Let's learn correct Japanese! Japanese Grammar and Word Meanings that Foreigners are Prone to Mistake

update date 2024/05/27

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Many foreigners learning Japanese may have misconceptions about the meaning and usage of words, or avoid certain words and expressions because they feel that they make "easy mistakes.

Certainly, Japanese is a complex language and presents some hurdles for learners. However, if you have a solid understanding of common examples of misuse, learn the correct meaning, and master its use, you will be on your way to clearer and smoother communication.

In this article, we will carefully explain Japanese grammar, word meanings, and usage for foreign learners of Japanese, who are prone to make mistakes. We will also give you some pointers on how to reduce misuse of Japanese and learn correct Japanese, so please read this article to the end.

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Japanese grammar, kanji, and vocabulary expressions that learners of Japanese are prone to make mistakes

It is not uncommon for learners to commit misuse when learning a foreign language. Learners of Japanese are no exception, especially those at the beginner and intermediate levels, who are often confused by vocabulary, grammar, and kanji usage.

In this section, we will look at vocabulary expressions, grammatical expressions, conversational expressions, kanji, etc. that are often mistaken by learners of Japanese, along with specific examples.

(1) Error-prone Japanese lexical expressions

×x many, ○ many

"Many people visited." is incorrect; the correct phrase is "many people visited. The correct word is "many people visited. Since "many" is an adjective, when used in front of a noun, it takes the form "many + noun.

×x tie, ○ connect

"I held hands with my lover for the first time." is incorrect, and "I held hands with my lover for the first time." is correct. It is more natural to say "hold hands" rather than "tie hands.

2. grammatical expressions in Japanese that are prone to error

×xed, ____ be.

Mr. A got caught stealing company money and was fired." is an unnatural expression. It is more natural to say, "Mr. A was caught stealing the company's money and was fired. is more appropriate to say, "Mr. A was caught stealing company money and was fired.

×X voice, ○ sound

"Sir, the voice on the CD is a little low." is incorrect. The correct answer is, "Sensei, the sound on the CD is a little low. is correct. In general, sounds made by humans and animals are called "voices" and other sounds are called "sounds.

3. easily mistaken conversational expressions in Japanese

×x Participate, ○ Receive

I participated in the N3 exam yesterday." is incorrect. Since an exam is something you "take," it is proper to say, "Yesterday, I took the N3 exam. is the proper way to put it.

×x Close, ○ Turn off

"I was in a hurry and forgot to close エアコン." is incorrect. The correct answer is "I was in a hurry and forgot to turn off エアコン." The エアコン is to "turn off," and "close" is inappropriate.

4. misuse of kanji

×x suits me, x fits me, x fits me.

I thought this university would suit me because I would be able to study Japanese culture in depth." is a misuse of the expression "I thought this university would suit me because I could study Japanese culture in depth. The correct expression is "I thought this university would be a good fit for me because I can study Japanese culture in depth. is the correct expression. The correct expression is "It suits me", not "It suits me".

5. grammatical misuse

×x good at it, x good at it

I am good at math." is an inappropriate use of language; it is more natural to say, "I am good at math." is a more natural way of saying "I am good at math. Good at" is generally used to describe a skill, whereas "good at" is used to describe a strength or advantage.

×x Feeling sick, ○ In a bad mood or depressed

'Mr. B had a fight with his girlfriend this morning. That's why he feels bad." is incorrect; it is better to say, "That's why he is in a bad mood. or "That's why he is depressed. It is more appropriate to use phrases such as "So I feel bad. I don't feel good" is an expression used when one is not feeling well.

How to reduce misuse and learn correct Japanese

What should Japanese language learners pay attention to in order to reduce misuse and acquire correct Japanese? Here we will look at effective measures from three perspectives: the role of the teacher, learner awareness, and the use of teaching materials.

(1) Role of the teacher

When a learner makes a misuse, it is important for the teacher to present the correct expression and carefully explain the difference in meaning caused by the misuse. Try to provide clear and specific feedback according to the learner's level. With the teacher's support, learners will realize their mistakes and learn the correct expression.

