http://lang-8.com/135694/journals/rss aozorakumoko あおぞらくもこ's latest journal entries Lang-8 Inc. Tue May 21 12:55:27 UTC 2013 Tue May 21 12:55:27 UTC 2013 Lang-8 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Lang-8 あたしは英語があんまり上手くしゃべれない日本人です。

But, I'd always love to use new words and phrase in English conversation.
でも、いつだって新しい言葉やふれーずを会話で使いたいと思ってる。

The word "love" seems to be often used in English conversation.
ラブは英語の会話だとよく使われているみたいだね。

Is "I'd love 〜" more polite and stronger than "I'd like 〜" ?
"I'd love" は "I'd like" よりも丁寧でしたいって意味を強調していますか？

I tried to make some sentences below.
で、いくつか文章を作ってみた。

1) I'd love to go to trip upcoming long vacation.
もうすぐ来る長期休暇には絶対に旅行したい!

2) I'd love you to make good food for dinner.
あなたに夜ご飯つくってもらいたいんだけど。

3) I'd love to walk around interesting town.
面白い街を歩きたいな!

4) She'd love to move to good place.
あの子、本当に引っ越ししたがってるよ。


In Japan the word "love/ラブ" is hardly ever used in an everyday conversation like English conversation, I guess.
日本では"ラブ"って言葉は, 英語みたいに、日常会話ではほとんど使われないと思う。

So I'm a bit shy to use the word "love".
だから、ラブって言葉を使うのはちょっと照れる。

I think Japanese katakana "ラブ" is totally different from English "love".
日本語のカタカナのラブと英語のラブは違うんだと思うよ。

If I you say "I'd love to go out for lunch with you" to Japanese, he/she may think you are in love with him/her:)



Thanks for reading, bye for today.

-aozorakumoko:)

Posted at Wed Jan 25 06:51:05 UTC 2012
]]> http://lang-8.com/135694/journals/1283035 http://lang-8.com/135694/journals/1283035 aozorakumoko あおぞらくもこ Wed Jan 25 06:51:05 UTC 2012
Today, I'd like to share Japanese some common expressions for the new year card.


The first example is very simple and very common.

明けましておめでとうございます。
今年(or 本年)もどうぞ宜しくお願い致します。


明けましておめでとうございます means Happy new year.

However I don't think there are English expressions the same as "ことし(or ほんねん)もどうぞよろしくおねがいいたします".

If it is translated directly into English, you can say "Thank you in advance this year...."
Sounds weird, doesn't it?

This is why in this case I will just translate it "Best wishes for a happy new year".


And here is an another expression, they are also very common.

明けましておめでとうございます。
昨年はいろいろとお世話になりました。
田中さん(Your friends name)にとって実りの多い一年になりますように!

Happy New Year!
Thank you so much for everything last year.
May the New Year turn out to be the happiest and the best for you(Tanaka-san).

If you want to use polite form, all you need to change the last sentence "なりますように" to "なりますようお祈りしております。".

田中さんにとって実りの多い一年になりますようお祈りしております。

You can use them for an email too, so try use them for a new year greeting!


Tomorrow is the last day of this year.
The time passed by so fast!

Thanks for reading, bye for now!

-aozorkaumoko:)

Posted at Fri Dec 30 15:29:07 UTC 2011
]]> http://lang-8.com/135694/journals/1246305 http://lang-8.com/135694/journals/1246305 aozorakumoko あおぞらくもこ Fri Dec 30 15:29:07 UTC 2011 "keep up with the Joneses"というイディオムを習った。

I guess, this idiom sounds like funny and I love English idioms!
このイディオムはおもしろいね、だから英語のイディオムが大好き!

When you use this idiom, If there is Mr. or Ms. Joneses near you, they may have mixed feeling.
このイディオムを使う時にもしジョーンズさんが近くにいたら、変な気持ちになるかもね。

I want to try use this idiom!
このイディオムを使ってみたいな。

If there was the idioms like "keep up with the Joneses" in Japan, it could be "keep up with the Tanaka or Suzuki! ".
もし、日本に似たようなイディオムがあったら、"田中さんや鈴木さん家に続け！"となってたかも。



Thanks for reading.

-aozorakumoko:)




Posted at Mon Dec 12 01:51:50 UTC 2011
]]> http://lang-8.com/135694/journals/1222502 http://lang-8.com/135694/journals/1222502 aozorakumoko あおぞらくもこ Mon Dec 12 01:51:50 UTC 2011 If you have a plan for coming to Japan, don't forget to bring your warm Jacket and under wear.
When I was in Hokkaido=北海道 which is north part of Japan, learned that warm under wear is good for keeping your body heat.
Actually, it's raining and cold outside tonight too.

By the way, every night after a dinner, I fall asleep at kotatsu=こたつ which is Japanese style warming table, I know this habit is bad for health but I can't stop falling asleep.
When I study at kotatsu, I need to struggle against sleepiness.

Do you have a good idea for preventing sleepiness?


It's about time for relaxing at my kotasu!

Thanks for reading!

-aozorakumoko:)

Posted at Thu Dec 08 08:46:44 UTC 2011
]]> http://lang-8.com/135694/journals/1217607 http://lang-8.com/135694/journals/1217607 aozorakumoko あおぞらくもこ Thu Dec 08 08:46:44 UTC 2011
These phrases look like the same.

Are they same meaning?

Can I use the one instead of other two phrases?


