Konnichiha! Apakah Anda tertarik untuk mengenal sistem penulisan dan pengucapan bahasa Jepang? Silahkan bergabung di seminar 30-menit saya di Zoom. Seminar ini bisa Anda ikuti di pagi hari sebelum Anda mulai rutinitas sehari-hari atau di jam istirahat siang. Gunakan waktu Anda dengan produktif untuk meningkatkan skill bahasa Anda.
Topik seminar: • Sistem Penulisan: Pelajari dasar-dasar hiragana, katakana, dan kanji, serta bagaimana menggunakannya dalam berbagai konteks. • Pengucapan yang Benar: Temukan kunci untuk mengucapkan kata-kata Jepang dengan benar dan lancar. • Lafal yang berbeda dengan Bahasa Indonesia: Pelajari perbedaan antara bunyi-bunyi dalam bahasa Jepang yang dapat membantu Anda berbicara dengan lebih natural.
Jadwal: Sesi 1:Pengenalan jenis huruf dan bunyi dasar di Bahasa Jepang Tanggal 19 Maret (Selasa) 06:00-06:30 WIB dan jam 12:00-12:30 WIB (pilih salah satu)
Sesi 2: Pengenalan modifikasi bunyi di Bahasa Jepang Tanggal 26 Maret (Selasa) 06:00-06:30 WIB dan jam 12:00-12:30 WIB (pilih salah satu)
Zoom link: dikirim ke WA atau email Anda
Biaya: Rp. 50.000
Cara daftar: Kirim pesan ke saya (Astrid) untuk dapatkan link Zoomnya.
Kontak: +81-80-2820-0107 (WA)
Dengan biaya kurang lebih seharga satu gelas Frappucino dan menyediakan 30 menit di pagi hari saat otak dan fisik Anda masih sangat fresh atau di siang hari di sela-sela jam istirahat kantor, Anda bisa menambah pengetahuan tentang Bahasa Jepang dan berlatih atau bertanya langsung ke saya.
Silahkan kontak saya kapan saja kalau perlu info lebih detail atau berminat untuk tanggal lain.
Sore deha, kyoushitsu de aimashou! (Sampai jumpa di kelas saya!)
Some of you know that I was an in-house English-Japanese interpreter. I had no formal education that prepared me as a professional translator/interpreter, so what I usually did those days and still do until now to train myself is shadowing. I was a “consecutive interpreter”, meaning I listened to a speaker’s speech in the source language while taking notes. When the speaker stopped speaking, it was my turn to speak in the target language. However, in some cases where the speech contents were very simple and straightforward, I could do the interpretation almost simultaneously without taking notes and finish my sentence almost at the same time as the speaker. This is technically termed as “simultaneous interpretation”. I’m not going to go deeper about these two types of interpretations (consecutive vs. simultaneous), but the reason why I mentioned these terms relates to the shadowing techniques that I use.
In shadowing, we listen to a speaker, who is usually a native speaker, and repeat the words and phrases the speaker says, trying to match his/her pronunciation and intonation as closely as possible. In my practice, I use both consecutive and simultaneous methods, although I’m not sure if there are such terms in shadowing. In the consecutive method, I listen to the speech, hit the pause button, replicate the speech, hit the play button again, and the same cycle continues. In the simultaneous method, I listen while replicating at the same time until I reach the point where I want to stop to review and repeat. If you are new to this practice, start with the consecutive one and move to the simultaneous one once you get a grip.
Here are some of the benefits of shadowing in language learning:
Improves Pronunciation: One of the most significant benefits of shadowing is that it improves pronunciation. By mimicking a native speaker, you can learn to produce the sounds of the language more accurately and naturally.
Enhances Listening Skills: Shadowing helps develop your listening skills because you must focus on the sounds of each word. It also can help you better understand the language and improve your comprehension abilities.
Boosts Confidence: With regular shadowing practice, you will feel more comfortable conversing with native speakers in the target language, and, believe me, your confidence will keep building up.
Provides Immediate Feedback: Shadowing provides immediate feedback, especially if you record your voice during practice. You can compare your pronunciation to that of the native speaker, quickly identifying areas where you need to improve and adjusting your speech accordingly.
