[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"blog-articles-language-fun":3,"$fHZsWYl_LcdVZ5GxKwtR-ZqvCZbbUdo2_Fi6R_GQKiQM":32426,"cms-articles-language-fun-en":32428},[4,950,2043,3025,4789,6018,6978,7836,8845,9992,11444,11980,12613,13271,14784,15789,16026,17071,18452,19203,19942,21166,23576,24310,26824,28004,28409,28710,31111,31507],{"id":5,"title":6,"body":7,"description":928,"extension":929,"meta":930,"navigation":942,"path":943,"rawbody":944,"seo":945,"stem":946,"__hash__":947,"timestampUnix":931,"slug":932,"h1":933,"image":934,"tags":939,"_dir":948,"timestamp":949},"content\u002Farticle\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Ffrench-hello.md","French Greetings: The Real Way to Say Hello in French ",{"type":8,"value":9,"toc":914},"minimark",[10,14,17,29,33,36,41,50,62,85,94,107,117,120,160,162,166,179,182,368,378,392,400,410,413,418,432,535,542,546,552,555,558,646,654,660,662,666,669,672,677,680,683,686,773,789,794,810,814,817,824,829,832,839,845,848,854,860,863,872,875,880,882,886,889,892,900,907],[11,12,13],"p",{},"Bonjour, fellow French learner!",[11,15,16],{},"Whether you're visiting France for the first time or diving into the French language from afar, one thing is certain: greetings matter. Knowing how to say hello in French isn’t just about memorizing one phrase—it’s about understanding when, where, and how to use each greeting naturally.",[11,18,19,20,24,25,28],{},"In this post, we’ll walk you through the most common and useful ways to greet someone in French. From the essential ",[21,22,23],"em",{},"bonjour"," to casual alternatives and cultural nuances like ",[21,26,27],{},"la bise"," (the kiss), you’ll leave this article ready to say hello like a local—whether in person, over email, or in your next French class.",[30,31,32],"toc",{},"\n \n",[34,35],"hr",{},[37,38,40],"h2",{"id":39},"bonjour-the-most-common-way-to-say-hello-in-french","Bonjour, the most common way to say Hello in French",[11,42,43,44,46,47,49],{},"You can't get away without knowing ",[21,45,23],{},". This essential French greeting will take you just about everywhere, no matter your level of fluency. From cafés to supermarkets, doctors’ offices to train stations—saying ",[21,48,23],{}," when you walk in is more than polite. It’s expected. Failing to do so can even lead to a cold shoulder or less-than-helpful service.",[11,51,52,53,55,56,61],{},"Think of ",[21,54,23],{}," ",[57,58],"custom-audio",{"src":59,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-bonjour.mp3","3"," as a baseline of French etiquette. Don’t overthink it—just say it.",[11,63,64,65,67,68,72,73,76,77,80,81,84],{},"For English speakers—note that, despite the J, ",[21,66,23],{}," sounds more like ",[69,70,71],"strong",{},"bohn-zhoor",". To be more specific, the ",[69,74,75],{},"\"j\""," in ",[21,78,79],{},"jour"," is pronounced like the ",[69,82,83],{},"s"," in “measure.” You'll know that you've got this sound right if you can pronounce it in a flowing fashion, with no pauses or interruptions of airflow.",[86,87,88],"blockquote",{},[11,89,90,91,93],{},"Use ",[21,92,23],{}," in all formal situations, or when speaking to someone you don’t know well.",[11,95,96,97,55,100,103,104,106],{},"It’s appropriate from early morning until early evening. After that, the more fitting phrase is ",[21,98,99],{},"bonsoir",[57,101],{"src":102,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-bonsoir.mp3"," (“good evening”). That said, many people still say ",[21,105,23],{}," at night, especially when meeting someone for the first time. It’s not considered rude—just a bit less conventional.",[11,108,109,110,55,113,116],{},"If you’re in a more casual context and already know the people you’re speaking with, you’ll likely want to switch things up and use ",[21,111,112],{},"salut",[57,114],{"src":115,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-salut.mp3"," or some of the other greetings we’ll look at below.",[11,118,119],{},"For now, though, here's a few French phrases you'll hear often that include bonjour:",[121,122,123,138,149],"ul",{},[124,125,126,127,130,131,134,135],"li",{},"Bonjour, madame ! ",[57,128],{"src":129,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-bonjour, madame.mp3"," ",[132,133],"br",{},"  ",[21,136,137],{},"Good day, ma’am!",[124,139,140,141,55,144,134,146],{},"Bonjour tout le monde ! ",[57,142],{"src":143,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-bonjour tout le monde.mp3",[132,145],{},[21,147,148],{},"Hello everyone!",[124,150,151,152,130,155,134,157],{},"Bonsoir, monsieur. ",[57,153],{"src":154,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-bonjour, monsieur.mp3",[132,156],{},[21,158,159],{},"Good evening, sir.",[34,161],{},[37,163,165],{"id":164},"coucou-some-more-casual-french-greetings","Coucou ! Some more casual French greetings",[11,167,168,169,171,172,174,175,178],{},"Once you've got ",[21,170,23],{}," and ",[21,173,99],{}," down, it's time to explore how native French speakers ",[21,176,177],{},"actually"," greet each other in more relaxed settings. Friends, family, and even coworkers (depending on your relationship) may skip the formalities entirely in favor of these casual alternatives.",[11,180,181],{},"Here are some common ways to say hi in French and how to use them:",[183,184,185,207],"table",{},[186,187,188],"thead",{},[189,190,191,195,198,201,204],"tr",{},[192,193,194],"th",{},"French Greeting",[192,196,197],{},"Meaning        ",[192,199,200],{},"Tone \u002F When to Use                                    ",[192,202,203],{},"Example Sentence",[192,205,206],{},"Audio",[208,209,210,241,272,303,333],"tbody",{},[189,211,212,219,222,228,236],{},[213,214,215,216,218],"td",{},"Salut ",[57,217],{"src":115,":type":60},"           ",[213,220,221],{},"Hi \u002F Hey      ",[213,223,224,225,227],{},"Informal settings; ",[132,226],{}," use with friends, peers, children      ",[213,229,230,231,55,233],{},"Salut, ça va ? ",[132,232],{},[21,234,235],{},"Hi, how’s it going?",[213,237,238],{},[57,239],{"src":240,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-salut, ça va _.mp3",[189,242,243,250,253,259,267],{},[213,244,245,246,249],{},"Coucou ",[57,247],{"src":248,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-coucou.mp3","         ",[213,251,252],{},"Hey there \u002F Hiya",[213,254,255,256,258],{},"Very informal, playful; ",[132,257],{}," often used with kids or close friends",[213,260,261,262,55,264],{},"Coucou toi ! ",[132,263],{},[21,265,266],{},"Hey you!",[213,268,269],{},[57,270],{"src":271,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-coucou toi.mp3",[189,273,274,281,284,290,298],{},[213,275,276,277,280],{},"Yo ",[57,278],{"src":279,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-yo.mp3","             ",[213,282,283],{},"Yo            ",[213,285,286,287,289],{},"Informal; ",[132,288],{},"borrowed from English, youth slang    ",[213,291,292,293,55,295],{},"Yo mec, quoi de neuf ? ",[132,294],{},[21,296,297],{},"Yo dude, what’s up?",[213,299,300],{},[57,301],{"src":302,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-yo mec, quoi de neuf _.mp3",[189,304,305,312,315,320,328],{},[213,306,307,308,311],{},"Wesh ",[57,309],{"src":310,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-wesh.mp3","            ",[213,313,314],{},"Yo \u002F Sup      ",[213,316,286,317,319],{},[132,318],{}," urban slang, can sound edgy            ",[213,321,322,323,55,325],{},"Wesh, t’es là ? ",[132,324],{},[21,326,327],{},"Yo, you here?",[213,329,330],{},[57,331],{"src":332,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-wesh, t'es là _.mp3",[189,334,335,342,345,355,363],{},[213,336,337,338,341],{},"Rebonjour ",[57,339],{"src":340,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-rebonjour.mp3","       ",[213,343,344],{},"Hello again    ",[213,346,347,348,350,351,354],{},"Use when greeting someone ",[132,349],{}," a ",[21,352,353],{},"second"," time in one day  ",[213,356,357,358,55,360],{},"Rebonjour ! On se retrouve encore. ",[132,359],{},[21,361,362],{},"Hello again! We meet again.",[213,364,365],{},[57,366],{"src":367,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-rebonjour ! on se retrouve encore..mp3",[11,369,370,371,171,374,377],{},"While ",[21,372,373],{},"coucou",[21,375,376],{},"wesh"," are friendly in the right contexts, they can feel overly familiar or inappropriate in formal settings. Use them only when you’re sure the tone is right.",[86,379,380,32,387,32,389],{},[381,382,32,384,32],"centered-text",{"bold":383,"underline":383},"",[69,385,386],{},"💡 By the way 💡",[132,388],{},[381,390,391],{},"\n It's also common now for French people to use English words such as “Hey” or “Hello” to greet someone. \n",[37,393,395,396,399],{"id":394},"what-to-say-after-and-before-you-say-hi-in-french","What to say ",[21,397,398],{},"after"," (and before) you say hi in French",[11,401,402,403,406,407,409],{},"So, naturally, it'd be kinda boring if you only ever said ",[21,404,405],{},"hello"," in English, wouldn't it? Well, the same goes for French speakers. While ",[21,408,23],{}," is always safe, it's not the only greeting you'll hear.",[11,411,412],{},"So, when you're ready to spice things up a bit...",[414,415,417],"h3",{"id":416},"after-saying-salut-ask-people-how-they-are","After saying salut, ask people how they are",[11,419,420,421,423,424,427,428,431],{},"In most French conversations, ",[21,422,405],{}," isn’t the end—it’s just the beginning. Very often, greetings are followed by a quick check-in question like ",[21,425,426],{},"ça va ?"," or ",[21,429,430],{},"quoi de neuf ?"," These aren’t just pleasantries; they’re part of showing genuine interest in the other person.",[183,433,434,452],{},[186,435,436],{},[189,437,438,441,444,447,450],{},[192,439,440],{},"Phrase        ",[192,442,443],{},"Meaning            ",[192,445,446],{},"Context                                  ",[192,448,449],{},"Example",[192,451,206],{},[208,453,454,481,508],{},[189,455,456,462,465,468,476],{},[213,457,458,459,341],{},"Ça va ? ",[57,460],{"src":461,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-ça_va.mp3",[213,463,464],{},"How’s it going?      ",[213,466,467],{},"Very common and casual                    ",[213,469,470,471,55,473],{},"Salut ! Ça va ? ",[132,472],{},[21,474,475],{},"Hey! How’s it going?",[213,477,478],{},[57,479],{"src":480,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Salut ! Ça va _.mp3",[189,482,483,489,492,495,503],{},[213,484,485,486],{},"Comment ça va ? ",[57,487],{"src":488,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-comment ça va.mp3",[213,490,491],{},"How are you?        ",[213,493,494],{},"Slightly more formal                      ",[213,496,497,498,55,500],{},"Bonjour, comment ça va aujourd’hui ? ",[132,499],{},[21,501,502],{},"Good day, how are you today?",[213,504,505],{},[57,506],{"src":507,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Bonjour, comment ça va aujourd’hui _.mp3",[189,509,510,516,519,522,530],{},[213,511,512,513],{},"Quoi de neuf ? ",[57,514],{"src":515,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-quoi de neuf.mp3",[213,517,518],{},"What’s up?          ",[213,520,521],{},"Friendly, curious, casual                ",[213,523,524,525,55,527],{},"Coucou ! Quoi de neuf depuis la dernière fois ? ",[132,526],{},[21,528,529],{},"Hey! What’s up since last time?",[213,531,532],{},[57,533],{"src":534,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Coucou ! Quoi de neuf depuis la dernière fois _.mp3",[11,536,537,538,541],{},"Interestingly, in French culture, it’s completely normal to respond to these questions with honesty—even if that means admitting you’re tired, annoyed, or just not having a great day. Don’t be alarmed if someone answers ",[21,539,540],{},"ça ne va pas très bien"," (things aren’t going so well). It’s not necessarily dramatic—it’s just real.",[414,543,545],{"id":544},"la-bise-do-french-people-kiss-to-greet-someone","La bise: Do French people kiss to greet someone?",[11,547,548,549,551],{},"Yes, the French famously greet with a kiss—or rather, a series of air kisses called ",[21,550,27],{},". But before you pucker up, let’s break it down.",[11,553,554],{},"La bise usually involves touching cheeks and making a kissing sound in the air. Contrary to some expectations, people rarely make actual lip-to-skin contact—it’s more symbolic than intimate.",[11,556,557],{},"Here are just some examples among hundreds of regional variations for la bise:",[183,559,560,576],{},[186,561,562],{},[189,563,564,567,570,573],{},[192,565,566],{},"Region        ",[192,568,569],{},"Number of Kisses",[192,571,572],{},"Starting Cheek",[192,574,575],{},"Notes                          ",[208,577,578,595,613,630],{},[189,579,580,586,589,592],{},[213,581,582,583,249],{},"Paris ",[57,584],{"src":585,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-paris.mp3",[213,587,588],{},"2                ",[213,590,591],{},"Right          ",[213,593,594],{},"Standard greeting in the capital",[189,596,597,604,607,610],{},[213,598,599,600,603],{},"Poitou ",[57,601],{"src":602,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-poitou.mp3","      ",[213,605,606],{},"1                ",[213,608,609],{},"Right or Left  ",[213,611,612],{},"Quick and simple              ",[189,614,615,621,624,627],{},[213,616,617,618,603],{},"Provence ",[57,619],{"src":620,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-provence.mp3",[213,622,623],{},"3 or 4          ",[213,625,626],{},"Varies        ",[213,628,629],{},"Can be confusing—follow the lead!",[189,631,632,639,641,643],{},[213,633,634,635,638],{},"Bretagne ",[57,636],{"src":637,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-bretagne.mp3","    ",[213,640,623],{},[213,642,626],{},[213,644,645],{},"Also depends on local norms  ",[86,647,648],{},[11,649,650,653],{},[21,651,652],{},"Tip",": When in doubt, just follow the other person’s lead. If they lean in, go for it. If they go for one cheek, mirror it. It’s okay to hesitate—it happens even to locals!",[11,655,656,657,659],{},"In formal or professional settings, especially at work, ",[21,658,27],{}," is becoming less common. Traditionally, men would shake hands with men, and exchange kisses with women. These days, a simple handshake is often more appropriate for everyone.",[34,661],{},[37,663,665],{"id":664},"phrases-for-french-emails-and-some-notes-on-formality","Phrases for French emails and some notes on formality",[11,667,668],{},"Need to make a booking via email? Want to contact a French teacher or reach out to a coworker? Email greetings follow different rules than in-person conversations—but they’re just as important.",[11,670,671],{},"For most everyday exchanges, you can simply start your email with:",[11,673,674],{},[69,675,676],{},"Bonjour,",[11,678,679],{},"That’s enough! No need to worry about whether to include first names or titles unless it’s a more formal situation.",[11,681,682],{},"If you're writing to someone in a position of authority or someone you don’t know well, it’s better to use a more formal tone.",[11,684,685],{},"Here’s a quick guide:",[183,687,688,701],{},[186,689,690],{},[189,691,692,695,698],{},[192,693,694],{},"French Term",[192,696,697],{},"English Equivalent",[192,699,700],{},"When to Use",[208,702,703,717,732,746,759],{},[189,704,705,711,714],{},[213,706,707,708,341],{},"Cher ",[57,709],{"src":710,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-cher.mp3",[213,712,713],{},"Dear (masculine)    ",[213,715,716],{},"Formal greeting for men",[189,718,719,726,729],{},[213,720,721,722,725],{},"Chère ",[57,723],{"src":724,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-chère.mp3","     ",[213,727,728],{},"Dear (feminine)    ",[213,730,731],{},"Formal greeting for women",[189,733,734,740,743],{},[213,735,736,737],{},"Monsieur (M.) ",[57,738],{"src":739,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-monsieur.mp3",[213,741,742],{},"Mr.              ",[213,744,745],{},"Use with last name",[189,747,748,754,757],{},[213,749,750,751],{},"Madame (Mme) ",[57,752],{"src":753,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-madame.mp3",[213,755,756],{},"Mrs.\u002FMs.          ",[213,758,745],{},[189,760,761,767,770],{},[213,762,763,764],{},"Mademoiselle (Mlle) ",[57,765],{"src":766,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-mademoiselle.mp3",[213,768,769],{},"Miss      ",[213,771,772],{},"Rarely used anymore; outdated in formal use",[86,774,775],{},[11,776,777,780,781,784,785,788],{},[21,778,779],{},"Note",": ",[21,782,783],{},"Mademoiselle"," has been largely phased out in official documents since 2012, as it was seen as discriminatory. These days, ",[21,786,787],{},"Madame"," is used regardless of a woman’s marital status.",[11,790,791],{},[21,792,793],{},"Example Email Greeting",[121,795,796],{},[124,797,798,799,801,802,55,804],{},"Chère Madame Dupont, ",[132,800],{}," Je me permets de vous contacter au sujet de notre rendez-vous prévu la semaine prochaine.  ",[132,803],{},[21,805,806,807,809],{},"Dear Ms. Dupont, ",[132,808],{}," I'm reaching out about our scheduled meeting next week.",[37,811,813],{"id":812},"stop-memorizing-french-words-heres-a-better-way-to-learn-french","Stop memorizing French words; here's a better way to learn French",[11,815,816],{},"This has (hopefully) been a pretty solid introduction to the various ways to say hello in French!",[11,818,819,820,823],{},"... but, if you want to learn French, the best way to do that ",[21,821,822],{},"isn't"," reading random articles about French words (in English).",[86,825,826],{},[11,827,828],{},"To learn French, you need to interact with French",[11,830,831],{},"For example—say that you're watching a French blog on YouTube, as you do.",[833,834],"img",{"src":835,"width":836,"height":837,"alt":838},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-french-hello-plug1.jpeg",1782,1248,"A screenshot showing how Migaku enhances YouTube, enabling you to click on French words in subtitles to see what they mean",[11,840,841,842,844],{},"In the course of watching normal French people do normal French things, you're naturally going to stumble upon a French greeting or two... like ",[21,843,373],{},".",[11,846,847],{},"If that word is new to you—you can click directly on it in the subtitles. We'll show you what it means, and if our dictionary doesn't have a definition that satisfies you, you can have AI explain what the word means in context.",[11,849,850,851,853],{},"In this case, this happens to be a pretty perfect depiction of ",[21,852,373],{},", so I've clicked the orange button in the top-right corner of the dictionary to make a flashcard:",[833,855],{"src":856,"width":857,"height":858,"alt":859},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-french-hello-plug2.jpeg",1470,1244,"A screenshot showing the flashcards that Migaku created automatically from a French YouTube video.",[11,861,862],{},"As you can see, it includes your line of dialogue, a snippet of your show's audio, and a screenshot of whatever was on-screen when your selected word (or phrase) was said.",[11,864,865,866,871],{},"From here, we utilize a ",[867,868,870],"a",{"href":869},"migaku.com\u002Fblog\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fspaced-repetition-language-learning","spaced-repetition algorithm"," to periodically nudge you to review the word, ensuring it eventually works its way into your long-term memory.",[11,873,874],{},"It's really that simple—consume French media you're interested in, lean on Migaku if you don't quite understand what you see or hear, and then make flashcards out of anything you'd like to remember.",[876,877],"prose-button",{"href":878,"text":879},"\u002F","Try Migaku for free",[34,881],{},[37,883,885],{"id":884},"greetings-in-french-check-now-go-make-a-good-first-impression","Greetings in French, check! Now go make a good first impression.",[11,887,888],{},"We've only just learned to say hello, but it's already time to say goodbye!",[11,890,891],{},"In parting, just remember the Golden Rule of Language Learning:",[86,893,894],{},[11,895,896,897,844],{},"If you consume media you enjoy in French, and you understand some of the messages and sentences within that media, you will make progress. ",[21,898,899],{},"Period",[11,901,902,903,906],{},"Now, go kick some ",[21,904,905],{},"cul"," 🫡",[11,908,909,910,913],{},"(And, also, ",[21,911,912],{},"bonne chance"," with whoever it is that you're trying to introduce yourself to!)",{"title":383,"searchDepth":915,"depth":915,"links":916},2,[917,918,919,925,926,927],{"id":39,"depth":915,"text":40},{"id":164,"depth":915,"text":165},{"id":394,"depth":915,"text":920,"children":921},"What to say after (and before) you say hi in French",[922,924],{"id":416,"depth":923,"text":417},3,{"id":544,"depth":923,"text":545},{"id":664,"depth":915,"text":665},{"id":812,"depth":915,"text":813},{"id":884,"depth":915,"text":885},"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.","md",{"timestampUnix":931,"slug":932,"h1":933,"image":934,"tags":939},1750658303984,"french-hello","Ways to Say Hello in French Beyond Bonjour 🇫🇷",{"src":935,"width":936,"height":937,"alt":938},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-french-hello.jpeg",1920,1200,"A screenshot of the French president greeting the German chancellor with la bise.",[940,941],"discussion","vocabulary",true,"\u002Farticle\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Ffrench-hello","---\ntitle: 'French Greetings: The Real Way to Say Hello in French '\ndescription: '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.'\ntimestampUnix: 1750658303984\nslug: 'french-hello'\nh1: 'Ways to Say Hello in French Beyond Bonjour 🇫🇷'\nimage:\n src: '\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-french-hello.jpeg'\n width: 1920\n height: 1200\n alt: 'A screenshot of the French president greeting the German chancellor with la bise.'\ntags:\n - discussion\n - vocabulary\n---\n\nBonjour, fellow French learner!\n\nWhether you're visiting France for the first time or diving into the French language from afar, one thing is certain: greetings matter. Knowing how to say hello in French isn’t just about memorizing one phrase—it’s about understanding when, where, and how to use each greeting naturally.\n\nIn this post, we’ll walk you through the most common and useful ways to greet someone in French. From the essential _bonjour_ to casual alternatives and cultural nuances like _la bise_ (the kiss), you’ll leave this article ready to say hello like a local—whether in person, over email, or in your next French class.\n\n\u003Ctoc> \u003C\u002Ftoc>\n\n---\n\n## Bonjour, the most common way to say Hello in French\n\nYou can't get away without knowing _bonjour_. This essential French greeting will take you just about everywhere, no matter your level of fluency. From cafés to supermarkets, doctors’ offices to train stations—saying _bonjour_ when you walk in is more than polite. It’s expected. Failing to do so can even lead to a cold shoulder or less-than-helpful service.\n\nThink of _bonjour_ \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-bonjour.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> as a baseline of French etiquette. Don’t overthink it—just say it.\n\nFor English speakers—note that, despite the J, _bonjour_ sounds more like **bohn-zhoor**. To be more specific, the **\"j\"** in _jour_ is pronounced like the **s** in “measure.” You'll know that you've got this sound right if you can pronounce it in a flowing fashion, with no pauses or interruptions of airflow.\n\n> Use _bonjour_ in all formal situations, or when speaking to someone you don’t know well.\n\nIt’s appropriate from early morning until early evening. After that, the more fitting phrase is _bonsoir_ \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-bonsoir.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> (“good evening”). That said, many people still say _bonjour_ at night, especially when meeting someone for the first time. It’s not considered rude—just a bit less conventional.\n\nIf you’re in a more casual context and already know the people you’re speaking with, you’ll likely want to switch things up and use _salut_ \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-salut.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> or some of the other greetings we’ll look at below.\n\nFor now, though, here's a few French phrases you'll hear often that include bonjour:\n\n- Bonjour, madame ! \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-bonjour, madame.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr>  _Good day, ma’am!_\n\n- Bonjour tout le monde ! \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-bonjour tout le monde.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr>  _Hello everyone!_\n\n- Bonsoir, monsieur. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-bonjour, monsieur.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr>  _Good evening, sir._\n\n---\n\n## Coucou ! Some more casual French greetings\n\nOnce you've got _bonjour_ and _bonsoir_ down, it's time to explore how native French speakers _actually_ greet each other in more relaxed settings. Friends, family, and even coworkers (depending on your relationship) may skip the formalities entirely in favor of these casual alternatives.\n\nHere are some common ways to say hi in French and how to use them:\n\n| French Greeting | Meaning         | Tone \u002F When to Use                                     | Example Sentence | Audio |\n| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------ | --------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| Salut \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-salut.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>            | Hi \u002F Hey       | Informal settings; \u003Cbr> use with friends, peers, children       | Salut, ça va ? \u003Cbr> _Hi, how’s it going?_ | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-salut, ça va _.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| Coucou \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-coucou.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>          | Hey there \u002F Hiya | Very informal, playful; \u003Cbr> often used with kids or close friends | Coucou toi ! \u003Cbr> _Hey you!_ | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-coucou toi.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| Yo \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-yo.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>              | Yo             | Informal; \u003Cbr>borrowed from English, youth slang     | Yo mec, quoi de neuf ? \u003Cbr> _Yo dude, what’s up?_ | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-yo mec, quoi de neuf _.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| Wesh \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-wesh.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>             | Yo \u002F Sup       | Informal; \u003Cbr> urban slang, can sound edgy             | Wesh, t’es là ? \u003Cbr> _Yo, you here?_ | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-wesh, t'es là _.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| Rebonjour \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-rebonjour.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>        | Hello again     | Use when greeting someone \u003Cbr> a _second_ time in one day   | Rebonjour ! On se retrouve encore. \u003Cbr> _Hello again! We meet again._ | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-rebonjour ! on se retrouve encore..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n\nWhile _coucou_ and _wesh_ are friendly in the right contexts, they can feel overly familiar or inappropriate in formal settings. Use them only when you’re sure the tone is right.\n\n> \u003CCenteredText bold underline> **💡 By the way 💡** \u003C\u002FCenteredText> \u003Cbr> \u003CCenteredText> It's also common now for French people to use English words such as “Hey” or “Hello” to greet someone. \u003C\u002FCenteredText>\n\n## What to say _after_ (and before) you say hi in French\n\nSo, naturally, it'd be kinda boring if you only ever said _hello_ in English, wouldn't it? Well, the same goes for French speakers. While _bonjour_ is always safe, it's not the only greeting you'll hear.\n\nSo, when you're ready to spice things up a bit...\n\n### After saying salut, ask people how they are\n\nIn most French conversations, _hello_ isn’t the end—it’s just the beginning. Very often, greetings are followed by a quick check-in question like _ça va ?_ or _quoi de neuf ?_ These aren’t just pleasantries; they’re part of showing genuine interest in the other person.\n\n| Phrase         | Meaning             | Context                                   | Example | Audio |\n| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------- | ------------------------------------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| Ça va ? \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-ça_va.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>        | How’s it going?       | Very common and casual                     | Salut ! Ça va ? \u003Cbr> _Hey! How’s it going?_ | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Salut ! Ça va _.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| Comment ça va ? \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-comment ça va.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | How are you?         | Slightly more formal                       | Bonjour, comment ça va aujourd’hui ? \u003Cbr> _Good day, how are you today?_ | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Bonjour, comment ça va aujourd’hui _.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| Quoi de neuf ? \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-quoi de neuf.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | What’s up?           | Friendly, curious, casual                 | Coucou ! Quoi de neuf depuis la dernière fois ? \u003Cbr> _Hey! What’s up since last time?_ | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Coucou ! Quoi de neuf depuis la dernière fois _.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n\nInterestingly, in French culture, it’s completely normal to respond to these questions with honesty—even if that means admitting you’re tired, annoyed, or just not having a great day. Don’t be alarmed if someone answers _ça ne va pas très bien_ (things aren’t going so well). It’s not necessarily dramatic—it’s just real.\n\n### La bise: Do French people kiss to greet someone?\n\nYes, the French famously greet with a kiss—or rather, a series of air kisses called _la bise_. But before you pucker up, let’s break it down.\n\nLa bise usually involves touching cheeks and making a kissing sound in the air. Contrary to some expectations, people rarely make actual lip-to-skin contact—it’s more symbolic than intimate.\n\nHere are just some examples among hundreds of regional variations for la bise:\n\n| Region         | Number of Kisses | Starting Cheek | Notes                           |\n| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------- | --------------- | --------------------------------- |\n| Paris \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-paris.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>          | 2                 | Right           | Standard greeting in the capital |\n| Poitou \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-poitou.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>       | 1                 | Right or Left   | Quick and simple               |\n| Provence \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-provence.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>       | 3 or 4           | Varies         | Can be confusing—follow the lead! |\n| Bretagne \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-bretagne.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>     | 3 or 4           | Varies         | Also depends on local norms   |\n\n> _Tip_: When in doubt, just follow the other person’s lead. If they lean in, go for it. If they go for one cheek, mirror it. It’s okay to hesitate—it happens even to locals!\n\nIn formal or professional settings, especially at work, _la bise_ is becoming less common. Traditionally, men would shake hands with men, and exchange kisses with women. These days, a simple handshake is often more appropriate for everyone.\n\n---\n\n## Phrases for French emails and some notes on formality\n\nNeed to make a booking via email? Want to contact a French teacher or reach out to a coworker? Email greetings follow different rules than in-person conversations—but they’re just as important.\n\nFor most everyday exchanges, you can simply start your email with:\n\n**Bonjour,**\n\nThat’s enough! No need to worry about whether to include first names or titles unless it’s a more formal situation.\n\nIf you're writing to someone in a position of authority or someone you don’t know well, it’s better to use a more formal tone.\n\nHere’s a quick guide:\n\n| French Term | English Equivalent | When to Use |\n| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------- | ------------------------------------------- |\n| Cher \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-cher.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>        | Dear (masculine)     | Formal greeting for men |\n| Chère \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-chère.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>      | Dear (feminine)     | Formal greeting for women |\n| Monsieur (M.) \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-monsieur.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | Mr.               | Use with last name |\n| Madame (Mme) \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-madame.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | Mrs.\u002FMs.           | Use with last name |\n| Mademoiselle (Mlle) \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-mademoiselle.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | Miss       | Rarely used anymore; outdated in formal use |\n\n> _Note_: _Mademoiselle_ has been largely phased out in official documents since 2012, as it was seen as discriminatory. These days, _Madame_ is used regardless of a woman’s marital status.\n\n_Example Email Greeting_\n\n- Chère Madame Dupont, \u003C\u002Fbr> Je me permets de vous contacter au sujet de notre rendez-vous prévu la semaine prochaine.  \u003C\u002Fbr> _Dear Ms. Dupont, \u003C\u002Fbr> I'm reaching out about our scheduled meeting next week._\n\n## Stop memorizing French words; here's a better way to learn French\n\nThis has (hopefully) been a pretty solid introduction to the various ways to say hello in French!\n\n... but, if you want to learn French, the best way to do that _isn't_ reading random articles about French words (in English).\n\n> To learn French, you need to interact with French\n\nFor example—say that you're watching a French blog on YouTube, as you do.\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-french-hello-plug1.jpeg\" width=\"1782\" height=\"1248\" alt=\"A screenshot showing how Migaku enhances YouTube, enabling you to click on French words in subtitles to see what they mean\" \u002F>\n\nIn the course of watching normal French people do normal French things, you're naturally going to stumble upon a French greeting or two... like _coucou_.\n\nIf that word is new to you—you can click directly on it in the subtitles. We'll show you what it means, and if our dictionary doesn't have a definition that satisfies you, you can have AI explain what the word means in context.\n\nIn this case, this happens to be a pretty perfect depiction of _coucou_, so I've clicked the orange button in the top-right corner of the dictionary to make a flashcard:\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-french-hello-plug2.jpeg\" width=\"1470\" height=\"1244\" alt=\"A screenshot showing the flashcards that Migaku created automatically from a French YouTube video.\" \u002F>\n\nAs you can see, it includes your line of dialogue, a snippet of your show's audio, and a screenshot of whatever was on-screen when your selected word (or phrase) was said.\n\nFrom here, we utilize a [spaced-repetition algorithm](migaku.com\u002Fblog\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fspaced-repetition-language-learning) to periodically nudge you to review the word, ensuring it eventually works its way into your long-term memory.\n\nIt's really that simple—consume French media you're interested in, lean on Migaku if you don't quite understand what you see or hear, and then make flashcards out of anything you'd like to remember.\n\n\u003Cprose-button href=\"\u002F\" text=\"Try Migaku for free\">\u003C\u002Fprose-button>\n\n---\n\n## Greetings in French, check! Now go make a good first impression.\n\nWe've only just learned to say hello, but it's already time to say goodbye!\n\nIn parting, just remember the Golden Rule of Language Learning:\n\n> If you consume media you enjoy in French, and you understand some of the messages and sentences within that media, you will make progress. _Period_.\n\nNow, go kick some _cul_ 🫡\n\n(And, also, _bonne chance_ with whoever it is that you're trying to introduce yourself to!)\n",{"title":6,"description":928},"article\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Ffrench-hello","AZ_5zn-9ktEgK1pbLtCQw0F4FDWtOHCV5OaV65shY7M","language-fun","June 23, 2025",{"id":951,"title":952,"body":953,"description":2025,"extension":929,"meta":2026,"navigation":942,"path":2037,"rawbody":2038,"seo":2039,"stem":2040,"__hash__":2041,"timestampUnix":2027,"slug":2028,"h1":2029,"image":2030,"tags":2035,"_dir":948,"timestamp":2042},"content\u002Farticle\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Ffrench-love.md","How to Say \"I Love You\" in French | Romantic Phrases, Decoded",{"type":8,"value":954,"toc":2008},[955,958,965,974,977,979,981,985,988,993,1003,1006,1011,1014,1016,1020,1027,1034,1037,1041,1044,1050,1059,1062,1137,1143,1186,1189,1199,1205,1208,1229,1233,1236,1248,1254,1265,1275,1281,1284,1290,1293,1297,1312,1341,1344,1417,1420,1424,1427,1430,1461,1464,1467,1527,1529,1533,1540,1546,1550,1556,1559,1638,1647,1652,1656,1659,1748,1758,1771,1775,1778,1882,1885,1889,1892,1895,1900,1903,1905,1909,1916,1922,1925,1931,1937,1943,1947,1950,1953,1958,1965,1970,1972,1974,1978,1985,1988,1994,2002],[11,956,957],{},"Whether you stumbled on this post because you're in love, daydreaming about a romantic trip to Paris, or just curious about how to say \"I love you\" in French... you're in the right place.",[11,959,960,961,964],{},"French is often called the language of love, but expressing love in French goes far beyond just knowing how to say ",[21,962,963],{},"je t’aime",". In fact, if you're hoping to win the heart of a French speaker, simply repeating that one phrase might not get you very far.",[86,966,967],{},[11,968,969,970,973],{},"French culture places deep meaning on ",[21,971,972],{},"expressions"," of love—often subtle, sometimes poetic, and always nuanced.",[11,975,976],{},"In this article, we’ll explore not just how to say “I love you” in French, but when to say it, how not to say it, and what other expressions and gestures are used in France to express deep affection.",[30,978],{},[34,980],{},[37,982,984],{"id":983},"why-is-france-considered-so-romantic","Why is France considered so romantic?",[11,986,987],{},"From candlelit dinners in Montmartre to the poetic melancholy of old chanson songs, France has built its reputation as a romantic destination over centuries.",[833,989],{"src":990,"width":936,"height":991,"alt":992},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-french-love-dinner.jpeg",1280,"A romantic dinner with wine—an ideal place to say I love you for the first time, perhaps",[11,994,995,996,55,999,1002],{},"This romantic image has roots in history, literature, and even politics. Think of the love letters of Napoleon Bonaparte to Joséphine, or the existentialist romances of Simone de Beauvoir and Jean-Paul Sartre. Paris, often called ",[21,997,998],{},"la ville de l’amour",[57,1000],{"src":1001,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-la ville de l’amour.mp3"," (the city of love), is seen worldwide as a symbol of intimacy and passion.",[11,1004,1005],{},"French culture places a high value on sensuality, subtlety, and emotional depth in relationships.",[86,1007,1008],{},[11,1009,1010],{},"Love is something to be discovered, nurtured, and expressed through thoughtful words and gestures—not shouted from the rooftops.",[11,1012,1013],{},"And that brings us to the most iconic expression of all…",[34,1015],{},[37,1017,1019],{"id":1018},"je-taime-the-ultimate-romantic-phrase","“Je t'aime:” The ultimate romantic phrase",[11,1021,1022,1023,1026],{},"Je t'aime ",[57,1024],{"src":1025,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-je_t'aime.mp3",", the classic phrase. If you've studied French at all—or, perhaps, even if you haven't—you've likely learned these three words.",[11,1028,1029,1030,1033],{},"The bulk of this article will focus on ",[21,1031,1032],{},"other"," expressions of love, but we'd be remiss not to pay this one homage.",[11,1035,1036],{},"Let's do it!",[414,1038,1040],{"id":1039},"origin-grammar-and-pronunciation-of-je-taime","Origin, grammar and pronunciation of “je t'aime”",[11,1042,1043],{},"Let’s start with the basics.",[11,1045,1046,1049],{},[69,1047,1048],{},"Je t’aime"," is the standard way to say “I love you” in French... But unlike in English, where “I love you” might be said frequently to friends, pets, or even your favorite pizza:",[86,1051,1052],{},[11,1053,1054,1055,1058],{},"French reserves this phrase almost exclusively for serious romantic partners or, occasionally, ",[21,1056,1057],{},"very"," close family members and friends.",[11,1060,1061],{},"Here’s a quick breakdown of its grammar:",[183,1063,1064,1077],{},[186,1065,1066],{},[189,1067,1068,1071,1074],{},[192,1069,1070],{},"French",[192,1072,1073],{},"English",[192,1075,1076],{},"Explanation",[208,1078,1079,1094,1115],{},[189,1080,1081,1088,1091],{},[213,1082,1083,1084,1087],{},"je ",[57,1085],{"src":1086,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-je.mp3","   ",[213,1089,1090],{},"I      ",[213,1092,1093],{},"just your standard subject pronoun",[189,1095,1096,1102,1105],{},[213,1097,1098,1099,638],{},"t’ ",[57,1100],{"src":1101,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-t'.mp3",[213,1103,1104],{},"you    ",[213,1106,1107,1108,55,1111,1114],{},"short for ",[69,1109,1110],{},"te",[57,1112],{"src":1113,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-te.mp3",", the direct-object pronoun for \"you\"",[189,1116,1117,1124,1127],{},[213,1118,1119,1120,1123],{},"aime ",[57,1121],{"src":1122,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-aime.mp3","  ",[213,1125,1126],{},"love    ",[213,1128,1129,1130,55,1133,1136],{},"from the verb ",[69,1131,1132],{},"aimer",[57,1134],{"src":1135,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-aimer.mp3",", conjugated in present tense",[11,1138,1139,1140,1142],{},"Pronunciation tip: ",[69,1141,1048],{}," is pronounced \u002Fʒə tɛm\u002F, like “zhuh tem.”",[121,1144,1145,1151,1173],{},[124,1146,1147,1148],{},"The \"J\" in \"je\" is not our standard J sound, but rather the Z from ",[21,1149,1150],{},"measure",[124,1152,1153,1154,1157,1158,427,1161,1164,1165,1168,1169,1172],{},"The T in \"t'\" is pronounced ",[21,1155,1156],{},"without"," a puff of air—like the T in ",[21,1159,1160],{},"sty",[21,1162,1163],{},"latency",", rather than the T in ",[21,1166,1167],{},"tie"," (Audio explanation → ",[57,1170],{"src":1171,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fen-aspirated T explanation.mp3"," )",[124,1174,1175,1176,1179,1180,427,1183],{},"The \"ai\" in \"aime\" is pronounced like the \"ea\" in ",[21,1177,1178],{},"head",", not like the \"ai\" in ",[21,1181,1182],{},"pain",[21,1184,1185],{},"stain",[11,1187,1188],{},"The phrase has become iconic in French music and cinema.",[11,1190,1191,1192,1198],{},"As an aside, if you ever doubt about how to conjugate “aimer,” just think of ",[867,1193,1197],{"href":1194,"rel":1195},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=EVeZzR677DU",[1196],"nofollow","Francis Cabrel's popular song",":",[833,1200],{"src":1201,"width":1202,"height":1203,"alt":1204},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-french-love-conjugation.jpeg",2030,1288,"A screenshot from the music video of this popular French song, as enhanced by Migaku",[11,1206,1207],{},"This simple phrase captures the depth and timelessness that love holds in French. But beware—just because it’s short doesn’t mean it’s said lightly.",[86,1209,1210,32,1215,1217],{},[381,1211,1212],{"bold":383},[69,1213,1214],{},"Love is swe..sour?",[132,1216],{},[381,1218,32,1219,1228],{},[21,1220,1221,1222,1227],{},"The verb “aimer” (to love) comes from Latin's \"amare\", which became “amer”... ",[867,1223,1226],{"href":1224,"rel":1225},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.dictionnaire-academie.fr\u002Farticle\u002FA9A1016",[1196],"which sounded like “sour” in French until the 15th century","!","\n \n",[414,1230,1232],{"id":1231},"french-declarations-of-love","French declarations of love",[11,1234,1235],{},"In many cultures, saying “I love you” is said quite casually—something you can utter early on in a relationship, or perhaps even among friends.",[86,1237,1238],{},[11,1239,1240,1241,1244,1245,1247],{},"In France, love is an important relationship milestone. You don't tell someone that you love them unless you mean it. In fact, some French people might ",[21,1242,1243],{},"never"," say ",[21,1246,963],{}," out loud to family members—even if their love is indeed deeply felt.",[11,1249,1250,1251,1253],{},"Saying ",[21,1252,963],{}," to someone you're dating marks a turning point—it’s the moment where you’re acknowledging deep emotional investment. It can feel vulnerable and brave.",[11,1255,1256,1257,1198],{},"This caution around words of love is beautifully expressed in the song ",[867,1258,1261,1264],{"href":1259,"rel":1260},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=DmzHh5xWoFk",[1196],[21,1262,1263],{},"Message Personnel"," by Françoise Hardy",[121,1266,1267],{},[124,1268,1269,1270,55,1272],{},"Je ne peux pas vous dire que je t’aime, peut-être  ",[132,1271],{},[21,1273,1274],{},"I can’t tell you that I might love you.",[833,1276],{"src":1277,"width":1278,"height":1279,"alt":1280},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-french-love-song2.jpeg",2042,1294,"A screenshot of the music video to this song, with the subtitles generated by Migaku",[11,1282,1283],{},"This line reflects the fear and hesitation that accompanies emotional vulnerability in French relationships.",[11,1285,1286,1287,1289],{},"Because of this, written forms of ",[21,1288,963],{},"—like text messages—can sometimes feel easier and less intimidating. In casual texts, it’s often abbreviated to JTM, pronounced \"jee-tee-ehm.”",[11,1291,1292],{},"Even in a casual text, though, the phrase is still heavy.",[414,1294,1296],{"id":1295},"beware-of-superlatives","Beware of superlatives!",[11,1298,1299,1300,55,1302,1304,1305,55,1308,1311],{},"Here’s a trap that trips up many learners: trying to intensify ",[21,1301,963],{},[57,1303],{"src":1025,":type":60}," by adding ",[21,1306,1307],{},"beaucoup",[57,1309],{"src":1310,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-beaucoup.mp3"," (“very much”) in an attempt to say “I love you very much.” While this is perfectly logical in English, it has the opposite effect in French!",[121,1313,1314],{},[124,1315,1316,1317,55,1320,55,1323,1325,1326,1329,1330,1332,1333,1336,1337,1340],{},"❌ ",[21,1318,1319],{},"Je t’aime beaucoup",[57,1321],{"src":1322,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Je t’aime beaucoup.mp3",[132,1324],{},"I ",[21,1327,1328],{},"like"," you a lot. ",[132,1331],{},"While this might ",[21,1334,1335],{},"seem"," like it should be a sweet intensifier, it's got a kind of ",[21,1338,1339],{},"friend-zoned"," vibe to it—a kind of polite affection. It doesn’t carry romantic weight.",[11,1342,1343],{},"If you want to express stronger romantic feelings, try these instead:",[183,1345,1346,1359],{},[186,1347,1348],{},[189,1349,1350,1353,1356],{},[192,1351,1352],{},"French Phrase",[192,1354,1355],{},"Translation",[192,1357,1358],{},"Use Case",[208,1360,1361,1375,1389,1403],{},[189,1362,1363,1369,1372],{},[213,1364,1365,1366],{},"Je t’aime tellement ",[57,1367],{"src":1368,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Je t’aime tellement.mp3",[213,1370,1371],{},"I love you so much",[213,1373,1374],{},"Romantic and heartfelt",[189,1376,1377,1383,1386],{},[213,1378,1379,1380],{},"Je t’aime tant ",[57,1381],{"src":1382,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Je t’aime tant.mp3",[213,1384,1385],{},"I love you so",[213,1387,1388],{},"Slightly poetic and romantic",[189,1390,1391,1397,1400],{},[213,1392,1393,1394],{},"Je t’aime à la folie ",[57,1395],{"src":1396,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Je t’aime à la folie.mp3",[213,1398,1399],{},"I love you madly",[213,1401,1402],{},"Passionate, dramatic",[189,1404,1405,1411,1414],{},[213,1406,1407,1408],{},"Je t’aime pour toujours ",[57,1409],{"src":1410,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Je t’aime pour toujours.mp3",[213,1412,1413],{},"I love you forever",[213,1415,1416],{},"Committed, sentimental",[11,1418,1419],{},"These variations still carry the romantic weight of the original, but turn up the intensity—without sounding like you’re talking to your best friend.",[414,1421,1423],{"id":1422},"️-frenchs-aimer-isnt-as-versatile-as-englishs-love","⚠️ French's “aimer” isn't as versatile as English's “love”",[11,1425,1426],{},"In English, “love” is used for everything from people to pizza. You might say “I love this movie” or “I love summer” without thinking twice.",[11,1428,1429],{},"Not so in French.",[11,1431,1432,1435,1436,1439,1440,55,1443,1446,1447,55,1450,1453,1454,55,1457,1460],{},[69,1433,1434],{},"Aimer"," is usually reserved for expressing love toward ",[21,1437,1438],{},"people",". When it comes to things, experiences, or animals, you’re more likely to use ",[69,1441,1442],{},"adorer",[57,1444],{"src":1445,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-adorer.mp3",", ",[69,1448,1449],{},"aimer bien",[57,1451],{"src":1452,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-aimer bien.mp3",", or ",[69,1455,1456],{},"kiffer",[57,1458],{"src":1459,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-kiffer.mp3"," (slang) instead.",[11,1462,1463],{},"Using “aimer” for things means more “to like” than to love.",[11,1465,1466],{},"Here’s a quick comparison:",[183,1468,1469,1477],{},[186,1470,1471],{},[189,1472,1473,1475],{},[192,1474,1073],{},[192,1476,1070],{},[208,1478,1479,1490,1501,1512],{},[189,1480,1481,1484],{},[213,1482,1483],{},"I love my cat",[213,1485,1486,1487],{},"J’adore mon chat ",[57,1488],{"src":1489,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-j'adore mon chat..mp3",[189,1491,1492,1495],{},[213,1493,1494],{},"I love this show",[213,1496,1497,1498],{},"J’adore cette série ",[57,1499],{"src":1500,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-j'adore cette série..mp3",[189,1502,1503,1506],{},[213,1504,1505],{},"I like\u002Fenjoy this show",[213,1507,1508,1509],{},"J’aime bien cette série ",[57,1510],{"src":1511,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-j'aime bien cette série..mp3",[189,1513,1514,1517],{},[213,1515,1516],{},"I love chocolate",[213,1518,1519,1520,1523,1524],{},"J’adore le chocolat ",[57,1521],{"src":1522,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-j'adore le chocolat..mp3"," \u002F Je kiffe le chocolat ",[57,1525],{"src":1526,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-je kiffe le chocolat..mp3",[34,1528],{},[37,1530,1532],{"id":1531},"other-ways-to-express-your-love-in-french","Other Ways to Express Your Love in French",[11,1534,1535,1536,1539],{},"You're now up to speed on ",[21,1537,1538],{},"je t'aime",", the classic.",[11,1541,1542,1543,1545],{},"Here's a few ",[21,1544,1032],{}," things you can tell people!",[414,1547,1549],{"id":1548},"other-ways-to-say-i-love-you","Other ways to say \"I love you\"",[11,1551,1552,1553,1555],{},"Sometimes, ",[21,1554,963],{}," just doesn't hit quite right—especially if you’re early in a relationship, flirting, or want to say something a little more playful or poetic.",[11,1557,1558],{},"In such cases, here are some alternatives you can take for a spin:",[183,1560,1561,1573],{},[186,1562,1563],{},[189,1564,1565,1567,1570],{},[192,1566,1352],{},[192,1568,1569],{},"Meaning",[192,1571,1572],{},"Tone",[208,1574,1575,1593,1607,1624],{},[189,1576,1577,1587,1590],{},[213,1578,1579,1580,1583,1584],{},"Je suis fou (m) \u002Ffolle (f) de toi ",[57,1581],{"src":1582,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-je suis fou de toi.mp3"," \u002F ",[57,1585],{"src":1586,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-je suis folle de toi.mp3",[213,1588,1589],{},"I’m crazy about you",[213,1591,1592],{},"Passionate, informal",[189,1594,1595,1601,1604],{},[213,1596,1597,1598],{},"Je suis dingue de toi ",[57,1599],{"src":1600,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-je suis dingue de toi.mp3",[213,1602,1603],{},"I’m mad about you",[213,1605,1606],{},"Casual, flirtatious",[189,1608,1609,1618,1621],{},[213,1610,1611,1612,1583,1615],{},"Je suis amoureux (m) \u002F amoureuse (f) de toi ",[57,1613],{"src":1614,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-je suis amoureux de toi.mp3",[57,1616],{"src":1617,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-je suis amoureuse de toi.mp3",[213,1619,1620],{},"I’m in love with you",[213,1622,1623],{},"Clear, honest",[189,1625,1626,1632,1635],{},[213,1627,1628,1629],{},"Je t’aime à mourir ",[57,1630],{"src":1631,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-je t'aime à mourir.mp3",[213,1633,1634],{},"I love you to death",[213,1636,1637],{},"Dramatic, poetic",[11,1639,1640,1641,1646],{},"For fun, you can learn how to say \"I love you to death\" with ",[867,1642,1645],{"href":1643,"rel":1644},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=92tkZQB-Uj4",[1196],"Shakira's French and Spanish rendition of “Je l’aime à mourir,”"," a classic French love song:",[833,1648],{"src":1649,"width":1202,"height":1650,"alt":1651},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-french-love-shakira.jpeg",1284,"A screenshot from the music video of Je l'aime à mourir, with subtitles generated by Migaku",[414,1653,1655],{"id":1654},"other-romantic-french-phrases","Other Romantic French Phrases",[11,1657,1658],{},"Romantic feelings often come with poetic or playful vocabulary in French. Here are some phrases and idioms to keep in your love language toolkit:",[183,1660,1661,1672],{},[186,1662,1663],{},[189,1664,1665,1668,1670],{},[192,1666,1667],{},"Expression",[192,1669,1355],{},[192,1671,1569],{},[208,1673,1674,1692,1706,1720,1734],{},[189,1675,1676,1686,1689],{},[213,1677,1678,1679,1682,1683],{},"Tomber amoureux (m) ",[57,1680],{"src":1681,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-tomber amoureux.mp3"," \u002F tomber amoureuse (f) ",[57,1684],{"src":1685,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-tomber amoureuse.mp3",[213,1687,1688],{},"To fall in love",[213,1690,1691],{},"Describes the moment love begins",[189,1693,1694,1700,1703],{},[213,1695,1696,1697],{},"Coup de foudre ",[57,1698],{"src":1699,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-coup_de_foudre.mp3",[213,1701,1702],{},"Love at first sight",[213,1704,1705],{},"Literally “lightning strike”",[189,1707,1708,1714,1717],{},[213,1709,1710,1711],{},"Cupidon ",[57,1712],{"src":1713,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-cupidon.mp3",[213,1715,1716],{},"Cupid",[213,1718,1719],{},"The matchmaking god of love",[189,1721,1722,1728,1731],{},[213,1723,1724,1725],{},"Avoir un faible pour quelqu’un ",[57,1726],{"src":1727,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-avoir un faible pour quelqu'un.mp3",[213,1729,1730],{},"To have a soft spot for someone",[213,1732,1733],{},"Gentle affection",[189,1735,1736,1742,1745],{},[213,1737,1738,1739],{},"Mon cœur bat pour toi ",[57,1740],{"src":1741,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-mon cœur bat pour toi.mp3",[213,1743,1744],{},"My heart beats for you",[213,1746,1747],{},"Poetic and romantic",[86,1749,1750,1753,1755],{},[381,1751,1752],{"bold":383,"underline":383},"\nFun fact\n",[132,1754],{},[381,1756,1757],{},"\nIn France, we also use the English word “crush!”\n",[121,1759,1760],{},[124,1761,1762,1763,55,1766,55,1768],{},"J'ai croisé mon crush hier soir ! ",[57,1764],{"src":1765,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-J'ai croisé mon crush hier soir !.mp3",[132,1767],{},[21,1769,1770],{},"I ran into my crush last night!",[414,1772,1774],{"id":1773},"french-terms-of-endearment","French Terms of Endearment",[11,1776,1777],{},"French also has a treasure trove of affectionate nicknames. Some are sweet, some are silly, and others are uniquely French.",[183,1779,1780,1792],{},[186,1781,1782],{},[189,1783,1784,1787,1789],{},[192,1785,1786],{},"Nickname",[192,1788,1569],{},[192,1790,1791],{},"Notes",[208,1793,1794,1808,1822,1840,1854,1868],{},[189,1795,1796,1802,1805],{},[213,1797,1798,1799],{},"Mon amour ",[57,1800],{"src":1801,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-mon amour.mp3",[213,1803,1804],{},"My love",[213,1806,1807],{},"Classic and romantic. Masculine but can be used for both women and men.",[189,1809,1810,1816,1819],{},[213,1811,1812,1813],{},"Mon cœur ",[57,1814],{"src":1815,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-mon cœur.mp3",[213,1817,1818],{},"My heart",[213,1820,1821],{},"Intimate and tender. Masculine but can be used for both women and men.",[189,1823,1824,1834,1837],{},[213,1825,1826,1827,1830,1831],{},"Chérie (f) ",[57,1828],{"src":1829,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-chérie.mp3"," \u002F chéri (m) ",[57,1832],{"src":1833,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-chéri.mp3",[213,1835,1836],{},"Darling",[213,1838,1839],{},"Everyday use",[189,1841,1842,1848,1851],{},[213,1843,1844,1845],{},"Mon lapin ",[57,1846],{"src":1847,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-mon lapin.mp3",[213,1849,1850],{},"My bunny",[213,1852,1853],{},"Cute and childlike, masculine only",[189,1855,1856,1862,1865],{},[213,1857,1858,1859],{},"Mon chou ",[57,1860],{"src":1861,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-mon chou.mp3",[213,1863,1864],{},"My cabbage",[213,1866,1867],{},"Oddly adorable! Masculine but can be used for both women and men.",[189,1869,1870,1876,1879],{},[213,1871,1872,1873],{},"Ma puce ",[57,1874],{"src":1875,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-ma puce.mp3",[213,1877,1878],{},"My flea",[213,1880,1881],{},"Sounds weird in English, but it’s beloved in France. Often used for children. Feminine only.",[11,1883,1884],{},"These words are also used to show affection in a non-romantic way with friends or children. Use them wisely and don’t be surprised if your French partner has a unique pet name just for you.",[414,1886,1888],{"id":1887},"beyond-words-gestures-and-actions-to-express-affection-in-france","Beyond Words: Gestures and Actions to Express Affection in France",[11,1890,1891],{},"In France, love isn’t always about what you say—it’s about how you show it. Actions speak louder than words, right?",[11,1893,1894],{},"French people are often more reserved with words but expressive through gestures and shared experiences. Many express their romantic love by bringing breakfast in bed, paying the bill at a restaurant, offering flowers… Some places also have a romantic connotation, such as cinemas, a walk near the river, or a coffee in Montmartre.",[86,1896,1897],{},[11,1898,1899],{},"Love, in French and many other languages, isn’t just about vocabulary. It’s about cultural nuance, emotional timing, and knowing the difference between a dramatic declaration and a tender moment.",[11,1901,1902],{},"Whether you're just beginning to learn the language or already dreaming in beautiful French, knowing how to express love can help you understand the culture more deeply—and maybe even win someone’s heart along the way.",[34,1904],{},[37,1906,1908],{"id":1907},"how-to-learn-how-french-people-actually-address-their-loved-ones","How to learn how French people *actually* address their loved ones",[11,1910,1911,1912,1915],{},"One of the hard things about learning a language is that, unfortunately, you don't know what you don't know. Nevermind French itself as a ",[21,1913,1914],{},"language","—it's also an entirely different culture, and French speakers often don't use the same words we do to describe a particular thing.",[11,1917,1918,1919,844],{},"... for example, say you were reading some random blog post, and these guys claim that, in French, the \"cute\" way to refer to your sweetie is to call them your ",[21,1920,1921],{},"flea",[11,1923,1924],{},"You're skeptical. Naturally.",[11,1926,1927,1928,844],{},"... but then you're watching some YouTube video in French, and you see a father refer to his young daughter as his flea—",[21,1929,1930],{},"ma puce",[833,1932],{"src":1933,"width":1934,"height":1935,"alt":1936},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-french-love-plug1.jpeg",1840,1292,"A screenshot of a French YouTube video, as enhanced by Migaku",[11,1938,1939,1940,1942],{},"And then, the algorithm seemingly locks onto this one line of dialogue, and you see ",[21,1941,1930],{}," directed at romantic partners and pets.",[833,1944],{"src":1945,"width":1946,"height":1935,"alt":1936},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-french-love-plug2.jpeg",1846,[11,1948,1949],{},"Apparently it's a thing!",[11,1951,1952],{},"So you tap that orange button in the top-right corner of the dictionary entry to make a flashcard straight from the video, ensuring you'll remember to call your sweetie \"my flea\" next time.",[833,1954],{"src":1955,"width":1956,"height":1203,"alt":1957},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-french-love-plug3.jpeg",1528,"A screenshot of a flashcard created from a French YouTube video",[11,1959,1960,1961,1964],{},"And ",[21,1962,1963],{},"that's"," how you learn French—naturally, almost without effort, largely as a byproduct of enjoying yourself.",[11,1966,1967],{},[21,1968,1969],{},"(Editor's note: Migaku is not responsible for the consequences if you mix up languages and refer to your sweetie as your flea in English.)",[876,1971],{"href":878,"text":879},[34,1973],{},[37,1975,1977],{"id":1976},"now-that-you-know-how-to-show-your-love-and-affection-in-french","Now that you know how to show your love and affection in French...",[11,1979,1980,1981,1984],{},"So, there you go! Now you know how to say ",[21,1982,1983],{},"I love you"," in French.",[11,1986,1987],{},"What we want to leave you with is that, in French as in love, quality time is what moves the ball forward.",[86,1989,1990],{},[11,1991,896,1992,844],{},[21,1993,899],{},[11,1995,1996,1997,2001],{},"Anyway—now that you know a few sweet French words, ",[867,1998,2000],{"href":1999},"\u002Fblog\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Ffrench-swear-words","how about learing a few vulgar ones","?",[11,2003,2004,2007],{},[21,2005,2006],{},"Bonne chance, ma puce."," 💪 🪳",{"title":383,"searchDepth":915,"depth":915,"links":2009},[2010,2011,2017,2023,2024],{"id":983,"depth":915,"text":984},{"id":1018,"depth":915,"text":1019,"children":2012},[2013,2014,2015,2016],{"id":1039,"depth":923,"text":1040},{"id":1231,"depth":923,"text":1232},{"id":1295,"depth":923,"text":1296},{"id":1422,"depth":923,"text":1423},{"id":1531,"depth":915,"text":1532,"children":2018},[2019,2020,2021,2022],{"id":1548,"depth":923,"text":1549},{"id":1654,"depth":923,"text":1655},{"id":1773,"depth":923,"text":1774},{"id":1887,"depth":923,"text":1888},{"id":1907,"depth":915,"text":1908},{"id":1976,"depth":915,"text":1977},"“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!",{"timestampUnix":2027,"slug":2028,"h1":2029,"image":2030,"tags":2035},1751360430827,"love-in-french","Different Ways to Express Love in French: A Comprehensive Guide",{"src":2031,"width":2032,"height":2033,"alt":2034},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-french-love-thumbnail.jpeg",2000,1331,"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",[941,2036],"listicle","\u002Farticle\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Ffrench-love","---\ntitle: 'How to Say \"I Love You\" in French | Romantic Phrases, Decoded'\ndescription: \"“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!\"\ntimestampUnix: 1751360430827\nslug: 'love-in-french'\nh1: 'Different Ways to Express Love in French: A Comprehensive Guide'\nimage:\n src: '\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-french-love-thumbnail.jpeg'\n width: 2000\n height: 1331\n alt: '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'\ntags:\n - vocabulary\n - listicle\n---\n\nWhether you stumbled on this post because you're in love, daydreaming about a romantic trip to Paris, or just curious about how to say \"I love you\" in French... you're in the right place.\n\nFrench is often called the language of love, but expressing love in French goes far beyond just knowing how to say _je t’aime_. In fact, if you're hoping to win the heart of a French speaker, simply repeating that one phrase might not get you very far.\n\n> French culture places deep meaning on _expressions_ of love—often subtle, sometimes poetic, and always nuanced.\n\nIn this article, we’ll explore not just how to say “I love you” in French, but when to say it, how not to say it, and what other expressions and gestures are used in France to express deep affection.\n\n\u003Ctoc>\u003C\u002Ftoc>\n\n---\n\n## Why is France considered so romantic?\n\nFrom candlelit dinners in Montmartre to the poetic melancholy of old chanson songs, France has built its reputation as a romantic destination over centuries.\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-french-love-dinner.jpeg\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" alt=\"A romantic dinner with wine—an ideal place to say I love you for the first time, perhaps\" \u002F>\n\nThis romantic image has roots in history, literature, and even politics. Think of the love letters of Napoleon Bonaparte to Joséphine, or the existentialist romances of Simone de Beauvoir and Jean-Paul Sartre. Paris, often called _la ville de l’amour_ \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-la ville de l’amour.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> (the city of love), is seen worldwide as a symbol of intimacy and passion.\n\nFrench culture places a high value on sensuality, subtlety, and emotional depth in relationships.\n\n> Love is something to be discovered, nurtured, and expressed through thoughtful words and gestures—not shouted from the rooftops.\n\nAnd that brings us to the most iconic expression of all…\n\n---\n\n## “Je t'aime:” The ultimate romantic phrase\n\nJe t'aime \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-je_t'aime.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>, the classic phrase. If you've studied French at all—or, perhaps, even if you haven't—you've likely learned these three words.\n\nThe bulk of this article will focus on _other_ expressions of love, but we'd be remiss not to pay this one homage.\n\nLet's do it!\n\n### Origin, grammar and pronunciation of “je t'aime”\n\nLet’s start with the basics.\n\n**Je t’aime** is the standard way to say “I love you” in French... But unlike in English, where “I love you” might be said frequently to friends, pets, or even your favorite pizza:\n\n> French reserves this phrase almost exclusively for serious romantic partners or, occasionally, _very_ close family members and friends.\n\nHere’s a quick breakdown of its grammar:\n\n| French | English | Explanation |\n| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| je \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-je.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>    | I       | just your standard subject pronoun |\n| t’ \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-t'.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>     | you     | short for **te** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-te.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>, the direct-object pronoun for \"you\" |\n| aime \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-aime.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>   | love     | from the verb **aimer** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-aimer.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>, conjugated in present tense |\n\nPronunciation tip: **Je t’aime** is pronounced \u002Fʒə tɛm\u002F, like “zhuh tem.”\n\n- The \"J\" in \"je\" is not our standard J sound, but rather the Z from _measure_\n- The T in \"t'\" is pronounced _without_ a puff of air—like the T in _sty_ or _latency_, rather than the T in _tie_ (Audio explanation → \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fen-aspirated T explanation.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> )\n- The \"ai\" in \"aime\" is pronounced like the \"ea\" in _head_, not like the \"ai\" in _pain_ or _stain_\n\nThe phrase has become iconic in French music and cinema.\n\nAs an aside, if you ever doubt about how to conjugate “aimer,” just think of [Francis Cabrel's popular song](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=EVeZzR677DU):\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-french-love-conjugation.jpeg\" width=\"2030\" height=\"1288\" alt=\"A screenshot from the music video of this popular French song, as enhanced by Migaku\" \u002F>\n\nThis simple phrase captures the depth and timelessness that love holds in French. But beware—just because it’s short doesn’t mean it’s said lightly.\n\n> \u003CCenteredText bold>**Love is swe..sour?**\u003C\u002FCenteredText> \u003Cbr>\u003CCenteredText> *The verb “aimer” (to love) comes from Latin's \"amare\", which became “amer”... [which sounded like “sour” in French until the 15th century](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.dictionnaire-academie.fr\u002Farticle\u002FA9A1016)!* \u003C\u002FCenteredText>\n\n### French declarations of love\n\nIn many cultures, saying “I love you” is said quite casually—something you can utter early on in a relationship, or perhaps even among friends.\n\n> In France, love is an important relationship milestone. You don't tell someone that you love them unless you mean it. In fact, some French people might _never_ say _je t’aime_ out loud to family members—even if their love is indeed deeply felt.\n\nSaying _je t’aime_ to someone you're dating marks a turning point—it’s the moment where you’re acknowledging deep emotional investment. It can feel vulnerable and brave.\n\nThis caution around words of love is beautifully expressed in the song [_Message Personnel_ by Françoise Hardy](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=DmzHh5xWoFk):\n\n- Je ne peux pas vous dire que je t’aime, peut-être  \u003C\u002Fbr> _I can’t tell you that I might love you._\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-french-love-song2.jpeg\" width=\"2042\" height=\"1294\" alt=\"A screenshot of the music video to this song, with the subtitles generated by Migaku\" \u002F>\n\nThis line reflects the fear and hesitation that accompanies emotional vulnerability in French relationships.\n\nBecause of this, written forms of _je t’aime_—like text messages—can sometimes feel easier and less intimidating. In casual texts, it’s often abbreviated to JTM, pronounced \"jee-tee-ehm.”\n\nEven in a casual text, though, the phrase is still heavy.\n\n### Beware of superlatives!\n\nHere’s a trap that trips up many learners: trying to intensify _je t’aime_ \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-je_t'aime.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> by adding _beaucoup_ \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-beaucoup.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> (“very much”) in an attempt to say “I love you very much.” While this is perfectly logical in English, it has the opposite effect in French!\n\n- ❌ _Je t’aime beaucoup_ \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Je t’aime beaucoup.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr>I _like_ you a lot. \u003Cbr>While this might _seem_ like it should be a sweet intensifier, it's got a kind of _friend-zoned_ vibe to it—a kind of polite affection. It doesn’t carry romantic weight.\n\nIf you want to express stronger romantic feelings, try these instead:\n\n| French Phrase | Translation | Use Case |\n| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------ | ---------------------------- |\n| Je t’aime tellement \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Je t’aime tellement.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | I love you so much | Romantic and heartfelt |\n| Je t’aime tant \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Je t’aime tant.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | I love you so | Slightly poetic and romantic |\n| Je t’aime à la folie \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Je t’aime à la folie.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | I love you madly | Passionate, dramatic |\n| Je t’aime pour toujours \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Je t’aime pour toujours.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | I love you forever | Committed, sentimental |\n\nThese variations still carry the romantic weight of the original, but turn up the intensity—without sounding like you’re talking to your best friend.\n\n### ⚠️ French's “aimer” isn't as versatile as English's “love”\n\nIn English, “love” is used for everything from people to pizza. You might say “I love this movie” or “I love summer” without thinking twice.\n\nNot so in French.\n\n**Aimer** is usually reserved for expressing love toward _people_. When it comes to things, experiences, or animals, you’re more likely to use **adorer** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-adorer.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>, **aimer bien** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-aimer bien.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>, or **kiffer** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-kiffer.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> (slang) instead.\n\nUsing “aimer” for things means more “to like” than to love.\n\nHere’s a quick comparison:\n\n| English | French |\n| ---------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| I love my cat | J’adore mon chat \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-j'adore mon chat..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| I love this show | J’adore cette série \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-j'adore cette série..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| I like\u002Fenjoy this show | J’aime bien cette série \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-j'aime bien cette série..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| I love chocolate | J’adore le chocolat \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-j'adore le chocolat..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u002F Je kiffe le chocolat \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-je kiffe le chocolat..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n\n---\n\n## Other Ways to Express Your Love in French\n\nYou're now up to speed on _je t'aime_, the classic.\n\nHere's a few _other_ things you can tell people!\n\n### Other ways to say \"I love you\"\n\nSometimes, _je t’aime_ just doesn't hit quite right—especially if you’re early in a relationship, flirting, or want to say something a little more playful or poetic.\n\nIn such cases, here are some alternatives you can take for a spin:\n\n| French Phrase | Meaning | Tone |\n| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------- | -------------------- |\n| Je suis fou (m) \u002Ffolle (f) de toi \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-je suis fou de toi.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u002F \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-je suis folle de toi.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | I’m crazy about you | Passionate, informal |\n| Je suis dingue de toi \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-je suis dingue de toi.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | I’m mad about you | Casual, flirtatious |\n| Je suis amoureux (m) \u002F amoureuse (f) de toi \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-je suis amoureux de toi.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u002F \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-je suis amoureuse de toi.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | I’m in love with you | Clear, honest |\n| Je t’aime à mourir \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-je t'aime à mourir.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | I love you to death | Dramatic, poetic |\n\nFor fun, you can learn how to say \"I love you to death\" with [Shakira's French and Spanish rendition of “Je l’aime à mourir,”](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=92tkZQB-Uj4) a classic French love song:\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-french-love-shakira.jpeg\" width=\"2030\" height=\"1284\" alt=\"A screenshot from the music video of Je l'aime à mourir, with subtitles generated by Migaku\" \u002F>\n\n### Other Romantic French Phrases\n\nRomantic feelings often come with poetic or playful vocabulary in French. Here are some phrases and idioms to keep in your love language toolkit:\n\n| Expression | Translation | Meaning |\n| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------- | -------------------------------- |\n| Tomber amoureux (m) \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-tomber amoureux.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u002F tomber amoureuse (f) \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-tomber amoureuse.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | To fall in love | Describes the moment love begins |\n| Coup de foudre \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-coup_de_foudre.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | Love at first sight | Literally “lightning strike” |\n| Cupidon \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-cupidon.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | Cupid | The matchmaking god of love |\n| Avoir un faible pour quelqu’un \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-avoir un faible pour quelqu'un.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | To have a soft spot for someone | Gentle affection |\n| Mon cœur bat pour toi \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-mon cœur bat pour toi.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | My heart beats for you | Poetic and romantic |\n\n> \u003CCenteredText bold underline>Fun fact\u003C\u002FCenteredText>\u003Cbr>\u003CCenteredText>In France, we also use the English word “crush!”\u003C\u002FCenteredText>\n\n- J'ai croisé mon crush hier soir ! \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-J'ai croisé mon crush hier soir !.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003C\u002Fbr> _I ran into my crush last night!_\n\n### French Terms of Endearment\n\nFrench also has a treasure trove of affectionate nicknames. Some are sweet, some are silly, and others are uniquely French.\n\n| Nickname | Meaning | Notes |\n| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| Mon amour \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-mon amour.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | My love | Classic and romantic. Masculine but can be used for both women and men. |\n| Mon cœur \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-mon cœur.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | My heart | Intimate and tender. Masculine but can be used for both women and men. |\n| Chérie (f) \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-chérie.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u002F chéri (m) \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-chéri.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | Darling | Everyday use |\n| Mon lapin \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-mon lapin.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | My bunny | Cute and childlike, masculine only |\n| Mon chou \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-mon chou.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | My cabbage | Oddly adorable! Masculine but can be used for both women and men. |\n| Ma puce \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-ma puce.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | My flea | Sounds weird in English, but it’s beloved in France. Often used for children. Feminine only. |\n\nThese words are also used to show affection in a non-romantic way with friends or children. Use them wisely and don’t be surprised if your French partner has a unique pet name just for you.\n\n### Beyond Words: Gestures and Actions to Express Affection in France\n\nIn France, love isn’t always about what you say—it’s about how you show it. Actions speak louder than words, right?\n\nFrench people are often more reserved with words but expressive through gestures and shared experiences. Many express their romantic love by bringing breakfast in bed, paying the bill at a restaurant, offering flowers… Some places also have a romantic connotation, such as cinemas, a walk near the river, or a coffee in Montmartre.\n\n> Love, in French and many other languages, isn’t just about vocabulary. It’s about cultural nuance, emotional timing, and knowing the difference between a dramatic declaration and a tender moment.\n\nWhether you're just beginning to learn the language or already dreaming in beautiful French, knowing how to express love can help you understand the culture more deeply—and maybe even win someone’s heart along the way.\n\n---\n\n## How to learn how French people \\*actually\\* address their loved ones\n\nOne of the hard things about learning a language is that, unfortunately, you don't know what you don't know. Nevermind French itself as a _language_—it's also an entirely different culture, and French speakers often don't use the same words we do to describe a particular thing.\n\n... for example, say you were reading some random blog post, and these guys claim that, in French, the \"cute\" way to refer to your sweetie is to call them your _flea_.\n\nYou're skeptical. Naturally.\n\n... but then you're watching some YouTube video in French, and you see a father refer to his young daughter as his flea—_ma puce_.\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-french-love-plug1.jpeg\" width=\"1840\" height=\"1292\" alt=\"A screenshot of a French YouTube video, as enhanced by Migaku\" \u002F>\n\nAnd then, the algorithm seemingly locks onto this one line of dialogue, and you see _ma puce_ directed at romantic partners and pets.\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-french-love-plug2.jpeg\" width=\"1846\" height=\"1292\" alt=\"A screenshot of a French YouTube video, as enhanced by Migaku\" \u002F>\n\nApparently it's a thing!\n\nSo you tap that orange button in the top-right corner of the dictionary entry to make a flashcard straight from the video, ensuring you'll remember to call your sweetie \"my flea\" next time.\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-french-love-plug3.jpeg\" width=\"1528\" height=\"1288\" alt=\"A screenshot of a flashcard created from a French YouTube video\" \u002F>\n\nAnd _that's_ how you learn French—naturally, almost without effort, largely as a byproduct of enjoying yourself.\n\n_(Editor's note: Migaku is not responsible for the consequences if you mix up languages and refer to your sweetie as your flea in English.)_\n\n\u003Cprose-button href=\"\u002F\" text=\"Try Migaku for free\">\u003C\u002Fprose-button>\n\n---\n\n## Now that you know how to show your love and affection in French...\n\nSo, there you go! Now you know how to say _I love you_ in French.\n\nWhat we want to leave you with is that, in French as in love, quality time is what moves the ball forward.\n\n> If you consume media you enjoy in French, and you understand some of the messages and sentences within that media, you will make progress. _Period_.\n\nAnyway—now that you know a few sweet French words, [how about learing a few vulgar ones](\u002Fblog\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Ffrench-swear-words)?\n\n_Bonne chance, ma puce._ 💪 🪳\n",{"title":952,"description":2025},"article\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Ffrench-love","Qr7a69WvPJvhawHe9ZiMLTyKetRdo0BoAp3ZlfvlGfU","July 1, 2025",{"id":2044,"title":2045,"body":2046,"description":3008,"extension":929,"meta":3009,"navigation":942,"path":3019,"rawbody":3020,"seo":3021,"stem":3022,"__hash__":3023,"timestampUnix":3010,"slug":3011,"h1":3012,"image":3013,"tags":3018,"_dir":948,"timestamp":3024},"content\u002Farticle\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Ffrench-thank-you.md","13 Ways to Say Thank You in French: Merci and Other Phrases",{"type":8,"value":2047,"toc":2997},[2048,2054,2057,2060,2063,2065,2067,2071,2080,2090,2105,2108,2158,2164,2167,2169,2173,2179,2182,2186,2189,2268,2271,2311,2315,2321,2407,2409,2455,2457,2461,2467,2490,2503,2650,2655,2701,2706,2719,2723,2729,2836,2839,2865,2891,2917,2919,2923,2935,2941,2947,2953,2960,2962,2964,2968,2978,2984,2987,2994],[11,2049,2050,2051,844],{},"The most basic way to say \"thank you\" in French is ",[21,2052,2053],{},"merci",[11,2055,2056],{},"... but you probably knew that, right?",[11,2058,2059],{},"Well, what if you what you want to say is more along the lines of \"thanks a ton\" or \"no, really, I owe you my life\"?",[11,2061,2062],{},"French has just as many ways to express gratitude as English does. We'll get into them in this post. Without further ado:",[30,2064],{},[34,2066],{},[37,2068,2070],{"id":2069},"merci-the-most-common-way-to-say-thank-you-in-french","Merci, the most common way to say thank you in French",[11,2072,2073,2074,2077,2078,844],{},"Let’s start with the basics. Merci ",[57,2075],{"src":2076,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-merci.mp3"," is the universal way to say “thank you” in French. Everyone knows it, and everyone uses it—daily. You can say it to your waiter, your boss, your grandma, your barista, your cat (maybe?). Really, you can't go wrong with this word. If in doubt, ",[21,2079,2053],{},[11,2081,2082,2085,2086,2089],{},[69,2083,2084],{},"Pronunciation tip",": \u002Fmɛʁ.si\u002F — That French ",[21,2087,2088],{},"r"," is soft and throaty. Don’t try to overdo it—just keep your throat relaxed.",[86,2091,2092],{},[11,2093,2094,2095,2097,2098,2101,2102,2104],{},"The word ",[21,2096,2053],{}," comes from Latin ",[21,2099,2100],{},"mercedem",", which meant “wages,” “favor,” or “reward.” So when you say ",[21,2103,2053],{},", you’re basically acknowledging someone gave you something valuable—time, help, a croissant—and you appreciate it.",[11,2106,2107],{},"Merci can be used to say thank you, but also to ask someone to do something with the phrase “merci de” as in the fourth example sentence below:",[121,2109,2110,2120,2131,2142],{},[124,2111,2112,2113,55,2115,55,2117],{},"Merci ! ",[57,2114],{"src":2076,":type":60},[132,2116],{},[21,2118,2119],{},"Thanks!",[124,2121,2122,2123,55,2126,55,2128],{},"Merci beaucoup pour le café. ",[57,2124],{"src":2125,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-merci beaucoup pour le café.mp3",[132,2127],{},[21,2129,2130],{},"Thanks a lot for the coffee.",[124,2132,2133,2134,55,2137,55,2139],{},"Un grand merci pour votre patience. ",[57,2135],{"src":2136,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-un grand merci pour votre patience.mp3",[132,2138],{},[21,2140,2141],{},"A big thank you for your patience.",[124,2143,2144,2145,55,2148,55,2150,55,2153,55,2155],{},"Merci de bien vouloir patienter. ",[57,2146],{"src":2147,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-merci de bien vouloir patienter.mp3",[132,2149],{},[21,2151,2152],{},"Please wait.",[132,2154],{},[21,2156,2157],{},"(Ok, ok, literally, this is more like \"thank you for your want\u002Fwillingness to wait\u002Fbe patient.\")",[11,2159,2160,2161,2163],{},"You can use ",[21,2162,2053],{}," with just about anyone. It's polite, versatile, and always appreciated.",[11,2165,2166],{},"Aaaaaand now on to the more interesting stuff:",[34,2168],{},[37,2170,2172],{"id":2171},"other-phrases-used-to-express-gratitude-in-french","Other phrases used to express gratitude in French",[11,2174,2175,2176,2178],{},"French isn’t just about ",[21,2177,2053],{},". Depending on how grateful you feel—or how formal, poetic, or playful you want to sound—you have plenty of options.",[11,2180,2181],{},"Let’s break them down by tone.",[414,2183,2185],{"id":2184},"casual-friendly-informal","Casual \u002F Friendly \u002F Informal",[11,2187,2188],{},"There are many different ways to say thank you casually in French. Mind you, the below phrases might also be used in more formal contexts such as the workplace. When in doubt, just use “merci.”",[183,2190,2191,2204],{},[186,2192,2193],{},[189,2194,2195,2198,2201],{},[192,2196,2197],{},"French Expression  ",[192,2199,2200],{},"Meaning                        ",[192,2202,2203],{},"Context Notes                          ",[208,2205,2206,2220,2237,2251],{},[189,2207,2208,2214,2217],{},[213,2209,2210,2211,725],{},"merci beaucoup ",[57,2212],{"src":2213,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-merci beaucoup.mp3",[213,2215,2216],{},"thank you very much            ",[213,2218,2219],{},"The go-to “stronger merci”              ",[189,2221,2222,2228,2231],{},[213,2223,2224,2225,1087],{},"merci mille fois ",[57,2226],{"src":2227,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-merci mille fois.mp3",[213,2229,2230],{},"thank you a thousand times    ",[213,2232,2233,2234,2236],{},"Warm, emotional, used when someone ",[132,2235],{}," really goes out of their way to help you                 ",[189,2238,2239,2245,2248],{},[213,2240,2241,2242,603],{},"un grand merci ",[57,2243],{"src":2244,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-un grand merci.mp3",[213,2246,2247],{},"a big thank you                ",[213,2249,2250],{},"Often written (emails, cards)          ",[189,2252,2253,2259,2262],{},[213,2254,2255,2256,280],{},"cimer ",[57,2257],{"src":2258,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-cimerr.mp3",[213,2260,2261],{},"thanks (verlan\u002Fslang)          ",[213,2263,2264,2265,2267],{},"Reverse spelling of ",[21,2266,2053],{},", for friends only",[11,2269,2270],{},"Example sentences:",[121,2272,2273,2284,2300],{},[124,2274,2275,2276,55,2279,55,2281],{},"Merci beaucoup pour ton aide aujourd’hui. ",[57,2277],{"src":2278,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Merci beaucoup pour ton aide aujourd’hui..mp3",[132,2280],{},[21,2282,2283],{},"Thanks a lot for your help today.",[124,2285,2286,2287,55,2290,55,2292,55,2295,55,2297],{},"Cimer pour le coup de main ! ",[57,2288],{"src":2289,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Cimerr pour le coup de main !.mp3",[132,2291],{},[21,2293,2294],{},"Thanks for the help!",[132,2296],{},[21,2298,2299],{},"(Super casual, street-style)",[124,2301,2302,2303,55,2306,55,2308],{},"Un grand merci à tous les participants. ",[57,2304],{"src":2305,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Un grand merci à tous les participants..mp3",[132,2307],{},[21,2309,2310],{},"A big thank you to all the participants.",[414,2312,2314],{"id":2313},"formal-polite-professional","Formal \u002F Polite \u002F Professional",[11,2316,2317,2318,844],{},"The below sentences are used in formal settings. Most are only for written texts such as email. Again, when in doubt, mimic people around you or just revert to a simple “merci” to avoid any ",[21,2319,2320],{},"faux pas",[183,2322,2323,2335],{},[186,2324,2325],{},[189,2326,2327,2330,2332],{},[192,2328,2329],{},"French Expression        ",[192,2331,2200],{},[192,2333,2334],{},"Context Notes                                ",[208,2336,2337,2351,2365,2379,2393],{},[189,2338,2339,2345,2348],{},[213,2340,2341,2342,341],{},"je vous remercie ",[57,2343],{"src":2344,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-je vous remercie.mp3",[213,2346,2347],{},"I thank you                    ",[213,2349,2350],{},"Formal, respectful—used in writing\u002Fspeeches  ",[189,2352,2353,2359,2362],{},[213,2354,2355,2356,341],{},"merci infiniment ",[57,2357],{"src":2358,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-merci infiniment.mp3",[213,2360,2361],{},"Infinite thanks                ",[213,2363,2364],{},"Warm and polite; less common in speech      ",[189,2366,2367,2373,2376],{},[213,2368,2369,2370],{},"nous vous remercions de… ",[57,2371],{"src":2372,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-nous vous remercions de....mp3",[213,2374,2375],{},"We thank you for…              ",[213,2377,2378],{},"Common in letters, professional contexts    ",[189,2380,2381,2387,2390],{},[213,2382,2383,2384,280],{},"merci bien ",[57,2385],{"src":2386,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-merci bien.mp3",[213,2388,2389],{},"Thank you kindly                ",[213,2391,2392],{},"Polite, sometimes ironic depending on tone  ",[189,2394,2395,2401,2404],{},[213,2396,2397,2398,341],{},"merci par avance ",[57,2399],{"src":2400,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-merci par avance.mp3",[213,2402,2403],{},"Thank you in advance            ",[213,2405,2406],{},"Used in emails, to signal expected response  ",[11,2408,2270],{},[121,2410,2411,2422,2433,2444],{},[124,2412,2413,2414,55,2417,55,2419],{},"Je vous remercie de votre patience. ",[57,2415],{"src":2416,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-je vous remercie de votre patience..mp3",[132,2418],{},[21,2420,2421],{},"I thank you for your patience.",[124,2423,2424,2425,130,2428,55,2430],{},"Nous vous remercions pour votre fidélité. ",[57,2426],{"src":2427,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Nous vous remercions pour votre fidélité.mp3",[132,2429],{},[21,2431,2432],{},"We thank you for your loyalty.",[124,2434,2435,2436,55,2439,55,2441],{},"Merci infiniment pour votre accueil. ",[57,2437],{"src":2438,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Merci infiniment pour votre accueil..mp3",[132,2440],{},[21,2442,2443],{},"Thank you infinitely for your welcome.",[124,2445,2446,2447,55,2450,55,2452],{},"Merci par avance pour votre retour. ",[57,2448],{"src":2449,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-merci par avance pour votre retour..mp3",[132,2451],{},[21,2453,2454],{},"Thank you in advance for your reply.",[34,2456],{},[37,2458,2460],{"id":2459},"grammar-structures-used-when-saying-thanks-in-french","Grammar structures used when saying thanks in French",[11,2462,2463,2464,2466],{},"French speakers often use ",[21,2465,2053],{}," in combination with different grammar structures depending on what (or whom) they’re thanking. In particular, there are three structures that you're likely to run into:",[121,2468,2469,2476,2483],{},[124,2470,2471,2472,2475],{},"de ",[57,2473],{"src":2474,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-de.mp3"," + [infinitive verb]",[124,2477,2478,2479,2482],{},"pour ",[57,2480],{"src":2481,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-pour.mp3"," + [noun]",[124,2484,2485,2486,2489],{},"à ",[57,2487],{"src":2488,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-à.mp3"," + [person\u002Fpronoun]",[11,2491,2492,2493,1446,2496,1446,2499,2502],{},"The little prepositions (",[21,2494,2495],{},"de",[21,2497,2498],{},"pour",[21,2500,2501],{},"à",") really matter in French—using the wrong one can change the meaning, or just sound off. When in doubt, mimic the examples below.",[183,2504,2505,2518],{},[186,2506,2507],{},[189,2508,2509,2512,2515],{},[192,2510,2511],{},"Structure                        ",[192,2513,2514],{},"Translation                                ",[192,2516,2517],{},"Example                                        ",[208,2519,2520,2541,2566,2587,2610,2633],{},[189,2521,2522,2529,2532],{},[213,2523,2524,2525,2528],{},"merci pour [noun] ",[57,2526],{"src":2527,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-merci pour....mp3","               ",[213,2530,2531],{},"thanks for [something]                    ",[213,2533,2534,2535,55,2537,2540],{},"Merci pour le cadeau. ",[132,2536],{},[21,2538,2539],{},"Thanks for the gift.","                        ",[189,2542,2543,2549,2557],{},[213,2544,2545,2546,603],{},"merci de [infinitive verb] ",[57,2547],{"src":2548,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-merci de....mp3",[213,2550,2551,2552,2556],{},"thanks for ",[2553,2554,2555],"span",{},"doing something","              ",[213,2558,2559,2560,55,2562,2565],{},"Merci d’avoir répondu. ",[132,2561],{},[21,2563,2564],{},"Thanks for your reply.","                      ",[189,2567,2568,2574,2577],{},[213,2569,2570,2571,341],{},"merci à [person\u002Fpronoun] ",[57,2572],{"src":2573,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-merci à....mp3",[213,2575,2576],{},"thanks to [someone]                        ",[213,2578,2579,1123,2582,55,2584,311],{},[21,2580,2581],{},"Merci à toi \u002F à vous \u002F à tous.",[132,2583],{},[21,2585,2586],{},"Thanks to you.",[189,2588,2589,2599,2602],{},[213,2590,2591,2592,2595,2596,725],{},"merci d’avance ",[57,2593],{"src":2594,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-merci d'avance....mp3"," \u002F merci par avance ",[57,2597],{"src":2598,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-merci par avance....mp3",[213,2600,2601],{},"thank you in advance                      ",[213,2603,2604,2605,55,2607,1123],{},"Merci par avance pour votre compréhension. ",[132,2606],{},[21,2608,2609],{},"Thanks in advance for your understanding.",[189,2611,2612,2622,2625],{},[213,2613,2614,2615,2618,2619,1087],{},"je te remercie de… ",[57,2616],{"src":2617,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-je te remercie de.....mp3"," \u002F je vous remercie de... ",[57,2620],{"src":2621,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-je vous remercie de....mp3",[213,2623,2624],{},"I thank you for…                          ",[213,2626,2627,2628,55,2630,249],{},"Je vous remercie de m’avoir écouté. ",[132,2629],{},[21,2631,2632],{},"Thanks for listening to me.",[189,2634,2635,2639,2642],{},[213,2636,2369,2637,341],{},[57,2638],{"src":2372,":type":60},[213,2640,2641],{},"we thank you for…                          ",[213,2643,2644,2645,55,2647,603],{},"Nous vous remercions de votre soutien. ",[132,2646],{},[21,2648,2649],{},"We thank you for your support.",[11,2651,2652],{},[69,2653,2654],{},"Examples in action:",[121,2656,2657,2668,2679,2690],{},[124,2658,2659,2660,130,2663,55,2665],{},"Merci pour le dîner, c’était délicieux. ",[57,2661],{"src":2662,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Merci pour le dîner, c’était délicieux..mp3",[132,2664],{},[21,2666,2667],{},"Thanks for dinner, it was delicious.",[124,2669,2670,2671,130,2674,55,2676],{},"Merci de m’avoir appelé. ",[57,2672],{"src":2673,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Merci de m’avoir appelé..mp3",[132,2675],{},[21,2677,2678],{},"Thanks for calling me.",[124,2680,2681,2682,1123,2685,55,2687],{},"Merci à tous pour votre participation. ",[57,2683],{"src":2684,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Merci à tous pour votre participation..mp3",[132,2686],{},[21,2688,2689],{},"Thanks to all of you for your participation.",[124,2691,2692,2693,55,2696,55,2698],{},"Je vous remercie de bien vouloir patienter. ",[57,2694],{"src":2695,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Je vous remercie de bien vouloir patienter..mp3",[132,2697],{},[21,2699,2700],{},"I thank you for your patience (please wait).",[86,2702,2703],{},[11,2704,2705],{},"You can also use the preposition “de” with merci to ask someone to do something:",[121,2707,2708],{},[124,2709,2710,2711,55,2714,55,2716],{},"Merci de répondre à cet e-mail avant demain. ",[57,2712],{"src":2713,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Merci de répondre à cet e-mail avant demain..mp3",[132,2715],{},[21,2717,2718],{},"Please reply to this email before tomorrow.",[37,2720,2722],{"id":2721},"how-to-respond-to-merci","How to respond to merci",[11,2724,2725,2726,2728],{},"If someone says ",[21,2727,2053],{},", don’t just stare at them 😅 You need a proper reply! Here are your best options.",[183,2730,2731,2744],{},[186,2732,2733],{},[189,2734,2735,2738,2741],{},[192,2736,2737],{},"French                        ",[192,2739,2740],{},"Translation                        ",[192,2742,2743],{},"When to Use                                  ",[208,2745,2746,2760,2778,2793,2807,2821],{},[189,2747,2748,2754,2757],{},[213,2749,2750,2751,2565],{},"de rien ",[57,2752],{"src":2753,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-de rien.mp3",[213,2755,2756],{},"you're welcome                    ",[213,2758,2759],{},"Default reply, casual and common              ",[189,2761,2762,2772,2775],{},[213,2763,2764,2765,2768,2769],{},"je t’en prie ",[57,2766],{"src":2767,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-je t'en prie.mp3"," \u002F je vous en prie ",[57,2770],{"src":2771,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-je_vous_en_prie.mp3",[213,2773,2774],{},"you're very welcome                ",[213,2776,2777],{},"Polite, slightly more formal                  ",[189,2779,2780,2787,2790],{},[213,2781,2782,2783,2786],{},"pas de quoi ",[57,2784],{"src":2785,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-pas de quoi.mp3","                 ",[213,2788,2789],{},"it's nothing \u002F no problem          ",[213,2791,2792],{},"Casual, friendly                              ",[189,2794,2795,2801,2804],{},[213,2796,2797,2798,2528],{},"c’est normal ",[57,2799],{"src":2800,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-c'est normal.mp3",[213,2802,2803],{},"it’s only natural \u002F no problem    ",[213,2805,2806],{},"Often used when the help was expected          ",[189,2808,2809,2815,2818],{},[213,2810,2811,2812],{},"tout le plaisir est pour moi ",[57,2813],{"src":2814,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-tout le plaisir est pour moi.mp3",[213,2816,2817],{},"the pleasure is all mine          ",[213,2819,2820],{},"Formal, elegant                                ",[189,2822,2823,2830,2833],{},[213,2824,2825,2826,2829],{},"bienvenue ",[57,2827],{"src":2828,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-bienvenue.mp3"," (Quebec)          ",[213,2831,2832],{},"you’re welcome                    ",[213,2834,2835],{},"Acceptable only in Canadian French              ",[11,2837,2838],{},"And here's some example dialogues featuring these phrases:",[86,2840,2841],{},[121,2842,2843,2854],{},[124,2844,2845,2846,55,2849,55,2851],{},"Merci pour ton aide. ",[57,2847],{"src":2848,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Merci pour ton aide..mp3",[132,2850],{},[21,2852,2853],{},"Thanks for your help.",[124,2855,2856,2857,55,2860,55,2862],{},"De rien ! ",[57,2858],{"src":2859,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-De rien!.mp3",[132,2861],{},[21,2863,2864],{},"You’re welcome! \u002F It's nothing!",[86,2866,2867],{},[121,2868,2869,2880],{},[124,2870,2871,2872,55,2875,55,2877],{},"Merci encore pour le dossier. ",[57,2873],{"src":2874,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Merci encore pour le dossier..mp3",[132,2876],{},[21,2878,2879],{},"Thanks again for the file.",[124,2881,2882,2883,55,2886,55,2888],{},"Je vous en prie, c’est normal. ",[57,2884],{"src":2885,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Je vous en prie, c'est normal..mp3",[132,2887],{},[21,2889,2890],{},"You’re welcome, no problem.",[86,2892,2893],{},[121,2894,2895,2906],{},[124,2896,2897,2898,55,2901,55,2903],{},"Merci pour ce beau cadeau ! ",[57,2899],{"src":2900,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Merci pour ce beau cadeau !.mp3",[132,2902],{},[21,2904,2905],{},"Thanks for the gift!",[124,2907,2908,2909,55,2912,55,2914],{},"Tout le plaisir est pour moi. ",[57,2910],{"src":2911,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Tout le plaisir est pour moi..mp3",[132,2913],{},[21,2915,2916],{},"The pleasure is all mine.",[34,2918],{},[37,2920,2922],{"id":2921},"video-example-a-native-french-speaker-saying-thanks","[Video example] A native French speaker saying thanks",[11,2924,2925,2926,2928,2929,2934],{},"As mentioned—and as you likely knew going into this article—",[21,2927,2053],{}," is one of the most commonly used French phrases. You can see it in action ",[867,2930,2933],{"href":2931,"rel":2932},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=-f7V7F3YvRU&t=852s",[1196],"here",": a host is thanking her audience for watching an extract from LCP, a French parliamentary channel.",[833,2936],{"src":2937,"width":2938,"height":2939,"alt":2940},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-french-thanks-plug1.jpeg",1558,1090,"A sreeenshot of a French YouTube video, as enhanced by Migaku",[11,2942,2943,2944,2946],{},"If you watch YouTube with Migaku, you’ll see interactive subtitles: tap on ",[21,2945,2053],{},", or any other word, and you can see what it means. If you stumble into a word that seems useful, you can just click the orange button in the top-right corner of the dictionary to instantly extract the clip (screenshot), audio, and subtitle into a flashcard.",[833,2948],{"src":2949,"width":2950,"height":2951,"alt":2952},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-french-thanks-plug2.jpeg",1290,1088,"A French flashcard for 'merci', created by Migaku directly from a YouTube video on someone's phone",[11,2954,2955,2956,2959],{},"And you're all set! Migaku uses a ",[867,2957,870],{"href":2958},"\u002Fblog\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fspaced-repetition-language-learning"," to periodically nudge you to review flashcards you make, ensuring you eventually commit any words you are interested in to memory.",[876,2961],{"href":878,"text":879},[34,2963],{},[37,2965,2967],{"id":2966},"anyway-what-we-really-want-to-say-is","Anyway, what we really want to say is:",[11,2969,2970,2971,2973,2974,2977],{},"Now you know that the phrase ",[21,2972,2053],{}," exists... but before you can use it and its counterparts correctly, you'll need to see them used in context. ",[21,2975,2976],{},"A lot",". That was a troubling reality even just ten years ago, but it is no longer the case today: you can interact with French TV, YouTube, podcasts, and tons of media, no matter where you are in the world.",[11,2979,2980,2983],{},[21,2981,2982],{},"These"," are the best teachers available to you.",[11,2985,2986],{},"In fact, I'd go so far as to say that...",[86,2988,2989],{},[11,2990,896,2991],{},[21,2992,2993],{},"Period.",[11,2995,2996],{},"Bonne chance, and merci infiniment for reading!",{"title":383,"searchDepth":915,"depth":915,"links":2998},[2999,3000,3004,3005,3006,3007],{"id":2069,"depth":915,"text":2070},{"id":2171,"depth":915,"text":2172,"children":3001},[3002,3003],{"id":2184,"depth":923,"text":2185},{"id":2313,"depth":923,"text":2314},{"id":2459,"depth":915,"text":2460},{"id":2721,"depth":915,"text":2722},{"id":2921,"depth":915,"text":2922},{"id":2966,"depth":915,"text":2967},"Learn different ways to say thank you in French! Beyond \"merci\", discover ways to express gratitude and say \"thanks\" with the correct pronunciation.",{"timestampUnix":3010,"slug":3011,"h1":3012,"image":3013,"tags":3018},1751430084646,"thanks-in-french","Thank You in French: Different Ways to Express Gratitude",{"src":3014,"width":3015,"height":3016,"alt":3017},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-french-thanks-thumbnail.jpeg",1786,1064,"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",[941,2036],"\u002Farticle\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Ffrench-thank-you","---\ntitle: '13 Ways to Say Thank You in French: Merci and Other Phrases'\ndescription: 'Learn different ways to say thank you in French! Beyond \"merci\", discover ways to express gratitude and say \"thanks\" with the correct pronunciation.'\ntimestampUnix: 1751430084646\nslug: 'thanks-in-french'\nh1: 'Thank You in French: Different Ways to Express Gratitude'\nimage:\n src: '\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-french-thanks-thumbnail.jpeg'\n width: 1786\n height: 1064\n alt: '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'\ntags:\n - vocabulary\n - listicle\n---\n\nThe most basic way to say \"thank you\" in French is _merci_.\n\n... but you probably knew that, right?\n\nWell, what if you what you want to say is more along the lines of \"thanks a ton\" or \"no, really, I owe you my life\"?\n\nFrench has just as many ways to express gratitude as English does. We'll get into them in this post. Without further ado:\n\n\u003Ctoc>\u003C\u002Ftoc>\n\n---\n\n## Merci, the most common way to say thank you in French\n\nLet’s start with the basics. Merci \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-merci.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> is the universal way to say “thank you” in French. Everyone knows it, and everyone uses it—daily. You can say it to your waiter, your boss, your grandma, your barista, your cat (maybe?). Really, you can't go wrong with this word. If in doubt, _merci_.\n\n**Pronunciation tip**: \u002Fmɛʁ.si\u002F — That French _r_ is soft and throaty. Don’t try to overdo it—just keep your throat relaxed.\n\n> The word _merci_ comes from Latin _mercedem_, which meant “wages,” “favor,” or “reward.” So when you say _merci_, you’re basically acknowledging someone gave you something valuable—time, help, a croissant—and you appreciate it.\n\nMerci can be used to say thank you, but also to ask someone to do something with the phrase “merci de” as in the fourth example sentence below:\n\n- Merci ! \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-merci.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _Thanks!_\n\n- Merci beaucoup pour le café. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-merci beaucoup pour le café.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _Thanks a lot for the coffee._\n\n- Un grand merci pour votre patience. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-un grand merci pour votre patience.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _A big thank you for your patience._\n\n- Merci de bien vouloir patienter. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-merci de bien vouloir patienter.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _Please wait._ \u003Cbr> _(Ok, ok, literally, this is more like \"thank you for your want\u002Fwillingness to wait\u002Fbe patient.\")_\n\nYou can use _merci_ with just about anyone. It's polite, versatile, and always appreciated.\n\nAaaaaand now on to the more interesting stuff:\n\n---\n\n## Other phrases used to express gratitude in French\n\nFrench isn’t just about _merci_. Depending on how grateful you feel—or how formal, poetic, or playful you want to sound—you have plenty of options.\n\nLet’s break them down by tone.\n\n### Casual \u002F Friendly \u002F Informal\n\nThere are many different ways to say thank you casually in French. Mind you, the below phrases might also be used in more formal contexts such as the workplace. When in doubt, just use “merci.”\n\n| French Expression   | Meaning                         | Context Notes                           |\n| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| merci beaucoup \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-merci beaucoup.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>      | thank you very much             | The go-to “stronger merci”               |\n| merci mille fois \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-merci mille fois.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>    | thank you a thousand times     | Warm, emotional, used when someone \u003Cbr> really goes out of their way to help you                  |\n| un grand merci \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-un grand merci.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>       | a big thank you                 | Often written (emails, cards)           |\n| cimer \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-cimerr.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>              | thanks (verlan\u002Fslang)           | Reverse spelling of _merci_, for friends only |\n\nExample sentences:\n\n- Merci beaucoup pour ton aide aujourd’hui. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Merci beaucoup pour ton aide aujourd’hui..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _Thanks a lot for your help today._\n\n- Cimer pour le coup de main ! \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Cimerr pour le coup de main !.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _Thanks for the help!_ \u003Cbr> _(Super casual, street-style)_\n\n- Un grand merci à tous les participants. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Un grand merci à tous les participants..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _A big thank you to all the participants._\n\n### Formal \u002F Polite \u002F Professional\n\nThe below sentences are used in formal settings. Most are only for written texts such as email. Again, when in doubt, mimic people around you or just revert to a simple “merci” to avoid any _faux pas_.\n\n| French Expression         | Meaning                         | Context Notes                                 |\n| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------- |\n| je vous remercie \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-je vous remercie.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>        | I thank you                     | Formal, respectful—used in writing\u002Fspeeches   |\n| merci infiniment \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-merci infiniment.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>        | Infinite thanks                 | Warm and polite; less common in speech       |\n| nous vous remercions de… \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-nous vous remercions de....mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | We thank you for…               | Common in letters, professional contexts     |\n| merci bien \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-merci bien.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>              | Thank you kindly                 | Polite, sometimes ironic depending on tone   |\n| merci par avance \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-merci par avance.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>        | Thank you in advance             | Used in emails, to signal expected response   |\n\nExample sentences:\n\n- Je vous remercie de votre patience. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-je vous remercie de votre patience..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _I thank you for your patience._\n\n- Nous vous remercions pour votre fidélité. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Nous vous remercions pour votre fidélité.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _We thank you for your loyalty._\n\n- Merci infiniment pour votre accueil. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Merci infiniment pour votre accueil..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _Thank you infinitely for your welcome._\n\n- Merci par avance pour votre retour. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-merci par avance pour votre retour..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _Thank you in advance for your reply._\n\n---\n\n## Grammar structures used when saying thanks in French\n\nFrench speakers often use _merci_ in combination with different grammar structures depending on what (or whom) they’re thanking. In particular, there are three structures that you're likely to run into:\n\n- de \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-de.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> + \\[infinitive verb\\]\n- pour \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-pour.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> + \\[noun\\]\n- à \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-à.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> + \\[person\u002Fpronoun\\]\n\nThe little prepositions (_de_, _pour_, _à_) really matter in French—using the wrong one can change the meaning, or just sound off. When in doubt, mimic the examples below.\n\n| Structure                         | Translation                                 | Example                                         |\n| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| merci pour \\[noun\\] \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-merci pour....mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>                | thanks for \\[something\\]                     | Merci pour le cadeau. \u003Cbr> _Thanks for the gift._                         |\n| merci de \\[infinitive verb\\] \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-merci de....mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>       | thanks for [doing something]               | Merci d’avoir répondu. \u003Cbr> _Thanks for your reply._                       |\n| merci à \\[person\u002Fpronoun\\] \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-merci à....mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>        | thanks to \\[someone\\]                         | _Merci à toi \u002F à vous \u002F à tous._  \u003Cbr> _Thanks to you._             |\n| merci d’avance \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-merci d'avance....mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u002F merci par avance \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-merci par avance....mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>      | thank you in advance                       | Merci par avance pour votre compréhension. \u003Cbr> _Thanks in advance for your understanding._   |\n| je te remercie de… \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-je te remercie de.....mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u002F je vous remercie de... \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-je vous remercie de....mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>    | I thank you for…                           | Je vous remercie de m’avoir écouté. \u003Cbr> *Thanks for listening to me.*          |\n| nous vous remercions de… \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-nous vous remercions de....mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>        | we thank you for…                           | Nous vous remercions de votre soutien. \u003Cbr> _We thank you for your support._       |\n\n**Examples in action:**\n\n- Merci pour le dîner, c’était délicieux. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Merci pour le dîner, c’était délicieux..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _Thanks for dinner, it was delicious._\n\n- Merci de m’avoir appelé. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Merci de m’avoir appelé..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _Thanks for calling me._\n\n- Merci à tous pour votre participation. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Merci à tous pour votre participation..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>  \u003Cbr> _Thanks to all of you for your participation._\n\n- Je vous remercie de bien vouloir patienter. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Je vous remercie de bien vouloir patienter..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _I thank you for your patience (please wait)._\n\n> You can also use the preposition “de” with merci to ask someone to do something:\n\n- Merci de répondre à cet e-mail avant demain. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Merci de répondre à cet e-mail avant demain..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _Please reply to this email before tomorrow._\n\n## How to respond to merci\n\nIf someone says _merci_, don’t just stare at them 😅 You need a proper reply! Here are your best options.\n\n| French                         | Translation                         | When to Use                                   |\n| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------ |\n| de rien \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-de rien.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>                       | you're welcome                     | Default reply, casual and common               |\n| je t’en prie \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-je t'en prie.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u002F je vous en prie \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-je_vous_en_prie.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | you're very welcome                 | Polite, slightly more formal                   |\n| pas de quoi \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-pas de quoi.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>                  | it's nothing \u002F no problem           | Casual, friendly                               |\n| c’est normal \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-c'est normal.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>                | it’s only natural \u002F no problem     | Often used when the help was expected           |\n| tout le plaisir est pour moi \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-tout le plaisir est pour moi.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | the pleasure is all mine           | Formal, elegant                                 |\n| bienvenue \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-bienvenue.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> (Quebec)           | you’re welcome                     | Acceptable only in Canadian French               |\n\nAnd here's some example dialogues featuring these phrases:\n\n> - Merci pour ton aide. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Merci pour ton aide..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _Thanks for your help._\n>\n> - De rien ! \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-De rien!.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _You’re welcome! \u002F It's nothing!_\n\n> - Merci encore pour le dossier. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Merci encore pour le dossier..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _Thanks again for the file._\n>\n> - Je vous en prie, c’est normal. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Je vous en prie, c'est normal..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _You’re welcome, no problem._\n\n> - Merci pour ce beau cadeau ! \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Merci pour ce beau cadeau !.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _Thanks for the gift!_\n>\n> - Tout le plaisir est pour moi. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Tout le plaisir est pour moi..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _The pleasure is all mine._\n\n---\n\n## \\[Video example\\] A native French speaker saying thanks\n\nAs mentioned—and as you likely knew going into this article—_merci_ is one of the most commonly used French phrases. You can see it in action [here](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=-f7V7F3YvRU&t=852s): a host is thanking her audience for watching an extract from LCP, a French parliamentary channel.\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-french-thanks-plug1.jpeg\" width=\"1558\" height=\"1090\" alt=\"A sreeenshot of a French YouTube video, as enhanced by Migaku\" \u002F>\n\nIf you watch YouTube with Migaku, you’ll see interactive subtitles: tap on _merci_, or any other word, and you can see what it means. If you stumble into a word that seems useful, you can just click the orange button in the top-right corner of the dictionary to instantly extract the clip (screenshot), audio, and subtitle into a flashcard.\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-french-thanks-plug2.jpeg\" width=\"1290\" height=\"1088\" alt=\"A French flashcard for 'merci', created by Migaku directly from a YouTube video on someone's phone\" \u002F>\n\nAnd you're all set! Migaku uses a [spaced-repetition algorithm](\u002Fblog\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fspaced-repetition-language-learning) to periodically nudge you to review flashcards you make, ensuring you eventually commit any words you are interested in to memory.\n\n\u003Cprose-button href=\"\u002F\" text=\"Try Migaku for free\">\u003C\u002Fprose-button>\n\n---\n\n## Anyway, what we really want to say is:\n\nNow you know that the phrase _merci_ exists... but before you can use it and its counterparts correctly, you'll need to see them used in context. _A lot_. That was a troubling reality even just ten years ago, but it is no longer the case today: you can interact with French TV, YouTube, podcasts, and tons of media, no matter where you are in the world.\n\n_These_ are the best teachers available to you.\n\nIn fact, I'd go so far as to say that...\n\n> If you consume media you enjoy in French, and you understand some of the messages and sentences within that media, you will make progress. _Period._\n\nBonne chance, and merci infiniment for reading!\n",{"title":2045,"description":3008},"article\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Ffrench-thank-you","4pI8pbubPdjs4Xse_f5k_jWAB1kxM__quLWYUwd0DXU","July 2, 2025",{"id":3026,"title":3027,"body":3028,"description":4772,"extension":929,"meta":4773,"navigation":942,"path":4783,"rawbody":4784,"seo":4785,"stem":4786,"__hash__":4787,"timestampUnix":4774,"slug":4775,"h1":4776,"image":4777,"tags":4782,"_dir":948,"timestamp":4788},"content\u002Farticle\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-cantonese-dialect.md","Is the Cantonese language a dialect of Mandarin Chinese?",{"type":8,"value":3029,"toc":4752},[3030,3033,3036,3043,3046,3049,3051,3053,3057,3060,3066,3069,3076,3079,3086,3089,3099,3106,3122,3125,3128,3136,3140,3143,3146,3149,3152,3161,3166,3169,3172,3176,3179,3182,3193,3196,3199,3202,3205,3209,3220,3223,3226,3238,3245,3248,3256,3259,3268,3272,3275,3291,3294,3297,3299,3303,3306,3309,3318,3321,3326,3329,3336,3339,3343,3346,3350,3353,3363,3575,3578,3782,3785,3788,3792,3798,3801,4000,4003,4033,4040,4222,4226,4229,4339,4345,4360,4376,4384,4413,4416,4446,4449,4469,4472,4502,4505,4532,4536,4539,4542,4562,4565,4570,4573,4576,4591,4594,4598,4601,4612,4619,4627,4646,4658,4667,4670,4672,4676,4679,4686,4695,4701,4704,4710,4715,4726,4728,4730,4738,4741,4744,4747],[11,3031,3032],{},"One of the quickest ways to get into an argument is to accuse someone that what they're speaking is merely a dialect of another language, as opposed to a full-fledged language in and of itself. This is especially true when it comes to Cantonese and Mandarin. But why is that?",[11,3034,3035],{},"Can you say definitively whether Cantonese is a dialect or not?",[11,3037,3038,3039,3042],{},"What even ",[21,3040,3041],{},"is"," a dialect in the first place?",[11,3044,3045],{},"We have some answers.",[11,3047,3048],{},"In this blog post, we're going to cover:",[30,3050],{},[34,3052],{},[37,3054,3056],{"id":3055},"what-is-a-lect","What is a lect?",[11,3058,3059],{},"First, let's set some things straight.",[11,3061,3062,3063,844],{},"Before we get too far along, I want to introduce the term ",[21,3064,3065],{},"lect",[11,3067,3068],{},"A lect is kind of a catch-all term that can refer to all spoken communications, whether a language or dialect or pidgin. It's a form of a language as spoken somewhere, which is a very broad classification. Throughout this article, you'll see me use the term lect to sidestep the words \"dialect\" and \"language\", rather than killing discussion by using the term that aligns with my personal beliefs.",[11,3070,3071,3072,3075],{},"You see, ",[21,3073,3074],{},"everything"," is a lect, even if it's also a language or dialect.",[11,3077,3078],{},"Anyway, back to the main question.",[37,3080,3082,3083,2001],{"id":3081},"what-is-a-dialect","What is a ",[69,3084,3085],{},"dialect",[11,3087,3088],{},"Let's go to the source. If you boot up the good old Oxford Dictionary, you'll see this:",[86,3090,3091],{},[11,3092,3093],{},[21,3094,3095,3098],{},[69,3096,3097],{},"Dialect",": a particular form of a language which is peculiar to a specific region or social group.",[11,3100,3101,3102,3105],{},"Alternatively, if we look at the etymology of the word, we can see that it comes from the ancient Greek ",[21,3103,3104],{},"dialektos",", which meant \"a way of speaking\".",[121,3107,3108,3115],{},[124,3109,3110,3111,3114],{},"\"Dia\" means \"across\" (as in ",[21,3112,3113],{},"diameter",", how long a straight line needs to be to go across a circle)",[124,3116,3117,3118,3121],{},"\"Lektos\" comes from the word \"legos\", meaning \"I say\u002Fspeak\" (and, so far as I know, has absolutely no relation to ",[21,3119,3120],{},"those"," legos)",[11,3123,3124],{},"Literally, then, a dialect might be understood to refer to the scope of things that are contained within how people in a particular area speak.",[11,3126,3127],{},"Alas, we immediately run into a problem: \"the language specific to a region\" is about as clear as a foggy mirror.",[121,3129,3130,3133],{},[124,3131,3132],{},"We might see it as referring to separate languages—the language spoken in France (French) versus the language spoken in England (English)",[124,3134,3135],{},"We might use it to refer to shades of the same language—British people near Cornwall speak with a Cornish accent whereas those near Yorkshire speak with a Yorkshire accent",[414,3137,3139],{"id":3138},"the-big-problem-with-the-term-dialect","The big problem with the term \"dialect\"",[11,3141,3142],{},"The term is ambiguous.",[11,3144,3145],{},"I'm not just splitting hairs, here, either.",[11,3147,3148],{},"There are literally no universally agreed-upon criteria that are used to draw a line and say \"A is a completely separate language from B\". None. In other words, different groups may be considering entirely different factors when trying to answer the \"dialect\" question.",[11,3150,3151],{},"Broadly speaking, though, you'll run into two different usages of the word:",[3153,3154,3155,3158],"ol",{},[124,3156,3157],{},"A broader, more colloquial usage",[124,3159,3160],{},"A narrower, more technical usage",[3162,3163,3165],"h4",{"id":3164},"dialects-colloquially-speaking","Dialects, colloquially speaking",[11,3167,3168],{},"Colloquially, people will use the term dialect to refer to any lect that shares many features with another. These shared features could be history, culture, geographic proximity, and\u002For linguistic commonalities.",[11,3170,3171],{},"You might generally just think of this as being \"how people from 'round here talk\".",[3162,3173,3175],{"id":3174},"dialects-more-technically-speaking","Dialects, more technically speaking",[11,3177,3178],{},"To get more technical, we might instead think about this in terms of language distance (how similar two lects are or aren't) and mutual intelligibility (if speakers of two lects can understand each other).",[11,3180,3181],{},"For example, if we talk about British vs American English:",[121,3183,3184,3187,3190],{},[124,3185,3186],{},"Sounds are pronounced differently (thus the recognizable \"accent\")",[124,3188,3189],{},"Different vocabulary words are used (band-aid vs plaster)",[124,3191,3192],{},"There are even differences in grammar (\"shall\" sounds very elevated in American English, but it's just a normal word used to summon the future tense in British English)",[11,3194,3195],{},"They're quite different!",[11,3197,3198],{},"Nevertheless, British people understand American people just fine, and vice versa. Words generally go in the same order, nouns and verbs have the same forms and work in the same way, and while the way we pronounce \"bottle\" isn't quite the same as the way they pronounce \"bottle\", we're still both saying \"bottle\" and see ourselves as uttering an O or T or L sound.",[11,3200,3201],{},"Clearly, we can't say that British English and American English are different languages. They're highly intelligible—indeed, they're both just different flavors of English.",[11,3203,3204],{},"As such, we call them dialects.",[37,3206,3208],{"id":3207},"why-does-it-matter-if-something-is-a-language-or-dialect","Why does it matter if something is a language or dialect?",[11,3210,3211,3212,3215,3216,3219],{},"Simply put, there are political and sociocultural implications to saying that something is a dialect or a language—to saying that group A and B are ",[21,3213,3214],{},"different"," peoples, or saying that group A and B are different versions of the ",[21,3217,3218],{},"same"," group of people.",[11,3221,3222],{},"This matters (and gets complicated) because \"languages\" and \"dialects\" do not have equal footing in the world.",[11,3224,3225],{},"What do we mean by this?",[3153,3227,3228,3235],{},[124,3229,3230,3231,3234],{},"You wouldn't say that English speakers \"should\" speak Spanish—they're different languages, and many English speakers literally just ",[21,3232,3233],{},"can't"," speak Spanish",[124,3236,3237],{},"It's common for people with varying English accents to conform to General American English, which is what you hear from newscasters",[11,3239,3240,3241,3244],{},"You can (not necessarily ",[21,3242,3243],{},"should",") call someone uneducated for talking like a hillbilly, but it would be ridiculous to say that someone is uneducated because they speak Spanish or Finnish instead of English.",[11,3246,3247],{},"That second situation happens because governments broadly seek to create well-functioning societies. To this end, it's often seen as advantageous to build a sense of unity among the populace. Having everyone speak the same language (and see themselves as speaking the same language) is one way to do this.",[86,3249,3250,3253],{},[11,3251,3252],{},"If there are many similar lects within your country, it could be politically advantageous to promote the idea of them being dialects—the same language, but different versions of it—regardless of whether they're actually mutually intelligible or not.",[11,3254,3255],{},"As a byproduct of this effort to enshrine one lect as being the standard language, other lects in the same space can end up being dismissed as just a \"worse\" or \"corrupted\" version of that standard language.",[11,3257,3258],{},"Some speakers may feel bitter about calling what they speak a dialect, as it seems to downplay the value of it—and, by extension, themselves.",[11,3260,3261,3262,3267],{},"(And there's ",[867,3263,3266],{"href":3264,"rel":3265},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FDialect#Political_factors",[1196],"a lot more political and cultural stuff"," you can get into, if you've got a moment. This discussion could go in many directions.)",[37,3269,3271],{"id":3270},"a-thought-experiment-for-you","A thought experiment for you",[11,3273,3274],{},"Consider these two situations:",[121,3276,3277,3280],{},[124,3278,3279],{},"You're not allowed to speak English anymore, and will be punished if you're caught speaking a language other than Spanish in public, whether physically or via scorn. Forget English; from now on, you speak Spanish—even and especially if you don't actually know Spanish.",[124,3281,3282,3283,3286,3287,3290],{},"You sound uneducated when you say ",[21,3284,3285],{},"gonna",". Make an effort to say ",[21,3288,3289],{},"going to"," instead, especially when you're in formal situations like the office or the classroom.",[11,3292,3293],{},"If the first situation horrifies you, but you can see the second one as being reasonable in some lights, then you've sort of stumbled into the point.",[11,3295,3296],{},"Chew on this a bit as you work through the second half of this blog post.",[34,3298],{},[37,3300,3302],{"id":3301},"is-cantonese-a-language-or-dialect","Is Cantonese a language or dialect?",[11,3304,3305],{},"So, with all of that out of the way, let's start talking about Mandarin and Cantonese. We'll facilitate the discussion, but are going to avoid coming outright and calling it one way the another. This is ultimately a distinction you'll have to make yourself.",[11,3307,3308],{},"To get the easy one out of the way, though:",[11,3310,3311,3312,3317],{},"If you accept a broad interpretation of the word \"dialect\", then it's pretty reasonable to refer to Cantonese as a dialect of Mandarin—or that both are dialects of another language. Both lects come from the same language family (",[867,3313,3316],{"href":3314,"rel":3315},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FSino-Tibetan_languages",[1196],"the sinitic side of Sino-Tibetan",") and have many historical, cultural, and geographic similarities, plus a number of linguistic similarities.",[11,3319,3320],{},"To dig into the meat of the harder question:",[86,3322,3323],{},[11,3324,3325],{},"How well do two speakers need to understand each other in order for us to conclude that they're speaking the same language?",[11,3327,3328],{},"Language distance and mutual intelligibility is a spectrum, and it's hard to draw a line in the sand and say \"dialect on that side, language on this side\".",[11,3330,3331,3332,3335],{},"To answer this question, though, ",[21,3333,3334],{},"you"," need to draw that line in the sand.",[11,3337,3338],{},"To help you do that, let's take a closer look at Mandarin and Cantonese.",[37,3340,3342],{"id":3341},"a-few-differences-between-mandarin-and-cantonese","A few differences between Mandarin and Cantonese",[11,3344,3345],{},"We're in the process of expanding this section into an indepdennt blog post, but for now, in brief:",[414,3347,3349],{"id":3348},"mandarin-pronunciation-vs-cantonese-pronunciation","Mandarin pronunciation vs Cantonese pronunciation",[11,3351,3352],{},"Mandarin and Cantonese have pretty different sound systems.",[11,3354,3355,3356,3359,3360],{},"For example, Cantonese has 6 tones, while Mandarin has 4 plus a neutral\u002Ftoneless tone. Each audio recording below is of a Cantonese or Mandarin speaker saying ",[21,3357,3358],{},"fu"," in a different tone. ",[21,3361,3362],{},"(Note that fu5 doesn't actually exist in Mandarin, but we've included it for the sake of reference. )",[183,3364,3365,3366],{},"\n ",[208,3367,3368,3365,3380,3365,3405,3365,3433,3365,3462,3365,3490,3365,3519,3365,3548,3574],{},[189,3369,3370,3371,3370,3376,3365],{},"\n ",[192,3372,3375],{"colSpan":60,"className":3373},[3374],"main-header","Cantonese",[192,3377,3379],{"colSpan":60,"className":3378},[3374],"Mandarin",[189,3381,3370,3382,3370,3387,3370,3392,3370,3396,3370,3399,3370,3402,3365],{},[192,3383,3386],{"className":3384},[3385],"tone-number","Tone #",[192,3388,3391],{"className":3389},[3390],"description","Description",[192,3393,206],{"className":3394},[3395],"audio",[192,3397,3386],{"className":3398},[3385],[192,3400,3391],{"className":3401},[3390],[192,3403,206],{"className":3404},[3395],[189,3406,3370,3407,3370,3411,3370,3415,3370,3421,3370,3424,3370,3427,3365],{},[213,3408,3410],{"className":3409},[3385],"1",[213,3412,3414],{"className":3413},[3390],"High level tone",[213,3416,3418],{"className":3417},[3395],[57,3419],{"src":3420,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-膚-high-level.mp3",[213,3422,3410],{"className":3423},[3385],[213,3425,3414],{"className":3426},[3390],[213,3428,3430],{"className":3429},[3395],[57,3431],{"src":3432,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-fu1.m4a",[189,3434,3370,3435,3370,3439,3370,3443,3370,3449,3370,3452,3370,3456,3365],{},[213,3436,3438],{"className":3437},[3385],"2",[213,3440,3442],{"className":3441},[3390],"Medium rising tone",[213,3444,3446],{"className":3445},[3395],[57,3447],{"src":3448,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-苦-medium-rising.mp3",[213,3450,3438],{"className":3451},[3385],[213,3453,3455],{"className":3454},[3390],"Rising tone",[213,3457,3459],{"className":3458},[3395],[57,3460],{"src":3461,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-fu2.m4a",[189,3463,3370,3464,3370,3467,3370,3471,3370,3477,3370,3480,3370,3484,3365],{},[213,3465,60],{"className":3466},[3385],[213,3468,3470],{"className":3469},[3390],"Medium level tone",[213,3472,3474],{"className":3473},[3395],[57,3475],{"src":3476,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-庫-medium-level.mp3",[213,3478,60],{"className":3479},[3385],[213,3481,3483],{"className":3482},[3390],"Low (falling-rising) tone",[213,3485,3487],{"className":3486},[3395],[57,3488],{"src":3489,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-fu3.mp3.m4a",[189,3491,3370,3492,3370,3496,3370,3500,3370,3506,3370,3509,3370,3513,3365],{},[213,3493,3495],{"className":3494},[3385],"4",[213,3497,3499],{"className":3498},[3390],"Low falling tone",[213,3501,3503],{"className":3502},[3395],[57,3504],{"src":3505,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-扶-low-falling.mp3",[213,3507,3495],{"className":3508},[3385],[213,3510,3512],{"className":3511},[3390],"Falling tone",[213,3514,3516],{"className":3515},[3395],[57,3517],{"src":3518,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-fu4.m4a",[189,3520,3370,3521,3370,3525,3370,3529,3370,3535,3370,3538,3370,3542,3365],{},[213,3522,3524],{"className":3523},[3385],"5",[213,3526,3528],{"className":3527},[3390],"Low rising tone",[213,3530,3532],{"className":3531},[3395],[57,3533],{"src":3534,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-婦-low-rising.mp3",[213,3536,3524],{"className":3537},[3385],[213,3539,3541],{"className":3540},[3390],"neutral\u002Ftoneless tone",[213,3543,3545],{"className":3544},[3395],[57,3546],{"src":3547,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-fu5.m4a",[189,3549,3370,3550,3370,3554,3370,3558,3370,3564,3370,3568,3370,3571,3365],{},[213,3551,3553],{"className":3552},[3385],"6",[213,3555,3557],{"className":3556},[3390],"Low level tone",[213,3559,3561],{"className":3560},[3395],[57,3562],{"src":3563,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-腐-low-level.mp3",[213,3565,3567],{"className":3566},[3385],"-",[213,3569,3567],{"className":3570},[3390],[213,3572,3567],{"className":3573},[3395],"\n ",[11,3576,3577],{},"Viewed in the simplest way possible—pure sounds existing in isolation—Mandarin has 6 vowels to Cantonese's 11. (In reality, the quality of these vowels changes depending on what comes before and\u002For after them, making things more complicated in practice.)",[183,3579,3580,3593],{},[186,3581,3582],{},[189,3583,3584,3587,3589,3591],{},[192,3585,3586],{},"Vowel",[192,3588,3375],{},[192,3590,3379],{},[192,3592,206],{},[208,3594,3595,3610,3625,3639,3653,3667,3681,3695,3712,3726,3740,3754,3768],{},[189,3596,3597,3600,3603,3605],{},[213,3598,3599],{},"\u002Fi\u002F",[213,3601,3602],{},"✅",[213,3604,3602],{},[213,3606,3607],{},[57,3608],{"src":3609,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002FClose_front_unrounded_vowel.ogg",[189,3611,3612,3615,3617,3620],{},[213,3613,3614],{},"\u002Fe\u002F",[213,3616,3602],{},[213,3618,3619],{},"❌",[213,3621,3622],{},[57,3623],{"src":3624,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002FClose-mid_front_unrounded_vowel.ogg",[189,3626,3627,3630,3632,3634],{},[213,3628,3629],{},"\u002Fɛ\u002F",[213,3631,3602],{},[213,3633,3619],{},[213,3635,3636],{},[57,3637],{"src":3638,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002FOpen-mid_front_unrounded_vowel.ogg",[189,3640,3641,3644,3646,3648],{},[213,3642,3643],{},"\u002Fə\u002F",[213,3645,3619],{},[213,3647,3602],{},[213,3649,3650],{},[57,3651],{"src":3652,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002FMid-central_vowel.ogg",[189,3654,3655,3658,3660,3662],{},[213,3656,3657],{},"\u002Fy\u002F",[213,3659,3602],{},[213,3661,3602],{},[213,3663,3664],{},[57,3665],{"src":3666,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002FClose_front_rounded_vowel.ogg",[189,3668,3669,3672,3674,3676],{},[213,3670,3671],{},"\u002Fɵ\u002F",[213,3673,3602],{},[213,3675,3619],{},[213,3677,3678],{},[57,3679],{"src":3680,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002FClose-mid_central_rounded_vowel.ogg",[189,3682,3683,3686,3688,3690],{},[213,3684,3685],{},"\u002Fœ\u002F",[213,3687,3602],{},[213,3689,3619],{},[213,3691,3692],{},[57,3693],{"src":3694,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002FOpen-mid_front_rounded_vowel_(2).ogg",[189,3696,3697,3703,3705,3707],{},[213,3698,3699],{},[2553,3700,3702],{"style":3701},"font-feature-settings: 'cv11' off;","\u002Fa\u002F",[213,3704,3602],{},[213,3706,3602],{},[213,3708,3709],{},[57,3710],{"src":3711,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002FOpen_front_unrounded_vowel.ogg",[189,3713,3714,3717,3719,3721],{},[213,3715,3716],{},"\u002Fɐ\u002F",[213,3718,3602],{},[213,3720,3619],{},[213,3722,3723],{},[57,3724],{"src":3725,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002FNear-open_central_unrounded_vowel.ogg",[189,3727,3728,3731,3733,3735],{},[213,3729,3730],{},"\u002Fu\u002F",[213,3732,3602],{},[213,3734,3602],{},[213,3736,3737],{},[57,3738],{"src":3739,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002FClose_back_rounded_vowel.ogg",[189,3741,3742,3745,3747,3749],{},[213,3743,3744],{},"\u002Fɤ\u002F",[213,3746,3619],{},[213,3748,3602],{},[213,3750,3751],{},[57,3752],{"src":3753,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002FClose-mid_back_unrounded_vowel.ogg",[189,3755,3756,3759,3761,3763],{},[213,3757,3758],{},"\u002Fo\u002F",[213,3760,3602],{},[213,3762,3619],{},[213,3764,3765],{},[57,3766],{"src":3767,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002FMid_back_rounded_vowel.ogg",[189,3769,3770,3773,3775,3777],{},[213,3771,3772],{},"\u002Fɔ\u002F",[213,3774,3602],{},[213,3776,3619],{},[213,3778,3779],{},[57,3780],{"src":3781,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002FPR-open-mid_back_rounded_vowel.ogg",[11,3783,3784],{},"A final important difference is that Mandarin syllables can only end in a vowel, N or NG sound, while Cantonese syllables can end with a vowel or N, NG, P, T, and K sounds. This means that many types of syllables are possible in Cantonese that do not exist in Mandarin.",[11,3786,3787],{},"All in all, these differences lead to very distinct-sounding languages that are largely not mutually intelligible when heard spoken. (If you scroll down through the next few sections, there will be audio recordings of words and sentences so you can make this comparison for yourself.)",[414,3789,3791],{"id":3790},"mandarin-vocabulary-vs-cantonese-vocabulary","Mandarin vocabulary vs Cantonese vocabulary",[11,3793,3794,3795,3797],{},"While Mandarin and Cantonese have a ",[21,3796,1057],{}," significant overlap in vocabulary, the uber-common words that get the most airtime tend to be very different between the two languages.",[11,3799,3800],{},"Here's a handful of examples:",[183,3802,3803,3813],{},[186,3804,3805],{},[189,3806,3807,3809,3811],{},[192,3808,1073],{},[192,3810,3375],{},[192,3812,3379],{},[208,3814,3815,3831,3848,3864,3881,3898,3915,3932,3949,3966,3983],{},[189,3816,3817,3819,3825],{},[213,3818,3041],{},[213,3820,3821,3822],{},"係 (hai6) ",[57,3823],{"src":3824,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-係.mp3",[213,3826,3827,3828],{},"是 (shi4) ",[57,3829],{"src":3830,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-是.mp3",[189,3832,3833,3836,3842],{},[213,3834,3835],{},"not",[213,3837,3838,3839],{},"唔 (m4) ",[57,3840],{"src":3841,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-唔.mp3",[213,3843,3844,3845],{},"不 (bu4) ",[57,3846],{"src":3847,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-不.mp3",[189,3849,3850,3852,3858],{},[213,3851,1057],{},[213,3853,3854,3855],{},"好 (hou2) ",[57,3856],{"src":3857,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-好.mp3",[213,3859,3860,3861],{},"很 (hen3) ",[57,3862],{"src":3863,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-很.mp3",[189,3865,3866,3869,3875],{},[213,3867,3868],{},"he\u002Fshe\u002Fit",[213,3870,3871,3872],{},"佢 (keoi5) ",[57,3873],{"src":3874,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-佢.mp3",[213,3876,3877,3878],{},"他 (ta1) ",[57,3879],{"src":3880,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-他.mp3",[189,3882,3883,3886,3892],{},[213,3884,3885],{},"thing",[213,3887,3888,3889],{},"嘢 (je5) ",[57,3890],{"src":3891,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-嘢.mp3",[213,3893,3894,3895],{},"東西 (dong1 xi5) ",[57,3896],{"src":3897,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-東西.mp3",[189,3899,3900,3903,3909],{},[213,3901,3902],{},"pluralizing suffix",[213,3904,3905,3906],{},"哋 (dei6) ",[57,3907],{"src":3908,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-哋.mp3",[213,3910,3911,3912],{},"們 (men5) ",[57,3913],{"src":3914,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-們.mp3",[189,3916,3917,3920,3926],{},[213,3918,3919],{},"possessive particle",[213,3921,3922,3923],{},"嘅 (ge3) ",[57,3924],{"src":3925,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-嘅.mp3",[213,3927,3928,3929],{},"的 (de5) ",[57,3930],{"src":3931,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-的.mp3",[189,3933,3934,3937,3943],{},[213,3935,3936],{},"This",[213,3938,3939,3940],{},"呢 (li1) ",[57,3941],{"src":3942,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-li1.m4a",[213,3944,3945,3946],{},"這 (zhe4) ",[57,3947],{"src":3948,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-這.mp3",[189,3950,3951,3954,3960],{},[213,3952,3953],{},"that",[213,3955,3956,3957],{},"嗰 (go2) ",[57,3958],{"src":3959,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-嗰.mp3",[213,3961,3962,3963],{},"那 (na4) ",[57,3964],{"src":3965,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-那.mp3",[189,3967,3968,3971,3977],{},[213,3969,3970],{},"and",[213,3972,3973,3974],{},"同 (tung4) ",[57,3975],{"src":3976,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-同.mp3",[213,3978,3979,3980],{},"和 (he2) ",[57,3981],{"src":3982,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-和.mp3",[189,3984,3985,3988,3994],{},[213,3986,3987],{},"still",[213,3989,3990,3991],{},"仲 (zung6) ",[57,3992],{"src":3993,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-仲.mp3",[213,3995,3996,3997],{},"還 (hai2) ",[57,3998],{"src":3999,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-還.mp3",[11,4001,4002],{},"And this is really only scratching the surface! There are totally different question words (who, what, when, etc.), different sentence final particles, different adjectives, nouns, adverbs, time expressions, curse words, slang, idioms, and on and on.",[4004,4005,4007,4010,4019,4022,4030],"accordion",{"heading":4006},"A fun bit of statistics",[11,4008,4009],{},"A college educated speaker of English knows about 30,000 words.",[11,4011,4012,4013,171,4016,4018],{},"If you pick any English word out of a text or conversation at random, there's a 50% chance it'll be one of 100 uber-common words. (Stuff like ",[21,4014,4015],{},"the",[21,4017,3970],{},".)",[11,4020,4021],{},"Say that we have two languages that are totally the same, except these 100 uber-common words.",[121,4023,4024,4027],{},[124,4025,4026],{},"In theory, they are virtually identical—they have 99.67% (29,900\u002F30,000) overlap!",[124,4028,4029],{},"In practice, they sound super different—every other word that comes out of a speaker of language A's mouth is incomprehensible to a speaker of language B",[11,4031,4032],{},"There's some nuance here, basically.",[11,4034,4035,4036,4039],{},"Anyway—those super common words aside, here's the pronunciation of a handful of words that ",[21,4037,4038],{},"are"," shared between the two languages. Even if you don't speak either language, you can probably hear the similarities between some word pairs.",[183,4041,4042,4060],{},[186,4043,4044],{},[189,4045,4046,4048,4054,4057],{},[192,4047,1073],{},[192,4049,4050,4051,4053],{},"Chinese Characters ",[132,4052],{}," (Traditional)",[192,4055,4056],{},"Cantonese (Jyutping)",[192,4058,4059],{},"Mandarin (Pinyin)",[208,4061,4062,4082,4102,4122,4142,4162,4182,4202],{},[189,4063,4064,4067,4070,4076],{},[213,4065,4066],{},"Hello",[213,4068,4069],{},"你好",[213,4071,4072,4073],{},"nei5 hou2 ",[57,4074],{"src":4075,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-你好.mp3",[213,4077,4078,4079],{},"ni3 hao3 ",[57,4080],{"src":4081,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-你好.mp3",[189,4083,4084,4087,4090,4096],{},[213,4085,4086],{},"Goodbye",[213,4088,4089],{},"再見",[213,4091,4092,4093],{},"zoi3 gin3 ",[57,4094],{"src":4095,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-再見.mp3",[213,4097,4098,4099],{},"zai4 jian4 ",[57,4100],{"src":4101,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-再見.mp3",[189,4103,4104,4107,4110,4116],{},[213,4105,4106],{},"Cat",[213,4108,4109],{},"貓",[213,4111,4112,4113],{},"maau1 ",[57,4114],{"src":4115,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-貓.mp3",[213,4117,4118,4119],{},"mao1 ",[57,4120],{"src":4121,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-貓.mp3",[189,4123,4124,4127,4130,4136],{},[213,4125,4126],{},"Love",[213,4128,4129],{},"愛",[213,4131,4132,4133],{},"oi3 ",[57,4134],{"src":4135,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-愛.mp3",[213,4137,4138,4139],{},"ai4 ",[57,4140],{"src":4141,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-愛.mp3",[189,4143,4144,4147,4150,4156],{},[213,4145,4146],{},"Reason",[213,4148,4149],{},"理由",[213,4151,4152,4153],{},"lei5 jau4 ",[57,4154],{"src":4155,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-理由.mp3",[213,4157,4158,4159],{},"li3 you2 ",[57,4160],{"src":4161,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-理由.mp3",[189,4163,4164,4167,4170,4176],{},[213,4165,4166],{},"Spaceship",[213,4168,4169],{},"太空船",[213,4171,4172,4173],{},"taai3 hung1 syun4 ",[57,4174],{"src":4175,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-太空船.mp3",[213,4177,4178,4179],{},"tai4 kong1 chuan2 ",[57,4180],{"src":4181,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-太空船.mp3",[189,4183,4184,4187,4190,4196],{},[213,4185,4186],{},"Northside",[213,4188,4189],{},"北邊",[213,4191,4192,4193],{},"bak1 bin1 ",[57,4194],{"src":4195,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-北邊.mp3",[213,4197,4198,4199],{},"bei3 bian1 ",[57,4200],{"src":4201,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-北邊.mp3",[189,4203,4204,4207,4210,4216],{},[213,4205,4206],{},"Suffering",[213,4208,4209],{},"痛苦",[213,4211,4212,4213],{},"tung3 fu2 ",[57,4214],{"src":4215,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-痛苦.mp3",[213,4217,4218,4219],{},"tong4 ku3 ",[57,4220],{"src":4221,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-痛苦.mp3",[414,4223,4225],{"id":4224},"mandarin-grammar-vs-cantonese-grammar","Mandarin grammar vs Cantonese grammar",[11,4227,4228],{},"Mandarin and Cantonese grammar is pretty similar—there's often a one-to-one correlation between Cantonese and Mandarin sentences in terms of word order, syntax, grammatical features, and so forth. You can see this below:",[183,4230,4232,4233],{"style":4231},"width:100%; text-align:center; table-layout:fixed; border-collapse:collapse;","\n ",[208,4234,4235,4232,4268,4232,4304],{},[189,4236,3574,4237,3574,4239,3574,4242,3574,4245,3574,4248,3574,4251,3574,4254,3574,4257,3574,4260,3574,4263,4232],{},[192,4238,3375],{},[213,4240,4241],{},"我哋",[213,4243,4244],{},"好",[213,4246,4247],{},"想",[213,4249,4250],{},"返",[213,4252,4253],{},"屋企",[213,4255,4256],{},"嚟",[213,4258,4259],{},"唞",[213,4261,4262],{},"下",[213,4264,4265],{},[57,4266],{"src":4267,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-我哋好想返屋企嚟唞下。.mp3",[189,4269,3574,4270,3574,4276,3574,4279,3574,4282,3574,4284,3574,4287,3574,4290,3574,4293,3574,4296,3574,4299,4232],{},[192,4271,4272,4273,4275],{},"Mandarin ",[132,4274],{}," (simplified) ",[213,4277,4278],{},"我们",[213,4280,4281],{},"很",[213,4283,4247],{},[213,4285,4286],{},"回",[213,4288,4289],{},"家",[213,4291,4292],{},"来",[213,4294,4295],{},"休息",[213,4297,4298],{},"一下",[213,4300,4301],{},[57,4302],{"src":4303,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-我们很想回家来休息一下。.mp3",[189,4305,3574,4306,3574,4308,3574,4311,3574,4313,3574,4316,3574,4319,3574,4322,3574,4330,3574,4333,3574,4336,4232],{},[192,4307,1073],{},[213,4309,4310],{},"we",[213,4312,1057],{},[213,4314,4315],{},"want",[213,4317,4318],{},"return",[213,4320,4321],{},"home",[213,4323,4324,4325,4329],{},"to (lit: ",[4326,4327,4328],"i",{},"come",")",[213,4331,4332],{},"rest",[213,4334,4335],{},"a bit",[213,4337,4338],{}," ↑↑ ",[11,4340,4341,4342,4344],{},"There ",[21,4343,4038],{}," some differences, though, if you look.",[11,4346,4347,4348,4351,4352,4355,4356,4359],{},"For example, Cantonese can express possesion with counters, using the format ",[21,4349,4350],{},"pronoun + counter + noun",". (A counter is a word used to count an object, such as ",[21,4353,4354],{},"pieces"," of paper or ",[21,4357,4358],{},"loaves"," of bread.)",[121,4361,4362],{},[124,4363,4364,4365,55,4368,55,4370,55,4373,4375],{},"Cantonese: 佢本書 ",[57,4366],{"src":4367,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-佢本書.mp3",[132,4369],{},[21,4371,4372],{},"keoi5 bun2 syu1",[132,4374],{},"his\u002Fher book",[11,4377,4378,4379,4381,4382,844],{},"Conversely, whereas 本 is also the counter used for books in Mandarin, you can ",[21,4380,3835],{}," express possession with it. Instead, you have to use the possessive particle ",[21,4383,2495],{},[121,4385,4386,4399],{},[124,4387,4388,4389,55,4391,55,4394,55,4396],{},"❌ Mandarin: 他\u002F她本書 ",[132,4390],{},[21,4392,4393],{},"ta1 ben3 shu1",[132,4395],{},[21,4397,4398],{},"(this is nonsense in Mandarin)",[124,4400,4401,4402,55,4405,55,4407,55,4410,4412],{},"✅ Mandarin: 他\u002F她的書 ",[57,4403],{"src":4404,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-他的書.mp3",[132,4406],{},[21,4408,4409],{},"ta1 de5 shu1",[132,4411],{}," his\u002Fher book",[11,4414,4415],{},"Then, in Cantonese, the {indirect object} goes directly after the \u003Cdirect object>, whereas in Mandarin the {indirect object} comes before the \u003Cdirect object> by default. (Nevermind the fancy grammar words; this will make sense when you see the examples.)",[121,4417,4418,4432],{},[124,4419,4420,4421,55,4424,55,4426,55,4429,4431],{},"Cantonese: 我畀\u003C本>書{你} ",[57,4422],{"src":4423,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-我给你一本书.mp3",[132,4425],{},[21,4427,4428],{},"ngo5 bei2 bun2 syu1 nei5",[132,4430],{}," Literally: I give book you",[124,4433,4434,4435,55,4438,55,4440,55,4443,4445],{},"Mandarin: 我给{你}一本\u003C书> ",[57,4436],{"src":4437,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-我给你一本书.mp3",[132,4439],{},[21,4441,4442],{},"Wo3 gei3 ni3 yi1 ben3 shu1",[132,4444],{}," Literally: I give you book",[11,4447,4448],{},"As a final example, the passive voice works differently in Mandarin and Cantonese. First, let's look at a couple English sentences to explain some terminology:",[121,4450,4451,4461],{},[124,4452,4453,4454,4457,4458,844],{},"English passive voice ",[4455,4456,1156],"u",{}," agent: ",[21,4459,4460],{},"It was stolen",[124,4462,4453,4463,4457,4466,844],{},[4455,4464,4465],{},"with",[21,4467,4468],{},"It was stolen by someone",[11,4470,4471],{},"Mandarin, like English, can choose to whether or not to include an agent in its passive sentences:",[121,4473,4474,4488],{},[124,4475,4476,4477,55,4480,55,4482,55,4485,4487],{},"✅ Mandarin: 它被偷了 ",[57,4478],{"src":4479,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-它被偷了.mp3",[132,4481],{},[21,4483,4484],{},"ta1 bei4 tou1 le5",[132,4486],{}," It was stolen.",[124,4489,4490,4491,55,4494,55,4496,55,4499,4501],{},"✅ Mandarin: 它被某個人偷了 ",[57,4492],{"src":4493,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-它被某個人偷了.mp3",[132,4495],{},[21,4497,4498],{},"ta1 bei4 mou3 ge5 ren2 tou1 le5",[132,4500],{}," It was stolen by someone.",[11,4503,4504],{},"By contrast, Cantonese requires that you include 人 (jan4, \"person\") in the sentence as a passive agent:",[121,4506,4507,4518],{},[124,4508,4509,4510,55,4512,55,4515,4517],{},"❌ Cantonese: 佢畀偷咗。",[132,4511],{},[21,4513,4514],{},"keoi5 bei2 tau1 zo2",[132,4516],{}," {not proper Cantonese}",[124,4519,4520,4521,55,4524,55,4526,55,4529,4531],{},"✅ Cantonese: 佢畀人偷咗。 ",[57,4522],{"src":4523,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-佢畀人偷咗。.mp3",[132,4525],{},[21,4527,4528],{},"keoi5 bei2 jan4 tau1 zo2",[132,4530],{}," Literally: \"It by someone stole was\"",[414,4533,4535],{"id":4534},"mandarin-writing-vs-cantonese-writing","Mandarin writing vs Cantonese writing",[11,4537,4538],{},"This one, again, requires some nuance.",[11,4540,4541],{},"Many Cantonese speakers are bilingual in Cantonese and Mandarin, and they're taught to write Standard Written Cantonese in school—which is basically (but not quite) Mandarin. The result is that formal pieces of writing, such as the Cantonese you see in newspapers, government articles, and academic papers, will be largely intelligible to Mandarin speakers.",[121,4543,4544,4553],{},[124,4545,4546,4547,4549,4550,4552],{},"Standard Written Cantonese: 我和他一起來 ",[132,4548],{}," \"Normal\" Cantonese: 我同佢一齊嚟 ",[132,4551],{}," English: I come with him",[124,4554,4555,4556,4558,4559,4561],{},"Standard Written Cantonese: 那個是什麼？ ",[132,4557],{},"\"Normal\" Cantonese: 嗰個係乜？ ",[132,4560],{},"English: What is this?",[11,4563,4564],{},"It's OK if you can't make any sense of the Chinese examples. Just notice how different Standard Written Cantonese is from the Cantonese that people use in everyday life.",[11,4566,4567],{},[21,4568,4569],{},"(As an aside, a Taiwanese friend confirmed that the above \"Standard Written Cantonese\" is not only perfectly understandable to her, but exactly how she would write the sentences herself—though she'd say 跟 instead of 和.)",[11,4571,4572],{},"The thing is, ordinary people don't use Standard Written Cantonese in their normal everyday life.",[11,4574,4575],{},"If we take a more colloquial sentence and write it out as it would be spoken by Cantonese speakers, the result is something that's pretty much unintelligible to Mandarin speakers:",[121,4577,4578,4583,4588],{},[124,4579,4580,4581],{},"Cantonese: 我哋好想返屋企嚟唞下。",[57,4582],{"src":4267,":type":60},[124,4584,4585,4586],{},"Mandarin: 我们很想回家来休息一下。",[57,4587],{"src":4303,":type":60},[124,4589,4590],{},"English: We really want to go back home to rest.",[11,4592,4593],{},"As you can see, then, \"normal\" written Cantonese differs very much from written Mandarin. In fact, the characters 哋, 嚟, and 唞 flat-out don't exist in Mandarin!",[37,4595,4597],{"id":4596},"if-mandarin-and-cantonese-are-so-different-why-do-some-people-say-cantonese-is-just-a-dialect","If Mandarin and Cantonese are so different, why do some people say Cantonese is just a dialect?",[11,4599,4600],{},"Well, I think you can boil this down to 3 main things:",[3153,4602,4603,4606,4609],{},[124,4604,4605],{},"The lects both come from the same language family",[124,4607,4608],{},"The lects both use Chinese characters",[124,4610,4611],{},"Political reasons we won't get into",[11,4613,4614,4615,4618],{},"Number one is a big one. Mandarin and Cantonese are both ",[21,4616,4617],{},"Chinese"," languages. The result is that it's easy to lump all Chinese lects into the same basket of one Chinese language with many dialects.",[11,4620,4621,4622,1198],{},"Here's a relevant comment from ",[867,4623,4626],{"href":4624,"rel":4625},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FAlessandro_Valignano",[1196],"a 16th century missionary",[86,4628,4629],{},[11,4630,4631,4632,4635,4636,4638,4640,4642,4643],{},"\"The Chinese have different languages in different provinces, to such an extent that they cannot understand each other.... ",[2553,4633,4634],{},"They"," also have another language which is like a universal and common language; this is the official language of the mandarins and of the court; it is among them like Latin among ourselves....\"\"",[132,4637],{},[132,4639],{},[132,4641],{}," —Alessandro Valignano, ",[21,4644,4645],{},"Historia del Principio y Progresso de la Compañia de Jesus en las Indias Orientales (1542–1564)",[11,4647,4648,4649,4651,4652,171,4655,844],{},"Unfortunately, in modern times, Chinese is often conflated with Mandarin. Just go look at Google Translate—there's no option to translate into ",[21,4650,3379],{},", just ",[21,4653,4654],{},"Chinese (simplified)",[21,4656,4657],{},"Chinese (traditional)",[11,4659,4660,4661,4666],{},"Another compounding factor is that most Chinese lects have no written form. Instead, they're spoken one way, but written in ",[867,4662,4665],{"href":4663,"rel":4664},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FStandard_Chinese",[1196],"Standard Chinese",". The result is that, to an outsider—and even to speakers of Chinese languages—Mandarin and Cantonese look very similar on paper.",[11,4668,4669],{},"Lastly, as we touched on earlier, there is political benefit to promoting unity and the idea of a shared language—not just within China but in general. As the saying goes: \"A language is a dialect with an army and a navy.\" This doesn't really tell the whole story, but it underscores how important official institutional backing can be in shaping the perception of what people consider to be a language or not.",[34,4671],{},[37,4673,4675],{"id":4674},"on-the-off-chance-youre-just-trying-to-figure-out-how-to-learn-cantonese","On the off chance you're just trying to figure out how to learn Cantonese...",[11,4677,4678],{},"This question is much easier to answer!",[11,4680,4681,4682,4685],{},"Migaku is an app for learning Cantonese—but rather than ",[21,4683,4684],{},"teach"," you Cantonese with some outdated textbook, we instead help you learn naturally by capitalizing on learning opportunities you come across in the wild.",[11,4687,4688,4689,4694],{},"For example, you can just boot up any Cantonese YouTube video on your phone—such as this one from ",[867,4690,4693],{"href":4691,"rel":4692},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=9xmCZIO8qdU&list=PLhLwhcA8IAmk0O8VrU9rbfR6eOXVOm4k8",[1196],"Comprehensible Cantonese","—and then click on words to see explanations of what they mean.",[833,4696],{"src":4697,"width":4698,"height":4699,"alt":4700},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-mobile-cantonese-yt.jpeg",1222,862,"A screenshot showing how Migaku makes Cantonese YouTube subtitles interactive",[11,4702,4703],{},"If you come across a useful word, you can turn it into a flashcard by clicking on that orange button in the top-right corner there. Doing so will automatically take a screenshot of the video, a a snippet of its audio, plus the word you've selected and the sentence it came from.",[11,4705,4706,4707,4018],{},"The result is a flashcard like this—the whole process takes about two seconds. Once you've made a flashcard, we'll periodically nudge you to review it, ensuring that you eventually remember it. (This is called ",[867,4708,4709],{"href":2958},"spaced repetition",[833,4711],{"src":4712,"width":4698,"height":4713,"alt":4714},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-cantonese-mobile-mining.jpeg",852,"A screenshot showing how Migaku lets you make Cantonese flashcards out of YouTube videos",[86,4716,4717],{},[11,4718,4719,4720,4723,4724],{},"The best way to learn Cantonese is by ",[21,4721,4722],{},"interacting"," with it. If you consume Cantonese media, and you understand at least part of it, you'll make progress. ",[21,4725,2993],{},[876,4727],{"href":878,"text":879},[34,4729],{},[37,4731,4733,4734,4737],{"id":4732},"conclusion-mandarin-vs-cantonese-language-vs-dialect-x-vs-y","Conclusion: ",[69,4735,4736],{},"Mandarin vs Cantonese",", Language vs Dialect, X vs Y",[11,4739,4740],{},"Ultimately, whether you consider Cantonese—or any language for that matter—to be a dialect comes down to your own definition of \"dialect\" and your own perception of the similarities and differences between the two lects in question.",[11,4742,4743],{},"If you're approaching this question from a linguistic perspective, then be aware of the limitations of mutual intelligibilty as a criterion. It's a subjective measure that can be hard to quantify. It's also susceptible to the influence of prior linguistic knowledge. Moreover, it's worth considering how Cantonese and Mandarin compare in distance to other lects like Spanish and Portuguese, or Swedish and Norwegian. If you find these latter pairs to be different enough to warrant the label of language, I think there is strong argument to be had that Cantonese meets that same threshold.",[11,4745,4746],{},"Wherever you happen to land on this matter, it's always good to be clear in your terms and strive for consistency.",[11,4748,4749],{},[21,4750,4751],{},"(P.S.—Phew; this article impressed upon me just how much baggage their is wrapped up in the word \"dialect\")",{"title":383,"searchDepth":915,"depth":915,"links":4753},[4754,4755,4759,4760,4761,4762,4768,4769,4770],{"id":3055,"depth":915,"text":3056},{"id":3081,"depth":915,"text":4756,"children":4757},"What is a dialect?",[4758],{"id":3138,"depth":923,"text":3139},{"id":3207,"depth":915,"text":3208},{"id":3270,"depth":915,"text":3271},{"id":3301,"depth":915,"text":3302},{"id":3341,"depth":915,"text":3342,"children":4763},[4764,4765,4766,4767],{"id":3348,"depth":923,"text":3349},{"id":3790,"depth":923,"text":3791},{"id":4224,"depth":923,"text":4225},{"id":4534,"depth":923,"text":4535},{"id":4596,"depth":915,"text":4597},{"id":4674,"depth":915,"text":4675},{"id":4732,"depth":915,"text":4771},"Conclusion: Mandarin vs Cantonese, Language vs Dialect, X vs Y","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.",{"timestampUnix":4774,"slug":4775,"h1":4776,"image":4777,"tags":4782},1745585916000,"cantonese-language-or-dialect","Mandarin vs Cantonese | Is Cantonese a language or a dialect? ",{"src":4778,"width":4779,"height":4780,"alt":4781},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-cantonese-language-dialect.jpeg",1600,998,"Meme man sweating serious bullets trying to decide whether Cantonese is a language or a dialect",[940],"\u002Farticle\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-cantonese-dialect","---\ntitle: 'Is the Cantonese language a dialect of Mandarin Chinese?'\ndescription: \"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.\"\ntimestampUnix: 1745585916000\nslug: 'cantonese-language-or-dialect'\nh1: 'Mandarin vs Cantonese | Is Cantonese a language or a dialect? '\nimage:\n src: '\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-cantonese-language-dialect.jpeg'\n width: 1600\n height: 998\n alt: 'Meme man sweating serious bullets trying to decide whether Cantonese is a language or a dialect'\ntags:\n - discussion\n---\n\nOne of the quickest ways to get into an argument is to accuse someone that what they're speaking is merely a dialect of another language, as opposed to a full-fledged language in and of itself. This is especially true when it comes to Cantonese and Mandarin. But why is that?\n\nCan you say definitively whether Cantonese is a dialect or not?\n\nWhat even _is_ a dialect in the first place?\n\nWe have some answers.\n\nIn this blog post, we're going to cover:\n\n\u003Ctoc>\u003C\u002Ftoc>\n\n---\n\n## What is a lect?\n\nFirst, let's set some things straight.\n\nBefore we get too far along, I want to introduce the term _lect_.\n\nA lect is kind of a catch-all term that can refer to all spoken communications, whether a language or dialect or pidgin. It's a form of a language as spoken somewhere, which is a very broad classification. Throughout this article, you'll see me use the term lect to sidestep the words \"dialect\" and \"language\", rather than killing discussion by using the term that aligns with my personal beliefs.\n\nYou see, _everything_ is a lect, even if it's also a language or dialect.\n\nAnyway, back to the main question.\n\n## What is a **dialect**?\n\nLet's go to the source. If you boot up the good old Oxford Dictionary, you'll see this:\n\n> _**Dialect**: a particular form of a language which is peculiar to a specific region or social group._\n\nAlternatively, if we look at the etymology of the word, we can see that it comes from the ancient Greek _dialektos_, which meant \"a way of speaking\".\n\n- \"Dia\" means \"across\" (as in _diameter_, how long a straight line needs to be to go across a circle)\n- \"Lektos\" comes from the word \"legos\", meaning \"I say\u002Fspeak\" (and, so far as I know, has absolutely no relation to _those_ legos)\n\nLiterally, then, a dialect might be understood to refer to the scope of things that are contained within how people in a particular area speak.\n\nAlas, we immediately run into a problem: \"the language specific to a region\" is about as clear as a foggy mirror.\n\n- We might see it as referring to separate languages—the language spoken in France (French) versus the language spoken in England (English)\n- We might use it to refer to shades of the same language—British people near Cornwall speak with a Cornish accent whereas those near Yorkshire speak with a Yorkshire accent\n\n### The big problem with the term \"dialect\"\n\nThe term is ambiguous.\n\nI'm not just splitting hairs, here, either.\n\nThere are literally no universally agreed-upon criteria that are used to draw a line and say \"A is a completely separate language from B\". None. In other words, different groups may be considering entirely different factors when trying to answer the \"dialect\" question.\n\nBroadly speaking, though, you'll run into two different usages of the word:\n\n1. A broader, more colloquial usage\n2. A narrower, more technical usage\n\n#### Dialects, colloquially speaking\n\nColloquially, people will use the term dialect to refer to any lect that shares many features with another. These shared features could be history, culture, geographic proximity, and\u002For linguistic commonalities.\n\nYou might generally just think of this as being \"how people from 'round here talk\".\n\n#### Dialects, more technically speaking\n\nTo get more technical, we might instead think about this in terms of language distance (how similar two lects are or aren't) and mutual intelligibility (if speakers of two lects can understand each other).\n\nFor example, if we talk about British vs American English:\n\n- Sounds are pronounced differently (thus the recognizable \"accent\")\n- Different vocabulary words are used (band-aid vs plaster)\n- There are even differences in grammar (\"shall\" sounds very elevated in American English, but it's just a normal word used to summon the future tense in British English)\n\nThey're quite different!\n\nNevertheless, British people understand American people just fine, and vice versa. Words generally go in the same order, nouns and verbs have the same forms and work in the same way, and while the way we pronounce \"bottle\" isn't quite the same as the way they pronounce \"bottle\", we're still both saying \"bottle\" and see ourselves as uttering an O or T or L sound.\n\nClearly, we can't say that British English and American English are different languages. They're highly intelligible—indeed, they're both just different flavors of English.\n\nAs such, we call them dialects.\n\n## Why does it matter if something is a language or dialect?\n\nSimply put, there are political and sociocultural implications to saying that something is a dialect or a language—to saying that group A and B are _different_ peoples, or saying that group A and B are different versions of the _same_ group of people.\n\nThis matters (and gets complicated) because \"languages\" and \"dialects\" do not have equal footing in the world.\n\nWhat do we mean by this?\n\n1. You wouldn't say that English speakers \"should\" speak Spanish—they're different languages, and many English speakers literally just _can't_ speak Spanish\n2. It's common for people with varying English accents to conform to General American English, which is what you hear from newscasters\n\nYou can (not necessarily _should_) call someone uneducated for talking like a hillbilly, but it would be ridiculous to say that someone is uneducated because they speak Spanish or Finnish instead of English.\n\nThat second situation happens because governments broadly seek to create well-functioning societies. To this end, it's often seen as advantageous to build a sense of unity among the populace. Having everyone speak the same language (and see themselves as speaking the same language) is one way to do this.\n\n> If there are many similar lects within your country, it could be politically advantageous to promote the idea of them being dialects—the same language, but different versions of it—regardless of whether they're actually mutually intelligible or not.\n>\n> As a byproduct of this effort to enshrine one lect as being the standard language, other lects in the same space can end up being dismissed as just a \"worse\" or \"corrupted\" version of that standard language.\n\nSome speakers may feel bitter about calling what they speak a dialect, as it seems to downplay the value of it—and, by extension, themselves.\n\n(And there's [a lot more political and cultural stuff](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FDialect#Political_factors) you can get into, if you've got a moment. This discussion could go in many directions.)\n\n## A thought experiment for you\n\nConsider these two situations:\n\n- You're not allowed to speak English anymore, and will be punished if you're caught speaking a language other than Spanish in public, whether physically or via scorn. Forget English; from now on, you speak Spanish—even and especially if you don't actually know Spanish.\n- You sound uneducated when you say _gonna_. Make an effort to say _going to_ instead, especially when you're in formal situations like the office or the classroom.\n\nIf the first situation horrifies you, but you can see the second one as being reasonable in some lights, then you've sort of stumbled into the point.\n\nChew on this a bit as you work through the second half of this blog post.\n\n---\n\n## Is Cantonese a language or dialect?\n\nSo, with all of that out of the way, let's start talking about Mandarin and Cantonese. We'll facilitate the discussion, but are going to avoid coming outright and calling it one way the another. This is ultimately a distinction you'll have to make yourself.\n\nTo get the easy one out of the way, though:\n\nIf you accept a broad interpretation of the word \"dialect\", then it's pretty reasonable to refer to Cantonese as a dialect of Mandarin—or that both are dialects of another language. Both lects come from the same language family ([the sinitic side of Sino-Tibetan](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FSino-Tibetan_languages)) and have many historical, cultural, and geographic similarities, plus a number of linguistic similarities.\n\nTo dig into the meat of the harder question:\n\n> How well do two speakers need to understand each other in order for us to conclude that they're speaking the same language?\n\nLanguage distance and mutual intelligibility is a spectrum, and it's hard to draw a line in the sand and say \"dialect on that side, language on this side\".\n\nTo answer this question, though, _you_ need to draw that line in the sand.\n\nTo help you do that, let's take a closer look at Mandarin and Cantonese.\n\n## A few differences between Mandarin and Cantonese\n\nWe're in the process of expanding this section into an indepdennt blog post, but for now, in brief:\n\n### Mandarin pronunciation vs Cantonese pronunciation\n\nMandarin and Cantonese have pretty different sound systems.\n\nFor example, Cantonese has 6 tones, while Mandarin has 4 plus a neutral\u002Ftoneless tone. Each audio recording below is of a Cantonese or Mandarin speaker saying _fu_ in a different tone. _(Note that fu5 doesn't actually exist in Mandarin, but we've included it for the sake of reference. )_\n\n\u003Chtml>\n\u003Cbody>\n \u003Ctable>\n \u003Ctr>\n \u003Cth colspan=\"3\" class=\"main-header\">Cantonese\u003C\u002Fth>\n \u003Cth colspan=\"3\" class=\"main-header\">Mandarin\u003C\u002Fth>\n \u003C\u002Ftr>\n \u003Ctr>\n \u003Cth class=\"tone-number\">Tone #\u003C\u002Fth>\n \u003Cth class=\"description\">Description\u003C\u002Fth>\n \u003Cth class=\"audio\">Audio\u003C\u002Fth>\n \u003Cth class=\"tone-number\">Tone #\u003C\u002Fth>\n \u003Cth class=\"description\">Description\u003C\u002Fth>\n \u003Cth class=\"audio\">Audio\u003C\u002Fth>\n \u003C\u002Ftr>\n \u003Ctr>\n \u003Ctd class=\"tone-number\">1\u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003Ctd class=\"description\">High level tone\u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003Ctd class=\"audio\">\u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-膚-high-level.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003Ctd class=\"tone-number\">1\u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003Ctd class=\"description\">High level tone\u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003Ctd class=\"audio\">\u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-fu1.m4a\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003C\u002Ftr>\n \u003Ctr>\n \u003Ctd class=\"tone-number\">2\u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003Ctd class=\"description\">Medium rising tone\u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003Ctd class=\"audio\">\u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-苦-medium-rising.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003Ctd class=\"tone-number\">2\u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003Ctd class=\"description\">Rising tone\u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003Ctd class=\"audio\">\u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-fu2.m4a\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003C\u002Ftr>\n \u003Ctr>\n \u003Ctd class=\"tone-number\">3\u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003Ctd class=\"description\">Medium level tone\u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003Ctd class=\"audio\">\u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-庫-medium-level.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003Ctd class=\"tone-number\">3\u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003Ctd class=\"description\">Low (falling-rising) tone\u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003Ctd class=\"audio\">\u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-fu3.mp3.m4a\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003C\u002Ftr>\n \u003Ctr>\n \u003Ctd class=\"tone-number\">4\u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003Ctd class=\"description\">Low falling tone\u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003Ctd class=\"audio\">\u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-扶-low-falling.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003Ctd class=\"tone-number\">4\u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003Ctd class=\"description\">Falling tone\u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003Ctd class=\"audio\">\u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-fu4.m4a\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003C\u002Ftr>\n \u003Ctr>\n \u003Ctd class=\"tone-number\">5\u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003Ctd class=\"description\">Low rising tone\u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003Ctd class=\"audio\">\u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-婦-low-rising.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003Ctd class=\"tone-number\">5\u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003Ctd class=\"description\">neutral\u002Ftoneless tone\u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003Ctd class=\"audio\">\u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-fu5.m4a\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003C\u002Ftr>\n \u003Ctr>\n \u003Ctd class=\"tone-number\">6\u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003Ctd class=\"description\">Low level tone\u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003Ctd class=\"audio\">\u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-腐-low-level.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003Ctd class=\"tone-number\">-\u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003Ctd class=\"description\">-\u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003Ctd class=\"audio\">-\u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003C\u002Ftr>\n \u003C\u002Ftable>\n\u003C\u002Fbody>\n\u003C\u002Fhtml>\n\nViewed in the simplest way possible—pure sounds existing in isolation—Mandarin has 6 vowels to Cantonese's 11. (In reality, the quality of these vowels changes depending on what comes before and\u002For after them, making things more complicated in practice.)\n\n| Vowel | Cantonese | Mandarin | Audio |\n| ----------------------------------------------------------- | --------- | -------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |\n| \u002Fi\u002F | ✅ | ✅ | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002FClose_front_unrounded_vowel.ogg\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| \u002Fe\u002F | ✅ | ❌ | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002FClose-mid_front_unrounded_vowel.ogg\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| \u002Fɛ\u002F | ✅ | ❌ | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002FOpen-mid_front_unrounded_vowel.ogg\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| \u002Fə\u002F | ❌ | ✅ | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002FMid-central_vowel.ogg\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| \u002Fy\u002F | ✅ | ✅ | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002FClose_front_rounded_vowel.ogg\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| \u002Fɵ\u002F | ✅ | ❌ | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002FClose-mid_central_rounded_vowel.ogg\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| \u002Fœ\u002F | ✅ | ❌ | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002FOpen-mid_front_rounded_vowel_(2).ogg\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| \u003Cspan style=\"font-feature-settings: 'cv11' off;\">\u002Fa\u002F\u003C\u002Fspan> | ✅ | ✅ | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002FOpen_front_unrounded_vowel.ogg\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| \u002Fɐ\u002F | ✅ | ❌ | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002FNear-open_central_unrounded_vowel.ogg\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| \u002Fu\u002F | ✅ | ✅ | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002FClose_back_rounded_vowel.ogg\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| \u002Fɤ\u002F | ❌ | ✅ | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002FClose-mid_back_unrounded_vowel.ogg\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| \u002Fo\u002F | ✅ | ❌ | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002FMid_back_rounded_vowel.ogg\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| \u002Fɔ\u002F | ✅ | ❌ | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002FPR-open-mid_back_rounded_vowel.ogg\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n\nA final important difference is that Mandarin syllables can only end in a vowel, N or NG sound, while Cantonese syllables can end with a vowel or N, NG, P, T, and K sounds. This means that many types of syllables are possible in Cantonese that do not exist in Mandarin.\n\nAll in all, these differences lead to very distinct-sounding languages that are largely not mutually intelligible when heard spoken. (If you scroll down through the next few sections, there will be audio recordings of words and sentences so you can make this comparison for yourself.)\n\n### Mandarin vocabulary vs Cantonese vocabulary\n\nWhile Mandarin and Cantonese have a _very_ significant overlap in vocabulary, the uber-common words that get the most airtime tend to be very different between the two languages.\n\nHere's a handful of examples:\n\n| English | Cantonese | Mandarin |\n| ------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| is | 係 (hai6) \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-係.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | 是 (shi4) \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-是.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| not | 唔 (m4) \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-唔.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | 不 (bu4) \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-不.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| very | 好 (hou2) \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-好.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | 很 (hen3) \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-很.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| he\u002Fshe\u002Fit | 佢 (keoi5) \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-佢.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | 他 (ta1) \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-他.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| thing | 嘢 (je5) \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-嘢.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | 東西 (dong1 xi5) \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-東西.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| pluralizing suffix | 哋 (dei6) \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-哋.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | 們 (men5) \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-們.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| possessive particle | 嘅 (ge3) \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-嘅.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | 的 (de5) \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-的.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| This | 呢 (li1) \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-li1.m4a\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | 這 (zhe4) \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-這.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| that | 嗰 (go2) \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-嗰.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | 那 (na4) \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-那.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| and | 同 (tung4) \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-同.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | 和 (he2) \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-和.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| still | 仲 (zung6) \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-仲.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | 還 (hai2) \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-還.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n\nAnd this is really only scratching the surface! There are totally different question words (who, what, when, etc.), different sentence final particles, different adjectives, nouns, adverbs, time expressions, curse words, slang, idioms, and on and on.\n\n\u003Caccordion heading=\"A fun bit of statistics\">\n\nA college educated speaker of English knows about 30,000 words.\n\nIf you pick any English word out of a text or conversation at random, there's a 50% chance it'll be one of 100 uber-common words. (Stuff like _the_ and _and_.)\n\nSay that we have two languages that are totally the same, except these 100 uber-common words.\n\n- In theory, they are virtually identical—they have 99.67% (29,900\u002F30,000) overlap!\n- In practice, they sound super different—every other word that comes out of a speaker of language A's mouth is incomprehensible to a speaker of language B\n\nThere's some nuance here, basically.\n\n\u003C\u002Faccordion>\n\nAnyway—those super common words aside, here's the pronunciation of a handful of words that _are_ shared between the two languages. Even if you don't speak either language, you can probably hear the similarities between some word pairs.\n\n| English | Chinese Characters \u003Cbr> (Traditional) | Cantonese (Jyutping) | Mandarin (Pinyin) |\n| --------- | ------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |\n| Hello | 你好 | nei5 hou2 \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-你好.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | ni3 hao3 \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-你好.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| Goodbye | 再見 | zoi3 gin3 \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-再見.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | zai4 jian4 \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-再見.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| Cat | 貓 | maau1 \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-貓.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | mao1 \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-貓.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| Love | 愛 | oi3 \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-愛.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | ai4 \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-愛.