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にほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumi

にほんごのたね Nihongo no Tane with Yumi

By: TheJapanesePage.com
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 A weekly podcast for upper beginner to intermediate learners of Japanese. Listen to Yumi talk about... whatever she wants to talk about. Practice your listening comprehension with natural (howbeit slightly slowed down) Japanese on various topics such as Japanese culture, fun idioms, and, of course, cats. The episodes can be enjoyed in any order. -- Become a Makoto+ member and get show notes with a complete transcript and a list of key vocabulary. www.MakotoPlus.comCopyright 2020 All rights reserved. Language Learning
Episodes
  • Nihongo no Tane 171: ラジオ番組 Radio Show | Japanese Immersion podcast

    Nihongo no Tane 171: ラジオ番組 Radio Show | Japanese Immersion podcast
    Jun 16 2025
    In this episode, Yumi visits her family home in Japan, only to find it cold, boring, and isolating—with no internet, books, or entertainment. Feeling stuck in what she jokingly calls a "mini-prison," she unexpectedly finds joy in a Japanese radio show. Listener stories and nostalgic memories rekindle her love for storytelling and inspire her to share more fun tales with her audience. A charming reflection on boredom, discovery, and the power of laughter. KEY VOCABULARY: 刑務所(けいむしょ) — "Prison." 刑(けい) means "punishment" or "penalty," and 務所(むしょ) means "workplace" or "institution." Together, this refers to a penal institution where people serve criminal sentences.大(おお)げさ — "Exaggerated; over the top." This word is used to describe something overly dramatic or blown out of proportion. Often used to modestly admit to possible exaggeration, as in "maybe I’m exaggerating."ローカル局(きょく) — "Local TV/radio station." ローカル means "local" (borrowed from English), and 局(きょく) means "bureau" or "station." Together, it refers to a regional broadcasting station.映(うつ)る — "To be reflected; to be broadcast." This verb often refers to something being visible on a screen or being shown on TV. In this context, it means "to be shown (on TV)."高齢(こうれい) — "Elderly; advanced in age." A formal term used to describe older individuals. Common in written and official contexts.どういうわけか — "For some reason." A phrase used when the reason is unknown or unclear. It adds an air of mystery or puzzlement.契約以上(けいやくいじょう) — "Beyond the contract limit." 契約(けいやく) means "contract" or "agreement," and 以上(いじょう) means "more than" or "beyond." Used when referring to exceeding agreed terms, such as data usage limits.節約(せつやく) — "Saving; economizing." Often refers to cutting expenses or conserving resources. Used commonly in household and budget discussions.放送局(ほうそうきょく) — "Broadcasting station." 放送(ほうそう) means "broadcast," and 局(きょく) is "bureau/station." This refers to a television or radio network office or station. 日曜天国(にちようてんごく) — "Sunday Heaven." The title of a radio program. 日曜(にちよう) means "Sunday," and 天国(てんごく) means "heaven" or "paradise." Together it conveys a cheerful, relaxing Sunday-themed show.一部分(いちぶぶん) — "A part; a portion." 一部(いちぶ) means "one part," and 分(ぶん) also means "portion" or "segment." Emphasizes that only a partial section of something is being referred to.クスクス — "Chuckle." An onomatopoeia representing soft, suppressed laughter, like giggling to oneself.ゲラゲラ — "Loud laughter." Another onomatopoeia, this time representing uninhibited, hearty laughter.リスナーさん — "Listener (polite)." リスナー is a borrowed word meaning "listener," and さん adds a polite and respectful tone.おハガキ — "Letter/postcard (from a listener)." ハガキ means postcard, and お is an honorific prefix used to show politeness or respect toward the sender.一言(ひとこと) — "One remark; a few words." Literally “one word,” but used to mean a short statement or comment.帰(かえ)ってくるなり — "As soon as (someone) gets home." 帰(かえ)ってくる is "to come back home," and なり expresses an immediate sequence — something happened immediately upon return.恐竜(きょうりゅう) — "Dinosaur."体験談(たいけんだん) — "Personal story or experience." 体験(たいけん) means "experience," and 談(だん) means "story or talk." Together, it refers to a shared anecdote or testimony.いたんだよって — "They were there, you know?" いた is the past form of いる (to exist, for living things), んだ emphasizes explanation, よ adds assertion, and って is quoting a statement.自身(じしん) — "Oneself; self." Often used to emphasize the subject personally, as in “his own experience.”地元(じもと) — "Local; hometown." Refers to one’s home area or region.案外人(あんがいひと) — "Surprisingly, people..." 案外(あんがい) means "unexpectedly" or "surprisingly," and 人(ひと) here refers to people. Often used to express that people may react in a way that’s not expected.癒(いや)すもの — "Something that heals." 癒す means "to heal" or "soothe," and もの ("thing") indicates the object that performs the action.気取(きど)りで — "With the air of; acting like." 気取(きど)り means "pretension" or "affectation," and で indicates the manner in which something is done — in this case, acting as if one were an announcer. For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the short podcast and then answer the comprehension questions on the website: https://thejapanesepage.com/nihongonotane-index/ Take a quiz on this ...
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    4 mins
  • Nihongo no Tane 170: 日本のお風呂 Japanese Bath | Japanese Immersion podcast