For examples;

I'm into Japanese movies.
I'm obsessed with Japanese movies.
I'm passionate about Japanese movies.

Are they same thing? Do they make sense?

And are they actually used in an everyday conversation?

I'd greatly appreciate it if somebody give me explanations about these three phrases and correct my sentences.

Thanks in advance.


It's very chilly outside in Tokyo, today!
-aozorakumoko:)



Posted at Wed Nov 16 04:31:27 UTC 2011
]]> http://lang-8.com/135694/journals/1186027 http://lang-8.com/135694/journals/1186027 aozorakumoko あおぞらくもこ Wed Nov 16 04:31:27 UTC 2011 chill と cold の違いは何ですか？

I have been assuming that "cold" is colder than "chill", is my understanding of them correct?
"cold" は"chill" より寒いことだと思っていましたが、これって合ってます？

I'm not sure when I should use chill, this is why I tried to make two sentences below.
"chill" の使い方がいまいちよくわかんないんので、文を２つ作ってみました。


Chill ---> "This morning was rather chill so I'm wearing a jacket, but now I don't need it. "
今朝はちょっと寒かったからジャケット着てるけど、もういらないや。

Cold --> "Last night, even though it was snowing outside my hot heater wasn't working! I was very cold."
昨日の夜は雪が降っていたのに暖房が動かなかった! すごい寒かったよ。

I guess "chill" is like Japanese "ぞくぞくする" ...
日本語の”ぞくぞく”って感じかな?



In Tokyo it was rather chill this morning...
東京は今朝ちょっと寒かった。

Hopefully, my sentence above is right XD
この文が合ってるといいだけど。


Thanks for dropping by entry and reading my journal .
日記に立ち寄ってくれて、読んでくれてありがとう!


Have a great day!
すてきな一日を!


-aozorakumoko:)


Posted at Wed Nov 02 01:48:20 UTC 2011
]]> http://lang-8.com/135694/journals/1165565 http://lang-8.com/135694/journals/1165565 aozorakumoko あおぞらくもこ Wed Nov 02 01:48:20 UTC 2011
This is kind of strange that I ask if there is a convenience store in France, because I study English here.

But I want to write about this.

This afternoon, I talked with an exchange student who is from France. And I asked him what is the biggest difference between France and Japan, then he quickly answered "there is no convenience store in France like in Japan".

When I heard it, I doubted it for a second and said to him "really???". I thought he might had been joking.

But he said "it's true, back in July, my sister came to Japan and went to convenience store, she loved sausage at convenience store."

His story seemed true.

But I want to ask everyone about it again.

There is no 7-Eleven, Family mart or Thanks in France? Is it true.

Incidentally, big cities in Japan, you can find so many convenience stores, sometimes every 100yard (about 90m)...

It's cloudy today in Tokyo. Thanks for reading.

-aozorakumoko:)


Posted at Mon Oct 24 06:55:35 UTC 2011
]]> http://lang-8.com/135694/journals/1154108 http://lang-8.com/135694/journals/1154108 aozorakumoko あおぞらくもこ Mon Oct 24 06:55:35 UTC 2011
最近、仕事と勉強で超忙しい。せわしなく暮らしている。先週はあまり日記を書けなかった。

I think, that's bad.
よくないなぁ。

At night, I always too sleepy to write something.
夜は何かを書くにしては眠すぎる。

After the work, the days I go to my English class twice a week, I return to my place from the class around 11 pm.
仕事の後、週２回英語の授業がある日は夜11時ころに家に着く。

I love my English class but it make me tired.
英語の授業は大好きだけど、ちょっと疲れる。


But I will try to post my journal entry more than three this week because I want to use new words and phrases!!
でも今週は３回以上は日記を書こう、新しい言葉やフレーズを使いたいからね！！

Thanks for reading and good night everyone!
読んでくれてありがとう、みなさんお休みなさい!


-aozorakumoko:)

Posted at Sun Oct 16 15:58:15 UTC 2011
]]> http://lang-8.com/135694/journals/1142913 http://lang-8.com/135694/journals/1142913 aozorakumoko あおぞらくもこ Sun Oct 16 15:58:15 UTC 2011 留学生と話している時に、「何年日本語の勉強をしてるの10年？もっと？」と聞くと、

In fluent and unaccented Japanese, he told me "no! I haven't been learning such a long time." with a smile.
クセのない流暢な日本語で「いいえ～、そんなに長い時間勉強してないですよ。」と彼は言った。

I told him "because, your Japanese pronunciations and grammar sound perfect, you are perfectly using particles such as "ga, ha, wo".
「だってさ、発音も文法も完璧じゃん。助詞を完璧に使ってるよ、"が"とか"は"とか"を"とか」と言うと、

He said "no, I still have a long way to go to improve my Japanese and to be honest I'd rather not to use Japanese particles. "
「いえいえ、日本語の上達はまだまだですよ。正直、助詞って避けたいところです。」と言った。


And he told me "but I think there is no end to study language, I mean I intent to continue to learn eternal."
「でも、ことばの勉強に終わりはないですからね、一生勉強続けるつもりですよ。」

I was moved to hear his words, that's absolutely true!
ちょっと感動した、まったくその通り!