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| Reason | 理由 | lei5 jau4 \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-理由.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | li3 you2 \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-理由.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| Spaceship | 太空船 | taai3 hung1 syun4 \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-太空船.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | tai4 kong1 chuan2 \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-太空船.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| Northside | 北邊 | bak1 bin1 \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-北邊.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | bei3 bian1 \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-北邊.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| Suffering | 痛苦 | tung3 fu2 \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-痛苦.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | tong4 ku3 \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-痛苦.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n\n### Mandarin grammar vs Cantonese grammar\n\nMandarin and Cantonese grammar is pretty similar—there's often a one-to-one correlation between Cantonese and Mandarin sentences in terms of word order, syntax, grammatical features, and so forth. You can see this below:\n\n\u003Ctable style=\"width:100%; text-align:center; table-layout:fixed; border-collapse:collapse;\">\n \u003Ctr>\n \u003Cth>Cantonese\u003C\u002Fth>\n \u003Ctd>我哋\u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003Ctd>好\u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003Ctd>想\u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003Ctd>返\u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003Ctd>屋企\u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003Ctd>嚟\u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003Ctd>唞\u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003Ctd>下\u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003Ctd>\u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-我哋好想返屋企嚟唞下。.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003C\u002Ftr>\n \u003Ctr>\n \u003Cth>Mandarin \u003Cbr> (simplified) \u003C\u002Fth>\n \u003Ctd>我们\u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003Ctd>很\u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003Ctd>想\u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003Ctd>回\u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003Ctd>家\u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003Ctd>来\u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003Ctd>休息\u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003Ctd>一下\u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003Ctd>\u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-我们很想回家来休息一下。.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003C\u002Ftr>\n \u003Ctr>\n \u003Cth>English\u003C\u002Fth>\n \u003Ctd>we\u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003Ctd>very\u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003Ctd>want\u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003Ctd>return\u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003Ctd>home\u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003Ctd>to (lit: \u003Ci>come\u003C\u002Fi>)\u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003Ctd>rest\u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003Ctd>a bit\u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003Ctd> ↑↑ \u003C\u002Ftd>\n \u003C\u002Ftr>\n\u003C\u002Ftable>\n\nThere _are_ some differences, though, if you look.\n\nFor example, Cantonese can express possesion with counters, using the format _pronoun + counter + noun_. (A counter is a word used to count an object, such as _pieces_ of paper or _loaves_ of bread.)\n\n- Cantonese: 佢本書 \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-佢本書.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _keoi5 bun2 syu1_ \u003Cbr>his\u002Fher book\n\nConversely, whereas 本 is also the counter used for books in Mandarin, you can _not_ express possession with it. Instead, you have to use the possessive particle _de_.\n\n- ❌ Mandarin: 他\u002F她本書 \u003Cbr> _ta1 ben3 shu1_ \u003Cbr> _(this is nonsense in Mandarin)_\n- ✅ Mandarin: 他\u002F她的書 \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-他的書.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _ta1 de5 shu1_ \u003Cbr> his\u002Fher book\n\nThen, in Cantonese, the {indirect object} goes directly after the \\\u003Cdirect object>, whereas in Mandarin the {indirect object} comes before the \\\u003Cdirect object> by default. (Nevermind the fancy grammar words; this will make sense when you see the examples.)\n\n- Cantonese: 我畀\\\u003C本>書{你} \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-我给你一本书.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _ngo5 bei2 bun2 syu1 nei5_ \u003Cbr> Literally: I give book you\n- Mandarin: 我给{你}一本\\\u003C书> \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-我给你一本书.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _Wo3 gei3 ni3 yi1 ben3 shu1_ \u003Cbr> Literally: I give you book\n\nAs a final example, the passive voice works differently in Mandarin and Cantonese. First, let's look at a couple English sentences to explain some terminology:\n\n- English passive voice \u003Cu>without\u003C\u002Fu> agent: _It was stolen_.\n- English passive voice \u003Cu>with\u003C\u002Fu> agent: _It was stolen by someone_.\n\nMandarin, like English, can choose to whether or not to include an agent in its passive sentences:\n\n- ✅ Mandarin: 它被偷了 \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-它被偷了.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _ta1 bei4 tou1 le5_ \u003Cbr> It was stolen.\n- ✅ Mandarin: 它被某個人偷了 \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-它被某個人偷了.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _ta1 bei4 mou3 ge5 ren2 tou1 le5_ \u003Cbr> It was stolen by someone.\n\nBy contrast, Cantonese requires that you include 人 (jan4, \"person\") in the sentence as a passive agent:\n\n- ❌ Cantonese: 佢畀偷咗。\u003Cbr> _keoi5 bei2 tau1 zo2_ \u003Cbr> {not proper Cantonese}\n- ✅ Cantonese: 佢畀人偷咗。 \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-佢畀人偷咗。.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _keoi5 bei2 jan4 tau1 zo2_ \u003Cbr> Literally: \"It by someone stole was\"\n\n### Mandarin writing vs Cantonese writing\n\nThis one, again, requires some nuance.\n\nMany Cantonese speakers are bilingual in Cantonese and Mandarin, and they're taught to write Standard Written Cantonese in school—which is basically (but not quite) Mandarin. The result is that formal pieces of writing, such as the Cantonese you see in newspapers, government articles, and academic papers, will be largely intelligible to Mandarin speakers.\n\n- Standard Written Cantonese: 我和他一起來 \u003Cbr> \"Normal\" Cantonese: 我同佢一齊嚟 \u003Cbr> English: I come with him\n\n- Standard Written Cantonese: 那個是什麼？ \u003Cbr>\"Normal\" Cantonese: 嗰個係乜？ \u003Cbr>English: What is this?\n\nIt's OK if you can't make any sense of the Chinese examples. Just notice how different Standard Written Cantonese is from the Cantonese that people use in everyday life.\n\n_(As an aside, a Taiwanese friend confirmed that the above \"Standard Written Cantonese\" is not only perfectly understandable to her, but exactly how she would write the sentences herself—though she'd say 跟 instead of 和.)_\n\nThe thing is, ordinary people don't use Standard Written Cantonese in their normal everyday life.\n\nIf we take a more colloquial sentence and write it out as it would be spoken by Cantonese speakers, the result is something that's pretty much unintelligible to Mandarin speakers:\n\n- Cantonese: 我哋好想返屋企嚟唞下。\u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-我哋好想返屋企嚟唞下。.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n- Mandarin: 我们很想回家来休息一下。\u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-我们很想回家来休息一下。.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n- English: We really want to go back home to rest.\n\nAs you can see, then, \"normal\" written Cantonese differs very much from written Mandarin. In fact, the characters 哋, 嚟, and 唞 flat-out don't exist in Mandarin!\n\n## If Mandarin and Cantonese are so different, why do some people say Cantonese is just a dialect?\n\nWell, I think you can boil this down to 3 main things:\n\n1. The lects both come from the same language family\n2. The lects both use Chinese characters\n3. Political reasons we won't get into\n\nNumber one is a big one. Mandarin and Cantonese are both _Chinese_ languages. The result is that it's easy to lump all Chinese lects into the same basket of one Chinese language with many dialects.\n\nHere's a relevant comment from [a 16th century missionary](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FAlessandro_Valignano):\n\n> \"The Chinese have different languages in different provinces, to such an extent that they cannot understand each other.... [They] also have another language which is like a universal and common language; this is the official language of the mandarins and of the court; it is among them like Latin among ourselves....\"\"\n> \u003Cbr>\u003Cbr> —Alessandro Valignano, _Historia del Principio y Progresso de la Compañia de Jesus en las Indias Orientales (1542–1564)_\n\nUnfortunately, in modern times, Chinese is often conflated with Mandarin. Just go look at Google Translate—there's no option to translate into _Mandarin_, just _Chinese (simplified)_ and _Chinese (traditional)_.\n\nAnother compounding factor is that most Chinese lects have no written form. Instead, they're spoken one way, but written in [Standard Chinese](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FStandard_Chinese). The result is that, to an outsider—and even to speakers of Chinese languages—Mandarin and Cantonese look very similar on paper.\n\nLastly, as we touched on earlier, there is political benefit to promoting unity and the idea of a shared language—not just within China but in general. As the saying goes: \"A language is a dialect with an army and a navy.\" This doesn't really tell the whole story, but it underscores how important official institutional backing can be in shaping the perception of what people consider to be a language or not.\n\n---\n\n## On the off chance you're just trying to figure out how to learn Cantonese...\n\nThis question is much easier to answer!\n\nMigaku is an app for learning Cantonese—but rather than _teach_ you Cantonese with some outdated textbook, we instead help you learn naturally by capitalizing on learning opportunities you come across in the wild.\n\nFor example, you can just boot up any Cantonese YouTube video on your phone—such as this one from [Comprehensible Cantonese](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=9xmCZIO8qdU&list=PLhLwhcA8IAmk0O8VrU9rbfR6eOXVOm4k8)—and then click on words to see explanations of what they mean.\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-mobile-cantonese-yt.jpeg\" width=\"1222\" height=\"862\" alt=\"A screenshot showing how Migaku makes Cantonese YouTube subtitles interactive\" \u002F>\n\nIf you come across a useful word, you can turn it into a flashcard by clicking on that orange button in the top-right corner there. Doing so will automatically take a screenshot of the video, a a snippet of its audio, plus the word you've selected and the sentence it came from.\n\nThe result is a flashcard like this—the whole process takes about two seconds. Once you've made a flashcard, we'll periodically nudge you to review it, ensuring that you eventually remember it. (This is called [spaced repetition](\u002Fblog\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fspaced-repetition-language-learning).)\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-cantonese-mobile-mining.jpeg\" width=\"1222\" height=\"852\" alt=\"A screenshot showing how Migaku lets you make Cantonese flashcards out of YouTube videos\" \u002F>\n\n> The best way to learn Cantonese is by _interacting_ with it. If you consume Cantonese media, and you understand at least part of it, you'll make progress. _Period._\n\n\u003Cprose-button href=\"\u002F\" text=\"Try Migaku for free\">\u003C\u002Fprose-button>\n\n---\n\n## Conclusion: **Mandarin vs Cantonese**, Language vs Dialect, X vs Y\n\nUltimately, whether you consider Cantonese—or any language for that matter—to be a dialect comes down to your own definition of \"dialect\" and your own perception of the similarities and differences between the two lects in question.\n\nIf you're approaching this question from a linguistic perspective, then be aware of the limitations of mutual intelligibilty as a criterion. It's a subjective measure that can be hard to quantify. It's also susceptible to the influence of prior linguistic knowledge. Moreover, it's worth considering how Cantonese and Mandarin compare in distance to other lects like Spanish and Portuguese, or Swedish and Norwegian. If you find these latter pairs to be different enough to warrant the label of language, I think there is strong argument to be had that Cantonese meets that same threshold.\n\nWherever you happen to land on this matter, it's always good to be clear in your terms and strive for consistency.\n\n_(P.S.—Phew; this article impressed upon me just how much baggage their is wrapped up in the word \"dialect\")_\n",{"title":3027,"description":4772},"article\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-cantonese-dialect","QD8NeFgLnwduMUttENfOjzzA8deHpKObmDrRU_xfyl0","April 25, 2025",{"id":4790,"title":4791,"body":4792,"description":6001,"extension":929,"meta":6002,"navigation":942,"path":6012,"rawbody":6013,"seo":6014,"stem":6015,"__hash__":6016,"timestampUnix":6003,"slug":6004,"h1":6005,"image":6006,"tags":6011,"_dir":948,"timestamp":6017},"content\u002Farticle\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-english-closest-language.md","What Is the Closest Language to English?",{"type":8,"value":4793,"toc":5986},[4794,4802,4809,4812,4814,4816,4820,4823,4834,4843,4851,4857,4866,4895,4915,4918,4921,4956,4960,4984,4987,4991,4994,5011,5014,5035,5038,5073,5077,5080,5083,5113,5119,5122,5134,5137,5178,5182,5191,5202,5226,5229,5243,5246,5273,5276,5310,5314,5324,5327,5342,5350,5353,5356,5386,5400,5434,5438,5441,5449,5452,5461,5464,5467,5510,5517,5551,5555,5582,5587,5590,5593,5597,5600,5634,5637,5640,5674,5677,5680,5714,5718,5721,5728,5731,5734,5740,5759,5772,5778,5804,5807,5810,5813,5817,5820,5823,5826,5833,5836,5839,5842,5844,5847],[11,4795,4796,4797,4801],{},"We explored the languages that are most difficult for English speakers to learn in ",[867,4798,4800],{"href":4799},"\u002Fblog\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fthe-most-difficult-language","another blog post",", but what about the languages that are the most similar to English?",[11,4803,4804,4805,4808],{},"Here are five (plus three) that are ",[21,4806,4807],{},"this"," close (per the thumbnail)—plus a bit of history on each one, and a comparison of a single text that's been translated into each one.",[11,4810,4811],{},"Alas:",[30,4813],{},[34,4815],{},[37,4817,4819],{"id":4818},"what-does-it-mean-for-two-languages-to-be-close-anyway","What does it mean for two languages to be \"close\", anyway?",[11,4821,4822],{},"Before we get into the meat of this post, you should know that languages are not unlike living organisms:",[121,4824,4825,4828,4831],{},[124,4826,4827],{},"They have \"families\" and draw back to a shared ancestor",[124,4829,4830],{},"They come to be, they thrive, they wither, and they eventually pass away",[124,4832,4833],{},"They are influenced by the things (languages) they come into contact with",[11,4835,4836,4837,4842],{},"Like family members, closely related languages share ",[867,4838,4841],{"href":4839,"rel":4840},"https:\u002F\u002Fwals.info\u002Ffeature",[1196],"a number of characteristics",": vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, idioms, culture, and so forth.",[11,4844,4845,4846,1198],{},"You can see this illustrated below, in an awesome illustration from the Finnish cartoonist ",[867,4847,4850],{"href":4848,"rel":4849},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.hummingfluff.com\u002F",[1196],"Minna Sundberg",[833,4852],{"src":4853,"width":4854,"height":4855,"alt":4856},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-english-closest-languages-minna-sundberg.webp",1242,939,"The top half of an image about the world's languages by Minna Sundberg",[11,4858,4859,4860,4865],{},"As you can see on the right half of the image there, Old English came from ",[867,4861,4864],{"href":4862,"rel":4863},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FProto-Germanic_language",[1196],"Proto-Germanic",", an \"ancestor\" language that branched off in three directions over the course of 500 BC to 500 AD:",[121,4867,4868,4879,4887],{},[124,4869,4870,4875,4876],{},[867,4871,4874],{"href":4872,"rel":4873},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FEast_Germanic_languages",[1196],"East Germanic languages",", which include Gothic ",[21,4877,4878],{},"(note that this is missing from the above image; all the East Germanic languages are extinct, so we won't be discussing them in this blog post)",[124,4880,4881,4886],{},[867,4882,4885],{"href":4883,"rel":4884},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FNorth_Germanic_languages",[1196],"North Germanic languages",", which includes Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish",[124,4888,4889,4894],{},[867,4890,4893],{"href":4891,"rel":4892},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FWest_Germanic_languages",[1196],"West Germanic languages",", which include Scots, Dutch, German—and, yes, English",[11,4896,4897,4898,4902,4903,4908,4909,4914],{},"Suffice it to say that, like a growing person, English had a complex story. You can read about it in brief in ",[867,4899,4901],{"href":4900},"\u002Fblog\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fwhy-english-is-hard","this blog post"," or in depth in the book ",[867,4904,4907],{"href":4905,"rel":4906},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.amazon.com\u002FOur-Magnificent-Bastard-Tongue-History\u002Fdp\u002F1592404944",[1196],"\"Our Magnificient Bastard Tongue\" by linguist John McWhorter",". Notably, ",[867,4910,4913],{"href":4911,"rel":4912},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FNorman_Conquest",[1196],"in 1066, England was conquered by The Normans",", which led the language to be heavily influenced by an entirely unrelated language—Old French.",[11,4916,4917],{},"The bulk of this blog post will look at English's relation with some of its closest living relatives. So you can appreciate that similarity, we'll conclude each section by looking at a few lines from the Gospel of Matthew, which was the only freely accessible text I could find available in each language.",[11,4919,4920],{},"Here it is for English:",[86,4922,4923,4930,4932,4934,4935,4937,4939,4941,4942,4944,4946,4948,4949,4951,4953,4955],{},[381,4924,4925],{"bold":383,"underline":383},[867,4926,4929],{"href":4927,"rel":4928},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bible.com\u002Fbible\u002F1\u002FMAT.1.KJV",[1196],"The New Testament (Matthew)",[132,4931],{},[132,4933],{},"\n\n\n(1.18) Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.\n",[132,4936],{},[132,4938],{},[132,4940],{},"\n\n\n(1.19) Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.\n",[132,4943],{},[132,4945],{},[132,4947],{},"\n\n\n(1.20) But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.\n",[132,4950],{},[132,4952],{},[132,4954],{},"\n\n\n(1.21) And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.\n",[37,4957,4959],{"id":4958},"scots-a-sister-language-so-similar-to-english-some-consider-it-a-dialect","Scots, a \"sister language\" so similar to English some consider it a dialect",[11,4961,4962,4967,4968,55,4973,427,4976,55,4981,844],{},[867,4963,4966],{"href":4964,"rel":4965},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FScots_language",[1196],"Scots"," is a language spoken in Scotland, and the first point we need to make is that it's not the same as ",[867,4969,4972],{"href":4970,"rel":4971},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FScottish_Gaelic",[1196],"Scottish Gaelic",[21,4974,4975],{},"(a Celtic language native to Scotland)",[867,4977,4980],{"href":4978,"rel":4979},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FScottish_English",[1196],"Scottish English",[21,4982,4983],{},"(English with Scots-influenced pronunciation)",[11,4985,4986],{},"Here's an overview of its history:",[4988,4989],"custom-iframe",{"src":4990},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FpBb_jKKCcC8?si=nRIcnVa18iJ80ws1",[11,4992,4993],{},"The story of Scots is complex in a beautiful way, but here's the Sparknotes of the Sparknotes:",[121,4995,4996,4999,5008],{},[124,4997,4998],{},"Scots and English have a common ancestor in Old English",[124,5000,5001,5002,5007],{},"Scots and English are ",[867,5003,5006],{"href":5004,"rel":5005},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FAnglo-Frisian_languages",[1196],"Anglo-Frisian languages",", a subset of West Germanic, with Scots being spoken in what is now Northern England and English being spoken in the South",[124,5009,5010],{},"By the mid 1400's, Scots had emerged from a melting pot of Gaelic, Anglian, Scandinavian-flavored English, and Dutch to become its own distinct language, firmly rooted enough to be the official language used in government documents.",[11,5012,5013],{},"In other words, Scots and English are so similar because they descended from the same language, were spoken in very close proximity, and thus shared many linguistic influences.",[11,5015,5016,5017,5020,5021,55,5026,844],{},"In fact, Scots and English are ",[21,5018,5019],{},"so"," similar that 64% of Scottish people agree strongly or slightly that ",[867,5022,5025],{"href":5023,"rel":5024},"https:\u002F\u002Fwebarchive.nrscotland.gov.uk\u002F20190117002019\u002Fhttps:\u002F\u002Fwww2.gov.scot\u002FPublications\u002F2010\u002F01\u002F06105123\u002F4",[1196],"\"Scots isn't a separate language (from English), but rather just a way of speaking English.\"",[21,5027,5028,5029,5034],{},"(Some more information in ",[867,5030,5033],{"href":5031,"rel":5032},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.scotlandscensus.gov.uk\u002Fmedia\u002Fhy3dprby\u002Flanguage_topic_report.pdf",[1196],"Scotland's Census 2021",", notably page 72)",[11,5036,5037],{},"Suffice it to say that the two languages are similar enough that you can probably understand the majority of this Biblical excerpt in Scots, even if you've never studied it before:",[86,5039,5040,5047,5049,5051,5052,5054,5056,5058,5059,5061,5063,5065,5066,5068,5070,5072],{},[381,5041,5042],{"bold":383,"underline":383},[867,5043,5046],{"href":5044,"rel":5045},"https:\u002F\u002Farchive.org\u002Fdetails\u002Fnewtestamentinsc0000unse\u002Fpage\u002Fn33\u002Fmode\u002F2up",[1196],"The New Testament of Scots (Matthew)",[132,5048],{},[132,5050],{},"\n\n\n(1.18) This is the storie o the birth o Jesus Christ. His mither Mary wis trystit til Joseph, but afore they war mairriet she wis fund tae be wi bairn bi the Halie Spírit.\n",[132,5053],{},[132,5055],{},[132,5057],{},"\n\n\n(1.19) Her husband Joseph, honest man, hed nae mind tae affront her afore the warld an wis for brakkin aff their tryst hidlinweys;\n",[132,5060],{},[132,5062],{},[132,5064],{},"\n\n\n(1.20) an sae he wis een ettlin tae dae, whan an angel o the Lord kythed til him in a draim an said til him, \"Joseph, son o Dauvit, be nane feared tae tak Mary your trystit wife intil your hame; the bairn she is cairrein is o the Halie Spírit.\n",[132,5067],{},[132,5069],{},[132,5071],{},"\n\n\n(1.21) She will beir a son, an the name ye ar tae gíe him is Jesus, for he will sauf his fowk frae their sins.\"\n",[37,5074,5076],{"id":5075},"frisian-a-close-cousin-to-the-english-language-thats-still-spoken-today","Frisian, a close \"cousin\" to the English language that's still spoken today",[11,5078,5079],{},"Scots and English represent the \"Anglo\" portion of the Anglo-Frisian language family, which naturally leaves Frisian. Today, about 400,000 people in Denmark and the northern region of the Netherlands and Germany speak a Frisian language.",[11,5081,5082],{},"If you'll do me a favor and imagine a cinematic \"zooming out\" sequence, our family tree looks like this:",[121,5084,5085,5093,5105],{},[124,5086,5087,5092],{},[867,5088,5091],{"href":5089,"rel":5090},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FAnglo-Frisian_languages#Anglic_languages",[1196],"The Anglic languages",", which include English, Scots, and two extinct Irish languages",[124,5094,5095,5100,5101,5104],{},[867,5096,5099],{"href":5097,"rel":5098},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FFrisian_languages#Family_tree",[1196],"The Anglo-Frisian languages",", which include the Anglic languages and ",[21,5102,5103],{},"(numerous)"," Frisian languages",[124,5106,5107,5112],{},[867,5108,5111],{"href":5109,"rel":5110},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FWest_Germanic_languages#Family_tree",[1196],"West Germanic",", which includes the Anglo-Frisian languages in addition to the Dutch and German languages (of which, again, there are several)",[11,5114,5115,5116],{},"So if Scots is like a sister to English, contained within the same nuclear family, then Frisian might be something like a cousin—close enough to be related by blood, but blood that's no longer from the same generation nor contained within the same household. ",[21,5117,5118],{},"(Historically speaking, while both are within the Anglo-Frisian family, English was heavily influenced by French, whereas West Frisian was heavily influenced by Dutch.)",[11,5120,5121],{},"This additional degree of separation proves significant. For example, while West Frisian is still quite parsable if you have an English translation to compare against:",[121,5123,5124],{},[124,5125,5126,5129,55,5131],{},[69,5127,5128],{},"Bûter, brea, en griene tsiis is goed Ingelsk en goed Frysk",[132,5130],{},[21,5132,5133],{},"Butter, bread, and green cheese is good English and good Fries.",[11,5135,5136],{},"North Frisian, to me at least, is completely incomprehensible—though I do notice a number of shared words when I look closely, such as \"Moder\" (mother), \"hellig Geist\" (Holy Ghost), \"Man\" (man), \"seen\" (son), and \"Wârld\" (world).",[86,5138,5139,5146,5148,5150,5151,5153,5154,5156,5158,5160,5161,5163,5165,5167,5168,5170,5171,5173,5175,5177],{},[381,5140,5141],{"bold":383,"underline":383},[867,5142,5145],{"href":5143,"rel":5144},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bible.com\u002Fbible\u002F3591\u002FMAT.1.NFNT",[1196],"The North Frisian New Testament (Matthew)",[132,5147],{},[132,5149],{},"\n\n\n(1.18) Jesus Christus sin Geburt wiär up di Wiis sken: Diar\n",[132,5152],{},"\n\n\nMaria, sin Moder, me Joseph forlöwet wiär, jerdat jat töhop kjemmen wiär, kâm jü üp Wei van di hellig Geist.\n",[132,5155],{},[132,5157],{},[132,5159],{},"\n\n\n(1.19) Mar Joseph, hör Man, wiär rogtfârdig, en wild hör ek voar di Warld tö Skand mäke, mar wiär sens, hör hjemmelk tö forletten.\n",[132,5162],{},[132,5164],{},[132,5166],{},"\n\n\n(1.20) Mar diär hi sa sens wiär, kâm höm ön en Droom Gotts Engel ön Sjün, en said: \"Joseph, Davids Seen, wiis ek bang, Maria tö din Wüf tö nemmen. For dit, diär jü üp\n",[132,5169],{},"\n\n\nWei me es, dit es van di hellig Geist.\n",[132,5172],{},[132,5174],{},[132,5176],{},"\n\n\n(1.21) En jü skel en Seen tö Wârld bring, en sin Noom skedt du Jesus hjit. For hi skel sin Volk selig mäke van al jär Send.\"\n",[37,5179,5181],{"id":5180},"dutch-the-closest-major-language-to-english","Dutch, the closest major language to English",[11,5183,5184,5185,5190],{},"Dutch is the language of the Netherlands, and you might think of it as having kicked Frisian out of ",[867,5186,5189],{"href":5187,"rel":5188},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FFrisian_Kingdom",[1196],"The Frisian Kingdom"," (which included portions of what is now the Netherlands, Northern Germany, and Belgium). For our English-centric purposes, Dutch represents one further step away from the Anglic roots above: English\u002FScots and Frisian are on one side of the West Germanic family tree, while Dutch and High\u002FLow German are on the other.",[11,5192,5193,5194,5201],{},"Importantly, Frisian, Dutch and High German were in a ",[21,5195,5196],{},[867,5197,5200],{"href":5198,"rel":5199},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FDialect_continuum#Continental_West_Germanic_continuum",[1196],"dialect continuum",", meaning that a group of related languages was spoken in area, and languages that were close to each other were more intelligible while languages that were further from each other were less intelligible.",[11,5203,5204,5205,55,5210,1198,5218,5220],{},"You can see these continuums represented in color in this wonderful graphic from ",[867,5206,5209],{"href":5207,"rel":5208},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.muturzikin.com\u002F",[1196],"Muturzikin",[21,5211,5212,5213,4329],{},"(",[867,5214,5217],{"href":5215,"rel":5216},"https:\u002F\u002Ffoundintranslation.me\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2015\u002F03\u002Flanguages_and_dialects_of_europe_21_670481648.png",[1196],"zoomable version without my chicken scratch",[132,5219],{},[833,5221],{"src":5222,"width":5223,"height":5224,"alt":5225},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-english-languages-map-muturzikin.png",2151,1621,"A map of the dialect continuums of Europe; credit to Mizurkin",[11,5227,5228],{},"If your geography skills aren't so strong, the main thing to take from this is that:",[121,5230,5231,5234,5237,5240],{},[124,5232,5233],{},"I've the Netherlands and part of England in orange",[124,5235,5236],{},"The Netherlands is located between England and Germany, so it acts as something of a linguistic bridge for the two languages",[124,5238,5239],{},"Dutch is in a contained little pocket with Flemish, Hollandic, and Frisian",[124,5241,5242],{},"Both Dutch and the German languages are clearly different colors than England's strawberry pink, indicating that we're dealing with notably different—albeit related—languages",[11,5244,5245],{},"While Modern English and Dutch are different enough that I doubt you'll understand anything at all from the below text extract, you'll quickly notice similarities in grammatical structure and syntax if you decide to study Dutch:",[121,5247,5248,5251,5254,5257],{},[124,5249,5250],{},"The plural is marked with -s, like in English (and also with -en, unlike English)",[124,5252,5253],{},"Word order \u002F sentence structure is quite similar",[124,5255,5256],{},"Dutch also uses auxiliary verbs (have, be) and modal verbs (can, must, want)",[124,5258,5259,5260,427,5263,5266,5267,427,5270,4329],{},"We both have weak verbs (which make the past tense by adding the ~(e) suffix, a la ",[21,5261,5262],{},"live → lived",[21,5264,5265],{},"dance → danced",") and strong verbs (which make the past tense by changing their vowel, a la ",[21,5268,5269],{},"see → saw",[21,5271,5272],{},"give → gave",[11,5274,5275],{},"Armed with this knowledge, take a stab at the below text. As a hint, \"Dit is het\" means \"this is the...\":",[86,5277,5278,5284,5286,5288,5289,5291,5293,5295,5296,5298,5300,5302,5303,5305,5307,5309],{},[381,5279,5280],{"bold":383,"underline":383},[867,5281,4929],{"href":5282,"rel":5283},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bible.com\u002Fbible\u002F1276\u002FMAT.1.BB",[1196],[132,5285],{},[132,5287],{},"\n\n\n(1.18) Dit is het verhaal van de geboorte van Jezus Christus. Maria was verloofd met Jozef. Omdat ze nog niet getrouwd waren, waren ze nog nooit met elkaar naar bed geweest. Maar op een dag wist Maria dat ze in verwachting was. Dat was ze door de kracht van de Heilige Geest.\n",[132,5290],{},[132,5292],{},[132,5294],{},"\n\n\n(1.19) Maar Jozef dacht dat Maria van een andere man in verwachting was geraakt. Daarom was hij van plan om de verloving met Maria uit te maken. Maar hij wilde niemand zeggen dat dat was omdat ze in verwachting was. Want hij was een goed mens.\n",[132,5297],{},[132,5299],{},[132,5301],{},"\n\n\n(1.20) Toen hij dat besloten had, kwam er in een droom een engel van de Heer God naar hem toe. De engel zei: \"Jozef, zoon van David, trouw gerust met Maria. Want haar kind is ontstaan door de Heilige Geest.\n",[132,5304],{},[132,5306],{},[132,5308],{},"\n\n\n(1.21) Maria zal een zoon krijgen. Je moet Hem Jezus noemen. Want Hij zal zijn volk bevrijden van hun ongehoorzaamheid aan God.\n",[37,5311,5313],{"id":5312},"german-a-related-language-thats-distant-enough-to-present-language-learning-challenges","German, a related language that's distant enough to present language learning challenges",[11,5315,5316,5317,5320,5321,5323],{},"And now we arrive to a perplexing aspect of English's story: if we're a ",[21,5318,5319],{},"Germanic"," language that descended from proto-",[21,5322,5319],{},", then why does German look and sound like nonsense?",[11,5325,5326],{},"Let's get into it.",[11,5328,5329,5330,5335,5336,5341],{},"The first thing you need to know is that ",[867,5331,5334],{"href":5332,"rel":5333},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FRoman_Britain",[1196],"England was a Roman province"," for about 500 years—and then, as the Roman empire was collapsing in the 5th century, other people began showing up. In particular, the ",[867,5337,5340],{"href":5338,"rel":5339},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FAnglo-Saxons",[1196],"Germanic-speaking Anglo-Saxons"," showed up. What exactly went down is a bit of a mystery, but two things are clear:",[3153,5343,5344,5347],{},[124,5345,5346],{},"The previous Latin-speaking population quickly disappeared",[124,5348,5349],{},"A number of Germanic speakers became important just as quickly",[11,5351,5352],{},"The Anglic- and Germanic-speaking populations mixed... but there's an important catch:",[11,5354,5355],{},"Remember the concept of a dialect continuum that we talked about above? How languages that are in close contact with each other tend to influence each other?",[11,5357,5358,5359,5362,5363,5368,5369,5374,5375,5380,5381,5385],{},"Well, when the Anglo-Saxons migrated out of continental Europe and into the island known then as ",[21,5360,5361],{},"Provincia Romania",", they ended up placing the North Sea between themselves and the rest of the Germanic-speaking world. The languages began growing apart as a result—and, not only this, Old English would go on to receive ",[867,5364,5367],{"href":5365,"rel":5366},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FList_of_English_words_of_Old_Norse_origin",[1196],"influence from Old Norse"," (via viking invasions), ",[867,5370,5373],{"href":5371,"rel":5372},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FList_of_English_words_of_French_origin",[1196],"Old French"," (as we'll discuss in the next section), ",[867,5376,5379],{"href":5377,"rel":5378},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FLists_of_English_words_of_Celtic_origin",[1196],"Celtic languages"," (native to the area), ",[867,5382,4966],{"href":5383,"rel":5384},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wiktionary.org\u002Fwiki\u002FCategory:English_terms_derived_from_Scots",[1196]," (which was located just North) and others.",[11,5387,5388,5389,5394,5395,844],{},"The result is that, over the last 1,500 years, English and German have gone in pretty separate directions. Of particular note, Old English became significantly simplified, with its ",[867,5390,5393],{"href":5391,"rel":5392},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FGrammatical_case",[1196],"grammatical cases"," disappearing by the time Middle English arrived in ~1,100 AD, whereas German still has them today. While behind the scope of this article, this is basically to say that ",[867,5396,5399],{"href":5397,"rel":5398},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FGerman_declension",[1196],"German articles and adjectives change forms depending on the role the noun they're attached to is playing in a sentence",[86,5401,5402,5408,5410,5412,5413,5415,5417,5419,5420,5422,5424,5426,5427,5429,5431,5433],{},[381,5403,5404],{"bold":383,"underline":383},[867,5405,4929],{"href":5406,"rel":5407},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bible.com\u002Fbible\u002F877\u002FMAT.1.BIBEL.HEUTE",[1196],[132,5409],{},[132,5411],{},"\n\n\n(1.18) Es folgt die Geschichte der Geburt von Jesus, dem Messias: Seine Mutter Maria war mit Josef verlobt. Da stellte sich heraus, dass Maria ein Kind erwartete, obwohl sie noch nicht miteinander geschlafen hatten. Sie war durch den Heiligen Geist schwanger geworden.\n",[132,5414],{},[132,5416],{},[132,5418],{},"\n\n\n(1.19) Josef, der schon als ihr Ehemann galt, war ein gewissenhafter und gottesfürchtiger Mann. Er nahm sich deshalb vor, den Ehevertrag stillschweigend rückgängig zu machen, um sie nicht bloßzustellen.\n",[132,5421],{},[132,5423],{},[132,5425],{},"\n\n\n(1.20) Während er sich aber noch Gedanken darüber machte, erschien ihm ein Engel des Herrn im Traum. \"Josef\", sagte er, \"du Sohn Davids, zögere nicht, Maria als deine Frau zu dir zu nehmen. Denn das Kind, das sie erwartet, stammt vom Heiligen Geist.\n",[132,5428],{},[132,5430],{},[132,5432],{},"\n\n\n(1.21) Sie wird einen Sohn zur Welt bringen, den du Jesus, Retter, nennen sollst, denn er wird sein Volk von Sünden retten.\n",[37,5435,5437],{"id":5436},"french-a-romance-language-from-which-english-borrowed-nearly-a-third-of-its-vocabulary","French, a Romance language from which English borrowed nearly a third of its vocabulary",[11,5439,5440],{},"Now it's time for the curveball.",[11,5442,5443,5444,5448],{},"Our ancestors did swimmingly with their decidedly Germanic language for about 500 years—and then, in 1066, ",[867,5445,5447],{"href":4911,"rel":5446},[1196],"the Norman French conquered England",". En suite (see what I did there?), Old French became the language of the elite.",[11,5450,5451],{},"English was never the same.",[11,5453,5454,5455,5460],{},"To this day, if you take a gander at ",[867,5456,5459],{"href":5457,"rel":5458},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FLexical_similarity#Indo-European_languages",[1196],"data on lexical similarity",", you'll see that roughly a quarter of English vocab words are somehow similar in form or meaning to a French one. (For contrast, English and German have a lexical similarity of 60%—and, and as a fun fact, Afrikaans has 90-95% lexical similarity with Dutch).",[11,5462,5463],{},"What this means for learners is that while English and French aren't related—they're entirely separate languages—they share many words, phrases, and idioms. Perhaps it would be apt to say that French was something like an influential stepparent during English's teenage years.",[11,5465,5466],{},"A few notable examples of shared language (called \"cognates\"):",[121,5468,5469,5472,5475,5478,5481,5484,5487,5490,5493,5502],{},[124,5470,5471],{},"Sabotage",[124,5473,5474],{},"Fiancé(e)",[124,5476,5477],{},"Encore",[124,5479,5480],{},"Faux pas",[124,5482,5483],{},"Déjà vu",[124,5485,5486],{},"Coup d'état",[124,5488,5489],{},"Carte blanche",[124,5491,5492],{},"Crème de la crème",[124,5494,5495,5496,5498,5499,4329],{},"Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose ",[132,5497],{}," (",[21,5500,5501],{},"The more things change, the more they stay the same",[124,5503,5504,5505,55,5507],{},"Le roi est mort, vive le roi ! ",[132,5506],{},[21,5508,5509],{},"(The king is dead; long live the king!)",[11,5511,5512,5513,5516],{},"A particular favorite of mine is \"C’est en forgeant qu’on devient forgeron\" (",[21,5514,5515],{},"It is by forging that one becomes a blacksmith","), the French version of \"practice makes perfect\"—or, perhaps, the original version of \"practice makes perfect\" that we horribly butchered.",[86,5518,5519,5525,5527,5529,5530,5532,5534,5536,5537,5539,5541,5543,5544,5546,5548,5550],{},[381,5520,5521],{"bold":383,"underline":383},[867,5522,4929],{"href":5523,"rel":5524},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bible.com\u002Fbible\u002F504\u002FMAT.1.BCC1923",[1196],[132,5526],{},[132,5528],{},"\n\n\n(1.18) Or la naissance de Jésus-Christ arriva ainsi. Marie, sa mère, étant fiancée à Joseph, il se trouva, avant qu'ils eussent habité ensemble, qu'elle avait conçu par la vertu du Saint-Esprit.\n",[132,5531],{},[132,5533],{},[132,5535],{},"\n\n\n(1.19) Joseph, son mari, qui était un homme juste, ne voulant pas la diffamer, résolut de la renvoyer secrètement.\n",[132,5538],{},[132,5540],{},[132,5542],{},"\n\n\n(1.20) Comme il était dans cette pensée, voici qu'un ange du Seigneur lui apparut en songe, et lui dit: \"Joseph, fils de David, ne craint point de prendre avec toi Marie ton épouse, car ce qui est formé en elle est l'ouvrage du Saint-Esprit.\n",[132,5545],{},[132,5547],{},[132,5549],{},"\n\n\n(1.21) Et elle enfantera un fils, et tu lui donneras le nom de Jésus; car il sauvera son peuple de ses péchés.\"\n",[37,5552,5554],{"id":5553},"bonus-north-germanic-the-language-family-closest-to-english","Bonus: North Germanic, the language family closest to English",[11,5556,5557,5558,5565,5566,1446,5571,5576,5577,844],{},"If you peek at that Language Tree up in the top of the article and follow the branch back from English to West Germanic and Germanic, you'll see that the Germanic branch actually splits off in another direction: ",[867,5559,5561,5564],{"href":4883,"rel":5560},[1196],[21,5562,5563],{},"North"," Germanic",", which gave way to the Nordic languages of ",[867,5567,5570],{"href":5568,"rel":5569},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FNorwegian_language",[1196],"Norwegian",[867,5572,5575],{"href":5573,"rel":5574},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FDanish_language",[1196],"Danish",", and ",[867,5578,5581],{"href":5579,"rel":5580},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FSwedish_language",[1196],"Swedish",[833,5583],{"src":5584,"width":937,"height":5585,"alt":5586},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002FNorth_germanic_languages.png",784,"A screenshot showing where speakers of North Germanic languages reside",[11,5588,5589],{},"I won't go into detail here, as we're now in \"our great great great great grandparents were married\" territory, but just for fun, I've copied out translations of that same text extract just so you can see how much (or little) we have with these relatives.",[11,5591,5592],{},"A big part of the reason these languages will look so foreign to you is, again, geography—as you can see, there's a sea separating most of these languages (Danish, shown in Purple, aside) from both Germany and England. This meant less contact between speakers of West and North Germanic languages. While these languages may have been somewhat similar 2,000 years ago, or at least shared a common ancestor in Proto-Germanic, they're no longer mutually intelligible.",[414,5594,5596],{"id":5595},"norwegian-bokmål","Norwegian (bokmål)",[11,5598,5599],{},"Norwegian, as you might expect, is the language spoken in Norway. It looks like this:",[86,5601,5602,5608,5610,5612,5613,5615,5617,5619,5620,5622,5624,5626,5627,5629,5631,5633],{},[381,5603,5604],{"bold":383,"underline":383},[867,5605,4929],{"href":5606,"rel":5607},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bible.com\u002Fbible\u002F2216\u002FMAT.1.BGO",[1196],[132,5609],{},[132,5611],{},"\n\n\n(1.18) Jesu Kristi fødsel skjedde på denne måten: Etter at Hans mor Maria var blitt forlovet med Josef, før de var kommet sammen, viste det seg at hun var med barn ved Den Hellige Ånd.\n",[132,5614],{},[132,5616],{},[132,5618],{},"\n\n\n(1.19) Hennes mann, Josef, som var rettferdig, ville ikke føre offentlig skam over henne. Derfor ønsket han å løse henne fra forlovelsen i stillhet.\n",[132,5621],{},[132,5623],{},[132,5625],{},"\n\n\n(1.20) Mens han tenkte over dette, se, da viste en Herrens engel seg for ham i en drøm og sa: «Josef, Davids sønn, vær ikke redd for å ta Maria, din ektefelle, hjem til deg, for det som er unnfanget i henne, er av Den Hellige Ånd.\n",[132,5628],{},[132,5630],{},[132,5632],{},"\n\n\n(1.21) Hun skal føde en Sønn, og du skal gi Ham navnet Jesus, for Han skal frelse sitt folk fra deres synder.»\n",[414,5635,5575],{"id":5636},"danish",[11,5638,5639],{},"Danish is the language of Denmark, and it looks like this:",[86,5641,5642,5648,5650,5652,5653,5655,5657,5659,5660,5662,5664,5666,5667,5669,5671,5673],{},[381,5643,5644],{"bold":383,"underline":383},[867,5645,4929],{"href":5646,"rel":5647},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bible.com\u002Fbible\u002F20\u002FMAT.1.BPH",[1196],[132,5649],{},[132,5651],{},"\n\n\n(1.18) Jesus, Messias, kom til verden på følgende måde: Hans mor Maria var forlovet med Josef, men før de havde været sammen, viste det sig, at hun ventede et barn ved Helligåndens kraft.\n",[132,5654],{},[132,5656],{},[132,5658],{},"\n\n\n(1.19) Josef var en god og retskaffen mand, som ikke ville udsætte hende for offentlig skam, så han besluttede sig til i al stilhed at hæve forlovelsen.\n",[132,5661],{},[132,5663],{},[132,5665],{},"\n\n\n(1.20) Mens han grublede over det, havde han en drøm, hvor en engel fra Gud viste sig for ham. Englen sagde: „Josef, du er jo af kong Davids slægt, og du skal ikke være betænkelig ved at gifte dig med Maria, for det barn, hun venter, er blevet til ved Helligåndens kraft.\n",[132,5668],{},[132,5670],{},[132,5672],{},"\n\n\n(1.21) Hun skal føde en søn, og du skal kalde ham Jesus, for han skal frelse sit folk fra deres synder.”\n",[414,5675,5581],{"id":5676},"swedish",[11,5678,5679],{},"Last but not least, Swedish (surprise surprise) is spoken in Sweden. It looks like this:",[86,5681,5682,5688,5690,5692,5693,5695,5697,5699,5700,5702,5704,5706,5707,5709,5711,5713],{},[381,5683,5684],{"bold":383,"underline":383},[867,5685,4929],{"href":5686,"rel":5687},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bible.com\u002Fbible\u002F154\u002FMAT.1.B2000",[1196],[132,5689],{},[132,5691],{},"\n\n\n(1.18) Med Jesu Kristi födelse förhöll det sig så: hans mor, Maria, hade blivit trolovad med Josef, men innan de hade börjat leva tillsammans visade det sig att hon var havande genom helig ande.\n",[132,5694],{},[132,5696],{},[132,5698],{},"\n\n\n(1.19) Hennes man Josef, som var rättfärdig och inte ville dra vanära över henne, tänkte då skilja sig från henne i tysthet.\n",[132,5701],{},[132,5703],{},[132,5705],{},"\n\n\n(1.20) Men när han hade beslutat sig för det uppenbarade sig Herrens ängel för honom i en dröm och sade: »Josef, Davids son, var inte rädd för att föra hem Maria som hustru, ty barnet i henne har blivit till genom helig ande.\n",[132,5708],{},[132,5710],{},[132,5712],{},"\n\n\n(1.21) Hon skall föda en son, och du skall ge honom namnet Jesus, ty han skall frälsa sitt folk från deras synder.«\n",[37,5715,5717],{"id":5716},"how-to-learn-a-language-even-if-it-isnt-one-of-the-closest-languages-to-english","How to learn a language (even if it isn't one of the closest languages to English)",[11,5719,5720],{},"Common roots and centuries of interaction mean that the above languages will be some of the easiest languages for English speakers to learn.",[11,5722,5723,5724,5727],{},"... but that doesn't mean you're out of luck if the language you want to learn isn't one of these \"easy\" languages, or if you ",[21,5725,5726],{},"do"," want to learn one of these languages but you aren't a native speaker of English.",[11,5729,5730],{},"The language learning industry has unfortunately fallen victim to a lot of marketing shenanigans, but when you brush that to the side, it's really pretty simple: just spend time interacting with it.",[11,5732,5733],{},"Say you're watching YouTube in Japanese:",[833,5735],{"src":5736,"width":5737,"height":5738,"alt":5739},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-love-jp.jpeg",1810,1268,"A Japanese woman telling her daughter that she loves her.",[11,5741,5742,5743,55,5748,55,5751,5754,5755,5758],{},"And you see a Japanese mother holding her baby, saying ",[5744,5745],"typo",{"lang":5746,"syntax":5747},"ja","愛[あい]しているよ",[21,5749,5750],{},"(aisiteru yo!)",[57,5752],{"src":5753,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fja-愛してるよ！.mp3",". Bam! You can latch right onto that. ",[21,5756,5757],{},"Aishiteru yo!"," means \"I love you!\"",[11,5760,5761,5762,55,5765,55,5768,5771],{},"... but then maybe you're watching a drama, and you notice that people also use the word ",[5744,5763],{"lang":5746,"syntax":5764},"好き[すき]",[21,5766,5767],{},"(suki)",[57,5769],{"src":5770,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fja-好き.mp3","...",[833,5773],{"src":5774,"width":5775,"height":5776,"alt":5777},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-japanese-youtube-desktop.jpeg",2880,1800,"A screenshot of a show on YouTube, showing Migaku's ability to make subtitles interactive",[11,5779,5780,5781,55,5784,55,5787,55,5790,55,5793,55,5796,5799,5800,5803],{},"And they also tend to use a phrase like ",[5744,5782],{"lang":5746,"syntax":5783},"大好き[だいすき]",[21,5785,5786],{},"(daisuki)",[57,5788],{"src":5789,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fja-大好き.mp3",[5744,5791],{"lang":5746,"syntax":5792},"〜のことが大好き[だいすき]",[21,5794,5795],{},"(~ no koto ga daisuki)",[57,5797],{"src":5798,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fja-〜のことが大好き.mp3"," to talk about things they love, as opposed to ",[21,5801,5802],{},"aishiteruyo!",", which is more commonly reserved for people they are very intimately close with.",[833,5805],{"src":5806,"width":5775,"height":5776,"alt":5777},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-japanese-youtube-desktop-daisuki.jpeg",[11,5808,5809],{},"That's really quite a lot of nuance—and all you had to do to pick up on it was just consume media that you enjoyed.",[11,5811,5812],{},"Which is to say...",[37,5814,5816],{"id":5815},"the-1-thing-you-need-to-know-if-you-want-to-learn-another-language","The #1 thing you need to know if you want to learn another language",[11,5818,5819],{},"Whether you want to learn a \"familiar\" language like German, a \"distant\" one like Japanese, or anything in between—know that you don't need a fancy course or some polyglot's Super Secret™ method.",[11,5821,5822],{},"All you have to do is make a habit of interacting with that language.",[11,5824,5825],{},"To turn that into a slogan:",[86,5827,5828],{},[11,5829,5830,5831,844],{},"If you consume media in another language, and you understand at least some of the messages and sentences within that media, you will make progress in it. ",[21,5832,899],{},[11,5834,5835],{},"In fact, I'd go so far as to say that the easiest language to learn is the one that excites you—the one that you feel excited about spending time with.",[11,5837,5838],{},"Migaku, at its core, is pretty straightforward—we give make text in webpages and subtitles interactive so that you can consume (and understanding) media in the language you want to learn—even if you're not very good at it yet.",[11,5840,5841],{},"You can try it totally free for ten days 💪",[876,5843],{"href":878,"text":879},[11,5845,5846],{},"And now for that side-by-side comparison I mentioned:",[4004,5848,5850,5853,5884,5887,5918,5921,5952,5955],{"heading":5849},"Just for fun: all the translations, line-by-line and side-by-side",[11,5851,5852],{},"Matthew, 1.18:",[86,5854,5855],{},[121,5856,5857,5860,5863,5866,5869,5872,5875,5878,5881],{},[124,5858,5859],{},"(English) Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.",[124,5861,5862],{},"(Scots) This is the storie o the birth o Jesus Christ. His mither Mary wis trystit til Joseph, but afore they war mairriet she wis fund tae be wi bairn bi the Halie Spírit.",[124,5864,5865],{},"(North Frisian) Jesus Christus sin Geburt wiär up di Wiis sken: Diar Maria, sin Moder, me Joseph forlöwet wiär, jerdat jat töhop kjemmen wiär, kâm jü üp Wei van di hellig Geist.",[124,5867,5868],{},"(Dutch) Dit is het verhaal van de geboorte van Jezus Christus. Maria was verloofd met Jozef. Omdat ze nog niet getrouwd waren, waren ze nog nooit met elkaar naar bed geweest. Maar op een dag wist Maria dat ze in verwachting was. Dat was ze door de kracht van de Heilige Geest.",[124,5870,5871],{},"(German) Es folgt die Geschichte der Geburt von Jesus, dem Messias: Seine Mutter Maria war mit Josef verlobt. Da stellte sich heraus, dass Maria ein Kind erwartete, obwohl sie noch nicht miteinander geschlafen hatten. Sie war durch den Heiligen Geist schwanger geworden.",[124,5873,5874],{},"(French) Or la naissance de Jésus-Christ arriva ainsi. Marie, sa mère, étant fiancée à Joseph, il se trouva, avant qu'ils eussent habité ensemble, qu'elle avait conçu par la vertu du Saint-Esprit.",[124,5876,5877],{},"(Norwegian) Jesu Kristi fødsel skjedde på denne måten: Etter at Hans mor Maria var blitt forlovet med Josef, før de var kommet sammen, viste det seg at hun var med barn ved Den Hellige Ånd.",[124,5879,5880],{},"(Danish) Jesus, Messias, kom til verden på følgende måde: Hans mor Maria var forlovet med Josef, men før de havde været sammen, viste det sig, at hun ventede et barn ved Helligåndens kraft.",[124,5882,5883],{},"(Swedish) Med Jesu Kristi födelse förhöll det sig så: hans mor, Maria, hade blivit trolovad med Josef, men innan de hade börjat leva tillsammans visade det sig att hon var havande genom helig ande.",[11,5885,5886],{},"Matthew, 1.19:",[86,5888,5889],{},[121,5890,5891,5894,5897,5900,5903,5906,5909,5912,5915],{},[124,5892,5893],{},"(English) Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.",[124,5895,5896],{},"(Scots) Her husband Joseph, honest man, hed nae mind tae affront her afore the warld an wis for brakkin aff their tryst hidlinweys;",[124,5898,5899],{},"(North Frisian) Mar Joseph, hör Man, wiär rogtfârdig, en wild hör ek voar di Warld tö Skand mäke, mar wiär sens, hör hjemmelk tö forletten.",[124,5901,5902],{},"(Dutch) Maar Jozef dacht dat Maria van een andere man in verwachting was geraakt. Daarom was hij van plan om de verloving met Maria uit te maken. Maar hij wilde niemand zeggen dat dat was omdat ze in verwachting was. Want hij was een goed mens.",[124,5904,5905],{},"(German) Josef, der schon als ihr Ehemann galt, war ein gewissenhafter und gottesfürchtiger Mann. Er nahm sich deshalb vor, den Ehevertrag stillschweigend rückgängig zu machen, um sie nicht bloßzustellen.",[124,5907,5908],{},"(French) Joseph, son mari, qui était un homme juste, ne voulant pas la diffamer, résolut de la renvoyer secrètement.",[124,5910,5911],{},"(Norwegian) Hennes mann, Josef, som var rettferdig, ville ikke føre offentlig skam over henne. Derfor ønsket han å løse henne fra forlovelsen i stillhet.",[124,5913,5914],{},"(Danish) Josef var en god og retskaffen mand, som ikke ville udsætte hende for offentlig skam, så han besluttede sig til i al stilhed at hæve forlovelsen.",[124,5916,5917],{},"(Swedish) Hennes man Josef, som var rättfärdig och inte ville dra vanära över henne, tänkte då skilja sig från henne i tysthet.",[11,5919,5920],{},"Matthew, 1.20:",[86,5922,5923],{},[121,5924,5925,5928,5931,5934,5937,5940,5943,5946,5949],{},[124,5926,5927],{},"(English) But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.",[124,5929,5930],{},"(Scots) an sae he wis een ettlin tae dae, whan an angel o the Lord kythed til him in a draim an said til him, \"Joseph, son o Dauvit, be nane feared tae tak Mary your trystit wife intil your hame; the bairn she is cairrein is o the Halie Spírit.",[124,5932,5933],{},"(North Frisian) Mar diär hi sa sens wiär, kâm höm ön en Droom Gotts Engel ön Sjün, en said: \"Joseph, Davids Seen, wiis ek bang, Maria tö din Wüf tö nemmen. For dit, diär jü üp Wei me es, dit es van di hellig Geist.",[124,5935,5936],{},"(Dutch) Toen hij dat besloten had, kwam er in een droom een engel van de Heer God naar hem toe. De engel zei: \"Jozef, zoon van David, trouw gerust met Maria. Want haar kind is ontstaan door de Heilige Geest.",[124,5938,5939],{},"(German) Während er sich aber noch Gedanken darüber machte, erschien ihm ein Engel des Herrn im Traum. \"Josef\", sagte er, \"du Sohn Davids, zögere nicht, Maria als deine Frau zu dir zu nehmen. Denn das Kind, das sie erwartet, stammt vom Heiligen Geist.",[124,5941,5942],{},"(French) Comme il était dans cette pensée, voici qu'un ange du Seigneur lui apparut en songe, et lui dit: \"Joseph, fils de David, ne craint point de prendre avec toi Marie ton épouse, car ce qui est formé en elle est l'ouvrage du Saint-Esprit.",[124,5944,5945],{},"(Norwegian) Mens han tenkte over dette, se, da viste en Herrens engel seg for ham i en drøm og sa: «Josef, Davids sønn, vær ikke redd for å ta Maria, din ektefelle, hjem til deg, for det som er unnfanget i henne, er av Den Hellige Ånd.",[124,5947,5948],{},"(Danish) Mens han grublede over det, havde han en drøm, hvor en engel fra Gud viste sig for ham. Englen sagde: „Josef, du er jo af kong Davids slægt, og du skal ikke være betænkelig ved at gifte dig med Maria, for det barn, hun venter, er blevet til ved Helligåndens kraft.",[124,5950,5951],{},"(Swedish) Men när han hade beslutat sig för det uppenbarade sig Herrens ängel för honom i en dröm och sade: »Josef, Davids son, var inte rädd för att föra hem Maria som hustru, ty barnet i henne har blivit till genom helig ande.",[11,5953,5954],{},"Matthew, 1.21:",[86,5956,5957],{},[121,5958,5959,5962,5965,5968,5971,5974,5977,5980,5983],{},[124,5960,5961],{},"(English) And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.",[124,5963,5964],{},"(Scots) She will beir a son, an the name ye ar tae gíe him is Jesus, for he will sauf his fowk frae their sins.\"",[124,5966,5967],{},"(North Frisian) En jü skel en Seen tö Wârld bring, en sin Noom skedt du Jesus hjit. For hi skel sin Volk selig mäke van al jär Send.\"",[124,5969,5970],{},"(Dutch) Maria zal een zoon krijgen. Je moet Hem Jezus noemen. Want Hij zal zijn volk bevrijden van hun ongehoorzaamheid aan God.",[124,5972,5973],{},"(German) Sie wird einen Sohn zur Welt bringen, den du Jesus, Retter, nennen sollst, denn er wird sein Volk von Sünden retten.",[124,5975,5976],{},"(French) Et elle enfantera un fils, et tu lui donneras le nom de Jésus; car il sauvera son peuple de ses péchés.\"",[124,5978,5979],{},"(Norwegian) Hun skal føde en Sønn, og du skal gi Ham navnet Jesus, for Han skal frelse sitt folk fra deres synder.»",[124,5981,5982],{},"(Danish) Hun skal føde en søn, og du skal kalde ham Jesus, for han skal frelse sit folk fra deres synder.”",[124,5984,5985],{},"(Swedish) Hon skall föda en son, och du skall ge honom namnet Jesus, ty han skall frälsa sitt folk från deras synder.«",{"title":383,"searchDepth":915,"depth":915,"links":5987},[5988,5989,5990,5991,5992,5993,5994,5999,6000],{"id":4818,"depth":915,"text":4819},{"id":4958,"depth":915,"text":4959},{"id":5075,"depth":915,"text":5076},{"id":5180,"depth":915,"text":5181},{"id":5312,"depth":915,"text":5313},{"id":5436,"depth":915,"text":5437},{"id":5553,"depth":915,"text":5554,"children":5995},[5996,5997,5998],{"id":5595,"depth":923,"text":5596},{"id":5636,"depth":923,"text":5575},{"id":5676,"depth":923,"text":5581},{"id":5716,"depth":915,"text":5717},{"id":5815,"depth":915,"text":5816},"Wonder which languages are closest to English? English is a Germanic language, but has heavy Romantic influences. Here's the scoop!",{"timestampUnix":6003,"slug":6004,"h1":6005,"image":6006,"tags":6011},1744364786000,"closest-language-to-english","8 Languages That are Similar to English",{"src":6007,"width":6008,"height":6009,"alt":6010},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-thumbnail-english-closest-languages.jpeg",1571,1047,"A man and a woman standing back to back, communicating",[940],"\u002Farticle\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-english-closest-language","---\ntitle: 'What Is the Closest Language to English?'\ndescription: \"Wonder which languages are closest to English? English is a Germanic language, but has heavy Romantic influences. Here's the scoop!\"\ntimestampUnix: 1744364786000\nslug: 'closest-language-to-english'\nh1: '8 Languages That are Similar to English'\nimage:\n src: '\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-thumbnail-english-closest-languages.jpeg'\n width: 1571\n height: 1047\n alt: 'A man and a woman standing back to back, communicating'\ntags:\n - discussion\n---\n\nWe explored the languages that are most difficult for English speakers to learn in [another blog post](\u002Fblog\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fthe-most-difficult-language), but what about the languages that are the most similar to English?\n\nHere are five (plus three) that are _this_ close (per the thumbnail)—plus a bit of history on each one, and a comparison of a single text that's been translated into each one.\n\nAlas:\n\n\u003Ctoc>\u003C\u002Ftoc>\n\n---\n\n## What does it mean for two languages to be \"close\", anyway?\n\nBefore we get into the meat of this post, you should know that languages are not unlike living organisms:\n\n- They have \"families\" and draw back to a shared ancestor\n- They come to be, they thrive, they wither, and they eventually pass away\n- They are influenced by the things (languages) they come into contact with\n\nLike family members, closely related languages share [a number of characteristics](https:\u002F\u002Fwals.info\u002Ffeature): vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, idioms, culture, and so forth.\n\nYou can see this illustrated below, in an awesome illustration from the Finnish cartoonist [Minna Sundberg](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.hummingfluff.com\u002F):\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-english-closest-languages-minna-sundberg.webp\" width=\"1242\" height=\"939\" alt=\"The top half of an image about the world's languages by Minna Sundberg\" \u002F>\n\nAs you can see on the right half of the image there, Old English came from [Proto-Germanic](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FProto-Germanic_language), an \"ancestor\" language that branched off in three directions over the course of 500 BC to 500 AD:\n\n- [East Germanic languages](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FEast_Germanic_languages), which include Gothic _(note that this is missing from the above image; all the East Germanic languages are extinct, so we won't be discussing them in this blog post)_\n- [North Germanic languages](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FNorth_Germanic_languages), which includes Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish\n- [West Germanic languages](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FWest_Germanic_languages), which include Scots, Dutch, German—and, yes, English\n\nSuffice it to say that, like a growing person, English had a complex story. You can read about it in brief in [this blog post](\u002Fblog\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fwhy-english-is-hard) or in depth in the book [\"Our Magnificient Bastard Tongue\" by linguist John McWhorter](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.amazon.com\u002FOur-Magnificent-Bastard-Tongue-History\u002Fdp\u002F1592404944). Notably, [in 1066, England was conquered by The Normans](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FNorman_Conquest), which led the language to be heavily influenced by an entirely unrelated language—Old French.\n\nThe bulk of this blog post will look at English's relation with some of its closest living relatives. So you can appreciate that similarity, we'll conclude each section by looking at a few lines from the Gospel of Matthew, which was the only freely accessible text I could find available in each language.\n\nHere it is for English:\n\n> \u003CCenteredText bold underline>[The New Testament (Matthew)](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bible.com\u002Fbible\u002F1\u002FMAT.1.KJV)\u003C\u002FCenteredText>\u003Cbr>\n> (1.18) Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>\n> (1.19) Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>\n> (1.20) But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>\n> (1.21) And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.\n\n## Scots, a \"sister language\" so similar to English some consider it a dialect\n\n[Scots](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FScots_language) is a language spoken in Scotland, and the first point we need to make is that it's not the same as [Scottish Gaelic](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FScottish_Gaelic) _(a Celtic language native to Scotland)_ or [Scottish English](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FScottish_English) _(English with Scots-influenced pronunciation)_.\n\nHere's an overview of its history:\n\n\u003Ccustom-iframe src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FpBb_jKKCcC8?si=nRIcnVa18iJ80ws1\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-iframe>\n\nThe story of Scots is complex in a beautiful way, but here's the Sparknotes of the Sparknotes:\n\n- Scots and English have a common ancestor in Old English\n- Scots and English are [Anglo-Frisian languages](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FAnglo-Frisian_languages), a subset of West Germanic, with Scots being spoken in what is now Northern England and English being spoken in the South\n- By the mid 1400's, Scots had emerged from a melting pot of Gaelic, Anglian, Scandinavian-flavored English, and Dutch to become its own distinct language, firmly rooted enough to be the official language used in government documents.\n\nIn other words, Scots and English are so similar because they descended from the same language, were spoken in very close proximity, and thus shared many linguistic influences.\n\nIn fact, Scots and English are _so_ similar that 64% of Scottish people agree strongly or slightly that [\"Scots isn't a separate language (from English), but rather just a way of speaking English.\"](https:\u002F\u002Fwebarchive.nrscotland.gov.uk\u002F20190117002019\u002Fhttps:\u002F\u002Fwww2.gov.scot\u002FPublications\u002F2010\u002F01\u002F06105123\u002F4) _(Some more information in [Scotland's Census 2021](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.scotlandscensus.gov.uk\u002Fmedia\u002Fhy3dprby\u002Flanguage_topic_report.pdf), notably page 72)_.\n\nSuffice it to say that the two languages are similar enough that you can probably understand the majority of this Biblical excerpt in Scots, even if you've never studied it before:\n\n> \u003CCenteredText bold underline>[The New Testament of Scots (Matthew)](https:\u002F\u002Farchive.org\u002Fdetails\u002Fnewtestamentinsc0000unse\u002Fpage\u002Fn33\u002Fmode\u002F2up)\u003C\u002FCenteredText>\u003Cbr>\n> (1.18) This is the storie o the birth o Jesus Christ. His mither Mary wis trystit til Joseph, but afore they war mairriet she wis fund tae be wi bairn bi the Halie Spírit.\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>\n> (1.19) Her husband Joseph, honest man, hed nae mind tae affront her afore the warld an wis for brakkin aff their tryst hidlinweys;\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>\n> (1.20) an sae he wis een ettlin tae dae, whan an angel o the Lord kythed til him in a draim an said til him, \"Joseph, son o Dauvit, be nane feared tae tak Mary your trystit wife intil your hame; the bairn she is cairrein is o the Halie Spírit.\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>\n> (1.21) She will beir a son, an the name ye ar tae gíe him is Jesus, for he will sauf his fowk frae their sins.\"\n\n## Frisian, a close \"cousin\" to the English language that's still spoken today\n\nScots and English represent the \"Anglo\" portion of the Anglo-Frisian language family, which naturally leaves Frisian. Today, about 400,000 people in Denmark and the northern region of the Netherlands and Germany speak a Frisian language.\n\nIf you'll do me a favor and imagine a cinematic \"zooming out\" sequence, our family tree looks like this:\n\n- [The Anglic languages](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FAnglo-Frisian_languages#Anglic_languages), which include English, Scots, and two extinct Irish languages\n- [The Anglo-Frisian languages](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FFrisian_languages#Family_tree), which include the Anglic languages and _(numerous)_ Frisian languages\n- [West Germanic](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FWest_Germanic_languages#Family_tree), which includes the Anglo-Frisian languages in addition to the Dutch and German languages (of which, again, there are several)\n\nSo if Scots is like a sister to English, contained within the same nuclear family, then Frisian might be something like a cousin—close enough to be related by blood, but blood that's no longer from the same generation nor contained within the same household. _(Historically speaking, while both are within the Anglo-Frisian family, English was heavily influenced by French, whereas West Frisian was heavily influenced by Dutch.)_\n\nThis additional degree of separation proves significant. For example, while West Frisian is still quite parsable if you have an English translation to compare against:\n\n- **Bûter, brea, en griene tsiis is goed Ingelsk en goed Frysk**\u003Cbr> _Butter, bread, and green cheese is good English and good Fries._\n\nNorth Frisian, to me at least, is completely incomprehensible—though I do notice a number of shared words when I look closely, such as \"Moder\" (mother), \"hellig Geist\" (Holy Ghost), \"Man\" (man), \"seen\" (son), and \"Wârld\" (world).\n\n> \u003CCenteredText bold underline>[The North Frisian New Testament (Matthew)](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bible.com\u002Fbible\u002F3591\u002FMAT.1.NFNT)\u003C\u002FCenteredText>\u003Cbr>\n> (1.18) Jesus Christus sin Geburt wiär up di Wiis sken: Diar\n> Maria, sin Moder, me Joseph forlöwet wiär, jerdat jat töhop kjemmen wiär, kâm jü üp Wei van di hellig Geist.\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>\n> (1.19) Mar Joseph, hör Man, wiär rogtfârdig, en wild hör ek voar di Warld tö Skand mäke, mar wiär sens, hör hjemmelk tö forletten.\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>\n> (1.20) Mar diär hi sa sens wiär, kâm höm ön en Droom Gotts Engel ön Sjün, en said: \"Joseph, Davids Seen, wiis ek bang, Maria tö din Wüf tö nemmen. For dit, diär jü üp\n> Wei me es, dit es van di hellig Geist.\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>\n> (1.21) En jü skel en Seen tö Wârld bring, en sin Noom skedt du Jesus hjit. For hi skel sin Volk selig mäke van al jär Send.\"\n\n## Dutch, the closest major language to English\n\nDutch is the language of the Netherlands, and you might think of it as having kicked Frisian out of [The Frisian Kingdom](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FFrisian_Kingdom) (which included portions of what is now the Netherlands, Northern Germany, and Belgium). For our English-centric purposes, Dutch represents one further step away from the Anglic roots above: English\u002FScots and Frisian are on one side of the West Germanic family tree, while Dutch and High\u002FLow German are on the other.\n\nImportantly, Frisian, Dutch and High German were in a _[dialect continuum](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FDialect_continuum#Continental_West_Germanic_continuum)_, meaning that a group of related languages was spoken in area, and languages that were close to each other were more intelligible while languages that were further from each other were less intelligible.\n\nYou can see these continuums represented in color in this wonderful graphic from [Muturzikin](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.muturzikin.com\u002F) _([zoomable version without my chicken scratch](https:\u002F\u002Ffoundintranslation.me\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2015\u002F03\u002Flanguages_and_dialects_of_europe_21_670481648.png))_:\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-english-languages-map-muturzikin.png\" width=\"2151\" height=\"1621\" alt=\"A map of the dialect continuums of Europe; credit to Mizurkin\" \u002F>\n\nIf your geography skills aren't so strong, the main thing to take from this is that:\n\n- I've the Netherlands and part of England in orange\n- The Netherlands is located between England and Germany, so it acts as something of a linguistic bridge for the two languages\n- Dutch is in a contained little pocket with Flemish, Hollandic, and Frisian\n- Both Dutch and the German languages are clearly different colors than England's strawberry pink, indicating that we're dealing with notably different—albeit related—languages\n\nWhile Modern English and Dutch are different enough that I doubt you'll understand anything at all from the below text extract, you'll quickly notice similarities in grammatical structure and syntax if you decide to study Dutch:\n\n- The plural is marked with -s, like in English (and also with -en, unlike English)\n- Word order \u002F sentence structure is quite similar\n- Dutch also uses auxiliary verbs (have, be) and modal verbs (can, must, want)\n- We both have weak verbs (which make the past tense by adding the ~(e) suffix, a la _live → lived_ or _dance → danced_) and strong verbs (which make the past tense by changing their vowel, a la _see → saw_ or _give → gave_)\n\nArmed with this knowledge, take a stab at the below text. As a hint, \"Dit is het\" means \"this is the...\":\n\n> \u003CCenteredText bold underline>[The New Testament (Matthew)](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bible.com\u002Fbible\u002F1276\u002FMAT.1.BB)\u003C\u002FCenteredText>\u003Cbr>\n> (1.18) Dit is het verhaal van de geboorte van Jezus Christus. Maria was verloofd met Jozef. Omdat ze nog niet getrouwd waren, waren ze nog nooit met elkaar naar bed geweest. Maar op een dag wist Maria dat ze in verwachting was. Dat was ze door de kracht van de Heilige Geest.\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>\n> (1.19) Maar Jozef dacht dat Maria van een andere man in verwachting was geraakt. Daarom was hij van plan om de verloving met Maria uit te maken. Maar hij wilde niemand zeggen dat dat was omdat ze in verwachting was. Want hij was een goed mens.\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>\n> (1.20) Toen hij dat besloten had, kwam er in een droom een engel van de Heer God naar hem toe. De engel zei: \"Jozef, zoon van David, trouw gerust met Maria. Want haar kind is ontstaan door de Heilige Geest.\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>\n> (1.21) Maria zal een zoon krijgen. Je moet Hem Jezus noemen. Want Hij zal zijn volk bevrijden van hun ongehoorzaamheid aan God.\n\n## German, a related language that's distant enough to present language learning challenges\n\nAnd now we arrive to a perplexing aspect of English's story: if we're a _Germanic_ language that descended from proto-_Germanic_, then why does German look and sound like nonsense?\n\nLet's get into it.\n\nThe first thing you need to know is that [England was a Roman province](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FRoman_Britain) for about 500 years—and then, as the Roman empire was collapsing in the 5th century, other people began showing up. In particular, the [Germanic-speaking Anglo-Saxons](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FAnglo-Saxons) showed up. What exactly went down is a bit of a mystery, but two things are clear:\n\n1. The previous Latin-speaking population quickly disappeared\n2. A number of Germanic speakers became important just as quickly\n\nThe Anglic- and Germanic-speaking populations mixed... but there's an important catch:\n\nRemember the concept of a dialect continuum that we talked about above? How languages that are in close contact with each other tend to influence each other?\n\nWell, when the Anglo-Saxons migrated out of continental Europe and into the island known then as _Provincia Romania_, they ended up placing the North Sea between themselves and the rest of the Germanic-speaking world. The languages began growing apart as a result—and, not only this, Old English would go on to receive [influence from Old Norse](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FList_of_English_words_of_Old_Norse_origin) (via viking invasions), [Old French](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FList_of_English_words_of_French_origin) (as we'll discuss in the next section), [Celtic languages](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FLists_of_English_words_of_Celtic_origin) (native to the area), [Scots](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wiktionary.org\u002Fwiki\u002FCategory:English_terms_derived_from_Scots) (which was located just North) and others.\n\nThe result is that, over the last 1,500 years, English and German have gone in pretty separate directions. Of particular note, Old English became significantly simplified, with its [grammatical cases](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FGrammatical_case) disappearing by the time Middle English arrived in ~1,100 AD, whereas German still has them today. While behind the scope of this article, this is basically to say that [German articles and adjectives change forms depending on the role the noun they're attached to is playing in a sentence](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FGerman_declension).\n\n> \u003CCenteredText bold underline>[The New Testament (Matthew)](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bible.com\u002Fbible\u002F877\u002FMAT.1.BIBEL.HEUTE)\u003C\u002FCenteredText>\u003Cbr>\n> (1.18) Es folgt die Geschichte der Geburt von Jesus, dem Messias: Seine Mutter Maria war mit Josef verlobt. Da stellte sich heraus, dass Maria ein Kind erwartete, obwohl sie noch nicht miteinander geschlafen hatten. Sie war durch den Heiligen Geist schwanger geworden.\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr> \n> (1.19) Josef, der schon als ihr Ehemann galt, war ein gewissenhafter und gottesfürchtiger Mann. Er nahm sich deshalb vor, den Ehevertrag stillschweigend rückgängig zu machen, um sie nicht bloßzustellen.\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr> \n> (1.20) Während er sich aber noch Gedanken darüber machte, erschien ihm ein Engel des Herrn im Traum. \"Josef\", sagte er, \"du Sohn Davids, zögere nicht, Maria als deine Frau zu dir zu nehmen. Denn das Kind, das sie erwartet, stammt vom Heiligen Geist.\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr> \n> (1.21) Sie wird einen Sohn zur Welt bringen, den du Jesus, Retter, nennen sollst, denn er wird sein Volk von Sünden retten.\n\n## French, a Romance language from which English borrowed nearly a third of its vocabulary\n\nNow it's time for the curveball.\n\nOur ancestors did swimmingly with their decidedly Germanic language for about 500 years—and then, in 1066, [the Norman French conquered England](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FNorman_Conquest). En suite (see what I did there?), Old French became the language of the elite.\n\nEnglish was never the same.\n\nTo this day, if you take a gander at [data on lexical similarity](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FLexical_similarity#Indo-European_languages), you'll see that roughly a quarter of English vocab words are somehow similar in form or meaning to a French one. (For contrast, English and German have a lexical similarity of 60%—and, and as a fun fact, Afrikaans has 90-95% lexical similarity with Dutch).\n\nWhat this means for learners is that while English and French aren't related—they're entirely separate languages—they share many words, phrases, and idioms. Perhaps it would be apt to say that French was something like an influential stepparent during English's teenage years.\n\nA few notable examples of shared language (called \"cognates\"):\n\n- Sabotage\n- Fiancé(e)\n- Encore\n- Faux pas\n- Déjà vu\n- Coup d'état\n- Carte blanche\n- Crème de la crème\n- Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose \u003Cbr> (_The more things change, the more they stay the same_)\n- Le roi est mort, vive le roi ! \u003Cbr> _(The king is dead; long live the king!)_\n\nA particular favorite of mine is \"C’est en forgeant qu’on devient forgeron\" (_It is by forging that one becomes a blacksmith_), the French version of \"practice makes perfect\"—or, perhaps, the original version of \"practice makes perfect\" that we horribly butchered.\n\n> \u003CCenteredText bold underline>[The New Testament (Matthew)](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bible.com\u002Fbible\u002F504\u002FMAT.1.BCC1923)\u003C\u002FCenteredText>\u003Cbr>\n> (1.18) Or la naissance de Jésus-Christ arriva ainsi. Marie, sa mère, étant fiancée à Joseph, il se trouva, avant qu'ils eussent habité ensemble, qu'elle avait conçu par la vertu du Saint-Esprit.\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>\n> (1.19) Joseph, son mari, qui était un homme juste, ne voulant pas la diffamer, résolut de la renvoyer secrètement.\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>\n> (1.20) Comme il était dans cette pensée, voici qu'un ange du Seigneur lui apparut en songe, et lui dit: \"Joseph, fils de David, ne craint point de prendre avec toi Marie ton épouse, car ce qui est formé en elle est l'ouvrage du Saint-Esprit.\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>\n> (1.21) Et elle enfantera un fils, et tu lui donneras le nom de Jésus; car il sauvera son peuple de ses péchés.\"\n\n## Bonus: North Germanic, the language family closest to English\n\nIf you peek at that Language Tree up in the top of the article and follow the branch back from English to West Germanic and Germanic, you'll see that the Germanic branch actually splits off in another direction: [_North_ Germanic](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FNorth_Germanic_languages), which gave way to the Nordic languages of [Norwegian](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FNorwegian_language), [Danish](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FDanish_language), and [Swedish](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FSwedish_language).\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002FNorth_germanic_languages.png\" width=\"1200\" height=\"784\" alt=\"A screenshot showing where speakers of North Germanic languages reside\" \u002F>\n\nI won't go into detail here, as we're now in \"our great great great great grandparents were married\" territory, but just for fun, I've copied out translations of that same text extract just so you can see how much (or little) we have with these relatives.\n\nA big part of the reason these languages will look so foreign to you is, again, geography—as you can see, there's a sea separating most of these languages (Danish, shown in Purple, aside) from both Germany and England. This meant less contact between speakers of West and North Germanic languages. While these languages may have been somewhat similar 2,000 years ago, or at least shared a common ancestor in Proto-Germanic, they're no longer mutually intelligible.\n\n### Norwegian (bokmål)\n\nNorwegian, as you might expect, is the language spoken in Norway. It looks like this:\n\n> \u003CCenteredText bold underline>[The New Testament (Matthew)](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bible.com\u002Fbible\u002F2216\u002FMAT.1.BGO)\u003C\u002FCenteredText>\u003Cbr>\n> (1.18) Jesu Kristi fødsel skjedde på denne måten: Etter at Hans mor Maria var blitt forlovet med Josef, før de var kommet sammen, viste det seg at hun var med barn ved Den Hellige Ånd.\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>\n> (1.19) Hennes mann, Josef, som var rettferdig, ville ikke føre offentlig skam over henne. Derfor ønsket han å løse henne fra forlovelsen i stillhet.\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>\n> (1.20) Mens han tenkte over dette, se, da viste en Herrens engel seg for ham i en drøm og sa: «Josef, Davids sønn, vær ikke redd for å ta Maria, din ektefelle, hjem til deg, for det som er unnfanget i henne, er av Den Hellige Ånd.\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>\n> (1.21) Hun skal føde en Sønn, og du skal gi Ham navnet Jesus, for Han skal frelse sitt folk fra deres synder.»\n\n### Danish\n\nDanish is the language of Denmark, and it looks like this:\n\n> \u003CCenteredText bold underline>[The New Testament (Matthew)](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bible.com\u002Fbible\u002F20\u002FMAT.1.BPH)\u003C\u002FCenteredText>\u003Cbr>\n> (1.18) Jesus, Messias, kom til verden på følgende måde: Hans mor Maria var forlovet med Josef, men før de havde været sammen, viste det sig, at hun ventede et barn ved Helligåndens kraft.\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>\n> (1.19) Josef var en god og retskaffen mand, som ikke ville udsætte hende for offentlig skam, så han besluttede sig til i al stilhed at hæve forlovelsen.\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>\n> (1.20) Mens han grublede over det, havde han en drøm, hvor en engel fra Gud viste sig for ham. Englen sagde: „Josef, du er jo af kong Davids slægt, og du skal ikke være betænkelig ved at gifte dig med Maria, for det barn, hun venter, er blevet til ved Helligåndens kraft.\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>\n> (1.21) Hun skal føde en søn, og du skal kalde ham Jesus, for han skal frelse sit folk fra deres synder.”\n\n### Swedish\n\nLast but not least, Swedish (surprise surprise) is spoken in Sweden. It looks like this:\n\n> \u003CCenteredText bold underline>[The New Testament (Matthew)](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bible.com\u002Fbible\u002F154\u002FMAT.1.B2000)\u003C\u002FCenteredText>\u003Cbr>\n> (1.18) Med Jesu Kristi födelse förhöll det sig så: hans mor, Maria, hade blivit trolovad med Josef, men innan de hade börjat leva tillsammans visade det sig att hon var havande genom helig ande.\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>\n> (1.19) Hennes man Josef, som var rättfärdig och inte ville dra vanära över henne, tänkte då skilja sig från henne i tysthet.\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>\n> (1.20) Men när han hade beslutat sig för det uppenbarade sig Herrens ängel för honom i en dröm och sade: »Josef, Davids son, var inte rädd för att föra hem Maria som hustru, ty barnet i henne har blivit till genom helig ande.\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>\n> (1.21) Hon skall föda en son, och du skall ge honom namnet Jesus, ty han skall frälsa sitt folk från deras synder.«\n\n## How to learn a language (even if it isn't one of the closest languages to English)\n\nCommon roots and centuries of interaction mean that the above languages will be some of the easiest languages for English speakers to learn.\n\n... but that doesn't mean you're out of luck if the language you want to learn isn't one of these \"easy\" languages, or if you _do_ want to learn one of these languages but you aren't a native speaker of English.\n\nThe language learning industry has unfortunately fallen victim to a lot of marketing shenanigans, but when you brush that to the side, it's really pretty simple: just spend time interacting with it.\n\nSay you're watching YouTube in Japanese:\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-love-jp.jpeg\" width=\"1810\" height=\"1268\" alt=\"A Japanese woman telling her daughter that she loves her.\" \u002F>\n\nAnd you see a Japanese mother holding her baby, saying \u003Ctypo lang=\"ja\" syntax=\"愛[あい]しているよ\">\u003C\u002Ftypo> _(aisiteru yo!)_ \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fja-愛してるよ！.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>. Bam! You can latch right onto that. _Aishiteru yo!_ means \"I love you!\"\n\n... but then maybe you're watching a drama, and you notice that people also use the word \u003Ctypo lang=\"ja\" syntax=\"好き[すき]\">\u003C\u002Ftypo> _(suki)_ \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fja-好き.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>...\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-japanese-youtube-desktop.jpeg\" width=\"2880\" height=\"1800\" alt=\"A screenshot of a show on YouTube, showing Migaku's ability to make subtitles interactive\" \u002F>\n\nAnd they also tend to use a phrase like \u003Ctypo lang=\"ja\" syntax=\"大好き[だいすき]\">\u003C\u002Ftypo> _(daisuki)_ \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fja-大好き.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Ctypo lang=\"ja\" syntax=\"〜のことが大好き[だいすき]\">\u003C\u002Ftypo> _(~ no koto ga daisuki)_ \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fja-〜のことが大好き.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> to talk about things they love, as opposed to _aishiteruyo!_, which is more commonly reserved for people they are very intimately close with.\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-japanese-youtube-desktop-daisuki.jpeg\" width=\"2880\" height=\"1800\" alt=\"A screenshot of a show on YouTube, showing Migaku's ability to make subtitles interactive\" \u002F>\n\nThat's really quite a lot of nuance—and all you had to do to pick up on it was just consume media that you enjoyed.\n\nWhich is to say...\n\n## The #1 thing you need to know if you want to learn another language\n\nWhether you want to learn a \"familiar\" language like German, a \"distant\" one like Japanese, or anything in between—know that you don't need a fancy course or some polyglot's Super Secret™ method.\n\nAll you have to do is make a habit of interacting with that language.\n\nTo turn that into a slogan:\n\n> If you consume media in another language, and you understand at least some of the messages and sentences within that media, you will make progress in it. _Period_.\n\nIn fact, I'd go so far as to say that the easiest language to learn is the one that excites you—the one that you feel excited about spending time with.\n\nMigaku, at its core, is pretty straightforward—we give make text in webpages and subtitles interactive so that you can consume (and understanding) media in the language you want to learn—even if you're not very good at it yet.\n\nYou can try it totally free for ten days 💪\n\n\u003Cprose-button href=\"\u002F\" text=\"Try Migaku for free\">\u003C\u002Fprose-button>\n\nAnd now for that side-by-side comparison I mentioned:\n\n\u003Caccordion heading=\"Just for fun: all the translations, line-by-line and side-by-side\">\n\nMatthew, 1.18:\n\n> - (English) Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.\n> - (Scots) This is the storie o the birth o Jesus Christ. His mither Mary wis trystit til Joseph, but afore they war mairriet she wis fund tae be wi bairn bi the Halie Spírit.\n> - (North Frisian) Jesus Christus sin Geburt wiär up di Wiis sken: Diar Maria, sin Moder, me Joseph forlöwet wiär, jerdat jat töhop kjemmen wiär, kâm jü üp Wei van di hellig Geist.\n> - (Dutch) Dit is het verhaal van de geboorte van Jezus Christus. Maria was verloofd met Jozef. Omdat ze nog niet getrouwd waren, waren ze nog nooit met elkaar naar bed geweest. Maar op een dag wist Maria dat ze in verwachting was. Dat was ze door de kracht van de Heilige Geest.\n> - (German) Es folgt die Geschichte der Geburt von Jesus, dem Messias: Seine Mutter Maria war mit Josef verlobt. Da stellte sich heraus, dass Maria ein Kind erwartete, obwohl sie noch nicht miteinander geschlafen hatten. Sie war durch den Heiligen Geist schwanger geworden.\n> - (French) Or la naissance de Jésus-Christ arriva ainsi. Marie, sa mère, étant fiancée à Joseph, il se trouva, avant qu'ils eussent habité ensemble, qu'elle avait conçu par la vertu du Saint-Esprit.\n> - (Norwegian) Jesu Kristi fødsel skjedde på denne måten: Etter at Hans mor Maria var blitt forlovet med Josef, før de var kommet sammen, viste det seg at hun var med barn ved Den Hellige Ånd.\n> - (Danish) Jesus, Messias, kom til verden på følgende måde: Hans mor Maria var forlovet med Josef, men før de havde været sammen, viste det sig, at hun ventede et barn ved Helligåndens kraft.\n> - (Swedish) Med Jesu Kristi födelse förhöll det sig så: hans mor, Maria, hade blivit trolovad med Josef, men innan de hade börjat leva tillsammans visade det sig att hon var havande genom helig ande.\n\nMatthew, 1.19:\n\n> - (English) Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.\n> - (Scots) Her husband Joseph, honest man, hed nae mind tae affront her afore the warld an wis for brakkin aff their tryst hidlinweys;\n> - (North Frisian) Mar Joseph, hör Man, wiär rogtfârdig, en wild hör ek voar di Warld tö Skand mäke, mar wiär sens, hör hjemmelk tö forletten.\n> - (Dutch) Maar Jozef dacht dat Maria van een andere man in verwachting was geraakt. Daarom was hij van plan om de verloving met Maria uit te maken. Maar hij wilde niemand zeggen dat dat was omdat ze in verwachting was. Want hij was een goed mens.\n> - (German) Josef, der schon als ihr Ehemann galt, war ein gewissenhafter und gottesfürchtiger Mann. Er nahm sich deshalb vor, den Ehevertrag stillschweigend rückgängig zu machen, um sie nicht bloßzustellen.\n> - (French) Joseph, son mari, qui était un homme juste, ne voulant pas la diffamer, résolut de la renvoyer secrètement.\n> - (Norwegian) Hennes mann, Josef, som var rettferdig, ville ikke føre offentlig skam over henne. Derfor ønsket han å løse henne fra forlovelsen i stillhet.\n> - (Danish) Josef var en god og retskaffen mand, som ikke ville udsætte hende for offentlig skam, så han besluttede sig til i al stilhed at hæve forlovelsen.\n> - (Swedish) Hennes man Josef, som var rättfärdig och inte ville dra vanära över henne, tänkte då skilja sig från henne i tysthet.\n\nMatthew, 1.20:\n\n> - (English) But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.\n> - (Scots) an sae he wis een ettlin tae dae, whan an angel o the Lord kythed til him in a draim an said til him, \"Joseph, son o Dauvit, be nane feared tae tak Mary your trystit wife intil your hame; the bairn she is cairrein is o the Halie Spírit.\n> - (North Frisian) Mar diär hi sa sens wiär, kâm höm ön en Droom Gotts Engel ön Sjün, en said: \"Joseph, Davids Seen, wiis ek bang, Maria tö din Wüf tö nemmen. For dit, diär jü üp Wei me es, dit es van di hellig Geist.\n> - (Dutch) Toen hij dat besloten had, kwam er in een droom een engel van de Heer God naar hem toe. De engel zei: \"Jozef, zoon van David, trouw gerust met Maria. Want haar kind is ontstaan door de Heilige Geest.\n> - (German) Während er sich aber noch Gedanken darüber machte, erschien ihm ein Engel des Herrn im Traum. \"Josef\", sagte er, \"du Sohn Davids, zögere nicht, Maria als deine Frau zu dir zu nehmen. Denn das Kind, das sie erwartet, stammt vom Heiligen Geist.\n> - (French) Comme il était dans cette pensée, voici qu'un ange du Seigneur lui apparut en songe, et lui dit: \"Joseph, fils de David, ne craint point de prendre avec toi Marie ton épouse, car ce qui est formé en elle est l'ouvrage du Saint-Esprit.\n> - (Norwegian) Mens han tenkte over dette, se, da viste en Herrens engel seg for ham i en drøm og sa: «Josef, Davids sønn, vær ikke redd for å ta Maria, din ektefelle, hjem til deg, for det som er unnfanget i henne, er av Den Hellige Ånd.\n> - (Danish) Mens han grublede over det, havde han en drøm, hvor en engel fra Gud viste sig for ham. Englen sagde: „Josef, du er jo af kong Davids slægt, og du skal ikke være betænkelig ved at gifte dig med Maria, for det barn, hun venter, er blevet til ved Helligåndens kraft.\n> - (Swedish) Men när han hade beslutat sig för det uppenbarade sig Herrens ängel för honom i en dröm och sade: »Josef, Davids son, var inte rädd för att föra hem Maria som hustru, ty barnet i henne har blivit till genom helig ande.\n\nMatthew, 1.21:\n\n> - (English) And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.\n> - (Scots) She will beir a son, an the name ye ar tae gíe him is Jesus, for he will sauf his fowk frae their sins.\"\n> - (North Frisian) En jü skel en Seen tö Wârld bring, en sin Noom skedt du Jesus hjit. For hi skel sin Volk selig mäke van al jär Send.\"\n> - (Dutch) Maria zal een zoon krijgen. Je moet Hem Jezus noemen. Want Hij zal zijn volk bevrijden van hun ongehoorzaamheid aan God.\n> - (German) Sie wird einen Sohn zur Welt bringen, den du Jesus, Retter, nennen sollst, denn er wird sein Volk von Sünden retten.\n> - (French) Et elle enfantera un fils, et tu lui donneras le nom de Jésus; car il sauvera son peuple de ses péchés.\"\n> - (Norwegian) Hun skal føde en Sønn, og du skal gi Ham navnet Jesus, for Han skal frelse sitt folk fra deres synder.»\n> - (Danish) Hun skal føde en søn, og du skal kalde ham Jesus, for han skal frelse sit folk fra deres synder.”\n> - (Swedish) Hon skall föda en son, och du skall ge honom namnet Jesus, ty han skall frälsa sitt folk från deras synder.«\n\n\u003C\u002Faccordion>\n",{"title":4791,"description":6001},"article\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-english-closest-language","PPNZiAmdzyY5ZqlcDzxsKh38GpI-CZCvz7lvgvPP5K8","April 11, 2025",{"id":6019,"title":6020,"body":6021,"description":6961,"extension":929,"meta":6962,"navigation":942,"path":6972,"rawbody":6973,"seo":6974,"stem":6975,"__hash__":6976,"timestampUnix":6963,"slug":6964,"h1":6965,"image":6966,"tags":6971,"_dir":948,"timestamp":6977},"content\u002Farticle\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-english-why-hard.md","Why English Is So Difficult to Learn: Understanding the Challenges of Mastering the Language",{"type":8,"value":6022,"toc":6945},[6023,6029,6038,6049,6052,6054,6056,6060,6069,6079,6102,6105,6109,6116,6119,6175,6179,6182,6208,6219,6223,6233,6236,6256,6259,6487,6506,6509,6515,6517,6521,6532,6535,6608,6610,6614,6617,6634,6637,6701,6704,6706,6710,6713,6725,6728,6747,6763,6766,6772,6775,6778,6782,6807,6816,6842,6845,6847,6851,6858,6861,6864,6867,6870,6877,6879,6883,6889,6892,6912,6915,6921,6923,6927,6934,6937,6940],[11,6024,6025,6026,6028],{},"On the surface, ",[69,6027,1073],{}," looks like it should be an easy language to learn. Verbs have only a handful of forms, whereas Spanish verbs have nearly a hundred. Then, our nouns only have a couple forms (plural and possessive), and our adjectives are one-size-fits-all, whereas Russian nouns and adjectives have nearly a dozen forms. Plus, there are tons of apps to support English learners and lifetimes of English content to consume.",[11,6030,6031,6032,844],{},"And yet, as it would turn out, ",[69,6033,6034,6035,6037],{},"English ",[21,6036,3041],{}," a difficult language to learn",[11,6039,6040,6041,6044,6045,6048],{},"Its vast vocabulary, confusing ",[69,6042,6043],{},"grammar rules",", and unpredictable ",[69,6046,6047],{},"pronunciation"," make it a challenge for even the most dedicated language learners. While many reach a level where they can use English to get around, few master English to the point where they would be mistaken as a native speaker.",[11,6050,6051],{},"To explain why, this article will dive into questions like:",[30,6053],{},[34,6055],{},[37,6057,6059],{"id":6058},"how-does-english-spelling-make-it-a-hard-language","How does English spelling make it a hard language?",[11,6061,6062,6065,6066,844],{},[69,6063,6064],{},"English spelling"," is infamous for being irregular. Words like \"through,\" \"tough,\" and \"thought\" are spelled similarly but sound completely different. This lack of consistency can make English a ",[69,6067,6068],{},"difficult language to learn",[11,6070,6071,6072,6075,6076,1198],{},"Highlighting this messy nature, the playwright George Bernard Shaw famously joked that the word ",[21,6073,6074],{},"fish"," could in theory be spelled ",[21,6077,6078],{},"ghoti",[121,6080,6081,6088,6095],{},[124,6082,6083,6084],{},"gh = \u002Ff\u002F, as in enou",[6085,6086,6087],"ins",{},"gh",[124,6089,6090,6091,6094],{},"o = \u002Fɪ\u002F, as in w",[6085,6092,6093],{},"o","men",[124,6096,6097,6098,6101],{},"ti = \u002Fʃ\u002F, as in na",[6085,6099,6100],{},"ti","on",[11,6103,6104],{},"And this ridiculous example begs the question:",[414,6106,6108],{"id":6107},"why-is-english-spelling-so-weird","Why is English spelling so weird?",[11,6110,6111,6112,844],{},"This is unfortunately not something we can answer in a few paragraphs. An entire article could be written about English spelling. ",[867,6113,6115],{"href":4905,"rel":6114},[1196],"Entire books, even",[11,6117,6118],{},"In a nutshell, though, you can blame three things for English spelling:",[121,6120,6121,6139,6157],{},[124,6122,6123,6126,6127,6130,6131,6134,6135,6138],{},[69,6124,6125],{},"France"," (and other countries, too) — English is a Germanic language, but we borrowed a massive amount of vocabulary from Greek and French (Latin). For example, ",[21,6128,6129],{},"fire"," is from German (\"feuer\"), ",[21,6132,6133],{},"flame"," is from Latin (\"flamme\"), and ",[21,6136,6137],{},"pyro-"," is from Greek (direct borrowing). When you're spelling English, you're actually following spelling conventions from several different languages... and unless you're a historical linguist, you won't know which word follows which conventions.",[124,6140,6141,6148,6149,6152,6153,6156],{},[69,6142,6143],{},[867,6144,6147],{"href":6145,"rel":6146},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FGreat_Vowel_Shift",[1196],"The Great Vowel Shift"," — In the ~1,400s, we decided that English spelling needed to be standardized: people were spelling things however they thought they sounded, and things got chaotic. ",[21,6150,6151],{},"(Narrator: things would get worse.)"," We've basically maintained these spelling conventions since then, but we ",[21,6154,6155],{},"haven't"," maintained the pronunciation that was tied to these spellings. In other words, the spelling of English words reflects how they were pronounced 600 years ago, not how they are pronounced today.",[124,6158,6159,6162,6163,6168,6169,6174],{},[69,6160,6161],{},"Lack of a regulatory organization"," — Other languages have official groups that determine what is and isn't \"proper\" and try to ensure that the language continues to adhere to these rules as it evolves. For example, French has the ",[867,6164,6167],{"href":6165,"rel":6166},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FAcad%C3%A9mie_Fran%C3%A7aise",[1196],"Académie Française"," and German has the ",[867,6170,6173],{"href":6171,"rel":6172},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FCouncil_for_German_Orthography",[1196],"Rat für die deutsche Orthography",". English has no such body.",[414,6176,6178],{"id":6177},"spelling-challenges","Spelling Challenges:",[11,6180,6181],{},"As a result of the above factors, English presents a number of spelling challenges:",[121,6183,6184,6190,6196,6202],{},[124,6185,6186,6189],{},[69,6187,6188],{},"Silent letters",": Many English words have silent letters (letters that are written, but not pronounced)",[124,6191,6192,6195],{},[69,6193,6194],{},"Polyphonic letters"," — Many English letters can be pronounced in multiple ways, depending on the word and which letters they appear next to",[124,6197,6198,6201],{},[69,6199,6200],{},"Homophones",": English has many words that sound the same but are spelled differently (e.g., \"their,\" \"there,\" \"they're\").",[124,6203,6204,6207],{},[69,6205,6206],{},"Borrowed words",": English has borrowed thousands of words from other languages, and generally tries to respect the spelling conventions of these languages when doing so. Examples include \"genre\" from French or \"tsunami\" from Japanese.",[11,6209,6210],{},[21,6211,6212,6213,6218],{},"(Note: Britannica has quite a nice article on ",[867,6214,6217],{"href":6215,"rel":6216},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.britannica.com\u002Ftopic\u002FEnglish-language\u002FHistorical-background",[1196],"spelling changes across Old, Middle, and Modern English",", if you'd like to explore this in more detail.)",[37,6220,6222],{"id":6221},"why-is-english-pronunciation-so-difficult","Why is English pronunciation so difficult?",[11,6224,6225,6226,6229,6230,6232],{},"Following its spelling, one of the hardest aspects of ",[69,6227,6228],{},"learning English"," is mastering its ",[69,6231,6047],{},". English has borrowed words from so many languages over the centuries that its pronunciation, frankly, is a mess.",[11,6234,6235],{},"Here are a few of the hurdles that learners have to deal with:",[121,6237,6238,6244,6250],{},[124,6239,6240,6243],{},[69,6241,6242],{},"Silent Letters"," — Many words in English include letters that aren’t pronounced (e.g., the K \"knight\" or the P in \"psychology\").",[124,6245,6246,6249],{},[69,6247,6248],{},"Vowel Sounds"," — There is not a 1:1 relationship between English sounds and English letters. For example, the \"a\" in each of the following words is pronounced differently: cat, cake, car, sofa.",[124,6251,6252,6255],{},[69,6253,6254],{},"Stress and Intonation"," — Stress is an important part of English words: some syllables get pronounced more \"strongly\" than other syllables. This affects how letters are pronounced (compare the A sounds in baNAna), and can even change the part of speech of a word: PREsent is a noun, but preSENT is a verb.",[11,6257,6258],{},"The result is that you can't rely on the way a word is spelled to figure out how it should sound.",[4004,6260,6262,6270,6272,6309,6354,6395,6437,6480,6482],{"heading":6261},"(Click me if you're brave)",[11,6263,6264,6265,1198],{},"Here are a few choice verses of Gerard Nolst Trenité's poem about English pronunciation, entitled ",[867,6266,6269],{"href":6267,"rel":6268},"https:\u002F\u002Fncf.idallen.com\u002Fenglish.html",[1196],"The Chaos",[11,6271,5771],{},[11,6273,6274,6275,6278,6280,6282,6283,171,6286,6289,6290,6292,6294,6295,6298,6300,6302,6303,171,6306,2001],{},"Have you ever yet ",[21,6276,6277],{},"endeavoured",[132,6279],{},[132,6281],{},"\nTo pronounce ",[21,6284,6285],{},"revered",[21,6287,6288],{},"severed",",",[132,6291],{},[132,6293],{},"\n      ",[21,6296,6297],{},"Demon, lemon, ghoul, foul, soul,",[132,6299],{},[132,6301],{},"      ",[21,6304,6305],{},"Peter, petrol",[21,6307,6308],{},"patrol",[11,6310,6311,6314,6315,6318,6319,6321,6323,6326,6328,6294,6330,171,6333,6336,6337,6289,6340,6342,6344,6345,6348,6349,171,6351,844],{},[21,6312,6313],{},"Billet"," does not end like ",[21,6316,6317],{},"ballet",";",[132,6320],{},[132,6322],{},[21,6324,6325],{},"Bouquet, wallet, mallet, chalet.",[132,6327],{},[132,6329],{},[21,6331,6332],{},"Blood",[21,6334,6335],{},"flood"," are not like ",[21,6338,6339],{},"food",[132,6341],{},[132,6343],{},"      Nor is ",[21,6346,6347],{},"mould"," like ",[21,6350,3243],{},[21,6352,6353],{},"would",[11,6355,6356,6359,6360,6289,6363,6365,6367,6368,844,6371,6373,6294,6375,171,6378,6289,6381,6383,6294,6385,6388,6389,6388,6392,6289],{},[21,6357,6358],{},"Banquet"," is not nearly ",[21,6361,6362],{},"parquet",[132,6364],{},[132,6366],{},"\nWhich exactly rhymes with ",[21,6369,6370],{},"khaki",[132,6372],{},[132,6374],{},[21,6376,6377],{},"Discount, viscount, load",[21,6379,6380],{},"broad",[132,6382],{},[132,6384],{},[21,6386,6387],{},"Toward",", to ",[21,6390,6391],{},"forward",[21,6393,6394],{},"reward",[11,6396,6397,171,6400,1446,6403,2001,6406,6408,6410,6411,6413,6294,6415,171,6418,6289,6421,6423,6294,6425,171,6428,1446,6431,171,6434,844],{},[21,6398,6399],{},"Ricocheted",[21,6401,6402],{},"crocheting",[21,6404,6405],{},"croquet",[132,6407],{},[132,6409],{},"\nRight! Your pronunciation's OK.",[132,6412],{},[132,6414],{},[21,6416,6417],{},"Rounded, wounded, grieve",[21,6419,6420],{},"sieve",[132,6422],{},[132,6424],{},[21,6426,6427],{},"Friend",[21,6429,6430],{},"fiend",[21,6432,6433],{},"alive",[21,6435,6436],{},"live",[11,6438,6439,6440,2001,6443,6445,6447,6448,844,6451,6453,6294,6455,6458,6459,5576,6462,6458,6465,6289,6468,6470,6294,6472,1446,6475,6458,6478,844],{},"Is your r correct in ",[21,6441,6442],{},"higher",[132,6444],{},[132,6446],{},"\nKeats asserts it rhymes ",[21,6449,6450],{},"Thalia",[132,6452],{},[132,6454],{},[21,6456,6457],{},"Hugh",", but ",[21,6460,6461],{},"hug",[21,6463,6464],{},"hood",[21,6466,6467],{},"hoot",[132,6469],{},[132,6471],{},[21,6473,6474],{},"Buoyant",[21,6476,6477],{},"minute",[21,6479,6477],{},[11,6481,5771],{},[11,6483,6484],{},[21,6485,6486],{},"(Congratulations, brave soul, you have survived. We now return to our originally scheduled broadcast.)",[11,6488,6489,6490,6493,6494,6497,6498,6501,6502,6505],{},"For example, take the word ",[21,6491,6492],{},"façade"," (also written as ",[21,6495,6496],{},"facade","), shown below. Should that C be pronounced like an S, as in ",[21,6499,6500],{},"face",", or like a K, as in ",[21,6503,6504],{},"academy","? There's not really a way to be sure. You'll just have to Google it.",[11,6507,6508],{},"...Or, if you use software like Migaku, you can simply click on the word to bring up recordings of native English speakers pronouncing it. (The grey buttons to the right show things like images, definitions, example sentences, and AI explanations).",[833,6510],{"src":6511,"width":6512,"height":6513,"alt":6514},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-english-difficult-facade.jpeg",1882,830,"A screenshot of a Wikipedia page showing the word 'facade', which is an example of an English word you might not know how to spell just by looking at it.",[34,6516],{},[37,6518,6520],{"id":6519},"how-borrowed-words-complicate-english","How Borrowed Words Complicate English",[11,6522,6523,6524,6527,6528,6531],{},"As discussed, ",[69,6525,6526],{},"English borrows words"," from many other languages. This presents challenges not only in the realms of spelling and pronunciation. You also have to ",[21,6529,6530],{},"learn"," these words, and there are a bunch of them.",[11,6533,6534],{},"Here's a small list of words English has borrowed from different languages:",[121,6536,6537,6542,6548,6554,6560,6566,6572,6578,6584,6596,6602],{},[124,6538,6539,6541],{},[69,6540,1070],{}," — Ballet, bouquet, cuisine, encore, faux pas",[124,6543,6544,6547],{},[69,6545,6546],{},"German"," — Kindergarten, doppelgänger, angst, blitz",[124,6549,6550,6553],{},[69,6551,6552],{},"Spanish"," — Patio, guerrilla, ranch, siesta, canyon",[124,6555,6556,6559],{},[69,6557,6558],{},"Italian"," — Piano, pizza, opera, barista, graffiti",[124,6561,6562,6565],{},[69,6563,6564],{},"Japanese"," — Sushi, karaoke, tsunami, samurai, anime",[124,6567,6568,6571],{},[69,6569,6570],{},"Arabic"," — Algebra, coffee, safari, cipher, sugar",[124,6573,6574,6577],{},[69,6575,6576],{},"Hindi\u002FUrdu"," — Jungle, shampoo, bungalow, pajamas",[124,6579,6580,6583],{},[69,6581,6582],{},"Greek"," — Democracy, philosophy, academy, chaos, marathon",[124,6585,6586,6589,6590,6595],{},[69,6587,6588],{},"Chinese languages"," — Tea, ",[867,6591,6594],{"href":6592,"rel":6593},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FKetchup#Etymology",[1196],"ketchup",", gung ho, dim sum, typhoon",[124,6597,6598,6601],{},[69,6599,6600],{},"Portuguese"," — Banana, mandarin, molasses, piranha, breeze",[124,6603,6604,6607],{},[69,6605,6606],{},"Russian"," — Vodka, tsar, mammoth, steppe",[34,6609],{},[37,6611,6613],{"id":6612},"why-are-english-verbs-so-confusing","Why are English verbs so confusing?",[11,6615,6616],{},"At first glance, English verbs look like they should be easy. The overwhelming majority of English verbs only have five forms:",[121,6618,6619,6622,6625,6628,6631],{},[124,6620,6621],{},"Base form — go",[124,6623,6624],{},"Past simple — went",[124,6626,6627],{},"Past participle — gone",[124,6629,6630],{},"Present participle — going",[124,6632,6633],{},"Third-person singular — goes",[11,6635,6636],{},"Unfortunately, things quickly get messy:",[121,6638,6639,6657,6669],{},[124,6640,6641,6644,6645,6648,6649,6648,6652,6648,6655,844],{},[69,6642,6643],{},"Identifying verbs"," — In Spanish, verbs always end in -ar, -er, or -ir. In Korean, verbs always end in -다 (-da). English borrowed verbs from several languages and imposes no particular rules as to how parts of speech are formed, so English verbs can look like anything from ",[21,6646,6647],{},"holler"," to ",[21,6650,6651],{},"add",[21,6653,6654],{},"take",[21,6656,5726],{},[124,6658,6659,6662,6663,6668],{},[69,6660,6661],{},"Irregular verbs"," — A Germanic language, English inherited German's system of ",[867,6664,6667],{"href":6665,"rel":6666},"https:\u002F\u002Fresources.german.lsa.umich.edu\u002Fgrammatik\u002Fstrong-weak-mixed\u002F",[1196],"strong and weak verbs",". This means that some of our verbs follow regular conjugation patterns (I dance→I danced→I have danced) and others don't (I swim→I swam→I've swum).",[124,6670,6671,6674,6675,6680,6681,6686,6687,6692,6693,6696,6697,6700],{},[69,6672,6673],{},"Phrasal verbs"," — Old English was a ",[867,6676,6679],{"href":6677,"rel":6678},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FSubject%E2%80%93object%E2%80%93verb_word_order",[1196],"subject-object-verb"," language (SOV; important things came before the verb), and, like German, it was ",[867,6682,6685],{"href":6683,"rel":6684},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FProductivity_(linguistics)",[1196],"highly productive"," (you could create new complex words by combining old simple words together). Middle English became a ",[867,6688,6691],{"href":6689,"rel":6690},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FSubject%E2%80%93verb%E2%80%93object_word_order",[1196],"subject-verb-object"," language and lost this productivity. The result is that many Old English words that existed in the format \"(thing)VERB\" shifted to the format \"VERB (thing)\" in Middle English. These are called \"phrasal verbs\" and they are complex because they mean a specific thing, as a normal verb does, but consist of multiple words, like a phrase does. Furthermore, phrasal verbs can broken up (burn up: ",[21,6694,6695],{},"the paper burned up"," vs ",[21,6698,6699],{},"burn the paper up","), and phrasal verbs may mean very different things than their root verb (\"go out (with)\" means \"to date someone\").",[11,6702,6703],{},"This lack of consistency creates several problems for English learners that simply don't exist in other languages.",[34,6705],{},[37,6707,6709],{"id":6708},"why-is-english-grammar-so-complicated","Why is English grammar so complicated?",[11,6711,6712],{},"There's a story worth telling here.",[11,6714,6715,6716,6719,6720,6724],{},"As discussed in our post on ",[867,6717,6718],{"href":4799},"factors that make a language difficult",", there are ",[867,6721,6723],{"href":4839,"rel":6722},[1196],"many ways"," that a language can be complex or simple.",[11,6726,6727],{},"Old English grammar was much more complex than modern English:",[121,6729,6730,6737,6744],{},[124,6731,6732],{},[867,6733,6736],{"href":6734,"rel":6735},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikibooks.org\u002Fwiki\u002FOld_English\u002FVerbs",[1196],"Verbs had over a dozen forms",[124,6738,6739],{},[867,6740,6743],{"href":6741,"rel":6742},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikibooks.org\u002Fwiki\u002FOld_English\u002FNouns",[1196],"Nouns changed forms depending on the role they played in a sentence",[124,6745,6746],{},"And more!",[11,6748,6749,6750,6754,6755,6758,6759,6762],{},"And then, ",[867,6751,6753],{"href":4911,"rel":6752},[1196],"in 1,066, the Duke of Normandy conquered England",". As a result, people from several other countries began settling in England—people who ",[21,6756,6757],{},"didn't"," speak English, as Latin was the Lingua Franca back in those days. These settlers weren't keen on learning English, as it had no prestige or practical use, but they ",[21,6760,6761],{},"did"," need to be able to communicate with locals, so they tarzanned it: they learned the main words and stuck them in generally the right order, but they didn't bother with any of this fancy grammatical stuff.",[11,6764,6765],{},"Skipping a few steps, that caught on.",[11,6767,6768,6769],{},"Over the next few hundred years, English lost much of its complexity. ",[21,6770,6771],{},"(We made up for the lack of lexical [in-word] complexity with rather strict rules about word order).",[11,6773,6774],{},"There were growing pains, to say the least.",[11,6776,6777],{},"And that leads me to:",[414,6779,6781],{"id":6780},"grammar-challenges-for-the-modern-english-learner","Grammar challenges for the modern English learner",[121,6783,6784,6795,6801],{},[124,6785,6786,6789,6790],{},[69,6787,6788],{},"Articles (a, an, the)"," — Unless a learner is lucky enough to have a native language which also includes articles, learning to use them correctly requires ",[867,6791,6794],{"href":6792,"rel":6793},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.butte.edu\u002Fdepartments\u002Fcas\u002Ftipsheets\u002Fgrammar\u002Farticles.html",[1196],"memorizing many rules",[124,6796,6797,6800],{},[69,6798,6799],{},"Irregular word forms"," — As discussed in the above sections, some English words are regular (you use generalizable rules to create their various forms), while others are irregular (you have to memorize their word forms because they're unpredictable); making matters worse is that there's no way to know if a word is regular or irregular just by looking at it",[124,6802,6803,6806],{},[69,6804,6805],{},"Tense and aspect",": Tense refers to when an action happened, aspect (in English) refers to whether an action is completed or ongoing, and our verb forms combine tense and aspect (present progressive = present tense, progressive aspect); this allows English to be more specific about time than some other languages, and this increased control means increased complexity for the learner to handle",[11,6808,6809,6810,6815],{},"As a bonus, I'd like to toss in ",[867,6811,6814],{"href":6812,"rel":6813},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FDo-support",[1196],"do, the dummy verb",". While \"do\" is a perfectly good and normal verb, we also use it in a couple ways where it is frankly not needed:",[121,6817,6818,6830],{},[124,6819,6820,6821,6824,6825],{},"Asking questions — ",[21,6822,6823],{},"Do"," you want to go?\n",[121,6826,6827],{},[124,6828,6829],{},"→ Many other languages just say \"you want go?\"",[124,6831,6832,6833,6836,6837],{},"Making negating statements — He ",[21,6834,6835],{},"does"," not understand.\n",[121,6838,6839],{},[124,6840,6841],{},"→ Many other languages just say \"he no understand\"",[11,6843,6844],{},"A lot of things about English grammar (and, well, grammar in general) give similar vibes. \"That's just the way English does things, and you either have to memorize it or spend enough time consuming English content that it comes natural to you.\"",[34,6846],{},[37,6848,6850],{"id":6849},"how-do-english-dialects-add-to-the-challenge","How do English dialects add to the challenge?",[11,6852,6853,6854,6857],{},"There are many ",[69,6855,6856],{},"English dialects",", and they can differ greatly in terms of vocabulary, pronunciation, and even grammar. This adds another layer of complexity for learners, especially when trying to communicate with or understand people who come from different countries.",[11,6859,6860],{},"Rather than reading about the differences between English's major accents, you can go ahead and listen to them.",[11,6862,6863],{},"Here is American English vs British English vs Australian English:",[4988,6865],{"src":6866},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002Ffy-bd5AC-Ms?si=dF_JGb3OnDDjNM4I&controls=0",[11,6868,6869],{},"Making matters worse, there are regional variations of each of these accents! There are dozens of notably different English accents within just the small island of England alone.",[11,6871,6872,6873,6876],{},"As if that weren't enough, the fact that English is a lingua franca spoken around the globe means that it isn't ",[21,6874,6875],{},"just"," the native accents learners need to worry about.",[34,6878],{},[37,6880,6882],{"id":6881},"why-are-idioms-hard-to-understand-in-english","Why are idioms hard to understand in English?",[11,6884,6885,6886,6888],{},"Alright, this one's not quite fair. By nature of meaning something other than what they literally appear to mean, idioms are difficult to learn in any language, not just English. Nevertheless, we'll keep them on the list because idioms ",[21,6887,5726],{}," present a challenge for learners of English.",[11,6890,6891],{},"Here are a few English idioms that I personally find interesting:",[121,6893,6894,6900,6906],{},[124,6895,6896,6899],{},[69,6897,6898],{},"\"Break the ice\""," — This idiom means to initiate conversation or ease tension",[124,6901,6902,6905],{},[69,6903,6904],{},"\"Raining cats and dogs\""," — This idiom means it's raining very heavily",[124,6907,6908,6911],{},[69,6909,6910],{},"\"Spill the beans\""," — This idiom means to reveal a secret",[11,6913,6914],{},"Migaku's dictionaries detect idioms, and this makes it easier for English learners to consume content they enjoy. Simply click on a word, and if it's part of an idiom or fixed phrase, Migaku will show you what this special sequence of words means:",[833,6916],{"src":6917,"width":6918,"height":6919,"alt":6920},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-english-idiom.jpeg",1452,982,"A screenshot of Migaku showing what the idiom 'bite the bullet' means.",[34,6922],{},[414,6924,6926],{"id":6925},"in-a-nutshell","In a nutshell:",[11,6928,6929,6930,6933],{},"As much as you might see people on the internet talk about how easy English is to learn, compared to languages like ",[867,6931,6932],{"href":4799},"Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Korean",", English is hard to learn in its own right—it has many irregular grammar rules, a very difficult spelling system, and unpredictable pronunciation.",[11,6935,6936],{},"If you can overcome these challenges, you'll enjoy lifetimes worth of interesting content to consume on virtually any topic you might be interested in, a boost to your professional career, and the ability to communicate with people around the globe.",[11,6938,6939],{},"Good luck!",[11,6941,6942],{},[21,6943,6944],{},"(P.S. — \"In a nutshell\" is another idiom, and it means \"essentially\" or \"the most important point is that\")",{"title":383,"searchDepth":915,"depth":915,"links":6946},[6947,6951,6952,6953,6954,6957,6958],{"id":6058,"depth":915,"text":6059,"children":6948},[6949,6950],{"id":6107,"depth":923,"text":6108},{"id":6177,"depth":923,"text":6178},{"id":6221,"depth":915,"text":6222},{"id":6519,"depth":915,"text":6520},{"id":6612,"depth":915,"text":6613},{"id":6708,"depth":915,"text":6709,"children":6955},[6956],{"id":6780,"depth":923,"text":6781},{"id":6849,"depth":915,"text":6850},{"id":6881,"depth":915,"text":6882,"children":6959},[6960],{"id":6925,"depth":923,"text":6926},"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.",{"timestampUnix":6963,"slug":6964,"h1":6965,"image":6966,"tags":6971},1732776079057,"why-english-is-hard","Why Is English So Hard to Learn? The Challenges of Mastering a Difficult Language",{"src":6967,"width":6968,"height":6969,"alt":6970},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-english-hard-header.webp",6391,4310,"An Asian woman holding her head, wondering why English has to be so difficult and irregular.",[940],"\u002Farticle\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-english-why-hard","---\ntitle: 'Why English Is So Difficult to Learn: Understanding the Challenges of Mastering the Language'\ndescription: '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.'\ntimestampUnix: 1732776079057\nslug: 'why-english-is-hard'\nh1: 'Why Is English So Hard to Learn? The Challenges of Mastering a Difficult Language'\nimage:\n src: '\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-english-hard-header.webp'\n width: 6391\n height: 4310\n alt: 'An Asian woman holding her head, wondering why English has to be so difficult and irregular.'\ntags:\n - discussion\n---\n\nOn the surface, **English** looks like it should be an easy language to learn. Verbs have only a handful of forms, whereas Spanish verbs have nearly a hundred. Then, our nouns only have a couple forms (plural and possessive), and our adjectives are one-size-fits-all, whereas Russian nouns and adjectives have nearly a dozen forms. Plus, there are tons of apps to support English learners and lifetimes of English content to consume.\n\nAnd yet, as it would turn out, **English _is_ a difficult language to learn**.\n\nIts vast vocabulary, confusing **grammar rules**, and unpredictable **pronunciation** make it a challenge for even the most dedicated language learners. While many reach a level where they can use English to get around, few master English to the point where they would be mistaken as a native speaker.\n\nTo explain why, this article will dive into questions like:\n\n\u003Ctoc>\u003C\u002Ftoc>\n\n---\n\n## How does English spelling make it a hard language?\n\n**English spelling** is infamous for being irregular. Words like \"through,\" \"tough,\" and \"thought\" are spelled similarly but sound completely different. This lack of consistency can make English a **difficult language to learn**.\n\nHighlighting this messy nature, the playwright George Bernard Shaw famously joked that the word _fish_ could in theory be spelled _ghoti_:\n\n- gh = \u002Ff\u002F, as in enou\u003Cins>gh\u003C\u002Fins>\n- o = \u002Fɪ\u002F, as in w\u003Cins>o\u003C\u002Fins>men\n- ti = \u002Fʃ\u002F, as in na\u003Cins>ti\u003C\u002Fins>on\n\nAnd this ridiculous example begs the question:\n\n### Why is English spelling so weird?\n\nThis is unfortunately not something we can answer in a few paragraphs. An entire article could be written about English spelling. [Entire books, even](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.amazon.com\u002FOur-Magnificent-Bastard-Tongue-History\u002Fdp\u002F1592404944).\n\nIn a nutshell, though, you can blame three things for English spelling:\n\n- **France** (and other countries, too) — English is a Germanic language, but we borrowed a massive amount of vocabulary from Greek and French (Latin). For example, _fire_ is from German (\"feuer\"), _flame_ is from Latin (\"flamme\"), and _pyro-_ is from Greek (direct borrowing). When you're spelling English, you're actually following spelling conventions from several different languages... and unless you're a historical linguist, you won't know which word follows which conventions.\n- **[The Great Vowel Shift](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FGreat_Vowel_Shift)** — In the ~1,400s, we decided that English spelling needed to be standardized: people were spelling things however they thought they sounded, and things got chaotic. _(Narrator: things would get worse.)_ We've basically maintained these spelling conventions since then, but we _haven't_ maintained the pronunciation that was tied to these spellings. In other words, the spelling of English words reflects how they were pronounced 600 years ago, not how they are pronounced today.\n- **Lack of a regulatory organization** — Other languages have official groups that determine what is and isn't \"proper\" and try to ensure that the language continues to adhere to these rules as it evolves. For example, French has the [Académie Française](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FAcad%C3%A9mie_Fran%C3%A7aise) and German has the [Rat für die deutsche Orthography](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FCouncil_for_German_Orthography). English has no such body.\n\n### Spelling Challenges:\n\nAs a result of the above factors, English presents a number of spelling challenges:\n\n- **Silent letters**: Many English words have silent letters (letters that are written, but not pronounced)\n- **Polyphonic letters** — Many English letters can be pronounced in multiple ways, depending on the word and which letters they appear next to\n- **Homophones**: English has many words that sound the same but are spelled differently (e.g., \"their,\" \"there,\" \"they're\").\n- **Borrowed words**: English has borrowed thousands of words from other languages, and generally tries to respect the spelling conventions of these languages when doing so. Examples include \"genre\" from French or \"tsunami\" from Japanese.\n\n_(Note: Britannica has quite a nice article on [spelling changes across Old, Middle, and Modern English](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.britannica.com\u002Ftopic\u002FEnglish-language\u002FHistorical-background), if you'd like to explore this in more detail.)_\n\n## Why is English pronunciation so difficult?\n\nFollowing its spelling, one of the hardest aspects of **learning English** is mastering its **pronunciation**. English has borrowed words from so many languages over the centuries that its pronunciation, frankly, is a mess.\n\nHere are a few of the hurdles that learners have to deal with:\n\n- **Silent Letters** — Many words in English include letters that aren’t pronounced (e.g., the K \"knight\" or the P in \"psychology\").\n- **Vowel Sounds** — There is not a 1:1 relationship between English sounds and English letters. For example, the \"a\" in each of the following words is pronounced differently: cat, cake, car, sofa.\n- **Stress and Intonation** — Stress is an important part of English words: some syllables get pronounced more \"strongly\" than other syllables. This affects how letters are pronounced (compare the A sounds in baNAna), and can even change the part of speech of a word: PREsent is a noun, but preSENT is a verb.\n\nThe result is that you can't rely on the way a word is spelled to figure out how it should sound.\n\n\u003Caccordion heading=\"(Click me if you're brave)\">\n\nHere are a few choice verses of Gerard Nolst Trenité's poem about English pronunciation, entitled [The Chaos](https:\u002F\u002Fncf.idallen.com\u002Fenglish.html):\n\n...\n\nHave you ever yet _endeavoured_\u003Cbr>\nTo pronounce _revered_ and _severed_,\u003Cbr>\n      _Demon, lemon, ghoul, foul, soul,_\n\u003Cbr>      _Peter, petrol_ and _patrol_?\n\n_Billet_ does not end like _ballet_;\u003Cbr>\n_Bouquet, wallet, mallet, chalet._\u003Cbr>\n      _Blood_ and _flood_ are not like _food_,\n\u003Cbr>      Nor is _mould_ like _should_ and _would_.\n\n_Banquet_ is not nearly _parquet_,\u003Cbr>\nWhich exactly rhymes with _khaki_.\u003Cbr>\n      _Discount, viscount, load_ and _broad_,\u003Cbr>\n      _Toward_, to _forward_, to _reward_,\n\n_Ricocheted_ and _crocheting_, _croquet_?\u003Cbr>\nRight! Your pronunciation's OK.\u003Cbr>\n      _Rounded, wounded, grieve_ and _sieve_,\u003Cbr>\n      _Friend_ and _fiend_, _alive_ and _live_.\n\nIs your r correct in _higher_?\u003Cbr>\nKeats asserts it rhymes _Thalia_.\u003Cbr>\n      _Hugh_, but _hug_, and _hood_, but _hoot_,\u003Cbr>\n      _Buoyant_, _minute_, but _minute_.\n\n...\n\n_(Congratulations, brave soul, you have survived. We now return to our originally scheduled broadcast.)_\n\n\u003C\u002Faccordion>\n\nFor example, take the word _façade_ (also written as _facade_), shown below. Should that C be pronounced like an S, as in _face_, or like a K, as in _academy_? There's not really a way to be sure. You'll just have to Google it.\n\n...Or, if you use software like Migaku, you can simply click on the word to bring up recordings of native English speakers pronouncing it. (The grey buttons to the right show things like images, definitions, example sentences, and AI explanations).\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-english-difficult-facade.jpeg\" width=\"1882\" height=\"830\" alt=\"A screenshot of a Wikipedia page showing the word 'facade', which is an example of an English word you might not know how to spell just by looking at it.\" \u002F>\n\n---\n\n## How Borrowed Words Complicate English\n\nAs discussed, **English borrows words** from many other languages. This presents challenges not only in the realms of spelling and pronunciation. You also have to _learn_ these words, and there are a bunch of them.\n\nHere's a small list of words English has borrowed from different languages:\n\n- **French** — Ballet, bouquet, cuisine, encore, faux pas\n- **German** — Kindergarten, doppelgänger, angst, blitz\n- **Spanish** — Patio, guerrilla, ranch, siesta, canyon\n- **Italian** — Piano, pizza, opera, barista, graffiti\n- **Japanese** — Sushi, karaoke, tsunami, samurai, anime\n- **Arabic** — Algebra, coffee, safari, cipher, sugar\n- **Hindi\u002FUrdu** — Jungle, shampoo, bungalow, pajamas\n- **Greek** — Democracy, philosophy, academy, chaos, marathon\n- **Chinese languages** — Tea, [ketchup](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FKetchup#Etymology), gung ho, dim sum, typhoon\n- **Portuguese** — Banana, mandarin, molasses, piranha, breeze\n- **Russian** — Vodka, tsar, mammoth, steppe\n\n---\n\n## Why are English verbs so confusing?\n\nAt first glance, English verbs look like they should be easy. The overwhelming majority of English verbs only have five forms:\n\n- Base form — go\n- Past simple — went\n- Past participle — gone\n- Present participle — going\n- Third-person singular — goes\n\nUnfortunately, things quickly get messy:\n\n- **Identifying verbs** — In Spanish, verbs always end in -ar, -er, or -ir. In Korean, verbs always end in -다 (-da). English borrowed verbs from several languages and imposes no particular rules as to how parts of speech are formed, so English verbs can look like anything from _holler_ to _add_ to _take_ to _do_.\n- **Irregular verbs** — A Germanic language, English inherited German's system of [strong and weak verbs](https:\u002F\u002Fresources.german.lsa.umich.edu\u002Fgrammatik\u002Fstrong-weak-mixed\u002F). This means that some of our verbs follow regular conjugation patterns (I dance→I danced→I have danced) and others don't (I swim→I swam→I've swum).\n- **Phrasal verbs** — Old English was a [subject-object-verb](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FSubject%E2%80%93object%E2%80%93verb_word_order) language (SOV; important things came before the verb), and, like German, it was [highly productive](\u003Chttps:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FProductivity_(linguistics)>) (you could create new complex words by combining old simple words together). Middle English became a [subject-verb-object](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FSubject%E2%80%93verb%E2%80%93object_word_order) language and lost this productivity. The result is that many Old English words that existed in the format \"(thing)VERB\" shifted to the format \"VERB (thing)\" in Middle English. These are called \"phrasal verbs\" and they are complex because they mean a specific thing, as a normal verb does, but consist of multiple words, like a phrase does. Furthermore, phrasal verbs can broken up (burn up: _the paper burned up_ vs _burn the paper up_), and phrasal verbs may mean very different things than their root verb (\"go out (with)\" means \"to date someone\").\n\nThis lack of consistency creates several problems for English learners that simply don't exist in other languages.\n\n---\n\n## Why is English grammar so complicated?\n\nThere's a story worth telling here.\n\nAs discussed in our post on [factors that make a language difficult](\u002Fblog\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fthe-most-difficult-language), there are [many ways](https:\u002F\u002Fwals.info\u002Ffeature) that a language can be complex or simple.\n\nOld English grammar was much more complex than modern English:\n\n- [Verbs had over a dozen forms](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikibooks.org\u002Fwiki\u002FOld_English\u002FVerbs)\n- [Nouns changed forms depending on the role they played in a sentence](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikibooks.org\u002Fwiki\u002FOld_English\u002FNouns)\n- And more!\n\nAnd then, [in 1,066, the Duke of Normandy conquered England](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FNorman_Conquest). As a result, people from several other countries began settling in England—people who _didn't_ speak English, as Latin was the Lingua Franca back in those days. These settlers weren't keen on learning English, as it had no prestige or practical use, but they _did_ need to be able to communicate with locals, so they tarzanned it: they learned the main words and stuck them in generally the right order, but they didn't bother with any of this fancy grammatical stuff.\n\nSkipping a few steps, that caught on.\n\nOver the next few hundred years, English lost much of its complexity. _(We made up for the lack of lexical \\[in-word] complexity with rather strict rules about word order)._\n\nThere were growing pains, to say the least.\n\nAnd that leads me to:\n\n### Grammar challenges for the modern English learner\n\n- **Articles (a, an, the)** — Unless a learner is lucky enough to have a native language which also includes articles, learning to use them correctly requires [memorizing many rules](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.butte.edu\u002Fdepartments\u002Fcas\u002Ftipsheets\u002Fgrammar\u002Farticles.html)\n- **Irregular word forms** — As discussed in the above sections, some English words are regular (you use generalizable rules to create their various forms), while others are irregular (you have to memorize their word forms because they're unpredictable); making matters worse is that there's no way to know if a word is regular or irregular just by looking at it\n- **Tense and aspect**: Tense refers to when an action happened, aspect (in English) refers to whether an action is completed or ongoing, and our verb forms combine tense and aspect (present progressive = present tense, progressive aspect); this allows English to be more specific about time than some other languages, and this increased control means increased complexity for the learner to handle\n\nAs a bonus, I'd like to toss in [do, the dummy verb](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FDo-support). While \"do\" is a perfectly good and normal verb, we also use it in a couple ways where it is frankly not needed:\n\n- Asking questions — _Do_ you want to go?\n - → Many other languages just say \"you want go?\"\n- Making negating statements — He _does_ not understand.\n - → Many other languages just say \"he no understand\"\n\nA lot of things about English grammar (and, well, grammar in general) give similar vibes. \"That's just the way English does things, and you either have to memorize it or spend enough time consuming English content that it comes natural to you.\"\n\n---\n\n## How do English dialects add to the challenge?\n\nThere are many **English dialects**, and they can differ greatly in terms of vocabulary, pronunciation, and even grammar. This adds another layer of complexity for learners, especially when trying to communicate with or understand people who come from different countries.\n\nRather than reading about the differences between English's major accents, you can go ahead and listen to them.\n\nHere is American English vs British English vs Australian English:\n\n\u003Ccustom-iframe src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002Ffy-bd5AC-Ms?si=dF_JGb3OnDDjNM4I&controls=0\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-iframe>\n\nMaking matters worse, there are regional variations of each of these accents! There are dozens of notably different English accents within just the small island of England alone.\n\nAs if that weren't enough, the fact that English is a lingua franca spoken around the globe means that it isn't _just_ the native accents learners need to worry about.\n\n---\n\n## Why are idioms hard to understand in English?\n\nAlright, this one's not quite fair. By nature of meaning something other than what they literally appear to mean, idioms are difficult to learn in any language, not just English. Nevertheless, we'll keep them on the list because idioms _do_ present a challenge for learners of English.\n\nHere are a few English idioms that I personally find interesting:\n\n- **\"Break the ice\"** — This idiom means to initiate conversation or ease tension\n- **\"Raining cats and dogs\"** — This idiom means it's raining very heavily\n- **\"Spill the beans\"** — This idiom means to reveal a secret\n\nMigaku's dictionaries detect idioms, and this makes it easier for English learners to consume content they enjoy. Simply click on a word, and if it's part of an idiom or fixed phrase, Migaku will show you what this special sequence of words means:\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-english-idiom.jpeg\" width=\"1452\" height=\"982\" alt=\"A screenshot of Migaku showing what the idiom 'bite the bullet' means.\" \u002F>\n\n---\n\n### In a nutshell:\n\nAs much as you might see people on the internet talk about how easy English is to learn, compared to languages like [Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Korean](\u002Fblog\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fthe-most-difficult-language), English is hard to learn in its own right—it has many irregular grammar rules, a very difficult spelling system, and unpredictable pronunciation.\n\nIf you can overcome these challenges, you'll enjoy lifetimes worth of interesting content to consume on virtually any topic you might be interested in, a boost to your professional career, and the ability to communicate with people around the globe.\n\nGood luck!\n\n_(P.S. — \"In a nutshell\" is another idiom, and it means \"essentially\" or \"the most important point is that\")_\n",{"title":6020,"description":6961},"article\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-english-why-hard","IM4XLndmQ_bZwm1GG28Ccr-KPHGY_oo8eH5hR7giaFo","November 28, 2024",{"id":6979,"title":6980,"body":6981,"description":7819,"extension":929,"meta":7820,"navigation":942,"path":7830,"rawbody":7831,"seo":7832,"stem":7833,"__hash__":7834,"timestampUnix":7821,"slug":7822,"h1":7823,"image":7824,"tags":7829,"_dir":948,"timestamp":7835},"content\u002Farticle\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-french-curses.md","French Swear Words Guide: Curse Like a Native",{"type":8,"value":6982,"toc":7804},[6983,6986,6992,6995,6997,6999,7003,7006,7023,7026,7037,7040,7043,7045,7049,7052,7055,7079,7082,7085,7109,7113,7116,7299,7302,7314,7319,7322,7326,7333,7343,7347,7350,7395,7399,7402,7475,7479,7482,7527,7531,7534,7693,7697,7700,7703,7710,7720,7723,7727,7734,7745,7754,7760,7766,7769,7772,7778,7781,7783,7787,7794,7801],[11,6984,6985],{},"👀 Look at you. You went ahead and Googled \"French swear words\".",[11,6987,6988,6989,844],{},"... ",[21,6990,6991],{},"Nice",[11,6993,6994],{},"Well, we know what you're here for, and it's not a lengthy introduction, so let's get into it:",[30,6996],{},[34,6998],{},[37,7000,7002],{"id":7001},"why-learn-french-profanity","Why Learn French Profanity?",[11,7004,7005],{},"Swear words in French aren't just vulgarities; they're cultural expressions deeply embedded in everyday language. In France, swearing is common. So much that English speakers use the phrase “pardon my French” before swearing.",[11,7007,7008,7009,7017,7018,844],{},"Stereotypes are stereotypes, of course... but if you just watch an episode of ",[867,7010,7013,7016],{"href":7011,"rel":7012},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FLupin_(French_TV_series)",[1196],[21,7014,7015],{},"Lupin"," (a hit French mystery thriller TV series)",", you'll hear “merde” (shit) and “putain” (fuck) at the end of basically every other sentence. Alternatively—cursing and honking at other drivers on the road is commonplace. In fact, about ",[867,7019,7022],{"href":7020,"rel":7021},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.sudouest.fr\u002Feconomie\u002Ftransports\u002Fincivilites-au-volant-67-des-automobilistes-disent-insulter-les-autres-conducteurs-selon-un-sondage-19619222.php",[1196],"67% of French people admit to cursing at the wheel",[11,7024,7025],{},"Basically:",[86,7027,7028],{},[11,7029,7030,7031,7033,7034,7036],{},"Your goal is to understand French. ",[132,7032],{}," French people swear (a lot). ",[132,7035],{}," Ergo, to understand French well, you need to learn some common French swears.",[11,7038,7039],{},"And that's why we made this blog post.",[11,7041,7042],{},"Consider this your guide to French profanity—to sounding like a local, in the best sense of the word.",[34,7044],{},[37,7046,7048],{"id":7047},"the-most-common-slang-in-french-merde-and-putain","The Most Common Slang in French: \"Merde\" and \"Putain\"",[11,7050,7051],{},"Among the milder and yet more popular French swear words, \"merde\" (literally meaning \"shit\") and \"putain\" (originally meaning \"whore\") are ubiquitous. They function as versatile expressions akin to \"heck,\" \"dang,\" or \"shoot\" in English. They are mainly used to express surprise or disappointment.",[11,7053,7054],{},"\"Merde\" often expresses dismay or bad luck, while \"putain\" can convey frustration or emphasis.",[121,7056,7057,7068],{},[124,7058,7059,7060,55,7063,55,7065],{},"Merde! ",[57,7061],{"src":7062,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-merde.mp3",[132,7064],{},[21,7066,7067],{},"\"Damn!\"",[124,7069,7070,7071,55,7074,55,7076],{},"Putain, j'ai oublié mes clés. ",[57,7072],{"src":7073,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Putain, j'ai oublié mes clés..mp3",[132,7075],{},[21,7077,7078],{},"\"Damn, I forgot my keys.\"",[11,7080,7081],{},"While you should refrain from using swear words before they come naturally to you in another language, using “merde” and “putain” in informal contexts might help you sound like a native French speaker—without the risk of offending anyone.",[11,7083,7084],{},"“Putain” is definitely one of the preferred slang words of the French language. You might also hear it on French TV as “putain de…,” which can be translated as “fucking” and can be used for both positive and negative things:",[121,7086,7087,7098],{},[124,7088,7089,7090,7093,55,7095],{},"C'est putain de bien! ",[57,7091],{"src":7092,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-C'est putain de bien!.mp3",[132,7094],{},[21,7096,7097],{},"\"That's fucking great!\"",[124,7099,7100,7101,55,7104,55,7106],{},"Ce putain de chien a bouffé mes chaussettes! ",[57,7102],{"src":7103,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Ce putain de chien a bouffé mes chaussettes!.mp3",[132,7105],{},[21,7107,7108],{},"\"That fucking dog destroyed my socks!\"",[37,7110,7112],{"id":7111},"commonly-used-french-curse-words","Commonly Used French Curse Words",[11,7114,7115],{},"Here's a table of some of the most common French expressions for cursing, their English word equivalents, and instances in which they can be used. Most can also be complete sentences in and of themselves when appearing with an exclamation mark.",[183,7117,7118,7133],{},[186,7119,7120],{},[189,7121,7122,7125,7128,7131],{},[192,7123,7124],{},"French  ",[192,7126,7127],{},"Meaning         ",[192,7129,7130],{},"When to Use It                                            ",[192,7132,203],{},[208,7134,7135,7162,7189,7215,7242,7272],{},[189,7136,7137,7143,7146,7149],{},[213,7138,7139,7140,218],{},"Fait chier ",[57,7141],{"src":7142,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Fait chier.mp3",[213,7144,7145],{},"Pain in the ass \u002F So annoying",[213,7147,7148],{},"Used to express frustration or annoyance.                 ",[213,7150,7151,55,7154,55,7157,55,7159],{},[21,7152,7153],{},"Ça me fait chier de tout recommencer.",[57,7155],{"src":7156,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Ça me fait chier de tout recommencer..mp3",[132,7158],{},[21,7160,7161],{},"\"It's a pain in the ass to start all over again.\"",[189,7163,7164,7170,7173,7176],{},[213,7165,7166,7167,218],{},"Ta gueule ",[57,7168],{"src":7169,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-ta_gueule.mp3",[213,7171,7172],{},"Shut up \u002F Shut your mouth    ",[213,7174,7175],{},"Very rude way to tell someone to be quiet.                ",[213,7177,7178,55,7181,55,7184,55,7186],{},[21,7179,7180],{},"Ta gueule, tu comprends rien.",[57,7182],{"src":7183,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Ta gueule, tu comprends rien..mp3",[132,7185],{},[21,7187,7188],{},"\"Shut up, you don't get it.\"",[189,7190,7191,7197,7200,7203],{},[213,7192,7193,7194,1087],{},"Va te faire foutre ",[57,7195],{"src":7196,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Va te faire foutre.mp3",[213,7198,7199],{},"Fuck off                      ",[213,7201,7202],{},"Extremely vulgar; used when very angry or offended.       ",[213,7204,7205,55,7208,55,7210,55,7212],{},[21,7206,7207],{},"Va te faire foutre, débile.",[57,7209],{"src":7196,":type":60},[132,7211],{},[21,7213,7214],{},"\"Fuck off, you idiot.\"",[189,7216,7217,7223,7226,7229],{},[213,7218,7219,7220,280],{},"Connard ",[57,7221],{"src":7222,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Connard.mp3",[213,7224,7225],{},"Jerk \u002F Asshole (masculine)    ",[213,7227,7228],{},"Can be friendly (like “idiot”) among friends, or insulting.",[213,7230,7231,55,7234,55,7237,55,7239],{},[21,7232,7233],{},"T'es vraiment un connard, toi.",[57,7235],{"src":7236,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-T'es vraiment un connard, toi.mp3",[132,7238],{},[21,7240,7241],{},"\"You're really an asshole.\"",[189,7243,7244,7250,7253,7259],{},[213,7245,7246,7247,280],{},"Connasse ",[57,7248],{"src":7249,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Connasse.mp3",[213,7251,7252],{},"Bitch \u002F Idiot (feminine)      ",[213,7254,7255,7256,7258],{},"Feminine equivalent of “connard,” but ",[132,7257],{}," has a gendered connotation that can also mean “bitch.”    ",[213,7260,7261,55,7264,55,7267,55,7269],{},[21,7262,7263],{},"Tu joues à la connasse là, hein ?",[57,7265],{"src":7266,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Tu joues à la connasse là, hein.mp3",[132,7268],{},[21,7270,7271],{},"\"You're acting like a bitch, you know?\"",[189,7273,7274,7280,7283,7286],{},[213,7275,7276,7277,2528],{},"Bâtard ",[57,7278],{"src":7279,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Bâtard.mp3",[213,7281,7282],{},"Bastard                      ",[213,7284,7285],{},"Offensive, but can also be used jokingly among close friends",[213,7287,7288,55,7291,55,7294,55,7296],{},[21,7289,7290],{},"Quel bâtard, il a encore gagné !",[57,7292],{"src":7293,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Quel bâtard, il a encore gagné.mp3",[132,7295],{},[21,7297,7298],{},"\"What a bastard, he won again!\"",[11,7300,7301],{},"Most of these words can swing between friendly banter and hurtful language, depending on tone, context, and relationship.",[121,7303,7304,7311],{},[124,7305,7306,7307,7310],{},"Being called ",[21,7308,7309],{},"connard"," by a close friend might mean nothing more than “you little rascal,” but the same word shouted during a heated argument would definitely not be taken lightly.",[124,7312,7313],{},"The severity of French vulgar words also depends on the region. A friend might lightly tell you “ta gueule” (“shut up”) or “va te faire foutre” (“Fuck off”) in Marseille but you'd probably need to take it more seriously if a Parisian tells you that.",[86,7315,7316],{},[11,7317,7318],{},"When in doubt, listen before you speak.",[11,7320,7321],{},"French natives are masters of playful swearing, but it takes time and immersion to get the rhythm and intent right. Use these words cautiously until you’re confident you won’t accidentally offend someone!",[37,7323,7325],{"id":7324},"frenchinsults-not-to-use","French Insults NOT to Use",[11,7327,7328,7329,7332],{},"These words are unfortunately still used in some areas of France, often seen in graffiti, heard in rap lyrics, or tossed around by angry people. As such, while you may encounter them, ",[21,7330,7331],{},"do not"," imitate them.",[86,7334,7335,7338,7340],{},[381,7336,7337],{"bold":383,"underline":383},"\n❗ Important ❗\n",[132,7339],{},[381,7341,7342],{},"\nJust because you can translate or identify a word doesn’t mean you should say it. These curses cross the line from casual swearing into offensive, harmful language. Steer clear.\n",[414,7344,7346],{"id":7345},"the-most-nuclear-of-french-profanity","The most nuclear of French profanity",[11,7348,7349],{},"As you can see from the English, these are all strong expressions that border on the obscene. Unlike the words we shared above, there is just no playful way to use this kind of language. If you hear these terms, a fight is probably in progress or about to start.",[183,7351,7352,7360],{},[186,7353,7354],{},[189,7355,7356,7358],{},[192,7357,1070],{},[192,7359,1073],{},[208,7361,7362,7373,7384],{},[189,7363,7364,7370],{},[213,7365,7366,7367],{},"Nique ta mère ",[57,7368],{"src":7369,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Nique ta mère.mp3",[213,7371,7372],{},"“Fuck your mother”",[189,7374,7375,7381],{},[213,7376,7377,7378],{},"Nique tes morts ",[57,7379],{"src":7380,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Nique tes morts.mp3",[213,7382,7383],{},"“Fuck your dead relatives”",[189,7385,7386,7392],{},[213,7387,7388,7389],{},"Ta mère la pute ",[57,7390],{"src":7391,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Ta mère la pute.mp3",[213,7393,7394],{},"“Your mom's a whore”",[414,7396,7398],{"id":7397},"sexist-language","Sexist language",[11,7400,7401],{},"What a culture considers vulgar or profane gives you an insight into its values. As with much of the world, French's gendered insults often have to do with sexuality: promiscuity for women, and feebleness\u002Feffeminate qualities in men.",[183,7403,7404,7412],{},[186,7405,7406],{},[189,7407,7408,7410],{},[192,7409,1070],{},[192,7411,1073],{},[208,7413,7414,7425,7436,7450,7464],{},[189,7415,7416,7422],{},[213,7417,7418,7419],{},"Salope ",[57,7420],{"src":7421,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Salope.mp3",[213,7423,7424],{},"“Bitch”",[189,7426,7427,7433],{},[213,7428,7429,7430],{},"Pétasse ",[57,7431],{"src":7432,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Pétasse.mp3",[213,7434,7435],{},"“Slut”",[189,7437,7438,7444],{},[213,7439,7440,7441],{},"Pute ",[57,7442],{"src":7443,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Pute.mp3",[213,7445,7446,7447,7449],{},"“Whore” ",[132,7448],{}," (Note the resemblance with \"Putain\")",[189,7451,7452,7458],{},[213,7453,7454,7455],{},"Couille molle ",[57,7456],{"src":7457,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Couille molle.mp3",[213,7459,7460,7461,7463],{},"\"Soft balls\" ",[132,7462],{}," (along the lines of \"pansy\" or \"chickenshit\")",[189,7465,7466,7472],{},[213,7467,7468,7469],{},"Petite bite ",[57,7470],{"src":7471,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Petite bite.mp3",[213,7473,7474],{},"\"Small dick\"",[414,7476,7478],{"id":7477},"curses-related-to-impairments","Curses related to impairments",[11,7480,7481],{},"Punching down is never cool... but, if you spend much time with Frech, you'll often hear a few curse words that do precisely that.",[183,7483,7484,7492],{},[186,7485,7486],{},[189,7487,7488,7490],{},[192,7489,1070],{},[192,7491,1073],{},[208,7493,7494,7505,7516],{},[189,7495,7496,7502],{},[213,7497,7498,7499],{},"Mongolien ",[57,7500],{"src":7501,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Mongolien.mp3",[213,7503,7504],{},"“Mongoloid”",[189,7506,7507,7513],{},[213,7508,7509,7510],{},"Débile ",[57,7511],{"src":7512,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Débile.mp3",[213,7514,7515],{},"“Retarded”",[189,7517,7518,7524],{},[213,7519,7520,7521],{},"Taré ",[57,7522],{"src":7523,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Taré.mp3",[213,7525,7526],{},"“Nutcase”",[37,7528,7530],{"id":7529},"french-canadian-quebec-curse-words","French Canadian (Quebec) Curse Words",[11,7532,7533],{},"Influenced by regional dialects and a completely different historical context, Quebec French swear expressions differ significantly from those of the French spoken in France.",[183,7535,7536,7551],{},[186,7537,7538],{},[189,7539,7540,7543,7546,7549],{},[192,7541,7542],{},"Quebec French Swear Word",[192,7544,7545],{},"English Equivalent \u002F Meaning",[192,7547,7548],{},"When to Use It",[192,7550,203],{},[208,7552,7553,7581,7609,7637,7665],{},[189,7554,7555,7561,7567,7570],{},[213,7556,7557,7558],{},"Calisse ",[57,7559],{"src":7560,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Calisse.mp3",[213,7562,7563,7564,7566],{},"“Holy chalice” ",[132,7565],{}," (Used like “damn” or “fuck”)",[213,7568,7569],{},"Expresses anger, frustration, or emphasis",[213,7571,7572,7573,55,7576,55,7578],{},"Calisse de machine marche pas! ",[57,7574],{"src":7575,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Calisse de machine marche pas!.mp3",[132,7577],{},[21,7579,7580],{},"“This damn machine doesn’t work!”",[189,7582,7583,7589,7595,7598],{},[213,7584,7585,7586],{},"Tabarnak ",[57,7587],{"src":7588,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Tabarnak.mp3",[213,7590,7591,7592,7594],{},"“Tabernacle” ",[132,7593],{}," (church container)",[213,7596,7597],{},"One of the strongest Quebec swear words",[213,7599,7600,7601,55,7604,55,7606],{},"Tabarnak, j’en ai marre! ",[57,7602],{"src":7603,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fai.mp3",[132,7605],{},[21,7607,7608],{},"“Fuck, I’ve had enough!”",[189,7610,7611,7617,7620,7626],{},[213,7612,7613,7614],{},"Crisse \u002F Criss ",[57,7615],{"src":7616,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Crisse.mp3",[213,7618,7619],{},"“Christ”",[213,7621,7622,7623,7625],{},"Paired with other swear words ",[132,7624],{}," or used as a standalone expletive",[213,7627,7628,7629,55,7632,55,7634],{},"Crisse de calisse! ",[57,7630],{"src":7631,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Crisse de calisse!.mp3",[132,7633],{},[21,7635,7636],{},"“Fucking hell!”",[189,7638,7639,7645,7651,7654],{},[213,7640,7641,7642],{},"Ostie ",[57,7643],{"src":7644,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Ostie.mp3",[213,7646,7647,7648,7650],{},"“Host” ",[132,7649],{}," (communion wafer)",[213,7652,7653],{},"To show irritation or pain",[213,7655,7656,7657,55,7660,55,7662],{},"Ostie, ça fait mal! ",[57,7658],{"src":7659,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Ostie, ça fait mal!.mp3",[132,7661],{},[21,7663,7664],{},"“Damn, that hurts!”",[189,7666,7667,7673,7679,7682],{},[213,7668,7669,7670],{},"Niaiseux (Maudit) ",[57,7671],{"src":7672,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Niaiseux Maudit.mp3",[213,7674,7675,7676,7678],{},"“Idiot” ",[132,7677],{}," (maudit = damned)",[213,7680,7681],{},"Less vulgar; used for teasing or as a mild insult",[213,7683,7684,7685,55,7688,55,7690],{},"Arrête de faire ton niaiseux. ",[57,7686],{"src":7687,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Arrête de faire ton niaiseux..mp3",[132,7689],{},[21,7691,7692],{},"“Stop acting like a fool.”",[414,7694,7696],{"id":7695},"why-quebec-curses-are-so-unique","Why Quebec curses are so unique",[11,7698,7699],{},"As you probably noticed, Quebecois swear words are mostly drawn from Catholic church vocabulary. Unlike France, where most curses are about sex, body parts, or social roles, Quebec’s profanity reflects its unique religious history.",[11,7701,7702],{},"From the 1600s to the early 20th century, Quebec was dominated by the Catholic Church. Religion shaped every part of life: education, politics, morality, and even what people ate or wore. Over time, many French Canadians began to rebel—not with pitchforks, but with words. Saying “tabarnak” or “calisse” (objects used in Mass) became a way to vent frustration and challenge authority.",[11,7704,7705,7706,7709],{},"Today, these “sacres” ",[57,7707],{"src":7708,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-sacres.mp3"," (as they’re called in Quebec) are often strung together in poetic, angry combinations. While still considered offensive, they're also a colorful and expressive part of Quebec’s spoken French.",[86,7711,7712,7715,7717],{},[381,7713,7714],{"bold":383,"underline":383},"\n📌 Pro tip\n",[132,7716],{},[381,7718,7719],{},"\nIn Quebec, these words are often toned down for politeness. For example, \"tabarnouche\" or \"câline\" are softer substitutes for “tabarnak” and “calisse”—in the same way that we replace \"shit\" with \"shoot\". You can even hear these \"soft\" curses on TV or in polite company.\n",[11,7721,7722],{},"Understanding these swear words helps you better grasp the emotional texture and history behind Quebec French—just remember, like all profanity, translation has its limits and context is everything!",[37,7724,7726],{"id":7725},"how-to-learn-to-swear-like-a-french-native-speaker","How to learn to swear like a French native speaker",[11,7728,7729,7730,7733],{},"Learning French isn't ",[21,7731,7732],{},"easy",", but any means, but it is pretty simple:",[3153,7735,7736,7739,7742],{},[124,7737,7738],{},"Consume French media that you can understand (and hopefully enjoy)",[124,7740,7741],{},"Observe French words used in context",[124,7743,7744],{},"Acquire French, gradually, over time",[11,7746,7747,7748,7753],{},"For example—we know that you're a cultured fellow, so let's say you're binging some YouTube specials from ",[867,7749,7752],{"href":7750,"rel":7751},"http:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FLes_Inconnus",[1196],"Les Inconnus",", a legendary French comedy trio.",[11,7755,7756,7757,844],{},"Here you are—you've got the video booted up on your phone, and you haven't read this blog post, so your innocent ears are hopefully confused upon bumping into a word like ",[21,7758,7759],{},"merde",[833,7761],{"src":7762,"width":7763,"height":7764,"alt":7765},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-french-swears-plug1.jpeg",1708,1202,"A screenshot showing how Migaku enhances YouTube videos",[11,7767,7768],{},"... so you click on it, and Migaku shows you a dictionary definition of what it means.",[11,7770,7771],{},"This indeed seems to be a most useful word, so you decide you want to learn it—you click that orange button in the top-right corner of the popup dictionary, and after a second or two of tweaking, you wind up with a flashcard like this:",[833,7773],{"src":7774,"width":7775,"height":7776,"alt":7777},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-french-swears-plug2.jpeg",1430,1206,"A screenshot of a flashcard that Migaku automatically made from a French YouTube video",[11,7779,7780],{},"We'll periodically nudge you to practice this word, ensuring that it gradually works its way into your memory. We'll also take media from your content of choice (screenshot + audio) to make the flashcard just a bit more special.",[876,7782],{"href":878,"text":879},[37,7784,7786],{"id":7785},"the-last-thing-that-stands-between-you-and-using-french-swear-words-like-a-native","The last thing that stands between you and using French swear words like a native",[11,7788,7789,7790,7793],{},"This is a handy guide—or should we say a ",[21,7791,7792],{},"une putain de belle référence","—but there's a golden rule of language learning:",[86,7795,7796],{},[11,7797,7798,7799],{},"If you improve French media, and consume some of the messages and sentences within that media, you will improve. ",[21,7800,2993],{},[11,7802,7803],{},"So, have your fun. Google the funny words. Memorize a curse or two (or three). But, at the end of the day, remember to actually spend some time interacting with French.",{"title":383,"searchDepth":915,"depth":915,"links":7805},[7806,7807,7808,7809,7814,7817,7818],{"id":7001,"depth":915,"text":7002},{"id":7047,"depth":915,"text":7048},{"id":7111,"depth":915,"text":7112},{"id":7324,"depth":915,"text":7325,"children":7810},[7811,7812,7813],{"id":7345,"depth":923,"text":7346},{"id":7397,"depth":923,"text":7398},{"id":7477,"depth":923,"text":7478},{"id":7529,"depth":915,"text":7530,"children":7815},[7816],{"id":7695,"depth":923,"text":7696},{"id":7725,"depth":915,"text":7726},{"id":7785,"depth":915,"text":7786},"Want to sound like a native? Learn French swear words! Master commonly used French curse words like 'merde' and other insults.",{"timestampUnix":7821,"slug":7822,"h1":7823,"image":7824,"tags":7829},1747722619830,"french-swear-words","French Swear Words: A Guide to Cursing in French",{"src":7825,"width":7826,"height":7827,"alt":7828},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-french-swears-thumbnail.jpeg",1909,1226,"A photo of an elegant French woman who has had enough of this shit for today",[2036,941],"\u002Farticle\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-french-curses","---\ntitle: 'French Swear Words Guide: Curse Like a Native'\ndescription: \"Want to sound like a native? Learn French swear words! Master commonly used French curse words like 'merde' and other insults.\"\ntimestampUnix: 1747722619830\nslug: 'french-swear-words'\nh1: 'French Swear Words: A Guide to Cursing in French'\nimage:\n src: '\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-french-swears-thumbnail.jpeg'\n width: 1909\n height: 1226\n alt: 'A photo of an elegant French woman who has had enough of this shit for today'\ntags:\n - listicle\n - vocabulary\n---\n\n👀 Look at you. You went ahead and Googled \"French swear words\".\n\n... _Nice_.\n\nWell, we know what you're here for, and it's not a lengthy introduction, so let's get into it:\n\n\u003Ctoc>\u003C\u002Ftoc>\n\n---\n\n## Why Learn French Profanity?\n\nSwear words in French aren't just vulgarities; they're cultural expressions deeply embedded in everyday language. In France, swearing is common. So much that English speakers use the phrase “pardon my French” before swearing.\n\nStereotypes are stereotypes, of course... but if you just watch an episode of [_Lupin_ (a hit French mystery thriller TV series)](\u003Chttps:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FLupin_(French_TV_series)>), you'll hear “merde” (shit) and “putain” (fuck) at the end of basically every other sentence. Alternatively—cursing and honking at other drivers on the road is commonplace. In fact, about [67% of French people admit to cursing at the wheel](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.sudouest.fr\u002Feconomie\u002Ftransports\u002Fincivilites-au-volant-67-des-automobilistes-disent-insulter-les-autres-conducteurs-selon-un-sondage-19619222.php).\n\nBasically:\n\n> Your goal is to understand French. \u003Cbr> French people swear (a lot). \u003Cbr> Ergo, to understand French well, you need to learn some common French swears.\n\nAnd that's why we made this blog post.\n\nConsider this your guide to French profanity—to sounding like a local, in the best sense of the word.\n\n---\n\n## The Most Common Slang in French: \"Merde\" and \"Putain\"\n\nAmong the milder and yet more popular French swear words, \"merde\" (literally meaning \"shit\") and \"putain\" (originally meaning \"whore\") are ubiquitous. They function as versatile expressions akin to \"heck,\" \"dang,\" or \"shoot\" in English. They are mainly used to express surprise or disappointment.\n\n\"Merde\" often expresses dismay or bad luck, while \"putain\" can convey frustration or emphasis.\n\n- Merde! \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-merde.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _\"Damn!\"_\n- Putain, j'ai oublié mes clés. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Putain, j'ai oublié mes clés..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _\"Damn, I forgot my keys.\"_\n\nWhile you should refrain from using swear words before they come naturally to you in another language, using “merde” and “putain” in informal contexts might help you sound like a native French speaker—without the risk of offending anyone.\n\n“Putain” is definitely one of the preferred slang words of the French language. You might also hear it on French TV as “putain de…,” which can be translated as “fucking” and can be used for both positive and negative things:\n\n- C'est putain de bien! \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-C'est putain de bien!.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\u003Cbr> _\"That's fucking great!\"_\n\n- Ce putain de chien a bouffé mes chaussettes! \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Ce putain de chien a bouffé mes chaussettes!.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _\"That fucking dog destroyed my socks!\"_\n\n## Commonly Used French Curse Words\n\nHere's a table of some of the most common French expressions for cursing, their English word equivalents, and instances in which they can be used. Most can also be complete sentences in and of themselves when appearing with an exclamation mark.\n\n| French   | Meaning          | When to Use It                                             | Example Sentence |\n| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------ | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| Fait chier \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Fait chier.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>            | Pain in the ass \u002F So annoying | Used to express frustration or annoyance.                  | _Ça me fait chier de tout recommencer._ \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Ça me fait chier de tout recommencer..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _\"It's a pain in the ass to start all over again.\"_ |\n| Ta gueule \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-ta_gueule.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>            | Shut up \u002F Shut your mouth     | Very rude way to tell someone to be quiet.                 | _Ta gueule, tu comprends rien._ \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Ta gueule, tu comprends rien..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _\"Shut up, you don't get it.\"_ |\n| Va te faire foutre \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Va te faire foutre.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>    | Fuck off                       | Extremely vulgar; used when very angry or offended.        | _Va te faire foutre, débile._ \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Va te faire foutre.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _\"Fuck off, you idiot.\"_ |\n| Connard \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Connard.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>              | Jerk \u002F Asshole (masculine)     | Can be friendly (like “idiot”) among friends, or insulting. | _T'es vraiment un connard, toi._ \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-T'es vraiment un connard, toi.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _\"You're really an asshole.\"_ |\n| Connasse \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Connasse.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>              | Bitch \u002F Idiot (feminine)       | Feminine equivalent of “connard,” but \u003Cbr> has a gendered connotation that can also mean “bitch.”     | _Tu joues à la connasse là, hein ?_ \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Tu joues à la connasse là, hein.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _\"You're acting like a bitch, you know?\"_ |\n| Bâtard \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Bâtard.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>                | Bastard                       | Offensive, but can also be used jokingly among close friends | _Quel bâtard, il a encore gagné !_ \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Quel bâtard, il a encore gagné.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _\"What a bastard, he won again!\"_ |\n\nMost of these words can swing between friendly banter and hurtful language, depending on tone, context, and relationship.\n\n- Being called _connard_ by a close friend might mean nothing more than “you little rascal,” but the same word shouted during a heated argument would definitely not be taken lightly.\n- The severity of French vulgar words also depends on the region. A friend might lightly tell you “ta gueule” (“shut up”) or “va te faire foutre” (“Fuck off”) in Marseille but you'd probably need to take it more seriously if a Parisian tells you that.\n\n> When in doubt, listen before you speak.\n\nFrench natives are masters of playful swearing, but it takes time and immersion to get the rhythm and intent right. Use these words cautiously until you’re confident you won’t accidentally offend someone!\n\n## French Insults NOT to Use\n\nThese words are unfortunately still used in some areas of France, often seen in graffiti, heard in rap lyrics, or tossed around by angry people. As such, while you may encounter them, _do not_ imitate them.\n\n> \u003CCenteredText bold underline>❗ Important ❗\u003C\u002FCenteredText>\u003Cbr>\u003CCenteredText>Just because you can translate or identify a word doesn’t mean you should say it. These curses cross the line from casual swearing into offensive, harmful language. Steer clear.\u003C\u002FCenteredText>\n\n### The most nuclear of French profanity\n\nAs you can see from the English, these are all strong expressions that border on the obscene. Unlike the words we shared above, there is just no playful way to use this kind of language. If you hear these terms, a fight is probably in progress or about to start.\n\n| French | English |\n| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------- |\n| Nique ta mère \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Nique ta mère.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | “Fuck your mother” |\n| Nique tes morts \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Nique tes morts.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | “Fuck your dead relatives” |\n| Ta mère la pute \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Ta mère la pute.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | “Your mom's a whore” |\n\n### Sexist language\n\nWhat a culture considers vulgar or profane gives you an insight into its values. As with much of the world, French's gendered insults often have to do with sexuality: promiscuity for women, and feebleness\u002Feffeminate qualities in men.\n\n| French | English |\n| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| Salope \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Salope.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | “Bitch” |\n| Pétasse \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Pétasse.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | “Slut” |\n| Pute \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Pute.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | “Whore” \u003Cbr> (Note the resemblance with \"Putain\") |\n| Couille molle \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Couille molle.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | \"Soft balls\" \u003Cbr> (along the lines of \"pansy\" or \"chickenshit\") |\n| Petite bite \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Petite bite.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | \"Small dick\" |\n\n### Curses related to impairments\n\nPunching down is never cool... but, if you spend much time with Frech, you'll often hear a few curse words that do precisely that.\n\n| French | English |\n| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------- |\n| Mongolien \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Mongolien.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | “Mongoloid” |\n| Débile \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Débile.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | “Retarded” |\n| Taré \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Taré.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | “Nutcase” |\n\n## French Canadian (Quebec) Curse Words\n\nInfluenced by regional dialects and a completely different historical context, Quebec French swear expressions differ significantly from those of the French spoken in France.\n\n| Quebec French Swear Word | English Equivalent \u002F Meaning | When to Use It | Example Sentence |\n| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |\n| Calisse \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Calisse.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | “Holy chalice” \u003Cbr> (Used like “damn” or “fuck”) | Expresses anger, frustration, or emphasis | Calisse de machine marche pas! \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Calisse de machine marche pas!.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _“This damn machine doesn’t work!”_ |\n| Tabarnak \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Tabarnak.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | “Tabernacle” \u003Cbr> (church container) | One of the strongest Quebec swear words | Tabarnak, j’en ai marre! \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fai.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _“Fuck, I’ve had enough!”_ |\n| Crisse \u002F Criss \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Crisse.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | “Christ” | Paired with other swear words \u003Cbr> or used as a standalone expletive | Crisse de calisse! \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Crisse de calisse!.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _“Fucking hell!”_ |\n| Ostie \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Ostie.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | “Host” \u003Cbr> (communion wafer) | To show irritation or pain | Ostie, ça fait mal! \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Ostie, ça fait mal!.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _“Damn, that hurts!”_ |\n| Niaiseux (Maudit) \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Niaiseux Maudit.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | “Idiot” \u003Cbr> (maudit = damned) | Less vulgar; used for teasing or as a mild insult | Arrête de faire ton niaiseux. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Arrête de faire ton niaiseux..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _“Stop acting like a fool.”_ |\n\n### Why Quebec curses are so unique\n\nAs you probably noticed, Quebecois swear words are mostly drawn from Catholic church vocabulary. Unlike France, where most curses are about sex, body parts, or social roles, Quebec’s profanity reflects its unique religious history.\n\nFrom the 1600s to the early 20th century, Quebec was dominated by the Catholic Church. Religion shaped every part of life: education, politics, morality, and even what people ate or wore. Over time, many French Canadians began to rebel—not with pitchforks, but with words. Saying “tabarnak” or “calisse” (objects used in Mass) became a way to vent frustration and challenge authority.\n\nToday, these “sacres” \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-sacres.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> (as they’re called in Quebec) are often strung together in poetic, angry combinations. While still considered offensive, they're also a colorful and expressive part of Quebec’s spoken French.\n\n> \u003CCenteredText bold underline>📌 Pro tip\u003C\u002FCenteredText>\u003Cbr>\u003CCenteredText>In Quebec, these words are often toned down for politeness. For example, \"tabarnouche\" or \"câline\" are softer substitutes for “tabarnak” and “calisse”—in the same way that we replace \"shit\" with \"shoot\". You can even hear these \"soft\" curses on TV or in polite company.\u003C\u002FCenteredText>\n\nUnderstanding these swear words helps you better grasp the emotional texture and history behind Quebec French—just remember, like all profanity, translation has its limits and context is everything!\n\n## How to learn to swear like a French native speaker\n\nLearning French isn't _easy_, but any means, but it is pretty simple:\n\n1. Consume French media that you can understand (and hopefully enjoy)\n2. Observe French words used in context\n3. Acquire French, gradually, over time\n\nFor example—we know that you're a cultured fellow, so let's say you're binging some YouTube specials from [Les Inconnus](http:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FLes_Inconnus), a legendary French comedy trio.\n\nHere you are—you've got the video booted up on your phone, and you haven't read this blog post, so your innocent ears are hopefully confused upon bumping into a word like _merde_.\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-french-swears-plug1.jpeg\" width=\"1708\" height=\"1202\" alt=\"A screenshot showing how Migaku enhances YouTube videos\" \u002F>\n\n... so you click on it, and Migaku shows you a dictionary definition of what it means.\n\nThis indeed seems to be a most useful word, so you decide you want to learn it—you click that orange button in the top-right corner of the popup dictionary, and after a second or two of tweaking, you wind up with a flashcard like this:\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-french-swears-plug2.jpeg\" width=\"1430\" height=\"1206\" alt=\"A screenshot of a flashcard that Migaku automatically made from a French YouTube video\" \u002F>\n\nWe'll periodically nudge you to practice this word, ensuring that it gradually works its way into your memory. We'll also take media from your content of choice (screenshot + audio) to make the flashcard just a bit more special.\n\n\u003Cprose-button href=\"\u002F\" text=\"Try Migaku for free\">\u003C\u002Fprose-button>\n\n## The last thing that stands between you and using French swear words like a native\n\nThis is a handy guide—or should we say a _une putain de belle référence_—but there's a golden rule of language learning:\n\n> If you improve French media, and consume some of the messages and sentences within that media, you will improve. _Period._\n\nSo, have your fun. Google the funny words. Memorize a curse or two (or three). But, at the end of the day, remember to actually spend some time interacting with French.\n",{"title":6980,"description":7819},"article\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-french-curses","dn7Oe8T_1Q1O5KUSYVQuxKWSyPjwjdhSiAC_4QPV1xw","May 20, 2025",{"id":7837,"title":7838,"body":7839,"description":8829,"extension":929,"meta":8830,"navigation":942,"path":8839,"rawbody":8840,"seo":8841,"stem":8842,"__hash__":8843,"timestampUnix":8831,"slug":8832,"h1":8833,"image":8834,"tags":8837,"_dir":948,"timestamp":8844},"content\u002Farticle\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-french-months.md","How to say the months in French | Big table w\u002F pronunciation notes",{"type":8,"value":7840,"toc":8816},[7841,7844,7852,7855,7858,7860,7862,7866,7869,7875,8153,8157,8163,8220,8223,8227,8233,8236,8240,8243,8350,8357,8411,8417,8421,8424,8540,8544,8618,8627,8631,8634,8639,8642,8688,8698,8700,8704,8707,8735,8737,8741,8748,8751,8754,8763,8768,8771,8777,8780,8786,8789,8792,8794,8796,8800,8803,8806,8813],[11,7842,7843],{},"Good news:",[121,7845,7846,7849],{},[124,7847,7848],{},"French also has 12 months",[124,7850,7851],{},"With the exception of August (août ???) they look very similar to the English months",[11,7853,7854],{},"That out of the way, let's get into how to say the French months, how to talk about dates and seasons, and a bit of grammar related to the French calendar. We'll also include audio samples and rough English approximations of key vocabulary words, as beginners often feel that there's at best a dubious relationship between French spelling and French pronunciation.",[11,7856,7857],{},"We'll talk about:",[30,7859],{},[34,7861],{},[37,7863,7865],{"id":7864},"table-les-mois-de-lannée-learn-the-months-of-the-year-in-french-pronunciation-notes","[Table] Les mois de l'année: Learn the months of the year in French (+ pronunciation notes)",[11,7867,7868],{},"We'll bust out a few example sentences in the next section. For now, just look through the table. If you're new to French, make a point to check out the audio recordings—while you'll likely immediately recognize all of the months (except perhaps for August), the way they sound may surprise you.",[11,7870,7871,7872,7874],{},"Also, note that months are ",[21,7873,3835],{}," capitalized in French.",[183,7876,7877,7899],{},[186,7878,7879],{},[189,7880,7881,7884,7887,7894,7897],{},[192,7882,7883],{},"English Month",[192,7885,7886],{},"Mois en français",[192,7888,7889],{},[867,7890,7893],{"href":7891,"rel":7892},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FInternational_Phonetic_Alphabet",[1196],"IPA guide",[192,7895,7896],{},"English pronunciation",[192,7898,206],{},[208,7900,7901,7922,7943,7964,7985,8006,8027,8048,8069,8090,8111,8132],{},[189,7902,7903,7906,7909,7914,7917],{},[213,7904,7905],{},"January",[213,7907,7908],{},"janvier",[213,7910,7911],{},[2553,7912,7913],{"style":3701}," ʒɑ̃.vje ",[213,7915,7916],{},"zhahn-vyay",[213,7918,7919],{},[57,7920],{"src":7921,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-janvier.mp3",[189,7923,7924,7927,7930,7935,7938],{},[213,7925,7926],{},"February",[213,7928,7929],{},"février",[213,7931,7932],{},[2553,7933,7934],{"style":3701}," fe.vʁi.je ",[213,7936,7937],{},"fay-vree-yay",[213,7939,7940],{},[57,7941],{"src":7942,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-février.mp3",[189,7944,7945,7948,7951,7956,7959],{},[213,7946,7947],{},"March",[213,7949,7950],{},"mars",[213,7952,7953],{},[2553,7954,7955],{"style":3701}," maʁs ",[213,7957,7958],{},"mahrs",[213,7960,7961],{},[57,7962],{"src":7963,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-mars.mp3",[189,7965,7966,7969,7972,7977,7980],{},[213,7967,7968],{},"April",[213,7970,7971],{},"avril",[213,7973,7974],{},[2553,7975,7976],{"style":3701}," a.vʁil ",[213,7978,7979],{},"ah-vreel",[213,7981,7982],{},[57,7983],{"src":7984,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-avril.mp3",[189,7986,7987,7990,7993,7998,8001],{},[213,7988,7989],{},"May",[213,7991,7992],{},"mai",[213,7994,7995],{},[2553,7996,7997],{"style":3701}," mɛ ",[213,7999,8000],{},"meh",[213,8002,8003],{},[57,8004],{"src":8005,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-mai.mp3",[189,8007,8008,8011,8014,8019,8022],{},[213,8009,8010],{},"June",[213,8012,8013],{},"juin",[213,8015,8016],{},[2553,8017,8018],{"style":3701}," ʒɥɛ̃ ",[213,8020,8021],{},"zhwan",[213,8023,8024],{},[57,8025],{"src":8026,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-juin.mp3",[189,8028,8029,8032,8035,8040,8043],{},[213,8030,8031],{},"July",[213,8033,8034],{},"juillet",[213,8036,8037],{},[2553,8038,8039],{"style":3701}," ʒɥi.jɛ ",[213,8041,8042],{},"zhwee-yeh",[213,8044,8045],{},[57,8046],{"src":8047,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-juillet.mp3",[189,8049,8050,8053,8056,8061,8064],{},[213,8051,8052],{},"August",[213,8054,8055],{},"août",[213,8057,8058],{},[2553,8059,8060],{"style":3701}," u(t) ",[213,8062,8063],{},"oot",[213,8065,8066],{},[57,8067],{"src":8068,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-août.mp3",[189,8070,8071,8074,8077,8082,8085],{},[213,8072,8073],{},"September",[213,8075,8076],{},"septembre",[213,8078,8079],{},[2553,8080,8081],{"style":3701}," sɛp.tɑ̃bʁ ",[213,8083,8084],{},"sep-tahm-bruh",[213,8086,8087],{},[57,8088],{"src":8089,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-septembre.mp3",[189,8091,8092,8095,8098,8103,8106],{},[213,8093,8094],{},"October",[213,8096,8097],{},"octobre",[213,8099,8100],{},[2553,8101,8102],{"style":3701}," ɔk.tɔbʁ ",[213,8104,8105],{},"ok-toh-bruh",[213,8107,8108],{},[57,8109],{"src":8110,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-octobre.mp3",[189,8112,8113,8116,8119,8124,8127],{},[213,8114,8115],{},"November",[213,8117,8118],{},"novembre",[213,8120,8121],{},[2553,8122,8123],{"style":3701}," nɔ.vɑ̃bʁ ",[213,8125,8126],{},"noh-vahm-bruh",[213,8128,8129],{},[57,8130],{"src":8131,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-novembre.mp3",[189,8133,8134,8137,8140,8145,8148],{},[213,8135,8136],{},"December",[213,8138,8139],{},"décembre",[213,8141,8142],{},[2553,8143,8144],{"style":3701}," de.sɑ̃bʁ ",[213,8146,8147],{},"day-sahm-bruh",[213,8149,8150],{},[57,8151],{"src":8152,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-décembre.mp3",[414,8154,8156],{"id":8155},"examples-the-french-months-in-sentences","[Examples] The French months in sentences",[11,8158,8159,8160,8162],{},"The good news continues: in the same way as we say \"in {month}\", French people say \"en {month}\". Again, notice that the French months are ",[21,8161,3835],{}," capitalized in these sentences.",[121,8164,8165,8176,8187,8198,8209],{},[124,8166,8167,8168,55,8171,8173,8175],{},"L'école commence en septembre. ",[57,8169],{"src":8170,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-L'école commence en septembre..mp3",[132,8172],{},[132,8174],{},"\nSchool starts in September.",[124,8177,8178,8179,55,8182,8184,8186],{},"La neige inattendue en avril a surpris les jardiniers. ",[57,8180],{"src":8181,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-La neige inattendue en avril a surpris les jardiniers..mp3",[132,8183],{},[132,8185],{},"\nThe unexpected snow in April took the gardeners by surprise.",[124,8188,8189,8190,55,8193,8195,8197],{},"Je suis née en février. ",[57,8191],{"src":8192,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Je suis née en février..mp3",[132,8194],{},[132,8196],{},"\nI was born in February.",[124,8199,8200,8201,55,8204,8206,8208],{},"Mon anniversaire est en octobre. ",[57,8202],{"src":8203,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Mon anniversaire est en octobre..mp3",[132,8205],{},[132,8207],{},"\nMy birthday is in October.",[124,8210,8211,8212,55,8215,8217,8219],{},"En mai, il y a quelque chose à célébrer chaque jour. ",[57,8213],{"src":8214,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-En mai, il y a quelque chose à célébrer chaque jour..mp3",[132,8216],{},[132,8218],{},"\nIn May, there's something to celebrate every single day.",[11,8221,8222],{},"As you can see, just like in English, the placement of time words is quite flexible in French. Your \"en {month}\" can go in the beginning of a sentence, at the end, or somewhere in the middle.",[37,8224,8226],{"id":8225},"other-french-vocabulary-related-to-the-calendar-seasons-dates-parts-of-the-month","Other French vocabulary related to the calendar (seasons, dates, parts of the month)",[11,8228,8229,8230,8232],{},"Naturally, it's not enough to ",[21,8231,6875],{}," know the months. They don't appear in isolation, after all!",[11,8234,8235],{},"Here's a hodgepodge of vocabulary and phrases that you'll likely use in tandem with the months.",[414,8237,8239],{"id":8238},"les-saisons-how-to-say-and-pronounce-the-seasons-in-french","Les saisons: How to say (and pronounce!) the seasons in French",[11,8241,8242],{},"We'll start with the seasons of the year. Note that, like the months, seasons are not capitalized in French, either.",[183,8244,8245,8264],{},[186,8246,8247],{},[189,8248,8249,8252,8255,8260,8262],{},[192,8250,8251],{},"English Season",[192,8253,8254],{},"Saisons en français",[192,8256,8257],{},[867,8258,7893],{"href":7891,"rel":8259},[1196],[192,8261,7896],{},[192,8263,206],{},[208,8265,8266,8287,8308,8329],{},[189,8267,8268,8271,8274,8279,8282],{},[213,8269,8270],{},"Spring",[213,8272,8273],{},"le printemps",[213,8275,8276],{},[2553,8277,8278],{"style":3701},"lə pʁɛ̃.tɑ̃ ",[213,8280,8281],{},"luh pran-tahn",[213,8283,8284],{},[57,8285],{"src":8286,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-le printemps.mp3",[189,8288,8289,8292,8295,8300,8303],{},[213,8290,8291],{},"Summer",[213,8293,8294],{},"l'été",[213,8296,8297],{},[2553,8298,8299],{"style":3701}," le.te ",[213,8301,8302],{},"lay-tay",[213,8304,8305],{},[57,8306],{"src":8307,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-l'ete.mp3",[189,8309,8310,8313,8316,8321,8324],{},[213,8311,8312],{},"Autumn\u002FFall",[213,8314,8315],{},"l'automne",[213,8317,8318],{},[2553,8319,8320],{"style":3701}," lɔ.tɔn ",[213,8322,8323],{},"loh-ton",[213,8325,8326],{},[57,8327],{"src":8328,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-l'automne.mp3",[189,8330,8331,8334,8337,8342,8345],{},[213,8332,8333],{},"Winter",[213,8335,8336],{},"l'hiver",[213,8338,8339],{},[2553,8340,8341],{"style":3701}," li.vɛʁ ",[213,8343,8344],{},"lee-vair",[213,8346,8347],{},[57,8348],{"src":8349,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-l'hiver.mp3",[11,8351,8352,8353,8356],{},"While I hate to immediately contradict myself, when you say \"",[21,8354,8355],{},"in"," {season}\", the \"le\" or \"l'\" from the above table will be dropped. Observe:",[121,8358,8359,8372,8385,8398],{},[124,8360,8361,8362,55,8365,8367,8369],{},"†Au printemps, les fleurs fleurissent. ",[57,8363],{"src":8364,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Au printemps, les fleurs fleurissent..mp3",[132,8366],{},[132,8368],{},[21,8370,8371],{},"In spring, flowers bloom.",[124,8373,8374,8375,55,8378,8380,8382],{},"Je vais à la plage en été. ",[57,8376],{"src":8377,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Je vais à la plage en été..mp3",[132,8379],{},[132,8381],{},[21,8383,8384],{},"I go to the beach in summer.",[124,8386,8387,8388,55,8391,8393,8395],{},"Les feuilles tombent en automne. ",[57,8389],{"src":8390,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Les feuilles tombent en automne..mp3",[132,8392],{},[132,8394],{},[21,8396,8397],{},"Leaves fall in autumn.",[124,8399,8400,8401,55,8404,8406,8408],{},"Il neige souvent en hiver. ",[57,8402],{"src":8403,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Il neige souvent en hiver..mp3",[132,8405],{},[132,8407],{},[21,8409,8410],{},"It often snows in winter.",[11,8412,8413,8414],{},"† ",[21,8415,8416],{},"Note: Yes, for whatever reason, Spring is the red-headed stepchild of French months. You use it with \"au\", despite the fact that you use all of the other seasons with \"en\".",[414,8418,8420],{"id":8419},"how-to-refer-to-specific-months-or-parts-of-the-month-in-french","How to refer to specific months or parts of the month in French",[11,8422,8423],{},"Here's some key phrases you can pair with the names of the months. To use them, simply replace {mois} with whichever month you'd like.",[183,8425,8426,8442],{},[186,8427,8428],{},[189,8429,8430,8432,8434,8439],{},[192,8431,1070],{},[192,8433,1073],{},[192,8435,8436],{},[867,8437,7893],{"href":7891,"rel":8438},[1196],[192,8440,8441],{},"English approximation",[208,8443,8444,8460,8476,8492,8508,8524],{},[189,8445,8446,8449,8452,8457],{},[213,8447,8448],{},"en début + {mois}",[213,8450,8451],{},"in early + {month}",[213,8453,8454],{},[2553,8455,8456],{"style":3701}," ɑ̃ de.by ",[213,8458,8459],{},"ahn day-boo",[189,8461,8462,8465,8468,8473],{},[213,8463,8464],{},"à la mi + {mois}",[213,8466,8467],{},"in mid + {month}",[213,8469,8470],{},[2553,8471,8472],{"style":3701}," a la mi ",[213,8474,8475],{},"ah la mee",[189,8477,8478,8481,8484,8489],{},[213,8479,8480],{},"à la fin + {mois}",[213,8482,8483],{},"at the end of + {month}",[213,8485,8486],{},[2553,8487,8488],{"style":3701}," a la fɛ̃ ",[213,8490,8491],{},"ah la fah",[189,8493,8494,8497,8500,8505],{},[213,8495,8496],{},"†en {mois} dernier",[213,8498,8499],{},"last {month}",[213,8501,8502],{},[2553,8503,8504],{"style":3701}," ɑ̃ {mwa} dɛʁ.nje ",[213,8506,8507],{},"awe {mwah} dair-nyay",[189,8509,8510,8513,8516,8521],{},[213,8511,8512],{},"ce {mois}",[213,8514,8515],{},"this {month}",[213,8517,8518],{},[2553,8519,8520],{"style":3701}," sə {mwa} ",[213,8522,8523],{},"suh {mwah}",[189,8525,8526,8529,8532,8537],{},[213,8527,8528],{},"†en {mois} prochain",[213,8530,8531],{},"next {month}",[213,8533,8534],{},[2553,8535,8536],{"style":3701}," ɑ̃ {mwa} pʁɔ.