    Nihongo no Tane 170: 日本のお風呂 Japanese Bath | Japanese Immersion podcast
    May 5 2025
    In this episode, Yumi returns to Japan in the dead of winter, navigating the chill of an old house, the busyness of inheritance matters, and the quiet grief of family loss. Amid the hardship, she rediscovers the simple joy of soaking in a deep, warm bath. A heartfelt story of discomfort, tradition, and small comforts KEY VOCABULARY: はや — "Already; soon." Often implies that time has passed quickly. In the phrase はや3週間(しゅうかん), it intensifies the feeling of how fast those three weeks went by. Common in conversational and narrative contexts.相続(そうぞく) — "Inheritance." 相 means "mutual" or "together," and 続 means "to continue." Refers to the process of passing assets or rights from the deceased to their heirs.手続(てつづ)きなど — "Procedures and such." 手続(てつづ)き means "procedure" or "formalities" (手(て) = hand, 続(つづ)き = continuation). The など ("etc.") softens the statement and implies that other tasks were also involved.ドタバタしていて — "Being hectic or frantic." ドタバタ is onomatopoeic, evoking loud, busy movement. していて is the て-form of する + the progressive いる, showing an ongoing hectic state.追(お)われているような — "As if being chased." 追(お)われている is the passive progressive form of 追(お)う ("to chase"), indicating "being chased." ような compares the speaker’s situation to that of someone being chased.断熱材(だんねつざい) — "Insulation material." 断 = to block/cut off, 熱 = heat, 材 = material. Used to describe materials that prevent the transfer of heat in buildings.ほぼ — "Almost; nearly." An adverb used to express approximation, indicating that two things are nearly the same (e.g., temperatures inside and outside the house).襲(おそ)われる — "To be struck; attacked." Passive form of 襲(おそ)う ("to attack"). Here, used metaphorically to describe the sharp, overwhelming feeling of cold when leaving the futon.着替(きが)えなくてはいけません — "Have to change clothes." 着替(きが)える = to change clothes. 〜なくてはいけません is a grammatical structure meaning "must" or "have to." Expresses necessity or obligation. 燃料代(ねんりょうだい) — "Fuel cost." 燃料(ねんりょう) = fuel, and 代(だい) = fee or cost. Together, refers to the expense of heating fuel.電気代(でんきだい) — "Electricity bill." 電気(でんき) = electricity, 代(だい) = cost. Common compound used to refer to household electricity expenses.非常(ひじょう)に — "Extremely; very." A formal adverb often used in written or polite speech to emphasize intensity.ままならず — "Unable to; not going as desired." Classical negative form of ままなる ("to go as intended"). This structure implies a frustrating lack of control, often due to circumstances.唯一(ゆいいつ) — "Only; sole." A compound meaning "one" (唯) and "exist" (一), used to describe something that is one-of-a-kind or exclusive.幸(さいわ)い — "Fortunately; luckily." Can function as both a noun and an adverb. Formal or literary in tone; expresses relief or unexpected fortune.ゆったり — "Leisurely; relaxed." An adverb describing a calm, spacious, and unhurried manner—often used for comfort or space, such as in a bath.伸(の)ばして — "Stretching out." 伸(の)ばす = to stretch or extend. The て-form (伸(の)ばして) is used here to connect to the next verb 浸(つ)かる ("to soak").浸(つ)かる — "To soak; to immerse." Often used for soaking in water (like in a bath). The verb implies full bodily immersion and comfort.野生(やせい)の猿(さる) — "Wild monkeys." 野生(やせい) = "wild," and 猿(さる) = "monkey." Describes animals living naturally in the wild, untouched by domestication.気持(きも)ちよさそうな — "Looks pleasant/comfortable." 気持(きも)ち = feeling, よい = good, よさそう = seems good. The full phrase is the adjective form used to describe something that appears to feel good.済(す)ます — "To get by with; to finish." The verb 済(す)ます means "to complete" or "to manage with." In context, it implies using only a shower instead of a bath, often out of convenience.銭湯(せんとう) — "Public bathhouse." 銭 = money/coin, 湯 = hot water. A traditional, inexpensive facility where people go to bathe.湯船(ゆぶね) — "Bathtub." 湯 = hot water, 船 = boat. Refers to the tub where one soaks, often large and communal in a public bathhouse.ジャグジー — "Jacuzzi." Loanword from English, referring to a whirlpool bath with jets.露天風呂(ろてんぶろ) — "Open-air bath." 露天(ろてん) = under the open sky, 風呂(ふろ) = bath. Typically found in traditional inns or onsen; known for their scenic and relaxing atmosphere.ぽかぽか — "Nice and warm." Onomatopoeic expression describing the sensation of pleasant warmth, ...
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    4 mins
  • Nihongo no Tane 169: 父のお葬式 My father's funeral| Japanese Immersion podcast

