Skip to content

Kuma Sensei

  • Home
  • Japanese Learning Roadmap
  • Study Resources
  • Contact

vocabulary

Why ありがとう Became “Thank You” in Japanese (Plus a Turtle Parable)
Posted in
  • Culture & Society
  • Japanese Language

Why ありがとう Became “Thank You” in Japanese (Plus a Turtle Parable)

You probably already know that the Japanese word for “thank you” is ありがとう (arigatou). And yes, … Why ありがとう Became “Thank You” in Japanese (Plus a Turtle Parable)Read more

by かめ先生•February 26, 2026March 2, 2026•0
Laugh and Grow Fat: わらうかどにはふくきたる (Warau kado ni wa fuku kitaru)
Posted in
  • Japanese Language

Laugh and Grow Fat: わらうかどにはふくきたる (Warau kado ni wa fuku kitaru)

By the time February arrives, the sparkle of “new year, new me” has usually faded. Work … Laugh and Grow Fat: わらうかどにはふくきたる (Warau kado ni wa fuku kitaru)Read more

by かめ先生•February 1, 2026February 25, 2026
Waifu, Mottainai, Yōkai: 11 Japanese Words Added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2025
Posted in
  • Culture & Society
  • Japanese Language

Waifu, Mottainai, Yōkai: 11 Japanese Words Added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2025

In 2025, the Oxford English Dictionary added 11 Japanese words that cover a wonderfully chaotic range, … Waifu, Mottainai, Yōkai: 11 Japanese Words Added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2025Read more

by Kuma•January 18, 2026February 1, 2026
Japanese is a Ham Sandwich
Posted in
  • Language Learning
  • Study Talk

Japanese is a Ham Sandwich

Learning a new language is a bit like making a ham sandwich. But how?

by Kuma•May 4, 2017May 1, 2018•1

Subscribe to Kuma Sensei

Learning is more than just textbooks and flashcards. Get new posts that connect language with real Japanese culture, delivered when published.

Learn Japanese with JapanesePod101.com


"You Can Speak" Sale: Get 45% off forever on Premium or Premium Plus. Ends March 20.

Recent Posts

  • Why ありがとう Became “Thank You” in Japanese (Plus a Turtle Parable)

    Why ありがとう Became “Thank You” in Japanese (Plus a Turtle Parable)

    February 26, 2026
  • Laugh and Grow Fat: わらうかどにはふくきたる (Warau kado ni wa fuku kitaru)

    Laugh and Grow Fat: わらうかどにはふくきたる (Warau kado ni wa fuku kitaru)

    February 1, 2026
  • Waifu, Mottainai, Yōkai: 11 Japanese Words Added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2025

    Waifu, Mottainai, Yōkai: 11 Japanese Words Added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2025

    January 18, 2026
  • はつゆめ (hatsu-yume): The First Dream of the Year

    はつゆめ (hatsu-yume): The First Dream of the Year

    January 6, 2026
  • How to use Quora to practice Japanese

    How to use Quora to practice Japanese

    May 9, 2018

Use coupon code "kumasensei" for 10% off your Skritter subscription.

Recent Comments

  • Fabian on REVIEW: Kanji in Context
  • Francois on REVIEW: Kanji in Context
  • Tômeiningen on REVIEW: Kanji in Context
  • jeff on REVIEW: Kanji in Context
  • Ben on REVIEW: Kanji in Context


Get $10 USD in italki credits.

Some links on the website are affiliate links, which support hosting for Kuma Sensei at no cost to you — thank you for helping keep the site online.

Copyright © 2026 Kuma Sensei.
Powered by WordPress and HybridMag.
  • Home
  • Japanese Learning Roadmap
  • Study Resources
  • Contact