After the conversation, I changed my mind with my study but I don't exactly know how changed.
この会話の後、勉強に対する気持ちが変わった、でもどう変わったかは正確にはわからない。

But I know his words made me positive with my study.
でも、彼のことばが勉強に対してポジティブにしてくれたのはわかる。

There is no time to west but I don't need to be rushed more than necessary.
時間を無駄にする暇はないけど、必要以上に焦る必要もないみたい。



It's pretty hot today in Tokyo.
今日、東京ははけっこう暑いよ。

Thanks for reading.
読んでくれてありがとう。


Bye for now!
この辺で...!

-aozorakumoko:)



Posted at Sun Sep 18 01:26:48 UTC 2011
]]> http://lang-8.com/135694/journals/1102089 http://lang-8.com/135694/journals/1102089 aozorakumoko あおぞらくもこ Sun Sep 18 01:26:48 UTC 2011
Today, I have a question about English response.


When I talk with teachers and students in English, sometimes I think what to response.

For example:

Teacher) Can you give me some pointers on how to set up the equipment?

Me) Yes(<---Here is the today's point!), I'll show you how to set up it.


The response "Yes" and "of course" are very easy, simple and clear, they may the best way.

But I'd like to know other responses as "Yes" for increasing my vocab.

If I said "sure" or "I'd love to" instead of the first response "yes", does it sound weird?

Could someone give me advice and example?

In Japanese there are some responses.

ええ /　はい/（ぜんぜん）だいじょうぶですよ。/ わかりました etc...


I would greatly appreciate it if you would give me the advice.


This morning the wether is good and it's Friday! Whee!

Thanks for reading!

-aozorakumoko:)
　


Posted at Thu Sep 08 21:58:14 UTC 2011
]]> http://lang-8.com/135694/journals/1090537 http://lang-8.com/135694/journals/1090537 aozorakumoko あおぞらくもこ Thu Sep 08 21:58:14 UTC 2011
But it has various usages and sometimes seems there are no specific meaning in itself.

I'd like to introduce the two most often used expressions.

1)As thanks and hello.

I think they are very easy to use that you try to use in a conversation. Only you need to do is use "doumo" instead of "hello" or "thanks".

In fact, sometimes sales persons come to our office while he's saying "do-u-mo/どうも〜" instead of "hello/konnichwa/こんにちは"!

That sound casual and friendly, but it can be used in business.


2)With negative forms

The next, "domo/どうも" is also used frequently with negative forms.

Examples:

どうも さいきん朝(あさ)おきるのがつらい。
It has been hard to awake in a morning recently.


このコンピューターは、どうも 使いづらい。（you can also say "chotto/ちょっと" instead of どうも）
This computer is somewhat hard to use.

昨日からどうも体調が悪いのでお休みしたいのですが...。
I have been feeling a bit bad since yesterday, would you mind if I off?


I hope these explanations will help with your study.

If you make some sentences using "do-u-mo", please show me it!

That's all for today, thanks for reading!!

-aozorakumoko:)


I want to leave a typhoon staying in Japan by tonight!






Posted at Fri Sep 02 05:43:42 UTC 2011
]]> http://lang-8.com/135694/journals/1080562 http://lang-8.com/135694/journals/1080562 aozorakumoko あおぞらくもこ Fri Sep 02 05:43:42 UTC 2011
I think that's VERY true!

There is a big difference between English and Japanese language, and English skills are definitely required out of Japan.

Furthermore some Japanese, including me, have a complex more or less about their English, this is why they spend a lot of time or money to study English.


As for me ever since I restarted leaning English, luckily I've made some new friends overseas.

If I didn't study English, I couldn't meet my friends.

It's very exciting to talk and chat with them.

To learn different culture is truly interesting for me.

I realized that comparing to different cultures makes me learn Japanese culture as well that I've never known.

And even if my friends don't speak any Japanese, we can communicate by English.

I think English is the most useful language of the world.

So I'd like to keep studying to enjoy talking and chatting with my friends as long as I can:)

That's all for today.

Thank you for reading.

-Aozorakumoko:)



Posted at Wed Aug 17 02:40:12 UTC 2011
]]> http://lang-8.com/135694/journals/1056958 http://lang-8.com/135694/journals/1056958 aozorakumoko あおぞらくもこ Wed Aug 17 02:40:12 UTC 2011
It is a scorching hot summer day @_@;;;

In Japan the weather has been extremely hot and humid over the last two weeks.

But this summer we have to save electricity more than normal because of broken power plants which were hit by the earthquake.

Thus, Japanese people refrain from the use of air conditioner as much as possible.

So I'm tried to hit on a good idea to spend such a hot days without air conditioner.

Lately I have been taking a cold water shower.

After shower, I love eating some slices of watermelon with some salt!


Could you tell me about your best way to spend the dog of summer?


I know, today's journal entry is kind of boring, but I wanted to use "the dog of summer" :)

haha...


By the way, I took the photo of flower the day before yesterday and attached in this journal entry.


That's all for today.

Thanks for reading!

じゃまた！

-Aozorakumoko:)



Posted at Fri Aug 12 04:31:26 UTC 2011
]]> http://lang-8.com/135694/journals/1050481 http://lang-8.com/135694/journals/1050481 aozorakumoko あおぞらくもこ Fri Aug 12 04:31:26 UTC 2011
Today, I'd like to write about "josei sen yo sha /じょせいせんようしゃ/女性専用車".

If you were in Japan, you had a lot of opportunities to taking a train.

Taking train is the best way to go everywhere in Japan.

The other day, I took some photos of the sign on the commuter train's window at Shinjuku station.

Please look at the photo of description which is attached in this journal entry.

