Learn Japanese | Minna No Nihongo Lesson 1 Vocabulary

Summary

This tutorial series introduces basic Japanese words and grammar for absolute beginners, using the 'Minna no Nihongo' textbook. The instructor, who learned Japanese through self-study and work experience, covers various personal pronouns, honorifics, and expressions for introducing oneself. The lesson includes the correct usage of terms like 'watashi' and 'anata', and provides examples of how to ask for someone's name and state one's origin in Japanese. It also touches on the pronunciation of common words and phrases, offering a comprehensive foundation for those starting their Japanese language journey.

Takeaways

• 😀 This tutorial is designed for absolute beginners or those who want to review basic Japanese words and grammar from the 'Minna no Nihongo' textbook.
• 📚 The speaker learned Japanese primarily through self-study and practical use at work, having attended only three months of language school.
• 🗣️ 'Watashi' is the most common way to say 'I' or 'me' in Japanese, while 'atashi' is used by females to sound more feminine, and 'boku' is generally used by males.
• 🏢 'Anata' is a formal way to say 'you', but it's more appropriate to address people by their name followed by '-san' if not very close.
• 👶 'Chan' is an affectionate suffix used for babies, young children, or among close friends, while 'kun' is used for young boys or male friends.
• 👨‍🏫 'Sensei' is a respectful term for a teacher, and 'san' is a suffix added to names to show respect, similar to Mr., Mrs., or Miss in English.
• 🌐 When introducing oneself, 'Hajimeまして' is used, which means 'nice to meet you', and 'yoroshiku onegaishimasu' is a formal way to ask for kind treatment.
• 🗣️ 'Doko desu ka' is a phrase used to ask where someone is from, and when responding, one might say 'America kara kimashita' (I came from America).
• 🌐 The script provides pronunciation guides for various countries in Japanese, such as 'America', 'Indonesia', and 'France'.
• 🔁 The tutorial encourages repetition and practice for better retention of vocabulary and grammar.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the tutorial series mentioned in the transcript?

The tutorial series is designed to teach basic Japanese words and grammar to absolute beginners or those who want to review their Japanese skills.

Which textbook is the tutorial based on?

The tutorial is based on the 'Minna no Nihongo' textbook.

What is the speaker's background in learning Japanese?

The speaker learned Japanese through self-study and practical use at work, having attended Japanese language school for only three months.

What are the different ways to say 'I' in Japanese according to the transcript?

In Japanese, 'I' can be expressed as 'watashi' (formal), 'boku' (used by males), 'atashi' (used by females to sound cute), 'watakushi' (very formal), 'anata' (used in certain contexts or as a term of endearment), and 'ore' (casual, male).

How should you address someone you are not close to in Japanese?

If you are not close to someone, it's better to address them by their name followed by '-san' instead of using 'anata'.

What does the term 'sensei' refer to in Japanese?

In Japanese, 'sensei' refers to a teacher, and it is used as a sign of respect.

What is the polite way to ask someone's name in Japanese?

The polite way to ask someone's name in Japanese is 'O-namae wa nan desu ka?'

What is the first phrase you should say when introducing yourself to someone for the first time in Japanese?

The first phrase to say when introducing yourself for the first time is 'Hajimete no de, dozo yoroshiku onegaishimasu' which translates to 'How do you do?' or 'Nice to meet you'.

How do you say 'I am from...' in Japanese?

To say 'I am from...' in Japanese, you can use 'watashi wa...kara kimashita' followed by the name of the country or place.

What is the difference between 'san', 'chan', and 'kun' when used as honorifics in Japanese?

'San' is a general honorific used for most people to show respect. 'Chan' is often used for babies, young children, or among close friends to indicate affection. 'Kun' is typically used for young boys or among male friends.

How do you say 'Pleased to meet you' in Japanese?

You can say 'yoroshiku onegaishimasu' or informally 'yoroshiku ne' to express 'Pleased to meet you' in Japanese.