Benny Lewis's Blog, page 2

December 17, 2024

Merry Christmas in Greek (+6 More Holiday Greetings)

Want to join in on the festive fun and wish your Greek friends a Merry Christmas? The first step would be to learn how to say “Merry Christmas” in Greek! Short answer: it’s Καλά Χριστούγεννα (Kalá Christoúgenna). Long answer: why stop there? Instead, learn more festive words, holiday phrases, and related vocabulary!

Table of contentsΚαλά Χριστούγεννα: “Merry Christmas” in Greek Breaking Down the Word Χριστούγεννα (Christoúgenna)Other Festive Greetings in Greek Greek Christmas Traditions Greek Christmas Phrases and Vocabulary FAQs How does Greece say “Merry Christmas”?What is the traditional Greek Christmas greeting?What do Greek Orthodox say on Christmas?What is the Greek word for Christmas?Ready to Celebrate in Greek!

Here is a quick summary of the festive phrases we’ll cover:

English Greek Audio “Merry Christmas” Καλά Χριστούγεννα (Kalá Christoúgenna) “Happy Holidays” Καλές Γιορτές! (Kalés Yiortés!) “Happy Christmas” Ευτυχισμένα Χριστούγεννα (Eftychisména Christoúgenna) “Happy New Year” Καλή Χρονιά (Kalí Chroniá) “Many Years”(an all-purpose greeting you can use on many festive occasions) Χρόνια Πολλά (Chronia Pollá) Καλά Χριστούγεννα: “Merry Christmas” in Greek

Καλά (Kalá) means “good” or “merry,” and Χριστούγεννα (Christoúgenna) means “Christmas.” You typically say this on Christmas Eve, rather than on the actual Christmas Day.

Καλά Χριστούγεννα is pronounced Kalá Christoúgenna, with the ch sounding like a “h,” and the g sounding like a “y” sound. It’s the go-to phrase to say “Merry Christmas” in Greek.

Don’t forget that the accent marks indicate word stress in Greek — so you’d say ka-LA chris-TOU-genna.

Breaking Down the Word Χριστούγεννα (Christoúgenna)

The origin of the Greek word for Christmas, Χριστούγεννα (Christoúgenna), is pretty interesting to look at:

Χριστός (Christós) means “Christ”Γέννα (génna) means “birth”

So, Χριστούγεννα literally means “Christ’s birth.” Pretty straightforward, right?

Other Festive Greetings in Greek

Sure, you’ll hear Καλά Χριστούγεννα (“Merry Christmas”) all the time, but you’ll also come across other festive words, like the equivalents of “Happy Holidays,” “Happy Christmas,” and “Happy New Year.”

Here are 6 more festive Greek greetings for Christmas and afterward.

Καλές Γιορτές! (Kalés Yiortés!): “Happy Holidays!”Ευτυχισμένα Χριστούγεννα! (Eftychisména Christoúgenna!): “Happy Christmas!”Χαρούμενα Χριστούγεννα! (Charoúmena Christoúgenna!): ”Merry/Joyful Christmas!”Καλά Χριστούγεννα και Ευτυχισμένο το Νέο Έτος! (Kalá Christoúgenna kai Eftychisméno to Néo Étos!): “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!”Καλή Χρονιά! (Kalí Chroniá): “Happy New Year!”Χρόνια Πολλά (Chronia Pollá): “Many Years”

Note: Χρόνια Πολλά literally translates to “Many Years” in English. It’s a multipurpose greeting, used for various celebrations and wishes. It’s essentially a wish for someone to have many more years of life, health, and happiness. You can also say it on:

Birthdays: Χρόνια Πολλά is a common birthday wish.Christmas Day: After Christmas Eve, including on Christmas Day, you’d say Χρόνια Πολλά instead of Καλά Χριστούγεννα.Name Days: In Greece, name days (the feast day of the saint after whom a person is named) are very important. You can celebrate someone’s name day with Χρόνια Πολλά, but a more specific name day greeting would be Να χαίρεσαι το όνομά σου (Na chaíresai to ónomá sou) — “May you rejoice in your name” or “may you enjoy your name.”Greek Christmas Traditions

Did you know that Greeks usually exchange gifts on New Year’s Eve rather than Christmas Day?

Here are some other traditions:

Kalanda (Κάλαντα): On Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, children visit their neighbors to sing kalanda, or Christmas carols. Unfortunately, this is becoming less common in big cities.Christmas Boats: Decorating boats for Christmas is an old Greek tradition, especially in coastal areas and islands. In the past, wives and children of sailors used to dress wooden boats to welcome men home. Today, many Greek towns and homes still display illuminated boat models, but a lot of people also decorate trees.Christopsomo (Χριστόψωμο): Meaning “Christ’s Bread,” Christopsomo is a sweet bread decorated with a cross. By the way, common Greek word alert: ψωμί (psomί) means “bread” in Greek.Vasilopita (Βασιλόπιτα): This New Year’s cake has a hidden coin inside. Whoever finds the coin in their slice is said to have good luck for the year.Breaking a pomegranate on New Year’s Day: Just after midnight or on New Year’s Day, Greeks break a pomegranate by throwing it. This act is believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year.Greek Christmas Phrases and Vocabulary

To really get into the Greek Christmas spirit, here are some more seasonal words:

English Greek Audio “Santa Claus” Άγιος Βασίλης (Ágios Vasílis) “Gift” Δώρο (Dóro) “Star” Αστέρι (Astéri) “Snow” Χιόνι (Chióni) “Party” or “Feast” Γιορτή (Yiortí) “Family” Οικογένεια (Oikogéneia) “Joy” Χαρά (Chará) “Tree” Δέντρο (Déntro) “Ornament” Στολίδι (Stolídi) “Toy” Παιχνίδι (Paichnídi) “Christmas carols” Κάλαντα (Kálanta) “Christmas boat” Χριστουγεννιάτικο καράβι (Christougenniátiko karávi) FAQsHow does Greece say “Merry Christmas”?

Christmas in Greek is Καλά Χριστούγεννα (Kalá Christoúgenna). It’s the combination of two words: Καλά, meaning “good,” and Christoúgenna, “Christmas.”

What is the traditional Greek Christmas greeting?

You would say Καλά Χριστούγεννα (Kalá Christoúgenna), “Merry Christmas” on Christmas Eve or anytime before Christmas. On Christmas Day, you’d say Χρόνια Πολλά (Chronia Pollá).

What do Greek Orthodox say on Christmas?

Before Christmas, including on Christmas Eve, Greeks say Καλά Χριστούγεννα (Kalá Christoúgenna). On Christmas Day, they say Χρόνια Πολλά (Chronia Pollá).

What is the Greek word for Christmas?

The Greek word for Christmas is Χριστούγεννα (Christoúgenna). It’s the combination of the words Χριστός (Christós), “Christ” and γέννα (génna), “birth.”

Ready to Celebrate in Greek!

You’re now ready to celebrate several special days in Greek — from Christmas and New Year’s Eve to birthdays and name days! Pick the most suitable phrase from our list, or simply use Χρόνια Πολλά (Chronia Pollá), which fits many occasions.

Take a look at our other Greek articles and learning resources to improve your vocabulary, pronunciation, and cultural knowledge!

Learn Greek Online: 39 Free Resources and Classes to Learn the Greek Language 40+ Cool Greek Words That Will Make You Want to Learn Greek Merry Christmas in Spanish: “Feliz Navidad” and More Spanish Holiday Vocab Black Friday Deals for Greek Language Courses “Merry Christmas” in Japanese — How the Japanese Celebrate a “Merii Kurisumasu” and Other Winter Holidays

The post Merry Christmas in Greek (+6 More Holiday Greetings) appeared first on Fluent in 3 Months.

View more on Benny Lewis's website »

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on December 17, 2024 04:00

December 10, 2024

Good Luck in Chinese: 34 Essential Phrases for Every Occasion

Luck plays a huge role in Chinese culture, so there are so many ways to say “good luck” in Chinese! Of course, there’s the basic way to say it (I’ll introduce that first), but if you want to sound like a native, that’s not all you need to know!

Chinese culture is so rich in expressions, I’ll actually be introducing 34 expressions for all sorts of situations! I’ll also give some nifty 成语 (chéngyǔ), or four-character idioms that reveal a lot about Chinese culture. And I can tell you, having studied Chinese at university and then worked in Taiwan, these do come in handy!

And don’t worry if you’ve studied simplified or traditional characters – or if you’re still relying on pinyin because you’re not sure how to read Chinese characters. I’ve got them all included for every phrase!

Table of contentsGeneral Ways to Wish Good Luck in Chinese Good Luck for Specific, Everyday Situations Academic Success Career and Work Health and Well-being Good Luck for Special Occasions Weddings Birthdays New Year and Other Celebrations Good Luck for Wealth and Prosperity Additional Good Luck Phrases Good Luck Symbols and Animals in Chinese Culture Good Luck Symbols and Signs Lucky Animals Chinese Zodiac Animals (生肖 / 生肖 shēng xiào ):Chinese Astrology and Feng Shui:Frequently Asked Questions Good Luck Learning Chinese!

Here’s me about to make the ancestors an offering at a Chinese cultural celebration at my office in Taiwan. (Apparently, they’re also fans of junk food.)

Let’s start with some general good luck phrases in Chinese that you can use in nearly any kind of situation.

祝你好运 / 祝你好運 (zhù nǐ hǎo yùn)
Meaning: Wishing you good luck
This is the most straightforward way to wish someone good luck in Chinese. While it’s a direct translation of the English phrase, native speakers often use more specific expressions tailored to the situation. These are up next!

加油 (jiā yóu)
Meaning: Keep it up / Go for it!
加油 is a versatile and widely used phrase in Chinese. Literally meaning “add oil,” it’s used to encourage someone or cheer them on. You’ll hear this phrase often in various contexts, from sports events to everyday challenges.

我给你加油 / 我給你加油 (wǒ gěi nǐ jiā yóu)
Meaning: I’m rooting for you
This expression takes 加油 (right above) a step further by personalizing the encouragement. It’s a great way to show your support for someone facing a challenge or pursuing a goal.

祝你顺利 / 祝你順利 (zhù nǐ shùn lì)
Meaning: I hope everything goes well
This phrase is perfect for wishing someone smooth sailing in their endeavors. It can be used for everything from exams to job interviews to travel plans.

These general phrases provide a solid foundation for expressing good luck in Chinese. Next, let’s check out more specific expressions tailored to different occasions and life events.

Good Luck for Specific, Everyday Situations

Okay, so let’s go deeper in our ways to wish someone luck in Chinese. In Chinese culture, there are many expressions for well-wishing related to studies, work, health, and more!

Academic Success

Need to wish a student good luck in Chinese? Here are some special ways to do it!

好好儿考啊 / 好好兒考啊 (hǎo hǎor kǎo a)
Meaning: Have a good exam
This casual expression is perfect for wishing a friend or classmate good luck before an exam. It’s friendly and encouraging, commonly used among students.

祝你学业成功 / 祝你學業成功 (zhù nǐ xué yè chéng gōng)
Meaning: Well-wishes for academic success
Use this phrase to wish someone success in their overall studies, not just for a single exam. It’s suitable for long-term academic pursuits, like starting a new school year or degree program.

祝你金榜题名 / 祝你金榜題名 (zhù nǐ jīn bǎng tí míng)
Meaning: May you pass the examination
The final four-character idiom (known as a 成语 chéngyǔ) of this phrase literally means “May your name be listed on the golden roster.” It’s a more formal and traditional way to wish someone success in their exams, often used for important tests like college entrance exams.

Career and Work

Right, so someone you know has finished studying and is moving on to work, and you want to wish them good luck in Chinese! Here are phrases you can use with friends, colleagues, neighbors, or anyone else you know working hard!

好好儿干啊 / 好好兒幹啊 (hǎo hǎor gàn a)
Meaning: Do well on this task/job
Similar to the exam-related phrase, this expression is used to encourage someone to perform well in their work. It’s casual and supportive, ideal for colleagues or friends.

祝你事业顺利 / 祝你事業順利 (zhù nǐ shì yè shùn lì)
Meaning: Wishing you a successful career
This phrase is perfect for long-term career wishes, such as when someone starts a new job or launches a business venture.

祝你工作成功 (zhù nǐ gōng zuò chéng gōng)
Meaning: Well-wishes for job success
Use this expression to wish someone success in their specific job or work-related task. It’s more targeted than the general career wish.

马到成功 / 馬到成功 (mǎ dào chéng gōng)
Meaning: May you immediately meet with success
This four-character idiom literally means “success upon the horse’s arrival.” It’s used to wish someone quick success in their endeavors, especially in business or career contexts.

步步高升 (bù bù gāo shēng)
Meaning: May you continuously get promoted
Another four-character idiom, this phrase wishes for continuous career advancement. It’s particularly suitable for congratulating someone on a promotion or wishing them future career growth.

Health and Well-being

Of course, health is another aspect of life where good luck is important in Chinese! Here’s how to specifically wish someone good health.

祝你身体健康 / 祝你身體健康 (zhù nǐ shēn tǐ jiàn kāng)
Meaning: May your body be healthy and strong
This is a common phrase used to wish anyone good health and therefore is suitable for various occasions.

祝你长命百岁 / 祝你長命百歲 (zhù nǐ cháng mìng bǎi suì)
Meaning: May you live a long and healthy life
Often used for elders, this phrase wishes for longevity. It’s particularly appropriate for birthdays or during Chinese New Year celebrations.

祝你福寿安康 / 祝你福壽安康 (zhù nǐ fú shòu ān kāng)
Meaning: Good fortune, safety, and health
This comprehensive well-wish combines hopes for fortune, longevity, peace, and health. It’s a respectful and formal way to express good wishes, especially to elders or in more formal settings.

By the way, there are many more ways to wish someone a happy new year! Check out our specific article on wishing “Happy New Year” in Chinese, giving you a whopping 15 ways to do it!

Good Luck for Special Occasions

Okay, so we’ve gone over how to wish someone good luck in Chinese for everyday occasions. Now, let’s look at more special occasions! In Chinese culture, special occasions call for specific well-wishes. Let’s explore some good luck expressions for weddings, birthdays, and other celebrations.

Here’s me offering incense, hoping the gods smile down upon me in Taiwan.Weddings

If you know someone getting married, you’ll definitely want to tell them well wishes in Chinese! Here’s how to do it for the happy couple.

祝你们幸福 / 祝你們幸福 (zhù nǐ men xìng fú)
Meaning: I wish you (both) happiness
This simple yet heartfelt phrase is perfect for wishing newlyweds a happy life together. It’s versatile and can be used in both formal and informal settings.

祝你们百年好合 / 祝你們百年好合 (zhù nǐ men bǎi nián hǎo hé)
Meaning: I wish you a long life together
Literally wishing the couple “a good match for a hundred years,” this phrase expresses hope for a lasting and harmonious marriage.

白头偕老 / 白頭偕老 (bái tóu xié lǎo)
Meaning: May you grow old together
This four-character idiom paints a poetic image of a couple growing old together, with white hair. It’s a beautiful way to wish for a long-lasting marriage.

多子多孙 / 多子多孫 (duō zi duō sūn)
Meaning: May you have many children and grandchildren
In Chinese culture, having numerous descendants is considered a blessing. This phrase wishes the couple a large and prosperous family.

激情永在 (jī qíng yǒng zài)
Meaning: May you have everlasting passion
This more modern expression wishes the couple enduring love and passion in their marriage.

早生贵子 / 早生貴子 (zǎo shēng guì zǐ)
Meaning: May you give birth to a child soon
Traditionally used to wish for a son, this phrase is now generally used to wish for children. Use it cautiously, as some couples might prefer not to discuss family planning, just like in Western culture nowadays.

Birthdays

Everyone has a birthday, so here’s how you express well wishes in Chinese year-round!

生日快乐 / 生日快樂 (shēng rì kuài lè)
Meaning: Happy birthday
This is the standard way to wish someone a happy birthday in Chinese. It’s simple, direct, and suitable for all ages.

祝你天天快乐，心想事成 / 祝你天天快樂，心想事成 (zhù nǐ tiān tiān kuài lè, xīn xiǎng shì chéng)
Meaning: Wishing you daily joy and success
This longer birthday wish combines hopes for daily happiness and the fulfillment of one’s wishes. It’s a warm and comprehensive birthday blessing. Since it’s a bit fluffy, keep it in your back pocket for speeches, maybe.

New Year and Other Celebrations

In Chinese culture, there are two new years, so here are two ways to send someone well wishes in Chinese for the dawn of a new year!

恭喜发财 / 恭喜發財 (gōng xǐ fā cái)
Meaning: May you be prosperous
Commonly used during Chinese New Year, this phrase wishes for prosperity and good fortune. It’s also used as a general congratulatory expression.

