
95 episodes

The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese Language Tofugu
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- Education
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4.6 • 410 Ratings
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For people who want to visit Japan, live in Japan, and learn Japanese. Please excuse the tangents.
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What Should I Call "You"? Part 4: Other Tricks
This is the fourth episode of our What Should I Call "You"? series.
In Japanese, pronouns for "others" (which includes everything besides "I" — "you" "they" / "she" / "he" ) are not generally used in conversation. In this series, the Tofugu crew discusses different ways to refer to others without using pronouns.
In this episode, Kanae, Cameron and Mami talk about back up options you can use when the other methods we've covered don't work, such as using すみません (sumimasen), そちら (sochira), お宅 (otaku), and more!
After listening to this episode, check out our article for a more in-depth explanation of the topic: https://www.tofugu.com/japanese/what-should-i-call-you/ -
What Should I Call "You"? Part 3: Using Family Roles/Social Roles
This is the third episode of our What Should I Call "You"? series.
In Japanese, pronouns for "others" (which includes everything besides "I" — "you" "they" / "she" / "he" ) are not generally used in conversation. In this series, the Tofugu crew discusses different ways to refer to others without using pronouns.
In this episode, Kanae, Cameron and Mami talk about using family roles (such as "dad," "auntie") and social roles (such as "sensei," "president") in place of pronouns.
After listening to this episode, check out our article for a more in-depth explanation of the topic: https://www.tofugu.com/japanese/what-should-i-call-you/ -
What Should I Call "You"? Part 2: Using Names
This is the second episode of our "What Should I Call 'You'?" series.
In Japanese, pronouns for "others" (which includes everything besides "I" — "you" "they" / "she" / "he" ) are not generally used in conversation. In this series, the Tofugu crew discusses different ways to refer to others without using pronouns.
In this episode, Kanae, Jenny and Rachel talk about using names in place of pronouns as well as the Japanese name system, nick names and name enders.
After listening to this episode, check out our article for a more in-depth explanation of the topic: https://www.tofugu.com/japanese/what-should-i-call-you/ -
What Should I Call "You"? Part 1: Zero Pronouns
This is the first episode of our "What Should I Call 'You'?" series.
In Japanese, pronouns for "others" (which includes everything besides "I" — "you" "they" / "she" / "he" ) are not generally used in conversation. In this series, the Tofugu crew discusses different ways to refer to others without using pronouns.
In this episode, Kanae, Jenny and Rachel talk about the "zero pronoun," aka simply leaving out pronouns.
After listening to this episode, check out our article for a more in-depth explanation of the topic: https://www.tofugu.com/japanese/what-should-i-call-you/ -
よ VS ね — Two Particles with Lots of Attitude
In this episode, Mami, Cameron, and Kanae talk about two sentence-ending particles, よ (yo) and ね (ne). They dive deep into their different nuances and uses, with a lot of examples. Also make sure not to miss a special cameo appearance of a very special holiday guest!
After listening to this episode, check out our article on Tofugu.com for more info:
"よ and ね: WHAT DO THESE PARTICLES REALLY MEAN TO JAPANESE SPEAKERS?" (https://www.tofugu.com/japanese/yo-vs-ne/) -
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 discussion led to the discovery of Kanae's weird and controversial bathroom habits.
After listening to the episode, check our article "さすが Is Not Always A Compliment": https://www.tofugu.com/japanese/sasuga/
Customer Reviews
Great discussions
I rebooted my Japanese language learning in January with WaniKani and some other resources. Wanting to approach my language learning experience from as many angles as possible, I found articles on Tofugu to be a great deep dive into different topics. It was thus a nice surprise to find the Tofugu Podcast! The most recent podcasts have been a fun listen, hearing discussion around the variations in how people are addressed, whether formal or casual, slang or personal anecdote. When my four year old is being a know-it-all, I now respond “Ok sensei!” because that suggested use was the funniest thing ever and arguing with a small child is futile. Anyway, I love hearing everyone’s perspective and I’m sure I will listen to some of the episodes again when my Japanese skills are more advanced and I can better absorb all the insight.
Keep them coming, Mami-san, Kanae-san, Jennie-san, and Cameron-san! <3
P.S. WaniKani is amazing. I cannot believe how much I have learned in 2 months. I bought some manga from Amazon.jp and was so excited to recognize some kanji on the first page, the protagonist saying she was in 5th grade! So much to learn still, of course, but it is working!!
Good
Educational.
Entertaining and educational
The warmth amongst the podcasters are immediately apparent which makes one feel as if one is listening and chatting with good friends. Wonderful way of entering into the complicated world of leaning a new language.
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