Japanese Vocabulary Quiz Round Three
Test your Japanese vocabulary with this new matching exercising containing an additional twenty-six words. Match each Japanese word on the left with its English equivalent on the right. We’ve included Romaji for each of the Japanese words in case you need them. However, we recommend looking at the Romaji only if you’re stumped by the…
Read MoreMore Useful Spanish Phrases for Beginning Speakers: Greetings, Goodbyes, Polite Exchanges, and Special Occasions.
This week we’re going to provide some additional phrases that are useful for entry-level Spanish language learners. These are common expressions that can you use frequently and in a wide variety of situations. In addition to another round of greetings, goodbyes, and polite exchanges, we’ve included several expressions for celebrating special occasions. If you’re…
Read MoreJapanese Idioms
In this lesson, we’re going to look at ten common Japanese idiomatic expressions. Knowing basic idioms can increase your understanding of any language, not to mention your degree of acceptance by native speakers. For each Japanese idiom, we’ve provided a literal translation and (where applicable) the essential meaning and a modern American English equivalent. …
Read More5 More English Words with Foreign Language Origins
Last year, we celebrated Independence Day by covering several common English words adapted from other languages. For this lesson, we’re going look at five more everyday words rooted in languages other than English. Algebra: The late Middle English “algebra” comes from Italian, Spanish, and Medieval Latin. These languages in turn, derived the word from…
Read MoreChengyu: Chinese Idioms
In this lesson, we’re going to look at some more Chinese idiomatic expression. Chinese idioms, or Chengyu (成语), usually consist of four characters. They are equivalent to simple English idioms, such as “when it rains, it pours” and “don’t judge a book by its cover.” Knowing basic idiomatic expressions can increase your understanding of any…
Read MorePhrases for Celebrating Chinese New Year
In the previous lesson, we looked at the Chinese zodiac and its importance to Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival. This week, we’re going to provide some useful phrases for celebrating the New Year. While we’ve tried to provide a good mix of greetings and well wishes, this list is far from exhaustive.…
Read MoreChinese New Year and the Chinese Zodiac
Chinese New Year, or 春節 (Chūn Jié / Spring Festival), is one of the most important holidays throughout the Chinese speaking world. The new year of the traditional Chinese calendar begins on the first new moon of the year, with celebrations running from the evening before to the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of…
Read MoreBest of Total Immersion Tips for Studying or Working Abroad
In this lesson, we’re going to revisit some of our best strategies for getting the most out of studying or working abroad. These strategies will help you to maximize your language learning experience while living in a country whose primary language is not English. Listen, Watch, and Read for Pleasure in Your New Language…
Read MoreSeasonal Greetings in French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, and Japanese
With the holidays upon us, we’re going to look at some appropriate seasonal greetings in French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, and Japanese. French Joyeux Noël! Merry Christmas! Bonne fête de Hanouka! Happy Hanukkah! Joyeuses Pâques! Happy Easter! Bonnes Fêtes! Joyeuses Fêtes! Happy Holidays! Meilleurs Vœux! Best Wishes! Bonne Année! Happy New Year! …
Read MoreUseful Spanish Phrases for Beginning Speakers: Greetings, Goodbyes, and Polite Exchanges
This week we’re going to provide some phrases that are useful for entry-level Spanish language learners. These are common expressions that can you use frequently and in a wide variety of situations. For convenience, we’ve grouped the phrases by the situations in which they are used. If you’re struggling with common phrases any other…
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