ʃɛ̃ ",[213,8538,8539],{},"awe {mwah} proh-shan",[11,8541,8542],{},[69,8543,2270],{},[121,8545,8546,8559,8572,8585,8596,8607],{},[124,8547,8548,8549,55,8552,8554,8556],{},"En début septembre, l'école commence en France. ",[57,8550],{"src":8551,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-En début septembre, l'école commence en France..mp3",[132,8553],{},[132,8555],{},[21,8557,8558],{},"In early September, school starts in France.",[124,8560,8561,8562,55,8565,8567,8569],{},"À la mi-mars, je pars en vacances. ",[57,8563],{"src":8564,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-À la mi-mars, je pars en vacances..mp3",[132,8566],{},[132,8568],{},[21,8570,8571],{},"In mid-March, I'll go on vacation.",[124,8573,8574,8575,55,8578,8580,8582],{},"À la fin décembre, la France est couverte de neige. ",[57,8576],{"src":8577,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-À la fin décembre, la France est couverte de neige..mp3",[132,8579],{},[132,8581],{},[21,8583,8584],{},"At the end of December, France is covered in snow.",[124,8586,8587,8588,55,8591,55,8593],{},"Je suis allé à Paris le mai dernier. ",[57,8589],{"src":8590,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Je suis allé à Paris le mai dernier..mp3",[132,8592],{},[21,8594,8595],{},"I went to Paris last May.",[124,8597,8598,8599,55,8602,55,8604],{},"Comme je vous l'ai dit, ce juillet, pour la première fois depuis des années, je suis célibataire, et je compte bien profiter le plus possible de mon été. ",[57,8600],{"src":8601,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Comme je vous l'ai dit, ce juillet, pour la première fois depuis des années, je suis célibataire, et je compte bien profiter le plus possible de mon été..mp3",[132,8603],{},[21,8605,8606],{},"As I told you, this July, for the first time in years, I am single, and I plan on enjoying my summer to the fullest.",[124,8608,8609,8610,55,8613,55,8615],{},"Cette rencontre de deux jours qui réunira des spécialistes du monde entier aura lieu en août prochain, à Vancouver. ",[57,8611],{"src":8612,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Cette rencontre de deux jours qui réunira des spécialistes du monde entier aura lieu en août prochain, à Vancouver..mp3",[132,8614],{},[21,8616,8617],{},"This two-day meeting, which will bring together specialists from around the world, will take place next August in Vancouver.",[11,8619,8413,8620],{},[21,8621,8622,8623,844],{},"Note: Unfortunately, whether {mois} is preceeded by le, du, or au depends on what is happening in the rest of the sentence. That logic is beyond the scope of this blog article, but you may read about it (in French) ",[867,8624,2933],{"href":8625,"rel":8626},"https:\u002F\u002Fvitrinelinguistique.oqlf.gouv.qc.ca\u002F23398\u002Fla-grammaire\u002Fladjectif\u002Faccord-de-ladjectif\u002Fcas-particuliers-daccord-de-ladjectif\u002Faccord-des-adjectifs-dernier-et-prochain-dans-lecriture-de-dates",[1196],[414,8628,8630],{"id":8629},"le-mois-how-to-combine-days-and-months-to-say-the-date-in-french","Le # mois: How to combine days and months to say the date in French",[11,8632,8633],{},"In French, there's a fixed way to say the date:",[86,8635,8636],{},[11,8637,8638],{},"le + # + {month}",[11,8640,8641],{},"This is very similar to English's \"The # of {month}\", but French speakers do not say \"of\", as you can see in these examples:",[121,8643,8644,8655,8666,8677],{},[124,8645,8646,8647,55,8650,8652,8654],{},"La Fête Nationale est le 14 (quatorze) juillet. ",[57,8648],{"src":8649,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-La Fête Nationale est le 14 juillet..mp3",[132,8651],{},[132,8653],{},"\nBastille Day is on the 14th of July.",[124,8656,8657,8658,55,8661,8663,8665],{},"Cette année, l'école commence le 4 (quatre) septembre. ",[57,8659],{"src":8660,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Cette année, l'école commence le 4 septembre..mp3",[132,8662],{},[132,8664],{},"\nThis year, school begins on the 4th of September.",[124,8667,8668,8669,55,8672,8674,8676],{},"La Toussaint est le 1er (premier) novembre. ",[57,8670],{"src":8671,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-La Toussaint est le 1er novembre..mp3",[132,8673],{},[132,8675],{},"\nAll Saints' Day is on the 1st (premier) of November.",[124,8678,8679,8680,55,8683,8685,8687],{},"Le 1er (premier) mai est un jour férié en France. ",[57,8681],{"src":8682,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Le 1er mai est un jour férié en France..mp3",[132,8684],{},[132,8686],{},"\nThe 1st of May is a public holiday in France.",[11,8689,8690,8691,8694,8695,8697],{},"Important to notice here is that, with the exception of the first of the month (where they say ",[21,8692,8693],{},"premier","), French just uses normal numbers to say the date: \"the three february\", ",[21,8696,3835],{}," \"the third of February\"",[34,8699],{},[37,8701,8703],{"id":8702},"some-grammar-notes-about-months-and-dates-in-french","Some grammar notes about months and dates in French",[11,8705,8706],{},"We've sprinkled a few grammar notes throughout the above sections. Here's a quick recap:",[121,8708,8709,8712,8715,8718,8732],{},[124,8710,8711],{},"Months and seasons in French are not capitalized, unlike in English",[124,8713,8714],{},"Use \"en\" to say \"in\" with months and most seasons (except for spring, which is \"au printemps\")",[124,8716,8717],{},"Dates follow the format \"le + # + month\" (e.g., \"le 14 juillet\" for the 14th of July)",[124,8719,8720,8721,8724,8725,8728,8729,4329],{},"The first of the month is always \"le 1er\" (",[21,8722,8723],{},"le premier","), but all other days use normal numbers like \"le 2\" (",[21,8726,8727],{},"le deux",") or \"le 27\" (",[21,8730,8731],{},"le vingt-sept",[124,8733,8734],{},"All calendar-related words (days, months, and seasons) in French are masculine, meaning they take masculine forms of articles and adjectives",[34,8736],{},[37,8738,8740],{"id":8739},"a-simple-way-to-learn-the-names-of-the-months-in-french","A simple way to learn the names of the months in French",[11,8742,8743,8744,8747],{},"We've got an entire post devoted to ",[867,8745,8746],{"href":2958},"how memory works",", but one simple thing worth knowing is that it's easier to remember things if we encounter them in contexts that somehow engage, move, or interest us.",[11,8749,8750],{},"While blog posts like these are useful as a reference, they're unfortunately not particularly moving. You probably won't remember many of the months just because you read through that list in the first section.",[11,8752,8753],{},"Instead, you'll find the months much \"stickier\" if you encounter them in the wild, in real French content.",[11,8755,8756,8757,8762],{},"For example, say you're watching ",[867,8758,8761],{"href":8759,"rel":8760},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=vjtM9uTNF9U&list=PLXweyiR2fMMf-ZrjCNNKWoeq8L6tlSFUV&index=12V",[1196],"Trois Personnes Célèbres"," on YouTube. You'll end up running into a sentence like this:",[86,8764,8765],{},[11,8766,8767],{},"Cette personne est née le 4 août, le 4 août 1961.",[11,8769,8770],{},"And if you're watching YouTube with Migaku, you can just click on those words to see what they mean:",[833,8772],{"src":8773,"width":8774,"height":8775,"alt":8776},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-french-youtube2.jpeg",1760,1232,"A screenshot showing Migaku's ability to transform YouTube videos into learning materials",[11,8778,8779],{},"Since you're learning the French months, you can go ahead and click the orange button in the top-right corner of the dictionary window. Doing so will generate a flashcard that looks like this:",[833,8781],{"src":8782,"width":8783,"height":8784,"alt":8785},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-french-flashcard.jpeg",1482,1236,"A screenshot showing a flashcard that Migaku automatically created from a YouTube video",[11,8787,8788],{},"Migaku automatically takes a screenshot and an audio recording, fetches the word you've selected and the sentence it appeared in, and turns it into a flashcard. From here, we'll periodically nudge you to review it, ensuring that you eventually remember it.",[11,8790,8791],{},"It's pretty simple, but that's the only \"secret\" there is to learning vocabulary. If you consume French content you enjoy, you will encounter new words in interesting contexts, and that real-life connection to French media will make the words easier to remember.",[876,8793],{"href":878,"text":879},[34,8795],{},[37,8797,8799],{"id":8798},"so-youve-learned-the-names-of-months-and-mastered-the-french-calendar-but-what-now","So, you've learned the names of months and mastered the French calendar... but what now?",[11,8801,8802],{},"Huzzah! We're done. That wasn't too hard.",[11,8804,8805],{},"What makes learning French cool (and challenging) is that there isn't a set path from here. Where you go next is up to you! In fact, the golden rule of language learning is:",[86,8807,8808],{},[11,8809,8810,8811],{},"If you consume French media you enjoy, and you understand at least some of the messages and sentences within that media, you'll make progress. ",[21,8812,2993],{},[11,8814,8815],{},"So now that you've got this boring stuff out of the way, go do something cool in French 💪",{"title":383,"searchDepth":915,"depth":915,"links":8817},[8818,8821,8826,8827,8828],{"id":7864,"depth":915,"text":7865,"children":8819},[8820],{"id":8155,"depth":923,"text":8156},{"id":8225,"depth":915,"text":8226,"children":8822},[8823,8824,8825],{"id":8238,"depth":923,"text":8239},{"id":8419,"depth":923,"text":8420},{"id":8629,"depth":923,"text":8630},{"id":8702,"depth":915,"text":8703},{"id":8739,"depth":915,"text":8740},{"id":8798,"depth":915,"text":8799},"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.",{"timestampUnix":8831,"slug":8832,"h1":8833,"image":8834,"tags":8837},1742964275000,"months-in-french","The French months of the year: pronunciation, dates, and the calendar!",{"src":8835,"width":6008,"height":6009,"alt":8836},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-thumbnail-french-months.jpeg","A woman eating a baguette—perhaps on National French Bread Day!",[8838,2036],"fundamentals","\u002Farticle\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-french-months","---\ntitle: 'How to say the months in French | Big table w\u002F pronunciation notes'\ndescription: \"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.\"\ntimestampUnix: 1742964275000\nslug: 'months-in-french'\nh1: 'The French months of the year: pronunciation, dates, and the calendar!'\nimage:\n src: '\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-thumbnail-french-months.jpeg'\n width: 1571\n height: 1047\n alt: 'A woman eating a baguette—perhaps on National French Bread Day!'\ntags:\n - fundamentals\n - listicle\n---\n\nGood news:\n\n- French also has 12 months\n- With the exception of August (août ???) they look very similar to the English months\n\nThat out of the way, let's get into how to say the French months, how to talk about dates and seasons, and a bit of grammar related to the French calendar. We'll also include audio samples and rough English approximations of key vocabulary words, as beginners often feel that there's at best a dubious relationship between French spelling and French pronunciation.\n\nWe'll talk about:\n\n\u003Ctoc>\u003C\u002Ftoc>\n\n---\n\n## \\[Table] Les mois de l'année: Learn the months of the year in French (+ pronunciation notes)\n\nWe'll bust out a few example sentences in the next section. For now, just look through the table. If you're new to French, make a point to check out the audio recordings—while you'll likely immediately recognize all of the months (except perhaps for August), the way they sound may surprise you.\n\nAlso, note that months are _not_ capitalized in French.\n\n| English Month | Mois en français | [IPA guide](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FInternational_Phonetic_Alphabet) | English pronunciation | Audio |\n| ------------- | ---------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| January | janvier | \u003Cspan style=\"font-feature-settings: 'cv11' off;\"> ʒɑ̃.vje \u003C\u002Fspan> | zhahn-vyay | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-janvier.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| February | février | \u003Cspan style=\"font-feature-settings: 'cv11' off;\"> fe.vʁi.je \u003C\u002Fspan> | fay-vree-yay | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-février.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| March | mars | \u003Cspan style=\"font-feature-settings: 'cv11' off;\"> maʁs \u003C\u002Fspan> | mahrs | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-mars.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| April | avril | \u003Cspan style=\"font-feature-settings: 'cv11' off;\"> a.vʁil \u003C\u002Fspan> | ah-vreel | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-avril.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| May | mai | \u003Cspan style=\"font-feature-settings: 'cv11' off;\"> mɛ \u003C\u002Fspan> | meh | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-mai.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| June | juin | \u003Cspan style=\"font-feature-settings: 'cv11' off;\"> ʒɥɛ̃ \u003C\u002Fspan> | zhwan | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-juin.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| July | juillet | \u003Cspan style=\"font-feature-settings: 'cv11' off;\"> ʒɥi.jɛ \u003C\u002Fspan> | zhwee-yeh | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-juillet.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| August | août | \u003Cspan style=\"font-feature-settings: 'cv11' off;\"> u(t) \u003C\u002Fspan> | oot | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-août.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| September | septembre | \u003Cspan style=\"font-feature-settings: 'cv11' off;\"> sɛp.tɑ̃bʁ \u003C\u002Fspan> | sep-tahm-bruh | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-septembre.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| October | octobre | \u003Cspan style=\"font-feature-settings: 'cv11' off;\"> ɔk.tɔbʁ \u003C\u002Fspan> | ok-toh-bruh | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-octobre.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| November | novembre | \u003Cspan style=\"font-feature-settings: 'cv11' off;\"> nɔ.vɑ̃bʁ \u003C\u002Fspan> | noh-vahm-bruh | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-novembre.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| December | décembre | \u003Cspan style=\"font-feature-settings: 'cv11' off;\"> de.sɑ̃bʁ \u003C\u002Fspan> | day-sahm-bruh | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-décembre.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n\n### \\[Examples] The French months in sentences\n\nThe good news continues: in the same way as we say \"in {month}\", French people say \"en {month}\". Again, notice that the French months are _not_ capitalized in these sentences.\n\n- L'école commence en septembre. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-L'école commence en septembre..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr>\n School starts in September.\n- La neige inattendue en avril a surpris les jardiniers. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-La neige inattendue en avril a surpris les jardiniers..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr>\n The unexpected snow in April took the gardeners by surprise.\n- Je suis née en février. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Je suis née en février..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr>\n I was born in February.\n- Mon anniversaire est en octobre. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Mon anniversaire est en octobre..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr>\n My birthday is in October.\n- En mai, il y a quelque chose à célébrer chaque jour. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-En mai, il y a quelque chose à célébrer chaque jour..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr>\n In May, there's something to celebrate every single day.\n\nAs you can see, just like in English, the placement of time words is quite flexible in French. Your \"en {month}\" can go in the beginning of a sentence, at the end, or somewhere in the middle.\n\n## Other French vocabulary related to the calendar (seasons, dates, parts of the month)\n\nNaturally, it's not enough to _just_ know the months. They don't appear in isolation, after all!\n\nHere's a hodgepodge of vocabulary and phrases that you'll likely use in tandem with the months.\n\n### Les saisons: How to say (and pronounce!) the seasons in French\n\nWe'll start with the seasons of the year. Note that, like the months, seasons are not capitalized in French, either.\n\n| English Season | Saisons en français | [IPA guide](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FInternational_Phonetic_Alphabet) | English pronunciation | Audio |\n| -------------- | ------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |\n| Spring | le printemps | \u003Cspan style=\"font-feature-settings: 'cv11' off;\">lə pʁɛ̃.tɑ̃ \u003C\u002Fspan> | luh pran-tahn | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-le printemps.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| Summer | l'été | \u003Cspan style=\"font-feature-settings: 'cv11' off;\"> le.te \u003C\u002Fspan> | lay-tay | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-l'ete.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| Autumn\u002FFall | l'automne | \u003Cspan style=\"font-feature-settings: 'cv11' off;\"> lɔ.tɔn \u003C\u002Fspan> | loh-ton | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-l'automne.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| Winter | l'hiver | \u003Cspan style=\"font-feature-settings: 'cv11' off;\"> li.vɛʁ \u003C\u002Fspan> | lee-vair | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-l'hiver.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n\nWhile I hate to immediately contradict myself, when you say \"_in_ {season}\", the \"le\" or \"l'\" from the above table will be dropped. Observe:\n\n- †Au printemps, les fleurs fleurissent. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Au printemps, les fleurs fleurissent..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr>\n _In spring, flowers bloom._\n- Je vais à la plage en été. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Je vais à la plage en été..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr>\n _I go to the beach in summer._\n- Les feuilles tombent en automne. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Les feuilles tombent en automne..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr>\n _Leaves fall in autumn._\n- Il neige souvent en hiver. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Il neige souvent en hiver..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr>\n _It often snows in winter._\n\n† _Note: Yes, for whatever reason, Spring is the red-headed stepchild of French months. You use it with \"au\", despite the fact that you use all of the other seasons with \"en\"._\n\n### How to refer to specific months or parts of the month in French\n\nHere's some key phrases you can pair with the names of the months. To use them, simply replace {mois} with whichever month you'd like.\n\n| French | English | [IPA guide](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FInternational_Phonetic_Alphabet) | English approximation |\n| ------------------- | ----------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------- |\n| en début + {mois} | in early + {month} | \u003Cspan style=\"font-feature-settings: 'cv11' off;\"> ɑ̃ de.by \u003C\u002Fspan> | ahn day-boo |\n| à la mi + {mois} | in mid + {month} | \u003Cspan style=\"font-feature-settings: 'cv11' off;\"> a la mi \u003C\u002Fspan> | ah la mee |\n| à la fin + {mois} | at the end of + {month} | \u003Cspan style=\"font-feature-settings: 'cv11' off;\"> a la fɛ̃ \u003C\u002Fspan> | ah la fah |\n| †en {mois} dernier | last {month} | \u003Cspan style=\"font-feature-settings: 'cv11' off;\"> ɑ̃ {mwa} dɛʁ.nje \u003C\u002Fspan> | awe {mwah} dair-nyay |\n| ce {mois} | this {month} | \u003Cspan style=\"font-feature-settings: 'cv11' off;\"> sə {mwa} \u003C\u002Fspan> | suh {mwah} |\n| †en {mois} prochain | next {month} | \u003Cspan style=\"font-feature-settings: 'cv11' off;\"> ɑ̃ {mwa} pʁɔ.ʃɛ̃ \u003C\u002Fspan> | awe {mwah} proh-shan |\n\n**Example sentences:**\n\n- En début septembre, l'école commence en France. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-En début septembre, l'école commence en France..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr>\n _In early September, school starts in France._\n\n- À la mi-mars, je pars en vacances. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-À la mi-mars, je pars en vacances..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr>\n _In mid-March, I'll go on vacation._\n\n- À la fin décembre, la France est couverte de neige. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-À la fin décembre, la France est couverte de neige..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr>\n _At the end of December, France is covered in snow._\n\n- Je suis allé à Paris le mai dernier. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Je suis allé à Paris le mai dernier..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _I went to Paris last May._\n\n- Comme je vous l'ai dit, ce juillet, pour la première fois depuis des années, je suis célibataire, et je compte bien profiter le plus possible de mon été. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Comme je vous l'ai dit, ce juillet, pour la première fois depuis des années, je suis célibataire, et je compte bien profiter le plus possible de mon été..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _As I told you, this July, for the first time in years, I am single, and I plan on enjoying my summer to the fullest._\n\n- Cette rencontre de deux jours qui réunira des spécialistes du monde entier aura lieu en août prochain, à Vancouver. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Cette rencontre de deux jours qui réunira des spécialistes du monde entier aura lieu en août prochain, à Vancouver..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _This two-day meeting, which will bring together specialists from around the world, will take place next August in Vancouver._\n\n† _Note: Unfortunately, whether {mois} is preceeded by le, du, or au depends on what is happening in the rest of the sentence. That logic is beyond the scope of this blog article, but you may read about it (in French) [here](https:\u002F\u002Fvitrinelinguistique.oqlf.gouv.qc.ca\u002F23398\u002Fla-grammaire\u002Fladjectif\u002Faccord-de-ladjectif\u002Fcas-particuliers-daccord-de-ladjectif\u002Faccord-des-adjectifs-dernier-et-prochain-dans-lecriture-de-dates)._\n\n### Le # mois: How to combine days and months to say the date in French\n\nIn French, there's a fixed way to say the date:\n\n> le + # + {month}\n\nThis is very similar to English's \"The # of {month}\", but French speakers do not say \"of\", as you can see in these examples:\n\n- La Fête Nationale est le 14 (quatorze) juillet. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-La Fête Nationale est le 14 juillet..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr>\n Bastille Day is on the 14th of July.\n- Cette année, l'école commence le 4 (quatre) septembre. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Cette année, l'école commence le 4 septembre..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr>\n This year, school begins on the 4th of September.\n- La Toussaint est le 1er (premier) novembre. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-La Toussaint est le 1er novembre..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr>\n All Saints' Day is on the 1st (premier) of November.\n- Le 1er (premier) mai est un jour férié en France. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Le 1er mai est un jour férié en France..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr>\n The 1st of May is a public holiday in France.\n\nImportant to notice here is that, with the exception of the first of the month (where they say _premier_), French just uses normal numbers to say the date: \"the three february\", _not_ \"the third of February\"\n\n---\n\n## Some grammar notes about months and dates in French\n\nWe've sprinkled a few grammar notes throughout the above sections. Here's a quick recap:\n\n- Months and seasons in French are not capitalized, unlike in English\n\n- Use \"en\" to say \"in\" with months and most seasons (except for spring, which is \"au printemps\")\n\n- Dates follow the format \"le + # + month\" (e.g., \"le 14 juillet\" for the 14th of July)\n\n- The first of the month is always \"le 1er\" (_le premier_), but all other days use normal numbers like \"le 2\" (_le deux_) or \"le 27\" (_le vingt-sept_)\n\n- All calendar-related words (days, months, and seasons) in French are masculine, meaning they take masculine forms of articles and adjectives\n\n---\n\n## A simple way to learn the names of the months in French\n\nWe've got an entire post devoted to [how memory works](\u002Fblog\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fspaced-repetition-language-learning), but one simple thing worth knowing is that it's easier to remember things if we encounter them in contexts that somehow engage, move, or interest us.\n\nWhile blog posts like these are useful as a reference, they're unfortunately not particularly moving. You probably won't remember many of the months just because you read through that list in the first section.\n\nInstead, you'll find the months much \"stickier\" if you encounter them in the wild, in real French content.\n\nFor example, say you're watching [Trois Personnes Célèbres](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=vjtM9uTNF9U&list=PLXweyiR2fMMf-ZrjCNNKWoeq8L6tlSFUV&index=12V) on YouTube. You'll end up running into a sentence like this:\n\n> Cette personne est née le 4 août, le 4 août 1961.\n\nAnd if you're watching YouTube with Migaku, you can just click on those words to see what they mean:\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-french-youtube2.jpeg\" width=\"1760\" height=\"1232\" alt=\"A screenshot showing Migaku's ability to transform YouTube videos into learning materials\" \u002F>\n\nSince you're learning the French months, you can go ahead and click the orange button in the top-right corner of the dictionary window. Doing so will generate a flashcard that looks like this:\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-french-flashcard.jpeg\" width=\"1482\" height=\"1236\" alt=\"A screenshot showing a flashcard that Migaku automatically created from a YouTube video\" \u002F>\n\nMigaku automatically takes a screenshot and an audio recording, fetches the word you've selected and the sentence it appeared in, and turns it into a flashcard. From here, we'll periodically nudge you to review it, ensuring that you eventually remember it.\n\nIt's pretty simple, but that's the only \"secret\" there is to learning vocabulary. If you consume French content you enjoy, you will encounter new words in interesting contexts, and that real-life connection to French media will make the words easier to remember.\n\n\u003Cprose-button href=\"\u002F\" text=\"Try Migaku for free\">\u003C\u002Fprose-button>\n\n---\n\n## So, you've learned the names of months and mastered the French calendar... but what now?\n\nHuzzah! We're done. That wasn't too hard.\n\nWhat makes learning French cool (and challenging) is that there isn't a set path from here. Where you go next is up to you! In fact, the golden rule of language learning is:\n\n> If you consume French media you enjoy, and you understand at least some of the messages and sentences within that media, you'll make progress. _Period._\n\nSo now that you've got this boring stuff out of the way, go do something cool in French 💪\n",{"title":7838,"description":8829},"article\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-french-months","JztJl0ausSdhx6BsU2dBXFJGZB-qIIB_CCam8kCElRk","March 26, 2025",{"id":8846,"title":8847,"body":8848,"description":9974,"extension":929,"meta":9975,"navigation":942,"path":9986,"rawbody":9987,"seo":9988,"stem":9989,"__hash__":9990,"timestampUnix":9976,"slug":9977,"h1":9978,"image":9979,"tags":9985,"_dir":948,"timestamp":9991},"content\u002Farticle\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-french-no.md","Non! | 20+ Different Ways to Say No in French",{"type":8,"value":8849,"toc":9961},[8850,8857,8863,8866,8877,8880,8882,8884,8888,8905,8916,8920,8926,8954,8962,8979,8990,8996,9128,9141,9147,9154,9158,9163,9177,9180,9204,9206,9210,9217,9241,9244,9306,9311,9335,9338,9342,9345,9511,9515,9518,9686,9688,9692,9695,9698,9733,9736,9739,9878,9880,9884,9891,9894,9897,9900,9906,9909,9912,9918,9921,9923,9927,9930,9933,9936,9942,9948],[11,8851,8852,8853,8856],{},"If you've studied ",[21,8854,8855],{},"any"," French at all, you probably know that the word for \"no\" is \"non\".",[11,8858,8859,8860],{},"The thing is, there are many different ways to say no in French. ",[21,8861,8862],{},"(No wonder, in a country known for its high number of protests! 😅)",[11,8864,8865],{},"So, whether you're:",[121,8867,8868,8871,8874],{},[124,8869,8870],{},"Not sure how to refuse something in French",[124,8872,8873],{},"Afraid of sounding rude or",[124,8875,8876],{},"Afraid of sounding too formal",[11,8878,8879],{},"We've got you covered! Here is a compendium of the best ways to say no like a native:",[30,8881],{},[34,8883],{},[37,8885,8887],{"id":8886},"non-the-most-common-french-word-for-no","Non: The most common French word for “no”",[11,8889,8890,8891,55,8894,8897,8898,55,8901,8904],{},"If you’re starting to learn French, one of the first and most essential words to master is ",[69,8892,8893],{},"non",[57,8895],{"src":8896,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-non.mp3"," (or, a bit more emphatically: ",[21,8899,8900],{},"noooon",[57,8902],{"src":8903,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-non-emphatic.mp3",") — it's the standard, catch-all word for “no.” This little word is incredibly powerful and widely used in nearly every context, from casual conversations with friends to serious political speeches.",[86,8906,8907],{},[11,8908,8909,8910,8912,8913,8915],{},"The French word ",[69,8911,8893],{}," comes from the Latin ",[21,8914,8893],{},"; it doubles as both \"not\" or \"no.\"",[414,8917,8919],{"id":8918},"how-to-pronounce-non-in-french","How to pronounce non in French",[11,8921,8922,8923,8925],{},"Pronouncing ",[69,8924,8893],{}," might seem easy at first, but there are two important details that trip English speakers up:",[121,8927,8928,8945],{},[124,8929,6034,8930,8933,8934,8936,8937,8940,55,8942],{},[21,8931,8932],{},"none"," is pronounced \u002Fnʌn\u002F, but French ",[21,8935,8893],{}," is ",[2553,8938,8939],{"style":3701},"\u002F nɔ̃ \u002F",[132,8941],{},[21,8943,8944],{},"(the little ~ stands for \"nasalization\")",[124,8946,8947,8950,8951,8953],{},[21,8948,8949],{},"Non"," ends with a nasal O sound, not an N: it's ",[2553,8952,8939],{"style":3701}," , not \u002Fnɔn\u002F",[11,8955,8956,8957,8961],{},"If you don't understand the ",[867,8958,8960],{"href":7891,"rel":8959},[1196],"international phonetic alphabet",", this means:",[121,8963,8964,8973],{},[124,8965,8966,8967,8969,8970,8972],{},"The vowel in English ",[21,8968,8932],{}," and French ",[21,8971,8893],{}," is not quite the same",[124,8974,8975,8976,8978],{},"The French ",[21,8977,8893],{}," doesn't end with a hard\u002Fnoticeable N sound",[11,8980,8981,8982,8985,8986,8989],{},"Thankfully, the \u002Fɔ\u002F sound also exists in English (it's the vowel in ",[21,8983,8984],{},"thought","), so this vowel will be familiar to you. It just sounds a bit funny because it's nasalized ",[21,8987,8988],{},"(air comes not only out of your mouth but also out of your nose)",". It's a bit like saying “nohng”, but without pronouncing the final “g.” Try saying “non” through your nose a bit. The final nasal sound is really light and soft.",[11,8991,8992,8993,8995],{},"If you don't care too much about perfecting your pronunciation, this is enough to get on the right track. If you ",[21,8994,4038],{}," interested in pronunciation, check out a much more detailed walk through below:",[4004,8997,8999,9005,9008,9011,9025,9028,9043,9052,9058,9096,9099,9110,9122,9125],{"heading":8998},"A deep dive into nasalized vowels (many audio recordings!)",[11,9000,9001,9002,9004],{},"We actually have nasal vowels in English, too! You intuitively understand how to make nasal sounds, you're just not used to making them consciously because, in English, they only ever occur directly before an N or M sound. (In other words, you just hear a vowel plus an N or M sound). Unfortunately, in French, nasal vowels can appear in isolation—",[21,9003,1156],{}," being followed by an actual M or N sound.",[11,9006,9007],{},"You can learn to consciously make nasal sounds, too, but it'll take a bit of experimentation.",[11,9009,9010],{},"First compare these two words:",[121,9012,9013,9019],{},[124,9014,9015,9016],{},"Had ",[57,9017],{"src":9018,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fen-Had.m4a",[124,9020,9021,9022],{},"Hand ",[57,9023],{"src":9024,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fen-Hand.m4a",[11,9026,9027],{},"Now, say these words yourself... but place your fingers lightly on the brim of your nose, and say these two words yourself:",[121,9029,9030,9037],{},[124,9031,9032,9033,9036],{},"When you say ",[21,9034,9035],{},"had",", there won't be any vibration. This isn't a nasal sound.",[124,9038,9032,9039,9042],{},[21,9040,9041],{},"hand",", you'll notice vibration! That's the nasal N.",[11,9044,9045,9046,9048,9049],{},"Now, let's slow ",[21,9047,9041],{}," way down: ",[57,9050],{"src":9051,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fen-Hand slow.m4a",[11,9053,9054,9055,9057],{},"If you listen really carefully, you'll be able to pick out three sounds in the middle there. It's difficult, because they all blend into each other—but if you put your hand on your nose and say ",[21,9056,9041],{}," really slowly, you'll be able to make out:",[121,9059,9060,9069,9078,9087],{},[124,9061,9062,9063,780,9066],{},"A normal A ",[21,9064,9065],{},"(no vibration on your nose)",[57,9067],{"src":9068,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fen-A sound.m4a",[124,9070,9071,9072,780,9075],{},"... that turns into a nasalized A ",[21,9073,9074],{},"(your nose begins vibrating)",[57,9076],{"src":9077,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fen-Nasal A sound.m4a",[124,9079,9080,9081,780,9084],{},"... that turns into an N ",[21,9082,9083],{},"(your tongue connects with the top-front of your mouth, and the sound changes quality)",[57,9085],{"src":9086,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fen-N sound.m4a",[124,9088,9089,9090,55,9093],{},"Altogether now: ",[57,9091],{"src":9092,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fen-a nasal a n.m4a",[57,9094],{"src":9095,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fen-normal a nasal a N.m4a",[11,9097,9098],{},"Play around a little bit until you figure out what you need to do to pronounce a nasalized vowel. You'll know you've got it when you check these three boxes:",[121,9100,9101,9104,9107],{},[124,9102,9103],{},"A vowel sound",[124,9105,9106],{},"Your tongue does not touch your teeth or the roof of your mouth",[124,9108,9109],{},"There is vibration in your nose",[11,9111,9112,9113,9115,9116,55,9118,9121],{},"And once you can do ",[21,9114,3953],{},", you've got the concept of nasalization down. Take a bit of time to experiment with other vowels, and then take a careful listen to ",[21,9117,8893],{},[57,9119],{"src":9120,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Non.mp3"," again, and try to reproduce that \u002Fn\u002F + \u002F ɔ̃ \u002F.",[11,9123,9124],{},"Anyway, what a detour!",[11,9126,9127],{},"↓↓ Back to the article ↓↓",[121,9129,9130],{},[124,9131,9132,9133,55,9136,55,9138],{},"Non, merci. ",[57,9134],{"src":9135,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Non, merci..mp3",[132,9137],{},[21,9139,9140],{},"No, thank you.",[4988,9142],{"src":9143,"title":9144,"frameBorder":9145,"allow":9146},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FJswOaaE9X-I?si=xEaLHdM-VV06_acO","YouTube video player","0","accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share",[86,9148,9149],{},[381,9150,9151,32],{},[21,9152,9153],{},"Like singing? This song by Camélia Jordana says it about a million times. Get practicing 💪",[414,9155,9157],{"id":9156},"non-is-used-for-almost-everything","\"Non\" is used for almost everything",[11,9159,2094,9160,9162],{},[69,9161,8893],{}," is extremely flexible. You can use it:",[121,9164,9165,9168,9171,9174],{},[124,9166,9167],{},"To deny something outright",[124,9169,9170],{},"To reject a request or proposal",[124,9172,9173],{},"To disagree with someone",[124,9175,9176],{},"As a firm refusal or even a soft letdown",[11,9178,9179],{},"It works in both formal and informal situations, making it an indispensable part of the French learner’s toolkit.",[121,9181,9182,9193],{},[124,9183,9184,9185,55,9188,55,9190],{},"Non, ce n’est pas vrai. ",[57,9186],{"src":9187,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Non, ce n’est pas vrai..mp3",[132,9189],{},[21,9191,9192],{},"No, that’s not true.",[124,9194,9195,9196,55,9199,55,9201],{},"Non, je n’ai pas envie. ",[57,9197],{"src":9198,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Non, je n’ai pas envie..mp3",[132,9200],{},[21,9202,9203],{},"No, I don’t feel like it.",[34,9205],{},[37,9207,9209],{"id":9208},"the-grammar-of-french-negation","The grammar of French negation",[11,9211,9212,9213,9216],{},"French grammar gives you many ways to say “no” using sentence structure. The most basic pattern is ",[69,9214,9215],{},"ne... pas",", in which \"ne\" is placed before the verb and \"pas\" is placed after it:",[121,9218,9219,9230],{},[124,9220,9221,9222,55,9225,55,9227],{},"Je ne sais pas. ",[57,9223],{"src":9224,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-je_ne_sais_pas..mp3",[132,9226],{},[21,9228,9229],{},"I don’t know.",[124,9231,9232,9233,55,9236,55,9238],{},"Il ne veut pas venir. ",[57,9234],{"src":9235,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Il ne veut pas venir..mp3",[132,9237],{},[21,9239,9240],{},"He doesn’t want to come.",[11,9242,9243],{},"More advanced negations work basically the same way—\"ne\" before the verb, and then some other negating word after the verb:",[121,9245,9246,9266,9286],{},[124,9247,9248,55,9251,9254,9255,9257,9258,55,9261,55,9263],{},[69,9249,9250],{},"ne… jamais",[57,9252],{"src":9253,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-ne jamais.mp3"," (never) ",[132,9256],{}," Je ne mange jamais de viande. ",[57,9259],{"src":9260,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Je ne mange jamais de viande..mp3",[132,9262],{},[21,9264,9265],{},"I never eat meat.",[124,9267,9268,55,9271,9274,9275,9277,9278,55,9281,55,9283],{},[69,9269,9270],{},"ne… plus",[57,9272],{"src":9273,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-ne... plus.mp3"," (no longer) ",[132,9276],{}," Elle ne travaille plus ici. ",[57,9279],{"src":9280,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Elle ne travaille plus ici..mp3",[132,9282],{},[21,9284,9285],{},"She no longer works here.",[124,9287,9288,55,9291,9294,9295,9297,9298,55,9301,55,9303],{},[69,9289,9290],{},"ne… rien",[57,9292],{"src":9293,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-ne… rien.mp3"," (nothing)  ",[132,9296],{}," Il ne dit rien. ",[57,9299],{"src":9300,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Il ne dit rien..mp3",[132,9302],{},[21,9304,9305],{},"He says nothing.",[86,9307,9308],{},[11,9309,9310],{},"Remember: Before a vowel, “ne” becomes “n’” with an apostrophe.",[121,9312,9313,9324],{},[124,9314,9315,9316,55,9319,55,9321],{},"Je n'aime pas ça. ",[57,9317],{"src":9318,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Je n'aime pas ça..mp3",[132,9320],{},[21,9322,9323],{},"I don't like this.",[124,9325,9326,9327,55,9330,55,9332],{},"Il n'a pas été à la fac. ",[57,9328],{"src":9329,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Il n'a pas été à la fac..mp3",[132,9331],{},[21,9333,9334],{},"He didn't go to university.",[11,9336,9337],{},"Understanding how negation works grammatically will allow you to build your own sentences that say “no” in more nuanced ways.",[37,9339,9341],{"id":9340},"french-phrases-to-say-non","French phrases to say \"non\"",[11,9343,9344],{},"Sometimes, just saying \"non\" isn't enough. Thankfully, French offers a variety of synonyms and alternative phrases you can use to emphasize your refusal more clearly... or to state it more colorfully.",[183,9346,9347,9364],{},[186,9348,9349],{},[189,9350,9351,9354,9357,9360],{},[192,9352,9353],{},"Expression          ",[192,9355,9356],{},"Meaning       ",[192,9358,9359],{},"Use Case Example                              ",[192,9361,9363],{"align":9362},"center","Sentence Audio",[208,9365,9366,9390,9414,9438,9462,9487],{},[189,9367,9368,9374,9377,9385],{},[213,9369,9370,9371,341],{},"Pas question ",[57,9372],{"src":9373,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-pas question.mp3",[213,9375,9376],{},"No way \u002F Out of the question",[213,9378,9379,9380,55,9382],{},"Pas question que tu sortes ce soir. ",[132,9381],{},[21,9383,9384],{},"No way you're going out tonight.",[213,9386,9387],{"align":9362},[57,9388],{"src":9389,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Pas question que tu sortes ce soir..mp3",[189,9391,9392,9398,9401,9409],{},[213,9393,9394,9395,1087],{},"Hors de question ",[57,9396],{"src":9397,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-hors de question.mp3",[213,9399,9400],{},"Completely out of the question",[213,9402,9403,9404,55,9406],{},"Aller en boîte un lundi ? Hors de question ! ",[132,9405],{},[21,9407,9408],{},"Club on a Monday? Absolutely not!",[213,9410,9411],{"align":9362},[57,9412],{"src":9413,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Aller en boîte un lundi _ Hors de question !.mp3",[189,9415,9416,9422,9425,9433],{},[213,9417,9418,9419,280],{},"Jamais ",[57,9420],{"src":9421,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-jamais.mp3",[213,9423,9424],{},"Never                    ",[213,9426,9427,9428,55,9430],{},"Je ne ferai jamais ça. ",[132,9429],{},[21,9431,9432],{},"I would never do that.",[213,9434,9435],{"align":9362},[57,9436],{"src":9437,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Je ne ferai jamais ça..mp3",[189,9439,9440,9446,9449,9457],{},[213,9441,9442,9443,249],{},"Surtout pas ",[57,9444],{"src":9445,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-surtout pas.mp3",[213,9447,9448],{},"Especially not \u002F Definitely not",[213,9450,9451,9452,55,9454],{},"Tu veux partager ton dessert ? Surtout pas ! ",[132,9453],{},[21,9455,9456],{},"You want to share your dessert? Definitely not!",[213,9458,9459],{"align":9362},[57,9460],{"src":9461,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Tu veux partager ton dessert _ Surtout pas !.mp3",[189,9463,9464,9471,9474,9482],{},[213,9465,9466,9467,9470],{},"En aucun cas ",[57,9468],{"src":9469,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-en_aucun_cas.mp3","        ",[213,9472,9473],{},"Under no circumstance      ",[213,9475,9476,9477,55,9479],{},"En aucun cas je ne signerai ce contrat. ",[132,9478],{},[21,9480,9481],{},"Under no circumstance will I sign this contract.",[213,9483,9484],{"align":9362},[57,9485],{"src":9486,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-En aucun cas je ne signerai ce contrat..mp3",[189,9488,9489,9495,9498,9506],{},[213,9490,9491,9492],{},"Absolument pas ",[57,9493,725],{"src":9494,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-absolument pas.mp3",[213,9496,9497],{},"Absolutely not            ",[213,9499,9500,9501,55,9503],{},"Tu as triché ? Absolument pas. ",[132,9502],{},[21,9504,9505],{},"Did you cheat? Absolutely not.",[213,9507,9508],{"align":9362},[57,9509],{"src":9510,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Tu as triché _ Absolument pas..mp3",[414,9512,9514],{"id":9513},"informal-ways-of-saying-no-in-french","Informal Ways of Saying No in French",[11,9516,9517],{},"French speakers have plenty of slang and informal ways to say “no,” especially among younger people or in casual settings. These phrases add color and attitude to everyday speech.",[183,9519,9520,9535],{},[186,9521,9522],{},[189,9523,9524,9527,9530,9533],{},[192,9525,9526],{},"French         ",[192,9528,9529],{},"English                ",[192,9531,9532],{},"Example Sentence                              ",[192,9534,9363],{},[208,9536,9537,9561,9586,9610,9638,9662],{},[189,9538,9539,9545,9548,9556],{},[213,9540,9541,9542,2528],{},"Nope ",[57,9543],{"src":9544,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Nope.mp3",[213,9546,9547],{},"Just like in English        ",[213,9549,9550,9551,55,9553],{},"Nope, j’ai pas envie. ",[132,9552],{},[21,9554,9555],{},"Nope, I don’t feel like it.",[213,9557,9558],{},[57,9559],{"src":9560,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Nope, j’ai pas envie..mp3",[189,9562,9563,9570,9573,9581],{},[213,9564,9565,9566,9569],{},"T’as cru ",[57,9567],{"src":9568,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-t'as cru.mp3","          ",[213,9571,9572],{},"You thought?! (sarcastic)  ",[213,9574,9575,9576,55,9578],{},"T’as cru que j’allais faire ça ? ",[132,9577],{},[21,9579,9580],{},"You thought I was going to do that?",[213,9582,9583],{},[57,9584],{"src":9585,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-T’as cru que j’allais faire ça _.mp3",[189,9587,9588,9594,9597,9605],{},[213,9589,9590,9591,1087],{},"Même pas en rêve ",[57,9592],{"src":9593,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-même pas en rêve.mp3",[213,9595,9596],{},"Not even in your dreams    ",[213,9598,9599,9600,55,9602],{},"Tu crois que je vais faire ça ? Même pas en rêve. ",[132,9601],{},[21,9603,9604],{},"You think I’d do that? Not even in dreams.",[213,9606,9607],{},[57,9608],{"src":9609,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Tu crois que je vais faire ça _ Même pas en rêve..mp3",[189,9611,9612,9622,9625,9633],{},[213,9613,9614,9615,9618,9619],{},"Tu rêves ",[57,9616],{"src":9617,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-tu rêves.mp3"," \u002F T’as rêvé ",[57,9620],{"src":9621,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-t'as rêvé.mp3",[213,9623,9624],{},"You’re dreaming            ",[213,9626,9627,9628,55,9630],{},"Tu rêves si tu penses que je viens. ",[132,9629],{},[21,9631,9632],{},"You're dreaming if you think I'm coming.",[213,9634,9635],{},[57,9636],{"src":9637,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Tu rêves si tu penses que je viens..mp3",[189,9639,9640,9646,9649,9657],{},[213,9641,9642,9643,249],{},"C’est mort ",[57,9644],{"src":9645,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-c'est mort.mp3",[213,9647,9648],{},"It’s dead \u002F No way          ",[213,9650,9651,9652,55,9654],{},"Me demander de l’aide ? C’est mort. ",[132,9653],{},[21,9655,9656],{},"Asking me for help? No way.",[213,9658,9659],{},[57,9660],{"src":9661,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Me demander de l’aide _ C’est mort..mp3",[189,9663,9664,9670,9673,9681],{},[213,9665,9666,9667,9470],{},"Laisse tomber ",[57,9668],{"src":9669,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-laisse_tomber.mp3",[213,9671,9672],{},"Forget it                  ",[213,9674,9675,9676,55,9678],{},"On y va ? Laisse tomber, il pleut. ",[132,9677],{},[21,9679,9680],{},"Shall we go? Forget it, it’s raining.",[213,9682,9683],{},[57,9684],{"src":9685,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-On y va _ Laisse tomber, il pleut..mp3",[34,9687],{},[37,9689,9691],{"id":9690},"how-to-give-a-negative-response-politely-in-french","How to give a negative response politely in French",[11,9693,9694],{},"Let’s face it—even in France, being blunt isn't always the best approach. Saying “non” directly might feel too harsh, especially when talking to your boss, a client, or someone you respect.",[11,9696,9697],{},"Instead, native speakers often soften the blow with indirect or polite phrases. Just like in English!",[121,9699,9700,9711,9722],{},[124,9701,9702,9703,55,9706,55,9708],{},"Je crains que ce ne soit pas possible. ",[57,9704],{"src":9705,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Je crains que ce ne soit pas possible..mp3",[132,9707],{},[21,9709,9710],{},"I’m afraid that’s not possible.",[124,9712,9713,9714,55,9717,55,9719],{},"Je préférerais ne pas. ",[57,9715],{"src":9716,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Je préférerais ne pas..mp3",[132,9718],{},[21,9720,9721],{},"I’d prefer not to.",[124,9723,9724,9725,55,9728,55,9730],{},"Peut-être une autre fois ? ",[57,9726],{"src":9727,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Peut-être une autre fois _.mp3",[132,9729],{},[21,9731,9732],{},"Maybe another time?",[11,9734,9735],{},"These phrases help you say “no” without sounding rude or dismissive.",[11,9737,9738],{},"Here's a table with ready-made expressions you can use to politely decline when someone asks you something you can't do:",[183,9740,9741,9756],{},[186,9742,9743],{},[189,9744,9745,9748,9751,9754],{},[192,9746,9747],{},"French                   ",[192,9749,9750],{},"English                      ",[192,9752,9753],{},"Example Usage                                    ",[192,9755,9363],{"align":9362},[208,9757,9758,9782,9806,9830,9854],{},[189,9759,9760,9766,9769,9777],{},[213,9761,9762,9763,311],{},"Ça va être compliqué ",[57,9764],{"src":9765,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Ça va être compliqué.mp3",[213,9767,9768],{},"That’s going to be complicated        ",[213,9770,9771,9772,55,9774],{},"Pour cette date, ça va être compliqué. ",[132,9773],{},[21,9775,9776],{},"For that date, that’s going to be complicated.",[213,9778,9779],{"align":9362},[57,9780],{"src":9781,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Pour cette date, ça va être compliqué..mp3",[189,9783,9784,9790,9793,9801],{},[213,9785,9786,9787,9470],{},"Nous sommes désolés, mais… ",[57,9788],{"src":9789,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Nous sommes désolés, mais….mp3",[213,9791,9792],{},"We’re sorry, but…                      ",[213,9794,9795,9796,55,9798],{},"Nous sommes désolés, mais ce produit est épuisé. ",[132,9797],{},[21,9799,9800],{},"We’re sorry, but that product is out of stock.",[213,9802,9803],{"align":9362},[57,9804],{"src":9805,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Nous sommes désolés, mais ce produit est épuisé..mp3",[189,9807,9808,9814,9817,9825],{},[213,9809,9810,9811,341],{},"Ce n’est pas envisageable ",[57,9812],{"src":9813,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Ce n’est pas envisageable.mp3",[213,9815,9816],{},"It’s not an option                    ",[213,9818,9819,9820,55,9822],{},"Ce changement n’est pas envisageable. ",[132,9821],{},[21,9823,9824],{},"That change is not an option.",[213,9826,9827],{"align":9362},[57,9828],{"src":9829,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Ce changement n’est pas envisageable..mp3",[189,9831,9832,9838,9841,9849],{},[213,9833,9834,9835],{},"Je ne pense pas que ce soit possible ",[57,9836],{"src":9837,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Je ne pense pas que ce soit possible.mp3",[213,9839,9840],{},"I don’t think that’s possible      ",[213,9842,9843,9844,55,9846],{},"Je ne pense pas que ce soit possible aujourd’hui. ",[132,9845],{},[21,9847,9848],{},"I don’t think that’s possible today.",[213,9850,9851],{"align":9362},[57,9852],{"src":9853,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Je ne pense pas que ce soit possible aujourd’hui..mp3",[189,9855,9856,9862,9865,9873],{},[213,9857,9858,9859,130],{},"Malheureusement, je ne peux pas ",[57,9860],{"src":9861,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Malheureusement, je ne peux pas.mp3",[213,9863,9864],{},"Unfortunately, I can’t                ",[213,9866,9867,9868,55,9870],{},"Malheureusement, je ne peux pas venir. ",[132,9869],{},[21,9871,9872],{},"Unfortunately, I can’t come.",[213,9874,9875],{"align":9362},[57,9876],{"src":9877,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Malheureusement, je ne peux pas venir..mp3",[34,9879],{},[37,9881,9883],{"id":9882},"how-to-learn-which-no-phrase-to-use-when","How to learn which \"no\" phrase to use when",[11,9885,9886,9887,9890],{},"Let’s be real—memorizing vocabulary lists will only get you so far. To understand how French people really say “no” in different situations, you need to ",[21,9888,9889],{},"feel"," it. To do that, you need to encounter these phrases in bunch of different contexts..",[11,9892,9893],{},"That means interacting with French: watching TV shows, movies, and YouTube videos.",[11,9895,9896],{},"Migaku facilitates this process by making text interactive on websites and in places like YouTube\u002FNetflix subtitles. For example, say you're watching a French video on YouTube, and you stumble into the phrase “même pas en rêve.”",[11,9898,9899],{},"Well, just tap on it!",[833,9901],{"src":9902,"width":9903,"height":9904,"alt":9905},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-french-no-plug1.jpeg",1804,1262,"A screenshot demonstrating Migaku's ability to make subtitles in YouTube videos interactive",[11,9907,9908],{},"Migaku will show you a dictionary definition of what it means—or, in messy dialogues like this, have AI give you an explanation of what the phrase means in this particular context.",[11,9910,9911],{},"If you decide that the word looks useful, you can tap on the orange button in the top-right corner of the dictionary to create a flashcard directly from your show. It looks like this:",[833,9913],{"src":9914,"width":9915,"height":9916,"alt":9917},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-french-no-plug2.jpeg",1496,1260,"A screenshot showing a flashcard that Migaku made from a French YouTube video",[11,9919,9920],{},"There you go! We'll nudge you to review this phrase periodically, ensuring that you eventually remember it. (And it'll be easier to remember, because every time you hear it, you'll see your show and hear it pronounced by a voice you know.)",[34,9922],{},[37,9924,9926],{"id":9925},"say-non-like-native-french-speakers","Say \"Non\" like Native French Speakers",[11,9928,9929],{},"Mastering how to say “no” in French isn’t just about one word—it’s about understanding when and how to use a variety of expressions, depending on the context, tone, and personality.",[11,9931,9932],{},"That process takes time.",[11,9934,9935],{},"So, remember:",[86,9937,9938],{},[11,9939,896,9940],{},[21,9941,2993],{},[11,9943,9944,9945,1198],{},"Bonne chance, et n’oubliez pas ",[21,9946,9947],{},"(Good luck, and don't forget)",[121,9949,9950],{},[124,9951,9952,9953,55,9956,5498,9958,4329],{},"Savoir dire non, c’est aussi savoir se faire respecter ! ",[57,9954],{"src":9955,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-savoir dire non, c’est aussi savoir se faire respecter !.mp3",[132,9957],{},[21,9959,9960],{},"Knowing how to say no is also a way to impose respect!",{"title":383,"searchDepth":915,"depth":915,"links":9962},[9963,9967,9968,9971,9972,9973],{"id":8886,"depth":915,"text":8887,"children":9964},[9965,9966],{"id":8918,"depth":923,"text":8919},{"id":9156,"depth":923,"text":9157},{"id":9208,"depth":915,"text":9209},{"id":9340,"depth":915,"text":9341,"children":9969},[9970],{"id":9513,"depth":923,"text":9514},{"id":9690,"depth":915,"text":9691},{"id":9882,"depth":915,"text":9883},{"id":9925,"depth":915,"text":9926},"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.",{"timestampUnix":9976,"slug":9977,"h1":9978,"image":9979,"tags":9985},1749033546002,"no-in-french","How to Say “No” in French (+Audio)",{"src":9980,"width":9981,"height":9982,"alt":9983,"position":9984},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-french-no-thumbnail.jpeg",1440,907,"A photo of Emmanuel Macron, the French president, trying to figure out a tactful way to say hell no in French","top",[941,2036],"\u002Farticle\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-french-no","---\ntitle: 'Non! | 20+ Different Ways to Say No in French'\ndescription: '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.'\ntimestampUnix: 1749033546002\nslug: 'no-in-french'\nh1: 'How to Say “No” in French (+Audio)'\nimage:\n src: '\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-french-no-thumbnail.jpeg'\n width: 1440\n height: 907\n alt: 'A photo of Emmanuel Macron, the French president, trying to figure out a tactful way to say hell no in French'\n position: top\ntags:\n - vocabulary\n - listicle\n---\n\nIf you've studied _any_ French at all, you probably know that the word for \"no\" is \"non\".\n\nThe thing is, there are many different ways to say no in French. _(No wonder, in a country known for its high number of protests! 😅)_\n\nSo, whether you're:\n\n- Not sure how to refuse something in French\n- Afraid of sounding rude or\n- Afraid of sounding too formal\n\nWe've got you covered! Here is a compendium of the best ways to say no like a native:\n\n\u003Ctoc>\u003C\u002Ftoc>\n\n---\n\n## Non: The most common French word for “no”\n\nIf you’re starting to learn French, one of the first and most essential words to master is **non** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-non.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> (or, a bit more emphatically: _noooon_ \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-non-emphatic.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>) — it's the standard, catch-all word for “no.” This little word is incredibly powerful and widely used in nearly every context, from casual conversations with friends to serious political speeches.\n\n> The French word **non** comes from the Latin _non_; it doubles as both \"not\" or \"no.\"\n\n### How to pronounce non in French\n\nPronouncing **non** might seem easy at first, but there are two important details that trip English speakers up:\n\n- English _none_ is pronounced \u002Fnʌn\u002F, but French _non_ is \u003Cspan style=\"font-feature-settings: 'cv11' off;\">\u002F nɔ̃ \u002F\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Cbr> _(the little ~ stands for \"nasalization\")_\n- _Non_ ends with a nasal O sound, not an N: it's \u003Cspan style=\"font-feature-settings: 'cv11' off;\">\u002F nɔ̃ \u002F\u003C\u002Fspan> , not \u002Fnɔn\u002F\n\nIf you don't understand the [international phonetic alphabet](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FInternational_Phonetic_Alphabet), this means:\n\n- The vowel in English _none_ and French _non_ is not quite the same\n- The French _non_ doesn't end with a hard\u002Fnoticeable N sound\n\nThankfully, the \u002Fɔ\u002F sound also exists in English (it's the vowel in _thought_), so this vowel will be familiar to you. It just sounds a bit funny because it's nasalized _(air comes not only out of your mouth but also out of your nose)_. It's a bit like saying “nohng”, but without pronouncing the final “g.” Try saying “non” through your nose a bit. The final nasal sound is really light and soft.\n\nIf you don't care too much about perfecting your pronunciation, this is enough to get on the right track. If you _are_ interested in pronunciation, check out a much more detailed walk through below:\n\n\u003Caccordion heading=\"A deep dive into nasalized vowels (many audio recordings!)\">\n\nWe actually have nasal vowels in English, too! You intuitively understand how to make nasal sounds, you're just not used to making them consciously because, in English, they only ever occur directly before an N or M sound. (In other words, you just hear a vowel plus an N or M sound). Unfortunately, in French, nasal vowels can appear in isolation—_without_ being followed by an actual M or N sound.\n\nYou can learn to consciously make nasal sounds, too, but it'll take a bit of experimentation.\n\nFirst compare these two words:\n\n- Had \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fen-Had.m4a\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n- Hand \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fen-Hand.m4a\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n\nNow, say these words yourself... but place your fingers lightly on the brim of your nose, and say these two words yourself:\n\n- When you say _had_, there won't be any vibration. This isn't a nasal sound.\n- When you say _hand_, you'll notice vibration! That's the nasal N.\n\nNow, let's slow _hand_ way down: \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fen-Hand slow.m4a\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n\nIf you listen really carefully, you'll be able to pick out three sounds in the middle there. It's difficult, because they all blend into each other—but if you put your hand on your nose and say _hand_ really slowly, you'll be able to make out:\n\n- A normal A _(no vibration on your nose)_: \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fen-A sound.m4a\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n- ... that turns into a nasalized A _(your nose begins vibrating)_: \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fen-Nasal A sound.m4a\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n- ... that turns into an N _(your tongue connects with the top-front of your mouth, and the sound changes quality)_: \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fen-N sound.m4a\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n- Altogether now: \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fen-a nasal a n.m4a\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fen-normal a nasal a N.m4a\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n\nPlay around a little bit until you figure out what you need to do to pronounce a nasalized vowel. You'll know you've got it when you check these three boxes:\n\n- A vowel sound\n- Your tongue does not touch your teeth or the roof of your mouth\n- There is vibration in your nose\n\nAnd once you can do _that_, you've got the concept of nasalization down. Take a bit of time to experiment with other vowels, and then take a careful listen to _non_ \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Non.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> again, and try to reproduce that \u002Fn\u002F + \u002F ɔ̃ \u002F.\n\nAnyway, what a detour!\n\n↓↓ Back to the article ↓↓\n\n\u003C\u002Faccordion>\n\n- Non, merci. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Non, merci..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _No, thank you._\n\n\u003Ccustom-iframe src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FJswOaaE9X-I?si=xEaLHdM-VV06_acO\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-iframe>\n\n> \u003CCenteredText>_Like singing? This song by Camélia Jordana says it about a million times. Get practicing 💪_ \u003C\u002FCenteredText>\n\n### \"Non\" is used for almost everything\n\nThe word **non** is extremely flexible. You can use it:\n\n- To deny something outright\n- To reject a request or proposal\n- To disagree with someone\n- As a firm refusal or even a soft letdown\n\nIt works in both formal and informal situations, making it an indispensable part of the French learner’s toolkit.\n\n- Non, ce n’est pas vrai. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Non, ce n’est pas vrai..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _No, that’s not true._\n- Non, je n’ai pas envie. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Non, je n’ai pas envie..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _No, I don’t feel like it._\n\n---\n\n## The grammar of French negation\n\nFrench grammar gives you many ways to say “no” using sentence structure. The most basic pattern is **ne... pas**, in which \"ne\" is placed before the verb and \"pas\" is placed after it:\n\n- Je ne sais pas. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-je_ne_sais_pas..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _I don’t know._\n- Il ne veut pas venir. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Il ne veut pas venir..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _He doesn’t want to come._\n\nMore advanced negations work basically the same way—\"ne\" before the verb, and then some other negating word after the verb:\n\n- **ne… jamais** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-ne jamais.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> (never) \u003Cbr> Je ne mange jamais de viande. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Je ne mange jamais de viande..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _I never eat meat._\n- **ne… plus** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-ne... plus.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> (no longer) \u003Cbr> Elle ne travaille plus ici. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Elle ne travaille plus ici..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _She no longer works here._\n- **ne… rien** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-ne… rien.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> (nothing)  \u003Cbr> Il ne dit rien. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Il ne dit rien..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _He says nothing._\n\n> Remember: Before a vowel, “ne” becomes “n’” with an apostrophe.\n\n- Je n'aime pas ça. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Je n'aime pas ça..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _I don't like this._\n- Il n'a pas été à la fac. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Il n'a pas été à la fac..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _He didn't go to university._\n\nUnderstanding how negation works grammatically will allow you to build your own sentences that say “no” in more nuanced ways.\n\n## French phrases to say \"non\"\n\nSometimes, just saying \"non\" isn't enough. Thankfully, French offers a variety of synonyms and alternative phrases you can use to emphasize your refusal more clearly... or to state it more colorfully.\n\n| Expression           | Meaning        | Use Case Example                               | Sentence Audio |\n| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | :------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------: |\n| Pas question \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-pas question.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>        | No way \u002F Out of the question | Pas question que tu sortes ce soir. \u003Cbr> _No way you're going out tonight._ | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Pas question que tu sortes ce soir..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| Hors de question \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-hors de question.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>    | Completely out of the question | Aller en boîte un lundi ? Hors de question ! \u003Cbr> _Club on a Monday? Absolutely not!_ | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Aller en boîte un lundi _ Hors de question !.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| Jamais \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-jamais.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>              | Never                     | Je ne ferai jamais ça. \u003Cbr> _I would never do that._ | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Je ne ferai jamais ça..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| Surtout pas \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-surtout pas.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>          | Especially not \u002F Definitely not | Tu veux partager ton dessert ? Surtout pas ! \u003Cbr> _You want to share your dessert? Definitely not!_ | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Tu veux partager ton dessert _ Surtout pas !.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| En aucun cas \u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-en_aucun_cas.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>         | Under no circumstance       | En aucun cas je ne signerai ce contrat. \u003Cbr> _Under no circumstance will I sign this contract._ | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-En aucun cas je ne signerai ce contrat..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| Absolument pas \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-absolument pas.mp3\" :type=\"3\">      | Absolutely not             | Tu as triché ? Absolument pas. \u003Cbr> _Did you cheat? Absolutely not._ | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Tu as triché _ Absolument pas..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n\n### Informal Ways of Saying No in French\n\nFrench speakers have plenty of slang and informal ways to say “no,” especially among younger people or in casual settings. These phrases add color and attitude to everyday speech.\n\n| French          | English                 | Example Sentence                               | Sentence Audio |\n| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| Nope \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Nope.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>                | Just like in English         | Nope, j’ai pas envie. \u003Cbr> _Nope, I don’t feel like it._ | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Nope, j’ai pas envie..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| T’as cru \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-t'as cru.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>           | You thought?! (sarcastic)   | T’as cru que j’allais faire ça ? \u003Cbr> _You thought I was going to do that?_ | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-T’as cru que j’allais faire ça _.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| Même pas en rêve \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-même pas en rêve.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>    | Not even in your dreams     | Tu crois que je vais faire ça ? Même pas en rêve. \u003Cbr> _You think I’d do that? Not even in dreams._ | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Tu crois que je vais faire ça _ Même pas en rêve..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| Tu rêves \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-tu rêves.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u002F T’as rêvé \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-t'as rêvé.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | You’re dreaming             | Tu rêves si tu penses que je viens. \u003Cbr> _You're dreaming if you think I'm coming._ | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Tu rêves si tu penses que je viens..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| C’est mort \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-c'est mort.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>          | It’s dead \u002F No way           | Me demander de l’aide ? C’est mort. \u003Cbr> _Asking me for help? No way._ | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Me demander de l’aide _ C’est mort..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| Laisse tomber \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-laisse_tomber.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>         | Forget it                   | On y va ? Laisse tomber, il pleut. \u003Cbr> _Shall we go? Forget it, it’s raining._ | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-On y va _ Laisse tomber, il pleut..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n\n---\n\n## How to give a negative response politely in French\n\nLet’s face it—even in France, being blunt isn't always the best approach. Saying “non” directly might feel too harsh, especially when talking to your boss, a client, or someone you respect.\n\nInstead, native speakers often soften the blow with indirect or polite phrases. Just like in English!\n\n- Je crains que ce ne soit pas possible. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Je crains que ce ne soit pas possible..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _I’m afraid that’s not possible._\n- Je préférerais ne pas. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Je préférerais ne pas..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _I’d prefer not to._\n- Peut-être une autre fois ? \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Peut-être une autre fois _.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _Maybe another time?_\n\nThese phrases help you say “no” without sounding rude or dismissive.\n\nHere's a table with ready-made expressions you can use to politely decline when someone asks you something you can't do:\n\n| French                    | English                       | Example Usage                                     | Sentence Audio |\n| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | :-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------: |\n| Ça va être compliqué \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Ça va être compliqué.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>             | That’s going to be complicated         | Pour cette date, ça va être compliqué. \u003Cbr> _For that date, that’s going to be complicated._ | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Pour cette date, ça va être compliqué..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| Nous sommes désolés, mais… \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Nous sommes désolés, mais….mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>         | We’re sorry, but…                       | Nous sommes désolés, mais ce produit est épuisé. \u003Cbr> _We’re sorry, but that product is out of stock._ | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Nous sommes désolés, mais ce produit est épuisé..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| Ce n’est pas envisageable \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Ce n’est pas envisageable.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>        | It’s not an option                     | Ce changement n’est pas envisageable. \u003Cbr> _That change is not an option._ | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Ce changement n’est pas envisageable..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| Je ne pense pas que ce soit possible \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Je ne pense pas que ce soit possible.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | I don’t think that’s possible       | Je ne pense pas que ce soit possible aujourd’hui. \u003Cbr> _I don’t think that’s possible today._ | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Je ne pense pas que ce soit possible aujourd’hui..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| Malheureusement, je ne peux pas \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Malheureusement, je ne peux pas.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>  | Unfortunately, I can’t                 | Malheureusement, je ne peux pas venir. \u003Cbr> _Unfortunately, I can’t come._ | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Malheureusement, je ne peux pas venir..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n\n---\n\n## How to learn which \"no\" phrase to use when\n\nLet’s be real—memorizing vocabulary lists will only get you so far. To understand how French people really say “no” in different situations, you need to _feel_ it. To do that, you need to encounter these phrases in bunch of different contexts..\n\nThat means interacting with French: watching TV shows, movies, and YouTube videos.\n\nMigaku facilitates this process by making text interactive on websites and in places like YouTube\u002FNetflix subtitles. For example, say you're watching a French video on YouTube, and you stumble into the phrase “même pas en rêve.”\n\nWell, just tap on it!\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-french-no-plug1.jpeg\" width=\"1804\" height=\"1262\" alt=\"A screenshot demonstrating Migaku's ability to make subtitles in YouTube videos interactive\" \u002F>\n\nMigaku will show you a dictionary definition of what it means—or, in messy dialogues like this, have AI give you an explanation of what the phrase means in this particular context.\n\nIf you decide that the word looks useful, you can tap on the orange button in the top-right corner of the dictionary to create a flashcard directly from your show. It looks like this:\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-french-no-plug2.jpeg\" width=\"1496\" height=\"1260\" alt=\"A screenshot showing a flashcard that Migaku made from a French YouTube video\" \u002F>\n\nThere you go! We'll nudge you to review this phrase periodically, ensuring that you eventually remember it. (And it'll be easier to remember, because every time you hear it, you'll see your show and hear it pronounced by a voice you know.)\n\n---\n\n## Say \"Non\" like Native French Speakers\n\nMastering how to say “no” in French isn’t just about one word—it’s about understanding when and how to use a variety of expressions, depending on the context, tone, and personality.\n\nThat process takes time.\n\nSo, remember:\n\n> If you consume media you enjoy in French, and you understand some of the messages and sentences within that media, you will make progress. _Period._\n\nBonne chance, et n’oubliez pas _(Good luck, and don't forget)_:\n\n- Savoir dire non, c’est aussi savoir se faire respecter ! \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-savoir dire non, c’est aussi savoir se faire respecter !.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> (_Knowing how to say no is also a way to impose respect!_)\n",{"title":8847,"description":9974},"article\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-french-no","epz67gM30pMr0X_qs0t5_YTdPEEEz2zLeSi0LOTWXAs","June 4, 2025",{"id":9993,"title":9994,"body":9995,"description":11427,"extension":929,"meta":11428,"navigation":942,"path":11438,"rawbody":11439,"seo":11440,"stem":11441,"__hash__":11442,"timestampUnix":11429,"slug":11430,"h1":11431,"image":11432,"tags":11437,"_dir":948,"timestamp":11443},"content\u002Farticle\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-french-what.md","How to Say \"What\" in French | 7 Ways, Explained",{"type":8,"value":9996,"toc":11405},[9997,10005,10008,10011,10014,10019,10021,10023,10027,10035,10038,10054,10068,10073,10076,10079,10087,10093,10096,10104,10111,10116,10119,10122,10124,10128,10131,10363,10365,10369,10376,10379,10414,10420,10466,10469,10474,10478,10485,10519,10525,10545,10548,10552,10563,10566,10569,10572,10580,10587,10590,10654,10657,10663,10666,10732,10735,10739,10742,10762,10765,10780,10785,10788,10792,10795,10819,10826,10830,10833,10846,10849,10857,10860,10894,10904,10908,10911,10914,10944,10947,10993,10996,11000,11003,11027,11030,11035,11039,11042,11045,11051,11054,11068,11071,11128,11132,11139,11152,11155,11158,11182,11185,11198,11202,11209,11212,11247,11250,11294,11296,11300,11306,11309,11312,11318,11321,11327,11339,11342,11347,11353,11366,11369,11371,11375,11378,11385,11388,11402],[11,9998,9999,10000,10004],{},"It's an excellent first step for beginners to begin their study of another language by ",[867,10001,10003],{"href":10002},"\u002Fblog\u002Fjapanese\u002Fhow-to-learn-japanese-vocabulary","first learning its most common words",", and \"what\" is one of the most common words, so you're on the right track with Googling how to say \"what\" in French.",[11,10006,10007],{},"... unfortunately, there are several different words that correspond to the English word \"what\".",[11,10009,10010],{},"Never fear 💪",[11,10012,10013],{},"We'll walk through each one, talk about what they mean, and provide example sentences so you can see them used in context.",[11,10015,10016],{},[21,10017,10018],{},"(This is a monster table of contents, sorry!)",[30,10020],{},[34,10022],{},[37,10024,10026],{"id":10025},"context-according-to-english-french-dictionaries-there-are-like-7-words-that-mean-what-in-translation-heres-why","[Context]: According to English-French dictionaries, there are like 7 words that mean \"what\" in translation; here's why",[11,10028,10029,10030,844],{},"So, I'll be up front with you: There isn't just one French word that means \"what\". If you look through the example sentences on Collins Dictionary, you'll see that ",[867,10031,10034],{"href":10032,"rel":10033},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.collinsdictionary.com\u002Fdictionary\u002Fenglish-french\u002Fwhat_1",[1196],"there are several of them",[11,10036,10037],{},"To make sense of this, you need to understand two things:",[3153,10039,10040,10043],{},[124,10041,10042],{},"Language is largely arbitrary—there's not necessarily a logical reason that something is one way or another; a lot of things just boil down to \"that's how we say it in France\"",[124,10044,10045,10046,10049,10050,10053],{},"The ",[21,10047,10048],{},"ideas"," often translate from culture to culture, even though the ",[21,10051,10052],{},"words"," used to express a particular idea might not",[11,10055,10056,10057,10060,10061,10064,10065,10067],{},"For example, take the English phrase \"it's raining heavily\". In French, rain isn't heavy. Instead, they say that it's raining \"cords\" (",[21,10058,10059],{},"Il pleut des cordes","). The ",[21,10062,10063],{},"idea"," translated—both expressions refer to a significant and violent amount of rainfall—but the ",[21,10066,10052],{}," don't: English says it's raining \"heavily\" because a heavy sound is made when rain hits the roof; French says it rains cords because it indeed looks like there are long streaks in the sky, not just individual drops.",[86,10069,10070],{},[11,10071,10072],{},"One idea, two different approaches to representing that idea in words.",[11,10074,10075],{},"The situation with \"what\" is similar.",[11,10077,10078],{},"Consider this:",[121,10080,10081,10084],{},[124,10082,10083],{},"What broke this?",[124,10085,10086],{},"What was broken by you?",[11,10088,10089,10090,10092],{},"\"What\" is a placeholder in each case, but it's holding the place of a ",[21,10091,3214],{}," thing. The first \"what\" takes the place of the thing that did the breaking; the second \"what\" takes the place of the thing that was broken.",[11,10094,10095],{},"In the face of this difference:",[121,10097,10098,10101],{},[124,10099,10100],{},"English obfuscates reality by indiscriminately using one catch-all word",[124,10102,10103],{},"French clearly reflects reality by using one \"what\" for the breaker and a different \"what\" for the broken",[11,10105,10106,10107,10110],{},"In other words, these are all distinctions that English ",[21,10108,10109],{},"could"," have made, but ultimately didn't.",[86,10112,10113],{},[11,10114,10115],{},"If you want to learn French, you'll need to learn to appreciate those differences: not merely to translate English sentences into French, but to express and formulate ideas as French speakers do.",[11,10117,10118],{},"We'll talk about how to do that later on in the article.",[11,10120,10121],{},"For now, here's the different words for \"what\" that exist in the French language and what they're used for.",[34,10123],{},[37,10125,10127],{"id":10126},"table-the-7-ways-what-can-be-translated-into-french","[Table] The 7 ways \"what\" can be translated into French",[11,10129,10130],{},"We'll explore all of this in more detail in the article, but just to give you a peek of what we're going to be talking about:",[183,10132,10133,10148],{},[186,10134,10135],{},[189,10136,10137,10139,10142,10145],{},[192,10138,1667],{},[192,10140,10141],{},"Meaning\u002FUse",[192,10143,10144],{},"Example (FR)",[192,10146,10147],{},"Translation (EN)",[208,10149,10150,10166,10179,10195,10208,10228,10246,10265,10283,10302,10318,10334,10347],{},[189,10151,10152,10157,10160,10163],{},[213,10153,10154],{},[69,10155,10156],{},"quoi",[213,10158,10159],{},"Informal \"what\"; used after prepositions",[213,10161,10162],{},"De quoi parlez-vous ?",[213,10164,10165],{},"What are you talking about?",[189,10167,10168,10170,10173,10176],{},[213,10169],{},[213,10171,10172],{},"Informal question word at end of sentence",[213,10174,10175],{},"Tu fais quoi ?",[213,10177,10178],{},"What are you doing?",[189,10180,10181,10186,10189,10192],{},[213,10182,10183],{},[69,10184,10185],{},"que \u002F qu'",[213,10187,10188],{},"Formal \"what\"",[213,10190,10191],{},"Que faites-vous ?",[213,10193,10194],{},"What are you doing? \u002F What do you do?",[189,10196,10197,10199,10202,10205],{},[213,10198],{},[213,10200,10201],{},"\"That\" in relative clauses",[213,10203,10204],{},"C’est le livre que j’ai préféré.",[213,10206,10207],{},"This is the book that I liked the most.",[189,10209,10210,10215,10222,10225],{},[213,10211,10212],{},[69,10213,10214],{},"qu’est-ce que",[213,10216,10217,10218,10221],{},"\"What\" as ",[69,10219,10220],{},"object"," of the verb",[213,10223,10224],{},"Qu’est-ce que tu veux ?",[213,10226,10227],{},"What do you want?",[189,10229,10230,10235,10240,10243],{},[213,10231,10232],{},[69,10233,10234],{},"qu’est-ce qui",[213,10236,10217,10237,10221],{},[69,10238,10239],{},"subject",[213,10241,10242],{},"Qu’est-ce qui se passe ?",[213,10244,10245],{},"What’s going on?",[189,10247,10248,10253,10259,10262],{},[213,10249,10250],{},[69,10251,10252],{},"ce que",[213,10254,10255,10256],{},"\"What\" as object in a ",[69,10257,10258],{},"relative clause",[213,10260,10261],{},"Ce que j’aime, c’est le chocolat.",[213,10263,10264],{},"What I love is chocolate.",[189,10266,10267,10272,10277,10280],{},[213,10268,10269],{},[69,10270,10271],{},"ce qui",[213,10273,10274,10275],{},"\"What\" as subject in a ",[69,10276,10258],{},[213,10278,10279],{},"Ce qui est certain, c’est qu’on va s’amuser.",[213,10281,10282],{},"What’s certain is that we’re going to have fun.",[189,10284,10285,10290,10296,10299],{},[213,10286,10287],{},[69,10288,10289],{},"ce dont",[213,10291,10292,10293],{},"\"What\" when verb requires ",[69,10294,10295],{},"'de'",[213,10297,10298],{},"Ce dont j’ai besoin, c’est de repos.",[213,10300,10301],{},"What I need is rest.",[189,10303,10304,10309,10312,10315],{},[213,10305,10306],{},[69,10307,10308],{},"quel \u002F quelle \u002F quels \u002F quelles",[213,10310,10311],{},"\"What\"\u002F\"Which\" used with nouns",[213,10313,10314],{},"Quelle heure est-il ?",[213,10316,10317],{},"What time is it?",[189,10319,10320,10325,10328,10331],{},[213,10321,10322],{},[69,10323,10324],{},"comment",[213,10326,10327],{},"Polite or surprised \"what\"; also means \"how\"",[213,10329,10330],{},"Comment ? Tu peux répéter ?",[213,10332,10333],{},"What? Could you say that again?",[189,10335,10336,10338,10341,10344],{},[213,10337],{},[213,10339,10340],{},"Exclamation of disbelief",[213,10342,10343],{},"Comment ! C’est incroyable !",[213,10345,10346],{},"What! That’s incredible!",[189,10348,10349,10354,10357,10360],{},[213,10350,10351],{},[69,10352,10353],{},"et si",[213,10355,10356],{},"\"What if...?\" or suggestion",[213,10358,10359],{},"Et si on allait au cinéma ?",[213,10361,10362],{},"What if we went to the movies?",[34,10364],{},[37,10366,10368],{"id":10367},"_1-quoi-the-what-question-word-for-casual-or-informal-sentences","1. Quoi → the \"what\" question word for casual or informal sentences",[11,10370,10371,10372,10375],{},"\"Quoi\" ",[57,10373],{"src":10374,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-quoi.mp3"," means \"what\", and it's the simplest to use of all the French \"whats\"... but it's also informal\u002Fcasual, making it inappropriate for use in many situations. Unless you're talking with friends, you'll want to use the other (more complex) versions of \"what\".",[11,10377,10378],{},"For now, though, here's a few examples of \"quoi\" in action:",[121,10380,10381,10392,10403],{},[124,10382,512,10383,55,10386,55,10388,10391],{},[57,10384],{"src":10385,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Quoi de neuf _.mp3",[132,10387],{},[21,10389,10390],{},"What's new?"," (means \"what's up\" or \"how are you?\")",[124,10393,10394,10395,55,10398,55,10400],{},"C'est quoi ? ",[57,10396],{"src":10397,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-C'est quoi _.mp3",[132,10399],{},[21,10401,10402],{},"What is it?",[124,10404,10405,10406,55,10409,55,10411],{},"Il voit quoi ? ",[57,10407],{"src":10408,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Il voit quoi _.mp3",[132,10410],{},[21,10412,10413],{},"What does he see?",[11,10415,10416,10417,10419],{},"Making things even more confusing is that quoi is ",[21,10418,3835],{}," informal when it occurs with prepositions, such as à, de, sur, sous, avec, dans. In these cases, quoi is not informal, and is in fact the only \"what\" word available for use, regardless of whether the situation is formal or informal:",[121,10421,10422,10433,10444,10455],{},[124,10423,10424,10425,55,10428,55,10430],{},"De quoi parlez-vous ? ",[57,10426],{"src":10427,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-De quoi parlez-vous _.mp3",[132,10429],{},[21,10431,10432],{},"What are you {plural} talking about?",[124,10434,10435,10436,55,10439,55,10441],{},"Avec quoi as-tu ouvert la porte ? ",[57,10437],{"src":10438,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Avec quoi as-tu ouvert la porte _.mp3",[132,10440],{},[21,10442,10443],{},"With what did you open the door?",[124,10445,10446,10447,55,10450,55,10452],{},"Pour quoi as-tu fait ça ? ",[57,10448],{"src":10449,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Pour quoi as-tu fait ça _.mp3",[132,10451],{},[21,10453,10454],{},"For what reason did you do that?",[124,10456,10457,10458,55,10461,55,10463],{},"Sur quoi as-tu cliqué ? ",[57,10459],{"src":10460,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Sur quoi as-tu cliqué _.mp3",[132,10462],{},[21,10464,10465],{},"On what did you click?",[11,10467,10468],{},"You'll also see \"quoi\" used at the end of sentences, in which case it's a filler word that means something along the lines of \"you know\u002Fyou see\u002Fokay\".",[86,10470,10471],{},[11,10472,10473],{},"Before we get too far along: Yes. That's not a typo. In French, you need to put a space between the last word of a sentence and a question mark.",[37,10475,10477],{"id":10476},"_2-que-qu-the-what-question-word-for-formal-sentences","2. que \u002F qu' → the \"what\" question word for formal sentences ",[11,10479,10480,10481,10484],{},"\"Que\" and \"qu'\"\" ",[57,10482],{"src":10483,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-que.mp3"," are used to say \"what\" in formal questions:",[121,10486,10487,10496,10505],{},[124,10488,10489,10490,55,10493,10495],{},"Que faites-vous ? ",[57,10491],{"src":10492,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Que faites vous _.mp3",[132,10494],{},"  This can mean both \"what are you doing?\" and \"what do you do for a living?\"",[124,10497,10498,10499,55,10502,10504],{},"Que pensez-vous de ___? ",[57,10500],{"src":10501,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Que pensez-vous de _.mp3",[132,10503],{}," What do you think about ___?",[124,10506,10507,10508,55,10511,55,10513,55,10516,10518],{},"Qu'avez-vous fait ? ",[57,10509],{"src":10510,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Qu'avez vous fait _.mp3",[132,10512],{},[21,10514,10515],{},"What did you do?",[132,10517],{}," (When \"que\" is followed by a word beginning with a vowel, it contracts to \"qu'\")",[11,10520,10521,10522,10524],{},"It's apparently illegal for things to be simple and straightforward, so I unfortunately must inform you that \"que\" is actually the translation of both \"what\" ",[21,10523,3970],{}," \"that\".",[121,10526,10527,10536],{},[124,10528,10529,10530,55,10533],{},"Sometimes, que will be explicitly translated to English as \"that\" or \"which\" : C’est le livre que j’ai le plus apprécié cette année. ",[57,10531],{"src":10532,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-C’est le livre que j’ai le plus apprécié cette année..mp3",[21,10534,10535],{},"(This is the book that\u002Fwhich I most liked this year.)",[124,10537,10538,10539,55,10542],{},"There are also situations where French requires the use of \"que\" but English doesn't require \"that\u002Fwhich\": Que veux-tu que je fasse? ",[57,10540],{"src":10541,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Que veux-tu que je fasse_.mp3",[21,10543,10544],{},"(What do you want me to do?)",[11,10546,10547],{},"You'll have to pay attention to context to determine whether que means \"what\" or \"that\" in a particular sentence.",[37,10549,10551],{"id":10550},"_3-quest-ce-que-quest-ce-qui-a-fixed-expression-that-also-translates-to-what","3. Qu'est-ce que \u002F qu'est-ce qui → a fixed expression that also translates to \"what\" ",[11,10553,10554,10555,10558,10559,10562],{},"Remember how we said that \"que\" contracts to \"qu'\" when it appears before a word that starts with a vowel? That's exactly what is happening with \"qu'est-ce que\" ",[57,10556],{"src":10557,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Qu'est-ce que.mp3"," and \"qu'est-ce qui\" ",[57,10560],{"src":10561,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Qu'est-ce qui.mp3"," (que est → qu'est), which both translate literally to \"what is (it) that...\".",[11,10564,10565],{},"This phrase sounds like a mouthful in English, it's very common in French—and if you shorten it to just \"que\", the tone of your question actually becomes more formal.",[11,10567,10568],{},"Another thing worth pointing out about qu'est-ce que\u002Fqu'est-ce qui is that, whereas many of the other \"what\" words require you to invert the order of the subject and verb in a sentence (\"je pense que ___\", but \"que pensez-vous?\"), this is not the case here. You can simply append qu'est-ce que\u002Fqu'est-ce qui to the beginning of a statement to turn it into a question.",[11,10570,10571],{},"Unfortunately, we also run into a grammatical hurdle here.",[86,10573,10574],{},[11,10575,10576,10577,10579],{},"Qu'est-ce que and qu'est-ce qui will both be \"what\" in translation... but they are ",[21,10578,3835],{}," interchangeable.",[414,10581,10583,10584,10586],{"id":10582},"use-quest-ce-que-when-what-is-the-object-of-a-sentence","Use qu'est-ce que when \"what\" is the ",[21,10585,10220],{}," of a sentence",[11,10588,10589],{},"In grammar, an \"object\" refers to the thing that receives an action: it's the thing you are doing, the thing you want, and so forth.",[121,10591,10592,10609,10624,10638],{},[124,10593,10594,10595,55,10598,10600,10601,55,10604,10606,10607],{},"Qu'est-ce que tu fais ? ",[57,10596],{"src":10597,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Qu'est-ce que tu fais _.mp3",[132,10599],{}," Literal: ",[21,10602,10603],{},"What is it that you are doing?",[132,10605],{}," Natural: ",[21,10608,10178],{},[124,10610,10611,10612,55,10615,10600,10617,55,10620,10606,10622],{},"Qu'est-ce que tu veux ? ",[57,10613],{"src":10614,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Qu'est-ce que tu veux _.mp3",[132,10616],{},[21,10618,10619],{},"What is it that you want?",[132,10621],{},[21,10623,10227],{},[124,10625,10626,10627,55,10630,10600,10632,55,10635,10637],{},"Qu'est-ce que tu manges ? ",[57,10628],{"src":10629,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Qu'est-ce que tu manges _.mp3",[132,10631],{},[21,10633,10634],{},"What is it that you are eating?",[132,10636],{}," Natural: What are you eating?",[124,10639,10640,10641,55,10644,10600,10646,55,10649,10606,10651],{},"Qu'est-ce que tu penses de cette idée ? ",[57,10642],{"src":10643,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Qu'est-ce que tu penses de cette idée _.mp3",[132,10645],{},[21,10647,10648],{},"What is it that you think of this idea?",[132,10650],{},[21,10652,10653],{},"What do you think of this idea?",[11,10655,10656],{},"In all these sentences, qu'est-ce que is acting as a placeholder, and it will be filled in with whatever it is with the thing the other person is doing\u002Fwanting\u002Feating\u002Fthinking.",[414,10658,10660,10661,10586],{"id":10659},"use-quest-ce-qui-when-what-is-the-subject-of-a-sentence","Use qu'est-ce qui when \"what\" is the ",[21,10662,10239],{},[11,10664,10665],{},"In grammar, \"subject\" refers to the thing that is doing the main verb of a sentence. In other word, it's the thing that is doing something.",[121,10667,10668,10684,10700,10716],{},[124,10669,10670,10671,55,10674,10600,10676,55,10679,10606,10681],{},"Qu’est-ce qui fait ce bruit ? ",[57,10672],{"src":10673,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Qu’est-ce qui fait ce bruit _.mp3",[132,10675],{},[21,10677,10678],{},"What is it that is making that noise?",[132,10680],{},[21,10682,10683],{},"What is making that noise?",[124,10685,10686,10687,55,10690,10600,10692,55,10695,10606,10697],{},"Qu’est-ce qui t’a fait rire ? ",[57,10688],{"src":10689,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Qu’est-ce qui t’a fait rire.mp3",[132,10691],{},[21,10693,10694],{},"What is it that made you laugh?",[132,10696],{},[21,10698,10699],{},"What made you laugh?",[124,10701,10702,10703,55,10706,10600,10708,55,10711,10606,10713],{},"Qu’est-ce qui se passe ici ? ",[57,10704],{"src":10705,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Qu’est-ce qui se passe ici _.mp3",[132,10707],{},[21,10709,10710],{},"What is it that is going on here?",[132,10712],{},[21,10714,10715],{},"What is going on here?",[124,10717,10718,10719,55,10722,10600,10724,55,10727,10606,10729],{},"Qu’est-ce qui te plaît dans ce film ? ",[57,10720],{"src":10721,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Qu’est-ce qui te plaît dans ce film _.mp3",[132,10723],{},[21,10725,10726],{},"What is it that pleases you about this movie?",[132,10728],{},[21,10730,10731],{},"What do you like about this movie?",[11,10733,10734],{},"The difference is subtle, but it's important as French. Qu'est-ce qui is a placeholder here, too, but what it replaces is the thing that is causing or doing something—the doer, not the do-ee.",[37,10736,10738],{"id":10737},"_4-ce-qui-ce-que-ce-dont-frenchs-indefinite-relative-pronouns-or-the-what-in-what-is-___-is-that-___","4. Ce qui \u002F ce que \u002F ce dont → French's indefinite relative pronouns, or the \"what\" in \"what is ___ is that ___\"",[11,10740,10741],{},"This trio is a bit tricky, so let's start with how they sound:",[121,10743,10744,10750,10756],{},[124,10745,10746,10747],{},"Ce qui ",[57,10748],{"src":10749,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Ce qui.mp3",[124,10751,10752,10753],{},"Ce que ",[57,10754],{"src":10755,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-ce_que.mp3",[124,10757,10758,10759],{},"Ce dont ",[57,10760],{"src":10761,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-ce dont.mp3",[11,10763,10764],{},"If you understood the difference between qu'est-ce qui and qu'est-ce que, the logic is very similar. Otherwise, what all three phrases have in common is that:",[3153,10766,10767,10774,10777],{},[124,10768,10769,10770,10773],{},"They serve to give more information about a specific noun or idea (the girl is my sister → the girl ",[21,10771,10772],{},"who is singing"," is my sister)",[124,10775,10776],{},"The \"thing\" they provide more information about is yet to be defined",[124,10778,10779],{},"They are necessary \u002F cannot be omitted from French sentences",[86,10781,10782],{},[11,10783,10784],{},"Ce que\u002Fqui\u002Fdont all correspond to the \"what\" in sentences that include the \"what is ___ is that ___\" structure. (Note that French may use this structure in situations where English would use slightly different phrasing.)",[11,10786,10787],{},"To get super technical, ce que\u002Fqui\u002Fdont are French's indefinite relative pronouns, and they serve to connect a relative clause to a main clause.",[414,10789,10791],{"id":10790},"use-ce-qui-when-what-is-the-subject-of-the-verb-that-follows-it","Use ce qui when \"what\" is the subject of the verb that follows it",[11,10793,10794],{},"Observe the following two examples:",[121,10796,10797,10808],{},[124,10798,10799,10800,55,10803,55,10805],{},"Ce qui est certain, c'est qu'on va passer un bon moment. ",[57,10801],{"src":10802,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Ce qui est certain, c'est qu'on va passer un bon moment..mp3",[132,10804],{},[21,10806,10807],{},"What’s certain is that we’re going to have a good time.",[124,10809,10810,10811,55,10814,130,10816],{},"Tu sais ce qui me ferait plaisir? ",[57,10812],{"src":10813,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Tu sais ce qui me ferait plaisir_.mp3",[132,10815],{},[21,10817,10818],{},"Do you know what would please me?",[11,10820,10821,10822,10825],{},"The thing to notice is that \"ce qui\" is the doer of the verb that follows it, and this may or may not be the subject of the entire sentence. For example, in the second sentence, \"ce qui\" is \"",[21,10823,10824],{},"what"," would please me\", but the subject of the sentence as a whole is \"tu\", not \"what\".",[414,10827,10829],{"id":10828},"use-ce-que-when-what-is-the-complement-of-a-verb","Use ce que when \"what\" is the complement of a verb",[11,10831,10832],{},"Yeah, I know, that's confusing grammar stuff. Do me a favor and look at this next sentence:",[121,10834,10835],{},[124,10836,10837,10838,55,10841,55,10843],{},"Ce qu’il demande, c’est impossible. ",[57,10839],{"src":10840,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Ce qu’il demande, c’est impossible..mp3",[132,10842],{},[21,10844,10845],{},"What he is asking for is impossible.",[11,10847,10848],{},"The construction looks very similar to the two example sentences from the first section, doesn't it? But there's a very, very important difference:",[121,10850,10851,10854],{},[124,10852,10853],{},"What is certain → \"what\" is the subject of \"is certain\"",[124,10855,10856],{},"What he is asking for → \"he\" is the subject of \"is asking for\", not \"what\"!",[11,10858,10859],{},"With that distinction in mind, look at these next few example sentences:",[121,10861,10862,10873,10883],{},[124,10863,10864,10865,55,10868,55,10870],{},"Je ne comprends pas ce que tu veux dire. ",[57,10866],{"src":10867,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Je ne comprends pas ce que tu veux dire..mp3",[132,10869],{},[21,10871,10872],{},"I don’t understand what you mean.",[124,10874,10875,10876,55,10879,55,10881],{},"Ce que j’aime, c’est le chocolat. ",[57,10877],{"src":10878,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Ce que j’aime, c’est le chocolat..mp3",[132,10880],{},[21,10882,10264],{},[124,10884,10885,10886,55,10889,55,10891],{},"Il a oublié ce que je lui ai dit. ",[57,10887],{"src":10888,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Il a oublié ce que je lui ai dit..mp3",[132,10890],{},[21,10892,10893],{},"He forgot what I told him.",[11,10895,10896,10897,10900,10901,844],{},"Here, \"what\" is the thing that you don't understand, the thing that you love, or the thing that was forgotten. It's the do-",[21,10898,10899],{},"ee",", not the do",[21,10902,10903],{},"er",[414,10905,10907],{"id":10906},"use-ce-dont-with-verbal-phrases-which-feature-the-preposition-de","Use ce dont with verbal phrases which feature the preposition \"de\"",[11,10909,10910],{},"Thankfully, this one is the easiest of the bunch, and it doesn't require you to compare anything or worry about grammar.",[11,10912,10913],{},"French has several fixed phrases\u002Fconstructions that combine a verb and the preposition \"de\", such as:",[121,10915,10916,10923,10930,10937],{},[124,10917,10918,10919,10922],{},"Avoir peur de ",[57,10920],{"src":10921,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Avoir peur de.mp3"," → to be afraid of (something)",[124,10924,10925,10926,10929],{},"Avoir besoin de ",[57,10927],{"src":10928,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Avoir besoin de.mp3"," → to need (something)",[124,10931,10932,10933,10936],{},"Se douter de ",[57,10934],{"src":10935,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Se douter de.mp3"," → to suspect (something)",[124,10938,10939,10940,10943],{},"Parler de ",[57,10941],{"src":10942,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Parler de.mp3"," → to talk about (something)",[11,10945,10946],{},"In all such situations, you'll use ce dont alongside the \"de\" verb, and ce dont will replace de.",[121,10948,10949,10960,10971,10982],{},[124,10950,10951,10952,55,10955,134,10957],{},"Ce dont j’ai peur, c’est l’échec. ",[57,10953],{"src":10954,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Ce dont j’ai peur, c’est l’échec..mp3",[132,10956],{},[21,10958,10959],{},"What I’m afraid of is failure.",[124,10961,10962,10963,55,10966,55,10968],{},"Ce dont tu as besoin, c’est de repos. ",[57,10964],{"src":10965,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Ce dont tu as besoin, c’est de repos..mp3",[132,10967],{},[21,10969,10970],{},"What you need is rest.",[124,10972,10973,10974,55,10977,55,10979],{},"Ce dont je me doutais, c’est qu’il mentait. ",[57,10975],{"src":10976,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Ce dont je me doutais, c’est qu’il mentait..mp3",[132,10978],{},[21,10980,10981],{},"What I suspected was that he was lying.",[124,10983,10984,10985,55,10988,55,10990],{},"Ce dont ils parlent est très important. ",[57,10986],{"src":10987,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Ce dont ils parlent est très important..mp3",[132,10989],{},[21,10991,10992],{},"What they’re talking about is very important.",[11,10994,10995],{},"To use ce dont correctly, all you have to do is remember the verbs that appear in \"de\" constructions.",[3162,10997,10999],{"id":10998},"bonus-ce-preposition-quoi","Bonus: (ce) + preposition + quoi",[11,11001,11002],{},"In addition to the \"de\" verbs above, there are other verbs which commonly get paired with other prepositions. For example, the verb \"penser\" (to think) takes the preposition \"à\" (to). This leads to sentences such as:",[121,11004,11005,11016],{},[124,11006,11007,11008,55,11011,55,11013],{},"Ouais, c'est exactement ce à quoi je pensais. ",[57,11009],{"src":11010,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Ouais, c'est exactement ce à quoi je pensais..mp3",[132,11012],{},[21,11014,11015],{},"Yeah, that's exactly what I was thinking.",[124,11017,11018,11019,55,11022,55,11024],{},"Personne ne savait à quoi le prof pensait. ",[57,11020],{"src":11021,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Personne ne savait à quoi le prof pensait..mp3",[132,11023],{},[21,11025,11026],{},"No one knew what the teacher was thinking.",[11,11028,11029],{},"The logic here is the same as \"ce dont\", the difference is simply that these particular verbs get paired with a preposition other than \"de\".",[86,11031,11032],{},[11,11033,11034],{},"You don't need to worry about this right now—just make a mental note that it exists. As you consume more French media, and are exposed to more sentences using this structure, you'll gradually develop a feel for how it works.",[37,11036,11038],{"id":11037},"_5-quel-quelle-quels-quelles-the-what-that-gets-used-with-nouns-may-be-which-in-translation","5. Quel \u002F quelle \u002F quels \u002F quelles → the \"what\" that gets used with nouns (may be \"which\" in translation)",[11,11040,11041],{},"Phew! That was a lot of grammar. Let's move onto an easier one.",[11,11043,11044],{},"Quel, quelle, quels, and quelles all translate to \"what\"... but, again, they refer to \"what\" in a specific scenario. When you pair \"what\" (or \"which\") with a noun, you'll translate that what (or which) to quel\u002Fquelle\u002Fquels\u002Fquelles in French.",[11,11046,11047,11048],{},"Despite the different spellings, they also all sound like this → ",[57,11049],{"src":11050,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-quelle.mp3",[11,11052,11053],{},"You can see these \"whats\" as being like an adjective. To use them correctly, you must pay attention to the gender and quantity of the noun they're paired with:",[121,11055,11056,11059,11062,11065],{},[124,11057,11058],{},"Quel for masculine singular nouns",[124,11060,11061],{},"Quelle for feminine singular nouns",[124,11063,11064],{},"Quels for masculine plural nouns",[124,11066,11067],{},"Quelles for feminine plural nouns",[11,11069,11070],{},"Here they are in action:",[121,11072,11073,11087,11100,11114],{},[124,11074,11075,11076,55,11079,55,11081,55,11084,11086],{},"Quel est votre métier ? ",[57,11077],{"src":11078,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Quel est votre métier _.mp3",[132,11080],{},[21,11082,11083],{},"What is your profession?",[132,11085],{}," \"Métier\" is masculine, so it calls for \"quel\"",[124,11088,11089,11090,55,11093,55,11095,55,11097,11099],{},"Quelle heure est-il ? ",[57,11091],{"src":11092,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Quelle heure est-il _.mp3",[132,11094],{},[21,11096,10317],{},[132,11098],{}," \"Heure\" is feminine, so it calls for \"quelle\"",[124,11101,11102,11103,55,11106,55,11108,55,11111,11113],{},"Quels films regardes-tu ? ",[57,11104],{"src":11105,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Quels films regardes-tu _.mp3",[132,11107],{},[21,11109,11110],{},"Which movies are you watching?",[132,11112],{}," \"Films\" is a plural masculine noun, so it calls for \"quels\"",[124,11115,11116,11117,55,11120,55,11122,55,11125,11127],{},"Quelles fleurs as-tu achetées ? ",[57,11118],{"src":11119,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Quelles fleurs as-tu achetées _.mp3",[132,11121],{},[21,11123,11124],{},"Which flowers did you buy?",[132,11126],{}," \"Fleurs\" is a plural feminine noun, so it calls for \"quelles\"",[37,11129,11131],{"id":11130},"_6-comment-and-pardon-a-more-polite-quoi-when-you-didnt-understand-what-someone-said","6. Comment and Pardon → a more polite \"quoi\" when you didn't understand what someone said",[11,11133,11134,11135,11138],{},"While \"comment\" ",[57,11136],{"src":11137,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-comment.mp3"," usually means \"how\", it can also be used as a more polite version of \"quoi\". For example, French parents tell their children this:",[86,11140,11141],{},[11,11142,11143,11144,55,11147,55,11149],{},"On ne dit pas « quoi ? », on dit « comment ? » ! ",[57,11145],{"src":11146,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-On ne dit pas « quoi _ », on dit « comment _ » !.mp3",[132,11148],{},[21,11150,11151],{},"We don't say \"quoi?\"; we say \"comment? \"!",[11,11153,11154],{},"The \"lesson\" is that, if you don't understand or didn't catch what someone said, you should respond with \"comment\" instead of \"quoi\".",[11,11156,11157],{},"As such, if you want to ask someone to repeat themselves, you could say something like:",[121,11159,11160,11171],{},[124,11161,11162,11163,55,11166,55,11168],{},"Comment ? Tu peux répéter s'il te plait ? ",[57,11164],{"src":11165,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Comment _ Tu peux répéter s'il te plait _.mp3",[132,11167],{},[21,11169,11170],{},"What? Could you say that again, please?",[124,11172,11173,11174,55,11177,55,11179],{},"Pardon, pouvez vous répéter s'il vous plaît ? ",[57,11175],{"src":11176,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Pardon, pouvez vous répéter s'il vous plaît _.mp3",[132,11178],{},[21,11180,11181],{},"Excuse me? Would you say that one more time, please?",[11,11183,11184],{},"Then, \"comment\" can replace \"quoi\" as a more polite exclamation:",[121,11186,11187],{},[124,11188,11189,11190,55,11193,55,11195],{},"Comment ? C’est incroyable ! ",[57,11191],{"src":11192,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Comment _ C’est incroyable !.mp3",[132,11194],{},[21,11196,11197],{},"What? That's incredible!",[37,11199,11201],{"id":11200},"_7-et-si-the-way-to-say-what-if-or-how-about","7. Et si → the way to say \"what if...?\" or \"how about\"",[11,11203,11204,11205,11208],{},"Going in a completely different direction as the previous examples, \"et si\" ",[57,11206],{"src":11207,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-et si.mp3"," is a French construction used to introduce hypothetical scenarios—something that you are either suggesting or imagining.",[11,11210,11211],{},"When being used to express a possibility you're that you're considering or exploring, \"et si\" translates to \"supposedly\" or directly to \"what if\":",[121,11213,11214,11225,11236],{},[124,11215,11216,11217,55,11220,55,11222],{},"Et si tout ça n’était qu’un rêve ? ",[57,11218],{"src":11219,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Et si tout ça n’était qu’un rêve _.mp3",[132,11221],{},[21,11223,11224],{},"What if this were all just a dream?",[124,11226,11227,11228,55,11231,55,11233],{},"Et si les extraterrestres existaient ? ",[57,11229],{"src":11230,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Et si les extraterrestres existaient _.mp3",[132,11232],{},[21,11234,11235],{},"What if aliens exist?",[124,11237,11238,11239,55,11242,55,11244],{},"Et si c’était vrai, après tout ? ",[57,11240],{"src":11241,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Et si c’était vrai, après tout _.mp3",[132,11243],{},[21,11245,11246],{},"Suppose it were true, after all?",[11,11248,11249],{},"When being used to express a suggestion or proposal, \"et si\" may be translated in several ways, depending on the situation:",[121,11251,11252,11266,11280],{},[124,11253,11254,11255,55,11258,55,11260,1583,11263],{},"Et si on allait manger ? ",[57,11256],{"src":11257,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Et si on allait manger _.mp3",[132,11259],{},[21,11261,11262],{},"How about we go eat?",[21,11264,11265],{},"Let's go eat?",[124,11267,11268,11269,55,11272,55,11274,1583,11277],{},"Et si tu lui téléphonais ? ",[57,11270],{"src":11271,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Et si tu lui téléphonais _.mp3",[132,11273],{},[21,11275,11276],{},"What if you called him?",[21,11278,11279],{},"Maybe you should call him?",[124,11281,11282,11283,55,11286,55,11288,1583,11291],{},"Et si on faisait ça demain à la place ? ",[57,11284],{"src":11285,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Et si on faisait ça demain à la place _.mp3",[132,11287],{},[21,11289,11290],{},"What if we did that tomorrow instead?",[21,11292,11293],{},"And if we did that tomorrow, instead?",[34,11295],{},[37,11297,11299],{"id":11298},"how-in-the-world-am-i-going-to-learn-7-different-phrases-that-all-mean-what","How in the world am I going to learn 7 different phrases that all mean \"what\" ?!",[11,11301,11302,11303,844],{},"At this point in the article, you might find yourself being like ",[21,11304,11305],{},"bruh",[11,11307,11308],{},"Me, too.",[11,11310,11311],{},"I feel that.",[11,11313,11314,11315,11317],{},"The thing is, you don't actually have to ",[21,11316,6530],{}," the difference between all these phrases. Your brain is an incredible pattern recognition machine, and so long as you make a habit of interacting with French media, you'll gradually build an intuition for when to use which phrase.",[11,11319,11320],{},"Like, check this out.",[833,11322],{"src":11323,"width":11324,"height":11325,"alt":11326},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-french-youtube1.jpeg",1704,1198,"A screenshot showing Migaku's ability to make YouTube subtitles interactive",[11,11328,11329,11330,11335,11336,844],{},"Say you're watching a video from ",[867,11331,11334],{"href":11332,"rel":11333},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002F@FrenchComprehensibleInput",[1196],"French Comprehensible Input"," (he's awesome btw) and you stumble into the phrase ",[21,11337,11338],{},"qu'est-ce qui",[11,11340,11341],{},"If you're using Migaku, you can just click right on that phrase in the subtitles and get an explanation of what it's doing in the sentence. If you decide that word is useful, you can click on the orange button next to any particular subtitle to make a flashcard out of it:",[833,11343],{"src":11344,"width":9981,"height":11345,"alt":11346},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-french-flashcards2.jpeg",1186,"A screenshot showing the French flashcards Migaku creates from YouTube videos",[11,11348,11349,11350,4018],{},"Migaku will periodically ask you to review these flashcards, ensuring that you will commit them to memory over time. (",[867,11351,11352],{"href":2958},"Here's how",[11,11354,11355,11356,11358,11359,11361,11362,11365],{},"As you review your flashcards and consume more French sentences, you'll eventually just \"feel\" that ",[21,11357,11338],{}," is used in the sort of sentences where you're inquiring as to what is happening or going on: you'll have seen a bunch of sentences where ",[21,11360,11338],{}," is used in this context, but won't have seen any where ",[21,11363,11364],{},"qu'est-ce que"," is used.",[11,11367,11368],{},"The result is a very naturally sort of intuition about when to use which French \"what\"—just like you have in your native language.",[876,11370],{"href":878,"text":879},[37,11372,11374],{"id":11373},"ce-que-this-means-if-you-want-to-learn-french","\"Ce que\" this means, if you want to learn French...",[11,11376,11377],{},"Basically—don't worry about this stuff too much.",[86,11379,11380],{},[11,11381,11382,11383],{},"If you consume French media, and you understand at least some of the messages and sentences within that media, you'll make progress. ",[21,11384,2993],{},[11,11386,11387],{},"You'd be amazed by how much stuff your brain will figure out on its own, if you let it, so:",[3153,11389,11390,11393,11396],{},[124,11391,11392],{},"Get a rough idea of the grammatical concepts that exist in French (i.e., these 7 different ways to say \"what\")",[124,11394,11395],{},"Consume a few hundred hours of French media; let the stuff that falls into place fall into place",[124,11397,11398,11401],{},[21,11399,11400],{},"Then",", after you've built this French foundation, hit the grammar books again to work out anything that's still confusing you",[11,11403,11404],{},"🥖💪 Bonne chance! 💪🥖",{"title":383,"searchDepth":915,"depth":915,"links":11406},[11407,11408,11409,11410,11411,11417,11422,11423,11424,11425,11426],{"id":10025,"depth":915,"text":10026},{"id":10126,"depth":915,"text":10127},{"id":10367,"depth":915,"text":10368},{"id":10476,"depth":915,"text":10477},{"id":10550,"depth":915,"text":10551,"children":11412},[11413,11415],{"id":10582,"depth":923,"text":11414},"Use qu'est-ce que when \"what\" is the object of a sentence",{"id":10659,"depth":923,"text":11416},"Use qu'est-ce qui when \"what\" is the subject of a sentence",{"id":10737,"depth":915,"text":10738,"children":11418},[11419,11420,11421],{"id":10790,"depth":923,"text":10791},{"id":10828,"depth":923,"text":10829},{"id":10906,"depth":923,"text":10907},{"id":11037,"depth":915,"text":11038},{"id":11130,"depth":915,"text":11131},{"id":11200,"depth":915,"text":11201},{"id":11298,"depth":915,"text":11299},{"id":11373,"depth":915,"text":11374},"French doesn't have just one word for 'what'. We'll explain: quoi, qu'est-ce que\u002Fqui, ce que\u002Fqui \u002F dont, quel\u002Fquelle\u002Fquels\u002Fquelles, que, et si, and comment.",{"timestampUnix":11429,"slug":11430,"h1":11431,"image":11432,"tags":11437},1743064455000,"what-in-french","A deep dive into 'What', French's multi-faced question word",{"src":11433,"width":11434,"height":11435,"alt":11436},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-french-what-thumbnail.jpeg",1821,1135,"A classic meme of a guy saying what????—maybe because he heard there are 7 ways to way \"what\" in French!",[8838,2036],"\u002Farticle\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-french-what","---\ntitle: 'How to Say \"What\" in French | 7 Ways, Explained'\ndescription: \"French doesn't have just one word for 'what'. We'll explain: quoi, qu'est-ce que\u002Fqui, ce que\u002Fqui \u002F dont, quel\u002Fquelle\u002Fquels\u002Fquelles, que, et si, and comment.\"\ntimestampUnix: 1743064455000\nslug: 'what-in-french'\nh1: \"A deep dive into 'What', French's multi-faced question word\"\nimage:\n src: '\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-french-what-thumbnail.jpeg'\n width: 1821\n height: 1135\n alt: 'A classic meme of a guy saying what????—maybe because he heard there are 7 ways to way \"what\" in French!'\ntags:\n - fundamentals\n - listicle\n---\n\nIt's an excellent first step for beginners to begin their study of another language by [first learning its most common words](\u002Fblog\u002Fjapanese\u002Fhow-to-learn-japanese-vocabulary), and \"what\" is one of the most common words, so you're on the right track with Googling how to say \"what\" in French.\n\n... unfortunately, there are several different words that correspond to the English word \"what\".\n\nNever fear 💪\n\nWe'll walk through each one, talk about what they mean, and provide example sentences so you can see them used in context.\n\n_(This is a monster table of contents, sorry!)_\n\n\u003Ctoc>\u003C\u002Ftoc>\n\n---\n\n## \\[Context]: According to English-French dictionaries, there are like 7 words that mean \"what\" in translation; here's why\n\nSo, I'll be up front with you: There isn't just one French word that means \"what\". If you look through the example sentences on Collins Dictionary, you'll see that [there are several of them](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.collinsdictionary.com\u002Fdictionary\u002Fenglish-french\u002Fwhat_1).\n\nTo make sense of this, you need to understand two things:\n\n1. Language is largely arbitrary—there's not necessarily a logical reason that something is one way or another; a lot of things just boil down to \"that's how we say it in France\"\n2. The _ideas_ often translate from culture to culture, even though the _words_ used to express a particular idea might not\n\nFor example, take the English phrase \"it's raining heavily\". In French, rain isn't heavy. Instead, they say that it's raining \"cords\" (_Il pleut des cordes_). The _idea_ translated—both expressions refer to a significant and violent amount of rainfall—but the _words_ don't: English says it's raining \"heavily\" because a heavy sound is made when rain hits the roof; French says it rains cords because it indeed looks like there are long streaks in the sky, not just individual drops.\n\n> One idea, two different approaches to representing that idea in words.\n\nThe situation with \"what\" is similar.\n\nConsider this:\n\n- What broke this?\n- What was broken by you?\n\n\"What\" is a placeholder in each case, but it's holding the place of a _different_ thing. The first \"what\" takes the place of the thing that did the breaking; the second \"what\" takes the place of the thing that was broken.\n\nIn the face of this difference:\n\n- English obfuscates reality by indiscriminately using one catch-all word\n- French clearly reflects reality by using one \"what\" for the breaker and a different \"what\" for the broken\n\nIn other words, these are all distinctions that English _could_ have made, but ultimately didn't.\n\n> If you want to learn French, you'll need to learn to appreciate those differences: not merely to translate English sentences into French, but to express and formulate ideas as French speakers do.\n\nWe'll talk about how to do that later on in the article.\n\nFor now, here's the different words for \"what\" that exist in the French language and what they're used for.\n\n---\n\n## \\[Table] The 7 ways \"what\" can be translated into French\n\nWe'll explore all of this in more detail in the article, but just to give you a peek of what we're going to be talking about:\n\n| Expression | Meaning\u002FUse | Example (FR) | Translation (EN) |\n| ----------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------- |\n| **quoi** | Informal \"what\"; used after prepositions | De quoi parlez-vous ? | What are you talking about? |\n| | Informal question word at end of sentence | Tu fais quoi ? | What are you doing? |\n| **que \u002F qu'** | Formal \"what\" | Que faites-vous ? | What are you doing? \u002F What do you do? |\n| | \"That\" in relative clauses | C’est le livre que j’ai préféré. | This is the book that I liked the most. |\n| **qu’est-ce que** | \"What\" as **object** of the verb | Qu’est-ce que tu veux ? | What do you want? |\n| **qu’est-ce qui** | \"What\" as **subject** of the verb | Qu’est-ce qui se passe ? | What’s going on? |\n| **ce que** | \"What\" as object in a **relative clause** | Ce que j’aime, c’est le chocolat. | What I love is chocolate. |\n| **ce qui** | \"What\" as subject in a **relative clause** | Ce qui est certain, c’est qu’on va s’amuser. | What’s certain is that we’re going to have fun. |\n| **ce dont** | \"What\" when verb requires **'de'** | Ce dont j’ai besoin, c’est de repos. | What I need is rest. |\n| **quel \u002F quelle \u002F quels \u002F quelles** | \"What\"\u002F\"Which\" used with nouns | Quelle heure est-il ? | What time is it? |\n| **comment** | Polite or surprised \"what\"; also means \"how\" | Comment ? Tu peux répéter ? | What? Could you say that again? |\n| | Exclamation of disbelief | Comment ! C’est incroyable ! | What! That’s incredible! |\n| **et si** | \"What if...?\" or suggestion | Et si on allait au cinéma ? | What if we went to the movies? |\n\n---\n\n## 1. Quoi → the \"what\" question word for casual or informal sentences\n\n\"Quoi\" \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-quoi.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> means \"what\", and it's the simplest to use of all the French \"whats\"... but it's also informal\u002Fcasual, making it inappropriate for use in many situations. Unless you're talking with friends, you'll want to use the other (more complex) versions of \"what\".\n\nFor now, though, here's a few examples of \"quoi\" in action:\n\n- Quoi de neuf ? \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Quoi de neuf _.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _What's new?_ (means \"what's up\" or \"how are you?\")\n\n- C'est quoi ? \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-C'est quoi _.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _What is it?_\n\n- Il voit quoi ? \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Il voit quoi _.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _What does he see?_\n\nMaking things even more confusing is that quoi is _not_ informal when it occurs with prepositions, such as à, de, sur, sous, avec, dans. In these cases, quoi is not informal, and is in fact the only \"what\" word available for use, regardless of whether the situation is formal or informal:\n\n- De quoi parlez-vous ? \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-De quoi parlez-vous _.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _What are you {plural} talking about?_\n\n- Avec quoi as-tu ouvert la porte ? \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Avec quoi as-tu ouvert la porte _.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _With what did you open the door?_\n\n- Pour quoi as-tu fait ça ? \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Pour quoi as-tu fait ça _.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _For what reason did you do that?_\n\n- Sur quoi as-tu cliqué ? \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Sur quoi as-tu cliqué _.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _On what did you click?_\n\nYou'll also see \"quoi\" used at the end of sentences, in which case it's a filler word that means something along the lines of \"you know\u002Fyou see\u002Fokay\".\n\n> Before we get too far along: Yes. That's not a typo. In French, you need to put a space between the last word of a sentence and a question mark.\n\n## 2. que \u002F qu' → the \"what\" question word for formal sentences \n\n\"Que\" and \"qu'\"\" \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-que.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> are used to say \"what\" in formal questions:\n\n- Que faites-vous ? \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Que faites vous _.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr>  This can mean both \"what are you doing?\" and \"what do you do for a living?\"\n\n- Que pensez-vous de \\_\\_\\_? \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Que pensez-vous de _.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> What do you think about \\_\\_\\_?\n\n- Qu'avez-vous fait ? \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Qu'avez vous fait _.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _What did you do?_ \u003Cbr> (When \"que\" is followed by a word beginning with a vowel, it contracts to \"qu'\")\n\nIt's apparently illegal for things to be simple and straightforward, so I unfortunately must inform you that \"que\" is actually the translation of both \"what\" _and_ \"that\".\n\n- Sometimes, que will be explicitly translated to English as \"that\" or \"which\" : C’est le livre que j’ai le plus apprécié cette année. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-C’est le livre que j’ai le plus apprécié cette année..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> _(This is the book that\u002Fwhich I most liked this year.)_\n\n- There are also situations where French requires the use of \"que\" but English doesn't require \"that\u002Fwhich\": Que veux-tu que je fasse? \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Que veux-tu que je fasse_.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> _(What do you want me to do?)_\n\nYou'll have to pay attention to context to determine whether que means \"what\" or \"that\" in a particular sentence.\n\n## 3. Qu'est-ce que \u002F qu'est-ce qui → a fixed expression that also translates to \"what\" \n\nRemember how we said that \"que\" contracts to \"qu'\" when it appears before a word that starts with a vowel? That's exactly what is happening with \"qu'est-ce que\" \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Qu'est-ce que.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> and \"qu'est-ce qui\" \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Qu'est-ce qui.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> (que est → qu'est), which both translate literally to \"what is (it) that...\".\n\nThis phrase sounds like a mouthful in English, it's very common in French—and if you shorten it to just \"que\", the tone of your question actually becomes more formal.\n\nAnother thing worth pointing out about qu'est-ce que\u002Fqu'est-ce qui is that, whereas many of the other \"what\" words require you to invert the order of the subject and verb in a sentence (\"je pense que \\_\\_\\_\", but \"que pensez-vous?\"), this is not the case here. You can simply append qu'est-ce que\u002Fqu'est-ce qui to the beginning of a statement to turn it into a question.\n\nUnfortunately, we also run into a grammatical hurdle here.\n\n> Qu'est-ce que and qu'est-ce qui will both be \"what\" in translation... but they are _not_ interchangeable.\n\n### Use qu'est-ce que when \"what\" is the _object_ of a sentence\n\nIn grammar, an \"object\" refers to the thing that receives an action: it's the thing you are doing, the thing you want, and so forth.\n\n- Qu'est-ce que tu fais ? \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Qu'est-ce que tu fais _.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> Literal: _What is it that you are doing?_ \u003Cbr> Natural: _What are you doing?_\n\n- Qu'est-ce que tu veux ? \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Qu'est-ce que tu veux _.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> Literal: _What is it that you want?_ \u003Cbr> Natural: _What do you want?_\n\n- Qu'est-ce que tu manges ? \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Qu'est-ce que tu manges _.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> Literal: _What is it that you are eating?_ \u003Cbr> Natural: What are you eating?\n\n- Qu'est-ce que tu penses de cette idée ? \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Qu'est-ce que tu penses de cette idée _.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> Literal: _What is it that you think of this idea?_ \u003Cbr> Natural: _What do you think of this idea?_\n\nIn all these sentences, qu'est-ce que is acting as a placeholder, and it will be filled in with whatever it is with the thing the other person is doing\u002Fwanting\u002Feating\u002Fthinking.\n\n### Use qu'est-ce qui when \"what\" is the _subject_ of a sentence\n\nIn grammar, \"subject\" refers to the thing that is doing the main verb of a sentence. In other word, it's the thing that is doing something.\n\n- Qu’est-ce qui fait ce bruit ? \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Qu’est-ce qui fait ce bruit _.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> Literal: _What is it that is making that noise?_ \u003Cbr> Natural: _What is making that noise?_\n\n- Qu’est-ce qui t’a fait rire ? \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Qu’est-ce qui t’a fait rire.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> Literal: _What is it that made you laugh?_ \u003Cbr> Natural: _What made you laugh?_\n\n- Qu’est-ce qui se passe ici ? \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Qu’est-ce qui se passe ici _.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> Literal: _What is it that is going on here?_ \u003Cbr> Natural: _What is going on here?_\n\n- Qu’est-ce qui te plaît dans ce film ? \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Qu’est-ce qui te plaît dans ce film _.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> Literal: _What is it that pleases you about this movie?_ \u003Cbr> Natural: _What do you like about this movie?_\n\nThe difference is subtle, but it's important as French. Qu'est-ce qui is a placeholder here, too, but what it replaces is the thing that is causing or doing something—the doer, not the do-ee.\n\n## 4. Ce qui \u002F ce que \u002F ce dont → French's indefinite relative pronouns, or the \"what\" in \"what is \\_\\_\\_ is that \\_\\_\\_\"\n\nThis trio is a bit tricky, so let's start with how they sound:\n\n- Ce qui \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Ce qui.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n- Ce que \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-ce_que.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n- Ce dont \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-ce dont.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n\nIf you understood the difference between qu'est-ce qui and qu'est-ce que, the logic is very similar. Otherwise, what all three phrases have in common is that:\n\n1. They serve to give more information about a specific noun or idea (the girl is my sister → the girl _who is singing_ is my sister)\n\n2. The \"thing\" they provide more information about is yet to be defined\n\n3. They are necessary \u002F cannot be omitted from French sentences\n\n> Ce que\u002Fqui\u002Fdont all correspond to the \"what\" in sentences that include the \"what is \\_\\_\\_ is that \\_\\_\\_\" structure. (Note that French may use this structure in situations where English would use slightly different phrasing.)\n\nTo get super technical, ce que\u002Fqui\u002Fdont are French's indefinite relative pronouns, and they serve to connect a relative clause to a main clause.\n\n### Use ce qui when \"what\" is the subject of the verb that follows it\n\nObserve the following two examples:\n\n- Ce qui est certain, c'est qu'on va passer un bon moment. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Ce qui est certain, c'est qu'on va passer un bon moment..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _What’s certain is that we’re going to have a good time._\n\n- Tu sais ce qui me ferait plaisir? \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Tu sais ce qui me ferait plaisir_.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> *Do you know what would please me?*\n\nThe thing to notice is that \"ce qui\" is the doer of the verb that follows it, and this may or may not be the subject of the entire sentence. For example, in the second sentence, \"ce qui\" is \"_what_ would please me\", but the subject of the sentence as a whole is \"tu\", not \"what\".\n\n### Use ce que when \"what\" is the complement of a verb\n\nYeah, I know, that's confusing grammar stuff. Do me a favor and look at this next sentence:\n\n- Ce qu’il demande, c’est impossible. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Ce qu’il demande, c’est impossible..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _What he is asking for is impossible._\n\nThe construction looks very similar to the two example sentences from the first section, doesn't it? But there's a very, very important difference:\n\n- What is certain → \"what\" is the subject of \"is certain\"\n\n- What he is asking for → \"he\" is the subject of \"is asking for\", not \"what\"!\n\nWith that distinction in mind, look at these next few example sentences:\n\n- Je ne comprends pas ce que tu veux dire. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Je ne comprends pas ce que tu veux dire..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _I don’t understand what you mean._\n\n- Ce que j’aime, c’est le chocolat. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Ce que j’aime, c’est le chocolat..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _What I love is chocolate._\n\n- Il a oublié ce que je lui ai dit. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Il a oublié ce que je lui ai dit..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _He forgot what I told him._\n\nHere, \"what\" is the thing that you don't understand, the thing that you love, or the thing that was forgotten. It's the do-_ee_, not the do*er*.\n\n### Use ce dont with verbal phrases which feature the preposition \"de\"\n\nThankfully, this one is the easiest of the bunch, and it doesn't require you to compare anything or worry about grammar.\n\nFrench has several fixed phrases\u002Fconstructions that combine a verb and the preposition \"de\", such as:\n\n- Avoir peur de \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Avoir peur de.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> → to be afraid of (something)\n\n- Avoir besoin de \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Avoir besoin de.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> → to need (something)\n\n- Se douter de \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Se douter de.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> → to suspect (something)\n\n- Parler de \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Parler de.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> → to talk about (something)\n\nIn all such situations, you'll use ce dont alongside the \"de\" verb, and ce dont will replace de.\n\n- Ce dont j’ai peur, c’est l’échec. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Ce dont j’ai peur, c’est l’échec..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr>  _What I’m afraid of is failure._\n\n- Ce dont tu as besoin, c’est de repos. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Ce dont tu as besoin, c’est de repos..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _What you need is rest._\n\n- Ce dont je me doutais, c’est qu’il mentait. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Ce dont je me doutais, c’est qu’il mentait..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _What I suspected was that he was lying._\n\n- Ce dont ils parlent est très important. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Ce dont ils parlent est très important..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _What they’re talking about is very important._\n\nTo use ce dont correctly, all you have to do is remember the verbs that appear in \"de\" constructions.\n\n#### Bonus: (ce) + preposition + quoi\n\nIn addition to the \"de\" verbs above, there are other verbs which commonly get paired with other prepositions. For example, the verb \"penser\" (to think) takes the preposition \"à\" (to). This leads to sentences such as:\n\n- Ouais, c'est exactement ce à quoi je pensais. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Ouais, c'est exactement ce à quoi je pensais..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _Yeah, that's exactly what I was thinking._\n- Personne ne savait à quoi le prof pensait. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Personne ne savait à quoi le prof pensait..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _No one knew what the teacher was thinking._\n\nThe logic here is the same as \"ce dont\", the difference is simply that these particular verbs get paired with a preposition other than \"de\".\n\n> You don't need to worry about this right now—just make a mental note that it exists. As you consume more French media, and are exposed to more sentences using this structure, you'll gradually develop a feel for how it works.\n\n## 5. Quel \u002F quelle \u002F quels \u002F quelles → the \"what\" that gets used with nouns (may be \"which\" in translation)\n\nPhew! That was a lot of grammar. Let's move onto an easier one.\n\nQuel, quelle, quels, and quelles all translate to \"what\"... but, again, they refer to \"what\" in a specific scenario. When you pair \"what\" (or \"which\") with a noun, you'll translate that what (or which) to quel\u002Fquelle\u002Fquels\u002Fquelles in French.\n\nDespite the different spellings, they also all sound like this → \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-quelle.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n\nYou can see these \"whats\" as being like an adjective. To use them correctly, you must pay attention to the gender and quantity of the noun they're paired with:\n\n- Quel for masculine singular nouns\n\n- Quelle for feminine singular nouns\n\n- Quels for masculine plural nouns\n\n- Quelles for feminine plural nouns\n\nHere they are in action:\n\n- Quel est votre métier ? \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Quel est votre métier _.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _What is your profession?_ \u003Cbr> \"Métier\" is masculine, so it calls for \"quel\"\n\n- Quelle heure est-il ? \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Quelle heure est-il _.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _What time is it?_ \u003Cbr> \"Heure\" is feminine, so it calls for \"quelle\"\n\n- Quels films regardes-tu ? \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Quels films regardes-tu _.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _Which movies are you watching?_ \u003Cbr> \"Films\" is a plural masculine noun, so it calls for \"quels\"\n\n- Quelles fleurs as-tu achetées ? \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Quelles fleurs as-tu achetées _.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _Which flowers did you buy?_ \u003Cbr> \"Fleurs\" is a plural feminine noun, so it calls for \"quelles\"\n\n## 6. Comment and Pardon → a more polite \"quoi\" when you didn't understand what someone said\n\nWhile \"comment\" \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-comment.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> usually means \"how\", it can also be used as a more polite version of \"quoi\". For example, French parents tell their children this:\n\n> On ne dit pas « quoi ? », on dit « comment ? » ! \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-On ne dit pas « quoi _ », on dit « comment _ » !.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _We don't say \"quoi?\"; we say \"comment? \"!_\n\nThe \"lesson\" is that, if you don't understand or didn't catch what someone said, you should respond with \"comment\" instead of \"quoi\".\n\nAs such, if you want to ask someone to repeat themselves, you could say something like:\n\n- Comment ? Tu peux répéter s'il te plait ? \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Comment _ Tu peux répéter s'il te plait _.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _What? Could you say that again, please?_\n\n- Pardon, pouvez vous répéter s'il vous plaît ? \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Pardon, pouvez vous répéter s'il vous plaît _.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _Excuse me? Would you say that one more time, please?_\n\nThen, \"comment\" can replace \"quoi\" as a more polite exclamation:\n\n- Comment ? C’est incroyable ! \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Comment _ C’est incroyable !.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _What? That's incredible!_\n\n## 7. Et si → the way to say \"what if...?\" or \"how about\"\n\nGoing in a completely different direction as the previous examples, \"et si\" \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-et si.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> is a French construction used to introduce hypothetical scenarios—something that you are either suggesting or imagining.\n\nWhen being used to express a possibility you're that you're considering or exploring, \"et si\" translates to \"supposedly\" or directly to \"what if\":\n\n- Et si tout ça n’était qu’un rêve ? \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Et si tout ça n’était qu’un rêve _.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _What if this were all just a dream?_\n\n- Et si les extraterrestres existaient ? \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Et si les extraterrestres existaient _.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _What if aliens exist?_\n\n- Et si c’était vrai, après tout ? \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Et si c’était vrai, après tout _.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _Suppose it were true, after all?_\n\nWhen being used to express a suggestion or proposal, \"et si\" may be translated in several ways, depending on the situation:\n\n- Et si on allait manger ? \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Et si on allait manger _.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _How about we go eat?_ \u002F _Let's go eat?_\n\n- Et si tu lui téléphonais ? \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Et si tu lui téléphonais _.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _What if you called him?_ \u002F _Maybe you should call him?_\n\n- Et si on faisait ça demain à la place ? \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Et si on faisait ça demain à la place _.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _What if we did that tomorrow instead?_ \u002F _And if we did that tomorrow, instead?_\n\n---\n\n## How in the world am I going to learn 7 different phrases that all mean \"what\" ?!\n\nAt this point in the article, you might find yourself being like _bruh_.\n\nMe, too.\n\nI feel that.\n\nThe thing is, you don't actually have to _learn_ the difference between all these phrases. Your brain is an incredible pattern recognition machine, and so long as you make a habit of interacting with French media, you'll gradually build an intuition for when to use which phrase.\n\nLike, check this out.\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-french-youtube1.jpeg\" width=\"1704\" height=\"1198\" alt=\"A screenshot showing Migaku's ability to make YouTube subtitles interactive\" \u002F>\n\nSay you're watching a video from [French Comprehensible Input](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002F@FrenchComprehensibleInput) (he's awesome btw) and you stumble into the phrase _qu'est-ce qui_.\n\nIf you're using Migaku, you can just click right on that phrase in the subtitles and get an explanation of what it's doing in the sentence. If you decide that word is useful, you can click on the orange button next to any particular subtitle to make a flashcard out of it:\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-french-flashcards2.jpeg\" width=\"1440\" height=\"1186\" alt=\"A screenshot showing the French flashcards Migaku creates from YouTube videos\" \u002F>\n\nMigaku will periodically ask you to review these flashcards, ensuring that you will commit them to memory over time. ([Here's how](\u002Fblog\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fspaced-repetition-language-learning).)\n\nAs you review your flashcards and consume more French sentences, you'll eventually just \"feel\" that _qu'est-ce qui_ is used in the sort of sentences where you're inquiring as to what is happening or going on: you'll have seen a bunch of sentences where _qu'est-ce qui_ is used in this context, but won't have seen any where _qu'est-ce que_ is used.\n\nThe result is a very naturally sort of intuition about when to use which French \"what\"—just like you have in your native language.\n\n\u003Cprose-button href=\"\u002F\" text=\"Try Migaku for free\">\u003C\u002Fprose-button>\n\n## \"Ce que\" this means, if you want to learn French...\n\nBasically—don't worry about this stuff too much.\n\n> If you consume French media, and you understand at least some of the messages and sentences within that media, you'll make progress. _Period._\n\nYou'd be amazed by how much stuff your brain will figure out on its own, if you let it, so:\n\n1. Get a rough idea of the grammatical concepts that exist in French (i.e., these 7 different ways to say \"what\")\n2. Consume a few hundred hours of French media; let the stuff that falls into place fall into place\n3. _Then_, after you've built this French foundation, hit the grammar books again to work out anything that's still confusing you\n\n🥖💪 Bonne chance! 💪🥖\n",{"title":9994,"description":11427},"article\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-french-what","0-psgiYZflTQeVdqMuJSNAF3eD46BKcbqdNbvVhsldQ","March 27, 2025",{"id":11445,"title":11446,"body":11447,"description":11963,"extension":929,"meta":11964,"navigation":942,"path":11974,"rawbody":11975,"seo":11976,"stem":11977,"__hash__":11978,"timestampUnix":11965,"slug":11966,"h1":11967,"image":11968,"tags":11973,"_dir":948,"timestamp":11979},"content\u002Farticle\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-french-why.md","Why learn French? Here Are 8 Compelling Reasons.",{"type":8,"value":11448,"toc":11950},[11449,11452,11463,11466,11468,11470,11474,11477,11480,11483,11487,11490,11493,11500,11508,11511,11535,11541,11548,11551,11554,11558,11561,11569,11586,11589,11592,11596,11599,11602,11605,11608,11634,11637,11644,11648,11665,11668,11677,11681,11691,11698,11701,11705,11708,11721,11734,11747,11760,11773,11831,11838,11840,11844,11859,11862,11868,11875,11902,11905,11908,11911,11919,11924,11927,11930,11932,11936,11944],[11,11450,11451],{},"Thinking about learning a language, or perhaps adding another to your repertoire? Let me make a case for French.",[11,11453,11454,11455,11462],{},"Whether you’re (understandably) captivated by ",[867,11456,11459],{"href":11457,"rel":11458},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=qPU8mENUBXk",[1196],[21,11460,11461],{},"la vie en rose"," or are just looking to boost your career, the French language offers a world of benefits, from expanding your horizons to giving you an edge in the global economy of the future. In this article, I’ll walk through 8 reasons why I think you should learn French.",[11,11464,11465],{},"Let’s dive in!",[30,11467],{},[34,11469],{},[37,11471,11473],{"id":11472},"_1-french-opens-up-doors-around-the-world","1. French opens up doors around the world",[11,11475,11476],{},"When it comes to picking a second language, French has a lot going for it.",[11,11478,11479],{},"Not only is it one of the most widely spoken languages worldwide, with over 300 million speakers, but it’s also recognized as an official language in dozens of countries and is used in key international organizations like the United Nations and the International Olympic Committee.",[11,11481,11482],{},"With French, you’re learning more than a language—you’re opening up connections with people in Europe, Africa, the Americas, and even parts of Asia. In a sense, the language gives you a passport to communicate with people all around the world.",[37,11484,11486],{"id":11485},"_2-it-just-might-give-your-career-a-boost","2. It just might give your career a boost",[11,11488,11489],{},"French is one of the main languages used in the European Union, the African Union, and even in Canada’s professional landscape, particularly in Quebec. Additionally, the language’s association with high culture, diplomacy, and multinational companies makes it incredibly useful for careers in business, international relations, and more.",[11,11491,11492],{},"With France being one of the world’s largest economies, knowing French opens up numerous career paths—whether in tech, luxury fashion, or international development.",[11,11494,11495,11496,11499],{},"(You ",[21,11497,11498],{},"know"," this, but it's boring and every single blog post says the same thing, so I'm not going to say anything more about that. Yes, French is a marketable skill.)",[37,11501,11503,11504,11507],{"id":11502},"_3-youll-learn-how-to-really-learn","3. You'll learn how to ",[21,11505,11506],{},"really"," learn",[11,11509,11510],{},"Learning Japanese (French is new to me, too!) taught me a lot about learning in general. For example:",[121,11512,11513,11516,11519,11522,11525,11528],{},[124,11514,11515],{},"I'm more likely to stick to a habit if I attach it to a concrete event, like lunch or laying down in bed",[124,11517,11518],{},"Mistakes are part of learning, and nothing to be ashamed about",[124,11520,11521],{},"My memory is actually pretty good if I review regularly in small pockets (a few minutes) throughout the day, rather than one evening per week",[124,11523,11524],{},"Sometimes the problem is with a textbook's explanation, not with me",[124,11526,11527],{},"I'm motivated by seeing things come together",[124,11529,11530,11531,11534],{},"I actually really enjoy learning, when it's self-directed and bringing me closer to something ",[21,11532,11533],{},"I"," want to do",[11,11536,11537,11538],{},"And then, ten years after graduating from high school, a weird thought struck me: ",[21,11539,11540],{},"What if I don't hate math... I just hated how Mr. So-and-so taught math?",[11,11542,11543,11544,11547],{},"It turns out that math is actually pretty cool, and that I ",[21,11545,11546],{},"can"," learn it.",[11,11549,11550],{},"Personally, learning languages has taught me many valuable lessons about learning itself, which I've been able to apply to the pursuits that matter to me, such as music, math, piano, chess, and cooking.",[11,11552,11553],{},"Learning French will help you do the things you love better.",[37,11555,11557],{"id":11556},"_4-french-is-a-gateway-to-the-other-romance-languages","4. French is a gateway to the other Romance languages",[11,11559,11560],{},"French is a Romance language, meaning that it came from Latin. The Romance language family also includes Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, and Romanian. These languages have a lot in common, just as siblings from real families do.",[11,11562,11563,11564,11568],{},"For example, ",[867,11565,11567],{"href":5457,"rel":11566},[1196],"89% of French vocabulary overlaps with Italian vocabulary",", and the \"they\" form of Italian verbs features an \u002Fn\u002F sound just like the \"they\" form of French verbs does.",[121,11570,11571,11574,11581],{},[124,11572,11573],{},"EN: They speak.",[124,11575,11576,11577,11580],{},"FR: Ils parle",[69,11578,11579],{},"n","t",[124,11582,11583,11584,6093],{},"IT: Loro parla",[69,11585,11579],{},[11,11587,11588],{},"Similar connections exist between French and the other Romance languages.",[11,11590,11591],{},"With this in mind, when you learn French, you're also building a foundation that will enable you to learn several other languages much more easily, if you choose to do so.",[37,11593,11595],{"id":11594},"_5-youll-improve-your-memory","5. You'll improve your memory",[11,11597,11598],{},"Seems farfetched, I know.",[11,11600,11601],{},"But consider this:",[11,11603,11604],{},"Learning French will require you to remember tens of thousands of vocabulary words and hundreds of grammar points. That's a lot.",[11,11606,11607],{},"This will be a struggle at first, but then you'll learn about things like:",[121,11609,11610,11618,11626],{},[124,11611,11612,11617],{},[867,11613,11616],{"href":11614,"rel":11615},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FForgetting_curve",[1196],"The forgetting curve",", or the fact that forgetting things is inevitable, unless we take action",[124,11619,11620,11625],{},[867,11621,11624],{"href":11622,"rel":11623},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FSpaced_repetition",[1196],"Space repetition",", or an efficient way of reviewing information to combat the forgetting curve",[124,11627,11628,11633],{},[867,11629,11632],{"href":11630,"rel":11631},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FMnemonic",[1196],"Mnemonics",", or strategic ways to encode information into your brain to avoid forgetting",[11,11635,11636],{},"And, suddenly, you'll start retaining French words.",[11,11638,11639,11640,11643],{},"You'll realize that you don't have a bad memory, but rather that you'd been ",[21,11641,11642],{},"using"," your memory wrong... and that you can apply these same insights to other areas of your life, too.",[37,11645,11647],{"id":11646},"_6-the-french-world-has-had-an-impact-on-virtually-all-of-the-arts","6. The French world has had an impact on virtually all of the arts",[11,11649,11650,11651,1446,11654,1446,11661,11664],{},"French culture has had an indelible impact on art, literature, and film worldwide. This means that learning French isn’t just about gaining language skills: it’s an invitation into the world of ",[21,11652,11653],{},"café culture",[867,11655,11658],{"href":11656,"rel":11657},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.google.com\u002Fsearch?sca_esv=e84d3365b4113c52&q=boulangeries&udm=2&fbs=AEQNm0Aa4sjWe7Rqy32pFwRj0UkWd8nbOJfsBGGB5IQQO6L3J5_cJreBOGYq6XK4Eyx3ZWB3hvi_jfhQFvRQXOZxLbKq3Km_PBQD94QCwqDXKYNNrtX5Rheq8pceQBQnfz9lnKJGkq0deC_11pbbnfwkFJhsnBSAjcKBx49XBsuZ6M6Fusj1rIRTOc-f3xR-Uf71lVOhGqGXzMtaoSEdyIFKXasKUdnKeQ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiCvdSU082JAxVpL9AFHd_yJxwQtKgLegQIHBAB&biw=714&bih=900&dpr=2",[1196],[21,11659,11660],{},"boulangeries",[21,11662,11663],{},"cinéma français",", and literary giants like Sartre and Descartes. France also hosts internationally renowned events like the Cannes Film Festival and the Paris Fashion Week.",[11,11666,11667],{},"Of course, understanding French allows you to appreciate the nuances of French literature, French cinema, and the unique aspects of French history in their original language. There are a lot of good French>English translators, but there was only one Voltaire. Translations usually just don't compare.",[11,11669,11670,844],{},[21,11671,11672],{},[867,11673,11676],{"href":11674,"rel":11675},"https:\u002F\u002Fmath.mit.edu\u002F~shor\u002FSaadi.html",[1196],"(While we're here, here's a bilingual edition of my favorite French poem. It's beautiful.)",[37,11678,11680],{"id":11679},"_7-learning-french-will-help-you-understand-and-appreciate-english","7. Learning French will help you understand (and appreciate) English",[11,11682,11683,11684,171,11687,11690],{},"English has taken significant influence from French due to the Norman conquest of England in the 11th century and French's history as a prestige language. This is particularly notable in our vocabulary: words like ",[21,11685,11686],{},"rendezvous",[21,11688,11689],{},"apostrophe","—and thousands more—come straight from French. (This is part of why English's spelling is such a mess.)",[11,11692,11693,11694,11697],{},"Additionally, learning French will require you to learn about concepts like verb tenses and conjugations—things you've learned naturally in English, but may never have put a name to. Why is \"would of\" incorrect where as \"would have\" is OK? Why do we talk about past experiences by saying we ",[21,11695,11696],{},"have"," done something, anyway?",[11,11699,11700],{},"At first you'll think that you're learning French, but sometime down the road, it'll occur to you that English now makes more sense, too.",[37,11702,11704],{"id":11703},"_8-french-literature-is-incredible","8. French literature is incredible",[11,11706,11707],{},"I'm just some random guy on the internet, but just look at these quotes:",[86,11709,11710],{},[11,11711,11712,11713,11715,11717,11718],{},"“All grown-ups were once children... but only few of them remember it.” ",[132,11714],{},[132,11716],{},"\n― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, ",[21,11719,11720],{},"The Little Prince",[86,11722,11723],{},[11,11724,11725,11726,11728,11730,11731],{},"“My life was hurrying, racing tragically toward its end. And yet at the same time it was dripping so slowly, so very slowly now, hour by hour, minute by minute. One always has to wait until the sugar melts, the memory dies, the wound scars over, the sun sets, the unhappiness lifts and fades away.” ",[132,11727],{},[132,11729],{},"\n― Simone de Beauvoir, ",[21,11732,11733],{},"The Woman Destroyed",[86,11735,11736],{},[11,11737,11738,11739,11741,11743,11744],{},"“What Is Love? I have met in the streets a very poor young man who was in love. His hat was old, his coat worn, the water passed through his shoes and the stars through his soul” ",[132,11740],{},[132,11742],{},"\n― Victor Hugo, ",[21,11745,11746],{},"Les Misérables",[86,11748,11749],{},[11,11750,11751,11752,11754,11756,11757],{},"“Likewise and during every day of an unillustrious life, time carries us. But a moment always comes when we have to carry it. We live on the future: “tomorrow,” “later on,” “when you have made your way,” “you will understand when you are old enough.” Such irrelevancies are wonderful, for, after all, it’s a matter of dying. Yet a day comes when a man notices or says that he is thirty. Thus he asserts his youth. But simultaneously he situates himself in relation to time. He takes his place in it. He admits that he stands at a certain point on a curve that he acknowledges having to travel to its end. He belongs to time, and by the horror that seizes him, he recognizes his worst enemy. Tomorrow, he was longing for tomorrow, whereas everything in him ought to reject it. That revolt of the flesh is the absurd.”",[132,11753],{},[132,11755],{},"\n― Albert Camus, ",[21,11758,11759],{},"The Myth of Sisyphus and Other Essays",[86,11761,11762],{},[11,11763,11764,11765,11767,11769,11770],{},"“But for what purpose was the earth formed?\" asked Candide. \"To drive us mad,\" replied Martin. ",[132,11766],{},[132,11768],{},"\n― Voltaire, ",[21,11771,11772],{},"Candide",[86,11774,11775],{},[11,11776,11777,11778,11780,11782,11783,11785,11787,11788,11790,11792,11794,11795,11797,11799,11800,11802,11804,11805,11807,11809,11811,11812,11814,11816,11817,11819,11821,11822,11824,11826,11827,11830],{},"This morning, I wanted to bring roses to you,",[132,11779],{},[132,11781],{},"\nBut I filled my sashes with the garden entire,",[132,11784],{},[132,11786],{},"\nAnd the knots stretched too tight, since I took so many. ",[132,11789],{},[132,11791],{},[132,11793],{},"\nThe strained knots burst apart, and the roses all flew;",[132,11796],{},[132,11798],{},"\nSnatched away by the wind, into the sea they went,",[132,11801],{},[132,11803],{},"\nWhere they followed the tide, and so were lost to me.",[132,11806],{},[132,11808],{},[132,11810],{},"\nThe waves turned bright crimson, as though they were on fire.",[132,11813],{},[132,11815],{},"\nThis evening, my dress is still drenched in their scent—",[132,11818],{},[132,11820],{},"\nCome to me and inhale their fragrant memory.",[132,11823],{},[132,11825],{},"\n—Marceline Desbordes-Valmore, ",[21,11828,11829],{},"The Roses of Saadi"," (translated by Peter Shor)",[11,11832,11833,11834,11837],{},"Learning French opens you up to ",[21,11835,11836],{},"books"," full of stuff like this.",[34,11839],{},[37,11841,11843],{"id":11842},"how-can-migaku-help-you-learn-french","How Can Migaku Help You Learn French?",[11,11845,11846,11847,11850,11851,11854,11855,11858],{},"Whereas most language learning apps force you to learn French by following a curriculum that ",[21,11848,11849],{},"they"," think is important, Migaku instead equips you with the tools you need to jump right into French and learn as you go. I personally like reading, and I personally want to read things like ",[21,11852,11853],{},"Around the World in 80 Days"," by Victor Hugo and ",[21,11856,11857],{},"The Stranger"," by Albert Camus in French—so that's what I'm doing.",[11,11860,11861],{},"Here's the French version of that quote from Simone de Beauvoir:",[833,11863],{"src":11864,"width":11865,"height":11866,"alt":11867},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-french-quote.jpeg",1900,1502,"A screenshot of a quote from Simone de Beauvoir's _La Femme Rompue_, as displayed in Migaku's language learning software.",[11,11869,11870,11871,11874],{},"As you can see, I know most of the words, but there's several that I'm not familiar with. With Migaku, that's not a problem. Simply clicking on ",[21,11872,11873],{},"coupure"," (break\u002Fcut\u002Fshift) brings up reference information about it. I've personally chose to see an AI breakdown of what the word means in context, but Migaku also can show you:",[121,11876,11877,11882,11887,11890,11893,11896],{},[124,11878,11879,11880],{},"Recordings of native speakers saying ",[21,11881,11873],{},[124,11883,11884,11885],{},"Photos of ",[21,11886,11873],{},[124,11888,11889],{},"Dictionary definitions of what it means",[124,11891,11892],{},"Example sentences",[124,11894,11895],{},"AI breakdowns of the sentence it appears in",[124,11897,11898,11899,11901],{},"Links to ",[21,11900,11873],{}," in online dictionaries",[11,11903,11904],{},"And all of that is available at the press of a button.",[11,11906,11907],{},"So I just read stuff I'm interested in, click words I don't know, and click the orange button you see in the top-right corner of the popup dictionary to turn those words into flashcards. As I consume things I enjoy in French, I improve in French. It's fun, and it works.",[11,11909,11910],{},"On the off chance that you're not a bookworm, know that you can use Migaku with pretty much any sort of content that has copyable text, such as the subtitles of videos or comments on X (Twitter).",[11,11912,11913,11914,844],{},"For example, here's a screenshot of ",[867,11915,11918],{"href":11916,"rel":11917},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=zeF_yUWN_TQ",[1196],"a podcast that I'm listening to on YouTube",[833,11920],{"src":11921,"width":11922,"height":6918,"alt":11923},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-french-youtube.jpeg",1866,"A screenshot of a an episode of InnerFrench's podcast on YouTube, as enhanced by Migaku's software.",[11,11925,11926],{},"To see how Migaku lets you turn these things into personalized learning materials, click the button below.",[876,11928],{"href":878,"text":11929},"See Migaku in action",[34,11931],{},[37,11933,11935],{"id":11934},"key-takeaways","Key Takeaways",[11,11937,11938,11939,1227],{},"Yes, French is worth learning. The people, the movies, the books—and we didn't even talk about ",[867,11940,11943],{"href":11941,"rel":11942},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=l9fX2JmtFII",[1196],"the music",[11,11945,10045,11946,11949],{},[21,11947,11948],{},"real"," question to be asking is how you're going to learn French.",{"title":383,"searchDepth":915,"depth":915,"links":11951},[11952,11953,11954,11956,11957,11958,11959,11960,11961,11962],{"id":11472,"depth":915,"text":11473},{"id":11485,"depth":915,"text":11486},{"id":11502,"depth":915,"text":11955},"3. You'll learn how to really learn",{"id":11556,"depth":915,"text":11557},{"id":11594,"depth":915,"text":11595},{"id":11646,"depth":915,"text":11647},{"id":11679,"depth":915,"text":11680},{"id":11703,"depth":915,"text":11704},{"id":11842,"depth":915,"text":11843},{"id":11934,"depth":915,"text":11935},"Why learn French, you ask? Discover 8 compelling reasons to learn French, a widely spoken language that opens doors globally.",{"timestampUnix":11965,"slug":11966,"h1":11967,"image":11968,"tags":11973},1732063339333,"why-you-should-learn-french","8 Reasons to Learn French: Why French is the Language to Learn Now",{"src":11969,"width":11970,"height":11971,"alt":11972},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-reasons-to-learn-french.webp",7360,4912,"A woman holding a French flag standing in front of the Eiffel Tower.",[940],"\u002Farticle\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-french-why","---\ntitle: 'Why learn French? Here Are 8 Compelling Reasons.'\ndescription: 'Why learn French, you ask? Discover 8 compelling reasons to learn French, a widely spoken language that opens doors globally.'\ntimestampUnix: 1732063339333\nslug: 'why-you-should-learn-french'\nh1: '8 Reasons to Learn French: Why French is the Language to Learn Now'\nimage:\n src: '\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-reasons-to-learn-french.webp'\n width: 7360\n height: 4912\n alt: 'A woman holding a French flag standing in front of the Eiffel Tower.'\ntags:\n - discussion\n---\n\nThinking about learning a language, or perhaps adding another to your repertoire? Let me make a case for French.\n\nWhether you’re (understandably) captivated by [_la vie en rose_](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=qPU8mENUBXk) or are just looking to boost your career, the French language offers a world of benefits, from expanding your horizons to giving you an edge in the global economy of the future. In this article, I’ll walk through 8 reasons why I think you should learn French.\n\nLet’s dive in!\n\n\u003Ctoc>\u003C\u002Ftoc>\n\n---\n\n## 1. French opens up doors around the world\n\nWhen it comes to picking a second language, French has a lot going for it.\n\nNot only is it one of the most widely spoken languages worldwide, with over 300 million speakers, but it’s also recognized as an official language in dozens of countries and is used in key international organizations like the United Nations and the International Olympic Committee.\n\nWith French, you’re learning more than a language—you’re opening up connections with people in Europe, Africa, the Americas, and even parts of Asia. In a sense, the language gives you a passport to communicate with people all around the world.\n\n## 2. It just might give your career a boost\n\nFrench is one of the main languages used in the European Union, the African Union, and even in Canada’s professional landscape, particularly in Quebec. Additionally, the language’s association with high culture, diplomacy, and multinational companies makes it incredibly useful for careers in business, international relations, and more.\n\nWith France being one of the world’s largest economies, knowing French opens up numerous career paths—whether in tech, luxury fashion, or international development.\n\n(You _know_ this, but it's boring and every single blog post says the same thing, so I'm not going to say anything more about that. Yes, French is a marketable skill.)\n\n## 3. You'll learn how to _really_ learn\n\nLearning Japanese (French is new to me, too!) taught me a lot about learning in general. For example:\n\n- I'm more likely to stick to a habit if I attach it to a concrete event, like lunch or laying down in bed\n- Mistakes are part of learning, and nothing to be ashamed about\n- My memory is actually pretty good if I review regularly in small pockets (a few minutes) throughout the day, rather than one evening per week\n- Sometimes the problem is with a textbook's explanation, not with me\n- I'm motivated by seeing things come together\n- I actually really enjoy learning, when it's self-directed and bringing me closer to something _I_ want to do\n\nAnd then, ten years after graduating from high school, a weird thought struck me: _What if I don't hate math... I just hated how Mr. So-and-so taught math?_\n\nIt turns out that math is actually pretty cool, and that I _can_ learn it.\n\nPersonally, learning languages has taught me many valuable lessons about learning itself, which I've been able to apply to the pursuits that matter to me, such as music, math, piano, chess, and cooking.\n\nLearning French will help you do the things you love better.\n\n## 4. French is a gateway to the other Romance languages\n\nFrench is a Romance language, meaning that it came from Latin. The Romance language family also includes Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, and Romanian. These languages have a lot in common, just as siblings from real families do.\n\nFor example, [89% of French vocabulary overlaps with Italian vocabulary](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FLexical_similarity#Indo-European_languages), and the \"they\" form of Italian verbs features an \u002Fn\u002F sound just like the \"they\" form of French verbs does.\n\n- EN: They speak.\n- FR: Ils parle**n**t\n- IT: Loro parla**n**o\n\nSimilar connections exist between French and the other Romance languages.\n\nWith this in mind, when you learn French, you're also building a foundation that will enable you to learn several other languages much more easily, if you choose to do so.\n\n## 5. You'll improve your memory\n\nSeems farfetched, I know.\n\nBut consider this:\n\nLearning French will require you to remember tens of thousands of vocabulary words and hundreds of grammar points. That's a lot.\n\nThis will be a struggle at first, but then you'll learn about things like:\n\n- [The forgetting curve](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FForgetting_curve), or the fact that forgetting things is inevitable, unless we take action\n- [Space repetition](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FSpaced_repetition), or an efficient way of reviewing information to combat the forgetting curve\n- [Mnemonics](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FMnemonic), or strategic ways to encode information into your brain to avoid forgetting\n\nAnd, suddenly, you'll start retaining French words.\n\nYou'll realize that you don't have a bad memory, but rather that you'd been _using_ your memory wrong... and that you can apply these same insights to other areas of your life, too.\n\n## 6. The French world has had an impact on virtually all of the arts\n\nFrench culture has had an indelible impact on art, literature, and film worldwide. This means that learning French isn’t just about gaining language skills: it’s an invitation into the world of _café culture_, [_boulangeries_](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.google.com\u002Fsearch?sca_esv=e84d3365b4113c52&q=boulangeries&udm=2&fbs=AEQNm0Aa4sjWe7Rqy32pFwRj0UkWd8nbOJfsBGGB5IQQO6L3J5_cJreBOGYq6XK4Eyx3ZWB3hvi_jfhQFvRQXOZxLbKq3Km_PBQD94QCwqDXKYNNrtX5Rheq8pceQBQnfz9lnKJGkq0deC_11pbbnfwkFJhsnBSAjcKBx49XBsuZ6M6Fusj1rIRTOc-f3xR-Uf71lVOhGqGXzMtaoSEdyIFKXasKUdnKeQ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiCvdSU082JAxVpL9AFHd_yJxwQtKgLegQIHBAB&biw=714&bih=900&dpr=2), _cinéma français_, and literary giants like Sartre and Descartes. France also hosts internationally renowned events like the Cannes Film Festival and the Paris Fashion Week.\n\nOf course, understanding French allows you to appreciate the nuances of French literature, French cinema, and the unique aspects of French history in their original language. There are a lot of good French>English translators, but there was only one Voltaire. Translations usually just don't compare.\n\n_[(While we're here, here's a bilingual edition of my favorite French poem. It's beautiful.)](https:\u002F\u002Fmath.mit.edu\u002F~shor\u002FSaadi.html)_.\n\n## 7. Learning French will help you understand (and appreciate) English\n\nEnglish has taken significant influence from French due to the Norman conquest of England in the 11th century and French's history as a prestige language. This is particularly notable in our vocabulary: words like _rendezvous_ and _apostrophe_—and thousands more—come straight from French. (This is part of why English's spelling is such a mess.)\n\nAdditionally, learning French will require you to learn about concepts like verb tenses and conjugations—things you've learned naturally in English, but may never have put a name to. Why is \"would of\" incorrect where as \"would have\" is OK? Why do we talk about past experiences by saying we _have_ done something, anyway?\n\nAt first you'll think that you're learning French, but sometime down the road, it'll occur to you that English now makes more sense, too.\n\n## 8. French literature is incredible\n\nI'm just some random guy on the internet, but just look at these quotes:\n\n> “All grown-ups were once children... but only few of them remember it.” \u003Cbr>\n> ― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, _The Little Prince_\n\n> “My life was hurrying, racing tragically toward its end. And yet at the same time it was dripping so slowly, so very slowly now, hour by hour, minute by minute. One always has to wait until the sugar melts, the memory dies, the wound scars over, the sun sets, the unhappiness lifts and fades away.” \u003Cbr>\n> ― Simone de Beauvoir, _The Woman Destroyed_\n\n> “What Is Love? I have met in the streets a very poor young man who was in love. His hat was old, his coat worn, the water passed through his shoes and the stars through his soul” \u003Cbr>\n> ― Victor Hugo, _Les Misérables_\n\n> “Likewise and during every day of an unillustrious life, time carries us. But a moment always comes when we have to carry it. We live on the future: “tomorrow,” “later on,” “when you have made your way,” “you will understand when you are old enough.” Such irrelevancies are wonderful, for, after all, it’s a matter of dying. Yet a day comes when a man notices or says that he is thirty. Thus he asserts his youth. But simultaneously he situates himself in relation to time. He takes his place in it. He admits that he stands at a certain point on a curve that he acknowledges having to travel to its end. He belongs to time, and by the horror that seizes him, he recognizes his worst enemy. Tomorrow, he was longing for tomorrow, whereas everything in him ought to reject it. That revolt of the flesh is the absurd.”\u003Cbr>\n> ― Albert Camus, _The Myth of Sisyphus and Other Essays_\n\n> “But for what purpose was the earth formed?\" asked Candide. \"To drive us mad,\" replied Martin. \u003Cbr>\n> ― Voltaire, _Candide_\n\n> This morning, I wanted to bring roses to you,\u003Cbr>\n> But I filled my sashes with the garden entire,\u003Cbr>\n> And the knots stretched too tight, since I took so many. \u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>\n> The strained knots burst apart, and the roses all flew;\u003Cbr>\n> Snatched away by the wind, into the sea they went,\u003Cbr>\n> Where they followed the tide, and so were lost to me.\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>\n> The waves turned bright crimson, as though they were on fire.\u003Cbr>\n> This evening, my dress is still drenched in their scent—\u003Cbr>\n> Come to me and inhale their fragrant memory.\u003Cbr>\n> —Marceline Desbordes-Valmore, _The Roses of Saadi_ (translated by Peter Shor)\n\nLearning French opens you up to _books_ full of stuff like this.\n\n---\n\n## How Can Migaku Help You Learn French?\n\nWhereas most language learning apps force you to learn French by following a curriculum that _they_ think is important, Migaku instead equips you with the tools you need to jump right into French and learn as you go. I personally like reading, and I personally want to read things like _Around the World in 80 Days_ by Victor Hugo and _The Stranger_ by Albert Camus in French—so that's what I'm doing.\n\nHere's the French version of that quote from Simone de Beauvoir:\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-french-quote.jpeg\" width=\"1900\" height=\"1502\" alt=\"A screenshot of a quote from Simone de Beauvoir's _La Femme Rompue_, as displayed in Migaku's language learning software.\" \u002F>\n\nAs you can see, I know most of the words, but there's several that I'm not familiar with. With Migaku, that's not a problem. Simply clicking on _coupure_ (break\u002Fcut\u002Fshift) brings up reference information about it. I've personally chose to see an AI breakdown of what the word means in context, but Migaku also can show you:\n\n- Recordings of native speakers saying _coupure_\n- Photos of _coupure_\n- Dictionary definitions of what it means\n- Example sentences\n- AI breakdowns of the sentence it appears in\n- Links to _coupure_ in online dictionaries\n\nAnd all of that is available at the press of a button.\n\nSo I just read stuff I'm interested in, click words I don't know, and click the orange button you see in the top-right corner of the popup dictionary to turn those words into flashcards. As I consume things I enjoy in French, I improve in French. It's fun, and it works.\n\nOn the off chance that you're not a bookworm, know that you can use Migaku with pretty much any sort of content that has copyable text, such as the subtitles of videos or comments on X (Twitter).\n\nFor example, here's a screenshot of [a podcast that I'm listening to on YouTube](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=zeF_yUWN_TQ).\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-french-youtube.jpeg\" width=\"1866\" height=\"1452\" alt=\"A screenshot of a an episode of InnerFrench's podcast on YouTube, as enhanced by Migaku's software.\" \u002F>\n\nTo see how Migaku lets you turn these things into personalized learning materials, click the button below.\n\n\u003Cprose-button href=\"\u002F\" text=\"See Migaku in action\">\u003C\u002Fprose-button>\n\n---\n\n## Key Takeaways\n\nYes, French is worth learning. The people, the movies, the books—and we didn't even talk about [the music](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=l9fX2JmtFII)!\n\nThe _real_ question to be asking is how you're going to learn French.\n",{"title":11446,"description":11963},"article\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-french-why","5mraX_3a1FEvTCWqCTaEgcRD7JlEzN_1mhy9qs9Jfl8","November 20, 2024",{"id":11981,"title":11982,"body":11983,"description":12598,"extension":929,"meta":12599,"navigation":942,"path":12607,"rawbody":12608,"seo":12609,"stem":12610,"__hash__":12611,"timestampUnix":12600,"slug":12601,"h1":12602,"image":12603,"tags":12606,"_dir":948,"timestamp":12612},"content\u002Farticle\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-french-yes.md","Different Ways to Say “Yes” in French: “Oui” or “Ouais”?",{"type":8,"value":11984,"toc":12586},[11985,11988,11997,12000,12007,12010,12012,12014,12018,12021,12034,12037,12042,12045,12058,12061,12065,12075,12078,12121,12124,12138,12144,12146,12150,12153,12156,12169,12174,12181,12194,12200,12216,12218,12222,12231,12234,12237,12250,12258,12260,12264,12267,12270,12408,12411,12435,12439,12446,12449,12478,12481,12483,12487,12490,12493,12498,12501,12504,12507,12510,12513,12518,12521,12528,12533,12536,12541,12547,12550,12555,12557,12561,12568,12571,12574,12580],[11,11986,11987],{},"You’d think saying “yes” would be simple.",[86,11989,11990],{},[11,11991,11992,11993,11996],{},"Just learn ",[21,11994,11995],{},"oui",", use it when appropriate, and voilà—done, right?",[11,11998,11999],{},"Not quite.",[11,12001,12002,12003,12006],{},"If you’ve spent more than five minutes listening to actual French speakers, you’ll realize there’s a ",[21,12004,12005],{},"whole"," compendium of affirmative French words. From “bien sûr” to “carrément”, French vocabulary has a dozen shades of yes—each with its own vibe.",[11,12008,12009],{},"In this guide, we’ll explore how French people really say yes—casually, enthusiastically, reluctantly, and everything in between. Let’s jump in.",[30,12011],{},[34,12013],{},[37,12015,12017],{"id":12016},"oui-the-simplest-way-to-say-yes","“Oui,” the simplest way to say yes",[11,12019,12020],{},"We have to start with the classic:",[121,12022,12023],{},[124,12024,12025,12026,55,12029,55,12031],{},"“oui.” ",[57,12027],{"src":12028,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-oui.mp3",[132,12030],{},[21,12032,12033],{},"Sounds kind of like \"we\"",[11,12035,12036],{},"It’s the French equivalent of “yes,” and it works in pretty much any context. Whether you’re replying politely to your teacher, ordering croissants, or accepting a marriage proposal, “oui” gets the job done.",[86,12038,12039],{},[11,12040,12041],{},"Fun fact: “oui” comes from the Latin expression “hoc ille“, meaning “this one.” Over time, that phrase evolved phonetically and grammatically into the sleek, single-syllable “oui” we use today.",[11,12043,12044],{},"While there are many different ways to say yes, “oui” is the ultimate affirmative answer and probably the first word you'll be taught when learning the French language.",[121,12046,12047],{},[124,12048,12049,12050,55,12053,134,12055],{},"Tu veux un croissant ? — Oui, merci.  ",[57,12051],{"src":12052,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Tu veux un croissant _ — Oui, merci..mp3",[132,12054],{},[21,12056,12057],{},"Do you want a croissant? — Yes, thank you.",[11,12059,12060],{},"If you’ve seen a French rom-com or historical drama, you’ve probably heard “oui” about fifty times in the first scene alone. It’s a small word with an enormous range.",[414,12062,12064],{"id":12063},"other-spellings-for-oui-based-on-sound","Other spellings for “oui” based on sound",[11,12066,12067,12068,12071,12072,12074],{},"Now that texting and online chatting are so common, people often write “oui” the way it ",[21,12069,12070],{},"sounds"," like it should be spelled rather than how it ",[21,12073,3243],{}," be spelled. These creative variations on \"oui\" are usually informal or playful. They can also express modesty when talking about one's own achievements.",[11,12076,12077],{},"Here's a few common ones you'll see:",[183,12079,12080,12093],{},[186,12081,12082],{},[189,12083,12084,12087,12090],{},[192,12085,12086],{},"Spelling",[192,12088,12089],{},"Context                  ",[192,12091,12092],{},"Tone                    ",[208,12094,12095,12108],{},[189,12096,12097,12102,12105],{},[213,12098,12099,1123],{},[69,12100,12101],{},"ui",[213,12103,12104],{},"Text messages              ",[213,12106,12107],{},"Cute, casual            ",[189,12109,12110,12115,12118],{},[213,12111,12112,1123],{},[69,12113,12114],{},"vui",[213,12116,12117],{},"Social media comments      ",[213,12119,12120],{},"Playful, exaggerated    ",[11,12122,12123],{},"You might see:",[121,12125,12126],{},[124,12127,12128,12129,12132,12133,55,12135],{},"Vuiiiii c’est trop bien ",[57,12130],{"src":12131,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Ouiiiiiiiiiiii, c'est trop bien.mp3","😍 ",[132,12134],{},[21,12136,12137],{},"Yesss, that’s awesome 😍",[11,12139,12140,12141,12143],{},"It’s not “real” French grammar you hear about when you learn French, but you’ll see it often—especially among younger speakers. (And your goal ",[21,12142,3041],{}," to understand French, right?)",[34,12145],{},[37,12147,12149],{"id":12148},"ouais-maybe-the-most-common-way-to-say-yes","“Ouais,” maybe the most common way to say yes",[11,12151,12152],{},"Let’s be honest: if you only use “oui,” you’ll sound like a textbook.",[11,12154,12155],{},"If you want to sound like a native, start using the casual way to say yes:",[121,12157,12158],{},[124,12159,12160,12161,55,12164,55,12166],{},"Ouais ",[57,12162],{"src":12163,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-ouais.mp3",[132,12165],{},[21,12167,12168],{},"Sounds kind of like “weh”",[86,12170,12171],{},[11,12172,12173],{},"“Ouais” is to “oui” what “yeah” is to “yes” for English speakers.",[11,12175,12176,12177,12180],{},"It’s casual, easygoing, and used constantly in real-life conversations and informal settings. Friends use it. Co-workers use it. Teenagers use nothing ",[21,12178,12179],{},"but"," it. (I jest. Kind of.)",[121,12182,12183],{},[124,12184,12185,12186,55,12189,134,12191],{},"Tu veux venir au ciné ? — Ouais, carrément. ",[57,12187],{"src":12188,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Tu veux venir au ciné _ — Ouais, carrément..mp3",[132,12190],{},[21,12192,12193],{},"Want to go to the movies? — Yeah, totally.",[11,12195,2094,12196,12199],{},[21,12197,12198],{},"ouais"," has actually been around for centuries. It started showing up in the 15th century, often in plays to mark informal speech or working-class characters. It’s since gone mainstream.",[11,12201,12202,12203,12210,12211,12215],{},"If you watch shows like ",[21,12204,12205],{},[867,12206,12209],{"href":12207,"rel":12208},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FCall_My_Agent!",[1196],"Dix pour cent"," or _",[867,12212,7015],{"href":12213,"rel":12214},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FLupin_(French*TV_series)",[1196],"*, you’ll hear “ouais” in almost every dialogue. It’s how actual native French speakers talk.",[34,12217],{},[37,12219,12221],{"id":12220},"recent-developments-the-appearance-of-yes","Recent developments: the appearance of “yes”",[11,12223,12224,12225,12228,12229,844],{},"Here’s something interesting—French people are starting to say ",[69,12226,12227],{},"“yes”","... like, the English word \"yes\", but in ",[21,12230,1070],{},[11,12232,12233],{},"Why?",[11,12235,12236],{},"It’s trendy, casual, and a little tongue-in-cheek. You’ll hear it among younger speakers or online, sometimes as a quick, dramatic reaction—especially on social media.",[121,12238,12239],{},[124,12240,12241,12242,55,12245,134,12247],{},"T’as vu ce film ? — YESSS trop bien ! ",[57,12243],{"src":12244,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-T’as vu ce film _ — YEEEEESSSSSSS, trop bien !.mp3",[132,12246],{},[21,12248,12249],{},"Did you see that movie? — YESSS, it was so good!",[11,12251,12252,12253,427,12255,12257],{},"It’s not a replacement for ",[21,12254,11995],{},[21,12256,12198],{},", but it’s definitely part of modern French, and you'll hear it.",[34,12259],{},[37,12261,12263],{"id":12262},"other-ways-to-show-agreement","Other ways to show agreement",[11,12265,12266],{},"Beyond “oui” and “ouais,” French has plenty of expressions that signal agreement. Some are polite, some are enthusiastic, and some can even be a bit tricky depending on context.",[11,12268,12269],{},"Let’s take a closer look:",[183,12271,12272,12285],{},[186,12273,12274],{},[189,12275,12276,12279,12282],{},[192,12277,12278],{},"Expression  ",[192,12280,12281],{},"English Equivalent                 ",[192,12283,12284],{},"Caution \u002F Notes                                  ",[208,12286,12287,12303,12319,12338,12357,12373,12392],{},[189,12288,12289,12297,12300],{},[213,12290,12291,55,12294],{},[69,12292,12293],{},"Bien sûr",[57,12295],{"src":12296,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Bien sûr.mp3",[213,12298,12299],{},"Of course                              ",[213,12301,12302],{},"Can sound sarcastic depending on tone            ",[189,12304,12305,12313,12316],{},[213,12306,12307,55,12310],{},[69,12308,12309],{},"D’accord",[57,12311],{"src":12312,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-d'accord.mp3",[213,12314,12315],{},"Alright \u002F Agreed                      ",[213,12317,12318],{},"Formal or neutral                                ",[189,12320,12321,12329,12335],{},[213,12322,12323,55,12326,1123],{},[69,12324,12325],{},"D’acc",[57,12327],{"src":12328,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-d'acc.mp3",[213,12330,12331,12332,12334],{},"Sure \u002F Okay ",[132,12333],{}," (short for d’accord)      ",[213,12336,12337],{},"Very casual; used mostly in speech or text      ",[189,12339,12340,12348,12351],{},[213,12341,12342,55,12345],{},[69,12343,12344],{},"OK \u002F Okay",[57,12346],{"src":12347,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-ok.mp3",[213,12349,12350],{},"Okay                                  ",[213,12352,12353,12354,12356],{},"Can seem cold in writing, ",[132,12355],{}," especially when followed with a period     ",[189,12358,12359,12367,12370],{},[213,12360,12361,55,12364,1123],{},[69,12362,12363],{},"Okidoki",[57,12365],{"src":12366,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-okidoki.mp3",[213,12368,12369],{},"Okay-dokey                            ",[213,12371,12372],{},"Rare; humorous or intentionally goofy            ",[189,12374,12375,12383,12389],{},[213,12376,12377,55,12380],{},[69,12378,12379],{},"Carrément",[57,12381],{"src":12382,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-carrément.mp3",[213,12384,12385,12386,12388],{},"Totally \u002F For sure ",[132,12387],{}," Absolutely                  ",[213,12390,12391],{},"Emphatic yes—strong approval                    ",[189,12393,12394,12402,12405],{},[213,12395,12396,55,12399],{},[69,12397,12398],{},"Ça marche",[57,12400],{"src":12401,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-ça_marche.mp3",[213,12403,12404],{},"Okay \u002F Agreed \u002F Alright                 ",[213,12406,12407],{},"Slightly informal                 ",[11,12409,12410],{},"Some example sentences:",[121,12412,12413,12424],{},[124,12414,12415,12416,55,12419,134,12421],{},"On se retrouve à 18h ? — D’accord. ",[57,12417],{"src":12418,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-On se retrouve à 18h _ — D’accord..mp3",[132,12420],{},[21,12422,12423],{},"We’ll meet at 6 PM? — Alright.",[124,12425,12426,12427,55,12430,134,12432],{},"Tu veux tester ce resto japonais ? — Carrément ! ",[57,12428],{"src":12429,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Tu veux tester ce resto japonais _ — Carrément !.mp3",[132,12431],{},[21,12433,12434],{},"Wanna try that Japanese restaurant? — Absolutely!",[414,12436,12438],{"id":12437},"using-intonation-to-show-agreement","Using intonation to show agreement",[11,12440,12441,12442,12445],{},"As in English, the ",[21,12443,12444],{},"way"," you say “yes” in French matters. A sarcastic “bien sûûûr” or a hesitant “ouais…” can completely change the meaning.",[11,12447,12448],{},"Here are some tone-based examples:",[121,12450,12451,12460,12469],{},[124,12452,12453,55,12456,12459],{},[69,12454,12455],{},"Bien sûr.",[57,12457],{"src":12458,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Bien sûr (neutral).mp3"," (neutral tone) → “Of course.”",[124,12461,12462,55,12465,12468],{},[69,12463,12464],{},"Bieeen sûûûr...",[57,12466],{"src":12467,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Bieeen sûûûr (exaggerated).mp3"," (exaggerated) → “Yeah riiight...”",[124,12470,12471,55,12474,12477],{},[69,12472,12473],{},"Ouais...",[57,12475],{"src":12476,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Ouais (hesitant).mp3"," (hesitant) → “I mean, yeah... I guess.”",[11,12479,12480],{},"Pay close attention to how words are said, not just what’s said. The French love using intonation to add layers of meaning.",[34,12482],{},[37,12484,12486],{"id":12485},"a-more-natural-way-to-learn-how-to-say-yes-in-french","A more natural way to learn how to say Yes in French",[11,12488,12489],{},"Now that you know all these ways of saying yes, you might be wondering—how can you see them used in real life?",[11,12491,12492],{},"Even just twenty years ago, your only choice would have been to get a visa to France.",[86,12494,12495],{},[11,12496,12497],{},"Today, you can immerse in French no matter where you are in the world.",[11,12499,12500],{},"For example, imagine you're on YouTube, watching an interview of one of your favorite French actresses—Emmanuelle Béart.",[11,12502,12503],{},"You understand most of the content. Awesome! You're feeling great.",[11,12505,12506],{},".... and then you stumble upon the French phrase “bien sûr,” which you aren't familiar with.",[11,12508,12509],{},"What will you ever do?",[11,12511,12512],{},"Well, if you use Migaku, you can literally just click on words in subtitles to see what they mean.",[833,12514],{"src":12515,"width":12516,"height":4854,"alt":12517},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-mobile-youtube-french-yes.jpeg",1848,"A screenshot from Migaku's mobile app, showing a YouTube show where someone says 'oui'",[11,12519,12520],{},"You'll see definitions from real French dictionaries—and you can also have AI give you explanations of what a certain word means in the context of a particular sentence.",[11,12522,12523,12524,12527],{},"Anyway, we see that ",[21,12525,12526],{},"bien sûr"," means:",[86,12529,12530],{},[11,12531,12532],{},"• adv. of course, certainly, obviously",[11,12534,12535],{},"And that seems like a super useful thing to know how to say! So you click on the orange button in the top-right corner of the dictionary and create a flashcard in the blink of an eye:",[833,12537],{"src":12538,"width":12539,"height":12540,"alt":5771},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-flashcard-french-yes.jpeg",1614,1352,[11,12542,12543,12544,12546],{},"To make the flashcard, we'll take a screenshot and audio snippet from your YouTube show. From there, we'll periodically nudge you to see if you remember what ",[21,12545,12526],{}," means. Each time we do, you'll have the context of your interview to help you recall what it means.",[11,12548,12549],{},"Eventually, you'll just know what it means.",[11,12551,1960,12552,12554],{},[21,12553,1963],{}," how you learn French.",[34,12556],{},[37,12558,12560],{"id":12559},"saying-oui-is-a-question-of-nuances","Saying “oui” is a question of nuances",[11,12562,12563,12564,12567],{},"Learning a language isn’t just about vocabulary lists and grammar rules. It’s about ",[69,12565,12566],{},"understanding the little things","—like how many French expressions there are to say “yes,” and how each one carries its own tone and context.",[11,12569,12570],{},"There's a lot of nuance to wrap your head around...",[11,12572,12573],{},"But:",[86,12575,12576],{},[11,12577,896,12578],{},[21,12579,2993],{},[11,12581,12582,12583,12585],{},"Bonne chance, and ",[21,12584,12198],{}," (see what I did there?)