新年快乐 / 新年快樂 (xīn nián kuài lè)
Meaning: Happy New Year
This is the standard way to wish someone a happy New Year, used for both the lunar and solar new year celebrations.

Good Luck for Wealth and Prosperity

In Chinese culture, wishing someone good fortune often includes hopes for financial success and prosperity, as we’ve seen in some of the expressions above! These phrases are commonly used during business dealings, career advancements, or general well-wishes for a prosperous future.

Here are some popular expressions, followed by a short discussion about their appropriateness in different contexts.

祝你财源广进 / 祝你財源廣進 (zhù nǐ cái yuán guǎng jìn)
Meaning: May your wealth multiply
This phrase literally means “May your sources of wealth be wide and your progress never-ending.” It’s a powerful blessing wishing for exponential growth in financial resources. This expression is suitable for business partners, colleagues, or friends starting new ventures.

祝你财运亨通 / 祝你財運亨通 (zhù nǐ cái yùn hēng tōng)
Meaning: Wishing you smooth financial luck
This phrase combines wishes for both wealth (财/財 cái) and luck (运/運 yùn). So use this when you want to wish someone not just wealth, but also the good fortune to manage it well.

祝你财源滚滚 / 祝你財源滾滾 (zhù nǐ cái yuán gǔn gǔn)
Meaning: A steady stream of wealth
Imagine wealth pouring in like an unstoppable waterfall – that’s the image this phrase evokes. 滚滚/滾滾 (gǔn gǔn) gives a sense of continuous, rolling motion, suggesting an constant inflow of wealth. This vivid expression is perfect for wishing someone ongoing financial success.

These financial good luck wishes reflect the importance of prosperity in Chinese culture. They’re often used during Chinese New Year, at business openings, or when congratulating someone on a new job or promotion. While they focus on material wealth, they’re seen as positive wishes for overall well-being and success in life.

When using these phrases, it’s important to consider the context and your relationship with the person. In more formal or business settings, these wishes for financial prosperity are generally well-received. However, in personal relationships, you might want to balance these with wishes for health and happiness as well.

Remember, in Chinese culture, talking about money and wishing for wealth is not considered taboo as it might be in some Western cultures. These expressions are seen as genuine wishes for a person’s overall success and well-being.

Additional Good Luck Phrases

In addition to situation-specific expressions, there are several versatile phrases in Chinese that can be used to wish someone good luck or express good wishes in various contexts. Let’s explore some of these:

一路顺风 / 一路順風 (yí lù shùn fēng)
Meaning: Bon voyage
Literally translating to “may the wind be favorable all the way,” this phrase is commonly used when someone is about to embark on a journey. However, it can also be used metaphorically for someone starting a new venture or phase in life. So it’s like a wish for smooth sailing, whether in travel or in life’s journey.

保重 (bǎo zhòng)
Meaning: Take care
This simple yet meaningful phrase is often used when parting ways, especially if you won’t see the person for a while. Or it’s alternatively used if someone’s not feeling well. It shows your concern for their well-being and is a gentle way of wishing them good luck in taking care of themselves.

寿比南山，福如东海 / 壽比南山，福如東海 (shòu bǐ nán shān, fú rú dōng hǎi)
Meaning: May you live as long as the Southern Mountain and have fortune as boundless as the eastern sea
What a phrase, eh? We see that this poetic expression combines wishes for longevity and good fortune. It’s a more elaborate and formal way to extend good wishes, sometimes used in birthday greetings, especially for elders. The phrase draws on the imagery of enduring mountains and vast seas to emphasize the depth and breadth of the well-wishes.

Good Luck Symbols and Animals in Chinese Culture

While Chinese is rich in phrases, it’s also got a wealth of symbols for good luck! Here are a few noteworthy examples:

Good Luck Symbols and Signs

Here are some general lucky signs and symbols in Chinese culture.

红色 / 紅色 (hóng sè): The color red – this is associated with luck, happiness, and prosperity.八 (bā): Number 8 – like the lucky number 7 in Western culture, 8 is considered very lucky in Chinese culture.玉 (yù): Jade – this is believed to bring good health and protection.竹 (zhú): Bamboo – this symbolizes growth, strength, and resilience.钱币 / 錢幣 (qián bì): Coins, especially old Chinese coins with square holes (方孔钱 / 方孔錢 fāng kǒng qián). These are good luck symbols in Chinese culture (think of the beckoning cat at many storefronts!)鸳鸯 / 鴛鴦 (yuān yang): Mandarin ducks – which symbolize love and marital harmony.牡丹 (mǔ dan): Peonies – these represent wealth and honor.

Now that you’re aware, you might notice red EVERYWHERE in Chinese culture!Lucky Animals

Of course, there are many animals that represent good luck in Chinese culture, as well as fortune, and more! Here are some of the most famous examples.

龙 / 龍 (lóng): Dragon, symbol of power, strength, and good fortune.凤凰 / 鳳凰 (fèng huáng): Phoenix, represents virtue and grace.虎 (hǔ): Tiger, symbolizes strength and bravery.蝙蝠 (biān fú): Bat, its name sounds similar to 福 (fú, “fortune”). (The Chinese love puns!)仙鹤 / 仙鶴 (xiān hè): Crane, symbolizes longevity.锦鲤 / 錦鯉 (jǐn lǐ): Koi fish, represents perseverance and success.金鲤鱼 / 金鯉魚 (jīn lǐ yú): Golden carp, associated with abundance and perseverance.乌龟 / 烏龜 (wū guī): Tortoise, symbolizes longevity and wisdom.Chinese Zodiac Animals (生肖 / 生肖 shēng xiào):

You may have noticed that many of the Chinese good luck animals are members of the Chinese zodiac, or 生肖 (shēng xiào)! This is Chinese astrology. If you’re less familiar, the animals are:

鼠 (“shǔ*, Rat)牛 (niú, Ox)虎 (hǔ, Tiger)兔 (tù, Rabbit)龙/龍 (lóng, Dragon)蛇 (shé, Snake)马/馬 (mǎ, Horse)羊 (yáng, Goat)猴 (hóu, Monkey)鸡/雞 (jī, Rooster)狗 (gǒu, Dog)猪/豬 (zhū, Pig).

In Chinese culture, while all zodiac animals have their own characteristics and strengths, some are traditionally considered luckier than others. Here’s an overview:

龙 / 龍 (lóng) – Dragon:
Considered the most auspicious and powerful of all zodiac signs, dragons are associated with strength, success, and good fortune.

虎 (hǔ) – Tiger:
Regarded as brave and lucky, especially for warding off evil spirits.

兔 (tù) – Rabbit:
Known for bringing good luck in business and relationships.

猪 / 豬 (zhū) – Pig:
Associated with wealth, honesty, and good fortune.

鼠 (shǔ) – Rat:
The first animal in the zodiac cycle, rats are seen as clever and associated with wealth.

(Unfortunately, my sign, the Rooster, does not fall into the super lucky list.)

Because they are so lucky, dragons often feature at temples!

It’s important to note that according to the Chinese zodiac, luck can vary depending on the year. Each zodiac animal’s luck can change based on the current year’s zodiac sign and other astrological factors.

The phrase for when your year comes is 本命年 (běn mìng nián). Contrary to what some might expect, the year of one’s own zodiac animal is traditionally considered a challenging year, requiring extra caution rather than being especially lucky.

Also, personal birth years matter. An individual’s luck is often tied to their own zodiac sign and its relationship with the current year’s sign.

Likewise, compatibility plays a role. Some zodiac signs are considered more compatible and thus “luckier” when paired together!

And did you know that cultural variations exist? Different regions within China and other East Asian countries may have slightly different interpretations of which animals are luckiest.

Chinese Astrology and Feng Shui:

Closely related to astrology and the zodiac, we have Feng Shui (风水 / 風水, fēng shuǐ). This is an ancient Chinese practice that aims to harmonize individuals with their surrounding environment. It involves arranging living and working spaces to optimize the flow of qi (气 / 氣, qì), or life force energy, based on principles of balance and the interaction of the five elements (五行, wǔ xíng). Practitioners believe that proper Feng Shui can bring good fortune, health, and prosperity, while poor feng shui can lead to misfortune and distress.

Now, Feng Shui and Chinese astrology are related, but they are distinct practices within traditional Chinese metaphysics. Here’s a brief explanation of their relationship.

Both Feng Shui and Chinese astrology are based on the same fundamental concepts of Chinese philosophy, including:

Yin and Yang (阴阳 / 陰陽, yīn yáng) – The concept of balance between opposing forces.Five Elements (五行, wǔ xíng) – These are 木 (mù, Wood), 火 (huǒ, Fire), 土 (tǔ, Earth), 金 (jīn, Metal), and 水 (shuǐ, Water).Qi (气 / 氣, qì) or life force energy

Feng Shui often incorporates astrological elements to determine auspicious dates, directions, and placements. For example:

A person’s birth date (determined by astrology) might influence their lucky directions (吉祥方位, jí xiáng fāng wèi) in Feng Shui.Astrological calculations might be used to choose favorable dates for implementing Feng Shui changes.

But Feng Shui primarily deals with the arrangement of physical spaces and objects
Chinese astrology focuses on time cycles and their influence on personal characteristics and destiny

While they are separate disciplines, Feng Shui and Chinese astrology are often used together in traditional Chinese practices to provide a comprehensive approach to harmonizing one’s life with the natural and cosmic forces believed to influence human affairs.

Now, let me explain this concept in more detail.

In Chinese feng shui, certain directions are believed to be more auspicious or lucky for individuals based on various factors, including:

Their birth yearTheir zodiac signThe current yearThe layout of their home or office

Feng shui typically considers eight main directions:

东 / 東 (dōng): East南 (nán): South西 (xī): West北 (běi): North东北 / 東北 (dōng běi): Northeast (Notice Chinese literally says “Eastnorth,” and similar patterns below!)东南 / 東南 (dōng nán): Southeast西南 (xī nán): Southwest西北 (xī běi): Northwest

People might use these lucky directions to determine:

The orientation of their bedWhere to place important furnitureWhich direction to face when working or studyingThe direction to travel for business or pleasure

Also, an individual’s lucky directions are often calculated based on their birth date using the Ba Zhai (八宅 bā zhái) system or other Feng Shui methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Now, before I wrap up, to help you further understand and use these good luck expressions in Chinese, here are answers to some common questions. Consider this a recap of what we learned today!

Q1: How do you wish someone luck in Chinese?
A: The most straightforward way is to say 祝你好运 (zhù nǐ hǎo yùn), which directly translates to “wish you good luck.” However, Chinese speakers often prefer more specific phrases tailored to the situation, such as 加油 (jiā yóu) for general encouragement or 祝你成功 (zhù nǐ chéng gōng) for wishing success.

Q2: What is the Chinese word for good fortune?
A: The Chinese character for good fortune or luck is 福 (fú). This character is often seen in decorations, especially during Chinese New Year. It’s used in phrases like 祝你福寿安康 (zhù nǐ fú shòu ān kāng), wishing someone good fortune, longevity, and health.

Q3: How to pronounce these good luck phrases correctly?
A: Chinese is a tonal language, which can make pronunciation challenging for non-native speakers. Here are some tips:

Pay attention to the pinyin, especially the tone marks.Listen to native speakers or use language learning apps with audio features.Practice regularly, focusing on the tones and rhythm of the phrases.

Q4: Are these phrases used in all Chinese-speaking regions?
A: While most of these phrases are widely understood across Chinese-speaking regions, there might be slight variations in usage or preference between Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and other Chinese-speaking communities.

Q5: Is it appropriate to use elaborate good luck phrases in casual conversations?
A: It depends on the situation and your relationship with the person. In casual settings with friends, simpler phrases like 加油 (jiā yóu) are often more appropriate. More elaborate phrases are typically reserved for formal occasions or when addressing elders.

Q6: Can I use these phrases in written communication, like emails or messages?
A: Absolutely! Many of these phrases are commonly used in written form. But in professional settings, it’s best to stick to more formal expressions unless you have a close relationship with the recipient.

Good Luck Learning Chinese!

As we’ve explored in this comprehensive guide, there are numerous ways to say “good luck” in Chinese, each tailored to specific situations or occasions. Some key points to remember:

Context matters: Choose your expression based on the specific situation, relationship, and level of formality.Cultural awareness: Many Chinese good luck phrases reflect deeply held cultural values, such as the importance of family, respect for elders, and the pursuit of prosperity.Versatility: While some phrases are situation-specific, others like 加油 (jiā yóu) can be used in various contexts to offer encouragement.Poetic nature: Chinese good luck expressions often draw on poetic imagery and idiomatic phrases. This can potentially add depth and beauty to your well-wishes. The flowery language is often more commonly used in Chinese culture than in English-speaking cultures.Sincerity: Regardless of which phrase you choose, the most important aspect is the genuine sentiment behind your words. (Sarcasm is a universal language, so be careful!)

By incorporating these phrases into your Chinese language repertoire, you’ll not only improve your language skills but also deepen your cultural understanding. Whether you’re a language learner, a business professional working with Chinese colleagues, or simply someone interested in Chinese culture, these expressions will help you connect more meaningfully with native speakers.

So don’t hesitate to put these expressions into practice. With time and use, you’ll find yourself naturally integrating these good luck wishes into your Chinese conversations, spreading positivity and goodwill in a culturally resonant way.

祝你学习进步，越来越棒！(zhù nǐ xué xí jìn bù, yuè lái yuè bàng!)
Wishing you progress in your studies and continuous improvement!

Japanese Zodiac Signs: How to Talk About Zodiac and Horoscopes Luck of the Irish? Or can anyone can learn to be lucky?How to Say “Good Luck” in Spanish Good Luck in Japanese: How to Offer Encouragement with Cultural Nuance 12 Chinese Zodiac Signs: Discover and Talk About Your Birth Year in Chinese

The post Good Luck in Chinese: 34 Essential Phrases for Every Occasion appeared first on Fluent in 3 Months.

View more on Benny Lewis's website »

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on December 10, 2024 04:00

December 3, 2024

From Dawn to Dusk: How to Say Hello in Turkish

Merhaba is the most common way to say “hello” in Turkish. But it’s far from being the only one. Depending on the context, you’ll also hear the more casual selam, the welcoming hoş geldiniz, or the morning-specific günaydın.

As a native speaker, I’ve rounded up different ways to say hello, how to respond to hello in Turkish, and other common greeting words. Here is an overview of what we’ll cover:

Table of contentsMerhaba: The Most Common Turkish Greeting Why Do Turks Say Merhaba ?Selam: A More Casual Way of Saying Hello in Turkish Merhaba or Selam : Which One Should You Use?Selamün Aleykum, Aleyküm Selam: Religious Ways of Saying Hello Turkish Greetings for Every Time of Day Günaydın: “Good morning” in Turkish İyi Akşamlar: “Good Afternoon” in Turkish İyi Günler: “Good Afternoon” or ”Good Day” in Turkish How to Say Welcome in Turkish How Do Turks Greet Each Other?Handshake: The Universal Greeting Cheek Kisses: For Friends and Family Kissing Hands: A Bayram (Eid) Tradition How Do You Respond to Merhaba ?Nasılsınız? – “How Are You” in Turkish Tanıştığımıza Memnun Oldum (“Nice to Meet You”)Say Merhaba to Learning Turkish English Turkish Audio “Hello” Merhaba “Hello” Merhabalar “Hi” Selam “How are you?” (informal) Nasılsın? “How are you?” (formal) Nasılsınız? “Good morning” Günaydın “Good day” İyi günler “Good afternoon” İyi akşamlar “Welcome” (informal) Hoş geldin “Welcome” (formal) Hoş geldiniz

Merhaba: The Most Common Turkish Greeting

Merhaba is a versatile word you can use to say hello, no matter the situation. You can say merhaba at any time of the day, with anyone you meet, no matter if you address them using the formal or informal register.

You may also hear people say merhabalar instead of merhaba. This word has the plural suffix lar, and literally translates to “hellos.” It’s slightly more casual, but you can use merhaba and merhabalar interchangeably.

Why Do Turks Say Merhaba?

Merhaba comes from Arabic, and it means “welcome” or “hello.” It entered the Turkish language from Arabic, most likely during the Ottoman Empire, a period when Arabic had a significant influence on Turkish.

Selam: A More Casual Way of Saying Hello in Turkish

Selam is the Turkish equivalent of “hi” or “hey.” It’s widely used among friends, family, and younger people, and is as popular as merhaba.

Merhaba or Selam: Which One Should You Use?

While both merhaba and selam mean “hello,” we can say that selam is the more informal version of saying hello. That said, you can use selam in formal contexts without worrying if it’s too informal.
I’d say when you’re speaking to family or friends, always go for selam. Merhaba is fine too, but it might not give off the friendly vibe you might want to give.

