Jazz Up Your Japanese With Onomatopoeia
Onomatopoeia is one of the most outstanding features of the Japanese language. Its acquisition is essential for students who wish to speak (or understand) natural Japanese, read literature or manga, or watch anime in the original. The problem is that Japanese onomatopoeic words are so different from their English equivalents (words such as pop, bang, splat, and squeak) that they are extremely hard to remember and put into practice. The book begins with an introduction that outlines what "onomatopoeia" means in both English and Japanese. It covers sound and meaning in general, onomatopoeia in English, sound symbolism in English and Japanese, Japanese onomatopoeia and mimesis, types of Japanese onomatopoeia, grammatical functions of Japanese onomatopoeia, Japanese written forms, and how new Japanese onomatopoeic words are formed (for example, in manga). This introductory material is all-important, for without the overall picture it presents, students are forced to learn Japanese onomatopoeia by rote, one word at a time, as if each was unique unto itself, as if each had no logical connection with any other word, and as if Japanese onomatopoeia was a huge, ugly hodgepodge instead of the beautiful, well-organized microcosm that it is. However, this introduction alone would not suffice to produce fluency. Onomatopoeia must be seen in action for that to happen. This is done in the second part of the book, which consists of eleven situational dialogues that allow students to eavesdrop on Japanese speaking the way they do in real life. The dialogues are given in Japanese script (with furigana over all kanji), romanization, and English translation. Each example of onomatopoeia that appears in the dialogue has its own commentary, including definitions, usage, and two or more sample sentences. Cultural notes are given when they help to clarify the situation presented in the dialogue. Each dialogue is followed by a quiz. With its edifying introduction and lively dialogues, Jazz Up Your Japanese with Onomatopoeia For All Levels will, without a doubt, help students come to grips with this intriguing aspect of the Japanese language, whether they be intermediate students who can benefit from seeing onomatopoeia used in a variety of situations or beginning students who, as they slowly add new onomatopoeia to their vocabulary, will profit from seeing how these words fit into a larger, fully developed scheme. The book will also, whatever the level, make Japanese much more fun to study. Previously published in Kodansha International's Power Japanese series under the title Flip, Slither, & Bang: Japanese Sound and Action Words (1993). Now with a new introduction and quizzes.
Basic Japanese
Basic Japanese takes a friendly and innovative approach to beginner Japanese, emphasizing the structure of the Japanese language rather than just vocabulary. This method was pioneered by the author, Samuel E. Martin. Once considered controversial, modern linguists now agree that the structurally based approach for learning a language allows for more efficient retention than the traditional repetition-based approach. It is especially useful for self-study and first-time learners as well as in a classroom setting. The native-speaker audio recordings help to reinforce pronunciation and build listening comprehension. Each lesson is set up to ease learners into not just understanding the new material but mastering it, using a four-step method: Step 1: Basic Sentences: Each lesson begins with the key to quick mastery of spoken Japanese--learning and understanding new sentence patterns. Vocabulary is learned in context. A Basic Vocabulary section lists only essential words and phrases that are relevant to the theme of the lesson. Step 2: Structure Notes: Next the learner is guided through complete, in-depth explanations of the sentences' grammar essentials, to aid in mastering the sentence patterns. Step 3: Conversation: Authentic dialogue teaches the way people naturally speak, putting into practice the lesson's sentence patterns with everyday topics. Step 4: Exercises: An opportunity for practicing--and for strengthening your understanding of the lesson's key points and ability to read Japanese.All media content is accessible on the Tuttle Publishing website.
Let's Learn Hiragana
There are three types of Japanese script-katakana, hiragana, and kanji. It is possible to read Japanese knowing only a limited number of kanji, but it is not possible with only a limited number of katakana or hiragana-one must know all of them. Let's Learn Hiragana, and its companion volume Let's Learn Katakana, is a textbook that introduces the learner to the basics of one of these fundamental Japanese scripts. Being a workbook, it contains all the exercises that allow the student to master hiragana by the time the book has been finished. Let's Learn Hiragana is a classic in the field, and the huge number of students that have used it successfully is a sign of its preeminence as a self-study guide.