There is the kanji "女性専用車/josei sen-yo sha/じょせいせんようしゃりょう" .

"女性専用車" is intended for the train's car that only women are allowed to get in.

女性/josei/じょせい-->women
専用/senyo-u/せんよう--->only, limited
車/sha/しゃ--->car


You can see the same descriptions on a platform as well especially in big cities.

Usually there are cars which is only for women is available only for rush hour such as at the morning.

Comparing to the Knaji, English descriptions look very smaller on a pink color seal.

Looking closer, you can notice there are English descriptions.

But I wonder it's almost impossible to read carefully the descriptions at a crowded platform at rush hour.

If you are men and get in the "女性専用車両" by accident, while feeling uncomfortable until the train will get to next stop, all you can do is to look through the window or look into your cellphone.

I don't know there is the system like "女性専用車両" in other countries.

How about your country?

It's brutally hot in Tokyo!!!!

That's all for today.

Thanks for reading.

-Aozorakumoko:)


Posted at Wed Aug 10 06:06:47 UTC 2011
]]> http://lang-8.com/135694/journals/1047845 http://lang-8.com/135694/journals/1047845 aozorakumoko あおぞらくもこ Wed Aug 10 06:06:47 UTC 2011
We made two audio files, slow speed version and normal speed version.

Dayone is casual word which is used in various situations and is having some meanings.

1) As a "tag Questions". Mainly dayone is used as a tag question.

2) As a reply such as "I agree" or "I think so".

3) Instead of the Japanese word "desu or masu / 「です」や「ます」".


Here is the slow version.

http://audioboo.fm/boos/434226-yakiniku-slow

And here is the normal version.

http://audioboo.fm/boos/434228-yakiniku-native-speed


Following script is our conversation "Yakiniku".


A) 最近、暑すぎて食欲ないんだよね。
さいきん、あつすぎて　しょくよく　ないんだよね。
Recently I lost my appetite due to very hot weather.

B)それ、わかる！　でも、ちゃんと食べ（たべ）ないと夏（なつ）バテしちゃうよ。
Yeah, that's right. But if you don't eat enough to keep your health, you may get
tired because of the summer heat.

A)そうだよね。
I agree.

B)じゃあ、焼き肉食べに行こうよ！　元気がでるよ！
じゃあ、やきにく　たべに　いこうよ！　げんき　が　でるよ！
Ok, we should go eating Yakiniku! Yakiniku definitely give us power.

A) いいねー！
It sounds good!

B) 夏はやっぱり、焼き肉とビールだよね！
なつはやっぱり、やきにく　と　ビール　だよね！
There is nothing better than Yakiniku and beer in the summer, isn't it?

A)そうだよね！
Yes!

B)やったー焼き肉だ〜!　
yeah! Yakiniku〜!

A) ビールだ〜！
Beer!


夏バテ/なつばて/natsubate=summer heat
焼き肉/やきにく/yakiniku= broiled meat


We hope our conversations will be help with your Japanese study.

We would appreciate it if you leave your comment about our audio files!

Thank you for reading.

-Aozorakumoko:)








Posted at Tue Aug 09 07:06:45 UTC 2011
]]> http://lang-8.com/135694/journals/1046469 http://lang-8.com/135694/journals/1046469 aozorakumoko あおぞらくもこ Tue Aug 09 07:06:45 UTC 2011


I learned English at very very small English school in Tokyo.

I went there for the last three days, today was the last day.

Two more students were supposed to be in the same class, but I was the only one student in the class.

Because they cancelled their registration.

That meant the class became a private lesson and teachers and I had to talk with a lot...

There were two teachers.

One was from Wales, the another one was from Florida.

The teacher who was from Florida looked like Quentin Tarantino, talked incessantly and spoke very fast.

Today, I had Quentin Tarantino's lesson.

I was able to understand 100% of what he talked about, and he corrected quickly my bad grammar and gave me a lot of examples and explanations of new words.

I think he is a good teacher, but he liked talking about love.

Can you imagine the situation that between the subject of politics or social problems, Quentin Tarantino talks incessantly about love?

That's funny.


Through days of the school, the most interest thing was not the lesson but the reason why teachers came to Japan.

I don't think Japan is not so interesting county, but they love Japanese culture very much.

But I can't love Japan yet.



All lessons were nice but I won't return there because all people smelled cigarette.

The lobby was too.

I don't like the smell of cigarettes.


Today, it was hot and very humid～.

I took some photos of Shinjuku city and attached them in today's journal entry.


Thanks for reading!

Bye for today.

-Aozorakumoko:)


Posted at Wed Aug 03 15:05:46 UTC 2011
]]> http://lang-8.com/135694/journals/1039223 http://lang-8.com/135694/journals/1039223 aozorakumoko あおぞらくもこ Wed Aug 03 15:05:46 UTC 2011 今日は日本の「前進あるのみ」という言葉を訳したい。

This is because my situation is the same as this phrase right now.
というのは、今私の置かれている状況というのがこの言葉と同じなので。

It can be translated probably "don't look back and just keep going to the forward" into English.
英語だと"don't look back and just keep going to the forward"になると思う。

Does it make sense?
通じるかな？


I will take a couple of big tests later in the year and have to make a proposal for my illustration work.
年内に大きなテストが二つあるし、イラストの企画書もつくらなきゃなんない。

To make my dream come true I'm keeping juggling work and study.
夢を実現するために仕事と勉強かけもちしてんだ。

All my efforts are for my dream.
すべての努力はそのため。

I'll make some sentences similar to this phrase.
似たような文章を作ってみた。

Do they make sense?
通じるかな？


Only thing we can do is heading to the forward.