Selamün Aleykum, Aleyküm Selam: Religious Ways of Saying Hello

Does the phrase selamün aleykum look familiar? It probably does, as we just covered selam. Selamün aleykum is the long version of the casual Turkish greeting selam.

This Arabic-origin phrase means “Peace be upon you.” You’ll likely hear it in religious contexts. Here’s how it goes: someone greets the others by saying selamün aleykum. Others reply aleyküm selam, wishing peace to the person who initiated the greeting.
That said, you won’t hear it as often as merhaba and selam.

Turkish Greetings for Every Time of Day

Merhaba and selam are great, but they’re not time-specific. Similar to English, Turkish also uses different greetings depending on the time of the day, such as “good morning” and “good afternoon.”

Günaydın: “Good morning” in Turkish

If it’s before noon, you can greet people with günaydın (“good morning”). When someone says günaydın to you, you can reply günaydın as well. If it’s too early in the morning, anticipate their need for some coffee and ask kahve ister misin? Here is an example dialogue:

Günaydın! – “Good morning!”Günaydın! Kahve ister misin? – “Good morning! Would you like some coffee?”Çok iyi olur! – “That would be great!”İyi Akşamlar: “Good Afternoon” in Turkish

As the day winds down, you can switch to iyi akşamlar (“good evening”). This can be both a greeting and a parting, as you can use it instead of both “hello” and “goodbye.”

Merhaba, iyi akşamlar. – “Hi, good afternoon.”İyi akşamlar, nasılsın? – “Good afternoon, how are you?”İyiyim, sen? – “I’m good, and you?”İyi Günler: “Good Afternoon” or ”Good Day” in Turkish

For that period between the morning and the evening, you can use iyi günler, which translates to “good day” in Turkish.

How to Say Welcome in Turkish

When you’re hosting a party, a dinner, or any other type of greeting, use hoş geldiniz to say “welcome.”
Note that hoş geldiniz is the formal or plural version of “welcome,” so you say it to either someone you address using formal language or to a group of people. If you’re welcoming a friend, you should say hoş geldin, a more informal way to say welcome.
Fun fact: there is a customary response to hoş geldiniz. When someone welcomes you with this phrase, you can respond with hoş bulduk, which literally translates into “we are welcomed,* meaning you appreciate the invite.

How Do Turks Greet Each Other?

A handshake, a kiss on both cheeks, or kissing hands — these can all follow a merhaba in Turkish culture.

Handshake: The Universal Greeting

Handshakes are common, especially in formal or business settings. They’re also the safest option when meeting someone for the first time, both when greeting and parting.

Cheek Kisses: For Friends and Family

Kissing on both cheeks is a warm greeting among Turkish friends, as is the case in many Mediterranean countries. The “kiss” is often just a touch of cheeks with a kissing sound.

Kissing Hands: A Bayram (Eid) Tradition

In aid, or “bayram,” it’s traditional to show respect to the elderly by kissing their hands and then touching their forehead. Bayrams are religious holidays in Turkey, with the two most important being Ramazan Bayramı (“Eid al-Fitr”) and Kurban Bayramı (“Eid al-Adha”). During these festive times, younger people visit the elderly and kiss their hands to wish them a happy bayram.
This greeting is more common during religious holidays or in more traditional settings rather than daily life. As a visitor, you’re not expected to kiss hands, but don’t be surprised if you see it happening, especially in more conservative or rural areas, or during Bayram.

How Do You Respond to Merhaba?

When someone says merhaba to you, the easiest response is to say merhaba right back! You can also say selam or ask a follow up question like nasılsınız? (“how are you?”)
Here are some common answers to merhaba in more detail:

Nasılsınız? – “How Are You” in Turkish

Nasılsınız? (“How are you?”) is one of the most common follow-up questions to merhaba. Note that nasılsınız is the formal or plural version — if you want to ask “how are you” to a friend, say nasılsın? instead.

In more informal contexts, you can use naber instead of nasılsın. Think of naber as “what’s up” and “nasılsın* as “how are you.”

Bonus word in case you’re speaking to Turkish Cypriots: napan, pronounced “na-pahn,” is how you say “what’s up” in informal contexts!

The most common responses to nasılsınız, nasılsın, naber or napan are iyiyim sen (“I’m fine and you?”) or iyiyim teşekkürler (“I’m fine, thanks”). Thank you in Turkish goes a long way!

Tanıştığımıza Memnun Oldum (“Nice to Meet You”)

Use this phrase when you’re being introduced to someone new. It’s a polite way to say “nice to meet you” or “pleased to meet you.”

Say Merhaba to Learning Turkish

“Hello” in Turkish is often the first step to learning the language. Now you know merhaba and more — you can say selam in more informal contexts, günaydın in the morning, iyi akşamlar in the afternoon, and more!

Check out our favorite Turkish resources for book recommendations, dictionaries, and Turkish learning websites — you’ll soon move beyond merhaba!

The post From Dawn to Dusk: How to Say Hello in Turkish appeared first on Fluent in 3 Months.

View more on Benny Lewis's website »

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on December 03, 2024 04:00

November 12, 2024

From Casual to Heartfelt: Different Ways of Saying Thank You in Greek

“Thank you” in Greek is ευχαριστώ (efcharistó). It’s one of THE most important words you should know, no matter what your language goals are. Similar to English, Greek also has other phrases for “thank you,” such as “thanks a lot,” and “thank you very much.”

I’m a long-time learner of Greek and am familiar with the core words of the language. My experience includes taking an intensive course in 2019 and writing beginner-level articles for Fluent in 3 Months. This article is part of our beginner Greek series, aiming to familiarize you with different ways of saying “thank you” in Greek.

Table of contentsHow to Say Thank You in Greek Ευχαριστώ ( Efcharistó ): The Most Common Way to Say “Thank You” in Greek Ευχαριστώ Πολύ ( Efcharistó Polý ): “Thank You Very Much” in Greek Ευχαριστώ Πάρα Πολύ ( Efcharistó Pára Polý ): “Thank You Very Much” in Greek Σ’ ευχαριστώ ( s’efcharistó ): When You Want to Thank One Person in Particular Σας Ευχαριστώ ( Sas efcharistó ): Thanking a Group of People Ευχαριστώ Από Καρδιάς ( Efcharistó Apó Kardiás ): “Thank You From the Bottom of My Heart”Χίλια Ευχαριστώ ( Chília Efcharistó ): Expressing Countless Thanks Ευχαριστώ Για Όλα ( Efcharistó Gia Óla ): “Thank You for Everything”Το Εκτιμώ ( To Ektimó ): “I Appreciate It” in Greek How to Say “You’re Welcome” in Greek Παρακαλώ ( Parakaló ): “You’re Welcome”Τίποτα ( Típota ): “No Big Deal”Χαρά Μου ( Chará Mou ): “My Pleasure”Now You Know All About Efcharistó (And More!)

Here are the phrases we’ll cover, along with English translations and how to pronounce these words meaning “thank you” in Greek:

English Greek Audio “Thank you” Ευχαριστώ (Efcharistó) “(We) thank you” Ευχαριστούμε (Efcharistoúme) “Thanks a lot” Ευχαριστώ πολύ (Efcharistó polý) “Thank you very much” Ευχαριστώ πάρα πολύ (Efcharistó pára polý) “Thanks” (informal, to one person) Σ' ευχαριστώ (S'efcharistó) “Thank you” (formal or to a group) Σας ευχαριστώ (Sas efcharistó) “Thank you from the bottom of my heart” Ευχαριστώ από καρδιάς (Efcharistó apó kardiás) “Thanks a million” Χίλια ευχαριστώ (Chília efcharistó) “Thank you for everything” Ευχαριστώ για όλα (Efcharistó gia óla) “I appreciate it” Το εκτιμώ (To ektimó)

How to Say Thank You in Greek

While ευχαριστώ (efcharistó) is the most common way to say “thank you” in Greek, there are several other phrases you can use to express your gratitude, depending on the situation and the level of formality.

Let’s look at them in more detail.

Ευχαριστώ (Efcharistó): The Most Common Way to Say “Thank You” in Greek

Ευχαριστώ means “thank you” or “thanks.” It’s widely used, both in formal and informal situations. You can use it on its own, or combine it with other words to give context. Here are some examples:

Ευχαριστώ για τις ευχές γενεθλίων. (Efcharistó gia tis efchés genethlíon.): “Thank you for your birthday wishes.”Ευχαριστώ για το δώρο. (Efcharistó gia to dóro.): “Thanks for the gift.”

If you’re giving thanks on behalf of a group of people, you can say ευχαριστούμε (efcharistoúme). This word means “we thank you” or “we are grateful.”

Ευχαριστώ Πολύ (Efcharistó Polý): “Thank You Very Much” in Greek

Add πολύ (polý), which means “very” or “much,” after ευχαριστώ, and you have the Greek expression for “thank you very much.”

Here are some examples to put it into context:

Ευχαριστώ πολύ για την βοήθειά σας. (Efcharistó polý gia tin voítheiá sas.): “Thank you very much for your help.”Ευχαριστώ πολύ για το υπέροχο δώρο. (Efcharistó polý gia to ypérocho dóro.): “Thank you very much for the wonderful gift.”Ευχαριστώ Πάρα Πολύ (Efcharistó Pára Polý): “Thank You Very Much” in Greek

Another way to express your gratitude in Greek, ευχαριστώ πάρα πολύ (efcharistó pára polý) is even stronger than ευχαριστώ πολύ. This phrase is perfect for situations when someone has gone above and beyond to help you or has done something exceptionally kind or generous.

For example, the sentence below means “Thank you very much for your exceptional hospitality.”

Ευχαριστώ πάρα πολύ για την εξαιρετική φιλοξενία σας. (Efcharistó pára polý gia tin exairetikí filoxenía sas.)

Fun fact about the Greek word for hospitality you see above: φιλοξενία (filoxenía) is the combination of two words: filo (“love”) and xenía (“foreigner.”) A cool Greek word to talk about hospitality!

Σ’ ευχαριστώ (s’efcharistó): When You Want to Thank One Person in Particular

Σ’ ευχαριστώ is a shortened version of σε ευχαριστώ (se efcharistó), which means “I thank you.” You won’t hear it as much as ευχαριστώ (efcharistó), but when you do, it will be in situations when someone is thanking one specific person.

Σ’ ευχαριστώ, φίλε μου. (S’ efcharistó, fíle mou.): “Thank you, my friend.”Σας Ευχαριστώ (Sas efcharistó): Thanking a Group of People

Similar to σε ευχαριστώ (se efcharistó), σας ευχαριστώ (sas efcharistó) is a particular way of saying thanks. It’s either the formal version of σε ευχαριστώ, thanking one specific person you address formally, or thanking a group of people.

Σας ευχαριστώ όλους για αυτή την υπέροχη έκπληξη! (Sas efcharistó ólous gia aftí tin ypérochi ékplixi!): “Thank you all for this wonderful surprise!”Ευχαριστώ Από Καρδιάς (Efcharistó Apó Kardiás): “Thank You From the Bottom of My Heart”

This heartfelt expression literally translates to “thank you from the heart,” similar to the English expression “thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Χίλια Ευχαριστώ (Chília Efcharistó): Expressing Countless Thanks

Although it’s not as common as the other words for “thank you” in Greek, you might occasionally see this phrase. Although it’s similar to saying “thanks a million” in English, χίλια (chília) is the Greek number for 1,000. So we can say that the Greek way of saying “thanks a million” is “thanks a thousand!”

Ευχαριστώ Για Όλα (Efcharistó Gia Óla): “Thank You for Everything”

Ευχαριστώ για όλα means “thank you for everything.” It implies that a person has done multiple things to win your gratitude.

You can hear this expression in phrases like:

Ευχαριστώ για όλα όσα μου έχετε διδάξει. (Efcharistó gia óla ósa mou échete didáxei.): “Thank you for everything you have taught me.”Ευχαριστώ για όλη την βοήθεια και υποστήριξή σας. (Efcharistó gia óli tin voítheia kai ypostírixí sas.): “Thank you for all your help and support.”Το Εκτιμώ (To Ektimó): “I Appreciate It” in Greek

An indirect way of saying thanks, το εκτιμώ (to ektimó) means “I appreciate it.” Here are some example sentences combining ευχαριστώ and το εκτιμώ:

Ευχαριστώ που φροντίσατε το παιδί μου. Το εκτιμώ. (Efcharistó pou frontísate to paidí mou. To ektimó.): “Thank you for taking care of my kid. I appreciate it.”Ευχαριστώ που με βοηθήσατε με τις αποσκευές μου. Το εκτιμώ πολύ. (Efcharistó pou me voithísate me tis aposkevés mou. To ektimó polý.): “Thank you for helping me with my luggage. I really appreciate it.”How to Say “You’re Welcome” in Greek

Here are the most common responses to “thank you:”

Παρακαλώ (Parakaló): “You’re Welcome”

Παρακαλώ is the typical response to “thank you” in Greek. It’s used in both formal and informal situations. Here are two examples for each:

Formal:

Ευχαριστώ πολύ για τη βοήθειά σας με τα έγγραφα. (Efcharistó polý gia ti voítheiá sas me ta éngrafa.): “Thank you very much for your help with the documents.”Παρακαλώ, κυρία. (Parakaló, kyría.): “You’re welcome, madam.”

Informal:

Ευχαριστώ για το δώρο, με ξέρεις καλά! (Efcharistó gia to dóro, me xéreis kalá!): “Thanks for the gift, you know me well!”Παρακαλώ, φίλε μου! (Parakaló fíle mou!): “No worries, my friend!”Τίποτα (Típota): “No Big Deal”

Τίποτα is another common response to “thank you” in Greek. Its literal translation is “nothing,” implying that the favor is no big deal. Keep in mind that this phrase is informal, and it’s best to use it with friends.

If you want to make it slightly more formal, you can say Δεν ήταν τίποτα (Den ítan típota), which translates into “it was nothing,” but means “no worries” or “no big deal.”

Χαρά Μου (Chará Mou): “My Pleasure”

Χαρά μου means “my pleasure.” You can use it when you want to convey a feeling that you’re happy to help!

Now You Know All About Efcharistó (And More!)

As a Greek learner, you’ll use phrases like ευχαριστώ (efcharistó), σας ευχαριστώ (sas efcharistó), and παρακαλώ (parakaló) in almost every interaction, including your Greek lessons.

You’ve now covered one of the most important phrases, and it’s time to check out more online Greek resources!

How to Say “I Love You” in Greek (+ 53 More Romantic Greek Phrases)How to Form Plural Nouns in Italian – An Extensive Guide [With Examples]How to Say Hello in Greek (And 30+ Other Greetings in Greek)Learn Greek Online: 39 Free Resources and Classes to Learn the Greek Language 40+ Cool Greek Words That Will Make You Want to Learn Greek

The post From Casual to Heartfelt: Different Ways of Saying Thank You in Greek appeared first on Fluent in 3 Months.

View more on Benny Lewis's website »

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on November 12, 2024 04:00

November 5, 2024

21 Popular Flowers in Japan (and How to See Them!)

“Flower” in Japanese is 花 (hana), and boy, does Japan have a lot of culturally significant flowers! You can see this in especially 生け花 (ikebana), or the Japanese art of flower arranging.

In this article, I’ll introduce you to some interesting linguistic and cultural aspects of flowers in Japan and where to see them.

I lived in Japan for several years, including in Tochigi Prefecture, home to the famous Ashikaga Flower Park (more on that below!).

Here’s me participating in hanami – I’ll explain what this is soon!

So whether you’re a language enthusiast, a gardening aficionado, or simply a fan of Japanese culture, this guide will offer you insights and tips all about flowers in Japanese!

function runSplitTest(){var randomNumber = Math.floor(Math.random() * 2) + 1console.log(randomNumber)var copy = "";if (randomNumber == 3){ copy = 'A note from the Fluent in 3 Months team before we get started: You can chat away in Japanese for at least 15 minutes with the "Fluent in 3 Months" method. All it takes is 90 days. <a href="https://fluentin3months.com/challenge... this link to find out more.</a>'} else { copy = 'Editor's note: Before we get started, if you’re looking for an online Japanese course, here’s the course we recommend: <a href="https://www.fluentin3months.com/olly-... Uncovered - Learn Japanese Through the Power of Story</a>, a course with a fascinating new method by Olly Richards. You can try it for free for 7 days!'}console.log(copy)var copyToChange = document.querySelector("p.copyText").innerHTML = copy;}runSplitTest();Table of contentsWriting Flower in Japanese 21 Common Flowers in Japan and Their Meanings 1. 桜 ( Sakura ) — Cherry Blossom 2. 梅 ( Ume ) — Plum Blossom 3. 桃 ( Momo ) — Peach Blossom 4. 菊 ( Kiku ) — Chrysanthemum 5. 向日葵 ( Himawari ) — Sunflower 6. 藤 ( Fuji ) — Wisteria 7. 椿 ( Tsubaki ) — Camellia 8. 朝顔 ( Asagao ) — Morning Glory 9. カーネーション ( Kaaneeshon ) — Carnation 10. 紫陽花 ( Ajisai ) — Hydrangea 11. 金木犀 ( Kinmokusei ) — Orange Osmanthus 12. 薔薇 ( Bara ) — Rose 13. 桜草 ( Sakurasou ) — Japanese Primrose 14. チューリップ ( Chuurippu ) — Tulip 15. 菫 ( Sumire ) — Violet 16. ラベンダー ( Rabendaa ) — Lavender 17. 菖蒲 ( Ayame ) — Iris 18. 彼岸花 ( Higanbana ) — Red Spider Lily 19. 百合 ( Yuri ) — Lily 20. 枇杷 ( Biwa ) — Loquat 21. 芝桜 ( Shibazakura ) — Pink Moss)Flower Power for LanguageWriting Flower in Japanese

Okay, so I sort of already answered this one: the basic word for “flower” in Japanese is indeed 花 (hana), but that’s not all you need to know!