Helps with Fluency: Shadowing can also help you develop fluency in the language. By repeatedly practicing shadowing, you can improve your ability to communicate naturally and fluidly.
And you know what, I absolutely believe that singing along with your favorite singers is shadowing too! Even if you read or have memorized the lyrics by heart, you still listen while replicating the singer’s voice. We can call it “melodious shadowing”, maybe?
Despite all the benefits above, I must add some caution here, though, if your reference speech comes from drama, anime, or songs. You definitely can 100% mimic the words and intonation, as that is what shadowing exactly is, but be careful. Remember that the primary intention of shadowing is to practice your pronunciation and intonation. Know that because anime or song lyrics are a kind of art, they don’t necessarily apply the “standard” grammar or rules. Many are slang, dialects, wordplay, or other free-style types of sentences. So, again, use those materials to improve your pronunciation and intonation, but not as your grammar or level of politeness references, which are critical in Japanese daily and working culture. So, be mindful when choosing materials for your shadowing practice. Ensure that the materials align with the speech skills you aim for, e.g., do you want to practice speaking casually in daily conversation, formally in business settings, or like a professional YouTuber?
In conclusion, shadowing can enhance pronunciation, listening skills, confidence, fluency, and provide immediate feedback. Incorporating shadowing into your language learning routine can be a fun and engaging way to improve your language skills. So, give it a try and see how it can benefit you!
Mastering Japanese in general settings is an accomplishment, but navigating conversations with Japanese colleagues presents a unique challenge. Let’s look into three indispensable phrases commonly used in professional settings:
1. OTSUKARESAMA DESU (お疲れ様です) – This phrase is a staple in Japanese workplaces. It is used to greet colleagues and express acknowledgment of their hard work. Unlike “ohayou gozaimasu” or “konnichiha,” “otsukare sama desu” can be used at any time of the day, making it versatile for morning, afternoon, or evening interactions. While “ohayou gozaimasu” is still appropriate upon arrival in the morning, it is recommended to avoid using “konnichiha” or “konbanha” in business settings. In my nine years of working a corporate job, I have never heard anyone at work say “konbanha,” and probably only once or twice “konnichiha.”
2. OSEWA NI NARIMASU （お世話になります）- This phrase serves as a respectful opening in emails, particularly when addressing clients, customers, or employees from other companies. I’ve observed that in some cases, colleagues from different divisions within the same company use it. It signifies gratitude for the recipient’s support or assistance. The bottom line is, it’s important to note that “osewani narimasu” should be reserved for external contacts and not used with your immediate colleagues, as it may create a sense of distance.
3. YOROSHIKU ONEGAI SHIMASU （宜しくお願いします)- Commonly heard during self-introductions, “yoroshiku onegai shimasu” has multiple meanings depending on the context. Primarily, it is used when requesting a favor or asking someone to do something. For instance, you might use it to politely ask a colleague, “Can you submit this report by tomorrow? Yoroshiku onegai shimasu.” Additionally, in business emails, it functions as a courteous closing, akin to “best regards” or “sincerely yours.”. In this case, the politest version “yoroshiku onegai itashimasu (宜しくお願いいたします)” is commonly used.
There are many other commonly used business phrases, such as “otsukare sama deshita” (past form of otsukaresama deshita), “osewa ni natte orimasu”, and “osewa ni narimashita” (present continuous and past forms of “osewa ni narimasu”, respectively), which I’ll cover in my future posts.
Incorporating these phrases into your workplace communication can enhance professionalism and foster positive relationships with colleagues and clients alike.
Thank you for reading, and feel free to reach out if you need further examples or explanations. Have a productive day!
Q: I have no talent for learning languages. Do you think I can master Japanese?
A: Absolutely YES. Let’s forget that first sentence, and remove that idea from your head, too. Here’s the thing: If you can hear and speak, you can definitely learn a language. I speak two foreign languages fluently. Additionally, I’ve been learning Chinese and Korean for a few months. However, due to my inconsistencies and lack of effort, my proficiency in Chinese and Korean remains very low. Therefore, talent, ability, or skill are not the magic ingredient. Talent is the result of a long-term effort, meaning we create our own talents.
