Migaku Language Learning Blog: Tips, Tutorials & Expert Insights

Some futuristic tech containing the secrets of knowledge in a library, contrasting the old and the new

Learning a Language in 2025 & The Problem with Textbooks

Traditionally, when people think of learning a language, their first thought is to get a textbook. Unfortunately, that's not actually a very good idea. Here's why.

A woman using the phone, a prime opportunity to make use of any Japanese phone greetings you may know

Japanese Phone Greetings｜From “Moshi Moshi” to Business Etiquette

Japanese phone greetings explained: from casual phrases like “moshi moshi” to business etiquette, messages, and polite endings—everything you need in one guide.

A picture of many Japanese figures, metaphorically representing the army of cool Japanese words you're about to learn

Cool Japanese Words | Easy Guide

Ready to learn cool Japanese words and phrases? Here are some of the most beautiful Japanese concepts worth knowing.

Is it hard to learn Japanese? 3 Reasons Yes, 3 Reasons No

Want to learn Japanese, but feel intimidated? Here are a few things that make the Japanese language hard to learn—plus some things that work in your favor.

A wall covered in pieces of paper with calligraphic Japanese characters on them.

Onyomi vs Kunyomi: Remember These 4 Rules to Read Kanji Correclty

What’s the deal with all these different readings for kanji?You’re not alone in your confusion! Let’s take a look at the difference between onyomi and kunyomi readings, and the best way to learn Japanese kanji.

A screenshot of an old French calendar, showing all of the days of the week and months of the year

Days of the Week in French: Complete Guide to “La Semaine”

Learn the days of the week in French, from lundi to dimanche. Perfect your French language pronunciation of “jour” and know the days now!

The front of a Japanese cafe, exactly the sort of place where you might go to try some of the basic Japanese phrases within this article!

100+ Must-Know Basic Japanese Phrases

Have an upcoming trip to Japan? Here's all of the Japanese phrases, words, and questions you need to get by.

The Ins and Outs of the Conditional Tense in Spanish

Wondering how the conditional tense in Spanish works? Learn how to form it, when to use it, and which verbs have irregular forms.

Two women eating food—exactly the time when you would say itadakimasu in Japanese!

What Does Itadakimasu Mean in Japanese?

いただきます (itadakimasu) is used when receiving things and has a rather humble feel to it. Whether it be meals, gifts, or favors, this phrase can be used to express gratitude in a multitude of situations.

Two salaryman exchanging business cards, a situation in which you'll definitely hear some Japanese keigo

Japanese Keigo: An Overview of the Honorific and Humble Forms

Japanese keigo giving you trouble? Here’s a brief overview of the honorific and humble forms of keigo, what they mean, and how you can make sure you’re being polite!

How and When to Use the Spanish Imperfect Tense

Wondering why Spanish has two past tenses? This guide to the imperfect tense in Spanish breaks down how it’s used so you don’t have to break your head figuring it out.

A calendar in a Japanese restaurant, showing the days of the week and the month of the yaer

Master the Days of the Week in Japanese | Easy Guide

Learn the days of the week in Japanese! It's easier than you think, especially with our Japanese Days Easy Guide. Find out more inside...

A classic movie theater in France... but with Migaku, you don't need to go all the way to France to learn French with French shows

The Best French TV Shows to Learn French

Learn French easily by watching the best French TV series and Netflix shows! Nothing beats watching TV to immerse in French language from a distance.

A photograph of a samurai, perhaps one of the well-known figures in Japanese history, and many of which will be featured in the below anime recs

Learn About Japanese History With These 10 Anime | Migaku

Love Japan's history? Anime offers an engaging window into Japan's rich past, and here are the best anime for learning about Japanese history.

A group of four Japanese salaryman at an izakaya—the place you go to immerse in Japanese after you've managed to learn business Japanese

9 Manga, Anime & Dramas to Learn Business Japanese | Migaku

Need to brush up on your ビジネス日本語? Here’s how you can learn business anime with anime, manga & J-dramas (with a helping hand from Migaku).

A screenshot of a bridge, which links two different places together, just like the verb haber is an auxiliary verb (or helping verb) that connects to the main verb of a sentence

[Spanish Verbs] Haber Conjugation | All Tenses and Usages

Struggling with the verb haber? Here's an overview of conjugation in all its tenses, plus examples and usage.