Intermediate Japanese
In the intermediate level of this highly-acclaimed new series, learners will continue to study the Japanese language through an engaging story line which slowly unfolds over the arc of the text, keeping things interesting and adding the motivation needed to master new material. The emphasis in Intermediate Japanese is on real-life situations drawn from contemporary Japanese culture and authentic written, visual and oral materials embedded in the lessons. This multimedia approach is a great way to learn Japanese. Available in both hardcover and paperback, Intermediate Japanese includes an accompanying audio disc, and free web-based multimedia resources with additional exercises. A separate Workbook is available with corresponding one-of-a-kind practice activities. What makes this series so popular? The focus is very visual. The book's narrative is told with manga-style story pages, and the CD_ROM uses colorful video. Authentic written, visual, and oral materials are embedded very naturally throughout the book. Independent learners and classroom students alike will find this an accessible and upbeat way to master contemporary Japanese. Kanji characters are emphasized here more than in other textbooks and are taught as an integral part of learning Japanese spoken vocabulary, rather than separately. By the end of this book, learners will have mastered 149 additional kanji, for a cumulative total of 300 kanji.
Japanese for Busy People I
Japanese for Busy People is the most popular Japanese language textbook series in the world. With over 20 components including texts, workbooks, CDs, videos and teacher's manuals, it is also one of the most comprehensive. Now, a decade after its first revision, the entire series is being redesigned, updated and consolidated to meet the needs of 21st-century students and businesspeople who want to learn natural, spoken Japanese as effectively as possible in a limited amount of time. The book features not only a sleek, new design but also a unit structure that groups thematically linked lessons together, making it easier than ever to learn Japanese. Moreover, it now comes with a CD containing audio for the dialogues and listening exercises from the text. The exercises in the book have also been thoroughly revised to incorporate more comprehension and production tasks. Many of these exercises are illustrated, making for a stimulating learning experience, and the purpose of each one is clearly stated. This first of three volumes introduces "survival Japanese"--the absolute minimum amount of Japanese needed to live in Japan. Thus, the vocabulary and grammatical items it introduces are limited to about a third of what is typically introduced in a first-year course. In addition, the book features notes on Japanese culture intended to expand the learner's understanding of Japan, its customs and people. Japanese for Busy People I is available in two formats: romanized and kana. The Romanized Version uses romanized Japanese throughout, with kana in the Opening Dialogues of each lesson.The Kana Version--exposing students to hiragana and katakana from the very beginning--uses only kana. The content of the two books is otherwise exactly the same. The companion volume, Japanese for Busy People 1 The Workbook for the Revised 3rd Edition contains a variety of illustrated exercises for mastering the basic sentence patterns presented in the main text.
Everyday Japanese Dictionary
The most useful terms and phrases in Japanese--right at your fingertips (no Internet connection required)When you need a word in Japanese, you just have to look it up on the Net or use an app, right? Not really. While these resources are handy for quick look-up, you're only getting a meaning and no more. Get more out of your Japanese language resource with Everyday Japanese Dictionary! This dictionary emphasizes the benefits that print can most effectively provide--a resource that encourages study rather than simply a look-up tool. Everyday Japanese Dictionary focuses on high-frequency vocabulary and contains a special supplement of everyday conversational phrases: greetings, small talk, general pleasantries, introductions, agreeing, disagreeing, disputes, launching a conversation, concluding a conversation, and farewells. An color insert of commonplace vocabulary illustrates home, town, and work terms.
Japanese Hiragana & Katakana for Beginners
A complete introduction to written Japanese -- start here with zero knowledge and finish feeling confident! This introduction to the Japanese writing system teaches you to read and write the fundamental 92 hiragana and katakana characters--and makes learning fun and easy with a memorable picture-based method! The method that's helped thousands learn Japanese successfully: Memorable pictures help you to learn the characters by associating their shapes and sounds with combinations of images and English words already familiar to youClear examples and engaging exercises offer opportunities to read, write, use and practice all 92 primary hiragana katakana characters, plus the remaining kana that stand for more complex soundsPolish your knowledge with word searches, crossword puzzles, fill-in-the-blanks, timed recognition quizzes, and other engaging activitiesThe online media includes printable flashcards to help you review and practice, even while you are on the goAll media content is alternatively accessible on the Tuttle Publishing website
Basic Japanese Grammar
This is a clear simple and compact guide to colloquial, everyday Japanese grammar. Basic Japanese Grammar teaches all the grammar you need to speak Japanese and understand simple spoken Japanese. Covering what is essential, it provides an efficient way for learners who have limited time to learn Japanese and begin to communicate naturally with Japanese speakers. It is intended for self-study or classroom use. It offers a practical course in colloquial Japanese but leaves aside forms that are unnecessary or little used as well as those that are more important for written Japanese. In short chapters, it helps the user understand the logic of Japanese grammar, while its straightforward explanations and clear examples make learning as easy as possible. The grammar section includes a glossary of grammatical terms and an index, as well as appendixes on Japanese pronunciation and verb conjugation. All Japanese words and phrases are written in Kanji and Kana (Hiragana and Katakana) as well as Romanized Japanese (Romanji) and English. Explanations are given in English.