There is no way but going a head.

Don't look back and jut keep moving forward.

Go forward.

Never look back.

Keep going.



What else can I translate?
他にはどう訳せるだろう？

Do you have any good idea as native English speaker?
英語のネイティブスピーカーとして、いいアイデアありますか？

Thanks for reading!
読んでくれてありがとう!

Than't all for today.

-Aozorakumoko:)








Posted at Tue Jul 12 18:38:29 UTC 2011
]]> http://lang-8.com/135694/journals/1009522 http://lang-8.com/135694/journals/1009522 aozorakumoko あおぞらくもこ Tue Jul 12 18:38:29 UTC 2011
It was the fist time to hear that after I leaned it from Pod cast.

I posted my journal entry about it on Lang-8 as well and everybody gave me answer that they use it in conversation.

But I hadn't hear in conversation even on TV show or so.

When I recognize the phrase I leaned in conversation or TV show or radio, I'm so happy and can feel my efforts were not wasted.


The radio I listened was American Force Radio from Yokota air base in Tokyo.

This is for Americans who are working at base or their family.

This is because, there are no Japanese language at all.

Japanese conversation lesson, announcing weekly events in Tokyo, AP news and life counseling are my favorites.

In life counseling program a counselor advises strictly people who want his advice from time to time.

However all the time they don't talk back to a strict counselor.

There are a large range of advisement from very small matter to very serious matters.

Even though we live in different country, the matters seem to be not so big different.





It seems like it's going to get hot today in Tokyo...

Thanks for reading.

-Aozorakumoko:)







Posted at Sat Jul 09 22:47:07 UTC 2011
]]> http://lang-8.com/135694/journals/1005900 http://lang-8.com/135694/journals/1005900 aozorakumoko あおぞらくもこ Sat Jul 09 22:47:07 UTC 2011
Ring, ring, ring....

Me) Hello, this is helpdesk.

A) Hi! I'm A. I can't connect to Mac and a projector. Can you help me?

Me) Yes, of course. Which room are you using?

A) 205

Me) Ok, I'll be there right way.

A) Thanks!

Me) Not at all.
Ah...どもー、じゃいま行きまぁす(I unthinkingly say "I'll be there right away" in Japanese...)...
***THIS IS THE BIGGEST PROBLEM FOR ME!!!!****

A)......?

Me).....Hung up the phone.....


In this case, we don't say "bye" nor "see you" in Japanese.

We end up the conversation just "I'll be there right away".

Because I can come to a room to check our equipment in a minute or at least in three minutes.

If I come to see a party in ten minutes or so, I can say "see you later" or "see you soon" without worrying.

When I hung up the line, do I have to say "bye" or "see you" to a party even I can see them in a minute?


If you could be so kind to answer it I would appreciate it very much.


Thanks in advance.

-Aozorakumoko:)



Posted at Fri Jul 08 02:15:34 UTC 2011
]]> http://lang-8.com/135694/journals/1003575 http://lang-8.com/135694/journals/1003575 aozorakumoko あおぞらくもこ Fri Jul 08 02:15:34 UTC 2011 今日は誰かに席を譲るという意味の "move over" を勉強しました。

My pronunciation is always bad, but "move over" is very very easy to say even for me!
私の発音はいつもひどいけど、"move over" はこんな私でもとても簡単に言える!

"Would you move over?" can be translated into Japanese as the following.
"Would you move over?" は下記のように訳せます。

"seki wo tsumete itadakemasuka?
せきをつめていただけますか？
席を詰めていただけますか？

seki/せき/席--->seat

tsumeru/つめる/詰める--->move over

いただけますか?--->would you ? could you? or would/could you mind


Additionally if you add "ano suimasen/あのすいません" to the first of the sentence, it sounds perfect natural Japanese!
加えて、「あのすいません」を文章の最初に付け加えたら、それはもう本当に完璧な自然な日本語みたいですよ。

Japanese people often use "ano/あのすいません" to strangers or boss or customers.
日本人は知らない人や、上司やお客さんに"あのすいません"をよく使います。


I think it means very similar to "excuse me".
"excuse me" にとても似ていると思います。


In a crowded cafe or restaurant if you want someone to move over, please don't hesitate to say to he/she "あのすいません、せきをつめていただけますか？".

もし、混んでいるカフェやレストランで、誰かに席をつめてもらいたいなという時は、どうぞためらわずに「あのすいません、せきをつめていただけますか？」と言ってみてくださいね!


Good luck!
がんばって!


I was able to study a lot in this morning so today is a pretty good day for me:)
今朝はたくさん勉強できた、だから今日はけっこういい日だ!

Thanks for reading!
読んでくれてありがとう!

-Azoroakumoko










Posted at Thu Jul 07 05:12:46 UTC 2011
]]> http://lang-8.com/135694/journals/1002385 http://lang-8.com/135694/journals/1002385 aozorakumoko あおぞらくもこ Thu Jul 07 05:12:46 UTC 2011
They can be occasionally found on a sigh in a public space in Japan.

The kanji "禁止/kinshi/きんし" means prohibition.


Here are typical Japanese kanji signage.