Occasionally, you might also come across 華 (hana), which is pronounced the same way but has a more poetic nuance.

There’s also a lot more to writing flowers in Japanese than you might think. I’ll introduce you to some common flowers in Japan and in Japanese in the next section, but first, a few bits of kanji information:

Some flower names in Japanese use ateji (当て字), which is the practice of using kanji characters for their phonetic value rather than their semantic meaning to represent words in Japanese, particularly for foreign or borrowed terms. I’ll point out how this is used with the word for “sunflower” below!

Also, while many Japanese flowers have their own kanji, you might also commonly see them written in katakana instead. Flower names (like the one I’ll show you for “rose”) often have complex kanji that can be difficult to read and write.

Using katakana, a script typically reserved for foreign words and onomatopoeia simplifies these terms visually and phonetically. Katakana provides a straightforward phonetic representation, making it easier to pronounce and remember the names of flowers.

21 Common Flowers in Japan and Their Meanings

Here, I’ll introduce you to 21 of the most common flowers in Japanese. Please note that the blooming time is an approximation (especially in an era of fast-paced climate change).

For example, cherry blossoms tend to bloom around March to early April. But this will be different year by year, and also where in Japan you are will make a big difference.

Along with the flower information, I’ll teach you what they often symbolize. But wait, there’s more! I’ll also introduce you to the flowers’ 花言葉 (hanakotoba – literally, “flower language”). This is what each flower means based on appearance, history, and other cultural factors!

First off, here are all the flowers I’m going to introduce to you in this article:

Japanese Romaji English Audio 花 Hana Flower 桜 Sakura Cherry blossom 梅 Ume Plum blossom 桃 Momo Peach blossom 菊 Kiku Chrysanthemum 向日葵 Himawari Sunflower 藤 Fuji Wisteria 椿 Tsubaki Cermellia 朝顔 Asagao Morning Glory カーネーション Kaaneeshon Carnation 紫陽花 Ajisai Hydrangea 金木犀 Kinmokusei Orange Osmanthus 薔薇 Bara Rose 桜草 Sakurasou Japanese Primrose チューリップ Chuurippu Tulip 菫 Sumire Violet ラベンダー Rabendaa Lavender 菖蒲 Ayame Iris 彼岸花 Higanbara Red Spider Lily 百合 Yuri Lily 枇杷 Biwa Loquat 1. 桜 (Sakura) — Cherry Blossom

When They Bloom: Late March to early April
Hanakotoba: “A beautiful soul”
Symbolizes: Transience, beauty, and impermanence

Sakura is the quintessential (and national) symbol of Japan. These beautiful pink blossoms signify the arrival of spring and are celebrated with 花見 (hanami, “flower viewing”) parties, where you picnic (and often drink) beneath cherry blossom trees. It’s a major social event!

(You’ll notice the blue tarps in my photo at the beginning of this article – they’re ubiquitous during cherry blossom season!)

Cherry blossoms look a lot like peach and plum blossoms, but here’s a tip to distinguish them: cherry blossoms have a notch at the tip of their petals!

Now, cherry blossoms represent transience for a reason: they only bloom for a couple of weeks (or less, depending on the weather). They tend to bloom earlier in the south (where it’s warmer) than the north.

Actually, every year, websites like Japan Travel publish forecasts for cherry blossoms, much like weather forecasts.

So honestly, it will be fairly unpredictable whether you can see them on a trip to Japan if you’re only going for a short while, unless you’re willing to book your trip on very short notice!

2. 梅 (Ume) — Plum Blossom

When They Bloom: Late January to early February
Hanakotoba: “Elegance”
Symbolizes: Perseverance, renewal, and good fortune

Ume blossoms are among the first signs that winter is ending. They’re often more fragrant than sakura and often featured in Japanese art and poetry. These are another popular flower to do hanami with.

3. 桃 (Momo) — Peach Blossom

When They Bloom: Early March
Hanakotoba: “A fascinating personality”

Peach blossoms have a strong association with 雛祭り (Hinamatsuri, Girls’ Day on March 3rd). These blossoms bring a soft, delicate beauty to spring.

4. 菊 (Kiku) — Chrysanthemum

When They Bloom: September to November
Hanakotoba: “Noble”
Symbolizes: Longevity and rejuvenation

Chrysanthemums are a symbol of the Japanese Imperial Family and embody longevity and rejuvenation. They’re also a key feature in Kyoto’s annual Chrysanthemum Festival, or 重陽の節句 (Chouyou no Sekku), held on September 9th.

5. 向日葵 (Himawari) — Sunflower

When They Bloom: July to August
Hanakotoba: “Radiate”
Symbolizes: Adoration, vitality, and longevity.

Sunflowers are bright, cheerful, and a reminder of the summer sun. They also symbolize loyalty and adoration.

Fun fact: The kanji for himawari is an ateji, which means it’s chosen for meaning rather than phonetic purposes. It literally means “rotating around the sun,” which is what sunflowers do!

Here’s a photo I took of the wisteria at the famous Ashikaga Flower Park!

6. 藤 (Fuji) — Wisteria

When They Bloom: Late April to early May
Hanakotoba: “Welcome”
Symbolizes: Elegance, tenderness, and nostalgia

Wisteria flowers cascade like purple waterfalls, but they can also be in other colors, such as pink, white, and yellow. They’re often found wrapping around arches and trellises in Japanese gardens. The Ashikaga Flower Park is famous for its stunning wisteria displays. (I’ve been to this one, and it’s really worth it in the springtime!)

The kanji for wisteria 藤 (read either as fuji or tou/dou) is a common part of Japanese surnames, including the historic Fujiwara (藤原) clan or the ever-common surname Sato (佐藤). But don’t get it mixed up with Mt. Fuji (富士山) – that’s a totally unrelated kanji!

7. 椿 (Tsubaki) — Camellia

When They Bloom: January to March
Hanakotoba: “Modesty”
Symbolizes: Elegance, tenderness, and nostalgia

Camellia flowers are beautiful in their simplicity and are often used in tea ceremonies. They’re a favorite in both gardens and art. They are also associated with the samurai code of honor, 武士道 (bushidou).

8. 朝顔 (Asagao) — Morning Glory

When They Bloom: July to October
Hanakotoba: “Love in vain”
Symbolizes: Brief love and bond of love

Morning Glories open with the sunrise and close by afternoon. They symbolize fleeting love and the transient nature of life. Their name literally means “morning face.”

9. カーネーション (Kaaneeshon) — Carnation

When They Bloom: Late Spring to Midsummer
Hanakotoba: “Love and fascination”
Symbolizes: Love

Carnations are commonly used in bouquets and arrangements, especially on Mother’s Day. Each color of carnation has a different meaning, with pink being the most popular.

10. 紫陽花 (Ajisai) — Hydrangea

When They Bloom: June to July
Hanakotoba: “Heartfelt emotion”
Symbolizes: Transformation and apology

Hydrangeas bloom from spring to early autumn, typically during the rainy season, and their color can change with the soil’s pH.

11. 金木犀 (Kinmokusei) — Orange Osmanthus

When They Bloom: October
Hanakotoba: “True love”
Symbolizes: Truth and a noble person.

These flowers were brought to Japan via China during the Edo Period (1603-1868). The tiny orange blossoms of the Osmanthus give off a powerful, sweet fragrance. They’re often used in perfumes and for seasonal flower arrangements.

12. 薔薇 (Bara) — Rose

When They Bloom: Spring through Autumn
Hanakotoba: “Love”
Symbolizes: Romance

Roses are as cherished in Japan as they are in the West. Red roses especially symbolize romantic love.

Note that although this flower has kanji, it’s most commonly written in katakana (バラ) because the kanji are so complex.

13. 桜草 (Sakurasou) — Japanese Primrose

When They Bloom: April to May
Hanakotoba: “Desperate”
Symbolizes: Desire and long-lasting love

Formally known as “Primula Sieboldii,” these small, delightful flowers are considered a symbol of unrequited love. They often grow in clusters and add a beautiful touch to spring gardens. It resembles the cherry blossom flower.

14. チューリップ (Chuurippu) — Tulip

When They Bloom: April to May
Hanakotoba: “Charity”
Symbolizes: Fame and eternal love

Tulips come in many vibrant colors. They are popular in both Western and Japanese gardens. They symbolize elegance and grace. They’re staples of Gunma Flower Park as well as Huis Ten Bosch, a Dutch-themed park in Nagasaki.

15. 菫 (Sumire) — Violet

When They Bloom: March to May
Hanakotoba: “Small love”
Symbolizes: Sincerity and bliss

These tiny purple flowers are humble but pretty. They’re often found in the wild as well as sprucing up gardens with bright violet petals and long ivory stems.

16. ラベンダー (Rabendaa) — Lavender

When They Bloom: June to July
Hanakotoba: “Silence”
Symbolizes: Faithfulness

Lavender fields are not just beautiful but also incredibly soothing. They’re often used in aromatherapy for their calming effects. They’re a staple in the Furano Flower Fields in Hokkaido.

17. 菖蒲 (Ayame) — Iris

When They Bloom: May to June
Hanakotoba: “Good news” and “Heroism”
Symbolizes: Courage and strength

The iris is a popular feature of the May 5th Boy’s Festival. They are used in traditional Japanese medicine and symbolize lasting bonds. Historically, the iris motif adorned samurai armor, representing valor and nobility.

Here are red spider lilies on the grounds of a Buddhist temple. Buddhism is associated with cemeteries in Japanese culture.

18. 彼岸花 (Higanbana) — Red Spider Lily

When They Bloom: Late September
Hanakotoba: “Never to meet again”
Symbolizes: Death, reincarnation, and the cycle of life

Higanbana are associated with death and the afterlife. These striking red flowers are often planted in graveyards and seen in Japanese media, symbolizing the cycle of life and death.

19. 百合 (Yuri) — Lily

When They Bloom: June to August
Hanakotoba: “Pure and refined”
Symbolizes: Purity, innocence, and renewal

Lilies come in many varieties and are particularly loved for their strong fragrance and striking beauty. They are often worn during weddings.

20. 枇杷 (Biwa) — Loquat

When They Bloom: Autumn to Early Winter
Hanakotoba: “Patience and steadfastness”
Symbolizes: Longevity and protection.

Blooming in late winter, loquat flowers transform into sweet fruits by early summer. Their unobtrusive yet fragrant flowers are signs that winter is here! They also have been used in traditional medicine.

Here’s an iconic image of Mt. Fuji with the pink moss in full bloom!

21. 芝桜 (Shibazakura) — Pink Moss)

When They Bloom: April to May
Hanakotoba: “Harmony”

Also known as “phlox moss,” these low-growing flowers blanket hills and gardens with vibrant pink, white, and purple hues. So they create a stunning, almost carpet-like effect! They’re especially iconic in places like the Fuji Shibazakura Festival (富士芝桜まつり, Fuji Shibazakura Matsuri).

Flower Power for Language

This was just a taster of the types of flowers you’ll find in Japan. Which ones are your favorites, and are there any I missed? Hopefully your language skills will “blossom” even more with the knowledge you’ve gained here!

“It's a big bad scary world out there!” Are you sure North America?47 Japanese Proverbs about Life, Love, and Wisdom to Inspire You (with English translations)15 Totally Addicting Korean TV Shows to Boost Your Language Skills German Colors: A Fun and Easy Way to Learn Colors in German How to Say “Happy Birthday” in 25 Different Languages

View more on Benny Lewis's website »

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on November 05, 2024 04:00

October 29, 2024

Kanamara Matsuri and Honen Matsuri: Comparing fertility “penis” festivals in Japan

You may have heard of Japan’s so-called “penis” festivals (yes, plural) – the most famous being the Kanamara Matsuri, visitable easily from Tokyo. But what are these actually about?

Attending festivals (祭り, matsuri) is a great way to use your Japanese language skills and participate in the culture. I visited two during my years living in Japan: the Kanamara Matsuri in Greater Tokyo and Honen Matsuri in Greater Nagoya. In this article, I’m going to tell you all about these two festivals, what happens, and evaluate which one I prefer. (Keep in mind that details are always subject to change.)

Table of contentsWhere to Attend a Penis Festival in Japan When to Attend the Penis Festivals in Japan The Language of These Two Fertility Festivals in Japan What is a Japanese Fertility Festival?What Happens at a Japanese Penis Festival?The Grounds of the Penis Festivals What to Buy at the Penis Festivals What Do the Penis Festivals Look Like?Extra Activities and Events at the Japanese Penis Festivals Which Japanese Penis Festival Should You Go to? My Final Thoughts

Before I go into this topic too much, in Japan, these events are actually considered to be family-friendly. They are fertility festivals, not “Japanese sex festivals.” But keep in mind that there are some rather explicit photos below.

Also, here is the vocabulary I’ll go over in this article:

Japanese Romaji English Audio 祭り matsuri festival 神道 Shintou Shintoism 仏教 Bukkyou Buddhism 神社 jinja shrine お寺 o-tera temple 草食 soushoku grass-eating (referring to a population passive about sex) お神輿 o-mikoshi portable shrine 絵馬 ema wooden prayer tablets 朱印 shuin commemorative stamp from a shrine/temple 餅 mochi rice cake 大根 daikon a large Japanese radish Where to Attend a Penis Festival in Japan

So first off, let’s go over what Japanese cities have a penis festival.

The Kanamara Matsuri takes place in Kawasaki (川崎市, Kawasaki-shi), the capital of Kanagawa Prefecture (神奈川県, Kanagawa-ken), which is just about 30 minutes outside downtown Tokyo. Specifically, it takes place at Kanayama Shrine (金山神社, Kanayama Jinja). This one is the more famous one, probably due to its proximity to Tokyo and Yokohama, the two biggest cities in Japan.

The Honen Matsuri takes place in the town of Komaki (小牧市) due north of Nagoya (名古屋). You’ll go to Tagata Shrine (田縣神社, Tagata Jinja) for this one. But don’t be fooled – this is also a very well-attended festival! Also, I’d be remiss if I didn’t suggest you also visit Ogata Shrine (大縣神社, Oogata Jinja), a “Vulva Shrine,” while you’re in the area.

When to Attend the Penis Festivals in Japan

So, when is the penis festival in Japan?

The two are actually only separated by a couple of weeks. The Kanamara Matsuri takes place on the first Sunday of April each year, and the Honen Matsuri occurs on March 15. Technically they are both similar in origin – fertility festivals, so it is no coincidence that they both take place at the beginning of spring.

Actually, there are a few more fertility festivals in Japan, but these are the two main ones.

The Language of These Two Fertility Festivals in Japan

Kanamara Matsuri (かなまら祭り, Kanamara Matsuri) is always written in hiragana, one of Japanese’s phonetic alphabets, so without the kanji it’s a bit difficult to be certain about the etymology of the name. Kana possibly comes from a reading of 金, which means “gold.” Mara might come from the Buddhist term of the same pronunciation 魔羅, which means an “obstacle to Buddhist practice.” This is actually a vulgar slang term for “penis.”

On the flip side, the Honen Matsuri (豊年祭, Hounen Matsuri or also Hounen-sai) is written in kanji, so the meaning is clear. It literally means “bountiful year festival.”

As you can see, just by looking at the names, the vibes for the two festivals–as scandalous as we foreigners (and many Japanese as well nowadays) may see them to be–seem to be pretty different.

Before I go into the meat of this post, I really do need to give a short briefing about what is considered “scandalous” and “erotic” and “normal” in the Japanese context. We really need to look at pre-Westernized Japan to put this into context. That’s up next!

What is a Japanese Fertility Festival?

A Japanese fertility festival is a traditional Shinto celebration that honors fertility, reproduction, and abundance. They typically feature parades with phallic symbols (Japan’s patriarchal culture means that you’ll have grand penis festivals rather than vulva festivals), shrine rituals, and various activities aimed at promoting good harvests and healthy offspring.