Speak Japanese Today
This self-study book is a perfect choice for learning Japanese quickly. Speak Japanese Today is ideal for students, business people and travelers. It offers the option to learn beginner Japanese in a short time without compromising on quality. Beginning Japanese learners are often intimidated by the oddly shaped Japanese Characters (kanji and kana) and exotic-sounding pronunciations, but Speak Japanese Today breaks down the Japanese language and presents it to you in twenty short and concise lessons and two review chapters that are specially designed to be absorbed quickly and stay in your long-term memory. Only the most commonly spoken Japanese translations of key phrases are included, allowing you to maximize your time. Included in this book are: Everyday key vocabulary. Real-life dialogs--taken from actual Japanese speakers!. Important and useful grammar points. Extensive review exercises. An expanded appendix including pronunciation charts and grammar rules. Japanese to English and English to Japanese indexes for quick word look-up and reference.
Collins Gem Japanese Dictionary (Japanese and English Edition)
Japanese Verbs & Essentials of Grammar
Your one-stop resource for Japanese usage and grammarJapanese Verbs & Essentials of Grammar offers you clear and concise coverage of verbs and grammar basics--all in one book. You'll also get access to a free audio download of bonus online learning material.The book features all the major verbal and grammar concepts of the language. Each unit is devoted to one particular concept, enabling you to locate specific information quickly and easily. Explanations are concise yet thorough and are followed by numerous examples to assure complete understanding and mastery. The examples use contemporary language, reflecting real-life situations. Convenient tables throughout the book make verb tenses and other areas of grammar immediately accessible.Includes a special chapter on common expressions and useful vocabulary as well as practical appendices.Features a free 15-minute download of the first two chapters, Romanization and Pronunciation and The Japanese Writing System.Topics include: Romanization and Pronunciation; The Japanese Writing System; General Information on Verbs; Kinds of Verbs; Desu; Verbs in a Sentence; Verb Base Chart; The Masu Form; Verb Endings--General Information; Base 1 Endings; Base 2 Endings; Base 3 Endings; Base 4 Endings; Base 5 Endings; Base 6 (TE-form) Endings; Base 7 (TA-form) Endings; The Informal Form; Informal Endings; Essentials of Grammar; Basic Principles; Demonstrative Forms ("Ko-so-a-do"); Particles; Conjunctions; Interrogatives; Interrogative + ka, mo, demo; Adjectives; Adjective Endings; Adverbs; Comparisons; Noun Expressions; Compound Nouns; Common Noun Prefixes & Suffixes; Relative Clauses; Relative Pronouns; Asking & Giving Directions; Idiomatic Characteristics of Some Common Words; Transitive & Intransitive Pairs; Honorifics; Numbers; Counters; Relative Time; Specific Time; Seasons & the Weather; The Family; Health & the Body; Wearing Clothes; Common Expressions & Useful Vocabulary
Pimsleur GoJapanese
The Pimsleur(R) Method teaches speaking and understanding right from the start For almost 50 years, in over 50 languages, the Pimsleur(R) Method has been recognized by experts worldwide as one of the fastest and most effective ways to learn to speak another language. With Pimsleur you will learn Japanese in the same way you learned your first language as a child, acquiring the vocabulary of the new language, along with the melody, rhythm, and intonation of Japanese as used in everyday conversation. The Science of MemoryDr. Paul Pimsleur's research on memory was one of his most significant achievements: he discovered that if reminded of new words and information at gradually increasing intervals of time (Graduated Interval Recall(TM)), the learners would remember words or information for increasingly longer periods. Dr. Pimsleur documented that the acquisitions would actually move from short-term into long-term, or permanent, memory. Culture NotesJust as The Pimsleur Method teaches you to speak with native-like fluency, Pimsleur's Culture Notes take you instantly to the heart of the language, providing cultural insights from a native's point of view. Learn on the Go!goJapanese makes it easier than ever to use the Pimsleur programs by including the spoken lessons in two audio formats. Now you can listen anytime, anywhere: in your car or at home and on your MP3 player. This package contains: - Eight 30-minute language lessons on four audio CDs- A Culture Notes book with updated Notes from all three Comprehensive levels An iPod-ready MP3 CD with: - MP3 audio files of the eight 30-minute spoken language lessons- An MP3 audio version of the Culture Notes- A printable PDF file of the Culture Notes from the book (Please Note: MP3 disc will not play on a regular CD player.) On the MP3 CD you'll also find a link to: An Instant Credit of $100 towards the purchase of the Pimsleur Comprehensive Level 1 program directly from Simon & Schuster, with 30 lessons on 16 Audio CDs. Please see www.pimsleur.com/goJapanese for details. Note: The purchase of this product alone does not qualify for an Instant Credit, or for the Proficiency Guarantee. Pimsleur's Proficiency Guarantee. We believe so strongly in the effectiveness of the Pimsleur Method that we will guarantee your spoken proficiency if you continue and complete the Level 1 Pimsleur program. For more details visit www.pimsleur.com/Proficiency-Guarantee.