立入り禁止or 立入禁止-->たちいりきんし/tachiiri kinshi
keep out

駐車禁止-->ちゅうしゃきんし/chusya kinshi
No parking

駐輪禁止-->ちゅうりんきんし/churin kinshi
No bicycle parking

飲食禁止-->いんしょくきんし/insyoku kinshi
No food or drink allowed

撮影禁止-->さつえいきんし/satsuei kinshi
No photographing is allowed

駆け込み乗車禁止-->かけこみじょうしゃきんし/kakekomi joshakinshi
Don't rush your train. Because it's dangerous to rush a train....

携帯禁止 or 携帯電話禁止-->けいたいきんしor けいたいでんわきんし/keitai kinshi or keitaidenwa kinshi
Do not use mobile phones

土足禁止--->どそくきんし/dosoku kinshi
Take off your shoes

飲酒運転禁止--->いんしゅうんてん/inshu unten kinshi
Don't drink any alcohol before driving

禁煙--->きんえん/kin en
No smoking

花火禁止-->はなびきんし/hanabi kinshi
No fire works is allowed.

犬の放し飼い禁止-->いぬのはなしがいきんし/inunohanashigai kinshi
keep your dog on a lead


I know kanji is very tricky and difficult for especially non Japanese people who don't use any kanji in their countries.

But there are still only kanji sign in a lot of places in Japan.

I hope todays journal would be helpful with your stay in Japan.


By the way it's pretty hot in tokyo today !!!
I want to eat kakigori which is shaved ice dessert flavored with sweet syrup.
Japanese people love eating this in summer〜!


That's all for today.
Thank you very much for reading.

-aozorakumoko:)







Posted at Wed Jul 06 05:35:00 UTC 2011
]]> http://lang-8.com/135694/journals/1001078 http://lang-8.com/135694/journals/1001078 aozorakumoko あおぞらくもこ Wed Jul 06 05:35:00 UTC 2011 今日、"I'm on cloud nine"という言い回しを勉強した。

Is the meaning of this phrase "I'm so happy"?
超しあわせ！というのがこのフレーズの意味なの？


When I learn new words on line or from text books, I always doubt if people use the words or expressions in a daily conversation.
新しい言葉をwebやテキストから覚えるときに、いつも本当にみんながその言葉を日常会話で使っているのかどうかって疑ってしまう...。

Do you actually use the phrase "I'm on cloud nine" in a conversation?
実際のところ、普段の会話で"I'm on cloud nine"を使うんですか？

I also learned the another phrase "I'm in seventh heaven" as the similar expression".
似た表現として"I'm in seventh heaven" という言い方も勉強した。

Do you use it as well?
これも使う？

When I meet my old friends and I have so much fun time, is it okay to say "I'm on cloud nine, because we can meet up again" ?
昔の友達に会ってとても楽しいときに、"超うれしい！だってまた会えたんだもん"と言っても平気？



By the way, lately I haven't been studying English hard as much as before.
ところで、最近前みたいにたくさん英語の勉強をしていない。

Instead I've been reading a lot of books related to become a Japanese language teacher.
その代わりに、日本語教師になるための本をたくさん読んでる。

I should make better use of my time and balance English study and Japanese study.
もっと時間をうまく使って、日本語と英語の勉強のバランスをとらなくちゃなぁ！

But it's harder than I realized.
でもさ、思ってたより大変なんだよね。

Anyway only I can do is going ahead!
まあとにかく私ができることは前進だけだ！


Thanks for reading.
読んでくれてありがとう.

Everyone good night!
みなさんおやすみなさい!


-Aozorakumoko:)

Posted at Tue Jul 05 15:04:33 UTC 2011
]]> http://lang-8.com/135694/journals/1000393 http://lang-8.com/135694/journals/1000393 aozorakumoko あおぞらくもこ Tue Jul 05 15:04:33 UTC 2011 今日は給料日だ！

I suppose that the payday is the day that all effort for work are rewarded.
給料日っていうのはさ、全ての仕事が報われる日だと思うんだよね。

I definitely have to enjoy the payday.
給料日は絶対に楽しまなくちゃいけません。

Tonight, I'm going to eat at Yakitori bar with my friend!
今夜、友達と焼き鳥屋さんに食べに行きます！

Once a month, I really want to eat Yakitori.
ひと月に一度、無性に焼き鳥が食べたくなる。

Yes, that is today.
はい、それが今日なんですよ。

Yakitori is a skewered barbecued chicken, it's not os expensive.
焼き鳥は串に刺さったバーバキューチキンで、そんなに高くない。

At my favorite yakitori bar, it sell eighty-yen (it's about 99 cents 2011/6/16 ) for each.
私の大好きな焼き鳥屋さんは、ひと串80円です。

I love eating yakitori with some salt and pepper.
塩とこしょうで食べるのがものすごく好き。

There is nothing more delicious than Yakitori with some beer on hot summer evening.
暑い夏の夕方の焼き鳥とビールほどうまいもんはない。


After eating and chatting at yakiroti bar, I always become GENKI which means very fine.
焼き鳥で食べておしゃべりした後は、いつもすごい元気になる。


It's likely rain any time now in Tokyo.
東京は今にも雨が降りそう。

I miss the blue sky!
青空が恋しい!

