Learn the difference between kimono, yukata, and haori with a beginner-friendly comparison of materials, layers, formality, seasons, obi, footwear, and when to wear each Japanese garment.
Learn what ki (気) means in Japanese, why it can mean air, mind, mood, energy, intention, or atmosphere, and how it appears in words such as genki, yuuki, kimochi, kibun, ki wo tsukete, and ki ni shinaide.
Learn the difference between nigiri, sashimi, sushi, and maki with a simple comparison chart, pictures-in-your-head explanations, Japanese spellings, pronunciation, ordering examples, and beginner FAQs.
Learn essential sumo vocabulary with beginner-friendly explanations of rikishi, yokozuna, banzuke, dohyo, mawashi, kimarite, hakkiyoi, nokotta, and 60+ other sumo wrestling terms.
Learn what rikishi means in Japanese, how it differs from sumotori and sekitori, and understand all professional sumo wrestler ranks from jonokuchi to yokozuna.
Learn what “hakkeyoi, nokotta” means in sumo, why the official form is はっきよい (hakkiyoi), when a gyōji says each call, and other phrases heard before, during, and after a bout.
Learn what ki ni shinaide (気にしないで) means in Japanese, how it differs from ki ni shinai, shinpai shinaide, and daijoubu, how to say “don’t worry” naturally, and how to reply.
Learn what うそ・嘘 (uso) and 嘘だ (uso da) mean in Japanese, why “Uso!” can mean “No way!”, how to say “lie” and “liar,” and how the expression is used in anime and daily conversation.
Learn what よし (yoshi/yosh) means in Japanese, when it means “All right,” “Let’s do this,” or “Good,” what よしよし means, and how it differs from やった, 行こう, よっしゃ, and よいしょ.
Learn why 4 and 9 are considered unlucky numbers in Japan, how their readings connect with death and suffering, where people may avoid them, and whether Japanese people still believe these superstitions today.