—you've got this!",{"title":383,"searchDepth":915,"depth":915,"links":12587},[12588,12591,12592,12593,12596,12597],{"id":12016,"depth":915,"text":12017,"children":12589},[12590],{"id":12063,"depth":923,"text":12064},{"id":12148,"depth":915,"text":12149},{"id":12220,"depth":915,"text":12221},{"id":12262,"depth":915,"text":12263,"children":12594},[12595],{"id":12437,"depth":923,"text":12438},{"id":12485,"depth":915,"text":12486},{"id":12559,"depth":915,"text":12560},"Beyond \"oui\": Discover different ways to say \"yes\" in French! Learn how to say yes like a native and expand your French language skills.",{"timestampUnix":12600,"slug":12601,"h1":12602,"image":12603,"tags":12606},1748510391494,"yes-in-french","How to Say “Yes” in French—Beyond “Oui”",{"src":12604,"width":936,"height":991,"alt":12605},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-french-yes-thumbnail.jpeg","A screenshot of a woman wearing a shirt that says \"oui!\", which happens to be the French word for \"yes\"!",[941],"\u002Farticle\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-french-yes","---\ntitle: 'Different Ways to Say “Yes” in French: “Oui” or “Ouais”?'\ndescription: 'Beyond \"oui\": Discover different ways to say \"yes\" in French! Learn how to say yes like a native and expand your French language skills.'\ntimestampUnix: 1748510391494\nslug: 'yes-in-french'\nh1: 'How to Say “Yes” in French—Beyond “Oui”'\nimage:\n src: '\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-french-yes-thumbnail.jpeg'\n width: 1920\n height: 1280\n alt: 'A screenshot of a woman wearing a shirt that says \"oui!\", which happens to be the French word for \"yes\"!'\ntags:\n - vocabulary\n---\n\nYou’d think saying “yes” would be simple.\n\n> Just learn _oui_, use it when appropriate, and voilà—done, right?\n\nNot quite.\n\nIf you’ve spent more than five minutes listening to actual French speakers, you’ll realize there’s a _whole_ compendium of affirmative French words. From “bien sûr” to “carrément”, French vocabulary has a dozen shades of yes—each with its own vibe.\n\nIn this guide, we’ll explore how French people really say yes—casually, enthusiastically, reluctantly, and everything in between. Let’s jump in.\n\n\u003Ctoc>\u003C\u002Ftoc>\n\n---\n\n## “Oui,” the simplest way to say yes\n\nWe have to start with the classic:\n\n- “oui.” \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-oui.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _Sounds kind of like \"we\"_\n\nIt’s the French equivalent of “yes,” and it works in pretty much any context. Whether you’re replying politely to your teacher, ordering croissants, or accepting a marriage proposal, “oui” gets the job done.\n\n> Fun fact: “oui” comes from the Latin expression “hoc ille“, meaning “this one.” Over time, that phrase evolved phonetically and grammatically into the sleek, single-syllable “oui” we use today.\n\nWhile there are many different ways to say yes, “oui” is the ultimate affirmative answer and probably the first word you'll be taught when learning the French language.\n\n- Tu veux un croissant ? — Oui, merci.  \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Tu veux un croissant _ — Oui, merci..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr>  _Do you want a croissant? — Yes, thank you._\n\nIf you’ve seen a French rom-com or historical drama, you’ve probably heard “oui” about fifty times in the first scene alone. It’s a small word with an enormous range.\n\n### Other spellings for “oui” based on sound\n\nNow that texting and online chatting are so common, people often write “oui” the way it _sounds_ like it should be spelled rather than how it _should_ be spelled. These creative variations on \"oui\" are usually informal or playful. They can also express modesty when talking about one's own achievements.\n\nHere's a few common ones you'll see:\n\n| Spelling | Context                   | Tone                     |\n| --------- | --------------------------- | ------------------------ |\n| **ui**   | Text messages               | Cute, casual             |\n| **vui**   | Social media comments       | Playful, exaggerated     |\n\nYou might see:\n\n- Vuiiiii c’est trop bien \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Ouiiiiiiiiiiii, c'est trop bien.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>😍 \u003Cbr> _Yesss, that’s awesome 😍_\n\nIt’s not “real” French grammar you hear about when you learn French, but you’ll see it often—especially among younger speakers. (And your goal _is_ to understand French, right?)\n\n---\n\n## “Ouais,” maybe the most common way to say yes\n\nLet’s be honest: if you only use “oui,” you’ll sound like a textbook.\n\nIf you want to sound like a native, start using the casual way to say yes:\n\n- Ouais \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-ouais.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _Sounds kind of like “weh”_\n\n> “Ouais” is to “oui” what “yeah” is to “yes” for English speakers.\n\nIt’s casual, easygoing, and used constantly in real-life conversations and informal settings. Friends use it. Co-workers use it. Teenagers use nothing _but_ it. (I jest. Kind of.)\n\n- Tu veux venir au ciné ? — Ouais, carrément. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Tu veux venir au ciné _ — Ouais, carrément..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003C\u002Fbr>  _Want to go to the movies? — Yeah, totally._\n\nThe word _ouais_ has actually been around for centuries. It started showing up in the 15th century, often in plays to mark informal speech or working-class characters. It’s since gone mainstream.\n\nIf you watch shows like _[Dix pour cent](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FCall_My_Agent!)_ or _[Lupin](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FLupin_(French*TV_series))*, you’ll hear “ouais” in almost every dialogue. It’s how actual native French speakers talk.\n\n---\n\n## Recent developments: the appearance of “yes”\n\nHere’s something interesting—French people are starting to say **“yes”**... like, the English word \"yes\", but in _French_.\n\nWhy?\n\nIt’s trendy, casual, and a little tongue-in-cheek. You’ll hear it among younger speakers or online, sometimes as a quick, dramatic reaction—especially on social media.\n\n- T’as vu ce film ? — YESSS trop bien ! \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-T’as vu ce film _ — YEEEEESSSSSSS, trop bien !.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr>  _Did you see that movie? — YESSS, it was so good!_\n\nIt’s not a replacement for _oui_ or _ouais_, but it’s definitely part of modern French, and you'll hear it.\n\n---\n\n## Other ways to show agreement\n\nBeyond “oui” and “ouais,” French has plenty of expressions that signal agreement. Some are polite, some are enthusiastic, and some can even be a bit tricky depending on context.\n\nLet’s take a closer look:\n\n| Expression   | English Equivalent                  | Caution \u002F Notes                                   |\n| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| **Bien sûr** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Bien sûr.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | Of course                               | Can sound sarcastic depending on tone             |\n| **D’accord** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-d'accord.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | Alright \u002F Agreed                       | Formal or neutral                                 |\n| **D’acc** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-d'acc.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>   | Sure \u002F Okay \u003Cbr> (short for d’accord)       | Very casual; used mostly in speech or text       |\n| **OK \u002F Okay** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-ok.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | Okay                                   | Can seem cold in writing, \u003Cbr> especially when followed with a period      |\n| **Okidoki** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-okidoki.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>   | Okay-dokey                             | Rare; humorous or intentionally goofy             |\n| **Carrément** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-carrément.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | Totally \u002F For sure \u003Cbr> Absolutely                   | Emphatic yes—strong approval                     |\n| **Ça marche** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-ça_marche.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | Okay \u002F Agreed \u002F Alright                  | Slightly informal                  |\n\nSome example sentences:\n\n- On se retrouve à 18h ? — D’accord. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-On se retrouve à 18h _ — D’accord..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr>  _We’ll meet at 6 PM? — Alright._\n\n- Tu veux tester ce resto japonais ? — Carrément ! \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Tu veux tester ce resto japonais _ — Carrément !.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr>  _Wanna try that Japanese restaurant? — Absolutely!_\n\n### Using intonation to show agreement\n\nAs in English, the _way_ you say “yes” in French matters. A sarcastic “bien sûûûr” or a hesitant “ouais…” can completely change the meaning.\n\nHere are some tone-based examples:\n\n- **Bien sûr.** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Bien sûr (neutral).mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> (neutral tone) → “Of course.”\n- **Bieeen sûûûr...** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Bieeen sûûûr (exaggerated).mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> (exaggerated) → “Yeah riiight...”\n- **Ouais...** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Ouais (hesitant).mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> (hesitant) → “I mean, yeah... I guess.”\n\nPay close attention to how words are said, not just what’s said. The French love using intonation to add layers of meaning.\n\n---\n\n## A more natural way to learn how to say Yes in French\n\nNow that you know all these ways of saying yes, you might be wondering—how can you see them used in real life?\n\nEven just twenty years ago, your only choice would have been to get a visa to France.\n\n> Today, you can immerse in French no matter where you are in the world.\n\nFor example, imagine you're on YouTube, watching an interview of one of your favorite French actresses—Emmanuelle Béart.\n\nYou understand most of the content. Awesome! You're feeling great.\n\n.... and then you stumble upon the French phrase “bien sûr,” which you aren't familiar with.\n\nWhat will you ever do?\n\nWell, if you use Migaku, you can literally just click on words in subtitles to see what they mean.\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-mobile-youtube-french-yes.jpeg\" width=\"1848\" height=\"1242\" alt=\"A screenshot from Migaku's mobile app, showing a YouTube show where someone says 'oui'\" \u002F>\n\nYou'll see definitions from real French dictionaries—and you can also have AI give you explanations of what a certain word means in the context of a particular sentence.\n\nAnyway, we see that _bien sûr_ means:\n\n> • adv. of course, certainly, obviously\n\nAnd that seems like a super useful thing to know how to say! So you click on the orange button in the top-right corner of the dictionary and create a flashcard in the blink of an eye:\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-flashcard-french-yes.jpeg\" width=\"1614\" height=\"1352\" alt=\"...\" \u002F>\n\nTo make the flashcard, we'll take a screenshot and audio snippet from your YouTube show. From there, we'll periodically nudge you to see if you remember what _bien sûr_ means. Each time we do, you'll have the context of your interview to help you recall what it means.\n\nEventually, you'll just know what it means.\n\nAnd _that's_ how you learn French.\n\n---\n\n## Saying “oui” is a question of nuances\n\nLearning a language isn’t just about vocabulary lists and grammar rules. It’s about **understanding the little things**—like how many French expressions there are to say “yes,” and how each one carries its own tone and context.\n\nThere's a lot of nuance to wrap your head around...\n\nBut:\n\n> If you consume media you enjoy in French, and you understand some of the messages and sentences within that media, you will make progress. _Period._\n\nBonne chance, and _ouais_ (see what I did there?)—you've got this!\n",{"title":11982,"description":12598},"article\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-french-yes","ahAuWwicpUXOUqkeF0sQ__IZ855ai_rVVaUalvJnglk","May 29, 2025",{"id":12614,"title":12615,"body":12616,"description":13254,"extension":929,"meta":13255,"navigation":942,"path":13265,"rawbody":13266,"seo":13267,"stem":13268,"__hash__":13269,"timestampUnix":13256,"slug":13257,"h1":13258,"image":13259,"tags":13264,"_dir":948,"timestamp":13270},"content\u002Farticle\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-german-slang.md","28 \"Abgefahrene\" German Slang Words and Phrases",{"type":8,"value":12617,"toc":13243},[12618,12625,12634,12637,12640,12642,12644,12650,12656,12663,12666,12669,12683,12686,12688,12692,12699,12762,12766,12775,12873,12877,12884,12891,12961,12965,12968,12971,13021,13025,13035,13041,13044,13047,13052,13055,13061,13064,13067,13070,13072,13076,13079,13084,13087,13090,13141,13144,13146,13150,13153,13156,13193,13195,13201,13207,13228,13231,13238],[11,12619,12620,12621,12624],{},"So, you’ve been hitting the textbooks, memorizing your declensions, and perfecting your Hochdeutsch pronunciation. But then, you step into a German café, overhear a conversation, and have no idea what they're saying. ",[21,12622,12623],{},"Are they even speaking the German language?"," 😵",[11,12626,12627,12628,12631,12632,844],{},"You see, real Germans don’t talk like your textbook. They use slang words and phrases. ",[21,12629,12630],{},"All. The. Time."," And it's this casual language that make them sound lively, humorous—and, well, actually ",[21,12633,6546],{},[11,12635,12636],{},"If you want to sound more natural and connect with native speakers on a deeper level, you need to understand German culture... and part of that means learning a bit of common German slang. \"Abgefahrene\" from the title, for example, means \"cool\".",[11,12638,12639],{},"Let’s dive in! 🚀",[30,12641],{},[34,12643],{},[37,12645,12647],{"id":12646},"why-learn-german-slang-words-anyway",[69,12648,12649],{},"Why learn German slang words, anyway? 🤔",[11,12651,12652,12653],{},"Imagine this: You’re in Berlin, chatting with locals, and someone says: ",[21,12654,12655],{},"\"Alter, das ist ja mal richtig krass!\"",[11,12657,12658,12659,12662],{},"If you don’t know many casual German phrases, you'll probably be confused. But if you're up to your date with your slang expressions, you’ll know they just said, ",[21,12660,12661],{},"\"Dude, that’s seriously crazy!\""," (whether crazy good or crazy bad, only context can tell you).",[11,12664,12665],{},"So the most basic reason that you need to learn a bit of slang is that it's commonly used and your goal is (presumably) to understand the German you encounter... which includes slang. To go a bit deeper, though, slang is more than that: understanding the phrases used to express certain universal ideas gives you a window into the local culture, humor, and way of life.",[11,12667,12668],{},"Taking the time to learn a few German slang terms, such as the 28 we're about to introduce, will help you:",[121,12670,12671,12674,12677,12680],{},[124,12672,12673],{},"✔️ Sound more natural 🗣",[124,12675,12676],{},"✔️ Understand casual conversations 🎧",[124,12678,12679],{},"✔️ Connect with native speakers 🤝",[124,12681,12682],{},"✔️ Have more fun learning German! 🎉",[11,12684,12685],{},"Anyway, without further ado:",[34,12687],{},[37,12689,12691],{"id":12690},"_5-better-ways-to-say-hello"," 5 better ways to say hello 👋",[11,12693,12694,12695,12698],{},"Forget your stiff ",[21,12696,12697],{},"Guten Tag","—here’s how Germans really greet each other:",[121,12700,12701,12715,12727,12736,12749],{},[124,12702,12703,12704,55,12707,12710,12711,12714],{},"✅ ",[69,12705,12706],{},"Moin",[57,12708],{"src":12709,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Moin.mp3"," — A classic from Northern Germany (like around Hamburg). It’s short for ",[21,12712,12713],{},"Guten Morgen"," but used all day. Simple, chill, and effortlessly cool. 😎",[124,12716,12703,12717,55,12720,12723,12724,844],{},[69,12718,12719],{},"Servus",[57,12721],{"src":12722,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Servus.mp3"," — Used in Bavaria and Austria (and honestly everywhere). Works for both \"hello\" and \"goodbye,\" kind of like the Italian ",[21,12725,12726],{},"ciao",[124,12728,12703,12729,55,12732,12735],{},[69,12730,12731],{},"Mahlzeit",[57,12733],{"src":12734,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-mahlzeit.mp3"," — A lunchtime greeting that literally means \"meal time\"... but in offices, it’s just a friendly \"Hey!\" that you'll hear around noon.",[124,12737,12703,12738,55,12741,12744,12745,12748],{},[69,12739,12740],{},"Na?",[57,12742],{"src":12743,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-na_.mp3"," — The ultimate lazy German greeting. It’s like \"Hey, what’s up?\" but without actually asking anything. You can just respond with a ",[21,12746,12747],{},"Na!"," back. You might also hear \"Na? Wie geht's wie steht's,\" which is just \"Na!\" plus \"how are you?\".",[124,12750,12703,12751,55,12754,12757,12758,12761],{},[69,12752,12753],{},"Alles klar?",[57,12755],{"src":12756,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-alles klar_.mp3"," — Means \"All good?\" or \"Everything okay?\" literally, but it's a colloquial way to say  \"What’s up?\"... and if you have no idea what to say, you can just reply right back with an ",[21,12759,12760],{},"Alles klar!"," of your own.",[37,12763,12765],{"id":12764},"_7-more-modern-phrases-used-by-young-people","7 more modern phrases used by young people 🎤",[11,12767,12768,12769,12774],{},"Want to sound young, hip and hopefully not ",[867,12770,12773],{"href":12771,"rel":12772},"https:\u002F\u002Fknowyourmeme.com\u002Fmemes\u002Fhow-do-you-do-fellow-kids",[1196],"how are you doing, fellow kids?"," Here are some fun German words that are currently popular amongst the youth culture. (If you're reading this in like 2027, use with caution):",[121,12776,12777,12794,12811,12820,12833,12846,12855],{},[124,12778,12779,12780,55,12783,12786,12787,427,12790,12793],{},"🔥 ",[69,12781,12782],{},"Alter",[57,12784],{"src":12785,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-alter.mp3"," – Like ",[21,12788,12789],{},"dude",[21,12791,12792],{},"bro",". Can express surprise (\"Alter, krass!\" → \"Dude, awesome!) or annoyance (\"Alter, was machst du?!\" → \"Dude, what are you doing?!\").",[124,12795,12779,12796,55,12799,12802,12803,12805,12806,427,12809,844],{},[69,12797,12798],{},"Digga",[57,12800],{"src":12801,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Digga.mp3"," – Another word for ",[21,12804,12792],{}," but comes from Hamburg’s hip-hop scene. Works like ",[21,12807,12808],{},"mate",[21,12810,12789],{},[124,12812,12779,12813,55,12816,12819],{},[69,12814,12815],{},"Geil",[57,12817],{"src":12818,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Geil.mp3"," – Used to mean \"horny\" (and it still means that!)... but now it's actually used to say \"awesome\", too. Be a bit careful with this one until you've got it figured out 🫡",[124,12821,12779,12822,55,12825,12828,12829,12832],{},[69,12823,12824],{},"Krass",[57,12826],{"src":12827,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-krass.mp3"," – Means \"intense\", \"crazy\", or \"awesome\" in a good ",[21,12830,12831],{},"or"," bad way, depending on context.",[124,12834,12779,12835,55,12838,12841,12842,12845],{},[69,12836,12837],{},"Ehrenmann (M) \u002F Ehrenfrau (F)",[57,12839],{"src":12840,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Ehrenmann, Ehrenfrau.mp3"," – A term for someone honorable. Can be sincere or sarcastic. If your friend buys you coffee, you can say hit them with an ",[21,12843,12844],{},"Ehrenmann!"," in return ☕",[124,12847,12779,12848,55,12851,12854],{},[69,12849,12850],{},"Läuft bei dir",[57,12852],{"src":12853,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Läuft bei dir.mp3"," – Literally \"runs with you,\" but it's used to say \"You got it going on\" or \"Things are going well for you.\"",[124,12856,12857,12858,55,12861,12864,12865,12868,12869,12872],{},"🔥 ",[69,12859,12860],{},"Cringe",[57,12862],{"src":12863,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-cringe2.mp3"," – Yes, Germans use ",[21,12866,12867],{},"cringe"," just like we do in English. ",[21,12870,12871],{},"Das ist so cringe!"," means \"That’s so cringe (painfully embarrassing).\"",[37,12874,12876],{"id":12875},"_7slang-expressions-to-respond-or-retort-with-️","7 slang expressions to respond or retort with 🗣️",[11,12878,12879,12880,12883],{},"As much time as you might spend trying to figure out proper grammar and stuff like that, it's really the small little words people hardly notice that will make your speech sound fluent and natural. (If you don't believe me, go try to talk about anything for three minutes without saying ",[21,12881,12882],{},"umm",").",[11,12885,12886,12887,12890],{},"So when the person you're speaking to says something that you just ",[21,12888,12889],{},"need"," to respond to, respond with one of these:",[121,12892,12893,12903,12912,12921,12930,12943,12952],{},[124,12894,12895,12896,55,12899,12902],{},"✔️ ",[69,12897,12898],{},"Na ja",[57,12900],{"src":12901,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Na ja.mp3"," – The German version of \"Well…\" or \"I guess…\" Used when you're unsure or feeling hesitant.",[124,12904,12895,12905,55,12908,12911],{},[69,12906,12907],{},"Gebongt!",[57,12909],{"src":12910,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Gebongt!.mp3"," – Means \"Deal!\" or \"Agreed!\" Great for those spontaneous plans that normal people totally make.",[124,12913,12895,12914,55,12917,12920],{},[69,12915,12916],{},"Auf jeden Fall",[57,12918],{"src":12919,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Auf jeden Fall.mp3"," – \"Definitely!\" or \"For sure!\" ... but like a local!",[124,12922,12895,12923,55,12926,12929],{},[69,12924,12925],{},"Quatsch!",[57,12927],{"src":12928,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Quatsch!.mp3"," – \"Nonsense!\" Used when you disagree or think something is ridiculous.",[124,12931,12895,12932,55,12935,12938,12939,12942],{},[69,12933,12934],{},"Hammer!",[57,12936],{"src":12937,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Hammer!.mp3"," – Means something is amazing, as in ",[21,12940,12941],{},"Das ist der Hammer!"," (\"That’s insane!\")",[124,12944,12895,12945,55,12948,12951],{},[69,12946,12947],{},"Mach’s gut!",[57,12949],{"src":12950,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Mach’s gut!.mp3"," – A casual \"Take care!\" or \"See ya!\" Use this phrase when parting ways.",[124,12953,12895,12954,55,12957,12960],{},[69,12955,12956],{},"Spinnst du?!",[57,12958],{"src":12959,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Spinnst du_!.mp3"," – The literally translation is \"Are you spinning?\", but this fun bit of lingo actually means \"Are you crazy?!\" 😵",[37,12962,12964],{"id":12963},"_4-fun-german-expressions-that-dont-quite-translate","4 fun German expressions that don't quite translate 🎨",[11,12966,12967],{},"I'm not sure if we should present these as being a few funny German phrases or perhaps as something deeper—tiny reflections of German culture, perhaps. All the same, each gem you'll see below goes beyond what it might seem to mean on the surface. I've done my best to explain them, but it was a bit hard. We don't really have an English equivalent for these.",[11,12969,12970],{},"I've decided to include literal translations so you can appreciate these for what they really are.",[121,12972,12973,12987,12997,13007],{},[124,12974,12975,12976,55,12979,12982,12983,12986],{},"🌍 ",[69,12977,12978],{},"Fernweh",[57,12980],{"src":12981,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Fernweh.mp3"," – Literally meaning \"distance\u002Ffar pain\", this word describes a longing to travel somewhere far away—a sort of homesickness (",[21,12984,12985],{},"Heimweh",") for somewhere you've never been.",[124,12988,12989,12990,55,12993,12996],{},"🥓 ",[69,12991,12992],{},"Kummerspeck",[57,12994],{"src":12995,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Kummerspeck.mp3"," – \"Grief bacon\"—aka, the weight you gain from emotional eating.",[124,12998,12999,13000,55,13003,13006],{},"😆 ",[69,13001,13002],{},"Spaßvogel",[57,13004],{"src":13005,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-spaßvogel.mp3"," – Literally \"fun bird,\" used to describe someone who is a bit of a joker.",[124,13008,13009,13010,55,13013,13016,13017,13020],{},"🐐 ",[69,13011,13012],{},"Bock haben",[57,13014],{"src":13015,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Bock haben.mp3"," – While this appears to mean \"to have a ram\" at first glance, it's actually a way to express that you're \"up for\" or \"in the mood for\" something. For example, ",[21,13018,13019],{},"Hast du Bock auf Kino?"," would be \"Do you feel like going to the movies?\"... not \"do you have a goat in the movies.\" (And now I wonder how a set designer might ask a movie director of he's up to have a ram in a movie.)",[37,13022,13024],{"id":13023},"how-to-learn-all-of-this-slang-and-stuff","How to learn all of this slang and stuff",[11,13026,13027,13028,13031,13032],{},"You went out of your way to Google \"german slang\" or something like that, so I'm pretty sure you've come to be aware of an annoying truth: it's actually kinda hard to learn this stuff. Nobody wants to teach it. The Owl That Shall Not Be Named isn't going to feature ",[21,13029,13030],{},"geil"," in a lesson, and your German professor at college (hopefully) isn't going to look you in the eye and drop a ",[21,13033,13034],{},"Leck mich am Arsch!",[11,13036,13037,13038,13040],{},"Now, here at Migaku, we won't teach you this stuff, either—don't quote me on that, actually—but we ",[21,13039,5726],{}," give you the tools you need to learn them yourself.",[11,13042,13043],{},"For example, imagine you're perusing German YouTube on your phone, as you do, and then the gnarly dude building a custom longboard lets an \"Alter, krass!\" rip right into the microphone.",[11,13045,13046],{},"(If your imagination isn't so great, reference the handy dandy screenshots below).",[833,13048],{"src":13049,"width":13050,"height":8775,"alt":13051},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-german-mobile-youtube.jpeg",1762,"A screenshot of Migaku's YouTube interface, featuring a German YouTuber using some German slang.",[11,13053,13054],{},"And that \"Alter\" is underlined in red, indicating that you don't know it yet, so you click on it and see that it's a colloquial expression which means \"amazing\". That's an awesome word to know, so you click the orange \"send to card creator\" button and Migaku fetches a bunch of relevant information to make a flashcard for you, as shown below.",[833,13056],{"src":13057,"width":13058,"height":13059,"alt":13060},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-german-mobile-mining.jpeg",1182,1234,"A screenshot showing your very 'alter' Migaku flashcard",[11,13062,13063],{},"That whole process takes about three seconds, then you're back to your video.",[11,13065,13066],{},"It's pretty cool.",[11,13068,13069],{},"You do just do what you do online, and Migaku helps you capitalize on learning opportunities as you stumble into them.",[876,13071],{"href":878,"text":879},[37,13073,13075],{"id":13074},"_5-swears-and-mild-insults-for-good-ing-measure","5 swears and mild insults, for good !@#$ing measure 😈",[11,13077,13078],{},"I feel like I shouldn't need to say this, but just in case:",[86,13080,13081],{},[11,13082,13083],{},"⚠️⚠️ Some German insults are harmless, others. Others, not so much. Use with caution. ⚠️⚠️",[11,13085,13086],{},"Disclaimer out of the way, here's a short list of essential German phrases you need to know. Our goal here is to achieve a deeper understanding of German culture, after all, and these, too, are part of German culture. They're what German speakers are going to say when they're miffed.",[11,13088,13089],{},"Alas, the most useful bits of German vocabulary you won't learn in German class (lol):",[121,13091,13092,13106,13115,13124,13132],{},[124,13093,13094,13095,55,13098,13101,13102,13105],{},"🚨 ",[69,13096,13097],{},"Assi",[57,13099],{"src":13100,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-assi.mp3"," – Short for ",[21,13103,13104],{},"asozial"," (antisocial). Basically means \"trashy\".",[124,13107,13094,13108,55,13111,13114],{},[69,13109,13110],{},"Arschloch",[57,13112],{"src":13113,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-arschloch.mp3"," – You can probably work out that this one means \"asshole.\" It's a classic insult.",[124,13116,13094,13117,55,13120,13123],{},[69,13118,13119],{},"Scheiße!",[57,13121],{"src":13122,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Scheiße!.mp3"," – \"Shit!\" is one of the most common swears in the German-speaking world, too.",[124,13125,13094,13126,55,13128,13131],{},[69,13127,13034],{},[57,13129],{"src":13130,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Leck mich am Arsch!.mp3"," – \"Lick my ass!\" (Yes, you read that right 👅), meaning something like \"Kiss my ass.\"",[124,13133,13094,13134,55,13137,13140],{},[69,13135,13136],{},"Verpiss dich!",[57,13138],{"src":13139,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Verpiss dich!.mp3"," – This one means \"Piss off!\" and is very rude, so use carefully.",[11,13142,13143],{},"Congrats 🫡 You now sound like a native. Probably.",[34,13145],{},[37,13147,13149],{"id":13148},"how-not-to-sound-like-a-weirdo-when-using-these-german-slang-words-and-expressions","How not to sound like a weirdo when using these German slang words and expressions 🤓",[11,13151,13152],{},"This concludes our crash course in German slang. You now know how to describe something awesome, have go-to expressions for contexts both positive and negative, and (I hope) have found something that you're sure will give your German language skills a boost.",[11,13154,13155],{},"Now for the most important bit of all—how not to embarrass yourself:",[121,13157,13158,13164,13171,13181,13187],{},[124,13159,12703,13160,13163],{},[69,13161,13162],{},"Start with the basics"," – Words like \"Alter\", \"geil\", and \"krass\" are widely understood and safe to use.",[124,13165,13166,13167,13170],{},"✅ ",[69,13168,13169],{},"Listen before you speak"," – Slang is casual, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have its own rules. Avoid using new expressions until you've seen or heard native speakers use them a few times.",[124,13172,13166,13173,13176,13177,13180],{},[69,13174,13175],{},"Avoid heavy insults unless you're over 9,000% sure"," – Swearing in another language can be tricky because your depth meter for rudeness doesn't work well... but ",[21,13178,13179],{},"your"," ignorance doesn't mean that the person you've just insulted isn't going to feel insulted. Use common sense, dude.",[124,13182,12703,13183,13186],{},[69,13184,13185],{},"Be mindful of who you're talking to"," – \"Throwing a wobbly\" is a wonderful British phrase that means \"having a fit\", and it's nonsense to anyone who isn't British. Much German slang is regional, too. Use it appropriately.",[124,13188,13166,13189,13192],{},[69,13190,13191],{},"Have fun with it!"," – Slang isn't just an excuse for me to write \"shit\" in a blog post. It's also a way for you to show native speakers that you're genuinely interested in their culture. Germans use these phrases because they're fun, so you should have fun with them, too.",[34,13194],{},[37,13196,13198],{"id":13197},"final-thoughts-level-up-your-german-with-slang",[69,13199,13200],{},"Final thoughts: level up your German with slang! 🚀",[11,13202,13203,13204,1227],{},"Wait, did you just read this entire post on popular slang words? You absolute ",[21,13205,13206],{},"Ehrenmann",[11,13208,13209,13210,6648,13213,13216,13217,13219,13220,13223,13224,13227],{},"Mastering German slang takes you from ",[21,13211,13212],{},"textbook learner",[21,13214,13215],{},"real-world speaker",". Whether you want to greet people like a Berliner (",[21,13218,12740],{},"), impress your friends with youthful slang (",[21,13221,13222],{},"Alter, das ist krass!","), or drop some fun idioms (",[21,13225,13226],{},"Ich habe Fernweh!",")—well, you can do that now.",[11,13229,13230],{},"So, keep these in your back pocket and sprinkle them into your conversations.",[11,13232,13233,13234,13237],{},"Viel Spaß beim Lernen! ",[57,13235],{"src":13236,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Viel Spaß beim Lernen!.mp3"," 🎉",[11,13239,13240],{},[21,13241,13242],{},"(I'm not going to translate that... but if you were using Migaku, you could just click on each word to see what it means.)",{"title":383,"searchDepth":915,"depth":915,"links":13244},[13245,13246,13247,13248,13249,13250,13251,13252,13253],{"id":12646,"depth":915,"text":12649},{"id":12690,"depth":915,"text":12691},{"id":12764,"depth":915,"text":12765},{"id":12875,"depth":915,"text":12876},{"id":12963,"depth":915,"text":12964},{"id":13023,"depth":915,"text":13024},{"id":13074,"depth":915,"text":13075},{"id":13148,"depth":915,"text":13149},{"id":13197,"depth":915,"text":13200},"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.",{"timestampUnix":13256,"slug":13257,"h1":13258,"image":13259,"tags":13264},1738656566676,"german-slang","How to Speak Like a Native: A German Slang Words You Need to Know 🇩🇪",{"src":13260,"width":13261,"height":13262,"alt":13263},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-german-slang-header.jpeg",2560,1706,"asd",[2036],"\u002Farticle\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-german-slang","---\ntitle: '28 \"Abgefahrene\" German Slang Words and Phrases'\ndescription: \"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.\"\ntimestampUnix: 1738656566676\nslug: 'german-slang'\nh1: 'How to Speak Like a Native: A German Slang Words You Need to Know 🇩🇪'\nimage:\n src: '\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-german-slang-header.jpeg'\n width: 2560\n height: 1706\n alt: 'asd'\ntags:\n - listicle\n---\n\nSo, you’ve been hitting the textbooks, memorizing your declensions, and perfecting your Hochdeutsch pronunciation. But then, you step into a German café, overhear a conversation, and have no idea what they're saying. *Are they even speaking the German language?* 😵\n\nYou see, real Germans don’t talk like your textbook. They use slang words and phrases. _All. The. Time._ And it's this casual language that make them sound lively, humorous—and, well, actually _German_.\n\nIf you want to sound more natural and connect with native speakers on a deeper level, you need to understand German culture... and part of that means learning a bit of common German slang. \"Abgefahrene\" from the title, for example, means \"cool\".\n\nLet’s dive in! 🚀\n\n\u003Ctoc>\u003C\u002Ftoc>\n\n---\n\n## **Why learn German slang words, anyway? 🤔**\n\nImagine this: You’re in Berlin, chatting with locals, and someone says: _\"Alter, das ist ja mal richtig krass!\"_\n\nIf you don’t know many casual German phrases, you'll probably be confused. But if you're up to your date with your slang expressions, you’ll know they just said, _\"Dude, that’s seriously crazy!\"_ (whether crazy good or crazy bad, only context can tell you).\n\nSo the most basic reason that you need to learn a bit of slang is that it's commonly used and your goal is (presumably) to understand the German you encounter... which includes slang. To go a bit deeper, though, slang is more than that: understanding the phrases used to express certain universal ideas gives you a window into the local culture, humor, and way of life.\n\nTaking the time to learn a few German slang terms, such as the 28 we're about to introduce, will help you:\n\n- ✔️ Sound more natural 🗣\n- ✔️ Understand casual conversations 🎧\n- ✔️ Connect with native speakers 🤝\n- ✔️ Have more fun learning German! 🎉\n\nAnyway, without further ado:\n\n---\n\n##  5 better ways to say hello 👋\n\nForget your stiff _Guten Tag_—here’s how Germans really greet each other:\n\n- ✅ **Moin** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Moin.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> — A classic from Northern Germany (like around Hamburg). It’s short for _Guten Morgen_ but used all day. Simple, chill, and effortlessly cool. 😎\n\n- ✅ **Servus** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Servus.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> — Used in Bavaria and Austria (and honestly everywhere). Works for both \"hello\" and \"goodbye,\" kind of like the Italian _ciao_.\n\n- ✅ **Mahlzeit** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-mahlzeit.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> — A lunchtime greeting that literally means \"meal time\"... but in offices, it’s just a friendly \"Hey!\" that you'll hear around noon.\n\n- ✅ **Na?** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-na_.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> — The ultimate lazy German greeting. It’s like \"Hey, what’s up?\" but without actually asking anything. You can just respond with a _Na!_ back. You might also hear \"Na? Wie geht's wie steht's,\" which is just \"Na!\" plus \"how are you?\".\n\n- ✅ **Alles klar?** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-alles klar_.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> — Means \"All good?\" or \"Everything okay?\" literally, but it's a colloquial way to say  \"What’s up?\"... and if you have no idea what to say, you can just reply right back with an _Alles klar!_ of your own.\n\n## 7 more modern phrases used by young people 🎤\n\nWant to sound young, hip and hopefully not [how are you doing, fellow kids?](https:\u002F\u002Fknowyourmeme.com\u002Fmemes\u002Fhow-do-you-do-fellow-kids) Here are some fun German words that are currently popular amongst the youth culture. (If you're reading this in like 2027, use with caution):\n\n- 🔥 **Alter** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-alter.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> – Like _dude_ or _bro_. Can express surprise (\"Alter, krass!\" → \"Dude, awesome!) or annoyance (\"Alter, was machst du?!\" → \"Dude, what are you doing?!\").\n- 🔥 **Digga** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Digga.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> – Another word for _bro_ but comes from Hamburg’s hip-hop scene. Works like _mate_ or _dude_.\n- 🔥 **Geil** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Geil.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> – Used to mean \"horny\" (and it still means that!)... but now it's actually used to say \"awesome\", too. Be a bit careful with this one until you've got it figured out 🫡\n- 🔥 **Krass** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-krass.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> – Means \"intense\", \"crazy\", or \"awesome\" in a good _or_ bad way, depending on context.\n- 🔥 **Ehrenmann (M) \u002F Ehrenfrau (F)** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Ehrenmann, Ehrenfrau.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> – A term for someone honorable. Can be sincere or sarcastic. If your friend buys you coffee, you can say hit them with an *Ehrenmann!* in return ☕\n- 🔥 **Läuft bei dir** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Läuft bei dir.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> – Literally \"runs with you,\" but it's used to say \"You got it going on\" or \"Things are going well for you.\"\n- 🔥 **Cringe** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-cringe2.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> – Yes, Germans use _cringe_ just like we do in English. *Das ist so cringe!* means \"That’s so cringe (painfully embarrassing).\"\n\n## 7 slang expressions to respond or retort with 🗣️\n\nAs much time as you might spend trying to figure out proper grammar and stuff like that, it's really the small little words people hardly notice that will make your speech sound fluent and natural. (If you don't believe me, go try to talk about anything for three minutes without saying _umm_).\n\nSo when the person you're speaking to says something that you just _need_ to respond to, respond with one of these:\n\n- ✔️ **Na ja** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Na ja.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> – The German version of \"Well…\" or \"I guess…\" Used when you're unsure or feeling hesitant.\n- ✔️ **Gebongt!** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Gebongt!.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> – Means \"Deal!\" or \"Agreed!\" Great for those spontaneous plans that normal people totally make.\n- ✔️ **Auf jeden Fall** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Auf jeden Fall.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> – \"Definitely!\" or \"For sure!\" ... but like a local!\n- ✔️ **Quatsch!** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Quatsch!.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> – \"Nonsense!\" Used when you disagree or think something is ridiculous.\n- ✔️ **Hammer!** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Hammer!.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> – Means something is amazing, as in _Das ist der Hammer!_ (\"That’s insane!\")\n- ✔️ **Mach’s gut!** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Mach’s gut!.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> – A casual \"Take care!\" or \"See ya!\" Use this phrase when parting ways.\n- ✔️ **Spinnst du?!** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Spinnst du_!.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> – The literally translation is \"Are you spinning?\", but this fun bit of lingo actually means \"Are you crazy?!\" 😵\n\n## 4 fun German expressions that don't quite translate 🎨\n\nI'm not sure if we should present these as being a few funny German phrases or perhaps as something deeper—tiny reflections of German culture, perhaps. All the same, each gem you'll see below goes beyond what it might seem to mean on the surface. I've done my best to explain them, but it was a bit hard. We don't really have an English equivalent for these.\n\nI've decided to include literal translations so you can appreciate these for what they really are.\n\n- 🌍 **Fernweh** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Fernweh.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> – Literally meaning \"distance\u002Ffar pain\", this word describes a longing to travel somewhere far away—a sort of homesickness (_Heimweh_) for somewhere you've never been.\n- 🥓 **Kummerspeck** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Kummerspeck.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> – \"Grief bacon\"—aka, the weight you gain from emotional eating.\n- 😆 **Spaßvogel** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-spaßvogel.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> – Literally \"fun bird,\" used to describe someone who is a bit of a joker.\n- 🐐 **Bock haben** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Bock haben.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> – While this appears to mean \"to have a ram\" at first glance, it's actually a way to express that you're \"up for\" or \"in the mood for\" something. For example, *Hast du Bock auf Kino?* would be \"Do you feel like going to the movies?\"... not \"do you have a goat in the movies.\" (And now I wonder how a set designer might ask a movie director of he's up to have a ram in a movie.)\n\n## How to learn all of this slang and stuff\n\nYou went out of your way to Google \"german slang\" or something like that, so I'm pretty sure you've come to be aware of an annoying truth: it's actually kinda hard to learn this stuff. Nobody wants to teach it. The Owl That Shall Not Be Named isn't going to feature _geil_ in a lesson, and your German professor at college (hopefully) isn't going to look you in the eye and drop a _Leck mich am Arsch!_\n\nNow, here at Migaku, we won't teach you this stuff, either—don't quote me on that, actually—but we _do_ give you the tools you need to learn them yourself.\n\nFor example, imagine you're perusing German YouTube on your phone, as you do, and then the gnarly dude building a custom longboard lets an \"Alter, krass!\" rip right into the microphone.\n\n(If your imagination isn't so great, reference the handy dandy screenshots below).\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-german-mobile-youtube.jpeg\" width=\"1762\" height=\"1232\" alt=\"A screenshot of Migaku's YouTube interface, featuring a German YouTuber using some German slang.\" \u002F>\n\nAnd that \"Alter\" is underlined in red, indicating that you don't know it yet, so you click on it and see that it's a colloquial expression which means \"amazing\". That's an awesome word to know, so you click the orange \"send to card creator\" button and Migaku fetches a bunch of relevant information to make a flashcard for you, as shown below.\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-german-mobile-mining.jpeg\" width=\"1182\" height=\"1234\" alt=\"A screenshot showing your very 'alter' Migaku flashcard\" \u002F>\n\nThat whole process takes about three seconds, then you're back to your video.\n\nIt's pretty cool.\n\nYou do just do what you do online, and Migaku helps you capitalize on learning opportunities as you stumble into them.\n\n\u003Cprose-button href=\"\u002F\" text=\"Try Migaku for free\">\u003C\u002Fprose-button>\n\n## 5 swears and mild insults, for good !@#$ing measure 😈\n\nI feel like I shouldn't need to say this, but just in case:\n\n> ⚠️⚠️ Some German insults are harmless, others. Others, not so much. Use with caution. ⚠️⚠️\n\nDisclaimer out of the way, here's a short list of essential German phrases you need to know. Our goal here is to achieve a deeper understanding of German culture, after all, and these, too, are part of German culture. They're what German speakers are going to say when they're miffed.\n\nAlas, the most useful bits of German vocabulary you won't learn in German class (lol):\n\n- 🚨 **Assi** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-assi.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> – Short for _asozial_ (antisocial). Basically means \"trashy\".\n- 🚨 **Arschloch** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-arschloch.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> – You can probably work out that this one means \"asshole.\" It's a classic insult.\n- 🚨 **Scheiße!** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Scheiße!.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> – \"Shit!\" is one of the most common swears in the German-speaking world, too.\n- 🚨 **Leck mich am Arsch!** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Leck mich am Arsch!.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> – \"Lick my ass!\" (Yes, you read that right 👅), meaning something like \"Kiss my ass.\"\n- 🚨 **Verpiss dich!** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Verpiss dich!.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> – This one means \"Piss off!\" and is very rude, so use carefully.\n\nCongrats 🫡 You now sound like a native. Probably.\n\n---\n\n## How not to sound like a weirdo when using these German slang words and expressions 🤓\n\nThis concludes our crash course in German slang. You now know how to describe something awesome, have go-to expressions for contexts both positive and negative, and (I hope) have found something that you're sure will give your German language skills a boost.\n\nNow for the most important bit of all—how not to embarrass yourself:\n\n- ✅ **Start with the basics** – Words like \"Alter\", \"geil\", and \"krass\" are widely understood and safe to use.\n- ✅ **Listen before you speak** – Slang is casual, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have its own rules. Avoid using new expressions until you've seen or heard native speakers use them a few times.\n- ✅ **Avoid heavy insults unless you're over 9,000% sure** – Swearing in another language can be tricky because your depth meter for rudeness doesn't work well... but _your_ ignorance doesn't mean that the person you've just insulted isn't going to feel insulted. Use common sense, dude.\n- ✅ **Be mindful of who you're talking to** – \"Throwing a wobbly\" is a wonderful British phrase that means \"having a fit\", and it's nonsense to anyone who isn't British. Much German slang is regional, too. Use it appropriately.\n- ✅ **Have fun with it!** – Slang isn't just an excuse for me to write \"shit\" in a blog post. It's also a way for you to show native speakers that you're genuinely interested in their culture. Germans use these phrases because they're fun, so you should have fun with them, too.\n\n---\n\n## **Final thoughts: level up your German with slang! 🚀**\n\nWait, did you just read this entire post on popular slang words? You absolute _Ehrenmann_!\n\nMastering German slang takes you from *textbook learner* to _real-world speaker_. Whether you want to greet people like a Berliner (_Na?_), impress your friends with youthful slang (_Alter, das ist krass!_), or drop some fun idioms (_Ich habe Fernweh!_)—well, you can do that now.\n\nSo, keep these in your back pocket and sprinkle them into your conversations.\n\nViel Spaß beim Lernen! \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Viel Spaß beim Lernen!.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> 🎉\n\n_(I'm not going to translate that... but if you were using Migaku, you could just click on each word to see what it means.)_\n",{"title":12615,"description":13254},"article\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-german-slang","KJmNkW-SIG1EFfhoOKFwYYlQHX34P3k9CFEWqbBv87E","February 4, 2025",{"id":13272,"title":13273,"body":13274,"description":14768,"extension":929,"meta":14769,"navigation":942,"path":14778,"rawbody":14779,"seo":14780,"stem":14781,"__hash__":14782,"timestampUnix":14770,"slug":14771,"h1":14772,"image":14773,"tags":14776,"_dir":948,"timestamp":14783},"content\u002Farticle\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-german-swears.md","33 German Swear Words | Don't Be a Dummkopf, Click Me",{"type":8,"value":13275,"toc":14752},[13276,13279,13282,13287,13290,13292,13294,13296,13300,13313,13319,13324,13327,13330,13343,13347,13350,13353,13367,13370,13372,13376,13382,13389,13392,13396,13406,13413,13881,13885,13888,13891,14097,14101,14104,14111,14114,14364,14368,14371,14379,14383,14389,14392,14397,14400,14439,14442,14483,14487,14497,14503,14510,14513,14554,14558,14564,14567,14570,14611,14616,14620,14623,14629,14632,14641,14647,14649,14656,14659,14662,14671,14677,14682,14685,14691,14694,14700,14703,14705,14709,14716,14719,14722,14728,14730,14733,14736,14739,14746],[11,13277,13278],{},"We both know why you're here, and it's not to read a boring introduction 🫡",[11,13280,13281],{},"Just bear with me for one important gramamar point:",[86,13283,13284],{},[11,13285,13286],{},"In German, all nouns are capitalized.",[11,13288,13289],{},"Many of these curse words are terms that refer to a specific type of person. In other words, they're nouns. If you're wondering why random words in the middle of the example sentences are capitalized, that's why.",[11,13291,4811],{},[30,13293],{},[34,13295],{},[37,13297,13299],{"id":13298},"disclaimer-please-dont-call-your-boss-an-arschgeige","[Disclaimer] Please don't call your boss an Arschgeige",[11,13301,13302,13303,13308,13309,13312],{},"I won't dwell on this point, but you should know that ",[867,13304,13307],{"href":13305,"rel":13306},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.researchgate.net\u002Fpublication\u002F237444929_The_Emotional_Force_of_Swearwords_and_Taboo_Words_in_the_Speech_of_Multilinguals",[1196],"we have a significantly weaker emotional response to things in foreign languages than we do in our native language",". Basically, even if you know what a German insult ",[21,13310,13311],{},"means",", you won't be able to reliably feel just how offensive it is.",[11,13314,13315,13316,844],{},"Unfortunately, the person you're talking to ",[21,13317,13318],{},"will",[86,13320,13321],{},[11,13322,13323],{},"Using German swear words may get you in trouble. Be smart. Don't shoot the handsome, generous, mostly innocent messenger who worked until 23:00 to put this out for you.",[11,13325,13326],{},"We think that it's worth your time learning bad words and phrases in German, but that doesn't necessarily mean that we want you to sprinkle them into your speech like sesame seeds on a high-quality hamburger bun.",[11,13328,13329],{},"In other words:",[121,13331,13332,13337],{},[124,13333,13334,13336],{},[21,13335,6823],{}," know that \"Arschgeige\" is a beautiful little phrase that means \"dumbass\"—despite having a literal translation of \"ass violin\"",[124,13338,13339,13342],{},[21,13340,13341],{},"Don't"," call your boss, teacher, or significant other an Arschgeige",[37,13344,13346],{"id":13345},"why-learn-german-swear-words-anyway","Why learn German swear words, anyway?",[11,13348,13349],{},"Somehow I have a feeling I don't need to convince y'all on this one 👀",[11,13351,13352],{},"But, just in case, here are three big reasons for you:",[3153,13354,13355,13358,13361],{},[124,13356,13357],{},"Your goal is to understand German media, and native German speakers use curse words, so learning curse words is necessary in order to understand German movies, books, and the like",[124,13359,13360],{},"Swear words often reveal what a culture considers profane or insulting, and this may give you some interesting insights into German culture (or at least some conversation starters)",[124,13362,13363,13364],{},"It's fun, ",[21,13365,13366],{},"duh",[11,13368,13369],{},"Anyhow, now that that's out of the way, let's get into it!",[34,13371],{},[37,13373,13375],{"id":13374},"three-lists-of-common-german-curse-words-and-insults-organized-by-severity","Three lists of common German curse words and insults, organized by severity",[11,13377,13378,13379,13381],{},"We have a few native speakers of German on the Migaku staff, and they were, erm, ",[21,13380,1057],{}," excited to help out with this article. I asked for fact-checking help on a Friday afternoon and within about two hours had received some of the most detailed and prolific feedback I've ever received as a writer.",[11,13383,13384,13385,844],{},"In fact, I got so much feedback that I actually ended up writing two articles: this one, plus another article on ",[867,13386,13388],{"href":13387},"\u002Fblog\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgerman-slang","German slang",[11,13390,13391],{},"So, uhh, German learners rejoice, I guess.",[414,13393,13395],{"id":13394},"_1-some-not-so-bad-bad-words-like-kacke-and-depp","1. Some \"not so bad\" bad words, like \"Kacke\" and \"Depp\"",[11,13397,13398,13399,13402,13403,13405],{},"Here are some words that you can use when you're miffed but don't quite feel ready to tell someone \"kiss my ass\". (For the record, Germans actually say \"leck mich am Arsch\" ",[57,13400],{"src":13401,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-leck mich am Arsch.mp3",", the exact translation of which is \"lick me on the ass\". Now ",[21,13404,1963],{}," a refined bit of German vocabulary for you!)",[11,13407,13408,13409,13412],{},"Many of these words can be used around children, or even ",[21,13410,13411],{},"by"," children, but several still pack a bit of punch—even if they aren't amongst the worst German insults.",[183,13414,13415,13427],{},[186,13416,13417],{},[189,13418,13419,13421,13423,13425],{},[192,13420,1073],{},[192,13422,6546],{},[192,13424,779],{},[192,13426,203],{},[208,13428,13429,13456,13483,13507,13534,13558,13582,13605,13629,13653,13683,13710,13737,13767,13794,13821,13854],{},[189,13430,13431,13439,13442,13448],{},[213,13432,13433,55,13436],{},[69,13434,13435],{},"Verflixt",[57,13437],{"src":13438,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-verflixt.mp3",[213,13440,13441],{},"Darn",[213,13443,13444,13445,13447],{},"A child‐friendly euphemism substituting for stronger curses. ",[132,13446],{}," Frequently seen in literature for young audiences.",[213,13449,13450,13451,13453],{},"Verflixt, das war knapp!",[132,13452],{},[21,13454,13455],{},"Darn, that was close!",[189,13457,13458,13466,13469,13475],{},[213,13459,13460,55,13463],{},[69,13461,13462],{},"Kacke",[57,13464],{"src":13465,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-kacke.mp3",[213,13467,13468],{},"Poop",[213,13470,13471,13472,13474],{},"Child-safe version of \"Scheiße\". It's... an onomatopoeia. ",[132,13473],{}," Used to express frustration or disappointment in a tame way.",[213,13476,13477,13478,13480],{},"Oh Kacke, ich habe mein Buch vergessen!",[132,13479],{},[21,13481,13482],{},"Oh poop, I forgot my book!",[189,13484,13485,13493,13496,13499],{},[213,13486,13487,55,13490],{},[69,13488,13489],{},"Mist",[57,13491],{"src":13492,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-mist.mp3",[213,13494,13495],{},"Crud",[213,13497,13498],{},"A classic, non-vulgar exclamation—like \"darn\" or \"crud\" in English.",[213,13500,13501,13502,13504],{},"Mist, das war nicht geplant.",[132,13503],{},[21,13505,13506],{},"Crud, that wasn’t planned.",[189,13508,13509,13517,13520,13526],{},[213,13510,13511,55,13514],{},[69,13512,13513],{},"Heini",[57,13515],{"src":13516,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Heini.mp3",[213,13518,13519],{},"Knucklehead\u002FGoober",[213,13521,13522,13523,13525],{},"A contraction of the name \"Heinrich\". ",[132,13524],{}," Mocking in tone, used when someone gets on your nerves.",[213,13527,13528,13529,13531],{},"Irgendso’n Heini hat mein Auto zugeparkt.",[132,13530],{},[21,13532,13533],{},"Some idiot blocked in my car.",[189,13535,13536,13544,13547,13550],{},[213,13537,13538,55,13541],{},[69,13539,13540],{},"Depp",[57,13542],{"src":13543,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Depp.mp3",[213,13545,13546],{},"Fool",[213,13548,13549],{},"A light insult meaning “idiot.” Considered playful rather than vicious.",[213,13551,13552,13553,13555],{},"Du bist doch ein Depp.",[132,13554],{},[21,13556,13557],{},"You are such a fool.",[189,13559,13560,13568,13571,13574],{},[213,13561,13562,55,13565],{},[69,13563,13564],{},"Trottel",[57,13566],{"src":13567,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-trottel.mp3",[213,13569,13570],{},"Dummy",[213,13572,13573],{},"Emphasizes clumsiness or foolish behavior.",[213,13575,13576,13577,13579],{},"Was für ein Trottel!",[132,13578],{},[21,13580,13581],{},"What a dummy!",[189,13583,13584,13592,13594,13597],{},[213,13585,13586,55,13589],{},[69,13587,13588],{},"Idiot",[57,13590],{"src":13591,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Idiot.mp3",[213,13593,13588],{},[213,13595,13596],{},"A generic insult for someone lacking sense. Used to be a clinical term.",[213,13598,13599,13600,13602],{},"Hör auf, dich wie ein Idiot zu benehmen.",[132,13601],{},[21,13603,13604],{},"Stop acting like an idiot.",[189,13606,13607,13615,13618,13621],{},[213,13608,13609,55,13612],{},[69,13610,13611],{},"Weichei",[57,13613],{"src":13614,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-weichei.mp3",[213,13616,13617],{},"Wimp",[213,13619,13620],{},"Refers to a person who is seen as weak or spineless.",[213,13622,13623,13624,13626],{},"Du bist ein echtes Weichei.",[132,13625],{},[21,13627,13628],{},"You are such a wimp.",[189,13630,13631,13639,13642,13645],{},[213,13632,13633,55,13636],{},[69,13634,13635],{},"Dummkopf",[57,13637],{"src":13638,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Dummkopf.mp3",[213,13640,13641],{},"Blockhead",[213,13643,13644],{},"A straightforward term for someone who is not very bright.",[213,13646,13647,13648,13650],{},"Du Dummkopf, hast du das nicht gehört?",[132,13649],{},[21,13651,13652],{},"You blockhead, didn’t you hear that?",[189,13654,13655,13663,13666,13675],{},[213,13656,13657,55,13660],{},[69,13658,13659],{},"Horst",[57,13661],{"src":13662,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Horst.mp3",[213,13664,13665],{},"(Name-used insult)",[213,13667,13668,13669,5498,13671,13674],{},"A kinda demeaning way to refer to someone who is stupid or clueless. ",[132,13670],{},[21,13672,13673],{},"Used"," to be a popular first name.)",[213,13676,13677,13678,13680],{},"Alter bist du vielleicht ein Horst!",[132,13679],{},[21,13681,13682],{},"Dude, you’re such an idiot (Horst)!",[189,13684,13685,13693,13696,13702],{},[213,13686,13687,55,13690],{},[69,13688,13689],{},"Bauer",[57,13691],{"src":13692,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-bauer.mp3",[213,13694,13695],{},"Peasant \u002F Redneck",[213,13697,13698,13699,13701],{},"Indicates that someone is acting crude\u002Fhas bad manners\u002Flacks social grace. ",[132,13700],{}," (Naturally, this is an insult.)",[213,13703,13704,13705,13707],{},"Du bist so ein richtiger Bauer!",[132,13706],{},[21,13708,13709],{},"You're a real farmer (Bauer)!",[189,13711,13712,13720,13723,13729],{},[213,13713,13714,55,13717],{},[69,13715,13716],{},"Proll",[57,13718],{"src":13719,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Proll.mp3",[213,13721,13722],{},"Chav \u002F Hooligan",[213,13724,13725,13726,13728],{},"A demeaning way to say that someone is loud or tacky. ",[132,13727],{}," (This is classist\u002Fimplies that someone is of a lower socioeconomic status.)",[213,13730,13731,13732,13734],{},"Er benimmt sich wie so ein Proll.",[132,13733],{},[21,13735,13736],{},"He is acting like a thug.",[189,13738,13739,13747,13753,13759],{},[213,13740,13741,55,13744],{},[69,13742,13743],{},"Bonze",[57,13745],{"src":13746,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Bonze.mp3",[213,13748,13749,13750,13752],{},"(No exact ",[132,13751],{},"English equivalent)",[213,13754,13755,13756,13758],{},"Used for people in positions of power or wealth. ",[132,13757],{}," Implies arrogance and distance from the common man.",[213,13760,13761,13762,13764,844],{},"Du denkst wohl, du bist eine Bonze.",[132,13763],{},[21,13765,13766],{},"You think you’re such a snob",[189,13768,13769,13777,13783,13786],{},[213,13770,13771,55,13774],{},[69,13772,13773],{},"Schnösel",[57,13775],{"src":13776,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Schnösel.mp3",[213,13778,13779,13780,13782],{},"Prig",[132,13781],{},"Holier-than-thou",[213,13784,13785],{},"Similar to \"Bonze,\" but more used to refer to someone who is snobbish.",[213,13787,13788,13789,13791],{},"Diese Schnöselin ist so arrogant.",[132,13790],{},[21,13792,13793],{},"That prig is so arrogant.",[189,13795,13796,13804,13807,13813],{},[213,13797,13798,55,13801],{},[69,13799,13800],{},"Penner",[57,13802],{"src":13803,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-penner.mp3",[213,13805,13806],{},"Homeless \u002F Slob",[213,13808,13809,13810,13812],{},"Basically used to mean \"idiot\". (This is a pattern you'll notice.) ",[132,13811],{}," Technically a derogatory term for someone perceived as lazy.",[213,13814,13815,13816,13818],{},"Halt dein Maul, du Penner.",[132,13817],{},[21,13819,13820],{},"Shut up, you bum.",[189,13822,13823,13831,13834,13846],{},[213,13824,13825,55,13828],{},[69,13826,13827],{},"Hartzer",[57,13829],{"src":13830,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Hartzer.mp3",[213,13832,13833],{},"Welfare case",[213,13835,13836,13837,13839,13840,13845],{},"A pejorative term for long-term unemployed. ",[132,13838],{}," Derived from the colloquial \"",[867,13841,13844],{"href":13842,"rel":13843},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FHartz_concept",[1196],"Hartz IV",".\"",[213,13847,13848,13849,13851],{},"Er macht eben einen auf Hartzer.",[132,13850],{},[21,13852,13853],{},"He’s just acting like a welfare case.",[189,13855,13856,13864,13867,13873],{},[213,13857,13858,55,13861],{},[69,13859,13860],{},"Knallkopf",[57,13862],{"src":13863,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Knallkopf.mp3",[213,13865,13866],{},"Nitwit",[213,13868,13869,13870,13872],{},"Implies that the person is not only foolish but strikingly so. ",[132,13871],{}," Sometimes used in an ironic, playful manner.",[213,13874,13875,13876,13878],{},"Du bist ein echter Knallkopf.",[132,13877],{},[21,13879,13880],{},"You are such a nitwit.",[414,13882,13884],{"id":13883},"_2-some-real-german-curse-words-like-scheiße-and-arsch","2. Some real German curse words, like \"Scheiße\" and \"Arsch\"",[11,13886,13887],{},"Lightweight stuff out of the way, we're now ready to look at some \"real\" German swear words and insults. These popular expletives and insults will probably give you the most bang for your buck, so far as swearing in German goes. Many are used to express frustration or anger and pleasantly versatile, such that they can be combined with a number of other German phrases... but none are vulgar, obscene, or what you'd call \"nuclear\".",[11,13889,13890],{},"Basically, they're satisfying to use but not shocking, which is a nice balance, if I do say so myself.",[183,13892,13893,13905],{},[186,13894,13895],{},[189,13896,13897,13899,13901,13903],{},[192,13898,1073],{},[192,13900,6546],{},[192,13902,779],{},[192,13904,203],{},[208,13906,13907,13937,13964,13994,14018,14045,14070],{},[189,13908,13909,13917,13920,13929],{},[213,13910,13911,55,13914],{},[69,13912,13913],{},"Scheiße",[57,13915],{"src":13916,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Scheiße.mp3",[213,13918,13919],{},"Shit",[213,13921,13922,13923,13925,13926,13928],{},"One of the most ubiquitous German swear words. It's got a dedicated section below. ",[132,13924],{}," Used as an exclamation of frustration or to denote poor quality. ",[132,13927],{}," Its intensity varies, depending on the modifiers you use it with.",[213,13930,13931,13932,13934],{},"Scheiße, ich habe meinen Schlüssel vergessen.",[132,13933],{},[21,13935,13936],{},"Shit, I forgot my keys.",[189,13938,13939,13947,13950,13956],{},[213,13940,13941,55,13944],{},[69,13942,13943],{},"Blödmann",[57,13945],{"src":13946,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-blödmann.mp3",[213,13948,13949],{},"Jerk",[213,13951,13952,13953,13955],{},"A commonly used mild insult combining \"blöd\" (stupid) with \"Mann\" (man). ",[132,13954],{}," Perhaps one of the most creative insults on this list.",[213,13957,13958,13959,13961],{},"Du Blödmann!",[132,13960],{},[21,13962,13963],{},"You jerk!",[189,13965,13966,13974,13977,13986],{},[213,13967,13968,55,13971],{},[69,13969,13970],{},"Verdammt",[57,13972],{"src":13973,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-verdammt.mp3",[213,13975,13976],{},"Damn",[213,13978,13979,13980,13982,13983,13985],{},"A common exclamation expressing annoyance, frustration, or surprise. ",[132,13981],{}," Can be used for both mild irritation or stronger anger. ",[132,13984],{}," Similar to \"damn\" in English.",[213,13987,13988,13989,13991],{},"Verdammt, warum passiert das immer mir?",[132,13990],{},[21,13992,13993],{},"Damn, why does this always happen to me?",[189,13995,13996,14004,14007,14010],{},[213,13997,13998,55,14001],{},[69,13999,14000],{},"Spinner",[57,14002],{"src":14003,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Spinner.mp3",[213,14005,14006],{},"Nutcase",[213,14008,14009],{},"Refers to someone acting irrational or silly; often used lightheartedly.",[213,14011,14012,14013,14015],{},"Was für ein Spinner!",[132,14014],{},[21,14016,14017],{},"What a nutcase!",[189,14019,14020,14028,14031,14037],{},[213,14021,14022,55,14025],{},[69,14023,14024],{},"Wichser",[57,14026],{"src":14027,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Wichser.mp3",[213,14029,14030],{},"Wanker",[213,14032,14033,14034,14036],{},"Basically, a stronger version of the word \"idiot\". Usually directed at men. ",[132,14035],{}," Opinions on its severity depend on generation.",[213,14038,14039,14040,14042],{},"Du Wichser, host mei Bier vaschütt!",[132,14041],{},[21,14043,14044],{},"You little jerk, you spilled my beer!",[189,14046,14047,14055,14058,14064],{},[213,14048,14049,55,14052],{},[69,14050,14051],{},"Arsch",[57,14053],{"src":14054,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-arsch.mp3",[213,14056,14057],{},"Ass",[213,14059,14060,14061,14063],{},"Literally \"ass\". ",[132,14062],{}," Can refer both literally to one's rear and figuratively to a disagreeable person.",[213,14065,14066,14067,14069],{},"Halt dein Maul, du Arsch!",[132,14068],{},"Shut your mouth, you ass!",[189,14071,14072,14080,14083,14089],{},[213,14073,14074,55,14077],{},[69,14075,14076],{},"Drecksau",[57,14078],{"src":14079,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-drecksau.mp3",[213,14081,14082],{},"Filthy pig",[213,14084,14085,14086,14088],{},"Used to express contempt for someone is disgusting and morally dirty. ",[132,14087],{}," Naturally, this is a strong insult.",[213,14090,14091,14092,14094],{},"Du bist eine verdammte Drecksau!",[132,14093],{},[21,14095,14096],{},"You're a filthy pig!",[414,14098,14100],{"id":14099},"_3-some-of-the-strongest-curses-in-the-german-language-like-schlampe-and-hurensohn","3. Some of the strongest curses in the German language, like \"Schlampe\" and \"Hurensohn\"",[11,14102,14103],{},"No fancy introduction here: each of the below German swear words and phrases is one of the most offensive that the language has to offer.",[11,14105,14106,14107,14110],{},"They're good to know, but be ",[21,14108,14109],{},"super"," sure you're confident you know what you're doing before using them. (Or maybe just don't use them). When you see their equivalents in English, you'll get what I mean: this is heavy stuff.",[11,14112,14113],{},"Basically, proceed with caution.",[183,14115,14116,14128],{},[186,14117,14118],{},[189,14119,14120,14122,14124,14126],{},[192,14121,1073],{},[192,14123,6546],{},[192,14125,779],{},[192,14127,203],{},[208,14129,14130,14157,14182,14208,14232,14259,14283,14310,14337],{},[189,14131,14132,14140,14143,14149],{},[213,14133,14134,55,14137],{},[69,14135,14136],{},"Schlampe",[57,14138],{"src":14139,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-schlampe.mp3",[213,14141,14142],{},"Bitch\u002FSlut",[213,14144,14145,14146,14148],{},"Denotes the promiscuity or moral failing of a woman. ",[132,14147],{}," Naturally, this is a highly offensive word.",[213,14150,14151,14152,14154],{},"Diese Schlampe hat alles hinter sich her.",[132,14153],{},[21,14155,14156],{},"That bitch is chasing after everyone.",[189,14158,14159,14167,14170,14176],{},[213,14160,14161,55,14164],{},[69,14162,14163],{},"Nutte",[57,14165],{"src":14166,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-nutte.mp3",[213,14168,14169],{},"Whore",[213,14171,14172,14173,14175],{},"A vulgar term that insinuates a woman is promiscuous. ",[132,14174],{}," Similar to \"Schlampe\".",[213,14177,14178,14179,14181],{},"Du bist eine Nutte.",[132,14180],{},"You're a whore.",[189,14183,14184,14192,14194,14200],{},[213,14185,14186,55,14189],{},[69,14187,14188],{},"Hure",[57,14190],{"src":14191,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-hure.mp3",[213,14193,14169],{},[213,14195,14196,14197,14199],{},"Another vulgar term with roots in historical judgments about sexual morality. ",[132,14198],{}," Used in anger and considered highly taboo.",[213,14201,14202,14203,14205],{},"Fass mich nicht an, du Hure!",[132,14204],{},[21,14206,14207],{},"Don't touch me, you whore!",[189,14209,14210,14218,14221,14224],{},[213,14211,14212,55,14215],{},[69,14213,14214],{},"Fick dich",[57,14216],{"src":14217,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Fick dich.mp3",[213,14219,14220],{},"Fuck you",[213,14222,14223],{},"Used just like it is in English, but not quite as \"hard\" as the English phrase.",[213,14225,14226,14227,14229],{},"Fick dich, ich hab genug von dir!",[132,14228],{},[21,14230,14231],{},"Fuck you, I've had enough of you!",[189,14233,14234,14242,14245,14251],{},[213,14235,14236,55,14239],{},[69,14237,14238],{},"Fotze",[57,14240],{"src":14241,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-fotze.mp3",[213,14243,14244],{},"Cunt",[213,14246,14247,14248,14250],{},"A vulgar word that originally referred to female genitilia.",[132,14249],{}," In the same league as \"Hure\" and \"Schlamper\".",[213,14252,14253,14254,14256],{},"Halt deine Fotze still!",[132,14255],{},[21,14257,14258],{},"Shut your cunt up!",[189,14260,14261,14269,14272,14275],{},[213,14262,14263,55,14266],{},[69,14264,14265],{},"Miststück",[57,14267],{"src":14268,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Miststück.mp3",[213,14270,14271],{},"Bastard\u002FBitch",[213,14273,14274],{},"Literally meaning \"piece of dung.\" Like \"Trottel\" or \"Blödman\", but stronger.",[213,14276,14277,14278,14280],{},"Er ist ein richtiges Miststück.",[132,14279],{},[21,14281,14282],{},"He is a real bastard.",[189,14284,14285,14293,14296,14302],{},[213,14286,14287,55,14290],{},[69,14288,14289],{},"Hurensohn",[57,14291],{"src":14292,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-hurensohn.mp3",[213,14294,14295],{},"Son of a bitch",[213,14297,14298,14299,14301],{},"Literally \"son of a whore.\" ",[132,14300],{}," Comparable to “motherfucker” or “bastard” in intensity.",[213,14303,14304,14305,55,14307],{},"Verpiss dich, du Hurensohn! ",[132,14306],{},[21,14308,14309],{},"Get lost, you son of a bitch!",[189,14311,14312,14320,14323,14329],{},[213,14313,14314,55,14317],{},[69,14315,14316],{},"Arschgeige",[57,14318],{"src":14319,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-arschgeige.mp3",[213,14321,14322],{},"Dumbass",[213,14324,14325,14326,14328],{},"Literally \"ass violin\", implies that someone is both useless and annoying. ",[132,14327],{}," Suggests that the person is not just an idiot, but loudly and proudly so.",[213,14330,14331,14332,55,14334],{},"Was für eine Arschgeige! ",[132,14333],{},[21,14335,14336],{},"What a dumbass!",[189,14338,14339,14347,14350,14356],{},[213,14340,14341,55,14344],{},[69,14342,14343],{},"Esel",[57,14345],{"src":14346,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Esel.mp3",[213,14348,14349],{},"Dumbass \u002F Idiot",[213,14351,14352,14353,14355],{},"Literally “donkey.” Used to scold someone for foolishness or carelessness.",[132,14354],{}," Mild in tone among kids, but among adults sounds sharp or condescending.",[213,14357,14358,14359,55,14361],{},"Du hast das wieder falsch gemacht, du Esel! ",[132,14360],{},[21,14362,14363],{},"You got it wrong again, you jackass!",[37,14365,14367],{"id":14366},"a-closer-look-at-three-notable-specimens","A closer look at three notable specimens",[11,14369,14370],{},"Here are two commonly used German swear words, plus one prime example of what I think is a funny German trend of turning names into insults.",[121,14372,14373,14376],{},[124,14374,14375],{},"The first two words are worth taking a closer look at because they're an integral part of German profanity and can be used in a variety of ways—beyond what I could squeeze into the above tables",[124,14377,14378],{},"The last one is the tip of an iceberg—a small taste of the somewhat creative and culturally-specific language you'll be getting into as you continue on with your German studies",[414,14380,14382],{"id":14381},"_1-scheiße-perhaps-the-most-versatile-curse-word-in-german","1. Scheiße, perhaps the most versatile curse word in German",[11,14384,14385,14386,14388],{},"“Scheiße” ",[57,14387],{"src":13916,":type":60}," is a German word that literally means “excrement”...... but, like \"shit\", it's a highly versatile exclamation you'll hear all the time in conversations among native German speakers. Depending on context and the words you pair it with, its severity may range from just a mild expression of frustration to a genuine explosion of outrage. It can also be used with positive words!",[11,14390,14391],{},"Given that it can act as a standalone expletive, be used both positively and negatively, and generally modify all sorts of utterances, you might think of Scheiße as holding a similar position in German's lexicon as \"fuck\" does in English's.",[11,14393,14394],{},[21,14395,14396],{},"(In case you aren't studying German and just randomly Googled for a list of German expletives: Yes, that funny-looking B thing makes an \"sh\" sound in German.)",[11,14398,14399],{},"How to use it negatively:",[121,14401,14402,14413,14426],{},[124,14403,14404,55,14406,55,14409,55,14411],{},[69,14405,13931],{},[57,14407],{"src":14408,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Scheiße, ich habe meinen Schlüssel vergessen..mp3",[132,14410],{},[21,14412,13936],{},[124,14414,14415,55,14418,55,14421,55,14423],{},[69,14416,14417],{},"Das ist Scheiße – alles ist schief gelaufen.",[57,14419],{"src":14420,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Das ist Scheiße – alles ist schief gelaufen..mp3",[132,14422],{},[21,14424,14425],{},"That’s shit – everything went wrong.",[124,14427,14428,55,14431,55,14434,55,14436],{},[69,14429,14430],{},"Er hat wieder Scheiße gebaut, aber niemand hat es gemerkt.",[57,14432],{"src":14433,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Er hat wieder Scheiße gebaut, aber niemand hat es gemerkt..mp3",[132,14435],{},[21,14437,14438],{},"He screwed up again, but no one noticed.",[11,14440,14441],{},"How to use it positively:",[121,14443,14444,14457,14470],{},[124,14445,14446,55,14449,55,14452,55,14454],{},[69,14447,14448],{},"Das war ja mal scheiße geil!",[57,14450],{"src":14451,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Das war ja mal scheiße geil!.mp3",[132,14453],{},[21,14455,14456],{},"That was fucking awesome!",[124,14458,14459,55,14462,55,14465,55,14467],{},[69,14460,14461],{},"Das ja scheiße lecker!",[57,14463],{"src":14464,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Das ja scheiße lecker!.mp3",[132,14466],{},[21,14468,14469],{},"That was fucking delicious!\"",[124,14471,14472,55,14475,55,14478,55,14480],{},[69,14473,14474],{},"Geile scheiße!",[57,14476],{"src":14477,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Geile scheiße!.mp3",[132,14479],{},[21,14481,14482],{},"Fucking awesome!",[414,14484,14486],{"id":14485},"_2-arschloch-germanys-go-to-insult","2. Arschloch, Germany's go-to insult",[11,14488,14489,14490,14492,14493,14496],{},"\"Arsch\" ",[57,14491],{"src":14054,":type":60}," means \"ass\". \"Loch\" ",[57,14494],{"src":14495,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-loch.mp3"," means \"hole\".",[11,14498,14499,14500,844],{},"Surprise surprise, we have a similar insult in English: ",[21,14501,14502],{},"Asshole",[11,14504,14505,14506,14509],{},"Like in English, Arschloch ",[57,14507],{"src":14508,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Arschloch.mp3"," is a strong insult which indicates that someone is mean, unpleasant, or has acted unfairly. It’s commonly used in moments of anger but may also be used humorously among friends.",[11,14511,14512],{},"Examples:",[121,14514,14515,14528,14541],{},[124,14516,14517,55,14520,55,14523,55,14525],{},[69,14518,14519],{},"Du bist ein richtiges Arschloch!",[57,14521],{"src":14522,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Du bist ein richtiges Arschloch!.mp3",[132,14524],{},[21,14526,14527],{},"You're a real asshole!",[124,14529,14530,55,14533,55,14536,55,14538],{},[69,14531,14532],{},"Nur ein Arschloch würde so etwas tun.",[57,14534],{"src":14535,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Nur ein Arschloch würde so etwas tun..mp3",[132,14537],{},[21,14539,14540],{},"Only an asshole would do something like that.",[124,14542,14543,55,14546,55,14549,55,14551],{},[69,14544,14545],{},"Dieser Typ benimmt sich immer wie ein Arschloch.",[57,14547],{"src":14548,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Dieser Typ benimmt sich immer wie ein Arschloch..mp3",[132,14550],{},[21,14552,14553],{},"This guy always acts like an asshole.",[414,14555,14557],{"id":14556},"_3-horst-a-name-that-became-an-insult","3. Horst, a name that became an insult",[11,14559,14560,14561,14563],{},"\"Horst\" ",[57,14562],{"src":13662,":type":60}," is (was?) a perfectly ordinary male given name in German, but in colloquial use, it has taken on a second life as a humorous insult. Referring to someone as a \"Horst\" implies that they are old-fashioned, clueless, or generally embarrassing. While not vulgar, it carries a connotation of mockery, as though the person in question is stuck in the past or just not \"with\" it. (Whatever \"it\" is.)",[11,14565,14566],{},"In TV shows, the \"Horst\" might be someone who makes dull dad jokes. On forums, a \"Horst\" may proudly declare an (unasked for) opinion. Basically, you can direct this term at another person when their behavior is out of touch or unnecessarily awkward.",[11,14568,14569],{},"How to use it:",[121,14571,14572,14585,14598],{},[124,14573,14574,55,14577,55,14580,55,14582],{},[69,14575,14576],{},"Sei kein Horst - zieh dir was Anständiges an.",[57,14578],{"src":14579,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Sei kein Horst - zieh dir was Anständiges an..mp3",[132,14581],{},[21,14583,14584],{},"Don't be a Horst—put on something decent.",[124,14586,14587,55,14590,55,14593,55,14595],{},[69,14588,14589],{},"Nur ein echter Horst würde das für eine gute Idee halten.",[57,14591],{"src":14592,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Nur ein echter Horst würde das für eine gute Idee halten..mp3",[132,14594],{},[21,14596,14597],{},"Only a true Horst would think that's a good idea.",[124,14599,14600,55,14603,55,14606,55,14608],{},[69,14601,14602],{},"Natürlich hat Horst wieder seinen Kommentar dazugegeben",[57,14604],{"src":14605,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Natürlich hat Horst wieder seinen Kommentar dazugegeben.mp3",[132,14607],{},[21,14609,14610],{},"Of course, Horst left their comment again.",[11,14612,14613],{},[21,14614,14615],{},"Bonus: both \"Uschi\" and \"Jacqueline\" mean something like English's \"Karen\".",[37,14617,14619],{"id":14618},"how-to-learn-german-curse-words","How to learn German curse words",[11,14621,14622],{},"It's nice to have a handy-dandy list, but it'd kinda cramp your style if you had to pull a screenshot up on your phone and scroll for a few seconds every time you wanted to drop a German curse.",[11,14624,14625,14626,14628],{},"In other words, you've got to ",[21,14627,6530],{}," these things. Intensively. Passionately. With fervor. By heart.",[11,14630,14631],{},"And I have good news for you:",[86,14633,14634],{},[11,14635,14636,14637,14640],{},"There's a whole profane world of German expressions just ",[21,14638,14639],{},"waiting"," to be discovered as you begin exploring German TV, media, and shit like that.",[11,14642,14643,14644,14646],{},"You see, you don't ",[21,14645,12889],{}," to do anything special to learn these words.",[11,14648,12233],{},[11,14650,14651,14652,14655],{},"Bad words are used everywhere. They're German words and phrases just like, well, ",[21,14653,14654],{},"normal"," German words and phrases—not pots of gold being watched over by a short, short-tempered bearded guy on the other end of a rainbow.",[11,14657,14658],{},"So long as you're interacting with Germans or engaging with German media, you'll encounter these words all the time.",[11,14660,14661],{},"And that's the key.",[11,14663,14664,14665,14670],{},"Say you're watching ",[867,14666,14669],{"href":14667,"rel":14668},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=5CwekFpvg3Q",[1196],"a series of pranks on YouTube"," when you get hit with this beauty of a line:",[833,14672],{"src":14673,"width":14674,"height":14675,"alt":14676},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-mobile-youtube-german.jpeg",1476,1032,"A screenshot of Migaku's mobile application, showing how we enhance YouTube subtitles",[11,14678,14679],{},[21,14680,14681],{},"My name's \"Bleedman\"—like \"Blödmann\" (dumbass), but with two E's.",[11,14683,14684],{},"Blödmann is a new word for you, so you just tap right on it in the subtitles to see what it means. Naturally, this is a very nutritious word that you'd be remiss to go without, so you decide to learn it: you click that orange button in the top-right corner of the dictionary to make a flashcard out of it.",[833,14686],{"src":14687,"width":14688,"height":14689,"alt":14690},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-flashcard-german.jpeg",1240,1040,"A screenshot of Migaku's mobile application, showing what our SRS flashcards look like",[11,14692,14693],{},"Migaku fetches an audio snippet of your line of dialogue being said and whatever was happening on screen to make a flashcard like the one above. The whole process takes about two seconds, and then you go on your merry (insert expletive here) way.",[11,14695,14696,14699],{},[21,14697,14698],{},"That's"," how you'll learn German swear words.",[11,14701,14702],{},"You'll consume German content you enjoy, stumble into dialogue that features Germans swearing, and then extract the juicy ones into flashcards. (This same approach works wonderfully for all vocab, by the way, not just swears.)",[876,14704],{"href":878,"text":879},[37,14706,14708],{"id":14707},"geh-zum-teufel-or-some-closing-thoughts-on-using-german-swear-words","Geh zum teufel, or some closing thoughts on using German swear words",[11,14710,14711,14712,14715],{},"\"Geh zum teufel\" ",[57,14713],{"src":14714,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Geh zum teufel.mp3"," means \"go to hell\".",[11,14717,14718],{},"That didn't feel very good, did it?",[11,14720,14721],{},"And that's precisely the point.",[11,14723,14724,14727],{},[21,14725,14726],{},"Be careful with these things."," You can offend people.",[11,14729,5771],{},[11,14731,14732],{},"Anyway!",[11,14734,14735],{},"Now that we've had our fun, I'm going to be serious for a moment.",[11,14737,14738],{},"If you want to learn German, you shouldn't really be looking around the internet for lists of vocabulary words like this.",[86,14740,14741],{},[11,14742,14743,14744],{},"If you consume media you enjoy in German, and understand at least some of the messages and sentences within that media, you'll make progress. ",[21,14745,2993],{},[11,14747,14748,14749],{},"viel Glück! ",[57,14750],{"src":14751,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-viel Glück!.mp3",{"title":383,"searchDepth":915,"depth":915,"links":14753},[14754,14755,14756,14761,14766,14767],{"id":13298,"depth":915,"text":13299},{"id":13345,"depth":915,"text":13346},{"id":13374,"depth":915,"text":13375,"children":14757},[14758,14759,14760],{"id":13394,"depth":923,"text":13395},{"id":13883,"depth":923,"text":13884},{"id":14099,"depth":923,"text":14100},{"id":14366,"depth":915,"text":14367,"children":14762},[14763,14764,14765],{"id":14381,"depth":923,"text":14382},{"id":14485,"depth":923,"text":14486},{"id":14556,"depth":923,"text":14557},{"id":14618,"depth":915,"text":14619},{"id":14707,"depth":915,"text":14708},"Everyone knows Scheiße (scheisse) means. Here's 32 other German swear words and phrases you'll want to know, too. ",{"timestampUnix":14770,"slug":14771,"h1":14772,"image":14773,"tags":14776},1744212445000,"german-swear-words","Three tables full of German swear words, curses, and insults",{"src":14774,"width":6008,"height":6009,"alt":14775},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-thumbnail-german-swears.jpeg","A photo of a German woman who looks like she's about to drop the equivalent of Deutschland's F-bomb",[14777,2036],"vocab","\u002Farticle\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-german-swears","---\ntitle: \"33 German Swear Words | Don't Be a Dummkopf, Click Me\"\ndescription: \"Everyone knows Scheiße (scheisse) means. Here's 32 other German swear words and phrases you'll want to know, too. \"\ntimestampUnix: 1744212445000\nslug: 'german-swear-words'\nh1: 'Three tables full of German swear words, curses, and insults'\nimage:\n src: '\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-thumbnail-german-swears.jpeg'\n width: 1571\n height: 1047\n alt: \"A photo of a German woman who looks like she's about to drop the equivalent of Deutschland's F-bomb\"\ntags:\n - vocab\n - listicle\n---\n\nWe both know why you're here, and it's not to read a boring introduction 🫡\n\nJust bear with me for one important gramamar point:\n\n> In German, all nouns are capitalized.\n\nMany of these curse words are terms that refer to a specific type of person. In other words, they're nouns. If you're wondering why random words in the middle of the example sentences are capitalized, that's why.\n\nAlas:\n\n\u003Ctoc>\u003C\u002Ftoc>\n\n---\n\n## \\[Disclaimer] Please don't call your boss an Arschgeige\n\nI won't dwell on this point, but you should know that [we have a significantly weaker emotional response to things in foreign languages than we do in our native language](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.researchgate.net\u002Fpublication\u002F237444929_The_Emotional_Force_of_Swearwords_and_Taboo_Words_in_the_Speech_of_Multilinguals). Basically, even if you know what a German insult _means_, you won't be able to reliably feel just how offensive it is.\n\nUnfortunately, the person you're talking to _will_.\n\n> Using German swear words may get you in trouble. Be smart. Don't shoot the handsome, generous, mostly innocent messenger who worked until 23:00 to put this out for you.\n\nWe think that it's worth your time learning bad words and phrases in German, but that doesn't necessarily mean that we want you to sprinkle them into your speech like sesame seeds on a high-quality hamburger bun.\n\nIn other words:\n\n- _Do_ know that \"Arschgeige\" is a beautiful little phrase that means \"dumbass\"—despite having a literal translation of \"ass violin\"\n- _Don't_ call your boss, teacher, or significant other an Arschgeige\n\n## Why learn German swear words, anyway?\n\nSomehow I have a feeling I don't need to convince y'all on this one 👀\n\nBut, just in case, here are three big reasons for you:\n\n1. Your goal is to understand German media, and native German speakers use curse words, so learning curse words is necessary in order to understand German movies, books, and the like\n2. Swear words often reveal what a culture considers profane or insulting, and this may give you some interesting insights into German culture (or at least some conversation starters)\n3. It's fun, _duh_\n\nAnyhow, now that that's out of the way, let's get into it!\n\n---\n\n## Three lists of common German curse words and insults, organized by severity\n\nWe have a few native speakers of German on the Migaku staff, and they were, erm, _very_ excited to help out with this article. I asked for fact-checking help on a Friday afternoon and within about two hours had received some of the most detailed and prolific feedback I've ever received as a writer.\n\nIn fact, I got so much feedback that I actually ended up writing two articles: this one, plus another article on [German slang](\u002Fblog\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgerman-slang).\n\nSo, uhh, German learners rejoice, I guess.\n\n### 1. Some \"not so bad\" bad words, like \"Kacke\" and \"Depp\"\n\nHere are some words that you can use when you're miffed but don't quite feel ready to tell someone \"kiss my ass\". (For the record, Germans actually say \"leck mich am Arsch\" \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-leck mich am Arsch.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>, the exact translation of which is \"lick me on the ass\". Now _that's_ a refined bit of German vocabulary for you!)\n\nMany of these words can be used around children, or even _by_ children, but several still pack a bit of punch—even if they aren't amongst the worst German insults.\n\n| English | German | Note | Example Sentence |\n| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| **Verflixt** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-verflixt.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | Darn | A child‐friendly euphemism substituting for stronger curses. \u003Cbr> Frequently seen in literature for young audiences. | Verflixt, das war knapp!\u003Cbr>_Darn, that was close!_ |\n| **Kacke** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-kacke.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | Poop | Child-safe version of \"Scheiße\". It's... an onomatopoeia. \u003Cbr> Used to express frustration or disappointment in a tame way. | Oh Kacke, ich habe mein Buch vergessen!\u003Cbr>_Oh poop, I forgot my book!_ |\n| **Mist** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-mist.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | Crud | A classic, non-vulgar exclamation—like \"darn\" or \"crud\" in English. | Mist, das war nicht geplant.\u003Cbr>_Crud, that wasn’t planned._ |\n| **Heini** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Heini.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | Knucklehead\u002FGoober | A contraction of the name \"Heinrich\". \u003Cbr> Mocking in tone, used when someone gets on your nerves. | Irgendso’n Heini hat mein Auto zugeparkt.\u003Cbr>_Some idiot blocked in my car._ |\n| **Depp** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Depp.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | Fool | A light insult meaning “idiot.” Considered playful rather than vicious. | Du bist doch ein Depp.\u003Cbr>_You are such a fool._ |\n| **Trottel** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-trottel.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | Dummy | Emphasizes clumsiness or foolish behavior. | Was für ein Trottel!\u003Cbr>_What a dummy!_ |\n| **Idiot** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Idiot.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | Idiot | A generic insult for someone lacking sense. Used to be a clinical term. | Hör auf, dich wie ein Idiot zu benehmen.\u003Cbr>_Stop acting like an idiot._ |\n| **Weichei** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-weichei.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | Wimp | Refers to a person who is seen as weak or spineless. | Du bist ein echtes Weichei.\u003Cbr>_You are such a wimp._ |\n| **Dummkopf** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Dummkopf.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | Blockhead | A straightforward term for someone who is not very bright. | Du Dummkopf, hast du das nicht gehört?\u003Cbr>_You blockhead, didn’t you hear that?_ |\n| **Horst** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Horst.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | (Name-used insult) | A kinda demeaning way to refer to someone who is stupid or clueless. \u003Cbr> (_Used_ to be a popular first name.) | Alter bist du vielleicht ein Horst!\u003Cbr>_Dude, you’re such an idiot (Horst)!_ |\n| **Bauer** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-bauer.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | Peasant \u002F Redneck | Indicates that someone is acting crude\u002Fhas bad manners\u002Flacks social grace. \u003Cbr> (Naturally, this is an insult.) | Du bist so ein richtiger Bauer!\u003Cbr>_You're a real farmer (Bauer)!_ |\n| **Proll** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Proll.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | Chav \u002F Hooligan | A demeaning way to say that someone is loud or tacky. \u003Cbr> (This is classist\u002Fimplies that someone is of a lower socioeconomic status.) | Er benimmt sich wie so ein Proll.\u003Cbr>_He is acting like a thug._ |\n| **Bonze** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Bonze.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | (No exact \u003Cbr>English equivalent) | Used for people in positions of power or wealth. \u003Cbr> Implies arrogance and distance from the common man. | Du denkst wohl, du bist eine Bonze.\u003Cbr>_You think you’re such a snob_. |\n| **Schnösel** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Schnösel.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | Prig\u003Cbr>Holier-than-thou | Similar to \"Bonze,\" but more used to refer to someone who is snobbish. | Diese Schnöselin ist so arrogant.\u003Cbr>_That prig is so arrogant._ |\n| **Penner** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-penner.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | Homeless \u002F Slob | Basically used to mean \"idiot\". (This is a pattern you'll notice.) \u003Cbr> Technically a derogatory term for someone perceived as lazy. | Halt dein Maul, du Penner.\u003Cbr>_Shut up, you bum._ |\n| **Hartzer** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Hartzer.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | Welfare case | A pejorative term for long-term unemployed. \u003Cbr> Derived from the colloquial \"[Hartz IV](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FHartz_concept).\" | Er macht eben einen auf Hartzer.\u003Cbr>_He’s just acting like a welfare case._ |\n| **Knallkopf** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Knallkopf.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | Nitwit | Implies that the person is not only foolish but strikingly so. \u003Cbr> Sometimes used in an ironic, playful manner. | Du bist ein echter Knallkopf.\u003Cbr>_You are such a nitwit._ |\n\n### 2. Some real German curse words, like \"Scheiße\" and \"Arsch\"\n\nLightweight stuff out of the way, we're now ready to look at some \"real\" German swear words and insults. These popular expletives and insults will probably give you the most bang for your buck, so far as swearing in German goes. Many are used to express frustration or anger and pleasantly versatile, such that they can be combined with a number of other German phrases... but none are vulgar, obscene, or what you'd call \"nuclear\".\n\nBasically, they're satisfying to use but not shocking, which is a nice balance, if I do say so myself.\n\n| English | German | Note | Example Sentence |\n| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| **Scheiße** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Scheiße.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | Shit | One of the most ubiquitous German swear words. It's got a dedicated section below. \u003Cbr> Used as an exclamation of frustration or to denote poor quality. \u003Cbr> Its intensity varies, depending on the modifiers you use it with. | Scheiße, ich habe meinen Schlüssel vergessen.\u003Cbr>_Shit, I forgot my keys._ |\n| **Blödmann** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-blödmann.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | Jerk | A commonly used mild insult combining \"blöd\" (stupid) with \"Mann\" (man). \u003Cbr> Perhaps one of the most creative insults on this list. | Du Blödmann!\u003Cbr>_You jerk!_ |\n| **Verdammt** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-verdammt.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | Damn | A common exclamation expressing annoyance, frustration, or surprise. \u003Cbr> Can be used for both mild irritation or stronger anger. \u003Cbr> Similar to \"damn\" in English. | Verdammt, warum passiert das immer mir?\u003Cbr>_Damn, why does this always happen to me?_ |\n| **Spinner** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Spinner.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | Nutcase | Refers to someone acting irrational or silly; often used lightheartedly. | Was für ein Spinner!\u003Cbr>_What a nutcase!_ |\n| **Wichser** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Wichser.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | Wanker | Basically, a stronger version of the word \"idiot\". Usually directed at men. \u003Cbr> Opinions on its severity depend on generation. | Du Wichser, host mei Bier vaschütt!\u003Cbr>_You little jerk, you spilled my beer!_ |\n| **Arsch** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-arsch.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | Ass | Literally \"ass\". \u003Cbr> Can refer both literally to one's rear and figuratively to a disagreeable person. | Halt dein Maul, du Arsch!\u003Cbr>Shut your mouth, you ass! |\n| **Drecksau** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-drecksau.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | Filthy pig | Used to express contempt for someone is disgusting and morally dirty. \u003Cbr> Naturally, this is a strong insult. | Du bist eine verdammte Drecksau!\u003Cbr>_You're a filthy pig!_ |\n\n### 3. Some of the strongest curses in the German language, like \"Schlampe\" and \"Hurensohn\"\n\nNo fancy introduction here: each of the below German swear words and phrases is one of the most offensive that the language has to offer.\n\nThey're good to know, but be _super_ sure you're confident you know what you're doing before using them. (Or maybe just don't use them). When you see their equivalents in English, you'll get what I mean: this is heavy stuff.\n\nBasically, proceed with caution.\n\n| English | German | Note | Example Sentence |\n| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| **Schlampe** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-schlampe.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | Bitch\u002FSlut | Denotes the promiscuity or moral failing of a woman. \u003Cbr> Naturally, this is a highly offensive word. | Diese Schlampe hat alles hinter sich her.\u003Cbr>_That bitch is chasing after everyone._ |\n| **Nutte** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-nutte.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | Whore | A vulgar term that insinuates a woman is promiscuous. \u003Cbr> Similar to \"Schlampe\". | Du bist eine Nutte.\u003Cbr>You're a whore. |\n| **Hure** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-hure.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | Whore | Another vulgar term with roots in historical judgments about sexual morality. \u003Cbr> Used in anger and considered highly taboo. | Fass mich nicht an, du Hure!\u003Cbr>_Don't touch me, you whore!_ |\n| **Fick dich** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Fick dich.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | Fuck you | Used just like it is in English, but not quite as \"hard\" as the English phrase. | Fick dich, ich hab genug von dir!\u003Cbr>_Fuck you, I've had enough of you!_ |\n| **Fotze** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-fotze.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | Cunt | A vulgar word that originally referred to female genitilia.\u003Cbr> In the same league as \"Hure\" and \"Schlamper\". | Halt deine Fotze still!\u003Cbr>_Shut your cunt up!_ |\n| **Miststück** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Miststück.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | Bastard\u002FBitch | Literally meaning \"piece of dung.\" Like \"Trottel\" or \"Blödman\", but stronger. | Er ist ein richtiges Miststück.\u003Cbr>_He is a real bastard._ |\n| **Hurensohn** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-hurensohn.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | Son of a bitch | Literally \"son of a whore.\" \u003Cbr> Comparable to “motherfucker” or “bastard” in intensity. | Verpiss dich, du Hurensohn! \u003Cbr> _Get lost, you son of a bitch!_ |\n| **Arschgeige** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-arschgeige.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | Dumbass | Literally \"ass violin\", implies that someone is both useless and annoying. \u003Cbr> Suggests that the person is not just an idiot, but loudly and proudly so. | Was für eine Arschgeige! \u003Cbr> _What a dumbass!_ |\n| **Esel** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Esel.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | Dumbass \u002F Idiot | Literally “donkey.” Used to scold someone for foolishness or carelessness.\u003Cbr> Mild in tone among kids, but among adults sounds sharp or condescending. | Du hast das wieder falsch gemacht, du Esel! \u003Cbr> _You got it wrong again, you jackass!_ |\n\n## A closer look at three notable specimens\n\nHere are two commonly used German swear words, plus one prime example of what I think is a funny German trend of turning names into insults.\n\n- The first two words are worth taking a closer look at because they're an integral part of German profanity and can be used in a variety of ways—beyond what I could squeeze into the above tables\n\n- The last one is the tip of an iceberg—a small taste of the somewhat creative and culturally-specific language you'll be getting into as you continue on with your German studies\n\n### 1. Scheiße, perhaps the most versatile curse word in German\n\n“Scheiße” \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Scheiße.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> is a German word that literally means “excrement”...... but, like \"shit\", it's a highly versatile exclamation you'll hear all the time in conversations among native German speakers. Depending on context and the words you pair it with, its severity may range from just a mild expression of frustration to a genuine explosion of outrage. It can also be used with positive words!\n\nGiven that it can act as a standalone expletive, be used both positively and negatively, and generally modify all sorts of utterances, you might think of Scheiße as holding a similar position in German's lexicon as \"fuck\" does in English's.\n\n_(In case you aren't studying German and just randomly Googled for a list of German expletives: Yes, that funny-looking B thing makes an \"sh\" sound in German.)_\n\nHow to use it negatively:\n\n- **Scheiße, ich habe meinen Schlüssel vergessen.** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Scheiße, ich habe meinen Schlüssel vergessen..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _Shit, I forgot my keys._\n\n- **Das ist Scheiße – alles ist schief gelaufen.** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Das ist Scheiße – alles ist schief gelaufen..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _That’s shit – everything went wrong._\n\n- **Er hat wieder Scheiße gebaut, aber niemand hat es gemerkt.** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Er hat wieder Scheiße gebaut, aber niemand hat es gemerkt..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _He screwed up again, but no one noticed._\n\nHow to use it positively:\n\n- **Das war ja mal scheiße geil!** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Das war ja mal scheiße geil!.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _That was fucking awesome!_\n- **Das ja scheiße lecker!** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Das ja scheiße lecker!.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _That was fucking delicious!\"_\n- **Geile scheiße!** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Geile scheiße!.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _Fucking awesome!_\n\n### 2. Arschloch, Germany's go-to insult\n\n\"Arsch\" \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-arsch.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> means \"ass\". \"Loch\" \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-loch.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> means \"hole\".\n\nSurprise surprise, we have a similar insult in English: _Asshole_.\n\nLike in English, Arschloch \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Arschloch.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> is a strong insult which indicates that someone is mean, unpleasant, or has acted unfairly. It’s commonly used in moments of anger but may also be used humorously among friends.\n\nExamples:\n\n- **Du bist ein richtiges Arschloch!** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Du bist ein richtiges Arschloch!.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _You're a real asshole!_\n\n- **Nur ein Arschloch würde so etwas tun.** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Nur ein Arschloch würde so etwas tun..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _Only an asshole would do something like that._\n\n- **Dieser Typ benimmt sich immer wie ein Arschloch.** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Dieser Typ benimmt sich immer wie ein Arschloch..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _This guy always acts like an asshole._\n\n### 3. Horst, a name that became an insult\n\n\"Horst\" \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Horst.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> is (was?) a perfectly ordinary male given name in German, but in colloquial use, it has taken on a second life as a humorous insult. Referring to someone as a \"Horst\" implies that they are old-fashioned, clueless, or generally embarrassing. While not vulgar, it carries a connotation of mockery, as though the person in question is stuck in the past or just not \"with\" it. (Whatever \"it\" is.)\n\nIn TV shows, the \"Horst\" might be someone who makes dull dad jokes. On forums, a \"Horst\" may proudly declare an (unasked for) opinion. Basically, you can direct this term at another person when their behavior is out of touch or unnecessarily awkward.\n\nHow to use it:\n\n- **Sei kein Horst - zieh dir was Anständiges an.** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Sei kein Horst - zieh dir was Anständiges an..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _Don't be a Horst—put on something decent._\n\n- **Nur ein echter Horst würde das für eine gute Idee halten.** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Nur ein echter Horst würde das für eine gute Idee halten..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _Only a true Horst would think that's a good idea._\n\n- **Natürlich hat Horst wieder seinen Kommentar dazugegeben** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Natürlich hat Horst wieder seinen Kommentar dazugegeben.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _Of course, Horst left their comment again._\n\n_Bonus: both \"Uschi\" and \"Jacqueline\" mean something like English's \"Karen\"._\n\n## How to learn German curse words\n\nIt's nice to have a handy-dandy list, but it'd kinda cramp your style if you had to pull a screenshot up on your phone and scroll for a few seconds every time you wanted to drop a German curse.\n\nIn other words, you've got to _learn_ these things. Intensively. Passionately. With fervor. By heart.\n\nAnd I have good news for you:\n\n> There's a whole profane world of German expressions just _waiting_ to be discovered as you begin exploring German TV, media, and shit like that.\n\nYou see, you don't _need_ to do anything special to learn these words.\n\nWhy?\n\nBad words are used everywhere. They're German words and phrases just like, well, _normal_ German words and phrases—not pots of gold being watched over by a short, short-tempered bearded guy on the other end of a rainbow.\n\nSo long as you're interacting with Germans or engaging with German media, you'll encounter these words all the time.\n\nAnd that's the key.\n\nSay you're watching [a series of pranks on YouTube](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=5CwekFpvg3Q) when you get hit with this beauty of a line:\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-mobile-youtube-german.jpeg\" width=\"1476\" height=\"1032\" alt=\"A screenshot of Migaku's mobile application, showing how we enhance YouTube subtitles\" \u002F>\n\n_My name's \"Bleedman\"—like \"Blödmann\" (dumbass), but with two E's._\n\nBlödmann is a new word for you, so you just tap right on it in the subtitles to see what it means. Naturally, this is a very nutritious word that you'd be remiss to go without, so you decide to learn it: you click that orange button in the top-right corner of the dictionary to make a flashcard out of it.\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-flashcard-german.jpeg\" width=\"1240\" height=\"1040\" alt=\"A screenshot of Migaku's mobile application, showing what our SRS flashcards look like\" \u002F>\n\nMigaku fetches an audio snippet of your line of dialogue being said and whatever was happening on screen to make a flashcard like the one above. The whole process takes about two seconds, and then you go on your merry (insert expletive here) way.\n\n_That's_ how you'll learn German swear words.\n\nYou'll consume German content you enjoy, stumble into dialogue that features Germans swearing, and then extract the juicy ones into flashcards. (This same approach works wonderfully for all vocab, by the way, not just swears.)\n\n\u003Cprose-button href=\"\u002F\" text=\"Try Migaku for free\">\u003C\u002Fprose-button>\n\n## Geh zum teufel, or some closing thoughts on using German swear words\n\n\"Geh zum teufel\" \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Geh zum teufel.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> means \"go to hell\".\n\nThat didn't feel very good, did it?\n\nAnd that's precisely the point.\n\n_Be careful with these things._ You can offend people.\n\n...\n\nAnyway!\n\nNow that we've had our fun, I'm going to be serious for a moment.\n\nIf you want to learn German, you shouldn't really be looking around the internet for lists of vocabulary words like this.\n\n> If you consume media you enjoy in German, and understand at least some of the messages and sentences within that media, you'll make progress. _Period._\n\nviel Glück! \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-viel Glück!.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n",{"title":13273,"description":14768},"article\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-german-swears","wUsq70FxEGALASnRttQ7A9oQHoHEzKyjR3EzzPveQFo","April 9, 2025",{"id":14785,"title":14786,"body":14787,"description":15771,"extension":929,"meta":15772,"navigation":942,"path":15783,"rawbody":15784,"seo":15785,"stem":15786,"__hash__":15787,"timestampUnix":15773,"slug":15774,"h1":15775,"image":15776,"tags":15781,"_dir":948,"timestamp":15788},"content\u002Farticle\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-hardest-language.md","What's the most difficult language in the world?",{"type":8,"value":14788,"toc":15752},[14789,14792,14799,14802,14804,14806,14810,14813,14817,14825,14834,14838,14851,14854,14867,14880,14884,14887,14896,14902,14906,14918,14927,14930,14934,14949,14957,14960,14962,14966,14969,14994,15000,15004,15006,15010,15016,15024,15039,15042,15045,15048,15056,15059,15125,15131,15133,15136,15139,15165,15168,15321,15325,15327,15331,15338,15494,15498,15500,15503,15506,15517,15520,15659,15662,15664,15668,15671,15680,15683,15685,15689,15692,15704,15707,15710,15724,15727,15737,15739,15743,15746],[11,14790,14791],{},"When most people think about learning a language, they look for the easy ones—but you want to learn a hard one.",[11,14793,14794,14795,2001],{},"Or maybe you've heard that Mandarin or Arabic is much \"harder\" than Spanish or French, and you're wondering what, exactly, makes a language difficult. What exactly are you getting into if you want to ",[867,14796,14798],{"href":14797},"\u002Flearn-japanese","learn Japanese",[11,14800,14801],{},"In this post we'll get into:",[30,14803],{},[34,14805],{},[37,14807,14809],{"id":14808},"what-makes-a-language-difficult-to-learn","What makes a language difficult to learn?",[11,14811,14812],{},"Again, any article that claims that there is a most difficult language contains some major bias, but if we wanted to try to be objective about it, we could analyze a language in several different ways.",[414,14814,14816],{"id":14815},"distance-from-your-native-language","Distance from your native language",[11,14818,14819,14820,844],{},"Like people, modern languages can also be traced back to an \"ancestor\", which is called a \"proto-language\". Languages that descend from the same proto-language are considered to be in the same ",[867,14821,14824],{"href":14822,"rel":14823},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FLanguage_family",[1196],"language family",[11,14826,14827,14828,14833],{},"Languages from the same family tend to be more similar: ",[867,14829,14832],{"href":14830,"rel":14831},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FLexical_similarity",[1196],"English and German have a lexical (vocabulary) overlap of 60%",", for example. This means that English speakers learning German will enjoy many advantages that learners of, say, Korean, will not have.",[414,14835,14837],{"id":14836},"language-features","Language features",[11,14839,14840,14841,14846,14847,844],{},"When most people talk about a language being difficult, they're referring to things like pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary. These things are called \"",[867,14842,14845],{"href":14843,"rel":14844},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FLinguistic_typology",[1196],"structural features","\", and ",[867,14848,14850],{"href":4839,"rel":14849},[1196],"there are almost 200 of them",[11,14852,14853],{},"Generally speaking, the complexity of these features balance each other out:",[86,14855,14856],{},[11,14857,14858,14861,14862],{},[21,14859,14860],{},"All languages have a complex grammar: there may be relative simplicity in one respect (e.g. no word endings), but there seems always to be relative complexity in another (e.g. word position)."," — ",[867,14863,14866],{"href":14864,"rel":14865},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.goodreads.com\u002Fbook\u002Fshow\u002F11228561",[1196],"David Crystal, 1987",[11,14868,14869,14870,171,14875,844],{},"For example, here is an in-depth (but technical) overview of ",[867,14871,14874],{"href":14872,"rel":14873},"https:\u002F\u002Fwals.info\u002Flanguoid\u002Flect\u002Fwals_code_jpn",[1196],"Japanese's 151 structural features",[867,14876,14879],{"href":14877,"rel":14878},"https:\u002F\u002Fwals.info\u002Flanguoid\u002Flect\u002Fwals_code_mnd",[1196],"Mandarin's 153 features",[414,14881,14883],{"id":14882},"cultural-differences","Cultural differences",[11,14885,14886],{},"Communication is much more than simply stringing words together: different cultures have different values, expectations about how communication should occur, and norms in terms of what is\u002Fisn't acceptable to talk about.",[11,14888,14889,14890,14895],{},"For example, speakers of ",[867,14891,14894],{"href":14892,"rel":14893},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FHigh-context_and_low-context_cultures",[1196],"high-context cultures"," tend to prefer indirect styles of communication, so natives learn to \"read the room\". Natives of low-context cultures, on the other hand, expect people to say what they mean and mean what they say. Learning to navigate this different approach to communication is an additional hurdle on top of the language itself.",[833,14897],{"src":14898,"width":14899,"height":14900,"alt":14901},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-cultures.webp",7226,3095,"A collage of photos of people from several different cultures.",[414,14903,14905],{"id":14904},"availability-of-resources","Availability of resources",[11,14907,14908,14909,14911,14912,14917],{},"If you ask somebody what they think a hard language is, they'll likely say Mandarin or Russian or Arabic... but, hard as they may be, people eventually ",[21,14910,5726],{}," learn these languages. ",[867,14913,14916],{"href":14914,"rel":14915},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FMary_Hobson",[1196],"Mary Hobson"," started learning Russian at age 56 and went on to become a renowned translator of Pushkin.",[11,14919,14920,14921,14926],{},"In contrast, you then have languages like ",[867,14922,14925],{"href":14923,"rel":14924},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FSentinelese_language",[1196],"Sentinelese",", which not a single non-native has ever learned to even a basic level. Understandably, this is because the Sentinelese live on a remote island, refuse contact with the outer world, and are (violently) hostile to visitors.",[11,14928,14929],{},"While most languages aren't literally confined to islands, not all languages have the same quantity or quality of resources available. This may not matter to linguists, but it does matter to learners.",[414,14931,14933],{"id":14932},"prominence-on-a-global-level","Prominence on a global level",[11,14935,14936,14937,14942,14943,14948],{},"Ethnologue, a catalogue of the world's languages, has entries for ",[867,14938,14941],{"href":14939,"rel":14940},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ethnologue.com\u002Finsights\u002Fhow-many-languages\u002F",[1196],"7,164 languages",". If you clicked around the World Atlas of Structured Languages (WALS) mentioned in the \"language features\" section, this number might give you pause: WALS only has entries for ",[867,14944,14947],{"href":14945,"rel":14946},"https:\u002F\u002Fwals.info\u002Flanguoid",[1196],"2,662 languages",". In other words, we know so little about ~2\u002F3 of the world's languages that not one person in a global team of linguists was able to write a brief overview of those languages' features.",[11,14950,14951,14952,844],{},"The reason for this discrepancy is straightforward: while there are many languages in the world, most of them do not see wide enough use to be known outside of their respective communities. ",[867,14953,14956],{"href":14954,"rel":14955},"https:\u002F\u002Fonlineexhibits.library.yale.edu\u002Fs\u002Flanguage-is-everywhere\u002Fpage\u002Flanguages",[1196],"Roughly 66% of the world's population speaks one of just ten languages",[11,14958,14959],{},"If you're learning a less common language, your journey will be complicated by the simple fact that you'll struggle to find any opportunities to use it or media to consume in it.",[34,14961],{},[37,14963,14965],{"id":14964},"is-there-a-most-difficult-language","Is there a \"most\" difficult language?",[11,14967,14968],{},"There are three answers to this question:",[3153,14970,14971,14982,14988],{},[124,14972,14973,14976,14977,12883],{},[69,14974,14975],{},"Objectively speaking, probably not",": Languages can be simple and complex in many ways, and these factors balance out. Native speakers of different languages end up hitting similar developmental milestones at roughly similar ages. (See the individual studies in ",[867,14978,14981],{"href":14979,"rel":14980},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.routledge.com\u002FThe-Crosslinguistic-Study-of-Language-Acquisition-Volume-1-the-Data\u002FSlobin\u002Fp\u002Fbook\u002F9780898593679",[1196],"The Crosslinguistic Study of Language Acquisition",[124,14983,14984,14987],{},[69,14985,14986],{},"Subjectively speaking, probably",": Certain languages will likely be easier or harder for a given person to learn, depending on their native language. We'll talk about this in more detail below.",[124,14989,14990,14993],{},[69,14991,14992],{},"Practically speaking, yes",": the most difficult language in the world is the first foreign language you try to learn. Learning this language will require you to also solve many practical problems about how to learn a language. If you move to a third language, all of this practical know-how will come along with you, making the process much easier.",[11,14995,14996,14997,14999],{},"Anecdotally speaking, it took me 8 years to read my first book in Spanish, but only two in Japanese. I often felt lost while learning Spanish, but when I moved onto Japanese, I had a clear idea of what stood between me and my first book ",[21,14998,3970],{}," how I could get over all of the hurdles along the way.",[876,15001],{"href":15002,"text":15003},"\u002Fblog\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fstudy-two-languages-at-once","A guide to learning multiple languages",[34,15005],{},[37,15007,15009],{"id":15008},"the-most-difficult-languages-to-learn-for-english-speakers","The most difficult languages to learn (for English speakers)",[11,15011,15012,15013,15015],{},"It turns out that we ",[21,15014,5726],{}," have pretty clear data about which languages are the most difficult, so long as we're willing to make two major concessions:",[121,15017,15018,15021],{},[124,15019,15020],{},"We omit the ~4,500 languages which linguists have virtually no data about, and thus can't be discussed, and also a couple thousand other more minor languages that a typical person likely isn't going to encounter",[124,15022,15023],{},"We pick one language as a starting point, as language A might be very difficult for native speakers of language B but very easy for speakers of language C",[11,15025,15026,15027,15032,15033,15038],{},"With this in mind, the U.S. Government's ",[867,15028,15031],{"href":15029,"rel":15030},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FDefense_Language_Institute",[1196],"Foreign Service Institute"," trains diplomats in over 70 languages. Since its founding in 1947, we've gathered data on the progress of tens of thousands of learners, and ",[867,15034,15037],{"href":15035,"rel":15036},"https:\u002F\u002F2009-2017.state.gov\u002Fm\u002Ffsi\u002Fsls\u002Forgoverview\u002Flanguages",[1196],"four languages in particular"," have stood out as being particularly difficult.",[11,15040,15041],{},"On average, learning these languages to a level of fluency in which diplomats can do their daily duties abroad takes ~2,200 in-class hours and roughly double that many hours of additional practice outside of class.",[414,15043,6570],{"id":15044},"arabic",[11,15046,15047],{},"The first challenge with learning Arabic is that it likely means learning two languages:",[121,15049,15050,15053],{},[124,15051,15052],{},"Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), the language of books, news, and academia, and also the language used when speakers of two different dialects interact",[124,15054,15055],{},"A regional dialect, of which there are over 20 (shown in the below photo), and what people use to communicate in day-to-day life",[11,15057,15058],{},"And from here, several challenges arise for English speakers:",[121,15060,15061,15073,15079,15090,15101,15113,15119],{},[124,15062,15063,15066,15067,15072],{},[69,15064,15065],{},"Language family",": Arabic is a ",[867,15068,15071],{"href":15069,"rel":15070},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FSemitic_languages",[1196],"Semitic language",", meaning that virtually no words will be recognizable",[124,15074,15075,15078],{},[69,15076,15077],{},"Word order:"," Verbs come at the very beginning of sentences in Arabic, before the subject of the sentence",[124,15080,15081,15084,15085,15089],{},[69,15082,15083],{},"Noun forms:"," Arabic nouns and adjectives have ",[867,15086,15088],{"href":5391,"rel":15087},[1196],"grammatical case",", meaning that you cannot use a noun without (a) knowing exactly what grammatical function it plays in a sentence and (b) changing its form accordingly",[124,15091,15092,15095,15096],{},[69,15093,15094],{},"Verb forms:"," Arabic verbs are highly inflectional, with each root containing ",[867,15097,15100],{"href":15098,"rel":15099},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FArabic_verbs",[1196],"up to 2,000 possible forms",[124,15102,15103,15106,15107,15112],{},[69,15104,15105],{},"Writing system:"," The Arabic alphabet is a kind of ",[867,15108,15111],{"href":15109,"rel":15110},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FAbjad",[1196],"Abjad",": short vowels are not written and it is not clarified whether a consonant is single or double, effectively meaning that you must know how a word sounds before you can read it",[124,15114,15115,15118],{},[69,15116,15117],{},"Counting:"," Arabic doesn't just have single and plural, but also a \"dual\" form which is used when there are two of something",[124,15120,15121,15124],{},[69,15122,15123],{},"Pronunciation:"," Arabic has a few uvular (throat) sounds that will be foreign to English speakers, and makes regular use of the glottal stop (the pause in the middle of \"uh-oh\"), which English speakers may struggle to hear",[833,15126],{"src":15127,"width":15128,"height":15129,"alt":15130},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Farabic-varieties-map.webp",1320,741,"A map showing which Arabic languages\u002Fdialects are spoken where.",[34,15132],{},[414,15134,3379],{"id":15135},"mandarin",[11,15137,15138],{},"Even people who don't know anything about Mandarin know two of the main things that make it difficult:",[121,15140,15141,15159],{},[124,15142,15143,15146,15147,15150,15151,15154,15155,844],{},[69,15144,15145],{},"Tones:"," Mandarin has four tones (high, low-rising, low, high-falling) plus a neutral tone. We actually use tones in English, too (say ",[21,15148,15149],{},"no!"," and then ",[21,15152,15153],{},"no?","), but whereas we use tone to express emotion, in Mandarin there's also a fixed tone associated with each character\u002Fsyllable. To learn more, check out ",[867,15156,15158],{"href":15157},"\u002Fblog\u002Fchinese\u002Fchinese-language-tones","our deep dive on Chinese Tones",[124,15160,15161,15164],{},[69,15162,15163],{},"Chinese Characters:"," Our alphabet is phonetic, meaning each letter represents a sound, but Chinese characters are logographic, meaning each character represents a word or idea. You often can't guess the pronunciation of an unknown character just by looking at it, and you'll need to learn several thousand unique characters.",[11,15166,15167],{},"But as you begin learning Mandarin, you'll realize that there are many more challenges waiting for you:",[121,15169,15170,15234,15246,15259,15304],{},[124,15171,15172,15175,15176,15181,15182,55,15184,55,15188,427,15191,55,15194,55,15197,15200,15201,780,15204,15207,15210,15211,15214,15217,15218,780,15221,55,15224,15210,15227,55,15230,15233],{},[69,15173,15174],{},"Simplified vs Traditional:"," China ",[867,15177,15180],{"href":15178,"rel":15179},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FSimplified_Chinese_characters",[1196],"simplified its character set"," in the mid-20th century, and these characters are used in China, Singapore, Malaysia, and the UN. The traditional (unsimplified) characters are still used in Taiwan. Sometimes the characters are the same (as with ",[21,15183,11533],{},[5744,15185],{"lang":15186,"syntax":15187},"zh","我[wo3;r]",[57,15189],{"src":15190,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh_我.mp3",[21,15192,15193],{},"moon",[5744,15195],{"lang":15186,"syntax":15196},"月[yue4;n]",[57,15198],{"src":15199,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh_月.mp3","), sometimes the characters look quite similar in shape (as with ",[21,15202,15203],{},"horse",[5744,15205],{"lang":15186,"syntax":15206},"马[ma3;n]",[57,15208],{"src":15209,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh_马.mp3"," in simplified, ",[5744,15212],{"lang":15186,"syntax":15213},"馬[ma3;n]",[57,15215],{"src":15216,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh_馬.mp3"," in traditional), and sometimes they look very different (as with ",[21,15219,15220],{},"book",[5744,15222],{"lang":15186,"syntax":15223},"书[shu1;n]",[57,15225],{"src":15226,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh_书.mp3",[5744,15228],{"lang":15186,"syntax":15229},"書[shu1;n]",[57,15231],{"src":15232,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh_書.mp3"," in traditional).",[124,15235,15236,15239,15240,15245],{},[69,15237,15238],{},"Sentence structures:"," It's commonly said that Chinese languages have simple grammar, and this is true in that you don't need to conjugate verbs or decline nouns. The cost of this ",[867,15241,15244],{"href":15242,"rel":15243},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FInflection",[1196],"inflectional simplicity"," is that word order and sentence structure is very important in Mandarin. The language's structures won't always feel natural to native English speakers, and small changes can lead to big differences in meaning.",[124,15247,15248,15251,15252,8936,15255,15258],{},[69,15249,15250],{},"No shared vocab:"," Learners of European languages enjoy thousands of shared vocabulary words — ",[21,15253,15254],{},"valence electron",[21,15256,15257],{},"Valenzelektron"," in German — but you don't get these freebies in Chinese. You start from zero.",[124,15260,15261,15264,15265,55,15268,5498,15271,15274,15275,55,15278,5498,15281,15284,15285,55,15288,5498,15291,15294,15295,55,15298,5498,15301,12883],{},[69,15262,15263],{},"Difficult-to-distinguish sounds:"," Chinese has a few new sounds that will sound very similar to native English speakers. Compare sh in ",[5744,15266],{"lang":15186,"syntax":15267},"诗[shi1;n]",[57,15269],{"src":15270,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh_詩.mp3",[21,15272,15273],{},"poem","), vs ch in ",[5744,15276],{"lang":15186,"syntax":15277},"吃[chi1;v]",[57,15279],{"src":15280,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh_吃.mp3",[21,15282,15283],{},"eat","), or u in ",[5744,15286],{"lang":15186,"syntax":15287},"五[wu3;m]",[57,15289],{"src":15290,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh_五.mp3",[21,15292,15293],{},"five",") vs ü in ",[5744,15296],{"lang":15186,"syntax":15297},"雨[yu3;n]",[57,15299],{"src":15300,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh_雨.mp3",[21,15302,15303],{},"rain",[124,15305,15306,15309,15310,171,15315,15320],{},[69,15307,15308],{},"Particles and complements:"," Mandarin uses a variety of ",[867,15311,15314],{"href":15312,"rel":15313},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FChinese_particles",[1196],"particles",[867,15316,15319],{"href":15317,"rel":15318},"https:\u002F\u002Fresources.allsetlearning.com\u002Fchinese\u002Fgrammar\u002FComplement",[1196],"complements"," to express meaning. While some of these are very simple — to make a statement a question, just add the question particle 吗 to the end of the sentence — many will take adjustment.",[876,15322],{"href":15323,"text":15324},"\u002Flearn-chinese","Learn Chinese with Migaku",[34,15326],{},[414,15328,15330],{"id":15329},"korean","Korean",[11,15332,15333,15334,15337],{},"Korean is often considered to be the easiest of the Chinese, Japanese, Korean bunch because it doesn't have tones or require you to learn Chinese characters, but we can view this from another direction: FSI data shows it takes as long to learn as Japanese or Mandarin, ",[21,15335,15336],{},"despite"," the fact that it doesn't have tones or characters. The language contains other challenges for learners:",[121,15339,15340,15350,15365,15391,15412,15426,15445,15475,15488],{},[124,15341,15342,780,15345,15349],{},[69,15343,15344],{},"Honorifics",[867,15346,15344],{"href":15347,"rel":15348},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FHonorific#Korea",[1196]," refer to language that communicates status or respect. In English, we use individual words like \"sir\" or \"please\" to do this. In Korean, there are ~7 types of honorific language, each one with its own situations for use, word forms, and sometimes even unique vocabulary. While optional in English, honorifics are mandatory in Korean; it is not possible to talk to someone without acknowledging their status relative to yours.",[124,15351,15352,15354,15355,15360,15361,15364],{},[69,15353,12086],{},": Like English, and unlike surprisingly many languages, Korean has very flexible ",[867,15356,15359],{"href":15357,"rel":15358},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FPhonotactics",[1196],"phonotactics",". Combine this with a frightening amount of letters that change sounds in certain situations (",[21,15362,15363],{},"discussed below",") and a few letters that have come to represent the same sound, and you'll find that you often can't predict how a new word is spelled just by listening to it.",[124,15366,15367,15370,15371,55,15375,15378,15379,55,15382,15385,15386,844],{},[69,15368,15369],{},"Sound changes",": Mentioned above in the section on spelling, many Korean letters can sound in multiple ways depending on the context in which they appear. For example, that plain \u002Ft\u002F sound ㄷ sounds like a \"t\" in the beginning of a word but like a \"d\" in the middle of a word. Compare: ",[5744,15372],{"lang":15373,"syntax":15374},"ko","들[deul]",[57,15376],{"src":15377,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002F들.mp3"," (a pluralizing suffix) and ",[5744,15380],{"lang":15373,"syntax":15381},"아들[adeul]",[57,15383],{"src":15384,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002F아들.mp3"," (son). This becomes intuitive after a while, but there are ",[867,15387,15390],{"href":15388,"rel":15389},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikibooks.org\u002Fwiki\u002FKorean\u002FEssential_Pronunciation_Rules",[1196],"several dozen rules to remember",[124,15392,15393,15396,15397,15401,15402,15406,15407,15411],{},[69,15394,15395],{},"Three-way plosives",": Korean plosives (\u002Fk\u002F, \u002Ft\u002F and \u002Fp\u002F, sounds in which air \"explodes\" out of your mouth) come in three variants. For example, the \"plain\" \u002Ft\u002F (ㄷ ",[57,15398,15400],{"src":15399,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002F드.mp3","ㄷ",") sounds like the \"t\" in \"tent\"; the \"double\" or \"tense\" \u002Ft\u002F (ㄸ ",[57,15403,15405],{"src":15404,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002F뜨.mp3","ㄸ",") sounds kind of like the \"t\" in \"latency\" or \"sty\"; and the \"aspirated\" \u002Ft\u002F (ㅌ ",[57,15408,15410],{"src":15409,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002F트.mp3","ㅌ",") sounds like the \"t\" in \"tent\", but with much more airflow. Native English speakers struggle to distinguish these sounds, but they're very different to Korean speakers.",[124,15413,15414,15417,15418,15421,15422,15425],{},[69,15415,15416],{},"Sentence structure",": In Korean, verbs come at the end of the sentence: whereas we say ",[21,15419,15420],{},"I eat pizza",", Koreans say ",[21,15423,15424],{},"I pizza eat",". This has a dramatic effect on how information is organized in a sentence, and when trying to make longer sentences, native English speakers will often find themselves in situations where they know all of the words and grammar points they need but don't quite know how to string those words together.",[124,15427,15428,780,15431,15436,15437,15440,15441,15444],{},[69,15429,15430],{},"Left-branching",[867,15432,15435],{"href":15433,"rel":15434},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FBranching_(linguistics)",[1196],"Branching"," refers to whether description extends to the left or right of a word. In English, description tends to come after nouns: compare ",[21,15438,15439],{},"a book"," with ",[21,15442,15443],{},"a book that I read."," In Korean, all of this description comes before the noun. This, too, leads Korean sentences to be organized in ways that are very different to English ones.",[124,15446,15447,780,15450,15453,15454,6696,15457,15460,15461,15463,15464,15467,15468,15471,15474],{},[69,15448,15449],{},"Inflection",[867,15451,15449],{"href":15242,"rel":15452},[1196]," refers to changing the end of a word to represent certain grammatical concepts, and we use it to express the past tense in English: ",[21,15455,15456],{},"dance",[21,15458,15459],{},"danced",". Korean has much heavier inflection than English, and some things that would be individual words in English (such as ",[21,15462,3835],{},") are not individual words in Korean. Compare English ",[21,15465,15466],{},"I did not want to go"," to Korean ",[5744,15469],{"lang":15373,"syntax":15470},"가고싶지 않았어요[kagosipjji anassoyo]",[57,15472],{"src":15473,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002F가고싶지 않았어요.m4a",". Literally, that's 가 (go) 고 (connecting particle) 싶 (want) 지 (negating particle) 않 (not) 았 (past-tense marker) 어요 (informal, polite marker).",[124,15476,15477,15480,15481,15484,15485,12883],{},[69,15478,15479],{},"Lack of shared vocab",": As with Chinese and Arabic, Korean vocabulary words have nothing in common with English ones. Thankfully for learners, Korean has been quite liberal about borrowing words, so you'll see familiar words here and there, such as 인터넷 (intonet, ",[21,15482,15483],{},"internet",") or 비타민 (bitamin, ",[21,15486,15487],{},"vitamin",[124,15489,15490,15493],{},[69,15491,15492],{},"Two number systems",": It's only half true to say that Korea doesn't have Chinese characters. A significant portion of its vocabulary comes from Chinese, it just did without the characters. This dual nature leads to some interesting situations where both a Korean and Chinese word exists for the same idea, but the usage or nuance is slightly different. One notable example is numbers: there are Korean numbers and Chinese numbers, and each is used to count different things: hours are Korean, but minutes are Chinese.",[876,15495],{"href":15496,"text":15497},"\u002Flearn-korean","Learn Korean with Migaku",[34,15499],{},[414,15501,6564],{"id":15502},"japanese",[11,15504,15505],{},"In newer versions of the Foreign Service Institute's language difficulty rankings, you'll often see Japanese labeled with an asterisk. This is done to indicate that it generally takes more time to learn than Mandarin, Korean, or Arabic.",[121,15507,15508,15511,15514],{},[124,15509,15510],{},"Like Mandarin, Japanese also requires you to learn thousands of Chinese characters",[124,15512,15513],{},"Like Korean, Japanese has a complex system of honorifics and inflection, branches to the left, and often has both Japanese and Chinese words for the same concepts",[124,15515,15516],{},"Like Arabic, Mandarin, and Korean, Japanese also has virtually no words in common with English",[11,15518,15519],{},"It then has some challenges of its own:",[121,15521,15522,15556,15596,15616,15622,15648],{},[124,15523,15524,15527,15528,55,15531,15534,15535,15538,15539,55,15542,15545,15546,15549,15550,15555],{},[69,15525,15526],{},"Multiple pronunciations for each Chinese character",": While characters virtually always have only one reading in Mandarin, Japanese characters almost always have at least two: a ",[5744,15529],{"lang":5746,"syntax":15530},"訓読[くんよ;h]み",[57,15532],{"src":15533,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fja_訓読み.mp3"," (kun'yomi, ",[21,15536,15537],{},"Japanese reading",") and an ",[5744,15540],{"lang":5746,"syntax":15541},"音読[おんよ;h]み",[57,15543],{"src":15544,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fja_音読み.mp3"," (on'yomi, ",[21,15547,15548],{},"Chinese reading","). Furthermore, Japanese actually borrowed words from multiple Chinese languages, meaning that there are often ",[867,15551,15554],{"href":15552,"rel":15553},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FOn%27yomi#Classification",[1196],"several possible on'yomi readings available",". As such, while you can almost always predict the reading of familiar characters in new Chinese words, this isn't the case with Japanese.",[124,15557,15558,15561,15562,55,15565,15568,15569,15572,15573,55,15576,15579,15580,15583,15584,15589,15590,15592,15593],{},[69,15559,15560],{},"Reading the Air",": The first two cultural words that Japanese students will learn are ",[5744,15563],{"lang":5746,"syntax":15564},"建前[たてまえ;h]",[57,15566],{"src":15567,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fja_建前.mp3"," (tatemae, ",[21,15570,15571],{},"publicly-displayed thoughts",") ",[5744,15574],{"lang":5746,"syntax":15575},"本音[ほんね;h]",[57,15577],{"src":15578,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fja_本音.mp3"," (honne, ",[21,15581,15582],{},"real feelings","). Japan is a high-context culture and communication tends to be more indirect than it is in English, sometimes requiring speakers to \"read the air\" to find the message behind the message. To give a famous (but exaggerated) example, ",[867,15585,15588],{"href":15586,"rel":15587},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FNatsume_S%C5%8Dseki",[1196],"Natsume Sōseki"," suggested that ",[21,15591,1983],{}," should be translated into Japanese ",[21,15594,15595],{},"the moon is beautiful, isn't it?",[124,15597,15598,15601,15602,15604,15605,55,15608,15611,15612,15615],{},[69,15599,15600],{},"Pitch accent",": While Japanese does not have tones like Mandarin does, all Japanese words ",[21,15603,5726],{}," follow a pattern of low and high pitches. For example, the word ",[5744,15606],{"lang":5746,"syntax":15607},"日本[にほん;n2]",[57,15609],{"src":15610,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fja_日本.mp3"," (ni・ho・n, ",[21,15613,15614],{},"Japan",") is pronounced in a low-high-low pattern. Pronouncing the word with a different pattern of pitches sounds somewhat jarring, as if someone had said JApan instead of jaPAN in English.",[124,15617,15618,15621],{},[69,15619,15620],{},"Copyright laws",": Japan has quite strict copyright laws that place significant restrictions on how Japanese media may be sold outside of Japan.",[124,15623,15624,15627,15628,15631,15632,15635,15636,15639,15642,15643,15647],{},[69,15625,15626],{},"Three writing systems",": Japanese writing leverages three writing systems simultaneously. Generally speaking, ひらがな ",[57,15629],{"src":15630,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fja_ひらがな.mp3"," (hiragana) is used for grammar, カタカナ ",[57,15633],{"src":15634,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fja_カタカナ.mp3"," (katakana) is used for words of foreign origin or for emphasis, and ",[5744,15637],{"lang":5746,"syntax":15638},"漢字[かんじ;h]",[57,15640],{"src":15641,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fja_漢字.mp3"," (kanji) is used to actually write words. See our post on ",[867,15644,15646],{"href":15645},"\u002Fblog\u002Fjapanese\u002Fthe-japanese-alphabets","The Japanese Alphabets"," to get a closer look at each of these writing systems and how they are used.",[124,15649,15650,15653,15654,15658],{},[69,15651,15652],{},"Particles",": Japanese uses many ",[867,15655,15314],{"href":15656,"rel":15657},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FJapanese_particles",[1196]," to string words together and form sentences. For example, the particle を (o) must be attached to direct objects — the thing you're eating, the movie you're watching, the thing you're doing. There are many such particles that explicitly mark words in certain ways, and this can be hard for native English speakers to get used to because we communicate the same information \"invisibly\" through word order.",[876,15660],{"href":14797,"text":15661},"Learn Japanese with Migaku",[34,15663],{},[37,15665,15667],{"id":15666},"xóõ-an-honorable-mention","!Xóõ, an honorable mention",[11,15669,15670],{},"I won't do a deep dive into !Xóõ because... well, I can't.",[11,15672,15673,15674,15679],{},"All the same, I want to ask you to take a second to scroll through ",[867,15675,15678],{"href":15676,"rel":15677},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FTaa_language",[1196],"!Xóõ's Wikipedia page",". If you do, you'll see that it has 58–87 consonants, 20–31 vowels, 2–4 tones, and several clicks. The range is because linguists disagree whether certain sounds are individual sounds or groups of sounds, and the incredible number of sounds is because !Xóõ has several \"flavors\" of sounds that English only has one of. It's OK if the page doesn't make much sense to you: I have a background in articulatory phonetics, and, frankly speaking, !Xóõ scares me.",[11,15681,15682],{},"I've included this because I want to highlight the incredible diversity of languages that exist in the world. There are over 7,000, after all, and each has slightly different tools available to it and preferences as to how those tools should be used.",[34,15684],{},[37,15686,15688],{"id":15687},"does-learning-a-language-need-to-be-so-hard","Does learning a language need to be so hard?",[11,15690,15691],{},"I won't lie to you — the above languages are hard. Even if you're looking at an \"easier\" language like French, the Foreign Service Institute estimates that diplomats will need ~600 in-class hours and 1,200 hours of extracurricular practice to reach fluency.",[11,15693,15694,15695,15698,15699,15701,15702,844],{},"What makes learning languages even harder is that many traditional methods of language learning aren't super effective. Textbooks teach you what ",[21,15696,15697],{},"someone else"," thinks is important, but those things may or may not actually align with what ",[21,15700,3334],{}," need to do the things that are important to ",[21,15703,3334],{},[11,15705,15706],{},"And that's why we created Migaku.",[11,15708,15709],{},"We believe that languages are best learned by being used to do cool things, so we built a tool that makes that possible, even for beginners. It works like this:",[3153,15711,15712,15715,15718,15721],{},[124,15713,15714],{},"Consume content online (scroll on X\u002FTwitter, watch YouTube, read the news, etc)",[124,15716,15717],{},"If you see a word, just mouse over it — we'll show you a dictionary definition and explain what it means in this sentence",[124,15719,15720],{},"If you think the word is useful, you can click another button to automatically create a flashcard",[124,15722,15723],{},"The flashcard gets sent to our app, where we use spaced repetition to transfer the word into your long-term memory",[11,15725,15726],{},"Learning a language will still take a lot of time this way, but it'll also be a lot of fun.",[11,15728,15729,15730,1446,15732,1453,15734,15736],{},"If you want to ",[867,15731,14798],{"href":14797},[867,15733,3379],{"href":15323},[867,15735,15330],{"href":878},", click any of those links to get a free 10-day trial. It's free, it'll make native content accessible to you, and you'll learn a lot.",[34,15738],{},[37,15740,15742],{"id":15741},"closing-thoughts","Closing thoughts",[11,15744,15745],{},"Languages, ultimately, are tools that evolved to facilitate communication. If a language was really so complex that native speakers regularly found themselves unable to communicate, it would end up changing so that communication became possible. Just think about it: you don't see many cups with holes in the bottom, as that would make them impossible to use for drinking.",[11,15747,15748,15749,15751],{},"Having said that, different languages organize information in different ways and different cultures have different norms regarding communication, and you will ",[21,15750,9889],{}," like a language is difficult to learn and use if it differs from your own language in important ways.",{"title":383,"searchDepth":915,"depth":915,"links":15753},[15754,15761,15762,15768,15769,15770],{"id":14808,"depth":915,"text":14809,"children":15755},[15756,15757,15758,15759,15760],{"id":14815,"depth":923,"text":14816},{"id":14836,"depth":923,"text":14837},{"id":14882,"depth":923,"text":14883},{"id":14904,"depth":923,"text":14905},{"id":14932,"depth":923,"text":14933},{"id":14964,"depth":915,"text":14965},{"id":15008,"depth":915,"text":15009,"children":15763},[15764,15765,15766,15767],{"id":15044,"depth":923,"text":6570},{"id":15135,"depth":923,"text":3379},{"id":15329,"depth":923,"text":15330},{"id":15502,"depth":923,"text":6564},{"id":15666,"depth":915,"text":15667},{"id":15687,"depth":915,"text":15688},{"id":15741,"depth":915,"text":15742},"What makes a language difficult to learn? In this article we'll analyze languages in five ways, and take a deep dive into five of the world's most difficult languages.",{"timestampUnix":15773,"slug":15774,"h1":15775,"image":15776,"tags":15781},1728437681711,"the-most-difficult-language","The four most difficult languages for English speakers",{"src":15777,"width":15778,"height":15779,"alt":15780},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-hardest-languages.webp",6016,4016,"A photo of a man struggling to lift a heavy-looking barbell.",[940,15782],"comparison","\u002Farticle\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-hardest-language","---\ntitle: \"What's the most difficult language in the world?\"\ndescription: \"What makes a language difficult to learn? In this article we'll analyze languages in five ways, and take a deep dive into five of the world's most difficult languages.\"\ntimestampUnix: 1728437681711\nslug: 'the-most-difficult-language'\nh1: 'The four most difficult languages for English speakers'\nimage:\n src: '\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-hardest-languages.webp'\n width: 6016\n height: 4016\n alt: 'A photo of a man struggling to lift a heavy-looking barbell.'\ntags:\n - discussion\n - comparison\n---\n\nWhen most people think about learning a language, they look for the easy ones—but you want to learn a hard one.\n\nOr maybe you've heard that Mandarin or Arabic is much \"harder\" than Spanish or French, and you're wondering what, exactly, makes a language difficult. What exactly are you getting into if you want to [learn Japanese](\u002Flearn-japanese)?\n\nIn this post we'll get into:\n\n\u003Ctoc>\u003C\u002Ftoc>\n\n---\n\n## What makes a language difficult to learn?\n\nAgain, any article that claims that there is a most difficult language contains some major bias, but if we wanted to try to be objective about it, we could analyze a language in several different ways.\n\n### Distance from your native language\n\nLike people, modern languages can also be traced back to an \"ancestor\", which is called a \"proto-language\". Languages that descend from the same proto-language are considered to be in the same [language family](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FLanguage_family).\n\nLanguages from the same family tend to be more similar: [English and German have a lexical (vocabulary) overlap of 60%](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FLexical_similarity), for example. This means that English speakers learning German will enjoy many advantages that learners of, say, Korean, will not have.\n\n### Language features\n\nWhen most people talk about a language being difficult, they're referring to things like pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary. These things are called \"[structural features](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FLinguistic_typology)\", and [there are almost 200 of them](https:\u002F\u002Fwals.info\u002Ffeature).\n\nGenerally speaking, the complexity of these features balance each other out:\n\n> _All languages have a complex grammar: there may be relative simplicity in one respect (e.g. no word endings), but there seems always to be relative complexity in another (e.g. word position)._ — [David Crystal, 1987](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.goodreads.com\u002Fbook\u002Fshow\u002F11228561)\n\nFor example, here is an in-depth (but technical) overview of [Japanese's 151 structural features](https:\u002F\u002Fwals.info\u002Flanguoid\u002Flect\u002Fwals_code_jpn) and [Mandarin's 153 features](https:\u002F\u002Fwals.info\u002Flanguoid\u002Flect\u002Fwals_code_mnd).\n\n### Cultural differences\n\nCommunication is much more than simply stringing words together: different cultures have different values, expectations about how communication should occur, and norms in terms of what is\u002Fisn't acceptable to talk about.\n\nFor example, speakers of [high-context cultures](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FHigh-context_and_low-context_cultures) tend to prefer indirect styles of communication, so natives learn to \"read the room\". Natives of low-context cultures, on the other hand, expect people to say what they mean and mean what they say. Learning to navigate this different approach to communication is an additional hurdle on top of the language itself.\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-cultures.webp\" width=\"7226\" height=\"3095\" alt=\"A collage of photos of people from several different cultures.\" \u002F>\n\n### Availability of resources\n\nIf you ask somebody what they think a hard language is, they'll likely say Mandarin or Russian or Arabic... but, hard as they may be, people eventually _do_ learn these languages. [Mary Hobson](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FMary_Hobson) started learning Russian at age 56 and went on to become a renowned translator of Pushkin.\n\nIn contrast, you then have languages like [Sentinelese](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FSentinelese_language), which not a single non-native has ever learned to even a basic level. Understandably, this is because the Sentinelese live on a remote island, refuse contact with the outer world, and are (violently) hostile to visitors.\n\nWhile most languages aren't literally confined to islands, not all languages have the same quantity or quality of resources available. This may not matter to linguists, but it does matter to learners.\n\n### Prominence on a global level\n\nEthnologue, a catalogue of the world's languages, has entries for [7,164 languages](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ethnologue.com\u002Finsights\u002Fhow-many-languages\u002F). If you clicked around the World Atlas of Structured Languages (WALS) mentioned in the \"language features\" section, this number might give you pause: WALS only has entries for [2,662 languages](https:\u002F\u002Fwals.info\u002Flanguoid). In other words, we know so little about ~2\u002F3 of the world's languages that not one person in a global team of linguists was able to write a brief overview of those languages' features.\n\nThe reason for this discrepancy is straightforward: while there are many languages in the world, most of them do not see wide enough use to be known outside of their respective communities. [Roughly 66% of the world's population speaks one of just ten languages](https:\u002F\u002Fonlineexhibits.library.yale.edu\u002Fs\u002Flanguage-is-everywhere\u002Fpage\u002Flanguages).\n\nIf you're learning a less common language, your journey will be complicated by the simple fact that you'll struggle to find any opportunities to use it or media to consume in it.\n\n---\n\n## Is there a \"most\" difficult language?\n\nThere are three answers to this question:\n\n1. **Objectively speaking, probably not**: Languages can be simple and complex in many ways, and these factors balance out. Native speakers of different languages end up hitting similar developmental milestones at roughly similar ages. (See the individual studies in [The Crosslinguistic Study of Language Acquisition](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.routledge.com\u002FThe-Crosslinguistic-Study-of-Language-Acquisition-Volume-1-the-Data\u002FSlobin\u002Fp\u002Fbook\u002F9780898593679)).\n\n2. **Subjectively speaking, probably**: Certain languages will likely be easier or harder for a given person to learn, depending on their native language. We'll talk about this in more detail below.\n\n3. **Practically speaking, yes**: the most difficult language in the world is the first foreign language you try to learn. Learning this language will require you to also solve many practical problems about how to learn a language. If you move to a third language, all of this practical know-how will come along with you, making the process much easier.\n\nAnecdotally speaking, it took me 8 years to read my first book in Spanish, but only two in Japanese. I often felt lost while learning Spanish, but when I moved onto Japanese, I had a clear idea of what stood between me and my first book _and_ how I could get over all of the hurdles along the way.\n\n\u003Cprose-button href=\"\u002Fblog\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fstudy-two-languages-at-once\" text=\"A guide to learning multiple languages\">\u003C\u002Fprose-button>\n\n---\n\n## The most difficult languages to learn (for English speakers)\n\nIt turns out that we _do_ have pretty clear data about which languages are the most difficult, so long as we're willing to make two major concessions:\n\n- We omit the ~4,500 languages which linguists have virtually no data about, and thus can't be discussed, and also a couple thousand other more minor languages that a typical person likely isn't going to encounter\n- We pick one language as a starting point, as language A might be very difficult for native speakers of language B but very easy for speakers of language C\n\nWith this in mind, the U.S. Government's [Foreign Service Institute](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FDefense_Language_Institute) trains diplomats in over 70 languages. Since its founding in 1947, we've gathered data on the progress of tens of thousands of learners, and [four languages in particular](https:\u002F\u002F2009-2017.state.gov\u002Fm\u002Ffsi\u002Fsls\u002Forgoverview\u002Flanguages) have stood out as being particularly difficult.\n\nOn average, learning these languages to a level of fluency in which diplomats can do their daily duties abroad takes ~2,200 in-class hours and roughly double that many hours of additional practice outside of class.\n\n### Arabic\n\nThe first challenge with learning Arabic is that it likely means learning two languages:\n\n- Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), the language of books, news, and academia, and also the language used when speakers of two different dialects interact\n- A regional dialect, of which there are over 20 (shown in the below photo), and what people use to communicate in day-to-day life\n\nAnd from here, several challenges arise for English speakers:\n\n- **Language family**: Arabic is a [Semitic language](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FSemitic_languages), meaning that virtually no words will be recognizable\n- **Word order:** Verbs come at the very beginning of sentences in Arabic, before the subject of the sentence\n- **Noun forms:** Arabic nouns and adjectives have [grammatical case](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FGrammatical_case), meaning that you cannot use a noun without (a) knowing exactly what grammatical function it plays in a sentence and (b) changing its form accordingly\n- **Verb forms:** Arabic verbs are highly inflectional, with each root containing [up to 2,000 possible forms](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FArabic_verbs)\n- **Writing system:** The Arabic alphabet is a kind of [Abjad](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FAbjad): short vowels are not written and it is not clarified whether a consonant is single or double, effectively meaning that you must know how a word sounds before you can read it\n- **Counting:** Arabic doesn't just have single and plural, but also a \"dual\" form which is used when there are two of something\n- **Pronunciation:** Arabic has a few uvular (throat) sounds that will be foreign to English speakers, and makes regular use of the glottal stop (the pause in the middle of \"uh-oh\"), which English speakers may struggle to hear\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Farabic-varieties-map.webp\" width=\"1320\" height=\"741\" alt=\"A map showing which Arabic languages\u002Fdialects are spoken where.\" \u002F>\n\n---\n\n### Mandarin\n\nEven people who don't know anything about Mandarin know two of the main things that make it difficult:\n\n- **Tones:** Mandarin has four tones (high, low-rising, low, high-falling) plus a neutral tone. We actually use tones in English, too (say _no!_ and then _no?_), but whereas we use tone to express emotion, in Mandarin there's also a fixed tone associated with each character\u002Fsyllable. To learn more, check out [our deep dive on Chinese Tones](\u002Fblog\u002Fchinese\u002Fchinese-language-tones).\n- **Chinese Characters:** Our alphabet is phonetic, meaning each letter represents a sound, but Chinese characters are logographic, meaning each character represents a word or idea. You often can't guess the pronunciation of an unknown character just by looking at it, and you'll need to learn several thousand unique characters.\n\nBut as you begin learning Mandarin, you'll realize that there are many more challenges waiting for you:\n\n- **Simplified vs Traditional:** China [simplified its character set](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FSimplified_Chinese_characters) in the mid-20th century, and these characters are used in China, Singapore, Malaysia, and the UN. The traditional (unsimplified) characters are still used in Taiwan. Sometimes the characters are the same (as with _I_ \u003Ctypo lang=\"zh\" syntax=\"我[wo3;r]\">\u003C\u002Ftypo> \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh_我.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> or _moon_ \u003Ctypo lang=\"zh\" syntax=\"月[yue4;n]\">\u003C\u002Ftypo> \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh_月.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>), sometimes the characters look quite similar in shape (as with _horse_: \u003Ctypo lang=\"zh\" syntax=\"马[ma3;n]\">\u003C\u002Ftypo>\u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh_马.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> in simplified, \u003Ctypo lang=\"zh\" syntax=\"馬[ma3;n]\">\u003C\u002Ftypo>\u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh_馬.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> in traditional), and sometimes they look very different (as with _book_: \u003Ctypo lang=\"zh\" syntax=\"书[shu1;n]\">\u003C\u002Ftypo> \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh_书.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> in simplified, \u003Ctypo lang=\"zh\" syntax=\"書[shu1;n]\">\u003C\u002Ftypo> \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh_書.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> in traditional).\n- **Sentence structures:** It's commonly said that Chinese languages have simple grammar, and this is true in that you don't need to conjugate verbs or decline nouns. The cost of this [inflectional simplicity](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FInflection) is that word order and sentence structure is very important in Mandarin. The language's structures won't always feel natural to native English speakers, and small changes can lead to big differences in meaning.\n- **No shared vocab:** Learners of European languages enjoy thousands of shared vocabulary words — _valence electron_ is _Valenzelektron_ in German — but you don't get these freebies in Chinese. You start from zero.\n- **Difficult-to-distinguish sounds:** Chinese has a few new sounds that will sound very similar to native English speakers. Compare sh in \u003Ctypo lang=\"zh\" syntax=\"诗[shi1;n]\">\u003C\u002Ftypo> \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh_詩.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> (_poem_), vs ch in \u003Ctypo lang=\"zh\" syntax=\"吃[chi1;v]\">\u003C\u002Ftypo> \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh_吃.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> (_eat_), or u in \u003Ctypo lang=\"zh\" syntax=\"五[wu3;m]\">\u003C\u002Ftypo> \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh_五.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> (_five_) vs ü in \u003Ctypo lang=\"zh\" syntax=\"雨[yu3;n]\">\u003C\u002Ftypo> \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh_雨.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> (_rain_).\n- **Particles and complements:** Mandarin uses a variety of [particles](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FChinese_particles) and [complements](https:\u002F\u002Fresources.allsetlearning.com\u002Fchinese\u002Fgrammar\u002FComplement) to express meaning. While some of these are very simple — to make a statement a question, just add the question particle 吗 to the end of the sentence — many will take adjustment.\n\n\u003Cprose-button href=\"\u002Flearn-chinese\" text=\"Learn Chinese with Migaku\">\u003C\u002Fprose-button>\n\n---\n\n### Korean\n\nKorean is often considered to be the easiest of the Chinese, Japanese, Korean bunch because it doesn't have tones or require you to learn Chinese characters, but we can view this from another direction: FSI data shows it takes as long to learn as Japanese or Mandarin, _despite_ the fact that it doesn't have tones or characters. The language contains other challenges for learners:\n\n- **Honorifics**: [Honorifics](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FHonorific#Korea) refer to language that communicates status or respect. In English, we use individual words like \"sir\" or \"please\" to do this. In Korean, there are ~7 types of honorific language, each one with its own situations for use, word forms, and sometimes even unique vocabulary. While optional in English, honorifics are mandatory in Korean; it is not possible to talk to someone without acknowledging their status relative to yours.\n- **Spelling**: Like English, and unlike surprisingly many languages, Korean has very flexible [phonotactics](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FPhonotactics). Combine this with a frightening amount of letters that change sounds in certain situations (_discussed below_) and a few letters that have come to represent the same sound, and you'll find that you often can't predict how a new word is spelled just by listening to it.\n- **Sound changes**: Mentioned above in the section on spelling, many Korean letters can sound in multiple ways depending on the context in which they appear. For example, that plain \u002Ft\u002F sound ㄷ sounds like a \"t\" in the beginning of a word but like a \"d\" in the middle of a word. Compare: \u003Ctypo lang=\"ko\" syntax=\"들[deul]\">\u003C\u002Ftypo> \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002F들.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> (a pluralizing suffix) and \u003Ctypo lang=\"ko\" syntax=\"아들[adeul]\">\u003C\u002Ftypo> \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002F아들.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> (son). This becomes intuitive after a while, but there are [several dozen rules to remember](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikibooks.org\u002Fwiki\u002FKorean\u002FEssential_Pronunciation_Rules).\n- **Three-way plosives**: Korean plosives (\u002Fk\u002F, \u002Ft\u002F and \u002Fp\u002F, sounds in which air \"explodes\" out of your mouth) come in three variants. For example, the \"plain\" \u002Ft\u002F (ㄷ \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002F드.mp3\" :type=\"3\">ㄷ\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>) sounds like the \"t\" in \"tent\"; the \"double\" or \"tense\" \u002Ft\u002F (ㄸ \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002F뜨.mp3\" :type=\"3\">ㄸ\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>) sounds kind of like the \"t\" in \"latency\" or \"sty\"; and the \"aspirated\" \u002Ft\u002F (ㅌ \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002F트.mp3\" :type=\"3\">ㅌ\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>) sounds like the \"t\" in \"tent\", but with much more airflow. Native English speakers struggle to distinguish these sounds, but they're very different to Korean speakers.\n- **Sentence structure**: In Korean, verbs come at the end of the sentence: whereas we say _I eat pizza_, Koreans say _I pizza eat_. This has a dramatic effect on how information is organized in a sentence, and when trying to make longer sentences, native English speakers will often find themselves in situations where they know all of the words and grammar points they need but don't quite know how to string those words together.\n- **Left-branching**: [Branching](\u003Chttps:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FBranching_(linguistics)>) refers to whether description extends to the left or right of a word. In English, description tends to come after nouns: compare _a book_ with _a book that I read._ In Korean, all of this description comes before the noun. This, too, leads Korean sentences to be organized in ways that are very different to English ones.\n- **Inflection**: [Inflection](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FInflection) refers to changing the end of a word to represent certain grammatical concepts, and we use it to express the past tense in English: _dance_ vs _danced_. Korean has much heavier inflection than English, and some things that would be individual words in English (such as _not_) are not individual words in Korean. Compare English _I did not want to go_ to Korean \u003Ctypo lang=\"ko\" syntax=\"가고싶지 않았어요[kagosipjji anassoyo]\">\u003C\u002Ftypo>\u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002F가고싶지 않았어요.m4a\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>. Literally, that's 가 (go) 고 (connecting particle) 싶 (want) 지 (negating particle) 않 (not) 았 (past-tense marker) 어요 (informal, polite marker).\n- **Lack of shared vocab**: As with Chinese and Arabic, Korean vocabulary words have nothing in common with English ones. Thankfully for learners, Korean has been quite liberal about borrowing words, so you'll see familiar words here and there, such as 인터넷 (intonet, _internet_) or 비타민 (bitamin, _vitamin_).\n- **Two number systems**: It's only half true to say that Korea doesn't have Chinese characters. A significant portion of its vocabulary comes from Chinese, it just did without the characters. This dual nature leads to some interesting situations where both a Korean and Chinese word exists for the same idea, but the usage or nuance is slightly different. One notable example is numbers: there are Korean numbers and Chinese numbers, and each is used to count different things: hours are Korean, but minutes are Chinese.\n\n\u003Cprose-button href=\"\u002Flearn-korean\" text=\"Learn Korean with Migaku\">\u003C\u002Fprose-button>\n\n---\n\n### Japanese\n\nIn newer versions of the Foreign Service Institute's language difficulty rankings, you'll often see Japanese labeled with an asterisk. This is done to indicate that it generally takes more time to learn than Mandarin, Korean, or Arabic.\n\n- Like Mandarin, Japanese also requires you to learn thousands of Chinese characters\n- Like Korean, Japanese has a complex system of honorifics and inflection, branches to the left, and often has both Japanese and Chinese words for the same concepts\n- Like Arabic, Mandarin, and Korean, Japanese also has virtually no words in common with English\n\nIt then has some challenges of its own:\n\n- **Multiple pronunciations for each Chinese character**: While characters virtually always have only one reading in Mandarin, Japanese characters almost always have at least two: a \u003Ctypo lang=\"ja\" syntax=\"訓読[くんよ;h]み\">\u003C\u002Ftypo> \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fja_訓読み.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> (kun'yomi, _Japanese reading_) and an \u003Ctypo lang=\"ja\" syntax=\"音読[おんよ;h]み\">\u003C\u002Ftypo> \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fja_音読み.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> (on'yomi, _Chinese reading_). Furthermore, Japanese actually borrowed words from multiple Chinese languages, meaning that there are often [several possible on'yomi readings available](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FOn%27yomi#Classification). As such, while you can almost always predict the reading of familiar characters in new Chinese words, this isn't the case with Japanese.\n\n- **Reading the Air**: The first two cultural words that Japanese students will learn are \u003Ctypo lang=\"ja\" syntax=\"建前[たてまえ;h]\">\u003C\u002Ftypo> \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fja_建前.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> (tatemae, _publicly-displayed thoughts_) \u003Ctypo lang=\"ja\" syntax=\"本音[ほんね;h]\">\u003C\u002Ftypo> \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fja_本音.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> (honne, _real feelings_). Japan is a high-context culture and communication tends to be more indirect than it is in English, sometimes requiring speakers to \"read the air\" to find the message behind the message. To give a famous (but exaggerated) example, [Natsume Sōseki](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FNatsume_S%C5%8Dseki) suggested that _I love you_ should be translated into Japanese _the moon is beautiful, isn't it?_\n\n- **Pitch accent**: While Japanese does not have tones like Mandarin does, all Japanese words _do_ follow a pattern of low and high pitches. For example, the word \u003Ctypo lang=\"ja\" syntax=\"日本[にほん;n2]\">\u003C\u002Ftypo> \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fja_日本.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> (ni・ho・n, _Japan_) is pronounced in a low-high-low pattern. Pronouncing the word with a different pattern of pitches sounds somewhat jarring, as if someone had said JApan instead of jaPAN in English.\n\n- **Copyright laws**: Japan has quite strict copyright laws that place significant restrictions on how Japanese media may be sold outside of Japan.\n\n- **Three writing systems**: Japanese writing leverages three writing systems simultaneously. Generally speaking, ひらがな \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fja_ひらがな.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> (hiragana) is used for grammar, カタカナ \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fja_カタカナ.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> (katakana) is used for words of foreign origin or for emphasis, and \u003Ctypo lang=\"ja\" syntax=\"漢字[かんじ;h]\">\u003C\u002Ftypo>\u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fja_漢字.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> (kanji) is used to actually write words. See our post on [The Japanese Alphabets](\u002Fblog\u002Fjapanese\u002Fthe-japanese-alphabets) to get a closer look at each of these writing systems and how they are used.\n\n- **Particles**: Japanese uses many [particles](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FJapanese_particles) to string words together and form sentences. For example, the particle を (o) must be attached to direct objects — the thing you're eating, the movie you're watching, the thing you're doing. There are many such particles that explicitly mark words in certain ways, and this can be hard for native English speakers to get used to because we communicate the same information \"invisibly\" through word order.\n\n\u003Cprose-button href=\"\u002Flearn-japanese\" text=\"Learn Japanese with Migaku\">\u003C\u002Fprose-button>\n\n---\n\n## !Xóõ, an honorable mention\n\nI won't do a deep dive into !Xóõ because... well, I can't.\n\nAll the same, I want to ask you to take a second to scroll through [!Xóõ's Wikipedia page](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FTaa_language). If you do, you'll see that it has 58–87 consonants, 20–31 vowels, 2–4 tones, and several clicks. The range is because linguists disagree whether certain sounds are individual sounds or groups of sounds, and the incredible number of sounds is because !Xóõ has several \"flavors\" of sounds that English only has one of. It's OK if the page doesn't make much sense to you: I have a background in articulatory phonetics, and, frankly speaking, !Xóõ scares me.\n\nI've included this because I want to highlight the incredible diversity of languages that exist in the world. There are over 7,000, after all, and each has slightly different tools available to it and preferences as to how those tools should be used.\n\n---\n\n## Does learning a language need to be so hard?\n\nI won't lie to you — the above languages are hard. Even if you're looking at an \"easier\" language like French, the Foreign Service Institute estimates that diplomats will need ~600 in-class hours and 1,200 hours of extracurricular practice to reach fluency.\n\nWhat makes learning languages even harder is that many traditional methods of language learning aren't super effective. Textbooks teach you what _someone else_ thinks is important, but those things may or may not actually align with what _you_ need to do the things that are important to _you_.\n\nAnd that's why we created Migaku.\n\nWe believe that languages are best learned by being used to do cool things, so we built a tool that makes that possible, even for beginners. It works like this:\n\n1. Consume content online (scroll on X\u002FTwitter, watch YouTube, read the news, etc)\n2. If you see a word, just mouse over it — we'll show you a dictionary definition and explain what it means in this sentence\n3. If you think the word is useful, you can click another button to automatically create a flashcard\n4. The flashcard gets sent to our app, where we use spaced repetition to transfer the word into your long-term memory\n\nLearning a language will still take a lot of time this way, but it'll also be a lot of fun.\n\nIf you want to [learn Japanese](\u002Flearn-japanese), [Mandarin](\u002Flearn-chinese), or [Korean](\u002F), click any of those links to get a free 10-day trial. It's free, it'll make native content accessible to you, and you'll learn a lot.\n\n---\n\n## Closing thoughts\n\nLanguages, ultimately, are tools that evolved to facilitate communication. If a language was really so complex that native speakers regularly found themselves unable to communicate, it would end up changing so that communication became possible. Just think about it: you don't see many cups with holes in the bottom, as that would make them impossible to use for drinking.\n\nHaving said that, different languages organize information in different ways and different cultures have different norms regarding communication, and you will _feel_ like a language is difficult to learn and use if it differs from your own language in important ways.