Harusame vs. Shirataki Konnyaku Noodles
As you may know, Harusame (春雨) is the Japanese take on Chinese fěntiáo, known as glass or potato noodles in English-speaking countries. The Asian food is healthy and similar to Shirataki (白滝), but its...
Category: Trivia
Onsen vs. Sento vs. Ofuro: What’s the Difference?
Onsen is one of the popular destinations when we go on a sightseeing trip, while I sometimes go to a nearby Sento and take an Ofuro every day. The three Japanese terms, Onsen (温泉), Sento (銭湯),...
Why Gaki (ガキ/餓鬼) Means Child in Japanese
Although we usually use the word Kodomo (子供) when describing a child, we sometimes refer to an ill-mannered/annoying kid as a Gaki. Gaki (ガキ/餓鬼) is a vulgar Japanese term for brat in English, but...
Sakura: Another Meaning of the Japanese Word
When people hear Sakura (さくら), many will probably picture beautiful pink cherry blossoms in full bloom in the spring. Yes, Sakura (桜) is the Japanese word for the cherry tree and its blossoms, but...
Meccha vs. Totemo vs. Honto Ni: Meaning & Usage
Meccha (めっちゃ/滅茶), Totemo (とても), and Honto Ni (ほんとに/本当に) are Japanese synonyms used to emphasize an adjective or an adverb. In other words, these phrases are interchangeable, but unlike Totemo and Honto Ni, Meccha is slang,...
Shirako vs. Tarako: Japanese Food Delicacies
I rarely see it in Oden (like Chikuwabu). But Shirako is a food at its best in the winter (around January to February), often used in soup dishes, including Nabemono (鍋物: hot pot). But...
Chikuwabu vs. Chikuwa: What’s the Difference?
The colder the weather is in the autumn and winter, the more I want Oden (おでん) at convenience stores. As you know, Chikuwa (ちくわ/竹輪) is a popular ingredient in the stew dish, but have...
Arigato vs. Arigatai: Meaning & Usage
Arigatou (ありがとう/有難う), also spelled as Arigato, is a Japanese word that many overseas people know, meaning Thank you. Meanwhile, Arigatai (ありがたい/有難い) is a similar word to it equivalent to grateful/thankful in English, which I...