Now, you think or you believe you can’t. Some of the reasons are probably:
1) you haven’t tried enough,
2) you haven’t used the appropriate learning tools/methods,
and/or
3) you haven’t found a clear purpose for mastering the target language.
Address each relevant factor and see if you get closer to your goals.
Also, know that your thoughts are crucial. They dictate your actions. Therefore, change your words: I can try. I accept mistakes as they help me grow.
One tip: when you make mistakes, just (lovingly) slap your forehead once (or skip this step!), laugh, and move on.
Anyway, just breathe, smile, get back on the learning track, and try again with a better approach and positive mindset each time.
Every day is a precious gift, and we should remind ourselves to slow down and enjoy the small joys that we often miss in our daily routine. Let’s make use of our weekends to engage in activities that bring us joy and peace, such as reading a good book, taking a leisurely stroll in a nearby park, or spending quality time with loved ones. These moments can become our anchors and help us maintain a sense of balance and well-being.
As a mother of three small children, weekends are the busiest days of the week for me. However, I try to stay grounded by being aware of my breathing and connecting with the present moment whenever I can. Our regular spots are libraries and playgrounds, but I also enjoy taking our children for walks in nature. To slow down and relax at home, I like to have a cup of tea with some light snacks, turn on my favorite songs, and sometimes even dance to the music.
What are your go-to weekend rituals for slowing down? Let’s create a community to inspire and encourage one another on our journey towards mindfulness. 🌿💖 #SlowLiving #WeekendWellness #MindfulLiving
Di video Bagian 1, kita akan menjelajahi dunia unik dan rumit aksara Jepang, dimulai dengan dua sistem silabari (suku kata) asli Jepang: Hiragana dan Katakana. Nanti Anda juga bisa lihat bagaimana penguasaan Hiragana dan Katakana ini dapat membantu kita belajar Kanji, yang diadopsi dari Cina.
Di video Bagian 2, Anda akan belajar tentang beberapa modifikasi suara dari suku kata dasar dan juga beberapa tanda suara yang merubah suara dasar.
Jika Anda ingin mahir berbahasa Jepang, pastikan untuk menonton video ini, sebanyak yang Anda butuhkan, karena penguasaan Hiragana dan Katakana merupakan fondasi penting untuk pemahaman bahasa Jepang.
Sudah siap? 始めましょう (hajimemashou/ayo kita mulai! )🇯🇵📚🎥
The Christmas festivities have ended and we are approaching the Year of the Dragon 2024. Do you know about the Chinese Zodiac year? It’s a 12-year circle represented by 12 animals from rat to pig. Japan also follows this culture and New Year, shougatsu in Japanese, or very commonly called oshougatsu（お正月）is a serious business! People are busy with the traditions and various preparation in welcoming the big day (here is an article that provides a detailed description of the culture.”). In Japan, around the end of the year, you can find New Year’s greeting cards called nengajou （年賀状）and other items related to New Year’s festivities being sold in post offices, supermarkets, or many other stores according to the zodiac of the respective year. New Year’s decorations are everywhere and needless to say, we are surrounded by dragons wherever we go these days!
Personally, I absolutely adore dragons, and they are considered a symbol of power, strength, and good fortune. I understand that not everyone shares the same cultural beliefs or lives in Japan or China. However, I believe that the qualities of the dragon can inspire and guide anyone in pursuing personal development and achieving their goals. Here are some of the good qualities of the dragon that I personally find inspiring:
Strength and Tenacity:
Dragons are known for their strength and tenacity. Use these qualities to face challenges with resilience and determination. Stay committed to your goals even in the face of difficulties.
Ambition and Leadership:
Dragons are natural leaders. Set bold goals and take charge of your own destiny. Be confident in leading others toward success.
Wisdom and Intelligence:
Dragons symbolize wisdom and intelligence. To achieve success, cultivate a continuous learning mindset, seek knowledge, and make informed decisions.
Good Fortune and Prosperity:
Dragons are considered symbols of good fortune and prosperity. It’s believed that approaching your goals with a positive mindset, visualizing success, and believing in the abundance of opportunities that lie ahead can lead to a successful outcome.
Fearlessness:
Dragons are depicted as fearless creatures. Approach your goals with courage and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone to achieve greatness.