Merriam-Webster’s Japanese-English Dictionary
Communicate effectively in Japanese and American English with this comprehensive, bilingual, bidirectional dictionary. With up-to-date coverage of essential current vocabulary, this is a perfect translation tool for teachers, travelers, and language learners of all skill levels. More than 48,000 entry words and phrases and more than 22,000 translations Clear, precise definitions deliver the words you need IPA pronunciations and abundant examples of words used in context guide correct usage Special sections include English Irregular Verbs, Japanese Romanization and Pronunciation, and numbers, days, and months in both languages Developed in cooperation with Collins; (c)HarperCollins Publishers Ltd 2010.
Japanese Made Easy
This is a self-study guide to the Japanese language Harvard University's Tazuko Monane teaches you the secret of speaking Japanese fluently in simple 20-minute lessons. Each lesson zeroes in on one everyday activity: introducing yourself, asking directions, ordering sushi, giving directions to a taxi driver, eating with friends, and other everyday conversations. Japanese Made Easy is designed for people living in or going to Japan who would like to learn Japanese but have never studied it before. Obviously, living or traveling in Japan is itself not the secret to learning Japanese--many Westerners live in Japan for a long time and except for a few words learn very little about its language. The important thing will be your motivation to learn. An ability to speak Japanese and read Japanese is vital to understanding your surroundings. Whether you travel to Japan as a tourist, student or businessperson, whether you use this book before or after your arrival in Japan, what could provide better motivation than knowing that a familiarity with the Japanese language (and with the culture it reflects) will help make your stay in Japan much richer and more interesting. If you have the good fortune to know a Japanese person, he or she will surely make your learning even easier--especially when you study pronunciation. But don't be discouraged if you have no "live model" to learn from. By following the simple suggestions given here, you will be able to come out with good understandable Japanese on your own. Key features of this book include: More than 40 social situations commonly encountered by foreigners in Japan--including greetings, asking directions, dining out, visiting places, and shopping. Practice exercises based on over 30 of the most important Japanese sentence patterns, with example sentences and answer keys. Notes on the key points of Japanese vocabulary and Japanese grammar. A comprehensive glossary of important Japanese words and an index of vocabulary and grammar items.
Crazy for Kanji
A passionate and playful guide to kanji that examines characters from every angle for an in-depth understanding.Kanji (the most complicated Japanese script) may look daunting, but the characters are full of fun and life--if you know how to decode them. Crazy for Kanji provides a "map" to orient people by examining characters and compounds from every angle. Passionate and playful, the book is filled with enlightening discussions, fun facts, photos, exhibits, anecdotes, and games. It's a reference source, workbook, and entertaining read all in one. Novices and kanji experts alike will find treasures in its pages.