That's all for today.
今日はこれまで。

Thanks for reading.
読んでくれてありがとう。

-Aozorakumo:)

Posted at Thu Jun 16 02:57:33 UTC 2011
]]> http://lang-8.com/135694/journals/973779 http://lang-8.com/135694/journals/973779 aozorakumoko あおぞらくもこ Thu Jun 16 02:57:33 UTC 2011

Because "in spite of , despite, even though, although" are all translated into Japanese word "nimo kakawarazu/ にもかかわらず".

That's why I'm always mixed up whit them.

Here are sentences I made using "in spite of, despite, although".

In spite of raining they went to hiking.
雨にもかかわらず、彼らはハイキングに行った。


Can I also say "Despite raining---" or "Even though " ?

I learned that "in spite of + noun" and "although + subject and object".

Are they correct?


I have one more question.

Do you use "into" as "be carried away with".

Can I say "I'm into Japanese movies" as "I'm carried away with Japanese movie"?


If someone give me some examples I'll be very happy!

By the way, I'm into this video now.

I hope you like it;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o86xbxBt63E

I hope everyone have a good weekend!

Thanks for reading.

-Aozorakumoko:)



Posted at Sat Jun 11 02:48:08 UTC 2011
]]> http://lang-8.com/135694/journals/966539 http://lang-8.com/135694/journals/966539 aozorakumoko あおぞらくもこ Sat Jun 11 02:48:08 UTC 2011
Yesterday, I learned it from the radio.

The topics was what the difference between Japanese baseball stadium and America.

I've heard that no one bring music instruments and sing the same song to cheer favorite baseball team, but I didn't know that venders throw snacks like peanuts or ice cream.

I saw some videos related to the baseball stadium venders on Youtube.

They were very cool!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQFhPiJEz_4


Unfortunately, there aren't any venders in Japan as much as I know.

But I don't know how to pay for it? haha..


To know other cultures is a lot of fun for me.

By the way, I learned the phrase "here comes" as well.

Can I use it when something to me and want to say to someone?

I'm keen to use it in a conversation!

I'll try to make the sentence below.

"Here comes shooting star!! Look at that!!!"

Does it make sense???


Today is Friday!

I love Friday the best of a week.

That's all for today.

Thank you for reading!

-Aozorakumoko:)




Posted at Fri Jun 10 04:31:32 UTC 2011
]]> http://lang-8.com/135694/journals/965323 http://lang-8.com/135694/journals/965323 aozorakumoko あおぞらくもこ Fri Jun 10 04:31:32 UTC 2011
Because they will graduate and leave Japan soon.

We don't have enough time to talk a lot but enjoyed chatting all the time.

It's sad to see them off but I have to smile.

So I have a question.

What do you say to people who graduate from school.

"Be well" or "Keep yourself well" or "take care" ??

They are coming to the office this morning.

Could you give me any advice?

Thanks in advance.

-Aozorakumoko:)




Posted at Wed Jun 08 16:36:58 UTC 2011
]]> http://lang-8.com/135694/journals/963312 http://lang-8.com/135694/journals/963312 aozorakumoko あおぞらくもこ Wed Jun 08 16:36:58 UTC 2011


I've been making a lot of bagels since two weeks ago.
二週間前からたくさんベーグルを作っている。

I really miss bagels tasted very good at the U.S!
アメリカのすごいおいしかったベーグルがなつかしい〜!

Those were amazingly delicious ever.
今までに味わったことがないほどおしかった！

Of course, we can buy bagels at a bakery or bagel store in Japan, but unfortunately there aren't good bagel store here like in the U.S.
そりゃあ、日本でもパン屋とかベーグル屋でベーグルは買えるけど、残念ながらアメリカみたいないいベーグル屋はないんだよね。

This is why, I was keen to make my favorite bagels.
そんなわけで、どうしても自分の好きなベーグルを作りたくなった。

I love to make bread and have thought running my own small bakery about three years ago.
パンを焼くのが大好きだし、三年前には自分でパン屋でもやろうかなって考えたこともある。

Actually, I made bread every other day at the time.
実際、その頃は一日おきにパンを焼いていた。

I've made a natural yeast from raisins or apples.
レーズンや林檎で天然酵母まで作ったこともある。

But, to keep running my store seemed not easy, besides I didn't have any knowledge of management.
でもまぁ、自分の店を経営するって簡単じゃないみたいだったし、マネジメントの知識なんて全然なかった。

Even so, I still love making bread.
それでもまだパンを焼くのは大好きだ。


Sometime at a night, I make breads, bagels or so while listening to my faviorite music at my kitchen.
時々、夜に自分の好きな曲を聞きながらパンとかベーグルなんかを台所で作る。

This is one of my lovely time.
大好きな時間だ。

This week on Sunday I made bagels but those looked not good and were rather hard.
今週は日曜にベーグルを作ったけど、見た目は良くなかったし、ちょっと硬かった。

Last night, I made three types bagels; black pepper, cinnamon and sesame seeds.
昨夜は、黒こしょうとシナモンと白ごまの三種類のベーグルを作った。

They looked and tasted not bad.
見た目も味も悪くなかったよ。

Attached photos are bagels which I made last night and my kitchen.
添付した写真は昨日の夜作ったベーグルと私の台所。

My kitchen is messy, don't you think so? haha..
私の台所はごちゃごちゃしてるね。はは。

Thank you for reading.
読んでくれてありがとう。

-Aozorakumoko:)



Posted at Wed Jun 08 03:37:06 UTC 2011
]]> http://lang-8.com/135694/journals/962396 http://lang-8.com/135694/journals/962396 aozorakumoko あおぞらくもこ Wed Jun 08 03:37:06 UTC 2011 昨日料理の本を読んでいる時に"that is the way it is"という言葉を見つけた。