Guardianship:
Dragons are often regarded as protectors. You too can safeguard your aspirations and objectives, ensuring their well-being and nurturing them with care and attention.
Energetic Enthusiasm:
Dragons are known for their energy and enthusiasm. Infuse your actions with passion and excitement, and let the vibrant energy of the dragon inspire your journey toward success.
By allowing the qualities above to guide your actions and aspirations, you’ll gain inspiration and strength from their symbolism, and create a path to success that is both fulfilling and rewarding. So why not give it a shot and see the positive impact it can have on your life?
Thank you for taking the time to join me on this exploration of the Year of the Dragon and the positive qualities we can embrace to ensure a successful journey ahead. It is crucial that we equip ourselves with the right attitude, determination, and positivity in order to achieve our goals. So, let’s strive for excellence and embrace these qualities to make the most of this year.
If you are a Japanese learner or interested in the Japanese language, feel free to download Tanpopo’s free printable below containing words and phrases related to New Year’s traditions and events.
Wishing you a year filled with joy, prosperity, and the fulfillment of all your aspirations. 良いお年を (yoi otoshi o!)
Working for a Japanese multinational company in your country or outside Japan
Working for or owning a company whose products or services are geared for the Japanese market
If you can say “konnichiwa” and “arigatou gozaimasu”, congratulations! You have a good start.
But if you are FLUENT in Japanese, there will be a whole different world for you. I promise. I’ll tell you why, so stick with me here.
In the dynamic nature of international business, language proficiency is often a critical factor that sets professionals apart. While English proficiency is undoubtedly valuable globally, mastering Japanese provides unique advantages in business settings and goals.
Let’s explore the compelling benefits of mastering Japanese to your professional development.
Strengthened business relationships
Imagine yourself at the launch event for your company’s latest product. Some Japanese staff members and executives came to support the event. While their English is quite good, if you take the initiative to greet them in Japanese and discuss the event or the product, they will surely be delighted. Your effort, regardless of your Japanese level, to communicate in their native language shows respect for their culture and creates a warm atmosphere at the event.
Career advancement opportunities
Let’s say your company is expanding its operation in Japan and needs someone to lead an international project and work with a global team with Japanese members. Then, imagine you are among the best candidates for the leader position, AND you’re the only one fluent in Japanese. You can guess where this is going, can you?
Effective team collaboration
With your Japanese proficiency, you can seamlessly integrate into a Japanese team and actively participate in formal and informal discussions, contributing your ideas and insights. In addition, you can access information that would otherwise be unavailable without understanding the cultural nuances based on the language.
Commitment and respect
When you diligently invest your time and effort in learning Japanese, this commitment can be noticed by your Japanese colleagues and superiors. As a result, you will gain more trust and credibility within your company and probably even beyond that.
Personal growth and confidence boost
Picture yourself in a critical negotiation with a Japanese business partner, and you initiate the conversation in Japanese. Your ability to seamlessly switch between Japanese and English demonstrates your adaptability in a cross-cultural situation while fostering a positive atmosphere. Imagine that the negotiation ended successfully for both parties. Your investment in learning Japanese showed the result, which became one of your personal growth, and you gained confidence from this experience. Your confidence will energize your growth, and the positive loop will continue as long as you work on it.
Networking opportunities
With your Japanese proficiency, you can build meaningful connections in the Japanese business community while opening doors to collaborative opportunities without any language barrier. Think from their perspective. If you need a partner, chance is you want a partner with whom you can communicate easily. Consider this connection: language-understanding-trust-success.
Travel opportunities
Just name it. Market expansion, team/client meetings, international conferences, trade shows, trainings, collaborations, expatriate assignments. With your Japanese skills, you can open the doors to these opportunities, paving your way to even broader opportunities in the future.
The points that I gave you above are interconnected and believe me, if we dig deeper, there are many more for you!
In essence, Japanese proficiency is undoubtedly one of your powerful tools for success in Japanese companies or targeting the Japanese market.
Also, know that if you are currently seeking employment in Japanese companies, or considering studying at a Japanese university before applying for jobs in Japan, your Japanese skills serve as your valuable asset. I myself and my husband are living proof for this.
Now, what are you waiting for? Take action now to join the transformative journey of Japanese mastery in global business.
