Nihongo Notes 1: Speaking and Living in Japan

Nihongo Notes #1

by Osamu Mizutani, Nobuko Mizutani

Genres: Language, Japanese Literature, Nonfiction, Japan, Reference

160 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1977

About the author

水谷修

Reviews

[Arlian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nihongo Notes 1 was originally published in 1977. This means it's possible (well, probably) that some of the information contained inside is a bit outdated. However, I don't care. I'd rather be slightly more formal, old fashioned, and polite than necessary than rude, brash, or ignorant. A wonderful series for helping people understand contextual use of certain phrases and gestures.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for picking up the everyday phrases which are so important to daily interaction. Concise explanations and good examples and context given. Can't wait to start the next one.

[Jeremy · Rating 5 out of 5]

First in a great series of books that republish articles from an English newspaper published in Japan. The articles give tips on common mistakes in Japanese. It's a very readable book, easy to study, since each column is about two pages of text.

[Annika Champenois · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so helpful in revealing cultural nuances and practical usage of ever so many phrases and words in Japan! If you've learned a lot of Japanese from textbooks, dictionaries, and classes, chances are, you still continue to make mistakes and be surprised by how the Japanese use words you thought you knew. Learn from the textbooks (and, if possible, immersion), and then come and read this!
In two simple pages per phrase or word, this book solved linguistic mysteries I had wondered about, confirmed and clarified things I had guessed my way to, and taught me things I hadn't learned before.
Some of it is a little outdated, but if you have experience with the language either from living in Japan or from watching modern movies, you may be able to tell which pieces are no longer in use. Even so, you'll learn a little more of the culture from those pages.
After reading this book, I understand more and can speak with far less awkwardness and confusion. I look forward to reading and learning from the other Nihongo Notes!

[Sam I Am · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great to learn about the different interactions you may have and to be well prepared. I wish I knew more of the language when reading as I was just learning hiragana at the time of reading. I don’t retain phrases and words just by reading I have to hear them or write them, so I feel like I didn’t retain much of the Japanese phrases and words in the book. Once I learn more of the language, I will be sure to use this as a guide in understanding daily life/situations in Japan!

[Aelita Hopper · Rating 4 out of 5]

My friend gave me as a present. At first I couldn't understand because the knowledge was too difficult for me. But after 1 year, when I improved my Japanese, I understood this book better and realized that it was so useful. So I recommend someone who can able to speak Japanese daily conversation or above to read this book. You will safari more about Japanese culture.

[Tracy Poff · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book on Japanese usage. I've got some notes on a few of the useful things it teaches here.

[Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

The only reason that I gave this 3 stars instead of 4 or 5 is that there is way too much romanji in this which makes me feel lazy. The book has a little hiragana and very little kanji but presents interesting situations one may face in Japan and how to appropriately respond to such situations.

[Mimi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect, exceedingly, exceedingly helpful guide to Japanese set expressions, customs, and pragmatics. A must-read for Japanese learners of any level. The Mizutanis cleared up questions I never even knew I had!

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave my whole set of these away when I left Japan, because I was feeling generous. Now I kick myself, because they're impossible to find.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

So helpful - I'm going to just reread this over and over!