Now, I want to give you a bit of historical and cultural context. Before the mid-1800s, when the US forced Japan to engage with the outside world after over 200 years of almost total isolation, Japan was relatively pretty sex-positive – at least in comparison to most of the Victorian-Era West.

Now, both of these festivals pertain to Shintoism (神道, Shintou), Japan’s native religion. By the way, we easily know this because shrines (神社, jinja) are Shinto, and temples (お寺, o-tera) are Buddhist (仏教, Bukkyou). Shinto especially was pretty open about sexuality and letting the population grow and be free and one with each other.

So in much of Japanese society, sex and sexuality used to be considered just another facet of life. This openness was especially prevalent in smaller villages, which is where some of these festivals and shrines originate.

There is no denying that is a clear paradox in modern Japanese attitudes towards sexuality. Japan’s sex industry aimed at men is highly profitable and receives worldwide attention. On the other hand, the government is stressed about Japan’s rapidly declining population and there is a prominent so-called “grass-eating” (草食, soushoku) male (and female) population disillusioned with and disinterested in sex.

However, remember that this is all, in the history of the ancient country, a very recent phenomenon and that the origins of these two festivals predate all of this.

Now, for the real crux of this post: Which penis festival is better?

What Happens at a Japanese Penis Festival?

The main event at both the Kanamara Matsuri and the Honen Matsuri is the parade of the giant penis.

The Honen Matsuri parade

The Honen Matsuri parade takes place along a certain natural environment leading to shrine grounds (although the path of the parade changes depending on if it is an odd- or even-numbered year). The path is long with ample open space for people to gather and watch the procession, which includes some shrine workers displaying very detailed penis flags, shrine maidens carrying wooden penises the size of babies (even more fortune to you if you get to rub those), and the main hauling of the giant, amazingly detailed wooden phallus on a portable shrine (お神輿, o-mikoshi). Once the penis is safely at its intended destination, jolly workers hand out free cups of sake.

The Kanamara Matsuri parade

At the Kanamara Matsuri, the parade moves three phallic floats. Unfortunately, I missed the actual parade for Kanamara because I was waiting in a line for my friend to get a collectible shrine stamp (朱印, shuin). By the time it started, I had also distracted myself with carving a penis into a large radish (more on that below).

The Grounds of the Penis Festivals

Honestly, the Honen Matsuri is better in these regards. Since it takes place in a small town right outside a major hub, there is plenty of space to move around. The shrine itself is pretty small, and you definitely need to get there early in order to pat the penis and rub the balls at the main shrine, but it has ample space.

Plus, the shrine itself is not gated, so it is a very free, open space. The main parade (described below) takes place in an open area lined with trees and grass, and while you might have to elbow a few people, you can get a good viewing spot.

On the other hand, the Kanamara Matsuri tends to be densely packed. The shrine is tiny and gated, meaning you need to line up to see much of it. When I went, it simply had no space, and workers were roping off areas to limit the number of people visiting different sections of the shrine. I gave up buying souvenirs because the lines were constantly so long.

Sure, being right outside touristy Tokyo makes it convenient, but it is difficult and frankly a bit stressful to move around. Expect significantly longer lines to see aspects of the shrine and festivities and to buy souvenirs at Kanamara Matsuri.

What to Buy at the Penis Festivals

Again, I think the Honen Matsuri does better than the Kanamara Matsuri in this regard. For the Honen Matsuri, vendors greet you at the station and are dotted along the path to the festival area, at which rows and rows of stalls selling food and knick-knacks are lined up. You can buy phallus-carved sticks, statuettes of men and women with ahem a surprise to be revealed when you turn them over and look under their robes, and more.

Eat your choco-banana with the tip slightly carved and little cookie balls stuck on the bottom, your “grilled precious treasure” (their special term for a hot dog), and penis- (and a few vagina-) shaped hard candies:

At the Kanamara Matsuri, the vendors were few. Only one was selling phallic-shaped hard candy, and there were only about five other tents within the grounds selling anything.

What Do the Penis Festivals Look Like?

Again, I prefer the Honen Matsuri over the Kanamara Matsuri in terms of decoration. It’s very in-your-face that it’s a fertility shrine because thoroughly it’s decorated with penises of all sizes. They display the phallus o-mikoshi before the parade. In addition, there is another smaller (but still large) phallus statue and some big stone balls that are said to bring you good luck if you rub them.

The shrine has a sense of humor. Even the ema (絵馬) – decorated wooden boards on which you write a wish – are ostentatiously true to the theme:

In contrast, the Kanamara Matsuri was much less bold. You can see their bubblegum-pink penis on the float on the shrine grounds. And honestly, compared to the Honen Matsuri’s float, it is a bit lacking in details. But otherwise, the shrine is surprisingly almost genital-free.

Their structure to hang the ema had a few penises protruding from under the eaves, but the ema were less bold:

However, I did see the classic “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil” monkey trio with two additions: “transmit no evil” and “receive no evil” (referring to STIs), which was a nice touch.

Extra Activities and Events at the Japanese Penis Festivals

As you may be able to tell, I was getting pretty frustrated at the Kanamara Matsuri when I went. But the festival really shone in this final evaluation.

Besides eating and watching the parade, the final main event of the Honen Matsuri was the annual mochi (餅, rice cake) throwing. As Wikipedia describes it, “Everyone then gathers in the square outside Tagata Jinja and waits for the mochi nage, at which time the crowd is showered with small rice cakes which are thrown down by the officials from raised platforms.” As I describe it: A horde of people desperately push and shove each other to get a brick of hard, dried mochi, which are dangerously pelted from meters (or yards, whichever you prefer) above you. You can’t escape once you’re corralled in the mochi throwing ring, and if you’re not aggressive or big enough, good luck getting your hands on one. It was honestly scary and not worth it in my opinion.

On the other hand, at the Kanamara Matsuri, there was a little old lady who made my day. She was sitting with a giant pile of daikon (大根, large Japanese radishes) carving them into – you guessed it – penises. And while I can’t guarantee that she is there every year, she told me she’s been doing this for 30 years.

I had just happened to come across her while waiting for my friend to get ever closer in the shuin line, and I assumed you had to wait in a large line or pay some fee to make a carving, or that maybe she carved them for you. Well was I wrong, because she shouted out to me to carve one for free. She not only asked, but she really pushed that anyone around her little territory carve one, as she shouted out time after time at startled Japanese and foreigners in an enthusiastic mix of broken English and Japanese that “this isn’t just an event to watch–you have to participate!” Bless.

I decided to give it a go and waited for a few words of instruction. However, it seems to be against every fiber of her being to give instructions regarding how to carve a penis from a radish.

“Where do I cut it from?” I asked of the radish top. “Wherever you like,” she said with a wink. (Later she took the green tops and announced that they look like pubes, demonstrating how right she was by sticking the radish tops and putting them over her crotch area. Bless her again.)

Her only advice? I’ll quote directly what she said to a couple of foreign-looking women as they took up their radishes after me: “You! Boyfriend!” [Commence a lot of hand whirling and swirling above the head to convey “use your imagination/memory.”]

Me with my finished carving. FYI, she suggested this pose.

What happens to the daikon after they are carved, you may be wondering? “We will take this pile and offer them to the main shrine,” she explained. “Then they will turn into gods!”

Which Japanese Penis Festival Should You Go to? My Final Thoughts

Clearly, I enjoyed the Honen Matsuri much more than the Kanamara Matsuri, although that is not to say that the latter isn’t worth going to. I would recommend spending the whole day at the Honen Matsuri with a group of friends – there is plenty to do and see (people watching is, as expected, excellent at both), and there’s enough food to keep you satisfied until the end. Maybe watch the mochi throwing from the sidelines, however.

The Kanamara Matsuri isn’t without its perks, but I would recommend stopping by as early as possible – maybe around 9 in the morning (don’t even bother getting there after 11) – with a very small group of friends. The area around the shrine is really interesting and bustling in any case. There is an exquisite temple in the park just a few blocks away that also has a few food stalls and a spillover of interesting people perfect for watching.

I would definitely go back to Honen Matsuri again when I’m in the area; I can’t say I’d say the same for the Kanamara Matsuri, but I am, in any case, glad I went once to check it out.

Benny's 1 month level of Mandarin: Lantern festival interviews!77 of the Best (Bleeping) Dirty Words from Around the World [NSFW]Singing in French & Spanish, dancing salsa & working efficiently: A day in the life of an Irish polyglot in Colombia Japanese Zodiac Signs: How to Talk About Zodiac and Horoscopes Less Commonly Taught Languages: How to Find Resources

The post Kanamara Matsuri and Honen Matsuri: Comparing fertility “penis” festivals in Japan appeared first on Fluent in 3 Months.

View more on Benny Lewis's website »

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on October 29, 2024 04:00

October 22, 2024

25 Must-Know Halloween Words for a Spooky Season

Halloween is just around the corner, and it’s time to brush up on your spooky vocabulary with some special Halloween words!

Whether you’re a language learner, a parent teaching kids, or just someone looking to get into the Halloween spirit, mastering these words will make your celebrations all the more bewitching.

This article is for English learners of all levels, English teachers, and fanatics of other languages!

In this article, we’ll check out over 100 Halloween words and phrases, starting from easy foundational words to advanced vocabulary in English.

We’ll also look at spooky terms, creepy expressions, and even Halloween vocabulary from around the world.

Then, we’ll look at some fun games and ways to learn and practice Halloween words!

By the end, you’ll be ready to cast a spell with your words and impress everyone at your next Halloween party. So, grab your broomstick, and let’s kick off!

Table of contentsEssential Halloween Words and Phrases for Beginners Top 25 Must-Know Halloween Terms:Common Halloween Greetings and Phrases:Halloween Words from A to Z Creepy and Spooky Halloween Words Halloween-Like Traditions from Around the World Mexico – Día de los Muertos Ireland – Samhain China – 中元 ( Zhōngyuán ) Festival Japan – お盆 ( Obon ) Festival Germany – Walpurgisnacht Philippines – Pangangaluluwa Halloween Words in Other Languages Fun Activities to Learn Halloween Words Halloween Word Bingo Spooky Story Chain Halloween Charades Crossword Puzzles and Word Searches Halloween Vocabulary Scavenger Hunt Costume Description Challenge Spooky Spelling Bee Halloween Mad Libs Pumpkin Vocabulary Happy Halloween, Whatever Your Language!Essential Halloween Words and Phrases for Beginners

Let’s first learn the most important Halloween terms and phrases. These are the words you’ll hear and use most often during the Halloween season.

Top 25 Must-Know Halloween Terms:

First, here are some essential Halloween words for the season!

WordMeaningIPAAudioHalloweenThe holiday celebrated on October 31st/ˌhæləˈwiːn/▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎Trick-or-treatThe traditional Halloween activity for children, who go door to door asking for candy/ˌtrɪk ər ˈtriːt/▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎Jack-o'-lanternA carved pumpkin with a candle inside/ˌdʒæk ə ˈlæntərn/▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎CostumeFun clothes or a disguise worn for Halloween/ˈkɑːstuːm/▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎GhostA spirit of the dead/ɡoʊst/▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎WitchA woman with magical powers/wɪtʃ/▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎VampireA person that drinks blood and can change into a bat/ˈvæmpaɪər/▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎Werewolf A person who changes into a wolf monster/ˈwɛrwʊlf/▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎ZombieA dead person who comes up from the grave/ˈzɑːmbi/▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎SkeletonThe bones of a body/ˈskɛlɪtn/▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎CandySweet treats given out on Halloween/ˈkændi/▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎Haunted houseA scary place where ghosts live/ˈhɔːntɪd haʊs/▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎PumpkinThe orange vegetable often carved for Halloween/ˈpʌmpkɪn/▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎BatA flying mammal connected with vampires/bæt/▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎Spider webThe silky home made by spiders/ˈspaɪdər wɛb/▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎CauldronA large pot used by witches in stories/ˈkɔːldrən/▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎BroomstickA broom that a witch uses to fly/ˈbruːmstɪk/▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎MummyA preserved dead body wrapped in bandages/ˈmʌmi/▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎GoblinA mischievous, ugly creature/ˈɡɑːblɪn/▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎FangsLong, sharp teeth/fæŋz/▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎SpookyScary/ˈspuːki/▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎CreepyCausing fear or discomfort/ˈkriːpi/▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎BooA sudden sound made to scare someone/buː/▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎GhoulAn evil spirit/ɡuːl/▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎EerieStrange and frightening/ˈɪrieo▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎Common Halloween Greetings and Phrases:

Now, during the Halloween season, you might hear special Halloween greetings and phrases. These are especially popular in things like greeting cards. Here are ten of the most common or creative ones:

GreetingIPAAudioHappy Halloween!/ˌhæpi ˌhæləˈwiːn/▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎Trick or treat!/ˌtrɪk ər ˈtriːt/▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎Boo!/buː/▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎Eat, drink, and be scary!/iːt drɪŋk ænd bi ˈskɛri/▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎Have a fang-tastic night! /hæv ə ˈfæŋtæstɪk naɪt/▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎Wishing you a spooktacular Halloween! /ˈwɪʃɪŋ ju ə ˌspuːkˈtækjələr ˌhæləˈwiːn/▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎Beware of things that go bump in the night!/bɪˈwɛr əv θɪŋz ðæt ɡoʊ bʌmp ɪn ðə naɪt/▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎Enter at your own risk!/ˈɛntər æt jʊr oʊn rɪsk/▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎Witching you a happy Halloween!/ˈwɪtʃɪŋ ju ə ˌhæpi ˌhæləˈwiːn/▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎Have a howling good time!/hæv ə ˈhaʊlɪŋ ɡʊd taɪm/▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎

Learn these words and phrases, and they’ll help you understand and participate in Halloween conversations, decorations, and activities.

In our next section, we’ll expand your vocabulary even further with an A to Z list of even more Halloween words.

Halloween Words from A to Z

Expand your Halloween vocabulary with this comprehensive A to Z list of spooky terms. This will be especially useful for intermediate learners. This section will make you a true Halloween wordsmith.

Apparition – A ghost or ghostlike imageAutumn – The season of Halloween, used in the UK, in contrast to the American word “fall.”

Bat – A nocturnal flying mammalBone – Part of a skeletonBroomstick – A witch’s flying device

Cauldron – A large pot for brewing potionsCobweb – A spider’s web, often found in haunted housesCostume – A disguise worn for Halloween

Demon – An evil spiritDracula – A famous vampire character

Eerie – Strange and frighteningEnchant – To put under a spell

Fangs – Sharp, pointed teethFrankenstein – A famous literary monster created from body parts

Ghost – A spirit of the deadGoblin – A mischievous, ugly creatureGraveyard – A burial ground

Haunted – Inhabited by ghostsHowl – A long, mournful cry

Incantation – A magical spell or chant

Jack-o’-lantern – A carved pumpkin with a light inside

Lantern – A portable light, often used in Halloween decorationsLurk – To wait in hiding, often with evil intent

Mask – A covering for the faceMummy – A preserved, bandaged corpseMacabre – Disturbing because of involvement with death

Nightmare – A frightening dreamNocturnal – Active at night

Occult – Supernatural or magicalOminous – Suggesting evil or harm is coming

Phantom – A ghost or apparitionPotion – A magical liquid with special powersPumpkin – The iconic orange Halloween vegetable

Quiver – To shake or tremble, often with fear

Raven – A large black bird, similar to a crow, associated with mysteryRevenant – A person who returns from the dead

Skeleton – The bones of a bodySpecter – A ghost or phantomSpell – A magical saying

Tombstone – A stone marking a graveTrick-or-treat – The Halloween custom of children asking for candy

Undead – Technically dead but still animateUnearthly – Mysterious and frightening

Vampire – A mythical blood-sucking creatureVoodoo – A type of magic based on African rituals

Werewolf – A person who transforms into a wolfWitch – A person believed to have magical powers

Xenomorphobia – Fear of strange or foreign things (like monsters!)

Yowl – A loud, wailing cry

Zombie – An undead creature that feeds on human flesh

This A to Z list covers a wide range of Halloween-related words, with a mix of common and maybe less-familiar words.

In our next section, we’ll move on into even creepier territory with a list of particularly advanced Halloween words. Get ready to send shivers down your spine!

Creepy and Spooky Halloween Words

This section of Halloween vocabulary is for advanced learners or even native English speakers! These terms are perfect for setting a spooky atmosphere, writing scary stories, or maybe just impressing your friends with your ghoulish lexicon.