Here are sentences from the book.
これその本に載っていた文章。

"Some people substitute pastrami for corned beef. If it is impossible to get real corned beef, that is the way it is."
コーンビーフの代わりにパストラミを使う人もいます。もし本物のコンビーフが手に入らなければ、それでもいいです。

I expected the meaning of the last sentence was "it's ok to use pastrami instead of a real corned beef".
この文章の最後の部分を"コンビーフの代わりにパストラミを使っても構いません"なんじゃないかなぁと見当をつけた。

Because it was the first time for me to read "that is the way it is" I checked it up in a dictionary.
"that is the way it is" を見たのは初めてだったので、辞書を引いてみた。


There were some examples in the dictionary, here is one of the examples.
いつくか例文が載っていて、これがその内のひとつ。

'Now since that's the way it is let's be sure that's the way it is huh?'
そういったものなんだから、そうしておこうじゃないか。

That's why, I will to make some sentences using this phrase for my practice!
そんな訳で、いくつかこのフレーズを使って文章を作ってみますね！

1) Even though she is still capable of working as a manager, she has to retire because of the age. That is the way it is.
彼女はまだマネージャーとして働けるのに、年齢を理由に引退しなくちゃならない。世の中ってそんなもんなんだね。

2) If you can't come up with good idea for a dinner, it's able to go out to eat. This is the way it is.
夕飯のアイディアが浮かばなければ、外食もできる。それでもいいよ。

Do they make sense?
意味が通じてる？

When do you use "this is the way it is"?
いつ"this is the way it is"を使いますか？

If you give me some examples, it will be very helpful 〜!
もし例文を挙げてくれたら助かります〜!


And I have a quick question.
そしてちょっと質問。

The book says the King of Hot sandwiches is the Reuben.
この本の中にホットサンドウィッチの大様はルーベンだって書いてある。

Is this right?
これってホント？

I googled the image of the Reuben, that looked delicious. I guess I might eat it before.
画像をググってみたら、とてもおいしそうだった。たぶん前に食べた事があると思う。

But I like cheese and tomato sandwich best.
でも、私はチーズとトマトのサンドウィッチが一番好き！

That's all for today.
今日はこれまで。

Thank you very much for reading!
読んでくれてありがとう!

-Aozorakumoko:)





Posted at Mon Jun 06 02:58:41 UTC 2011
]]> http://lang-8.com/135694/journals/959456 http://lang-8.com/135694/journals/959456 aozorakumoko あおぞらくもこ Mon Jun 06 02:58:41 UTC 2011
I attached a photo of sandwich which I eat for my lunch in today's journal.

Sorry, I took this photo at my desk at the office after I bit some...

Some sliced tomatoes, a pice of cream cheese, basil tasted egg paste, sliced cucumbers, a piece of lettuce are filled.

It's named "yasai mix sand/ 野菜ミックスサンド"　which means vegetable mix sandwich.

やさい=野菜 means vegetable. 　

It tastes wonderful!

Among all kinds of foods at a cafe at my workplace, I like this sandwich best.

It is unlikely that I can get this sandwich during my lunch time.

Because my lunch hour is from 1:30 to 2:30.

This is why, yesterday I went to the cafe to buy the sandwich during working time.

I was happy to find it .

It's pretty important for me what I eat for lunch:)


That's all for today.

Thanks for reading.

-Aozorakumoko:)


Posted at Fri Jun 03 07:04:05 UTC 2011
]]> http://lang-8.com/135694/journals/955639 http://lang-8.com/135694/journals/955639 aozorakumoko あおぞらくもこ Fri Jun 03 07:04:05 UTC 2011
It's still very hard to understand all of stories without any subtitles.

But lately I have become to understand English movies with English subtitles.

The story of "No reservations" was very good.

I like this movie!

When I watch the movie, I always try to note new words and phrases.

After the movie I check them out on line.

Last night I did it so.

I was very happy to know a lot of new words and phrase from the movie.

Here are new words and phrase which were from the movie.



I won't be long.---> I'll be back soon.
すぐだから / 長くかからないよ / すぐ戻るよ

I'm a dessert person.---> I am a person who loves dessert.
私はデザートが大好きな人なの。

No peeking!---> Umm, I can't change 'peek' into another word.
のぞかないでね！

I'm bigging me！---> Please!
お願いです！

You look so cozy.---> You look so comfortable.
居心地よさそうだね。

The riddle.--->It's Kind of quiz that you can think about answer someone's hint.
なぞなぞ

ridiculous---> stupid thing
ばかなこと

I'd love to. ---> I'm willing to do something.
よろこんで!


I've heard 'dog person' and 'cat person' , but I hadn't heard 'dessert person' before.

So I have a question about this phrase.

Can I say 'she is a reading person. ' instead of you say "She love reading very much." or can I say 'He is a money person' instead of you say 'he loves saving money' ?


I was very sleepy all day today, because I watched some DVD late into night.

But tonight I plan to watch some movies again...


That's all for today.

Thanks for reading.

-Aozorakumoko:)

Posted at Wed Jun 01 07:34:08 UTC 2011
]]> http://lang-8.com/135694/journals/952787 http://lang-8.com/135694/journals/952787 aozorakumoko あおぞらくもこ Wed Jun 01 07:34:08 UTC 2011