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Hello everyone!

In this article, we would like to share with you the characteristics of the Japanese language as seen from a foreign learner's point of view.

It is sometimes said that “Japanese is one of the most difficult languages in the world,” but what kind of impression do foreigners have of the Japanese language?

It is surprisingly difficult to notice what characteristics Japanese has compared to other foreign languages when we use it unconsciously in our daily lives.

In this issue, we will introduce some of the unique characteristics of the Japanese language, focusing in particular on areas that foreigners find strange or difficult to learn, including the impressions we have actually heard from foreign learners of Japanese.

3. Unusually many ways to read Kanji characters
Basically every kanji in Japanese has multiple readings.

For example, the kanji “bun,” which I tweeted earlier, can be read as “bun, mon, mo, fumi, aya.

Also, the kanji itself, “生”, which is often learned at elementary level, has many different readings: “生命”, “一生”, “生誕”, “生きる”, “生える”, “生まれる”, “芝生”, “生いたち..

There are many completely different readings, such as

Foreign learners of Japanese often struggle with the repetitive difficulties of “just when you think you have finally learned the form and reading of a kanji, another reading appears and you make a mistake” (or so it seems to most people).

4. “It's the same as my mother tongue! but the usage is slightly different.
Japanese has many foreign words.

At first glance, one might think that since these are words that are also found in the learner's language, they would help with understanding. But, it is not so,

Words whose usage has changed from their original meaning

However, there are also many words that have been changed from their original meaning.

There are also many words that look like foreign words but were actually created in Japan.

For example, “buffet” in Japanese generally means “all-you-can-eat,” but it is well known that “viking” in English refers to old-time pirates (perhaps because of this, “buffet” is now commonly used).

Other examples include.

1 Part-time job
This is the German word for “job,” but it is not understood by English speakers.

In English, it is called “part time job.

2 Complaint
In German, it means “complaint” or “dissatisfaction,” but in English it means “claim” or “demand.

When you want to say “complaint” or “dissatisfaction,” “complain” is usually used.

3 (Car) steering wheel
In English, it means a doorknob or handle.

A steering wheel is usually called a “steering wheel.

4 Talent
In English, it means “talent” or “sense.

For example, “TV personality” is used for a TV personality.

In many cases, foreigners do not use these words incorrectly, but Japanese people use them because they think “this is understood” and foreigners interpret them differently.

Also, there are many kanji words whose meanings have changed since their arrival in Japan, or words that have been created uniquely in Japan.

For example, taking the Chinese language as an example, there are the following differences in meaning.

Words → how they are used in Japanese How they are used in Chinese

Mistress → A person with whom one is having an affair Spouse, lover

Import → to buy goods from abroad “Input” on a cell phone or PC

Search→searching for missing persons, etc. “Search” on the Internet

The words (kanji) are the same, but the semantic usage is completely different.

In this way, there are many words in Japanese that seem to be useful to foreigners, but in fact are misleading to them.

This is difficult for foreigners to understand.

5. Japanese is ambiguous and inconclusive
Ambiguity of the Japanese language

A characteristic of the Japanese language often mentioned by foreign learners is that “Japanese people often use ambiguous phrases,” “do not finish what they want to say,” and “do not make it clear what they want to say or what their position is.

Phrases that often appear in beginner-level Japanese classes include

XXX is a little...” is a common phrase in beginner-level Japanese classes.

This is a common way for Japanese people to say no to something or to express disagreement.

A: Would you like to have dinner with me on Saturday?

B: Sorry, I'm not sure about Saturday... (Muri)

There are many expressions in Japanese that vaguely decline or convey dissatisfaction in this way, and it is often difficult for foreigners to accurately grasp the intent.

In addition, the following phrases can also confuse foreigners.

I wonder about that” (I don't think so)

I think it was a good idea” (well, I'm not that interested)

- “Do you need a bag?” -Don't worry” (I don't need it)

I'll go if I can.

I'll see you next time” (not going)

I'm afraid that might be a little difficult.

I will consider it positively.


How was your experience?

In this article, we have introduced 5 characteristics of Japanese that foreigners find difficult.

However, there are many more characteristics of Japanese that foreigners have trouble learning, so I will introduce the rest next week.

We hope you will continue reading this article next week.


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