A very scary scene—the sort of thing you'll see in some of the horror anime recommendations in this article!

10 Best Horror Anime to Learn Japanese | Migaku

Looking for the best horror anime of all time? Be careful what you wish for! Here's everything from Tokyo Ghoul to Death Note—plus some you likely haven't heard of.

A photo of the Anki icon and the flag of Spain, as this is a blog post about Spanish Anki decks!

Spanish for beginners | The #1 thing people get wrong when they learn Spanish

Took four years of Spanish in high school but didn't really learn Spanish? Chances are, you spent a lot of time learning *about* Spanish, but little time *in* Spanish.

A female hand holding four colored arrows, intended to represent the four main tones of Mandarin Chinese.

It's Easy to Learn Chinese Tones If You Understand This

Chinese Tones intimidate many learners of Chinese... but, the thing is, we actually have all of Chinese's tones in English, too. Understand English, and you'll understand Mandarin pronunciation, too.

A Japanese woman waving, to say "hello".

Top 12 Japanese Greetings: Meanings, Usage, and Cultural Context

Discover the top 12 Japanese greetings to enhance your language skills. Learn these essential phrases now and start speaking like a local.

A young woman waving at the camera—hello!

8 Ways to Say Hello in Chinese: From Formal to Casual Greetings

Learn the different ways to say hello in Chinese, from standard greetings to casual phrases. This guide offers pronunciation tips, cultural insights, and practical examples to help you greet others in Mandarin confidently.

A photo of a girl walking through Korea, exploring the new world that she's gained access to after learning Korean

Been studying Korean for a while, but haven't made much progress?

Chances are, your system doesn't lead to your goal. Here's how Migaku's data-driven Korean course can have you watching k-dramas in 6 months.

A screenshot of a book and a camera, because one of the big differences between the Spanish verbs saber and conocer is what you know vs what you experience.

Saber vs Conocer: What’s the Difference?

Confused about the difference between saber and conocer in Spanish? We'll cover each verb's usage and conjugation and provide several example sentences.

Join the Migaku Japanese Learning Discord: Connect with 12,000+ Japanese Language Learners

Join the Migaku Japanese Learning Discord with over 12,000 members! Practice & Learn Japanese, get real-time feedback, and access channels for other languages like Chinese, Korean, and more. Boost your language skills with Migaku’s powerful tools and a supportive community.

A screenshot of a flag hung from a balcony saying "thanks"—perhaps thanking you for bothering to learn how to thank the locals in French

13 Ways to Say Thank You in French: Merci and Other Phrases

Learn different ways to say thank you in French! Beyond "merci", discover ways to express gratitude and say "thanks" with the correct pronunciation.

A picture of a couple kissing in front of the Eiffel Tower—precisely the time when you want to know how to say I love you in French

How to Say "I Love You" in French | Romantic Phrases, Decoded

“Je t'aime” is only one way to say I love you in French. Learn French phrases to express your love and understand your favorite romantic content!

A screenshot of a man and woman laying down some serious notes in the backside of a van, perhaps as a way to learn Japanese

Nani ga Suki? Top Karaoke Songs for Learning Japanese

Love singing and want to learn Japanese? You're in luck! This article will introduce karaoke culture and several songs good for learners to start with.

A photograph of two Japanese people standing next to each other, likely close enough that they don't use japanese honorifics anymore

Understanding Japanese Honorifics: How to Use Suffixes Like San, Kun, and More

Unsure of how or why to use Japanese honorifics? Let’s look at some common Japanese honorifics, their meaning and use, and how you can put them to use in your own Japanese.

A screenshot of the French president greeting the German chancellor with la bise.

French Greetings: The Real Way to Say Hello in French

Learn how to say hello in French beyond "bonjour" and "bonsoir!" Discover the real way to greet someone in France with our intro to French greetings.

さすが (sasuga) | The Japanese Word for Compliments, Expectations, and Contradictions

さすが (sasuga) is a handy Japanese word that can be used for both compliments and contradictions. Learn about its meaning, usages, and nuances in this article.

