Common mistakes among learners of Japanese: get the usage and meaning right!
As a learner of Japanese, do you have any misconceptions about the meaning or usage of words? Or are you avoiding words and expressions that you feel are "easily mistaken"?
Japanese is indeed a complex language, but understanding those examples of misuse and learning and attacking the correct meaning can pave the way to clear and smooth communication. This article is a guide to help you do just that.
Common examples of misuse by learners of Japanese and their countermeasures
When learners learn a foreign language, misuse is inevitable. This is no exception for learners of Japanese.
This time,We will discuss vocabulary and grammatical expressions that are often mistaken by learners of Japanese, and show you how to counteract these mistakes.
1. misuse of lexical expressions
×x many, ○ many
"Many people visited." is a misuse of the expression "Many people visited. The correct expression here is "Many people visited. The correct expression here is "many people visited. Many" is an adjective, and when it is followed by a noun, it takes the form "many + N".
×x tie, ○ connect
The expression "I joined hands with my lover for the first time." is also a misuse of the expression "I held hands with my lover for the first time. The correct phrase is "I held hands with my lover for the first time." is the correct expression. Many people use "tsunagu" instead of "tsunagu," but "tsunagu" is the correct expression.
2. misuse of grammatical expressions
×xed, ____ be.
Mr. A was caught stealing money from the company and was fired." is a misuse of the phrase "Mr. A was caught stealing money from the company and was fired. The correct phrase is "Mr. A was caught stealing company money and was fired. is the correct expression. The word "fired" is a natural expression, while "fired" is unnatural.
×X voice, ○ sound
The expression "Sir, the voice on the CD is a little low." is a misuse of the expression "Sensei, the sound on the CD is a little low. The correct expression is "Sensei, the sound on the CD is a little low. is the correct expression. The word "voice" is used for people and animals, and "sound" is used for other things.
3. misuse of conversational expressions
×x Participate, ○ Receive
I participated in the N3 exam yesterday." is a misuse of the expression "I took the N3 exam yesterday. The correct phrase is: "Yesterday, I took the N3 exam. is correct. The word "take" is used for the exam, and "participate" is not appropriate.
×x Close, ○ Turn off
I was in a hurry and forgot to close the air conditioner." is a misuse of the expression "I was in a hurry and forgot to turn off the air conditioner. I was in a hurry and forgot to turn off the air conditioner. is the correct expression. The proper expression is to "turn off" the air conditioner, not to "close" it.
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 a misuse of the expression I am good at math. is correct. The correct phrase is "I am good at math," not "I am good at math.
×x Feeling sick, ○ In a bad mood or depressed
'Mr. B had a fight with his girlfriend this morning. So I feel bad." is a misuse of the expression "Mr. B had a fight with his girlfriend this morning. Mr. B had a fight with his girlfriend this morning. That's why he is in a bad mood. is the correct expression. The proper expression is "I am in a bad mood," not "I don't feel good.
6. countermeasures against misuse
Role of the Teacher
For learners who misuse the language, the teacher should play a role in providing the correct expression and explaining the difference in meaning that misuse brings.
Learner Awareness
It is important for learners to notice their own misuse and self-correct. By becoming aware of their own misuse, they are more likely to acquire the correct expression.
Use of teaching materials
It is also effective to utilize educational materials to correct misuse.
For example, our staff recommends "Japanese Grammar Brush-up TrainingThe first page of each lesson in the book discusses the learner's misuse of the word and clearly indicates the different meanings that the misuse can lead to.
Misuse of Japanese: 10 common misuses
Language is an important tool for communication in our daily lives. However, the Japanese language has many complexities that often lead to misunderstandings and misuse.
In this issue, we will introduce 10 Japanese words that are often used incorrectly. Understanding these words and using them correctly will help you communicate more effectively.
1. touch
The word "wari" refers to the most important part of a story, discussion, etc.
However, when we say "teach only the beginning of the story," it is sometimes misunderstood to mean "teach only the first part of the story. In fact, "the wari" refers to the main point or climax of the entire story, so care must be taken when using this term.
2. boil down
The term "simmer" refers to a state in which things are well underway and a conclusion has been reached.
However, saying "the discussion has simmered down" can be misinterpreted as "the discussion has come to a standstill. This is because the stew needs time to be completed, and thus the association "simmering" = "time-consuming" = "deadlock" arises.
To be correct, "simmer" refers to the state in which things have reached their final stage, so care should be taken when using this term.
3. lack of role
A "role deficiency" refers to a person's role being too light in relation to his or her abilities.
However, saying "I am not good enough for the role" can be misinterpreted as meaning that one is not suitable for the role. This misunderstanding arises because "not good enough for the role" is often used as a term to indicate low self-esteem.
The correct term is "role deficiency," which refers to a person's excess of ability for the role, so care should be taken when using this term.
4. tide time
Tide time" refers to the right time to do things.
However, saying "it's time for the tide" is sometimes misunderstood to mean "it's time to withdraw from that business. This is because the timing of an incoming tide is seen as an "opportunity," while the timing of an ebbing tide is seen as a symbol of "withdrawal.
Correctly, "tidal timing" refers to the optimal time to do things, so care should be taken when using this term.
5. unprecedented
The word "maverick" refers to breaking new ground.
However, saying "I have a maverick personality" can be misinterpreted as "I am bold and reckless. This is because the strong character "破" and "荒" create an association of "破天荒" = "bold" = "reckless".