(2) Learner awareness

Just as important as teacher support is for learners to be aware of their own misuse and be willing to self-correct. Make a habit of consciously checking expressions and patterns that you often make mistakes in your daily conversations and compositions. It is also important to increase opportunities to actively use Japanese without fear of making mistakes.

(3) Use of teaching materials

The use of commercial materials and reference books is another effective way to reduce misuse. For example, the use of "Japanese Grammar Brush-up TrainingIn teaching materials such as "The Correct Expression", at the beginning of each lesson, we discuss the most common misuse of the language by learners and clearly indicate the difference between the correct expression and the misuse of the language. We recommend that you use such materials to review your weak points in a focused manner.

It is clear that teacher support, learner awareness, and the use of appropriate teaching materials are important in learning Japanese. By effectively combining these factors, students will be able to reduce misuse of the Japanese language and acquire correct expressions.

Furthermore, it is important to learn how to use the Japanese language in different situations, including the use of honorific expressions required in business situations. To learn more about business honorifics that are often mistaken, please refer to the "Ten commonly mistaken business honorifics! Japanese to watch out for in job hunting and at workSee also.

10 Japanese words that are easy for foreigners to mistake the meaning of and correct usage

From here, we will pick up 10 Japanese words whose meanings are easily mistaken by foreigners and explain the correct usage of each. These words are commonly used in daily conversation, so be sure to keep them in mind.

1. touch

The word "sawari" refers to the most important point in a story or discussion. However, it is important to note that saying "teaching only the "sawari" can be misinterpreted to mean "teaching only the first part of the story.

2. simmering

The word "simmer" indicates a state in which a matter has been fully considered and a conclusion has been reached. However, saying "the discussion has simmered down" can lead to the misunderstanding that the discussion has reached an impasse.

3. lack of role

The term "role deficiency" refers to a situation in which a role or task is too light for a person's abilities. It is incorrect to use the term in the sense of self-assessment: "I am not suitable for this role.

4. tide time

Tide time" means the best time to do something. It is incorrect to use it simply to mean "it is time to pull out.

5. unprecedented

The word "hajutenraku" is used to describe a free-spiritedness that is unrestrained by common sense. It is often used to describe a "maverick personality," but this is a misnomer; the correct term is "unconventional personality.

6. arrogance

The word "arrogant" implies an arrogant and high-handed attitude. Although "arrogant" and "haughty" are similar in nuance, they are slightly different, so care must be taken to distinguish between the two.

7. fire on the other shore

The phrase "fire on the other side of the river" indicates indifference to issues that do not directly concern you. It is a misnomer to use it to mean "it's someone else's business." It carries the nuance of "being indifferent" or "sitting on the sidelines.

8. burn one's hands

The term "burning one's hands" is used to describe a person's difficulty in solving a problem. It is incorrect to use "te-bayaku-te" to mean "being impatient.

9. borrow a chest

The phrase "to borrow from the chest" means to listen to another person's opinion or idea and use it as a reference. It is a misuse to use it to mean "I want to ask that person for help."

10. shoulder

The term "shouldering" indicates support for a position of a person or group. Note that it is incorrect to use it to mean "to defend that person."

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summary

How was it? In this article, we have explained the meaning and usage of grammar and words that foreign learners of Japanese often make mistakes. We have also provided some pointers on how to reduce misuse and learn correct Japanese.

Misuse of language can be an obstacle to communication. On the other hand, it is not good to refrain from using Japanese out of fear of making mistakes. What is important is to learn through mistakes and gradually deepen your understanding of the Japanese language.

We hope that this article will help foreign residents learn correct Japanese. As you continue to learn Japanese, please remember the information presented in this article. We sincerely support your efforts to improve your Japanese language skills.

In addition, since honorifics in Japanese are frequently used not only in business situations but also in everyday conversation, it is very important to understand their proper usage. If you would like to learn more about the use of honorifics, please refer to the "List available! Explanation of the correct use of keigo in Japanese and the situations in which it is used, with example sentences.Please refer to the "See