A screenshot of a woman, her phone, her headset, and her shibainu—the perfect setup to enjoy some Japanese podcasts

The Best Japanese Podcasts for Beginner and Intermediate Learners (2025)

Looking for the best Japanese podcasts? Here are the podcasts you should be listening to as a beginner or intermediate who wants to learn Japanese 💪

A screenshot of a book of manga—a place where you're likely to find a bunch of Japanese onomatopoeia being used!

Japanese Onomatopoeia: 10 Common Sounds You'll Find in Manga

An onomatopoeia is a word that represents a sound (and more!). We share 10 Japanese onomatopoeia words that you'll hear in manga, everyday conversations, and basically everywhere.

A photo of Emmanuel Macron, the French president, trying to figure out a tactful way to say hell no in French

Non! | 20+ Different Ways to Say No in French

Learn different ways to say "no" in French! First weʹll learn how to say "non", obviously, but then cover several formal and informal French words and phrases natives *actually* use.

A photo of a grimoire, because never mind the best kanji books—you're going to need some black magic to learn this stuff

The Five Best Books to Learn Kanji (with study tips!)

Want to learn kanji? Here's a few textbooks and workbooks you can use to study kanji characters. | Remembering the Kanji, Kanji dictionary, kanji look & learn.

A photo of the a man juggling baseballs, just as you're wondering if you can get by with multiple languages up in the air simultaneously

Can you learn two languages at once?

The good news: Yes, you can learn two languages at once, or go harder and learn multiple languages at the same time! The bad news: You shouldn't. Here's why.

A screenshot of a woman wearing a shirt that says "oui!", which happens to be the French word for "yes"!

Different Ways to Say “Yes” in French: “Oui” or “Ouais”?

Beyond "oui": Discover different ways to say "yes" in French! Learn how to say yes like a native and expand your French language skills.

A photo of a man standing on the street, looking for a Japanese book to read from the wall of a building that conveniently doubles as a library

How to Learn Japanese by Reading

So you want to read in Japanese, but aren't sure where to get started? Let's talk about finding your first book, how to get through it, and how to sentence mine with it.

A screenshot of an anime character with a number on his hand—without a counter, because he's a noob, apparently

Japanese Counters: Learn to Count in Japanese | Migaku

How do you count in Japanese? Japanese counters, of course! Learn how to count people, small objects, machines and so much more with Migaku.

A screenshot from an anime in which characters are cheering on their teammates!

Ganbatte or Ganbare? How to use this Japanese word (like a pro)

'Ganbatte' translates to 'good luck'... but, when you use ganbatte in Japanese culture, it's really more of a cross between 'good luck' and 'perseverance'. Here's how it works!

A photo of an elegant French woman who has had enough of this shit for today

French Swear Words Guide: Curse Like a Native

Want to sound like a native? Learn French swear words! Master commonly used French curse words like 'merde' and other insults.

A screenshot of the landing splash page of Solo Leveling, which is about to become an awesome resource to help you learn Japanese.

Use Solo Leveling to Level Up Your Japanese | Migaku

Can you learn Japanese through anime? See how you could be watching Solo Leveling to learn Japanese—with Migaku by your side. Find out more…

A screenshot of a yuurei-looking ghost about to pop through a digital screen—basically the start of a Japanese horror movie

Learn Japanese with These 7 Japanese Horror Movies!

Looking for Japanese horror movies to watch and also interested in learning Japanese? Here are some of the scariest horror films that j-horror has to offer.

A woman living her best life after she broke into the intermediate stage of the language she was learning

How to Overcome the Beginner's Stage of Language Learning

Want to learn a language, but don't think it's possible? Let's simplify. Here's the one thing you need to do to reach the intermediate stage.

A photo of the Anki icon and the flag of Korea, as this is a blog post about Korean Anki decks!

7 Anki Decks that Will Actually Help You learn Korean | Best Korean Anki Decks

Anki is a digital flashcard app. In this post we go over Anki decks that will help you learn Korean: Korean vocabulary, sentences, pronunciation, and more.

Everything You Need to Know to Pass the JLPT N5 (+Sample Questions)

The JLPT N5 is the first level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, a test which measures how well you've learned Japanese. Here's how it works!

A photo of an ear—which, after finishing this article, will be clearly hearing the 6 tones of Vietnamese

Vietnamese Tones Overview: How to Pronounce All 6 Tones (+Audio)

Vietnamese is a tonal language. This guide walks through all of the Vietnamese tones so you can learn how to pronounce them. Audio samples & diagrams.