\n",{"title":14786,"description":15771},"article\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-hardest-language","L2_2dI1UyJqZW8VD9woBC-E-Ws4yQf1ifJtej-cFyfI","October 9, 2024",{"id":15790,"title":15791,"body":15792,"description":16009,"extension":929,"meta":16010,"navigation":942,"path":16020,"rawbody":16021,"seo":16022,"stem":16023,"__hash__":16024,"timestampUnix":16011,"slug":16012,"h1":16013,"image":16014,"tags":16018,"_dir":948,"timestamp":16025},"content\u002Farticle\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-is-anki-good-for-language-learning.md","Is Anki Good for Language Learning? Pros and Cons for Effective Study",{"type":8,"value":15793,"toc":15999},[15794,15803,15805,15807,15811,15814,15817,15821,15824,15827,15829,15833,15839,15842,15866,15869,15873,15899,15902,15905,15911,15914,15917,15923,15925,15927,15931,15934,15938,15945,15954,15958,15961,15987,15989,15993,15996],[11,15795,15796,15797,1446,15799,15802],{},"When you’re starting out on a language learning journey—whether you want to ",[867,15798,14798],{"href":14797},[867,15800,15801],{"href":15323},"learn Chinese (Mandarin)",", or another language—you quickly discover that vocabulary retention is one of the biggest hurdles. You’ll encounter hundreds, if not thousands, of words, and keeping them all straight can feel like an impossible task. That’s where spaced repetition systems (SRS) come in. Among these systems, Anki has become one of the most popular tools. But is Anki good for language learning? Let’s dive into what Anki is, how it works, and whether it’s the right fit for your language studies.",[30,15804],{},[34,15806],{},[37,15808,15810],{"id":15809},"what-is-anki-and-how-does-it-work","What Is Anki and How Does It Work?",[11,15812,15813],{},"Anki is a digital flashcard app that uses an SRS to help you memorize information more effectively. In simple terms, it schedules your flashcard reviews based on how well you remember them. Cards you find easy to recall are shown less frequently, while those you struggle with will pop up more often. The theory behind this is simple: you should review material right before you're about to forget it, not too soon or too late.",[11,15815,15816],{},"When you open Anki, you’re faced with a deck of cards, each of which has a “front” and a “back.” For language learners, this typically means a word or phrase on one side (in Japanese, that could be kanji, hiragana, or a sentence) and the meaning, pronunciation, or translation on the other. You quiz yourself, and based on how easy or hard it was to recall the information, Anki schedules that card for future review at just the right moment.",[37,15818,15820],{"id":15819},"the-science-behind-spaced-repetition-systems-srs","The Science Behind Spaced Repetition Systems (SRS)",[11,15822,15823],{},"The idea behind Anki’s spaced repetition system comes from decades of research into memory. The forgetting curve, coined by psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus in the 19th century, shows how quickly we forget information without reinforcement. SRS tools like Anki work to flatten that curve, helping you retain information longer by increasing intervals between reviews as you become more familiar with the material.",[11,15825,15826],{},"Essentially, Anki’s algorithm is designed to optimize your memory retention by hitting that sweet spot just before the material slips your mind. This is a big win for language learners, especially when tackling vocab lists or kanji characters that require frequent and consistent exposure to stick.",[34,15828],{},[37,15830,15832],{"id":15831},"is-anki-effective-for-learning-japanese","Is Anki Effective for Learning Japanese?",[11,15834,15835,15836,15838],{},"Short answer? Yes—but there’s a catch. Anki can be a game-changer for language learning, especially for languages like ",[867,15837,6564],{"href":14797}," where you have to remember an entirely new writing system (hello, kanji!). However, how effective Anki is depends a lot on how you use it. The flexibility of Anki is both a blessing and a curse.",[11,15840,15841],{},"For Japanese, Anki shines when it comes to vocabulary acquisition and kanji memorization. You can create or download decks specifically tailored to your goals, whether you're aiming to learn the most common kanji, JLPT vocabulary, or grammar points. For example:",[121,15843,15844,15850,15860],{},[124,15845,15846,15849],{},[69,15847,15848],{},"Vocabulary Decks",": You can download pre-made decks for the JLPT N5-N1 vocabulary, which are essential for exam prep. Many learners swear by these decks for boosting their word recall.",[124,15851,15852,15855,15856,15859],{},[69,15853,15854],{},"Kanji Decks",": Decks like the Heisig’s ",[21,15857,15858],{},"Remembering the Kanji"," series are popular for memorizing kanji through stories and mnemonics.",[124,15861,15862,15865],{},[69,15863,15864],{},"Sentence Decks",": These decks focus on context rather than isolated vocabulary, helping you to learn words through sentences.",[11,15867,15868],{},"That being said, Anki is only as effective as the time and effort you put into it. If you just mindlessly flip through cards without thinking about the content, you're not going to see the progress you want. Anki requires active recall—engaging with the material, using it, and thinking about it—for best results.",[37,15870,15872],{"id":15871},"how-to-set-up-anki-for-japanese-study","How to Set Up Anki for Japanese Study",[121,15874,15875,15881,15887,15893],{},[124,15876,15877,15880],{},[69,15878,15879],{},"Choose or Create Your Deck",": Start by either downloading pre-made Japanese decks (such as JLPT vocabulary or Core 2k\u002F6k decks) or creating your own custom deck. Creating your own might take more effort up front, but it can be tailored specifically to your needs and personal interests.",[124,15882,15883,15886],{},[69,15884,15885],{},"Add Audio",": When possible, include native audio in your cards. Hearing the correct pronunciation while you review helps with listening comprehension and speaking.",[124,15888,15889,15892],{},[69,15890,15891],{},"Use Example Sentences",": Try to avoid one-word cards. Instead, use full sentences to give context to the vocabulary you're learning. This helps reinforce grammar patterns alongside vocabulary and makes the material more memorable.",[124,15894,15895,15898],{},[69,15896,15897],{},"Customize Your Reviews",": Adjust the review settings based on your pace. If you’re finding the daily card load overwhelming, reduce the number of new cards added per day or adjust the review intervals. Learning Japanese is a marathon, not a sprint!",[11,15900,15901],{},"... Or, if you use Migaku, we can handle all of this automatically!",[11,15903,15904],{},"Just boot up something you want to watch via YouTube on your phone (or Netflix via our Chrome Extension). We make subtitles interactive so you can click on words to see what they mean.",[833,15906],{"src":15907,"width":15908,"height":15909,"alt":15910},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-sasuga-meaning-plug1.jpeg",1742,1246,"A screenshot of a YouTube video enhanced by Migaku, enabling you to click on subtitles to see what they mean",[11,15912,15913],{},"If you stumble into a word that looks useful, you can click the orange button in the top-right corner of the dictionary entry to automatically make a flashcard that contains your word, the sentence it appeared in, that sentence's audio snippet, and whatever was on screen while the sentence was being uttered.",[11,15915,15916],{},"The result is one click to get a flashcard like this:",[833,15918],{"src":15919,"width":15920,"height":15921,"alt":15922},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-sasuga-meaning-plug2.jpeg",1524,1254,"A screenshot of Japanese flashcards that Migaku automatically made from a YouTube video",[876,15924],{"href":14797,"text":15661},[34,15926],{},[37,15928,15930],{"id":15929},"success-stories-how-learners-have-used-anki-to-master-japanese","Success Stories: How Learners Have Used Anki to Master Japanese",[11,15932,15933],{},"Many language learners attribute a big part of their success to Anki. Take the story of Matteo, a self-taught Japanese learner who passed JLPT N1 after two years of study. He credits Anki’s spaced repetition system for helping him remember over 2000 kanji and thousands of vocabulary words. Matteo combined Anki with immersion in native content like anime and manga, making sure to reinforce what he learned in context. Similarly, Sarah, a university student studying for the N3, used a combination of premade JLPT decks and her own customized sentence decks to target weak points in her grammar.",[37,15935,15937],{"id":15936},"anki-vs-other-srs-tools","Anki vs. Other SRS Tools",[11,15939,15940,15941,15944],{},"So how does Anki stack up against other SRS tools? Compared to alternatives like Memrise or Quizlet, Anki offers the most customization. You can create your own decks from scratch, modify the learning algorithm, and even tweak how often cards appear. However, this also makes Anki less beginner-friendly. If you prefer a smoother, out-of-the-box experience, ",[867,15942,15943],{"href":878},"tools like Migaku"," (which integrates Anki but with more user-friendly features for language learners) or Memrise (with its built-in gamification) may appeal more to you.",[11,15946,15947,15948,15953],{},"One of Anki's biggest strengths is that it's free and community-driven, which means there are tons of shared decks out there. That said, the manual input required might deter some users. For example, Migaku offers ",[867,15949,15952],{"href":15950,"rel":15951},"https:\u002F\u002Fchromewebstore.google.com\u002Fdetail\u002Fmigaku-really-learn-langu\u002Flkhiljgmbeecmljiogckofcalncmfnfo?hl=en",[1196],"browser extensions"," that let you turn real-world content into flashcards in just a click, streamlining the process compared to Anki’s manual input.",[37,15955,15957],{"id":15956},"customizing-anki-for-your-learning-needs","Customizing Anki for Your Learning Needs",[11,15959,15960],{},"The beauty of Anki lies in its flexibility. Here are a few tips to make the most out of it:",[121,15962,15963,15969,15975,15981],{},[124,15964,15965,15968],{},[69,15966,15967],{},"Use Images and Sound",": Pairing visuals with words or adding audio cues can enhance your memory. For example, when learning kanji, some learners add pictures that represent the word visually.",[124,15970,15971,15974],{},[69,15972,15973],{},"Tag Your Cards",": Use tags to organize your cards by JLPT level, grammar points, or personal interests. This way, you can focus on specific areas when you want targeted practice.",[124,15976,15977,15980],{},[69,15978,15979],{},"Adjust the Learning Intervals",": If the default intervals don’t suit you, tweak the settings! You can adjust how quickly the cards come back based on how confident you feel in your retention.",[124,15982,15983,15986],{},[69,15984,15985],{},"Focus on Active Recall",": Don’t rush through your reviews. Take a moment with each card to really think about the answer before flipping it over. This makes the learning process more effective.",[34,15988],{},[37,15990,15992],{"id":15991},"final-thoughts","Final Thoughts",[11,15994,15995],{},"So, is Anki good for language learning? Absolutely. But like any tool, its effectiveness depends on how you use it. For languages like Japanese, where repetition is crucial, Anki’s SRS system can help you retain vocabulary, kanji, and grammar efficiently. Whether you're prepping for the JLPT or just want to boost your fluency, customizing Anki to your needs can make a world of difference.",[11,15997,15998],{},"If you’re looking for more streamlined ways to integrate native content into your studies, tools like Migaku can complement your Anki routine by making the card creation process smoother and more immersive. Whatever path you choose, remember: consistency is key, and Anki is there to help you along the way.",{"title":383,"searchDepth":915,"depth":915,"links":16000},[16001,16002,16003,16004,16005,16006,16007,16008],{"id":15809,"depth":915,"text":15810},{"id":15819,"depth":915,"text":15820},{"id":15831,"depth":915,"text":15832},{"id":15871,"depth":915,"text":15872},{"id":15929,"depth":915,"text":15930},{"id":15936,"depth":915,"text":15937},{"id":15956,"depth":915,"text":15957},{"id":15991,"depth":915,"text":15992},"Discover if Anki is a good tool for language learning. Learn how its spaced repetition system (SRS) can help you memorize vocabulary and kanji efficiently, especially for Japanese.",{"timestampUnix":16011,"slug":16012,"h1":16013,"image":16014,"tags":16018},1730254476726,"is-anki-good-for-language-learning","Is Anki the Best Tool for Language Learning? Pros, Cons, and How It Boosts Study Efficiency",{"src":16015,"width":16016,"height":16016,"alt":16017},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Flady.thinking.anki.png",1080,"Lady wondering about whether to use Anki.",[16019,940],"resources","\u002Farticle\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-is-anki-good-for-language-learning","---\ntitle: 'Is Anki Good for Language Learning? Pros and Cons for Effective Study'\ndescription: 'Discover if Anki is a good tool for language learning. Learn how its spaced repetition system (SRS) can help you memorize vocabulary and kanji efficiently, especially for Japanese.'\ntimestampUnix: 1730254476726\nslug: 'is-anki-good-for-language-learning'\nh1: 'Is Anki the Best Tool for Language Learning? Pros, Cons, and How It Boosts Study Efficiency'\nimage:\n src: '\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Flady.thinking.anki.png'\n width: 1080\n height: 1080\n alt: 'Lady wondering about whether to use Anki.'\ntags:\n - resources\n - discussion\n---\n\nWhen you’re starting out on a language learning journey—whether you want to [learn Japanese](\u002Flearn-japanese), [learn Chinese (Mandarin)](\u002Flearn-chinese), or another language—you quickly discover that vocabulary retention is one of the biggest hurdles. You’ll encounter hundreds, if not thousands, of words, and keeping them all straight can feel like an impossible task. That’s where spaced repetition systems (SRS) come in. Among these systems, Anki has become one of the most popular tools. But is Anki good for language learning? Let’s dive into what Anki is, how it works, and whether it’s the right fit for your language studies.\n\n\u003Ctoc>\u003C\u002Ftoc>\n\n---\n\n## What Is Anki and How Does It Work?\n\nAnki is a digital flashcard app that uses an SRS to help you memorize information more effectively. In simple terms, it schedules your flashcard reviews based on how well you remember them. Cards you find easy to recall are shown less frequently, while those you struggle with will pop up more often. The theory behind this is simple: you should review material right before you're about to forget it, not too soon or too late.\n\nWhen you open Anki, you’re faced with a deck of cards, each of which has a “front” and a “back.” For language learners, this typically means a word or phrase on one side (in Japanese, that could be kanji, hiragana, or a sentence) and the meaning, pronunciation, or translation on the other. You quiz yourself, and based on how easy or hard it was to recall the information, Anki schedules that card for future review at just the right moment.\n\n## The Science Behind Spaced Repetition Systems (SRS)\n\nThe idea behind Anki’s spaced repetition system comes from decades of research into memory. The forgetting curve, coined by psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus in the 19th century, shows how quickly we forget information without reinforcement. SRS tools like Anki work to flatten that curve, helping you retain information longer by increasing intervals between reviews as you become more familiar with the material.\n\nEssentially, Anki’s algorithm is designed to optimize your memory retention by hitting that sweet spot just before the material slips your mind. This is a big win for language learners, especially when tackling vocab lists or kanji characters that require frequent and consistent exposure to stick.\n\n---\n\n## Is Anki Effective for Learning Japanese?\n\nShort answer? Yes—but there’s a catch. Anki can be a game-changer for language learning, especially for languages like [Japanese](\u002Flearn-japanese) where you have to remember an entirely new writing system (hello, kanji!). However, how effective Anki is depends a lot on how you use it. The flexibility of Anki is both a blessing and a curse.\n\nFor Japanese, Anki shines when it comes to vocabulary acquisition and kanji memorization. You can create or download decks specifically tailored to your goals, whether you're aiming to learn the most common kanji, JLPT vocabulary, or grammar points. For example:\n\n- **Vocabulary Decks**: You can download pre-made decks for the JLPT N5-N1 vocabulary, which are essential for exam prep. Many learners swear by these decks for boosting their word recall.\n- **Kanji Decks**: Decks like the Heisig’s _Remembering the Kanji_ series are popular for memorizing kanji through stories and mnemonics.\n- **Sentence Decks**: These decks focus on context rather than isolated vocabulary, helping you to learn words through sentences.\n\nThat being said, Anki is only as effective as the time and effort you put into it. If you just mindlessly flip through cards without thinking about the content, you're not going to see the progress you want. Anki requires active recall—engaging with the material, using it, and thinking about it—for best results.\n\n## How to Set Up Anki for Japanese Study\n\n- **Choose or Create Your Deck**: Start by either downloading pre-made Japanese decks (such as JLPT vocabulary or Core 2k\u002F6k decks) or creating your own custom deck. Creating your own might take more effort up front, but it can be tailored specifically to your needs and personal interests.\n- **Add Audio**: When possible, include native audio in your cards. Hearing the correct pronunciation while you review helps with listening comprehension and speaking.\n- **Use Example Sentences**: Try to avoid one-word cards. Instead, use full sentences to give context to the vocabulary you're learning. This helps reinforce grammar patterns alongside vocabulary and makes the material more memorable.\n- **Customize Your Reviews**: Adjust the review settings based on your pace. If you’re finding the daily card load overwhelming, reduce the number of new cards added per day or adjust the review intervals. Learning Japanese is a marathon, not a sprint!\n\n... Or, if you use Migaku, we can handle all of this automatically!\n\nJust boot up something you want to watch via YouTube on your phone (or Netflix via our Chrome Extension). We make subtitles interactive so you can click on words to see what they mean.\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-sasuga-meaning-plug1.jpeg\" width=\"1742\" height=\"1246\" alt=\"A screenshot of a YouTube video enhanced by Migaku, enabling you to click on subtitles to see what they mean\" \u002F>\n\nIf you stumble into a word that looks useful, you can click the orange button in the top-right corner of the dictionary entry to automatically make a flashcard that contains your word, the sentence it appeared in, that sentence's audio snippet, and whatever was on screen while the sentence was being uttered.\n\nThe result is one click to get a flashcard like this:\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-sasuga-meaning-plug2.jpeg\" width=\"1524\" height=\"1254\" alt=\"A screenshot of Japanese flashcards that Migaku automatically made from a YouTube video\" \u002F>\n\n\u003Cprose-button href=\"\u002Flearn-japanese\" text=\"Learn Japanese with Migaku\">\u003C\u002Fprose-button>\n\n---\n\n## Success Stories: How Learners Have Used Anki to Master Japanese\n\nMany language learners attribute a big part of their success to Anki. Take the story of Matteo, a self-taught Japanese learner who passed JLPT N1 after two years of study. He credits Anki’s spaced repetition system for helping him remember over 2000 kanji and thousands of vocabulary words. Matteo combined Anki with immersion in native content like anime and manga, making sure to reinforce what he learned in context. Similarly, Sarah, a university student studying for the N3, used a combination of premade JLPT decks and her own customized sentence decks to target weak points in her grammar.\n\n## Anki vs. Other SRS Tools\n\nSo how does Anki stack up against other SRS tools? Compared to alternatives like Memrise or Quizlet, Anki offers the most customization. You can create your own decks from scratch, modify the learning algorithm, and even tweak how often cards appear. However, this also makes Anki less beginner-friendly. If you prefer a smoother, out-of-the-box experience, [tools like Migaku](\u002F) (which integrates Anki but with more user-friendly features for language learners) or Memrise (with its built-in gamification) may appeal more to you.\n\nOne of Anki's biggest strengths is that it's free and community-driven, which means there are tons of shared decks out there. That said, the manual input required might deter some users. For example, Migaku offers [browser extensions](https:\u002F\u002Fchromewebstore.google.com\u002Fdetail\u002Fmigaku-really-learn-langu\u002Flkhiljgmbeecmljiogckofcalncmfnfo?hl=en) that let you turn real-world content into flashcards in just a click, streamlining the process compared to Anki’s manual input.\n\n## Customizing Anki for Your Learning Needs\n\nThe beauty of Anki lies in its flexibility. Here are a few tips to make the most out of it:\n\n- **Use Images and Sound**: Pairing visuals with words or adding audio cues can enhance your memory. For example, when learning kanji, some learners add pictures that represent the word visually.\n- **Tag Your Cards**: Use tags to organize your cards by JLPT level, grammar points, or personal interests. This way, you can focus on specific areas when you want targeted practice.\n- **Adjust the Learning Intervals**: If the default intervals don’t suit you, tweak the settings! You can adjust how quickly the cards come back based on how confident you feel in your retention.\n- **Focus on Active Recall**: Don’t rush through your reviews. Take a moment with each card to really think about the answer before flipping it over. This makes the learning process more effective.\n\n---\n\n## Final Thoughts\n\nSo, is Anki good for language learning? Absolutely. But like any tool, its effectiveness depends on how you use it. For languages like Japanese, where repetition is crucial, Anki’s SRS system can help you retain vocabulary, kanji, and grammar efficiently. Whether you're prepping for the JLPT or just want to boost your fluency, customizing Anki to your needs can make a world of difference.\n\nIf you’re looking for more streamlined ways to integrate native content into your studies, tools like Migaku can complement your Anki routine by making the card creation process smoother and more immersive. Whatever path you choose, remember: consistency is key, and Anki is there to help you along the way.\n",{"title":15791,"description":16009},"article\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-is-anki-good-for-language-learning","CHq2ytYMu20mXS31vEmM4Fl_TQr5MN-U2JsoKfE4cwk","October 30, 2024",{"id":16027,"title":16028,"body":16029,"description":17056,"extension":929,"meta":17057,"navigation":942,"path":17065,"rawbody":17066,"seo":17067,"stem":17068,"__hash__":17069,"timestampUnix":17058,"slug":17059,"h1":17060,"image":17061,"tags":17064,"_dir":948,"timestamp":17070},"content\u002Farticle\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-japanese-chinese-harder.md","Is Japanese or Chinese Harder to Learn? A Deep Dive for Language Learners",{"type":8,"value":16030,"toc":17035},[16031,16040,16072,16074,16076,16080,16083,16086,16089,16121,16124,16132,16134,16138,16141,16144,16147,16179,16182,16185,16187,16191,16194,16224,16227,16265,16268,16271,16283,16294,16296,16300,16303,16317,16320,16324,16327,16333,16336,16356,16359,16371,16374,16378,16381,16384,16420,16423,16429,16438,16441,16444,16497,16500,16502,16506,16509,16513,16521,16528,16557,16573,16582,16586,16594,16609,16617,16620,16623,16625,16629,16632,16638,16641,16644,16649,16656,16662,16665,16671,16674,16678,16681,16684,16701,16710,16714,16718,16722,16725,16729,16734,16742,16750,16754,16760,16774,16785,16788,16792,16798,16810,16813,16817,16820,16824,16830,16838,16841,16849,16853,16859,16867,16870,16872,16876,16883,16886,16900,16903,16906,16920,16923,16950,16956,16959,16962,16964,16967,16970,17001,17004,17016,17022],[11,16032,16033,16034,427,16036,16039],{},"Are you trying to decide whether to ",[867,16035,14798],{"href":14797},[867,16037,16038],{"href":15323},"learn Chinese","? Both are popular languages to learn, and both are considered to be two of the hardest languages for native English speakers to earn. Each language presents its own set of challenges for language learners.",[11,16041,16042,16043,16048,16049,16054,16055,16060,16061,16064,16065,16068,16069,844],{},"I've personally passed ",[867,16044,16047],{"href":16045,"rel":16046},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FJapanese-Language_Proficiency_Test",[1196],"the JLPT N1",", the highest-level proficiency test of Japanese, and ",[867,16050,16053],{"href":16051,"rel":16052},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FTest_of_Chinese_as_a_Foreign_Language#Comparison_with_HSK",[1196],"the TOCFL 5",", the second-highest proficiency test of Taiwanese Mandarin (roughly equivalent to ",[867,16056,16059],{"href":16057,"rel":16058},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FHanyu_Shuiping_Kaoshi#From_2021",[1196],"an ~HSK 8","). In this article, I'll break down the main differences between ",[69,16062,16063],{},"Chinese and Japanese",", and also give advice for learning both of them—whether what's got you nervous is the tones of ",[69,16066,16067],{},"Mandarin Chinese"," or the complexities of ",[69,16070,16071],{},"Japanese kanji",[30,16073],{},[34,16075],{},[37,16077,16079],{"id":16078},"first-should-you-learn-japanese-or-chinese","First... should you learn Japanese or Chinese?",[11,16081,16082],{},"This is a question only you can answer.",[11,16084,16085],{},"Whether you learn Japanese or learn Chinese, either language will give you tons of interesting content, a window into a new culture, and the potential for new career opportunities.",[11,16087,16088],{},"Similarly, both languages present their own difficulties:",[121,16090,16091,16099,16114],{},[124,16092,16093,16095,16096,844],{},[69,16094,16067],{}," has a tonal pronunciation system, which is tricky for many learners, especially those that are ",[69,16097,16098],{},"native English speakers",[124,16100,16101,16103,16104,1446,16107,5576,16110,16113],{},[69,16102,6564],{}," uses three writing systems: ",[69,16105,16106],{},"hiragana",[69,16108,16109],{},"katakana",[69,16111,16112],{},"kanji",", and some learners find them overwhelming to juggle.",[124,16115,16116,16117,16120],{},"Both languages contain thousands of Chinese characters ",[21,16118,16119],{},"(hanzi\u002Fkanji)",", but their usage and readings (the way they sound) are different in each language.",[11,16122,16123],{},"Rather than worrying too much about which language is easier or harder, my advice would be to pick the language that you're actually interested in. Which culture do you see yourself living in or traveling to? Which culture's content do you find most interesting? Learning either language will be a time commitment of several thousand hours, so it's important that you look forward to and enjoy the time you spend with them.",[11,16125,16126],{},[21,16127,16128,16129,4018],{},"(P.S. — We've actually got ",[867,16130,16131],{"href":4799},"an entire post on what makes languages difficult",[34,16133],{},[37,16135,16137],{"id":16136},"japanese-kanji-vs-mandarin-chinese-hanzi","Japanese kanji vs Mandarin Chinese hanzi",[11,16139,16140],{},"Without a doubt, kanji are more difficult than hanzi.",[11,16142,16143],{},"You'll have to learn a few thousand characters whether you choose Japanese or Mandarin, but whereas the characters were designed for Mandarin, they were forced onto Japanese. The result is that Mandarin hanzi are much more consistent than Japanese kanji are.",[11,16145,16146],{},"For example:",[121,16148,16149,16155],{},[124,16150,16151,16154],{},[69,16152,16153],{},"Readings"," — Most hanzi have only one reading, some hanzi have two readings (長 is chang2 when it means \"long\" but zhang3 when it means \"to grow up\"), and a few have several readings. In contrast, virtually every kanji has at least two readings (one Japanese reading, one Chinese reading), many kanji have multiple readings, and some kanji have over a dozen readings.",[124,16156,16157,16160,16161,16165,16166,16170,16171],{},[69,16158,16159],{},"Reading patterns"," — We covered this in more detail in our ",[867,16162,16164],{"href":16163},"\u002Fblog\u002Fjapanese\u002Fhow-to-learn-kanji","article on how to learn kanji",", but characters that have similar components often have similar pronunciations. Unfortunately, because ",[867,16167,16169],{"href":15552,"rel":16168},[1196],"Japanese borrowed pronunciations from multiple Chinese languages",", and because Japanese lacks some sounds that are present in Mandarin, these phonetic patterns are often less clear in Japanese than in Mandarin. For example:\n",[121,16172,16173,16176],{},[124,16174,16175],{},"ZH: 京 is jing1, 景 is jing3, and 影 is ying3 (y and j are made in the same part of the mouth)",[124,16177,16178],{},"JA: 京 is kyou, 景 is kei, and 影 is ei",[11,16180,16181],{},"This lack of consistency among kanji means that Japanese learners will have to learn each character in several different contexts, whereas Mandarin learners basically just need to learn each character once.",[11,16183,16184],{},"As if that weren't enough, Japanese actually juggles three different writing systems—kanji, hiragana, and katakana.",[34,16186],{},[37,16188,16190],{"id":16189},"japanese-grammar-vs-mandarin-chinese-grammar","Japanese grammar vs Mandarin Chinese grammar",[11,16192,16193],{},"Generally speaking, Japanese is more difficult than Chinese when it comes to grammar.",[121,16195,16196,16210],{},[124,16197,16198,16199,16204,16205,16209],{},"Mandarin Chinese is ",[867,16200,16203],{"href":16201,"rel":16202},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FAnalytic_language",[1196],"an analytical language",", like English, and each word has only one form, no matter how it's being used in a sentence. It's also a ",[867,16206,16208],{"href":6689,"rel":16207},[1196],"subject-verb-object language",", like English.",[124,16211,16212,16213,16218,16219,16223],{},"Japanese is ",[867,16214,16217],{"href":16215,"rel":16216},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FAgglutinative_language",[1196],"an agglutinative language",", which means that words (particularly verbs) are heavily inflected—that a verb will have several different shapes, depending on the tense or grammatical construction it's being used in. It's also a ",[867,16220,16222],{"href":6677,"rel":16221},[1196],"subject-object-verb language",", meaning that Japanese sentences will often be organized very differently than English ones.",[11,16225,16226],{},"To demonstrate what that means:",[121,16228,16229,16243,16254],{},[124,16230,16231,16232],{},"To eat:\n",[121,16233,16234,16237],{},[124,16235,16236],{},"ZH: 吃 (chi1)",[124,16238,16239,16240,16242],{},"JA: 食べる (ta・be・",[132,16241],{},"\nru)",[124,16244,16245,16246],{},"(You) don't\u002Fwon't eat:\n",[121,16247,16248,16251],{},[124,16249,16250],{},"ZH: 不吃 → 不 (bu4)=no",[124,16252,16253],{},"JA: 食べない → 食べ=root form of \"eat\", ない (na・i)=not",[124,16255,16256,16257],{},"If (you) don't eat:\n",[121,16258,16259,16262],{},[124,16260,16261],{},"ZH: 不吃的話 → 的話 (de5 hua4)=if",[124,16263,16264],{},"JA: 食べなければ → な=connective form of \"not\", ければ (ke・re・ba)=one of Japanese's conditional forms",[11,16266,16267],{},"Simple as this \"to eat\" example is, you can see that Japanese takes a completely different approach to organizing sentences than English does, and this contributes to the language's steep learning curve.",[11,16269,16270],{},"Conversely, 吃 is 吃, no matter how you use it. If you want to add additional nuances into a Chinese sentence, you simply add more characters. This is the exact same approach English takes to building sentences, so it will feel very familiar to English learners of Mandarin.",[11,16272,16273,16274,16278,16279,16282],{},"In contrast, whereas Mandarin groups several different words together to create the above phrases, each Japanese phrase is actually just a different form of the word \"to eat\". In another blog post, we talked about ",[867,16275,16277],{"href":16276},"\u002Fblog\u002Fjapanese\u002Fjapanese-verb-iru","sixteen different Japanese verb forms of a single verb",", and that was only the ",[21,16280,16281],{},"basic"," verb forms. That's a lot of extra grammatical information that learners of Mandarin basically get to skip.",[11,16284,16285,16286,16288,16289,16293],{},"This isn't necessarily to say that Mandarin grammar is ",[21,16287,7732],{},". Its total lack of verbal inflection means that sentence structure is very important in Mandarin, as it is in English... but some of Mandarin's sentence structures are quite different than English. Additionally, Mandarin's heavy use of ",[867,16290,16292],{"href":15317,"rel":16291},[1196],"verb complements",", combined with the much more flexible placement of direct objects in Mandarin sentences, can lead to ideas being expressed in ways that don't feel intuitive to native English speakers.",[34,16295],{},[37,16297,16299],{"id":16298},"japanese-pronunciation-vs-mandarin-chinese-pronunciation","Japanese pronunciation vs Mandarin Chinese pronunciation",[11,16301,16302],{},"Pronunciation is generally broken into two categories:",[121,16304,16305,16311],{},[124,16306,16307,16310],{},[69,16308,16309],{},"Phonetics"," refers to the individual sounds you're making—the \"s\" in \"sort\" vs the \"sh\" in \"short\"",[124,16312,16313,16316],{},[69,16314,16315],{},"Prosody"," refers to things bigger in scope than an individual sound, like the rhythm or melody of a sentence",[11,16318,16319],{},"So, let's compare:",[414,16321,16323],{"id":16322},"japanese-phonetics-vs-mandarin-chinese-phonetics","Japanese Phonetics vs Mandarin Chinese Phonetics",[11,16325,16326],{},"Phonetics is one area where Mandarin is definitively harder than Japanese.",[11,16328,16329,16330,16332],{},"Japanese ",[21,16331,6835],{}," have some tricky pronunciation details hiding up its sleeves, but they're relatively non-critical. A day-one Japanese learner who knows nothing about Japanese pronunciation can read a Japanese sentence and will generally be understood just fine. They'll sound foreign, but Japanese people will understand them.",[11,16334,16335],{},"This is not the case for Mandarin. The language presents several new sounds to learn, and several of the sounds may initially be difficult for native English speakers to distinguish, let alone produce, such as the infamous three shown below:",[121,16337,16338,16344,16350],{},[124,16339,16340,16341],{},"Ji1 ",[57,16342],{"src":16343,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh_雞.mp3",[124,16345,16346,16347],{},"Xi1 ",[57,16348],{"src":16349,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh_西.mp3",[124,16351,16352,16353],{},"Qi1 ",[57,16354],{"src":16355,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh_七.mp3",[11,16357,16358],{},"The vowels also present some difficulties:",[121,16360,16361,16366],{},[124,16362,16363,16364],{},"Wu3 ",[57,16365],{"src":15290,":type":60},[124,16367,16368,16369],{},"Yü3 ",[57,16370],{"src":15300,":type":60},[11,16372,16373],{},"There are several more sounds we could talk about, but I think the point is already clear. Mandarin learners will need to make a pretty serious effort to reach a point where native speakers can reliably understand what they say, but Japanese learners have no such trouble.",[414,16375,16377],{"id":16376},"japanese-prosody-vs-mandarin-chinese-prosody","Japanese Prosody vs Mandarin Chinese Prosody",[11,16379,16380],{},"Potentially surprising take, but this one's a tie for me.",[11,16382,16383],{},"Yes, Mandarin has the tones. They sound like this, if you haven't heard them before:",[121,16385,16386,16393,16400,16406,16413],{},[124,16387,16388,16389,16392],{},"Ma1 ",[57,16390],{"src":16391,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh_媽.mp3"," (a high, flat tone)",[124,16394,16395,16396,16399],{},"Ma2 ",[57,16397],{"src":16398,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh_麻.mp3"," (a rising tone)",[124,16401,16402,16403,16405],{},"Ma3 ",[57,16404],{"src":15216,":type":60}," (a low tone that drops to the bottom of your vocal register, and sometimes rises back up)",[124,16407,16408,16409,16412],{},"Ma4 ",[57,16410],{"src":16411,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh_罵.mp3"," (a high and sharply dropping done)",[124,16414,16415,16416,16419],{},"Ma5 ",[57,16417],{"src":16418,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh_嘛.mp3"," (a neutral tone with no particular \"placement\")",[11,16421,16422],{},"Indeed, those are five different words: mother, hemp, horse, to scold, and a sound you add to the end of a sentence to indicate that something is obvious. In Mandarin, simply changing the intonation of a particular syllable can cause it to mean something else.",[11,16424,16425,16426,16428],{},"That's tough, for sure, but there's only ",[21,16427,15293],{}," tones, and because every single syllable of every single word has one, you're going to get a lot of practice making them. Tones will be a nightmare for the first few months, and then they just won't bother you anymore. They quickly become second nature.",[86,16430,16431],{},[11,16432,16433,16434,16437],{},"If you're struggling with the tones, ",[867,16435,16436],{"href":15157},"check out this blog post",". It has lots of visuals and audio examples, and also an in-depth explanation of each tone.",[11,16439,16440],{},"The thing is, you know that Mandarin has tones when you go into it. It's a challenge you're expecting, and that you mentally prepare yourself for.",[11,16442,16443],{},"The reason I give Japanese and Mandarin a tie in the prosody department is because Japanese actually presents a few prosodic challenges of its own... but they take you by surprise. Japanese textbooks don't usually mention them, and Japanese teachers don't talk about them.",[3153,16445,16446,16470],{},[124,16447,16448,16451,16452,67,16455,16458,16459,16462,16463,15572,16466,16469],{},[69,16449,16450],{},"Rhythm"," — In English, we smoosh unstressed syllables together (",[21,16453,16454],{},"my name is Sami",[21,16456,16457],{},"m'nay'mihh Sami","). In Japanese, each mora (hiragana or katakana block) gets an even beat. As such, ",[5744,16460],{"lang":5746,"syntax":16461},"先生[せんせい]"," (sensei, ",[21,16464,16465],{},"teacher",[57,16467],{"src":16468,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fja-先生.mp3"," is pronounced se・n・se・i (four beats), not sen・sei (two beats). This seems simple, but it will take a significant amount of conscious effort to do correctly as an English speaker.",[124,16471,16472,16474,16475,16477,16478,16481,16482,16477,16485,16488,16489,16492,16493,16496],{},[69,16473,15600],{}," — Mandarin words have tone patterns. Japanese syllables have pitch patterns. The difference is that a tone is a moving pitch, whereas a pitch is a static\u002Fnon-moving thing. Compare these two words: 雨（あ ↓ め, a↓me, ",[21,16476,15303],{},"）",[57,16479],{"src":16480,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fja-雨.mp3"," vs 飴（あ ↑ め, a↑me, ",[21,16483,16484],{},"candy",[57,16486],{"src":16487,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fja-飴.mp3",". The first word starts on a high pitch and then drops, whereas the second word starts on a low pitch and then rises. Each Japanese word has a specific pitch pattern, and getting it wrong sounds jarring, kind of like someone had said ",[21,16490,16491],{},"teaCHER"," instead of ",[21,16494,16495],{},"TEAcher"," in English.",[11,16498,16499],{},"Your mileage may vary, but, personally, prosody is something I still struggle with in Japanese after ten years, but not something I worry about in Mandarin after five.",[34,16501],{},[37,16503,16505],{"id":16504},"japanese-culture-vs-mandarin-chinese-culture","Japanese culture vs Mandarin Chinese culture",[11,16507,16508],{},"I lived in Japan for two years during university and have lived in Taiwan for 6 years. Posts like this usually skip the cultural side of things, but I'd like to mention them briefly, as I feel they contribute meaningfully to the difficulty of Mandarin and Japanese.",[414,16510,16512],{"id":16511},"japanese-honorific-language-vs-mandarin-chinese-honorific-language","Japanese honorific language vs Mandarin Chinese honorific language",[11,16514,16515,16520],{},[867,16516,16519],{"href":16517,"rel":16518},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FHonorifics_(linguistics)",[1196],"Honorific language"," is language that makes apparent the social status of the speaker and\u002For the listener in a conversation. We don't really use honorifics in English.",[11,16522,16523,16524,16527],{},"This is an aspect of language in which Japanese takes the cake: the language contains multiple ",[21,16525,16526],{},"registers"," of polite language. The language you use when speaking to a close friend is physically (grammatically) different than the language you use when speaking to a stranger. For example, here's five versions of the word \"to eat\":",[121,16529,16530,16536,16542,16548,16551],{},[124,16531,16532,16535],{},[5744,16533],{"lang":5746,"syntax":16534},"食う[くう]","\n (kuu) — this is a casual\u002Fcrude word that could be used between friends\n",[124,16537,16538,16541],{},[5744,16539],{"lang":5746,"syntax":16540},"食べる[たべる]","\n (taberu) — this is the \"plain\" form of the word\n",[124,16543,16544,16547],{},[5744,16545],{"lang":5746,"syntax":16546},"食べます[たべます]","\n (tabemasu) — this is the \"polite\" form of the word\n",[124,16549,16550],{},"いただく (itadaku) — this is the \"humble\" form of the word, and using it lowers your social status in relation to the person your talking to",[124,16552,16553,16556],{},[5744,16554],{"lang":5746,"syntax":16555},"お召[おめ] しに なる","\n (o meshi ni naru) — this is the \"honorific\" form of the word, and using it elevates the social status of the person you're talking to in relation to you\n",[11,16558,16559,16560,16565,16566,6696,16569,16572],{},"Importantly, using honorific language isn't an \"optional\" thing in Japanese, akin to how we can choose to be more or less polite in English. In Japanese, ",[867,16561,16564],{"href":16562,"rel":16563},"http:\u002F\u002Fwww.sachikoide.com\u002FOntheNotionofWakimae.pdf",[1196],"politeness is \"obligatory\"",", similar to how in English it's obligatory to add an S in the third-person singular form of a verb (",[21,16567,16568],{},"I run",[21,16570,16571],{},"he runs","). In other words, in pretty much every single Japanese sentence you utter, you'll be indicating whether you think the listener is significantly above you in terms of status, somebody that you should speak politely with, or somebody that you can speak informally with.",[11,16574,16575,16576,16578,16579,16581],{},"In contrast, Mandarin learners get to ignore honorifics pretty much completely. There are a few special words you'll need to learn, but that's about the extent of it. For example, 你 (ni3) is the normal word for ",[21,16577,3334],{},", whereas 您 (nin2) is a more respectful version of ",[21,16580,3334],{}," that would be used by, say, waiters toward customers. This isn't too bad, though. It's akin to saying \"sir\" or \"ma'am\" in English.",[414,16583,16585],{"id":16584},"japanese-communication-vs-mandarin-chinese-communication","Japanese communication vs Mandarin Chinese communication",[11,16587,16588,16589,16593],{},"Japanese is a ",[867,16590,16592],{"href":14892,"rel":16591},[1196],"high-context culture",", which means that Japanese speakers prefer indirect means of communication. Whereas low-context cultures like the US see value in explicitly and clearly communicating one's thoughts, Japanese people feel that it is better to let adults put two and two together themselves.",[11,16595,16596,16597,16604,16605,16608],{},"As an example of this, in the book ",[867,16598,16601],{"href":16599,"rel":16600},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.goodreads.com\u002Fbook\u002Fshow\u002F48672814-i-had-that-same-dream-again",[1196],[21,16602,16603],{},"I Had That Same Dream Again"," by Sumino Yoru, the main character (a girl in elementary school) makes a comment along these lines: \"",[21,16606,16607],{},"Saying your thoughts in the same way they come to you is the least beautiful\u002Fintelligent way to communicate.","\"",[11,16610,16611,16612,16616],{},"Furthermore, as discussed in ",[867,16613,16615],{"href":16614},"\u002Fblog\u002Fjapanese\u002Fjapanese-particles-guide","our article on Japanese particles",", Japanese speakers tend to omit from their sentences information that they deem is rendered obvious by context. As such, whereas we'd say \"I ate it\" in English, a Japanese speaker would usually jut say \"ate\".",[11,16618,16619],{},"Combining these two factors means that, to understand Japanese, it isn't enough to simply understand the words on the page or the words that come out of somebody's mouth. You also need to understand the context those words exist in, and to peek a bit underneath their surface. The result is that, sometimes, you'll understand every word and grammar point in a Japanese sentence... but still not understand what, exactly, is being said.",[11,16621,16622],{},"In contrast, Mandarin Chinese is a pretty straightforward language, and it's OK to simply say what's on your mind. This is another entire dimension of difficulty in Japanese that basically just doesn't exist in Mandarin.",[34,16624],{},[37,16626,16628],{"id":16627},"japanese-resources-vs-mandarin-chinese-resources","Japanese Resources vs Mandarin Chinese resources",[11,16630,16631],{},"For whatever reason, Japanese as a language and culture tends to attract people who are good with technology. In their attempt to learn the language, these people make cool tools. As a result, Japanese has a wider variety of resources than Mandarin does—in fact, I'd go so far as to say that it has more and better resources than any other language does.",[11,16633,16634,16635,16637],{},"I'll talk about a few Japanese and Mandarin resources I personally find cool in a bit, but while we're here, I want to introduce you to Migaku—a language learning toolkit that's useable for Japanese ",[21,16636,3970],{}," Mandarin (and several other languages).",[11,16639,16640],{},"Our core product loop is pretty straightforward:",[11,16642,16643],{},"Boot up your favorite TV show (or anything with text—videos with subtitles, a web page, an ebook, and so forth.) We'll add functionality to the text of that content, making it look like this:",[833,16645],{"src":16646,"width":15920,"height":16647,"alt":16648},"\u002Fassets\u002Fjapanese\u002FwelcomeExtension.png",878,"A screenshot of a Netflix show, with its subtitles enhanced by Migaku.",[11,16650,16651,16652,16655],{},"In the above screenshot, the learner doesn't know the word ",[5744,16653],{"lang":5746,"syntax":16654},"神秘[しんぴ]",". If you click on the word, you'll see this:",[833,16657],{"src":16658,"width":16659,"height":16660,"alt":16661},"\u002Fassets\u002Fjapanese\u002FwelcomeDictionary.webp",638,456,"A screenshot of the Migaku Dictionary, showing the definition of the Japanese word 'shinpi'.",[11,16663,16664],{},"And if you decide that word is useful, you can click the flashcard button (the orange button in the top-right corner of the dictionary definition) to automatically create a flashcard of it. This only takes a few seconds, and the flashcard looks like this:",[833,16666],{"src":16667,"width":16668,"height":16669,"alt":16670},"\u002Fassets\u002Fjapanese\u002FwelcomeCardFront.webp",388,840,"A screenshot of the front of a Migaku flashcardfor the word 'shinpi'.",[11,16672,16673],{},"The audio is taken from the television show, and if you flip the card over, you'll see the scene where this word and sentence was taken from:",[833,16675],{"src":16676,"width":16668,"height":16669,"alt":16677},"\u002Fassets\u002Fjapanese\u002FwelcomeCardback.webp","A screenshot of a the back of a Migaku flashcard for the word 'shinpi'.",[11,16679,16680],{},"These flashcards can be sent to our proprietary app, Migaku Memory, or to Anki, a third-party open-source flashcard software.",[11,16682,16683],{},"As a result, learning Japanese or Mandarin with Migaku looks like this:",[121,16685,16686,16689,16692,16695,16698],{},[124,16687,16688],{},"Consume content you enjoy",[124,16690,16691],{},"Click on new words to see explanations of what they mean",[124,16693,16694],{},"Make flashcards of useful-looking words",[124,16696,16697],{},"Study these flashcards with Migaku Memory, a spaced-repetition flashcard app",[124,16699,16700],{},"The more you watch or read, the better you get!",[11,16702,16703,16704,16709],{},"If you're not quite ready to consume content yet, we also have two courses for each language—",[867,16705,16708],{"href":16706,"rel":16707},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fshorts\u002FoXO4oGTNgcI",[1196],"Migaku Fundamentals and Migaku Academy","—that will teach you to read and pronounce your target language, then teach you the most common ~1,500 words and a few hundred basic grammar points. These weren't just randomly selected, either—each sentence contains only one new word, so the learning curve is super smooth. By the time you finish, you'll understand 80% of the words you see in Netflix subtitles.",[86,16711,16712],{},[876,16713],{"href":14797,"text":15661},[86,16715,16716],{},[876,16717],{"href":15323,"text":15324},[414,16719,16721],{"id":16720},"japanese-resources","Japanese Resources",[11,16723,16724],{},"If learning Japanese by watching anime and reading light novels doesn't sound cool to you, here's a few other resources you might appreciate:",[3162,16726,16728],{"id":16727},"marumori-like-duolingo-but-for-japanese","MaruMori, like Duolingo but for Japanese",[833,16730],{"src":16731,"width":16732,"height":2951,"alt":16733},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-marumori.jpeg",1770,"A screenshot of MaruMori's landing page, a web app for learning Japanese.",[11,16735,16736,16737,16741],{},"I haven't personally used ",[867,16738,16740],{"href":16739},"marumori.io","MaruMori",", but if I were a beginner and I were convinced that I needed to study grammar in a structured fashion, MaruMori is where I'd start. It's kind of like Duolingo, but it's entirely focused around Japanese.",[11,16743,16744,16745,16749],{},"MaruMori teaches Japanese in a structured format, so it's kind of like a virtual textbook. What's cool is that everything you learn on MaruMori gets tracked by a ",[867,16746,16748],{"href":11622,"rel":16747},[1196],"spaced-repetition system",", just like in Migaku, meaning that the system will automatically nudge you to review in the future the things you learn today.",[3162,16751,16753],{"id":16752},"wanikani-for-people-who-are-scared-of-kanji","WaniKani, for people who are scared of kanji",[833,16755],{"src":16756,"width":16757,"height":16758,"alt":16759},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-wanikani.webp",1460,1152,"A screenshot of wanikani's app interface, showing how they teach kanji.",[11,16761,16762,16763,16768,16769,16773],{},"We talk more about ",[867,16764,16767],{"href":16765,"rel":16766},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.wanikani.com\u002F",[1196],"WaniKani"," in our article on ",[867,16770,16772],{"href":16771},"\u002Fblog\u002Fjapanese\u002Fhow-to-learn-kanji#tools-and-resources-for-kanji-learning","how to learn the kanji",", but, in essence, it's a modern way to learn the kanji.",[121,16775,16776,16779,16782],{},[124,16777,16778],{},"You learn the names of tiny components that appear in multiple kanji, called radicals",[124,16780,16781],{},"You learn kanji you can make by combining those radicals together",[124,16783,16784],{},"You learn words that contain those kanji",[11,16786,16787],{},"If you take the most optimal path through WaniKani, you'll end up learning ~2,000 kanji and ~6,000 vocabulary words in just over a year. Like MaruMori and Migaku, everything you study in WaniKani is backed up by spaced repetition, so you'll eventually commit the things you learn into your long-term memory—so long as you stay consistent.",[414,16789,16791],{"id":16790},"satori-reader-for-people-who-want-to-learn-japanese-by-reading","Satori Reader, for people who want to learn Japanese by reading",[833,16793],{"src":16794,"width":16795,"height":16796,"alt":16797},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-satorireader.jpeg",2062,1174,"A screenshot of Satori Reader's interface, showing a story that has been prepared specifically for Japanese Learners.",[11,16799,16800,16805,16806,16809],{},[867,16801,16804],{"href":16802,"rel":16803},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.satorireader.com\u002F",[1196],"Satori Reader"," is similar in spirit to Migaku—we both believe that the way to make progress in a foreign language is to ",[21,16807,16808],{},"use"," that language to consume content you enjoy.",[11,16811,16812],{},"Whereas Migaku provides tools that help you learn from native content, Satori Reader took a different approach: the team works with real Japanese authors, voice actors, and teachers to create engaging stories for Japanese learners. There are dozens of series available, spanning multiple genres. You simply pick what you're interested in and read. If you don't know a word, you can click on it to see a dictionary definition—or, for trickier phrases, a hand-written explanation from Brian, the bilingual founder.",[414,16814,16816],{"id":16815},"mandarin-chinese-resources","Mandarin Chinese resources",[11,16818,16819],{},"If you don't like the idea of learning Mandarin by reading webtoons and watching C-dramas, you might like these resources:",[3162,16821,16823],{"id":16822},"duchinese-to-learn-chinese-by-reading-graded-readers","DuChinese, to learn Chinese by reading graded readers",[833,16825],{"src":16826,"width":16827,"height":16828,"alt":16829},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-duchinese.jpeg",2078,1184,"A screenshot of Du Chinese's home page.",[11,16831,16832,16837],{},[867,16833,16836],{"href":16834,"rel":16835},"https:\u002F\u002Fduchinese.net\u002Flessons\u002Fcourses\u002F118-fanfan-s-story?chapter=1",[1196],"DuChinese"," is kind of like Satori Reader, but for Chinese. The platform has amassed over 2,000 stories and organized them into levels, from HSK1–HSK6. The idea is pretty simple: if you read a lot of things in Mandarin, you will improve.",[11,16839,16840],{},"There are two things I find particularly cool about DuChinese:",[3153,16842,16843,16846],{},[124,16844,16845],{},"There's a wide variety of material, from news stories to folktales to fictional stories",[124,16847,16848],{},"You can mouse over unknown words to see what they mean, and you can click on most grammar points to see an explanation of how they work",[3162,16850,16852],{"id":16851},"pleco-the-dictionary-app-i-wish-every-language-had","Pleco, the dictionary app I wish every language had",[833,16854],{"src":16855,"alt":16856,"width":16857,"height":16858},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fpleco.dict.view.webp","The dictionary interface of Pleco",438,720,[11,16860,16861,16866],{},[867,16862,16865],{"href":16863,"rel":16864},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.pleco.com\u002F",[1196],"Pleco"," is an incredible Chinese dictionary. It comes with several free dictionaries, and you can also pay to download some technical and professional dictionaries. The app has incredible handwriting recognition—you can basically just scribble the shape of a hanzi, and Pleco will understand.",[11,16868,16869],{},"I'm listing Pleco partially because, unlike Japanese, there just aren't that many apps I personally feel comfortable recommending to people. While Pleco won't teach you Chinese, it will help you with anything you do with Chinese. I've used it daily for about six years, and consider its paid dictionaries bundle to be one of the best investments I've made, so far as paid Chinese learning resources go.",[34,16871],{},[37,16873,16875],{"id":16874},"can-you-learn-both-mandarin-and-japanese-at-the-same-time","Can You Learn Both Mandarin and Japanese at the Same Time?",[11,16877,16878,16879,16882],{},"Well, yes, ",[21,16880,16881],{},"you can","... but you can also work 97 hours a week while balancing an apple on your head. It's possible, but unless you have to, why would you do that to yourself?",[11,16884,16885],{},"I personally recommend:",[3153,16887,16888,16891,16894,16897],{},[124,16889,16890],{},"Focus on one language at a time",[124,16892,16893],{},"At the early intermediate level, switch from intentional\u002Ftextbook study to input-based learning: instead of watching YouTube in English, for example, watch it in that language",[124,16895,16896],{},"Stick with this for awhile, until consuming content in the language feels more like fun and less like work",[124,16898,16899],{},"Repeat with other languages, gradually replacing your English entertainment time with entertainment time in foreign languages as you go",[11,16901,16902],{},"In this way, you're only ever studying one language, but you may be maintaining multiple languages. This is personally the approach that I've taken through Spanish, Japanese, Russian, and Mandarin, and I'm now working on Korean.",[11,16904,16905],{},"The reason it works so well is twofold:",[3153,16907,16908,16914],{},[124,16909,16910,16913],{},[69,16911,16912],{},"Transferable knowledge"," — It'll be hard to learn your first language. You're not \"just\" learning Japanese; you're also learning how to learn, what sort of resources you prefer, and how memory works. The thing is, you only need to solve those problems once. As such, instead of struggling in two languages simultaneously, with this approach you struggle with one language and then coast through the other(s).",[124,16915,16916,16919],{},[69,16917,16918],{},"Checkpoints"," — Each stage of language learning comes with different challenges. The beginner stage is the most frustrating stage because you don't know enough to do anything fun. The intermediate stage is long, but it mostly involves consuming a lot of content you find enjoyable. If you study two languages simultaneously, you're doubling the amount of time it takes to reach the stage where learning a language gets fun, thus increasing your risk of burnout.",[11,16921,16922],{},"If you're particularly interested in Japanese and Mandarin, you're also in luck:",[121,16924,16925,16928,16941],{},[124,16926,16927],{},"The meanings of the characters stay consistent across both languages, for virtually all characters. (There are a few weird situations, such as 這, which means \"this\" in Mandarin and \"crawl\" in Japanese, but there's only a handful of situations like that.)",[124,16929,16930,16931,171,16936,4018],{},"Many words are exactly the same in Japanese and Mandarin. (Though, again, there are some weird situations, such as 勉強, which means ",[867,16932,16935],{"href":16933,"rel":16934},"https:\u002F\u002Fjisho.org\u002Fsearch\u002F%E5%8B%89%E5%BC%B7",[1196],"\"to study\" in Japanese",[867,16937,16940],{"href":16938,"rel":16939},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.mdbg.net\u002Fchinese\u002Fdictionary?page=worddict&wdrst=0&wdqb=%E5%8B%89%E5%BC%B7&email=",[1196],"\"to be forced to do something you don't wish to do\" in Mandarin",[124,16942,16943,16944,16949],{},"Certain grammatical concepts like ",[867,16945,16948],{"href":16946,"rel":16947},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FMeasure_word",[1196],"counters"," transfer between the languages",[11,16951,16952,16953,16955],{},"So the result is that you aren't ",[21,16954,11506],{}," losing time by focusing on one language. If you take the time to reach a solid intermediate level in Japanese or Mandarin, you'll enjoy a major head start when you eventually turn your attention to the other one.",[11,16957,16958],{},"To see this as more of a step-by-step guide:",[876,16960],{"href":15002,"text":16961},"How to learn multiple languages",[34,16963],{},[414,16965,16966],{"id":11934},"Key Takeaways:",[11,16968,16969],{},"To loosely recap our napkin math:",[121,16971,16972,16978,16983,16989,16995],{},[124,16973,16974,16977],{},[69,16975,16976],{},"Characters"," — Japanese is more difficult",[124,16979,16980,16977],{},[69,16981,16982],{},"Grammar",[124,16984,16985,16988],{},[69,16986,16987],{},"Pronunciation"," — Mandarin is much more difficult",[124,16990,16991,16994],{},[69,16992,16993],{},"Culture"," — Japanese is much more difficult",[124,16996,16997,17000],{},[69,16998,16999],{},"Resources"," — Mandarin has fewer good resources available",[11,17002,17003],{},"In my personal opinion, then, Japanese is a bit more difficult than Mandarin Chinese.",[11,17005,17006,17007,17012,17013,17015],{},"Nevertheless, they're both challenging! ",[867,17008,17011],{"href":17009,"rel":17010},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.state.gov\u002Fforeign-language-training\u002F",[1196],"The US Government"," lists both Japanese and Mandarin as being category 5 \"super-hard\" languages, meaning that it takes diplomats ~2,200 in-class hours and ~4,400 out-of-class hours to learn them well enough to use them professionally. This is a significant enough time investment. If you don't find the journey to be intrinsically enjoyable—i.e., you're ",[21,17014,177],{}," interested in Japanese, but picked Mandarin Chinese because it's supposedly a little easier or has better job prospects—you'll likely burn out before reaching a level where the language is of any practical use to you.",[11,17017,17018,17019,17021],{},"If you've made it this far and are still sure you want to learn both languages, then click that \"Get Started\" button at the top of this page to look into Migaku.",[132,17020],{},"\nWe can help you learn both languages, so you'll get double the value out of your investment.",[11,17023,17024,17025,17027,17029,17030,17032,17034],{},"頑張ってね！",[132,17026],{},[132,17028],{},"\n加油喔！",[132,17031],{},[132,17033],{},"\nGood luck!",{"title":383,"searchDepth":915,"depth":915,"links":17036},[17037,17038,17039,17040,17044,17048,17053],{"id":16078,"depth":915,"text":16079},{"id":16136,"depth":915,"text":16137},{"id":16189,"depth":915,"text":16190},{"id":16298,"depth":915,"text":16299,"children":17041},[17042,17043],{"id":16322,"depth":923,"text":16323},{"id":16376,"depth":923,"text":16377},{"id":16504,"depth":915,"text":16505,"children":17045},[17046,17047],{"id":16511,"depth":923,"text":16512},{"id":16584,"depth":923,"text":16585},{"id":16627,"depth":915,"text":16628,"children":17049},[17050,17051,17052],{"id":16720,"depth":923,"text":16721},{"id":16790,"depth":923,"text":16791},{"id":16815,"depth":923,"text":16816},{"id":16874,"depth":915,"text":16875,"children":17054},[17055],{"id":11934,"depth":923,"text":16966},"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.",{"timestampUnix":17058,"slug":17059,"h1":17060,"image":17061,"tags":17064},1730780469276,"is-japanese-or-chinese-harder","Is Learning Chinese or Japanese Harder? Here's a breakdown of the differences.",{"src":17062,"width":5775,"height":4779,"alt":17063},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-japanese-chinese.jpeg","An image of a Japanese and Chinese flag at a press conference.",[940,15782],"\u002Farticle\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-japanese-chinese-harder","---\ntitle: 'Is Japanese or Chinese Harder to Learn? A Deep Dive for Language Learners'\ndescription: '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.'\ntimestampUnix: 1730780469276\nslug: 'is-japanese-or-chinese-harder'\nh1: \"Is Learning Chinese or Japanese Harder? Here's a breakdown of the differences.\"\nimage:\n src: '\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-japanese-chinese.jpeg'\n width: 2880\n height: 1600\n alt: 'An image of a Japanese and Chinese flag at a press conference.'\ntags:\n - discussion\n - comparison\n---\n\nAre you trying to decide whether to [learn Japanese](\u002Flearn-japanese) or [learn Chinese](\u002Flearn-chinese)? Both are popular languages to learn, and both are considered to be two of the hardest languages for native English speakers to earn. Each language presents its own set of challenges for language learners.\n\nI've personally passed [the JLPT N1](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FJapanese-Language_Proficiency_Test), the highest-level proficiency test of Japanese, and [the TOCFL 5](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FTest_of_Chinese_as_a_Foreign_Language#Comparison_with_HSK), the second-highest proficiency test of Taiwanese Mandarin (roughly equivalent to [an ~HSK 8](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FHanyu_Shuiping_Kaoshi#From_2021)). In this article, I'll break down the main differences between **Chinese and Japanese**, and also give advice for learning both of them—whether what's got you nervous is the tones of **Mandarin Chinese** or the complexities of **Japanese kanji**.\n\n\u003Ctoc>\u003C\u002Ftoc>\n\n---\n\n## First... should you learn Japanese or Chinese?\n\nThis is a question only you can answer.\n\nWhether you learn Japanese or learn Chinese, either language will give you tons of interesting content, a window into a new culture, and the potential for new career opportunities.\n\nSimilarly, both languages present their own difficulties:\n\n- **Mandarin Chinese** has a tonal pronunciation system, which is tricky for many learners, especially those that are **native English speakers**.\n- **Japanese** uses three writing systems: **hiragana**, **katakana**, and **kanji**, and some learners find them overwhelming to juggle.\n- Both languages contain thousands of Chinese characters _(hanzi\u002Fkanji)_, but their usage and readings (the way they sound) are different in each language.\n\nRather than worrying too much about which language is easier or harder, my advice would be to pick the language that you're actually interested in. Which culture do you see yourself living in or traveling to? Which culture's content do you find most interesting? Learning either language will be a time commitment of several thousand hours, so it's important that you look forward to and enjoy the time you spend with them.\n\n_(P.S. — We've actually got [an entire post on what makes languages difficult](\u002Fblog\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fthe-most-difficult-language).)_\n\n---\n\n## Japanese kanji vs Mandarin Chinese hanzi\n\nWithout a doubt, kanji are more difficult than hanzi.\n\nYou'll have to learn a few thousand characters whether you choose Japanese or Mandarin, but whereas the characters were designed for Mandarin, they were forced onto Japanese. The result is that Mandarin hanzi are much more consistent than Japanese kanji are.\n\nFor example:\n\n- **Readings** — Most hanzi have only one reading, some hanzi have two readings (長 is chang2 when it means \"long\" but zhang3 when it means \"to grow up\"), and a few have several readings. In contrast, virtually every kanji has at least two readings (one Japanese reading, one Chinese reading), many kanji have multiple readings, and some kanji have over a dozen readings.\n- **Reading patterns** — We covered this in more detail in our [article on how to learn kanji](\u002Fblog\u002Fjapanese\u002Fhow-to-learn-kanji), but characters that have similar components often have similar pronunciations. Unfortunately, because [Japanese borrowed pronunciations from multiple Chinese languages](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FOn%27yomi#Classification), and because Japanese lacks some sounds that are present in Mandarin, these phonetic patterns are often less clear in Japanese than in Mandarin. For example:\n - ZH: 京 is jing1, 景 is jing3, and 影 is ying3 (y and j are made in the same part of the mouth)\n - JA: 京 is kyou, 景 is kei, and 影 is ei\n\nThis lack of consistency among kanji means that Japanese learners will have to learn each character in several different contexts, whereas Mandarin learners basically just need to learn each character once.\n\nAs if that weren't enough, Japanese actually juggles three different writing systems—kanji, hiragana, and katakana.\n\n---\n\n## Japanese grammar vs Mandarin Chinese grammar\n\nGenerally speaking, Japanese is more difficult than Chinese when it comes to grammar.\n\n- Mandarin Chinese is [an analytical language](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FAnalytic_language), like English, and each word has only one form, no matter how it's being used in a sentence. It's also a [subject-verb-object language](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FSubject%E2%80%93verb%E2%80%93object_word_order), like English.\n- Japanese is [an agglutinative language](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FAgglutinative_language), which means that words (particularly verbs) are heavily inflected—that a verb will have several different shapes, depending on the tense or grammatical construction it's being used in. It's also a [subject-object-verb language](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FSubject%E2%80%93object%E2%80%93verb_word_order), meaning that Japanese sentences will often be organized very differently than English ones.\n\nTo demonstrate what that means:\n\n- To eat:\n - ZH: 吃 (chi1)\n - JA: 食べる (ta・be・\n ru)\n- (You) don't\u002Fwon't eat:\n - ZH: 不吃 → 不 (bu4)=no\n - JA: 食べない → 食べ=root form of \"eat\", ない (na・i)=not\n- If (you) don't eat:\n - ZH: 不吃的話 → 的話 (de5 hua4)=if\n - JA: 食べなければ → な=connective form of \"not\", ければ (ke・re・ba)=one of Japanese's conditional forms\n\nSimple as this \"to eat\" example is, you can see that Japanese takes a completely different approach to organizing sentences than English does, and this contributes to the language's steep learning curve.\n\nConversely, 吃 is 吃, no matter how you use it. If you want to add additional nuances into a Chinese sentence, you simply add more characters. This is the exact same approach English takes to building sentences, so it will feel very familiar to English learners of Mandarin.\n\nIn contrast, whereas Mandarin groups several different words together to create the above phrases, each Japanese phrase is actually just a different form of the word \"to eat\". In another blog post, we talked about [sixteen different Japanese verb forms of a single verb](\u002Fblog\u002Fjapanese\u002Fjapanese-verb-iru), and that was only the _basic_ verb forms. That's a lot of extra grammatical information that learners of Mandarin basically get to skip.\n\nThis isn't necessarily to say that Mandarin grammar is _easy_. Its total lack of verbal inflection means that sentence structure is very important in Mandarin, as it is in English... but some of Mandarin's sentence structures are quite different than English. Additionally, Mandarin's heavy use of [verb complements](https:\u002F\u002Fresources.allsetlearning.com\u002Fchinese\u002Fgrammar\u002FComplement), combined with the much more flexible placement of direct objects in Mandarin sentences, can lead to ideas being expressed in ways that don't feel intuitive to native English speakers.\n\n---\n\n## Japanese pronunciation vs Mandarin Chinese pronunciation\n\nPronunciation is generally broken into two categories:\n\n- **Phonetics** refers to the individual sounds you're making—the \"s\" in \"sort\" vs the \"sh\" in \"short\"\n- **Prosody** refers to things bigger in scope than an individual sound, like the rhythm or melody of a sentence\n\nSo, let's compare:\n\n### Japanese Phonetics vs Mandarin Chinese Phonetics\n\nPhonetics is one area where Mandarin is definitively harder than Japanese.\n\nJapanese _does_ have some tricky pronunciation details hiding up its sleeves, but they're relatively non-critical. A day-one Japanese learner who knows nothing about Japanese pronunciation can read a Japanese sentence and will generally be understood just fine. They'll sound foreign, but Japanese people will understand them.\n\nThis is not the case for Mandarin. The language presents several new sounds to learn, and several of the sounds may initially be difficult for native English speakers to distinguish, let alone produce, such as the infamous three shown below:\n\n- Ji1 \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh_雞.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n\n- Xi1 \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh_西.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n\n- Qi1 \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh_七.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n\nThe vowels also present some difficulties:\n\n- Wu3 \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh_五.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n\n- Yü3 \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh_雨.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n\nThere are several more sounds we could talk about, but I think the point is already clear. Mandarin learners will need to make a pretty serious effort to reach a point where native speakers can reliably understand what they say, but Japanese learners have no such trouble.\n\n### Japanese Prosody vs Mandarin Chinese Prosody\n\nPotentially surprising take, but this one's a tie for me.\n\nYes, Mandarin has the tones. They sound like this, if you haven't heard them before:\n\n- Ma1 \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh_媽.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> (a high, flat tone)\n\n- Ma2 \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh_麻.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> (a rising tone)\n\n- Ma3 \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh_馬.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> (a low tone that drops to the bottom of your vocal register, and sometimes rises back up)\n\n- Ma4 \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh_罵.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> (a high and sharply dropping done)\n\n- Ma5 \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh_嘛.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> (a neutral tone with no particular \"placement\")\n\nIndeed, those are five different words: mother, hemp, horse, to scold, and a sound you add to the end of a sentence to indicate that something is obvious. In Mandarin, simply changing the intonation of a particular syllable can cause it to mean something else.\n\nThat's tough, for sure, but there's only _five_ tones, and because every single syllable of every single word has one, you're going to get a lot of practice making them. Tones will be a nightmare for the first few months, and then they just won't bother you anymore. They quickly become second nature.\n\n> If you're struggling with the tones, [check out this blog post](\u002Fblog\u002Fchinese\u002Fchinese-language-tones). It has lots of visuals and audio examples, and also an in-depth explanation of each tone.\n\nThe thing is, you know that Mandarin has tones when you go into it. It's a challenge you're expecting, and that you mentally prepare yourself for.\n\nThe reason I give Japanese and Mandarin a tie in the prosody department is because Japanese actually presents a few prosodic challenges of its own... but they take you by surprise. Japanese textbooks don't usually mention them, and Japanese teachers don't talk about them.\n\n1. **Rhythm** — In English, we smoosh unstressed syllables together (_my name is Sami_ sounds more like _m'nay'mihh Sami_). In Japanese, each mora (hiragana or katakana block) gets an even beat. As such, \u003Ctypo lang=\"ja\" syntax=\"先生[せんせい]\">\u003C\u002Ftypo> (sensei, _teacher_) \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fja-先生.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> is pronounced se・n・se・i (four beats), not sen・sei (two beats). This seems simple, but it will take a significant amount of conscious effort to do correctly as an English speaker.\n\n2. **Pitch accent** — Mandarin words have tone patterns. Japanese syllables have pitch patterns. The difference is that a tone is a moving pitch, whereas a pitch is a static\u002Fnon-moving thing. Compare these two words: 雨（あ ↓ め, a↓me, _rain_）\u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fja-雨.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> vs 飴（あ ↑ め, a↑me, _candy_）\u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fja-飴.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>. The first word starts on a high pitch and then drops, whereas the second word starts on a low pitch and then rises. Each Japanese word has a specific pitch pattern, and getting it wrong sounds jarring, kind of like someone had said _teaCHER_ instead of _TEAcher_ in English.\n\nYour mileage may vary, but, personally, prosody is something I still struggle with in Japanese after ten years, but not something I worry about in Mandarin after five.\n\n---\n\n## Japanese culture vs Mandarin Chinese culture\n\nI lived in Japan for two years during university and have lived in Taiwan for 6 years. Posts like this usually skip the cultural side of things, but I'd like to mention them briefly, as I feel they contribute meaningfully to the difficulty of Mandarin and Japanese.\n\n### Japanese honorific language vs Mandarin Chinese honorific language\n\n[Honorific language](\u003Chttps:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FHonorifics_(linguistics)>) is language that makes apparent the social status of the speaker and\u002For the listener in a conversation. We don't really use honorifics in English.\n\nThis is an aspect of language in which Japanese takes the cake: the language contains multiple _registers_ of polite language. The language you use when speaking to a close friend is physically (grammatically) different than the language you use when speaking to a stranger. For example, here's five versions of the word \"to eat\":\n\n- \u003Ctypo lang=\"ja\" syntax=\"食う[くう]\">\u003C\u002Ftypo> (kuu) — this is a casual\u002Fcrude word that could be used between friends\n- \u003Ctypo lang=\"ja\" syntax=\"食べる[たべる]\">\u003C\u002Ftypo> (taberu) — this is the \"plain\" form of the word\n- \u003Ctypo lang=\"ja\" syntax=\"食べます[たべます]\">\u003C\u002Ftypo> (tabemasu) — this is the \"polite\" form of the word\n- いただく (itadaku) — this is the \"humble\" form of the word, and using it lowers your social status in relation to the person your talking to\n- \u003Ctypo lang=\"ja\" syntax=\"お召[おめ] しに なる\">\u003C\u002Ftypo> (o meshi ni naru) — this is the \"honorific\" form of the word, and using it elevates the social status of the person you're talking to in relation to you\n\nImportantly, using honorific language isn't an \"optional\" thing in Japanese, akin to how we can choose to be more or less polite in English. In Japanese, [politeness is \"obligatory\"](http:\u002F\u002Fwww.sachikoide.com\u002FOntheNotionofWakimae.pdf), similar to how in English it's obligatory to add an S in the third-person singular form of a verb (_I run_ vs _he runs_). In other words, in pretty much every single Japanese sentence you utter, you'll be indicating whether you think the listener is significantly above you in terms of status, somebody that you should speak politely with, or somebody that you can speak informally with.\n\nIn contrast, Mandarin learners get to ignore honorifics pretty much completely. There are a few special words you'll need to learn, but that's about the extent of it. For example, 你 (ni3) is the normal word for _you_, whereas 您 (nin2) is a more respectful version of _you_ that would be used by, say, waiters toward customers. This isn't too bad, though. It's akin to saying \"sir\" or \"ma'am\" in English.\n\n### Japanese communication vs Mandarin Chinese communication\n\nJapanese is a [high-context culture](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FHigh-context_and_low-context_cultures), which means that Japanese speakers prefer indirect means of communication. Whereas low-context cultures like the US see value in explicitly and clearly communicating one's thoughts, Japanese people feel that it is better to let adults put two and two together themselves.\n\nAs an example of this, in the book [_I Had That Same Dream Again_](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.goodreads.com\u002Fbook\u002Fshow\u002F48672814-i-had-that-same-dream-again) by Sumino Yoru, the main character (a girl in elementary school) makes a comment along these lines: \"_Saying your thoughts in the same way they come to you is the least beautiful\u002Fintelligent way to communicate._\"\n\nFurthermore, as discussed in [our article on Japanese particles](\u002Fblog\u002Fjapanese\u002Fjapanese-particles-guide), Japanese speakers tend to omit from their sentences information that they deem is rendered obvious by context. As such, whereas we'd say \"I ate it\" in English, a Japanese speaker would usually jut say \"ate\".\n\nCombining these two factors means that, to understand Japanese, it isn't enough to simply understand the words on the page or the words that come out of somebody's mouth. You also need to understand the context those words exist in, and to peek a bit underneath their surface. The result is that, sometimes, you'll understand every word and grammar point in a Japanese sentence... but still not understand what, exactly, is being said.\n\nIn contrast, Mandarin Chinese is a pretty straightforward language, and it's OK to simply say what's on your mind. This is another entire dimension of difficulty in Japanese that basically just doesn't exist in Mandarin.\n\n---\n\n## Japanese Resources vs Mandarin Chinese resources\n\nFor whatever reason, Japanese as a language and culture tends to attract people who are good with technology. In their attempt to learn the language, these people make cool tools. As a result, Japanese has a wider variety of resources than Mandarin does—in fact, I'd go so far as to say that it has more and better resources than any other language does.\n\nI'll talk about a few Japanese and Mandarin resources I personally find cool in a bit, but while we're here, I want to introduce you to Migaku—a language learning toolkit that's useable for Japanese _and_ Mandarin (and several other languages).\n\nOur core product loop is pretty straightforward:\n\nBoot up your favorite TV show (or anything with text—videos with subtitles, a web page, an ebook, and so forth.) We'll add functionality to the text of that content, making it look like this:\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fjapanese\u002FwelcomeExtension.png\" width=\"1524\" height=\"878\" alt=\"A screenshot of a Netflix show, with its subtitles enhanced by Migaku.\" \u002F>\n\nIn the above screenshot, the learner doesn't know the word \u003Ctypo lang=\"ja\" syntax=\"神秘[しんぴ]\">\u003C\u002Ftypo>. If you click on the word, you'll see this:\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fjapanese\u002FwelcomeDictionary.webp\" width=\"638\" height=\"456\" alt=\"A screenshot of the Migaku Dictionary, showing the definition of the Japanese word 'shinpi'.\" \u002F>\n\nAnd if you decide that word is useful, you can click the flashcard button (the orange button in the top-right corner of the dictionary definition) to automatically create a flashcard of it. This only takes a few seconds, and the flashcard looks like this:\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fjapanese\u002FwelcomeCardFront.webp\" width=\"388\" height=\"840\" alt=\"A screenshot of the front of a Migaku flashcardfor the word 'shinpi'.\" \u002F>\n\nThe audio is taken from the television show, and if you flip the card over, you'll see the scene where this word and sentence was taken from:\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fjapanese\u002FwelcomeCardback.webp\" width=\"388\" height=\"840\" alt=\"A screenshot of a the back of a Migaku flashcard for the word 'shinpi'.\" \u002F>\n\nThese flashcards can be sent to our proprietary app, Migaku Memory, or to Anki, a third-party open-source flashcard software.\n\nAs a result, learning Japanese or Mandarin with Migaku looks like this:\n\n- Consume content you enjoy\n- Click on new words to see explanations of what they mean\n- Make flashcards of useful-looking words\n- Study these flashcards with Migaku Memory, a spaced-repetition flashcard app\n- The more you watch or read, the better you get!\n\nIf you're not quite ready to consume content yet, we also have two courses for each language—[Migaku Fundamentals and Migaku Academy](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fshorts\u002FoXO4oGTNgcI)—that will teach you to read and pronounce your target language, then teach you the most common ~1,500 words and a few hundred basic grammar points. These weren't just randomly selected, either—each sentence contains only one new word, so the learning curve is super smooth. By the time you finish, you'll understand 80% of the words you see in Netflix subtitles.\n\n> \u003Cprose-button href=\"\u002Flearn-japanese\" text=\"Learn Japanese with Migaku\">\u003C\u002Fprose-button>\n\n> \u003Cprose-button href=\"\u002Flearn-chinese\" text=\"Learn Chinese with Migaku\">\u003C\u002Fprose-button>\n\n### Japanese Resources\n\nIf learning Japanese by watching anime and reading light novels doesn't sound cool to you, here's a few other resources you might appreciate:\n\n#### MaruMori, like Duolingo but for Japanese\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-marumori.jpeg\" width=\"1770\" height=\"1088\" alt=\"A screenshot of MaruMori's landing page, a web app for learning Japanese.\" \u002F>\n\nI haven't personally used [MaruMori](marumori.io), but if I were a beginner and I were convinced that I needed to study grammar in a structured fashion, MaruMori is where I'd start. It's kind of like Duolingo, but it's entirely focused around Japanese.\n\nMaruMori teaches Japanese in a structured format, so it's kind of like a virtual textbook. What's cool is that everything you learn on MaruMori gets tracked by a [spaced-repetition system](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FSpaced_repetition), just like in Migaku, meaning that the system will automatically nudge you to review in the future the things you learn today.\n\n#### WaniKani, for people who are scared of kanji\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-wanikani.webp\" width=\"1460\" height=\"1152\" alt=\"A screenshot of wanikani's app interface, showing how they teach kanji.\" \u002F>\n\nWe talk more about [WaniKani](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.wanikani.com\u002F) in our article on [how to learn the kanji](\u002Fblog\u002Fjapanese\u002Fhow-to-learn-kanji#tools-and-resources-for-kanji-learning), but, in essence, it's a modern way to learn the kanji.\n\n- You learn the names of tiny components that appear in multiple kanji, called radicals\n- You learn kanji you can make by combining those radicals together\n- You learn words that contain those kanji\n\nIf you take the most optimal path through WaniKani, you'll end up learning ~2,000 kanji and ~6,000 vocabulary words in just over a year. Like MaruMori and Migaku, everything you study in WaniKani is backed up by spaced repetition, so you'll eventually commit the things you learn into your long-term memory—so long as you stay consistent.\n\n### Satori Reader, for people who want to learn Japanese by reading\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-satorireader.jpeg\" width=\"2062\" height=\"1174\" alt=\"A screenshot of Satori Reader's interface, showing a story that has been prepared specifically for Japanese Learners.\" \u002F>\n\n[Satori Reader](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.satorireader.com\u002F) is similar in spirit to Migaku—we both believe that the way to make progress in a foreign language is to _use_ that language to consume content you enjoy.\n\nWhereas Migaku provides tools that help you learn from native content, Satori Reader took a different approach: the team works with real Japanese authors, voice actors, and teachers to create engaging stories for Japanese learners. There are dozens of series available, spanning multiple genres. You simply pick what you're interested in and read. If you don't know a word, you can click on it to see a dictionary definition—or, for trickier phrases, a hand-written explanation from Brian, the bilingual founder.\n\n### Mandarin Chinese resources\n\nIf you don't like the idea of learning Mandarin by reading webtoons and watching C-dramas, you might like these resources:\n\n#### DuChinese, to learn Chinese by reading graded readers\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-duchinese.jpeg\" width=\"2078\" height=\"1184\" alt=\"A screenshot of Du Chinese's home page.\" \u002F>\n\n[DuChinese](https:\u002F\u002Fduchinese.net\u002Flessons\u002Fcourses\u002F118-fanfan-s-story?chapter=1) is kind of like Satori Reader, but for Chinese. The platform has amassed over 2,000 stories and organized them into levels, from HSK1–HSK6. The idea is pretty simple: if you read a lot of things in Mandarin, you will improve.\n\nThere are two things I find particularly cool about DuChinese:\n\n1. There's a wide variety of material, from news stories to folktales to fictional stories\n2. You can mouse over unknown words to see what they mean, and you can click on most grammar points to see an explanation of how they work\n\n#### Pleco, the dictionary app I wish every language had\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fpleco.dict.view.webp\" alt=\"The dictionary interface of Pleco\" width=\"438\" height=\"720\" \u002F>\n\n[Pleco](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.pleco.com\u002F) is an incredible Chinese dictionary. It comes with several free dictionaries, and you can also pay to download some technical and professional dictionaries. The app has incredible handwriting recognition—you can basically just scribble the shape of a hanzi, and Pleco will understand.\n\nI'm listing Pleco partially because, unlike Japanese, there just aren't that many apps I personally feel comfortable recommending to people. While Pleco won't teach you Chinese, it will help you with anything you do with Chinese. I've used it daily for about six years, and consider its paid dictionaries bundle to be one of the best investments I've made, so far as paid Chinese learning resources go.\n\n---\n\n## Can You Learn Both Mandarin and Japanese at the Same Time?\n\nWell, yes, _you can_... but you can also work 97 hours a week while balancing an apple on your head. It's possible, but unless you have to, why would you do that to yourself?\n\nI personally recommend:\n\n1. Focus on one language at a time\n2. At the early intermediate level, switch from intentional\u002Ftextbook study to input-based learning: instead of watching YouTube in English, for example, watch it in that language\n3. Stick with this for awhile, until consuming content in the language feels more like fun and less like work\n4. Repeat with other languages, gradually replacing your English entertainment time with entertainment time in foreign languages as you go\n\nIn this way, you're only ever studying one language, but you may be maintaining multiple languages. This is personally the approach that I've taken through Spanish, Japanese, Russian, and Mandarin, and I'm now working on Korean.\n\nThe reason it works so well is twofold:\n\n1. **Transferable knowledge** — It'll be hard to learn your first language. You're not \"just\" learning Japanese; you're also learning how to learn, what sort of resources you prefer, and how memory works. The thing is, you only need to solve those problems once. As such, instead of struggling in two languages simultaneously, with this approach you struggle with one language and then coast through the other(s).\n2. **Checkpoints** — Each stage of language learning comes with different challenges. The beginner stage is the most frustrating stage because you don't know enough to do anything fun. The intermediate stage is long, but it mostly involves consuming a lot of content you find enjoyable. If you study two languages simultaneously, you're doubling the amount of time it takes to reach the stage where learning a language gets fun, thus increasing your risk of burnout.\n\nIf you're particularly interested in Japanese and Mandarin, you're also in luck:\n\n- The meanings of the characters stay consistent across both languages, for virtually all characters. (There are a few weird situations, such as 這, which means \"this\" in Mandarin and \"crawl\" in Japanese, but there's only a handful of situations like that.)\n- Many words are exactly the same in Japanese and Mandarin. (Though, again, there are some weird situations, such as 勉強, which means [\"to study\" in Japanese](https:\u002F\u002Fjisho.org\u002Fsearch\u002F勉強) and [\"to be forced to do something you don't wish to do\" in Mandarin](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.mdbg.net\u002Fchinese\u002Fdictionary?page=worddict&wdrst=0&wdqb=勉強&email=).)\n- Certain grammatical concepts like [counters](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FMeasure_word) transfer between the languages\n\nSo the result is that you aren't _really_ losing time by focusing on one language. If you take the time to reach a solid intermediate level in Japanese or Mandarin, you'll enjoy a major head start when you eventually turn your attention to the other one.\n\nTo see this as more of a step-by-step guide:\n\n\u003Cprose-button href=\"\u002Fblog\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fstudy-two-languages-at-once\" text=\"How to learn multiple languages\">\u003C\u002Fprose-button>\n\n---\n\n### Key Takeaways:\n\nTo loosely recap our napkin math:\n\n- **Characters** — Japanese is more difficult\n- **Grammar** — Japanese is more difficult\n- **Pronunciation** — Mandarin is much more difficult\n- **Culture** — Japanese is much more difficult\n- **Resources** — Mandarin has fewer good resources available\n\nIn my personal opinion, then, Japanese is a bit more difficult than Mandarin Chinese.\n\nNevertheless, they're both challenging! [The US Government](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.state.gov\u002Fforeign-language-training\u002F) lists both Japanese and Mandarin as being category 5 \"super-hard\" languages, meaning that it takes diplomats ~2,200 in-class hours and ~4,400 out-of-class hours to learn them well enough to use them professionally. This is a significant enough time investment. If you don't find the journey to be intrinsically enjoyable—i.e., you're _actually_ interested in Japanese, but picked Mandarin Chinese because it's supposedly a little easier or has better job prospects—you'll likely burn out before reaching a level where the language is of any practical use to you.\n\nIf you've made it this far and are still sure you want to learn both languages, then click that \"Get Started\" button at the top of this page to look into Migaku.\nWe can help you learn both languages, so you'll get double the value out of your investment.\n\n頑張ってね！\u003Cbr>\n加油喔！\u003Cbr>\nGood luck!\n",{"title":16028,"description":17056},"article\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-japanese-chinese-harder","Eu3v0QQrt9-rtWkub4_y_pG24atvS387BZmDBlE13Z4","November 5, 2024",{"id":17072,"title":17073,"body":17074,"description":18434,"extension":929,"meta":18435,"navigation":942,"path":18446,"rawbody":18447,"seo":18448,"stem":18449,"__hash__":18450,"timestampUnix":18436,"slug":18437,"h1":18438,"image":18439,"tags":18444,"_dir":948,"timestamp":18451},"content\u002Farticle\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-language-stages.md","The Five Stages of Language Learning: A Clear Guide to Mastering Any Language",{"type":8,"value":17075,"toc":18396},[17076,17079,17082,17089,17092,17095,17097,17099,17103,17106,17109,17112,17157,17160,17168,17171,17174,17188,17191,17194,17199,17202,17204,17208,17211,17214,17217,17220,17231,17235,17238,17241,17244,17258,17271,17274,17299,17305,17308,17340,17343,17347,17350,17357,17360,17377,17380,17391,17394,17411,17414,17418,17421,17424,17495,17497,17501,17504,17511,17514,17518,17525,17529,17532,17535,17539,17542,17545,17549,17552,17560,17563,17577,17592,17595,17625,17629,17632,17635,17637,17641,17644,17651,17654,17658,17665,17667,17671,17674,17682,17754,17757,17775,17782,17785,17787,17791,17797,17804,17807,17812,17815,17819,17822,17825,17827,17831,17834,17839,17842,17845,17848,17868,17871,17898,17901,17912,17915,17918,17922,17925,17931,17942,17945,17948,17952,17955,17963,17966,17968,17972,17975,17978,17981,17985,17994,17997,18003,18006,18010,18018,18022,18025,18028,18045,18047,18051,18054,18060,18063,18083,18089,18098,18101,18105,18108,18116,18119,18122,18126,18129,18135,18138,18147,18163,18167,18170,18184,18190,18193,18198,18202,18205,18209,18212,18215,18218,18236,18239,18243,18249,18256,18276,18279,18284,18288,18291,18294,18308,18311,18316,18319,18324,18327,18330,18337,18340,18348,18351,18354,18356,18360,18363,18366,18369,18393],[11,17077,17078],{},"When most people think of language learning, they think of something like a light switch: you're a beginner for a long time, and then, one day, magically, you wake up fluent.",[11,17080,17081],{},"And that's not how second language acquisition works.",[11,17083,17084,17085,17088],{},"There are ",[21,17086,17087],{},"stages"," of learning a language.",[11,17090,17091],{},"In this article we'll talk through the language learning process: roughly what you can do at each level, and also how to move to the next one.",[11,17093,17094],{},"More specifically, we'll cover:",[30,17096],{},[34,17098],{},[37,17100,17102],{"id":17101},"what-second-language-acquisition-and-cycling-have-in-common","What second language acquisition and cycling have in common",[11,17104,17105],{},"Before we start talking about learning a new language, let's ground ourselves with an example that everybody will be familiar with.",[11,17107,17108],{},"Let's talk about learning to ride a bike.",[11,17110,17111],{},"We might break down the \"stages\" of \"bike fluency\" like this:",[121,17113,17114,17120,17126,17132,17138,17144,17147],{},[124,17115,17116,17119],{},[69,17117,17118],{},"Stage 0",": You've never ridden a bike before",[124,17121,17122,17125],{},[69,17123,17124],{},"Stage 1",": You can't reliably stay upright on the bike yet",[124,17127,17128,17131],{},[69,17129,17130],{},"Stage 2",": You can ride a bike to get around, casually",[124,17133,17134,17137],{},[69,17135,17136],{},"Stage 3",": You can ride at a solid amateur level, sustaining a speed of 20mph (~32kmph) for an hour",[124,17139,17140,17143],{},[69,17141,17142],{},"Stage 4",": You're ready to compete in bike riding competitions",[124,17145,17146],{},"???",[124,17148,17149,17156],{},[69,17150,17151],{},[867,17152,17155],{"href":17153,"rel":17154},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=SiMHTK15Pik",[1196],"Stage Over 9,000",": You're literally Lance Armstrong",[11,17158,17159],{},"Of course, we could go way deeper with this if we wanted to:",[121,17161,17162,17165],{},[124,17163,17164],{},"Each stage has sublevels; in stage 1 you need to learn to stay upright on the bike, use the brakes, turn, and so forth",[124,17166,17167],{},"Maybe you're at stage 4, but decide you're interested in triathlons; now you need to learn to run and swim, too",[11,17169,17170],{},"But I'm not a cyclist, and that's all beside the point.",[11,17172,17173],{},"What I really want you to take from this are three key ideas:",[3153,17175,17176,17179,17182],{},[124,17177,17178],{},"You don't need to be Lance Armstrong to ride your bike around town",[124,17180,17181],{},"The fact that you can do wheelies and ride with no hands doesn't make you Lance Armstrong",[124,17183,17184,17185],{},"A big part of cycling, whether you want to become Lance Armstrong or not, involves ",[21,17186,17187],{},"actually riding a bike",[11,17189,17190],{},"If you take those three things to heart, you'll be successful in your language learning pursuits.",[11,17192,17193],{},"To be clear:",[86,17195,17196],{},[11,17197,17198],{},"You don't need to be fluent to begin doing cool things in the language you're learning. On the contrary, you make progress toward fluency by doing cool things in the language you're learning.",[11,17200,17201],{},"Now that that's out of the way, let's get into it.",[34,17203],{},[37,17205,17207],{"id":17206},"disclaimer-why-learning-a-language-isnt-a-linear-process","Disclaimer: Why learning a language isn't a linear process",[11,17209,17210],{},"Starting from the next section, we're going to break language proficiency down into five stages.",[11,17212,17213],{},"Know that this is an oversimplification.",[11,17215,17216],{},"While we're going to lay out the stages of language learning in an easy-to-follow fashion, learning isn't really a linear process.",[11,17218,17219],{},"There are three major reasons for this:",[121,17221,17222,17225,17228],{},[124,17223,17224],{},"Passive and active skills work differently",[124,17226,17227],{},"Different sorts of language are used in different genres\u002Fmediums\u002Fplaces",[124,17229,17230],{},"Comprehension is a spectrum, not an all-or-nothing problem",[414,17232,17234],{"id":17233},"passive-vs-active-skills-or-why-you-can-understand-but-not-speak","Passive vs active skills, or why you can understand but not speak",[11,17236,17237],{},"If you've got four minutes, I highly recommend watching this video. If you're new to language learning, it could very well change the way you think about memory and learning:",[4988,17239],{"src":17240},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FUhyk2bRTguI?si=kzPyIpFNnR6y_im2",[11,17242,17243],{},"If not, know that we can largely break memory down into two categories:",[121,17245,17246,17252],{},[124,17247,17248,17251],{},[69,17249,17250],{},"Recognition",", in which you see a word in another language and understand what it means; you go from a foreign language to your native language",[124,17253,17254,17257],{},[69,17255,17256],{},"Recall",", in which you produce a word in another language from memory alone; you go from your native language to a foreign language",[86,17259,17260],{},[11,17261,17262,17263,17266,17267,17270],{},"It's much easier to ",[21,17264,17265],{},"recognize (understand)"," things in a foreign language than it is to ",[21,17268,17269],{},"recall"," things in a foreign language.",[11,17272,17273],{},"With this in mind, language skills are broken into two main categories:",[121,17275,17276,17289],{},[124,17277,17278,17281,17282,17284,17285,17288],{},[69,17279,17280],{},"Active skills",", speaking and writing, in which you ",[21,17283,17269],{}," (or ",[21,17286,17287],{},"produce",") things in another language",[124,17290,17291,17294,17295,17298],{},[69,17292,17293],{},"Passive skills",", reading and listening, in which you ",[21,17296,17297],{},"recognize"," things in another language",[11,17300,17301,17302,17304],{},"It takes much less effort to learn a foreign word well enough that you can recognize (understand) it when you see it than it does to learn a word well enough that you can recall (produce) it when you want to use it. As you progress in your journey, you'll find (frustratingly) that you often can't remember words when speaking, even though you ",[21,17303,11498],{}," you know them.",[11,17306,17307],{},"To be more specific, every single word you learn in your target language (the language you're learning) will go through a journey that looks something like this:",[3153,17309,17310,17313,17316,17319,17322,17325,17328,17331,17334,17337],{},[124,17311,17312],{},"You don't know a word exists",[124,17314,17315],{},"You know it exists, but if you see it, you won't remember that you've seen it before",[124,17317,17318],{},"When you see it, you remember that you've seen it before, but don't remember what it means",[124,17320,17321],{},"You'll usually remember it in your flashcard app, in the very specific context that the word was introduced to you in, but you won't recognize it anywhere else",[124,17323,17324],{},"When you see it in the wild, you'll remember its shape—that it's an adjective, that it has a positive meaning, that it describes a person's character—but you won't remember what it means",[124,17326,17327],{},"You'll remember it when you see it or hear it, but you won't remember it when you want to say it yourself",[124,17329,17330],{},"You'll remember part of it—that it's a long or short word, or that it begins with a P sound—but you won't quite remember the whole word",[124,17332,17333],{},"You can produce the word from memory yourself, but you can't use it correctly, because you don't know the words its commonly used with, what native speakers associate with the word, and so forth",[124,17335,17336],{},"You can use the word correctly, as a native would",[124,17338,17339],{},"You can be creative, and use the word in an artistic sense",[11,17341,17342],{},"The earlier stages come faster and the later ones come slower, but they all take time.",[414,17344,17346],{"id":17345},"domain-specificity-or-why-learning-a-language-isnt-a-linear-process","Domain specificity, or why learning a language isn't a linear process",[11,17348,17349],{},"We use language differently in different situations.",[11,17351,17352,17353,17356],{},"As obvious as this sounds, it's of ",[21,17354,17355],{},"massive"," importance for language learners.",[11,17358,17359],{},"Try to imagine these situations:",[121,17361,17362,17365,17368,17371,17374],{},[124,17363,17364],{},"A friend telling another friend about his vacation to Thailand",[124,17366,17367],{},"A professor explaining centrifugal force to a university-level physics class",[124,17369,17370],{},"A lawyer presenting DNA evidence from the scene of a crime to a judge",[124,17372,17373],{},"A basketball coach guiding an army of nine year olds through layup drills",[124,17375,17376],{},"A multinational business executive giving a presentation to investors about the company's annual financial performance",[11,17378,17379],{},"They differ in several ways:",[121,17381,17382,17385,17388],{},[124,17383,17384],{},"Some are more formal, others are more casual",[124,17386,17387],{},"Some involve spontaneous speech, others involve prepared speech",[124,17389,17390],{},"Some will make heavy use of technical language, others will be more everyday in nature",[11,17392,17393],{},"The point I want to make here is that improving your skill in a foreign language really means developing a nearly countless amount of subskills. Or, more practically speaking:",[121,17395,17396,17399,17402,17405],{},[124,17397,17398],{},"The fact that you can confidently understand what you read doesn't mean you can confidently understand what you hear",[124,17400,17401],{},"The fact that you can read fantasy books well doesn't mean that you can read academic papers or financial documents well",[124,17403,17404],{},"The fact that you understand a language does not mean that you can speak it",[124,17406,17407,17408],{},"The fact that you can effortlessly talk with friends for 3 hours over Skype doesn't mean you can explain to the bank teller that you need to know the maximum aggregate value of your savings account over the last five years so that you can backfile your taxes because you weren't aware that you had to file them even if you were living abroad ",[21,17409,17410],{},"(not that I'm speaking from experience or anything)",[11,17412,17413],{},"Essentially, this means that the skills you develop won't be perfectly transferrable. An intermediate learner who primarily watches TV shows will have a very different skill set than an intermediate learner who primarily reads newspaper articles.",[414,17415,17417],{"id":17416},"levels-of-comprehension-or-why-learning-a-language-isnt-black-and-white","Levels of comprehension, or why learning a language isn't black and white",[11,17419,17420],{},"Fluency is more like a spectrum than a light switch. If you give the same piece of content to two different learners, the more advanced learner will understand more of it than a less advanced learner.",[11,17422,17423],{},"Generally speaking, we identify five levels of comprehension at Migaku:",[121,17425,17426,17436,17451,17461,17475,17485],{},[124,17427,17428,17433,17435],{},[69,17429,17430,17431],{},"Level 0: Dark",[132,17432],{},[132,17434],{},"\nYou literally understand nothing. It might as well be (and probably is) a language you've never seen before.",[124,17437,17438,17441,17443,17445,17446,427,17448,17450],{},[69,17439,17440],{},"Level 1: Murky",[132,17442],{},[132,17444],{},"\nYou can pick out the occasional super common word, like ",[21,17447,405],{},[21,17449,3334],{},". You still understand basically nothing, but it's exciting when you recognize things. If somebody asked you to summarize what you heard or read, you would be completely guessing.",[124,17452,17453,17456,17458,17460],{},[69,17454,17455],{},"Level 2: Hazy",[132,17457],{},[132,17459],{},"\nYou recognize a few words from most sentences, but you miss more than you understand. While consuming content in another language is still very difficult and not a lot of fun, you get the gist of what's going on. If you're willing to focus on a particular piece of content, you have enough handholds that you can slowly piece things together.",[124,17462,17463,17466,17468,17470,17471,17474],{},[69,17464,17465],{},"Level 3: Misty",[132,17467],{},[132,17469],{},"\nYou still miss a lot of details, but you understand enough to follow along. It's difficult to consume content in your target language, but no longer intimidating. So long as you have the ability to look up new words and grammar points, you're confident that you can make sense of the content you're consuming. Whereas consuming content in your target language used to be tiring and frustrating, it's now beginning to be ",[21,17472,17473],{},"kind of"," fun.",[124,17476,17477,17480,17482,17484],{},[69,17478,17479],{},"Level 4: Cloudy",[132,17481],{},[132,17483],{},"\nThere are many technical words you don't know, and you likely don't understand jokes, puns, or \"artistic\" sentences... but, nevertheless, you understand most sentences you come across. While it still takes effort to process information in your target language, your target language feels natural enough that consuming content in it is a mostly enjoyable process.",[124,17486,17487,17490,17492,17494],{},[69,17488,17489],{},"Level 5: Clear",[132,17491],{},[132,17493],{},"\nYou understand virtually everything you encounter, and it takes little or no effort to process information in the language you're learning. At this point, consuming content in the language you're learning is an entirely enjoyable activity.",[34,17496],{},[37,17498,17500],{"id":17499},"the-five-stages-of-language-learning","The five stages of language learning",[11,17502,17503],{},"While we've stacked the stages of language learning up pretty neatly here, know that they won't feel so linear in real life. You make progress every day, but you only recognize that you've made progress in specific situations—when you realize that something is easier for you now than it used to be, when you do something you hadn't thought you could do, when you achieve a goal, and so forth.",[11,17505,17506,17507,17510],{},"Additionally, every language is ",[21,17508,17509],{},"huge",". There are just so many directions you could choose to go. You might choose to work on all the skills equally, and be well-rounded but at a lower level, or focus on one thing like reading, and get very good at that but remain near zero in the other skills.",[11,17512,17513],{},"How your journey looks will be unique... but, generally speaking, the milestones ahead of you will look something like this:",[37,17515,17517],{"id":17516},"absolute-beginner-everything-in-your-new-language-is-a-headache","😐 Absolute beginner: Everything in your new language is a headache",[11,17519,17520,17521,17524],{},"If you know less than 1,500 vocabulary words, which is ",[867,17522,17523],{"href":10002},"the amount of words you need to know to recognize 80% of the words in any random sentence you see",", you're in the \"absolute beginner\" stage.",[833,17526],{"src":17527,"width":5775,"height":5776,"alt":17528},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-absolute-beginner.jpeg","A screenshot of a French article from Le Monde, showing a learner that doesn't know many French words.",[11,17530,17531],{},"At this stage, it's basically impossible to consume any sort of content in the language you're learning. There will be several new words in every single sentence you see, and your lack of grammatical knowledge means you may not understand the sentence even if you look up every single word.",[11,17533,17534],{},"When you're an absolute beginner, trying to interact with your foreign language will probably feel like work. Because your target language is currently something that takes energy from you, it's important to make sure you're getting a good return on the effort you're investing into it.",[414,17536,17538],{"id":17537},"goals-for-new-language-learners","Goals for new language learners",[11,17540,17541],{},"Learn the most common 1,500 words in your language and work through a beginner's course to learn some basic grammar.",[11,17543,17544],{},"And you'll do that by...",[414,17546,17548],{"id":17547},"how-to-overcome-the-absolute-beginner-stage","How to overcome the absolute beginner stage",[11,17550,17551],{},"At this stage of the game, you have two main goals:",[3153,17553,17554,17557],{},[124,17555,17556],{},"Follow a course that will help you build the foundation you need to start using your language",[124,17558,17559],{},"Establish the habit of interacting with your language every single day",[11,17561,17562],{},"Migaku offers two types of courses:",[121,17564,17565,17571],{},[124,17566,17567,17570],{},[69,17568,17569],{},"Migaku Fundamentals",", which gives you a bit of information about your language, then teaches you to pronounce it and to read its writing system",[124,17572,17573,17576],{},[69,17574,17575],{},"Migaku Academy",", which teaches you the ~1,500 vocabulary words (and a few hundred grammar points) you need to understand 80% of media in the language you're learning",[11,17578,17579,17580,17585,17586,17591],{},"If a Migaku course if available for your language, we naturally recommend using that. If not, download ",[867,17581,17584],{"href":17582,"rel":17583},"https:\u002F\u002Fapps.ankiweb.net\u002F",[1196],"Anki"," and find ",[867,17587,17590],{"href":17588,"rel":17589},"https:\u002F\u002Fankiweb.net\u002Fshared\u002Fdecks",[1196],"a public Anki deck"," that teaches frequently-appearing words through sentences.",[11,17593,17594],{},"From here, you'll be juggling three activities:",[3153,17596,17597,17603,17619],{},[124,17598,17599,17602],{},[69,17600,17601],{},"Beginner's course"," — Pick a set amount of new flashcards to learn per day in Migaku's courses. We recommend starting at 5–10 and maintaining this pace for two weeks to see if it is sustainable. If you're following a different course, break it up so that you make a bit of progress each day.",[124,17604,17605,17608,17609,17614,17615,17618],{},[69,17606,17607],{},"Intensive input (more effort)"," — Look on YouTube for \"",[867,17610,17613],{"href":17611,"rel":17612},"https:\u002F\u002Fcomprehensibleinputwiki.org\u002Fwiki\u002FMain_Page",[1196],"{Your target language} comprehensible input","\" ",[21,17616,17617],{},"(for example, French comprehensible input)",". Comprehensible input creators use images, gestures, and careful wording in an attempt to be understandable even to beginners. Find one you like, and do your best to follow them without English subtitles.",[124,17620,17621,17624],{},[69,17622,17623],{},"Extensive input (less effort)"," — Find something interesting in your foreign language, regardless of difficulty. Put on English subtitles (or, ideally, subtitles in both English and the language you're learning), and simply watch to have fun.",[833,17626],{"src":17627,"width":5775,"height":5776,"alt":17628},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-stages-dual-subtitles.jpeg","A screenshot of an anime episode, showing Migaku's ability to display subtitles in two languages at once..",[11,17630,17631],{},"Make a priority of doing the flashcards that Migaku (or Anki) schedules for you each day. After that, split your time evenly between intensive and extensive input.",[11,17633,17634],{},"As you steadily learn new words, you will become increasingly able to pick words out of the content you are consuming. Eventually you'll find that you can kind of follow the content you're watching, and that's a sign that you're well on your way to the beginner level.",[34,17636],{},[37,17638,17640],{"id":17639},"beginner-your-foreign-language-stops-feeling-quite-so-foreign","🙂 Beginner: Your foreign language stops feeling quite so foreign",[11,17642,17643],{},"When you finish Migaku's Academy course for your language, or when you learn about 1,500 words, you'll enter the beginner stage. While most content is still challenging, it is no longer completely inaccessible: so long as you are willing to sit down, go slow, and and exert effort, you can actually work through quite a wide variety of things.",[11,17645,17646,17647,17650],{},"You still run into words you don't know very regularly at this stage. You recognize 80% of the words you see, and that's a massive achievement... but, doing the math, it means you ",[21,17648,17649],{},"don't"," recognize one in five words. For reference, a typical sentence has over ten words.",[11,17652,17653],{},"What's different between the beginner stage and the absolute beginner stage is that, as an absolute beginner, you were missing entire sentences. Now, you're missing key words within sentences. You'll generally be able to point out why you don't understand a particular sentence. This is indeed a massive improvement, and you'll notice it.",[414,17655,17657],{"id":17656},"goals-for-beginner-language-learners","Goals for beginner language learners",[11,17659,17660,17661,17664],{},"Learn the most common 3,000 words in your language. Reach level 4 comprehension ",[21,17662,17663],{},"(see \"levels of comprehension\" above)"," of easy content in your target language, such as the comprehensible input YouTube channels mentioned in the absolute beginner stage.",[11,17666,17544],{},[414,17668,17670],{"id":17669},"how-to-overcome-the-beginner-stage","How to overcome the beginner stage",[11,17672,17673],{},"At the beginner stage, you've now got your feet under you: you know your language's most common words and you've built a regular habit of interacting with your language. Now, we're going to expand on that foundation.",[3153,17675,17676,17679],{},[124,17677,17678],{},"Learn 1,500 new words by creating flashcards out of sentences from the media you are consuming—ideally out of sentences that contain only one new word",[124,17680,17681],{},"Establish a foothold: some kind of media you enjoy in your target language that you can follow relatively confidently",[4004,17683,17685,17688,17697,17700,17704,17714,17717,17720,17728,17732,17735,17738,17743,17746,17751],{"heading":17684},"How to make flashcards",[11,17686,17687],{},"Quick detour, just in case the idea of making flashcards is totally new to you.",[11,17689,17690,17691,17696],{},"So, I like ",[867,17692,17695],{"href":17693,"rel":17694},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=yHAVjuVtJ-4&list=PLlpPf-YgbU7EDirU0cmpLnrXEAkvOVZCB",[1196],"Dreaming Spanish's series on the history of Spain",". It's an interesting topic, and the host has carefully prepared their script so that it's easy to follow. You can see that I have a pretty solid comprehension score of 83%, even though I know less than 2,000 Spanish words.",[11,17698,17699],{},"As I'm following along with the video, I see this word I don't know, so I look it up by clicking on it:",[833,17701],{"src":17702,"width":5775,"height":5776,"alt":17703},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-stages-flashcards-1.jpeg","A screenshot of a Spanish comprehensible input video, showing the word 'pintura'",[11,17705,17706,17707,17710,17711,844],{},"Ahh, so ",[21,17708,17709],{},"pintura"," means ",[21,17712,17713],{},"painting",[11,17715,17716],{},"Painting seems like a pretty useful word—I could see myself using it, at least. It's also the only word I don't know in this sentence, which makes it a good candidate for a flashcard.",[11,17718,17719],{},"So, now that we've stumbled into this little nugget of gold, let's mine it! (Which is nerdy internet speak for \"make a flashcard\"):",[121,17721,17722,17725],{},[124,17723,17724],{},"On Migaku, you can make a flashcard simply by clicking that orange button in the top-right corner of the pop-up dictionary window. It will automatically fetch things like the scene of your video and the sentence your selected word appeared in.",[124,17726,17727],{},"On Anki, or other platforms, you'll need to gather all of these things manually—but, otherwise, the process is the same.",[833,17729],{"src":17730,"width":5775,"height":5776,"alt":17731},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-stage-flashcards-2.jpeg","A screenshot of Migaku's card creator",[11,17733,17734],{},"That looks good to me, so I hit \"create card\". Migaku will now add it to my \"Spanish mining\" deck (cards I made myself) to be learned in the future.",[11,17736,17737],{},"The flashcards looks like this:",[833,17739],{"src":17740,"width":17741,"height":17742,"alt":17731},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-stages-flashcards-3.jpeg",874,912,[11,17744,17745],{},"And that's it!",[86,17747,17748],{},[11,17749,17750],{},"Improving your vocabulary takes time, but it's relatively straightforward. You simply consume content and do your best to enjoy yourself. When you see a sentence with a new word, click a few buttons to make a flashcard. Migaku will prompt you to review the flashcard periodically, ensuring that you commit it to memory.",[11,17752,17753],{},"Back to the article...",[11,17755,17756],{},"To achieve those goals, you'll again juggle three things:",[121,17758,17759,17765,17770],{},[124,17760,17761,17764],{},[69,17762,17763],{},"Flashcards"," — Continue creating and reviewing flashcards. This may seem a bit troublesome at first, but you will quickly see results, and it will become second nature before long.",[124,17766,17767,17769],{},[69,17768,17607],{}," — Remember that stuff you were watching with English subtitles? Continue watching it, but now turn the English subtitles off. Do your best to follow it by reading along with the target-language subtitles and looking up words you don't know.",[124,17771,17772,17774],{},[69,17773,17623],{}," — Remember that comprehensible input stuff you were watching on YouTube, or whatever beginner-oriented media you found? Continue watching it, and explore similar channels. It should be easier by now. Focus on hearing the sounds of your target language and processing sentences in it, doing your best to avoid translating to English in your head.",[11,17776,17777,17778,17781],{},"As your vocabulary grows and you consume more content in your language, you'll realize something: the language you're learning isn't so scary anymore. In fact, ",[21,17779,17780],{},"sometimes",", it might even be kind of fun.",[11,17783,17784],{},"You'll know that you've reached the intermediate stage when the scale tips and spending time in your language begins to feel more like fun and less like work.",[34,17786],{},[37,17788,17790],{"id":17789},"intermediate-fluency-seems-reachable-in-the-main-skill-youve-been-focusing-on","😃 Intermediate: Fluency seems reachable in the main skill you've been focusing on",[11,17792,17793,17794,17796],{},"Once you built a vocabulary of 3,000 words, you've reached the intermediate stage. The intermediate stage is defined by independence: you can mostly do what you want, so long as you have time to prepare and tools to support you. Whereas in the previous stage content that you could understand ",[21,17795,3970],{}," enjoy was relatively difficult to find, that's not the case anymore. You can consume basically whatever content you want, so long as you're willing to put in a little effort.",[11,17798,17799,17800,17803],{},"Unfortunately, you're not quite out of the woods yet. You're still going to run into words you don't know ",[21,17801,17802],{},"constantly","... but, just as often, you're also going to run into sentences that you understand perfectly.",[11,17805,17806],{},"Whereas everybody's journey has likely looked pretty similar so far—the fundamentals are the fundamentals, after all—here is where paths begin to diverge. The sort of things you need to know to read crime procedurals are very different than the things you need to know to follow politics in the newspaper.",[86,17808,17809],{},[11,17810,17811],{},"You'll eventually learn all the words, but depending on your goals, different people with different goals will find different words to be more important to learn first. Focus on your needs.",[11,17813,17814],{},"This stage is long—it's called the intermediate plateau for a reason—but it's also really cool. You should be proud to be here, and you're also going to have a lot of fun.",[414,17816,17818],{"id":17817},"goals-for-intermediate-language-learners","Goals for intermediate language learners",[11,17820,17821],{},"In the beginner stage, you reached a point where you felt pretty confident with content that was made specifically for learners. In the intermediate stage, you want to achieve that same level of confidence with some content that you actually enjoy—something you'd watch or read in your native language.",[11,17823,17824],{},"If you can do this once, with one skill, you'll be able to apply the lessons you learned to take the same journey with the other skills.",[11,17826,17544],{},[414,17828,17830],{"id":17829},"how-to-overcome-the-intermediate-stage","How to overcome the intermediate stage",[11,17832,17833],{},"If I had to define the intermediate stage with one picture, it'd be this one:",[833,17835],{"src":17836,"width":1650,"height":17837,"alt":17838},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-stages-intermediate.jpeg",1056,"Meme: me reading Korean vs me speaking Korean",[11,17840,17841],{},"You've made some serious progress up to this point... but you're a human, you have preferences, and it's likely becoming quite apparent that your skills are pretty unbalanced.",[11,17843,17844],{},"For this reason, at the intermediate stage, we're going to master one thing and get up to speed in another thing.",[11,17846,17847],{},"More specifically, you've got three main tasks:",[121,17849,17850,17856,17862],{},[124,17851,17852,17855],{},[69,17853,17854],{},"Get your foot in the door"," — Your most important task is to find a piece of content, or a studio\u002Fauthor\u002Fcontent creator, which you enjoy and can understand without too much trouble. Your first piece of \"real\" content will be challenging, but it'll get notably easier as you go. This is a rite of passage and you'll grow a lot by working through the piece of content you choose.",[124,17857,17858,17861],{},[69,17859,17860],{},"Balance yourself out"," — It doesn't feel good to rubber band between being Super Doggo and Weak Doggo. To remove this friction from your learning journey, we're going to begin taking intentional steps to strengthen your \"other\" skill—reading or listening—whichever one you've been neglecting.",[124,17863,17864,17867],{},[69,17865,17866],{},"Expand your vocab"," — You'll hit ~90% comprehension of media at ~5,000 words and ~94% comprehension at 10,000 words. These are big milestones: you go from not knowing 1 of every 5 words to 1 of 10 to 1 of 20. The less often you're forced to put down your content to look up a word, the more effortless (and thus enjoyable) your target language will be.",[11,17869,17870],{},"And in pursuit of that goal, you'll be doing four things:",[121,17872,17873,17878,17886,17892],{},[124,17874,17875,17877],{},[69,17876,17763],{}," — Bet you didn't see that one coming, did you? Flashcards are a language learner's bread and butter. They're like an insurance policy: anything that goes into your deck of flashcards on Migaku is eventually going to make its way into your memory, too.",[124,17879,17880,17882,17883,17885],{},[69,17881,17623],{}," — Pick your main skill, whether that's listening or reading. Find a piece of content in it that's enjoyable ",[21,17884,3970],{}," relatively easy. Spend a bit of time with this content every day.",[124,17887,17888,17891],{},[69,17889,17890],{},"Intensive input A (more effort)"," — Again focusing on your main skill, pick a piece of content that you really want to consume. It can be anything, so long as you're really interested in it. As you consume this content, make a point to look up everything you don't understand.",[124,17893,17894,17897],{},[69,17895,17896],{},"Intensive input B (more effort)"," — Now focus on your weak skill. If you prefer reading, find an easy podcast or YouTube channel and push yourself to watch without subtitles. If you prefer listening, find a book of young adult short stories or news articles on a topic you're interested in. Anything goes, here, really. Just do what you need to do to spend time working on your weak skill.",[11,17899,17900],{},"And now you're going to rotate between these tasks like this:",[121,17902,17903,17906],{},[124,17904,17905],{},"Every day, finish your flashcards and do your extensive input exercise",[124,17907,17908,17909],{},"Switch between intensive input activity A and B from learning session to learning session ",[21,17910,17911],{},"(if you read today, listen tomorrow)",[11,17913,17914],{},"As you maintain this schedule, you'll find that you become increasingly confident in your strong skill. It will eventually become virtually effortless and become purely enjoyable: you'll look forward to interacting with your target language each day. Your weaker skill will still need work, but it'll also get notably stronger.",[11,17916,17917],{},"Following our \"levels of comprehension\" from above, your goal is to hit level 5 comprehension in your main skill and level 3 comprehension in your weaker skill.",[37,17919,17921],{"id":17920},"advanced-you-can-do-whatever-you-want-without-much-trouble","😂 Advanced: You can do whatever you want without much trouble",[11,17923,17924],{},"You've done it. You hit the big number. You've learned 10,000 words in your language.",[833,17926],{"src":17927,"width":17928,"height":17929,"alt":17930},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-stages-dicaprio-toast2.webp",913,613,"Leonardo DiCaprio toasting this absolute legend who has just learned 10,000 words in another language.",[11,17932,17933,17934,17937,17938,17941],{},"Whereas the intermediate learner can do ",[21,17935,17936],{},"one"," thing confidently, the advanced learner can do ",[21,17939,17940],{},"most"," things without much effort. You can effortlessly consume content in your genres of choice, and your foundation is solid enough that it isn't difficult to branch out into new genres. Your weaker skill, while still weaker, has become serviceable.",[11,17943,17944],{},"You're not bilingual, and you'll be painfully aware of this... but, generally speaking, you'll feel pretty good. You understand the vast majority of sentences you come across, and you can even understand some sentences where you're missing a word by leaning on context.",[11,17946,17947],{},"This stage is about exploring your interests using your strong skill and taking intentional efforts to strengthen your weak skills. This is also around the time where you might begin trying to practice output—writing and speaking.",[414,17949,17951],{"id":17950},"goals-for-advanced-language-learners","Goals for advanced language learners",[11,17953,17954],{},"The world is your oyster, but there are a few obvious things standing between you and greatness:",[3153,17956,17957,17960],{},[124,17958,17959],{},"Reading or listening, whichever skill is weaker",[124,17961,17962],{},"Speaking and writing, which you may have completely ignored so far",[11,17964,17965],{},"So we're going to fix that.",[11,17967,17544],{},[414,17969,17971],{"id":17970},"how-to-overcome-the-advanced-stage","How to overcome the advanced stage",[11,17973,17974],{},"To keep things brief—you're basically going to be repeating the intermediate level several times over.",[11,17976,17977],{},"Whereas you previously developed supreme confidence in your main skill, now it's time to get your weaker skill up to that level while also developing basic confidence in one of the output skills, speaking or writing. After you get ok at speaking or writing, the process repeats again: now you master your chosen output skill while building a foundation in the second one.",[11,17979,17980],{},"You should know what you're doing by now, but here are two quick suggestions from me:",[3162,17982,17984],{"id":17983},"two-resources-for-learning-to-write","Two resources for learning to write",[11,17986,17987,17988,17993],{},"Check out the website ",[867,17989,17992],{"href":17990,"rel":17991},"https:\u002F\u002Flangcorrect.com\u002F",[1196],"Langcorrect",". It's totally free. You submit bits of writing about anything you want, and native speakers will correct you. If you correct entries from people who are learning your native language, you'll get more feedback on your own entries.",[11,17995,17996],{},"Ideally, you find somebody you get along with well and begin exchanging snippets of writing regularly.",[833,17998],{"src":17999,"width":18000,"height":18001,"alt":18002},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-stages-langcorrect.jpeg",1564,1480,"A screenshot of Langcorrect's interface, showing a paragraph I wrote in Japanese being corrected.",[11,18004,18005],{},"Alternatively, you can submit your writing to ChatGPT and ask for corrections. ChatGPT isn't perfect—it doesn't write as naturally in other languages as it does in English—but it's a free, accessible, and non-intimidating way to begin writing in another language.",[3162,18007,18009],{"id":18008},"three-resources-for-learning-to-speak","Three resources for learning to speak",[11,18011,18012,18013,1198],{},"If you've never spoken before, I recommend finding a tutor to work with on ",[867,18014,18017],{"href":18015,"rel":18016},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.italki.com\u002Fdashboard",[1196],"italki",[833,18019],{"src":18020,"width":5775,"height":5776,"alt":18021},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-stages-output.jpeg","A screenshot of Italki's teacher finder interface, showing French teachers that match my criteria.",[11,18023,18024],{},"While it might sound scary, 1:1 conversations are actually the easiest way to get started with output. The person you are talking to can focus on you and adjust to your level. If you don't understand something, you can ask for the sentence to be rephrased. It'll be scary at first, but all of the input you've gotten will enable you to make progress quickly, and it'll be exciting.",[11,18026,18027],{},"Alternatively, you can try:",[121,18029,18030,18038],{},[124,18031,18032,18037],{},[867,18033,18036],{"href":18034,"rel":18035},"https:\u002F\u002Ftandem.net\u002F",[1196],"Tandem",", an app for finding language exchange partners. It's mostly text-based, and people aren't always reliable, but if you're outgoing and good at making friends, you can find a few people to call with—totally free.",[124,18039,18040,18044],{},[867,18041,18043],{"href":18042},"\u002Fblog\u002Fjapanese\u002Fmigaku-japanese-learning-discord","Migaku's discord server",", a hub with thousands of people learning many different languages; we have channels dedicated to talking in each of our languages, so you can practice with other learners and might find native speakers to exchange with, too.",[34,18046],{},[37,18048,18050],{"id":18049},"mastery-you-may-be-mistaken-for-a-native-in-some-contexts","🤠 Mastery: You may be mistaken for a native in some contexts",[11,18052,18053],{},"We've been pretty positive so far, but here's an uncomfortable truth: you're going to reach a point where you can pretty much effortlessly do anything you want in the language you're learning... and you'll also realize that there's still a massive gap between you and native speakers.",[11,18055,18056,18057,18059],{},"You see, whereas you can do whatever you ",[21,18058,4315],{},", native speakers can do pretty much everything, including many things they don't enjoy and frankly would prefer to never do again.",[11,18061,18062],{},"For example, I'm a native English speaker. My job is writing in English and my hobby is reading fantasy novels, but in the last month or so I have:",[121,18064,18065,18068,18071,18074,18077],{},[124,18066,18067],{},"Read a lengthy dossier of paperwork about the side effects of a medicine I'm taking for osteoporosis",[124,18069,18070],{},"Re-read a chapter of a math book explaining the quadratic formula",[124,18072,18073],{},"Helped my father replace the ball bearings in a car wheel",[124,18075,18076],{},"Talked with an accountant about US tax law",[124,18078,18079,18080],{},"Reviewed the science behind how neural processing units differ from central processing units ",[21,18081,18082],{},"(computer hardware)",[11,18084,18085,18086,18088],{},"And all that stuff, to be frank, kinda sucked. Nevertheless, for one reason or another, I had to do them. Despite the fact that I don't ",[21,18087,1328],{}," doing them, I had the English vocabulary to navigate them.",[11,18090,18091,18092,18097],{},"Heck, even the fun stuff can end up being not so fun. I recently read ",[867,18093,18096],{"href":18094,"rel":18095},"http:\u002F\u002Fwww.fictionaut.com\u002Fstories\u002Famy-hempel\u002Fin-the-cemetery-where-al-jolson-is-buried",[1196],"a short story by Amy Hempel"," and concluded that I have no writing talent whatsoever. There's always somebody better.",[11,18099,18100],{},"Anyway—that's the sort of thing is what's waiting for you in your target language. You've dominated your domain of preference and are now playing catchup: learning all the supplementary stuff that native speakers know, but could probably get through life just fine without knowing.",[414,18102,18104],{"id":18103},"goals-for-proficient-language-learners","Goals for proficient language learners",[11,18106,18107],{},"From here on out, the goals are up to you. You've basically got two choices, though:",[121,18109,18110,18113],{},[124,18111,18112],{},"You can decide that you are satisfied with your level—if you don't like reading about fiscal policy in English, why would you put yourself through that in German?",[124,18114,18115],{},"You can begin strategically filling in the gaps in your knowledge and working toward level 5 comprehension in as many domains as possible",[11,18117,18118],{},"Personally, this is the point where I usually move onto a new language.",[11,18120,18121],{},"My Mandarin isn't perfect, but I'd rather be able to read webtoons in Korean than read dry academic essays in Mandarin. Maybe you'd make the same choice, or maybe you want (or need) to know the language you're learning super well.",[414,18123,18125],{"id":18124},"how-to-overcome-the-mastery-stage","How to overcome the mastery stage",[11,18127,18128],{},"Just kidding—this stage goes on forever.",[11,18130,18131,18132,844],{},"To be honest, this is also where the game ",[21,18133,18134],{},"begins",[11,18136,18137],{},"Sure, you can function pretty effortlessly in your target language. Let's be super generous and say that you're effectively a native speaker now... at least in your main areas.",[11,18139,18140,18141,18146],{},"But—I don't know how else to say this—",[867,18142,18145],{"href":18143,"rel":18144},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=BnT6PwYZDh4",[1196],"have you ever noticed how stupid the average person is? And then considered that half of them are stupider than that?"," It's an incredible achievement to be bilingual... but that's not necessarily saying much, in the grand scheme of things.",[86,18148,18149],{},[11,18150,18151,18152,18154,18156,18158,18159,18162],{},"You've now mastered your tool.",[132,18153],{},[132,18155],{},[132,18157],{},"\nFrom here on out, what matters is what you ",[21,18160,18161],{},"build"," with that tool.",[37,18164,18166],{"id":18165},"how-long-does-it-take-to-learn-a-new-language","How long does it take to learn a new language?",[11,18168,18169],{},"This article is already very long, so I'm instead going to direct you to two other articles that explore specifically this question:",[121,18171,18172,18178],{},[124,18173,18174],{},[867,18175,18177],{"href":18176},"\u002Fblog\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fhow-long-to-learn-portuguese","Time to learn a language similar to English: ~2,000 hours",[124,18179,18180],{},[867,18181,18183],{"href":18182},"\u002Fblog\u002Fjapanese\u002Fjlpt-n1-overview","Time to learn a language very different than English: ~5,000 hours",[11,18185,18186,18187,18189],{},"What both of those numbers don't tell you is that you're ",[21,18188,3835],{}," looking at thousands of hours of mindless boredom until you suddenly become useful. You'll spend a few hundred hours building a foundation, and then you'll proceed to learn your language by using it to do things you enjoy.",[11,18191,18192],{},"In either case, whether you're learning an easier language or a harder language, the language learning process is basically the same:",[86,18194,18195],{},[11,18196,18197],{},"We make progress in foreign languages by interacting with them: by consuming content we enjoy, understanding that content, and gradually developing an intuitive feel for how it works",[37,18199,18201],{"id":18200},"strategies-for-success-with-your-new-language","Strategies for success with your new language",[11,18203,18204],{},"And now for a few bits of advice that don't fit cleanly into any particular level.",[414,18206,18208],{"id":18207},"be-consistent","Be consistent",[11,18210,18211],{},"When it comes to learning languages—or anything, really—consistency is key. Learning a language is going to take a lot of time, and it's hard to amass the necessary hours of experience if you only interact with your target language for half an hour every other Tuesday.",[11,18213,18214],{},"As such, the first step in learning a language is simply becoming the sort of person that spends time with the language every day. If you can do that, you'll make progress.",[11,18216,18217],{},"If you struggle with building habits, then:",[121,18219,18220,18228],{},[124,18221,18222,18223],{},"Learn about ",[867,18224,18227],{"href":18225,"rel":18226},"https:\u002F\u002Fjamesclear.com\u002Fhabit-triggers",[1196],"habit loops",[124,18229,18230,18231],{},"Build a ",[867,18232,18235],{"href":18233,"rel":18234},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.lesswrong.com\u002Fposts\u002FwJutA2czyFg6HbYoW\u002Fwhat-are-trigger-action-plans-taps",[1196],"trigger-action plan",[11,18237,18238],{},"The best way to build a new habit is to attach it to a concrete, unavoidable part of your day. If you do it right, having a trigger-action plan means that if you wake up and go about your day, you'll inevitably spend time with your target language, too.",[414,18240,18242],{"id":18241},"be-picky-about-what-you-learn","Be picky about what you learn",[11,18244,18245,18246,18248],{},"You'll learn many words on your way to fluency, but that doesn't mean you should be learning just ",[21,18247,8855],{}," words. At least, not at first.",[11,18250,18251,18252,18255],{},"We cover this in much more detail in our article on ",[867,18253,18254],{"href":10002},"how to learn vocabulary",", but certain words come up much more frequently than others. The words that are most important to you will depend on:",[121,18257,18258,18264,18270],{},[124,18259,18260,18261],{},"What genre of content you're consuming ",[21,18262,18263],{},"(words you need to watch a YouTube review of a basketball game will be useless in a book about Spanish history)",[124,18265,18266,18267],{},"Your medium of choice ",[21,18268,18269],{},"(we talk differently than we write)",[124,18271,18272,18273],{},"Your author or creator of choice ",[21,18274,18275],{},"(different people have different styles)",[11,18277,18278],{},"For this reason, it's essential that you're not just mindlessly memorizing vocabulary from a deck of flashcards or following a textbook.",[86,18280,18281],{},[11,18282,18283],{},"The best way to be sure that you're learning the specific words you need to learn to make progress is to find them in content you enjoy in your target language.",[414,18285,18287],{"id":18286},"focus-on-one-domain-type-of-content-at-first","Focus on one domain (type of content) at first",[11,18289,18290],{},"A big part of the difficulty of learning a new language is simply that each language is huge. There are tons of words and tons of ways to use those words.",[11,18292,18293],{},"You want to be able to understand your target language wherever you encounter it eventually, but you'll make your life much easier early on if you pick one specific aspect of your target language to focus on. For example, you might choose:",[121,18295,18296,18299,18302,18305],{},[124,18297,18298],{},"News broadcasts on a certain topic",[124,18300,18301],{},"A specific genre of television show",[124,18303,18304],{},"Books by a particular author",[124,18306,18307],{},"And so forth",[11,18309,18310],{},"Or put differently:",[86,18312,18313],{},[11,18314,18315],{},"If you read 9 fantasy novels, your 10th fantasy novel will be super easy.",[11,18317,18318],{},"You'll already have learned the key fantasy vocabulary, how fantasy stories are structured, and so forth.",[86,18320,18321],{},[11,18322,18323],{},"If you read 10 novels from different genres, every single one will be a challenge.",[11,18325,18326],{},"With each book, you're effectively starting from zero.",[11,18328,18329],{},"You can pick any niche you want to focus on, but the narrower of a niche you pick, the faster you'll progress through comprehension levels.",[414,18331,18333,18334,18336],{"id":18332},"use-flashcards-and-consume-content","Use flashcards ",[21,18335,3970],{}," consume content",[11,18338,18339],{},"Flashcards and input go hand in hand.",[121,18341,18342,18345],{},[124,18343,18344],{},"When you learn a word with a flashcard, you get an empty container",[124,18346,18347],{},"When you encounter those words while consuming content (getting input), you fill that container up",[11,18349,18350],{},"If you only do flashcards, you'll lack the real-world context that will eventually enable you to intuitively feel what words mean and how they're used. If you only consume content and don't do flashcards, it'll take longer to remember some words than necessary.",[11,18352,18353],{},"How you split your time between flashcards and content (input) is up to you. So long as you're consuming content and reviewing flashcards each day, you'll make progress.",[34,18355],{},[37,18357,18359],{"id":18358},"conclusion","Conclusion",[11,18361,18362],{},"Wow! That was a lot.",[11,18364,18365],{},"At this point, there isn't anything more to say. You already know everything you need to get started in another language or to power through whatever plateau you find yourself on.",[11,18367,18368],{},"Now, it's time to take action.",[3153,18370,18371,18377,18384,18387,18390],{},[124,18372,18373],{},[867,18374,18376],{"href":18375},"\u002Fsignup","Try Migaku totally free for 10 days",[124,18378,18379],{},[867,18380,18383],{"href":18381,"rel":18382},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=SXjqsWCNy3g",[1196],"Install the Migaku Chrome extension",[124,18385,18386],{},"Find a YouTube or Netflix video you're interested in",[124,18388,18389],{},"Watch",[124,18391,18392],{},"Learn, finally",[11,18394,18395],{},"You've got this, friend 💪",{"title":383,"searchDepth":915,"depth":915,"links":18397},[18398,18399,18404,18405,18409,18413,18417,18421,18425,18426,18433],{"id":17101,"depth":915,"text":17102},{"id":17206,"depth":915,"text":17207,"children":18400},[18401,18402,18403],{"id":17233,"depth":923,"text":17234},{"id":17345,"depth":923,"text":17346},{"id":17416,"depth":923,"text":17417},{"id":17499,"depth":915,"text":17500},{"id":17516,"depth":915,"text":17517,"children":18406},[18407,18408],{"id":17537,"depth":923,"text":17538},{"id":17547,"depth":923,"text":17548},{"id":17639,"depth":915,"text":17640,"children":18410},[18411,18412],{"id":17656,"depth":923,"text":17657},{"id":17669,"depth":923,"text":17670},{"id":17789,"depth":915,"text":17790,"children":18414},[18415,18416],{"id":17817,"depth":923,"text":17818},{"id":17829,"depth":923,"text":17830},{"id":17920,"depth":915,"text":17921,"children":18418},[18419,18420],{"id":17950,"depth":923,"text":17951},{"id":17970,"depth":923,"text":17971},{"id":18049,"depth":915,"text":18050,"children":18422},[18423,18424],{"id":18103,"depth":923,"text":18104},{"id":18124,"depth":923,"text":18125},{"id":18165,"depth":915,"text":18166},{"id":18200,"depth":915,"text":18201,"children":18427},[18428,18429,18430,18431],{"id":18207,"depth":923,"text":18208},{"id":18241,"depth":923,"text":18242},{"id":18286,"depth":923,"text":18287},{"id":18332,"depth":923,"text":18432},"Use flashcards and consume content",{"id":18358,"depth":915,"text":18359},"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.",{"timestampUnix":18436,"slug":18437,"h1":18438,"image":18439,"tags":18444},1735655100640,"stages-of-language-learning","The Five Stages of Language Learning Explained",{"src":18440,"width":18441,"height":18442,"alt":18443,"position":9984},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-stages-header.jpeg",5166,3444,"A man with a mad scientist contraption on his head, experiencing the wrong way to master any language",[940,8838,18445],"deepdive","\u002Farticle\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-language-stages","---\ntitle: 'The Five Stages of Language Learning: A Clear Guide to Mastering Any Language'\ndescription: '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.'\ntimestampUnix: 1735655100640\nslug: 'stages-of-language-learning'\nh1: 'The Five Stages of Language Learning Explained'\nimage:\n src: '\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-stages-header.jpeg'\n width: 5166\n height: 3444\n alt: 'A man with a mad scientist contraption on his head, experiencing the wrong way to master any language'\n position: top\ntags:\n - discussion\n - fundamentals\n - deepdive\n---\n\nWhen most people think of language learning, they think of something like a light switch: you're a beginner for a long time, and then, one day, magically, you wake up fluent.\n\nAnd that's not how second language acquisition works.\n\nThere are _stages_ of learning a language.\n\nIn this article we'll talk through the language learning process: roughly what you can do at each level, and also how to move to the next one.\n\nMore specifically, we'll cover:\n\n\u003Ctoc>\u003C\u002Ftoc>\n\n---\n\n## What second language acquisition and cycling have in common\n\nBefore we start talking about learning a new language, let's ground ourselves with an example that everybody will be familiar with.\n\nLet's talk about learning to ride a bike.\n\nWe might break down the \"stages\" of \"bike fluency\" like this:\n\n- **Stage 0**: You've never ridden a bike before\n- **Stage 1**: You can't reliably stay upright on the bike yet\n- **Stage 2**: You can ride a bike to get around, casually\n- **Stage 3**: You can ride at a solid amateur level, sustaining a speed of 20mph (~32kmph) for an hour\n- **Stage 4**: You're ready to compete in bike riding competitions\n- ???\n- **[Stage Over 9,000](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=SiMHTK15Pik)**: You're literally Lance Armstrong\n\nOf course, we could go way deeper with this if we wanted to:\n\n- Each stage has sublevels; in stage 1 you need to learn to stay upright on the bike, use the brakes, turn, and so forth\n- Maybe you're at stage 4, but decide you're interested in triathlons; now you need to learn to run and swim, too\n\nBut I'm not a cyclist, and that's all beside the point.\n\nWhat I really want you to take from this are three key ideas:\n\n1. You don't need to be Lance Armstrong to ride your bike around town\n2. The fact that you can do wheelies and ride with no hands doesn't make you Lance Armstrong\n3. A big part of cycling, whether you want to become Lance Armstrong or not, involves _actually riding a bike_\n\nIf you take those three things to heart, you'll be successful in your language learning pursuits.\n\nTo be clear:\n\n> You don't need to be fluent to begin doing cool things in the language you're learning. On the contrary, you make progress toward fluency by doing cool things in the language you're learning.\n\nNow that that's out of the way, let's get into it.\n\n---\n\n## Disclaimer: Why learning a language isn't a linear process\n\nStarting from the next section, we're going to break language proficiency down into five stages.\n\nKnow that this is an oversimplification.\n\nWhile we're going to lay out the stages of language learning in an easy-to-follow fashion, learning isn't really a linear process.\n\nThere are three major reasons for this:\n\n- Passive and active skills work differently\n- Different sorts of language are used in different genres\u002Fmediums\u002Fplaces\n- Comprehension is a spectrum, not an all-or-nothing problem\n\n### Passive vs active skills, or why you can understand but not speak\n\nIf you've got four minutes, I highly recommend watching this video. If you're new to language learning, it could very well change the way you think about memory and learning:\n\n\u003Ccustom-iframe src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FUhyk2bRTguI?si=kzPyIpFNnR6y_im2\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-iframe>\n\nIf not, know that we can largely break memory down into two categories:\n\n- **Recognition**, in which you see a word in another language and understand what it means; you go from a foreign language to your native language\n- **Recall**, in which you produce a word in another language from memory alone; you go from your native language to a foreign language\n\n> It's much easier to _recognize (understand)_ things in a foreign language than it is to _recall_ things in a foreign language.\n\nWith this in mind, language skills are broken into two main categories:\n\n- **Active skills**, speaking and writing, in which you _recall_ (or _produce_) things in another language\n- **Passive skills**, reading and listening, in which you _recognize_ things in another language\n\nIt takes much less effort to learn a foreign word well enough that you can recognize (understand) it when you see it than it does to learn a word well enough that you can recall (produce) it when you want to use it. As you progress in your journey, you'll find (frustratingly) that you often can't remember words when speaking, even though you _know_ you know them.\n\nTo be more specific, every single word you learn in your target language (the language you're learning) will go through a journey that looks something like this:\n\n1. You don't know a word exists\n2. You know it exists, but if you see it, you won't remember that you've seen it before\n3. When you see it, you remember that you've seen it before, but don't remember what it means\n4. You'll usually remember it in your flashcard app, in the very specific context that the word was introduced to you in, but you won't recognize it anywhere else\n5. When you see it in the wild, you'll remember its shape—that it's an adjective, that it has a positive meaning, that it describes a person's character—but you won't remember what it means\n6. You'll remember it when you see it or hear it, but you won't remember it when you want to say it yourself\n7. You'll remember part of it—that it's a long or short word, or that it begins with a P sound—but you won't quite remember the whole word\n8. You can produce the word from memory yourself, but you can't use it correctly, because you don't know the words its commonly used with, what native speakers associate with the word, and so forth\n9. You can use the word correctly, as a native would\n10. You can be creative, and use the word in an artistic sense\n\nThe earlier stages come faster and the later ones come slower, but they all take time.\n\n### Domain specificity, or why learning a language isn't a linear process\n\nWe use language differently in different situations.\n\nAs obvious as this sounds, it's of _massive_ importance for language learners.\n\nTry to imagine these situations:\n\n- A friend telling another friend about his vacation to Thailand\n- A professor explaining centrifugal force to a university-level physics class\n- A lawyer presenting DNA evidence from the scene of a crime to a judge\n- A basketball coach guiding an army of nine year olds through layup drills\n- A multinational business executive giving a presentation to investors about the company's annual financial performance\n\nThey differ in several ways:\n\n- Some are more formal, others are more casual\n- Some involve spontaneous speech, others involve prepared speech\n- Some will make heavy use of technical language, others will be more everyday in nature\n\nThe point I want to make here is that improving your skill in a foreign language really means developing a nearly countless amount of subskills. Or, more practically speaking:\n\n- The fact that you can confidently understand what you read doesn't mean you can confidently understand what you hear\n- The fact that you can read fantasy books well doesn't mean that you can read academic papers or financial documents well\n- The fact that you understand a language does not mean that you can speak it\n- The fact that you can effortlessly talk with friends for 3 hours over Skype doesn't mean you can explain to the bank teller that you need to know the maximum aggregate value of your savings account over the last five years so that you can backfile your taxes because you weren't aware that you had to file them even if you were living abroad _(not that I'm speaking from experience or anything)_\n\nEssentially, this means that the skills you develop won't be perfectly transferrable. An intermediate learner who primarily watches TV shows will have a very different skill set than an intermediate learner who primarily reads newspaper articles.\n\n### Levels of comprehension, or why learning a language isn't black and white\n\nFluency is more like a spectrum than a light switch. If you give the same piece of content to two different learners, the more advanced learner will understand more of it than a less advanced learner.\n\nGenerally speaking, we identify five levels of comprehension at Migaku:\n\n- **Level 0: Dark\u003Cbr>**\n You literally understand nothing. It might as well be (and probably is) a language you've never seen before.\n- **Level 1: Murky**\u003Cbr>\n You can pick out the occasional super common word, like _hello_ or _you_. You still understand basically nothing, but it's exciting when you recognize things. If somebody asked you to summarize what you heard or read, you would be completely guessing.\n- **Level 2: Hazy**\u003Cbr>\n You recognize a few words from most sentences, but you miss more than you understand. While consuming content in another language is still very difficult and not a lot of fun, you get the gist of what's going on. If you're willing to focus on a particular piece of content, you have enough handholds that you can slowly piece things together.\n- **Level 3: Misty**\u003Cbr>\n You still miss a lot of details, but you understand enough to follow along. It's difficult to consume content in your target language, but no longer intimidating. So long as you have the ability to look up new words and grammar points, you're confident that you can make sense of the content you're consuming. Whereas consuming content in your target language used to be tiring and frustrating, it's now beginning to be _kind of_ fun.\n- **Level 4: Cloudy**\u003Cbr>\n There are many technical words you don't know, and you likely don't understand jokes, puns, or \"artistic\" sentences... but, nevertheless, you understand most sentences you come across. While it still takes effort to process information in your target language, your target language feels natural enough that consuming content in it is a mostly enjoyable process.\n- **Level 5: Clear**\u003Cbr>\n You understand virtually everything you encounter, and it takes little or no effort to process information in the language you're learning. At this point, consuming content in the language you're learning is an entirely enjoyable activity.\n\n---\n\n## The five stages of language learning\n\nWhile we've stacked the stages of language learning up pretty neatly here, know that they won't feel so linear in real life. You make progress every day, but you only recognize that you've made progress in specific situations—when you realize that something is easier for you now than it used to be, when you do something you hadn't thought you could do, when you achieve a goal, and so forth.\n\nAdditionally, every language is _huge_. There are just so many directions you could choose to go. You might choose to work on all the skills equally, and be well-rounded but at a lower level, or focus on one thing like reading, and get very good at that but remain near zero in the other skills.\n\nHow your journey looks will be unique... but, generally speaking, the milestones ahead of you will look something like this:\n\n## 😐 Absolute beginner: Everything in your new language is a headache\n\nIf you know less than 1,500 vocabulary words, which is [the amount of words you need to know to recognize 80% of the words in any random sentence you see](\u002Fblog\u002Fjapanese\u002Fhow-to-learn-japanese-vocabulary), you're in the \"absolute beginner\" stage.\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-absolute-beginner.jpeg\" width=\"2880\" height=\"1800\" alt=\"A screenshot of a French article from Le Monde, showing a learner that doesn't know many French words.\" \u002F>\n\nAt this stage, it's basically impossible to consume any sort of content in the language you're learning. There will be several new words in every single sentence you see, and your lack of grammatical knowledge means you may not understand the sentence even if you look up every single word.\n\nWhen you're an absolute beginner, trying to interact with your foreign language will probably feel like work. Because your target language is currently something that takes energy from you, it's important to make sure you're getting a good return on the effort you're investing into it.\n\n### Goals for new language learners\n\nLearn the most common 1,500 words in your language and work through a beginner's course to learn some basic grammar.\n\nAnd you'll do that by...\n\n### How to overcome the absolute beginner stage\n\nAt this stage of the game, you have two main goals:\n\n1. Follow a course that will help you build the foundation you need to start using your language\n2. Establish the habit of interacting with your language every single day\n\nMigaku offers two types of courses:\n\n- **Migaku Fundamentals**, which gives you a bit of information about your language, then teaches you to pronounce it and to read its writing system\n- **Migaku Academy**, which teaches you the ~1,500 vocabulary words (and a few hundred grammar points) you need to understand 80% of media in the language you're learning\n\nIf a Migaku course if available for your language, we naturally recommend using that. If not, download [Anki](https:\u002F\u002Fapps.ankiweb.net\u002F) and find [a public Anki deck](https:\u002F\u002Fankiweb.net\u002Fshared\u002Fdecks) that teaches frequently-appearing words through sentences.\n\nFrom here, you'll be juggling three activities:\n\n1. **Beginner's course** — Pick a set amount of new flashcards to learn per day in Migaku's courses. We recommend starting at 5–10 and maintaining this pace for two weeks to see if it is sustainable. If you're following a different course, break it up so that you make a bit of progress each day.\n2. **Intensive input (more effort)** — Look on YouTube for \"[{Your target language} comprehensible input](https:\u002F\u002Fcomprehensibleinputwiki.org\u002Fwiki\u002FMain_Page)\" _(for example, French comprehensible input)_. Comprehensible input creators use images, gestures, and careful wording in an attempt to be understandable even to beginners. Find one you like, and do your best to follow them without English subtitles.\n3. **Extensive input (less effort)** — Find something interesting in your foreign language, regardless of difficulty. Put on English subtitles (or, ideally, subtitles in both English and the language you're learning), and simply watch to have fun.\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-stages-dual-subtitles.jpeg\" width=\"2880\" height=\"1800\" alt=\"A screenshot of an anime episode, showing Migaku's ability to display subtitles in two languages at once..\" \u002F>\n\nMake a priority of doing the flashcards that Migaku (or Anki) schedules for you each day. After that, split your time evenly between intensive and extensive input.\n\nAs you steadily learn new words, you will become increasingly able to pick words out of the content you are consuming. Eventually you'll find that you can kind of follow the content you're watching, and that's a sign that you're well on your way to the beginner level.\n\n---\n\n## 🙂 Beginner: Your foreign language stops feeling quite so foreign\n\nWhen you finish Migaku's Academy course for your language, or when you learn about 1,500 words, you'll enter the beginner stage. While most content is still challenging, it is no longer completely inaccessible: so long as you are willing to sit down, go slow, and and exert effort, you can actually work through quite a wide variety of things.\n\nYou still run into words you don't know very regularly at this stage. You recognize 80% of the words you see, and that's a massive achievement... but, doing the math, it means you _don't_ recognize one in five words. For reference, a typical sentence has over ten words.\n\nWhat's different between the beginner stage and the absolute beginner stage is that, as an absolute beginner, you were missing entire sentences. Now, you're missing key words within sentences. You'll generally be able to point out why you don't understand a particular sentence. This is indeed a massive improvement, and you'll notice it.\n\n### Goals for beginner language learners\n\nLearn the most common 3,000 words in your language. Reach level 4 comprehension _(see \"levels of comprehension\" above)_ of easy content in your target language, such as the comprehensible input YouTube channels mentioned in the absolute beginner stage.\n\nAnd you'll do that by...\n\n### How to overcome the beginner stage\n\nAt the beginner stage, you've now got your feet under you: you know your language's most common words and you've built a regular habit of interacting with your language. Now, we're going to expand on that foundation.\n\n1. Learn 1,500 new words by creating flashcards out of sentences from the media you are consuming—ideally out of sentences that contain only one new word\n2. Establish a foothold: some kind of media you enjoy in your target language that you can follow relatively confidently\n\n\u003Caccordion heading=\"How to make flashcards\">\n\nQuick detour, just in case the idea of making flashcards is totally new to you.\n\nSo, I like [Dreaming Spanish's series on the history of Spain](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=yHAVjuVtJ-4&list=PLlpPf-YgbU7EDirU0cmpLnrXEAkvOVZCB). It's an interesting topic, and the host has carefully prepared their script so that it's easy to follow. You can see that I have a pretty solid comprehension score of 83%, even though I know less than 2,000 Spanish words.\n\nAs I'm following along with the video, I see this word I don't know, so I look it up by clicking on it:\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-stages-flashcards-1.jpeg\" width=\"2880\" height=\"1800\" alt=\"A screenshot of a Spanish comprehensible input video, showing the word 'pintura'\" \u002F>\n\nAhh, so _pintura_ means _painting_.\n\nPainting seems like a pretty useful word—I could see myself using it, at least. It's also the only word I don't know in this sentence, which makes it a good candidate for a flashcard.\n\nSo, now that we've stumbled into this little nugget of gold, let's mine it! (Which is nerdy internet speak for \"make a flashcard\"):\n\n- On Migaku, you can make a flashcard simply by clicking that orange button in the top-right corner of the pop-up dictionary window. It will automatically fetch things like the scene of your video and the sentence your selected word appeared in.\n- On Anki, or other platforms, you'll need to gather all of these things manually—but, otherwise, the process is the same.\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-stage-flashcards-2.jpeg\" width=\"2880\" height=\"1800\" alt=\"A screenshot of Migaku's card creator\" \u002F>\n\nThat looks good to me, so I hit \"create card\". Migaku will now add it to my \"Spanish mining\" deck (cards I made myself) to be learned in the future.\n\nThe flashcards looks like this:\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-stages-flashcards-3.jpeg\" width=\"874\" height=\"912\" alt=\"A screenshot of Migaku's card creator\" \u002F>\n\nAnd that's it!\n\n> Improving your vocabulary takes time, but it's relatively straightforward. You simply consume content and do your best to enjoy yourself. When you see a sentence with a new word, click a few buttons to make a flashcard. Migaku will prompt you to review the flashcard periodically, ensuring that you commit it to memory.\n\nBack to the article...\n\n\u003C\u002Faccordion>\n\nTo achieve those goals, you'll again juggle three things:\n\n- **Flashcards** — Continue creating and reviewing flashcards. This may seem a bit troublesome at first, but you will quickly see results, and it will become second nature before long.\n- **Intensive input (more effort)** — Remember that stuff you were watching with English subtitles? Continue watching it, but now turn the English subtitles off. Do your best to follow it by reading along with the target-language subtitles and looking up words you don't know.\n- **Extensive input (less effort)** — Remember that comprehensible input stuff you were watching on YouTube, or whatever beginner-oriented media you found? Continue watching it, and explore similar channels. It should be easier by now. Focus on hearing the sounds of your target language and processing sentences in it, doing your best to avoid translating to English in your head.\n\nAs your vocabulary grows and you consume more content in your language, you'll realize something: the language you're learning isn't so scary anymore. In fact, _sometimes_, it might even be kind of fun.\n\nYou'll know that you've reached the intermediate stage when the scale tips and spending time in your language begins to feel more like fun and less like work.\n\n---\n\n## 😃 Intermediate: Fluency seems reachable in the main skill you've been focusing on\n\nOnce you built a vocabulary of 3,000 words, you've reached the intermediate stage. The intermediate stage is defined by independence: you can mostly do what you want, so long as you have time to prepare and tools to support you. Whereas in the previous stage content that you could understand _and_ enjoy was relatively difficult to find, that's not the case anymore. You can consume basically whatever content you want, so long as you're willing to put in a little effort.\n\nUnfortunately, you're not quite out of the woods yet. You're still going to run into words you don't know _constantly_... but, just as often, you're also going to run into sentences that you understand perfectly.\n\nWhereas everybody's journey has likely looked pretty similar so far—the fundamentals are the fundamentals, after all—here is where paths begin to diverge. The sort of things you need to know to read crime procedurals are very different than the things you need to know to follow politics in the newspaper.\n\n> You'll eventually learn all the words, but depending on your goals, different people with different goals will find different words to be more important to learn first. Focus on your needs.\n\nThis stage is long—it's called the intermediate plateau for a reason—but it's also really cool. You should be proud to be here, and you're also going to have a lot of fun.\n\n### Goals for intermediate language learners\n\nIn the beginner stage, you reached a point where you felt pretty confident with content that was made specifically for learners. In the intermediate stage, you want to achieve that same level of confidence with some content that you actually enjoy—something you'd watch or read in your native language.\n\nIf you can do this once, with one skill, you'll be able to apply the lessons you learned to take the same journey with the other skills.\n\nAnd you'll do that by...\n\n### How to overcome the intermediate stage\n\nIf I had to define the intermediate stage with one picture, it'd be this one:\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-stages-intermediate.jpeg\" width=\"1284\" height=\"1056\" alt=\"Meme: me reading Korean vs me speaking Korean\" \u002F>\n\nYou've made some serious progress up to this point... but you're a human, you have preferences, and it's likely becoming quite apparent that your skills are pretty unbalanced.\n\nFor this reason, at the intermediate stage, we're going to master one thing and get up to speed in another thing.\n\nMore specifically, you've got three main tasks:\n\n- **Get your foot in the door** — Your most important task is to find a piece of content, or a studio\u002Fauthor\u002Fcontent creator, which you enjoy and can understand without too much trouble. Your first piece of \"real\" content will be challenging, but it'll get notably easier as you go. This is a rite of passage and you'll grow a lot by working through the piece of content you choose.\n- **Balance yourself out** — It doesn't feel good to rubber band between being Super Doggo and Weak Doggo. To remove this friction from your learning journey, we're going to begin taking intentional steps to strengthen your \"other\" skill—reading or listening—whichever one you've been neglecting.\n- **Expand your vocab** — You'll hit ~90% comprehension of media at ~5,000 words and ~94% comprehension at 10,000 words. These are big milestones: you go from not knowing 1 of every 5 words to 1 of 10 to 1 of 20. The less often you're forced to put down your content to look up a word, the more effortless (and thus enjoyable) your target language will be.\n\nAnd in pursuit of that goal, you'll be doing four things:\n\n- **Flashcards** — Bet you didn't see that one coming, did you? Flashcards are a language learner's bread and butter. They're like an insurance policy: anything that goes into your deck of flashcards on Migaku is eventually going to make its way into your memory, too.\n- **Extensive input (less effort)** — Pick your main skill, whether that's listening or reading. Find a piece of content in it that's enjoyable _and_ relatively easy. Spend a bit of time with this content every day.\n- **Intensive input A (more effort)** — Again focusing on your main skill, pick a piece of content that you really want to consume. It can be anything, so long as you're really interested in it. As you consume this content, make a point to look up everything you don't understand.\n- **Intensive input B (more effort)** — Now focus on your weak skill. If you prefer reading, find an easy podcast or YouTube channel and push yourself to watch without subtitles. If you prefer listening, find a book of young adult short stories or news articles on a topic you're interested in. Anything goes, here, really. Just do what you need to do to spend time working on your weak skill.\n\nAnd now you're going to rotate between these tasks like this:\n\n- Every day, finish your flashcards and do your extensive input exercise\n- Switch between intensive input activity A and B from learning session to learning session _(if you read today, listen tomorrow)_\n\nAs you maintain this schedule, you'll find that you become increasingly confident in your strong skill. It will eventually become virtually effortless and become purely enjoyable: you'll look forward to interacting with your target language each day. Your weaker skill will still need work, but it'll also get notably stronger.\n\nFollowing our \"levels of comprehension\" from above, your goal is to hit level 5 comprehension in your main skill and level 3 comprehension in your weaker skill.\n\n## 😂 Advanced: You can do whatever you want without much trouble\n\nYou've done it. You hit the big number. You've learned 10,000 words in your language.\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-stages-dicaprio-toast2.webp\" width=\"913\" height=\"613\" alt=\"Leonardo DiCaprio toasting this absolute legend who has just learned 10,000 words in another language.\" \u002F>\n\nWhereas the intermediate learner can do _one_ thing confidently, the advanced learner can do _most_ things without much effort. You can effortlessly consume content in your genres of choice, and your foundation is solid enough that it isn't difficult to branch out into new genres. Your weaker skill, while still weaker, has become serviceable.\n\nYou're not bilingual, and you'll be painfully aware of this... but, generally speaking, you'll feel pretty good. You understand the vast majority of sentences you come across, and you can even understand some sentences where you're missing a word by leaning on context.\n\nThis stage is about exploring your interests using your strong skill and taking intentional efforts to strengthen your weak skills. This is also around the time where you might begin trying to practice output—writing and speaking.\n\n### Goals for advanced language learners\n\nThe world is your oyster, but there are a few obvious things standing between you and greatness:\n\n1. Reading or listening, whichever skill is weaker\n2. Speaking and writing, which you may have completely ignored so far\n\nSo we're going to fix that.\n\nAnd you'll do that by...\n\n### How to overcome the advanced stage\n\nTo keep things brief—you're basically going to be repeating the intermediate level several times over.\n\nWhereas you previously developed supreme confidence in your main skill, now it's time to get your weaker skill up to that level while also developing basic confidence in one of the output skills, speaking or writing. After you get ok at speaking or writing, the process repeats again: now you master your chosen output skill while building a foundation in the second one.\n\nYou should know what you're doing by now, but here are two quick suggestions from me:\n\n#### Two resources for learning to write\n\nCheck out the website [Langcorrect](https:\u002F\u002Flangcorrect.com\u002F). It's totally free. You submit bits of writing about anything you want, and native speakers will correct you. If you correct entries from people who are learning your native language, you'll get more feedback on your own entries.\n\nIdeally, you find somebody you get along with well and begin exchanging snippets of writing regularly.\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-stages-langcorrect.jpeg\" width=\"1564\" height=\"1480\" alt=\"A screenshot of Langcorrect's interface, showing a paragraph I wrote in Japanese being corrected.\" \u002F>\n\nAlternatively, you can submit your writing to ChatGPT and ask for corrections. ChatGPT isn't perfect—it doesn't write as naturally in other languages as it does in English—but it's a free, accessible, and non-intimidating way to begin writing in another language.\n\n#### Three resources for learning to speak\n\nIf you've never spoken before, I recommend finding a tutor to work with on [italki](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.italki.com\u002Fdashboard):\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-stages-output.jpeg\" width=\"2880\" height=\"1800\" alt=\"A screenshot of Italki's teacher finder interface, showing French teachers that match my criteria.\" \u002F>\n\nWhile it might sound scary, 1:1 conversations are actually the easiest way to get started with output. The person you are talking to can focus on you and adjust to your level. If you don't understand something, you can ask for the sentence to be rephrased. It'll be scary at first, but all of the input you've gotten will enable you to make progress quickly, and it'll be exciting.\n\nAlternatively, you can try:\n\n- [Tandem](https:\u002F\u002Ftandem.net\u002F), an app for finding language exchange partners. It's mostly text-based, and people aren't always reliable, but if you're outgoing and good at making friends, you can find a few people to call with—totally free.\n- [Migaku's discord server](\u002Fblog\u002Fjapanese\u002Fmigaku-japanese-learning-discord), a hub with thousands of people learning many different languages; we have channels dedicated to talking in each of our languages, so you can practice with other learners and might find native speakers to exchange with, too.\n\n---\n\n## 🤠 Mastery: You may be mistaken for a native in some contexts\n\nWe've been pretty positive so far, but here's an uncomfortable truth: you're going to reach a point where you can pretty much effortlessly do anything you want in the language you're learning... and you'll also realize that there's still a massive gap between you and native speakers.\n\nYou see, whereas you can do whatever you _want_, native speakers can do pretty much everything, including many things they don't enjoy and frankly would prefer to never do again.\n\nFor example, I'm a native English speaker. My job is writing in English and my hobby is reading fantasy novels, but in the last month or so I have:\n\n- Read a lengthy dossier of paperwork about the side effects of a medicine I'm taking for osteoporosis\n- Re-read a chapter of a math book explaining the quadratic formula\n- Helped my father replace the ball bearings in a car wheel\n- Talked with an accountant about US tax law\n- Reviewed the science behind how neural processing units differ from central processing units _(computer hardware)_\n\nAnd all that stuff, to be frank, kinda sucked. Nevertheless, for one reason or another, I had to do them. Despite the fact that I don't _like_ doing them, I had the English vocabulary to navigate them.\n\nHeck, even the fun stuff can end up being not so fun. I recently read [a short story by Amy Hempel](http:\u002F\u002Fwww.fictionaut.com\u002Fstories\u002Famy-hempel\u002Fin-the-cemetery-where-al-jolson-is-buried) and concluded that I have no writing talent whatsoever. There's always somebody better.\n\nAnyway—that's the sort of thing is what's waiting for you in your target language. You've dominated your domain of preference and are now playing catchup: learning all the supplementary stuff that native speakers know, but could probably get through life just fine without knowing.\n\n### Goals for proficient language learners\n\nFrom here on out, the goals are up to you. You've basically got two choices, though:\n\n- You can decide that you are satisfied with your level—if you don't like reading about fiscal policy in English, why would you put yourself through that in German?\n- You can begin strategically filling in the gaps in your knowledge and working toward level 5 comprehension in as many domains as possible\n\nPersonally, this is the point where I usually move onto a new language.\n\nMy Mandarin isn't perfect, but I'd rather be able to read webtoons in Korean than read dry academic essays in Mandarin. Maybe you'd make the same choice, or maybe you want (or need) to know the language you're learning super well.\n\n### How to overcome the mastery stage\n\nJust kidding—this stage goes on forever.\n\nTo be honest, this is also where the game _begins_.\n\nSure, you can function pretty effortlessly in your target language. Let's be super generous and say that you're effectively a native speaker now... at least in your main areas.\n\nBut—I don't know how else to say this—[have you ever noticed how stupid the average person is? And then considered that half of them are stupider than that?](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=BnT6PwYZDh4) It's an incredible achievement to be bilingual... but that's not necessarily saying much, in the grand scheme of things.\n\n> You've now mastered your tool.\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>\n> From here on out, what matters is what you _build_ with that tool.\n\n## How long does it take to learn a new language?\n\nThis article is already very long, so I'm instead going to direct you to two other articles that explore specifically this question:\n\n- [Time to learn a language similar to English: ~2,000 hours](\u002Fblog\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fhow-long-to-learn-portuguese)\n- [Time to learn a language very different than English: ~5,000 hours](\u002Fblog\u002Fjapanese\u002Fjlpt-n1-overview)\n\nWhat both of those numbers don't tell you is that you're _not_ looking at thousands of hours of mindless boredom until you suddenly become useful. You'll spend a few hundred hours building a foundation, and then you'll proceed to learn your language by using it to do things you enjoy.\n\nIn either case, whether you're learning an easier language or a harder language, the language learning process is basically the same:\n\n> We make progress in foreign languages by interacting with them: by consuming content we enjoy, understanding that content, and gradually developing an intuitive feel for how it works\n\n## Strategies for success with your new language\n\nAnd now for a few bits of advice that don't fit cleanly into any particular level.\n\n### Be consistent\n\nWhen it comes to learning languages—or anything, really—consistency is key. Learning a language is going to take a lot of time, and it's hard to amass the necessary hours of experience if you only interact with your target language for half an hour every other Tuesday.\n\nAs such, the first step in learning a language is simply becoming the sort of person that spends time with the language every day. If you can do that, you'll make progress.\n\nIf you struggle with building habits, then:\n\n- Learn about [habit loops](https:\u002F\u002Fjamesclear.com\u002Fhabit-triggers)\n- Build a [trigger-action plan](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.lesswrong.com\u002Fposts\u002FwJutA2czyFg6HbYoW\u002Fwhat-are-trigger-action-plans-taps)\n\nThe best way to build a new habit is to attach it to a concrete, unavoidable part of your day. If you do it right, having a trigger-action plan means that if you wake up and go about your day, you'll inevitably spend time with your target language, too.\n\n### Be picky about what you learn\n\nYou'll learn many words on your way to fluency, but that doesn't mean you should be learning just _any_ words. At least, not at first.\n\nWe cover this in much more detail in our article on [how to learn vocabulary](\u002Fblog\u002Fjapanese\u002Fhow-to-learn-japanese-vocabulary), but certain words come up much more frequently than others. The words that are most important to you will depend on:\n\n- What genre of content you're consuming _(words you need to watch a YouTube review of a basketball game will be useless in a book about Spanish history)_\n- Your medium of choice _(we talk differently than we write)_\n- Your author or creator of choice _(different people have different styles)_\n\nFor this reason, it's essential that you're not just mindlessly memorizing vocabulary from a deck of flashcards or following a textbook.\n\n> The best way to be sure that you're learning the specific words you need to learn to make progress is to find them in content you enjoy in your target language.\n\n### Focus on one domain (type of content) at first\n\nA big part of the difficulty of learning a new language is simply that each language is huge. There are tons of words and tons of ways to use those words.\n\nYou want to be able to understand your target language wherever you encounter it eventually, but you'll make your life much easier early on if you pick one specific aspect of your target language to focus on. For example, you might choose:\n\n- News broadcasts on a certain topic\n- A specific genre of television show\n- Books by a particular author\n- And so forth\n\nOr put differently:\n\n> If you read 9 fantasy novels, your 10th fantasy novel will be super easy.\n\nYou'll already have learned the key fantasy vocabulary, how fantasy stories are structured, and so forth.\n\n> If you read 10 novels from different genres, every single one will be a challenge.\n\nWith each book, you're effectively starting from zero.\n\nYou can pick any niche you want to focus on, but the narrower of a niche you pick, the faster you'll progress through comprehension levels.\n\n### Use flashcards _and_ consume content\n\nFlashcards and input go hand in hand.\n\n- When you learn a word with a flashcard, you get an empty container\n- When you encounter those words while consuming content (getting input), you fill that container up\n\nIf you only do flashcards, you'll lack the real-world context that will eventually enable you to intuitively feel what words mean and how they're used. If you only consume content and don't do flashcards, it'll take longer to remember some words than necessary.\n\nHow you split your time between flashcards and content (input) is up to you. So long as you're consuming content and reviewing flashcards each day, you'll make progress.\n\n---\n\n## Conclusion\n\nWow! That was a lot.\n\nAt this point, there isn't anything more to say. You already know everything you need to get started in another language or to power through whatever plateau you find yourself on.\n\nNow, it's time to take action.\n\n1. [Try Migaku totally free for 10 days](\u002Fsignup)\n2. [Install the Migaku Chrome extension](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=SXjqsWCNy3g)\n3. Find a YouTube or Netflix video you're interested in\n4. Watch\n5. Learn, finally\n\nYou've got this, friend 💪\n",{"title":17073,"description":18434},"article\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-language-stages","SAP36q-3RwUtW3emuYiiOLua4svofu_6xx5wNlCYr_g","December 31, 2024",{"id":18453,"title":18454,"body":18455,"description":19186,"extension":929,"meta":19187,"navigation":942,"path":19197,"rawbody":19198,"seo":19199,"stem":19200,"__hash__":19201,"timestampUnix":19188,"slug":19189,"h1":19190,"image":19191,"tags":19196,"_dir":948,"timestamp":19202},"content\u002Farticle\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-love-10-languages.md","How to Say Love in Different Languages: 10 Ways to Say I Love You",{"type":8,"value":18456,"toc":19168},[18457,18460,18463,18466,18468,18470,18474,18477,18483,18486,18492,18494,18505,18513,18518,18521,18524,18550,18553,18556,18559,18567,18570,18573,18575,18579,18582,18588,18591,18594,18614,18620,18626,18628,18635,18638,18640,18660,18667,18672,18674,18681,18684,18686,18700,18706,18711,18713,18720,18723,18725,18753,18760,18765,18771,18781,18783,18785,18792,18795,18797,18841,18844,18848,18850,18857,18860,18862,18881,18888,18892,18894,18905,18908,18916,18918,18938,18945,18947,18956,18958,18960,18967,18980,18982,19002,19005,19010,19014,19016,19023,19034,19036,19056,19071,19076,19080,19082,19093,19096,19104,19106,19126,19129,19141,19146,19148,19152,19155,19158,19163,19166],[11,18458,18459],{},"Love is a universal feeling, but it’s not a universal word. Naturally, each language has their own way of translating love, and they're not all as simple as just saying you love someone. It's kinda interesting, when you start peeking at the details of what's actually being said.",[11,18461,18462],{},"This article will be short and sweet—we'll look at the things people say when they talk about love in ten different languages, and then be on our way.",[11,18464,18465],{},"On the off chance that you're here for a specific language:",[30,18467],{},[34,18469],{},[37,18471,18473],{"id":18472},"️-a-note-about-english-speakers-love-for-the-word-love","❤️ A note about English speakers' love for the word \"love\"",[11,18475,18476],{},"Before we jump into the translations, we need to ask ourselves an important question:",[4004,18478,18480],{"heading":18479},"Click me",[4988,18481],{"src":18482},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FHEXWRTEbj1I?si=FeH8kczzOdGx1heq",[11,18484,18485],{},"Alright, that was dumb.",[11,18487,18488,18489,18491],{},"But, ",[21,18490,11506],{},", though.",[11,18493,10078],{},[121,18495,18496,18499,18502],{},[124,18497,18498],{},"In English, we say that a serious rainstorm is \"heavy\"",[124,18500,18501],{},"In Mandarin, they say it's \"big\" (雨下得很大, yu3 xia4 de5 hen3 da4)",[124,18503,18504],{},"In Russian, they say it's \"strong\" (Идет сильный дождь., Idet sil'nyy dozhd'.)",[11,18506,18507,18508,18510,18511,844],{},"It's not that Mandarin or Russian doesn't have a word for \"heavy\"—they do—they just don't use that word to describe getting violently excessive amounts of rain. They have the same ",[21,18509,10063],{},", but they express it with different ",[21,18512,10052],{},[86,18514,18515],{},[11,18516,18517],{},"If translating something simple like \"rain\" isn't straightforward, how much more complex must it be to translate something like \"love\"?",[11,18519,18520],{},"If you're not convinced, let's look at this from a different direction.",[11,18522,18523],{},"While I love my mom, I also love:",[121,18525,18526,18529,18532,18535,18541,18547],{},[124,18527,18528],{},"Jay, my best friend since childhood",[124,18530,18531],{},"My cat",[124,18533,18534],{},"Two-for-one day at Starbucks",[124,18536,18537,18538],{},"The \"send website to clipboard\" feature a colleague recently added to Migaku ",[21,18539,18540],{},"(super OP if you regularly read on your phone)",[124,18542,18543,18544],{},"The Arabic numeral system ",[21,18545,18546],{},"(context: feeling a little shellshocked after seeing a menu at a traditional Taiwanese restaurant)",[124,18548,18549],{},"Milk tea",[11,18551,18552],{},"Speakers of other languages might look at that list of things and be confused: if \"love\" refers to the emotion I feel toward my mother, how could the same word possibly be used to refer to the way you feel about a cheap inanimate object?",[11,18554,18555],{},"Basically, we're about to give you words for love in a bunch of languages... but you should know that this is just a start. Some languages may indeed have a word for love, but don't use it in all the same situations we do in English.",[11,18557,18558],{},"As such:",[86,18560,18561],{},[11,18562,18563,18564,18566],{},"If you really want to learn to say \"I love you\" correctly in another language, you'll need to spend a lot of time interacting with that language—watching TV, reading books, etc. ",[21,18565,14698],{}," how you'll learn how speakers of your target language view the concept of love, how they put it into words, and when\u002Fhow often they do so.",[11,18568,18569],{},"Anyway, there's my soapbox!",[11,18571,18572],{},"Let's get to the love.",[34,18574],{},[37,18576,18578],{"id":18577},"how-to-say-love-in-different-languages","💖 How to say love in different languages",[11,18580,18581],{},"Ten, to be specific.",[37,18583,18585,18586],{"id":18584},"_1-love-in-cantonese-愛-oi3","1. Love in Cantonese — 愛 (oi3) ",[57,18587],{"src":4135,":type":60},[11,18589,18590],{},"📌 Nuance: Used for deep love but less common in everyday speech.",[11,18592,18593],{},"🗣 Examples:",[121,18595,18596,18605],{},[124,18597,18598,18599,18601,18602],{},"我愛你。(ngo5 oi3 nei5.) ",[132,18600],{}," I love you. ",[57,18603],{"src":18604,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-我愛你.mp3",[124,18606,18607,18608,18610,18611],{},"佢哋之間有真愛。(keoi5 dei6 zi1 gaan1 jau5 zan1 oi3.) ",[132,18609],{}," They have true love. ",[57,18612],{"src":18613,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-佢哋之間有真愛。.mp3",[11,18615,18616,18617,844],{},"💡 Insight: Cantonese speakers often express love indirectly through actions or with less intense phrases like 我鍾意你 (ngo5 zung1 ji3 nei5, \"I like you\") ",[57,18618],{"src":18619,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-我鍾意你.mp3",[833,18621],{"src":18622,"width":18623,"height":18624,"alt":18625},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-love-hk.webp",1404,789,"One person, in a moment of passion, telling their partner that they love them",[34,18627],{},[37,18629,18631,18632],{"id":18630},"_2-love-in-mandarin-chinese-爱-ài","2. Love in Mandarin Chinese – 爱 (ài) ",[57,18633],{"src":18634,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-爱.mp3",[11,18636,18637],{},"📌 Nuance: Strong romantic love, but many Chinese speakers prefer softer expressions.",[11,18639,18593],{},[121,18641,18642,18651],{},[124,18643,18644,18645,55,18648,18650],{},"我爱你。(Wǒ ài nǐ.) ",[57,18646],{"src":18647,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-我爱你.mp3",[132,18649],{}," I love you.",[124,18652,18653,18654,55,18657,18659],{},"他们的爱情很感人。(Tāmen de àiqíng hěn gǎnrén.) ",[57,18655],{"src":18656,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-他们的爱情很感人.mp3",[132,18658],{}," Their love is touching\u002Fmoving.",[11,18661,18662,18663,18666],{},"💡 Insight: Mandarin speakers often use 喜欢 (xǐhuan, to like) ",[57,18664],{"src":18665,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-喜欢.mp3"," in daily life instead of directly saying 我爱你.",[833,18668],{"src":18669,"width":5775,"height":18670,"alt":18671},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-love-cn.jpeg",1710,"The host of a late-night show informs another guest that he loves them. The third guest is shocked.",[34,18673],{},[37,18675,18677,18678],{"id":18676},"_3-love-in-english-love","3. Love in English – Love ",[57,18679],{"src":18680,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fen-love.mp3",[11,18682,18683],{},"📌 Nuance: English has one word for love, but it can be used very broadly, for everything from romance and family to hobbies and food.",[11,18685,18593],{},[121,18687,18688,18694],{},[124,18689,18690,18691],{},"I love you. ",[57,18692],{"src":18693,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fen-I love you..mp3",[124,18695,18696,18697],{},"She has a deep love for music. ",[57,18698],{"src":18699,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fen-She has a deep love for music..mp3",[11,18701,18702,18703,844],{},"💡 Insight: English speakers use “love” freely, sometimes even for things like “Dude, I love pizza” ",[57,18704],{"src":18705,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fen-Dude, I love pizza..mp3",[833,18707],{"src":18708,"width":5775,"height":18709,"alt":18710},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-love-en.jpeg",1682,"A child telling her uncle that she loves him",[34,18712],{},[37,18714,18716,18717],{"id":18715},"_4-love-in-french-la-amour","4. Love in French – (La) Amour ",[57,18718],{"src":18719,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-amour.mp3",[11,18721,18722],{},"📌 Nuance: The language of romance, supposedly! Amour (noun) and aimer (verb) cover love, but aimer can also mean \"to like.