Japanese for Beginners
Japanese for Beginners is a straightforward learning guide which enables beginners to pick up a function knowledge of spoken Japanese very quickly and easily. Specifically designed to teach spoken Japanese as it is used in daily life rather than in a formal setting, Japanese for Beginners is perfect for a tourist or business person traveling to Japan or a student who wants to learn Japanese rapidly and effectively. Up-to-date and concise, it features the most well respected and proven approach available. Full lessons break down the more difficult aspects of the Japanese language such as pronunciation and grammar, while the MP3 and audio CD allows for listening comprehension and practice. The writing element focuses on the easy-to-read Latin script (romanji) rather than on the more difficult Japanese script (kanji and kana), cutting down on the time it takes between starting the book and being able to speak Japanese. Key features of Japanese for Beginners include: Practical Japanese phrases help you converse with ease.Comic strips (Japanese manga) and dialogues bring Japanese to life.Exercises help you to practice speaking and listening.MP3 audio CD features native Japanese speakers to help you pronounce Japanese like a pro.Thousands of people need to communicate in Japanese for practical reasons, but don't have the time or opportunity to devote the many years it takes to study Japanese formally. By providing a firm grounding in Japanese sentence structure, using dialogues that reflect authentic Japanese culture and comic strips that emphasize conversations and humor, Tuttle Japanese for Beginners will soon have you on your way to becoming conversational in Japanese. When you consider that the Japanese language is spoken by 125 million people worldwide, and Japan is the world's third largest economy, the advantages of speaking Japanese become clear!
Japanese Katakana for Beginners
This is a user-friendly guide to learning Japanese Katakana and includes a set of 46 flash cards Japanese Katakana for Beginners makes learning of beginner kana fast and effective by using memorable picture mnemonics, along with clear explanations, examples and lots of fun exercises—a method that has helped thousands of students lean katakana successfully in the United States and Japan. Picture mnemonics enhance memory by associating the shape and sound of each Japanese kana character with combinations of images and English words already familiar to students. This book is organized into three main sections: The first introduces the basic 46 katakana characters along with writing tips and opportunities to practice writing them.The secondteachers the usage rules that allow students to write all Japanese sounds, providing more opportunities for practice.The third strengthens students' skills through a wide range of exercises (word searches, crossword puzzles, fill in the blanks, visual discrimination, timed recognition quizzes, etc) designed to both increase the knowledge of the Japanese language and reinforce newly acquired writing skills.A set of flash cards printed on perforated cardstock and a list of suggested flash card activities, are also provided at the end of the book. Each of these cards introduces a katakana character along with the picture mnemonic that helps to recognize and remember it.
Dirty Japanese
Learn all the slang words and modern street phrases you never got to in Japanese class with this fun, super-handy English-Japanese phrasebook. Next time you're traveling or just chattin' in Japanese with your friends, drop the textbook formality and bust out with expressions they never teach you in school, including: -Cool slang -Funny insults -Explicit terms -Raw swear words Dirty Japanese teaches the casual expressions heard every day on the streets from Tokyo to Kyoto from "What's up?" (Ossu?) to "I'm smashed," (Beron beron ni nattekita.)
Pocket Kenkyusha Japanese Dictionary
The Pocket Kenkyusha Japanese Dictionary is an essential reference for any English-speaker learning Japanese, whether they're studying the language at school or university, or learning it on their own. It offers detailed coverage of Japanese vocabulary, giving headwords and examples in both romanized and script form, along with thousands of examples that help you find the translation you need quickly and easily. Translations for each of the over 40,000 entries are clear and concise, and offer guidance on grammar and usage, with slang, formal, and derogatory terms clearly marked. Additional supplements include a guide to grammar; help with pronunciation, numbers, and days of the week; and cultural information, covering topics such as the government, political parties, and historical periods of Japan.
Oxford Beginner's Japanese Dictionary
Each Oxford Beginner's Bilingual Dictionary is designed to offer English speaking adult learners a comprehensive, straightforward introduction to foreign languages, covering all the vocabulary needed for the first years of study, along with notes on grammar and usage and guidance on the culture where the language is spoken. These easy-to-use references break from standard dictionary design. Clear entries with examples showing how the language works in context make it quick and simple to find the translation you're looking for, and the bold, color layout makes the dictionary easy to navigate, allowing you to get to grips with the language fast. All main translations are preceded by an equals sign so that they are instantly identifiable, and all parts of the entry are spelled out in full, avoiding confusing jargon and abbreviations. Grammar and usage notes throughout the text warn of possible translation pitfalls, and thousands of example phrases show how the language is used in real life. At the center of each dictionary is a section devoted to useful information on the country, countries, or regions where the language is spoken. This includes background on lifestyles and culture, tips on etiquette and interaction, and a phrasefinder that provides handy phrases for use when traveling abroad. The dictionary also includes a section on core vocabulary--all the words you absolutely must know at a beginner's level, whether you are a student, traveler, or business person. The Oxford Beginner's Bilingual Dictionary is the perfect tool for adult language learners who need basic vocabulary at their fingertips fast.
