Let’s learn Natural Japanese

Our conversations often swerve and sway in many directions, just like the branches of a tree. We ask questions, answer them, and continue to grow the exchange.

One important tool you need to build strong relationships with Japanese people is questions. If you can ask good questions while attentively listening to the other person, you should be able to communicate smoothly. Most Japanese people avoid imposing themselves on others and tend not to actively express their feelings or opinions. Asking questions plays an essential role in building good relationships and maintaining them.

More often than not, the Japanese you learn from basic textbooks or in conventional classes can sometimes sound a bit stiff depending on the situation. Or perhaps you’re simply being misunderstood due to incorrect intonation. That’s why in this book, we focus on natural Japanese that is used in casual settings, as well as on the kind of language you might hear between friends or even close colleagues. You’ll primarily learn the kind of Japanese spoken by people in their 20s and 30s, although it goes without saying, the Japanese taught in this book can be used by everyone. As a bonus, many dialogues also include a uniquely stylized text in bold to help you recognize the pitch accent of specific words and phrases!