Meme man sweating serious bullets trying to decide whether Cantonese is a language or a dialect

Is the Cantonese language a dialect of Mandarin Chinese?

Cantonese is the language spoken in Hong Kong. You might know that it's a Chinese language, like Mandarin... but is it a language, or is it a dialect? Let's talk.

A man and a woman standing back to back, communicating

What Is the Closest Language to English?

Wonder which languages are closest to English? English is a Germanic language, but has heavy Romantic influences. Here's the scoop!

A photo of a German woman who looks like she's about to drop the equivalent of Deutschland's F-bomb

33 German Swear Words | Don't Be a Dummkopf, Click Me

Everyone knows Scheiße (scheisse) means. Here's 32 other German swear words and phrases you'll want to know, too.

A wall of numbers... which you'll be able to read in Portuguese, after finishing this blog post

Numbers in Portuguese | How to Count to 100 in Portuguese

1–19 is challenging. From 20 to infinity is easy. Whether you want to pay your bill, say how old you are, or give out your phone number—start here!

A classic meme of a guy saying what????—maybe because he heard there are 7 ways to way "what" in French!

How to Say "What" in French | 7 Ways, Explained

French doesn't have just one word for 'what'. We'll explain: quoi, qu'est-ce que/qui, ce que/qui / dont, quel/quelle/quels/quelles, que, et si, and comment.

A woman eating a baguette—perhaps on National French Bread Day!

How to say the months in French | Big table w/ pronunciation notes

So, you want to learn the French months of the year? Here's a handy table with the 12 months in French and their pronunciation. Bonus: dates & the year in French.

A photo of a young woman holding several textbooks; the header image for a blog article about Japanese textbooks.

The Five Best Japanese Textbooks for Beginners

Looking for the best Japanese textbooks? This guide compares top picks like Genki, Japanese From Zero, Minna no Nihongo, and Tobira to help you find the perfect one for your learning journey.

Join Migaku's Korean Discord Server: Learn Korean with 12,000+ Others

Want to learn Korean? You're not alone! Migaku's discord server is the place to connect with others learning the Korean language. Help others, have fun, and join the community!

A photo of a nonplussed-looking Hispanic man wearing a sombrero and raising a finger, looking like he might drop a few Spanish curse words

Spanish Curse Words: Here's a Big Beautiful Table of Bad Words

Learn Spanish curse words, swear words, profanity, or whatever the hell you call it. Contains a screenshottable table + explanations of popular Spanish profanity.

A photo of the Anki icon and the flag of China, as this is a blog post about Mandarin Chinese Anki decks!

6 Anki Decks That Will Actually Help You Learn Chinese | Best Mandarin Chinese Anki Decks

Anki is a digital flashcard app. In this post we go over Anki decks that will help you learn Mandarin Chinese: Chinese words, sentences, pronunciation, and more.

Master the Days of the Week in Chinese (Mandarin) | Easy Guide

If you're learning Mandarin, then you need to learn the days of the week in Chinese! Here's each one, their pronunciation, and how to write them with Chinese characters.

A photo of Lebkuchenherzen, German for "German Hearts", a sweet and lovely snack!

How to Say Love in Different Languages: 10 Ways to Say I Love You

Discover 10+ ways to say "I love you" in different languages! Learn how to express your feelings in Spanish, Mandarin, and more. Perfect for any romantic lover!

A Japanese girl about to swearing with her fingers, sourced from @decoponkann on X

Japanese Swear Words: A Guide to Curse Words and Expressions

We don't know why you're googling for swear words in Japanese but we've put a handy guide together for you 💪 Learn everything from バカ to くたばれ

A candid shot of the subjunctive destroying the notion that Spanish is easy.

The Spanish Subjunctive in 3 Steps | Guide for Beginners

The Spanish subjunctive mood looks scary... but we actually use it in English, too! Use the subjunctive form of a verb when you want to express these specific things:

A young woman holding a calendar, because we're about to learn how to say the days of the week in Korean

Master the Days of the Week in Korean | Easy Guide

If you're learning Korean, then you need to learn the days of the week in Korean! Basic vocabulary like this is an important part of your foundation.

Several people running, jumping, dancing, and exercising—doing things,because Korean verbs are what you do!