\"",[11,18724,18593],{},[121,18726,18727,18735,18744],{},[124,18728,18729,18730,18601,18732],{},"Je t’aime. ",[132,18731],{},[57,18733],{"src":18734,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Je t’aime.mp3",[124,18736,18737,18738,18740,18741],{},"Leur amour est éternel. ",[132,18739],{}," Their love is eternal. ",[57,18742],{"src":18743,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Leur amour est éternel.mp3",[124,18745,18746,18747,18749,18750],{},"J'aime le thé au lait. ",[132,18748],{}," I like milk tea. ",[57,18751],{"src":18752,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-J'aime le thé au lait.mp3",[11,18754,18755,18756,18759],{},"💡 Insight: While Je t’aime means \"I love you\", adding one tiny word and saying \"Je t’aime bien\" ",[57,18757],{"src":18758,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Je t’aime bien.mp3"," actually turns the phrase into \"I like you\". Be careful!",[11,18761,18762],{},[21,18763,18764],{},"(Note: In French, nouns are often accompanied by articles (a\u002Fan\u002Fthe). With this in mind, rather than seeing \"amour\" alone, you'll often see l'amour, a contraction of la + amour)",[833,18766],{"src":18767,"width":18768,"height":18769,"alt":18770},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-love-fr.jpeg",1824,1278,"A father, away on a business trip, Skyping his children and saying he loves them.",[86,18772,18773,18776,32,18778],{},[381,18774,18775],{"bold":383,"underline":383},"\nLearn languages with YouTube!\n",[132,18777],{},[381,18779,18780],{},"\nWhat you're seeing here is me watching a French YouTube video on my phone. I stumbled into the word French word for love and decided that this was a word I wanted to learn. About two seconds and three clicks later, I'd made a flashcard out of that word and sent it to Migaku Memory. \n",[876,18782],{"href":878,"text":879},[34,18784],{},[37,18786,18788,18789],{"id":18787},"_5-love-in-german-liebe","5. Love in German – Liebe ",[57,18790],{"src":18791,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-liebe.mp3",[11,18793,18794],{},"📌 Nuance: Liebe (noun) means love; lieben (verb) means to love. Lieben is a strong word in German.",[11,18796,18593],{},[121,18798,18799,18810,18832],{},[124,18800,18801,18802,55,18805,18601,18807],{},"Ich liebe dich. ",[57,18803],{"src":18804,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Ich liebe dich.mp3",[132,18806],{},[21,18808,18809],{},"(This is almost exclusively used for true, romantic love.)",[124,18811,18812,18813,55,18816,18601,18818,18821],{},"Ich hab(e) dich lieb. ",[57,18814],{"src":18815,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Ich habe dich lieb.mp3",[132,18817],{},[21,18819,18820],{},"(This is what you'd say to family or close friends.)",[121,18822,18823],{},[124,18824,18825,18826,13845],{},"Per one of our German staff members: \"",[21,18827,18828,18829,18831],{},"If a man is talking to a male friend, he'd be more likely to say something like \"Ich lieb dich digga\u002Fbruder\" or \"",[867,18830,12782],{"href":13387},", ich lieb dich, man\". It sounds less strong without the -e on liebe",[124,18833,18834,18835,55,18838,18840],{},"Seine Liebe zur Musik ist tief. ",[57,18836],{"src":18837,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Seine Liebe zur Musik ist tief.mp3",[132,18839],{}," His love for music is deep.",[11,18842,18843],{},"💡 Insight: Whereas we love everything in English, Germans are more reserved with Lieben. Unless you know what you're doing, consider using mögen (to like) unless you really, really feel strongly about something.",[833,18845],{"src":18846,"width":5775,"height":18670,"alt":18847},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-love-de.jpeg","A German man telling a woman that he loves her. ",[34,18849],{},[37,18851,18853,18854],{"id":18852},"_6-love-in-korean-사랑-sarang","6. Love in Korean – 사랑 (sarang) ",[57,18855],{"src":18856,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fko-사랑.mp3",[11,18858,18859],{},"📌 Nuance: How serious a word 사랑해 is in Korean can vary from person to person and province to province. Wait and observe a bit before using it with someone.",[11,18861,18593],{},[121,18863,18864,18872],{},[124,18865,18866,18867,55,18870,18650],{},"사랑해. (Saranghae) ",[57,18868],{"src":18869,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fko-사랑해.mp3",[132,18871],{},[124,18873,18874,18875,55,18878,18880],{},"좋아해. (Choahae) ",[57,18876],{"src":18877,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fko-좋아해.mp3",[132,18879],{}," I like you. (But can be used to your boyfriend\u002Fgirlfriend, just as we'd say \"I love you\" in English. Move on to 사랑해 when things start getting serious!)",[11,18882,18883,18884,1227],{},"💡 Insight: 사랑 is a noun, but can be made into a verb by adding 하다. You can learn more about this in ",[867,18885,18887],{"href":18886},"\u002Fblog\u002Fkorean\u002Fkorean-verbs-conjugation-guide","our article on Korean verbs",[833,18889],{"src":18890,"width":5775,"height":5776,"alt":18891},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-love-kr.jpeg","A screenshot of a BTS song in which a band member sings 'I love you' in Korean",[34,18893],{},[37,18895,18897,18898,18901,18902],{"id":18896},"_7-love-in-japanese-愛-ai-恋-koi","7. Love in Japanese – 愛 (ai) ",[57,18899],{"src":18900,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fja-愛.mp3"," & 恋 (koi) ",[57,18903],{"src":18904,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fja-恋.mp3",[11,18906,18907],{},"📌 Nuance: You probably won't hear either of these words often in daily life! You'll more likely hear 好き (suki, \"like\") or 大好き (daisuki, \"really like\").",[121,18909,18910,18913],{},[124,18911,18912],{},"愛 (ai) – A deep, honest, unconditional love",[124,18914,18915],{},"恋 (koi) – A passionate, romantic love—the butterflies in your stomach",[11,18917,18593],{},[121,18919,18920,18929],{},[124,18921,18922,18923,55,18926,18928],{},"愛してる。(Aishiteru.) ",[57,18924],{"src":18925,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fja-愛してる.mp3",[132,18927],{}," I love you. (Very serious; like \"you're thinking about marrying this person\" serious).",[124,18930,18931,18932,55,18935,18937],{},"彼は恋に落ちた。(Kare wa koi ni ochita.) ",[57,18933],{"src":18934,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fja-彼は恋に落ちた.mp3",[132,18936],{}," He fell in love.",[11,18939,18940,18941,18944],{},"💡 Insight: In Japanese, there's a phrase 「愛は真ん中に心という漢字があるから真心、恋は下に心があるから下心。」",[57,18942],{"src":18943,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fja-愛は真ん中に心という漢字があるから真心、恋は下に心があるから下心.mp3",", which translates to \"The heart 心 is in the middle of 愛, so it's true love... but it's in the bottom of 恋, so that's just \"down heart\" (ulterior motive)\".",[833,18946],{"src":5736,"width":5737,"height":5738,"alt":5739},[86,18948,18949,18951,32,18953],{},[381,18950,18775],{"bold":383,"underline":383},[132,18952],{},[381,18954,18955],{},"\nWant a better way to learn Japanese than some boring textbook? Watch Japanese videos on YouTube or Netflix → click subtitles see explanations of words you don't know → make a high-quality flashcard in less than a second → ??? → progress! \n",[876,18957],{"href":14797,"text":879},[34,18959],{},[37,18961,18963,18964],{"id":18962},"_8-love-in-portuguese-o-amor","8. Love in Portuguese – (O) Amor ",[57,18965],{"src":18966,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fpt-amor.mp3",[11,18968,18969,18970,18973,18974,18979],{},"📌 Nuance: As with some of the other languages we've discussed, amor (and its verb form amar ",[57,18971],{"src":18972,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fpt-amar.mp3"," ) are reserved for romantic love. For example, the Portuguese translation of the TV show \"Everybody Loves Raymond\" is \"Todos Gostam do Raymond\" (Everyone ",[21,18975,18976],{},[4455,18977,18978],{},"Likes"," Raymond).",[11,18981,18593],{},[121,18983,18984,18992],{},[124,18985,18986,18987,55,18990,18650],{},"Brazil: Eu te amo. ",[57,18988],{"src":18989,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fpt-Br te amo..mp3",[132,18991],{},[124,18993,18994,18995,15572,19000,18650],{},"Portugal: Eu amo-te. (",[867,18996,18999],{"href":18997,"rel":18998},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=j74dOQ3NgtA&t=24s",[1196],"audio sample here",[132,19001],{},[11,19003,19004],{},"💡 Insight: Brazilian and European Portuguese are quite different. One of these differences is visible here: in European Portuguese, object pronouns (you\u002Fme\u002Fetc) usually come after the verb; in Brazilian Portuguese, they come close to the subject pronoun (the person doing the verb). You can see above that \"te\" comes before \"amo\" in Brazil, but after it in Portugal.",[11,19006,19007],{},[21,19008,19009],{},"(Note: In Portuguese, nouns are often accompanied by articles (a\u002Fan\u002Fthe). With this in mind, rather than seeing \"amor\" alone, you'll often see \"o amor\").",[833,19011],{"src":19012,"width":5775,"height":5776,"alt":19013},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-love-pt.jpeg","A Brazilian woman telling a man that she loves him. ",[34,19015],{},[37,19017,19019,19020],{"id":19018},"_9-love-in-spanish-el-amor","9. Love in Spanish – (El) Amor ",[57,19021],{"src":19022,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fes-amor.mp3",[11,19024,19025,19026,19029,19030,19033],{},"📌 Nuance: Like Portuguese, Spanish has amor (noun) and amar ",[57,19027],{"src":19028,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fes-amar.mp3"," (verb). Also like Portuguese and several of the other languages on this list, ",[21,19031,19032],{},"amar"," is a strong word usually reserved for your significant other.",[11,19035,18593],{},[121,19037,19038,19047],{},[124,19039,19040,19041,55,19044,19046],{},"Te amo. ",[57,19042],{"src":19043,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fes-te amo.mp3",[132,19045],{}," I love you. (To your partner; perhaps to parents\u002Fchildren in some families)",[124,19048,19049,19050,55,19053,19055],{},"Te quiero. ",[57,19051],{"src":19052,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fes-te quiero.mp3",[132,19054],{}," I love you. (To non-nuclear family members)",[11,19057,19058,19059,19062,19063,19066,19067,19070],{},"💡 Insight: You might actually be able to tell your friends \"te quiero\", but it differs from place to place and person to person. If you aren't sure, you can safely capture a similar sentiment with \"te aprecio\" ",[57,19060],{"src":19061,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fes-te aprecio.mp3"," (I appreciate you). If you want to say that you love ",[21,19064,19065],{},"something",", you can accomplish that with \"me encanta\" ",[57,19068],{"src":19069,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fes-me encanta.mp3"," (~ delights me).",[11,19072,19073],{},[21,19074,19075],{},"(Note: In Spanish, nouns are often accompanied by articles (a\u002Fan\u002Fthe). With this in mind, rather than seeing \"amor\" alone, you'll often see \"el amor\").",[833,19077],{"src":19078,"width":5775,"height":5776,"alt":19079},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-love-es.jpeg","Migaku parsing a Spanish blog article talking about love, enabling you to click on words to see what they mean",[34,19081],{},[414,19083,19085,19086,19089,19090],{"id":19084},"_10-love-in-vietnamese-yêu-thương","10. Love in Vietnamese – Yêu ",[57,19087],{"src":19088,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-Yêu.mp3"," & Thương ",[57,19091],{"src":19092,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-Thương.mp3",[11,19094,19095],{},"📌 Nuance: Whereas other languages have had this distinction in terms of usage, Vietnamese actually has different words to refer to platonic vs romantic love.",[121,19097,19098,19101],{},[124,19099,19100],{},"Yêu – Romantic love (that passionate first stage of a relationship)",[124,19102,19103],{},"Thương – Affectionate love (perhaps more like compassion; you care about someone enough that you're willing to take on the responsibilities and perhaps burdens that come along with the relationship.)",[11,19105,18593],{},[121,19107,19108,19117],{},[124,19109,19110,19111,55,19114,19116],{},"Anh yêu em. ",[57,19112],{"src":19113,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-Anh yêu em..mp3",[132,19115],{}," I love you. (A man to their wife\u002Fgirlfriend).",[124,19118,19119,19120,55,19123,19125],{},"Em thương anh. ",[57,19121],{"src":19122,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-Em thương anh..mp3",[132,19124],{}," I love you. (A woman to a man she cares about, romantically or not).",[11,19127,19128],{},"💡 Insight: As mentioned, yêu describe the passionate first stage of a relationship. Couples start out feeling yêu for each other, but as the relationship matures and they begin to care more deeply for one another, they begin feeling thương for one another. In other words, you can thương and yêu someone simultaneously!",[11,19130,19131],{},[21,19132,19133,19134,19136,19137,19140],{},"(Note: Be careful with tones! While Yêu ",[57,19135],{"src":19088,":type":60}," means \"love\", the very similar looking \"yếu\" ",[57,19138],{"src":19139,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-yếu.mp3"," means \"weak\" ! Notice how with yếu (weak) the person's voice rises continuously, but it doesn't with Yêu (love) )",[833,19142],{"src":19143,"width":5775,"height":19144,"alt":19145},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-love-vi.jpeg",1688,"A man addressing the person he loves, urging her to see the person who is at the door",[34,19147],{},[37,19149,19151],{"id":19150},"in-conclusion","In conclusion",[11,19153,19154],{},"Since we're talking about love, I'm going to be kinda corny here:",[11,19156,19157],{},"In learning a language, as with loving a person, words matter—but actions are much more important. Just like a person wouldn't believe you loved them if you say so but never spend any time with them, you won't make much progress learning a language if you focus on individual words.",[86,19159,19160],{},[11,19161,19162],{},"We learn languages by spending time with them—consuming media in them, and understanding the messages and sentences within that media.",[11,19164,19165],{},"If this seems like common sense to you, too, and you're ready to start learning any of the above languages by consuming content you enjoy in them—click the button below.",[876,19167],{"href":878,"text":879},{"title":383,"searchDepth":915,"depth":915,"links":19169},[19170,19171,19172,19173,19174,19175,19176,19177,19178,19180,19181,19185],{"id":18472,"depth":915,"text":18473},{"id":18577,"depth":915,"text":18578},{"id":18584,"depth":915,"text":18585},{"id":18630,"depth":915,"text":18631},{"id":18676,"depth":915,"text":18677},{"id":18715,"depth":915,"text":18716},{"id":18787,"depth":915,"text":18788},{"id":18852,"depth":915,"text":18853},{"id":18896,"depth":915,"text":19179},"7. Love in Japanese – 愛 (ai) & 恋 (koi) ",{"id":18962,"depth":915,"text":18963},{"id":19018,"depth":915,"text":19019,"children":19182},[19183],{"id":19084,"depth":923,"text":19184},"10. Love in Vietnamese – Yêu & Thương ",{"id":19150,"depth":915,"text":19151},"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!",{"timestampUnix":19188,"slug":19189,"h1":19190,"image":19191,"tags":19196},1741321850000,"i-love-you-in-10-languages","Ways to Say Love in Different Languages: From Spanish \"Amor\" to Vietnamese \"Yêu\"",{"src":19192,"width":19193,"height":19194,"alt":19195},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-love-10-languages.jpeg",1774,1141,"A photo of Lebkuchenherzen, German for \"German Hearts\", a sweet and lovely snack!",[2036],"\u002Farticle\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-love-10-languages","---\ntitle: 'How to Say Love in Different Languages: 10 Ways to Say I Love You'\ndescription: '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!'\ntimestampUnix: 1741321850000\nslug: 'i-love-you-in-10-languages'\nh1: 'Ways to Say Love in Different Languages: From Spanish \"Amor\" to Vietnamese \"Yêu\"'\nimage:\n src: '\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-love-10-languages.jpeg'\n width: 1774\n height: 1141\n alt: 'A photo of Lebkuchenherzen, German for \"German Hearts\", a sweet and lovely snack!'\ntags:\n - listicle\n---\n\nLove is a universal feeling, but it’s not a universal word. Naturally, each language has their own way of translating love, and they're not all as simple as just saying you love someone. It's kinda interesting, when you start peeking at the details of what's actually being said.\n\nThis article will be short and sweet—we'll look at the things people say when they talk about love in ten different languages, and then be on our way.\n\nOn the off chance that you're here for a specific language:\n\n\u003Ctoc>\u003C\u002Ftoc>\n\n---\n\n## ❤️ A note about English speakers' love for the word \"love\"\n\nBefore we jump into the translations, we need to ask ourselves an important question:\n\n\u003Caccordion heading=\"Click me\">\n\n\u003Ccustom-iframe src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FHEXWRTEbj1I?si=FeH8kczzOdGx1heq\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-iframe>\n\n\u003C\u002Faccordion>\n\nAlright, that was dumb.\n\nBut, _really_, though.\n\nConsider this:\n\n- In English, we say that a serious rainstorm is \"heavy\"\n\n- In Mandarin, they say it's \"big\" (雨下得很大, yu3 xia4 de5 hen3 da4)\n\n- In Russian, they say it's \"strong\" (Идет сильный дождь., Idet sil'nyy dozhd'.)\n\nIt's not that Mandarin or Russian doesn't have a word for \"heavy\"—they do—they just don't use that word to describe getting violently excessive amounts of rain. They have the same _idea_, but they express it with different _words_.\n\n> If translating something simple like \"rain\" isn't straightforward, how much more complex must it be to translate something like \"love\"?\n\nIf you're not convinced, let's look at this from a different direction.\n\nWhile I love my mom, I also love:\n\n- Jay, my best friend since childhood\n- My cat\n- Two-for-one day at Starbucks\n- The \"send website to clipboard\" feature a colleague recently added to Migaku _(super OP if you regularly read on your phone)_\n- The Arabic numeral system _(context: feeling a little shellshocked after seeing a menu at a traditional Taiwanese restaurant)_\n- Milk tea\n\nSpeakers of other languages might look at that list of things and be confused: if \"love\" refers to the emotion I feel toward my mother, how could the same word possibly be used to refer to the way you feel about a cheap inanimate object?\n\nBasically, we're about to give you words for love in a bunch of languages... but you should know that this is just a start. Some languages may indeed have a word for love, but don't use it in all the same situations we do in English.\n\nAs such:\n\n> If you really want to learn to say \"I love you\" correctly in another language, you'll need to spend a lot of time interacting with that language—watching TV, reading books, etc. _That's_ how you'll learn how speakers of your target language view the concept of love, how they put it into words, and when\u002Fhow often they do so.\n\nAnyway, there's my soapbox!\n\nLet's get to the love.\n\n---\n\n## 💖 How to say love in different languages\n\nTen, to be specific.\n\n## 1. Love in Cantonese — 愛 (oi3) \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-愛.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n\n📌 Nuance: Used for deep love but less common in everyday speech.\n\n🗣 Examples:\n\n- 我愛你。(ngo5 oi3 nei5.) \u003Cbr> I love you. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-我愛你.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n- 佢哋之間有真愛。(keoi5 dei6 zi1 gaan1 jau5 zan1 oi3.) \u003Cbr> They have true love. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-佢哋之間有真愛。.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n\n💡 Insight: Cantonese speakers often express love indirectly through actions or with less intense phrases like 我鍾意你 (ngo5 zung1 ji3 nei5, \"I like you\") \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fyue-我鍾意你.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>.\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-love-hk.webp\" width=\"1404\" height=\"789\" alt=\"One person, in a moment of passion, telling their partner that they love them\" \u002F>\n\n---\n\n## 2. Love in Mandarin Chinese – 爱 (ài) \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-爱.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n\n📌 Nuance: Strong romantic love, but many Chinese speakers prefer softer expressions.\n\n🗣 Examples:\n\n- 我爱你。(Wǒ ài nǐ.) \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-我爱你.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> I love you.\n- 他们的爱情很感人。(Tāmen de àiqíng hěn gǎnrén.) \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-他们的爱情很感人.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> Their love is touching\u002Fmoving.\n\n💡 Insight: Mandarin speakers often use 喜欢 (xǐhuan, to like) \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fzh-喜欢.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> in daily life instead of directly saying 我爱你.\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-love-cn.jpeg\" width=\"2880\" height=\"1710\" alt=\"The host of a late-night show informs another guest that he loves them. The third guest is shocked.\" \u002F>\n\n---\n\n## 3. Love in English – Love \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fen-love.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n\n📌 Nuance: English has one word for love, but it can be used very broadly, for everything from romance and family to hobbies and food.\n\n🗣 Examples:\n\n- I love you. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fen-I love you..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n- She has a deep love for music. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fen-She has a deep love for music..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n\n💡 Insight: English speakers use “love” freely, sometimes even for things like “Dude, I love pizza” \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fen-Dude, I love pizza..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>.\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-love-en.jpeg\" width=\"2880\" height=\"1682\" alt=\"A child telling her uncle that she loves him\" \u002F>\n\n---\n\n## 4. Love in French – (La) Amour \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-amour.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n\n📌 Nuance: The language of romance, supposedly! Amour (noun) and aimer (verb) cover love, but aimer can also mean \"to like.\"\n\n🗣 Examples:\n\n- Je t’aime. \u003Cbr> I love you. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Je t’aime.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n- Leur amour est éternel. \u003Cbr> Their love is eternal. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Leur amour est éternel.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n- J'aime le thé au lait. \u003Cbr> I like milk tea. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-J'aime le thé au lait.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n\n💡 Insight: While Je t’aime means \"I love you\", adding one tiny word and saying \"Je t’aime bien\" \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ffr-Je t’aime bien.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> actually turns the phrase into \"I like you\". Be careful!\n\n_(Note: In French, nouns are often accompanied by articles (a\u002Fan\u002Fthe). With this in mind, rather than seeing \"amour\" alone, you'll often see l'amour, a contraction of la + amour)_\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-love-fr.jpeg\" width=\"1824\" height=\"1278\" alt=\"A father, away on a business trip, Skyping his children and saying he loves them.\" \u002F>\n\n> \u003CCenteredText bold underline>Learn languages with YouTube!\u003C\u002FCenteredText>\u003Cbr> \u003CCenteredText>What you're seeing here is me watching a French YouTube video on my phone. I stumbled into the word French word for love and decided that this was a word I wanted to learn. About two seconds and three clicks later, I'd made a flashcard out of that word and sent it to Migaku Memory. \u003C\u002FCenteredText>\n\n\u003Cprose-button href=\"\u002F\" text=\"Try Migaku for free\">\u003C\u002Fprose-button>\n\n---\n\n## 5. Love in German – Liebe \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-liebe.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n\n📌 Nuance: Liebe (noun) means love; lieben (verb) means to love. Lieben is a strong word in German.\n\n🗣 Examples:\n\n- Ich liebe dich. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Ich liebe dich.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> I love you. _(This is almost exclusively used for true, romantic love.)_\n- Ich hab(e) dich lieb. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Ich habe dich lieb.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> I love you. _(This is what you'd say to family or close friends.)_\n - Per one of our German staff members: \"_If a man is talking to a male friend, he'd be more likely to say something like \"Ich lieb dich digga\u002Fbruder\" or \"[Alter](\u002Fblog\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgerman-slang), ich lieb dich, man\". It sounds less strong without the -e on liebe_.\"\n- Seine Liebe zur Musik ist tief. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fde-Seine Liebe zur Musik ist tief.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> His love for music is deep.\n\n💡 Insight: Whereas we love everything in English, Germans are more reserved with Lieben. Unless you know what you're doing, consider using mögen (to like) unless you really, really feel strongly about something.\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-love-de.jpeg\" width=\"2880\" height=\"1710\" alt=\"A German man telling a woman that he loves her. \" \u002F>\n\n---\n\n## 6. Love in Korean – 사랑 (sarang) \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fko-사랑.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n\n📌 Nuance: How serious a word 사랑해 is in Korean can vary from person to person and province to province. Wait and observe a bit before using it with someone.\n\n🗣 Examples:\n\n- 사랑해. (Saranghae) \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fko-사랑해.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> I love you.\n- 좋아해. (Choahae) \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fko-좋아해.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> I like you. (But can be used to your boyfriend\u002Fgirlfriend, just as we'd say \"I love you\" in English. Move on to 사랑해 when things start getting serious!)\n\n💡 Insight: 사랑 is a noun, but can be made into a verb by adding 하다. You can learn more about this in [our article on Korean verbs](\u002Fblog\u002Fkorean\u002Fkorean-verbs-conjugation-guide)!\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-love-kr.jpeg\" width=\"2880\" height=\"1800\" alt=\"A screenshot of a BTS song in which a band member sings 'I love you' in Korean\"\u002F>\n\n---\n\n## 7. Love in Japanese – 愛 (ai) \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fja-愛.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> & 恋 (koi) \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fja-恋.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n\n📌 Nuance: You probably won't hear either of these words often in daily life! You'll more likely hear 好き (suki, \"like\") or 大好き (daisuki, \"really like\").\n\n- 愛 (ai) – A deep, honest, unconditional love\n- 恋 (koi) – A passionate, romantic love—the butterflies in your stomach\n\n🗣 Examples:\n\n- 愛してる。(Aishiteru.) \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fja-愛してる.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> I love you. (Very serious; like \"you're thinking about marrying this person\" serious).\n- 彼は恋に落ちた。(Kare wa koi ni ochita.) \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fja-彼は恋に落ちた.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> He fell in love.\n\n💡 Insight: In Japanese, there's a phrase 「愛は真ん中に心という漢字があるから真心、恋は下に心があるから下心。」\u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fja-愛は真ん中に心という漢字があるから真心、恋は下に心があるから下心.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>, which translates to \"The heart 心 is in the middle of 愛, so it's true love... but it's in the bottom of 恋, so that's just \"down heart\" (ulterior motive)\".\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-love-jp.jpeg\" width=\"1810\" height=\"1268\" alt=\"A Japanese woman telling her daughter that she loves her.\" \u002F>\n\n> \u003CCenteredText bold underline>Learn languages with YouTube!\u003C\u002FCenteredText>\u003Cbr> \u003CCenteredText>Want a better way to learn Japanese than some boring textbook? Watch Japanese videos on YouTube or Netflix → click subtitles see explanations of words you don't know → make a high-quality flashcard in less than a second → ??? → progress! \u003C\u002FCenteredText>\n\n\u003Cprose-button href=\"\u002Flearn-japanese\" text=\"Try Migaku for free\">\u003C\u002Fprose-button>\n\n---\n\n## 8. Love in Portuguese – (O) Amor \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fpt-amor.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n\n📌 Nuance: As with some of the other languages we've discussed, amor (and its verb form amar \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fpt-amar.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> ) are reserved for romantic love. For example, the Portuguese translation of the TV show \"Everybody Loves Raymond\" is \"Todos Gostam do Raymond\" (Everyone _\u003Cu>Likes\u003C\u002Fu>_ Raymond).\n\n🗣 Examples:\n\n- Brazil: Eu te amo. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fpt-Br te amo..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> I love you.\n- Portugal: Eu amo-te. ([audio sample here](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=j74dOQ3NgtA&t=24s)) \u003Cbr> I love you.\n\n💡 Insight: Brazilian and European Portuguese are quite different. One of these differences is visible here: in European Portuguese, object pronouns (you\u002Fme\u002Fetc) usually come after the verb; in Brazilian Portuguese, they come close to the subject pronoun (the person doing the verb). You can see above that \"te\" comes before \"amo\" in Brazil, but after it in Portugal.\n\n_(Note: In Portuguese, nouns are often accompanied by articles (a\u002Fan\u002Fthe). With this in mind, rather than seeing \"amor\" alone, you'll often see \"o amor\")._\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-love-pt.jpeg\" width=\"2880\" height=\"1800\" alt=\"A Brazilian woman telling a man that she loves him. \" \u002F>\n\n---\n\n## 9. Love in Spanish – (El) Amor \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fes-amor.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n\n📌 Nuance: Like Portuguese, Spanish has amor (noun) and amar \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fes-amar.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> (verb). Also like Portuguese and several of the other languages on this list, _amar_ is a strong word usually reserved for your significant other.\n\n🗣 Examples:\n\n- Te amo. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fes-te amo.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> I love you. (To your partner; perhaps to parents\u002Fchildren in some families)\n- Te quiero. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fes-te quiero.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> I love you. (To non-nuclear family members)\n\n💡 Insight: You might actually be able to tell your friends \"te quiero\", but it differs from place to place and person to person. If you aren't sure, you can safely capture a similar sentiment with \"te aprecio\" \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fes-te aprecio.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> (I appreciate you). If you want to say that you love _something_, you can accomplish that with \"me encanta\" \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fes-me encanta.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> (~ delights me).\n\n_(Note: In Spanish, nouns are often accompanied by articles (a\u002Fan\u002Fthe). With this in mind, rather than seeing \"amor\" alone, you'll often see \"el amor\")._\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-love-es.jpeg\" width=\"2880\" height=\"1800\" alt=\"Migaku parsing a Spanish blog article talking about love, enabling you to click on words to see what they mean\" \u002F>\n\n---\n\n### 10. Love in Vietnamese – Yêu \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-Yêu.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> & Thương \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-Thương.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n\n📌 Nuance: Whereas other languages have had this distinction in terms of usage, Vietnamese actually has different words to refer to platonic vs romantic love.\n\n- Yêu – Romantic love (that passionate first stage of a relationship)\n- Thương – Affectionate love (perhaps more like compassion; you care about someone enough that you're willing to take on the responsibilities and perhaps burdens that come along with the relationship.)\n\n🗣 Examples:\n\n- Anh yêu em. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-Anh yêu em..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> I love you. (A man to their wife\u002Fgirlfriend).\n- Em thương anh. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-Em thương anh..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> I love you. (A woman to a man she cares about, romantically or not).\n\n💡 Insight: As mentioned, yêu describe the passionate first stage of a relationship. Couples start out feeling yêu for each other, but as the relationship matures and they begin to care more deeply for one another, they begin feeling thương for one another. In other words, you can thương and yêu someone simultaneously!\n\n_(Note: Be careful with tones! While Yêu \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-Yêu.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> means \"love\", the very similar looking \"yếu\" \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-yếu.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> means \"weak\" ! Notice how with yếu (weak) the person's voice rises continuously, but it doesn't with Yêu (love) )_\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-love-vi.jpeg\" width=\"2880\" height=\"1688\" alt=\"A man addressing the person he loves, urging her to see the person who is at the door\" \u002F>\n\n---\n\n## In conclusion\n\nSince we're talking about love, I'm going to be kinda corny here:\n\nIn learning a language, as with loving a person, words matter—but actions are much more important. Just like a person wouldn't believe you loved them if you say so but never spend any time with them, you won't make much progress learning a language if you focus on individual words.\n\n> We learn languages by spending time with them—consuming media in them, and understanding the messages and sentences within that media.\n\nIf this seems like common sense to you, too, and you're ready to start learning any of the above languages by consuming content you enjoy in them—click the button below.\n\n\u003Cprose-button href=\"\u002F\" text=\"Try Migaku for free\">\u003C\u002Fprose-button>\n",{"title":18454,"description":19186},"article\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-love-10-languages","YQc2LRSM_47Ffx1-nNuRPVu-aKSr3CRNGnwbVpGEJnc","March 7, 2025",{"id":19204,"title":19205,"body":19206,"description":19927,"extension":929,"meta":19928,"navigation":942,"path":19936,"rawbody":19937,"seo":19938,"stem":19939,"__hash__":19940,"timestampUnix":19929,"slug":19930,"h1":19931,"image":19932,"tags":19935,"_dir":948,"timestamp":19941},"content\u002Farticle\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-multiple-languages.md","Can you learn two languages at once?",{"type":8,"value":19207,"toc":19909},[19208,19211,19216,19219,19222,19224,19226,19230,19233,19238,19241,19258,19264,19272,19278,19282,19285,19293,19296,19300,19308,19312,19315,19320,19323,19368,19372,19375,19385,19388,19396,19404,19409,19412,19432,19438,19465,19472,19475,19480,19483,19524,19527,19531,19534,19539,19542,19545,19574,19581,19584,19597,19613,19615,19618,19625,19629,19632,19636,19639,19642,19646,19652,19655,19659,19670,19673,19679,19682,19687,19691,19697,19700,19710,19723,19729,19732,19743,19746,19751,19754,19757,19762,19765,19768,19773,19777,19784,19787,19800,19803,19811,19814,19818,19821,19826,19829,19855,19858,19872,19875,19889,19891,19895,19898,19903,19906],[11,19209,19210],{},"If my 10+ years in online language learning communities has taught me anything, it's this:",[86,19212,19213],{},[11,19214,19215],{},"If you're interested in learning one language, you're probably interested in learning two (dozen).",[11,19217,19218],{},"But should you?",[11,19220,19221],{},"Let's get into it:",[30,19223],{},[34,19225],{},[37,19227,19229],{"id":19228},"first-lets-talk-about-how-language-learning-works","First, let's talk about how language learning works",[11,19231,19232],{},"Before we get too far along, you need to understand that language learning, at its core, is pretty simple:",[86,19234,19235],{},[11,19236,19237],{},"If you consume media in another language, and you understand some of the messages within that media—conversations, dialogues, sentences, phrases, utterances, words, whatever—you will make progress.",[11,19239,19240],{},"That's not easy—at least not at first—but it is fairly simple.",[121,19242,19243,19246,19249,19252,19255],{},[124,19244,19245],{},"You don't need to spend a lot of money on classes",[124,19247,19248],{},"You don't need to have a perfect (or even good) system",[124,19250,19251],{},"You don't need to move abroad",[124,19253,19254],{},"You don't need to do an exhaustive survey of all the language learning apps and textbooks out there",[124,19256,19257],{},"You don't need to be super smart or have a good memory",[11,19259,19260,19261,19263],{},"Until the advanced level, you literally ",[21,19262,6875],{}," need to find some sort of content you somewhat enjoy and can somewhat follow, and then regularly spend time interacting with your language.",[11,19265,19266,19267,19271],{},"I feel so strongly about this that, ",[867,19268,19270],{"href":19269},"\u002Fblog\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fovercome-beginner-stage","when I begin studying a new language, my one and only goal is to get my foot in the door with some piece of content",". If I can do that, everything else falls into place.",[11,19273,19274,19275,19277],{},"And, in brief, ",[21,19276,4807],{}," is the reason why learning multiple languages simultaneously isn't a good idea.",[37,19279,19281],{"id":19280},"why-learning-multiple-languages-at-the-same-time-isnt-a-great-idea","Why learning multiple languages at the same time isn't a great idea",[11,19283,19284],{},"I could talk about a lot of things here, but there are really two concrete and unavoidable hardships you inflict upon yourself by actively studying two languages at once:",[3153,19286,19287,19290],{},[124,19288,19289],{},"The beginner stage kinda sucks, and now you need to spend twice as long in it",[124,19291,19292],{},"A lot of \"know how\" transfers from your second language to your third, and you lose that benefit by doing two now instead of one now and one later",[11,19294,19295],{},"Now let's elaborate a bit.",[37,19297,19299],{"id":19298},"reason-1-learning-two-languages-at-once-doubles-the-amount-of-time-the-beginner-stage-takes","Reason 1: Learning two languages at once doubles the amount of time the beginner stage takes",[11,19301,19302,19303,19307],{},"We've got a much longer post that goes into detail about ",[867,19304,19306],{"href":19305},"\u002Fblog\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fstages-of-language-learning","the five stages of language learning",", and we invite you to read that.",[833,19309],{"src":19310,"width":936,"height":19311,"alt":5771},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-juggling-languages-marathon.jpeg",1276,[11,19313,19314],{},"For now, though, there's one key thing you need to understand:",[86,19316,19317],{},[11,19318,19319],{},"Language learning isn't a linear process. Each stage of language acquisition has its own unique challenges and joys.",[11,19321,19322],{},"Or, to get a bit more concrete:",[121,19324,19325,19347],{},[124,19326,19327,19330],{},[69,19328,19329],{},"The beginner stage",[121,19331,19332,19338],{},[124,19333,19334,19337],{},[69,19335,19336],{},"Plus"," → There are tons of resources and your path is very straightforward",[124,19339,19340,19343,19344,19346],{},[69,19341,19342],{},"Minus"," → It's boring as hell; you know so little that you can't really do anything ",[21,19345,12179],{}," grind through that textbook \u002F course \u002F app \u002F whatever",[124,19348,19349,19352],{},[69,19350,19351],{},"The intermediate stage",[121,19353,19354,19363],{},[124,19355,19356,19358,19359,19362],{},[69,19357,19336],{}," → Progress largely comes as a byproduct of entertaining yourself; eventually, ",[21,19360,19361],{},"long"," before the advanced stage, learning your language will become quite effortless",[124,19364,19365,19367],{},[69,19366,19342],{}," → There is no real path; the most optimal way to learn and the most important things to learn depend entirely on your personal goals and interests",[414,19369,19371],{"id":19370},"what-overcoming-the-beginner-stage-of-a-new-language-entails","What overcoming the beginner stage of a new language entails",[11,19373,19374],{},"I personally take the \"intermediate\" stage to mean \"independent\"—you know enough of the language that you can begin learning by following your own interests.",[11,19376,19377,19378,19380,19381,19384],{},"As pro-immersion as I am, though, I understand that you can't ",[21,19379,6875],{}," start reading books and watching YouTube in another language. You need to ",[21,19382,19383],{},"understand"," content to learn from it, and you need a bit of a foundation under you to begin understanding content.",[11,19386,19387],{},"But how much of a foundation do you need?",[11,19389,19390,19391,19395],{},"We go heavier into statistics in ",[867,19392,19394],{"href":19393},"blog\u002Fjapanese\u002Fhow-to-learn-japanese-vocabulary","this post",", but, if you take any random word in any random sentence:",[121,19397,19398,19401],{},[124,19399,19400],{},"There's a ~50% chance it'll be one of about 100 words",[124,19402,19403],{},"There's an ~80% chance it'll be one of about 1,500 words",[86,19405,19406],{},[11,19407,19408],{},"The closer you get to 1,500 words, the more things begin being accessible to you. This increases your odds of finding a piece of content you both enjoy and understand.",[11,19410,19411],{},"The \"golden\" number will differ from person to person, depending on factors like:",[121,19413,19414,19420,19426],{},[124,19415,19416,19417],{},"Your tastes ",[21,19418,19419],{},"(sci-fi requires a lot more specialized vocab than, say, high-school romances)",[124,19421,19422,19423],{},"Your willingness to look things up ",[21,19424,19425],{},"(if you don't mind looking up several words per sentence, you can start immersing very early on)",[124,19427,19428,19429],{},"Your tolerance for blurriness ",[21,19430,19431],{},"(If you're OK with just getting the gist of things, your life will be easier; if you need to understand everything, your life will be harder)",[11,19433,19434,19435,19437],{},"Regardless, so long as you stick with it, you'll eventually find something you enjoy ",[21,19436,3970],{}," understand. You'll learn a ton while working through that. It'll be hard at first, but it'll get easier as you go. Eventually, consuming content in your target language will become a primarily fun and enjoyable activity. It’s something that you’ll look forward to—not something that takes a lot of effort.",[86,19439,19440,19447,19449],{},[381,19441,19442,19443,19446],{"bold":383,"underline":383},"\n👉 \n",[69,19444,19445],{},"The point","\n 👈\n",[132,19448],{},[381,19450,19451,19452,19455,19456,19459,19460,19462,19464],{},"\nBy learning two languages at once, you are effectively doubling the amount of time it takes you to hit 1,500 known words in either language. In other words, you extend the amount of time you spend at the stage where languages \n",[21,19453,19454],{},"drain","\n you, instead of \n",[21,19457,19458],{},"entertaining","\n you. \n",[132,19461],{},[132,19463],{},"\nIt’s not to say that you couldn’t do this. You can, if you really want to. It just increases the likelihood that you'll burn out—that you'll give up on two languages instead of learning one. \n",[37,19466,19468,19469,19471],{"id":19467},"reason-2-learning-your-first-foreign-language-involves-learning-much-more-than-just-another-language","Reason 2: Learning your first foreign language involves learning much more than ",[21,19470,6875],{}," another language",[11,19473,19474],{},"I'll need to expand on this a bit, but learning your first foreign language will require you to learn a lot more than \"just\" another language.",[833,19476],{"src":19477,"width":19478,"height":19479,"alt":5771},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-juggling-languages-knowhow.jpeg",4096,2304,[11,19481,19482],{},"To learn another language well, you're also going to have to learn:",[121,19484,19485,19494,19500,19506,19512,19518],{},[124,19486,19487,19490,19491,19493],{},[69,19488,19489],{},"Some personal things",": How ",[21,19492,3334],{}," learn, which times of the day you're more\u002Fless effective, if you prefer to knock out the day's studies all at once or piecemeal your way through it, how to deal with low-motivation days",[124,19495,19496,19499],{},[69,19497,19498],{},"Some linguistic things",": The different tenses that exist, how noun cases work, how verb conjugation works, the concepts of verbal aspect or mood—how languages work, in a theoretical sense",[124,19501,19502,19505],{},[69,19503,19504],{},"Some roadmap things",": What hurdles await you as you progress through the beginner's stage, how other people have gotten over those hurdles, and which approaches do\u002Fdon't work for you",[124,19507,19508,19511],{},[69,19509,19510],{},"Some resource things",": What apps and textbooks exist, which ones you find useful, which ones you'll actually stick with",[124,19513,19514,19517],{},[69,19515,19516],{},"Some stuff about memory",": How good your memory generally is or isn't, how to work around that, and how to commit different types of things to memory",[124,19519,19520,19523],{},[69,19521,19522],{},"Some stuff about your goals",": What do you actually care about in another language? Do you want to be bilingual, or are you happy with being good enough to have conversations and consume media? Do you care more about reading, listening, or interacting with others?",[11,19525,19526],{},"I could go on, but I'm sort of rambling already, and I think you get the point.",[414,19528,19530],{"id":19529},"why-it-gets-easier-to-learn-subsequent-languages","Why it gets easier to learn subsequent languages",[11,19532,19533],{},"In the course of learning your first language, you’ll also learn a lot about linguistics in general, the psychology of learning, and what it takes for you to be productive. You'll take all of this knowhow with you into subsequent languages, and this will make the progress significantly smoother.",[86,19535,19536],{},[11,19537,19538],{},"Your third language will be much, much easier to learn than your second language.",[11,19540,19541],{},"French is my 7th language.",[11,19543,19544],{},"Going into it, from literally day one, I already knew:",[121,19546,19547,19550,19553,19559,19562,19565,19568,19571],{},[124,19548,19549],{},"The new sounds I would need to learn, how those sounds worked, and how to learn them",[124,19551,19552],{},"How I'd go about learning my first 1,500 words, and which words were\u002Fweren't worth learning",[124,19554,19555,19556,19558],{},"How well I did (or, rather, ",[21,19557,6757],{},") need to understand grammar early on",[124,19560,19561],{},"Which sorts of content I could realistically work through from day one, and several progressively harder bits of content I could work through as my level improved, until I was ready for most modern French novels",[124,19563,19564],{},"Which holes of knowledge I needed to fill in now and which ones I could ignore until later",[124,19566,19567],{},"Exactly how much I needed to learn \"formally\" before I could transition to focusing on immersion",[124,19569,19570],{},"Which resources were available, and which ones I'd use for which things",[124,19572,19573],{},"A pace of learning that was sustainable for me but would also lead to being able to read French books in a realistic time frame",[11,19575,19576,19577,19580],{},"So, you know, I'm 100% confident that I'll be reading Albert Camus and his ilk within a few years. And it's no ",[21,19578,19579],{},"wonder",". What would you do if you knew all of the bumps in the road you'd encounter beforehand and how to get over them? What would you risk if you knew that you couldn't fail?",[11,19582,19583],{},"That may sound kind of wishy-washy, so here's a concrete example for you:",[121,19585,19586,19594],{},[124,19587,19588,19589,19593],{},"When I started studying Spanish, ",[867,19590,19592],{"href":19591},"\u002Fblog\u002Fspanish\u002Fspanish-subjunctive-guide","the subjunctive mood"," kicked my ass. I had to learn what it was, why Spanish speakers used it, the nuance it added to a sentence, how we do\u002Fdon't use it in English, and then learn several new conjugation tables.",[124,19595,19596],{},"In French, the only thing I needed to learn was a few new conjugation tables. I already knew how the subjunctive worked! I just didn't know how to put French verbs into the subjunctive.",[86,19598,19599,19603,19605],{},[381,19600,19442,19601,19446],{"bold":383,"underline":383},[69,19602,19445],{},[132,19604],{},[381,19606,19607,19608,19610,19612],{},"\nIf you learn two languages at once, you're running into two languages blind. \n",[132,19609],{},[132,19611],{},"\n If you learn one language at a time, you go into your first language blind, and then (basically) coast through your second language—you'll know how you learn, the hurdles that await you, how to get over them, and stuff like that. The difference is very noticeable. \n",[34,19614],{},[37,19616,16961],{"id":19617},"how-to-learn-multiple-languages",[11,19619,19620,19621,19624],{},"Naturally, we're not saying you should learn only one language ",[21,19622,19623],{},"ever",". If you're interested in multiple languages, we want you to learn multiple languages.",[833,19626],{"src":19627,"width":991,"height":16858,"alt":19628},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-multiple-languages-moon.jpeg","The typical language learner when told that it might be possible to learn two languages simultaneously",[11,19630,19631],{},"We started this article off with the Golden Rule of Language Learning:",[86,19633,19634],{},[11,19635,19237],{},[11,19637,19638],{},"And the way to successfully learn several languages is to structure your learning such that you're able to meaningfully interact with as many languages as possible as soon as possible.",[11,19640,19641],{},"You can experiment with what your exact routine looks like as you go, but here's how I personally do it.",[414,19643,19645],{"id":19644},"step-1-focus-onone-new-language-at-a-time","Step 1: Focus on one new language at a time",[11,19647,19648,19649,19651],{},"For the two reasons listed in the previous sections, you should only be actively studying one language at a time. By \"active study\", I am referring to anything that you are doing which you don't necessarily ",[21,19650,4315],{}," to be doing in order to build a foundation that enables you to consume media in another language.",[11,19653,19654],{},"So, for example, if you're going through Migaku's Japanese Academy to learn the 1,500 words that appear most commonly in Netflix subtitles:",[833,19656],{"src":19657,"width":8774,"height":13059,"alt":19658},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-textbooks-memes.jpeg","A screenshot showing how Migaku uses memes to make the learning process a bit more entertaining",[11,19660,19661,19662,19665,19666,19669],{},"Don't ",[21,19663,19664],{},"also"," be attending a French class or learning Korean's Hangul on another app. If you're in the process of building a foundation in Japanese, then ",[21,19667,19668],{},"all"," of your intentional effort should be going to Japanese, such that you reach the immersion stage as soon as possible.",[11,19671,19672],{},"This rule holds true no matter how experienced of a learner you are.",[11,19674,19675,19676,19678],{},"I've been at this for eleven years, and even though I know exactly that I'm doing, I ",[21,19677,3987],{}," study only one language at a time. My time and energy is limited, and focusing on one language at a time ensures that I see results with the least amount of energy exerted, which means I'm less likely to burn out before achieving my goal.",[11,19680,19681],{},"Or:",[86,19683,19684],{},[11,19685,19686],{},"The best way to learn 10 languages is to know 9 languages and then learn one more. The best way to learn 9 languages is to know 8 languages and then learn one more. (You see where this is going).",[414,19688,19690],{"id":19689},"step-2-shift-time-from-active-study-to-immersion","Step 2: Shift time from active study to immersion",[11,19692,19693,19694,19696],{},"As you approach 1,500 words in another language, an increasingly wide variety of content is going to become accessible to you. Eventually, you're going to come face to face with a piece of content that you can make some sense of ",[21,19695,3970],{}," that you enjoy.",[11,19698,19699],{},"That's going to be an awesome day. You'll remember it.",[11,19701,19702,19703,19705,19706,19709],{},"Don't get me wrong—I don't mean that it will be ",[21,19704,7732],{}," to consume media, or even that it'll be very enjoyable. It'll just have become ",[21,19707,19708],{},"possible",". When this happens, you'll know.",[86,19711,19712],{},[11,19713,19714,19715,19718,19719,19722],{},"At this point, gradually start tweaking your schedule such that more of your time is being spent ",[21,19716,19717],{},"interacting with"," your target language and less is spent ",[21,19720,19721],{},"studying"," it.",[11,19724,19725,19726,19728],{},"By ",[21,19727,4722],{}," with your language, I mean using it to do something you enjoy or find meaningful. Read books! Watch Netflix! Listen to podcasts! Play Pokémon!",[11,19730,19731],{},"Right now, anything is fair game, so long as:",[121,19733,19734,19737,19740],{},[124,19735,19736],{},"(a) it involves you reading, listening to, or watching something",[124,19738,19739],{},"(b) you somewhat understand that thing",[124,19741,19742],{},"(c) it doesn't bore you.",[11,19744,19745],{},"So, for example, here's me watching a YouTube video about why we age in Spanish.",[833,19747],{"src":19748,"width":13050,"height":19749,"alt":19750},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-anki-spanish-youtube-1.jpeg",1238,"A screenshot showing how Migaku enhances YouTube subtitles, even on YouTube,",[11,19752,19753],{},"Migaku makes subtitles interactive in places like YouTube and Netflix, so when I stumble into a word I don't know, I can just click on it to see what it means.",[11,19755,19756],{},"When I stumble into a word that looks useful in a sentence that is accessible, I click the orange button in the top-right corner of the dictionary to make a flashcard. Migaku automatically fetches the word, the sentence it appeared in, takes a screenshot, and takes an audio snippet of the sentence being narrated.",[833,19758],{"src":19759,"width":19760,"height":19749,"alt":19761},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-anki-spanish-youtube-2.jpeg",1188,"A screenshot showing the flashcard Migaku generated from a YouTube video",[11,19763,19764],{},"From here, Migaku will nudge me to review the card periodically, ensuring I commit it to memory.",[11,19766,19767],{},"As you make flashcards from the content you consume, your vocabulary will improve. As you go on, you'll gradually build an intuitive understanding for how sentences in your target language are structured, and it’ll become easier and easier to consume content in your target language.",[86,19769,19770],{},[11,19771,19772],{},"At this stage of the game, you basically can't help but make progress. So long as you're spending time in your target language, you'll make progress as a byproduct of entertaining yourself. This is the most exciting stage of language acquisition.",[414,19774,19776],{"id":19775},"step-3-shift-media-time-from-your-first-language-to-your-second-language-then-study-time-from-your-second-language-to-a-third-language","Step 3: Shift media time from your first language to your second language, then study time from your second language to a third language",[11,19778,19779,19780,19783],{},"As time goes on, the work:fun balance of the language you're learning will shift. Consuming media in the language you're learning will become increasingly effortless. Eventually, it'll have become a primarily enjoyable activity: you'll ",[21,19781,19782],{},"look forward"," to reading that Spanish book, watching that Japanese anime, watching that Korean drama, listening to that French podcast, or whatever your thing is.",[11,19785,19786],{},"This is a massive achievement, so go ahead and chill here for awhile!",[86,19788,19789,19792],{},[11,19790,19791],{},"But, when you're ready, it's time to make two important adjustments:",[3153,19793,19794,19797],{},[124,19795,19796],{},"Take time that you've been using to consume media (or doomscroll) in your native language and give it to your second language",[124,19798,19799],{},"Take the time you'd been using to immerse in a second language and use it to actively study a third language",[11,19801,19802],{},"I'm a bookworm, and my solution was to rotate chapters: one in English, then one in Spanish, and so forth. Experiment and find a balance that works for you. Basically anything goes, so long as you're meeting two conditions:",[3153,19804,19805,19808],{},[124,19806,19807],{},"You're interacting with your second language at least a few times per week",[124,19809,19810],{},"You're actively studying your third language every day",[11,19812,19813],{},"Finding this balance will require experimentation on your part and you likely won't succeed right away. Keep at it. You've already succeeded with one foreign language, so if you can get this balance down, you'll eventually succeed in another foreign language, too.",[414,19815,19817],{"id":19816},"step-4-repeat-as-you-approach-fluency-in-more-languages","Step 4: Repeat as you approach fluency in more languages",[11,19819,19820],{},"From this point on, the process just repeats.",[86,19822,19823],{},[11,19824,19825],{},"The limiting factor on how many languages you learn is not related to intelligence or memory, but rather time management. How efficiently can you dice up your days and weeks, such that you can have meaningful interactions with several languages?",[11,19827,19828],{},"For me, the balance looks like this:",[121,19830,19831,19834,19837,19840,19843,19846,19849,19852],{},[124,19832,19833],{},"English (N) → I work in English, and my wife and I speak English at home",[124,19835,19836],{},"Spanish → I read ~3 chapters of a Spanish book per week",[124,19838,19839],{},"Japanese → I read ~3 chapters of a Japanese book per week",[124,19841,19842],{},"Russian → Basically abandoned; I do not really use Russian anymore",[124,19844,19845],{},"Mandarin (immersion focus) → I read a chapter of a Mandarin book most days",[124,19847,19848],{},"Korean → I read a few Korean webtoons per week",[124,19850,19851],{},"French (active study) → I'm currently building my French vocabulary and working through a French grammar dictionary",[124,19853,19854],{},"Wildcard → I listen to an English audiobook or foreign-language podcast while doing chores or exercising",[11,19856,19857],{},"There's a few important things to notice here:",[121,19859,19860,19863,19866,19869],{},[124,19861,19862],{},"I don't really consume media in English; pretty much all of my media time is spent in another language",[124,19864,19865],{},"The overwhelming majority of my media time is spent reading; I decided that I would rather read books in several languages than be totally fluent in one",[124,19867,19868],{},"I interact with most of my intermediate+ languages a few times per week, but I interact with Mandarin daily; my \"immersion focus language\" rotates, such that each of my languages gets the spotlight for a couple months per year",[124,19870,19871],{},"I have dropped Russian for the time being—I'll come back to it eventually, (probably when Migaku releases Russian support...) but I don't have any immediate need or want for it, so the opportunity cost it imposes upon my time doesn't make sense right now",[11,19873,19874],{},"As with the previous step, how you handle this juggle is up to you.",[11,19876,19877,19878,19881,19882,19885,19886,19888],{},"Just know that, if you want to know ",[21,19879,19880],{},"several"," languages, you're eventually going to have to make some hard choices. You can do ",[21,19883,19884],{},"anything",", but not ",[21,19887,3074],{},". Once you reach the threshold of what your free time and time management skills allow you, you'll need to get creative.",[34,19890],{},[37,19892,19894],{"id":19893},"my-1-tip-for-learning-multiple-new-languages-to-fluency","My #1 tip for learning multiple new languages to fluency",[11,19896,19897],{},"If I were to boil this entire blog post down into a sentence, it'd be this:",[86,19899,19900],{},[11,19901,19902],{},"Immerse in and maintain several languages simultaneously, but only ever actively study one language at a time.",[11,19904,19905],{},"So long as you can follow that rule, you'll be able to learn as many languages as you can make time for.",[11,19907,19908],{},"Good luck 💪",{"title":383,"searchDepth":915,"depth":915,"links":19910},[19911,19912,19913,19916,19920,19926],{"id":19228,"depth":915,"text":19229},{"id":19280,"depth":915,"text":19281},{"id":19298,"depth":915,"text":19299,"children":19914},[19915],{"id":19370,"depth":923,"text":19371},{"id":19467,"depth":915,"text":19917,"children":19918},"Reason 2: Learning your first foreign language involves learning much more than just another language",[19919],{"id":19529,"depth":923,"text":19530},{"id":19617,"depth":915,"text":16961,"children":19921},[19922,19923,19924,19925],{"id":19644,"depth":923,"text":19645},{"id":19689,"depth":923,"text":19690},{"id":19775,"depth":923,"text":19776},{"id":19816,"depth":923,"text":19817},{"id":19893,"depth":915,"text":19894},"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.",{"timestampUnix":19929,"slug":19930,"h1":19931,"image":19932,"tags":19935},1748601722542,"study-two-languages-at-once","Want to learn multiple languages at the same time? Hear me out.",{"src":19933,"width":936,"height":991,"alt":19934},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-juggling-languages-thumbnail.jpeg","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",[940],"\u002Farticle\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-multiple-languages","---\ntitle: 'Can you learn two languages at once?'\ndescription: \"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.\"\ntimestampUnix: 1748601722542\nslug: 'study-two-languages-at-once'\nh1: 'Want to learn multiple languages at the same time? Hear me out.'\nimage:\n src: '\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-juggling-languages-thumbnail.jpeg'\n width: 1920\n height: 1280\n alt: \"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\"\ntags:\n - discussion\n---\n\nIf my 10+ years in online language learning communities has taught me anything, it's this:\n\n> If you're interested in learning one language, you're probably interested in learning two (dozen).\n\nBut should you?\n\nLet's get into it:\n\n\u003Ctoc>\u003C\u002Ftoc>\n\n---\n\n## First, let's talk about how language learning works\n\nBefore we get too far along, you need to understand that language learning, at its core, is pretty simple:\n\n> If you consume media in another language, and you understand some of the messages within that media—conversations, dialogues, sentences, phrases, utterances, words, whatever—you will make progress.\n\nThat's not easy—at least not at first—but it is fairly simple.\n\n- You don't need to spend a lot of money on classes\n- You don't need to have a perfect (or even good) system\n- You don't need to move abroad\n- You don't need to do an exhaustive survey of all the language learning apps and textbooks out there\n- You don't need to be super smart or have a good memory\n\nUntil the advanced level, you literally _just_ need to find some sort of content you somewhat enjoy and can somewhat follow, and then regularly spend time interacting with your language.\n\nI feel so strongly about this that, [when I begin studying a new language, my one and only goal is to get my foot in the door with some piece of content](\u002Fblog\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fovercome-beginner-stage). If I can do that, everything else falls into place.\n\nAnd, in brief, _this_ is the reason why learning multiple languages simultaneously isn't a good idea.\n\n## Why learning multiple languages at the same time isn't a great idea\n\nI could talk about a lot of things here, but there are really two concrete and unavoidable hardships you inflict upon yourself by actively studying two languages at once:\n\n1. The beginner stage kinda sucks, and now you need to spend twice as long in it\n2. A lot of \"know how\" transfers from your second language to your third, and you lose that benefit by doing two now instead of one now and one later\n\nNow let's elaborate a bit.\n\n## Reason 1: Learning two languages at once doubles the amount of time the beginner stage takes\n\nWe've got a much longer post that goes into detail about [the five stages of language learning](\u002Fblog\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fstages-of-language-learning), and we invite you to read that.\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-juggling-languages-marathon.jpeg\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1276\" alt=\"...\" \u002F>\n\nFor now, though, there's one key thing you need to understand:\n\n> Language learning isn't a linear process. Each stage of language acquisition has its own unique challenges and joys.\n\nOr, to get a bit more concrete:\n\n- **The beginner stage**\n\n - **Plus** → There are tons of resources and your path is very straightforward\n - **Minus** → It's boring as hell; you know so little that you can't really do anything _but_ grind through that textbook \u002F course \u002F app \u002F whatever\n\n- **The intermediate stage**\n - **Plus** → Progress largely comes as a byproduct of entertaining yourself; eventually, _long_ before the advanced stage, learning your language will become quite effortless\n - **Minus** → There is no real path; the most optimal way to learn and the most important things to learn depend entirely on your personal goals and interests\n\n### What overcoming the beginner stage of a new language entails\n\nI personally take the \"intermediate\" stage to mean \"independent\"—you know enough of the language that you can begin learning by following your own interests.\n\nAs pro-immersion as I am, though, I understand that you can't _just_ start reading books and watching YouTube in another language. You need to _understand_ content to learn from it, and you need a bit of a foundation under you to begin understanding content.\n\nBut how much of a foundation do you need?\n\nWe go heavier into statistics in [this post](blog\u002Fjapanese\u002Fhow-to-learn-japanese-vocabulary), but, if you take any random word in any random sentence:\n\n- There's a ~50% chance it'll be one of about 100 words\n- There's an ~80% chance it'll be one of about 1,500 words\n\n> The closer you get to 1,500 words, the more things begin being accessible to you. This increases your odds of finding a piece of content you both enjoy and understand.\n\nThe \"golden\" number will differ from person to person, depending on factors like:\n\n- Your tastes _(sci-fi requires a lot more specialized vocab than, say, high-school romances)_\n- Your willingness to look things up _(if you don't mind looking up several words per sentence, you can start immersing very early on)_\n- Your tolerance for blurriness _(If you're OK with just getting the gist of things, your life will be easier; if you need to understand everything, your life will be harder)_\n\nRegardless, so long as you stick with it, you'll eventually find something you enjoy _and_ understand. You'll learn a ton while working through that. It'll be hard at first, but it'll get easier as you go. Eventually, consuming content in your target language will become a primarily fun and enjoyable activity. It’s something that you’ll look forward to—not something that takes a lot of effort.\n\n> \u003CCenteredText bold underline>👉 **The point** 👈\u003C\u002FCenteredText>\u003Cbr>\u003CCenteredText>By learning two languages at once, you are effectively doubling the amount of time it takes you to hit 1,500 known words in either language. In other words, you extend the amount of time you spend at the stage where languages _drain_ you, instead of _entertaining_ you. \u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>It’s not to say that you couldn’t do this. You can, if you really want to. It just increases the likelihood that you'll burn out—that you'll give up on two languages instead of learning one. \u003C\u002FCenteredText>\n\n## Reason 2: Learning your first foreign language involves learning much more than _just_ another language\n\nI'll need to expand on this a bit, but learning your first foreign language will require you to learn a lot more than \"just\" another language.\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-juggling-languages-knowhow.jpeg\" width=\"4096\" height=\"2304\" alt=\"...\" \u002F>\n\nTo learn another language well, you're also going to have to learn:\n\n- **Some personal things**: How _you_ learn, which times of the day you're more\u002Fless effective, if you prefer to knock out the day's studies all at once or piecemeal your way through it, how to deal with low-motivation days\n- **Some linguistic things**: The different tenses that exist, how noun cases work, how verb conjugation works, the concepts of verbal aspect or mood—how languages work, in a theoretical sense\n- **Some roadmap things**: What hurdles await you as you progress through the beginner's stage, how other people have gotten over those hurdles, and which approaches do\u002Fdon't work for you\n- **Some resource things**: What apps and textbooks exist, which ones you find useful, which ones you'll actually stick with\n- **Some stuff about memory**: How good your memory generally is or isn't, how to work around that, and how to commit different types of things to memory\n- **Some stuff about your goals**: What do you actually care about in another language? Do you want to be bilingual, or are you happy with being good enough to have conversations and consume media? Do you care more about reading, listening, or interacting with others?\n\nI could go on, but I'm sort of rambling already, and I think you get the point.\n\n### Why it gets easier to learn subsequent languages\n\nIn the course of learning your first language, you’ll also learn a lot about linguistics in general, the psychology of learning, and what it takes for you to be productive. You'll take all of this knowhow with you into subsequent languages, and this will make the progress significantly smoother.\n\n> Your third language will be much, much easier to learn than your second language.\n\nFrench is my 7th language.\n\nGoing into it, from literally day one, I already knew:\n\n- The new sounds I would need to learn, how those sounds worked, and how to learn them\n- How I'd go about learning my first 1,500 words, and which words were\u002Fweren't worth learning\n- How well I did (or, rather, _didn't_) need to understand grammar early on\n- Which sorts of content I could realistically work through from day one, and several progressively harder bits of content I could work through as my level improved, until I was ready for most modern French novels\n- Which holes of knowledge I needed to fill in now and which ones I could ignore until later\n- Exactly how much I needed to learn \"formally\" before I could transition to focusing on immersion\n- Which resources were available, and which ones I'd use for which things\n- A pace of learning that was sustainable for me but would also lead to being able to read French books in a realistic time frame\n\nSo, you know, I'm 100% confident that I'll be reading Albert Camus and his ilk within a few years. And it's no _wonder_. What would you do if you knew all of the bumps in the road you'd encounter beforehand and how to get over them? What would you risk if you knew that you couldn't fail?\n\nThat may sound kind of wishy-washy, so here's a concrete example for you:\n\n- When I started studying Spanish, [the subjunctive mood](\u002Fblog\u002Fspanish\u002Fspanish-subjunctive-guide) kicked my ass. I had to learn what it was, why Spanish speakers used it, the nuance it added to a sentence, how we do\u002Fdon't use it in English, and then learn several new conjugation tables.\n- In French, the only thing I needed to learn was a few new conjugation tables. I already knew how the subjunctive worked! I just didn't know how to put French verbs into the subjunctive.\n\n> \u003CCenteredText bold underline>👉 **The point** 👈\u003C\u002FCenteredText>\u003Cbr>\u003CCenteredText>If you learn two languages at once, you're running into two languages blind. \u003Cbr>\u003Cbr> If you learn one language at a time, you go into your first language blind, and then (basically) coast through your second language—you'll know how you learn, the hurdles that await you, how to get over them, and stuff like that. The difference is very noticeable. \u003C\u002FCenteredText>\n\n---\n\n## How to learn multiple languages\n\nNaturally, we're not saying you should learn only one language _ever_. If you're interested in multiple languages, we want you to learn multiple languages.\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-multiple-languages-moon.jpeg\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" alt=\"The typical language learner when told that it might be possible to learn two languages simultaneously\" \u002F>\n\nWe started this article off with the Golden Rule of Language Learning:\n\n> If you consume media in another language, and you understand some of the messages within that media—conversations, dialogues, sentences, phrases, utterances, words, whatever—you will make progress.\n\nAnd the way to successfully learn several languages is to structure your learning such that you're able to meaningfully interact with as many languages as possible as soon as possible.\n\nYou can experiment with what your exact routine looks like as you go, but here's how I personally do it.\n\n### Step 1: Focus on one new language at a time\n\nFor the two reasons listed in the previous sections, you should only be actively studying one language at a time. By \"active study\", I am referring to anything that you are doing which you don't necessarily _want_ to be doing in order to build a foundation that enables you to consume media in another language.\n\nSo, for example, if you're going through Migaku's Japanese Academy to learn the 1,500 words that appear most commonly in Netflix subtitles:\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-textbooks-memes.jpeg\" width=\"1760\" height=\"1234\" alt=\"A screenshot showing how Migaku uses memes to make the learning process a bit more entertaining\"\u002F>\n\nDon't _also_ be attending a French class or learning Korean's Hangul on another app. If you're in the process of building a foundation in Japanese, then _all_ of your intentional effort should be going to Japanese, such that you reach the immersion stage as soon as possible.\n\nThis rule holds true no matter how experienced of a learner you are.\n\nI've been at this for eleven years, and even though I know exactly that I'm doing, I _still_ study only one language at a time. My time and energy is limited, and focusing on one language at a time ensures that I see results with the least amount of energy exerted, which means I'm less likely to burn out before achieving my goal.\n\nOr:\n\n> The best way to learn 10 languages is to know 9 languages and then learn one more. The best way to learn 9 languages is to know 8 languages and then learn one more. (You see where this is going).\n\n### Step 2: Shift time from active study to immersion\n\nAs you approach 1,500 words in another language, an increasingly wide variety of content is going to become accessible to you. Eventually, you're going to come face to face with a piece of content that you can make some sense of _and_ that you enjoy.\n\nThat's going to be an awesome day. You'll remember it.\n\nDon't get me wrong—I don't mean that it will be _easy_ to consume media, or even that it'll be very enjoyable. It'll just have become _possible_. When this happens, you'll know.\n\n> At this point, gradually start tweaking your schedule such that more of your time is being spent _interacting with_ your target language and less is spent _studying_ it.\n\nBy _interacting_ with your language, I mean using it to do something you enjoy or find meaningful. Read books! Watch Netflix! Listen to podcasts! Play Pokémon!\n\nRight now, anything is fair game, so long as:\n\n- (a) it involves you reading, listening to, or watching something\n- (b) you somewhat understand that thing\n- (c) it doesn't bore you.\n\nSo, for example, here's me watching a YouTube video about why we age in Spanish.\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-anki-spanish-youtube-1.jpeg\" width=\"1762\" height=\"1238\" alt=\"A screenshot showing how Migaku enhances YouTube subtitles, even on YouTube,\" \u002F>\n\nMigaku makes subtitles interactive in places like YouTube and Netflix, so when I stumble into a word I don't know, I can just click on it to see what it means.\n\nWhen I stumble into a word that looks useful in a sentence that is accessible, I click the orange button in the top-right corner of the dictionary to make a flashcard. Migaku automatically fetches the word, the sentence it appeared in, takes a screenshot, and takes an audio snippet of the sentence being narrated.\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-anki-spanish-youtube-2.jpeg\" width=\"1188\" height=\"1238\" alt=\"A screenshot showing the flashcard Migaku generated from a YouTube video\" \u002F>\n\nFrom here, Migaku will nudge me to review the card periodically, ensuring I commit it to memory.\n\nAs you make flashcards from the content you consume, your vocabulary will improve. As you go on, you'll gradually build an intuitive understanding for how sentences in your target language are structured, and it’ll become easier and easier to consume content in your target language.\n\n> At this stage of the game, you basically can't help but make progress. So long as you're spending time in your target language, you'll make progress as a byproduct of entertaining yourself. This is the most exciting stage of language acquisition.\n\n### Step 3: Shift media time from your first language to your second language, then study time from your second language to a third language\n\nAs time goes on, the work:fun balance of the language you're learning will shift. Consuming media in the language you're learning will become increasingly effortless. Eventually, it'll have become a primarily enjoyable activity: you'll _look forward_ to reading that Spanish book, watching that Japanese anime, watching that Korean drama, listening to that French podcast, or whatever your thing is.\n\nThis is a massive achievement, so go ahead and chill here for awhile!\n\n> But, when you're ready, it's time to make two important adjustments:\n>\n> 1. Take time that you've been using to consume media (or doomscroll) in your native language and give it to your second language\n> 2. Take the time you'd been using to immerse in a second language and use it to actively study a third language\n\nI'm a bookworm, and my solution was to rotate chapters: one in English, then one in Spanish, and so forth. Experiment and find a balance that works for you. Basically anything goes, so long as you're meeting two conditions:\n\n1. You're interacting with your second language at least a few times per week\n2. You're actively studying your third language every day\n\nFinding this balance will require experimentation on your part and you likely won't succeed right away. Keep at it. You've already succeeded with one foreign language, so if you can get this balance down, you'll eventually succeed in another foreign language, too.\n\n### Step 4: Repeat as you approach fluency in more languages\n\nFrom this point on, the process just repeats.\n\n> The limiting factor on how many languages you learn is not related to intelligence or memory, but rather time management. How efficiently can you dice up your days and weeks, such that you can have meaningful interactions with several languages?\n\nFor me, the balance looks like this:\n\n- English (N) → I work in English, and my wife and I speak English at home\n- Spanish → I read ~3 chapters of a Spanish book per week\n- Japanese → I read ~3 chapters of a Japanese book per week\n- Russian → Basically abandoned; I do not really use Russian anymore\n- Mandarin (immersion focus) → I read a chapter of a Mandarin book most days\n- Korean → I read a few Korean webtoons per week\n- French (active study) → I'm currently building my French vocabulary and working through a French grammar dictionary\n- Wildcard → I listen to an English audiobook or foreign-language podcast while doing chores or exercising\n\nThere's a few important things to notice here:\n\n- I don't really consume media in English; pretty much all of my media time is spent in another language\n- The overwhelming majority of my media time is spent reading; I decided that I would rather read books in several languages than be totally fluent in one\n- I interact with most of my intermediate+ languages a few times per week, but I interact with Mandarin daily; my \"immersion focus language\" rotates, such that each of my languages gets the spotlight for a couple months per year\n- I have dropped Russian for the time being—I'll come back to it eventually, (probably when Migaku releases Russian support...) but I don't have any immediate need or want for it, so the opportunity cost it imposes upon my time doesn't make sense right now\n\nAs with the previous step, how you handle this juggle is up to you.\n\nJust know that, if you want to know _several_ languages, you're eventually going to have to make some hard choices. You can do _anything_, but not _everything_. Once you reach the threshold of what your free time and time management skills allow you, you'll need to get creative.\n\n---\n\n## My #1 tip for learning multiple new languages to fluency\n\nIf I were to boil this entire blog post down into a sentence, it'd be this:\n\n> Immerse in and maintain several languages simultaneously, but only ever actively study one language at a time.\n\nSo long as you can follow that rule, you'll be able to learn as many languages as you can make time for.\n\nGood luck 💪\n",{"title":19205,"description":19927},"article\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-multiple-languages","ObXdHSlHz4p1BllhCu82u5gLLVel4Q-wqxfaKCefA3k","May 30, 2025",{"id":19943,"title":19944,"body":19945,"description":21149,"extension":929,"meta":21150,"navigation":942,"path":21160,"rawbody":21161,"seo":21162,"stem":21163,"__hash__":21164,"timestampUnix":21151,"slug":21152,"h1":21153,"image":21154,"tags":21159,"_dir":948,"timestamp":21165},"content\u002Farticle\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-portuguese-how-long.md","How Long Does It Take to Learn Portuguese? Tips for Faster Fluency",{"type":8,"value":19946,"toc":21120},[19947,19950,19980,19983,19991,19994,19997,19999,20001,20005,20011,20019,20028,20031,20063,20066,20073,20076,20079,20087,20090,20096,20099,20102,20106,20110,20118,20121,20144,20161,20170,20174,20177,20192,20200,20203,20206,20210,20213,20221,20224,20227,20230,20239,20244,20248,20253,20256,20260,20267,20270,20274,20287,20290,20293,20296,20331,20334,20338,20341,20363,20372,20379,20402,20406,20409,20413,20416,20428,20432,20435,20441,20585,20588,20634,20637,20641,20644,20647,20653,20656,20675,20678,20682,20685,20690,20693,20696,20700,20703,20717,20720,20727,20731,20734,20745,20751,20765,20768,20772,20775,20825,20833,20839,20842,20846,20849,20855,20858,20861,20867,20870,20878,20881,20894,20900,20903,20911,20915,20918,20929,20936,20939,20943,20946,20950,20956,20974,20977,20985,20988,21007,21011,21014,21023,21031,21035,21041,21045,21048,21062,21068,21071,21077,21080,21091,21097,21100,21103,21106,21117],[11,19948,19949],{},"Want to learn Portuguese?",[11,19951,19952,19953,19958,19959,1446,19964,1446,19969,5576,19974,19979],{},"With over 220 million speakers spread across Brazil, Portugal, and ",[867,19954,19957],{"href":19955,"rel":19956},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FPortuguese_language_in_Africa",[1196],"several African countries",", you're in good company! Home to several UNESCO sites like ",[867,19960,19963],{"href":19961,"rel":19962},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FMadeira",[1196],"the Island of Madeira",[867,19965,19968],{"href":19966,"rel":19967},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=5j3QjEk-6c0",[1196],"the Samba genre of music and dance",[867,19970,19973],{"href":19971,"rel":19972},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=r1qsT2feZcI",[1196],"the martial art Capoeira",[867,19975,19978],{"href":19976,"rel":19977},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FPortuguese_literature",[1196],"a rich literary tradition",", Portuguese offers a window into vibrant cultures around the world. (Plus, Ronaldo is Portuguese.)",[11,19981,19982],{},"Well:",[121,19984,19985,19988],{},[124,19986,19987],{},"The good news is that, as a Romance language like Spanish and French, Portuguese is considered to be one of the easier languages for native English speakers to learn",[124,19989,19990],{},"Nevertheless, the language presents its own challenges, such as mastering its relatively complex pronunciation and learning to make sense of its regional dialects",[11,19992,19993],{},"But how long does it take to learn Portuguese?",[11,19995,19996],{},"Let's find out:",[30,19998],{},[34,20000],{},[37,20002,20004],{"id":20003},"how-long-does-it-take-to-learn-portuguese","How long does it take to learn Portuguese?",[11,20006,20007,20008,844],{},"The only honest answer to this question is that ",[21,20009,20010],{},"it depends",[11,20012,20013,20014,20018],{},"Reviewing 76 years worth of data, the US Government's School of Language Studies reports that ",[867,20015,20017],{"href":17009,"rel":20016},[1196],"it typically takes US diplmats 600–750 in-class hours"," (plus ~1,200–1,500 out-of-class hours) to learn Portuguese to the level of \"General Professional Fluency\".",[11,20020,20021,20022,20027],{},"\"General Professional Fluency\" corresponds to ",[867,20023,20026],{"href":20024,"rel":20025},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FILR_scale",[1196],"Level 3 on the International Language Roundtable (ILR)"," fluency scale, and diplomats focus specifically on the ability to speak Portuguese fluently and read the language confidently.",[11,20029,20030],{},"This means that, after ~2,000 hours of study, US diplomats are expected to be able to:",[121,20032,20033,20048],{},[124,20034,20035,20040],{},[867,20036,20039],{"href":20037,"rel":20038},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.govtilr.org\u002FSkills\u002FILRscale2.htm",[1196],"Speaking ability",[121,20041,20042,20045],{},[124,20043,20044],{},"\"Able to speak the language with sufficient structural accuracy and vocabulary to participate effectively in most formal and informal conversations in practical, social and professional topics.\"",[124,20046,20047],{},"\"In face-to-face conversation with natives speaking the standard dialect at a normal rate of speech, comprehension is quite complete. Although cultural references, proverbs and the implications of nuances and idiom may not be fully understood, the individual can easily repair the conversation.\"",[124,20049,20050,20055],{},[867,20051,20054],{"href":20052,"rel":20053},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.govtilr.org\u002FSkills\u002FILRscale4.htm",[1196],"Reading ability",[121,20056,20057,20060],{},[124,20058,20059],{},"\"Able to read within a normal range of speed and with almost complete comprehension a variety of authentic prose material on unfamiliar subjects\"",[124,20061,20062],{},"\"Can get the gist of more sophisticated texts, but may be unable to detect or understand subtlety and nuance.\"",[11,20064,20065],{},"Essentially, this means that diplomats become conversationally proficient in Portuguese. You might call it a high-intermediate level of Portuguese. They can speak the language quite fluently and don't have an issue functioning in a Portuguese environment, but they're by no means fluent, and you would immediately notice that they aren't a native speaker.",[414,20067,20069,20070,2001],{"id":20068},"but-im-not-a-diplomat-so-what-does-this-mean-for-me","But I'm not a diplomat, so what does this mean for ",[21,20071,20072],{},"me",[11,20074,20075],{},"For the most part, this means good things.",[11,20077,20078],{},"In particular, you should know that:",[86,20080,20081],{},[11,20082,20083,20084,20086],{},"You definitely ",[21,20085,17649],{}," need to wait 2,000 hours before you can begin doing cool things in Portuguese.",[11,20088,20089],{},"The fact that it takes diplomats 2,000 hours to learn Portuguese doesn't mean that you have to bury your nose in a textbook for 2,000 hours before a switch flips and you get to begin doing interesting things in Portuguese.",[11,20091,20092,20093,20095],{},"On the contrary, you progress toward Portuguese fluency ",[21,20094,13411],{}," doing interesting things in Portuguese. When we watch YouTube, listen to podcasts, read books, browse social media—consume Portuguese, generally speaking—and understand the messages within that content, we gradually build a mental model of Portuguese in our brain. As we continue interacting with Portuguese, that mental model becomes more robust and accessible.",[11,20097,20098],{},"In other words, Portuguese fluency comes a byproduct of simply spending time doing things you enjoy in Portuguese.",[11,20100,20101],{},"To get your foot in the door and begin stumbling through your first piece of Portuguese content, you're realistically looking at a couple hundred hours of work. Probably less.",[37,20103,20105],{"id":20104},"you-might-be-able-to-learn-portuguese-a-bit-faster-if","You might be able to learn Portuguese a bit faster if...",[414,20107,20109],{"id":20108},"you-speak-another-romance-language","You speak another Romance language",[11,20111,20112,20113,20117],{},"If you already speak Spanish or another Romance language, you'll enjoy a massive head start when you begin learning Portuguese. Spanish and Portuguese have ",[867,20114,20116],{"href":5457,"rel":20115},[1196],"a lexical similarity score of 89%",", meaning that virtually all vocabulary is shared between the two languages.",[11,20119,20120],{},"To see what I mean, compare:",[381,20122,3574,20123,3574,20127,20129,20131],{},[867,20124,20126],{"href":20125},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ohchr.org\u002Fsites\u002Fdefault\u002Ffiles\u002FDocuments\u002FIssues\u002FDefenders\u002FDeclaration\u002Fdeclaration_sp.pdf","\n The Declaration of Human Rights in Spanish\n ",[132,20128],{},[132,20130],{},[86,20132,20133],{},[11,20134,20135],{},[21,20136,20137,20138,20140,20141,20143],{},"\"Reafirmando la importancia de la observancia de los propósitos y principios de la Carta de las",[132,20139],{},"\nNaciones Unidas para la promoción y la protección de todos los derechos humanos y libertades",[132,20142],{},"\nfundamentales para todas las personas en todos los países del mundo...\"",[381,20145,3574,20146,3574,20150,20152,20154],{},[867,20147,20149],{"href":20148},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ohchr.org\u002Fsites\u002Fdefault\u002Ffiles\u002FDocuments\u002FIssues\u002FDefenders\u002FDeclaration\u002FdeclarationPortuguese.pdf","\n The Declaration of Human Rights in Portuguese\n ",[132,20151],{},[132,20153],{},[86,20155,20156],{},[11,20157,20158,16608],{},[21,20159,20160],{},"\"Reafirmando a importância da realização dos objectivos e princípios da Carta das Nações Unidas para a promoção e protecção de todos os direitos humanos e liberdades fundamentais de todas as pessoas em todos os países do mundo, ...",[11,20162,20163,20164,171,20167,20169],{},"There are some notable differences—little high-frequency words like ",[21,20165,20166],{},"of",[21,20168,4015],{}," are quite different, and Spanish words that end in ~ción instead end in ~cão in Portuguese—but the two texts are remarkably similar. The two languages' shared roots in Latin mean they have many similarities in vocabulary, verb conjugation, sentence structure, and even idioms.",[414,20171,20173],{"id":20172},"you-have-a-concrete-pressing-reason-to-learn-portuguese","You have a concrete, pressing reason to learn Portuguese",[11,20175,20176],{},"I earlier made a somewhat bold statement: you progress toward Portuguese fluency by doing interesting things in Portuguese.",[11,20178,20179,20180,20183,20184,20189,20190,844],{},"Here, I'm going to double down: you won't learn Portuguese to any meaningful level ",[21,20181,20182],{},"unless"," you go out of your way to engage with Portuguese—whether that means having conversations, reading books, ",[867,20185,20188],{"href":20186,"rel":20187},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.netflix.com\u002Ftw-en\u002Ftitle\u002F80074220",[1196],"watching Netflix's 3% in the original",", or, well, ",[21,20191,19065],{},[86,20193,20194],{},[11,20195,20196,20197,20199],{},"You don't need to uproot your life and move to Brazil or Portugal, but you ",[21,20198,5726],{}," need to find something that makes you excited and regularly leads you to spend time in Portuguese.",[11,20201,20202],{},"On a practical level, your typical Portuguese textbook might give you ten sentences per chapter. A three minute Portuguese song will expose you to the same amount of sentences, and there might be a couple dozen sentences in a single page of Portuguese text. Using Portuguese to do something will expose you to significantly more Portuguese than following the traditional classroom approach, and this makes a difference for language learners.",[11,20204,20205],{},"Plus, it's fun.",[414,20207,20209],{"id":20208},"you-focus-on-one-specific-aspect-of-portuguese","You focus on one specific aspect of Portuguese",[11,20211,20212],{},"Languages are generally broken down into four skills:",[121,20214,20215,20218],{},[124,20216,20217],{},"Two active skills: speaking and writing",[124,20219,20220],{},"Two passive skills: listening and reading",[11,20222,20223],{},"And these skills can further be broken down into sub-skills. You're writing Portuguese whether you're texting a friend, writing a novel, or writing a financial statement about your company's market performance during the previous year, but these are really three different types of writing. Even if you became a renowned author of Portuguese romantic-comedy novels, that wouldn't mean that this style of writing would translate well to the more cold and objective world of business.",[11,20225,20226],{},"This presents challenges to the intermediate learner because it means that your Portuguese is, necessarily, going to become unbalanced. You'll feel super confident in some areas, but woefully unprepared in others. A big part of graduating from intermediate to advanced boils down to learning to confidently do a bunch of things in Portuguese that, frankly, you aren't actually interested in doing.",[11,20228,20229],{},"For the beginner, though, this is excellent news.",[11,20231,20232,20233,20235,20236,20238],{},"It means that you're much, much closer to being able to do ",[21,20234,19884],{}," in Portuguese than you are to doing ",[21,20237,3074],{}," in Portuguese.",[86,20240,20241],{},[11,20242,20243],{},"If you pick one specific thing you want to do in Portuguese and organize your learning around conquering that one thing, you can see progress incredibly quickly.",[37,20245,20247],{"id":20246},"what-makes-portuguese-hard-to-learn","What makes Portuguese hard to learn",[11,20249,20250,20251,844],{},"Portuguese may be a \"Category I\" language according to the Foreign Service Institute, indicating that it's one of the easiest languages for native English speakers to learn, but that doesn't mean it's ",[21,20252,7732],{},[11,20254,20255],{},"Here are some of the hurdles you'll have to overcome while learning Portuguese.",[414,20257,20259],{"id":20258},"portuguese-pronunciation","Portuguese pronunciation",[11,20261,20262,20263,20266],{},"Portuguese pronunciation is ",[21,20264,20265],{},"wild",". I could write an entire blog article about it.",[11,20268,20269],{},"To be brief, though, here are the two main wrenches you'll need to dodge:",[3162,20271,20273],{"id":20272},"nasal-vowels","Nasal vowels",[11,20275,20276,20277,20279,20280,20283,20284,20286],{},"With normal vowels, air comes out of our throat. With nasal vowels, air comes out of our throat ",[21,20278,3970],{}," nostrils. To see what I mean, place your fingers lightly on your nostrils ",[21,20281,20282],{},"(the outside, don't be picking your nose on me)"," and say the word \"had\". This is a \"normal\" vowel. Now say \"hand\". Feel that vibration? ",[21,20285,14698],{}," a nasal sound.",[11,20288,20289],{},"In English, nasal sounds always appear before a nasal content: N or M.",[11,20291,20292],{},"In Portuguese, nasal sounds appear before nasal consonants, but they can also appear anywhere. If you see a vowel with a little squiggly hat (as in ã or õ), it's nasal.",[11,20294,20295],{},"Compare these two words:",[121,20297,20298,20315],{},[124,20299,20300,20301,20304,20305,20308,20309,55,20312],{},"Portuguese ",[21,20302,20303],{},"pão"," (bread) ",[57,20306],{"src":20307,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fpt-pao.mp3"," (nasal A) vs English ",[21,20310,20311],{},"pow",[57,20313],{"src":20314,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fen-pow.mp3",[124,20316,20300,20317,20320,20321,20324,20325,55,20328],{},[21,20318,20319],{},"homem"," (man) ",[57,20322],{"src":20323,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fpt-homem.mp3"," (nasal O and E) vs English ",[21,20326,20327],{},"homonym",[57,20329],{"src":20330,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fen-homonym.mp3",[11,20332,20333],{},"You can make these nasal sounds as a native English speaker, but you won't be used to pronouncing them without following up with an N or M sound. Producing them independently, on demand, will take practice.",[3162,20335,20337],{"id":20336},"the-letter-r","The letter R",[11,20339,20340],{},"Officially, Portuguese R has two pronunciations:",[3153,20342,20343,20360],{},[124,20344,20345,20346,20349,20350,20353,20354,427,20357],{},"A \"flapped\" R, as in ",[21,20347,20348],{},"caro"," (expensive) ",[57,20351],{"src":20352,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fpt-caro.mp3",", which you'll be OK with because it's the same sound we use for T and D in words like ",[21,20355,20356],{},"batter",[21,20358,20359],{},"riding",[124,20361,20362],{},"A uvular \"trilled\" R, which is fancy linguistic speak for the sound you make when gargling mouthwash",[11,20364,20365,20366,20371],{},"But, like speakers of many languages that have ",[867,20367,20370],{"href":20368,"rel":20369},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FGuttural_R#Portuguese",[1196],"this guttural R sound",", Portuguese speakers sometimes pronounce the \"proper\" trilled R and sometimes substitute it with other things. Unfortunately, all of these possible variations are sounds that don't exist in English.",[11,20373,20374,20375,20378],{},"For example, here are there different native Portuguese speakers saying ",[21,20376,20377],{},"carro"," (car):",[121,20380,20381,20388,20395],{},[124,20382,20383,20384,20387],{},"Speaker 1: ",[57,20385],{"src":20386,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fpt-carro.mp3"," (notice how soft the R is, and that the vowel is shortened)",[124,20389,20390,20391,20394],{},"Speaker 2: ",[57,20392],{"src":20393,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fpt-carro2.mp3"," (notice that the R is pretty clean \u002F not so guttural)",[124,20396,20397,20398,20401],{},"Speaker 3: ",[57,20399],{"src":20400,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fpt-carro3.mp3"," (notice how much trill there is here)",[414,20403,20405],{"id":20404},"portuguese-grammar","Portuguese grammar",[11,20407,20408],{},"Portuguese grammar is pretty standard so far as Romance languages go, but it still presents several hurdles for the aspiring learner. Here are three big ones:",[3162,20410,20412],{"id":20411},"portuguese-verb-conjugations","Portuguese verb conjugations",[11,20414,20415],{},"In English, we have five verb forms—write, writes, wrote, writing, written.",[11,20417,20418,20419,844],{},"Portuguese verbs have ",[867,20420,20423,20424,20427],{"href":20421,"rel":20422},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FPortuguese_conjugation",[1196],"in the ballpark of ",[21,20425,20426],{},"seventy"," forms",[3162,20429,20431],{"id":20430},"portuguese-gendered-nouns","Portuguese gendered nouns",[11,20433,20434],{},"In English, nouns are just nouns. A duck is a duck.",[11,20436,20437,20438,844],{},"In Portuguese, nouns have ",[21,20439,20440],{},"gender",[4004,20442,20444,20447,20470,20473,20489,20492,20504,20513,20516,20524,20527,20530,20541,20555,20571,20582],{"heading":20443},"...Gender, you say?",[11,20445,20446],{},"Well, yes, but also no.",[11,20448,20449,20450,20455,20456,20458,20459,20462,20463,20466,20467,20469],{},"Way back when, ",[867,20451,20454],{"href":20452,"rel":20453},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FGender#Derivation",[1196],"Gender had nothing to do with biology",". Our modern word ",[21,20457,20440],{}," comes from the French word ",[21,20460,20461],{},"gendre",". Notice how it looks a lot like the word ",[21,20464,20465],{},"genre","? That's no coincidence. The word ",[21,20468,20440],{}," used to just mean \"type\" or \"kind\". It had absolutely nothing to do with being a man or woman.",[11,20471,20472],{},"And then we ran into a problem.",[11,20474,2094,20475,20482,20483,20488],{},[867,20476,20479],{"href":20477,"rel":20478},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wiktionary.org\u002Fwiki\u002Fsex#English",[1196],[21,20480,20481],{},"sex"," used to refer specifically to your genitals. It was a boring medical term with no connotation beyond that... ",[867,20484,20487],{"href":20485,"rel":20486},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.oed.com\u002Fdictionary\u002Fsexual-intercourse_n",[1196],"until sometime in the 1700s",", when, for lack of better words, it became something more than that.",[11,20490,20491],{},"And this was fine and dandy. We have words to describe things, and that's a thing, too. A word for it we shall have.",[11,20493,20494,20495,20497,20498,20503],{},"Another couple hundred years passed, however, and some people began thinking that ",[21,20496,17936],{}," word wouldn't suffice. In 1949, the French feminist Simone de Beauvoir in her book ",[867,20499,20502],{"href":20500,"rel":20501},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.goodreads.com\u002Fbook\u002Fshow\u002F8869225",[1196],"The Second Sex"," gave us this micdrop:",[86,20505,20506],{},[11,20507,20508,844],{},[867,20509,20512],{"href":20510,"rel":20511},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.sparknotes.com\u002Fphilosophy\u002Fsecondsex\u002Fquotes\u002Fpage\u002F3\u002F",[1196],"One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman",[11,20514,20515],{},"Over the next couple decades, we'd find ourselves talking about human nature in two ways:",[121,20517,20518,20521],{},[124,20519,20520],{},"Sex, to refer to the biological aspects of being a man or woman",[124,20522,20523],{},"Gender, to talk about the social implications of that biological nature",[11,20525,20526],{},"And linguists have been in an awkward situation ever since.",[11,20528,20529],{},"You see, many languages have up to three genders:",[121,20531,20532,20535,20538],{},[124,20533,20534],{},"Masculine gender",[124,20536,20537],{},"Feminine gender",[124,20539,20540],{},"Neuter gender",[11,20542,20543,20544,20546,20547,20550,20551,20554],{},"But this doesn't actually have anything to do with ",[21,20545,3953],{}," gender. Some linguists just noted that the word ",[21,20548,20549],{},"man"," ended in one vowel, the word ",[21,20552,20553],{},"woman"," ended in another, and that many words shared the same pattern as man or woman. We began calling the words with the same pattern as man \"masculine\" and those with the same pattern as woman \"feminine\".",[11,20556,20557,20558,20563,20564,427,20567,20570],{},"This, again, is purely a coincidence. Swahili has ",[867,20559,20562],{"href":20560,"rel":20561},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FSwahili_grammar#Noun_classes",[1196],"18 grammatical \"genders\"",", and not one of them are ",[21,20565,20566],{},"masculine",[21,20568,20569],{},"feminine",". Instead, they're things like \"things with complicated outlines\" and \"plants\".",[11,20572,20573,20574,20577,20578,20581],{},"Basically—while the Portuguese word for \"book\" is (masculine) ",[21,20575,20576],{},"livro"," and the Portuguese word for \"house\" is (feminine) ",[21,20579,20580],{},"casa",", this doesn't imply that books are manly or that books are womanly. It's just, unfortunately and awkwardly, how language works.",[11,20583,20584],{},"Back to the article!",[11,20586,20587],{},"Specifically, it has two genders:",[121,20589,20590,20593,20596],{},[124,20591,20592],{},"Masculine nouns tend to end in the vowel -o",[124,20594,20595],{},"Feminine nouns tend to end in the vowel -a",[124,20597,20598,20599],{},"Adjectives end in a vowel that matches their noun:\n",[121,20600,20601,20619],{},[124,20602,20603,20604,20609,20610,20612,20613,20615,20616,20618],{},"\"White\" is ",[21,20605,20606,20607],{},"branc",[69,20608,867],{}," when it's paired with a feminine noun like ",[21,20611,20580],{}," (cas",[4455,20614,867],{}," branc",[4455,20617,867],{},", \"white house\")",[124,20620,20603,20621,20625,20626,20628,20629,20615,20631,20633],{},[21,20622,20606,20623],{},[69,20624,6093],{}," when it's paired with a masculine noun like ",[21,20627,20576],{}," (livr",[4455,20630,6093],{},[4455,20632,6093],{},", \"white book\")",[11,20635,20636],{},"Every single noun has a gender, and there's no logic behind what noun is what gender. It's just something you'll have to memorize.",[414,20638,20640],{"id":20639},"brazilian-portuguese-vs-european-portuguese","Brazilian Portuguese vs European Portuguese",[11,20642,20643],{},"Do me a favor and watch 10 or 15 seconds of this video:",[4988,20645],{"src":20646},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002F_QfrytY94sg?si=BsjKuqLTZuGq3ps0&",[11,20648,20649,20650,20652],{},"No, it's not just you. Those two accents sound ",[21,20651,14109],{}," different.",[11,20654,20655],{},"More than that:",[121,20657,20658,20669,20672],{},[124,20659,20660,20661,20664,20665,20668],{},"They use different vocabulary words to refer to the same things (\"Juice\" is ",[21,20662,20663],{},"suco"," in Brazil but ",[21,20666,20667],{},"sumo"," in Portugal)",[124,20670,20671],{},"There are some grammatical differences (tu vs você, the present progressive form, and more!)",[124,20673,20674],{},"Slang and fixed expressions differ between the two countries",[11,20676,20677],{},"Don't get me wrong, they're both Portuguese... but if you get used to Brazilian Portuguese, you might find that you need to do a bit of work to make sense of European Portuguese or Mozambican Portuguese.",[37,20679,20681],{"id":20680},"the-best-way-to-learn-portuguese","The best way to learn Portuguese",[11,20683,20684],{},"There's a lot of apps and resources out there, but to learn Portuguese, you only really need to know one thing:",[86,20686,20687],{},[11,20688,20689],{},"We make progress in a foreign language when we interact with the language, grapple with the messages we receive in it, and make sense of those messages. These \"messages\" may be lines of dialogue in a TV show, a sentence in a book, or something that comes up in a conversation.",[11,20691,20692],{},"The more content you consume and understand in Portuguese, the faster you will learn.",[11,20694,20695],{},"So, however you go about learning Portuguese, make sure your plan includes these three steps:",[414,20697,20699],{"id":20698},"learn-the-basics-of-portuguese","Learn the basics of Portuguese",[11,20701,20702],{},"To build your Portuguese foundation, you've got a few tasks ahead of you:",[121,20704,20705,20708,20711,20714],{},[124,20706,20707],{},"Learn the Portuguese alphabet",[124,20709,20710],{},"Learn the sounds that exist in Portuguese and which letters summon them",[124,20712,20713],{},"Learn 1,000–2,000 common words",[124,20715,20716],{},"Skim a basic grammar reference",[11,20718,20719],{},"There are several apps and resources out there aimed at total beginners, so I'll leave these tasks to you.",[11,20721,20722,20723,20726],{},"Just know that this is a ",[21,20724,20725],{},"foundation",". You don't need to know these 1,000 words like the back of your hand. All you need to do to move on to the next stage is reach a point where you can generally break Portuguese sentences down and make sense of what's going on. So long as you're consuming content in Portuguese, you will naturally build and reinforce your knowledge of all the above points totally naturally.",[414,20728,20730],{"id":20729},"consume-a-lot-of-content-in-portuguese","Consume a lot of content in Portuguese",[11,20732,20733],{},"In this stage, you have only three tasks:",[3153,20735,20736,20739,20742],{},[124,20737,20738],{},"Find a place to get your foot in the door: something that's accessible, and hopefully somewhat interesting",[124,20740,20741],{},"Consume a lot of Portuguese content",[124,20743,20744],{},"Gradually expand the scope of content you consume, over time, to expose yourself to more of Portuguese",[11,20746,20747,20748,20750],{},"And while I say \"only\", that first step is going to be one of the most difficult things you do in Portuguese. Once you find that first piece of content, though, you're off to the races. You now know that you can understand things in Portuguese! So long as you follow your interests and continuously engage with the language, you ",[21,20749,13318],{}," learn Portuguese.",[11,20752,20753,20754,5498,20759,20764],{},"If you're completely new to Portuguese, start with a YouTube channel like ",[867,20755,20758],{"href":20756,"rel":20757},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=sX6xBrSb-TU&list=PLK69N0H1t7Q66Q6rgs6EF2k_sozUmp0PS",[1196],"A1 Comprehensible Input in Portuguese",[867,20760,20763],{"href":20761,"rel":20762},"https:\u002F\u002Fcomprehensibleinputwiki.org\u002Fwiki\u002FPortuguese",[1196],"or something similar","). In these \"comprehensible input\" videos, the speakers intentionally use simple language, rephrase difficult sentences, and repeat themselves—all things that make it easier for a new learner to comprehend what they're saying in Portuguese, without needing to translate to English.",[11,20766,20767],{},"Migaku also makes conquering that first step a bit easier by enhancing the subtitles in these videos, as shown below:",[833,20769],{"src":20770,"width":5775,"height":5776,"alt":20771},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-portuguese-demo2.jpeg","A screenshot of a YouTube video in Portuguese about a woman who works at the supermarket.",[11,20773,20774],{},"You're looking at a few things here:",[3153,20776,20777,20787,20804,20813],{},[124,20778,20779,20782,20783,20786],{},[69,20780,20781],{},"Dictionary"," — We've clicked on the word ",[21,20784,20785],{},"mãe",", and Migaku has displayed an explanation of what it means",[124,20788,20789,20792,20793,20795,20796,20799,20800,20803],{},[69,20790,20791],{},"Grammatical gender"," —The words ",[21,20794,20785],{}," (mother) and ",[21,20797,20798],{},"carinhosa"," (loving) are highlighted red because they're feminine, while the word ",[21,20801,20802],{},"gémeos"," (twins) is highlighted blue beacuse it's masculine",[124,20805,20806,20809,20810,20812],{},[69,20807,20808],{},"Word commonness"," — The green \"Standard 5*\" button below ",[21,20811,20785],{}," in the dictionary tells us that this is a super common word; one of Portuguese's top 1,500 words",[124,20814,20815,20818,20819,20821,20822,20824],{},[69,20816,20817],{},"More"," — The grey buttons just below that give us a few other options: we can hear a native speaker saying ",[21,20820,20785],{}," or see pictures of ",[21,20823,20785],{},", for example; there are also a few buttons to have AI explain what the word means or to break down the sentence",[11,20826,20827,20828,844],{},"Migaku offers the same functionality for pretty much anything on the internet with copyable text: everything from the subtitles on Netflix and YouTube to posts on X (formerly Twitter) to all of the articles on ",[867,20829,20832],{"href":20830,"rel":20831},"https:\u002F\u002Fpt.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FWikip%C3%A9dia:P%C3%A1gina_principal",[1196],"Portuguese Wikipedia",[11,20834,20835,20836,20838],{},"Now, you don't ",[21,20837,12889],{}," to use Migaku. You can just watch YouTube and manually paste new words into a free online dictionary instead—it's takes more work, but you can do it.",[11,20840,20841],{},"Whichever option you choose, you'll be doing the same thing: consuming a lot of Portuguese content and gradually acquiring the language over time. If you're not sure where to start, set a goal of simply establishing the habit: become the type of person who listens to Portuguese or reads in Portuguese each day.",[414,20843,20845],{"id":20844},"take-intentional-steps-to-remember-the-useful-vocabulary-words-you-encounter","Take intentional steps to remember the useful vocabulary words you encounter",[11,20847,20848],{},"I'm about to show you something that's integral to being human:",[833,20850],{"src":20851,"width":20852,"height":20853,"alt":20854},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-portuguese-forgetting-curve.jpeg",974,732,"A visualization of the forgetting curve, sourced from Wikipedia",[11,20856,20857],{},"Yeah.",[11,20859,20860],{},"We forget stuff.",[11,20862,20863,20866],{},[21,20864,20865],{},"Quickly",", if left to our own devices.",[11,20868,20869],{},"Unfortunately, learning Portuguese means will involves remembering thousands of vocabulary words.",[11,20871,20872,20873,20877],{},"The good news is that this isn't as bad as it seems. So long as we review information periodically, it will stick. In particular, ",[867,20874,20876],{"href":11622,"rel":20875},[1196],"if we review information at gradually increasing intervals",", those things will eventually work their way into our long-term memory.",[11,20879,20880],{},"To streamline this process, we built Migaku to automate the process of making flashcards, figuring out when to review them, and curating daily learning plans. It works like this:",[3153,20882,20883,20885,20891],{},[124,20884,16688],{},[124,20886,20887,20888],{},"If you see a useful word, click the orange button in the top-right corner of our dictionary definitions ",[21,20889,20890],{},"(peek at the image from the previous section)",[124,20892,20893],{},"Migaku will automatically create a flashcard for you that that looks like this↓",[833,20895],{"src":20896,"width":20897,"height":20898,"alt":20899},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-portuguese-flashcard.jpeg",768,796,"A sample Portuguese flashcard generated by Migaku.",[11,20901,20902],{},"We'll automatically schedule the flashcard for you to learn in the future. Then, depending on your performance (whether you do or don't remember the card), we'll determine when you should review it next. This creates a powerful filtering process in which you spend of your review time on the stuff you struggle with and waste less of it on the stuff you know well.",[11,20904,20905,20906,20910],{},"If you aren't looking to pay for a language learning tool right now, you can achieve similar functionality with an open-source tool like ",[867,20907,20909],{"href":17582,"rel":20908},[1196],"Anki SRS",". Whereas Migaku is plug-and-play, Anki is a sandbox program, meaning that you will have to do everything manually—but if you don't mind playing around a bit, you can create some pretty cool things.",[414,20912,20914],{"id":20913},"repeat-steps-2-and-3","Repeat steps 2 and 3",[11,20916,20917],{},"That's it: that's the basic learning loop. To learn Portuguese, all you have to do is:",[3153,20919,20920,20923,20926],{},[124,20921,20922],{},"Consume content you find interesting",[124,20924,20925],{},"Take steps to commit the useful words, expressions, and sentence structures from that content to memory",[124,20927,20928],{},"Repeat",[11,20930,20931,20932,15701,20934,844],{},"So long as you do that, over time you'll learn the specific vocabulary and grammar ",[21,20933,3334],{},[21,20935,3334],{},[11,20937,20938],{},"It's a long journey, but it's a fun one, too.",[37,20940,20942],{"id":20941},"how-to-measure-your-level-of-portuguese","How to measure your level of Portuguese",[11,20944,20945],{},"Here are three options for you, ranked from most to least formal:",[414,20947,20949],{"id":20948},"take-a-portuguese-proficiency-test","Take a Portuguese proficiency test",[11,20951,20952,20955],{},[21,20953,20954],{},"Which"," test to take is a question for you to decide yourself:",[121,20957,20958,20966],{},[124,20959,10045,20960,20965],{},[867,20961,20964],{"href":20962,"rel":20963},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FCELPE-Bras",[1196],"Certificado de Proficiência em Língua Portuguesa para Estrangeiros (CELPE-bras)"," is the only test of Portuguese proficiency recognized by Brazil",[124,20967,10045,20968,20973],{},[867,20969,20972],{"href":20970,"rel":20971},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FCAPLE",[1196],"Centro de Avaliação de Português Língua Estrangeira (CAPLE)"," is the test used in Portugal",[11,20975,20976],{},"Both of these tests are aligned with the Common European Framework of References for Languages (CEFR):",[121,20978,20979,20982],{},[124,20980,20981],{},"The CELPE-bras has four tests, certifying B1, B2, C1, and C2 levels of certification, respectively",[124,20983,20984],{},"The CAPLE has six tests, covering all of the CEFR levels (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2)",[11,20986,20987],{},"If this is the first time you're hearing about the CEFR, you may wish to:",[121,20989,20990,20998],{},[124,20991,20992,20993],{},"See ",[867,20994,20997],{"href":20995,"rel":20996},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.coe.int\u002Fen\u002Fweb\u002Fcommon-european-framework-reference-languages\u002Ftable-1-cefr-3.3-common-reference-levels-global-scale",[1196],"an overview of each level of proficiency",[124,20999,21000,21001,21006],{},"Refer to this ",[867,21002,21005],{"href":21003,"rel":21004},"https:\u002F\u002Frm.coe.int\u002FCoERMPublicCommonSearchServices\u002FDisplayDCTMContent?documentId=090000168045bb52",[1196],"CEFR self-assessment grid"," to get a rough idea of Portuguese, if you've already studied for a while",[414,21008,21010],{"id":21009},"track-the-amount-of-words-you-know","Track the amount of words you know",[11,21012,21013],{},"At Migaku, we track the amount of Portuguese words that a learner knows. While official certifications are great, Portuguese content isn't made to align with the CEFR standards. This means that you may technically have a solid upper-intermediate level of proficiency on paper, but find yourself struggling to understand the stuff you want to watch on YouTube or Netflix.",[11,21015,21016,21017,21022],{},"Using \"known\" words as a metric isn't perfect either—",[867,21018,21019,21020],{"href":10002},"it's actually really hard to define what a word ",[21,21021,3041],{},"—but it does let us do useful things, like estimate how well you'll understand a piece of content you tune into.",[11,21024,21025,21026,1198],{},"For example, I have never studied Portuguese before, so Migaku gives me a whopping 0% comprehension score for ",[867,21027,21030],{"href":21028,"rel":21029},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=zzfMwsYx0Zo",[1196],"this discussion of the hit Portuguese TV series, 3%",[833,21032],{"src":21033,"width":5775,"height":5776,"alt":21034},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku_portuguese_3percent.jpeg","A screenshot of a YouTube video talking about the Portuguese show 3%",[11,21036,21037,21038,21040],{},"But if we switch over to Mandarin, a language I ",[21,21039,5726],{}," speak, I get a much better comprehension score of 81% for this random YouTube video I'm watching:",[833,21042],{"src":21043,"width":5775,"height":5776,"alt":21044},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-portuguese-cn.jpeg","A screenshot of a YouTube video talking, showing off Migaku's subtitle enhancements",[11,21046,21047],{},"Following suit, at Migaku we break down proficiency levels according to vocabulary size:",[121,21049,21050,21053,21056,21059],{},[124,21051,21052],{},"Total beginner — 1,499 words or less",[124,21054,21055],{},"Beginner — 1,500–2,999 words",[124,21057,21058],{},"Intermediate — 3,000–9,999 words",[124,21060,21061],{},"Advanced — 10,000+ words",[414,21063,21065,21066],{"id":21064},"skip-the-certifications-and-focus-on-what-you-can-do","Skip the certifications and focus on what you can ",[21,21067,5726],{},[11,21069,21070],{},"At the end of the day, unless you're planning to move to a Portuguese-speaking country, become a Portuguese teacher, or take up a very specific line of work, it probably isn't a huge deal whether you ever get certified or not.",[11,21072,21073,21074,21076],{},"I've been studying Spanish for nearly 20 years now—I was ",[21,21075,3835],{}," expecting that number to be so big—and I've never taken a Spanish proficiency test.",[11,21078,21079],{},"But I can say:",[121,21081,21082,21085,21088],{},[124,21083,21084],{},"In college, my best friend was from Spain and we communicated primarily in Spanish",[124,21086,21087],{},"I've read several dozen books in Spanish",[124,21089,21090],{},"Mexican restaurants sometimes give you extra food if you order in Spanish",[11,21092,21093,21094,21096],{},"And at the end of the day, ",[21,21095,3120],{}," are the things that matter to me.",[11,21098,21099],{},"Language is a whole new world, and the experiences you have in it ultimately matter much more than your level of proficiency on paper.",[37,21101,13329],{"id":21102},"in-other-words",[11,21104,21105],{},"Depending on your goals, learning Portuguese will take around:",[121,21107,21108,21111,21114],{},[124,21109,21110],{},"~200 hours if you just want to begin consuming Portuguese content",[124,21112,21113],{},"~2,000 hours if you want to become fluent enough to work in Portuguese-speaking office",[124,21115,21116],{},"A lifetime, if you want to truly master Portuguese",[11,21118,21119],{},"However quickly or slowly you learn, just know that so long as you're regularly engaging with Portuguese, you're making progress.",{"title":383,"searchDepth":915,"depth":915,"links":21121},[21122,21126,21131,21136,21142,21148],{"id":20003,"depth":915,"text":20004,"children":21123},[21124],{"id":20068,"depth":923,"text":21125},"But I'm not a diplomat, so what does this mean for me?",{"id":20104,"depth":915,"text":20105,"children":21127},[21128,21129,21130],{"id":20108,"depth":923,"text":20109},{"id":20172,"depth":923,"text":20173},{"id":20208,"depth":923,"text":20209},{"id":20246,"depth":915,"text":20247,"children":21132},[21133,21134,21135],{"id":20258,"depth":923,"text":20259},{"id":20404,"depth":923,"text":20405},{"id":20639,"depth":923,"text":20640},{"id":20680,"depth":915,"text":20681,"children":21137},[21138,21139,21140,21141],{"id":20698,"depth":923,"text":20699},{"id":20729,"depth":923,"text":20730},{"id":20844,"depth":923,"text":20845},{"id":20913,"depth":923,"text":20914},{"id":20941,"depth":915,"text":20942,"children":21143},[21144,21145,21146],{"id":20948,"depth":923,"text":20949},{"id":21009,"depth":923,"text":21010},{"id":21064,"depth":923,"text":21147},"Skip the certifications and focus on what you can do",{"id":21102,"depth":915,"text":13329},"Discover how long it takes to learn Portuguese, factors that affect fluency, and actionable tips to speed up your language learning journey",{"timestampUnix":21151,"slug":21152,"h1":21153,"image":21154,"tags":21159},1733290288131,"how-long-to-learn-portuguese","How Long Does It Take to Learn Portuguese?",{"src":21155,"width":21156,"height":21157,"alt":21158},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-learn-portuguese.webp",5600,3733,"A Brazilian woman and a child sitting down, wrapped in a flag.",[940],"\u002Farticle\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-portuguese-how-long","---\ntitle: 'How Long Does It Take to Learn Portuguese? Tips for Faster Fluency'\ndescription: 'Discover how long it takes to learn Portuguese, factors that affect fluency, and actionable tips to speed up your language learning journey'\ntimestampUnix: 1733290288131\nslug: 'how-long-to-learn-portuguese'\nh1: 'How Long Does It Take to Learn Portuguese?'\nimage:\n src: '\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-learn-portuguese.webp'\n width: 5600\n height: 3733\n alt: 'A Brazilian woman and a child sitting down, wrapped in a flag.'\ntags:\n - discussion\n---\n\nWant to learn Portuguese?\n\nWith over 220 million speakers spread across Brazil, Portugal, and [several African countries](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FPortuguese_language_in_Africa), you're in good company! Home to several UNESCO sites like [the Island of Madeira](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FMadeira), [the Samba genre of music and dance](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=5j3QjEk-6c0), [the martial art Capoeira](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=r1qsT2feZcI), and [a rich literary tradition](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FPortuguese_literature), Portuguese offers a window into vibrant cultures around the world. (Plus, Ronaldo is Portuguese.)\n\nWell:\n\n- The good news is that, as a Romance language like Spanish and French, Portuguese is considered to be one of the easier languages for native English speakers to learn\n- Nevertheless, the language presents its own challenges, such as mastering its relatively complex pronunciation and learning to make sense of its regional dialects\n\nBut how long does it take to learn Portuguese?\n\nLet's find out:\n\n\u003Ctoc>\u003C\u002Ftoc>\n\n---\n\n## How long does it take to learn Portuguese?\n\nThe only honest answer to this question is that _it depends_.\n\nReviewing 76 years worth of data, the US Government's School of Language Studies reports that [it typically takes US diplmats 600–750 in-class hours](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.state.gov\u002Fforeign-language-training\u002F) (plus ~1,200–1,500 out-of-class hours) to learn Portuguese to the level of \"General Professional Fluency\".\n\n\"General Professional Fluency\" corresponds to [Level 3 on the International Language Roundtable (ILR)](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FILR_scale) fluency scale, and diplomats focus specifically on the ability to speak Portuguese fluently and read the language confidently.\n\nThis means that, after ~2,000 hours of study, US diplomats are expected to be able to:\n\n- [Speaking ability](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.govtilr.org\u002FSkills\u002FILRscale2.htm)\n - \"Able to speak the language with sufficient structural accuracy and vocabulary to participate effectively in most formal and informal conversations in practical, social and professional topics.\"\n - \"In face-to-face conversation with natives speaking the standard dialect at a normal rate of speech, comprehension is quite complete. Although cultural references, proverbs and the implications of nuances and idiom may not be fully understood, the individual can easily repair the conversation.\"\n- [Reading ability](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.govtilr.org\u002FSkills\u002FILRscale4.htm)\n - \"Able to read within a normal range of speed and with almost complete comprehension a variety of authentic prose material on unfamiliar subjects\"\n - \"Can get the gist of more sophisticated texts, but may be unable to detect or understand subtlety and nuance.\"\n\nEssentially, this means that diplomats become conversationally proficient in Portuguese. You might call it a high-intermediate level of Portuguese. They can speak the language quite fluently and don't have an issue functioning in a Portuguese environment, but they're by no means fluent, and you would immediately notice that they aren't a native speaker.\n\n### But I'm not a diplomat, so what does this mean for _me_?\n\nFor the most part, this means good things.\n\nIn particular, you should know that:\n\n> You definitely _don't_ need to wait 2,000 hours before you can begin doing cool things in Portuguese.\n\nThe fact that it takes diplomats 2,000 hours to learn Portuguese doesn't mean that you have to bury your nose in a textbook for 2,000 hours before a switch flips and you get to begin doing interesting things in Portuguese.\n\nOn the contrary, you progress toward Portuguese fluency _by_ doing interesting things in Portuguese. When we watch YouTube, listen to podcasts, read books, browse social media—consume Portuguese, generally speaking—and understand the messages within that content, we gradually build a mental model of Portuguese in our brain. As we continue interacting with Portuguese, that mental model becomes more robust and accessible.\n\nIn other words, Portuguese fluency comes a byproduct of simply spending time doing things you enjoy in Portuguese.\n\nTo get your foot in the door and begin stumbling through your first piece of Portuguese content, you're realistically looking at a couple hundred hours of work. Probably less.\n\n## You might be able to learn Portuguese a bit faster if...\n\n### You speak another Romance language\n\nIf you already speak Spanish or another Romance language, you'll enjoy a massive head start when you begin learning Portuguese. Spanish and Portuguese have [a lexical similarity score of 89%](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FLexical_similarity#Indo-European_languages), meaning that virtually all vocabulary is shared between the two languages.\n\nTo see what I mean, compare:\n\n\u003CCenteredText>\n \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ohchr.org\u002Fsites\u002Fdefault\u002Ffiles\u002FDocuments\u002FIssues\u002FDefenders\u002FDeclaration\u002Fdeclaration_sp.pdf\">\n The Declaration of Human Rights in Spanish\n \u003C\u002Fa>\n \u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>\n\n> _\"Reafirmando la importancia de la observancia de los propósitos y principios de la Carta de las\n> Naciones Unidas para la promoción y la protección de todos los derechos humanos y libertades\n> fundamentales para todas las personas en todos los países del mundo...\"_\n\n\u003C\u002FCenteredText>\n\n\u003CCenteredText>\n \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ohchr.org\u002Fsites\u002Fdefault\u002Ffiles\u002FDocuments\u002FIssues\u002FDefenders\u002FDeclaration\u002FdeclarationPortuguese.pdf\">\n The Declaration of Human Rights in Portuguese\n \u003C\u002Fa>\n \u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>\n\n> _\"Reafirmando a importância da realização dos objectivos e princípios da Carta das Nações Unidas para a promoção e protecção de todos os direitos humanos e liberdades fundamentais de todas as pessoas em todos os países do mundo, ..._\"\n\n\u003C\u002FCenteredText>\n\nThere are some notable differences—little high-frequency words like _of_ and _the_ are quite different, and Spanish words that end in ~ción instead end in ~cão in Portuguese—but the two texts are remarkably similar. The two languages' shared roots in Latin mean they have many similarities in vocabulary, verb conjugation, sentence structure, and even idioms.\n\n### You have a concrete, pressing reason to learn Portuguese\n\nI earlier made a somewhat bold statement: you progress toward Portuguese fluency by doing interesting things in Portuguese.\n\nHere, I'm going to double down: you won't learn Portuguese to any meaningful level _unless_ you go out of your way to engage with Portuguese—whether that means having conversations, reading books, [watching Netflix's 3% in the original](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.netflix.com\u002Ftw-en\u002Ftitle\u002F80074220), or, well, _something_.\n\n> You don't need to uproot your life and move to Brazil or Portugal, but you _do_ need to find something that makes you excited and regularly leads you to spend time in Portuguese.\n\nOn a practical level, your typical Portuguese textbook might give you ten sentences per chapter. A three minute Portuguese song will expose you to the same amount of sentences, and there might be a couple dozen sentences in a single page of Portuguese text. Using Portuguese to do something will expose you to significantly more Portuguese than following the traditional classroom approach, and this makes a difference for language learners.\n\nPlus, it's fun.\n\n### You focus on one specific aspect of Portuguese\n\nLanguages are generally broken down into four skills:\n\n- Two active skills: speaking and writing\n- Two passive skills: listening and reading\n\nAnd these skills can further be broken down into sub-skills. You're writing Portuguese whether you're texting a friend, writing a novel, or writing a financial statement about your company's market performance during the previous year, but these are really three different types of writing. Even if you became a renowned author of Portuguese romantic-comedy novels, that wouldn't mean that this style of writing would translate well to the more cold and objective world of business.\n\nThis presents challenges to the intermediate learner because it means that your Portuguese is, necessarily, going to become unbalanced. You'll feel super confident in some areas, but woefully unprepared in others. A big part of graduating from intermediate to advanced boils down to learning to confidently do a bunch of things in Portuguese that, frankly, you aren't actually interested in doing.\n\nFor the beginner, though, this is excellent news.\n\nIt means that you're much, much closer to being able to do _anything_ in Portuguese than you are to doing _everything_ in Portuguese.\n\n> If you pick one specific thing you want to do in Portuguese and organize your learning around conquering that one thing, you can see progress incredibly quickly.\n\n## What makes Portuguese hard to learn\n\nPortuguese may be a \"Category I\" language according to the Foreign Service Institute, indicating that it's one of the easiest languages for native English speakers to learn, but that doesn't mean it's _easy_.\n\nHere are some of the hurdles you'll have to overcome while learning Portuguese.\n\n### Portuguese pronunciation\n\nPortuguese pronunciation is _wild_. I could write an entire blog article about it.\n\nTo be brief, though, here are the two main wrenches you'll need to dodge:\n\n#### Nasal vowels\n\nWith normal vowels, air comes out of our throat. With nasal vowels, air comes out of our throat _and_ nostrils. To see what I mean, place your fingers lightly on your nostrils _(the outside, don't be picking your nose on me)_ and say the word \"had\". This is a \"normal\" vowel. Now say \"hand\". Feel that vibration? _That's_ a nasal sound.\n\nIn English, nasal sounds always appear before a nasal content: N or M.\n\nIn Portuguese, nasal sounds appear before nasal consonants, but they can also appear anywhere. If you see a vowel with a little squiggly hat (as in ã or õ), it's nasal.\n\nCompare these two words:\n\n- Portuguese _pão_ (bread) \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fpt-pao.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> (nasal A) vs English _pow_ \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fen-pow.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n- Portuguese _homem_ (man) \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fpt-homem.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> (nasal O and E) vs English _homonym_ \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fen-homonym.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n\nYou can make these nasal sounds as a native English speaker, but you won't be used to pronouncing them without following up with an N or M sound. Producing them independently, on demand, will take practice.\n\n#### The letter R\n\nOfficially, Portuguese R has two pronunciations:\n\n1. A \"flapped\" R, as in _caro_ (expensive) \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fpt-caro.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>, which you'll be OK with because it's the same sound we use for T and D in words like _batter_ or _riding_\n2. A uvular \"trilled\" R, which is fancy linguistic speak for the sound you make when gargling mouthwash\n\nBut, like speakers of many languages that have [this guttural R sound](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FGuttural_R#Portuguese), Portuguese speakers sometimes pronounce the \"proper\" trilled R and sometimes substitute it with other things. Unfortunately, all of these possible variations are sounds that don't exist in English.\n\nFor example, here are there different native Portuguese speakers saying _carro_ (car):\n\n- Speaker 1: \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fpt-carro.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> (notice how soft the R is, and that the vowel is shortened)\n- Speaker 2: \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fpt-carro2.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> (notice that the R is pretty clean \u002F not so guttural)\n- Speaker 3: \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fpt-carro3.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> (notice how much trill there is here)\n\n### Portuguese grammar\n\nPortuguese grammar is pretty standard so far as Romance languages go, but it still presents several hurdles for the aspiring learner. Here are three big ones:\n\n#### Portuguese verb conjugations\n\nIn English, we have five verb forms—write, writes, wrote, writing, written.\n\nPortuguese verbs have [in the ballpark of _seventy_ forms](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FPortuguese_conjugation).\n\n#### Portuguese gendered nouns\n\nIn English, nouns are just nouns. A duck is a duck.\n\nIn Portuguese, nouns have _gender_.\n\n\u003Caccordion heading=\"...Gender, you say?\">\n\nWell, yes, but also no.\n\nWay back when, [Gender had nothing to do with biology](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FGender#Derivation). Our modern word _gender_ comes from the French word _gendre_. Notice how it looks a lot like the word _genre_? That's no coincidence. The word _gender_ used to just mean \"type\" or \"kind\". It had absolutely nothing to do with being a man or woman.\n\nAnd then we ran into a problem.\n\nThe word [_sex_](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wiktionary.org\u002Fwiki\u002Fsex#English) used to refer specifically to your genitals. It was a boring medical term with no connotation beyond that... [until sometime in the 1700s](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.oed.com\u002Fdictionary\u002Fsexual-intercourse_n), when, for lack of better words, it became something more than that.\n\nAnd this was fine and dandy. We have words to describe things, and that's a thing, too. A word for it we shall have.\n\nAnother couple hundred years passed, however, and some people began thinking that _one_ word wouldn't suffice. In 1949, the French feminist Simone de Beauvoir in her book [The Second Sex](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.goodreads.com\u002Fbook\u002Fshow\u002F8869225) gave us this micdrop:\n\n> [One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.sparknotes.com\u002Fphilosophy\u002Fsecondsex\u002Fquotes\u002Fpage\u002F3\u002F).\n\nOver the next couple decades, we'd find ourselves talking about human nature in two ways:\n\n- Sex, to refer to the biological aspects of being a man or woman\n- Gender, to talk about the social implications of that biological nature\n\nAnd linguists have been in an awkward situation ever since.\n\nYou see, many languages have up to three genders:\n\n- Masculine gender\n- Feminine gender\n- Neuter gender\n\nBut this doesn't actually have anything to do with _that_ gender. Some linguists just noted that the word _man_ ended in one vowel, the word _woman_ ended in another, and that many words shared the same pattern as man or woman. We began calling the words with the same pattern as man \"masculine\" and those with the same pattern as woman \"feminine\".\n\nThis, again, is purely a coincidence. Swahili has [18 grammatical \"genders\"](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FSwahili_grammar#Noun_classes), and not one of them are _masculine_ or _feminine_. Instead, they're things like \"things with complicated outlines\" and \"plants\".\n\nBasically—while the Portuguese word for \"book\" is (masculine) _livro_ and the Portuguese word for \"house\" is (feminine) _casa_, this doesn't imply that books are manly or that books are womanly. It's just, unfortunately and awkwardly, how language works.\n\nBack to the article!\n\n\u003C\u002Faccordion>\n\nSpecifically, it has two genders:\n\n- Masculine nouns tend to end in the vowel -o\n- Feminine nouns tend to end in the vowel -a\n- Adjectives end in a vowel that matches their noun:\n - \"White\" is _branc**a**_ when it's paired with a feminine noun like _casa_ (cas\u003Cu>a\u003C\u002Fu> branc\u003Cu>a\u003C\u002Fu>, \"white house\")\n - \"White\" is _branc**o**_ when it's paired with a masculine noun like _livro_ (livr\u003Cu>o\u003C\u002Fu> branc\u003Cu>o\u003C\u002Fu>, \"white book\")\n\nEvery single noun has a gender, and there's no logic behind what noun is what gender. It's just something you'll have to memorize.\n\n### Brazilian Portuguese vs European Portuguese\n\nDo me a favor and watch 10 or 15 seconds of this video:\n\n\u003Ccustom-iframe src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002F_QfrytY94sg?si=BsjKuqLTZuGq3ps0&\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-iframe>\n\nNo, it's not just you. Those two accents sound _super_ different.\n\nMore than that:\n\n- They use different vocabulary words to refer to the same things (\"Juice\" is _suco_ in Brazil but _sumo_ in Portugal)\n- There are some grammatical differences (tu vs você, the present progressive form, and more!)\n- Slang and fixed expressions differ between the two countries\n\nDon't get me wrong, they're both Portuguese... but if you get used to Brazilian Portuguese, you might find that you need to do a bit of work to make sense of European Portuguese or Mozambican Portuguese.\n\n## The best way to learn Portuguese\n\nThere's a lot of apps and resources out there, but to learn Portuguese, you only really need to know one thing:\n\n> We make progress in a foreign language when we interact with the language, grapple with the messages we receive in it, and make sense of those messages. These \"messages\" may be lines of dialogue in a TV show, a sentence in a book, or something that comes up in a conversation.\n\nThe more content you consume and understand in Portuguese, the faster you will learn.\n\nSo, however you go about learning Portuguese, make sure your plan includes these three steps:\n\n### Learn the basics of Portuguese\n\nTo build your Portuguese foundation, you've got a few tasks ahead of you:\n\n- Learn the Portuguese alphabet\n- Learn the sounds that exist in Portuguese and which letters summon them\n- Learn 1,000–2,000 common words\n- Skim a basic grammar reference\n\nThere are several apps and resources out there aimed at total beginners, so I'll leave these tasks to you.\n\nJust know that this is a _foundation_. You don't need to know these 1,000 words like the back of your hand. All you need to do to move on to the next stage is reach a point where you can generally break Portuguese sentences down and make sense of what's going on. So long as you're consuming content in Portuguese, you will naturally build and reinforce your knowledge of all the above points totally naturally.\n\n### Consume a lot of content in Portuguese\n\nIn this stage, you have only three tasks:\n\n1. Find a place to get your foot in the door: something that's accessible, and hopefully somewhat interesting\n2. Consume a lot of Portuguese content\n3. Gradually expand the scope of content you consume, over time, to expose yourself to more of Portuguese\n\nAnd while I say \"only\", that first step is going to be one of the most difficult things you do in Portuguese. Once you find that first piece of content, though, you're off to the races. You now know that you can understand things in Portuguese! So long as you follow your interests and continuously engage with the language, you _will_ learn Portuguese.\n\nIf you're completely new to Portuguese, start with a YouTube channel like [A1 Comprehensible Input in Portuguese](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=sX6xBrSb-TU&list=PLK69N0H1t7Q66Q6rgs6EF2k_sozUmp0PS) ([or something similar](https:\u002F\u002Fcomprehensibleinputwiki.org\u002Fwiki\u002FPortuguese)). In these \"comprehensible input\" videos, the speakers intentionally use simple language, rephrase difficult sentences, and repeat themselves—all things that make it easier for a new learner to comprehend what they're saying in Portuguese, without needing to translate to English.\n\nMigaku also makes conquering that first step a bit easier by enhancing the subtitles in these videos, as shown below:\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-portuguese-demo2.jpeg\" width=\"2880\" height=\"1800\" alt=\"A screenshot of a YouTube video in Portuguese about a woman who works at the supermarket.\" \u002F>\n\nYou're looking at a few things here:\n\n1. **Dictionary** — We've clicked on the word _mãe_, and Migaku has displayed an explanation of what it means\n2. **Grammatical gender** —The words _mãe_ (mother) and _carinhosa_ (loving) are highlighted red because they're feminine, while the word _gémeos_ (twins) is highlighted blue beacuse it's masculine\n3. **Word commonness** — The green \"Standard 5\\*\" button below _mãe_ in the dictionary tells us that this is a super common word; one of Portuguese's top 1,500 words\n4. **More** — The grey buttons just below that give us a few other options: we can hear a native speaker saying _mãe_ or see pictures of _mãe_, for example; there are also a few buttons to have AI explain what the word means or to break down the sentence\n\nMigaku offers the same functionality for pretty much anything on the internet with copyable text: everything from the subtitles on Netflix and YouTube to posts on X (formerly Twitter) to all of the articles on [Portuguese Wikipedia](https:\u002F\u002Fpt.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FWikip%C3%A9dia:P%C3%A1gina_principal).\n\nNow, you don't _need_ to use Migaku. You can just watch YouTube and manually paste new words into a free online dictionary instead—it's takes more work, but you can do it.\n\nWhichever option you choose, you'll be doing the same thing: consuming a lot of Portuguese content and gradually acquiring the language over time. If you're not sure where to start, set a goal of simply establishing the habit: become the type of person who listens to Portuguese or reads in Portuguese each day.\n\n### Take intentional steps to remember the useful vocabulary words you encounter\n\nI'm about to show you something that's integral to being human:\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-portuguese-forgetting-curve.jpeg\" width=\"974\" height=\"732\" alt=\"A visualization of the forgetting curve, sourced from Wikipedia\" \u002F>\n\nYeah.\n\nWe forget stuff.\n\n_Quickly_, if left to our own devices.\n\nUnfortunately, learning Portuguese means will involves remembering thousands of vocabulary words.\n\nThe good news is that this isn't as bad as it seems. So long as we review information periodically, it will stick. In particular, [if we review information at gradually increasing intervals](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FSpaced_repetition), those things will eventually work their way into our long-term memory.\n\nTo streamline this process, we built Migaku to automate the process of making flashcards, figuring out when to review them, and curating daily learning plans. It works like this:\n\n1. Consume content you enjoy\n2. If you see a useful word, click the orange button in the top-right corner of our dictionary definitions _(peek at the image from the previous section)_\n3. Migaku will automatically create a flashcard for you that that looks like this↓\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-portuguese-flashcard.jpeg\" width=\"768\" height=\"796\" alt=\"A sample Portuguese flashcard generated by Migaku.\" \u002F>\n\nWe'll automatically schedule the flashcard for you to learn in the future. Then, depending on your performance (whether you do or don't remember the card), we'll determine when you should review it next. This creates a powerful filtering process in which you spend of your review time on the stuff you struggle with and waste less of it on the stuff you know well.\n\nIf you aren't looking to pay for a language learning tool right now, you can achieve similar functionality with an open-source tool like [Anki SRS](https:\u002F\u002Fapps.ankiweb.net\u002F). Whereas Migaku is plug-and-play, Anki is a sandbox program, meaning that you will have to do everything manually—but if you don't mind playing around a bit, you can create some pretty cool things.\n\n### Repeat steps 2 and 3\n\nThat's it: that's the basic learning loop. To learn Portuguese, all you have to do is:\n\n1. Consume content you find interesting\n2. Take steps to commit the useful words, expressions, and sentence structures from that content to memory\n3. Repeat\n\nSo long as you do that, over time you'll learn the specific vocabulary and grammar _you_ need to do the things that are important to _you_.\n\nIt's a long journey, but it's a fun one, too.\n\n## How to measure your level of Portuguese\n\nHere are three options for you, ranked from most to least formal:\n\n### Take a Portuguese proficiency test\n\n_Which_ test to take is a question for you to decide yourself:\n\n- The [Certificado de Proficiência em Língua Portuguesa para Estrangeiros (CELPE-bras)](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FCELPE-Bras) is the only test of Portuguese proficiency recognized by Brazil\n- The [Centro de Avaliação de Português Língua Estrangeira (CAPLE)](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FCAPLE) is the test used in Portugal\n\nBoth of these tests are aligned with the Common European Framework of References for Languages (CEFR):\n\n- The CELPE-bras has four tests, certifying B1, B2, C1, and C2 levels of certification, respectively\n- The CAPLE has six tests, covering all of the CEFR levels (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2)\n\nIf this is the first time you're hearing about the CEFR, you may wish to:\n\n- See [an overview of each level of proficiency](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.coe.int\u002Fen\u002Fweb\u002Fcommon-european-framework-reference-languages\u002Ftable-1-cefr-3.3-common-reference-levels-global-scale)\n- Refer to this [CEFR self-assessment grid](https:\u002F\u002Frm.coe.int\u002FCoERMPublicCommonSearchServices\u002FDisplayDCTMContent?documentId=090000168045bb52) to get a rough idea of Portuguese, if you've already studied for a while\n\n### Track the amount of words you know\n\nAt Migaku, we track the amount of Portuguese words that a learner knows. While official certifications are great, Portuguese content isn't made to align with the CEFR standards. This means that you may technically have a solid upper-intermediate level of proficiency on paper, but find yourself struggling to understand the stuff you want to watch on YouTube or Netflix.\n\nUsing \"known\" words as a metric isn't perfect either—[it's actually really hard to define what a word _is_](\u002Fblog\u002Fjapanese\u002Fhow-to-learn-japanese-vocabulary)—but it does let us do useful things, like estimate how well you'll understand a piece of content you tune into.\n\nFor example, I have never studied Portuguese before, so Migaku gives me a whopping 0% comprehension score for [this discussion of the hit Portuguese TV series, 3%](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=zzfMwsYx0Zo):\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku_portuguese_3percent.jpeg\" width=\"2880\" height=\"1800\" alt=\"A screenshot of a YouTube video talking about the Portuguese show 3%\" \u002F>\n\nBut if we switch over to Mandarin, a language I _do_ speak, I get a much better comprehension score of 81% for this random YouTube video I'm watching:\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-portuguese-cn.jpeg\" width=\"2880\" height=\"1800\" alt=\"A screenshot of a YouTube video talking, showing off Migaku's subtitle enhancements\" \u002F>\n\nFollowing suit, at Migaku we break down proficiency levels according to vocabulary size:\n\n- Total beginner — 1,499 words or less\n- Beginner — 1,500–2,999 words\n- Intermediate — 3,000–9,999 words\n- Advanced — 10,000+ words\n\n### Skip the certifications and focus on what you can _do_\n\nAt the end of the day, unless you're planning to move to a Portuguese-speaking country, become a Portuguese teacher, or take up a very specific line of work, it probably isn't a huge deal whether you ever get certified or not.\n\nI've been studying Spanish for nearly 20 years now—I was _not_ expecting that number to be so big—and I've never taken a Spanish proficiency test.\n\nBut I can say:\n\n- In college, my best friend was from Spain and we communicated primarily in Spanish\n- I've read several dozen books in Spanish\n- Mexican restaurants sometimes give you extra food if you order in Spanish\n\nAnd at the end of the day, _those_ are the things that matter to me.\n\nLanguage is a whole new world, and the experiences you have in it ultimately matter much more than your level of proficiency on paper.\n\n## In other words:\n\nDepending on your goals, learning Portuguese will take around:\n\n- ~200 hours if you just want to begin consuming Portuguese content\n- ~2,000 hours if you want to become fluent enough to work in Portuguese-speaking office\n- A lifetime, if you want to truly master Portuguese\n\nHowever quickly or slowly you learn, just know that so long as you're regularly engaging with Portuguese, you're making progress.\n",{"title":19944,"description":21149},"article\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-portuguese-how-long","zOByjjdtJ39D4TqicigCyiUoHVmnrXeQAWOIhv2nIeM","December 4, 2024",{"id":21167,"title":21168,"body":21169,"description":23560,"extension":929,"meta":23561,"navigation":942,"path":23570,"rawbody":23571,"seo":23572,"stem":23573,"__hash__":23574,"timestampUnix":23562,"slug":23563,"h1":23564,"image":23565,"tags":23568,"_dir":948,"timestamp":23575},"content\u002Farticle\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-portuguese-numbers.md","Numbers in Portuguese | How to Count to 100 in Portuguese",{"type":8,"value":21170,"toc":23536},[21171,21174,21182,21185,21188,21190,21192,21196,21199,21202,21427,21432,21436,21439,21617,21622,21626,21629,21806,21809,21814,21825,22117,22121,22127,22141,22144,22148,22151,22154,22518,22608,22613,22617,22624,22630,22643,22648,22661,22666,22679,22684,22697,22700,22719,22723,22726,22764,22768,22775,22781,22886,22889,22893,22896,22901,22941,22944,22949,22999,23005,23010,23014,23017,23020,23023,23080,23083,23119,23123,23126,23131,23134,23138,23141,23166,23169,23176,23180,23183,23207,23210,23213,23249,23258,23262,23265,23277,23280,23284,23287,23359,23365,23372,23375,23377,23392,23395,23399,23402,23435,23438,23445,23449,23452,23457,23460,23463,23468,23477,23483,23486,23491,23494,23501,23504,23506,23508,23512,23521,23526,23533],[11,21172,21173],{},"So, you're thinking about learning Portuguese?",[11,21175,21176,21177,21181],{},"Well, learning Portuguese numbers is ",[21,21178,16608,21179,16608],{},[4455,21180,17936],{}," way to get started.",[11,21183,21184],{},"(That was terrible, I know.)",[11,21186,21187],{},"Anyway, let's get into it:",[30,21189],{},[34,21191],{},[37,21193,21195],{"id":21194},"portuguese-numbers-0-10","Portuguese numbers 0-10",[11,21197,21198],{},"You're here for the numbers, so I won't belabor you with a wall of text. We'll talk about some of the finer details of Portuguese numbers later on in the blog post.",[11,21200,21201],{},"For now, here's 1 through 10 in Portuguese.",[183,21203,21204,21218],{},[186,21205,21206],{},[189,21207,21208,21210,21212,21215],{},[192,21209,1073],{},[192,21211,6600],{},[192,21213,21214],{},"Audio (BR)",[192,21216,21217],{},"Audio (PT)",[208,21219,21220,21237,21260,21284,21302,21320,21337,21355,21373,21391,21409],{},[189,21221,21222,21225,21227,21232],{},[213,21223,21224],{},"zero",[213,21226,21224],{},[213,21228,21229],{},[57,21230],{"src":21231,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-zero.mp3",[213,21233,21234],{},[57,21235],{"src":21236,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-zero.mp3",[189,21238,21239,21241,21244,21252],{},[213,21240,17936],{},[213,21242,21243],{},"† um \u002F uma",[213,21245,21246,1583,21249],{},[57,21247],{"src":21248,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-um.mp3",[57,21250],{"src":21251,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-uma.mp3",[213,21253,21254,1583,21257],{},[57,21255],{"src":21256,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-um.mp3",[57,21258],{"src":21259,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-uma.mp3",[189,21261,21262,21265,21268,21276],{},[213,21263,21264],{},"two",[213,21266,21267],{},"† dois \u002F duas",[213,21269,21270,1583,21273],{},[57,21271],{"src":21272,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-dois.mp3",[57,21274],{"src":21275,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-duas.mp3",[213,21277,21278,1583,21281],{},[57,21279],{"src":21280,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-dois.mp3",[57,21282],{"src":21283,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fpt-duas.mp3",[189,21285,21286,21289,21292,21297],{},[213,21287,21288],{},"three",[213,21290,21291],{},"três",[213,21293,21294],{},[57,21295],{"src":21296,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-três.mp3",[213,21298,21299],{},[57,21300],{"src":21301,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-três.mp3",[189,21303,21304,21307,21310,21315],{},[213,21305,21306],{},"four",[213,21308,21309],{},"quatro",[213,21311,21312],{},[57,21313],{"src":21314,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-quatro.mp3",[213,21316,21317],{},[57,21318],{"src":21319,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-quatro.mp3",[189,21321,21322,21324,21327,21332],{},[213,21323,15293],{},[213,21325,21326],{},"cinco",[213,21328,21329],{},[57,21330],{"src":21331,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-cinco.mp3",[213,21333,21334],{},[57,21335],{"src":21336,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-cinco.mp3",[189,21338,21339,21342,21345,21350],{},[213,21340,21341],{},"six",[213,21343,21344],{},"seis",[213,21346,21347],{},[57,21348],{"src":21349,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-seis.mp3",[213,21351,21352],{},[57,21353],{"src":21354,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-seis.mp3",[189,21356,21357,21360,21363,21368],{},[213,21358,21359],{},"seven",[213,21361,21362],{},"sete",[213,21364,21365],{},[57,21366],{"src":21367,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-sete.mp3",[213,21369,21370],{},[57,21371],{"src":21372,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-sete.mp3",[189,21374,21375,21378,21381,21386],{},[213,21376,21377],{},"eight",[213,21379,21380],{},"oito",[213,21382,21383],{},[57,21384],{"src":21385,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-oito.mp3",[213,21387,21388],{},[57,21389],{"src":21390,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-oito.mp3",[189,21392,21393,21396,21399,21404],{},[213,21394,21395],{},"nine",[213,21397,21398],{},"nove",[213,21400,21401],{},[57,21402],{"src":21403,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-nove.mp3",[213,21405,21406],{},[57,21407],{"src":21408,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-nove.mp3",[189,21410,21411,21414,21417,21422],{},[213,21412,21413],{},"ten",[213,21415,21416],{},"dez",[213,21418,21419],{},[57,21420],{"src":21421,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-dez.mp3",[213,21423,21424],{},[57,21425],{"src":21426,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-dez.mp3",[11,21428,21429],{},[21,21430,21431],{},"† In Portuguese, the numbers one and two have masculine (um\u002Fdois) and feminine (uma\u002Fduas) forms. Use the masculine number with masculine nouns and the feminine one with feminine nouns. If you're new to the concept of grammatical gender, see the dropdown appendix in the section \"Portuguese numbers bigger than 100\" for a more thorough introduction.",[37,21433,21435],{"id":21434},"portuguese-numbers-11-19","Portuguese numbers 11-19",[11,21437,21438],{},"Next, let’s cover the teens. Here's eleven through nineteen in Portuguese:",[183,21440,21441,21453],{},[186,21442,21443],{},[189,21444,21445,21447,21449,21451],{},[192,21446,1073],{},[192,21448,6600],{},[192,21450,21214],{},[192,21452,21217],{},[208,21454,21455,21473,21491,21509,21527,21545,21563,21581,21599],{},[189,21456,21457,21460,21463,21468],{},[213,21458,21459],{},"eleven",[213,21461,21462],{},"onze",[213,21464,21465],{},[57,21466],{"src":21467,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-onze.mp3",[213,21469,21470],{},[57,21471],{"src":21472,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-onze.mp3",[189,21474,21475,21478,21481,21486],{},[213,21476,21477],{},"twelve",[213,21479,21480],{},"doze",[213,21482,21483],{},[57,21484],{"src":21485,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-doze.mp3",[213,21487,21488],{},[57,21489],{"src":21490,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-doze.mp3",[189,21492,21493,21496,21499,21504],{},[213,21494,21495],{},"thirteen",[213,21497,21498],{},"treze",[213,21500,21501],{},[57,21502],{"src":21503,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-treze.mp3",[213,21505,21506],{},[57,21507],{"src":21508,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-treze.mp3",[189,21510,21511,21514,21517,21522],{},[213,21512,21513],{},"fourteen",[213,21515,21516],{},"catorze",[213,21518,21519],{},[57,21520],{"src":21521,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-catorze.mp3",[213,21523,21524],{},[57,21525],{"src":21526,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-catorze.mp3",[189,21528,21529,21532,21535,21540],{},[213,21530,21531],{},"fifteen",[213,21533,21534],{},"quinze",[213,21536,21537],{},[57,21538],{"src":21539,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-quinze.mp3",[213,21541,21542],{},[57,21543],{"src":21544,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-quinze.mp3",[189,21546,21547,21550,21553,21558],{},[213,21548,21549],{},"sixteen",[213,21551,21552],{},"† dezesseis \u002F dezasseis",[213,21554,21555],{},[57,21556],{"src":21557,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-dezesseis.mp3",[213,21559,21560],{},[57,21561],{"src":21562,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-dezasseis.mp3",[189,21564,21565,21568,21571,21576],{},[213,21566,21567],{},"seventeen",[213,21569,21570],{},"† dezessete \u002F dezassete",[213,21572,21573],{},[57,21574],{"src":21575,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-dezessete.mp3",[213,21577,21578],{},[57,21579],{"src":21580,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-dezassete.mp3",[189,21582,21583,21586,21589,21594],{},[213,21584,21585],{},"eighteen",[213,21587,21588],{},"dezoito",[213,21590,21591],{},[57,21592],{"src":21593,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-dezoito.mp3",[213,21595,21596],{},[57,21597],{"src":21598,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-dezoito.mp3",[189,21600,21601,21604,21607,21612],{},[213,21602,21603],{},"nineteen",[213,21605,21606],{},"† dezenove \u002F dezanove",[213,21608,21609],{},[57,21610],{"src":21611,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-dezenove.mp3",[213,21613,21614],{},[57,21615],{"src":21616,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-dezanove.mp3",[11,21618,21619],{},[21,21620,21621],{},"† The first spelling is used in Brazil; the second spelling is used in Portugal. Normally, an S sandwiched between two vowels will be pronounced as \u002Fz\u002F in Portuguese, so I suppose that they changed that middle E to an A in Portugal to help clarify that ss should be pronounced as \u002Fs\u002F, not \u002Fz\u002F, but I couldn't actually find an explanation as to why this change was made.",[37,21623,21625],{"id":21624},"portuguese-numbers-20-100","Portuguese numbers 20-100",[11,21627,21628],{},"Now, let’s move onto multiples of ten:",[183,21630,21631,21643],{},[186,21632,21633],{},[189,21634,21635,21637,21639,21641],{},[192,21636,1073],{},[192,21638,6600],{},[192,21640,21214],{},[192,21642,21217],{},[208,21644,21645,21663,21681,21699,21717,21735,21752,21770,21788],{},[189,21646,21647,21650,21653,21658],{},[213,21648,21649],{},"twenty",[213,21651,21652],{},"vinte",[213,21654,21655],{},[57,21656],{"src":21657,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-vinte.mp3",[213,21659,21660],{},[57,21661],{"src":21662,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-vinte.mp3",[189,21664,21665,21668,21671,21676],{},[213,21666,21667],{},"thirty",[213,21669,21670],{},"trinta",[213,21672,21673],{},[57,21674],{"src":21675,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-trinta.mp3",[213,21677,21678],{},[57,21679],{"src":21680,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-trinta.mp3",[189,21682,21683,21686,21689,21694],{},[213,21684,21685],{},"forty",[213,21687,21688],{},"quarenta",[213,21690,21691],{},[57,21692],{"src":21693,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-quarenta.mp3",[213,21695,21696],{},[57,21697],{"src":21698,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-quarenta.mp3",[189,21700,21701,21704,21707,21712],{},[213,21702,21703],{},"fifty",[213,21705,21706],{},"cinqüenta",[213,21708,21709],{},[57,21710],{"src":21711,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-cinqüenta.mp3",[213,21713,21714],{},[57,21715],{"src":21716,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-cinquenta.mp3",[189,21718,21719,21722,21725,21730],{},[213,21720,21721],{},"sixty",[213,21723,21724],{},"sessenta",[213,21726,21727],{},[57,21728],{"src":21729,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-sessenta.mp3",[213,21731,21732],{},[57,21733],{"src":21734,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-sessenta.mp3",[189,21736,21737,21739,21742,21747],{},[213,21738,20426],{},[213,21740,21741],{},"setenta",[213,21743,21744],{},[57,21745],{"src":21746,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-setenta.mp3",[213,21748,21749],{},[57,21750],{"src":21751,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-setenta.mp3",[189,21753,21754,21757,21760,21765],{},[213,21755,21756],{},"eighty",[213,21758,21759],{},"oitenta",[213,21761,21762],{},[57,21763],{"src":21764,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-oitenta.mp3",[213,21766,21767],{},[57,21768],{"src":21769,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-oitenta.mp3",[189,21771,21772,21775,21778,21783],{},[213,21773,21774],{},"ninety",[213,21776,21777],{},"noventa",[213,21779,21780],{},[57,21781],{"src":21782,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-noventa.mp3",[213,21784,21785],{},[57,21786],{"src":21787,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-noventa.mp3",[189,21789,21790,21793,21796,21801],{},[213,21791,21792],{},"one hundred",[213,21794,21795],{},"cem",[213,21797,21798],{},[57,21799],{"src":21800,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-cem.mp3",[213,21802,21803],{},[57,21804],{"src":21805,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-cem.mp3",[11,21807,21808],{},"Counting from 21 through 99 works pretty much the same way as it does in English:",[86,21810,21811],{},[11,21812,21813],{},"(10's place) + e (\"and\") + (one's place)",[11,21815,21816,21817,21820,21821,21824],{},"So forty-two, for example, would be \"quarenta e dois\" (Brazil ",[57,21818],{"src":21819,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-quarenta_e_dois.mp3"," \u002F Portugal ",[57,21822],{"src":21823,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-quarenta e dois.mp3","), which is literally \"forty and two\".",[183,21826,21827,21855],{},[186,21828,21829],{},[189,21830,21831,21834,21837,21840,21843,21846,21849,21852],{},[192,21832,21833],{},"20s",[192,21835,21836],{},"30s",[192,21838,21839],{},"40s",[192,21841,21842],{},"50s",[192,21844,21845],{},"60s",[192,21847,21848],{},"70s",[192,21850,21851],{},"80s",[192,21853,21854],{},"90s",[208,21856,21857,21883,21909,21935,21961,21987,22013,22039,22065,22091],{},[189,21858,21859,21862,21865,21868,21871,21874,21877,21880],{},[213,21860,21861],{},"vinte (20)",[213,21863,21864],{},"trinta (30)",[213,21866,21867],{},"quarenta (40)",[213,21869,21870],{},"cinqüenta (50)",[213,21872,21873],{},"sessenta (60)",[213,21875,21876],{},"setenta (70)",[213,21878,21879],{},"oitenta (80)",[213,21881,21882],{},"noventa (90)",[189,21884,21885,21888,21891,21894,21897,21900,21903,21906],{},[213,21886,21887],{},"vinte e um\u002Fuma (21)",[213,21889,21890],{},"trinta e um\u002Fuma (31)",[213,21892,21893],{},"quarenta e um\u002Fuma (41)",[213,21895,21896],{},"cinqüenta e um\u002Fuma (51)",[213,21898,21899],{},"sessenta e um\u002Fuma (61)",[213,21901,21902],{},"setenta e um\u002Fuma (71)",[213,21904,21905],{},"oitenta e um\u002Fuma (81)",[213,21907,21908],{},"noventa e um\u002Fuma (91)",[189,21910,21911,21914,21917,21920,21923,21926,21929,21932],{},[213,21912,21913],{},"vinte e dois\u002Fduas (22)",[213,21915,21916],{},"trinta e dois\u002Fduas (32)",[213,21918,21919],{},"quarenta e dois\u002Fduas (42)",[213,21921,21922],{},"cinqüenta e dois\u002Fduas (52)",[213,21924,21925],{},"sessenta e dois\u002Fduas (62)",[213,21927,21928],{},"setenta e dois\u002Fduas (72)",[213,21930,21931],{},"oitenta e dois\u002Fduas (82)",[213,21933,21934],{},"noventa e dois\u002Fduas (92)",[189,21936,21937,21940,21943,21946,21949,21952,21955,21958],{},[213,21938,21939],{},"vinte e três (23)",[213,21941,21942],{},"trinta e três (33)",[213,21944,21945],{},"quarenta e três (43)",[213,21947,21948],{},"cinqüenta e três (53)",[213,21950,21951],{},"sessenta e três (63)",[213,21953,21954],{},"setenta e três (73)",[213,21956,21957],{},"oitenta e três (83)",[213,21959,21960],{},"noventa e três (93)",[189,21962,21963,21966,21969,21972,21975,21978,21981,21984],{},[213,21964,21965],{},"vinte e quatro (24)",[213,21967,21968],{},"trinta e quatro (34)",[213,21970,21971],{},"quarenta e quatro (44)",[213,21973,21974],{},"cinqüenta e quatro (54)",[213,21976,21977],{},"sessenta e quatro (64)",[213,21979,21980],{},"setenta e quatro (74)",[213,21982,21983],{},"oitenta e quatro (84)",[213,21985,21986],{},"noventa e quatro (94)",[189,21988,21989,21992,21995,21998,22001,22004,22007,22010],{},[213,21990,21991],{},"vinte e cinco (25)",[213,21993,21994],{},"trinta e cinco (35)",[213,21996,21997],{},"quarenta e cinco (45)",[213,21999,22000],{},"cinqüenta e cinco (55)",[213,22002,22003],{},"sessenta e cinco (65)",[213,22005,22006],{},"setenta e cinco (75)",[213,22008,22009],{},"oitenta e cinco (85)",[213,22011,22012],{},"noventa e cinco (95)",[189,22014,22015,22018,22021,22024,22027,22030,22033,22036],{},[213,22016,22017],{},"vinte e seis (26)",[213,22019,22020],{},"trinta e seis (36)",[213,22022,22023],{},"quarenta e seis (46)",[213,22025,22026],{},"cinqüenta e seis (56)",[213,22028,22029],{},"sessenta e seis (66)",[213,22031,22032],{},"setenta e seis (76)",[213,22034,22035],{},"oitenta e seis (86)",[213,22037,22038],{},"noventa e seis (96)",[189,22040,22041,22044,22047,22050,22053,22056,22059,22062],{},[213,22042,22043],{},"vinte e sete (27)",[213,22045,22046],{},"trinta e sete (37)",[213,22048,22049],{},"quarenta e sete (47)",[213,22051,22052],{},"cinqüenta e sete (57)",[213,22054,22055],{},"sessenta e sete (67)",[213,22057,22058],{},"setenta e sete (77)",[213,22060,22061],{},"oitenta e sete (87)",[213,22063,22064],{},"noventa e sete (97)",[189,22066,22067,22070,22073,22076,22079,22082,22085,22088],{},[213,22068,22069],{},"vinte e oito (28)",[213,22071,22072],{},"trinta e oito (38)",[213,22074,22075],{},"quarenta e oito (48)",[213,22077,22078],{},"cinqüenta e oito (58)",[213,22080,22081],{},"sessenta e oito (68)",[213,22083,22084],{},"setenta e oito (78)",[213,22086,22087],{},"oitenta e oito (88)",[213,22089,22090],{},"noventa e oito (98)",[189,22092,22093,22096,22099,22102,22105,22108,22111,22114],{},[213,22094,22095],{},"vinte e nove (29)",[213,22097,22098],{},"trinta e nove (39)",[213,22100,22101],{},"quarenta e nove (49)",[213,22103,22104],{},"cinqüenta e nove (59)",[213,22106,22107],{},"sessenta e nove (69)",[213,22109,22110],{},"setenta e nove (79)",[213,22112,22113],{},"oitenta e nove (89)",[213,22115,22116],{},"noventa e nove (99)",[414,22118,22120],{"id":22119},"cem-vs-cento","Cem vs Cento",[11,22122,22123,22124,22126],{},"The word 100 gets its own section because, in Portuguese, there are actually ",[21,22125,21264],{}," words for hundred:",[121,22128,22129,22135],{},[124,22130,22131,22134],{},[69,22132,22133],{},"Cem"," is used when you mean exactly 100.",[124,22136,22137,22140],{},[69,22138,22139],{},"Cento"," is used for any number above 100, such as \"cento e um\u002Fuma\" (101) or \"cento e vinte e três\" (123).",[11,22142,22143],{},"You might think of \"cem\" as being like \"a\u002Fone hundred\" and cento as being like \"hundred\".",[37,22145,22147],{"id":22146},"portuguese-numbers-bigger-than-100","Portuguese numbers bigger than 100",[11,22149,22150],{},"Now let's take a look at big numbers in Portuguese.",[11,22152,22153],{},"Things begin getting a bit complex here, so take a scroll and listen first, and then we'll regroup to discuss below the table.",[183,22155,22156,22168],{},[186,22157,22158],{},[189,22159,22160,22162,22164,22166],{},[192,22161,1073],{},[192,22163,6600],{},[192,22165,21214],{},[192,22167,21217],{},[208,22169,22170,22194,22218,22242,22266,22290,22314,22338,22362,22386,22410,22428,22446,22464,22482,22500],{},[189,22171,22172,22175,22178,22186],{},[213,22173,22174],{},"two hundred",[213,22176,22177],{},"† duzentos \u002F duzentas",[213,22179,22180,1583,22183],{},[57,22181],{"src":22182,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-duzentos.mp3",[57,22184],{"src":22185,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-duzentas.mp3",[213,22187,22188,1583,22191],{},[57,22189],{"src":22190,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-duzentos.mp3",[57,22192],{"src":22193,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-duzentas.mp3",[189,22195,22196,22199,22202,22210],{},[213,22197,22198],{},"two hundred and one",[213,22200,22201],{},"† duzentos e um \u002F duzentas e uma",[213,22203,22204,1583,22207],{},[57,22205],{"src":22206,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-duzentos e um.mp3",[57,22208],{"src":22209,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-duzentas e uma.mp3",[213,22211,22212,1583,22215],{},[57,22213],{"src":22214,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-duzentos e um.mp3",[57,22216],{"src":22217,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-duzentas e uma.mp3",[189,22219,22220,22223,22226,22234],{},[213,22221,22222],{},"two hundred and two",[213,22224,22225],{},"† duzentos e dois \u002F duzentas e duas",[213,22227,22228,1583,22231],{},[57,22229],{"src":22230,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-duzentos e dois.mp3",[57,22232],{"src":22233,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-duzentas e duas.mp3",[213,22235,22236,1583,22239],{},[57,22237],{"src":22238,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-duzentos e dois.mp3",[57,22240],{"src":22241,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-duzentas e duas.mp3",[189,22243,22244,22247,22250,22258],{},[213,22245,22246],{},"three hundred",[213,22248,22249],{},"† trezentos \u002F trezentas",[213,22251,22252,1583,22255],{},[57,22253],{"src":22254,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-trezentos.mp3",[57,22256],{"src":22257,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-trezentas.mp3",[213,22259,22260,1583,22263],{},[57,22261],{"src":22262,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-trezentos.mp3",[57,22264],{"src":22265,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fpt-trezentas.mp3",[189,22267,22268,22271,22274,22282],{},[213,22269,22270],{},"four hundred",[213,22272,22273],{},"† quatrocentos quatrocentas",[213,22275,22276,1583,22279],{},[57,22277],{"src":22278,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-quatrocentos.mp3",[57,22280],{"src":22281,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-quatrocentas.mp3",[213,22283,22284,1583,22287],{},[57,22285],{"src":22286,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-quatrocentos.mp3",[57,22288],{"src":22289,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-quatrocentas.mp3",[189,22291,22292,22295,22298,22306],{},[213,22293,22294],{},"five hundred",[213,22296,22297],{},"† quinhentos \u002F quinhentas",[213,22299,22300,1583,22303],{},[57,22301],{"src":22302,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-quinhentos.mp3",[57,22304],{"src":22305,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-quinhentas.mp3",[213,22307,22308,1583,22311],{},[57,22309],{"src":22310,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-quinhentos.mp3",[57,22312],{"src":22313,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-quinhentas.mp3",[189,22315,22316,22319,22322,22330],{},[213,22317,22318],{},"six hundred",[213,22320,22321],{},"† seiscentos \u002F seiscentas",[213,22323,22324,1583,22327],{},[57,22325],{"src":22326,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-seiscentos.mp3",[57,22328],{"src":22329,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-seiscentas.mp3",[213,22331,22332,1583,22335],{},[57,22333],{"src":22334,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-seiscentos.mp3",[57,22336],{"src":22337,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-seiscentas.mp3",[189,22339,22340,22343,22346,22354],{},[213,22341,22342],{},"seven hundred",[213,22344,22345],{},"† setecentos \u002F setecentas",[213,22347,22348,1583,22351],{},[57,22349],{"src":22350,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-setecentos.mp3",[57,22352],{"src":22353,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-setecentas.mp3",[213,22355,22356,1583,22359],{},[57,22357],{"src":22358,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-setecentos.mp3",[57,22360],{"src":22361,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-setecentas.mp3",[189,22363,22364,22367,22370,22378],{},[213,22365,22366],{},"eight hundred",[213,22368,22369],{},"† oitocentos \u002F oitocentas",[213,22371,22372,1583,22375],{},[57,22373],{"src":22374,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-oitocentos.mp3",[57,22376],{"src":22377,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-oitocentas.mp3",[213,22379,22380,1583,22383],{},[57,22381],{"src":22382,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-oitocentos.mp3",[57,22384],{"src":22385,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-oitocentas.mp3",[189,22387,22388,22391,22394,22402],{},[213,22389,22390],{},"nine hundred",[213,22392,22393],{},"† novecentos \u002F novecentas",[213,22395,22396,1583,22399],{},[57,22397],{"src":22398,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-novecentos.mp3",[57,22400],{"src":22401,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-novecentas.mp3",[213,22403,22404,1583,22407],{},[57,22405],{"src":22406,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-novecentos.mp3",[57,22408],{"src":22409,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-novecentas.mp3",[189,22411,22412,22415,22418,22423],{},[213,22413,22414],{},"thousand",[213,22416,22417],{},"mil",[213,22419,22420],{},[57,22421],{"src":22422,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-mil.mp3",[213,22424,22425],{},[57,22426],{"src":22427,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-mil.mp3",[189,22429,22430,22433,22436,22441],{},[213,22431,22432],{},"ten thousand",[213,22434,22435],{},"dez mil",[213,22437,22438],{},[57,22439],{"src":22440,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-dez_mil.mp3",[213,22442,22443],{},[57,22444],{"src":22445,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-dez_mil.mp3",[189,22447,22448,22451,22454,22459],{},[213,22449,22450],{},"hundred thousand",[213,22452,22453],{},"cem mil",[213,22455,22456],{},[57,22457],{"src":22458,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-cem_mil.mp3",[213,22460,22461],{},[57,22462],{"src":22463,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-cem_mil.mp3",[189,22465,22466,22469,22472,22477],{},[213,22467,22468],{},"million",[213,22470,22471],{},"milhão",[213,22473,22474],{},[57,22475],{"src":22476,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-milhão.mp3",[213,22478,22479],{},[57,22480],{"src":22481,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-milhão.mp3",[189,22483,22484,22487,22490,22495],{},[213,22485,22486],{},"billion",[213,22488,22489],{},"§ bilhão (BR) \u002F mil milhões (PT)",[213,22491,22492],{},[57,22493],{"src":22494,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-bilhão.mp3",[213,22496,22497],{},[57,22498],{"src":22499,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-mil milhões.mp3",[189,22501,22502,22505,22508,22513],{},[213,22503,22504],{},"trillion",[213,22506,22507],{},"§ trilhão (BR) \u002F bilião (PT)",[213,22509,22510],{},[57,22511],{"src":22512,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-trilhão.mp3",[213,22514,22515],{},[57,22516],{"src":22517,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-bilhão.mp3",[4004,22519,22521,22524,22527,22530,22569,22572,22605],{"heading":22520},"† Note: The hundreds are are gendered →",[11,22522,22523],{},"Up above, we mentioned that the numbers one and two are gendered. The hundreds are gendered, too. This means that they will change form, slightly, in order to match the gender of the thing you are counting.",[11,22525,22526],{},"For example, \"livros\" (books) is a masculine noun, and \"tabelas\" (tables) is a feminine noun. When we want to count them, this means:",[11,22528,22529],{},"Counting books:",[121,22531,22532,22539,22545,22551,22557],{},[124,22533,22534,22535,22538],{},"two hundred books → duzent",[69,22536,22537],{},"os"," livros",[124,22540,22541,22542,22538],{},"two hundred and one books → duzent",[69,22543,22544],{},"os e um",[124,22546,22547,22548,22538],{},"two hundred and two books → duzent",[69,22549,22550],{},"os e dois",[124,22552,22553,22554,22556],{},"two hundred and three books → duzent",[69,22555,22537],{}," e três livros",[124,22558,22559,22560,22562,22563,22565,22567],{},"two hundred and ninety-nine books → duzent",[69,22561,22537],{}," e noventa e nove livros",[132,22564],{},[132,22566],{},[132,22568],{},[11,22570,22571],{},"Counting tables:",[121,22573,22574,22581,22587,22593,22599],{},[124,22575,22576,22577,22580],{},"two hundred tables → duzent",[69,22578,22579],{},"as"," tabelas",[124,22582,22583,22584,22580],{},"two hundred and one tables → duzent",[69,22585,22586],{},"as e uma",[124,22588,22589,22590,22580],{},"two hundred and two tables → duzent",[69,22591,22592],{},"as e duas",[124,22594,22595,22596,22598],{},"two hundred and three tables → duzent",[69,22597,22579],{}," e três tabelas",[124,22600,22601,22602,22604],{},"two hundred and ninety-nine tables → duzent",[69,22603,22579],{}," e noventa e nove tabelas",[11,22606,22607],{},"Notice how \"duzentos\" is used with the masculine \"livros\" noun while \"duzentas\" is used with the feminine \"tabelas\" noun. The forms of one \"um\u002Fuma\" and two \"dois\u002Fduas\" are used accordingly, too.",[11,22609,22610],{},[21,22611,22612],{},"§ Note: Brazilian Portuguese follows the U.S. English system (a billion is a thousand millions), whereas European Portuguese follows the rest of the world (where a billion was originally a million millions).",[414,22614,22616],{"id":22615},"the-placement-of-e","The placement of \"e\"",[11,22618,22619,22620,21820,22622,21824],{},"Up above, we explained that \"e\" (\"and\") is used to make the numbers 21–99. 