Bloodcurdling – Extremely frightening; causing terror
Usage: “The bloodcurdling scream echoed through the haunted house.”Cadaverous – Resembling a corpse; pale and gaunt
Usage: “The vampire’s cadaverous appearance sent chills down her spine.”Diabolical – Characteristic of the devil; extremely wicked
Usage: “The witch’s diabolical laugh filled the air as she stirred her potion.”Eldritch – Strange and frightening; otherworldly
Usage: “An eldritch glow emanated from the abandoned graveyard.”Ghastly – Causing great horror or fear; shockingly frightful
Usage: “The ghastly sight of the zombie horde approaching left them paralyzed with fear.”Macabre – Disturbing due to its connection with death or injury
Usage: “The macabre decorations in the haunted house included fake severed limbs.”Malevolent – Having or showing a wish to do evil to others
Usage: “The malevolent spirit haunted the old mansion, terrorizing its inhabitants.”Nefarious – Wicked, villainous, or criminal
Usage: “The mad scientist’s nefarious plan involved creating an army of monsters.”Ominous – Giving the worrying impression that something bad is going to happen
Usage: “Dark, ominous clouds gathered as they approached the haunted forest.”Phantasmagorical – Having a fantastic or deceptive appearance
Usage: “The Halloween party was a phantasmagorical spectacle of costumes and decorations.”Sinister – Giving the impression that something harmful or evil is happening
Usage: “A sinister shadow crept along the wall, growing larger with each passing moment.”Supernatural – Attributed to some force beyond scientific understanding or the laws of nature
Usage: “The old house was known for supernatural occurrences, like objects moving on their own.”Terrifying – Extremely frightening; causing intense fear
Usage: “The terrifying howl of the werewolf sent everyone running for safety.”Unearthly – Mysterious and frightening; seeming to come from another world
Usage: “An unearthly mist rolled in, obscuring the path through the cemetery.”Wicked – Evil or morally wrong
Usage: “The wicked witch cackled as she cast her spell on the unsuspecting villagers.”

Use these words to add a special flair to your creative writing or Halloween storytelling!

In our next section, we’ll explore Halloween traditions from around the world and add a global perspective. Get ready to discover how different cultures celebrate this haunting holiday!

Halloween-Like Traditions from Around the World

While Halloween as we know it originated from the Celtic festival of Samhain, many cultures around the world have their own unique traditions and celebrations that share similar themes. Let’s check out some of these global Halloween-like festivities and the special words associated with them.

Mexico – Día de los Muertos

The colorful celebration of Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, honors deceased loved ones. Families often create elaborate ofrendas (altars) in their homes, adorned with photos of their passed loved ones, their favorite foods, and vibrant marigolds to guide the spirits back. It takes place from October 31 to November 2.

Key words:

Calaveras – Decorative skull representationsOfrenda – An altar with offerings for the deadPapel picado – Decorative paper cutoutsCempasúchil – Marigold flowers used in decorationsIreland – Samhain

The Celtic origin of Halloween is Samhain and is celebrated on October 31. Traditionally, people would carve turnips (not pumpkins) into lanterns to ward off evil spirits and leave offerings of food and drink for the fairies and souls of the dead. But when the holiday was brought to the US and eventually turned into Halloween, they replaced radishes with the indigenous vegetable, the pumpkin.

Key words:

Barmbrack – A fruity bread with hidden objects insidePúca – A shape-shifting creature in Irish folkloreBanshee – A female spirit whose wail predicts deathChina – 中元 (Zhōngyuán) Festival

The Zhōngyuán Festival is a traditional Buddhist and Taoist festival and is also known as the Ghost Festival. It is held on the 15th night of the seventh lunar month. It’s common for people to prepare elaborate feasts and leave empty seats at the table for the spirits of their ancestors to join in the meal.

Key words:

饿鬼 (è guǐ) – “Hungry Ghost”; Spirits of the deceased who visit the living冥钱 (míng qián) – Paper items burned as offerings to the dead鬼戏 (guǐ xì) – “Ghost opera” or theatrical performances for both the living and the deadJapan – お盆 (Obon) Festival

Obon is a Buddhist event honoring ancestral spirits, usually held in August. It was heavily influenced by the Ghost Festival. During Obon, Japanese people participate in Bon Odori, traditional folk dances performed in yukata (summer kimono) around a wooden scaffold. Another key aspect of the festival is visiting and cleaning ancestors’ graves, often bringing flowers and incense as offerings, to show respect and maintain a connection with their departed loved ones. Some people hang lanterns or light fires to guide the spirits of their ancestors back to the world of the living.

Key words:

提灯 (Chōchin) – Lanterns to guide spirits (If you’re a Pokemon fan, you might see the familiarity with this concept and the Ghost-type Pokemon Chinchou!)盆踊り(Bon Odori) – Traditional dances performed during the festival迎え火 (Mukaebi) – “Welcoming fire” lit to guide spirits homeGermany – Walpurgisnacht

Walpurgisnacht is a spring festival celebrated on April 30, with themes similar to Halloween. It is often celebrated with bonfires, which are believed to ward off evil spirits and witches. In some areas, particularly in the Harz Mountains, people dress up as witches and devils, parading through towns and villages in a festive celebration of spring’s triumph over winter.

Key words:

Hexe – WitchBlocksberg – Legendary gathering place for witchesMaibaum – Maypole, often erected as part of the celebrationsPhilippines – Pangangaluluwa

Pangangaluluwa is a tradition similar to trick-or-treating, practiced on All Saints’ Day (November 1). Families often spend the night at cemeteries, cleaning and decorating the graves of their loved ones, and sharing food and memories in a festive atmosphere that combines solemnity with celebration.

Key words:

Atang – Offerings left for the deadKalag-Kalag – The Filipino observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ DayPangangaluwa – The act of going house-to-house, singing for alms

Clearly, global traditions honor the dead and celebrate the supernatural in different ways! They share common themes of remembrance, respect for the deceased, and acknowledgment of the spirit world.

But we know Halloween has expanded internationally, too. Next, we’ll explore how Halloween specifically is expressed in various languages around the world!

Halloween Words in Other Languages

Halloween has spread to many parts of the world, with each culture adopting and adapting the celebration in their own unique ways. Let’s explore how Halloween is expressed in different languages and some key Halloween-related words in these languages.

Spanish

Halloween – Noche de Brujas (“Witches’ Night”) or Víspera de Todos los Santos (“All Saints’ Eve”)Trick or treat – Truco o tratoPumpkin – CalabazaGhost – FantasmaWitch – Bruja

French

Halloween – Halloween (adopted from English – just say it in a French accent)Trick or treat – Des bonbons ou un sort (“Candies or a spell”)
• Pumpkin – Citrouille
• Ghost – Fantôme
• Witch – Sorcière

German

Halloween – Halloween (like the above, adopted from English)Trick or treat – Süßes oder Saures (“Sweet or sour”)Pumpkin – *Kürbis&Ghost – GeistWitch – Hexe

Italian

Halloween – La Notte di Halloween (“Halloween Night”)Trick or treat – Dolcetto o scherzetto (“Treat or prank”)Pumpkin – ZuccaGhost – FantasmaWitch – Strega

Japanese

Halloween – ハロウィーン (Harouīn)Trick or treat – お菓子をくれないといたずらするぞ (Okashi wo kurenai to itazura suru zo – Literally, “If you don’t give me a treat, I’ll prank you!”)Pumpkin – カボチャ (Kabocha)Ghost – お化け (Obake) (By the way, here’s how to talk about ghosts in Japanese!)Witch – 魔女 (Majo)

Chinese (Mandarin)

Halloween – 萬聖節” (Wànshèngjié)Trick or treat – 不給糖就搗蛋 (Bù gěi táng jiù dǎo dàn – Literally, “If you do not give candy, I’ll make trouble.”)Pumpkin – 南瓜 (Nánguā)Ghost – 鬼 (Guǐ)Witch – 女巫 (Nǚwū)

Russian

Halloween – Хэллоуин (Khellouin)Trick or treat – Кошелек или жизнь (Koshelek ili zhizn – “Purse or life”)Pumpkin – Тыква (Tykva)Ghost – Призрак (Prizrak)Witch – Ведьма (Ved’ma)

Just like Christmas abroad, it’s fascinating to see how different languages and cultures express Halloween concepts. We can see that some languages have adopted the English word “Halloween,” while others have their own unique terms. I think the phrase “trick or treat” is particularly interesting, since many languages have created their own versions of this Halloween tradition.

Fun Activities to Learn Halloween Words

Learning new vocabulary doesn’t have to be a chore, especially when it comes to fun and spooky Halloween words. If you’re a teacher of any language and are wanting to use some fun activities (or use them with your friends), this section is for you! Here are some engaging activities to help reinforce Halloween vocabulary while getting into the spirit of the season.

Halloween Word Bingo

Create bingo cards with Halloween words instead of numbers. As you call out definitions or descriptions, players mark off the corresponding words on their cards. This game is great for visual learners and helps associate words with their meanings.

Spooky Story Chain

Sit in a circle and start a Halloween story. Each person adds a sentence, but they must include at least one Halloween word from the vocabulary list. This improves both vocabulary and creative storytelling skills.

Halloween Charades

Act out Halloween words without speaking. This game is particularly fun with action words like “lurk,” “haunt,” or “brew,” and helps connect words with physical actions for better memory retention.

Crossword Puzzles and Word Searches

Create or find Halloween-themed crossword puzzles and word searches. These classic word games are excellent for reinforcing spelling and word recognition.

Halloween Vocabulary Scavenger Hunt

Hide Halloween-related objects or pictures around your home or classroom. Provide a list of vocabulary words, and have participants find the object that matches each word. This activity connects words with visual representations.

Costume Description Challenge

Describe a Halloween costume using as many vocabulary words as possible. Others try to guess the costume. This game enhances descriptive language skills and vocabulary usage in context.

Spooky Spelling Bee

Host a Halloween-themed spelling bee using words from your vocabulary list. This traditional activity is great for improving spelling and pronunciation.

Halloween Mad Libs

Create or use pre-made Halloween-themed Mad Libs, focusing on using the new vocabulary words as fill-in-the-blanks. This activity helps understand parts of speech and word usage in sentences.

Pumpkin Vocabulary

Write vocabulary words on small pumpkins or pumpkin cut-outs. Use these for various activities like sorting into categories (e.g., “spooky” vs. “Halloween traditions”), making sentences, or playing memory games.

These activities can be adapted for different age groups and language levels. For younger learners, focus on simpler terms and more visual or kinesthetic activities. For advanced learners, incorporate more complex words and challenge them to use the vocabulary in more sophisticated ways.

By making vocabulary learning a fun and interactive experience, you’re more likely to remember and use these Halloween words long after the jack-o’-lanterns have been put away.

Happy Halloween, Whatever Your Language!

From the essential Halloween terms like “trick-or-treat” and “jack-o’-lantern” to the more spine-chilling words like “phantasmagorical” and “macabre,” we’ve explored a wide range of vocabulary that captures the essence of this eerie celebration. We’ve also checked out Halloween traditions from around the world and discovered how different languages express Halloween concepts.

Why is this vocabulary important? For language learners, it offers a fun and thematic way to expand their English skills. For native speakers, it provides a deeper appreciation of the nuances and richness of language associated with this beloved holiday. And for everyone, it enhances the ability to fully participate in and enjoy Halloween festivities, whether that’s telling a chilling ghost story, describing an elaborate costume, or simply engaging in Halloween-themed conversations.

So, as October 31st approaches, don’t be afraid to put your new vocabulary to use. Describe your costume using those creepy adjectives, share some international Halloween traditions with your friends, or try out a spooky phrase in a different language.

May your Halloween be filled with treats, not tricks, and may your newfound vocabulary serve you well in all your ghostly adventures. Happy Halloween, and happy word-crafting!

The post 25 Must-Know Halloween Words for a Spooky Season appeared first on Fluent in 3 Months.

View more on Benny Lewis's website »

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on October 22, 2024 04:00

October 15, 2024

How to Say Thank You in Turkish

There are several different ways of saying “thank you” in Turkish — the mainstream teşekkür ederim, the informal sağ ol, and even elinize sağlık, a special phrase used when thanking someone for a meal! Teşekkür ederim works in all cases, but learning about the nuances of different ways to say thanks in Turkish will get you one step closer to fluency.

As a Turkish native speaker, I picked the most common phrases, which we’ll cover one by one. For each phrase, you’ll find examples, their English equivalents, and formal-informal variations:

Table of contentsHow to Say Thank You in Turkish Teşekkür Ederim: The Most Common “Thank You” in Turkish Çok Teşekkür Ederim: “Thank You Very Much” in Turkish Teşekkürler: A More Casual Way to Say “Thanks” in Turkish Çok Teşekkürler: “Thanks A Lot” in Turkish Sağ Ol: An Informal Way of Saying Thanks Elinize Sağlık: A Special Word Used When Thanking Someone for a Meal Teşekkür Borçluyum: “I Owe You One” in Turkish How to Reply to Thank You in Turkish Bir Şey Değil: The Most Common Way to Say “You’re Welcome”Rica Ederim: The More Formal “You’re Welcome”Ne Demek: “No Worries” in Turkish Sorun Değil: “No Problem” in Turkish Teşekkür Ederim, Sağ Ol, and Teşekkürler: Say Thanks in Turkish!

But first, here is a quick summary of the Turkish phrases for “thank you:”

English Turkish Audio “Thank you” (literal translation: “I thank you”) Teşekkür ederim “Thank you” (literal translation: “we thank you”) Teşekkür ederiz “Thank you so much” Çok teşekkür ederim “Thanks” Teşekkürler “Thanks a lot” Çok teşekkürler “Thanks” Sağ ol “Thanks for the meal” Elinize sağlık “I’m grateful to you/I owe you one” Sana/size teşekkür borçluyum How to Say Thank You in Turkish

Now let’s take a more detailed look at the most common phrases that express gratitude in Turkish:

Teşekkür Ederim: The Most Common “Thank You” in Turkish

Teşekkür ederim is the most common way to say “thank you” in Turkish. Its literal translation is “I thank you,” and it can be used in both formal and more casual situations. If you’re thanking someone on behalf of a group, you’ll need to change ederim into ederiz. So it becomes teşekkür ederiz, meaning “we thank you.”

Here are some example sentences — don’t worry if you don’t understand all of them, they’re just here to give more context, especially since the difference of teşekkür ederim and teşekkür ederiz can be quite subtle:

Teşekkür ederim, bana çok yardımcı oldunuz. – “Thank you, you really helped me.”Hediye için teşekkür ederim, gerçekten çok beğendim. – “Thank you for the gift, I really like it”Bizi davet ettiğiniz için teşekkür ederiz. Ailem harika zaman geçirdi. – “Thank you for inviting us. My family had a great time.”Çok Teşekkür Ederim: “Thank You Very Much” in Turkish

When you want to express your gratitude with a little extra emphasis, çok teşekkür ederim is the perfect phrase to use. Çok means “a lot” or “very much,” so çok teşekkür ederim is the equivalent of “thank you very much.”

We can add çok to all the examples above — it will simply enhance the meaning:

Çok teşekkür ederim, bana çok yardımcı oldunuz. – “Thank you so much, you really helped me.”Hediye için çok teşekkür ederim, gerçekten çok beğendim. – “Thank you so much for the gift, I really like it.”Bizi davet ettiğiniz için çok teşekkür ederiz. Ailem harika zaman geçirdi. – “Thank you so much for inviting us. My family had a great time.”Teşekkürler: A More Casual Way to Say “Thanks” in Turkish

Teşekkürler is a more laid-back way to say “thanks” in Turkish. It’s perfect for casual settings, like thanking a friend for a small favor. Although it’s slightly more informal than teşekkür ederim, you can use them interchangeably.

Quick hint: When you say teşekkürler, you don’t have to think about the difference between teşekkür ederim and teşekkür ederiz. So when you’re in doubt, you can safely use teşekkürler!

Here are some new examples:

Kahve için teşekkürler. – “Thanks for the coffee.”Yardımın için teşekkürler. – “Thanks for your help.”Hediye için teşekkürler. – “Thanks for the gift.”Çok Teşekkürler: “Thanks A Lot” in Turkish

Çok teşekkürler means “thanks a lot.” Adding çok makes the meaning of teşekkürler stronger.

In other words, if we use çok teşekkürler instead of teşekkürler, the level of gratitude increases:

*Kahve için çok teşekkürler. * – “Thanks a lot for the coffee.”Yardımın için çok teşekkürler. – “Thanks a lot for your help.”Hediye için çok teşekkürler. – “Thanks a lot for the gift.”Sağ Ol: An Informal Way of Saying Thanks

Sağ ol is a friendly way to say “thank you” in Turkish. It literally translates to “be alive,” but it’s used to say “thanks” in informal situations.

You would mostly use it with friends:

Beni aradığın için sağ ol. – “Thanks for calling me.”Yardımın için sağ ol. – “Thanks for your help.”

If you want to make it more formal or plural, you can say sağ olun.

Elinize Sağlık: A Special Word Used When Thanking Someone for a Meal

Now here is a special one. Elinize sağlık is a unique phrase used to thank someone for a delicious meal, typically one they’ve prepared themselves.

