i/. This issue rose somewhere between the Kamakura and the Taisho Periods.

If you got the East Asian fonts installed in your computer, you can still type the ゑ, ヱ, ヰ and ゐ characters on your computer. You can use them if you want at any time. But don’t ever expect that your young Japanese friends will be able to read it.

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