42, for example, is \"quarenta e dois\" (Brazil ",[57,22621],{"src":21819,":type":60},[57,22623],{"src":21823,":type":60},[11,22625,22626,22627,22629],{},"You ",[21,22628,17649],{}," use \"e\" between thousands and hundreds:",[121,22631,22632],{},[124,22633,22634,22635],{},"1981\n",[121,22636,22637,22640],{},[124,22638,22639],{},"✅ mil novecentos e oitenta e um",[124,22641,22642],{},"❌ mil \u003C\u003Ce>> novecentos e oitenta e um",[11,22644,22626,22645,22647],{},[21,22646,5726],{}," use \"e\" with multiples of one hundred:",[121,22649,22650],{},[124,22651,22652,22653],{},"1400\n",[121,22654,22655,22658],{},[124,22656,22657],{},"✅ mil e duzentos",[124,22659,22660],{},"❌ mil duzentos",[11,22662,22626,22663,22665],{},[21,22664,5726],{}," use \"e\" between thousands and tens:",[121,22667,22668],{},[124,22669,22670,22671],{},"2020\n",[121,22672,22673,22676],{},[124,22674,22675],{},"✅ dois mil e vinte",[124,22677,22678],{},"❌ dois mil vinte",[11,22680,22626,22681,22683],{},[21,22682,5726],{}," use \"e\" between thousands and units:",[121,22685,22686],{},[124,22687,22688,22689],{},"1001\n",[121,22690,22691,22694],{},[124,22692,22693],{},"✅ mil e um",[124,22695,22696],{},"❌ mil um",[11,22698,22699],{},"And here's a really big number, just to wrap things up:",[121,22701,22702],{},[124,22703,22704,22705],{},"1,234,567\n",[121,22706,22707,22710,22713,22716],{},[124,22708,22709],{},"✅ um milhão duzentos e trinta e quatro mil quinhentos e sessenta e seis",[124,22711,22712],{},"❌ um milhão duzentos trinta quatro mil quinhentos sessenta seis",[124,22714,22715],{},"❌ um milhão e duzentos e trinta e quatro mil e quinhentos e sessenta e seis",[124,22717,22718],{},"→ No \"e\" between millions and hundred thousands, nor between thousands and hundreds",[37,22720,22722],{"id":22721},"decimal-points-and-commas-in-portuguese","Decimal points and commas in Portuguese",[11,22724,22725],{},"Now that we've talked about huge numbers, it would be good to mention that Portuguese handles commas and decimals differently than English does:",[121,22727,22728,22742],{},[124,22729,22730,22731],{},"Use periods or spaces, rather than commas, to separate thousands in large numbers",[121,22732,22733,22736,22739],{},[124,22734,22735],{},"525.600 or 525 600 → the number of minutes in a year",[124,22737,22738],{},"90.000 or 90 000 → the average amount of work hours in a career (~43 years)",[124,22740,22741],{},"1.000.000 or 1 000 000 → one million",[124,22743,22744,22745,22747,22748],{},"It's really important to ",[21,22746,3835],{}," use commas for those big numbers because, in Portuguese, commas are how you indicate decimal places",[121,22749,22750,22753,22761],{},[124,22751,22752],{},"3,14 → pi",[124,22754,22755,22756],{},"2,718 → ",[867,22757,22760],{"href":22758,"rel":22759},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FNatural_logarithm",[1196],"natural log",[124,22762,22763],{},"0,93 → my confidence that this article will be useful to people learning Portuguese",[37,22765,22767],{"id":22766},"bonus-ordinal-numbers-and-dates-in-portuguese","Bonus: Ordinal numbers and dates in Portuguese",[11,22769,22770,22771,22774],{},"What we've been talking about so far are called ",[21,22772,22773],{},"cardinal"," numbers, which are used to count things.",[11,22776,22777,22780],{},[21,22778,22779],{},"Ordinal"," numbers, on the other hand, are used to indicate the order of things.",[183,22782,22783,22798],{},[186,22784,22785],{},[189,22786,22787,22789,22791,22794,22796],{},[192,22788,1073],{},[192,22790,6600],{},[192,22792,22793],{},"Abbreviation",[192,22795,21214],{},[192,22797,21217],{},[208,22799,22800,22829,22857],{},[189,22801,22802,22805,22808,22813,22821],{},[213,22803,22804],{},"first",[213,22806,22807],{},"primeiro \u002F primeira",[213,22809,22810],{},[2553,22811,22812],{"style":3701},"1º \u002F 1ª ",[213,22814,22815,1583,22818],{},[57,22816],{"src":22817,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-primeiro.mp3",[57,22819],{"src":22820,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-primeira.mp3",[213,22822,22823,1583,22826],{},[57,22824],{"src":22825,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-primeiro.mp3",[57,22827],{"src":22828,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-primeira.mp3",[189,22830,22831,22833,22836,22841,22849],{},[213,22832,353],{},[213,22834,22835],{},"segundo \u002F segunda",[213,22837,22838],{},[2553,22839,22840],{"style":3701},"2º \u002F 2ª ",[213,22842,22843,1583,22846],{},[57,22844],{"src":22845,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-segundo.mp3",[57,22847],{"src":22848,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-segunda.mp3",[213,22850,22851,1583,22854],{},[57,22852],{"src":22853,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-segundo.mp3",[57,22855],{"src":22856,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-segunda.mp3",[189,22858,22859,22862,22865,22870,22878],{},[213,22860,22861],{},"third",[213,22863,22864],{},"terceiro \u002F terceira",[213,22866,22867],{},[2553,22868,22869],{"style":3701},"3º \u002F 3ª ",[213,22871,22872,1583,22875],{},[57,22873],{"src":22874,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-terceiro.mp3",[57,22876],{"src":22877,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-terceira.mp3",[213,22879,22880,1583,22883],{},[57,22881],{"src":22882,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-terceiro.mp3",[57,22884],{"src":22885,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-terceira.mp3",[11,22887,22888],{},"Portuguese uses ordinal numbers less commonly than English does, so, for now, you can get by with just learning the first three ordinal numbers.",[414,22890,22892],{"id":22891},"talking-about-years-and-dates-in-portuguese","Talking about years and dates in Portuguese",[11,22894,22895],{},"When a date is listed in formal writing—such as in a report or on a poster—you'll pretty often see this formula used:",[86,22897,22898],{},[11,22899,22900],{},"{number} + de + {month} + de + {year}",[121,22902,22903,22917,22929],{},[124,22904,22905,22908,22909,22912,22913,22916],{},[69,22906,22907],{},"15 de novembro de 1889"," (BR ",[57,22910],{"src":22911,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-15 de novembro de 1889.mp3"," \u002F PT ",[57,22914],{"src":22915,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-15 de novembro de 1889.mp3",") → Proclamation of the Republic of Brazil",[124,22918,22919,22908,22922,22912,22925,22928],{},[69,22920,22921],{},"07 de setembro de 1822",[57,22923],{"src":22924,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-07 de setembro de 1822.mp3",[57,22926],{"src":22927,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-07 de setembro de 1822.mp3",") → Brazil Independence declared",[124,22930,22931,22908,22934,22912,22937,22940],{},[69,22932,22933],{},"5 de outubro de 1143",[57,22935],{"src":22936,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-5 de outubro de 1143.mp3",[57,22938],{"src":22939,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-5 de outubro de 1143.mp3",") → Portugal founded",[11,22942,22943],{},"Less formally, when you want to talk about a date or appointment, you can use this formula:",[86,22945,22946],{},[11,22947,22948],{},"em\u002Fno + dia + {number} + de + {month} + de + {year}",[121,22950,22951,22967,22983],{},[124,22952,22953,22908,22956,22912,22959,15572,22962,55,22964],{},[69,22954,22955],{},"Tirarei um dia de folga no dia 17.",[57,22957],{"src":22958,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-Tirarei um dia de folga no dia 17..mp3",[57,22960],{"src":22961,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-Tirarei um dia de folga no dia 17..mp3",[132,22963],{},[21,22965,22966],{},"I'll take a day off on the 17th.",[124,22968,22969,22908,22972,22912,22975,15572,22978,55,22980],{},[69,22970,22971],{},"Eu nasci em 07 de julho de 1997.",[57,22973],{"src":22974,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-Eu nasci em 07 de julho de 1997..mp3",[57,22976],{"src":22977,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-Eu nasci em 07 de julho de 1997..mp3",[132,22979],{},[21,22981,22982],{},"I was born on July 7th, 1997.",[124,22984,22985,22908,22988,22912,22991,15572,22994,55,22996],{},[69,22986,22987],{},"Tenho uma consulta médica no dia 23 de abril.",[57,22989],{"src":22990,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-Tenho uma consulta médica no dia 23 de abril..mp3",[57,22992],{"src":22993,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-Tenho uma consulta médica no dia 23 de abril..mp3",[132,22995],{},[21,22997,22998],{},"I have a doctor's appointment on April 23rd.",[11,23000,23001,23002,23004],{},"As you can see, it's not mandatory to list ",[21,23003,19668],{}," of the parts out. You can pick and choose, depending on what information you wish to state:",[11,23006,23007],{},[21,23008,23009],{},"Note: Portuguese prepositions can be tricky. They're beyond the scope of this article, but just a heads up that you should pay attention to them while consuming Portuguese media!",[37,23011,23013],{"id":23012},"bonus-asking-for-phone-numbers-in-portuguese","Bonus: Asking for phone numbers in Portuguese",[11,23015,23016],{},"While this isn't exactly about numbers, a common place you'll end up using numbers is when requesting (or giving) phone numbers.",[11,23018,23019],{},"So, here's a simple way to do that:",[11,23021,23022],{},"To ask for a phone number:",[121,23024,23025,23045,23062],{},[124,23026,23027,23028,23031,23032,23035,23036,23039,23040,55,23042],{},"Standard: ",[69,23029,23030],{},"Qual é o teu\u002Fseu número de telefone?"," (BR PT ",[57,23033],{"src":23034,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-Qual é o teuseu número de telefone_.mp3"," \u002F EU PT ",[57,23037],{"src":23038,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-Qual é o teuseu número de telefone_.mp3"," ) ",[132,23041],{},[21,23043,23044],{},"What's your phone number?",[124,23046,23047,23048,23031,23051,23035,23054,23039,23057,55,23059],{},"Formal: ",[69,23049,23050],{},"(Você) poderia me passar seu número (de celular)?",[57,23052],{"src":23053,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-Você poderia me passar seu número de celular_.mp3",[57,23055],{"src":23056,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-Você poderia me passar seu número de celular_.mp3",[132,23058],{},[21,23060,23061],{},"Could you pass (give) me your cellphone number?",[124,23063,23064,23065,23031,23068,23035,23071,23039,23074,55,23076,23079],{},"Fun: ",[69,23066,23067],{},"Me passa seu Zap?",[57,23069],{"src":23070,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-Me passa seu Zap_.mp3",[57,23072],{"src":23073,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-Me passa seu Zap_.mp3",[132,23075],{},[21,23077,23078],{},"Can I have your WhatsApp?"," (WhatsApp is super common!)",[11,23081,23082],{},"To give a phone number:",[121,23084,23085,23102],{},[124,23086,23087,23088,55,23091,55,23094,55,23096,55,23099,23101],{},"In Porgugal: ",[69,23089,23090],{},"O meu número é 351 9TN NNN NNN",[57,23092],{"src":23093,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-O meu número é 55 9NNNN-NNNN.mp3",[132,23095],{},[21,23097,23098],{},"My number is 351 9TN NNN NNN",[132,23100],{}," 351 = area code, T is a number that corresponds to your phone carrier, N is a normal digit",[124,23103,23104,23105,55,23108,55,23111,55,23113,55,23116,23118],{},"In Brazil: ",[69,23106,23107],{},"O meu número é 55 9NNNN-NNNN",[57,23109],{"src":23110,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-O meu número é 351 9TN NNN NNN.mp3",[132,23112],{},[21,23114,23115],{},"My number is 55 9NNNN-NNNN.",[132,23117],{}," 55 is the area code, 9 is a fixed digit to indicate that it's a mobile device, N is a normal digit",[37,23120,23122],{"id":23121},"numbers-in-brazilian-portuguese-vs-european-portuguese","Numbers in Brazilian Portuguese vs European Portuguese",[11,23124,23125],{},"If you decided to pay homage to the blood, sweat, and tears that went into this article by clicking on all those audio buttons, you'd have noticed something:",[86,23127,23128],{},[11,23129,23130],{},"The same number can sound pretty different when pronounced by a Brazilian person or a Portuguese person.",[11,23132,23133],{},"It'd take an entire article to talk about the differences between Brazilian and European Portuguese, but so far as the numbers go, here are a few things worth paying attention to:",[414,23135,23137],{"id":23136},"the-pronunciation-of-numbers-ending-in-s","The pronunciation of numbers ending in -s",[11,23139,23140],{},"Go ahead and listen to these two words for me:",[121,23142,23143,23156],{},[124,23144,23145,23148,23149,23151,23152],{},[21,23146,23147],{},"Quatrocentos"," (400) in Brazilian Portuguese ",[57,23150],{"src":22278,":type":60}," vs European Portuguese ",[57,23153,23154],{"src":22286,":type":60},[57,23155],{},[124,23157,23158,23161,23162,23151,23164],{},[21,23159,23160],{},"Seis"," (6) in Brazilian Portuguese ",[57,23163],{"src":21349,":type":60},[57,23165],{"src":21354,":type":60},[11,23167,23168],{},"In Brazilian Portuguese, an -s at the end of a word is pronounced like a normal S sound.",[11,23170,23171,23172,4329],{},"In European Portuguese, an S at the end of a word is pronounced like an SH sound (\u002Fʃ\u002F if you know ",[867,23173,23175],{"href":7891,"rel":23174},[1196],"the IPA",[414,23177,23179],{"id":23178},"the-pronunciation-of-te-and-sometimes-de","The pronunciation of -te (and sometimes -de)",[11,23181,23182],{},"Now listen to these words for me:",[121,23184,23185,23195],{},[124,23186,23187,23190,23191,23151,23193],{},[21,23188,23189],{},"Sete"," (7) in Brazilian Portuguese vs ",[57,23192],{"src":21367,":type":60},[57,23194],{"src":21372,":type":60},[124,23196,23197,23200,23201,23151,23204],{},[21,23198,23199],{},"Vinte e três"," (23) in Brazilian Portuguese ",[57,23202],{"src":23203,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-vinte e três.mp3",[57,23205],{"src":23206,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-vinte e três.mp3",[11,23208,23209],{},"In Brazilian Portuguese,\"-te\" becomes a CH sound, like the one at the beginning of \"cheese\" (\u002Fˈsɛ.t͡ʃi\u002F, if you know the IPA). This doesn't happen in European Portuguese: T is pronounced normally, but the vowel following it gets reduced a bit.",[11,23211,23212],{},"Note that:",[121,23214,23215,23238],{},[124,23216,23217,23218,23221,23222,23224,23225,23227,23228,23230,23231,23233,23234,23224,23236,4329],{},"This can also happen with -de, as in ",[21,23219,23220],{},"Dezesssete\u002Fdezassete"," (17; BR PT ",[57,23223],{"src":21575,":type":60}," vs EU PT ",[57,23226],{"src":21580,":type":60},"), but it doesn't ",[21,23229,11696],{}," to—as shown in ",[21,23232,21416],{}," (10 in BR PT ",[57,23235],{"src":21421,":type":60},[57,23237],{"src":21426,":type":60},[124,23239,23240,23241,23244,23245,23224,23247,4329],{},"This doesn't happen when te- begins a word, as shown in ",[21,23242,23243],{},"terceiro"," (third; BR PT ",[57,23246],{"src":22874,":type":60},[57,23248],{"src":22882,":type":60},[4004,23250,23252,23255],{"heading":23251},"A caveat",[11,23253,23254],{},"There is some variation between speakers. While this trend was largely split along the lines of Braziian vs European Portuguese, I found some recordings of Portuguese people pronouncing -te as \"chi\" and some recordings of Brazilians pronouncing -s as \"sh\". You may hear both, and there are some other intra-country variations in vowel\u002Fconsonant quality.",[11,23256,23257],{},"Keep your ears open!",[414,23259,23261],{"id":23260},"the-pronunciation-of-l-at-the-end-of-the-word","The pronunciation of -l at the end of the word",[11,23263,23264],{},"This only affects one number, but it's one you'll use quite often. Listen to:",[121,23266,23267],{},[124,23268,23269,23272,23273,23151,23275],{},[21,23270,23271],{},"Mil"," (1,000) in Brazilian Portuguese ",[57,23274],{"src":22422,":type":60},[57,23276],{"src":22427,":type":60},[11,23278,23279],{},"When a word ends in -l in Brazilian Portuguese, it gets \"rounded\" to \u002Fˈmiw\u002F[ˈmiʊ̯]. If you don't know the IPA—think about replacing the L with a W sound. Conversely, in European Portuguese, an -l at the end of a word is pronounced just it is in English.",[414,23281,23283],{"id":23282},"millions-and-billions-and-headaches","Millions and billions (and headaches)",[11,23285,23286],{},"This blew my mind, but take another gander at our table from the \"Big Numbers\" section:",[183,23288,23289,23301],{},[186,23290,23291],{},[189,23292,23293,23295,23297,23299],{},[192,23294,1073],{},[192,23296,6600],{},[192,23298,21214],{},[192,23300,21217],{},[208,23302,23303,23317,23338],{},[189,23304,23305,23307,23309,23313],{},[213,23306,22468],{},[213,23308,22471],{},[213,23310,23311],{},[57,23312],{"src":22476,":type":60},[213,23314,23315],{},[57,23316],{"src":22481,":type":60},[189,23318,23319,23321,23330,23334],{},[213,23320,22486],{},[213,23322,23323,23324,23329],{},"§ ",[69,23325,23326],{},[4455,23327,23328],{},"bilhão"," (BR) \u002F mil milhões (PT)",[213,23331,23332],{},[57,23333],{"src":22494,":type":60},[213,23335,23336],{},[57,23337],{"src":22499,":type":60},[189,23339,23340,23342,23351,23355],{},[213,23341,22504],{},[213,23343,23344,23345,23350],{},"§ trilhão (BR) \u002F ",[69,23346,23347],{},[4455,23348,23349],{},"bilião"," (PT)",[213,23352,23353],{},[57,23354],{"src":22512,":type":60},[213,23356,23357],{},[57,23358],{"src":22517,":type":60},[11,23360,23361,23362,23364],{},"Notice that ",[21,23363,23328],{}," means \"billion\" in Brazilian portuguese but \"trillion\" in European Portuguese.",[11,23366,23367,844],{},[867,23368,23371],{"href":23369,"rel":23370},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.etymonline.com\u002Fword\u002Fbillion",[1196],"Interesting history lesson here",[11,23373,23374],{},"From an etymological perspective, a billion is bi- (two) plus million—a million million. Twelve zeroes.",[11,23376,13329],{},[121,23378,23379,23389],{},[124,23380,23381,23382,23384,23385,23388],{},"Originally, a billion was actually a ",[21,23383,22504],{},". Portugal (and many other European languages) respect this: ",[21,23386,23387],{},"mil milhões"," means \"a thousand millions\", and \"bilião\" is reserved for a million millions—a trillion.",[124,23390,23391],{},"The USA threw a wrench into the machinery (as we do) and decided that a billion should refer to the magnitude after a million, and Brazil followed suit.",[11,23393,23394],{},"You'll unfortunately just have to keep an eye on which region of Portuguese you're interacting with should this number happen to come up.",[414,23396,23398],{"id":23397},"the-spelling-of-sixteen-seventeen-and-nineteen","The spelling of sixteen, seventeen, and nineteen",[11,23400,23401],{},"As mentioned in that second section on how to say the teens in Portuguese:",[121,23403,23404,23414,23423,23426],{},[124,23405,23406,23407,23410,23411,23413],{},"Sixteen is dez",[4455,23408,23409],{},"e","sseis in Brazil but dez",[4455,23412,867],{},"sseis in Portugal",[124,23415,23416,23417,23419,23420,23422],{},"Seventeen is dez",[4455,23418,23409],{},"ssete in Brazil but dez",[4455,23421,867],{},"ssete in Portugal",[124,23424,23425],{},"Eighteen is dezoito in both (I'm bringing this up sheerly because I'm curious as to where the mid-word E disappeared off to)",[124,23427,23428,23429,23431,23432,23434],{},"Nineteen is dez",[4455,23430,23409],{},"nove in Brazil and dez",[4455,23433,867],{},"nove in Portugal",[11,23436,23437],{},"I'm going to be honest—I looked for an explanation as to why this very specific bone was picked with three very specific numbers, but I couldn't find one.",[11,23439,23440,23441,23444],{},"While I can't explain ",[21,23442,23443],{},"why"," this difference exists, it's worth giving a modicum of attention to. (But people will understand you even if you get it wrong, so don't fear 💪)",[37,23446,23448],{"id":23447},"a-better-way-to-learn-to-count-in-portuguese","A better way to learn to count in Portuguese",[11,23450,23451],{},"Part of my dies as I say this, because I spent way too long hunting for audio samples and inserting them into my pretty little tables, but...",[86,23453,23454],{},[11,23455,23456],{},"You probably shouldn't be going out of your way to learn numbers in Portuguese.",[11,23458,23459],{},"Numbers are super common things, and so long as you're regularly interacting with Portuguese, you're going to hear them being used. You'll pick them up naturally over time, intuitively, basically for free.",[11,23461,23462],{},"How?",[11,23464,23465,23466,844],{},"Well, say you're watching a video on YouTube, where you happen to stumble into a wonderful Portuguese word like ",[21,23467,22471],{},[11,23469,23470,23471,23473,23474,23476],{},"You're an awesome proactive learner who has read an entire article about Portuguese numbers, so you know this means ",[21,23472,22468],{}," (go you)... but, if you didn't, and you were using Migaku, you could just click right on ",[21,23475,22471],{}," in the subtitles to see a definition of what it means.",[833,23478],{"src":23479,"width":23480,"height":23481,"alt":23482},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fportuguese-youtube-mobile.jpeg",1696,1190,"A screenshot of Migaku's mobile app, showing how we make Portuguese subtitles interactive ",[11,23484,23485],{},"If you decide that this word would be useful to know, you can click the big orange button in the top-right corner of the dictionary entry to automatically turn this scene of your video into a flashcard:",[833,23487],{"src":23488,"width":23489,"height":13058,"alt":23490},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-portuguese-flashcards.jpeg",1406,"A screenshot of the Portuguese flashcards that Migaku automatically created from a YouTUbe video",[11,23492,23493],{},"Migaku fetched an audio snippet of milhão from the video, subtitle it appeared in, and a picture of what was happening on screen when the word was uttered.",[11,23495,23496,23497,23500],{},"From here, ",[867,23498,23499],{"href":2958},"Migaku will periodically nudge you to review this flashcard",". Eventually you'll just remember it.",[11,23502,23503],{},"To learn Portuguese with Migaku, all you have to do is consume content you enjoy, then click a couple buttons to turn useful words you find into learning materials.",[876,23505],{"href":878,"text":879},[34,23507],{},[37,23509,23511],{"id":23510},"you-learned-the-numbers-in-portuguese-now-its-time-to-actually-learn-portuguese","You learned the numbers in Portuguese! Now, it's time to actually learn Portuguese →",[11,23513,23514,23515,23517,23518],{},"Learning Portuguese isn't ",[21,23516,7732],{},", it's actually pretty ",[21,23519,23520],{},"simple:",[86,23522,23523],{},[11,23524,23525],{},"If you spend time engaging with Portuguese media, and you understand the sentences and messages within that media, you'll make progress. Period.",[11,23527,23528,23529,23532],{},"It's going to take you ",[867,23530,23531],{"href":18176},"several hundred hours to learn Portuguese",", so you might as well have fun with this.",[11,23534,23535],{},"Boa sorte!",{"title":383,"searchDepth":915,"depth":915,"links":23537},[23538,23539,23540,23543,23546,23547,23550,23551,23558,23559],{"id":21194,"depth":915,"text":21195},{"id":21434,"depth":915,"text":21435},{"id":21624,"depth":915,"text":21625,"children":23541},[23542],{"id":22119,"depth":923,"text":22120},{"id":22146,"depth":915,"text":22147,"children":23544},[23545],{"id":22615,"depth":923,"text":22616},{"id":22721,"depth":915,"text":22722},{"id":22766,"depth":915,"text":22767,"children":23548},[23549],{"id":22891,"depth":923,"text":22892},{"id":23012,"depth":915,"text":23013},{"id":23121,"depth":915,"text":23122,"children":23552},[23553,23554,23555,23556,23557],{"id":23136,"depth":923,"text":23137},{"id":23178,"depth":923,"text":23179},{"id":23260,"depth":923,"text":23261},{"id":23282,"depth":923,"text":23283},{"id":23397,"depth":923,"text":23398},{"id":23447,"depth":915,"text":23448},{"id":23510,"depth":915,"text":23511},"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!",{"timestampUnix":23562,"slug":23563,"h1":23564,"image":23565,"tags":23568},1743414721000,"numbers-in-portuguese","Conquer Portuguese numbers and learn to count in Portuguese 💪",{"src":23566,"width":6008,"height":6009,"alt":23567},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-thumbnail-portuguese-numbers.jpeg","A wall of numbers... which you'll be able to read in Portuguese, after finishing this blog post",[8838,23569],"numbers","\u002Farticle\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-portuguese-numbers","---\ntitle: 'Numbers in Portuguese | How to Count to 100 in Portuguese'\ndescription: '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!'\ntimestampUnix: 1743414721000\nslug: 'numbers-in-portuguese'\nh1: 'Conquer Portuguese numbers and learn to count in Portuguese 💪'\nimage:\n src: '\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-thumbnail-portuguese-numbers.jpeg'\n width: 1571\n height: 1047\n alt: \"A wall of numbers... which you'll be able to read in Portuguese, after finishing this blog post\"\ntags:\n - fundamentals\n - numbers\n---\n\nSo, you're thinking about learning Portuguese?\n\nWell, learning Portuguese numbers is _\"\u003Cu>one\u003C\u002Fu>\"_ way to get started.\n\n(That was terrible, I know.)\n\nAnyway, let's get into it:\n\n\u003Ctoc>\u003C\u002Ftoc>\n\n---\n\n## Portuguese numbers 0-10\n\nYou're here for the numbers, so I won't belabor you with a wall of text. We'll talk about some of the finer details of Portuguese numbers later on in the blog post.\n\nFor now, here's 1 through 10 in Portuguese.\n\n| English | Portuguese | Audio (BR) | Audio (PT) |\n| ------- | ------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| zero | zero | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-zero.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-zero.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| one | † um \u002F uma | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-um.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u002F \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-uma.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-um.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u002F \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-uma.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| two | † dois \u002F duas | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-dois.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u002F \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-duas.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-dois.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u002F \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fpt-duas.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| three | três | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-três.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-três.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| four | quatro | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-quatro.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-quatro.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| five | cinco | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-cinco.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-cinco.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| six | seis | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-seis.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-seis.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| seven | sete | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-sete.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-sete.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| eight | oito | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-oito.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-oito.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| nine | nove | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-nove.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-nove.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| ten | dez | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-dez.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-dez.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n\n_† In Portuguese, the numbers one and two have masculine (um\u002Fdois) and feminine (uma\u002Fduas) forms. Use the masculine number with masculine nouns and the feminine one with feminine nouns. If you're new to the concept of grammatical gender, see the dropdown appendix in the section \"Portuguese numbers bigger than 100\" for a more thorough introduction._\n\n## Portuguese numbers 11-19\n\nNext, let’s cover the teens. Here's eleven through nineteen in Portuguese:\n\n| English | Portuguese | Audio (BR) | Audio (PT) |\n| --------- | ----------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| eleven | onze | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-onze.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-onze.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| twelve | doze | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-doze.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-doze.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| thirteen | treze | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-treze.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-treze.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| fourteen | catorze | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-catorze.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-catorze.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| fifteen | quinze | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-quinze.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-quinze.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| sixteen | † dezesseis \u002F dezasseis | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-dezesseis.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-dezasseis.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| seventeen | † dezessete \u002F dezassete | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-dezessete.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-dezassete.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| eighteen | dezoito | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-dezoito.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-dezoito.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| nineteen | † dezenove \u002F dezanove | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-dezenove.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-dezanove.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n\n_† The first spelling is used in Brazil; the second spelling is used in Portugal. Normally, an S sandwiched between two vowels will be pronounced as \u002Fz\u002F in Portuguese, so I suppose that they changed that middle E to an A in Portugal to help clarify that ss should be pronounced as \u002Fs\u002F, not \u002Fz\u002F, but I couldn't actually find an explanation as to why this change was made._\n\n## Portuguese numbers 20-100\n\nNow, let’s move onto multiples of ten:\n\n| English | Portuguese | Audio (BR) | Audio (PT) |\n| ----------- | ---------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| twenty | vinte | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-vinte.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-vinte.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| thirty | trinta | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-trinta.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-trinta.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| forty | quarenta | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-quarenta.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-quarenta.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| fifty | cinqüenta | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-cinqüenta.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-cinquenta.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| sixty | sessenta | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-sessenta.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-sessenta.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| seventy | setenta | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-setenta.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-setenta.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| eighty | oitenta | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-oitenta.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-oitenta.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| ninety | noventa | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-noventa.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-noventa.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| one hundred | cem | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-cem.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-cem.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n\nCounting from 21 through 99 works pretty much the same way as it does in English:\n\n> (10's place) + e (\"and\") + (one's place)\n\nSo forty-two, for example, would be \"quarenta e dois\" (Brazil \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-quarenta_e_dois.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u002F Portugal \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-quarenta e dois.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>), which is literally \"forty and two\".\n\n| 20s | 30s | 40s | 50s | 60s | 70s | 80s | 90s |\n| ---------------------- | ----------------------- | ------------------------- | -------------------------- | ------------------------- | ------------------------ | ------------------------ | ------------------------ |\n| vinte (20) | trinta (30) | quarenta (40) | cinqüenta (50) | sessenta (60) | setenta (70) | oitenta (80) | noventa (90) |\n| vinte e um\u002Fuma (21) | trinta e um\u002Fuma (31) | quarenta e um\u002Fuma (41) | cinqüenta e um\u002Fuma (51) | sessenta e um\u002Fuma (61) | setenta e um\u002Fuma (71) | oitenta e um\u002Fuma (81) | noventa e um\u002Fuma (91) |\n| vinte e dois\u002Fduas (22) | trinta e dois\u002Fduas (32) | quarenta e dois\u002Fduas (42) | cinqüenta e dois\u002Fduas (52) | sessenta e dois\u002Fduas (62) | setenta e dois\u002Fduas (72) | oitenta e dois\u002Fduas (82) | noventa e dois\u002Fduas (92) |\n| vinte e três (23) | trinta e três (33) | quarenta e três (43) | cinqüenta e três (53) | sessenta e três (63) | setenta e três (73) | oitenta e três (83) | noventa e três (93) |\n| vinte e quatro (24) | trinta e quatro (34) | quarenta e quatro (44) | cinqüenta e quatro (54) | sessenta e quatro (64) | setenta e quatro (74) | oitenta e quatro (84) | noventa e quatro (94) |\n| vinte e cinco (25) | trinta e cinco (35) | quarenta e cinco (45) | cinqüenta e cinco (55) | sessenta e cinco (65) | setenta e cinco (75) | oitenta e cinco (85) | noventa e cinco (95) |\n| vinte e seis (26) | trinta e seis (36) | quarenta e seis (46) | cinqüenta e seis (56) | sessenta e seis (66) | setenta e seis (76) | oitenta e seis (86) | noventa e seis (96) |\n| vinte e sete (27) | trinta e sete (37) | quarenta e sete (47) | cinqüenta e sete (57) | sessenta e sete (67) | setenta e sete (77) | oitenta e sete (87) | noventa e sete (97) |\n| vinte e oito (28) | trinta e oito (38) | quarenta e oito (48) | cinqüenta e oito (58) | sessenta e oito (68) | setenta e oito (78) | oitenta e oito (88) | noventa e oito (98) |\n| vinte e nove (29) | trinta e nove (39) | quarenta e nove (49) | cinqüenta e nove (59) | sessenta e nove (69) | setenta e nove (79) | oitenta e nove (89) | noventa e nove (99) |\n\n### Cem vs Cento\n\nThe word 100 gets its own section because, in Portuguese, there are actually _two_ words for hundred:\n\n- **Cem** is used when you mean exactly 100.\n- **Cento** is used for any number above 100, such as \"cento e um\u002Fuma\" (101) or \"cento e vinte e três\" (123).\n\nYou might think of \"cem\" as being like \"a\u002Fone hundred\" and cento as being like \"hundred\".\n\n## Portuguese numbers bigger than 100\n\nNow let's take a look at big numbers in Portuguese.\n\nThings begin getting a bit complex here, so take a scroll and listen first, and then we'll regroup to discuss below the table.\n\n| English | Portuguese | Audio (BR) | Audio (PT) |\n| ------------------- | ----------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| two hundred | † duzentos \u002F duzentas | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-duzentos.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u002F \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-duzentas.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-duzentos.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u002F \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-duzentas.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| two hundred and one | † duzentos e um \u002F duzentas e uma | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-duzentos e um.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u002F \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-duzentas e uma.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-duzentos e um.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u002F \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-duzentas e uma.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| two hundred and two | † duzentos e dois \u002F duzentas e duas | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-duzentos e dois.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u002F \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-duzentas e duas.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-duzentos e dois.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u002F \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-duzentas e duas.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| three hundred | † trezentos \u002F trezentas | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-trezentos.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u002F \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-trezentas.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-trezentos.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u002F \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fpt-trezentas.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| four hundred | † quatrocentos quatrocentas | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-quatrocentos.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u002F \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-quatrocentas.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-quatrocentos.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u002F \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-quatrocentas.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| five hundred | † quinhentos \u002F quinhentas | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-quinhentos.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u002F \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-quinhentas.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-quinhentos.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u002F \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-quinhentas.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| six hundred | † seiscentos \u002F seiscentas | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-seiscentos.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u002F \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-seiscentas.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-seiscentos.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u002F \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-seiscentas.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| seven hundred | † setecentos \u002F setecentas | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-setecentos.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u002F \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-setecentas.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-setecentos.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u002F \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-setecentas.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| eight hundred | † oitocentos \u002F oitocentas | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-oitocentos.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u002F \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-oitocentas.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-oitocentos.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u002F \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-oitocentas.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| nine hundred | † novecentos \u002F novecentas | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-novecentos.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u002F \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-novecentas.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-novecentos.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u002F \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-novecentas.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| thousand | mil | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-mil.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-mil.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| ten thousand | dez mil | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-dez_mil.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-dez_mil.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| hundred thousand | cem mil | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-cem_mil.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-cem_mil.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| million | milhão | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-milhão.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-milhão.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| billion | § bilhão (BR) \u002F mil milhões (PT) | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-bilhão.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-mil milhões.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| trillion | § trilhão (BR) \u002F bilião (PT) | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-trilhão.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-bilhão.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n\n\u003Caccordion heading=\"† Note: The hundreds are are gendered →\">\n\nUp above, we mentioned that the numbers one and two are gendered. The hundreds are gendered, too. This means that they will change form, slightly, in order to match the gender of the thing you are counting.\n\nFor example, \"livros\" (books) is a masculine noun, and \"tabelas\" (tables) is a feminine noun. When we want to count them, this means:\n\nCounting books:\n\n- two hundred books → duzent**os** livros\n- two hundred and one books → duzent**os e um** livros\n- two hundred and two books → duzent**os e dois** livros\n- two hundred and three books → duzent**os** e três livros\n- two hundred and ninety-nine books → duzent**os** e noventa e nove livros\n \u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>\n\nCounting tables:\n\n- two hundred tables → duzent**as** tabelas\n- two hundred and one tables → duzent**as e uma** tabelas\n- two hundred and two tables → duzent**as e duas** tabelas\n- two hundred and three tables → duzent**as** e três tabelas\n- two hundred and ninety-nine tables → duzent**as** e noventa e nove tabelas\n\nNotice how \"duzentos\" is used with the masculine \"livros\" noun while \"duzentas\" is used with the feminine \"tabelas\" noun. The forms of one \"um\u002Fuma\" and two \"dois\u002Fduas\" are used accordingly, too.\n\n\u003C\u002Faccordion>\n\n_§ Note: Brazilian Portuguese follows the U.S. English system (a billion is a thousand millions), whereas European Portuguese follows the rest of the world (where a billion was originally a million millions)._\n\n### The placement of \"e\"\n\nUp above, we explained that \"e\" (\"and\") is used to make the numbers 21–99. 42, for example, is \"quarenta e dois\" (Brazil \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-quarenta_e_dois.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u002F Portugal \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-quarenta e dois.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>), which is literally \"forty and two\".\n\nYou _don't_ use \"e\" between thousands and hundreds:\n\n- 1981\n - ✅ mil novecentos e oitenta e um\n - ❌ mil \\\u003C\\\u003Ce\\>\\> novecentos e oitenta e um\n\nYou _do_ use \"e\" with multiples of one hundred:\n\n- 1400\n - ✅ mil e duzentos\n - ❌ mil duzentos\n\nYou _do_ use \"e\" between thousands and tens:\n\n- 2020\n - ✅ dois mil e vinte\n - ❌ dois mil vinte\n\nYou _do_ use \"e\" between thousands and units:\n\n- 1001\n - ✅ mil e um\n - ❌ mil um\n\nAnd here's a really big number, just to wrap things up:\n\n- 1,234,567\n - ✅ um milhão duzentos e trinta e quatro mil quinhentos e sessenta e seis\n - ❌ um milhão duzentos trinta quatro mil quinhentos sessenta seis\n - ❌ um milhão e duzentos e trinta e quatro mil e quinhentos e sessenta e seis\n - → No \"e\" between millions and hundred thousands, nor between thousands and hundreds\n\n## Decimal points and commas in Portuguese\n\nNow that we've talked about huge numbers, it would be good to mention that Portuguese handles commas and decimals differently than English does:\n\n- Use periods or spaces, rather than commas, to separate thousands in large numbers\n\n - 525.600 or 525 600 → the number of minutes in a year\n - 90.000 or 90 000 → the average amount of work hours in a career (~43 years)\n - 1.000.000 or 1 000 000 → one million\n\n- It's really important to _not_ use commas for those big numbers because, in Portuguese, commas are how you indicate decimal places\n - 3,14 → pi\n - 2,718 → [natural log](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FNatural_logarithm)\n - 0,93 → my confidence that this article will be useful to people learning Portuguese\n\n## Bonus: Ordinal numbers and dates in Portuguese\n\nWhat we've been talking about so far are called _cardinal_ numbers, which are used to count things.\n\n_Ordinal_ numbers, on the other hand, are used to indicate the order of things.\n\n| English | Portuguese | Abbreviation | Audio (BR) | Audio (PT) |\n| ------- | ------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| first | primeiro \u002F primeira | \u003Cspan style=\"font-feature-settings: 'cv11' off;\">1º \u002F 1ª \u003C\u002Fspan> | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-primeiro.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u002F \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-primeira.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-primeiro.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u002F \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-primeira.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| second | segundo \u002F segunda | \u003Cspan style=\"font-feature-settings: 'cv11' off;\">2º \u002F 2ª \u003C\u002Fspan> | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-segundo.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u002F \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-segunda.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-segundo.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u002F \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-segunda.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| third | terceiro \u002F terceira | \u003Cspan style=\"font-feature-settings: 'cv11' off;\">3º \u002F 3ª \u003C\u002Fspan> | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-terceiro.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u002F \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-terceira.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-terceiro.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u002F \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-terceira.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n\nPortuguese uses ordinal numbers less commonly than English does, so, for now, you can get by with just learning the first three ordinal numbers.\n\n### Talking about years and dates in Portuguese\n\nWhen a date is listed in formal writing—such as in a report or on a poster—you'll pretty often see this formula used:\n\n> {number} + de + {month} + de + {year}\n\n- **15 de novembro de 1889** (BR \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-15 de novembro de 1889.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u002F PT \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-15 de novembro de 1889.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>) → Proclamation of the Republic of Brazil\n- **07 de setembro de 1822** (BR \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-07 de setembro de 1822.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u002F PT \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-07 de setembro de 1822.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>) → Brazil Independence declared\n- **5 de outubro de 1143** (BR \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-5 de outubro de 1143.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u002F PT \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-5 de outubro de 1143.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>) → Portugal founded\n\nLess formally, when you want to talk about a date or appointment, you can use this formula:\n\n> em\u002Fno + dia + {number} + de + {month} + de + {year}\n\n- **Tirarei um dia de folga no dia 17.** (BR \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-Tirarei um dia de folga no dia 17..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u002F PT \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-Tirarei um dia de folga no dia 17..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>) \u003Cbr> _I'll take a day off on the 17th._\n- **Eu nasci em 07 de julho de 1997.** (BR \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-Eu nasci em 07 de julho de 1997..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u002F PT \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-Eu nasci em 07 de julho de 1997..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>) \u003Cbr> _I was born on July 7th, 1997._\n- **Tenho uma consulta médica no dia 23 de abril.** (BR \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-Tenho uma consulta médica no dia 23 de abril..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u002F PT \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-Tenho uma consulta médica no dia 23 de abril..mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>) \u003Cbr> _I have a doctor's appointment on April 23rd._\n\nAs you can see, it's not mandatory to list _all_ of the parts out. You can pick and choose, depending on what information you wish to state:\n\n_Note: Portuguese prepositions can be tricky. They're beyond the scope of this article, but just a heads up that you should pay attention to them while consuming Portuguese media!_\n\n## Bonus: Asking for phone numbers in Portuguese\n\nWhile this isn't exactly about numbers, a common place you'll end up using numbers is when requesting (or giving) phone numbers.\n\nSo, here's a simple way to do that:\n\nTo ask for a phone number:\n\n- Standard: **Qual é o teu\u002Fseu número de telefone?** (BR PT \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-Qual é o teuseu número de telefone_.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u002F EU PT \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-Qual é o teuseu número de telefone_.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> ) \u003Cbr> _What's your phone number?_\n- Formal: **(Você) poderia me passar seu número (de celular)?** (BR PT \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-Você poderia me passar seu número de celular_.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u002F EU PT \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-Você poderia me passar seu número de celular_.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> ) \u003Cbr> _Could you pass (give) me your cellphone number?_\n- Fun: **Me passa seu Zap?** (BR PT \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-Me passa seu Zap_.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u002F EU PT \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-Me passa seu Zap_.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> ) \u003Cbr> _Can I have your WhatsApp?_ (WhatsApp is super common!)\n\nTo give a phone number:\n\n- In Porgugal: **O meu número é 351 9TN NNN NNN** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-O meu número é 55 9NNNN-NNNN.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _My number is 351 9TN NNN NNN_ \u003Cbr> 351 = area code, T is a number that corresponds to your phone carrier, N is a normal digit\n- In Brazil: **O meu número é 55 9NNNN-NNNN** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-O meu número é 351 9TN NNN NNN.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _My number is 55 9NNNN-NNNN._ \u003Cbr> 55 is the area code, 9 is a fixed digit to indicate that it's a mobile device, N is a normal digit\n\n## Numbers in Brazilian Portuguese vs European Portuguese\n\nIf you decided to pay homage to the blood, sweat, and tears that went into this article by clicking on all those audio buttons, you'd have noticed something:\n\n> The same number can sound pretty different when pronounced by a Brazilian person or a Portuguese person.\n\nIt'd take an entire article to talk about the differences between Brazilian and European Portuguese, but so far as the numbers go, here are a few things worth paying attention to:\n\n### The pronunciation of numbers ending in -s\n\nGo ahead and listen to these two words for me:\n\n- _Quatrocentos_ (400) in Brazilian Portuguese \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-quatrocentos.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> vs European Portuguese \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-quatrocentos.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003Ccustom-audio>\n- _Seis_ (6) in Brazilian Portuguese \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-seis.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> vs European Portuguese \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-seis.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n\nIn Brazilian Portuguese, an -s at the end of a word is pronounced like a normal S sound.\n\nIn European Portuguese, an S at the end of a word is pronounced like an SH sound (\u002Fʃ\u002F if you know [the IPA](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FInternational_Phonetic_Alphabet))\n\n### The pronunciation of -te (and sometimes -de)\n\nNow listen to these words for me:\n\n- _Sete_ (7) in Brazilian Portuguese vs \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-sete.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> vs European Portuguese \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-sete.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n- _Vinte e três_ (23) in Brazilian Portuguese \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-vinte e três.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> vs European Portuguese \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-vinte e três.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n\nIn Brazilian Portuguese,\"-te\" becomes a CH sound, like the one at the beginning of \"cheese\" (\u002Fˈsɛ.t͡ʃi\u002F, if you know the IPA). This doesn't happen in European Portuguese: T is pronounced normally, but the vowel following it gets reduced a bit.\n\nNote that:\n\n- This can also happen with -de, as in _Dezesssete\u002Fdezassete_ (17; BR PT \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-dezessete.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> vs EU PT \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-dezassete.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>), but it doesn't _have_ to—as shown in _dez_ (10 in BR PT \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-dez.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> vs EU PT \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-dez.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>)\n- This doesn't happen when te- begins a word, as shown in _terceiro_ (third; BR PT \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-terceiro.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> vs EU PT \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-terceiro.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>)\n\n\u003Caccordion heading=\"A caveat\">\n\nThere is some variation between speakers. While this trend was largely split along the lines of Braziian vs European Portuguese, I found some recordings of Portuguese people pronouncing -te as \"chi\" and some recordings of Brazilians pronouncing -s as \"sh\". You may hear both, and there are some other intra-country variations in vowel\u002Fconsonant quality.\n\nKeep your ears open!\n\n\u003C\u002Faccordion>\n\n### The pronunciation of -l at the end of the word\n\nThis only affects one number, but it's one you'll use quite often. Listen to:\n\n- _Mil_ (1,000) in Brazilian Portuguese \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-mil.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> vs European Portuguese \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-mil.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n\nWhen a word ends in -l in Brazilian Portuguese, it gets \"rounded\" to \u002Fˈmiw\u002F\\[ˈmiʊ̯]. If you don't know the IPA—think about replacing the L with a W sound. Conversely, in European Portuguese, an -l at the end of a word is pronounced just it is in English.\n\n### Millions and billions (and headaches)\n\nThis blew my mind, but take another gander at our table from the \"Big Numbers\" section:\n\n| English | Portuguese | Audio (BR) | Audio (PT) |\n| -------- | ------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| million | milhão | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-milhão.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-milhão.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| billion | § **\u003Cu>bilhão\u003C\u002Fu>** (BR) \u002F mil milhões (PT) | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-bilhão.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-mil milhões.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n| trillion | § trilhão (BR) \u002F **\u003Cu>bilião\u003C\u002Fu>** (PT) | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbrpt-trilhão.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fptpt-bilhão.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> |\n\nNotice that _bilhão_ means \"billion\" in Brazilian portuguese but \"trillion\" in European Portuguese.\n\n[Interesting history lesson here](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.etymonline.com\u002Fword\u002Fbillion).\n\nFrom an etymological perspective, a billion is bi- (two) plus million—a million million. Twelve zeroes.\n\nIn other words:\n\n- Originally, a billion was actually a _trillion_. Portugal (and many other European languages) respect this: _mil milhões_ means \"a thousand millions\", and \"bilião\" is reserved for a million millions—a trillion.\n- The USA threw a wrench into the machinery (as we do) and decided that a billion should refer to the magnitude after a million, and Brazil followed suit.\n\nYou'll unfortunately just have to keep an eye on which region of Portuguese you're interacting with should this number happen to come up.\n\n### The spelling of sixteen, seventeen, and nineteen\n\nAs mentioned in that second section on how to say the teens in Portuguese:\n\n- Sixteen is dez\u003Cu>e\u003C\u002Fu>sseis in Brazil but dez\u003Cu>a\u003C\u002Fu>sseis in Portugal\n- Seventeen is dez\u003Cu>e\u003C\u002Fu>ssete in Brazil but dez\u003Cu>a\u003C\u002Fu>ssete in Portugal\n- Eighteen is dezoito in both (I'm bringing this up sheerly because I'm curious as to where the mid-word E disappeared off to)\n- Nineteen is dez\u003Cu>e\u003C\u002Fu>nove in Brazil and dez\u003Cu>a\u003C\u002Fu>nove in Portugal\n\nI'm going to be honest—I looked for an explanation as to why this very specific bone was picked with three very specific numbers, but I couldn't find one.\n\nWhile I can't explain _why_ this difference exists, it's worth giving a modicum of attention to. (But people will understand you even if you get it wrong, so don't fear 💪)\n\n## A better way to learn to count in Portuguese\n\nPart of my dies as I say this, because I spent way too long hunting for audio samples and inserting them into my pretty little tables, but...\n\n> You probably shouldn't be going out of your way to learn numbers in Portuguese.\n\nNumbers are super common things, and so long as you're regularly interacting with Portuguese, you're going to hear them being used. You'll pick them up naturally over time, intuitively, basically for free.\n\nHow?\n\nWell, say you're watching a video on YouTube, where you happen to stumble into a wonderful Portuguese word like _milhão_.\n\nYou're an awesome proactive learner who has read an entire article about Portuguese numbers, so you know this means _million_ (go you)... but, if you didn't, and you were using Migaku, you could just click right on _milhão_ in the subtitles to see a definition of what it means.\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fportuguese-youtube-mobile.jpeg\" width=\"1696\" height=\"1190\" alt=\"A screenshot of Migaku's mobile app, showing how we make Portuguese subtitles interactive \" \u002F>\n\nIf you decide that this word would be useful to know, you can click the big orange button in the top-right corner of the dictionary entry to automatically turn this scene of your video into a flashcard:\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-portuguese-flashcards.jpeg\" width=\"1406\" height=\"1182\" alt=\"A screenshot of the Portuguese flashcards that Migaku automatically created from a YouTUbe video\" \u002F>\n\nMigaku fetched an audio snippet of milhão from the video, subtitle it appeared in, and a picture of what was happening on screen when the word was uttered.\n\nFrom here, [Migaku will periodically nudge you to review this flashcard](\u002Fblog\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fspaced-repetition-language-learning). Eventually you'll just remember it.\n\nTo learn Portuguese with Migaku, all you have to do is consume content you enjoy, then click a couple buttons to turn useful words you find into learning materials.\n\n\u003Cprose-button href=\"\u002F\" text=\"Try Migaku for free\">\u003C\u002Fprose-button>\n\n---\n\n## You learned the numbers in Portuguese! Now, it's time to actually learn Portuguese →\n\nLearning Portuguese isn't _easy_, it's actually pretty _simple:_\n\n> If you spend time engaging with Portuguese media, and you understand the sentences and messages within that media, you'll make progress. Period.\n\nIt's going to take you [several hundred hours to learn Portuguese](\u002Fblog\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fhow-long-to-learn-portuguese), so you might as well have fun with this.\n\nBoa sorte!\n",{"title":21168,"description":23560},"article\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-portuguese-numbers","Mjhm89GVdoyuYiIhFIZOzpbYrfKz9pRGX1AEBOBpfNQ","March 31, 2025",{"id":23577,"title":23578,"body":23579,"description":24293,"extension":929,"meta":24294,"navigation":942,"path":24304,"rawbody":24305,"seo":24306,"stem":24307,"__hash__":24308,"timestampUnix":24295,"slug":24296,"h1":24297,"image":24298,"tags":24303,"_dir":948,"timestamp":24309},"content\u002Farticle\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-resource-how-use-anki.md","How to use Anki to Learn a Language (Beginner Friendly Tutorial)",{"type":8,"value":23580,"toc":24268},[23581,23584,23587,23590,23592,23594,23598,23608,23615,23620,23623,23642,23646,23652,23656,23659,23665,23668,23679,23682,23686,23689,23703,23707,23710,23718,23721,23724,23727,23729,23733,23736,23739,23747,23757,23761,23764,23771,23775,23783,23787,23790,23808,23811,23815,23818,23834,23837,23843,23847,23850,23864,23867,23871,23875,23883,23886,23892,23899,23902,23919,23923,23929,23932,23935,23938,23941,23946,23948,23952,23959,23962,23966,23969,23972,23979,23982,24001,24005,24014,24017,24021,24024,24032,24035,24043,24055,24058,24061,24072,24076,24085,24088,24091,24103,24106,24109,24112,24116,24119,24127,24135,24139,24142,24146,24149,24156,24170,24175,24186,24189,24192,24198,24204,24208,24218,24223,24226,24230,24233,24236,24239,24247,24249,24253,24256,24259,24265],[11,23582,23583],{},"If you've spent any time looking for language learning advice on Reddit or YouTube, you've seen people recommending that you use a flashcard app to help you remember vocab words—and, specifically, that you use Anki.",[11,23585,23586],{},"There's good reason for that: Anki has long been the secret weapon of language learners, students in med school, and anyone who needs to memorize stuff.",[11,23588,23589],{},"It's also really confusing to set up, so in this article, we're going to walk through:",[30,23591],{},[34,23593],{},[37,23595,23597],{"id":23596},"what-is-anki-how-does-it-work","What is Anki? How does it work?",[11,23599,23600,23601],{},"Anki is a flashcard app. What makes it special is that it uses a powerful spaced repetition algorithm to figure out when you should review each flashcard. ",[21,23602,23603,23604,4018],{},"(If this is the first time you've heard of spaced repetition, you can learn more about it ",[867,23605,2933],{"href":23606,"rel":23607},"https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku.com\u002Fblog\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fspaced-repetition-language-learning",[1196],[11,23609,23610,23611,23614],{},"Oh—and Anki is Japanese (",[5744,23612],{"lang":5746,"syntax":23613},"暗記[あんき]",") for \"memorization\". Fitting, isn't it?",[833,23616],{"src":23617,"width":23618,"height":13059,"alt":23619},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-anki-introduction.jpeg",1752,"A screenshot showing Anki's interface and a French flashcard",[11,23621,23622],{},"My Anki is in Japanese, but you can see how it works from this picture:",[121,23624,23625,23631,23634],{},[124,23626,23627,23628],{},"I have several decks ",[21,23629,23630],{},"(too many 🥲)",[124,23632,23633],{},"Opening a deck shows me the front of the flashcard Anki thinks it's most important for me to review right now",[124,23635,23636,23637],{},"After a moment I flip the flashcard over and tell Anki if I got it right\n",[121,23638,23639],{},[124,23640,23641],{},"Accordingly, Anki will have me review the card again in 10 minutes, 19 days, 1.2 months, or 2.7 months",[37,23643,23645],{"id":23644},"why-do-people-use-anki","Why do people use Anki?",[11,23647,23648,23649,23651],{},"As simple as Anki sounds, it's actually ",[21,23650,11506],{}," powerful.",[414,23653,23655],{"id":23654},"_1-anki-is-a-great-way-to-memorize-pretty-much-anything","1. Anki is a great way to memorize pretty much anything",[11,23657,23658],{},"The first and most obvious reason is that it works. We go through several academic articles to talk about why apps like Anki work in our article on spaced repetition (the algorithm Anki uses), but, for now, just look at this chart:",[833,23660],{"src":23661,"width":23662,"height":23663,"alt":23664},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-spaced-repetition-effectiveness.jpeg",1790,1380,"A chart showing the results generated by cramming learning, chunking it, and spacing it out.",[11,23666,23667],{},"What you're seeing is this:",[121,23669,23670,23673,23676],{},[124,23671,23672],{},"Students who did \"massed\" study (1 day for 4 hours) basically wasted their time",[124,23674,23675],{},"Students who did \"clumped\" study (2 days, 2 hours daily) saw pretty respectable results",[124,23677,23678],{},"Students who did \"spaced\" study (4 days, 1 hour daily) saw the best results—especially with complex tasks that involve thinking and connecting dots",[11,23680,23681],{},"Basically, applying spaced repetition requires no additional effort but massively increases the value you get out of the time you spend studying. It's kinda beautiful.",[414,23683,23685],{"id":23684},"_2-anki-enables-you-to-study-anywhere","2. Anki enables you to study anywhere",[11,23687,23688],{},"There's an Anki app for desktop, iOS, and Android. We'll talk about how to set up these apps in the next section, but the fact that Anki has apps means that you can fit all of your notes in your pocket and do your review while on the go.",[121,23690,23691,23700],{},[124,23692,23693,23694,23696,23697,23699],{},"In college, I did ",[21,23695,19668],{}," of my study while walking from class to class. I virtually never sat down at a desk to study, even when tests were coming up. Thanks to reviewing with Anki, I just didn't ",[21,23698,12889],{}," to cram before tests.",[124,23701,23702],{},"As an adult, I don't really use Anki anymore (we'll talk about that down below), but I use Migaku to review flashcards in five languages during my commute. Getting my review out of the way during the day frees up my evenings so that I can read books and comics, which is what I personally enjoy doing with my time.",[414,23704,23706],{"id":23705},"_3-all-of-your-notes-fit-in-your-pocket-and-stay-there-forever","3. All of your notes fit in your pocket and stay there forever",[11,23708,23709],{},"Two questions for you:",[121,23711,23712,23715],{},[124,23713,23714],{},"How many notebooks did you use back in high school or college?",[124,23716,23717],{},"What happened to those notebooks after the semester ended?",[11,23719,23720],{},"Whereas I needed a backpack to lug all my notes around growing up, I have something like 40,000 flashcards in my Anki app. Now, my \"notes\" are in my pocket, don't require internet access to use, and come with me everywhere.",[11,23722,23723],{},"You also stop losing your notes when the \"semester\" ends: each time you get a card correct in Anki, the app waits a little longer before asking you to review that bit of information again. I have flashcards that I won't review for fifteen years.",[11,23725,23726],{},"So, if you enjoy learning or need to do so, Anki makes life incredibly convenient.",[34,23728],{},[37,23730,23732],{"id":23731},"how-to-install-anki","How to install Anki",[11,23734,23735],{},"Anki has applications available for several different platforms. We'll briefly cover them here.",[11,23737,23738],{},"Before we get too far along:",[121,23740,23741,23744],{},[124,23742,23743],{},"Anki is free on desktop and Android",[124,23745,23746],{},"Anki costs ~$25.00 USD on iPhone",[11,23748,23749],{},[21,23750,23751,23752,844],{},"Note: You don't actually need to download Anki. You can review your flashcards via your internet browser by navigating to ",[867,23753,23756],{"href":23754,"rel":23755},"https:\u002F\u002Fankiweb.net\u002Fdecks",[1196],"ankiweb.net\u002Fdecks",[414,23758,23760],{"id":23759},"_1-make-an-account-on-ankiweb","1. Make an account on Ankiweb",[11,23762,23763],{},"To synchronize your learning progress between devices, you'll need an account on Ankiweb. An Anki account is totally free. They don't spam you, either—in ten years, I've gotten like three emails from them... and those emails were to reset my password.",[11,23765,23766,844],{},[867,23767,23770],{"href":23768,"rel":23769},"https:\u002F\u002Fankiweb.net\u002Faccount\u002Fsignup",[1196],"Click here to signup for Ankiweb",[414,23772,23774],{"id":23773},"_2-download-your-app-of-choice-anki-desktop-ankimobile-or-ankidroid","2. Download your app of choice: Anki Desktop, AnkiMobile, or AnkiDroid",[11,23776,23777,23778,844],{},"This should be pretty straightforward, but if you run into trouble, you can ask for help on the ",[867,23779,23782],{"href":23780,"rel":23781},"https:\u002F\u002Fforums.ankiweb.net\u002F",[1196],"Anki forums",[3162,23784,23786],{"id":23785},"anki-for-desktop","Anki for Desktop",[11,23788,23789],{},"For Windows and Mac, setting up Anki Desktop is very straightforward:",[3153,23791,23792,23799,23805],{},[124,23793,23794,23795],{},"Go to ",[867,23796,23798],{"href":17582,"rel":23797},[1196],"apps.ankiweb.net",[124,23800,23801,23802,23804],{},"Click the big \"Download\" button in the middle of your screen",[132,23803],{},"\nAnkiweb should detect your operating system—but, if not, select Windows, Mac, or Linux",[124,23806,23807],{},"Download Anki and follow the setup instructions",[11,23809,23810],{},"If you use Linux, I trust\u002Fhope you can figure out how to download and install the app, because I can't help you 💪",[3162,23812,23814],{"id":23813},"anki-for-ios","Anki for iOS",[11,23816,23817],{},"You probably know how to download things from the App store, but just in case:",[3153,23819,23820,23823,23826],{},[124,23821,23822],{},"Open the App store",[124,23824,23825],{},"Search \"Anki\"",[124,23827,23828,23829,16608],{},"Download \"",[867,23830,23833],{"href":23831,"rel":23832},"https:\u002F\u002Fapps.apple.com\u002Fus\u002Fapp\u002Fankimobile-flashcards\u002Fid373493387",[1196],"AnkiMobile Flashcards",[11,23835,23836],{},"This last step is important: Anki is an open-source program. Several people have copied it and made applications that require subscriptions to use. The real Anki app requires a one-time purchase fee, and that's it.",[833,23838],{"src":23839,"width":23840,"height":23841,"alt":23842},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-anki-ios.jpeg",1228,870,"A screenshot of the various iOS versions of Anki.",[3162,23844,23846],{"id":23845},"anki-for-android","Anki for Android",[11,23848,23849],{},"If you use an Android phone, then Anki's unofficial official app (it's complicated) is totally free:",[3153,23851,23852,23855,23857],{},[124,23853,23854],{},"Open Google Play",[124,23856,23825],{},[124,23858,23828,23859,16608],{},[867,23860,23863],{"href":23861,"rel":23862},"https:\u002F\u002Fplay.google.com\u002Fstore\u002Fapps\u002Fdetails?id=com.ichi2.anki&hl=en",[1196],"AnkiDroid Flashcards",[11,23865,23866],{},"As with the iOS app, there are several unofficial versions of Anki on the Google Play. Many of these unofficial versions will charge you a subscription to use Anki. The app that you want is AnkiDroid Flashcards, which has active community support and is completely free.",[833,23868],{"src":23869,"width":14688,"height":23870,"alt":23842},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-anki-android.jpeg",864,[414,23872,23874],{"id":23873},"_3-find-a-shared-deck-to-learn-from","3. Find a shared deck to learn from...",[11,23876,23877,23878,23882],{},"That Ankiweb account you created gives you access to all of ",[867,23879,23881],{"href":17588,"rel":23880},[1196],"Anki's shared decks","—decks that people in the community have made on their own and decided to share for free.",[11,23884,23885],{},"For example, here's the most popular Japanese flashcard decks available on Ankiweb:",[833,23887],{"src":23888,"width":23889,"height":23890,"alt":23891},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-anki-shared.jpeg",2674,1660,"A screenshot of the shared Japanese decks available for free on Ankiweb.",[11,23893,23894,23895,23898],{},"Quality varies ",[21,23896,23897],{},"significantly"," from deck to deck, but if you look around, you can find some cool stuff that people have obviously put a lot of time and love into.",[11,23900,23901],{},"If you find a deck that looks useful to you:",[3153,23903,23904,23907,23910,23913,23916],{},[124,23905,23906],{},"Download the deck(s) from Ankiweb on desktop",[124,23908,23909],{},"Open the Anki app",[124,23911,23912],{},"Import the decks by clicking \"import file\" in the bottom-right corner",[124,23914,23915],{},"Click \"sync\" in the top-right corner to upload the decks to your Anki account",[124,23917,23918],{},"Open your mobile app and click \"sync\" to download the decks to your phone",[414,23920,23922],{"id":23921},"_4-or-make-your-own-flashcards","4. ... or make your own flashcards",[11,23924,23925,23926,844],{},"Ideally, you're studying flashcards that you've made by yourself, not flashcards that somebody else has made. We talk about why in this post on ",[867,23927,23928],{"href":10002},"how to learn vocabulary in another language",[11,23930,23931],{},"So, if you're up for making your own flashcards—great!",[11,23933,23934],{},"Unfortunately, this means that you're going to have to learn how to use Anki. This will take time. An explanation of how to make your own Anki cards could be entire blog post by itself, and I'm not going to make one because my cards kinda suck. I'm pretty lazy, have no sense of design, and never found out a way to manually create Anki flashcards that's easy enough that I would consistently do it.",[11,23936,23937],{},"Instead, here's a nice Anki tutorial from YouTube about how to make Anki flashcards for language learners. It's 30 minutes long, and this honestly just the beginning:",[4988,23939],{"src":23940},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FQBcQJESGQvc?si=Hlxkpo2RmZdR4xun",[11,23942,23943],{},[21,23944,23945],{},"(As intimidating as this sounds, Anki is super powerful. If you like tinkering with stuff, spending a few hours to learn the basics of Anki will enable you to make some pretty cool stuff.)",[34,23947],{},[37,23949,23951],{"id":23950},"faqs-how-to-succeed-with-anki","FAQs \u002F How to succeed with Anki",[11,23953,23954,23955,23958],{},"Randomly taking a peek at Google, here's my response to some of the most common \"People also ask...\" questions. If you've got a question that isn't answered here, jump into ",[867,23956,23957],{"href":18042},"our Discord channel"," and ask away 🙂",[11,23960,23961],{},"Anyway, in no particular order:",[414,23963,23965],{"id":23964},"make-anki-a-part-of-your-daily-life-with-a-trigger-action-plan","Make Anki a part of your daily life with a trigger-action plan",[11,23967,23968],{},"Anki isn't just an app; it's a way of life.",[11,23970,23971],{},"I'm joking—kind of—but, really: Anki is intended to be used every day.",[11,23973,23974,23975,23978],{},"When you review a flashcard on Anki, Anki's algorithm schedules a date for you to review that flashcard again in the future, ",[21,23976,23977],{},"juuuuust"," before it thinks you will forget the information on the flashcard. This means that the \"difficulty\" of Anki is pretty manageable if you keep up with it daily, but you'll get frustrated trying to keep up if you only do your reviews a few times per week.",[11,23980,23981],{},"If you're not very good at creating new habits:",[3153,23983,23984,23991,23998],{},[124,23985,18222,23986,23990],{},[867,23987,23989],{"href":18225,"rel":23988},[1196],"the Habit Loop",", or what causes certain behaviors to stick",[124,23992,18230,23993,23997],{},[867,23994,23996],{"href":18233,"rel":23995},[1196],"Trigger-Action Plan"," around one of the Habit Loop's triggers",[124,23999,24000],{},"Commence with your new life",[414,24002,24004],{"id":24003},"study-for-a-few-minutes-here-and-there-not-in-one-massive-session","Study for a few minutes here and there, not in one massive session",[11,24006,24007,24008,24013],{},"Kind of following up on the above—there's this thing called ",[867,24009,24012],{"href":24010,"rel":24011},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FSerial-position_effect",[1196],"the serial-position effect",". It basically means that we better remember the first and last things in a study session better than the things we encounter in the middle of a study session. (This is part of the reason why cramming is terrible for you.)",[11,24015,24016],{},"When you do Anki for a minute or two here and there throughout the day, this gives you many starts and ends. This is a really simple study hack, but it delivers results.",[414,24018,24020],{"id":24019},"dont-learn-too-many-daily-new-cards-for-now","Don't learn too many daily new cards, for now",[11,24022,24023],{},"There are, essentially, two kinds of cards on Anki:",[121,24025,24026,24029],{},[124,24027,24028],{},"New cards are cards that you have not learned yet",[124,24030,24031],{},"Review cards are cards that you have already learned and are waiting to review again",[11,24033,24034],{},"By default, Anki will assign you five new cards per day per deck. This means that:",[121,24036,24037,24040],{},[124,24038,24039],{},"Every day, Anki will show you five cards you haven't seen before",[124,24041,24042],{},"Every day, Anki will also ask you to review all of the previously-studied cards it thinks you are about to forget",[11,24044,24045,24046,24048,24049,24054],{},"You're going to want to do more than that, but ",[21,24047,17649],{},". In fact, if you're new to language learning, I recommend opening the ",[867,24050,24053],{"href":24051,"rel":24052},"https:\u002F\u002Fdocs.ankiweb.net\u002Fdeck-options.html",[1196],"deck options"," and changing your daily new card count from five to three.",[11,24056,24057],{},"The reason for this is that Anki schedules each flashcard you learn today for review at some point in the future. As you review dozens, hundreds, and thousands of flashcard, this can become overwhelming. As a rule of thumb, for every one daily new flashcard you learn, you're also going to end up reviewing 10 flashcards.",[11,24059,24060],{},"With that in mind:",[3153,24062,24063,24066,24069],{},[124,24064,24065],{},"Start with three daily new flashcards",[124,24067,24068],{},"If you go two weeks without missing a single day, up the count by 3 daily flashcards",[124,24070,24071],{},"Repeat step two until you begin regularly (once per week) failing to complete all of your flashcards—this is your current limit, given the amount of time you're giving to language learning",[414,24073,24075],{"id":24074},"watch-this-video-to-learn-what-sort-of-things-you-should-make-flashcards-out-of","Watch this video to learn what sort of things you should make flashcards out of",[11,24077,24078,24079,24081,24082,24084],{},"The fact that you ",[21,24080,11546],{}," make a flashcard does not mean that you ",[21,24083,3243],{}," create a flashcard.",[11,24086,24087],{},"You see, some words are much, much, much more common than other words.",[11,24089,24090],{},"While a college-educated native speaker knows roughly 30,000 words:",[121,24092,24093,24096],{},[124,24094,24095],{},"Just ~1,500 words make up ~80% of all word occurrences",[124,24097,24098,24099,24102],{},"Some words appear commonly in some genres\u002Ftypes of media, but not others: ",[21,24100,24101],{},"aggregate"," will be all over an economics textbook, but may never come up in daily life or a drama on Netflix",[11,24104,24105],{},"In other words, this is very much a situation where you want to work smarter, not harder. A bit of planning ahead will save you a ludicrous amount of time.",[11,24107,24108],{},"Watch this video to learn about why vocab frequency matters and what words are\u002Faren't worth making flashcards out of:",[4988,24110],{"src":24111},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FTh4sh5iHyY8?si=kZwscvwQU20fVGv8",[414,24113,24115],{"id":24114},"when-grading-yourself-only-press-again-or-good","When grading yourself, only press \"Again\" or \"Good\"",[11,24117,24118],{},"I'm going to skim over this because it's a pretty complex topic, but Anki's scheduler is very complex. When you press easy or hard after studying a flashcard, it adds a kind of permanent multiplier to the algorithm. Over time, this leads the algorithm to think that a particular card is much easier or harder than it actually is. This causes you to see the card much more or less frequently than you should, and that's bad.",[11,24120,24121,24122,24126],{},"You can see why ",[867,24123,2933],{"href":24124,"rel":24125},"https:\u002F\u002Freadbroca.com\u002Fanki\u002Fease-hell\u002F",[1196],", but unless you really know what you're doing, approach your Anki reviews in a black-and-white fashion:",[121,24128,24129,24132],{},[124,24130,24131],{},"Press \"good\" if you think you know the content of the card as well as you want to know it",[124,24133,24134],{},"Press \"again\" if you don't",[37,24136,24138],{"id":24137},"why-i-stopped-using-anki-after-over-10-years","Why I stopped using Anki after over 10 years",[11,24140,24141],{},"So, I've used Anki for about 10 years.",[833,24143],{"src":24144,"width":858,"height":17741,"alt":24145},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-anki-stats.jpeg","A screenshot of my stats on Anki.",[11,24147,24148],{},"Above you can see my stats since 2020: I've used Anki 9 days out of 10 for the last like 5 years.",[11,24150,24151,24152,24155],{},"My data only goes back to 2020 because I actually deleted the app in 2019, shortly after coming to Taiwan. You see, I'd gotten a bit ",[21,24153,24154],{},"too"," into Anki:",[121,24157,24158,24164,24167],{},[124,24159,24160,24161,24163],{},"I was spending ~2 hours per day ",[21,24162,6875],{}," doing flashcards",[124,24165,24166],{},"I'd get stressed when I got a vocab word wrong that Anki thought I \"should\" know (it had an interval of 6+ months or a few years)",[124,24168,24169],{},"If I wanted to create a new card, it required completely breaking my flow (put down my book, type out the sentence, copy a definition from Google, etc)... and my cards were ugly",[86,24171,24172],{},[11,24173,24174],{},"That was problematic because what really matters when learning languages is simple exposure. When we consume content in another language and understand the messages within that media, we improve at the language we're learning.",[11,24176,24177,24178,24181,24182,24185],{},"I came back to Anki a year later after setting a bunch of restrictions to control my usage and ensure that my flashcards would ",[21,24179,24180],{},"complement"," my interaction with target languages, not ",[21,24183,24184],{},"replace"," it. That worked alright.",[11,24187,24188],{},"Then, last year, I started using Migaku.",[11,24190,24191],{},"Migaku is an app like Anki, but it's been built specifically for language learners. To be super quick about this, it makes text in foreign languages interactive—on text-based websites and also places like YouTube and Netflix, you can simply click\u002Ftap on foreign words to see what they mean:",[833,24193],{"src":24194,"width":24195,"height":24196,"alt":24197},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-flashcards-2.webp",1650,926,"A screenshot showing how Migaku makes it easy to see definitions of new words you encounter while using a foreign language",[11,24199,24200,24201,24203],{},"If you decide the word is useful, then you can create a high-quality flashcard out of it with just one more click: I'm talking dictionary definitions, built-in TTS audio support for sentences, AI grammar breakdowns, and all sorts of cool stuff. You ",[21,24202,11546],{}," do that with Anki, too, but it takes a lot of manual work, CSS customization, and technical stuff. I'm not super good with technology, so I never wanted to bother with it, personally.",[833,24205],{"src":24206,"width":24195,"height":24196,"alt":24207},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-flashcards-3.webp","A screenshot showing how Migaku makes it easy to create flashcards out of the content you're consuming in another language",[11,24209,24210,24211,24213,24214,24217],{},"More importantly, the fact that it takes literally one second to create solid flashcards means that I'm actually making them. That's huge. Since all of my flashcards come from the things I enjoy, I know that the time I spend in Migaku is directly enabling me to better consume the media I enjoy. It's a cool feeling. My flashcards now ",[21,24212,24180],{}," my immersion, rather than ",[21,24215,24216],{},"compete"," with it.",[86,24219,24220],{},[11,24221,24222],{},"As an ex Anki power user, Migaku is what I always wished Anki would be.",[11,24224,24225],{},"In 2024, I \"soft\" quit Anki for a second time: I still have old Anki decks I want to finish, but from now on, I am only creating new cards in Migaku.",[414,24227,24229],{"id":24228},"tldr","TL;DR",[11,24231,24232],{},"If you're reading this post because you're thinking about picking up Anki—I won't stop you. Anki has been a huge part of my life and I will always support it.",[11,24234,24235],{},"...At the same time, I think you'll find that Migaku gives you better results for less effort.",[11,24237,24238],{},"So, I'd like to ask you to try Migaku for 10 days.",[121,24240,24241,24244],{},[124,24242,24243],{},"It's totally free and doesn't require credit card information or anything like that",[124,24245,24246],{},"If you decide Migaku isn't for you, you can just follow the above steps to switch over to Anki",[876,24248],{"href":878,"text":879},[37,24250,24252],{"id":24251},"wrapping-up","Wrapping up ",[11,24254,24255],{},"If you're thinking about learning a language, Anki is basically a super power.",[11,24257,24258],{},"It's an indispensable part of any language learner's toolbox... but it wasn't made by or for language learners. If you use it for a long time, you'll notice this.",[11,24260,24261,24262,24264],{},"At Migaku, we set out to build the app we thought Anki ",[21,24263,10109],{}," be.",[11,24266,24267],{},"Whichever app you go with, good luck with your learning journey! 💪",{"title":383,"searchDepth":915,"depth":915,"links":24269},[24270,24271,24276,24282,24289,24292],{"id":23596,"depth":915,"text":23597},{"id":23644,"depth":915,"text":23645,"children":24272},[24273,24274,24275],{"id":23654,"depth":923,"text":23655},{"id":23684,"depth":923,"text":23685},{"id":23705,"depth":923,"text":23706},{"id":23731,"depth":915,"text":23732,"children":24277},[24278,24279,24280,24281],{"id":23759,"depth":923,"text":23760},{"id":23773,"depth":923,"text":23774},{"id":23873,"depth":923,"text":23874},{"id":23921,"depth":923,"text":23922},{"id":23950,"depth":915,"text":23951,"children":24283},[24284,24285,24286,24287,24288],{"id":23964,"depth":923,"text":23965},{"id":24003,"depth":923,"text":24004},{"id":24019,"depth":923,"text":24020},{"id":24074,"depth":923,"text":24075},{"id":24114,"depth":923,"text":24115},{"id":24137,"depth":915,"text":24138,"children":24290},[24291],{"id":24228,"depth":923,"text":24229},{"id":24251,"depth":915,"text":24252},"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.",{"timestampUnix":24295,"slug":24296,"h1":24297,"image":24298,"tags":24303},1737366603188,"how-to-use-anki","How to use Anki for Language Learning: Getting Started as a Beginner",{"src":24299,"width":24300,"height":24301,"alt":24302},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-how-to-use-anki-header.jpeg",6304,4207,"Lady downloading information into her head, as you basically do with apps like Anki and Migaku.",[16019,940],"\u002Farticle\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-resource-how-use-anki","---\ntitle: 'How to use Anki to Learn a Language (Beginner Friendly Tutorial)'\ndescription: '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.'\ntimestampUnix: 1737366603188\nslug: 'how-to-use-anki'\nh1: 'How to use Anki for Language Learning: Getting Started as a Beginner'\nimage:\n src: '\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-how-to-use-anki-header.jpeg'\n width: 6304\n height: 4207\n alt: 'Lady downloading information into her head, as you basically do with apps like Anki and Migaku.'\ntags:\n - resources\n - discussion\n---\n\nIf you've spent any time looking for language learning advice on Reddit or YouTube, you've seen people recommending that you use a flashcard app to help you remember vocab words—and, specifically, that you use Anki.\n\nThere's good reason for that: Anki has long been the secret weapon of language learners, students in med school, and anyone who needs to memorize stuff.\n\nIt's also really confusing to set up, so in this article, we're going to walk through:\n\n\u003Ctoc>\u003C\u002Ftoc>\n\n---\n\n## What is Anki? How does it work?\n\nAnki is a flashcard app. What makes it special is that it uses a powerful spaced repetition algorithm to figure out when you should review each flashcard. _(If this is the first time you've heard of spaced repetition, you can learn more about it [here](https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku.com\u002Fblog\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fspaced-repetition-language-learning).)_\n\nOh—and Anki is Japanese (\u003Ctypo lang=\"ja\" syntax=\"暗記[あんき]\">\u003C\u002Ftypo>) for \"memorization\". Fitting, isn't it?\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-anki-introduction.jpeg\" width=\"1752\" height=\"1234\" alt=\"A screenshot showing Anki's interface and a French flashcard\" \u002F>\n\nMy Anki is in Japanese, but you can see how it works from this picture:\n\n- I have several decks *(too many 🥲)*\n- Opening a deck shows me the front of the flashcard Anki thinks it's most important for me to review right now\n- After a moment I flip the flashcard over and tell Anki if I got it right\n - Accordingly, Anki will have me review the card again in 10 minutes, 19 days, 1.2 months, or 2.7 months\n\n## Why do people use Anki?\n\nAs simple as Anki sounds, it's actually _really_ powerful.\n\n### 1. Anki is a great way to memorize pretty much anything\n\nThe first and most obvious reason is that it works. We go through several academic articles to talk about why apps like Anki work in our article on spaced repetition (the algorithm Anki uses), but, for now, just look at this chart:\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-spaced-repetition-effectiveness.jpeg\" width=\"1790\" height=\"1380\" alt=\"A chart showing the results generated by cramming learning, chunking it, and spacing it out.\" \u002F>\n\nWhat you're seeing is this:\n\n- Students who did \"massed\" study (1 day for 4 hours) basically wasted their time\n- Students who did \"clumped\" study (2 days, 2 hours daily) saw pretty respectable results\n- Students who did \"spaced\" study (4 days, 1 hour daily) saw the best results—especially with complex tasks that involve thinking and connecting dots\n\nBasically, applying spaced repetition requires no additional effort but massively increases the value you get out of the time you spend studying. It's kinda beautiful.\n\n### 2. Anki enables you to study anywhere\n\nThere's an Anki app for desktop, iOS, and Android. We'll talk about how to set up these apps in the next section, but the fact that Anki has apps means that you can fit all of your notes in your pocket and do your review while on the go.\n\n- In college, I did _all_ of my study while walking from class to class. I virtually never sat down at a desk to study, even when tests were coming up. Thanks to reviewing with Anki, I just didn't _need_ to cram before tests.\n- As an adult, I don't really use Anki anymore (we'll talk about that down below), but I use Migaku to review flashcards in five languages during my commute. Getting my review out of the way during the day frees up my evenings so that I can read books and comics, which is what I personally enjoy doing with my time.\n\n### 3. All of your notes fit in your pocket and stay there forever\n\nTwo questions for you:\n\n- How many notebooks did you use back in high school or college?\n- What happened to those notebooks after the semester ended?\n\nWhereas I needed a backpack to lug all my notes around growing up, I have something like 40,000 flashcards in my Anki app. Now, my \"notes\" are in my pocket, don't require internet access to use, and come with me everywhere.\n\nYou also stop losing your notes when the \"semester\" ends: each time you get a card correct in Anki, the app waits a little longer before asking you to review that bit of information again. I have flashcards that I won't review for fifteen years.\n\nSo, if you enjoy learning or need to do so, Anki makes life incredibly convenient.\n\n---\n\n## How to install Anki\n\nAnki has applications available for several different platforms. We'll briefly cover them here.\n\nBefore we get too far along:\n\n- Anki is free on desktop and Android\n- Anki costs ~$25.00 USD on iPhone\n\n_Note: You don't actually need to download Anki. You can review your flashcards via your internet browser by navigating to [ankiweb.net\u002Fdecks](https:\u002F\u002Fankiweb.net\u002Fdecks)._\n\n### 1. Make an account on Ankiweb\n\nTo synchronize your learning progress between devices, you'll need an account on Ankiweb. An Anki account is totally free. They don't spam you, either—in ten years, I've gotten like three emails from them... and those emails were to reset my password.\n\n[Click here to signup for Ankiweb](https:\u002F\u002Fankiweb.net\u002Faccount\u002Fsignup).\n\n### 2. Download your app of choice: Anki Desktop, AnkiMobile, or AnkiDroid\n\nThis should be pretty straightforward, but if you run into trouble, you can ask for help on the [Anki forums](https:\u002F\u002Fforums.ankiweb.net\u002F).\n\n#### Anki for Desktop\n\nFor Windows and Mac, setting up Anki Desktop is very straightforward:\n\n1. Go to [apps.ankiweb.net](https:\u002F\u002Fapps.ankiweb.net\u002F)\n2. Click the big \"Download\" button in the middle of your screen\n Ankiweb should detect your operating system—but, if not, select Windows, Mac, or Linux\n3. Download Anki and follow the setup instructions\n\nIf you use Linux, I trust\u002Fhope you can figure out how to download and install the app, because I can't help you 💪\n\n#### Anki for iOS\n\nYou probably know how to download things from the App store, but just in case:\n\n1. Open the App store\n2. Search \"Anki\"\n3. Download \"[AnkiMobile Flashcards](https:\u002F\u002Fapps.apple.com\u002Fus\u002Fapp\u002Fankimobile-flashcards\u002Fid373493387)\"\n\nThis last step is important: Anki is an open-source program. Several people have copied it and made applications that require subscriptions to use. The real Anki app requires a one-time purchase fee, and that's it.\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-anki-ios.jpeg\" width=\"1228\" height=\"870\" alt=\"A screenshot of the various iOS versions of Anki.\" \u002F>\n\n#### Anki for Android\n\nIf you use an Android phone, then Anki's unofficial official app (it's complicated) is totally free:\n\n1. Open Google Play\n2. Search \"Anki\"\n3. Download \"[AnkiDroid Flashcards](https:\u002F\u002Fplay.google.com\u002Fstore\u002Fapps\u002Fdetails?id=com.ichi2.anki&hl=en)\"\n\nAs with the iOS app, there are several unofficial versions of Anki on the Google Play. Many of these unofficial versions will charge you a subscription to use Anki. The app that you want is AnkiDroid Flashcards, which has active community support and is completely free.\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-anki-android.jpeg\" width=\"1240\" height=\"864\" alt=\"A screenshot of the various iOS versions of Anki.\" \u002F>\n\n### 3. Find a shared deck to learn from...\n\nThat Ankiweb account you created gives you access to all of [Anki's shared decks](https:\u002F\u002Fankiweb.net\u002Fshared\u002Fdecks)—decks that people in the community have made on their own and decided to share for free.\n\nFor example, here's the most popular Japanese flashcard decks available on Ankiweb:\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-anki-shared.jpeg\" width=\"2674\" height=\"1660\" alt=\"A screenshot of the shared Japanese decks available for free on Ankiweb.\" \u002F>\n\nQuality varies _significantly_ from deck to deck, but if you look around, you can find some cool stuff that people have obviously put a lot of time and love into.\n\nIf you find a deck that looks useful to you:\n\n1. Download the deck(s) from Ankiweb on desktop\n2. Open the Anki app\n3. Import the decks by clicking \"import file\" in the bottom-right corner\n4. Click \"sync\" in the top-right corner to upload the decks to your Anki account\n5. Open your mobile app and click \"sync\" to download the decks to your phone\n\n### 4. ... or make your own flashcards\n\nIdeally, you're studying flashcards that you've made by yourself, not flashcards that somebody else has made. We talk about why in this post on [how to learn vocabulary in another language](\u002Fblog\u002Fjapanese\u002Fhow-to-learn-japanese-vocabulary).\n\nSo, if you're up for making your own flashcards—great!\n\nUnfortunately, this means that you're going to have to learn how to use Anki. This will take time. An explanation of how to make your own Anki cards could be entire blog post by itself, and I'm not going to make one because my cards kinda suck. I'm pretty lazy, have no sense of design, and never found out a way to manually create Anki flashcards that's easy enough that I would consistently do it.\n\nInstead, here's a nice Anki tutorial from YouTube about how to make Anki flashcards for language learners. It's 30 minutes long, and this honestly just the beginning:\n\n\u003Ccustom-iframe src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FQBcQJESGQvc?si=Hlxkpo2RmZdR4xun\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-iframe>\n\n_(As intimidating as this sounds, Anki is super powerful. If you like tinkering with stuff, spending a few hours to learn the basics of Anki will enable you to make some pretty cool stuff.)_\n\n---\n\n## FAQs \u002F How to succeed with Anki\n\nRandomly taking a peek at Google, here's my response to some of the most common \"People also ask...\" questions. If you've got a question that isn't answered here, jump into [our Discord channel](\u002Fblog\u002Fjapanese\u002Fmigaku-japanese-learning-discord) and ask away 🙂\n\nAnyway, in no particular order:\n\n### Make Anki a part of your daily life with a trigger-action plan\n\nAnki isn't just an app; it's a way of life.\n\nI'm joking—kind of—but, really: Anki is intended to be used every day.\n\nWhen you review a flashcard on Anki, Anki's algorithm schedules a date for you to review that flashcard again in the future, _juuuuust_ before it thinks you will forget the information on the flashcard. This means that the \"difficulty\" of Anki is pretty manageable if you keep up with it daily, but you'll get frustrated trying to keep up if you only do your reviews a few times per week.\n\nIf you're not very good at creating new habits:\n\n1. Learn about [the Habit Loop](https:\u002F\u002Fjamesclear.com\u002Fhabit-triggers), or what causes certain behaviors to stick\n2. Build a [Trigger-Action Plan](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.lesswrong.com\u002Fposts\u002FwJutA2czyFg6HbYoW\u002Fwhat-are-trigger-action-plans-taps) around one of the Habit Loop's triggers\n3. Commence with your new life\n\n### Study for a few minutes here and there, not in one massive session\n\nKind of following up on the above—there's this thing called [the serial-position effect](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FSerial-position_effect). It basically means that we better remember the first and last things in a study session better than the things we encounter in the middle of a study session. (This is part of the reason why cramming is terrible for you.)\n\nWhen you do Anki for a minute or two here and there throughout the day, this gives you many starts and ends. This is a really simple study hack, but it delivers results.\n\n### Don't learn too many daily new cards, for now\n\nThere are, essentially, two kinds of cards on Anki:\n\n- New cards are cards that you have not learned yet\n- Review cards are cards that you have already learned and are waiting to review again\n\nBy default, Anki will assign you five new cards per day per deck. This means that:\n\n- Every day, Anki will show you five cards you haven't seen before\n- Every day, Anki will also ask you to review all of the previously-studied cards it thinks you are about to forget\n\nYou're going to want to do more than that, but _don't_. In fact, if you're new to language learning, I recommend opening the [deck options](https:\u002F\u002Fdocs.ankiweb.net\u002Fdeck-options.html) and changing your daily new card count from five to three.\n\nThe reason for this is that Anki schedules each flashcard you learn today for review at some point in the future. As you review dozens, hundreds, and thousands of flashcard, this can become overwhelming. As a rule of thumb, for every one daily new flashcard you learn, you're also going to end up reviewing 10 flashcards.\n\nWith that in mind:\n\n1. Start with three daily new flashcards\n2. If you go two weeks without missing a single day, up the count by 3 daily flashcards\n3. Repeat step two until you begin regularly (once per week) failing to complete all of your flashcards—this is your current limit, given the amount of time you're giving to language learning\n\n### Watch this video to learn what sort of things you should make flashcards out of\n\nThe fact that you _can_ make a flashcard does not mean that you _should_ create a flashcard.\n\nYou see, some words are much, much, much more common than other words.\n\nWhile a college-educated native speaker knows roughly 30,000 words:\n\n- Just ~1,500 words make up ~80% of all word occurrences\n- Some words appear commonly in some genres\u002Ftypes of media, but not others: _aggregate_ will be all over an economics textbook, but may never come up in daily life or a drama on Netflix\n\nIn other words, this is very much a situation where you want to work smarter, not harder. A bit of planning ahead will save you a ludicrous amount of time.\n\nWatch this video to learn about why vocab frequency matters and what words are\u002Faren't worth making flashcards out of:\n\n\u003Ccustom-iframe src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FTh4sh5iHyY8?si=kZwscvwQU20fVGv8\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-iframe>\n\n### When grading yourself, only press \"Again\" or \"Good\"\n\nI'm going to skim over this because it's a pretty complex topic, but Anki's scheduler is very complex. When you press easy or hard after studying a flashcard, it adds a kind of permanent multiplier to the algorithm. Over time, this leads the algorithm to think that a particular card is much easier or harder than it actually is. This causes you to see the card much more or less frequently than you should, and that's bad.\n\nYou can see why [here](https:\u002F\u002Freadbroca.com\u002Fanki\u002Fease-hell\u002F), but unless you really know what you're doing, approach your Anki reviews in a black-and-white fashion:\n\n- Press \"good\" if you think you know the content of the card as well as you want to know it\n- Press \"again\" if you don't\n\n## Why I stopped using Anki after over 10 years\n\nSo, I've used Anki for about 10 years.\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-anki-stats.jpeg\" width=\"1244\" height=\"874\" alt=\"A screenshot of my stats on Anki.\" \u002F>\n\nAbove you can see my stats since 2020: I've used Anki 9 days out of 10 for the last like 5 years.\n\nMy data only goes back to 2020 because I actually deleted the app in 2019, shortly after coming to Taiwan. You see, I'd gotten a bit _too_ into Anki:\n\n- I was spending ~2 hours per day _just_ doing flashcards\n- I'd get stressed when I got a vocab word wrong that Anki thought I \"should\" know (it had an interval of 6+ months or a few years)\n- If I wanted to create a new card, it required completely breaking my flow (put down my book, type out the sentence, copy a definition from Google, etc)... and my cards were ugly\n\n> That was problematic because what really matters when learning languages is simple exposure. When we consume content in another language and understand the messages within that media, we improve at the language we're learning.\n\nI came back to Anki a year later after setting a bunch of restrictions to control my usage and ensure that my flashcards would _complement_ my interaction with target languages, not _replace_ it. That worked alright.\n\nThen, last year, I started using Migaku.\n\nMigaku is an app like Anki, but it's been built specifically for language learners. To be super quick about this, it makes text in foreign languages interactive—on text-based websites and also places like YouTube and Netflix, you can simply click\u002Ftap on foreign words to see what they mean:\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-flashcards-2.webp\" width=\"1650\" height=\"926\" alt=\"A screenshot showing how Migaku makes it easy to see definitions of new words you encounter while using a foreign language\" \u002F>\n\nIf you decide the word is useful, then you can create a high-quality flashcard out of it with just one more click: I'm talking dictionary definitions, built-in TTS audio support for sentences, AI grammar breakdowns, and all sorts of cool stuff. You _can_ do that with Anki, too, but it takes a lot of manual work, CSS customization, and technical stuff. I'm not super good with technology, so I never wanted to bother with it, personally.\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-flashcards-3.webp\" width=\"1650\" height=\"926\" alt=\"A screenshot showing how Migaku makes it easy to create flashcards out of the content you're consuming in another language\" \u002F>\n\nMore importantly, the fact that it takes literally one second to create solid flashcards means that I'm actually making them. That's huge. Since all of my flashcards come from the things I enjoy, I know that the time I spend in Migaku is directly enabling me to better consume the media I enjoy. It's a cool feeling. My flashcards now _complement_ my immersion, rather than _compete_ with it.\n\n> As an ex Anki power user, Migaku is what I always wished Anki would be.\n\nIn 2024, I \"soft\" quit Anki for a second time: I still have old Anki decks I want to finish, but from now on, I am only creating new cards in Migaku.\n\n### TL;DR\n\nIf you're reading this post because you're thinking about picking up Anki—I won't stop you. Anki has been a huge part of my life and I will always support it.\n\n...At the same time, I think you'll find that Migaku gives you better results for less effort.\n\nSo, I'd like to ask you to try Migaku for 10 days.\n\n- It's totally free and doesn't require credit card information or anything like that\n- If you decide Migaku isn't for you, you can just follow the above steps to switch over to Anki\n\n\u003Cprose-button href=\"\u002F\" text=\"Try Migaku for free\">\u003C\u002Fprose-button>\n\n## Wrapping up \n\nIf you're thinking about learning a language, Anki is basically a super power.\n\nIt's an indispensable part of any language learner's toolbox... but it wasn't made by or for language learners. If you use it for a long time, you'll notice this.\n\nAt Migaku, we set out to build the app we thought Anki _could_ be.\n\nWhichever app you go with, good luck with your learning journey! 💪\n",{"title":23578,"description":24293},"article\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-resource-how-use-anki","24TzROxrdxNdRjX0vSeyxDknIrqRlIZVJaHGoo-GiW0","January 20, 2025",{"id":24311,"title":24312,"body":24313,"description":26808,"extension":929,"meta":26809,"navigation":942,"path":26818,"rawbody":26819,"seo":26820,"stem":26821,"__hash__":26822,"timestampUnix":26810,"slug":26811,"h1":26812,"image":26813,"tags":26817,"_dir":948,"timestamp":26823},"content\u002Farticle\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-russian-why-hard.md","Why Is Russian So Hard To Learn? An Overview Of Its Difficulty",{"type":8,"value":24314,"toc":26779},[24315,24322,24328,24334,24337,24339,24341,24345,24358,24369,24381,24384,24388,24397,24400,24469,24472,24508,24511,24757,24760,24856,24859,24879,24887,24890,24893,24895,24899,24910,24913,24917,24920,25113,25116,25121,25276,25287,25311,25325,25331,25362,25365,25368,25371,25382,25405,25408,25431,25434,25437,25470,25473,25615,25619,25622,25625,25628,25636,25639,25642,25646,25649,25652,25665,25746,25749,25757,25762,25766,25769,25772,25802,25805,25825,25829,25841,25855,25858,25914,25917,25920,25932,25935,25939,25948,25951,25962,25965,25984,25987,25996,25998,26002,26005,26008,26012,26021,26035,26038,26041,26049,26052,26055,26059,26070,26072,26083,26086,26089,26124,26132,26136,26139,26142,26145,26153,26156,26158,26166,26169,26176,26185,26188,26190,26194,26197,26200,26211,26215,26222,26225,26241,26244,26259,26262,26273,26276,26294,26297,26305,26308,26340,26346,26350,26353,26356,26367,26370,26381,26384,26400,26403,26419,26422,26433,26436,26440,26443,26524,26528,26534,26538,26541,26544,26547,26603,26606,26612,26617,26621,26624,26627,26633,26636,26644,26647,26651,26654,26662,26665,26668,26675,26678,26682,26685,26689,26702,26705,26708,26711,26714,26717,26720,26725,26729,26738,26744,26747,26750,26752,26756,26759,26762,26768,26771,26774],[11,24316,24317,24318,24321],{},"So you want to learn Russian, but it's commonly considered to be one of the hardest languages in the world. Taking about ten seconds to look into the basics of the language would seem to confirm this suspicion: the Russian word for \"hello\", ",[21,24319,24320],{},"здравствуйте"," (zdravstvuite) is several syllables long and contains some consonant clusters we don't use in English.",[11,24323,24324,24325],{},"Check for yourself: здравствуйте ",[57,24326],{"src":24327,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fru-здравствуйте.mp3",[11,24329,24330,24331,844],{},"Say what you will, that's definitely a step up from ",[21,24332,24333],{},"hola",[11,24335,24336],{},"But what is it about the Russian language, exactly, that makes it so hard to learn?",[30,24338],{},[34,24340],{},[37,24342,24344],{"id":24343},"what-makes-russian-so-hard-to-learn-in-a-nutshell","What makes Russian so hard to learn, in a nutshell",[11,24346,24347,24348,24353,24354,844],{},"We're going to get into the nitty gritty in a second, but what most of these points boil down to is that ",[867,24349,24352],{"href":24350,"rel":24351},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FFusional_language",[1196],"Russian is a fusional language",", whereas ",[867,24355,24357],{"href":16201,"rel":24356},[1196],"English is an analytical language",[11,24359,24360,24361,24364,24365,24368],{},"This means that whereas English likes to have nice clean words that don't really change shape that much—a duck is a duck is a duck—pretty much all Russian words come with several possible shapes. For example, in Russian, a duck is утка (utka) ",[57,24362],{"src":24363,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fru-утка.mp3"," if it's flying in the air but утку (utku) ",[57,24366],{"src":24367,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fru-утку.mp3"," if you're eating it. This has implications for grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and even how you go about writing the Cyrillic alphabet.",[86,24370,24371],{},[11,24372,24373,24374,24377,24378,24380],{},"Setting aside the question of whether Russian is ",[21,24375,24376],{},"difficult",", we can definitely say that it is very ",[21,24379,3214],{}," than English.",[11,24382,24383],{},"If you want to learn Russian, and you're a native English speaker, I would simply say that the language will feel difficult until you figure out how its logic works. Once you've got that down, many things will click quite quickly.",[37,24385,24387],{"id":24386},"the-cyrillic-alphabet-the-russian-alphabet","The Cyrillic alphabet (the Russian alphabet)",[11,24389,24390,24391,24396],{},"The name for the Russian alphabet is the Cyrillic script, named after ",[867,24392,24395],{"href":24393,"rel":24394},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FCyril_and_Methodius",[1196],"the Greek monk Cyril",". The bad news is that the Cyrillic script is indeed different than the Latin script that we use in English, but the good news is that there's actually quite a bit of overlap.",[11,24398,24399],{},"In fact, even without studying it, you'll recognize about 15% of the Russian alphabet:",[183,24401,24402,24415],{},[186,24403,24404],{},[189,24405,24406,24409,24412],{},[192,24407,24408],{},"Capital",[192,24410,24411],{},"Lowercase",[192,24413,24414],{},"English Approximation",[208,24416,24417,24427,24437,24447,24458],{},[189,24418,24419,24422,24425],{},[213,24420,24421],{},"А",[213,24423,24424],{},"а",[213,24426,867],{},[189,24428,24429,24432,24435],{},[213,24430,24431],{},"Т",[213,24433,24434],{},"т",[213,24436,11580],{},[189,24438,24439,24442,24445],{},[213,24440,24441],{},"О",[213,24443,24444],{},"о",[213,24446,6093],{},[189,24448,24449,24452,24455],{},[213,24450,24451],{},"М",[213,24453,24454],{},"м",[213,24456,24457],{},"m",[189,24459,24460,24463,24466],{},[213,24461,24462],{},"К",[213,24464,24465],{},"к",[213,24467,24468],{},"k",[11,24470,24471],{},"And then there's two more letters that you'll probably recognize if you squint a bit:",[183,24473,24474,24484],{},[186,24475,24476],{},[189,24477,24478,24480,24482],{},[192,24479,24408],{},[192,24481,24411],{},[192,24483,24414],{},[208,24485,24486,24497],{},[189,24487,24488,24491,24494],{},[213,24489,24490],{},"Б",[213,24492,24493],{},"б",[213,24495,24496],{},"b",[189,24498,24499,24502,24505],{},[213,24500,24501],{},"Д",[213,24503,24504],{},"д",[213,24506,24507],{},"d",[11,24509,24510],{},"There's several more letters that look kinda funky, but at least sound very similar to an English sound:",[183,24512,24513,24523],{},[186,24514,24515],{},[189,24516,24517,24519,24521],{},[192,24518,24408],{},[192,24520,24411],{},[192,24522,24414],{},[208,24524,24525,24542,24558,24569,24580,24591,24602,24619,24636,24647,24657,24668,24679,24689,24700,24711,24721,24740],{},[189,24526,24527,24530,24533],{},[213,24528,24529],{},"Й",[213,24531,24532],{},"й",[213,24534,24535,24536],{},"y ",[21,24537,24538,24539,4329],{},"(as in Jo",[4455,24540,24541],{},"y",[189,24543,24544,24547,24550],{},[213,24545,24546],{},"И",[213,24548,24549],{},"и",[213,24551,24552,24553],{},"ee ",[21,24554,24538,24555,4329],{},[4455,24556,24557],{},"ey",[189,24559,24560,24563,24566],{},[213,24561,24562],{},"Я",[213,24564,24565],{},"я",[213,24567,24568],{},"ya",[189,24570,24571,24574,24577],{},[213,24572,24573],{},"Е",[213,24575,24576],{},"е",[213,24578,24579],{},"ye",[189,24581,24582,24585,24588],{},[213,24583,24584],{},"Ё",[213,24586,24587],{},"ё",[213,24589,24590],{},"yo",[189,24592,24593,24596,24599],{},[213,24594,24595],{},"Э",[213,24597,24598],{},"э",[213,24600,24601],{},"eh",[189,24603,24604,24607,24610],{},[213,24605,24606],{},"У",[213,24608,24609],{},"у",[213,24611,24612,24613],{},"ooh ",[21,24614,24615,24616,24618],{},"(as in g",[4455,24617,6093],{},"ose)",[189,24620,24621,24624,24627],{},[213,24622,24623],{},"Ю",[213,24625,24626],{},"ю",[213,24628,24629,24630],{},"you ",[21,24631,24632,24633,24635],{},"(as in ",[4455,24634,4455],{},"niverse)",[189,24637,24638,24641,24644],{},[213,24639,24640],{},"З",[213,24642,24643],{},"з",[213,24645,24646],{},"z",[189,24648,24649,24652,24655],{},[213,24650,24651],{},"С",[213,24653,24654],{},"с",[213,24656,83],{},[189,24658,24659,24662,24665],{},[213,24660,24661],{},"В",[213,24663,24664],{},"в",[213,24666,24667],{},"v",[189,24669,24670,24673,24676],{},[213,24671,24672],{},"Ф",[213,24674,24675],{},"ф",[213,24677,24678],{},"f",[189,24680,24681,24684,24687],{},[213,24682,24683],{},"Н",[213,24685,24686],{},"н",[213,24688,11579],{},[189,24690,24691,24694,24697],{},[213,24692,24693],{},"Г",[213,24695,24696],{},"г",[213,24698,24699],{},"guh",[189,24701,24702,24705,24708],{},[213,24703,24704],{},"П",[213,24706,24707],{},"п",[213,24709,24710],{},"puh",[189,24712,24713,24716,24719],{},[213,24714,24715],{},"Р",[213,24717,24718],{},"р",[213,24720,2088],{},[189,24722,24723,24726,24729],{},[213,24724,24725],{},"Х",[213,24727,24728],{},"х",[213,24730,24731,24732],{},"ch ",[21,24733,24632,24734,4329],{},[21,24735,24736,24737],{},"lo",[4455,24738,24739],{},"ch",[189,24741,24742,24745,24748],{},[213,24743,24744],{},"Ч",[213,24746,24747],{},"ч",[213,24749,24731,24750],{},[21,24751,24632,24752,4329],{},[21,24753,24754,24756],{},[4455,24755,24739],{},"eese",[11,24758,24759],{},"And then there's a handful of letters that are just completely new:",[183,24761,24762,24772],{},[186,24763,24764],{},[189,24765,24766,24768,24770],{},[192,24767,24408],{},[192,24769,24411],{},[192,24771,24414],{},[208,24773,24774,24788,24802,24816,24830,24843],{},[189,24775,24776,24779,24782],{},[213,24777,24778],{},"Ш",[213,24780,24781],{},"ш",[213,24783,24784,24785,24787],{},"\"sh\", but with the tip of ",[132,24786],{}," the tongue pointing upwards",[189,24789,24790,24793,24796],{},[213,24791,24792],{},"Щ",[213,24794,24795],{},"щ",[213,24797,24798,24799,24801],{},"Put your tongue in position to say \"y\" as ",[132,24800],{}," in \"yes\", and say \"sh\" while holding that shape",[189,24803,24804,24807,24810],{},[213,24805,24806],{},"Ж",[213,24808,24809],{},"ж",[213,24811,24812,24813,24815],{},"The difference between Ш and Ж is ",[132,24814],{}," is the same as that of \"s\" and \"z\"",[189,24817,24818,24821,24824],{},[213,24819,24820],{},"Ц",[213,24822,24823],{},"ц",[213,24825,24826,24827,24829],{},"\"Ts\" as in \"cats\", but can appear ",[132,24828],{}," anywhere in a word",[189,24831,24832,24835,24838],{},[213,24833,24834],{},"Ь",[213,24836,24837],{},"ь",[213,24839,24840],{},[21,24841,24842],{},"Search this page (Ctrl + \"f\") for \"soft sign\"",[189,24844,24845,24848,24851],{},[213,24846,24847],{},"Ъ",[213,24849,24850],{},"ъ",[213,24852,24853],{},[21,24854,24855],{},"Search this page (Ctrl + \"f\") for \"hard sign\"",[11,24857,24858],{},"If you want to learn to write the Cyrillic alphabet, or just want to get a bit more practice, you can try writing these words. They're cognates (shared between Russian and English), so if you can work out what the letters sound like, you'll understand what the words mean.",[121,24860,24861,24864,24867,24870,24873,24876],{},[124,24862,24863],{},"Атом",[124,24865,24866],{},"Банк",[124,24868,24869],{},"Бомба",[124,24871,24872],{},"Транспорт",[124,24874,24875],{},"Журналист",[124,24877,24878],{},"Коммуникация",[86,24880,24881],{},[11,24882,24883,24884,844],{},"Putting all that together, here's how to write \"the Cyrillic alphabet\" in Russian: ",[69,24885,24886],{},"Кириллица",[11,24888,24889],{},"Can you read it?",[11,24891,24892],{},"If not, don't worry! The Cyrillic alphabet may look scary now, but it'll become second nature very quickly, once you start diving into Russian texts.",[34,24894],{},[37,24896,24898],{"id":24897},"russian-grammar-grammatical-case-grammatical-gender-and-verbs","[Russian grammar] Grammatical case, grammatical gender, and verbs",[11,24900,24901,24902,24905,24906,24909],{},"Generally speaking, when people say that Russian is hard, they mean that Russian ",[21,24903,24904],{},"grammar"," is hard. To speak Russian grammatically correctly, you need to be able to use the right form of Russian verbs, Russian nouns, and Russian adjectives... and there are a ",[21,24907,24908],{},"lot"," of forms to keep track of. That means a fair bit of memorization for most learners, and also getting familiar with some rather technical grammatical concepts.",[11,24911,24912],{},"Here's the top three things about Russian grammar that, in my opinion, will trip learners up:",[414,24914,24916],{"id":24915},"grammatical-case-noun-declensions","Grammatical case (noun declensions)",[11,24918,24919],{},"We won't go into a ton of detail here, but here's a demonstration of what grammatical cases are:",[183,24921,24922,24936],{},[186,24923,24924],{},[189,24925,24926,24928,24930,24933],{},[192,24927,1073],{},[192,24929,6606],{},[192,24931,24932],{},"Generally used to...",[192,24934,24935],{},"Rough English approximation",[208,24937,24938,24963,24996,25027,25057,25086],{},[189,24939,24940,24947,24950,24953],{},[213,24941,24942],{},[867,24943,24946],{"href":24944,"rel":24945},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FNominative_case",[1196],"Nominative case",[213,24948,24949],{},"Именительный падеж",[213,24951,24952],{},"Indicate which noun is the subject of a sentence",[213,24954,24955,24956,5498,24958,4329],{},"The thing doing a verb ",[132,24957],{},[21,24959,24960,24962],{},[4455,24961,11533],{}," sent you half of a potato in the park via carrier pigeon.",[189,24964,24965,24972,24975,24984],{},[213,24966,24967],{},[867,24968,24971],{"href":24969,"rel":24970},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FGenitive_case",[1196],"Genitive case",[213,24973,24974],{},"Родительный падеж",[213,24976,24977,24978,24983],{},"Indicate the noun that ",[867,24979,24982],{"href":24980,"rel":24981},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FSubject_(grammar)",[1196],"the subject"," of a sentence belongs\u002Fpertains to",[213,24985,24986,24987,5498,24989,4329],{},"The thing after \"of\" or \"(noun)'s\" ",[132,24988],{},[21,24990,24991,24992,24995],{},"I sent you half ",[4455,24993,24994],{},"of a potato"," in the park via carrier pigeon.",[189,24997,24998,25005,25008,25016],{},[213,24999,25000],{},[867,25001,25004],{"href":25002,"rel":25003},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FDative_case",[1196],"Dative case",[213,25006,25007],{},"Дательный падеж",[213,25009,25010,25011],{},"Indicate which noun is ",[867,25012,25015],{"href":25013,"rel":25014},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.m.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FObject_(grammar)#Types",[1196],"the indirect object",[213,25017,25018,25019,5498,25021,4329],{},"The direction\u002Frecipient of an action ",[132,25020],{},[21,25022,25023,25024,25026],{},"I sent ",[4455,25025,3334],{}," half of a potato in the park via carrier pigeon.",[189,25028,25029,25036,25039,25045],{},[213,25030,25031],{},[867,25032,25035],{"href":25033,"rel":25034},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FAccusative_case",[1196],"Accusative case",[213,25037,25038],{},"Винительный падеж",[213,25040,25010,25041],{},[867,25042,25044],{"href":25013,"rel":25043},[1196],"the direct object",[213,25046,25047,25048,5498,25050,4329],{},"The thing you do a verb \"to\" ",[132,25049],{},[21,25051,25052,25053,25056],{},"I sent you ",[4455,25054,25055],{},"half"," of a potato in the park via carrier pigeon.",[189,25058,25059,25066,25069,25075],{},[213,25060,25061],{},[867,25062,25065],{"href":25063,"rel":25064},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FInstrumental_case",[1196],"Instrumental case",[213,25067,25068],{},"Творительный падеж",[213,25070,25071,25072,25074],{},"Indicate which noun is the means by which the subject does something",[132,25073],{}," (or who you do something with)",[213,25076,25077,25078,5498,25080,4329],{},"By\u002Fwith something ",[132,25079],{},[21,25081,25082,25083,844],{},"I sent you half of a potato in the park ",[4455,25084,25085],{},"via carrier pigeon",[189,25087,25088,25095,25098,25101],{},[213,25089,25090],{},[867,25091,25094],{"href":25092,"rel":25093},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FAdpositional_case",[1196],"Prepositional case",[213,25096,25097],{},"Предложный падеж",[213,25099,25100],{},"Indicate where something takes place",[213,25102,25103,25104,5498,25106,4329],{},"In\u002Fat\u002Fon ... ",[132,25105],{},[21,25107,25108,25109,25112],{},"I sent you half of a potato ",[4455,25110,25111],{},"in the park"," via carrier pigeon.",[11,25114,25115],{},"We actually technically have these same cases in English, but we communicate them via word order. In Russian, word order is less important because you change the form of nouns and adjectives to show what role they're playing in a sentence.",[11,25117,25118,25119,1198],{},"For example, here are the forms of the Russian word for ",[21,25120,6500],{},[183,25122,25123,25139],{},[186,25124,25125],{},[189,25126,25127,25130,25133,25136],{},[192,25128,25129],{},"Case",[192,25131,25132],{},"Noun form (singular)",[192,25134,25135],{},"Noun form (plural)",[192,25137,25138],{},"Rough\u002Fpossible translation",[208,25140,25141,25164,25186,25209,25229,25253],{},[189,25142,25143,25146,25154,25161],{},[213,25144,25145],{},"Nominative",[213,25147,25148,25149,55,25151],{},"лиц",[4455,25150,24444],{},[21,25152,25153],{},"(litso)",[213,25155,25148,25156,55,25158],{},[4455,25157,24424],{},[21,25159,25160],{},"(litsa)",[213,25162,25163],{},"The face(s) ...",[189,25165,25166,25169,25175,25183],{},[213,25167,25168],{},"Genitive",[213,25170,25148,25171,55,25173],{},[4455,25172,24424],{},[21,25174,25160],{},[213,25176,25177,25178,55,25180],{},"ли",[4455,25179,24823],{},[21,25181,25182],{},"(lits)",[213,25184,25185],{},"...of the face(s)",[189,25187,25188,25191,25198,25206],{},[213,25189,25190],{},"Dative",[213,25192,25148,25193,55,25195],{},[4455,25194,24609],{},[21,25196,25197],{},"(litsu)",[213,25199,25148,25200,55,25203],{},[4455,25201,25202],{},"ам",[21,25204,25205],{},"(litsam)",[213,25207,25208],{},"...to\u002Ftoward the face(s)",[189,25210,25211,25214,25220,25226],{},[213,25212,25213],{},"Accusative",[213,25215,25148,25216,55,25218],{},[4455,25217,24444],{},[21,25219,25153],{},[213,25221,25148,25222,55,25224],{},[4455,25223,24424],{},[21,25225,25160],{},[213,25227,25228],{},"(hit\u002Ftouch\u002Fsee\u002Fetc.) the face(s)",[189,25230,25231,25234,25242,25250],{},[213,25232,25233],{},"Instrumental",[213,25235,25148,25236,55,25239],{},[4455,25237,25238],{},"ом",[21,25240,25241],{},"(litsom)",[213,25243,25148,25244,55,25247],{},[4455,25245,25246],{},"ами",[21,25248,25249],{},"(litsami)",[213,25251,25252],{},"...with the face(s)",[189,25254,25255,25258,25265,25273],{},[213,25256,25257],{},"Prepositional",[213,25259,25148,25260,55,25262],{},[4455,25261,24576],{},[21,25263,25264],{},"(litse)",[213,25266,25148,25267,55,25270],{},[4455,25268,25269],{},"ах",[21,25271,25272],{},"(litsax)",[213,25274,25275],{},"...on the face(s)",[11,25277,25278,25279,25286],{},"And you can see Russian's cases in action here in this excerpt from ",[21,25280,25281],{},[867,25282,25285],{"href":25283,"rel":25284},"https:\u002F\u002Fruverses.com\u002Fsergey-esenin\u002Fletter-to-a-woman\u002F5313\u002F",[1196],"Letter to a woman by Sergey Esenin",", a famous poem:",[121,25288,25289],{},[124,25290,25291,25292,25294,25295,25297,25298,25300,25301,25303,25305,25306,25308,25310],{},"Лиц",[4455,25293,25238],{}," к лиц",[4455,25296,24609],{},", лиц",[4455,25299,24424],{}," не увидать.",[132,25302],{},[132,25304],{},"\nLitsom k litsu, litsa ne uvidat.",[132,25307],{},[132,25309],{},"\nFace to face, a face cannot be seen.",[4004,25312,25314],{"heading":25313},"Breaking the poem down a bit further",[121,25315,25316,25319,25322],{},[124,25317,25318],{},"лицом (instrumental case) — This might make more sense if you think of a phrase like \"with your back to the wall\"",[124,25320,25321],{},"лицу (dative case) — The structure \"к + dative case\" is used to show the direction\u002Forientation of something",[124,25323,25324],{},"лица (genitive case) — The structure (no\u002Fnot + genitive case\") is used to say that something isn't (something) or doesn't exist",[11,25326,25327,25328,25330],{},"That's as far as we'll go in this blog post, but cases ",[21,25329,5726],{}," unfortunately get a bit more complex than this.",[121,25332,25333,25339,25344,25350],{},[124,25334,25335,25338],{},[69,25336,25337],{},"Single vs plural"," — As you can see from the table above, there is a singular inflected form of each grammtical case and also a plural inflected form",[124,25340,25341,25343],{},[69,25342,20791],{}," — Лицо is a neuter noun, and most neuter nouns follow a similar set of inflection patterns (the pattern is underlined in the table above); masculine and feminine nouns have different inflection patterns",[124,25345,25346,25349],{},[69,25347,25348],{},"Nouns vs adjectives"," — Adjectives also change forms, depending on the grammatical case of the noun they are modifying",[124,25351,25352,25355,25356,25361],{},[69,25353,25354],{},"Patterns & spelling"," — Russian has ",[867,25357,25360],{"href":25358,"rel":25359},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.russianlessons.net\u002Fgrammar\u002Fspelling_rules.php",[1196],"a few rules about which letters can\u002Fcan't follow other letters",", and this sometimes causes minor deviations in how a word's inflected forms are spelled",[11,25363,25364],{},"In principle, though, this is how cases work.",[414,25366,20791],{"id":25367},"grammatical-gender",[11,25369,25370],{},"In Russian, nouns can have one of three possible genders:",[121,25372,25373,25376,25379],{},[124,25374,25375],{},"Masculine",[124,25377,25378],{},"Feminine",[124,25380,25381],{},"Neuter",[4004,25383,25385,25403],{"heading":25384},"If you don't know what grammatical gender is",[11,25386,25387,25388,25390,25391,25393,25394,25397,25398,427,25400,25402],{},"Know that it has nothing to do with ",[21,25389,3953],{}," gender. The word ",[21,25392,20440],{}," used to mean ",[21,25395,25396],{},"type",", so saying that something was \"masculine gender\" or \"masculine type\" just meant that it ended in a pattern that was similar to that of the word ",[21,25399,20549],{},[21,25401,20553],{},". When Russian says that a word is \"masculine in gender\", that doesn't mean to say that there's anything manly about it. The vast majority of the time, it's entirely arbitrary.",[11,25404,14732],{},[11,25406,25407],{},"You can pretty reliably tell what the gender (type) of a noun or adjective is simply by looking at its last couple letters:",[121,25409,25410,25415,25420,25425],{},[124,25411,25412,25414],{},[69,25413,25375],{}," — the word ends in a consonant or \"й\"",[124,25416,25417,25419],{},[69,25418,25378],{}," — the word ends in an \"а\" or \"я\"",[124,25421,25422,25424],{},[69,25423,25381],{}," — the word ends in an \"о\" or \"е\"",[124,25426,25427,25430],{},[69,25428,25429],{},"Toss up"," — If a word ends in ь, it could be masculine or feminine",[11,25432,25433],{},"It's important to know a noun's gender because it affects how grammatical case works. For example, the genitive singular form of masculine nouns generally ends in an \"ah\" sound, but the genitive singular form of feminine nouns generally ends in an \"ee\" sound.",[11,25435,25436],{},"Additionally, in Russian, the gender of adjectives must match the gender of nouns. Here's the nominative singular form of the adjective хороший (horoshij, \"good\") for three different words:",[121,25438,25439,25450,25460],{},[124,25440,25441,25442,25445,25446,25449],{},"Masculine — хорош",[4455,25443,25444],{},"ий"," сто",[4455,25447,25448],{},"л"," (khoróshaya stol, \"good table\")",[124,25451,25452,25453,25456,25457,25459],{},"Feminine — хорош",[4455,25454,25455],{},"ая"," книг",[4455,25458,24424],{}," (khoróshaya kniga, \"good book\")",[124,25461,25462,25463,25466,25467,25469],{},"Neuter — хорош",[4455,25464,25465],{},"ее"," окн",[4455,25468,24444],{}," (khorósheye okno, \"good window\")",[11,25471,25472],{},"And here's all the possible forms of the adjective хороший:",[183,25474,25475,25490],{},[186,25476,25477],{},[189,25478,25479,25481,25483,25485,25487],{},[192,25480,25129],{},[192,25482,25375],{},[192,25484,25381],{},[192,25486,25378],{},[192,25488,25489],{},"Plural",[208,25491,25492,25510,25527,25543,25557,25571,25584,25600],{},[189,25493,25494,25498,25501,25504,25507],{},[213,25495,25496],{},[69,25497,25145],{},[213,25499,25500],{},"хороший (khoróshiy)",[213,25502,25503],{},"хорошее (khorósheye)",[213,25505,25506],{},"хорошая (khoróshaya)",[213,25508,25509],{},"хорошие (khoróshiye)",[189,25511,25512,25516,25519,25521,25524],{},[213,25513,25514],{},[69,25515,25168],{},[213,25517,25518],{},"хорошего (khoróshevo)",[213,25520,25518],{},[213,25522,25523],{},"хорошей (khoróshey)",[213,25525,25526],{},"хороших (khoróshix)",[189,25528,25529,25533,25536,25538,25540],{},[213,25530,25531],{},[69,25532,25190],{},[213,25534,25535],{},"хорошему (khoróshemu)",[213,25537,25535],{},[213,25539,25523],{},[213,25541,25542],{},"хорошим (khoróshim)",[189,25544,25545,25549,25551,25553,25555],{},[213,25546,25547],{},[69,25548,25213],{},[213,25550],{},[213,25552],{},[213,25554],{},[213,25556],{},[189,25558,25559,25562,25564,25566,25569],{},[213,25560,25561],{},"- Animate",[213,25563,25518],{},[213,25565,25503],{},[213,25567,25568],{},"хорошую (khoróshuyu)",[213,25570,25526],{},[189,25572,25573,25576,25578,25580,25582],{},[213,25574,25575],{},"- Inanimate",[213,25577,25500],{},[213,25579,25503],{},[213,25581,25568],{},[213,25583,25509],{},[189,25585,25586,25590,25592,25594,25597],{},[213,25587,25588],{},[69,25589,25233],{},[213,25591,25542],{},[213,25593,25542],{},[213,25595,25596],{},"хорошей, хорошею (khoróshey, khorósheyu)",[213,25598,25599],{},"хорошими (khoróshimi)",[189,25601,25602,25606,25609,25611,25613],{},[213,25603,25604],{},[69,25605,25257],{},[213,25607,25608],{},"хорошем (khoróshem)",[213,25610,25608],{},[213,25612,25523],{},[213,25614,25526],{},[414,25616,25618],{"id":25617},"verb-conjugations","Verb conjugations",[11,25620,25621],{},"The good news is that Russian verb conjugation, relative to other languages, is quite straightforward. Russian only has the past, present, and future tenses.",[11,25623,25624],{},"The bad news is that something called verbal aspect is an essential part of Russian verbs, and this will be new to you as a native English speaker. We'll talk about that in a bit.",[11,25626,25627],{},"Combining those two statements:",[121,25629,25630,25633],{},[124,25631,25632],{},"Imperfective verbs have a past, present, and future form",[124,25634,25635],{},"Perfective verbs have a past and future form",[11,25637,25638],{},"All in all, this means that you'll learn two words for most verbs, and you'll also end up learning about ~20 forms\u002Fconjugations of each one.",[11,25640,25641],{},"And now let's quickly look at how Russian verbs work.",[3162,25643,25645],{"id":25644},"russian-present-tense","Russian present tense",[11,25647,25648],{},"Russian has two major types of verbs: those ending in -ать and those ending in -ить.",[11,25650,25651],{},"To conjugate Russian verbs, simply:",[3153,25653,25654,25657],{},[124,25655,25656],{},"Remove the -ть",[124,25658,25659,25660],{},"Add one of the below verb endings, depending on who is doing the verb\n",[121,25661,25662],{},[124,25663,25664],{},"For -ить verbs in the \"I\" or \"they\" form, remove the entire -ить, not just -ть",[183,25666,25667,25695],{},[186,25668,25669],{},[189,25670,25671,25677,25680,25683,25686,25689,25692],{},[192,25672,25673,25674,25676],{},"Person → ",[132,25675],{}," verb type ↓",[192,25678,25679],{},"Я, I",[192,25681,25682],{},"Мы, we",[192,25684,25685],{},"Ты, you (informal)",[192,25687,25688],{},"Вы, you (formal)",[192,25690,25691],{},"Он\u002Fона\u002Fоно",[192,25693,25694],{},"Они, they",[208,25696,25697,25722],{},[189,25698,25699,25704,25707,25710,25713,25716,25719],{},[213,25700,25701],{},[69,25702,25703],{},"Verbs ending in -ать",[213,25705,25706],{},"-ю",[213,25708,25709],{},"-ем",[213,25711,25712],{},"-ешь",[213,25714,25715],{},"-ете",[213,25717,25718],{},"-ет",[213,25720,25721],{},"-ют",[189,25723,25724,25729,25731,25734,25737,25740,25743],{},[213,25725,25726],{},[69,25727,25728],{},"Verbs ending in -ить",[213,25730,25706],{},[213,25732,25733],{},"-им",[213,25735,25736],{},"-ишь",[213,25738,25739],{},"-ите",[213,25741,25742],{},"-ит",[213,25744,25745],{},"-ят",[11,25747,25748],{},"So, for example:",[121,25750,25751,25754],{},[124,25752,25753],{},"The Russian word for \"to know\" is знать (znat'). To say \"you know\" in Russian, that looks like this: знать → зна → знаешь",[124,25755,25756],{},"The Russian word for \"to talk\" is говорить (govorit'). To say \"they talk\" in Russian, that looks like this: говорить → говори → говоришь",[11,25758,25759],{},[21,25760,25761],{},"(Note: there are a few exceptions, and spelling rules sometimes cause minor changes, such as turning the \"I\" form -ю into -у)",[3162,25763,25765],{"id":25764},"russian-past-tense","Russian past tense",[11,25767,25768],{},"The Russian past tense is super easy—the only thing you have to worry about is the gender of the person doing the verb.",[11,25770,25771],{},"Simply remove the -ть from the end of the verb, then add one of the below endings accordingly:",[183,25773,25774,25786],{},[186,25775,25776],{},[189,25777,25778,25780,25782,25784],{},[192,25779,25375],{},[192,25781,25378],{},[192,25783,25381],{},[192,25785,25489],{},[208,25787,25788],{},[189,25789,25790,25793,25796,25799],{},[213,25791,25792],{},"-л",[213,25794,25795],{},"-ла",[213,25797,25798],{},"-ло",[213,25800,25801],{},"-ли",[11,25803,25804],{},"So, the Russian word for \"to eat\" is есть.",[121,25806,25807,25813,25819],{},[124,25808,25809,25810],{},"\"He ate\" is он ел ",[21,25811,25812],{},"(on yel)",[124,25814,25815,25816],{},"\"She ate\" is она ела ",[21,25817,25818],{},"(ona yela)",[124,25820,25821,25822],{},"\"We ate\" is мы ели ",[21,25823,25824],{},"(my yeli)",[3162,25826,25828],{"id":25827},"verbal-aspect-russian-future-tense","Verbal aspect & Russian future tense",[11,25830,25831,25832,25837,25838,25840],{},"Whereas the past tense was a bit easier, the Russian future tense will present a challenge for learners: to use it correctly, you need to understand what's called ",[867,25833,25836],{"href":25834,"rel":25835},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FGrammatical_aspect#Aspect_vs._tense",[1196],"verbal aspect",". We'll talk about that more in the section on ",[21,25839,941],{},", but to speak very roughly, you should know that most Russian verbs come in pairs: one is perfective, the other imperfective.",[121,25842,25843,25849],{},[124,25844,25845,25848],{},[69,25846,25847],{},"Imperfective verbs"," are used when an action (a) is ongoing or (b) will repeat for an indefinite period of time",[124,25850,25851,25854],{},[69,25852,25853],{},"Perfective verbs"," are used when an action (a) is completed or (b) will repeat for a known\u002Flimited amount of times",[11,25856,25857],{},"For imperfective verbs, conjugate the verb быть (to be) into the present tense, and attach the infinitive\u002Fnormal form of your desired word:",[183,25859,25860,25887],{},[186,25861,25862],{},[189,25863,25864,25869,25872,25875,25878,25881,25884],{},[192,25865,25673,25866,25868],{},[132,25867],{}," infinitive ↓",[192,25870,25871],{},"Я, I (will)",[192,25873,25874],{},"Мы, we (will)",[192,25876,25877],{},"Ты, you (informal) (will)",[192,25879,25880],{},"Вы, you (formal) (will)",[192,25882,25883],{},"Он\u002Fона\u002Fоно (will)",[192,25885,25886],{},"Они, they (will)",[208,25888,25889],{},[189,25890,25891,25896,25899,25902,25905,25908,25911],{},[213,25892,25893],{},[69,25894,25895],{},"быть",[213,25897,25898],{},"буду",[213,25900,25901],{},"будем",[213,25903,25904],{},"будешь",[213,25906,25907],{},"будете",[213,25909,25910],{},"будет",[213,25912,25913],{},"будут",[11,25915,25916],{},"So, the imperfective form of \"to watch\" is смотреть (smotret'). To say \"I will be watching...\", that would be буду смотреть (budu smotret').",[11,25918,25919],{},"Now things get tricky.",[11,25921,25922,25923,25925,25926,25928,25929,25931],{},"Perfective verbs can't exist in the present tense: an action either ",[21,25924,3041],{}," done (meaning past tense) or ",[21,25927,822],{}," done (meaning future tense). This means that when you conjugate a perfective form into the present tense, it actually has a future-tense meaning: something ",[21,25930,13318],{}," be done.",[11,25933,25934],{},"The perfective form of the verb \"to watch\" is посмотреть (posmotret'). To say \"I will watch...\", you'd simply follow the present tense conjugations above to get посмотрю.",[3162,25936,25938],{"id":25937},"russian-participles","Russian participles",[11,25940,25941,25942,25947],{},"While beyond the scope of this blog article, know that ",[867,25943,25946],{"href":25944,"rel":25945},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FParticiple",[1196],"participles"," are very important to Russian sentence structure.",[11,25949,25950],{},"In English, we have two participles:",[121,25952,25953,25956],{},[124,25954,25955],{},"The present participle, which is the ~ing form of verbs",[124,25957,25958,25959,4329],{},"The past participle, which is used with have\u002Fhad (",[21,25960,25961],{},"had gone",[11,25963,25964],{},"And Russian takes this to a whole new level:",[121,25966,25967,25976],{},[124,25968,25969,25970,25975],{},"Participles are often ",[867,25971,25974],{"href":25972,"rel":25973},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FRussian_grammar#Adjectival_participle",[1196],"used as adjectives",", and thus follow the grammatical case rules we discussed above",[124,25977,25978,25979],{},"Participles are also ",[867,25980,25983],{"href":25981,"rel":25982},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FRussian_grammar#Adverbial_participle",[1196],"used as adverbs",[11,25985,25986],{},"It's a beautiful system when you get it down, but it'll take a lot of practice.",[11,25988,25989,25990,25995],{},"Here's the most ",[867,25991,25994],{"href":25992,"rel":25993},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.reddit.com\u002Fr\u002Frussian\u002Fcomments\u002Fsae0uk\u002Fcomment\u002Fhtt1k9w\u002F",[1196],"practical explanation of Russian participles"," I've personally found, if you'd like to explore the topic further.",[34,25997],{},[37,25999,26001],{"id":26000},"russian-vocabulary-word-formation-verbs-of-motion-and-verbal-aspect","[Russian vocabulary] Word formation, verbs of motion, and verbal aspect",[11,26003,26004],{},"When you think of learning vocabulary, it probably doesn't seem all that complicated: you see a word, you learn the word, and then you're able to use the word. Learning vocabulary is hard because you need to learn a lot of words, but it's not complex or confusing.",[11,26006,26007],{},"And then we have languages like Russian.",[414,26009,26011],{"id":26010},"verbal-aspect","Verbal aspect",[11,26013,26014,26015,171,26018,1198],{},"Let's quickly contrast ",[21,26016,26017],{},"tense",[21,26019,26020],{},"aspect",[121,26022,26023,26029],{},[124,26024,26025,26028],{},[69,26026,26027],{},"Tense"," places an action on a timeline, telling you the point or period in time when something took place",[124,26030,26031,26034],{},[69,26032,26033],{},"Aspect"," concerns how an action unfolds, telling you if it was completed, is in progress, happens regularly, and so forth",[11,26036,26037],{},"Tense and aspect come in pairs in English: the present progressive\u002Fcontinuous tense (as in \"I'm eating\") actually means present tense (happening now), progressive\u002Fcontinuous aspect (in progress).",[11,26039,26040],{},"In Russian, tense and aspect are entirely separate concepts:",[121,26042,26043,26046],{},[124,26044,26045],{},"Some words are perfective in aspect, other words are imperfective in aspect",[124,26047,26048],{},"All verbs can be situated in the past or future, and imperfective verbs can also be situated in the present",[11,26050,26051],{},"And this means that, whereas we often just see one word in English (to watch), Russian will see the necessity for two verbs: смотреть (smotret') to say that you watched something but didn't finish watching it, and посмотреть (posmotret') to say that you watched something and finished it. For example, you'd say смотреть if you watched 20 minutes of a movie, but посмотреть if you watched the entire movie.",[11,26053,26054],{},"Verbal aspect presents a grammatical problem in the short term, as you'll have to disentangle it from tense. From that point on, it's a neverending vocabulary problem: in addition to learning what a Russian word means, you'll also have to know if it's perfective or imperfective to use it correctly.",[414,26056,26058],{"id":26057},"vocabulary-formation-with-prefixes","Vocabulary formation with prefixes",[11,26060,26061,26062,26066,26067,26069],{},"At first glance, Russian vocabulary seems like it shouldn't present many challenges. Looking at ",[867,26063,26065],{"href":5457,"rel":26064},[1196],"Russian and English's lexical similarity",", we see a score of 24%. To put that in perspective, French and English have a similarity of 27%. So this shouldn't be ",[21,26068,3953],{}," much harder than French, right?",[11,26071,11999],{},[11,26073,26074,26075,26078,26079,26082],{},"Remember how, way up above, we said that Russian was a ",[21,26076,26077],{},"fusional"," language (it likes to smash a bunch of words into one long word) whereas English was an ",[21,26080,26081],{},"analytical"," language (it likes to have many separate\u002Funique words)?",[11,26084,26085],{},"This extends to vocabulary, too.",[11,26087,26088],{},"Russian has a rich series of prefixes that attach to words and slightly change their meaning. For example, conider the below example, where English has four very different words but Russian has four flavors of one word:",[121,26090,26091,26097,26106,26115],{},[124,26092,26093,26096],{},[69,26094,26095],{},"To go"," — ходить (khodit')",[124,26098,26099,14861,26102,26105],{},[69,26100,26101],{},"To exit",[4455,26103,26104],{},"вы","ходить (vykhodit', \"vy\" meaning \"outwards\")",[124,26107,26108,14861,26111,26114],{},[69,26109,26110],{},"To arrive",[4455,26112,26113],{},"при","ходить (prikhodit', \"pri\" meaning \"attachment\")",[124,26116,26117,14861,26120,26123],{},[69,26118,26119],{},"To approach",[4455,26121,26122],{},"под","ходить (podkhodit', \"pod\" meaning \"toward\")",[11,26125,17084,26126,26131],{},[867,26127,26130],{"href":26128,"rel":26129},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wiktionary.org\u002Fwiki\u002FCategory:Russian_verbal_prefixes",[1196],"23 such verbal prefixes",", and as a beginner, it'll take some time to get used to the idea of seeing \"to arrive\" as just another form of \"to go\".",[414,26133,26135],{"id":26134},"verbs-of-motion","Verbs of motion",[11,26137,26138],{},"So, in the above section we said that ходить (khodit') meant \"to go\".",[11,26140,26141],{},"That's true... but there's more to the story than that.",[11,26143,26144],{},"Russian verbs that involve movement (usually) come in pairs:",[121,26146,26147,26150],{},[124,26148,26149],{},"A unidirectional word, which means you have a concrete destination in mind and are going there",[124,26151,26152],{},"A multidirectional word, which is used for habitual actions, movements made multiple times, or \"wandering\" movement without a set destination",[11,26154,26155],{},"ходить (khodit') is the multidirectional version of \"to go\"—you might think of it as something like \"to wander\". Its undirectional counterpart is идти (idti).",[11,26157,25748],{},[121,26159,26160,26163],{},[124,26161,26162],{},"You'd use идти (idti) to ask someone if they want to go to the movie theater tonight",[124,26164,26165],{},"You'd use ходить (khodit') if you go to the movie theater every Friday night",[11,26167,26168],{},"But wait! There's more!",[11,26170,26171,26172,26175],{},"Both ходить and идти refer to movement ",[21,26173,26174],{},"by foot",". If you're driving straight somewhere, you'd use the verb eхать (yekhat'); if you're talking about your regular commute you'd use the multidirectional verb eздить (yezdit')",[11,26177,26178,26179,26181,26182,26184],{},"Furthermore, these verbs are all imperfective. When you add a prefix to them, as with ",[4455,26180,26104],{},"ходить (vykhodit') or ",[4455,26183,26122],{},"ходить (podkhodit') from above, they become perfective.",[11,26186,26187],{},"Whereas we can get away with just saying \"go\" or \"take\" in English, regardless of context, Russian requires you to be much more specific. This will take getting used to.",[34,26189],{},[37,26191,26193],{"id":26192},"russian-pronunciation-palatalization-lexical-stress-and-new-sounds","[Russian pronunciation] Palatalization, lexical stress, and new sounds",[11,26195,26196],{},"Russian grammar is hard, Russian vocabulary is hard, and Russian pronunciation contains several challenges of its own, too.",[11,26198,26199],{},"While it would take several dozen pages to talk about all of the sounds in Russian, we can cover a lot of the key problems with just three issues:",[121,26201,26202,26205,26208],{},[124,26203,26204],{},"Palatalization (a way of modifying a consonant)",[124,26206,26207],{},"Lexical stress (which syllable of a word gets the \"oomph\")",[124,26209,26210],{},"A few sounds that don't exist in English",[414,26212,26214],{"id":26213},"palatalization","Palatalization",[11,26216,26217,26221],{},[867,26218,26214],{"href":26219,"rel":26220},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FPalatalization_(phonetics)",[1196]," is a way of modifying the way a consonant sounds, and it's a super important aspect of Russian pronunciation.",[11,26223,26224],{},"Skipping the technical linguistic details, do me a favor:",[121,26226,26227,26234],{},[124,26228,26229,26230,26233],{},"Say the word ",[21,26231,26232],{},"cannon"," very slowly; pay attention to the tip of your tongue, the middle of your tongue, and how your tongue moves as you say the word",[124,26235,26229,26236,26240],{},[21,26237,11546,26238,6101],{},[4455,26239,24541],{}," and do the same thing",[11,26242,26243],{},"And here's what you should notice:",[121,26245,26246,26252],{},[124,26247,26248,26249,26251],{},"When you say the NN in ",[21,26250,26232],{},", either the tip of your tongue or the spot just behind the tip of your tongue presses into the area just above the back of your front row of teeth",[124,26253,26254,26255,26258],{},"When you say the NY in ",[21,26256,26257],{},"canyon",", the middle region of your tongue also lifts toward the roof of your mouth",[11,26260,26261],{},"In a nutshell, all palatalization means is that you modify a sound by raising the middle of your tongue toward the roof of your mouth. Having said that, there are different types of sounds, and this \"lift the middle of your tongue\" may come more naturally to you with some sounds than others. For example:",[121,26263,26264,26267,26270],{},[124,26265,26266],{},"M, P, and B are made with your lips",[124,26268,26269],{},"T, D, S, and Z are made with your tongue in the front of your mouth",[124,26271,26272],{},"K and G are made with your tongue in the back of your mouth",[11,26274,26275],{},"In Russian, Palatalization is indicated in a few ways:",[121,26277,26278,26288,26291],{},[124,26279,26280,26281],{},"If the soft sign ь follows a consonant, that consonant becomes palatalized\n",[121,26282,26283],{},[124,26284,26285],{},[21,26286,26287],{},"(Note: If the hard sign ъ follows a consonant, that consonant remains unpalatalized, regardless of what letters it appears next to)",[124,26289,26290],{},"If a consonant is followed by a soft consonant (я, ё, ю, е, и), the consonant becomes palatalized",[124,26292,26293],{},"Щ and ч are always palatalized, no matter what letters appear around them",[11,26295,26296],{},"So this effectively means that you need to learn two versions of most Russian consonants:",[121,26298,26299,26302],{},[124,26300,26301],{},"A non-palatalized \"hard\" version",[124,26303,26304],{},"A palatalized “soft” version",[11,26306,26307],{},"Compare:",[121,26309,26310,26320,26330],{},[124,26311,26312,26313,26316,26317,844],{},"The hard N sound in нос (nos, \"nose\") ",[57,26314],{"src":26315,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fru-нос.mp3"," and the soft one in нёс (nyos, \"carries\") ",[57,26318],{"src":26319,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fru-нёс.mp3",[124,26321,26322,26323,26326,26327,844],{},"The hard L sound in лук (luk, \"onion\") ",[57,26324],{"src":26325,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fru-лук.mp3"," and the soft one in люк (lyuk, \"manhole\") ",[57,26328],{"src":26329,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fru-люк.mp3",[124,26331,26332,26333,26336,26337,844],{},"The hard T sound in мат (mat, \"vulgar language\") ",[57,26334],{"src":26335,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fru-мат.mp3"," and the soft one in мать (mat', \"mother\") ",[57,26338],{"src":26339,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fru-мать.mp3",[11,26341,26342,26343,844],{},"These sound very similar to native English speakers, but they are very different sounds to Russian speakers... and they're ",[21,26344,26345],{},"everywhere",[414,26347,26349],{"id":26348},"lexical-stress","Lexical stress",[11,26351,26352],{},"In a case of poetic justice, English speakers learning Russian get to enjoy a taste of the medicine that everybody learning English is forced to swallow.",[11,26354,26355],{},"Take a moment and say these three words:",[121,26357,26358,26361,26364],{},[124,26359,26360],{},"Pulverize",[124,26362,26363],{},"Important",[124,26365,26366],{},"Tambourines",[11,26368,26369],{},"Notice that they have a kind of rhythm:",[121,26371,26372,26375,26378],{},[124,26373,26374],{},"PULverize",[124,26376,26377],{},"imPORtant",[124,26379,26380],{},"tambouRINES",[11,26382,26383],{},"All lexical stress means is that one syllable in a word gets a bit more oomph than the other syllables.",[11,26385,26386,26387,26390,26391,26393,26394,26396,26397,26399],{},"To see what I mean, say the word ",[21,26388,26389],{},"banana",". Notice how these the A sounds underlined here (b",[4455,26392,867],{},"nan",[4455,26395,867],{},") sounds different than the middle A sound (ban",[4455,26398,867],{},"na).",[11,26401,26402],{},"The reason those As don't all sound the same is lexical stress.",[121,26404,26405,26411],{},[124,26406,26407,26408,26410],{},"The middle A (ban",[4455,26409,867],{},"na) is stressed, so it gets pronounced \"fully\"",[124,26412,26413,26414,26393,26416,26418],{},"The first and last A (b",[4455,26415,867],{},[4455,26417,867],{},") aren't stressed, so they get \"reduced\" and sound more like \"uhh\"",[11,26420,26421],{},"And Russian does the same thing.",[121,26423,26424,26427,26430],{},[124,26425,26426],{},"Every Russian word has stress on a particular syllable",[124,26428,26429],{},"The quality of non-stressed syllables get reduced",[124,26431,26432],{},"There's no way to predict which syllable gets stressed, so you just have to remember it",[11,26434,26435],{},"So you can't just remember what a Russian word means—you also need to remember its rhythm.",[414,26437,26439],{"id":26438},"new-sounds","New sounds",[11,26441,26442],{},"Russian presents six main new sounds:",[121,26444,26445,26458,26470,26482,26498,26511],{},[124,26446,26447,26450,26451,26454,26455],{},[69,26448,26449],{},"X"," — Like a our H, but much breathier: compare хаос (khaos, \"chaos\") ",[57,26452],{"src":26453,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fru-хаос.mp3"," with the word \"house\" ",[57,26456],{"src":26457,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fen-house.mp3",[124,26459,26460,26462,26463,26466,26467],{},[69,26461,24778],{}," — Like our \"sh\", but whereas we lift the middle of our tongue in English, Russians lay the middle of their tongue flat and lift the tip of their tongue straight up; compare шаг (shag, \"step\") ",[57,26464],{"src":26465,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fru-шаг.mp3"," and \"shag\" ",[57,26468],{"src":26469,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fen-shag.mp3",[124,26471,26472,26474,26475,26478,26479],{},[69,26473,24806],{}," — Like the \"zh\" sound in \"pleasure\", but differs in the same way as the above sound—we lift the middle of our tongue, Russians lift only the tip of their tongue; compare жанр (zhanr, \"genre\") ",[57,26476],{"src":26477,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fru-жанр.mp3"," and \"genre\" ",[57,26480],{"src":26481,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fen-genre.mp3",[124,26483,26484,26486,26487,26490,26491,26494,26495],{},[69,26485,24792],{}," — A ",[21,26488,26489],{},"palatalized"," \"sh\" sound—pronounce it with the tip of your tongue at the back and bottom of your bottom row of teeth and the middle of your tongue raised toward the roof of your mouth; compare щит (ssheet, \"sheet\") ",[57,26492],{"src":26493,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fru-щит.mp3"," and \"sheet\" ",[57,26496],{"src":26497,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fen-sheet.mp3",[124,26499,26500,26503,26504,26507,26508],{},[69,26501,26502],{},"The Russian R"," — Trilled (or at least flapped) in certain circumstances; compare радио (radio, \"radio\") ",[57,26505],{"src":26506,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fru-радио.mp3"," and \"radio\" ",[57,26509],{"src":26510,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fen-radio.mp3",[124,26512,26513,26516,26517,26520,26521],{},[69,26514,26515],{},"Ы"," — An \"ee\" sound made further back in your mouth, kind of resembling the sound you make when you get punched in the gut; compare ты (ty, \"you\") ",[57,26518],{"src":26519,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fru-ты.mp3"," and \"tea\" ",[57,26522],{"src":26523,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fen-tea.mp3",[37,26525,26527],{"id":26526},"cultural-differences-resources-friendship-and-communication-style","[Cultural differences] Resources, friendship, and communication style",[11,26529,26530,26531,26533],{},"While Russian ",[21,26532,3041],{}," a challenging language, some of what makes it difficult has to do with the culture surrounding it, rather than the language itself.",[414,26535,26537],{"id":26536},"lack-of-modern-resources","Lack of modern resources",[11,26539,26540],{},"Duolingo has a Russian course for beginners.",[11,26542,26543],{},"If you stray beyond that, though, you'll find your options surprisingly limited: books of practice exercises written in typewriter fonts that look like they indeed may not have been updated since people used typewriters.",[11,26545,26546],{},"For example, here are the Russian resources I got the most use out of as a beginner, personally:",[121,26548,26549,26557,26568,26576,26589,26597],{},[124,26550,26551,26556],{},[867,26552,26555],{"href":26553,"rel":26554},"https:\u002F\u002Frussianmadeeasy.com\u002F",[1196],"Russian Made Easy podcast"," — It's very simple and nothing is special about it, but it's clear, has a gentle learning curve, and will bring you from zero to one",[124,26558,26559,26567],{},[867,26560,26563,26564,4329],{"href":26561,"rel":26562},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.amazon.com\u002FNew-Penguin-Russian-Course-Beginners\u002Fdp\u002F0140120416",[1196],"The New Penguin Russian Course (from ",[21,26565,26566],{},"1996"," — It breaks down the Cyrillic alphabet in a very simple way and does a nice job of presenting the cases one at a time, which can be difficult to wrap your head around as a beginner",[124,26569,26570,26575],{},[867,26571,26574],{"href":26572,"rel":26573},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.amazon.com\u002FRussian-cases-beginner-tables-exercises\u002Fdp\u002F8416971218\u002F",[1196],"Sistema Kalinka's Russian Cases workbook"," — Each chapter is dedicated to a different case; there are many questions for you to try, an answer key, and OK explanations",[124,26577,26578,26583,26584,4329],{},[867,26579,26582],{"href":26580,"rel":26581},"https:\u002F\u002Fankiweb.net\u002Fshared\u002Finfo\u002F667494246",[1196],"SmarTool's Anki Russian vocab decks"," — While not wonderful for beginners, as even early sentences contain some quite diffcult words, each card's main word is linked to wiktionary, where you can check the different cases of a word and whether a verb is perfective or imperfective (if you haven't used Wiktionary before, ",[867,26585,26588],{"href":26586,"rel":26587},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wiktionary.org\u002Fwiki\u002F%D0%B1%D0%BE%D0%BB%D1%8C%D1%88%D0%BE%D0%B9",[1196],"it's an incredible reference",[124,26590,26591,26596],{},[867,26592,26595],{"href":26593,"rel":26594},"https:\u002F\u002Frussianpodcast.eu\u002F",[1196],"Russian Podcast"," — There are over 400 episodes, the host uses simple but not childish language, and she is good about using simple Russian to explain more difficult words more expressions",[124,26598,26599,26602],{},[867,26600,18036],{"href":18034,"rel":26601},[1196]," — A language exchange app; in my experience, Russian people are quite soical and happy to chat with you in Russian",[11,26604,26605],{},"And that leaves me feeling conflicted.",[11,26607,26608,26609,26611],{},"On the one hand, I ",[21,26610,6761],{}," appreciate these resources.",[86,26613,26614],{},[11,26615,26616],{},"On the other hand, when I consider the incredible resources available for languages like Japanese or Spanish, I can't help but feel underwhelmed when my main recommended resources for early Russian learners are 30 year old textbooks and a podcast.",[414,26618,26620],{"id":26619},"friendship","Friendship",[11,26622,26623],{},"I moved to Moscow after having dated a Russian girl for three years. Despite going into Russia with an ally, and having already adjusted to life in three countries, it was the first time I really experienced culture shock.",[11,26625,26626],{},"You see, I'm from America's rural midwest. My default facial expression is a smile, and I make smalltalk with anybody I'm standing next to for more than six seconds. In my hometown, we wave at cars when they go by, even if we don't know who is driving.",[11,26628,26629,26630,26632],{},"Russia is very much ",[21,26631,3835],{}," like that. What you'll immediately observe after stepping off the airplane is that Russians don't smile—in fact, everybody probably looks like they're about to go do something they don't really want to do. Despite the stereotype, this doesn't mean that Russians are cold—it's just that smiles are reserved for moments of actual joy. It takes a bit of work to turn a Russian acquaintance into a friend, but once you do, you'll find that they are much warmer than they first appeared.",[11,26634,26635],{},"This leads to a somewhat weird dynamic that's uncomfortable for both parties:",[121,26637,26638,26641],{},[124,26639,26640],{},"Foreigners feel that Russians are distant and disinterested",[124,26642,26643],{},"Russians feel that foreigners (and particularly Americans) are insincere and suspiciously friendly",[11,26645,26646],{},"There's not anything wrong with this, but it can make it a bit difficult to find your footing when you begin trying to communicate with Russian people.",[414,26648,26650],{"id":26649},"communication-style","Communication style",[11,26652,26653],{},"While you can't reduce an entire culture down to a single adjective, I think there's a fundamental difference in US and Russian approaches to communication:",[121,26655,26656,26659],{},[124,26657,26658],{},"In the US—or at least the Midwest, where I'm from—we value politeness and friendliness",[124,26660,26661],{},"In Russian—or at least Moscow—people value directness and honesty",[11,26663,26664],{},"And this leads to rubbing elbows in all sorts of places, without either party necessarily realizing what's going on.",[11,26666,26667],{},"My first encounter with this dynamic came on my first day in Russia, back in 2017, when I met my ex's mother: I asked how she was. She informed me that her feet had been bothering her and that, while she had moved to Moscow to be closer to her daughter, she disliked her job here and generally missed life in Ulyanovsk. I wasn't sure how to respond to this: to me, \"how are you\" is quite synonymous with \"hello\"—it's just how you greet somebody.",[11,26669,26670,26671,26674],{},"In Russia, if you ask how someone is, ",[21,26672,26673],{},"they will tell you",". If you see them again on the same day, and ask them again, they may be offended: they already told you how they were, and you cared so little that you're asking again just a few hours later.",[11,26676,26677],{},"Suffice it to say that, even after you've made it over the \"friend\" hurdle, there will still be learning and growth that needs to happen on behalf of both you and your Russian friend or conversation partner.",[37,26679,26681],{"id":26680},"some-silver-linings-for-english-speakers-who-want-to-learn-russian","Some silver linings for English speakers who want to learn Russian",[11,26683,26684],{},"As difficult as Russian is, the journey isn't entirely uphill. If you pursue through these initial challenges, you'll be rewarded.",[414,26686,26688],{"id":26687},"a-lot-of-russian-content-is-available-for-free","A lot of Russian content is available for free",[11,26690,26691,26692,26697,26698,26701],{},"While there isn't much for beginners of Russian, if you can make it to the intermediate level, you've basically got it made. Russian is ",[867,26693,26696],{"href":26694,"rel":26695},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.statista.com\u002Fstatistics\u002F262946\u002Fmost-common-languages-on-the-internet\u002F",[1196],"the fourth most common language on the internet",", meaning that there is literally ",[21,26699,26700],{},"tons"," of content waiting for you.",[11,26703,26704],{},"And a lot of it is free, too.",[11,26706,26707],{},"For example, MosFilm (the leading Russian film industry) has uploaded literally hundreds of classic Soviet movies to YouTube. Here's one you can probably understand even if you don't speak any Russian:",[4988,26709],{"src":26710},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002F7ICl3sPny94?si=QfKW4WLPO6B_DArl",[11,26712,26713],{},"Similarly, all six seasons of Kuxnya, one of the most famous Russian TV series, is also (officially) available for free on YouTube. (Yes, this is a 48-hour long YouTube video.)",[4988,26715],{"src":26716},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002Fe6Qy1WoQgVw?si=K8cVaC14A1doFZq9",[11,26718,26719],{},"Of course, many books are available to read online for free, too.",[86,26721,26722],{},[11,26723,26724],{},"This is great news: the best way to learn Russian is to consume content that you enjoy, and the Russian-speaking world has made this very easy to do, no matter where you're at in the world.",[414,26726,26728],{"id":26727},"russians-appreciate-people-who-learn-russian","Russians appreciate people who learn Russian",[11,26730,26731,26732,26737],{},"If you spend some time browsing ",[867,26733,26736],{"href":26734,"rel":26735},"https:\u002F\u002Freddit.com\u002Fr\u002Flanguagelearning",[1196],"r\u002FLanguageLearning on Reddit",", you'll see a story come up pretty consistently: people study a language for awhile, finally travel to a country where it's spoken, and then find that everybody just speaks English with them.",[11,26739,26740,26741,26743],{},"For better or worse, this is ",[21,26742,3835],{}," an experience you'll have with Russian.",[11,26745,26746],{},"Whether abroad or in Russia, Russians I've met seem genuinely surprised that I'm interested in their language, and back that up by making a point to speak it with me. Many of my friends back in Moscow spoke English better than I spoke Russian, but I never spoke English unless I was at work.",[11,26748,26749],{},"Finding opportunities to exposure yourself to the language is important, no matter what language you want to learn, and this is something that wll be very easy for learners of Russian.",[34,26751],{},[37,26753,26755],{"id":26754},"what-makes-russian-hard-to-learn-in-a-nutshell","What makes Russian hard to learn, in a nutshell:",[11,26757,26758],{},"Russian just operates on a different system of logic than English does.",[11,26760,26761],{},"Each aspect of the language presents challenges. Learning Russian grammar will require you to learn about new linguistic concepts, and learning Russian vocabulary will require you to think about words in ways you aren't used to. Nevermind overcoming those problems—simply finding good resources to learn Russian can be difficult.",[11,26763,26764,26765,26767],{},"Nevertheless, if you're interested in learning Russian but are put off by its difficulty—don't be. Russian ",[21,26766,3041],{}," really hard... but each language presents its own challenges. The only real difference is that Russian is very transparent about its complexities.",[11,26769,26770],{},"So, go for it! And заходи, если че (zakhodi, yesli cho; \"call if you need anything.\")",[4988,26772],{"src":26773},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FkLCVyrcwvak?si=3UjO6JKxKocMDcFW",[11,26775,26776],{},[21,26777,26778],{},"(If you decide to try finding Russian conversation partners on Tandem, use that as your tagline. You'll be pleased with the results.)",{"title":383,"searchDepth":915,"depth":915,"links":26780},[26781,26782,26783,26788,26793,26798,26803,26807],{"id":24343,"depth":915,"text":24344},{"id":24386,"depth":915,"text":24387},{"id":24897,"depth":915,"text":24898,"children":26784},[26785,26786,26787],{"id":24915,"depth":923,"text":24916},{"id":25367,"depth":923,"text":20791},{"id":25617,"depth":923,"text":25618},{"id":26000,"depth":915,"text":26001,"children":26789},[26790,26791,26792],{"id":26010,"depth":923,"text":26011},{"id":26057,"depth":923,"text":26058},{"id":26134,"depth":923,"text":26135},{"id":26192,"depth":915,"text":26193,"children":26794},[26795,26796,26797],{"id":26213,"depth":923,"text":26214},{"id":26348,"depth":923,"text":26349},{"id":26438,"depth":923,"text":26439},{"id":26526,"depth":915,"text":26527,"children":26799},[26800,26801,26802],{"id":26536,"depth":923,"text":26537},{"id":26619,"depth":923,"text":26620},{"id":26649,"depth":923,"text":26650},{"id":26680,"depth":915,"text":26681,"children":26804},[26805,26806],{"id":26687,"depth":923,"text":26688},{"id":26727,"depth":923,"text":26728},{"id":26754,"depth":915,"text":26755},"Explore what makes Russian challenging, from grammar to pronunciation and writing systems, and gain a general understanding of its inherent hurdles.",{"timestampUnix":26810,"slug":26811,"h1":26812,"image":26813,"tags":26817},1734324659586,"why-russian-is-hard","Is Russian Hard To Learn?",{"src":26814,"width":991,"height":26815,"alt":26816},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-russian-hard.jpeg",964,"A meme depicting the difficulty of the Russian language, which begins to get difficult from \"hello\".",[940],"\u002Farticle\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-russian-why-hard","---\ntitle: 'Why Is Russian So Hard To Learn? An Overview Of Its Difficulty'\ndescription: 'Explore what makes Russian challenging, from grammar to pronunciation and writing systems, and gain a general understanding of its inherent hurdles.'\ntimestampUnix: 1734324659586\nslug: 'why-russian-is-hard'\nh1: 'Is Russian Hard To Learn?'\nimage:\n src: '\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-russian-hard.jpeg'\n width: 1280\n height: 964\n alt: 'A meme depicting the difficulty of the Russian language, which begins to get difficult from \"hello\".'\ntags:\n - discussion\n---\n\nSo you want to learn Russian, but it's commonly considered to be one of the hardest languages in the world. Taking about ten seconds to look into the basics of the language would seem to confirm this suspicion: the Russian word for \"hello\", _здравствуйте_ (zdravstvuite) is several syllables long and contains some consonant clusters we don't use in English.\n\nCheck for yourself: здравствуйте \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fru-здравствуйте.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n\nSay what you will, that's definitely a step up from _hola_.\n\nBut what is it about the Russian language, exactly, that makes it so hard to learn?\n\n\u003Ctoc>\u003C\u002Ftoc>\n\n---\n\n## What makes Russian so hard to learn, in a nutshell\n\nWe're going to get into the nitty gritty in a second, but what most of these points boil down to is that [Russian is a fusional language](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FFusional_language), whereas [English is an analytical language](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FAnalytic_language).\n\nThis means that whereas English likes to have nice clean words that don't really change shape that much—a duck is a duck is a duck—pretty much all Russian words come with several possible shapes. For example, in Russian, a duck is утка (utka) \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fru-утка.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> if it's flying in the air but утку (utku) \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fru-утку.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> if you're eating it. This has implications for grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and even how you go about writing the Cyrillic alphabet.\n\n> Setting aside the question of whether Russian is _difficult_, we can definitely say that it is very _different_ than English.\n\nIf you want to learn Russian, and you're a native English speaker, I would simply say that the language will feel difficult until you figure out how its logic works. Once you've got that down, many things will click quite quickly.\n\n## The Cyrillic alphabet (the Russian alphabet)\n\nThe name for the Russian alphabet is the Cyrillic script, named after [the Greek monk Cyril](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FCyril_and_Methodius). The bad news is that the Cyrillic script is indeed different than the Latin script that we use in English, but the good news is that there's actually quite a bit of overlap.\n\nIn fact, even without studying it, you'll recognize about 15% of the Russian alphabet:\n\n| Capital | Lowercase | English Approximation |\n| ------- | --------- | --------------------- |\n| А | а | a |\n| Т | т | t |\n| О | о | o |\n| М | м | m |\n| К | к | k |\n\nAnd then there's two more letters that you'll probably recognize if you squint a bit:\n\n| Capital | Lowercase | English Approximation |\n| ------- | --------- | --------------------- |\n| Б | б | b |\n| Д | д | d |\n\nThere's several more letters that look kinda funky, but at least sound very similar to an English sound:\n\n| Capital | Lowercase | English Approximation |\n| ------- | --------- | ----------------------------- |\n| Й | й | y _(as in Jo\u003Cu>y\u003C\u002Fu>)_ |\n| И | и | ee _(as in Jo\u003Cu>ey\u003C\u002Fu>)_ |\n| Я | я | ya |\n| Е | е | ye |\n| Ё | ё | yo |\n| Э | э | eh |\n| У | у | ooh _(as in g\u003Cu>o\u003C\u002Fu>ose)_ |\n| Ю | ю | you _(as in \u003Cu>u\u003C\u002Fu>niverse)_ |\n| З | з | z |\n| С | с | s |\n| В | в | v |\n| Ф | ф | f |\n| Н | н | n |\n| Г | г | guh |\n| П | п | puh |\n| Р | р | r |\n| Х | х | ch _(as in *lo\u003Cu>ch\u003C\u002Fu>*)_ |\n| Ч | ч | ch _(as in *\u003Cu>ch\u003C\u002Fu>eese*)_ |\n\nAnd then there's a handful of letters that are just completely new:\n\n| Capital | Lowercase | English Approximation |\n| ------- | --------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| Ш | ш | \"sh\", but with the tip of \u003Cbr> the tongue pointing upwards |\n| Щ | щ | Put your tongue in position to say \"y\" as \u003Cbr> in \"yes\", and say \"sh\" while holding that shape |\n| Ж | ж | The difference between Ш and Ж is \u003Cbr> is the same as that of \"s\" and \"z\" |\n| Ц | ц | \"Ts\" as in \"cats\", but can appear \u003Cbr> anywhere in a word |\n| Ь | ь | _Search this page (Ctrl + \"f\") for \"soft sign\"_ |\n| Ъ | ъ | _Search this page (Ctrl + \"f\") for \"hard sign\"_ |\n\nIf you want to learn to write the Cyrillic alphabet, or just want to get a bit more practice, you can try writing these words. They're cognates (shared between Russian and English), so if you can work out what the letters sound like, you'll understand what the words mean.\n\n- Атом\n- Банк\n- Бомба\n- Транспорт\n- Журналист\n- Коммуникация\n\n> Putting all that together, here's how to write \"the Cyrillic alphabet\" in Russian: **Кириллица**.\n\nCan you read it?\n\nIf not, don't worry! The Cyrillic alphabet may look scary now, but it'll become second nature very quickly, once you start diving into Russian texts.\n\n---\n\n## \\[Russian grammar] Grammatical case, grammatical gender, and verbs\n\nGenerally speaking, when people say that Russian is hard, they mean that Russian _grammar_ is hard. To speak Russian grammatically correctly, you need to be able to use the right form of Russian verbs, Russian nouns, and Russian adjectives... and there are a _lot_ of forms to keep track of. That means a fair bit of memorization for most learners, and also getting familiar with some rather technical grammatical concepts.\n\nHere's the top three things about Russian grammar that, in my opinion, will trip learners up:\n\n### Grammatical case (noun declensions)\n\nWe won't go into a ton of detail here, but here's a demonstration of what grammatical cases are:\n| English | Russian | Generally used to... | Rough English approximation |\n| --------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| [Nominative case](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FNominative_case) | Именительный падеж | Indicate which noun is the subject of a sentence | The thing doing a verb \u003Cbr> (_\u003Cu>I\u003C\u002Fu> sent you half of a potato in the park via carrier pigeon._) |\n| [Genitive case](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FGenitive_case) | Родительный падеж | Indicate the noun that [the subject](\u003Chttps:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FSubject_(grammar)>) of a sentence belongs\u002Fpertains to | The thing after \"of\" or \"(noun)'s\" \u003Cbr> (_I sent you half \u003Cu>of a potato\u003C\u002Fu> in the park via carrier pigeon._) |\n| [Dative case](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FDative_case) | Дательный падеж | Indicate which noun is [the indirect object](\u003Chttps:\u002F\u002Fen.m.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FObject_(grammar)#Types>) | The direction\u002Frecipient of an action \u003Cbr> (_I sent \u003Cu>you\u003C\u002Fu> half of a potato in the park via carrier pigeon._) |\n| [Accusative case](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FAccusative_case) | Винительный падеж | Indicate which noun is [the direct object](\u003Chttps:\u002F\u002Fen.m.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FObject_(grammar)#Types>) | The thing you do a verb \"to\" \u003Cbr> (_I sent you \u003Cu>half\u003C\u002Fu> of a potato in the park via carrier pigeon._) |\n| [Instrumental case](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FInstrumental_case) | Творительный падеж | Indicate which noun is the means by which the subject does something\u003Cbr> (or who you do something with) | By\u002Fwith something \u003Cbr> (_I sent you half of a potato in the park \u003Cu>via carrier pigeon\u003C\u002Fu>._) |\n| [Prepositional case](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FAdpositional_case) | Предложный падеж | Indicate where something takes place | In\u002Fat\u002Fon ... \u003Cbr> (_I sent you half of a potato \u003Cu>in the park\u003C\u002Fu> via carrier pigeon._) |\n\nWe actually technically have these same cases in English, but we communicate them via word order. In Russian, word order is less important because you change the form of nouns and adjectives to show what role they're playing in a sentence.\n\nFor example, here are the forms of the Russian word for _face_:\n\n| Case | Noun form (singular) | Noun form (plural) | Rough\u002Fpossible translation |\n| ------------- | ----------------------- | ------------------------- | -------------------------------- |\n| Nominative | лиц\u003Cu>о\u003C\u002Fu> _(litso)_ | лиц\u003Cu>а\u003C\u002Fu> _(litsa)_ | The face(s) ... |\n| Genitive | лиц\u003Cu>а\u003C\u002Fu> _(litsa)_ | ли\u003Cu>ц\u003C\u002Fu> _(lits)_ | ...of the face(s) |\n| Dative | лиц\u003Cu>у\u003C\u002Fu> _(litsu)_ | лиц\u003Cu>ам\u003C\u002Fu> _(litsam)_ | ...to\u002Ftoward the face(s) |\n| Accusative | лиц\u003Cu>о\u003C\u002Fu> _(litso)_ | лиц\u003Cu>а\u003C\u002Fu> _(litsa)_ | (hit\u002Ftouch\u002Fsee\u002Fetc.) the face(s) |\n| Instrumental | лиц\u003Cu>ом\u003C\u002Fu> _(litsom)_ | лиц\u003Cu>ами\u003C\u002Fu> _(litsami)_ | ...with the face(s) |\n| Prepositional | лиц\u003Cu>е\u003C\u002Fu> _(litse)_ | лиц\u003Cu>ах\u003C\u002Fu> _(litsax)_ | ...on the face(s) |\n\nAnd you can see Russian's cases in action here in this excerpt from _[Letter to a woman by Sergey Esenin](https:\u002F\u002Fruverses.com\u002Fsergey-esenin\u002Fletter-to-a-woman\u002F5313\u002F)_, a famous poem:\n\n- Лиц\u003Cu>ом\u003C\u002Fu> к лиц\u003Cu>у\u003C\u002Fu>, лиц\u003Cu>а\u003C\u002Fu> не увидать.\u003Cbr>\n Litsom k litsu, litsa ne uvidat.\u003Cbr>\n Face to face, a face cannot be seen.\n\n\u003Caccordion heading=\"Breaking the poem down a bit further\">\n\n- лицом (instrumental case) — This might make more sense if you think of a phrase like \"with your back to the wall\"\n- лицу (dative case) — The structure \"к + dative case\" is used to show the direction\u002Forientation of something\n- лица (genitive case) — The structure (no\u002Fnot + genitive case\") is used to say that something isn't (something) or doesn't exist\n\n\u003C\u002Faccordion>\n\nThat's as far as we'll go in this blog post, but cases _do_ unfortunately get a bit more complex than this.\n\n- **Single vs plural** — As you can see from the table above, there is a singular inflected form of each grammtical case and also a plural inflected form\n- **Grammatical gender** — Лицо is a neuter noun, and most neuter nouns follow a similar set of inflection patterns (the pattern is underlined in the table above); masculine and feminine nouns have different inflection patterns\n- **Nouns vs adjectives** — Adjectives also change forms, depending on the grammatical case of the noun they are modifying\n- **Patterns & spelling** — Russian has [a few rules about which letters can\u002Fcan't follow other letters](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.russianlessons.net\u002Fgrammar\u002Fspelling_rules.php), and this sometimes causes minor deviations in how a word's inflected forms are spelled\n\nIn principle, though, this is how cases work.\n\n### Grammatical gender\n\nIn Russian, nouns can have one of three possible genders:\n\n- Masculine\n- Feminine\n- Neuter\n\n\u003Caccordion heading=\"If you don't know what grammatical gender is\">\n\nKnow that it has nothing to do with _that_ gender. The word _gender_ used to mean _type_, so saying that something was \"masculine gender\" or \"masculine type\" just meant that it ended in a pattern that was similar to that of the word _man_ or _woman_. When Russian says that a word is \"masculine in gender\", that doesn't mean to say that there's anything manly about it. The vast majority of the time, it's entirely arbitrary.\n\nAnyway!\n\n\u003C\u002Faccordion>\n\nYou can pretty reliably tell what the gender (type) of a noun or adjective is simply by looking at its last couple letters:\n\n- **Masculine** — the word ends in a consonant or \"й\"\n- **Feminine** — the word ends in an \"а\" or \"я\"\n- **Neuter** — the word ends in an \"о\" or \"е\"\n- **Toss up** — If a word ends in ь, it could be masculine or feminine\n\nIt's important to know a noun's gender because it affects how grammatical case works. For example, the genitive singular form of masculine nouns generally ends in an \"ah\" sound, but the genitive singular form of feminine nouns generally ends in an \"ee\" sound.\n\nAdditionally, in Russian, the gender of adjectives must match the gender of nouns. Here's the nominative singular form of the adjective хороший (horoshij, \"good\") for three different words:\n\n- Masculine — хорош\u003Cu>ий\u003C\u002Fu> сто\u003Cu>л\u003C\u002Fu> (khoróshaya stol, \"good table\")\n- Feminine — хорош\u003Cu>ая\u003C\u002Fu> книг\u003Cu>а\u003C\u002Fu> (khoróshaya kniga, \"good book\")\n- Neuter — хорош\u003Cu>ее\u003C\u002Fu> окн\u003Cu>о\u003C\u002Fu> (khorósheye okno, \"good window\")\n\nAnd here's all the possible forms of the adjective хороший:\n\n| Case | Masculine | Neuter | Feminine | Plural |\n| ----------------- | --------------------- | --------------------- | ---------------------------------------- | --------------------- |\n| **Nominative** | хороший (khoróshiy) | хорошее (khorósheye) | хорошая (khoróshaya) | хорошие (khoróshiye) |\n| **Genitive** | хорошего (khoróshevo) | хорошего (khoróshevo) | хорошей (khoróshey) | хороших (khoróshix) |\n| **Dative** | хорошему (khoróshemu) | хорошему (khoróshemu) | хорошей (khoróshey) | хорошим (khoróshim) |\n| **Accusative** | | | | |\n| - Animate | хорошего (khoróshevo) | хорошее (khorósheye) | хорошую (khoróshuyu) | хороших (khoróshix) |\n| - Inanimate | хороший (khoróshiy) | хорошее (khorósheye) | хорошую (khoróshuyu) | хорошие (khoróshiye) |\n| **Instrumental** | хорошим (khoróshim) | хорошим (khoróshim) | хорошей, хорошею (khoróshey, khorósheyu) | хорошими (khoróshimi) |\n| **Prepositional** | хорошем (khoróshem) | хорошем (khoróshem) | хорошей (khoróshey) | хороших (khoróshix) |\n\n### Verb conjugations\n\nThe good news is that Russian verb conjugation, relative to other languages, is quite straightforward. Russian only has the past, present, and future tenses.\n\nThe bad news is that something called verbal aspect is an essential part of Russian verbs, and this will be new to you as a native English speaker. We'll talk about that in a bit.\n\nCombining those two statements:\n\n- Imperfective verbs have a past, present, and future form\n- Perfective verbs have a past and future form\n\nAll in all, this means that you'll learn two words for most verbs, and you'll also end up learning about ~20 forms\u002Fconjugations of each one.\n\nAnd now let's quickly look at how Russian verbs work.\n\n#### Russian present tense\n\nRussian has two major types of verbs: those ending in -ать and those ending in -ить.\n\nTo conjugate Russian verbs, simply:\n\n1. Remove the -ть\n2. Add one of the below verb endings, depending on who is doing the verb\n - For -ить verbs in the \"I\" or \"they\" form, remove the entire -ить, not just -ть\n\n| Person → \u003Cbr> verb type ↓ | Я, I | Мы, we | Ты, you (informal) | Вы, you (formal) | Он\u002Fона\u002Fоно | Они, they |\n| ------------------------- | ---- | ------ | ------------------ | ---------------- | ---------- | --------- |\n| **Verbs ending in -ать** | -ю | -ем | -ешь | -ете | -ет | -ют |\n| **Verbs ending in -ить** | -ю | -им | -ишь | -ите | -ит | -ят |\n\nSo, for example:\n\n- The Russian word for \"to know\" is знать (znat'). To say \"you know\" in Russian, that looks like this: знать → зна → знаешь\n- The Russian word for \"to talk\" is говорить (govorit'). To say \"they talk\" in Russian, that looks like this: говорить → говори → говоришь\n\n_(Note: there are a few exceptions, and spelling rules sometimes cause minor changes, such as turning the \"I\" form -ю into -у)_\n\n#### Russian past tense\n\nThe Russian past tense is super easy—the only thing you have to worry about is the gender of the person doing the verb.\n\nSimply remove the -ть from the end of the verb, then add one of the below endings accordingly:\n\n| Masculine | Feminine | Neuter | Plural |\n| --------- | -------- | ------ | ------ |\n| -л | -ла | -ло | -ли |\n\nSo, the Russian word for \"to eat\" is есть.\n\n- \"He ate\" is он ел _(on yel)_\n- \"She ate\" is она ела _(ona yela)_\n- \"We ate\" is мы ели _(my yeli)_\n\n#### Verbal aspect & Russian future tense\n\nWhereas the past tense was a bit easier, the Russian future tense will present a challenge for learners: to use it correctly, you need to understand what's called [verbal aspect](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FGrammatical_aspect#Aspect_vs._tense). We'll talk about that more in the section on _vocabulary_, but to speak very roughly, you should know that most Russian verbs come in pairs: one is perfective, the other imperfective.\n\n- **Imperfective verbs** are used when an action (a) is ongoing or (b) will repeat for an indefinite period of time\n- **Perfective verbs** are used when an action (a) is completed or (b) will repeat for a known\u002Flimited amount of times\n\nFor imperfective verbs, conjugate the verb быть (to be) into the present tense, and attach the infinitive\u002Fnormal form of your desired word:\n\n| Person → \u003Cbr> infinitive ↓ | Я, I (will) | Мы, we (will) | Ты, you (informal) (will) | Вы, you (formal) (will) | Он\u002Fона\u002Fоно (will) | Они, they (will) |\n| -------------------------- | ----------- | ------------- | ------------------------- | ----------------------- | ----------------- | ---------------- |\n| **быть** | буду | будем | будешь | будете | будет | будут |\n\nSo, the imperfective form of \"to watch\" is смотреть (smotret'). To say \"I will be watching...\", that would be буду смотреть (budu smotret').\n\nNow things get tricky.\n\nPerfective verbs can't exist in the present tense: an action either _is_ done (meaning past tense) or _isn't_ done (meaning future tense). This means that when you conjugate a perfective form into the present tense, it actually has a future-tense meaning: something _will_ be done.\n\nThe perfective form of the verb \"to watch\" is посмотреть (posmotret'). To say \"I will watch...\", you'd simply follow the present tense conjugations above to get посмотрю.\n\n#### Russian participles\n\nWhile beyond the scope of this blog article, know that [participles](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FParticiple) are very important to Russian sentence structure.\n\nIn English, we have two participles:\n\n- The present participle, which is the ~ing form of verbs\n- The past participle, which is used with have\u002Fhad (_had gone_)\n\nAnd Russian takes this to a whole new level:\n\n- Participles are often [used as adjectives](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FRussian_grammar#Adjectival_participle), and thus follow the grammatical case rules we discussed above\n- Participles are also [used as adverbs](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FRussian_grammar#Adverbial_participle)\n\nIt's a beautiful system when you get it down, but it'll take a lot of practice.\n\nHere's the most [practical explanation of Russian participles](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.reddit.com\u002Fr\u002Frussian\u002Fcomments\u002Fsae0uk\u002Fcomment\u002Fhtt1k9w\u002F) I've personally found, if you'd like to explore the topic further.\n\n---\n\n## \\[Russian vocabulary] Word formation, verbs of motion, and verbal aspect\n\nWhen you think of learning vocabulary, it probably doesn't seem all that complicated: you see a word, you learn the word, and then you're able to use the word. Learning vocabulary is hard because you need to learn a lot of words, but it's not complex or confusing.\n\nAnd then we have languages like Russian.\n\n### Verbal aspect\n\nLet's quickly contrast _tense_ and _aspect_:\n\n- **Tense** places an action on a timeline, telling you the point or period in time when something took place\n- **Aspect** concerns how an action unfolds, telling you if it was completed, is in progress, happens regularly, and so forth\n\nTense and aspect come in pairs in English: the present progressive\u002Fcontinuous tense (as in \"I'm eating\") actually means present tense (happening now), progressive\u002Fcontinuous aspect (in progress).\n\nIn Russian, tense and aspect are entirely separate concepts:\n\n- Some words are perfective in aspect, other words are imperfective in aspect\n- All verbs can be situated in the past or future, and imperfective verbs can also be situated in the present\n\nAnd this means that, whereas we often just see one word in English (to watch), Russian will see the necessity for two verbs: смотреть (smotret') to say that you watched something but didn't finish watching it, and посмотреть (posmotret') to say that you watched something and finished it. For example, you'd say смотреть if you watched 20 minutes of a movie, but посмотреть if you watched the entire movie.\n\nVerbal aspect presents a grammatical problem in the short term, as you'll have to disentangle it from tense. From that point on, it's a neverending vocabulary problem: in addition to learning what a Russian word means, you'll also have to know if it's perfective or imperfective to use it correctly.\n\n### Vocabulary formation with prefixes\n\nAt first glance, Russian vocabulary seems like it shouldn't present many challenges. Looking at [Russian and English's lexical similarity](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FLexical_similarity#Indo-European_languages), we see a score of 24%. To put that in perspective, French and English have a similarity of 27%. So this shouldn't be _that_ much harder than French, right?\n\nNot quite.\n\nRemember how, way up above, we said that Russian was a _fusional_ language (it likes to smash a bunch of words into one long word) whereas English was an _analytical_ language (it likes to have many separate\u002Funique words)?\n\nThis extends to vocabulary, too.\n\nRussian has a rich series of prefixes that attach to words and slightly change their meaning. For example, conider the below example, where English has four very different words but Russian has four flavors of one word:\n\n- **To go** — ходить (khodit')\n- **To exit** — \u003Cu>вы\u003C\u002Fu>ходить (vykhodit', \"vy\" meaning \"outwards\")\n- **To arrive** — \u003Cu>при\u003C\u002Fu>ходить (prikhodit', \"pri\" meaning \"attachment\")\n- **To approach** — \u003Cu>под\u003C\u002Fu>ходить (podkhodit', \"pod\" meaning \"toward\")\n\nThere are [23 such verbal prefixes](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wiktionary.org\u002Fwiki\u002FCategory:Russian_verbal_prefixes), and as a beginner, it'll take some time to get used to the idea of seeing \"to arrive\" as just another form of \"to go\".\n\n### Verbs of motion\n\nSo, in the above section we said that ходить (khodit') meant \"to go\".\n\nThat's true... but there's more to the story than that.\n\nRussian verbs that involve movement (usually) come in pairs:\n\n- A unidirectional word, which means you have a concrete destination in mind and are going there\n- A multidirectional word, which is used for habitual actions, movements made multiple times, or \"wandering\" movement without a set destination\n\nходить (khodit') is the multidirectional version of \"to go\"—you might think of it as something like \"to wander\". Its undirectional counterpart is идти (idti).\n\nSo, for example:\n\n- You'd use идти (idti) to ask someone if they want to go to the movie theater tonight\n- You'd use ходить (khodit') if you go to the movie theater every Friday night\n\nBut wait! There's more!\n\nBoth ходить and идти refer to movement _by foot_. If you're driving straight somewhere, you'd use the verb eхать (yekhat'); if you're talking about your regular commute you'd use the multidirectional verb eздить (yezdit')\n\nFurthermore, these verbs are all imperfective. When you add a prefix to them, as with \u003Cu>вы\u003C\u002Fu>ходить (vykhodit') or \u003Cu>под\u003C\u002Fu>ходить (podkhodit') from above, they become perfective.\n\nWhereas we can get away with just saying \"go\" or \"take\" in English, regardless of context, Russian requires you to be much more specific. This will take getting used to.\n\n---\n\n## \\[Russian pronunciation] Palatalization, lexical stress, and new sounds\n\nRussian grammar is hard, Russian vocabulary is hard, and Russian pronunciation contains several challenges of its own, too.\n\nWhile it would take several dozen pages to talk about all of the sounds in Russian, we can cover a lot of the key problems with just three issues:\n\n- Palatalization (a way of modifying a consonant)\n- Lexical stress (which syllable of a word gets the \"oomph\")\n- A few sounds that don't exist in English\n\n### Palatalization\n\n[Palatalization](\u003Chttps:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FPalatalization_(phonetics)>) is a way of modifying the way a consonant sounds, and it's a super important aspect of Russian pronunciation.\n\nSkipping the technical linguistic details, do me a favor:\n\n- Say the word _cannon_ very slowly; pay attention to the tip of your tongue, the middle of your tongue, and how your tongue moves as you say the word\n- Say the word _can\u003Cu>y\u003C\u002Fu>on_ and do the same thing\n\nAnd here's what you should notice:\n\n- When you say the NN in _cannon_, either the tip of your tongue or the spot just behind the tip of your tongue presses into the area just above the back of your front row of teeth\n- When you say the NY in _canyon_, the middle region of your tongue also lifts toward the roof of your mouth\n\nIn a nutshell, all palatalization means is that you modify a sound by raising the middle of your tongue toward the roof of your mouth. Having said that, there are different types of sounds, and this \"lift the middle of your tongue\" may come more naturally to you with some sounds than others. For example:\n\n- M, P, and B are made with your lips\n- T, D, S, and Z are made with your tongue in the front of your mouth\n- K and G are made with your tongue in the back of your mouth\n\nIn Russian, Palatalization is indicated in a few ways:\n\n- If the soft sign ь follows a consonant, that consonant becomes palatalized\n - _(Note: If the hard sign ъ follows a consonant, that consonant remains unpalatalized, regardless of what letters it appears next to)_\n- If a consonant is followed by a soft consonant (я, ё, ю, е, и), the consonant becomes palatalized\n- Щ and ч are always palatalized, no matter what letters appear around them\n\nSo this effectively means that you need to learn two versions of most Russian consonants:\n\n- A non-palatalized \"hard\" version\n- A palatalized “soft” version\n\nCompare:\n\n- The hard N sound in нос (nos, \"nose\") \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fru-нос.