Living Language Note: Over the next few months, our new friend Eric will be learning Japanese and sharing his journey on the blog! When he’s not studying with Living Language Platinum Japanese, Eric is an English instructor at Temple University’s Tokyo campus and at Kikokushijo Academy. Make sure to leave a comment & say hello in the language you’re learning.
Yoyogi Uehara in the snow
It’s a new year, and I’ve moved to a new apaato (apartment) in a beautiful neighborhood of Tokyo called Yoyogi Uehara. I’m loving the new setting—young, vibrant, and best of all, social! That being said, I’ve really got to step up my game in learning Japanese.
I had a moment recently where I realized that I know more Japanese than I thought! I was talking to a friend about where I’m from, where I live now, and where I plan on going in Japan, and some tricky Japanese verbs came into play: ikimasu (to go), kimasu (to come), and kaerimasu (to go back home or to your home country). It’s a bit difficult for native English speakers to get the hang of this at first, but with practice, it will come to you. For example:
I told my friend that I was going to Kyoto, using ikimasu: Watashi wa Kyoto e ikimasu. (I’m going to Kyoto).
Then I said I was going home to Yoyogi Uehara, using kaerimasu: Watashi wa Yoyogi Uehara e kaerimasu. (I’m going home to Yoyogi Uehara).
And then I mentioned that a friend is coming to see me in Yoyogi Uehara, using kimasu: Tomodachi wa Yoyogi Uehara e kimasu. (A friend is coming to Yoyogi Uehara).
Of course, the best way to get the hang of any language is to use it! Having studied to become a language teacher myself, I try to make sure that I apply whatever I’ve learned in my Japanese lessons to real-life situations. The more you can personalize the language point, the easier it will be to use it. So, my tip for all you other language learners out there is to try to find a way to connect what you’re learning to your personal experiences, interests, and surroundings. A good place to start is via eTutoring or by talking with someone you know in the target language (for example, a friend or a language partner).
Gambatte (good luck) to all you other language learners out there, and keep up the good work!