[Beginners] A Guide to Korean Verbs and Korean Verb Conjugation

A simple guide explaining how Korean verbs work. Covers conjugation, descriptive vs action verbs, and includes 50 examples of common Korean verbs.

6 Anki Decks That Will Actually Help You Learn Spanish | Best Spanish Anki Decks

Anki is a digital flashcard app. In this post we go over Anki decks that will help you learn the Spanish language: Spanish words, phrases, pronunciation, and more.

28 "Abgefahrene" German Slang Words and Phrases

Having a good grasp on German slang is a big part of what it means to speak the German language like a native... so here's a bunch of words that go beyond the classroom.

A screenshot of the welcome page of Migaku's discord channel.

Join Migaku's Chinese Discord Server: Learn Chinese with 12,000+ Others

Join the Migaku Chinese Discord server to study, chat, and learn Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese) with thousands of other language learners.

An attractive Korean man raising his hand, perhaps to make the argument it isn't hard to learn Korean.

...Is it actually that hard to learn Korean? How long does it take?

How long does it take to learn Korean? Is the Korean language hard to learn? Will you ever be able to understand KPOP? The answers are here 💪

A young school teacher standing in front of a desk, perhaps about to give a lesson about the most important Korean grammar points

Basic Korean Grammar: 10 Things You Should Know

I'll be honest: Korean grammar is complex. Here, we'll talk about the basic Korean grammar rules you need to get started, and where to go from there.

A photo of a page showing the mixed Korean script, featuring both Hangul and Hanja

Learn Hangul: A Guide to the Korean Alphabet (With Audio!)

The Korean alphabet, called Hangul (or hangeul), is the first step in your journey to learn Korean. Thankfully, it's also pretty easy to learn Hangul! Let's go:

Lady downloading information into her head, as you basically do with apps like Anki and Migaku.

How to use Anki to Learn a Language (Beginner Friendly Tutorial)

Everything you need to know about how to use Anki as a beginner, the most famous spaced repetition flashcard application, from installation to finding a deck and more.

The Only 3 Things You Need to Do to Learn a Language

Learning a new language doesn’t have to be complicated. Discover the only 3 essential steps you need to follow to achieve fluency efficiently and effectively."

A photo of the front cover of Tae Kim's Guide to Japanese Grammar.

Tae Kim's Guide to Japanese Grammar: Is It the Right Resource for You?

Discover the pros and cons of Tae Kim's Guide to Japanese Grammar, one of the most popular tools for learning Japanese. Find out who it’s best suited for and how it can fit into your language-learning journey.

Two very similar Spidermen looking at each other, surprised to see each other, wondering how they're going to prove which one is which—a similar conundrum to the one Japanese learners experience while dealing with the particles は (wa) and が (ga).

Japanese Particles は and が: Clear Examples and Essential Tips

Learn the difference between the Japanese particles は (wa) and が (ga). This guide simplifies their roles, nuances, and usage with practical examples for all learners.

An Asian woman holding up a flashcard, about to explain how much better modern tools like Migaku are for learning vocabulary!

Master Language Learning with Spaced Repetition: Proven Strategies and Tools

Learn how spaced repetition boosts language learning. Discover science-backed strategies, tools like Anki, and proven techniques for mastering vocabulary and fluency.

A man with a mad scientist contraption on his head, experiencing the wrong way to master any language

The Five Stages of Language Learning: A Clear Guide to Mastering Any Language

Explore the five stages of language learning and discover practical tips to progress from beginner to fluency. Perfect for learners of Japanese, Chinese, and more.

A doctor using a medical instrument to tap a patient's knee (に). Trust me, it's funny.

Mastering the Use of the Particle に in Japanese

Discover the essential uses of the Japanese particle に (ni), from marking destinations to indicating time and location. This beginner-friendly guide includes examples, grammar tips, and practical strategies to master に.

A group of friends sending a selfie to someone, as if to say 'come on, let's go somewhere!'

Japanese Verb Volitional Form: A Guide to Conjugation and Usage

Understand & Master the Japanese verb volitional form with our comprehensive guide! Learn how to express volition using 〜よう and 〜ましょう, and say <let's> or <shall we?> effortlessly.

A young woman eating a slice of pie, thus demonstrating what the Japanese particle を that marks direct objects is used for.