    Nihongo no Tane 169: 父のお葬式 My father's funeral| Japanese Immersion podcast
    Apr 7 2025
    In this episode of Nihongo no Tane, Yumi shares a personal and heartfelt story about returning to Japan for her father’s funeral. From navigating unfamiliar funeral customs to reconnecting with family members she hadn’t seen in years, Yumi reflects on the busy, emotional days that followed her father’s passing. She also talks about what made the ceremony special and how her father’s long life in his hometown was filled with friendship and meaning. A touching episode with insights into Japanese culture and family life. KEY VOCABULARY: 私(わたくし)ごと — "A personal matter." 私 is read here as わたくし, a formal and humble reading of "I" or "private," and ごと (事) means "matter" or "thing." A humble expression to refer to one's personal affairs, often used in formal or respectful speech.お葬式(そうしき) — "Funeral." 葬 means "to bury" and 式 means "ceremony." The prefix お adds politeness to the word.およそ — "About; approximately." A formal adverb used to express an estimated quantity or duration.脳梗塞(のうこうそく) — "Stroke; cerebral infarction." 脳 means "brain," 梗 means "blockage," and 塞 means "obstruction," referring to a blocked blood vessel in the brain.麻痺(まひ) — "Paralysis; numbness." 麻 means "numb" or "hemp," and 痺 means "numbness" or "paralysis," used for loss of movement or sensation.車椅子(くるまいす) — "Wheelchair." 車(くるま) means "vehicle," and 椅子(いす) means "chair," literally describing a wheeled chair.癌(がん)になり — "Developed cancer." 癌 means "cancer," and 〜になる ("to become") is used here in its ます-stem form なり, which connects to the next verb (手術(しゅじゅつ)をしまして); this is common in narrative style to maintain flow.手術(しゅじゅつ) — "Surgery; operation." 手 means "hand," and 術 means "technique" or "skill," referring to a medical procedure.老人(ろうじん)ホーム — "Nursing home." 老人(ろうじん) means "elderly person" (老 = "old," 人 = "person"), and ホーム is "home" in katakana, meaning care facility.出(で)ることもできず — "Could not go out." 出(で)る means "to go out," こと turns the verb into a noun, できる means "can," and 〜ず is the classical negative of 〜ない, so できず = "could not (and...)"—implying an ongoing state or sequence.そろって — "All together; as a group." From 揃(そろ)う ("to be gathered/complete"), in て-form to connect actions or indicate simultaneous action.浸(ひた)っている — "To be immersed (in something)." 浸る means "to soak or immerse," and the 〜ている form indicates a continuous state—here, emotionally immersed.葬儀屋(そうぎや)さん — "Funeral director." 葬儀(そうぎ) means "funeral service" (葬 = "to bury," 儀 = "ceremony"), 屋 means "shop/person in charge," and さん adds respect.ああだこうだ — "This and that; back and forth." A colloquial expression representing indecision or a flurry of decisions, often used when things are hectic.お坊(ぼう)さん — "Buddhist monk." 坊 refers to a Buddhist monk (originally meaning “boy” or “temple person”), and さん adds politeness.お布施(ふせ) — "Offering to a monk or temple." 布 means "to distribute" or "cloth," 施 means "to give" or "bestow," and together refer to a monetary offering.年老(としお)いた母(はは) — "Elderly mother." 年老(としお)いた is the past form of 年老(としお)いる ("to grow old," 年 = "year," 老 = "old"), and 母 means "mother"—a respectful phrase for one’s aging mother.費用(ひよう) — "Cost; expense." 費 means "expense," and 用 means "use" or "purpose"—together meaning "cost required for something."祭壇(さいだん) — "Altar." 祭 means "ritual" or "festival," and 壇 means "platform"—a ceremonial platform often decorated in religious events.豪華(ごうか) — "Luxurious; splendid." 豪 means "magnificent" or "extravagant," and 華 means "splendor" or "flower," together describing something rich or ornate.昭和(しょうわ) — "Showa era." 昭 means "bright" and 和 means "peace," referring to the Japanese era from 1926 to 1989 (Showa 12 = 1937).末(すえ)っ子(こ) — "Youngest child." 末 means "end," and 子 means "child." The small っ adds emphasis to show it's the last-born.高齢(こうれい) — "Old age; elderly." 高 means "high," and 齢 means "age," a respectful and formal term for advanced age.故郷(ふるさと) — "Hometown." 故 means "former" or "deceased," and 郷 means "village"—a nostalgic or sentimental term for one's birthplace.囲(かこ)まれた人生(じんせい) — "A life surrounded (by something)." 囲(かこ)まれた is the passive past form of 囲(かこ)む ("to surround"), and 人生(じんせい) means "life"—used here to describe a life surrounded by friends. For upper beginners to intermediates. Listen to the ...
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    4 mins

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