さすが — Actually, It Isn't *Always* A Compliment
This is the second episode in our two-part さすが (sasuga) miniseries. The Tofugu crew — Kanae, Jenny and Mami — discuss the "other," overshadowed use of さすが, which is not for compliments. This discussio...
20 Nov 202038min
さすが — The Best Compliment You Can Get in Japanese
This is the first episode in our two-part miniseries about the unique Japanese word さすが (sasuga). In this episode, the Tofugu crew — Kanae, Jenny and Mami — discuss the nuances of さすが when it's used a...
13 Nov 202047min
思う VS 考える — Two Kinds of "Thinking"
Put on your thinking caps, folks! In this episode, the Tofugu crew — Kanae, Cameron, Mami, and Rachel — discuss the differences between 考える and 思う, two Japanese words for "think." After listening to ...
4 Sep 202051min
Making Sense of な-adjectives and の-adjectives
In this episode, two native Japanese speakers (Kanae/Mami) and two English-speaking Japanese learners (Cameron/Rachel) discuss two types of noun-based adjectives, な-adjectives and の-adjectives. Later...
19 Juni 202051min
Senpai: The Japanese Word You Look up To
In this episode, the Tofugu crew, Kanae, Cameron, and Rachel discuss the word "senpai," its use in Japanese schools and society, and Kanae's lasting trauma surrounding white socks from her senpai expe...
1 Maj 20201h 2min
The Meaning of Sensei: More Than Just "Teacher"
Did you know there are people who are 先生 (sensei) besides teachers or your judo instructor Sensei Jeff? In this episode, the Tofugu crew, Kanae, Jenny, and Rachel discuss the word "sensei" from thei...
24 Apr 20201h 4min
だ and です: Part II
In this episode, Tofugu's research team answers questions about だ and です from our listeners, such as: "What would be the best translation of です?" "When and how does it make sense to switch between で...
24 Jan 202045min
だ and です: Part I
In this episode, the Tofugu research team answers questions about だ and です from our listeners, such as: "Is it true that だ isn't just a less polite form of です?" "What are the real differences betwee...
17 Jan 202046min