It literally translates to “health to your hands,” which is a way of complimenting the host’s cooking skills and generosity.

Here are some examples to put this phrase into context:

Elinize sağlık, yemek çok güzeldi. – “Thanks for the meal, it was delicious.”Elinize sağlık, beni davet ettiğiniz için teşekkür ederim. – “Thank you for the meal and for inviting me.”

Important note: elinize sağlık is formal. You can use it with your friend’s parents or with older people. Its informal version is eline sağlık.

If a Turkish friend invites you to their place for dinner, say eline sağlık after eating, and they’ll think you’re already fluent!

Teşekkür Borçluyum: “I Owe You One” in Turkish

Teşekkür borçluyum is a phrase you can use when a simple “thank you” doesn’t feel like enough. It roughly translates to “I owe you one,” and it’s a way of acknowledging that you’re grateful for someone’s help or kindness.

Although it’s not as common as the other phrases, here are a few situations where you might hear it:

Beni Yılmaz Bey’le tanıştırdığınız için size teşekkür borçluyum. – “Thank you for introducing me to Mr Yılmaz. I owe you one.” (formal register)Bana İstanbul’da iş bulduğun için sana teşekkür borçluyum. – “Thanks for finding me a job in Istanbul. I owe you one.” (informal register)How to Reply to Thank You in Turkish

You’ve learned how to express your gratitude in Turkish. But what do you say when someone thanks you?

Just like in English, there are several ways to reply to “thank you” in Turkish, with equivalents of “no problem” and “you’re welcome.”

Bir Şey Değil: The Most Common Way to Say “You’re Welcome”

Bir şey değil is the most standard and widely used response to “thank you” in Turkish. A polite way to acknowledge someone’s gratitude, this phrase translates to “it’s nothing” or “no problem.”

Let’s say you paid for your friend’s coffee, and they said:

Kahve için teşekkür ederim. – “Thank you for the coffee.”

You can reply bir şey değil, “no problem.”

Rica Ederim: The More Formal “You’re Welcome”

Rica ederim is another common way to respond to “thank you” in Turkish, and it’s more formal than bir şey değil. Their differences are similar to those between “no problem” and “you’re welcome.”

Now here is another situation — you helped an old lady carry her luggage in the bus station. She said:

Valizimi taşıdığın için teşekkür ederim. – “Thank you for carrying my luggage.”

You can reply, “rica ederim,” you’re welcome.

Ne Demek: “No Worries” in Turkish

Ne demek is a casual and friendly way to say “no worries.” You can use it with friends or acquaintances.

Sorun Değil: “No Problem” in Turkish

Sorun değil is similar to bir şey değil, and it translates into “no problem” in Turkish. They can be used interchangeably.

Teşekkür Ederim, Sağ Ol, and Teşekkürler: Say Thanks in Turkish!

We covered over 10 different ways of saying thanks in Turkish, and spoiler alert, most of them are used on a daily basis. This means you’re now ready to say thanks in formal circumstances, informal situations, and (I saved the best one for the last) when you’re invited to someone’s place for dinner!

Take a look at our list of Turkish resources for books, tutoring platforms, dictionaries, and pronunciation help.

New mission: Speak Turkish in two months!How to Learn Turkish: An Introductory Guide for Beginners Is Turkish Hard to Learn? Why Turkish Is Easier Than You Think 16 Different Ways to Say “Thank You” in French Black Friday Deals for Turkish Language Courses

The post How to Say Thank You in Turkish appeared first on Fluent in 3 Months.

View more on Benny Lewis's website »

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on October 15, 2024 04:00

October 8, 2024

Japanese Sentence Structure

First things first: To sound fluent in Japanese, you’ll need to master Japanese sentence structure. Now, a language like Japanese might seem really difficult at first (especially to English speakers!), but don’t worry – it’s a very logical language!

And I should know – I’ve been learning Japanese since I was an early teenager, lived in Japan for several years for study and work, and have passed N1 Japanese. I remember what it was like to start studying the language, and also tutor beginners regularly as well!'

function runSplitTest(){var randomNumber = Math.floor(Math.random() * 2) + 1console.log(randomNumber)var copy = "";if (randomNumber == 3){ copy = 'A note from the Fluent in 3 Months team before we get started: You can chat away in Japanese for at least 15 minutes with the "Fluent in 3 Months" method. All it takes is 90 days. <a href="https://fluentin3months.com/challenge... this link to find out more.</a>'} else { copy = 'Editor's note: Before we get started, if you’re looking for an online Japanese course, here’s the course we recommend: <a href="https://www.fluentin3months.com/olly-... Uncovered - Learn Japanese Through the Power of Story</a>, a course with a fascinating new method by Olly Richards. You can try it for free for 7 days!'}console.log(copy)var copyToChange = document.querySelector("p.copyText").innerHTML = copy;}runSplitTest();Table of contentsIntroduction to Japanese Sentence Structure Japanese Uses Subject-Object-Verb Patterns Particles Make Japanese Sentence Structure Flexible Japanese Often Omits Subjects and Objects The Role of です (Desu) in Japanese Sentence Structure How to Conjugate です Understanding Japanese Particles Examples and Variations in Sentence Structure with Particles Modifiers in Japanese Sentence Structure Japanese Adjectives Possessive Pronouns Numerals Forming Questions in Japanese Final Thoughts

Here’s me in front of the famous Himeji castle!

By the way, if you haven’t already, I recommend you read my beginner’s Japanese masterclass article. This will also help with some of the basics beyond the grammar I’m going to introduce here.

So, are you ready to start figuring out how Japanese works? Let’s get started!

Introduction to Japanese Sentence Structure

Japanese sentence structure, with its unique grammatical rules, might feel like a puzzle at first. In fact, I often tell new students to “throw out their English brain,” because it actually makes a lot of sense – just not to an English brain.

Why? Because Japanese sentence structure is quite different from English. Here’s how!

Japanese Uses Subject-Object-Verb Patterns

First off, in English, we typically use the Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) order. But in Japanese, things are a bit different – it usually uses a SOV structure. Let’s break it down!

English: Subject-Verb-Object (SVO)
Example: “I (subject) eat (verb) sushi (object).”

Japanese: Subject-Object-Verb (SOV)
Example: 私は (Watashi wa, “I”) 寿司を (sushi o, “sushi”) 食べます (tabemasu, “eat”).

Now, you’ll notice that after the words for “I” and “sushi” in the Japanese sentence, there were a couple of really short words. These are known as “particles” and they mark the role the word plays in the sentence. These particles give Japanese sentence structure a lot of flexibility!

In the example above, は (wa) marks the topic of the sentence (which is often the subject), and を (o) marks the direct object. (I’ll go into these in more detail below so stay tuned!)

Particles Make Japanese Sentence Structure Flexible

In English, changing the word order can change the meaning of a sentence or make it grammatically incorrect. However, Japanese is more flexible. As long as the verb remains at the end, you can shuffle the subjects and objects around, thanks to particles that clarify their roles.

So actually, you technically could say 寿司を私は食べます (sushi o watashi wa tabemasu) in the above sentence! Although in most cases, it’ll be more natural to say the first example. I’ll explain why in a bit!

Japanese Often Omits Subjects and Objects

Here’s an interesting thing about Japanese: if the subject or object is obvious from the context, they can be omitted entirely.

So for example, while pronouns like 私 (watashi, “I”), あなた (anata, “you”), 彼 (kare, “he”) and 彼女 (kanojo, “she”) exist, they’re not always necessary in conversations. This dropping happens for a few reasons:

1. Contextual Clarity: If it’s clear who or what you’re talking about, there’s no need to repeat the subject. You’ll also notice that some Japanese pronouns are quite long, so it’s useful to not need to repeat them!

For example, instead of saying, “Are you American?” and answering, “Yes, I am American,” a Japanese conversation might simply go:
Question: アメリカ人ですか？(Amerikajin desu ka? / “Are American?”)
Answer: はい、アメリカ人です。 (Hai, Amerikajin desu. / “Yes, am American.”)

English doesn’t totally differ from Japanese here – it often leaves out the predicate, for example. (“Yes, I am” rather than “Yes, I am American.”) Or it changes a subject or object into “it” or “they/them” (“Did you make the cake?” “Yes, I made it.”), where Japanese would just totally omit the word. So in Japanese, there’s no direct equivalent to “it,” “they,” or “them” (except when using the latter two for people)!

2. Using direct pronouns like あなた (anata, “you”) can sometimes feel too direct or even rude. Instead, using someone’s name or omitting the pronoun is more common and polite. We explain more about this in this vocab article if you’re curious.

The Role of です (Desu) in Japanese Sentence Structure

If you’re learning to make Japanese sentences, one of the first words you’ll come across is です (desu). And I’ve already used it in the last few example sentences to mean both “am” and “is”! But actually, it’s both and… neither?

What?

です (desu) is often compared to the English verb “to be,” though it’s used not exactly the same. It’s typically found at the end of simple polite sentences and serves to affirm or describe the state of the subject.

Here are some examples:

Noun + です (desu):
私は学生です。 (Watashi wa gakusei desu., “I am a student.”)

Adjective + です (desu):
これは綺麗です。(Kore wa kirei desu., “This is pretty.”)

Here, です (desu) makes sentences polite and complete. It’s particularly useful because it eliminates the verb conjugation we need in English to express “is,” “am,” and “are.” Since Japanese doesn’t really have a future tense like English, it can also mean “will be.”

But in casual Japanese, it’s dropped. It technically has a casual equivalent だ (da), but it’s not always used and might even give the sentence a bit of a forceful tone.

So in casual Japanese, the above sentences could just turn into:

私は学生。 (Watashi wa gakusei., “I am a student.” – Literally, “I student.”)

これは綺麗。(Kore wa kirei., “This is pretty.” – Literally, “This pretty.”)

You might feel as though you sound like a caveperson in English, but don’t worry, you sound totally normal in Japanese!

How to Conjugate です

Right, so in polite Japanese, you can think of です (desu) as similar to “am/is/are/will be,” “am not / is not / are not / will not be” (if we conjugate it into the negative form) “was/were” (if we conjugate it into the past tense), or “was not / were not” (if we conjugate it into the past negative tense).

If you want to know more, check out our articles about Japanese grammar and Japanese verbs!

This might sound like a lot, but I’ll break it down for you.

です in the negative:

To make a sentence negative, you replace です (desu) with じゃないです (ja nai desu) or ではありません (dewa arimasen) for a more formal touch. You can even find middle ground with じゃありません (ja arimasen) – it’s just a tad more formal than the first option because じゃ (ja) is actually just a contraction of では (dewa).

Maybe think of it like how English has a couple options for “she is not a student.” It could turn into “she’s not a student” or “she isn’t a student.”

So to say, “I’m not a student,” all of the below are possible in polite Japanese (going from least to most formal):
私は学生じゃないです。(Watashi wa gakusei ja nai desu.)
私は学生じゃありません。(Watashi wa gakusei ja arimasen.)
私は学生ではありません。(Watashi wa gakusei dewa arimasen.)

Now, you don’t need to memorize and use all of these right now. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, pick one, and as you progress, start using more variations!

です in the past tense:

To form the affirmative past tense of です (desu), change it to でした (deshita):
私は学生でした。(Watashi wa gakusei deshita. / “I was a student.”)

Now, we’ll use our negative forms above as a basis for our negative past tense. じゃないです (ja nai desu) turns into じゃなかったです (ja nakatta desu). But for sentences ending in ありません, add でした (deshita) to make ありませんでした (arimasen deshita). (Just a reminder: throw out your English brain!)

So now we have sentences like:

“I was not a student.”
私は学生じゃなかったです。(Watashi wa gakusei ja nakatta desu.)
私は学生じゃありませんでした。(Watashi wa gakusei ja arimasen deshita.)
私は学生ではありませんでした。(Watashi wa gakusei dewa arimasen deshita.)

It’s okay if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed at the moment. This little word packs a lot of meaning and conveys politeness, making it a staple in daily conversations. You’ll be using it constantly, and soon it’ll become second nature!

Understanding Japanese Particles

I mentioned before that particles are essential for Japanese sentence structure. Japanese particles might seem daunting at first, but once you get the hang of them, you’ll find they actually make constructing sentences much easier.

Think of particles as the glue that holds Japanese sentences together. They show the grammatical relationships between words and give meaning to the sentence. For example, different particles mark the subject, object, location, or means by which an action is done.

Let’s look at some of the most common Japanese particles you’ll encounter:

は (wa): Marks the topic of the sentence.
私は学生です。 (Watashi wa gakusei desu., “I am a student.”)
“I” is the topic.

が (ga): Indicates the subject, especially when introducing new information.
猫がいます。 (Neko ga imasu., “There is a cat.”)
“Cat” is the subject.

を (o): Marks the direct object of a verb.
本を読みます。 (Hon o yomimasu., “I read a book.”)
“Book” is the direct object.

に (ni): Indicates direction, time, or the indirect object.
１２時に図書館に行きます。 (Juuniji ni toshokan ni ikimasu., “I’m going to the library at 12:00.”)
“Library” is the direction headed.
友達にあげます。(Tomodachi ni agemasu., “I’ll give it to my friend.”)
“Friend” is the indirect object.

で (de): Indicates location or means by which something happens.
車で行きます。 (Kuruma de ikimasu., “I go by car.”)
“Car” is the means.
家で食べます。 (Ie de tabemasu., “I eat at home.”)
“Home” is the location.

の (no): Shows possession or association.
私のペンです。 (Watashi no pen desu., “This is my pen.”)
The pen is what is possessed.

へ (e): Similar to に but less flexible, it can only indicate direction or a destination.
日本へ行きます。 (Nihon e ikimasu., “I’m going to Japan.”)
“Japan” is the destination.

と (to): Conjunction particle meaning “and” or “with”.
友達と遊びます。 (Tomodachi to asobimasu., “I play with friends.”)

から (kara): Indicates the starting point or reason.
ここから始めます。 (Koko kara hajimemasu., “We’ll start from here.”)
天気がいいから散歩しましょう。(Tenki ga īkara sanpo shimashou., “The weather is good so let’s take a walk.”)

まで (made): Indicates the end point, often translated as “until.”
駅まで歩きます。 (Eki made arukimasu., “I walk to the station.”)

If you want to know more about Japanese particles, check out our dedicated article on the subject!

Now a few pointers:

You might be a bit confused by the difference between the topic and the subject of the sentence. This is something English doesn’t usually differentiate, and honestly, oftentimes they’re the same. However, Japanese does distinguish these. Don’t worry too much about this right now as a beginner. For now, just treat Japanese like algebra – plug something into A and B.Remember how I said above that Japanese often omits pronouns and sentence subjects if they’re obvious? You saw that a lot in the above! So actually, a lot of the sentences could have been translated differently in different contexts – for example, very few overtly said “I,” so they might have been “you,” etc.!Examples and Variations in Sentence Structure with Particles

Thanks to particles, Japanese sentences can have a flexible word order. As long as the verb stays at the end, the other elements can be rearranged to emphasize different parts of the sentence. Let’s take a simple sentence and see how it can change:

Basic Sentence:
私は明日図書館で本を読みます。
Watashi wa ashita toshokan de hon o yomimasu.
(“I will read a book at the library tomorrow.”)

Here are some variations of the same sentence:

明日私は図書館で本を読みます。
Ashita watashi wa toshokan de hon o yomimasu.
(“Tomorrow, I will read a book at the library.”)

本を私は明日図書館で読みます。
Hon o watashi wa ashita toshokan de yomimasu.
(“The book, I will read it tomorrow at the library.”)

図書館で私は明日本を読みます。
Toshokan de watashi wa ashita hon o yomimasu.
(“At the library, I will read a book tomorrow.”)

Notice that none of these variations change the fundamental meaning, but they do shift the focus or emphasis. The ability to play around with word order gives Japanese a subtlety that can convey nuanced meaning.

In Japanese, the element placed at the beginning of the sentence often gets more emphasis.

By starting with 明日 (ashita, “tomorrow”), you emphasize the time. Starting with 本を (hon o, “the book”) emphasizes what action is going to be taken with the book.

This flexible structure allows you to tailor your sentences to what you find most important, whether it’s who is doing the action, when it’s happening, or where it’s taking place.

Just remember that the verb location is the only thing that’s not flexible!

Modifiers in Japanese Sentence Structure

In Japanese sentence structure, modifiers like adjectives, possessive pronouns, adverbs, and numerals play key roles in adding detail and clarity to our statements. Let’s break down each of these modifiers and see how they work in Japanese sentence structure.

Japanese Adjectives

Adjectives in Japanese come before the nouns they modify, very much like in English. There are two main types of adjectives in Japanese: i-adjectives and na-adjectives. (I tend to call them ijectives and najectives when I teach these to students.)