To be correct, "maverick" refers to breaking new ground, so one should be careful when using this term.
6. arrogance
Arrogance" refers to an attitude of condescension toward others.
However, the term "arrogant attitude" is sometimes misunderstood as "arrogant attitude. This occurs because "arrogance" is often used as a term to indicate a self-centered attitude.
Correctly, "arrogant" refers to an attitude of condescension toward others, so be careful when using this word.
7. Fire on the other side of the river
Fire on the other side of the river" refers to indifference to the problems of others.
However, saying "it's a fire on the other side of the river" is sometimes misunderstood to mean that the issue is none of my business. This occurs because "the fire on the other shore" is often used as a term to indicate a self-centered attitude.
To be correct, "fire on the other side of the river" refers to indifference to the problems of others, so one should be careful when using this term.
8. burn one's own hands
The term "hand-wringing" refers to the state of being troubled by a problem.
However, saying "I am burning my hands" is sometimes misunderstood to mean that one is impatient about the issue. This is caused by the fact that "burning one's hands" is often used as a term to indicate a difficult situation.
Correctly, "hand-burning" refers to the state of being in trouble with a problem, so care should be taken when using this term.
9. borrowing from the chest
Borrowing from the chest" refers to listening to another person's opinion.
However, saying "I want to borrow a chest" is sometimes misunderstood as "I want to ask that person for help. This occurs because "borrowing a chest" is often used as a word that indicates an attitude of relying on others.
To be correct, "borrowing from the chest" refers to asking another person's opinion, so one should be careful when using this term.
10. shoulder
To "shoulder" is to support a person or group.
However, the term "shouldering" is sometimes misunderstood as "protecting" the person. This arises because "shoulder to shoulder" is often used to indicate a protective attitude.
Properly, "shouldering" refers to endorsing a certain person or group, so one should be careful when using this term.
[Extras.Handbook Guide to Learning Japanese and Living in Japan
From here, the Agency for Cultural Affairs has prepared a "Handbook for Learning Japanese and Living in JapanThis section will explain in detail about
This handbook is designed to help foreigners beginning life in Japan and includes information on the need to learn Japanese, information on learning Japanese and daily life, and introductory Japanese language knowledge.
1. Handbook Overview
The "Handbook for Learning Japanese and Living in Japan" provides information on the necessity of learning Japanese, information on learning Japanese, and information on daily life for foreigners who are starting their lives in Japan.
It is bilingual in five languages (Korean, Chinese, Portuguese, Spanish, and English) and is available to many foreigners.
2. Contents of the Handbook
This handbook includes the following
- Necessity of Japanese language studyJapanese: To live in Japan, it is necessary to understand and speak the Japanese language. This section explains the importance of learning Japanese.
- Information on Learning JapaneseThe site provides useful information on learning Japanese, such as: how to learn Japanese efficiently, what resources are useful, etc.
- Information on daily life: Provides basic information necessary for daily life in Japan. This includes information related to daily life, such as public transportation, medical care, and shopping.
3. Download and usage
The "Handbook for Learning Japanese and Living in Japan" can be downloaded free of charge from the official website of the Agency for Cultural Affairs, and the downloaded PDF file can be viewed on a PC or smartphone.
The handbook can be downloaded from
▶︎ Korean/Korean version
▶︎ Chinese version
▶︎ Portuguese version
▶︎ Spanish version
▶︎ English version
4. Advantages of the Handbook
A major advantage of this handbook is that it combines information on learning Japanese and living in Japan in one volume. In addition, the handbook has bilingual versions in five languages and Japanese, making it accessible to a large number of foreigners.
5. Target audience and usage scenarios
This handbook is intended for all foreigners living in Japan. For example, it is intended for foreign workers, foreign students, and tourists who plan to work in Japan.
6. Tips for using the handbook
To get the most out of the handbook, you may want to
- Frequently referenced: Frequent reference to information about learning Japanese and living in Japan will help you deepen your understanding. Keep your handbook handy so that you can quickly find the information you need!.
- Use with other resourcesIn addition to the handbook, you can also make use of other resources for learning Japanese and living information.
7. Other reference materials
In addition to the handbook, there are many other resources that provide information on learning Japanese and living in Japan. Some reference materials are listed below.
- Japanese Language Learning WebsiteJapanese Grammar and Vocabulary: There are many websites available to help you learn Japanese grammar and vocabulary.
- Living Information WebsiteThere is also a website that provides information about living in Japan.
8.Handbook for Learning Japanese and Living in Japan
Here's an extra chapter.Handbook for Learning Japanese and Living in Japanexplained about the
This handbook provides useful information for foreigners living in Japan and can be downloaded free of charge.
Also,For more information or questions about the handbook, contact the National Language Division of the Agency for Cultural Affairs.
Reference:Handbook for Learning Japanese and Living in Japan｜Agency for Cultural Affairs
summary
In this article, we have introduced a handbook for learning Japanese and living in Japan, along with common mistakes, correct meanings and usage among Japanese language learners.
Misuse is part of learning, and the process of correcting it leads to learner growth. However, if teachers and learners are unaware of misuse, there is a danger that misuse will become entrenched. Therefore, it is important to be aware of misuse.
Further,Misuse of language can be an obstacle to communication. Improving the accuracy of the Japanese language can help ensure clearer and more meaningful communication.
Enhance your ability to express yourself in Japanese by understanding and using the language correctly.