The Japanese Particle を (wo): A Beginner’s Guide to Direct Objects

Learn how to use the Japanese particle を (wo) to mark direct objects in sentences. This beginner-friendly guide covers grammar basics, sentence examples, and practical tips to enhance your understanding of Japanese.

A screenshot of Noah's Migaku dashboard, showing that he's gone from 1.5k known words to 34k known words in 3 years.

How Noah Learned 34,000 German Words with Migaku in 3.5 Years

Discover how Noah used Migaku to learn 33,000 German words in 3.5 years, skip a year of college classes, and prepare for bilingual proficiency to study philosophy in Germany.

A meme depicting the difficulty of the Russian language, which begins to get difficult from "hello".

Why Is Russian So Hard To Learn? An Overview Of Its Difficulty

Explore what makes Russian challenging, from grammar to pronunciation and writing systems, and gain a general understanding of its inherent hurdles.

Ethan's daily routine: train the body, train the mind, repeat

How a Premed Student Learns Spanish Fast with Migaku

Discover how a premed student uses Migaku to master Spanish efficiently, even with a busy schedule.

A photo of a Japanese temple with Mount Fuji in the background

Is Learning Japanese Worth It?: 10 Amazing Reasons to Learn Japanese

Wondering if learning Japanese is worth it? Explore 10 compelling reasons why learning Japanese can boost your career, enrich your life, and help you immerse in Japanese culture. Discover how Migaku makes learning Japanese more effective and enjoyable.

A Brazilian woman and a child sitting down, wrapped in a flag.

How Long Does It Take to Learn Portuguese? Tips for Faster Fluency

Discover how long it takes to learn Portuguese, factors that affect fluency, and actionable tips to speed up your language learning journey

A person with a remote looking at a television—perhaps to study Spanish by watching telenovelas!

The Best Spanish Shows: Learn Spanish While Enjoying Great TV

Discover the best Spanish shows to improve your language skills and immerse yourself in Spanish culture. Start streaming now with this comprehensive guide.

An Asian woman holding her head, wondering why English has to be so difficult and irregular.

Why English Is So Difficult to Learn: Understanding the Challenges of Mastering the Language

Wondering why English is so difficult to learn? Explore the complexities of English grammar, pronunciation, and spelling, and learn how tools like Migaku can help you master the language more effectively.

A group of friends gathered on the couch, watching something Netflix—perhaps a classic j-drama!

Learn Japanese with Netflix: A Beginner's Guide to Fun and Effective Language Learning

Discover how to learn Japanese by watching Netflix. Explore the best shows, movies, and tools like Migaku to enhance your listening skills and vocabulary with fun and effective methods.

A photo of someone pinning pictures of manga characters onto their bedroom wall.

Learn Japanese with Manga: How Migaku’s OCR Feature Can Boost Your Reading Skills

Discover how you can learn Japanese with manga using Migaku’s OCR feature. Easily look up kanji, create flashcards, and build your vocabulary while enjoying your favorite manga. Perfect for beginners looking to improve their Japanese reading skills.

A group of several students sitting at tables and taking a test.

How Long Does It Take to Pass JLPT N1? Study Hours and Tips for Success

Wondering how long it takes to pass JLPT N1? Learn about the required study hours, effective strategies, and how tools like Migaku can speed up your preparation for the JLPT N1 exam

A woman holding a French flag standing in front of the Eiffel Tower.

Why learn French? Here Are 8 Compelling Reasons.

Why learn French, you ask? Discover 8 compelling reasons to learn French, a widely spoken language that opens doors globally.

A screenshot showing how Migaku makes Japanese content accessible to learners.

Best Japanese Language Learning Software: How Migaku Transforms Your Japanese Skills

Looking for the best Japanese language learning software? Discover how Migaku's interactive tools, flashcards, and immersive features make mastering Japanese easier and more enjoyable.

An image of a Japanese and Chinese flag at a press conference.

Is Japanese or Chinese Harder to Learn? A Deep Dive for Language Learners

Is Japanese or Chinese harder to learn? Find out which language is more challenging in terms of grammar, pronunciation, and writing systems. Learn how Migaku helps you master both Mandarin and Japanese with ease, using real-time word lookups, flashcards, and spaced repetition.

A young Japanese woman writing a letter.