Examples:

i-adjectives: These end in hiragana い (i), like 赤い (akai, “red”). So you could say something like 赤い花 (akai hana, “red flower”).

na-adjectives: These require the particle な (na) when used before a noun, like 親切 (shinsetsu, “kind”). So you would say 親切な人 (shinsetsu na hito, “kind person”).

Here’s my insider tip. Note that not all adjectives that end in i are i-adjectives. Some common exceptions are 綺麗 (kirei, “pretty”) and 有名 (yuumei, “famous”). A big hint telling you they’re na-adjectives instead is that they can be completely written in kanji, as I wrote them.

Possessive Pronouns

Possessive pronouns in Japanese use the particle の (no) to indicate possession or association between nouns. This is fairly straightforward and often functions similarly to the possessive “'s” or a phrase like “X of Y” in English.

Here are some examples:

私の車 (watashi no kuruma, “my car”)
田中さんの本 (Tanaka-san no hon, “Mx.’s Tanaka’s book”)

This goes beyond just possessives like in English, though. To show nationality, for example, you use の (no) between two nouns. Here are some examples of what I mean:

アメリカ人 (Amerikajin) means “American” or “American person.” In English, these mean the same things in certain contexts, but one is an adjective, and one is an adjective and a noun. In Japanese, this is all one word which is a noun.

Now to say, “the American teacher,” you need to say アメリカ人の先生 (Amerikajin no sensei). Note this does not (usually) mean that an American possesses a teacher – it shows that the noun “American [person]” modifies the word for “teacher” (先生, sensei).

You’ll find this noun modifying another noun in the phrase 日本語のクラス (nihongo no kurasu, “Japanese class”) which uses particle の (no) between “the Japanese language” and “class.”

It might sound a bit confusing at first, but it’s really a very streamlined process to use one phrase type where English has many options. My final example is インディアナの家 (Indiana no ie, “[my] home in Indiana”), which is just “Indiana” + “home”!

Numerals

Numerals in Japanese sometimes come directly before the nouns they modify (usually with our connector の [no], or alone after the noun and particle they modify.

Japanese also has a system of counters that are used with numbers to count different types of objects (e.g., flat objects, cylindrical objects, etc.). Check out our article about Japanese numbers if you want to learn more!

For now, I’ll use examples with 人 (nin), the counter for people.

To say, “there are three students,” you could say either:
３人の学生がいます。 (San-nin no gakusei ga imasu.)
学生が３人います。 (Gakusei ga san-nin imasu.)

Both are generally interchangeable, but there are slight nuance differences.

The former sentence sentence emphasizes the number “three” first and then describes that these three are students. It feels a bit more specific or detailed since you’re particularly emphasizing the number before mentioning that they are students.

So if someone asks you “How many students are there?” it would be a tad more natural to answer with ３人の学生がいます (san-nin no gakusei ga imasu), indicating exactly three students are present.

In slight contrast, the latter sentence focuses on the existence of students. The subject “students” is highlighted, and then the number follows. It’s a bit more general, suitable for when the presence of students is the main point.

So if you’re in a classroom and someone asks if there are any students here, you’d be more likely to reply, はい、学生が３人います (hai, gakusei ga san-nin imasu) to say, “yes, there are three students [here].”

But don’t worry – both sentences are totally fine to use in either context.

Forming Questions in Japanese

Asking questions in Japanese is very straightforward and intuitive! In this section, focus on using the particle か (ka), the designated question particle. It’s basically like a spoken question mark.

Forming yes/no questions in Japanese is simpler than you might think. You don’t need to rearrange the sentence or add auxiliary verbs like in English. All you need to do is add the particle か (ka) at the end of the sentence and usually use a rising intonation.

Here are some examples:

Statement: 私は学生です。 (Watashi wa gakusei desu., “I am a student.”)
Question: 私は学生ですか？ (Watashi wa gakusei desu ka?, “Am I a student?”)

Statement: これはペンです。 (Kore wa pen desu., “This is a pen.”)
Question: これはペンですか？ (Kore wa pen desu ka?, “Is this a pen?”)

See how easy that is? Just add か (ka), and you’ve turned a statement into a question!

Also, especially in casual, everyday conversations, you might hear people drop the か (ka) particle and rely on rising intonation alone to indicate a question.

English sometimes does this, like when you’re showing surprise (“Oh, you’re a doctor?”), but it’s much more common in general situations in Japanese. In spoken English, the intonation goes up, and in written English, the question mark tells us it’s a question.

And here’s my insider tip: In written Japanese (especially older texts), sometimes questions end with their equivalent of a period 。 rather than a question mark ？ when か (ka) is used. This is because technically, か (ka) makes a question mark redundant! So don’t be surprised when you see questions ending in か。 (ka.) rather than か？ (ka?).

Final Thoughts

Building sentences in Japanese becomes much simpler once you understand the fundamentals of structure, particles, and modifiers. By practicing these steps, you’ll be well on your way to forming accurate and meaningful sentences in no time.

So keep practicing these structures and try creating your own sentences. For further practice, consider using language exchange platforms or studying with a tutor. You’re making great progress, and the more you practice, the more natural it will feel. Happy learning!

The post Japanese Sentence Structure appeared first on Fluent in 3 Months.

View more on Benny Lewis's website »

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on October 08, 2024 04:00

October 1, 2024

French Subjunctive Explained: What Is It and How to Practice It

Le subjonctif, or the “French subjunctive” can be tricky. Is it a tense? Not really. Is it conjugated like the tenses? Yes, we can say so.

But what is it? The most appropriate way to define the subjunctive would be that it’s a verb mood. It’s used to express some feelings, such as uncertainty, emotion, doubt, judgment, and hypothetical situations.

I know this sounds vague — I definitely thought so when I first learned about the subjunctive as a 17-year old high school student.

Today, after over ten years and a degree in French, I think one of the best ways of learning the subjunctive is to really understand its logic and memorize some important phrases that require the subjunctive. Then, it will start making a lot more sense!

Table of contentsWhat is the Subjunctive?When to Use the Subjunctive After Expressions of Doubt, Emotion, Need, or Uncertainty After Certain Impersonal Expressions After Certain Conjunctions Forming the Subjunctive Regular Verb Conjugations Irregular Verbs How to Use the Subjunctive in the Past Tense Tips for Remembering the French Subjunctive Look for Patterns Study Irregular Verb Forms Practicing with Authentic Examples What to Do When You Can’t Remember the Subjunctive Form?Mastering the French Subjunctive

The subjunctive is a verb mood that allows you to express things that are subjective, uncertain, or unreal. Although it requires the verbs to be conjugated in specific ways, it’s not a tense.

Think of it as a similar concept to the English phrases “I wish,” “If I were,” “It’s necessary to,” and so on. These don’t describe reality — they express a hypothetical or unlikely situation, or a feeling like doubt, uncertainty, desire, emotion, or necessity.

Let’s start with an example sentence: “It is necessary that you do your homework.” In French, “it’s necessary that” is il faut que. This phrase expresses obligation and demands the subjunctive form. So it would be il faut que tu fasses tes devoirs. Fasses, here, is the subjunctive form of faire (“to do”).

Another example: Je veux que tu sois heureuse, “I want you to be happy.” Sois is the subjunctive form of être. It has to be in subjunctive because it expresses desire.

Have you noticed another common theme in the two examples we covered? Il faut que tu fasses tes devoirs and je veux que tu sois heureuse both include que. The subjunctive almost always comes after phrases that have que or qui. But be careful: not all phrases with que include the subjunctive. For objective statements, we use the indicative mood.

The essential French phrases you covered so far are likely to be in the indicative mood:

Je fais mes devoirs. “I do my homework.”Il est fatigué. “He is tired.”Ça fait deux heures que j’attends. “I’ve been waiting for two hours.” (We don’t need the subjunctive here since we stated a fact.)

The subjunctive is widely used in French daily life. This means that you’ll hear it often in films, books, or songs.

When to Use the Subjunctive

We already mentioned that the subjunctive in French is a verb mood, used in specific cases for specific feelings. But what are those feelings and cases? Let’s take a more detailed look:

After Expressions of Doubt, Emotion, Need, or Uncertainty

Anytime you express doubt, disbelief, emotion, or uncertainty with a phrase with que, the subjunctive follows. Here are some examples:

Je doute qu’il vienne. “I doubt that he will come.”J’ai peur qu’il ne soit en retard. “I’m afraid that he will be late.”Je suis triste que tu ne sois pas ici. “I’m sad that you’re not here.”

Start by checking out these expressions that require the subjunctive in French. You’ll hear them often, be it on the news, in discussions with friends, or in podcasts:

EnglishFrenchAudio“to prefer that”préférer que▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“to accept that”accepter que▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“to like that”aimer que▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“to doubt that”douter que▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“to hate that”détester que▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“to be happy that”être heureux que▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“to be sad that”être triste que▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“to be afraid that”avoir peur que▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“to want that”vouloir que▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“to ask that”demander que▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“to wish that”souhaiter que▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎After Certain Impersonal Expressions

Some impersonal expressions, which include il + verb naturally express need, judgment, or emotion in a way that would require the subjunctive.

Il faut que tu viennes me voir. “It is necessary that you come see me.”Il est dommage que tu ne puisses pas venir. “It’s a pity that you cannot come.”Il est important que vous soyez à l’heure. “It is important that you be on time.”Il vaut mieux qu’on parte maintenant. “It is better that we leave now.”Il est possible que je vienne demain. “It is possible that I will come tomorrow.”

Be careful — not all of them take the subjunctive. For example, il est clair que (“it is clear that”) doesn’t need it, as we’re talking about something clear and certain. Here are some common impersonal expressions that take the subjunctive:

EnglishFrenchAudio“It’s necessary that”Il faut que▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“It’s a pity that”Il est dommage que▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“It’s important that”Il est important que▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“It’s possible that”Il est possible que▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“It’s interesting that”Il est intéressant que▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“It’s better that”Il vaut mieux que▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎After Certain Conjunctions

Certain conjunctions that express subjectivity or unreality require the subjunctive. For example, avant que (“before”) is followed by the subjunctive because it introduces an action or event that has not yet occurred, so it’s uncertain. Après que (after), on the other hand, doesn’t need the subjunctive, as the events have already occurred, so we’re talking about facts.

Here are some example sentences with conjunctions that require the subjunctive.

Appelle-moi avant que tu partes. “Call me before you leave.”J’étudie pour que je puisse réussir à l’examen “I study so that I can pass the exam.”*Elle est perfectionniste. Elle va travailler sur le projet **jusqu’à ce qu’*il soit parfait. “She’s a perfectionist. She will work on the project until it’s perfect.”EnglishFrenchAudio“before”avant que▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“so that”pour que▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“so that”afin que▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“without”sans que▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“until”jusqu'à ce que▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎Forming the Subjunctive

Now that we’ve covered when to use the subjunctive mood, let’s look at how to put French verbs in the subjunctive form.

Regular Verb Conjugations

Regular verbs follow a straightforward pattern in subjunctive.

For first-group verbs, like parler, the subjunctive is almost the same as the present tense. We take the root of the verb by checking the ils/elles conjugation in the present tense. It’s ils/elles parlent, and to take the root, we need to remove the -ent. This leaves us with the root parl- which we need to add these suffixes for each person, respectively: -e, -es, -e, -ions, -iez, and -ent.

Parler (to speak)
que je parle
que tu parles
qu’il/elle/on parle
que nous parlions
que vous parliez
qu’ils/elles parlent

For second-group verbs, like finir the subjunctive looks a little different than the present tense. The root of the verbs are again found by looking at the ils/elles conjugation. Ils/elles finissent, leaves us with the root finiss- which we need to add -e, -es, -e, -ions, -iez, and -ent.

Finir (to finish)
que je finisse
que tu finisses
qu’il/elle/on finisse
que nous finissions
que vous finissiez
qu’ils/elles finissent

Irregular Verbs

Unfortunately, many of the most common French verbs are irregular in the subjunctive. The best way to learn them is by practice. At first, try to recognize them in your textbooks, or the French content you follow. Then, you’ll be more familiar with the irregular verbs and use them when necessary.

Here are the subjunctive forms for some key irregular verbs:

English VerbFrench VerbSubjunctive Conjugation“To be”Êtreque je soisque tu soisqu'il/elle/on soitque nous soyonsque vous soyezqu'ils/elles soient“To have”Avoirque j'aieque tu aiesqu'il/elle/on aitque nous ayonsque vous ayezqu'ils/elles aient“To go”Allerque j'ailleque tu aillesqu'il/elle/on ailleque nous allionsque vous alliezqu'ils/elles aillent“To do”Faireque je fasseque tu fassesqu'il/elle/on fasseque nous fassionsque vous fassiezqu'ils/elles fassent“To come”Venirque je vienneque tu viennesqu'il/elle/on vienneque nous venionsque vous veniezqu'ils/elles viennent“To know”Savoirque je sacheque tu sachesqu'il/elle/on sacheque nous sachionsque vous sachiezqu'ils/elles sachent“To be able to”Pouvoirque je puisseque tu puissesqu'il/elle/on puisseque nous puissionsque vous puissiezqu'ils/elles puissent“To take”Prendreque je prenneque tu prennesqu'il/elle/on prenneque nous prenionsque vous preniezqu'ils/elles prennentHow to Use the Subjunctive in the Past Tense

For compound tenses like the passé composé, you’ll use the subjunctive form of avoir or être, followed by the past participle if your phrase needs the subjunctive.

Il est dommage qu’elle ne soit pas venue. “It’s a pity that she didn’t come.”Je doute qu’ils aient compris la leçon. “I doubt that they understood the lesson.”Tips for Remembering the French Subjunctive

For native speakers, using the subjunctive comes naturally. For learners, it comes with a lot of practice! While learning the subjunctive, keep in mind that making mistakes is normal, and no one will judge you for using the indicative instead of the subjunctive. Here are some study tips:

Look for Patterns

In this article, you’ll find over 20 expressions and conjunctions that require the subjunctive. We didn’t choose them randomly — they’re there because they appear often in French conversations. A good way to start practicing the subjunctive is to study these phrases.

For example, il faut que (“it is necessary that”) always needs the subjunctive. If you often hear people saying il faut que j’aille (“it’s necessary that I leave/I need to leave”), that’s a perfect opportunity to learn that il faut que is a subjunctive phrase, and aille is the subjunctive of aller (“to go”).

Study Irregular Verb Forms

As we saw earlier, many common verbs are irregular in the subjunctive. Once you’ve learned some key phrases that take the subjunctive, move on to study irregular verbs:

Il faut qu’il aille au supermarché. “It’s necessary for him to go to the supermarket.” (we used qu’il aille, not qu’il va.Je doute qu’ils aient de l’argent. “I doubt that they have money.” (we used qu’ils aient, not (qu’ils ont.)Je suis heureuse que tu sois là. “I’m happy that you’re here.” (we used que tu sois, not que tu es.Practicing with Authentic Examples

Expose yourself to the subjunctive through authentic language, such as French movies and songs..

Let’s start by taking a look at this song by Céline Dion, Pour que tu m’aimes encore. Even the title is in subjunctive — pour que is one of the conjunctions that always requires the subjunctive. Pour que tu m’aimes encore translates into “so that you still love me.* In the song, you’ll also hear the phrase Je veux que tu saches, “I want you to know,” which is also in the subjunctive. Saches is one of the subjunctive forms of savoir (“to know”), an irregular verb.

What to Do When You Can’t Remember the Subjunctive Form?

While I do think that you should have a go at conjugating the subjunctive, I won’t say “try anyway, it’s okay to make mistakes!” this time. Instead, I have one last useful tip. In some cases, if you change the sentence structure, it’s possible to avoid the subjunctive. You should just make sure there’s no que in the equation.

Here are some examples:

Il faut que tu sois là, means “it’s necessary for you to be here.” It requires the subjunctive because it expresses necessity with the phrase il faut que. Another sentence that gives a similar meaning is:

Tu dois être là. “You need to be here.” There is no que, and tu dois (“you need to”) is always followed by an infinitive, not the subjunctive.

Mastering the French Subjunctive

Don’t be discouraged by the subjunctive’s reputation as a grammatical beast. Start by recognizing it, then move on to studying key phrases, and finally, start using those phrases. It’s no easy task, but with the right study tips, you’ll master it!

How to Learn the Spanish Subjunctive: A Simpler Approach Learn to Speak Multiple Languages (Without Burning Out)60+ Essential French Phrases for Beginners to Start Speaking Now Learning Spanish with Shakira's Tortura How to Make French Grammar Simple with French Songs

The post French Subjunctive Explained: What Is It and How to Practice It appeared first on Fluent in 3 Months.

View more on Benny Lewis's website »

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on October 01, 2024 04:00

← Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 98 99 Next →

Benny Lewis's Blog

Benny Lewis's profile
355 followers