Chatty Sensei Blog
Tips, strategies, and insights to master Japanese conversation.
The Top 10 Survival Japanese Phrases When Visiting a Doctor
January 13, 2026
Learn the top 10 survival Japanese phrases for visiting a doctor with furigana on every line, romaji, and practical examples—so you can explain symptoms, answer common questions, and understand next steps in Japan.
The Top 10 Survival Japanese Phrases When Meeting Someone for the First Time
January 13, 2026
Learn the top 10 survival Japanese phrases for first meetings with furigana on every line, romaji, and natural examples—so you can introduce yourself, make small talk, and leave a great first impression in Japan.
The Top 10 Survival Japanese Phrases at the Restaurant
January 13, 2026
Learn the top 10 survival Japanese phrases for restaurants with furigana on every line, romaji, and real examples—so you can order, ask for help, and pay confidently in Japan.
How to Improve Your Japanese Speaking Skills (and Actually Start Using the Language)
January 14, 2026
Many Japanese learners share the same frustration: “I can read. I can understand. But when it’s time to speak… my mind goes blank.” If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Speaking is often the hardest skill to develop—not because Japanese is impossible, but because speaking requires active use, not passive knowledge.
What Is the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)?
February 3, 2026
If you've been studying Japanese for any amount of time, chances are you've come across the term JLPT-the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. It's the most widely recognized exam for measuring Japanese ability among non-native speakers, and it often shows up in job listings, university requirements, and study plans.
I Want to Learn Japanese — Here’s How to Do It the Right Way
January 25, 2026
So you want to learn Japanese. That’s exciting—and also a little dangerous. Not because Japanese is impossible, but because most people start with enthusiasm, get overwhelmed, hit a wall, and quietly give up.
Become a Time Hacker: Learn Japanese Without “Finding” More Time
February 10, 2026
You have two essential foundations of learning Japanese efficiently: identifying what genuinely interests you, and capturing new vocabulary in a smart, repeatable way. Now it’s time to connect the dots—and turn your entire day into a learning system.
Kickstart Your Japanese by Shaking Things Up
January 5, 2026
Have you been living in Japan for a while but feel like your Japanese just isn’t moving forward? Maybe you work in an English-speaking office. Maybe your commute eats up half your day. This plateau isn’t permanent—but getting past it requires one uncomfortable step: disturbing your current habits.
JLPT Study Tips to Boost Your Chances of Passing
February 1, 2026
The JLPT is coming. You’ve already registered, paid the fee, and now you’re just waiting for test day. Here’s how to make the most of the time you have left and maximize your chances of passing.
5 Real Tips to Get the Most Out of Studying Abroad in Japan
January 29, 2026
Your first day at a Japanese language school has finally arrived. But let’s be honest: you didn’t travel all the way to Japan just to memorize grammar rules alone in your room. Here are five practical, real-world tips to help you make the most of your experience.
15 Great Free Apps for Studying Japanese (2026 Guide)
February 14, 2026
Learning Japanese doesn’t have to be expensive. Check out our curated list of the best free apps for studying Japanese in 2026, covering everything from conversation to kanji.
How to Make Words Stick
January 11, 2026
Learning a language often feels exciting at first—until you realize how quickly new words slip away. Making vocabulary stick is one of the biggest challenges language learners face—but it’s also one of the most solvable.
The Top 10 Survival Japanese Phrases When Dating Someone
February 20, 2026
Learn the top 10 survival Japanese phrases for dating with furigana on every line, romaji, and real examples—so you can flirt politely, set boundaries, and communicate clearly in Japan.
The Top 10 Survival Japanese Phrases When Buying Something at a Convenience Store (Konbini)
February 28, 2026
Learn the top 10 survival Japanese phrases for shopping at a konbini with furigana on every line, romaji, and real examples—so you can pay, ask for a bag, use the microwave, and handle common cashier questions in Japan.
The Top 10 Survival Japanese Phrases When Asking for Directions / Navigating a Station
March 5, 2026
Learn the top 10 survival Japanese phrases for asking directions and navigating train stations with furigana on every line, romaji, and practical examples—so you can find the right line, exit, platform, and transfer in Japan.
The Top 10 Survival Japanese Phrases When Making a Reservation
March 15, 2026
Learn the top 10 survival Japanese phrases for making reservations (restaurants, hair salons, clinics, appointments by phone) with furigana on every line, romaji, and ready-to-use examples—so you can book confidently in Japan.
The Top 10 Survival Japanese Phrases When Going to a Clinic / Pharmacy
March 25, 2026
Learn the top 10 survival Japanese phrases for clinics and pharmacies with furigana on every line, romaji, and practical examples—so you can explain symptoms, handle insurance, and understand medicine instructions in Japan.
The Top 10 Survival Japanese Phrases When Taking a Taxi
January 13, 2026
Learn the top 10 survival Japanese phrases for taking a taxi in Japan—with furigana on every line, romaji, and real examples—so you can set your destination, confirm the route, and pay smoothly.
The Top 10 Survival Japanese Phrases When Checking Into a Hotel
March 30, 2026
Learn the top 10 survival Japanese phrases for hotel check-in with furigana on every line, romaji, and practical examples—so you can confirm your booking, make requests, and handle common problems in Japan.