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> and the soft one in нёс (nyos, \"carries\") \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fru-нёс.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>.\n- The hard L sound in лук (luk, \"onion\") \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fru-лук.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> and the soft one in люк (lyuk, \"manhole\") \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fru-люк.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>.\n- The hard T sound in мат (mat, \"vulgar language\") \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fru-мат.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> and the soft one in мать (mat', \"mother\") \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fru-мать.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>.\n\nThese sound very similar to native English speakers, but they are very different sounds to Russian speakers... and they're _everywhere_.\n\n### Lexical stress\n\nIn a case of poetic justice, English speakers learning Russian get to enjoy a taste of the medicine that everybody learning English is forced to swallow.\n\nTake a moment and say these three words:\n\n- Pulverize\n- Important\n- Tambourines\n\nNotice that they have a kind of rhythm:\n\n- PULverize\n- imPORtant\n- tambouRINES\n\nAll lexical stress means is that one syllable in a word gets a bit more oomph than the other syllables.\n\nTo see what I mean, say the word _banana_. Notice how these the A sounds underlined here (b\u003Cu>a\u003C\u002Fu>nan\u003Cu>a\u003C\u002Fu>) sounds different than the middle A sound (ban\u003Cu>a\u003C\u002Fu>na).\n\nThe reason those As don't all sound the same is lexical stress.\n\n- The middle A (ban\u003Cu>a\u003C\u002Fu>na) is stressed, so it gets pronounced \"fully\"\n- The first and last A (b\u003Cu>a\u003C\u002Fu>nan\u003Cu>a\u003C\u002Fu>) aren't stressed, so they get \"reduced\" and sound more like \"uhh\"\n\nAnd Russian does the same thing.\n\n- Every Russian word has stress on a particular syllable\n- The quality of non-stressed syllables get reduced\n- There's no way to predict which syllable gets stressed, so you just have to remember it\n\nSo you can't just remember what a Russian word means—you also need to remember its rhythm.\n\n### New sounds\n\nRussian presents six main new sounds:\n\n- **X** — Like a our H, but much breathier: compare хаос (khaos, \"chaos\") \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fru-хаос.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> with the word \"house\" \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fen-house.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n- **Ш** — Like our \"sh\", but whereas we lift the middle of our tongue in English, Russians lay the middle of their tongue flat and lift the tip of their tongue straight up; compare шаг (shag, \"step\") \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fru-шаг.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> and \"shag\" \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fen-shag.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n- **Ж** — Like the \"zh\" sound in \"pleasure\", but differs in the same way as the above sound—we lift the middle of our tongue, Russians lift only the tip of their tongue; compare жанр (zhanr, \"genre\") \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fru-жанр.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> and \"genre\" \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fen-genre.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n- **Щ** — A _palatalized_ \"sh\" sound—pronounce it with the tip of your tongue at the back and bottom of your bottom row of teeth and the middle of your tongue raised toward the roof of your mouth; compare щит (ssheet, \"sheet\") \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fru-щит.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> and \"sheet\" \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fen-sheet.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n- **The Russian R** — Trilled (or at least flapped) in certain circumstances; compare радио (radio, \"radio\") \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fru-радио.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> and \"radio\" \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fen-radio.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n- **Ы** — An \"ee\" sound made further back in your mouth, kind of resembling the sound you make when you get punched in the gut; compare ты (ty, \"you\") \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fru-ты.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> and \"tea\" \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fen-tea.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n\n## \\[Cultural differences] Resources, friendship, and communication style\n\nWhile Russian _is_ a challenging language, some of what makes it difficult has to do with the culture surrounding it, rather than the language itself.\n\n### Lack of modern resources\n\nDuolingo has a Russian course for beginners.\n\nIf you stray beyond that, though, you'll find your options surprisingly limited: books of practice exercises written in typewriter fonts that look like they indeed may not have been updated since people used typewriters.\n\nFor example, here are the Russian resources I got the most use out of as a beginner, personally:\n\n- [Russian Made Easy podcast](https:\u002F\u002Frussianmadeeasy.com\u002F) — It's very simple and nothing is special about it, but it's clear, has a gentle learning curve, and will bring you from zero to one\n- [The New Penguin Russian Course (from _1996_)](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.amazon.com\u002FNew-Penguin-Russian-Course-Beginners\u002Fdp\u002F0140120416) — It breaks down the Cyrillic alphabet in a very simple way and does a nice job of presenting the cases one at a time, which can be difficult to wrap your head around as a beginner\n- [Sistema Kalinka's Russian Cases workbook](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.amazon.com\u002FRussian-cases-beginner-tables-exercises\u002Fdp\u002F8416971218\u002F) — Each chapter is dedicated to a different case; there are many questions for you to try, an answer key, and OK explanations\n- [SmarTool's Anki Russian vocab decks](https:\u002F\u002Fankiweb.net\u002Fshared\u002Finfo\u002F667494246) — While not wonderful for beginners, as even early sentences contain some quite diffcult words, each card's main word is linked to wiktionary, where you can check the different cases of a word and whether a verb is perfective or imperfective (if you haven't used Wiktionary before, [it's an incredible reference](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wiktionary.org\u002Fwiki\u002F%D0%B1%D0%BE%D0%BB%D1%8C%D1%88%D0%BE%D0%B9))\n- [Russian Podcast](https:\u002F\u002Frussianpodcast.eu\u002F) — There are over 400 episodes, the host uses simple but not childish language, and she is good about using simple Russian to explain more difficult words more expressions\n- [Tandem](https:\u002F\u002Ftandem.net\u002F) — A language exchange app; in my experience, Russian people are quite soical and happy to chat with you in Russian\n\nAnd that leaves me feeling conflicted.\n\nOn the one hand, I _did_ appreciate these resources.\n\n> On the other hand, when I consider the incredible resources available for languages like Japanese or Spanish, I can't help but feel underwhelmed when my main recommended resources for early Russian learners are 30 year old textbooks and a podcast.\n\n### Friendship\n\nI moved to Moscow after having dated a Russian girl for three years. Despite going into Russia with an ally, and having already adjusted to life in three countries, it was the first time I really experienced culture shock.\n\nYou see, I'm from America's rural midwest. My default facial expression is a smile, and I make smalltalk with anybody I'm standing next to for more than six seconds. In my hometown, we wave at cars when they go by, even if we don't know who is driving.\n\nRussia is very much _not_ like that. What you'll immediately observe after stepping off the airplane is that Russians don't smile—in fact, everybody probably looks like they're about to go do something they don't really want to do. Despite the stereotype, this doesn't mean that Russians are cold—it's just that smiles are reserved for moments of actual joy. It takes a bit of work to turn a Russian acquaintance into a friend, but once you do, you'll find that they are much warmer than they first appeared.\n\nThis leads to a somewhat weird dynamic that's uncomfortable for both parties:\n\n- Foreigners feel that Russians are distant and disinterested\n- Russians feel that foreigners (and particularly Americans) are insincere and suspiciously friendly\n\nThere's not anything wrong with this, but it can make it a bit difficult to find your footing when you begin trying to communicate with Russian people.\n\n### Communication style\n\nWhile you can't reduce an entire culture down to a single adjective, I think there's a fundamental difference in US and Russian approaches to communication:\n\n- In the US—or at least the Midwest, where I'm from—we value politeness and friendliness\n- In Russian—or at least Moscow—people value directness and honesty\n\nAnd this leads to rubbing elbows in all sorts of places, without either party necessarily realizing what's going on.\n\nMy first encounter with this dynamic came on my first day in Russia, back in 2017, when I met my ex's mother: I asked how she was. She informed me that her feet had been bothering her and that, while she had moved to Moscow to be closer to her daughter, she disliked her job here and generally missed life in Ulyanovsk. I wasn't sure how to respond to this: to me, \"how are you\" is quite synonymous with \"hello\"—it's just how you greet somebody.\n\nIn Russia, if you ask how someone is, _they will tell you_. If you see them again on the same day, and ask them again, they may be offended: they already told you how they were, and you cared so little that you're asking again just a few hours later.\n\nSuffice it to say that, even after you've made it over the \"friend\" hurdle, there will still be learning and growth that needs to happen on behalf of both you and your Russian friend or conversation partner.\n\n## Some silver linings for English speakers who want to learn Russian\n\nAs difficult as Russian is, the journey isn't entirely uphill. If you pursue through these initial challenges, you'll be rewarded.\n\n### A lot of Russian content is available for free\n\nWhile there isn't much for beginners of Russian, if you can make it to the intermediate level, you've basically got it made. Russian is [the fourth most common language on the internet](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.statista.com\u002Fstatistics\u002F262946\u002Fmost-common-languages-on-the-internet\u002F), meaning that there is literally _tons_ of content waiting for you.\n\nAnd a lot of it is free, too.\n\nFor example, MosFilm (the leading Russian film industry) has uploaded literally hundreds of classic Soviet movies to YouTube. Here's one you can probably understand even if you don't speak any Russian:\n\n\u003Ccustom-iframe src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002F7ICl3sPny94?si=QfKW4WLPO6B_DArl\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-iframe>\n\nSimilarly, all six seasons of Kuxnya, one of the most famous Russian TV series, is also (officially) available for free on YouTube. (Yes, this is a 48-hour long YouTube video.)\n\n\u003Ccustom-iframe src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002Fe6Qy1WoQgVw?si=K8cVaC14A1doFZq9\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-iframe>\n\nOf course, many books are available to read online for free, too.\n\n> This is great news: the best way to learn Russian is to consume content that you enjoy, and the Russian-speaking world has made this very easy to do, no matter where you're at in the world.\n\n### Russians appreciate people who learn Russian\n\nIf you spend some time browsing [r\u002FLanguageLearning on Reddit](https:\u002F\u002Freddit.com\u002Fr\u002Flanguagelearning), you'll see a story come up pretty consistently: people study a language for awhile, finally travel to a country where it's spoken, and then find that everybody just speaks English with them.\n\nFor better or worse, this is _not_ an experience you'll have with Russian.\n\nWhether abroad or in Russia, Russians I've met seem genuinely surprised that I'm interested in their language, and back that up by making a point to speak it with me. Many of my friends back in Moscow spoke English better than I spoke Russian, but I never spoke English unless I was at work.\n\nFinding opportunities to exposure yourself to the language is important, no matter what language you want to learn, and this is something that wll be very easy for learners of Russian.\n\n---\n\n## What makes Russian hard to learn, in a nutshell:\n\nRussian just operates on a different system of logic than English does.\n\nEach aspect of the language presents challenges. Learning Russian grammar will require you to learn about new linguistic concepts, and learning Russian vocabulary will require you to think about words in ways you aren't used to. Nevermind overcoming those problems—simply finding good resources to learn Russian can be difficult.\n\nNevertheless, if you're interested in learning Russian but are put off by its difficulty—don't be. Russian _is_ really hard... but each language presents its own challenges. The only real difference is that Russian is very transparent about its complexities.\n\nSo, go for it! And заходи, если че (zakhodi, yesli cho; \"call if you need anything.\")\n\n\u003Ccustom-iframe src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FkLCVyrcwvak?si=3UjO6JKxKocMDcFW\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-iframe>\n\n_(If you decide to try finding Russian conversation partners on Tandem, use that as your tagline. You'll be pleased with the results.)_\n",{"title":24312,"description":26808},"article\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-russian-why-hard","NtKkBs7YTuNntEIYbyHaXruXSR2kO6N3qP5vHUG3WQc","December 16, 2024",{"id":26825,"title":26826,"body":26827,"description":27987,"extension":929,"meta":27988,"navigation":942,"path":27998,"rawbody":27999,"seo":28000,"stem":28001,"__hash__":28002,"timestampUnix":27989,"slug":27990,"h1":27991,"image":27992,"tags":27997,"_dir":948,"timestamp":28003},"content\u002Farticle\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-srs.md","Master Language Learning with Spaced Repetition: Proven Strategies and Tools",{"type":8,"value":26828,"toc":27959},[26829,26832,26840,26843,26846,26851,26854,26856,26858,26862,26869,26883,26891,26896,26899,26938,26941,26946,26949,26952,26956,26965,26970,26980,26986,26989,27003,27008,27015,27018,27023,27026,27069,27075,27086,27095,27098,27106,27108,27113,27116,27118,27122,27129,27136,27140,27146,27152,27160,27172,27176,27179,27182,27213,27216,27224,27238,27241,27245,27248,27256,27259,27262,27266,27269,27273,27284,27303,27306,27314,27317,27325,27377,27381,27390,27395,27398,27404,27407,27411,27423,27429,27432,27435,27445,27447,27451,27454,27457,27460,27464,27469,27472,27481,27484,27495,27498,27501,27504,27507,27511,27518,27532,27539,27544,27550,27554,27557,27565,27576,27579,27582,27586,27589,27594,27597,27602,27608,27611,27618,27621,27626,27632,27637,27640,27642,27646,27649,27652,27656,27659,27703,27709,27717,27720,27723,27734,27737,27740,27746,27751,27765,27769,27777,27780,27788,27794,27808,27815,27818,27822,27825,27828,27831,27839,27850,27855,27859,27862,27869,27876,27884,27886,27889,27894,27898,27901,27912,27915,27918,27924,27929,27932,27934,27937,27940,27943,27956],[11,26830,26831],{},"The decision to learn a language near immediately confronts learners with a conundrum:",[3153,26833,26834,26837],{},[124,26835,26836],{},"Their memory isn't that good (they think)",[124,26838,26839],{},"They need to learn thousands of vocabulary words (at least)",[11,26841,26842],{},"Dire situation indeed!",[11,26844,26845],{},"And I'm now going to make a bold claim:",[86,26847,26848],{},[11,26849,26850],{},"Chances are, you don't have a bad memory. You just aren't using it right.",[11,26852,26853],{},"Enter spaced repetition, an evidence-based strategy to efficiently commit information into your long-term memory—commonly used for vocabulary retention in language learning, but also applicable to basically everything that involves remembering anything.",[30,26855],{},[34,26857],{},[37,26859,26861],{"id":26860},"what-is-spaced-repetition","What is spaced repetition?",[11,26863,26864,26865,26868],{},"Spaced repetition is an evidence-based approach to transferring information from short-term memory into long-term memory—i.e., ",[21,26866,26867],{},"remembering stuff",". It consists of just two steps:",[121,26870,26871,26877],{},[124,26872,26873,26876],{},[69,26874,26875],{},"Repetition",", or reviewing the thing(s) you hope to remember",[124,26878,26879,26882],{},[69,26880,26881],{},"Spacing",", or doing this review at gradually increasingly intervals of time",[11,26884,26885,26886,1198],{},"Here's a visualization of a simple and manual approach to spaced repetition, called a ",[867,26887,26890],{"href":26888,"rel":26889},"https:\u002F\u002Fsubjectguides.york.ac.uk\u002Fstudy-revision\u002Fleitner-system",[1196],"Leitner system",[833,26892],{"src":26893,"width":5775,"height":26894,"alt":26895},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku_leitner.webp",1556,"A photo of a Leitner system, sources from Wikipedia",[11,26897,26898],{},"What you're seeing is:",[121,26900,26901,26904,26915,26935],{},[124,26902,26903],{},"Everything you wish to remember goes into box #1 in the form of flashcards",[124,26905,26906,26907],{},"After reviewing the contents of box #1:\n",[121,26908,26909,26912],{},[124,26910,26911],{},"Everything you get correct goes to box #2",[124,26913,26914],{},"Anything you get wrong remains in box #1",[124,26916,26917,26918],{},"Review schedule:\n",[121,26919,26920,26923,26926,26929,26932],{},[124,26921,26922],{},"Box #1 is reviewed daily",[124,26924,26925],{},"Box #2 every 3 days",[124,26927,26928],{},"Box #3 every 7 days",[124,26930,26931],{},"Box #4 every 2 weeks",[124,26933,26934],{},"Box #5 once per month",[124,26936,26937],{},"If you get an item wrong at any point, it goes back to box #1",[11,26939,26940],{},"And below you can see a demonstration of a (slightly different) Leitner system in action:",[833,26942],{"src":26943,"width":5775,"height":26944,"alt":26945},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fwikipedia-leitner_system_animation.gif",1728,"A gif of a Leitner system in action, sourced from Wikipedia",[11,26947,26948],{},"This does awesome things for your memory—we'll get into all that juicy stuff in the next section—but, as you can probably imagine just by looking at this GIF, it's kind of unwieldy to manage manually. Your desk can only fit so many shoe boxes, and if you keep this up for more than a month or so, you'll need an advanced degree in mathematics to manage your study calendar. (Trust me on this one.)",[11,26950,26951],{},"For these reasons, the job of scheduling flashcards for review is normally delegated to an algorithm—a computer program that automates the process of figuring out what you should review and when. Such programs are called spaced-repetition systems, or SRS for short.",[37,26953,26955],{"id":26954},"the-awesome-science-behind-spaced-repetition-systems","The (awesome) science behind spaced repetition systems",[11,26957,26958,26959,26964],{},"About a hundred and fifty years ago, a German psychologist named ",[867,26960,26963],{"href":26961,"rel":26962},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FHermann_Ebbinghaus",[1196],"Hermann Ebbinghaus"," posed a very practical question about memory:",[86,26966,26967],{},[11,26968,26969],{},"If you learn a random tidbit of information today, and then never review it, how long will you remember it?",[11,26971,26972,26973,1198],{},"The results were, frankly—well, just look for yourself ",[21,26974,5212,26975,4329],{},[867,26976,26979],{"href":26977,"rel":26978},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.researchgate.net\u002Fprofile\u002FStephen_Stahl2\u002Fpublication\u002F249008560_416-MPP_PlayItAgain\u002Flinks\u002F02e7e51e1f044483b7000000.pdf",[1196],"Stahl, 2013",[833,26981],{"src":26982,"width":26983,"height":26984,"alt":26985},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-forgetting-curve.jpeg",1984,1532,"A representation of the forgetting curve, or the lifespan of a piece of information we never review.",[11,26987,26988],{},"Yeah. That's pretty bad.",[11,26990,26991,26992,26997,26998,27002],{},"It actually gets worse: ",[867,26993,26996],{"href":26994,"rel":26995},"https:\u002F\u002Fgwern.net\u002Fdoc\u002Fpsychology\u002Fspaced-repetition\u002F1985-mckenna.pdf",[1196],"only 2.4% of people who get certified in CPR today will remember how to do it in 3 years",". This phenomenon has been dubbed the \"",[867,26999,27001],{"href":11614,"rel":27000},[1196],"forgetting curve","\"—but, let's be real, it's more like a \"forgetting cliff\"—and has been replicated by dozens of academic experiments.",[86,27004,27005],{},[11,27006,27007],{},"TL;DR — Not reviewing information is, essentially, choosing to forget it.",[11,27009,27010,27011,27014],{},"But enough of that. I said that the science is ",[21,27012,27013],{},"awesome",", not demoralizing.",[11,27016,27017],{},"Take a look at this next chart for me:",[833,27019],{"src":27020,"width":27021,"height":23481,"alt":27022},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002FMigakuForgettingCurve.jpeg",1370,"A chart showing how the forgetting curve flattens out if you periodically review information, sourced from Wikipedia",[11,27024,27025],{},"Much more palatable, isn't it?",[4004,27027,27029,27037,27044,27047,27049,27052,27063,27066],{"heading":27028},"...and the good news gets better!",[11,27030,27031,27032,1198],{},"Here's another glowing recommendation of spaced repetition from ",[867,27033,27036],{"href":27034,"rel":27035},"https:\u002F\u002Fpmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\u002Farticles\u002FPMC3399982\u002F",[1196],"some really smart people",[86,27038,27039],{},[11,27040,27041],{},[21,27042,27043],{},"...The spacing effect refers to the finding that long-term memory is enhanced when learning events are spaced apart in time, rather than massed in immediate succession (see Ebbinghaus, 1885\u002F1964, for the first study on the spacing effect). The spacing effect is arguably the most replicable and robust finding from experimental psychology. Hundreds of articles, including a number of reviews (e.g., Dempster, 1988) and meta-analyses (e.g., Cepeda, Pashler, Vul, Wixted, & Rohrer, 2006), have found a spacing effect in a wide variety of memory tasks.",[11,27045,27046],{},"Just take a glance at this graph from the study:",[833,27048],{"src":23661,"width":23662,"height":23663,"alt":23664},[11,27050,27051],{},"What this chart is showing:",[121,27053,27054,27057,27060],{},[124,27055,27056],{},"Massed learning (doing 4 hours of study in one day, also known as cramming) generated very poor results",[124,27058,27059],{},"Clumping study sessions (2 hours over 2 days) provided much better results",[124,27061,27062],{},"Spacing lessons out (one hour daily over four days) provided significantly better results with complex tasks (tasks that involve processing information and extrapolating a solution)",[11,27064,27065],{},"So, the science is clear! You can get significantly better results by simply spacing your learning out, even if you're otherwise covering the same content in the same way and not trying any harder. It's free value for no additional effort. Where else in life do you get that?",[11,27067,27068],{},"Anyway, back to the article:",[11,27070,27071,27072,27074],{},"You see, the only thing you need to do to stop things from falling off the forgetting cliff is to review them once in awhile. And ",[21,27073,4807],{}," is what makes spaced-repetition systems so cool. They do complex math stuff behind the scenes to answer three important questions for you:",[121,27076,27077,27080,27083],{},[124,27078,27079],{},"What should you learn next?",[124,27081,27082],{},"What will you probably forget if you don't review it today?",[124,27084,27085],{},"What do you still remember pretty well, so you don't need to review it right now?",[11,27087,27088,27089,27094],{},"What exactly your SRS does to answer those questions is beyond the scope of this blog post—",[867,27090,27093],{"href":27091,"rel":27092},"https:\u002F\u002Fjuliensobczak.com\u002Finspect\u002F2022\u002F05\u002F30\u002Fanki-srs\u002F",[1196],"read this one, if you dare","—but the result is that, each day, your SRS will (a) give you a few new flashcards to learn and (b) suggest old flashcards that you should review.",[11,27096,27097],{},"What's more, these calculations become more accurate over time:",[121,27099,27100,27103],{},[124,27101,27102],{},"Stuff that you consistently get right, you review less often",[124,27104,27105],{},"Stuff that you consistently get wrong, you review more often",[11,27107,13329],{},[86,27109,27110],{},[11,27111,27112],{},"Spaced-repetition systems guarantee that you spend more of your time practicing the things you need to practice and waste less of your time reviewing things you already know well.",[11,27114,27115],{},"Oh—and you end up spending a vastly smaller amount of time reviewing than you would by reviewing \"normally\", too! It's really just a wonderful thing all around.",[34,27117],{},[37,27119,27121],{"id":27120},"spaced-repetition-for-beginner-intermediate-and-advanced-language-learners","Spaced repetition for beginner, intermediate, and advanced language learners",[11,27123,27124,27125,27128],{},"So, yeah—spaced repetition is grand. Glimmering. Smack dab ",[21,27126,27127],{},"glorious",". Before we get into the most popular SRS apps and how to fit them into your schedule, though, you should know that the value you get out of them will depend in part on the level you're at with the language you're learning.",[11,27130,27131],{},[21,27132,27133,27134,4018],{},"(If you want to explore this in a bit more detail, check out our deep dive into ",[867,27135,19306],{"href":19305},[414,27137,27139],{"id":27138},"if-youre-a-beginner","If you're a beginner",[11,27141,27142,27143,27145],{},"Check out ",[867,27144,4901],{"href":10002}," to see the math, but know that you'll need to learn about ~1,500 words before consuming content in the language you're learning starts feeling reliably doable. That's quite reasonable, when you consider that a college-educated native speaker knows around 30,000 words... but 1,500 vocabulary words is still a lot of stuff to memorize.",[11,27147,27148,27149,27151],{},"At the beginner level, a spaced-repetition system serves as something like bumpers in a bowling alley or training wheels on a bicycle. It lets you reduce the entire world of your target language down to a single sentence. While you may not be ready to read a book or listen to a podcast quite yet, you likely ",[21,27150,11546],{}," work your way through one specific sentence, even if you've literally just began studying your target language earlier today and have to look up every single word.",[86,27153,27154],{},[11,27155,27156,27157,27159],{},"As such, what SRS does is create an environment where you can interact with your target language ",[21,27158,8355],{}," your target language, even as a beginner who still has a lot to learn.",[11,27161,27162,27163,27168,27169],{},"This will be challenging, but the good news is that ",[867,27164,27167],{"href":27165,"rel":27166},"https:\u002F\u002Fpmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\u002Farticles\u002FPMC3556209\u002F",[1196],"the harder you try to remember something, the more you build your memory",". You're either remembering stuff or taking concrete steps toward remembering stuff. ",[21,27170,27171],{},"Glorious.",[414,27173,27175],{"id":27174},"if-youre-at-the-intermediate-level","If you're at the intermediate level",[11,27177,27178],{},"Upon reaching the intermediate level, the bulk of your learning will come from consuming content in the language you're learning. Your flashcards now act as a force multiplier upon those gains.",[11,27180,27181],{},"Remember that first chart we looked at, showing how you'd basically forget everything you didn't review? That still applies here†.",[4004,27183,27185,27188,27191,27194,27199,27210],{"heading":27184},"Insert caveat here†",[11,27186,27187],{},"When you interact with the language you're learning—whether you're reading a book, watching something on Netflix, listening to a podcast, or even having a conversation—you are, necessarily, encountering words, grammar points, and sentences in your target language. This is a natural form of review. It's also really effective.",[11,27189,27190],{},"In fact, because most words are used in a variety of ways and tend to appear next to certain words more often than other words, this \"natural\" review is of supreme importance. The context you get by seeing words used in a variety of natural formats is what will make your language feel, eventually, less foreign.",[11,27192,27193],{},"Importantly, though, words are not created equally.",[11,27195,27196,844],{},[867,27197,27198],{"href":10002},"Some words are much, much more common than others—especially in certain contexts",[11,27200,27201,27202,27205,27206,27209],{},"What this means is that while interacting with your language is a great way to review and flesh out your understanding of ",[21,27203,27204],{},"old"," words, it isn't necessarily an efficient way to learn ",[21,27207,27208],{},"new"," words. These new words you're learning are relatively specific and sort of rare, and you likely just won't encounter most of them often enough to commit them to memory sheerly by consuming content.",[11,27211,27212],{},"Now, having said that:",[11,27214,27215],{},"Here, at the intermediate level, you're capable of deciding how you maneuver around this statistical reality.",[11,27217,27218,27219,27223],{},"If you're into math, you can get into the nitty gritty of it in ",[867,27220,4901],{"href":27221,"rel":27222},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.supermemo.com\u002Fen\u002Fblog\u002Ftheoretical-aspects-of-spaced-repetition-in-learning",[1196],". If not, there are two particular takeaways I want you to notice:",[121,27225,27226,27232],{},[124,27227,27228,27231],{},[69,27229,27230],{},"Time spent on flashcards is linear","—if you spend 10 minutes doing flashcards instead of 0 minutes, the only thing it costs you is 10 minutes",[124,27233,27234,27237],{},[69,27235,27236],{},"Return on investment from flashcards is much more than linear","—it enables you to regularly see words that you might otherwise see only once in several hours of interacting with your target language, meaning that SRS enables you to remember things that you might not remember without SRS",[11,27239,27240],{},"So your goal at the intermediate level is to strike a balance that feels optimal to you. While you want most of your time to be going toward things that involve you interacting with your target language, your SRS will enable you to more quickly remember the key words you need to understand the content you personally find interesting.",[414,27242,27244],{"id":27243},"if-youre-at-the-advanced-level","If you're at the advanced level",[11,27246,27247],{},"By this point, you probably know what you're doing! Or, at least, whatever you've been doing has apparently been working for you.",[86,27249,27250],{},[11,27251,27252,27253,844],{},"But if you're reading this blog post because you haven't used a spaced-repetition system so far and are wondering if it can help you, too, the answer is ",[21,27254,27255],{},"yes",[11,27257,27258],{},"As you've likely noticed—the words you're learning now are pretty rare.",[11,27260,27261],{},"For you, an SRS is basically an insurance policy—anything that you make a flashcard out of will eventually make its way into your memory, too.",[37,27263,27265],{"id":27264},"are-there-any-limitations-to-spaced-repetition","Are there any limitations to spaced repetition?",[11,27267,27268],{},"As incredible a tool as SRS is, it isn't all-powerful.",[414,27270,27272],{"id":27271},"the-nature-of-memory","The nature of memory",[11,27274,27275,27276,27279,27280,1198],{},"To oversimplify ",[27277,27278,4335],"del",{}," a lot, memory is ",[867,27281,27283],{"href":26977,"rel":27282},[1196],"a three-stage phenomenon",[121,27285,27286,27292,27298],{},[124,27287,27288,27291],{},[69,27289,27290],{},"Encoding",", in which information makes its imprint upon the synapses in your brain",[124,27293,27294,27297],{},[69,27295,27296],{},"Consolidation",", in which your brain strengthens and stabilizes those connections",[124,27299,27300,27302],{},[69,27301,17256],{},", in which you access that information to make use of it",[11,27304,27305],{},"Spaced repetition is primarily for the last step in that process:",[121,27307,27308,27311],{},[124,27309,27310],{},"Encountering words in the natural and vibrant world of native-language content provides more salient grounds for effective encoding to take place",[124,27312,27313],{},"Consolidation happens primarily during sleep, during which time your brain fires the same signals it fired during the way when you were awake",[11,27315,27316],{},"Kicking off the process of any memory is a neuron that either does or doesn't fire, and you unfortunately can't force your brain to remember something nor choose what you remember. However, importantly, from that same study linked above:",[86,27318,27319],{},[11,27320,27321,27322,16608],{},"\"...",[21,27323,27324],{},"Numerous studies now show that memory consolidation is facilitated by repeating the material over time but that all iterations are not created equal (7,15,21-26,35-37). As a general rule, memory improves as the spacing between presentations of repeated information is increased up to a point (21).",[4004,27326,27328,27337,27340,27349,27352,27355,27358,27361,27364,27369,27372],{"heading":27327},"Side quest: how memories are formed",[11,27329,27330,27331,27336],{},"Here's ",[867,27332,27335],{"href":27333,"rel":27334},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.drtulsian.com\u002FinterestingReading\u002Fbiology\u002Fmaking-memories-stick.pdf",[1196],"a really cool article about how memory works",". It's eight pages long and taken from a magazine, so it's quite readable.",[11,27338,27339],{},"I'm not a scientist, so I'm not going to break it down, but I'll kind of thread the key points together for you:",[11,27341,27342,27343,27348],{},"\"...Information destined for what is known as ",[867,27344,27347],{"href":27345,"rel":27346},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.sciencedirect.com\u002Fscience\u002Farticle\u002Fabs\u002Fpii\u002FS0010945217301715",[1196],"declarative memory","—people, places, events—must pass through the hippocampus before being recorded in the cerebral cortex.\"",[11,27350,27351],{},"\"...A neuron is like a microprocessor chip in that it receives thousands of signals through its dendrites and constantly integrates all the input it receives from these connections. But unlike a microprocessor that has many output wires, a neuron has only one, its axon. Thus, a neuron can respond to inputs in only one way: it can either decide to send a signal on to the next neuron in the circuit by firing an impulse through its axon, or not.\"",[11,27353,27354],{},"\"...Both long- and short-term memories arise from the connections between neurons, at points of contact called synapses, where one neuron’s signal-emitting extension, called an axon, meets any of an adjacent neuron’s dozens of signal-receiving fingers, called dendrites. When a short-term memory is created, stimulation of the synapse is enough to temporarily “strengthen,” or sensitize, it to subsequent signals. For a long-term memory, the synapse strengthening becomes permanent.\"\"",[11,27356,27357],{},"\"...Although the process is poorly understood, investigators know that permanent strengthening to form long-term memories requires the postsynaptic cell to manufacture synapse-strengthening proteins (left).",[11,27359,27360],{},"\"...How does a gene “know” when to strengthen a synapse permanently and when to let a fleeting moment fade unrecorded? And how do the proteins encoded by the gene “know” which of thousands of synapses to strengthen?",[11,27362,27363],{},"\"...The same questions have implications for understanding fetal brain development, a time when the brain is deciding which synaptic connections to keep and which to discard. ...To strengthen the synapse permanently, a protein called CREB must be activated ...CREB, for instance, is activated by calcium-dependent enzymes that phosphorylate it and inactivated by enzymes that remove the phosphate tag. But there are hundreds of different transcription factors and protein kinases in a cell. ...What is the synapse-to-nucleus signaling molecule that determines when CREB should be activated and a memory preserved?\"\"",[86,27365,27366],{},[11,27367,27368],{},"Like many of life’s decisions, the neuron’s choice to cement a connection comes only after its importance has been demonstrated.",[11,27370,27371],{},"\"...Like Leonard in Memento or any witness to a crime scene, one does not always know beforehand what events should be committed permanently to memory. The moment-to-moment memories necessary for operating in the present are handled well by transient adjustments in the strength of individual synapses.",[86,27373,27374],{},[11,27375,27376],{},"But when an event is important enough or is repeated enough, synapses fire to make the neuron in turn fire neural impulses repeatedly and strongly, declaring “this is an event that should be recorded.”",[414,27378,27380],{"id":27379},"the-double-edged-sword-of-context","The double-edged sword of context",[11,27382,27383,27384,27389],{},"Donald Hebb, one of the first to study memory from a neurological perspective, and ",[867,27385,27388],{"href":27386,"rel":27387},"https:\u002F\u002Fpure.mpg.de\u002Frest\u002Fitems\u002Fitem_2346268_3\u002Fcomponent\u002Ffile_2346267\u002Fcontent",[1196],"whose work is still highly regarded",", also came up with this mic drop of a quote:",[86,27391,27392],{},[11,27393,27394],{},"Neurons that fire together, wire together.",[11,27396,27397],{},"What the quote means is essentially that we tend to associate things that happen simultaneously.",[11,27399,27400,27401,27403],{},"And, bad news for the flashcard learner, is that you will likely find that there are many words you ",[21,27402,11498],{}," you know... but you can only remember when doing flashcards. To remember the word, you need the specific context provided by the sentence you learned the word in, by the voice of the person narrating it, and so forth.",[11,27405,27406],{},"Or, somewhat similarly:",[414,27408,27410],{"id":27409},"words-dont-exist-in-a-vacuum","Words don't exist in a vacuum",[11,27412,27413,27414,27419,27420,27422],{},"Perhaps the most important limitation of flashcards is that ",[867,27415,27418],{"href":27416,"rel":27417},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FAssociative_meaning",[1196],"every single word exists within a complex web of meaning","—you don't ",[21,27421,6875],{}," know that pizza exists, you also know that it's something you eat, that it's delicious, that it's technically a pie, that it's supposedly from Italy, and all sort sof little things like that.",[11,27424,27425,27426,844],{},"All that stuff is what makes pizza, well, ",[21,27427,27428],{},"pizza",[11,27430,27431],{},"When you learn a word in a spaced repetition system, all you're really doing is learning that it exists—making a connection from a word in your native language to a string of sounds in the language you're learning. That's a very shallow connection—a pale imitation of the word as it is for native speakers.",[11,27433,27434],{},"With that in mind, here's a golden rule for you:",[86,27436,27437],{},[11,27438,27439,27440,27442,27444],{},"When you make a flashcard out of something, it's like you get a cup.",[132,27441],{},[132,27443],{},"As you interact with your target language, you fill that cup with water.",[34,27446],{},[37,27448,27450],{"id":27449},"spaced-repetition-apps-for-learning-a-language","Spaced repetition apps for learning a language",[11,27452,27453],{},"Way back up in that first section you saw how troublesome it was to manage a spaced repetition system by hand. Thankfully, enough people were annoyed by this problem that tons of solutions exist to it.",[11,27455,27456],{},"Pretty much every major language learning application will have you reviewing the things you learn according to a spaced repetition algorithm, and there are even several apps that are basically spaced-repetition enhanced flashcards on steroids.",[11,27458,27459],{},"Here's four different SRS apps and platforms that are worth looking into:",[414,27461,27463],{"id":27462},"quizlet-great-for-if-you-work-with-a-tutor","Quizlet, great for if you work with a tutor",[833,27465],{"src":27466,"width":5775,"height":27467,"alt":27468},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-srs-quizlet.jpeg",1634,"A screenshot of Quizlet's landing page, showing some of its spaced repetition features",[11,27470,27471],{},"I initially hesitated to add this one to this list because I've only actually used it once.",[11,27473,27474,27475,27480],{},"So, why am I recommending ",[867,27476,27479],{"href":27477,"rel":27478},"https:\u002F\u002Fquizlet.com\u002F",[1196],"Quizlet"," if I didn't actually end up using it?",[11,27482,27483],{},"Three main reasons:",[3153,27485,27486,27489,27492],{},[124,27487,27488],{},"It's incredibly easy to set up—like I'm not even going to give instructions; you'll figure it out without any trouble",[124,27490,27491],{},"It's collaborative, so people can build decks of flashcards and share them in real time",[124,27493,27494],{},"It's free, unless you're planning to teach a class with it or something like that",[11,27496,27497],{},"The one time I used Quizlet was after an italki lesson. I had a conversation with a Korean teacher, and at the end of the lesson he was like, \"Hey, so here are a few words and sentences you messed up several times today. I made flashcards for them. You can review them for next week.\" And then he sent me a link and it had a pre-made deck of about 15 flashcards. And I was like, \"Huh, that's actually really cool.\"",[11,27499,27500],{},"It was, actually, really cool.",[11,27502,27503],{},"I didn't use the flashcards nor did I continue to use Quizlet—if you're reading this, Hyunku, sorry—but I was impressed. I wish that my teachers in high school would have used Quizlet.",[11,27505,27506],{},"If you think SRS sounds interesting but you're hesitant to learn a bunch of new stuff—go ahead and give Quizlet a shot. You'll outgrow it quickly if you take this remotely seriously, but if you're just curious about the Good News, Quizlet is the easiest way to see what spaced repetition is all about.",[414,27508,27510],{"id":27509},"anki-an-srs-app-for-power-users-andor-those-who-like-to-tinkerer","Anki, an SRS app for power users and\u002For those who like to tinkerer",[11,27512,27513,27514,27517],{},"Ahh, ",[867,27515,17584],{"href":17582,"rel":27516},[1196],". The original open-source SRS flashcard tool that's free on desktop and Android but $24.99 on iOS. (🍎📱😭).",[11,27519,27520,27521,27525,27526,27531],{},"Anki's biggest strength is also its biggest weakness: it's nearly infinitely customizable. You can do incredible things with it, and people have made all kinds of ",[867,27522,27524],{"href":17588,"rel":27523},[1196],"decks of flashcards and shared them publicly",". There is even ",[867,27527,27530],{"href":27528,"rel":27529},"https:\u002F\u002Fankiweb.net\u002Fshared\u002Faddons",[1196],"a community of people making addons for it",", but it has a learning curve.",[11,27533,27534,27535,844],{},"Migaku actually used to be one of those Anki addons. Below is an example of an old Migaku flashcard type for Anki, used by one of our users who set ",[867,27536,27538],{"href":27537},"\u002Fblog\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fhow-a-premed-student-learns-spanish-fast","a goal of learning 4,000 Spanish words in 4 months",[833,27540],{"src":27541,"width":27542,"height":991,"alt":27543},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-spanish-anki-flashcard.jpeg",2234,"A screenshot of flashcards generated by the legacy version of Migaku.",[11,27545,27546,27547,27549],{},"If you're good with computers and like tinkering with things to get them ",[21,27548,6875],{}," right, you'll probably like Anki. If you think it might be for you, I recommend you to click through those links I shared up above and see if something catches your eye.",[414,27551,27553],{"id":27552},"memrise-if-accessibility-is-more-important-to-you-than-flexibility-or-efficiency","Memrise, if accessibility is more important to you than flexibility or efficiency",[4988,27555],{"src":27556},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FcUt5ndzDwnI?si=pPN1kVt2D3VKRHDN",[11,27558,27559,27560,844],{},"For a long time, in the world of spaced repetition online, there was Anki and there was ",[867,27561,27564],{"href":27562,"rel":27563},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.memrise.com\u002F",[1196],"Memrise",[11,27566,27567,27568,27571,27572,27575],{},"Whereas Anki was—and I say this lovingly—an ugly piece of confusing software, Memrise was elegant and easy to use: you just logged in, and so long as you had the minimum knowledge necessary to navigate the internet, that was enough to learn from ",[21,27569,27570],{},"and create"," spaced-repetition enhanced courses. Yeah—not just decks, but ",[21,27573,27574],{},"courses",". People went ham, taking entire textbooks and building chapter-by-chapter flashcard-based companion courses for them. It was one of the few times in internet history where a community of strangers came together and made something beautiful for no real benefit to themselves.",[11,27577,27578],{},"Memrise recently shelved all of those community courses in favor of a more corporate-feeling AI app. The new Memrise retains the pleasant UX and impressive accessibility, and they've also done an impressive job of taking something like YouTube Shorts or TikTok reels and combining them with flashcards. It's cool, sort of... but it's not the Memrise I knew and loved, and not something I recommend anymore.",[11,27580,27581],{},"Having said that, if design is super important to you, or you really like the idea of learning words and sentences by seeing native speakers say them, it's worth giving Memrise a shot.",[414,27583,27585],{"id":27584},"migaku","Migaku",[11,27587,27588],{},"Migaku is the SRS flashcard app to rule them all.",[11,27590,27591],{},[21,27592,27593],{},"(Full disclosure, if you haven't noticed: You're reading this on Migaku's blog, and I may or may not be slightly biased.)",[11,27595,27596],{},"I say that so confidently because we are a group of (ex) power Anki users who learned languages to a high level—I've personally passed the highest level proficiency test of Japanese and a similar test of Mandarin—and found ourselves in an awkward situation:",[86,27598,27599],{},[11,27600,27601],{},"Anki was irreplaceable when it came to learning a language... but it wasn't designed for language learners.",[11,27603,27604,27605,844],{},"That will be apparent to anybody who uses the app for more than a few hours. Anki is great... but it could be so much ",[21,27606,27607],{},"more",[11,27609,27610],{},"And that's why we made Migaku.",[11,27612,27613,27614,27617],{},"It delivers the performance that power users demand, but it's also got the user-friendly UI that helps Memrise win users. It was also designed explicitly for language learners—not just to review flashcards, but to ",[21,27615,27616],{},"make"," them.",[11,27619,27620],{},"Like, check this out:",[833,27622],{"src":27623,"width":27624,"height":27625,"alt":27543},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-mobile-mining.gif",462,1000,[11,27627,27628,27629,844],{},"What you're seeing is somebody watching YouTube, finding a useful word, clicking one button, and then creating a high-quality flashcard directly from the video. ",[21,27630,27631],{},"On your phone",[11,27633,22626,27634,27636],{},[21,27635,10109],{}," do that with Anki, but not on your phone. You'd need to be on your computer and really have your process down. It'd take like seven minutes of manual work and the end result wouldn't look as nice. (Our flashcards look really nice.)",[11,27638,27639],{},"Migaku is just kind of this cool bit of technology that takes the best elements of several other spaced-repetition services and puts them into one convenient package for language learners. It's great—and you can try it totally free for ten days.",[876,27641],{"href":878,"text":879},[37,27643,27645],{"id":27644},"how-to-get-started-with-your-spaced-repetition-system","How to get started with your spaced repetition system",[11,27647,27648],{},"Alright! So now we're cooking. You understand how SRS can make your life better, you've picked an app that suits your style, and you're ready to memorize over nine thousand vocabulary words in like six days.",[11,27650,27651],{},"As you start working SRS into your routine, here's a few things to remember:",[414,27653,27655],{"id":27654},"trust-me-start-with-like-3-new-cards-per-day","Trust me, start with like 3 new cards per day",[11,27657,27658],{},"Speaking on behalf of literally every single learner who has discovered spaced repetition before you, here's how your first day with an SRS tool is going to go:",[3153,27660,27661,27664,27667,27670,27673,27676,27679,27682,27686,27688,27691,27694,27700],{},[124,27662,27663],{},"You get your SRS of choice set up",[124,27665,27666],{},"You spend half an hour trying to find a good-looking deck",[124,27668,27669],{},"You find one you love",[124,27671,27672],{},"You're hyped",[124,27674,27675],{},"You do your system-recommended 10 flashcards",[124,27677,27678],{},"It takes like 3 minutes",[124,27680,27681],{},"You're done",[124,27683,5771,27684,2001],{},[21,27685,27681],{},[124,27687,17146],{},[124,27689,27690],{},"But you just got started! You're not ready to be done yet.",[124,27692,27693],{},"You roll up your sleeves and add like 40 more cards, because you're taking this seriously 💪",[124,27695,27696,27697,27699],{},"You finish your 50 new words—",[21,27698,20549],{},", this is what you've been missing!",[124,27701,27702],{},"You close the app for the day, feeling like a superhero of productivity",[833,27704],{"src":27705,"width":27706,"height":27707,"alt":27708},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-flashcards-not-like-this.jpeg",1160,676,"Marie Kondo advising you that you should not do spaced repetition flashcards like this. ",[86,27710,27711],{},[11,27712,27713,27714,27716],{},"Please—for the love of all things that are sacred, ",[21,27715,17649],{}," do that to yourself.",[11,27718,27719],{},"You see, the nature of any SRS is that they take a bit of time to really get up to speed.",[11,27721,27722],{},"What do I mean by that?",[11,27724,27725,27726,27729,27730,27733],{},"Well, remember how back up in section one, when we looked at the Leitner system, it had you reviewing flashcards on five different intervals—every day, every 3 days, every week, every other week, and every month? What this means is that while ",[21,27727,27728],{},"today"," you're just learning 10 cards... on day 30, you'll be learning 10 more cards, but also ",[21,27731,27732],{},"reviewing"," 5 days worth of cards, so you might actually be seeing sixty flashcards.",[11,27735,27736],{},"You can see where this is going.",[11,27738,27739],{},"If you've been going ham and doing like 30 new cards per day, you'll be reviewing like 200 cards per day within a few weeks. It will be a miserable nightmare, you'll hate your life, you'll burn out, and may quit learning your language altogether.",[11,27741,27742,27743,27745],{},"So do yourself a favor and ",[21,27744,17649],{}," do that.",[86,27747,27748],{},[11,27749,27750],{},"Here's how to start a spaced repetition app:",[3153,27752,27753,27756,27759,27762],{},[124,27754,27755],{},"Initially, do just 3 new cards per day",[124,27757,27758],{},"Keep this up for about two weeks—it'll feel really, really, really slow at first, but will pick up as you go",[124,27760,27761],{},"If you finish all of your flashcards every day for two weeks straight, and you aren't feeling strained, add three more cards—start doing 6 new cards per day",[124,27763,27764],{},"Repeat step 3 until you begin regularly (once per week) failing to complete all of your scheduled flashcards; this is your personal SRS limit for the amount of time you have available to give to your language",[414,27766,27768],{"id":27767},"take-advantage-of-the-serial-position-effect","Take advantage of the serial-position effect",[11,27770,27771,27772,27776],{},"Hermann Ebbinghaus, the guy who who discovered the forgetting curve, which we discussed above, also made note of what he called the ",[867,27773,27775],{"href":24010,"rel":27774},[1196],"serial-position effect",": we tend to remember the first and last things we study in a given session better than what came in the middle.",[11,27778,27779],{},"You may have heard the advice that several short study sessions beat one long one, and this is the reason for that:",[121,27781,27782,27785],{},[124,27783,27784],{},"A single 2-hour study session gives you one start and end",[124,27786,27787],{},"Ten 12-minute study sessions give you 10 starts and 10 ends",[11,27789,27790,27791,27793],{},"So, ",[21,27792,17649],{}," just sit down and knock out all of your spaced repetition \"homework\" in a single block of time:",[121,27795,27796,27799,27802,27805],{},[124,27797,27798],{},"Do flashcards while going to the bathrooom",[124,27800,27801],{},"Do flashcards while waiting on a meeting\u002Fclass to start",[124,27803,27804],{},"Do flashcards while walking",[124,27806,27807],{},"Do flashcards during those little pockets of time when you'd otherwise pull up social media",[11,27809,27810,27811,27814],{},"Once you start looking, you'll be shocked to find that your day is full of little two and three minute blocks of time that are too small to really do anything... but are absolutely ",[21,27812,27813],{},"perfect"," for flashcards.",[11,27816,27817],{},"I personally do ~200 flashcard reviews per day, but I never actually intentionally sit down to do flashcards. They all get done gradually throughout the day, which leaves me a longer block of uninterrupted time in the evening to consume content in the language I'm learning.",[414,27819,27821],{"id":27820},"remember-that-flashcards-and-input-go-hand-in-hand","Remember that flashcards and input† go hand in hand 💪",[11,27823,27824],{},"When you first start doing spaced repetition, it's going to feel like a superpower. Plus, it's fun watching the number go up. You're going to download some awesome deck (such as the Migaku Academy!) that has like 2,000 flashcards, and you're going to want to knock all of them out as soon as possible.",[11,27826,27827],{},"Don't do that.",[11,27829,27830],{},"Remember our golden rule from above:",[86,27832,27833],{},[11,27834,27439,27835,27837,27444],{},[132,27836],{},[132,27838],{},[11,27840,27841,27842,27844,27845,844],{},"Flashcards are the perfect way to complement the input you're getting, but they should never ",[21,27843,24184],{}," your input. Remember: you're here because you want to do something awesome in the language you're learning, ",[867,27846,27849],{"href":27847,"rel":27848},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FNigel_Richards_(Scrabble_player)",[1196],"not because you want to memorize the dictionary and become a Scrabble champion",[11,27851,27852,4329],{},[21,27853,27854],{},"(† Note: input refers to consuming content in your target language, such as reading a book or watching YouTube",[414,27856,27858],{"id":27857},"make-your-own-flashcards","Make your own flashcards",[11,27860,27861],{},"There are a lot of shiny decks of flashcards out there on the internet that people have put a lot of time into building. It's commendable, and it's a beautiful thing that these people are willing to give their time to support the common good.",[11,27863,27864,27865,27868],{},"Beyond one single deck to learn the most common ~1,500 vocabulary words or so, though, you ",[21,27866,27867],{},"shouldn't"," be using these decks.",[11,27870,27871,27872,27875],{},"We talk about this more in ",[867,27873,27874],{"href":10002},"our post on how to learn vocabulary",", but words aren't made equally. Some words are used much more commonly than other words, and the words that are super important if you want to read (say) fantasy novels may be totally useless if you want to watch (say) Spanish YouTubers talking about soccer.",[121,27877,27878,27881],{},[124,27879,27880],{},"With a premade deck of flashcards, you don't know where the vocabulary was sourced from, so you can't really know if the words will be useful to you",[124,27882,27883],{},"With a deck you make yourself, though, you can be 100% confident that the cards you make yourself will be of use to you",[11,27885,12233],{},[11,27887,27888],{},"Because you are consuming content you are interested in, and making flashcards out of the words you need to understand this content.",[86,27890,27891],{},[11,27892,27893],{},"If you learn to make your own flashcards, you can effortlessly turn anything into a learning opportunity.",[414,27895,27897],{"id":27896},"pace-yourself-for-a-marathon","Pace yourself for a marathon",[11,27899,27900],{},"This is similar to the first point, in which I asked you to start with 3 flashcards per day. This point is so important that I'm going to come at it again from a different angle.",[11,27902,27903,27904,27907,27908,844],{},"I first set out to learn Korean about five years ago. It would have been my fifth language, and since I already spoke Japanese and Mandarin quite well, it should have been super easy. ",[21,27905,27906],{},"(Morgan Freeman's voice: it wasn't.)"," I even wrote a lengthy plan detailing exactly how I was going to learn Korean, which you can skim ",[867,27909,2933],{"href":27910,"rel":27911},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.reddit.com\u002Fr\u002FKorean\u002Fcomments\u002Fijcout\u002Fkorean_progress_month_0_of_24\u002F",[1196],[11,27913,27914],{},"What you'll notice, if you creep my Reddit profile, is that I only made a single update in that 24-month plan. I got burned out and gave up within the course of about three weeks.",[11,27916,27917],{},"I recently got back into learning Korean a few months ago, and, to date, Migaku says I have learned about 750 words.",[11,27919,27920,27921,27923],{},"That's great... but it also means that, five years ago, if I would have committed to learning just ",[21,27922,17936],{}," card a day, every day, I'd be nearly three times further along than I am right now.",[86,27925,27926],{},[11,27927,27928],{},"As excited as you might be feeling right now—just know that you'll make much more significant progress if you approach learning in a sustainable way that you actually keep up.",[11,27930,27931],{},"You will optimize things as you go along, and as the language you're learning becomes a more important part of your life. Until then, remember that a mediocre workout done religiously will out-perform a perfect workout that you never do.",[34,27933],{},[37,27935,27936],{"id":21102},"In other words",[11,27938,27939],{},"Yes, spaced repetition is great, and you should be using it. It won't learn a language for you, but it will enable you to effectively consolidate the things you learn so that you can make steady progress, and it will also prevent you from forgetting the things you learn.",[11,27941,27942],{},"Whichever SRS app you go with, just remember the golden rule:",[86,27944,27945],{},[11,27946,27947,27948,27950,27439,27952,27954,27444],{},"Spaced repetition complements, but should not replace, input: ",[132,27949],{},[132,27951],{},[132,27953],{},[132,27955],{},[11,27957,27958],{},"With that said, get out of here and go do something awesome in the language you're learning 💪",{"title":383,"searchDepth":915,"depth":915,"links":27960},[27961,27962,27963,27968,27973,27979,27986],{"id":26860,"depth":915,"text":26861},{"id":26954,"depth":915,"text":26955},{"id":27120,"depth":915,"text":27121,"children":27964},[27965,27966,27967],{"id":27138,"depth":923,"text":27139},{"id":27174,"depth":923,"text":27175},{"id":27243,"depth":923,"text":27244},{"id":27264,"depth":915,"text":27265,"children":27969},[27970,27971,27972],{"id":27271,"depth":923,"text":27272},{"id":27379,"depth":923,"text":27380},{"id":27409,"depth":923,"text":27410},{"id":27449,"depth":915,"text":27450,"children":27974},[27975,27976,27977,27978],{"id":27462,"depth":923,"text":27463},{"id":27509,"depth":923,"text":27510},{"id":27552,"depth":923,"text":27553},{"id":27584,"depth":923,"text":27585},{"id":27644,"depth":915,"text":27645,"children":27980},[27981,27982,27983,27984,27985],{"id":27654,"depth":923,"text":27655},{"id":27767,"depth":923,"text":27768},{"id":27820,"depth":923,"text":27821},{"id":27857,"depth":923,"text":27858},{"id":27896,"depth":923,"text":27897},{"id":21102,"depth":915,"text":27936},"Learn how spaced repetition boosts language learning. Discover science-backed strategies, tools like Anki, and proven techniques for mastering vocabulary and fluency.",{"timestampUnix":27989,"slug":27990,"h1":27991,"image":27992,"tags":27997},1736163589788,"spaced-repetition-language-learning","How Spaced Repetition (SRS) Can Help You Learn a New Language",{"src":27993,"width":27994,"height":27995,"alt":27996},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-spaced-repetition-flashcards.jpeg",8924,4706,"An Asian woman holding up a flashcard, about to explain how much better modern tools like Migaku are for learning vocabulary!",[940,16019],"\u002Farticle\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-srs","---\ntitle: 'Master Language Learning with Spaced Repetition: Proven Strategies and Tools'\ndescription: 'Learn how spaced repetition boosts language learning. Discover science-backed strategies, tools like Anki, and proven techniques for mastering vocabulary and fluency.'\ntimestampUnix: 1736163589788\nslug: 'spaced-repetition-language-learning'\nh1: 'How Spaced Repetition (SRS) Can Help You Learn a New Language'\nimage:\n src: '\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-spaced-repetition-flashcards.jpeg'\n width: 8924\n height: 4706\n alt: 'An Asian woman holding up a flashcard, about to explain how much better modern tools like Migaku are for learning vocabulary!'\ntags:\n - discussion\n - resources\n---\n\nThe decision to learn a language near immediately confronts learners with a conundrum:\n\n1. Their memory isn't that good (they think)\n2. They need to learn thousands of vocabulary words (at least)\n\nDire situation indeed!\n\nAnd I'm now going to make a bold claim:\n\n> Chances are, you don't have a bad memory. You just aren't using it right.\n\nEnter spaced repetition, an evidence-based strategy to efficiently commit information into your long-term memory—commonly used for vocabulary retention in language learning, but also applicable to basically everything that involves remembering anything.\n\n\u003Ctoc>\u003C\u002Ftoc>\n\n---\n\n## What is spaced repetition?\n\nSpaced repetition is an evidence-based approach to transferring information from short-term memory into long-term memory—i.e., _remembering stuff_. It consists of just two steps:\n\n- **Repetition**, or reviewing the thing(s) you hope to remember\n- **Spacing**, or doing this review at gradually increasingly intervals of time\n\nHere's a visualization of a simple and manual approach to spaced repetition, called a [Leitner system](https:\u002F\u002Fsubjectguides.york.ac.uk\u002Fstudy-revision\u002Fleitner-system):\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku_leitner.webp\" width=\"2880\" height=\"1556\" alt=\"A photo of a Leitner system, sources from Wikipedia\" \u002F>\n\nWhat you're seeing is:\n\n- Everything you wish to remember goes into box #1 in the form of flashcards\n- After reviewing the contents of box #1:\n - Everything you get correct goes to box #2\n - Anything you get wrong remains in box #1\n- Review schedule:\n - Box #1 is reviewed daily\n - Box #2 every 3 days\n - Box #3 every 7 days\n - Box #4 every 2 weeks\n - Box #5 once per month\n- If you get an item wrong at any point, it goes back to box #1\n\nAnd below you can see a demonstration of a (slightly different) Leitner system in action:\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fwikipedia-leitner_system_animation.gif\" width=\"2880\" height=\"1728\" alt=\"A gif of a Leitner system in action, sourced from Wikipedia\" \u002F>\n\nThis does awesome things for your memory—we'll get into all that juicy stuff in the next section—but, as you can probably imagine just by looking at this GIF, it's kind of unwieldy to manage manually. Your desk can only fit so many shoe boxes, and if you keep this up for more than a month or so, you'll need an advanced degree in mathematics to manage your study calendar. (Trust me on this one.)\n\nFor these reasons, the job of scheduling flashcards for review is normally delegated to an algorithm—a computer program that automates the process of figuring out what you should review and when. Such programs are called spaced-repetition systems, or SRS for short.\n\n## The (awesome) science behind spaced repetition systems\n\nAbout a hundred and fifty years ago, a German psychologist named [Hermann Ebbinghaus](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FHermann_Ebbinghaus) posed a very practical question about memory:\n\n> If you learn a random tidbit of information today, and then never review it, how long will you remember it?\n\nThe results were, frankly—well, just look for yourself _([Stahl, 2013](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.researchgate.net\u002Fprofile\u002FStephen_Stahl2\u002Fpublication\u002F249008560_416-MPP_PlayItAgain\u002Flinks\u002F02e7e51e1f044483b7000000.pdf))_:\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-forgetting-curve.jpeg\" width=\"1984\" height=\"1532\" alt=\"A representation of the forgetting curve, or the lifespan of a piece of information we never review.\" \u002F>\n\nYeah. That's pretty bad.\n\nIt actually gets worse: [only 2.4% of people who get certified in CPR today will remember how to do it in 3 years](https:\u002F\u002Fgwern.net\u002Fdoc\u002Fpsychology\u002Fspaced-repetition\u002F1985-mckenna.pdf). This phenomenon has been dubbed the \"[forgetting curve](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FForgetting_curve)\"—but, let's be real, it's more like a \"forgetting cliff\"—and has been replicated by dozens of academic experiments.\n\n> TL;DR — Not reviewing information is, essentially, choosing to forget it.\n\nBut enough of that. I said that the science is _awesome_, not demoralizing.\n\nTake a look at this next chart for me:\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002FMigakuForgettingCurve.jpeg\" width=\"1370\" height=\"1190\" alt=\"A chart showing how the forgetting curve flattens out if you periodically review information, sourced from Wikipedia\" \u002F>\n\nMuch more palatable, isn't it?\n\n\u003Caccordion heading=\"...and the good news gets better!\">\n\nHere's another glowing recommendation of spaced repetition from [some really smart people](https:\u002F\u002Fpmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\u002Farticles\u002FPMC3399982\u002F):\n\n> _...The spacing effect refers to the finding that long-term memory is enhanced when learning events are spaced apart in time, rather than massed in immediate succession (see Ebbinghaus, 1885\u002F1964, for the first study on the spacing effect). The spacing effect is arguably the most replicable and robust finding from experimental psychology. Hundreds of articles, including a number of reviews (e.g., Dempster, 1988) and meta-analyses (e.g., Cepeda, Pashler, Vul, Wixted, & Rohrer, 2006), have found a spacing effect in a wide variety of memory tasks._\n\nJust take a glance at this graph from the study:\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-spaced-repetition-effectiveness.jpeg\" width=\"1790\" height=\"1380\" alt=\"A chart showing the results generated by cramming learning, chunking it, and spacing it out.\" \u002F>\n\nWhat this chart is showing:\n\n- Massed learning (doing 4 hours of study in one day, also known as cramming) generated very poor results\n- Clumping study sessions (2 hours over 2 days) provided much better results\n- Spacing lessons out (one hour daily over four days) provided significantly better results with complex tasks (tasks that involve processing information and extrapolating a solution)\n\nSo, the science is clear! You can get significantly better results by simply spacing your learning out, even if you're otherwise covering the same content in the same way and not trying any harder. It's free value for no additional effort. Where else in life do you get that?\n\nAnyway, back to the article:\n\n\u003C\u002Faccordion>\n\nYou see, the only thing you need to do to stop things from falling off the forgetting cliff is to review them once in awhile. And _this_ is what makes spaced-repetition systems so cool. They do complex math stuff behind the scenes to answer three important questions for you:\n\n- What should you learn next?\n- What will you probably forget if you don't review it today?\n- What do you still remember pretty well, so you don't need to review it right now?\n\nWhat exactly your SRS does to answer those questions is beyond the scope of this blog post—[read this one, if you dare](https:\u002F\u002Fjuliensobczak.com\u002Finspect\u002F2022\u002F05\u002F30\u002Fanki-srs\u002F)—but the result is that, each day, your SRS will (a) give you a few new flashcards to learn and (b) suggest old flashcards that you should review.\n\nWhat's more, these calculations become more accurate over time:\n\n- Stuff that you consistently get right, you review less often\n- Stuff that you consistently get wrong, you review more often\n\nIn other words:\n\n> Spaced-repetition systems guarantee that you spend more of your time practicing the things you need to practice and waste less of your time reviewing things you already know well.\n\nOh—and you end up spending a vastly smaller amount of time reviewing than you would by reviewing \"normally\", too! It's really just a wonderful thing all around.\n\n---\n\n## Spaced repetition for beginner, intermediate, and advanced language learners\n\nSo, yeah—spaced repetition is grand. Glimmering. Smack dab _glorious_. Before we get into the most popular SRS apps and how to fit them into your schedule, though, you should know that the value you get out of them will depend in part on the level you're at with the language you're learning.\n\n_(If you want to explore this in a bit more detail, check out our deep dive into [the five stages of language learning](\u002Fblog\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fstages-of-language-learning).)_\n\n### If you're a beginner\n\nCheck out [this blog post](\u002Fblog\u002Fjapanese\u002Fhow-to-learn-japanese-vocabulary) to see the math, but know that you'll need to learn about ~1,500 words before consuming content in the language you're learning starts feeling reliably doable. That's quite reasonable, when you consider that a college-educated native speaker knows around 30,000 words... but 1,500 vocabulary words is still a lot of stuff to memorize.\n\nAt the beginner level, a spaced-repetition system serves as something like bumpers in a bowling alley or training wheels on a bicycle. It lets you reduce the entire world of your target language down to a single sentence. While you may not be ready to read a book or listen to a podcast quite yet, you likely _can_ work your way through one specific sentence, even if you've literally just began studying your target language earlier today and have to look up every single word.\n\n> As such, what SRS does is create an environment where you can interact with your target language _in_ your target language, even as a beginner who still has a lot to learn.\n\nThis will be challenging, but the good news is that [the harder you try to remember something, the more you build your memory](https:\u002F\u002Fpmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\u002Farticles\u002FPMC3556209\u002F). You're either remembering stuff or taking concrete steps toward remembering stuff. _Glorious._\n\n### If you're at the intermediate level\n\nUpon reaching the intermediate level, the bulk of your learning will come from consuming content in the language you're learning. Your flashcards now act as a force multiplier upon those gains.\n\nRemember that first chart we looked at, showing how you'd basically forget everything you didn't review? That still applies here†.\n\n\u003Caccordion heading=\"Insert caveat here†\">\n\nWhen you interact with the language you're learning—whether you're reading a book, watching something on Netflix, listening to a podcast, or even having a conversation—you are, necessarily, encountering words, grammar points, and sentences in your target language. This is a natural form of review. It's also really effective.\n\nIn fact, because most words are used in a variety of ways and tend to appear next to certain words more often than other words, this \"natural\" review is of supreme importance. The context you get by seeing words used in a variety of natural formats is what will make your language feel, eventually, less foreign.\n\nImportantly, though, words are not created equally.\n\n[Some words are much, much more common than others—especially in certain contexts](\u002Fblog\u002Fjapanese\u002Fhow-to-learn-japanese-vocabulary).\n\nWhat this means is that while interacting with your language is a great way to review and flesh out your understanding of _old_ words, it isn't necessarily an efficient way to learn _new_ words. These new words you're learning are relatively specific and sort of rare, and you likely just won't encounter most of them often enough to commit them to memory sheerly by consuming content.\n\nNow, having said that:\n\n\u003C\u002Faccordion>\n\nHere, at the intermediate level, you're capable of deciding how you maneuver around this statistical reality.\n\nIf you're into math, you can get into the nitty gritty of it in [this blog post](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.supermemo.com\u002Fen\u002Fblog\u002Ftheoretical-aspects-of-spaced-repetition-in-learning). If not, there are two particular takeaways I want you to notice:\n\n- **Time spent on flashcards is linear**—if you spend 10 minutes doing flashcards instead of 0 minutes, the only thing it costs you is 10 minutes\n- **Return on investment from flashcards is much more than linear**—it enables you to regularly see words that you might otherwise see only once in several hours of interacting with your target language, meaning that SRS enables you to remember things that you might not remember without SRS\n\nSo your goal at the intermediate level is to strike a balance that feels optimal to you. While you want most of your time to be going toward things that involve you interacting with your target language, your SRS will enable you to more quickly remember the key words you need to understand the content you personally find interesting.\n\n### If you're at the advanced level\n\nBy this point, you probably know what you're doing! Or, at least, whatever you've been doing has apparently been working for you.\n\n> But if you're reading this blog post because you haven't used a spaced-repetition system so far and are wondering if it can help you, too, the answer is _yes_.\n\nAs you've likely noticed—the words you're learning now are pretty rare.\n\nFor you, an SRS is basically an insurance policy—anything that you make a flashcard out of will eventually make its way into your memory, too.\n\n## Are there any limitations to spaced repetition?\n\nAs incredible a tool as SRS is, it isn't all-powerful.\n\n### The nature of memory\n\nTo oversimplify ~~a bit~~ a lot, memory is [a three-stage phenomenon](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.researchgate.net\u002Fprofile\u002FStephen_Stahl2\u002Fpublication\u002F249008560_416-MPP_PlayItAgain\u002Flinks\u002F02e7e51e1f044483b7000000.pdf):\n\n- **Encoding**, in which information makes its imprint upon the synapses in your brain\n- **Consolidation**, in which your brain strengthens and stabilizes those connections\n- **Recall**, in which you access that information to make use of it\n\nSpaced repetition is primarily for the last step in that process:\n\n- Encountering words in the natural and vibrant world of native-language content provides more salient grounds for effective encoding to take place\n- Consolidation happens primarily during sleep, during which time your brain fires the same signals it fired during the way when you were awake\n\nKicking off the process of any memory is a neuron that either does or doesn't fire, and you unfortunately can't force your brain to remember something nor choose what you remember. However, importantly, from that same study linked above:\n\n> \"..._Numerous studies now show that memory consolidation is facilitated by repeating the material over time but that all iterations are not created equal (7,15,21-26,35-37). As a general rule, memory improves as the spacing between presentations of repeated information is increased up to a point (21)._\"\n\n\u003Caccordion heading=\"Side quest: how memories are formed\">\n\nHere's [a really cool article about how memory works](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.drtulsian.com\u002FinterestingReading\u002Fbiology\u002Fmaking-memories-stick.pdf). It's eight pages long and taken from a magazine, so it's quite readable.\n\nI'm not a scientist, so I'm not going to break it down, but I'll kind of thread the key points together for you:\n\n\"...Information destined for what is known as [declarative memory](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.sciencedirect.com\u002Fscience\u002Farticle\u002Fabs\u002Fpii\u002FS0010945217301715)—people, places, events—must pass through the hippocampus before being recorded in the cerebral cortex.\"\n\n\"...A neuron is like a microprocessor chip in that it receives thousands of signals through its dendrites and constantly integrates all the input it receives from these connections. But unlike a microprocessor that has many output wires, a neuron has only one, its axon. Thus, a neuron can respond to inputs in only one way: it can either decide to send a signal on to the next neuron in the circuit by firing an impulse through its axon, or not.\"\n\n\"...Both long- and short-term memories arise from the connections between neurons, at points of contact called synapses, where one neuron’s signal-emitting extension, called an axon, meets any of an adjacent neuron’s dozens of signal-receiving fingers, called dendrites. When a short-term memory is created, stimulation of the synapse is enough to temporarily “strengthen,” or sensitize, it to subsequent signals. For a long-term memory, the synapse strengthening becomes permanent.\"\"\n\n\"...Although the process is poorly understood, investigators know that permanent strengthening to form long-term memories requires the postsynaptic cell to manufacture synapse-strengthening proteins (left).\n\n\"...How does a gene “know” when to strengthen a synapse permanently and when to let a fleeting moment fade unrecorded? And how do the proteins encoded by the gene “know” which of thousands of synapses to strengthen?\n\n\"...The same questions have implications for understanding fetal brain development, a time when the brain is deciding which synaptic connections to keep and which to discard. ...To strengthen the synapse permanently, a protein called CREB must be activated ...CREB, for instance, is activated by calcium-dependent enzymes that phosphorylate it and inactivated by enzymes that remove the phosphate tag. But there are hundreds of different transcription factors and protein kinases in a cell. ...What is the synapse-to-nucleus signaling molecule that determines when CREB should be activated and a memory preserved?\"\"\n\n> Like many of life’s decisions, the neuron’s choice to cement a connection comes only after its importance has been demonstrated.\n\n\"...Like Leonard in Memento or any witness to a crime scene, one does not always know beforehand what events should be committed permanently to memory. The moment-to-moment memories necessary for operating in the present are handled well by transient adjustments in the strength of individual synapses.\n\n> But when an event is important enough or is repeated enough, synapses fire to make the neuron in turn fire neural impulses repeatedly and strongly, declaring “this is an event that should be recorded.”\n\n\u003C\u002Faccordion>\n\n### The double-edged sword of context\n\nDonald Hebb, one of the first to study memory from a neurological perspective, and [whose work is still highly regarded](https:\u002F\u002Fpure.mpg.de\u002Frest\u002Fitems\u002Fitem_2346268_3\u002Fcomponent\u002Ffile_2346267\u002Fcontent), also came up with this mic drop of a quote:\n\n> Neurons that fire together, wire together.\n\nWhat the quote means is essentially that we tend to associate things that happen simultaneously.\n\nAnd, bad news for the flashcard learner, is that you will likely find that there are many words you _know_ you know... but you can only remember when doing flashcards. To remember the word, you need the specific context provided by the sentence you learned the word in, by the voice of the person narrating it, and so forth.\n\nOr, somewhat similarly:\n\n### Words don't exist in a vacuum\n\nPerhaps the most important limitation of flashcards is that [every single word exists within a complex web of meaning](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FAssociative_meaning)—you don't _just_ know that pizza exists, you also know that it's something you eat, that it's delicious, that it's technically a pie, that it's supposedly from Italy, and all sort sof little things like that.\n\nAll that stuff is what makes pizza, well, _pizza_.\n\nWhen you learn a word in a spaced repetition system, all you're really doing is learning that it exists—making a connection from a word in your native language to a string of sounds in the language you're learning. That's a very shallow connection—a pale imitation of the word as it is for native speakers.\n\nWith that in mind, here's a golden rule for you:\n\n> When you make a flashcard out of something, it's like you get a cup.\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>As you interact with your target language, you fill that cup with water.\n\n---\n\n## Spaced repetition apps for learning a language\n\nWay back up in that first section you saw how troublesome it was to manage a spaced repetition system by hand. Thankfully, enough people were annoyed by this problem that tons of solutions exist to it.\n\nPretty much every major language learning application will have you reviewing the things you learn according to a spaced repetition algorithm, and there are even several apps that are basically spaced-repetition enhanced flashcards on steroids.\n\nHere's four different SRS apps and platforms that are worth looking into:\n\n### Quizlet, great for if you work with a tutor\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-srs-quizlet.jpeg\" width=\"2880\" height=\"1634\" alt=\"A screenshot of Quizlet's landing page, showing some of its spaced repetition features\" \u002F>\n\nI initially hesitated to add this one to this list because I've only actually used it once.\n\nSo, why am I recommending [Quizlet](https:\u002F\u002Fquizlet.com\u002F) if I didn't actually end up using it?\n\nThree main reasons:\n\n1. It's incredibly easy to set up—like I'm not even going to give instructions; you'll figure it out without any trouble\n2. It's collaborative, so people can build decks of flashcards and share them in real time\n3. It's free, unless you're planning to teach a class with it or something like that\n\nThe one time I used Quizlet was after an italki lesson. I had a conversation with a Korean teacher, and at the end of the lesson he was like, \"Hey, so here are a few words and sentences you messed up several times today. I made flashcards for them. You can review them for next week.\" And then he sent me a link and it had a pre-made deck of about 15 flashcards. And I was like, \"Huh, that's actually really cool.\"\n\nIt was, actually, really cool.\n\nI didn't use the flashcards nor did I continue to use Quizlet—if you're reading this, Hyunku, sorry—but I was impressed. I wish that my teachers in high school would have used Quizlet.\n\nIf you think SRS sounds interesting but you're hesitant to learn a bunch of new stuff—go ahead and give Quizlet a shot. You'll outgrow it quickly if you take this remotely seriously, but if you're just curious about the Good News, Quizlet is the easiest way to see what spaced repetition is all about.\n\n### Anki, an SRS app for power users and\u002For those who like to tinkerer\n\nAhh, [Anki](https:\u002F\u002Fapps.ankiweb.net\u002F). The original open-source SRS flashcard tool that's free on desktop and Android but $24.99 on iOS. (🍎📱😭).\n\nAnki's biggest strength is also its biggest weakness: it's nearly infinitely customizable. You can do incredible things with it, and people have made all kinds of [decks of flashcards and shared them publicly](https:\u002F\u002Fankiweb.net\u002Fshared\u002Fdecks). There is even [a community of people making addons for it](https:\u002F\u002Fankiweb.net\u002Fshared\u002Faddons), but it has a learning curve.\n\nMigaku actually used to be one of those Anki addons. Below is an example of an old Migaku flashcard type for Anki, used by one of our users who set [a goal of learning 4,000 Spanish words in 4 months](\u002Fblog\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fhow-a-premed-student-learns-spanish-fast).\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-spanish-anki-flashcard.jpeg\" width=\"2234\" height=\"1280\" alt=\"A screenshot of flashcards generated by the legacy version of Migaku.\" \u002F>\n\nIf you're good with computers and like tinkering with things to get them _just_ right, you'll probably like Anki. If you think it might be for you, I recommend you to click through those links I shared up above and see if something catches your eye.\n\n### Memrise, if accessibility is more important to you than flexibility or efficiency\n\n\u003Ccustom-iframe src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FcUt5ndzDwnI?si=pPN1kVt2D3VKRHDN\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-iframe>\n\nFor a long time, in the world of spaced repetition online, there was Anki and there was [Memrise](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.memrise.com\u002F).\n\nWhereas Anki was—and I say this lovingly—an ugly piece of confusing software, Memrise was elegant and easy to use: you just logged in, and so long as you had the minimum knowledge necessary to navigate the internet, that was enough to learn from _and create_ spaced-repetition enhanced courses. Yeah—not just decks, but _courses_. People went ham, taking entire textbooks and building chapter-by-chapter flashcard-based companion courses for them. It was one of the few times in internet history where a community of strangers came together and made something beautiful for no real benefit to themselves.\n\nMemrise recently shelved all of those community courses in favor of a more corporate-feeling AI app. The new Memrise retains the pleasant UX and impressive accessibility, and they've also done an impressive job of taking something like YouTube Shorts or TikTok reels and combining them with flashcards. It's cool, sort of... but it's not the Memrise I knew and loved, and not something I recommend anymore.\n\nHaving said that, if design is super important to you, or you really like the idea of learning words and sentences by seeing native speakers say them, it's worth giving Memrise a shot.\n\n### Migaku\n\nMigaku is the SRS flashcard app to rule them all.\n\n_(Full disclosure, if you haven't noticed: You're reading this on Migaku's blog, and I may or may not be slightly biased.)_\n\nI say that so confidently because we are a group of (ex) power Anki users who learned languages to a high level—I've personally passed the highest level proficiency test of Japanese and a similar test of Mandarin—and found ourselves in an awkward situation:\n\n> Anki was irreplaceable when it came to learning a language... but it wasn't designed for language learners.\n\nThat will be apparent to anybody who uses the app for more than a few hours. Anki is great... but it could be so much _more_.\n\nAnd that's why we made Migaku.\n\nIt delivers the performance that power users demand, but it's also got the user-friendly UI that helps Memrise win users. It was also designed explicitly for language learners—not just to review flashcards, but to _make_ them.\n\nLike, check this out:\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-mobile-mining.gif\" width=\"462\" height=\"1000\" alt=\"A screenshot of flashcards generated by the legacy version of Migaku.\" \u002F>\n\nWhat you're seeing is somebody watching YouTube, finding a useful word, clicking one button, and then creating a high-quality flashcard directly from the video. _On your phone_.\n\nYou _could_ do that with Anki, but not on your phone. You'd need to be on your computer and really have your process down. It'd take like seven minutes of manual work and the end result wouldn't look as nice. (Our flashcards look really nice.)\n\nMigaku is just kind of this cool bit of technology that takes the best elements of several other spaced-repetition services and puts them into one convenient package for language learners. It's great—and you can try it totally free for ten days.\n\n\u003Cprose-button href=\"\u002F\" text=\"Try Migaku for free\">\u003C\u002Fprose-button>\n\n## How to get started with your spaced repetition system\n\nAlright! So now we're cooking. You understand how SRS can make your life better, you've picked an app that suits your style, and you're ready to memorize over nine thousand vocabulary words in like six days.\n\nAs you start working SRS into your routine, here's a few things to remember:\n\n### Trust me, start with like 3 new cards per day\n\nSpeaking on behalf of literally every single learner who has discovered spaced repetition before you, here's how your first day with an SRS tool is going to go:\n\n1. You get your SRS of choice set up\n2. You spend half an hour trying to find a good-looking deck\n3. You find one you love\n4. You're hyped\n5. You do your system-recommended 10 flashcards\n6. It takes like 3 minutes\n7. You're done\n8. ..._You're done_?\n9. ???\n10. But you just got started! You're not ready to be done yet.\n11. You roll up your sleeves and add like 40 more cards, because you're taking this seriously 💪\n12. You finish your 50 new words—_man_, this is what you've been missing!\n13. You close the app for the day, feeling like a superhero of productivity\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-flashcards-not-like-this.jpeg\" width=\"1160\" height=\"676\" alt=\"Marie Kondo advising you that you should not do spaced repetition flashcards like this. \" \u002F>\n\n> Please—for the love of all things that are sacred, _don't_ do that to yourself.\n\nYou see, the nature of any SRS is that they take a bit of time to really get up to speed.\n\nWhat do I mean by that?\n\nWell, remember how back up in section one, when we looked at the Leitner system, it had you reviewing flashcards on five different intervals—every day, every 3 days, every week, every other week, and every month? What this means is that while _today_ you're just learning 10 cards... on day 30, you'll be learning 10 more cards, but also _reviewing_ 5 days worth of cards, so you might actually be seeing sixty flashcards.\n\nYou can see where this is going.\n\nIf you've been going ham and doing like 30 new cards per day, you'll be reviewing like 200 cards per day within a few weeks. It will be a miserable nightmare, you'll hate your life, you'll burn out, and may quit learning your language altogether.\n\nSo do yourself a favor and _don't_ do that.\n\n> Here's how to start a spaced repetition app:\n\n1. Initially, do just 3 new cards per day\n2. Keep this up for about two weeks—it'll feel really, really, really slow at first, but will pick up as you go\n3. If you finish all of your flashcards every day for two weeks straight, and you aren't feeling strained, add three more cards—start doing 6 new cards per day\n4. Repeat step 3 until you begin regularly (once per week) failing to complete all of your scheduled flashcards; this is your personal SRS limit for the amount of time you have available to give to your language\n\n### Take advantage of the serial-position effect\n\nHermann Ebbinghaus, the guy who who discovered the forgetting curve, which we discussed above, also made note of what he called the [serial-position effect](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FSerial-position_effect): we tend to remember the first and last things we study in a given session better than what came in the middle.\n\nYou may have heard the advice that several short study sessions beat one long one, and this is the reason for that:\n\n- A single 2-hour study session gives you one start and end\n- Ten 12-minute study sessions give you 10 starts and 10 ends\n\nSo, _don't_ just sit down and knock out all of your spaced repetition \"homework\" in a single block of time:\n\n- Do flashcards while going to the bathrooom\n- Do flashcards while waiting on a meeting\u002Fclass to start\n- Do flashcards while walking\n- Do flashcards during those little pockets of time when you'd otherwise pull up social media\n\nOnce you start looking, you'll be shocked to find that your day is full of little two and three minute blocks of time that are too small to really do anything... but are absolutely _perfect_ for flashcards.\n\nI personally do ~200 flashcard reviews per day, but I never actually intentionally sit down to do flashcards. They all get done gradually throughout the day, which leaves me a longer block of uninterrupted time in the evening to consume content in the language I'm learning.\n\n### Remember that flashcards and input† go hand in hand 💪\n\nWhen you first start doing spaced repetition, it's going to feel like a superpower. Plus, it's fun watching the number go up. You're going to download some awesome deck (such as the Migaku Academy!) that has like 2,000 flashcards, and you're going to want to knock all of them out as soon as possible.\n\nDon't do that.\n\nRemember our golden rule from above:\n\n> When you make a flashcard out of something, it's like you get a cup.\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>As you interact with your target language, you fill that cup with water.\n\nFlashcards are the perfect way to complement the input you're getting, but they should never _replace_ your input. Remember: you're here because you want to do something awesome in the language you're learning, [not because you want to memorize the dictionary and become a Scrabble champion](\u003Chttps:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FNigel_Richards_(Scrabble_player)>).\n\n_(† Note: input refers to consuming content in your target language, such as reading a book or watching YouTube_)\n\n### Make your own flashcards\n\nThere are a lot of shiny decks of flashcards out there on the internet that people have put a lot of time into building. It's commendable, and it's a beautiful thing that these people are willing to give their time to support the common good.\n\nBeyond one single deck to learn the most common ~1,500 vocabulary words or so, though, you _shouldn't_ be using these decks.\n\nWe talk about this more in [our post on how to learn vocabulary](\u002Fblog\u002Fjapanese\u002Fhow-to-learn-japanese-vocabulary), but words aren't made equally. Some words are used much more commonly than other words, and the words that are super important if you want to read (say) fantasy novels may be totally useless if you want to watch (say) Spanish YouTubers talking about soccer.\n\n- With a premade deck of flashcards, you don't know where the vocabulary was sourced from, so you can't really know if the words will be useful to you\n- With a deck you make yourself, though, you can be 100% confident that the cards you make yourself will be of use to you\n\nWhy?\n\nBecause you are consuming content you are interested in, and making flashcards out of the words you need to understand this content.\n\n> If you learn to make your own flashcards, you can effortlessly turn anything into a learning opportunity.\n\n### Pace yourself for a marathon\n\nThis is similar to the first point, in which I asked you to start with 3 flashcards per day. This point is so important that I'm going to come at it again from a different angle.\n\nI first set out to learn Korean about five years ago. It would have been my fifth language, and since I already spoke Japanese and Mandarin quite well, it should have been super easy. _(Morgan Freeman's voice: it wasn't.)_ I even wrote a lengthy plan detailing exactly how I was going to learn Korean, which you can skim [here](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.reddit.com\u002Fr\u002FKorean\u002Fcomments\u002Fijcout\u002Fkorean_progress_month_0_of_24\u002F).\n\nWhat you'll notice, if you creep my Reddit profile, is that I only made a single update in that 24-month plan. I got burned out and gave up within the course of about three weeks.\n\nI recently got back into learning Korean a few months ago, and, to date, Migaku says I have learned about 750 words.\n\nThat's great... but it also means that, five years ago, if I would have committed to learning just _one_ card a day, every day, I'd be nearly three times further along than I am right now.\n\n> As excited as you might be feeling right now—just know that you'll make much more significant progress if you approach learning in a sustainable way that you actually keep up.\n\nYou will optimize things as you go along, and as the language you're learning becomes a more important part of your life. Until then, remember that a mediocre workout done religiously will out-perform a perfect workout that you never do.\n\n---\n\n## In other words\n\nYes, spaced repetition is great, and you should be using it. It won't learn a language for you, but it will enable you to effectively consolidate the things you learn so that you can make steady progress, and it will also prevent you from forgetting the things you learn.\n\nWhichever SRS app you go with, just remember the golden rule:\n\n> Spaced repetition complements, but should not replace, input: \u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>When you make a flashcard out of something, it's like you get a cup.\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>As you interact with your target language, you fill that cup with water.\n\nWith that said, get out of here and go do something awesome in the language you're learning 💪\n",{"title":26826,"description":27987},"article\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-srs","jWMT1CcahMYFBDY_aLNpvRicE2lf2DzeTFGETeHsVLs","January 6, 2025",{"id":28005,"title":28006,"body":28007,"description":28393,"extension":929,"meta":28394,"navigation":942,"path":28403,"rawbody":28404,"seo":28405,"stem":28406,"__hash__":28407,"timestampUnix":28395,"slug":28396,"h1":28397,"image":28398,"tags":28402,"_dir":948,"timestamp":28408},"content\u002Farticle\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-stackadapt-1.md","How to Overcome the Beginner's Stage of Language Learning",{"type":8,"value":28008,"toc":28381},[28009,28012,28017,28020,28023,28026,28029,28033,28036,28039,28042,28058,28068,28071,28075,28078,28081,28135,28138,28144,28147,28150,28154,28168,28177,28181,28184,28188,28195,28203,28206,28209,28211,28214,28220,28223,28231,28237,28248,28254,28261,28263,28266,28270,28273,28276,28295,28300,28302,28306,28311,28314,28322,28325,28328,28336,28339,28376,28379],[11,28010,28011],{},"If you're new to learning a language, you have precisely one job:",[86,28013,28014],{},[381,28015,28016],{"bold":383,"underline":383},"\n Find a piece of content that you can make (some) sense of and (sort of) enjoy.\n",[11,28018,28019],{},"That's it.",[11,28021,28022],{},"That's all you have to do.",[11,28024,28025],{},"If you can do that, you'll have gotten your foot in the door, and the rest of the language learning process will fall into place quite naturally.",[11,28027,28028],{},"But of course:",[37,28030,28032],{"id":28031},"you-need-to-use-a-language-to-learn-it-but-i-cant-do-anything-in-the-language-im-learning-yet","\"You need to use a language to learn it, but I can't do anything in the language I'm learning yet!\"",[11,28034,28035],{},"Indeed! That might be true right now.",[11,28037,28038],{},"The beginner stage sucks.",[11,28040,28041],{},"You're stuck in the middle of two harsh realities:",[3153,28043,28044,28052],{},[124,28045,22626,28046,28051],{},[21,28047,28048],{},[4455,28049,28050],{},"must"," interact with your language to get better at it",[124,28053,28054,28055,28057],{},"The further you are from knowing 1,500 words, the harder it will be to find content you understand ",[21,28056,3970],{}," are remotely interested in consuming",[11,28059,28060,28061,28064,28065,844],{},"Note that I said ",[21,28062,28063],{},"harder",", not ",[21,28066,28067],{},"impossible",[11,28069,28070],{},"Give me 127 seconds and try this:",[37,28072,28074],{"id":28073},"youll-get-the-gist-of-this-even-if-you-know-zero-japanese","↓↓ You'll get the gist of this even if you know zero Japanese ↓↓",[4988,28076],{"src":28077},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002Fq6dHr1fh_W4?si=Icr2wOTUfz76yTMB",[11,28079,28080],{},"This is a style of video called \"comprehensible input\".",[86,28082,28083],{},[381,28084,28085,28086,28090,28091,28090,28095,28090,28099,28090,28103,28090,28107,28090,28111,28090,28116,28090,28121,28090,28125,28090,28130,28134],{},"\n→ \n",[867,28087,6564],{"href":28088,"rel":28089},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=bRSOBvEKI8E&list=PLmhqv13HLg3fpge8IanqgTyF2JyAQNrX0",[1196],"\n | \n",[867,28092,15330],{"href":28093,"rel":28094},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=6puwb16HEZs&list=PLy5kJkg2Mcb0iglVMdzvdkKNe3fvavVN_",[1196],[867,28096,3379],{"href":28097,"rel":28098},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=_CMzfhsCYrA&list=PL2FsjAIKmm56U9gGCymHZ8pDzPaRMHXOI",[1196],[867,28100,3375],{"href":28101,"rel":28102},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=KPkvN3fuLSU&list=PLPI24auc9svCYtxW1O46buRG5sGrklspq",[1196],[867,28104,6552],{"href":28105,"rel":28106},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=Ogo11Q2n6X8&list=PLN524eLFwcG3U6JpYSbnN0SuZCs5j1DTf",[1196],[867,28108,1070],{"href":28109,"rel":28110},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=c2SUQVjklVA&list=PL5-FoKg7aQbVlPlN3msAACnJsJLP_sj7S",[1196],[867,28112,28115],{"href":28113,"rel":28114},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=pco2NlIKGHc&list=PL3QHrNb-JbLG4UGyH7xwYeQUpFP0N9DiW",[1196],"Portuguese (BR)",[867,28117,28120],{"href":28118,"rel":28119},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=UPES_5zQLcM&list=PL3QHrNb-JbLELLRIFUZTHvCHinaRsRkSO",[1196],"Portuguese (PT)",[867,28122,6546],{"href":28123,"rel":28124},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=QHUd-SDg5h8&list=PL11jHLlZioxQJer6ChwnFKFPrHHp8QxgN",[1196],[867,28126,28129],{"href":28127,"rel":28128},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=cgHbqVzsZIc&list=PLSIZsVNoi90PK5Qnpv-eTe-vYkE_Deds_",[1196],"Vietnamese",[867,28131,28133],{"href":17611,"rel":28132},[1196],"Others","\n ←\n",[11,28136,28137],{},"It's not very interesting, admittedly.",[11,28139,28140,28143],{},[21,28141,28142],{},"BUT"," you'll be able to follow the gist of it even if you're a beginner.",[11,28145,28146],{},"In fact, you'll pick things up even if you know no Japanese at all.",[11,28148,28149],{},"The beginner plateau isn't very high. You don't need to be a genius to overcome it. You don't need the best tools, a PhD in linguistics, or a bulletproof memory. You basically just need to get the ball rolling and be consistent for a few months.",[37,28151,28153],{"id":28152},"the-single-uberly-massive-key-point-you-need-to-understand","The single uberly massive key point you need to understand:",[86,28155,28156],{},[381,28157,28158,28159,28161,28163,28164,28166,28158],{},"\n✨ ✨ ✨\n",[132,28160],{},[132,28162],{},"\nYou do NOT need to be fluent in a language to enjoy its media. On the contrary, fluency comes as a byproduct of consuming lots of interesting things in the language you're learning.\n",[132,28165],{},[132,28167],{},[11,28169,28170,28171,28174,28175,19722],{},"At the risk of being impaled with an animated green feather—the #1 reason people fail to escape the beginner's stage is that they spend a lot of time learning ",[21,28172,28173],{},"about"," a language, but very little time ",[21,28176,8355],{},[37,28178,28180],{"id":28179},"if-you-do-these-3-things-youre-guaranteed-to-reach-the-intermediate-stage","If you do these 3 things, you're guaranteed to reach the intermediate stage:",[11,28182,28183],{},"No marketing shenanigans here. You literally need to do just three things.",[414,28185,28187],{"id":28186},"_1-learn-a-few-new-words-every-day","1. Learn a few new words every day",[11,28189,28190,28191,28194],{},"We've got ",[867,28192,28193],{"href":10002},"a blog post that breaks the math down in detail",", but the key takeaway is that words are not used equally often. Some are used much more often than others:",[121,28196,28197,28200],{},[124,28198,28199],{},"Every word in every sentence has a 50% chance of being one of roughly 100 words → learn these, and your language won't look so foreign any more",[124,28201,28202],{},"Every word in every sentence has a 80% chance of being one of roughly 1,500 words → learn these, and foreign media becomes accessible",[11,28204,28205],{},"So, job one is to start working through these 1,500 words.",[11,28207,28208],{},"If you're learning Japanese, Korean, or Mandarin Chinese, Migaku has courses that spoonfeed those key words to you. They look like this:",[833,28210],{"src":19657,"width":8774,"height":13059,"alt":19658},[11,28212,28213],{},"You can start using Migaku even if you don't have any idea how you read your language yet:",[833,28215],{"src":28216,"width":28217,"height":28218,"alt":28219},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-korean-fundamentals.jpeg",1754,1220,"A few screenshots from Migaku's Korean Fundamentals course, showing how we teach Hangul",[876,28221],{"href":28222,"text":879},"\u002F?utm_source=native&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=beginner-stage",[414,28224,28226,28227,28230],{"id":28225},"_2-spend-10-minutes-intensively-consuming-media-in-your-language-each-day","2. Spend 10 minutes ",[21,28228,28229],{},"intensively"," consuming media in your language each day",[11,28232,28233,28236],{},[21,28234,28235],{},"Intensive"," immersion means:",[3153,28238,28239,28242,28245],{},[124,28240,28241],{},"Picking a piece of shorter content (like comprehensible input!)",[124,28243,28244],{},"Looking up everything you don't know",[124,28246,28247],{},"Ideally, making flashcards when you find sentences with only one unknown word",[833,28249],{"src":28250,"width":28251,"height":28252,"alt":28253},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-spanish-mobile-mining.jpeg",2180,1172,"A screenshot of Migaku's mobile application, showing how we enable you to turn YouTUbe videos into learning opportunities.",[11,28255,28256],{},[21,28257,28258],{},[381,28259,28260],{},"(Migaku works with any YouTube video on mobile, and with Netflix\u002FViki\u002FYouTube\u002Fetc on desktop)",[876,28262],{"href":28222,"text":879},[11,28264,28265],{},"This won't be easy, but it'll expose you to new words and sentence structures. Initially, you'll see noticeable growth from basically every video you conquer.",[414,28267,28269],{"id":28268},"_3-spend-your-free-time-watching-content-with-bilingual-subtitles","3. Spend your free time watching content with bilingual subtitles",[11,28271,28272],{},"Consume whatever sort of content you're interested in. Migaku generates subtitles if they aren't available and lets you display subtitles in two languages.",[11,28274,28275],{},"This has three main benefits:",[3153,28277,28278,28285,28292],{},[124,28279,28280,28281,28284],{},"It's fun \u002F takes basically no effort \u002F you're doomscrolling ",[21,28282,28283],{},"anyway",", right?",[124,28286,28287,28288,28291],{},"You build a backlog of content you'll ",[21,28289,28290],{},"eventually"," be able to consume in your target language, which is hype",[124,28293,28294],{},"You'll passively pick up some bonus vocab and build familiarity with your language's sounds",[833,28296],{"src":28297,"width":28298,"height":9916,"alt":28299},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-french-youtube-desktop.jpeg",2004,"A screenshot showing how Migaku helps make native-language content more accessible",[876,28301],{"href":28222,"text":879},[37,28303,28305],{"id":28304},"on-the-off-chance-you-skipped-the-entire-article","On the off chance you skipped the entire article:",[11,28307,28308,28309,19696],{},"All you need to do to escape the beginner stage is to find a piece of content you can understand ",[21,28310,3970],{},[11,28312,28313],{},"Migaku helps you reach this goal in two important ways:",[3153,28315,28316,28319],{},[124,28317,28318],{},"If you're super new to your language, we spoonfeed you the most important words and grammar points you need to know to begin consuming content",[124,28320,28321],{},"We make it easier to consume (and learn from) content in another language by letting you click on words in subtitles and webpages to see what they mean",[11,28323,28324],{},"We're also totally free for ten days—you don't even need to enter a credit card.",[11,28326,28327],{},"So:",[11,28329,28330,28331],{},"1. ",[867,28332,28335],{"href":28333,"rel":28334},"https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku.com\u002Fsignup",[1196],"Sign up for Migaku",[11,28337,28338],{},"2. Download our Chrome extension and watch one of these 👇 beginner-friendly videos",[86,28340,28341],{},[381,28342,28085,28343,28090,28346,28090,28349,28090,28352,28090,28355,28090,28358,28090,28361,28090,28364,28090,28367,28090,28370,28090,28373,28134],{},[867,28344,6564],{"href":28088,"rel":28345},[1196],[867,28347,15330],{"href":28093,"rel":28348},[1196],[867,28350,3379],{"href":28097,"rel":28351},[1196],[867,28353,3375],{"href":28101,"rel":28354},[1196],[867,28356,6552],{"href":28105,"rel":28357},[1196],[867,28359,1070],{"href":28109,"rel":28360},[1196],[867,28362,28115],{"href":28113,"rel":28363},[1196],[867,28365,28120],{"href":28118,"rel":28366},[1196],[867,28368,6546],{"href":28123,"rel":28369},[1196],[867,28371,28129],{"href":28127,"rel":28372},[1196],[867,28374,28133],{"href":17611,"rel":28375},[1196],[11,28377,28378],{},"3. Forget why the beginner stage seemed so intimidating in the first place 💪",[876,28380],{"href":28222,"text":879},{"title":383,"searchDepth":915,"depth":915,"links":28382},[28383,28384,28385,28386,28392],{"id":28031,"depth":915,"text":28032},{"id":28073,"depth":915,"text":28074},{"id":28152,"depth":915,"text":28153},{"id":28179,"depth":915,"text":28180,"children":28387},[28388,28389,28391],{"id":28186,"depth":923,"text":28187},{"id":28225,"depth":923,"text":28390},"2. Spend 10 minutes intensively consuming media in your language each day",{"id":28268,"depth":923,"text":28269},{"id":28304,"depth":915,"text":28305},"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.",{"timestampUnix":28395,"slug":28396,"h1":28397,"image":28398,"tags":28402},1746792727202,"overcome-beginner-stage","Overcoming the Beginner's Plateau as a Language Learner",{"src":28399,"width":937,"height":28400,"alt":28401},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku_overcoming_beginner_stage.jpeg",627,"A woman living her best life after she broke into the intermediate stage of the language she was learning",[940],"\u002Farticle\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-stackadapt-1","---\ntitle: \"How to Overcome the Beginner's Stage of Language Learning\"\ndescription: \"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.\"\ntimestampUnix: 1746792727202\nslug: 'overcome-beginner-stage'\nh1: \"Overcoming the Beginner's Plateau as a Language Learner\"\nimage:\n src: '\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku_overcoming_beginner_stage.jpeg'\n width: 1200\n height: 627\n alt: 'A woman living her best life after she broke into the intermediate stage of the language she was learning'\ntags:\n - discussion\n---\n\nIf you're new to learning a language, you have precisely one job:\n\n> \u003CCenteredText bold underline> Find a piece of content that you can make (some) sense of and (sort of) enjoy.\u003C\u002FCenteredText>\n\nThat's it.\n\nThat's all you have to do.\n\nIf you can do that, you'll have gotten your foot in the door, and the rest of the language learning process will fall into place quite naturally.\n\nBut of course:\n\n## \"You need to use a language to learn it, but I can't do anything in the language I'm learning yet!\"\n\nIndeed! That might be true right now.\n\nThe beginner stage sucks.\n\nYou're stuck in the middle of two harsh realities:\n\n1. You _\u003Cu>must\u003C\u002Fu>_ interact with your language to get better at it\n2. The further you are from knowing 1,500 words, the harder it will be to find content you understand _and_ are remotely interested in consuming\n\nNote that I said _harder_, not _impossible_.\n\nGive me 127 seconds and try this:\n\n## ↓↓ You'll get the gist of this even if you know zero Japanese ↓↓\n\n\u003Ccustom-iframe src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002Fq6dHr1fh_W4?si=Icr2wOTUfz76yTMB\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-iframe>\n\nThis is a style of video called \"comprehensible input\".\n\n> \u003CCenteredText>→ [Japanese](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=bRSOBvEKI8E&list=PLmhqv13HLg3fpge8IanqgTyF2JyAQNrX0) | [Korean](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=6puwb16HEZs&list=PLy5kJkg2Mcb0iglVMdzvdkKNe3fvavVN_) | [Mandarin](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=_CMzfhsCYrA&list=PL2FsjAIKmm56U9gGCymHZ8pDzPaRMHXOI) | [Cantonese](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=KPkvN3fuLSU&list=PLPI24auc9svCYtxW1O46buRG5sGrklspq) | [Spanish](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=Ogo11Q2n6X8&list=PLN524eLFwcG3U6JpYSbnN0SuZCs5j1DTf) | [French](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=c2SUQVjklVA&list=PL5-FoKg7aQbVlPlN3msAACnJsJLP_sj7S) | [Portuguese (BR)](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=pco2NlIKGHc&list=PL3QHrNb-JbLG4UGyH7xwYeQUpFP0N9DiW) | [Portuguese (PT)](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=UPES_5zQLcM&list=PL3QHrNb-JbLELLRIFUZTHvCHinaRsRkSO) | [German](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=QHUd-SDg5h8&list=PL11jHLlZioxQJer6ChwnFKFPrHHp8QxgN) | [Vietnamese](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=cgHbqVzsZIc&list=PLSIZsVNoi90PK5Qnpv-eTe-vYkE_Deds_) | [Others](https:\u002F\u002Fcomprehensibleinputwiki.org\u002Fwiki\u002FMain_Page) ←\u003C\u002FCenteredText>\n\nIt's not very interesting, admittedly.\n\n_BUT_ you'll be able to follow the gist of it even if you're a beginner.\n\nIn fact, you'll pick things up even if you know no Japanese at all.\n\nThe beginner plateau isn't very high. You don't need to be a genius to overcome it. You don't need the best tools, a PhD in linguistics, or a bulletproof memory. You basically just need to get the ball rolling and be consistent for a few months.\n\n## The single uberly massive key point you need to understand:\n\n> \u003CCenteredText>✨ ✨ ✨\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>You do NOT need to be fluent in a language to enjoy its media. On the contrary, fluency comes as a byproduct of consuming lots of interesting things in the language you're learning.\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>✨ ✨ ✨\u003C\u002FCenteredText>\n\nAt the risk of being impaled with an animated green feather—the #1 reason people fail to escape the beginner's stage is that they spend a lot of time learning _about_ a language, but very little time _in_ it.\n\n## If you do these 3 things, you're guaranteed to reach the intermediate stage:\n\nNo marketing shenanigans here. You literally need to do just three things.\n\n### 1. Learn a few new words every day\n\nWe've got [a blog post that breaks the math down in detail](\u002Fblog\u002Fjapanese\u002Fhow-to-learn-japanese-vocabulary), but the key takeaway is that words are not used equally often. Some are used much more often than others:\n\n- Every word in every sentence has a 50% chance of being one of roughly 100 words → learn these, and your language won't look so foreign any more\n- Every word in every sentence has a 80% chance of being one of roughly 1,500 words → learn these, and foreign media becomes accessible\n\nSo, job one is to start working through these 1,500 words.\n\nIf you're learning Japanese, Korean, or Mandarin Chinese, Migaku has courses that spoonfeed those key words to you. They look like this:\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-textbooks-memes.jpeg\" width=\"1760\" height=\"1234\" alt=\"A screenshot showing how Migaku uses memes to make the learning process a bit more entertaining\"\u002F>\n\nYou can start using Migaku even if you don't have any idea how you read your language yet:\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-korean-fundamentals.jpeg\" width=\"1754\" height=\"1220\" alt=\"A few screenshots from Migaku's Korean Fundamentals course, showing how we teach Hangul\" \u002F>\n\n\u003Cprose-button href=\"\u002F?utm_source=native&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=beginner-stage\" text=\"Try Migaku for free\">\u003C\u002Fprose-button>\n\n### 2. Spend 10 minutes _intensively_ consuming media in your language each day\n\n_Intensive_ immersion means:\n\n1. Picking a piece of shorter content (like comprehensible input!)\n2. Looking up everything you don't know\n3. Ideally, making flashcards when you find sentences with only one unknown word\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-spanish-mobile-mining.jpeg\" width=\"2180\" height=\"1172\" alt=\"A screenshot of Migaku's mobile application, showing how we enable you to turn YouTUbe videos into learning opportunities.\" \u002F>\n\n_\u003CCenteredText>(Migaku works with any YouTube video on mobile, and with Netflix\u002FViki\u002FYouTube\u002Fetc on desktop)\u003C\u002FCenteredText>_\n\n\u003Cprose-button href=\"\u002F?utm_source=native&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=beginner-stage\" text=\"Try Migaku for free\">\u003C\u002Fprose-button>\n\nThis won't be easy, but it'll expose you to new words and sentence structures. Initially, you'll see noticeable growth from basically every video you conquer.\n\n### 3. Spend your free time watching content with bilingual subtitles\n\nConsume whatever sort of content you're interested in. Migaku generates subtitles if they aren't available and lets you display subtitles in two languages.\n\nThis has three main benefits:\n\n1. It's fun \u002F takes basically no effort \u002F you're doomscrolling _anyway_, right?\n2. You build a backlog of content you'll _eventually_ be able to consume in your target language, which is hype\n3. You'll passively pick up some bonus vocab and build familiarity with your language's sounds\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-french-youtube-desktop.jpeg\" width=\"2004\" height=\"1260\" alt=\"A screenshot showing how Migaku helps make native-language content more accessible\" \u002F>\n\n\u003Cprose-button href=\"\u002F?utm_source=native&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=beginner-stage\" text=\"Try Migaku for free\">\u003C\u002Fprose-button>\n\n## On the off chance you skipped the entire article:\n\nAll you need to do to escape the beginner stage is to find a piece of content you can understand _and_ that you enjoy.\n\nMigaku helps you reach this goal in two important ways:\n\n1. If you're super new to your language, we spoonfeed you the most important words and grammar points you need to know to begin consuming content\n2. We make it easier to consume (and learn from) content in another language by letting you click on words in subtitles and webpages to see what they mean\n\nWe're also totally free for ten days—you don't even need to enter a credit card.\n\nSo:\n\n1\\. [Sign up for Migaku](https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku.com\u002Fsignup)\n\n2\\. Download our Chrome extension and watch one of these 👇 beginner-friendly videos\n\n> \u003CCenteredText>→ [Japanese](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=bRSOBvEKI8E&list=PLmhqv13HLg3fpge8IanqgTyF2JyAQNrX0) | [Korean](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=6puwb16HEZs&list=PLy5kJkg2Mcb0iglVMdzvdkKNe3fvavVN_) | [Mandarin](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=_CMzfhsCYrA&list=PL2FsjAIKmm56U9gGCymHZ8pDzPaRMHXOI) | [Cantonese](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=KPkvN3fuLSU&list=PLPI24auc9svCYtxW1O46buRG5sGrklspq) | [Spanish](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=Ogo11Q2n6X8&list=PLN524eLFwcG3U6JpYSbnN0SuZCs5j1DTf) | [French](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=c2SUQVjklVA&list=PL5-FoKg7aQbVlPlN3msAACnJsJLP_sj7S) | [Portuguese (BR)](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=pco2NlIKGHc&list=PL3QHrNb-JbLG4UGyH7xwYeQUpFP0N9DiW) | [Portuguese (PT)](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=UPES_5zQLcM&list=PL3QHrNb-JbLELLRIFUZTHvCHinaRsRkSO) | [German](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=QHUd-SDg5h8&list=PL11jHLlZioxQJer6ChwnFKFPrHHp8QxgN) | [Vietnamese](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=cgHbqVzsZIc&list=PLSIZsVNoi90PK5Qnpv-eTe-vYkE_Deds_) | [Others](https:\u002F\u002Fcomprehensibleinputwiki.org\u002Fwiki\u002FMain_Page) ←\u003C\u002FCenteredText>\n\n3\\. Forget why the beginner stage seemed so intimidating in the first place 💪\n\n\u003Cprose-button href=\"\u002F?utm_source=native&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=beginner-stage\" text=\"Try Migaku for free\">\u003C\u002Fprose-button>\n",{"title":28006,"description":28393},"article\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-stackadapt-1","-5gfo9UHqL9ncWgJvejMehBP5PXttiPU_ranKeHPFsY","May 9, 2025",{"id":28410,"title":28411,"body":28412,"description":28693,"extension":929,"meta":28694,"navigation":942,"path":28704,"rawbody":28705,"seo":28706,"stem":28707,"__hash__":28708,"timestampUnix":28695,"slug":28696,"h1":28697,"image":28698,"tags":28703,"_dir":948,"timestamp":28709},"content\u002Farticle\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-stackadapt-2.md","The Only 3 Things You Need to Do to Learn a Language",{"type":8,"value":28413,"toc":28686},[28414,28417,28424,28427,28430,28433,28436,28438,28442,28444,28451,28454,28468,28493,28498,28501,28513,28525,28529,28532,28549,28552,28557,28560,28563,28565,28568,28570,28573,28575,28598,28602,28609,28611,28618,28620,28627,28629,28632,28634,28636,28639,28641,28653,28655,28659,28662,28672,28675,28678,28681,28683],[11,28415,28416],{},"Learning a language is actually really simple:",[86,28418,28419],{},[11,28420,28421,28422,844],{},"When you consume media in a foreign language, and understand the messages within that media, you get better at the language. ",[21,28423,899],{},[11,28425,28426],{},"There's just one problem:",[11,28428,28429],{},"The best way to make money as a language learning company is by sabotaging learners—the slower people learn, the longer they remain as paying customers.",[11,28431,28432],{},"If you've tried several language learning apps but don't feel like you're making progress, the problem might not be you.",[11,28434,28435],{},"Here's what you need to do to learn a language:",[30,28437],{},[876,28439],{"href":28440,"text":28441},"\u002Fpricing?utm_source=native&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=3-steps","See how Migaku helps",[34,28443],{},[37,28445,28447,28448],{"id":28446},"_1-build-a-foundation-this-isnt-what-you-think","1. Build a foundation ",[21,28449,28450],{},"(this isn't what you think)",[11,28452,28453],{},"The one and only goal of your first app or textbook should be to enable you to begin consuming content in the language you're learning.",[3153,28455,28456,28459,28462,28465],{},[124,28457,28458],{},"Pick an app\u002Ftextbook that seems useful and accessible",[124,28460,28461],{},"Skim it—don't worry about remembering everything",[124,28463,28464],{},"At least once a week, try to read or watch something in the language you're learning",[124,28466,28467],{},"When it feels even slightly doable, move on to step #2",[86,28469,28470],{},[11,28471,1316,28472,28475,28476,28478,28479,28481,28483,28485,28486,28489,28490,28492],{},[69,28473,28474],{},"Myth"," ❌",[132,28477],{},"You study, become fluent, then begin doing cool things in your language",[132,28480],{},[132,28482],{},[132,28484],{},"\n✅ ",[69,28487,28488],{},"Reality"," ✅",[132,28491],{},"You take steps toward fluency by doing cool things in your language",[11,28494,10045,28495,28497],{},[21,28496,11948],{}," progress comes from simply interacting with your language, so don't overthink this.",[11,28499,28500],{},"Further reading:",[121,28502,28503,28508],{},[124,28504,28505],{},[867,28506,28507],{"href":10002},"The most common ~1,500 words make up ~80% of text in all media",[124,28509,28510],{},[867,28511,28512],{"href":19305},"How to overcome the absolute-beginner stage",[4004,28514,28516,28519,28522],{"heading":28515},"If you're learning Japanese or Mandarin...",[11,28517,28518],{},"We spent over 10,000 hours making a super-optimized course to take you from zero to understanding most of Netflix in Japanese and Mandarin. Details here:",[4988,28520],{"src":28521},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FgFvZMZlUYfc?si=Dk1EG8yc9Qpag2kd",[876,28523],{"href":878,"text":28524},"Try Migaku's courses for free",[37,28526,28528],{"id":28527},"_2-consume-content-you-understand-and-hopefully-enjoy","2. Consume content you understand (and hopefully enjoy)",[11,28530,28531],{},"The #1 reason most learners fail to make progress in a foreign language is that they don't interact with it enough.",[121,28533,28534,28540,28546],{},[124,28535,28536,28537],{},"If your goal is to get good at reading books, the metric that matters is ",[21,28538,28539],{},"pages read",[124,28541,28542,28543],{},"If your goal is to watch TV shows, the metric that matters is ",[21,28544,28545],{},"minutes watched",[124,28547,28548],{},"These metrics are still important even if your goal is to talk well—you can't have a conversation if you can't understand what you hear",[11,28550,28551],{},"Or, more simply:",[86,28553,28554],{},[11,28555,28556],{},"What all successful language learners have in common is that they spent a massive amount of time interacting with the language they learned.",[11,28558,28559],{},"That's why Migaku's primary goal is to enable you to consume content in another language as early and efficiently as possible.",[833,28561],{"src":24194,"width":24195,"height":24196,"alt":28562},"A screenshot showing how Migaku enhances subtitles to help people learn foreign languages",[876,28564],{"href":28440,"text":879},[11,28566,28567],{},"Simply consume content and click on words you don't know. Migaku will show you what they mean, give you AI breakdowns of how the sentence works, and more.",[833,28569],{"src":17627,"width":5775,"height":5776,"alt":17628},[11,28571,28572],{},"You'd be surprised how early you can begin consuming real media in the language you're learning when it takes less than a second to look up new words.",[11,28574,28500],{},[121,28576,28577,28582,28592],{},[124,28578,28579],{},[867,28580,28581],{"href":19305},"How to overcome the beginner and intermediate stages",[124,28583,28584,427,28588],{},[867,28585,28587],{"href":28586},"\u002Fblog\u002Fjapanese\u002Flearn-japanese-with-netflix","How to learn Japanese by watching Netflix",[867,28589,28591],{"href":28590},"\u002Fblog\u002Fjapanese\u002Flearn-japanese-with-manga","reading manga",[124,28593,28594],{},[867,28595,28597],{"href":28596},"\u002Fblog\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fbest-spanish-shows-guide","How to learn Spanish by watching telenovelas",[37,28599,28601],{"id":28600},"_3-use-flashcards-to-review-the-useful-words-you-find-in-that-content","3. Use flashcards to review the useful words you find in that content",[11,28603,28604,28605,1198],{},"I know, nobody wants to review. ",[867,28606,28608],{"href":26977,"rel":28607},[1196],"But check this out",[833,28610],{"src":26982,"width":26983,"height":26984,"alt":26985},[11,28612,28613,28614,1227],{},"If you don't periodically review what you learn, you're letting over 90% of your effort go to waste. Thankfully, ",[867,28615,28617],{"href":11614,"rel":28616},[1196],"a bit of review goes a long ways",[833,28619],{"src":27020,"width":27021,"height":23481,"alt":27022},[11,28621,28622,28623,1198],{},"In fact, ",[867,28624,28626],{"href":27034,"rel":28625},[1196],"simply spacing out your learning instead of cramming (\"massed\" review\") leads to dramatically better retention of information",[833,28628],{"src":23661,"width":23662,"height":23663,"alt":23664},[11,28630,28631],{},"Research makes the importance of periodic review overwhelmingly clear, so we've designed Migaku to make doing review overwhelmingly easy:",[833,28633],{"src":24206,"width":24195,"height":24196,"alt":24207},[876,28635],{"href":28440,"text":879},[11,28637,28638],{},"Click new words you see. If they seem useful, click another button to make a flashcard. Migaku's algorithms automatically figure out what you should learn next and when you should review old information.",[11,28640,28500],{},[121,28642,28643,28648],{},[124,28644,28645],{},[867,28646,28647],{"href":2958},"A deep dive into research on memory and review",[124,28649,28650],{},[867,28651,28652],{"href":27537},"A university student's goal to learn 4,000 Spanish words in four months",[34,28654],{},[37,28656,28658],{"id":28657},"in-summary","In summary",[11,28660,28661],{},"Once you establish your foundation, learning a language boils down to three things:",[3153,28663,28664,28667,28670],{},[124,28665,28666],{},"Consume content that you understand",[124,28668,28669],{},"Improve as a byproduct of enjoying yourself",[124,28671,20928],{},[11,28673,28674],{},"You can do that on your own, totally free, without any applications... but Migaku has been designed specifically to make this process as easy as possible.",[876,28676],{"href":18042,"text":28677},"Ask 9k+ learners if Migaku is any good",[381,28679,28680],{},"\n or \n",[876,28682],{"href":28440,"text":879},[381,28684,28685],{},"\n Good luck 💪 \n",{"title":383,"searchDepth":915,"depth":915,"links":28687},[28688,28690,28691,28692],{"id":28446,"depth":915,"text":28689},"1. Build a foundation (this isn't what you think)",{"id":28527,"depth":915,"text":28528},{"id":28600,"depth":915,"text":28601},{"id":28657,"depth":915,"text":28658},"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.\"",{"timestampUnix":28695,"slug":28696,"h1":28697,"image":28698,"tags":28703},1736917348911,"3-things-to-learn-a-language","Master These 3 Essentials for Language Learning Success",{"src":28699,"width":28700,"height":28701,"alt":28702,"position":9984},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-three-things-header.jpeg",6000,4000,"IMG",[940,8838],"\u002Farticle\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-stackadapt-2","---\ntitle: 'The Only 3 Things You Need to Do to Learn a Language'\ndescription: '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.\"'\ntimestampUnix: 1736917348911\nslug: '3-things-to-learn-a-language'\nh1: 'Master These 3 Essentials for Language Learning Success'\nimage:\n src: '\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-three-things-header.jpeg'\n width: 6000\n height: 4000\n alt: 'IMG'\n position: top\ntags:\n - discussion\n - fundamentals\n---\n\nLearning a language is actually really simple:\n\n> When you consume media in a foreign language, and understand the messages within that media, you get better at the language. _Period_.\n\nThere's just one problem:\n\nThe best way to make money as a language learning company is by sabotaging learners—the slower people learn, the longer they remain as paying customers.\n\nIf you've tried several language learning apps but don't feel like you're making progress, the problem might not be you.\n\nHere's what you need to do to learn a language:\n\n\u003Ctoc>\u003C\u002Ftoc>\n\n\u003Cprose-button href=\"\u002Fpricing?utm_source=native&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=3-steps\" text=\"See how Migaku helps\">\u003C\u002Fprose-button>\n\n---\n\n## 1. Build a foundation _(this isn't what you think)_\n\nThe one and only goal of your first app or textbook should be to enable you to begin consuming content in the language you're learning.\n\n1. Pick an app\u002Ftextbook that seems useful and accessible\n2. Skim it—don't worry about remembering everything\n3. At least once a week, try to read or watch something in the language you're learning\n4. When it feels even slightly doable, move on to step #2\n\n> ❌ **Myth** ❌\u003Cbr>You study, become fluent, then begin doing cool things in your language\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>\n> ✅ **Reality** ✅\u003Cbr>You take steps toward fluency by doing cool things in your language\n\nThe _real_ progress comes from simply interacting with your language, so don't overthink this.\n\nFurther reading:\n\n- [The most common ~1,500 words make up ~80% of text in all media](\u002Fblog\u002Fjapanese\u002Fhow-to-learn-japanese-vocabulary)\n- [How to overcome the absolute-beginner stage](\u002Fblog\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fstages-of-language-learning)\n\n\u003Caccordion heading=\"If you're learning Japanese or Mandarin...\">\n\nWe spent over 10,000 hours making a super-optimized course to take you from zero to understanding most of Netflix in Japanese and Mandarin. Details here:\n\n\u003Ccustom-iframe src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FgFvZMZlUYfc?si=Dk1EG8yc9Qpag2kd\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-iframe>\n\n\u003Cprose-button href=\"\u002F\" text=\"Try Migaku's courses for free\">\u003C\u002Fprose-button>\n\n\u003C\u002Faccordion>\n\n## 2. Consume content you understand (and hopefully enjoy)\n\nThe #1 reason most learners fail to make progress in a foreign language is that they don't interact with it enough.\n\n- If your goal is to get good at reading books, the metric that matters is _pages read_\n- If your goal is to watch TV shows, the metric that matters is _minutes watched_\n- These metrics are still important even if your goal is to talk well—you can't have a conversation if you can't understand what you hear\n\nOr, more simply:\n\n> What all successful language learners have in common is that they spent a massive amount of time interacting with the language they learned.\n\nThat's why Migaku's primary goal is to enable you to consume content in another language as early and efficiently as possible.\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-flashcards-2.webp\" width=\"1650\" height=\"926\" alt=\"A screenshot showing how Migaku enhances subtitles to help people learn foreign languages\" \u002F>\n\n\u003Cprose-button href=\"\u002Fpricing?utm_source=native&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=3-steps\" text=\"Try Migaku for free\">\u003C\u002Fprose-button>\n\nSimply consume content and click on words you don't know. Migaku will show you what they mean, give you AI breakdowns of how the sentence works, and more.\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-stages-dual-subtitles.jpeg\" width=\"2880\" height=\"1800\" alt=\"A screenshot of an anime episode, showing Migaku's ability to display subtitles in two languages at once..\" \u002F>\n\nYou'd be surprised how early you can begin consuming real media in the language you're learning when it takes less than a second to look up new words.\n\nFurther reading:\n\n- [How to overcome the beginner and intermediate stages](\u002Fblog\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fstages-of-language-learning)\n- [How to learn Japanese by watching Netflix](\u002Fblog\u002Fjapanese\u002Flearn-japanese-with-netflix) or [reading manga](\u002Fblog\u002Fjapanese\u002Flearn-japanese-with-manga)\n- [How to learn Spanish by watching telenovelas](\u002Fblog\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fbest-spanish-shows-guide)\n\n## 3. Use flashcards to review the useful words you find in that content\n\nI know, nobody wants to review. [But check this out](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.researchgate.net\u002Fprofile\u002FStephen_Stahl2\u002Fpublication\u002F249008560_416-MPP_PlayItAgain\u002Flinks\u002F02e7e51e1f044483b7000000.pdf):\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-forgetting-curve.jpeg\" width=\"1984\" height=\"1532\" alt=\"A representation of the forgetting curve, or the lifespan of a piece of information we never review.\" \u002F>\n\nIf you don't periodically review what you learn, you're letting over 90% of your effort go to waste. Thankfully, [a bit of review goes a long ways](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FForgetting_curve)!\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002FMigakuForgettingCurve.jpeg\" width=\"1370\" height=\"1190\" alt=\"A chart showing how the forgetting curve flattens out if you periodically review information, sourced from Wikipedia\" \u002F>\n\nIn fact, [simply spacing out your learning instead of cramming (\"massed\" review\") leads to dramatically better retention of information](https:\u002F\u002Fpmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\u002Farticles\u002FPMC3399982\u002F):\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-spaced-repetition-effectiveness.jpeg\" width=\"1790\" height=\"1380\" alt=\"A chart showing the results generated by cramming learning, chunking it, and spacing it out.\" \u002F>\n\nResearch makes the importance of periodic review overwhelmingly clear, so we've designed Migaku to make doing review overwhelmingly easy:\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-flashcards-3.webp\" width=\"1650\" height=\"926\" alt=\"A screenshot showing how Migaku makes it easy to create flashcards out of the content you're consuming in another language\" \u002F>\n\n\u003Cprose-button href=\"\u002Fpricing?utm_source=native&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=3-steps\" text=\"Try Migaku for free\">\u003C\u002Fprose-button>\n\nClick new words you see. If they seem useful, click another button to make a flashcard. Migaku's algorithms automatically figure out what you should learn next and when you should review old information.\n\nFurther reading:\n\n- [A deep dive into research on memory and review](\u002Fblog\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fspaced-repetition-language-learning)\n- [A university student's goal to learn 4,000 Spanish words in four months](\u002Fblog\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fhow-a-premed-student-learns-spanish-fast)\n\n---\n\n## In summary\n\nOnce you establish your foundation, learning a language boils down to three things:\n\n1. Consume content that you understand\n2. Improve as a byproduct of enjoying yourself\n3. Repeat\n\nYou can do that on your own, totally free, without any applications... but Migaku has been designed specifically to make this process as easy as possible.\n\n\u003Cprose-button href=\"\u002Fblog\u002Fjapanese\u002Fmigaku-japanese-learning-discord\" text=\"Ask 9k+ learners if Migaku is any good\">\u003C\u002Fprose-button>\n\n\u003CCenteredText> or \u003C\u002FCenteredText>\n\n\u003Cprose-button href=\"\u002Fpricing?utm_source=native&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=3-steps\" text=\"Try Migaku for free\">\u003C\u002Fprose-button>\n\n\u003CCenteredText> Good luck 💪 \u003C\u002FCenteredText>\n",{"title":28411,"description":28693},"article\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-stackadapt-2","T-zvHrt-cIBp-VeKrvOW4NsU6gZzVW31bczQxw4GLsU","January 15, 2025",{"id":28711,"title":28712,"body":28713,"description":31094,"extension":929,"meta":31095,"navigation":942,"path":31105,"rawbody":31106,"seo":31107,"stem":31108,"__hash__":31109,"timestampUnix":31096,"slug":31097,"h1":31098,"image":31099,"tags":31104,"_dir":948,"timestamp":31110},"content\u002Farticle\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-vietnamese-tones.md","Vietnamese Tones Overview: How to Pronounce All 6 Tones (+Audio)",{"type":8,"value":28714,"toc":31065},[28715,28718,28724,28731,28734,28736,28738,28740,28750,28754,28757,28763,28766,28809,28814,28817,28823,28826,28829,28832,28836,28839,28842,28854,28857,28899,28902,28905,28919,28922,28926,28929,28950,28953,28964,28967,28970,28975,28977,28981,28984,29001,29004,29008,29011,29014,29033,29039,29043,29058,29061,29064,29245,29250,29260,29284,29288,29291,29296,29299,29315,29318,29327,29330,29336,29339,29344,29350,29375,29388,29392,29407,29410,29418,29421,29561,29564,29572,29577,29590,29594,29597,29600,29622,29625,29627,29631,29634,29637,29648,29760,29763,29795,29799,29802,29805,29813,29819,29822,29836,29839,29886,29890,29893,29900,29905,29908,29926,29929,29976,29980,29983,29990,29994,29996,30018,30021,30068,30073,30077,30080,30087,30091,30093,30111,30114,30161,30165,30168,30175,30179,30181,30195,30198,30245,30249,30252,30259,30263,30265,30295,30298,30345,30349,30352,30355,30377,30381,30384,30389,30398,30402,30405,30409,30412,30415,30451,30454,30456,30460,30463,30477,30480,30951,30953,30957,30964,30967,30990,30993,30998,31001,31007,31015,31020,31026,31029,31031,31035,31038,31041,31044,31047,31057,31060,31063],[11,28716,28717],{},"I'm not going to lie: Vietnamese phonology is pretty complex. Learning to hear and distinguish Vietnamese's tones will require you to learn about some new concepts, think about how you speak English, and listen carefully.",[11,28719,28720,28721,28723],{},"Having said that, you ",[21,28722,11546],{}," learn the tones.",[11,28725,28726,28727,28730],{},"This article walks through each tone in Vietnamese and everything you need to make sense of it. We've also gathered dozens of audio recordings from real Vietnamese speakers so that you can literally ",[21,28728,28729],{},"hear"," what we're talking about.",[11,28732,28733],{},"This article isn't short—it'll be a 15–20 minute read—but by the time you're done, you'll know what you're doing and where to go from here.",[11,28735,19221],{},[30,28737],{},[34,28739],{},[86,28741,28742,28745,32,28747],{},[381,28743,28744],{"bold":383,"underline":383},"\nImportant note\n",[132,28746],{},[381,28748,28749],{},"\nThere are multiple dialects of Vietnamese. Some tones and sounds differ between them. This article will focus on the tones of Northern Vietnamese, which is what is typically taught to foreigners in Vietnamese language classes. \n",[37,28751,28753],{"id":28752},"is-vietnamese-a-tonal-language","Is Vietnamese a tonal language?",[11,28755,28756],{},"I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but yes: Vietnamese is a tonal language.",[11,28758,28759,28760,28762],{},"In fact, you might call it a ",[21,28761,1057],{}," tonal language.",[11,28764,28765],{},"Whereas Mandarin has 4 tones (plus a neutral one), Vietnamese has 6 tones:",[121,28767,28768,28774,28780,28786,28797,28803],{},[124,28769,28770,28771],{},"A flat tone ",[57,28772],{"src":28773,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_ba.mp3",[124,28775,28776,28777],{},"A low falling tone ",[57,28778],{"src":28779,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_bà.mp3",[124,28781,28782,28783],{},"A mid \u002F high rising tone ",[57,28784],{"src":28785,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_bá.mp3",[124,28787,28788,28789,55,28792,55,28794],{},"A glottalized mid falling tone ",[57,28790],{"src":28791,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_bạ.mp3",[132,28793],{},[21,28795,28796],{},"(we'll explain what \"glottalized\" means down below; it's not as scary as it sounds)",[124,28798,28799,28800],{},"A falling-rising tone ",[57,28801],{"src":28802,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_bả.mp3",[124,28804,28805,28806],{},"A glottalized rising tone ",[57,28807],{"src":28808,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_bã.mp3",[11,28810,28811],{},[21,28812,28813],{},"(Yes, each of those audio recordings had a different tone. If you couldn't tell how, you're in the right place 💪)",[11,28815,28816],{},"Here they are visualized in this same order:",[833,28818],{"src":28819,"width":28820,"height":28821,"alt":28822},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku_vietnamese_tones_table.webp",1413,965,"A visualization of Vietnamese's six tones",[11,28824,28825],{},"(More precisely, Vietnamese is what's called a \"register language\" because its tones are defined not only by pitch contour\u002Fmelody but also voice quality and length.)",[11,28827,28828],{},"That's a lot of big words, but hang on a second before you start panicking.",[11,28830,28831],{},"I've got some good news.",[37,28833,28835],{"id":28834},"the-1-thing-you-need-to-understand-to-make-sense-of-vietnamese-tones","The #1 thing you need to understand to make sense of Vietnamese tones",[11,28837,28838],{},"English makes heavy use of tones, too.",[11,28840,28841],{},"Don't believe me?",[11,28843,28844,28845,28853],{},"Well, check this out. ",[867,28846,28849,28850,28852],{"href":28847,"rel":28848},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.sinosplice.com\u002Flife\u002Farchives\u002F2015\u002F01\u002F27\u002Fkaisers-dude-system-of-tones",[1196],"I'm going to say the word ",[21,28851,12789],{}," eight times",", and it's going to mean something different every time.",[11,28855,28856],{},"Here we go:",[3153,28858,28859,28864,28869,28874,28879,28884,28889,28894],{},[124,28860,28861],{},[57,28862],{"src":28863,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fdude_annoyed.m4a",[124,28865,28866],{},[57,28867],{"src":28868,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fdude_high.m4a",[124,28870,28871],{},[57,28872],{"src":28873,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fdude_high_short.m4a",[124,28875,28876],{},[57,28877],{"src":28878,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fdude_you_dawg.m4a",[124,28880,28881],{},[57,28882],{"src":28883,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fdude_exasperated.m4a",[124,28885,28886],{},[57,28887],{"src":28888,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fdude_low_short.m4a",[124,28890,28891],{},[57,28892],{"src":28893,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fdude_falling.m4a",[124,28895,28896],{},[57,28897],{"src":28898,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fdude_rising.m4a",[11,28900,28901],{},"Cool, huh?",[11,28903,28904],{},"I'm not much of a voice actor, but there's some cool things we can point out:",[121,28906,28907,28910,28913],{},[124,28908,28909],{},"#2 and #3 are both high tones, but the third is much shorter... and that matters! This is the difference between \"dude, did you really eat my last candy bar?\" and \"dude—it's not that hard.\"",[124,28911,28912],{},"#6 and #7 are both falling tones, but #6 is much shorter and #7 is much more intense. This is the difference between \"dude, chill, it's not that big of a deal\" and \"dude, I said NO!\"",[124,28914,28915,28916,28918],{},"#5 is a dude of pure exasperation. ",[21,28917,3936],{}," dude in particular will be important for later on in the article, so listen to it a few times. In particular, notice how my voice's '\"ooh\" vowel gets grittier over the course of the recording.",[11,28920,28921],{},"And now we need to get technical for a second:",[414,28923,28925],{"id":28924},"tones-vs-intonation","Tones vs intonation",[11,28927,28928],{},"English has tones, and Vietnamese has tones, but they're not quite the same sort of tones:",[121,28930,28931,28938],{},[124,28932,28933,28934,28937],{},"English has ",[21,28935,28936],{},"intonation",", which means that we use tones to communicate information about how we feel about whatever we're saying",[124,28939,28940,28941,28944,28945,4329],{},"Vietnamese is ",[21,28942,28943],{},"tonal",", which means they use tones in a much more mechanical way to mark syllables (and they have intonation like we do, too—more on that in ",[867,28946,28949],{"href":28947,"rel":28948},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.frontiersin.org\u002Fjournals\u002Feducation\u002Farticles\u002F10.3389\u002Ffeduc.2024.1411660\u002Ffull",[1196],"Tjuka, Nguyen, Vijver, and Spalek (2024)",[11,28951,28952],{},"What this means is that a rising tone (dude #8) is a sure signal that we're voicing a question or communicating our uncertainty\u002Fanxiety in English, but this isn't necessarily the case in Vietnamese. In Vietnamese, some syllables just rise by nature, whether they're part of a question or not.",[11,28954,28955,28956,28959,28960,28963],{},"If this is hard to wrap your mind around—say the word ",[21,28957,28958],{},"articulation"," out loud for a second. Now find the beat. Notice what you said? arTIcuLAtion. some syllables are stressed—you pronounce them louder, more clearly, and hold them for slightly longer—and some syllables are unstressed. In ",[21,28961,28962],{},"articulate",", the stressed syllables are TI and LA. Importantly, this isn't anything to do with TI or LA themselves—these same syllables are unstressed in words like PAtty and GElatin.",[11,28965,28966],{},"Tones work similarly in Vietnamese.",[11,28968,28969],{},"Each syllable can have a different \"melody\"—it might have a pitch that's high and flat, a pitch that initially dips before rising up high, or one of a handful of other shapes. Tones work differently in Vietnamese than they do in English, and that'll take getting used to... but, for now, just remember:",[86,28971,28972],{},[11,28973,28974],{},"As a native English speaker, you're already comfortable with the concept of tones. You use them in every single sentence you utter. To learn Vietnamese, you just need to get comfortable using tones in a mechanical fashion to mark words, rather than to express emotion.",[34,28976],{},[37,28978,28980],{"id":28979},"the-five-components-of-every-tone-in-vietnamese","The five components of every tone in Vietnamese",[11,28982,28983],{},"In the section after this one, we're going to walk through all of Vietnamese's tones, step by step. To prepare for that, there are five things about tones in Vietnamese that I think you should pay attention to as a learner:",[3153,28985,28986,28989,28992,28995,28998],{},[124,28987,28988],{},"Syllables",[124,28990,28991],{},"The tone mark",[124,28993,28994],{},"The relative pitch a tone starts at",[124,28996,28997],{},"The quality of voice used when making a particular tone",[124,28999,29000],{},"Whether a syllable ends in a consonant or a vowel",[11,29002,29003],{},"These aren't necessarily The Things™ a textbook or journal article will use to categorize tones by... but, as a learner, each one does give you a nice little handhold to latch onto.",[414,29005,29007],{"id":29006},"_1-the-syllable-as-every-tone-occupies-a-syllable","1. The syllable, as every tone occupies a syllable",[11,29009,29010],{},"Your journey to getting comfortable with Vietnamese tones starts with identifying Vietnamese syllables. Thankfully, this is very easy. Spaces are placed before and after each syllable in Vietnamese.",[11,29012,29013],{},"For example, there are three syllables in the phrase \"in Vietnam\":",[121,29015,29016],{},[124,29017,29018,29019,29022],{},"ở Việt Nam ",[57,29020],{"src":29021,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-ở việt nam.mp3",[121,29023,29024,29027,29030],{},[124,29025,29026],{},"ở",[124,29028,29029],{},"Việt",[124,29031,29032],{},"Nam",[11,29034,29035,29036,29038],{},"What's a bit tricky is that these spaces are ",[21,29037,19664],{}," inserted between syllables that form words, such as between \"Việt\" and \"Nam\". You'll get used to this before long, but you might initially struggle to determine whether a particular syllable stands by itself or is part of a word.",[414,29040,29042],{"id":29041},"_2-dấu-or-tone-mark-which-tells-you-the-tone-of-a-syllable","2. Dấu, or tone mark, which tells you the tone of a syllable",[11,29044,29045,29046,29049,29050,29053,29054,29057],{},"The Vietnamese word \"dấu\" ",[57,29047],{"src":29048,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-dấu.mp3"," means mark\u002Fsign\u002Fsymbol. (",[21,29051,29052],{},"Yes, in Vietnamese, \"d\" makes a Z sound.)"," There are five dấu, plus an dấu-less dấu, and each one serves to indicate the tone (ngang ",[57,29055],{"src":29056,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_ngang.mp3",") of a word.",[11,29059,29060],{},"You may see these two terms used seemingly interchangeably online, but, strictly speaking, dấu refers to the written symbol that appears above\u002Fbelow a vowel, while ngang refers to the sound\u002Fpitch pattern of a tone.",[11,29062,29063],{},"Here are the Vietnamese tone markers:",[183,29065,29066,29083],{},[186,29067,29068],{},[189,29069,29070,29073,29075,29078,29080],{},[192,29071,29072],{},"Dấu (Tone Mark)",[192,29074,206],{},[192,29076,29077],{},"Tone Mark Name",[192,29079,3391],{},[192,29081,29082],{},"Thanh (Tone)",[208,29084,29085,29111,29137,29164,29191,29218],{},[189,29086,29087,29089,29094,29102,29105],{},[213,29088,867],{},[213,29090,29091],{},[57,29092],{"src":29093,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-a.mp3",[213,29095,29096,55,29099,29101],{},[69,29097,29098],{},"không dấu",[132,29100],{}," \"no mark\"",[213,29103,29104],{},"No visible marking, as shown in \"Nam\" of \"Việt Nam\"",[213,29106,29107,29108,29110],{},"thanh ngang ",[132,29109],{}," \"flat tone\"",[189,29112,29113,29115,29120,29128,29131],{},[213,29114,2501],{},[213,29116,29117],{},[57,29118],{"src":29119,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-à.mp3",[213,29121,29122,55,29125,29127],{},[69,29123,29124],{},"dấu huyền",[132,29126],{}," †\"grave mark\"",[213,29129,29130],{},"A descending accent marker over a vowel",[213,29132,29133,29134,29136],{},"thanh huyền ",[132,29135],{}," \"falling tone\"",[189,29138,29139,29142,29147,29155,29158],{},[213,29140,29141],{},"á",[213,29143,29144],{},[57,29145],{"src":29146,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-á.mp3",[213,29148,29149,55,29152,29154],{},[69,29150,29151],{},"dấu sắc",[132,29153],{}," \"sharp mark\"",[213,29156,29157],{},"An ascending accent marker over a vowel",[213,29159,29160,29161,29163],{},"thanh sắc ",[132,29162],{}," \"rising tone\"",[189,29165,29166,29169,29174,29182,29185],{},[213,29167,29168],{},"ạ",[213,29170,29171],{},[57,29172],{"src":29173,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-ạ.mp3",[213,29175,29176,55,29179,29181],{},[69,29177,29178],{},"dấu nặng",[132,29180],{}," \"heavy mark\"",[213,29183,29184],{},"A dot under a vowel",[213,29186,29187,29188,29190],{},"thanh nặng ",[132,29189],{}," \"heavy tone\"",[189,29192,29193,29196,29201,29209,29212],{},[213,29194,29195],{},"ả",[213,29197,29198],{},[57,29199],{"src":29200,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-ả.mp3",[213,29202,29203,55,29206,29208],{},[69,29204,29205],{},"dấu hỏi",[132,29207],{}," \"asking mark\"",[213,29210,29211],{},"What looks like a ? without the dot, above a vowel",[213,29213,29214,29215,29217],{},"thanh hỏi ",[132,29216],{}," \"dipping tone\"",[189,29219,29220,29223,29228,29236,29239],{},[213,29221,29222],{},"ã",[213,29224,29225],{},[57,29226],{"src":29227,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-ã.mp3",[213,29229,29230,55,29233,29235],{},[69,29231,29232],{},"dấu ngã",[132,29234],{}," \"stumbling mark\"",[213,29237,29238],{},"A tilde\u002Fsquiggly mark above a vowel",[213,29240,29241,29242,29244],{},"thanh ngã ",[132,29243],{}," \"broken rising tone\"",[11,29246,29247],{},[21,29248,29249],{},"† Note: Each of the tone names is just a normal Vietnamese word, and different people may translate them slightly differently. For example, you'll sometimes see ngang hỏi translated as \"asking tone\", and other times a \"question tone\".",[86,29251,29252,29255,32,29257],{},[381,29253,29254],{"bold":383,"underline":383},"\nWarning: Non-tone markers\n",[132,29256],{},[381,29258,29259],{},"\nThere are seven Vietnamese letters—⟨ă⟩, ⟨â⟩, ⟨ê⟩, ⟨ô⟩, ⟨ơ⟩, ⟨ư⟩, and ⟨đ⟩—which include a marker\u002Faccent by default. As such, ⟨ấ⟩ is really ⟨â⟩+ ⟨á⟩. This will be confusing at first, but you'll get the hang of it. \n",[4004,29261,29263,29266],{"heading":29262},"How to know which vowel to put the marker on",[11,29264,29265],{},"While it may not appear so at first, the placement of Vietnamese tone markers is actually standardized.",[3153,29267,29268,29271,29278],{},[124,29269,29270],{},"If a syllable has only one vowel, the dấu goes on that vowel → không, ngã",[124,29272,29273,29274,29277],{},"If a syllable has multiple vowels and ends in a ",[4455,29275,29276],{},"vowel",", the dấu goes on second-to-last vowel → hỏi, dấu",[124,29279,29273,29280,29283],{},[4455,29281,29282],{},"consonant",", the dấu goes on the last vowel → huyền, Việt",[414,29285,29287],{"id":29286},"_3-starting-point-or-the-relative-highnesslowness-of-a-tones-pitch","3. Starting point, or the relative highness\u002Flowness of a tone's pitch",[11,29289,29290],{},"Bear with me for a moment, but I'm going to state something very obvious:",[86,29292,29293],{},[11,29294,29295],{},"Different people have different voices.",[11,29297,29298],{},"And this is super important to understand.",[121,29300,29301,29308],{},[124,29302,29303,29304,29307],{},"A piano has ",[21,29305,29306],{},"absolute"," tones—if you whack the middle C key on any piano, it'll sound at exactly the same pitch",[124,29309,29310,29311,29314],{},"Vietnamese has ",[21,29312,29313],{},"relative"," tones—what matters is not necessarily the specific pitch of a tone, but rather its pitch in relation to the tones that appear around it",[11,29316,29317],{},"For example, consider that we have two people: a young girl with a naturally higher-pitched voice and an old man with a naturally lower-pitched voice. Chances are, the young girl's thanh nặng (mid falling tone) will be pronounced at a higher pitch than the old man's thanh sắc (mid \u002F high-rising tone).",[11,29319,29320,29321,29326],{},"Another important implication of the fact that everybody's voice is unique is that not everybody will make these tones in exactly the same way. Take a moment to skim these charts (both taken from ",[867,29322,29325],{"href":29323,"rel":29324},"http:\u002F\u002Fwww.sealang2.net\u002Farchives\u002Fmks\u002Fpdf\u002F28:1-18.pdf",[1196],"Nguyễn & Edmondson (1998)",") for me:",[11,29328,29329],{},"Vietnamese's six tones, as uttered by a male from northern Vietnam:",[833,29331],{"src":29332,"width":29333,"height":29334,"alt":29335},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fwikipedia_vietnamese_tones_1.jpeg",1243,620,"A diagram of one Hanoi speaker's tones",[11,29337,29338],{},"Vietnamese's six tones, as uttered by a female from Hanoi (in northern Vietnam):",[833,29340],{"src":29341,"width":4855,"height":29342,"alt":29343},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fwikipedia_vietnamese_tones_2.jpeg",648,"A diagram of a second Hanoi speaker's tones",[11,29345,10045,29346,29349],{},[21,29347,29348],{},"shape"," of the tones is more or less the same, but there's also a fair bit of variance!",[121,29351,29352,29362,29372],{},[124,29353,29354,29355,29357,29358,29361],{},"The first speaker's sắc tone (blue) started ",[21,29356,6442],{}," than their ngang tone (black), whereas the second speaker's sắc tone started ",[21,29359,29360],{},"lower"," than their ngang tone.",[124,29363,29364,29365,29367,29368,29371],{},"The first speaker's hỏi tone (green) dropped and didn't rise, whereas the second speaker's hỏi tone dropped and rose. (Typically, it ",[21,29366,6835],{}," rise back up when it appears at the end of an utterance or you're speaking carefully, but it ",[21,29369,29370],{},"doesn't"," rise back up when you're speaking normally\u002Fquickly.)",[124,29373,29374],{},"(You'll notice a lot of things if you look closely)",[86,29376,29377,29380,32,29382],{},[381,29378,29379],{"bold":383,"underline":383},"\nThe point\n",[132,29381],{},[381,29383,29384,29385,29387],{},"\nYou don't need perfect pitch to make Vietnamese tones. Your mid flat \u002F level tone doesn't need to be pronounced at the same pitch every single time. Your \n",[21,29386,29313],{},"\n pitches are what matter: it's not a big deal if your sắc starts a bit higher or a bit lower, but it should end higher than your ngang.\n",[414,29389,29391],{"id":29390},"_4-phonation-type-or-the-type-of-voice-you-use","4. Phonation type, or the type of voice you use",[11,29393,29394,29395,29400,29401,29406],{},"This section was originally very complex, but I've decided to simplify it. Go ahead and check out ",[867,29396,29399],{"href":29397,"rel":29398},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FPhonation",[1196],"the article Wikipedia"," if you want a bit more complexity, or ",[867,29402,29405],{"href":29403,"rel":29404},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.researchgate.net\u002Fpublication\u002F231909247_The_valves_of_the_throat_and_their_functioning_in_tone_vocal_register_and_stress_laryngoscopic_case_studies",[1196],"Edmondson (2006)"," for a much more anatomically-heavy look. (It's cool, if you're a nerd.)",[11,29408,29409],{},"Having said that, there are two main things you need to understand about speech:",[3153,29411,29412,29415],{},[124,29413,29414],{},"Speaking involves expelling air from your mouth (and sometimes your nose)",[124,29416,29417],{},"The manner in which you manipulate that airflow significantly affects how your voice sounds",[11,29419,29420],{},"For example, from more constricted to more lax airflow:",[183,29422,29423,29440],{},[186,29424,29425],{},[189,29426,29427,29433,29436,29438],{},[192,29428,29429,29430,29432],{},"Tension",[132,29431],{},"(↑more)",[192,29434,29435],{},"Quality",[192,29437,206],{},[192,29439,3391],{},[208,29441,29442,29458,29479,29494,29510,29525,29545],{},[189,29443,29444,29447,29450,29455],{},[213,29445,29446],{},"↑",[213,29448,29449],{},"Glottal stop",[213,29451,29452],{},[57,29453],{"src":29454,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fglottal_stop.m4a",[213,29456,29457],{},"The sound in the middle of \"uh-uh\"",[189,29459,29460,29463,29466,29471],{},[213,29461,29462],{},"┃",[213,29464,29465],{},"Creaky voice",[213,29467,29468],{},[57,29469],{"src":29470,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fcreaky_phonation.m4a",[213,29472,29473,29474],{},"AKA \"vocal fry\", here's ",[867,29475,29478],{"href":29476,"rel":29477},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=Q0yL2GezneU&t=629s",[1196],"a lot of audio samples",[189,29480,29481,29483,29486,29491],{},[213,29482,29462],{},[213,29484,29485],{},"Tense voice",[213,29487,29488],{},[57,29489],{"src":29490,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ftense_phonation.m4a",[213,29492,29493],{},"Creaky voice, but with more airflow—a kind of strained voice",[189,29495,29496,29499,29502,29507],{},[213,29497,29498],{},"—",[213,29500,29501],{},"Modal voice",[213,29503,29504],{},[57,29505],{"src":29506,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmodal_voice.m4a",[213,29508,29509],{},"Just your normal talking voice",[189,29511,29512,29514,29517,29520],{},[213,29513,29462],{},[213,29515,29516],{},"Slack voice",[213,29518,29519],{},"N\u002FA",[213,29521,29522],{},[21,29523,29524],{},"(Not important for Vietnamese, but between modal and breathy)",[189,29526,29527,29529,29532,29537],{},[213,29528,29462],{},[213,29530,29531],{},"Breathy voice",[213,29533,29534],{},[57,29535],{"src":29536,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbreathy_phonation.m4a",[213,29538,29539,29540],{},"Talking and letting more air out than normal—think ",[867,29541,29544],{"href":29542,"rel":29543},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=heQaJPFP5gU&t=44",[1196],"Marilyn Monroe",[189,29546,29547,29550,29553,29558],{},[213,29548,29549],{},"↓",[213,29551,29552],{},"Whisper",[213,29554,29555],{},[57,29556],{"src":29557,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fwhisper_phonation.m4a",[213,29559,29560],{},"If you relax your larynx further, you end up whispering",[11,29562,29563],{},"The audio recordings likely sound a bit weird because people don't normally talk \"purely\" in one of these other voices. We use our modal\u002Fnormal voice, and then we sprinkle in bits of creakiness or breathiness for effect. It might help to think of these voice qualities as being knobs you dial up or dial down:",[121,29565,29566,29569],{},[124,29567,29568],{},"If you constrict the muscles in your neck (your larynx), the reduced airflow leads to creakiness and eventually cuts off your sound all together (a glottal stop)",[124,29570,29571],{},"If you relax the muscles in your throat (the larynx), air can escape your voice more naturally, and you get a more breathy\u002Fwistful quality",[11,29573,29574],{},[21,29575,29576],{},"(If you ctrl + f for \"#5 is a dude of pure exasperation\", that recording features a transition from modal to tense voice)",[86,29578,29579,29582,32,29584],{},[381,29580,29581],{"bold":383,"underline":383},"\nImportant point\n",[132,29583],{},[381,29585,29586,29587,29589],{},"\nVietnamese tones aren't \n",[21,29588,6875],{},"\n about the tones. Some tones are made with modal (normal) voice quality, some are made with a creaky voice, and some are made with a breathy voice. We'll talk about this down below in the step-by-step guide.\n",[414,29591,29593],{"id":29592},"_5-checked-tones-or-whether-a-tone-ends-in-a-consonant-or-vowel","5. Checked tones, or whether a tone ends in a consonant or vowel",[11,29595,29596],{},"Eventually, you'll need to build mastery over the tones, recognize them when you hear them, and become able to reproduce each one confidently.",[11,29598,29599],{},"For now, though, here's a quick hack for you:",[121,29601,29602,29608],{},[124,29603,29604,29605,29607],{},"If a syllable ends in a P, T, or K sound, its tone ",[21,29606,28050],{}," be either sắc (sharp\u002Fmid rising) or nặng (mid glottalized falling)",[124,29609,29610,29611],{},"If a syllable ends with any other sound, it can be any of Vietnamese's 6 tones\n",[121,29612,29613,29616,29619],{},[124,29614,29615],{},"If it ends in a high tone, it's either sắc or ngã (and may sound slightly different than the \"normal\" sắc\u002Fngã, but you can pick this up as you go)",[124,29617,29618],{},"If it ends in a low tone, it's either nặng or huyền",[124,29620,29621],{},"Hỏi can go both ways—it might dip and stay low (in normal\u002Ffast speech) or it might dip and rise back up (in careful speech\u002Fthe end of an utterance)",[11,29623,29624],{},"And now let's get a crash course into each of Vietnamese's 6 tones—and, more importantly, hear a bunch of audio samples for each one.",[34,29626],{},[37,29628,29630],{"id":29629},"a-step-by-step-guide-to-all-six-tones-audio","A step-by-step guide to all six tones (+ audio)",[11,29632,29633],{},"As we said in the beginning of the article, Vietnamese has six tones. We're now ready to talk about them—but before you start thinking too hard about this, take a second and listen to your ears.",[11,29635,29636],{},"In particular, I want to do three things:",[3153,29638,29639,29642,29645],{},[124,29640,29641],{},"Look at each tone's name",[124,29643,29644],{},"Find that tone on the below graphic and note it's general shape",[124,29646,29647],{},"Listen to the recordings; think about (a) how different speakers pronounce the same tone, and (b) what distinguishes each tone from the other tones",[121,29649,29650,29671,29690,29709,29728,29744],{},[124,29651,29652,29655,29656,55,29658,55,29661,29664,29665,55,29668],{},[69,29653,29654],{},"Ngang",": Ba ",[57,29657],{"src":28773,":type":60},[57,29659],{"src":29660,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_ba_creaky.mp3",[57,29662],{"src":29663,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_ba_breathy.mp3"," ・ La ",[57,29666],{"src":29667,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-la.mp3",[57,29669],{"src":29670,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_la_creak.mp3",[124,29672,29673,29676,29677,29680,29683,29684,29687],{},[69,29674,29675],{},"Huyền",": Bà ",[57,29678],{"src":29679,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_bà_m.mp3",[57,29681],{"src":29682,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_bà_f.mp3","・ Là ",[57,29685],{"src":29686,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_là_m.mp3",[57,29688],{"src":29689,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_là_f.mp3",[124,29691,29692,29695,29696,55,29699,29702,29703,29706],{},[69,29693,29694],{},"Sắc",": Bá ",[57,29697],{"src":29698,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_bá_m.mp3",[57,29700],{"src":29701,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_bá_f.mp3"," ・ Lá ",[57,29704],{"src":29705,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_lá_breath.mp3",[57,29707],{"src":29708,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_lá.mp3",[124,29710,29711,29714,29715,29718,29721,29722,29725],{},[69,29712,29713],{},"Nặng",": Bạ ",[57,29716],{"src":29717,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_bạ_f.mp3",[57,29719],{"src":29720,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-bạ_m.mp3","・Lạ ",[57,29723],{"src":29724,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-lạ_f.mp3",[57,29726],{"src":29727,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-lạ_m.mp3",[124,29729,29730,29733,29734,29737,29740,29741],{},[69,29731,29732],{},"Hỏi",": Bả ",[57,29735],{"src":29736,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_bả_m1.mp3",[57,29738],{"src":29739,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_bả_m2.mp3","・Lả ",[57,29742],{"src":29743,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_lả_m.mp3",[124,29745,29746,29749,29750,29753,29754,29757],{},[69,29747,29748],{},"Ngã",": Bã ",[57,29751],{"src":29752,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-bã.mp3","・Lã ",[57,29755],{"src":29756,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fpronunciation_vi_lã.mp3",[57,29758],{"src":29759,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-lã.mp3",[833,29761],{"src":29762,"width":28820,"height":28821,"alt":28822},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku_vietnamese_tones_overview.webp",[11,29764,29765],{},[21,29766,29767,29768,55,29773,55,29778,29783,29784,29789,29790,844],{},"I've summarized the following notes from the common points of where ",[867,29769,29772],{"href":29770,"rel":29771},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.researchgate.net\u002Fpublication\u002F293182693",[1196],"Brunelle, 2009;",[867,29774,29777],{"href":29775,"rel":29776},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.internationalphoneticassociation.org\u002Ficphs-proceedings\u002FICPhS2003\u002Fpapers\u002Fp15_1703.pdf",[1196],"Pham, 2003;",[867,29779,29782],{"href":29780,"rel":29781},"https:\u002F\u002Fresearchoutput.csu.edu.au\u002Fws\u002Fportalfiles\u002Fportal\u002F199645633\u002F32337908_Accepted_manuscript.pdf",[1196],"Phạm & McCleod, 2019;"," and Wikipedia overlap. Also featured are wonderfully clear audio recordings from ",[867,29785,29788],{"href":29786,"rel":29787},"https:\u002F\u002Fopenbooks.lib.msu.edu\u002Fvietnamese\u002Fchapter\u002Fsection-2-tone-and-tone-marks\u002F",[1196],"Tung Hoang of Open Lib",", via ",[867,29791,29794],{"href":29792,"rel":29793},"https:\u002F\u002Fcreativecommons.org\u002Flicenses\u002Fby-nc\u002F4.0\u002F",[1196],"CC BY-NC 4.0",[414,29796,29798],{"id":29797},"ngang-the-flat-tone","Ngang, the \"flat\" tone",[11,29800,29801],{},"Ngang is your baseline: it's what every other tone you make in Vietnamese is set against. Thankfully, it's also the easiest tone to make.",[11,29803,29804],{},"Before we get started, close your eyes and listen to several syllables with this tone:",[86,29806,29807],{},[381,29808,29809,29810],{"bold":383,"underline":383},"\n Tung Hoang's audio: \n",[57,29811],{"src":29812,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002FTung_Hoang_Ngang.mp4",[833,29814],{"src":29815,"width":29816,"height":29817,"alt":29818},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-vietnamese-ngang.webp",1875,1131,"A screenshot showing the pitch contour of Vietnamese's 'ngang' tone",[11,29820,29821],{},"Some pointers:",[121,29823,29824,29830,29833],{},[124,29825,29826,29827,29829],{},"This tone is completely flat. As a native English speaker, you'll likely want to drop your pitch toward the end of it. ",[21,29828,13341],{},". Maintain a flat, almost monotonous tone quality that does not waver or move.",[124,29831,29832],{},"Use your normal voice to make this tone. If that doesn't sound quite right, place your fingers lightly on your Adam's apple and then say the tone slightly higher and lower in pitch. You're looking for a place that is very comfortable and creates the most vibration against your fingertips.",[124,29834,29835],{},"Your pitch should be in the middle, or slightly above the middle, of your vocal range",[11,29837,29838],{},"Now listen to these audio samples while thinking about the above details:",[121,29840,29841,29850,29859,29868,29877],{},[124,29842,29843,29844,55,29847],{},"con voi ",[57,29845],{"src":29846,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fpronunciation_vi_con_voi.mp3",[21,29848,29849],{},"(elephant)",[124,29851,29852,29853,55,29856],{},"hoa sen ",[57,29854],{"src":29855,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fpronunciation_vi_hoa_sen.mp3",[21,29857,29858],{},"(lotus)",[124,29860,29861,29862,55,29865],{},"năm châu ",[57,29863],{"src":29864,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fpronunciation_vi_năm_châu.mp3",[21,29866,29867],{},"(5 continents)",[124,29869,29870,29871,55,29874],{},"ban đêm ",[57,29872],{"src":29873,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fpronunciation_vi_ban_đêm.mp3",[21,29875,29876],{},"(at night)",[124,29878,29879,29880,55,29883],{},"tivi ",[57,29881],{"src":29882,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fpronunciation_vi_tivi.mp3",[21,29884,29885],{},"(television)",[414,29887,29889],{"id":29888},"huyền-the-deep-tone","Huyền, the \"deep\" tone",[11,29891,29892],{},"Huyền is very similar to Ngang, but it is lower in pitch. With only that in mind, listen carefully to Hoang's audio recordings and see what your ears pick up on:",[86,29894,29895],{},[381,29896,29809,29897],{"bold":383,"underline":383},[57,29898],{"src":29899,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002FTung_Hoang_Huyen.mp4",[833,29901],{"src":29902,"width":29816,"height":29903,"alt":29904},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-vietnamese-huyen.webp",1134,"A screenshot showing the pitch contour of Vietnamese's 'huyền' tone",[11,29906,29907],{},"Some tips:",[121,29909,29910,29913,29916],{},[124,29911,29912],{},"Huyền is somewhat flat, like ngang, but drops in pitch gradually over the tone's duration",[124,29914,29915],{},"The #1 differentiator between ngang and huyền is that huyền is pronounced with breathiness, whereas ngang is pronounced with your normal voice; the amount of breathiness varies from speaker to speaker",[124,29917,29918,29919,29922,29923,29925],{},"The pitch of huyền is lower than that of ngang, but this isn't necessarily something you need to worry about consciously. Say ",[21,29920,29921],{},"ahh"," normally, and then, staying just as relaxed, say ",[21,29924,29921],{}," in a breathy fashion. You'll notice that when you add breathiness to the sound, the pitch of your voice drops.",[11,29927,29928],{},"Now listen to these audio samples with the above pointers in mind:",[121,29930,29931,29940,29949,29958,29967],{},[124,29932,29933,29934,55,29937],{},"bà già ",[57,29935],{"src":29936,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_bà_già.mp3",[21,29938,29939],{},"(old woman)",[124,29941,29942,29943,55,29946],{},"mùa màng ",[57,29944],{"src":29945,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-mùa màng.mp3",[21,29947,29948],{},"(crops)",[124,29950,29951,29952,55,29955],{},"vừa lòng ",[57,29953],{"src":29954,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-vừa lòng.mp3",[21,29956,29957],{},"(satisfied \u002F pleased)",[124,29959,29960,29961,55,29964],{},"lờ đờ ",[57,29962],{"src":29963,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-lờ đờ.mp3",[21,29965,29966],{},"(dull\u002Flack-lustre)",[124,29968,29969,29970,55,29973],{},"hài hoà ",[57,29971],{"src":29972,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-hài hoà.mp3",[21,29974,29975],{},"(harmony)",[414,29977,29979],{"id":29978},"sắc-the-sharp-tone","Sắc, the \"sharp\" tone",[11,29981,29982],{},"Sắc is one of Vietnamese's rising tones. Again, before we say more, listen to Hoang's audio and see what you observe:",[86,29984,29985],{},[381,29986,29809,29987],{"bold":383,"underline":383},[57,29988],{"src":29989,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002FTung_Hoang_Sac.mp4",[833,29991],{"src":29992,"width":29816,"height":29817,"alt":29993},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-vietnamese-sac.webp","A screenshot showing the pitch contour of Vietnamese's 'sắc' tone",[11,29995,29821],{},[121,29997,29998,30001,30004,30015],{},[124,29999,30000],{},"Sắc starts at a lower pitch, hangs flat for just a moment, and then quickly rises in tone—it ends at a tone higher than ngang, but how high it goes depends on the speaker",[124,30002,30003],{},"Sources disagree: some scholars suggest sắc is pronounced with a modal (normal) voice, others that it is pronounced with a †tense voice (between normal and creaky)",[124,30005,30006,30007,30010,30011,30014],{},"Sometimes (I can't quite figure out when\u002Fwhy) this tone is simply pronounced as a high, short, almost flat pitch—note the 3rd word in Hoang's audio, ",[21,30008,30009],{},"tóc"," below, and ",[21,30012,30013],{},"sắc"," below; it seems to be related to when two sắc tones appear in succession",[124,30016,30017],{},"As you get more advanced, start paying attention to how this tone sounds when it occurs in syllables that end in a P, T or K sound vs. those that don't",[11,30019,30020],{},"Now that you've got an image of this tone, try listening to it again:",[121,30022,30023,30032,30041,30050,30059],{},[124,30024,30025,30026,55,30029],{},"mái tóc ",[57,30027],{"src":30028,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-mái tóc.mp3",[21,30030,30031],{},"(hair)",[124,30033,30034,30035,55,30038],{},"bánh tráng ",[57,30036],{"src":30037,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_bánh_tráng.mp3",[21,30039,30040],{},"(rice paper)",[124,30042,30043,30044,55,30047],{},"pháo sáng ",[57,30045],{"src":30046,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-pháo sáng.mp3",[21,30048,30049],{},"(flares)",[124,30051,30052,30053,55,30056],{},"dấu sắc ",[57,30054],{"src":30055,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_dấu_sắc.mp3",[21,30057,30058],{},"(sharp tone mark)",[124,30060,30061,30062,55,30065],{},"phấn trắng ",[57,30063],{"src":30064,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-phấn trắng.mp3",[21,30066,30067],{},"(white chalk)",[11,30069,30070],{},[21,30071,30072],{},"† Note: If you don't know what this means, go skim #4 of the \"five components\" section above.",[414,30074,30076],{"id":30075},"nặng-the-heavy-tone","Nặng, the \"heavy\" tone",[11,30078,30079],{},"Nặng is a low tone, and it is also a very short tone. With this in mind, go ahead and listen to Hoang's audio:",[86,30081,30082],{},[381,30083,29809,30084],{"bold":383,"underline":383},[57,30085],{"src":30086,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002FTung_Hoang_Nang.mp4",[833,30088],{"src":30089,"width":29816,"height":29903,"alt":30090},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-vietnamese-nang.webp","A screenshot showing the pitch contour of Vietnamese's 'nặng' tone",[11,30092,29821],{},[121,30094,30095,30102,30105,30108],{},[124,30096,30097,30098,30101],{},"Say ",[21,30099,30100],{},"uh-oh"," a few times, slowing down as you go. Notice how you kind of \"swallow\" the middle of the word—your \"uh\" suddenly stops? This is called a glottal stop, and nặng's defining characteristic is that it ends in a glottal stop",[124,30103,30104],{},"This is Vietnamese's lowest tone—start it off lower in your vocal register, and quickly drop your tone, tensing your voice until a glottal stop snuffs the sound out",[124,30106,30107],{},"This is Vietnamese's shortest tone; it lasts much less time than the other ones",[124,30109,30110],{},"As you get more advanced, start paying attention to how this tone sounds when it occurs in syllables that end in a P, T or K sound and those that don't",[11,30112,30113],{},"And now to the audio:",[121,30115,30116,30125,30134,30143,30152],{},[124,30117,30118,30119,55,30122],{},"bận rộn ",[57,30120],{"src":30121,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_bận_rộn.mp3",[21,30123,30124],{},"(busily)",[124,30126,30127,30128,55,30131],{},"tận tụy ",[57,30129],{"src":30130,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-tận tụy.mp3",[21,30132,30133],{},"(devoted\u002Fdedicated)",[124,30135,30136,30137,55,30140],{},"chậm chạp ",[57,30138],{"src":30139,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_chậm_chạp.mp3",[21,30141,30142],{},"(slow\u002Fsluggish)",[124,30144,30145,30146,55,30149],{},"tệ hại hại ",[57,30147],{"src":30148,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_thật_tệ_hại.mp3",[21,30150,30151],{},"(\"that's terrible\")",[124,30153,30154,30155,55,30158],{},"tịch mịch ",[57,30156],{"src":30157,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-tịch mịch.mp3",[21,30159,30160],{},"(lonely\u002Fquiet)",[414,30162,30164],{"id":30163},"hỏi-the-asking-tone","Hỏi, the \"asking\" tone",[11,30166,30167],{},"This is perhaps Vietnamese's most complex tone. Before thinking about it logically, take a few listens to Hoang's recording and see what stands out to you:",[86,30169,30170],{},[381,30171,29809,30172],{"bold":383,"underline":383},[57,30173],{"src":30174,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002FTung_Hoang_Hoi.mp4",[833,30176],{"src":30177,"width":29816,"height":29903,"alt":30178},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-vietnamese-hoi.webp","A screenshot showing the pitch contour of Vietnamese's 'hỏi' tone",[11,30180,29821],{},[121,30182,30183,30186,30189,30192],{},[124,30184,30185],{},"Hỏi is one of Vietnamese's \"dipping\" tones—it initially drops down, then rises back up",[124,30187,30188],{},"In careful speech (such as that of these speakers, who know they are being recorded) or when it occurs at the end of an utterance, the complete hỏi tone is used—it dips and rises; in normal speech, or in the middle of a sentence, hỏi often simply drops low without rising back up",[124,30190,30191],{},"While this tone rises, it does not rise as much as sắc or ngã; the highest-pitch portion of this sound (its end) is only roughly as high as ngang",[124,30193,30194],{},"The researchers came to quite different conclusions about how the voice quality of this sound works in a way that isn't easily reconciled; from my (non-professional) interpretation of several audio recordings, this sound (a) uses a breathy voice as it drops, and then (b) transitions into a tenser voice as it rises back up",[11,30196,30197],{},"And now for the examples:",[121,30199,30200,30209,30218,30227,30236],{},[124,30201,30202,30203,55,30206],{},"khỏi phải ",[57,30204],{"src":30205,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-khỏi phải.mp3",[21,30207,30208],{},"(no need to \u002F not necessary to)",[124,30210,30211,30212,55,30215],{},"khủng hoảng ",[57,30213],{"src":30214,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_khủng_hoảng.mp3",[21,30216,30217],{},"(crisis)",[124,30219,30220,30221,55,30224],{},"thỉnh thoảng ",[57,30222],{"src":30223,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_thỉnh_thoảng.mp3",[21,30225,30226],{},"(sometimes)",[124,30228,30229,30230,55,30233],{},"cả nể ",[57,30231],{"src":30232,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-cả nể.mp3",[21,30234,30235],{},"(easily agreeing to everyone's requests (because of fear of letting people down))",[124,30237,30238,30239,55,30242],{},"tưởng thưởng ",[57,30240],{"src":30241,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-tưởng thưởng.mp3",[21,30243,30244],{},"(to reward\u002Fcompensate)",[414,30246,30248],{"id":30247},"ngã-the-tumbling-tone","Ngã, the \"tumbling\" tone",[11,30250,30251],{},"Ngã is similar to sắc, but with a distinct difference that'll pop out at you. Listen to Hoang's audio and see if you can pick it out:",[86,30253,30254],{},[381,30255,29809,30256],{"bold":383,"underline":383},[57,30257],{"src":30258,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002FTung_Hoang_Nga.mp4",[833,30260],{"src":30261,"width":29816,"height":29903,"alt":30262},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-vietnamese-nga.webp","A screenshot showing the pitch contour of Vietnamese's 'ngã' tone",[11,30264,29821],{},[121,30266,30267,30270,30289,30292],{},[124,30268,30269],{},"This is Vietnamese's other dipping tone: it initially drops a bit, then rises",[124,30271,30272,30273,30275,30276,30279,30280,30283,30284,171,30286,30288],{},"This sound is broken up by a glottal stop: say ",[21,30274,30100],{},", but drop when you say ",[21,30277,30278],{},"uh"," and rise when you say ",[21,30281,30282],{},"oh",", taking care to preserve the \"swallowing\" that happens in between ",[21,30285,30278],{},[21,30287,30282],{},"—that's the rough \"shape\" of this tone",[124,30290,30291],{},"This tone's final pitch is on par with that of sắc for some speakers, but may go notably higher for other speakers",[124,30293,30294],{},"To differentiate this from hỏi, listen for (a) the glottal stop or significant tenseness and (b) a high ending pitch",[11,30296,30297],{},"Nga without break in its middle would be like sắc, a rising tone.",[121,30299,30300,30309,30318,30327,30336],{},[124,30301,30302,30303,55,30306],{},"ngã ngũ ",[57,30304],{"src":30305,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-ngã ngũ.mp3",[21,30307,30308],{},"(stalemate, deadlock)",[124,30310,30311,30312,55,30315],{},"dĩ vãng ",[57,30313],{"src":30314,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_dĩ_vãng.mp3",[21,30316,30317],{},"(the past)",[124,30319,30320,30321,55,30324],{},"dễ dãi ",[57,30322],{"src":30323,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-dễ dãi.mp3",[21,30325,30326],{},"(overly permissive)",[124,30328,30329,30330,55,30333],{},"mỹ mãn ",[57,30331],{"src":30332,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-mỹ mãn.mp3",[21,30334,30335],{},"(perfect)",[124,30337,30338,30339,55,30342],{},"cũ kĩ ",[57,30340],{"src":30341,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-cũ kĩ.mp3",[21,30343,30344],{},"(old \u002F worn out)",[37,30346,30348],{"id":30347},"some-quick-notes-about-southern-vietnamese-vs-northern-vietnamese","Some quick notes about Southern Vietnamese vs Northern Vietnamese",[11,30350,30351],{},"This is going to be very brief, but on the off-chance you're learning Southern Vietnamese, here are a few things you should keep in mind.",[11,30353,30354],{},"For an in-depth contrast of Vietnam's four main dialects, see:",[121,30356,30357,30367],{},[124,30358,30359,55,30364],{},[867,30360,30363],{"href":30361,"rel":30362},"https:\u002F\u002Fpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\u002F27172848\u002F",[1196],"Consonants, vowels and tones across Vietnamese dialects by Phạm, B. & McLeod, S. (2016)",[21,30365,30366],{},"(emphasis on consonants and vowels)",[124,30368,30369,55,30374],{},[867,30370,30373],{"href":30371,"rel":30372},"https:\u002F\u002Fsealinguist.wordpress.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2015\u002F04\u002Ftto_2118_e-5-3_the_ups_and_downs_of_vietnamese_tones_section2.pdf",[1196],"The ups and downs of Vietnamese tones by Bauman, Blodgett, Rytting, and Shamoo (2009)",[21,30375,30376],{},"(emphasis on tones)",[414,30378,30380],{"id":30379},"hỏi-and-ngã-have-merged","Hỏi and ngã have merged",[11,30382,30383],{},"Hỏi and ngã, the final two tones discussed above, are Vietnamese's two \"dipping\" tones. In Southern Vietnam, they have merged.Notice how, in the bottom-right chart, the purple and brown line are almost completely superimposed.",[833,30385],{"src":30386,"width":858,"height":30387,"alt":30388},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku_northern_southern_vietnamese.jpeg",538,"A comparison of the tonal inventory of Northern and Southern Vietnamese accents",[86,30390,30391,30396],{},[381,30392,32,30393],{},[21,30394,30395],{},"Diagram sourced from Bauman, Blodgett, Rytting, and Shamoo (2009)",[132,30397],{},[414,30399,30401],{"id":30400},"pitch-contour-the-shape-of-your-tone-is-more-important-than-phonation-type-the-type-of-voice-you-use","Pitch contour (the shape of your tone) is more important than phonation type (the type of voice you use)",[11,30403,30404],{},"If you're learning Southern Vietnamese, you can ignore all of the above notes about modal\u002Fcreaky\u002Fbreathy voice. While tones and voice quality matter in Northern Vietnamese, tones in Southern Vietnamese are differentiated purely by their pitch contour (their \"melody\").",[414,30406,30408],{"id":30407},"vietnamese-vowels-and-consonant-clusters","Vietnamese vowels and consonant clusters",[11,30410,30411],{},"This is beyond the scope of this article—for in-depth information, see Phạm, B. & McLeod, S. (2016), linked above.",[11,30413,30414],{},"From a very high-level perspective:",[121,30416,30417,30427,30430,30433,30436,30442,30445,30448],{},[124,30418,30419,30420,30423,30424,1172],{},"TR is pronounced differently, and neither sound exists in English. Both sounds are similar to T, but made with the middle of your tongue against the roof of your mouth in Northern Vietnam ( \u002Fc\u002F",[57,30421],{"src":30422,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002FVoiceless_palatal_plosive.ogg",") and with the tip of your tongue raised up and back toward the middle of the roof of your mouth in Southern Vietnam (\u002Fʈ\u002F ",[57,30425],{"src":30426,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002FVoiceless_retroflex_stop.ogg",[124,30428,30429],{},"P at the beginning of a syllable is pronounced like a B in Southern Vietnam",[124,30431,30432],{},"Q at the beginning of a word is pronounced like a K in Northern Vietnam but a W in Southern Vietnam",[124,30434,30435],{},"V D and GI at the beginning of a word are pronounced like a Z in Northern Vietnam but a \u002Fj\u002F (the sound in the beginning of \"yes\") in Southern Vietnam",[124,30437,30438,30439,4329],{},"S is pronounced as you'd expect in Northern Vietnam, but with the tip of your tongue angled up and backwards in Southern Vietnam (\u002Fʂ\u002F ",[57,30440],{"src":30441,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002FVoiceless_retroflex_sibilant.ogg",[124,30443,30444],{},"R can be pronounced in multiple ways in both Northern and Southern Vietnam; it's too much to summarize here, so make a point to listen out for it as you consume Vietnamese media",[124,30446,30447],{},"The diphthongs iê and yê are pronounced as monophthongs like the EE in \"feet\" in Southern Vietnam, whereas both the i and the ê get pronounced in Northern Vietnam (sounding like a more carefully articulated version of the \"ye\" in \"yes\")",[124,30449,30450],{},"The diphthong Uô is pronounced as a monophthong like the \"oo\" in \"goose\" in Southern Vietnam, whereas each vowel is pronounced in Northern Vietnam (oow-aww); the same goes for ươ, but the vowel quality is slightly different (you'll hear it)",[11,30452,30453],{},"This isn't a complete list of all the changes; it's just the things that I felt could be summarized in a bullet point.",[34,30455],{},[37,30457,30459],{"id":30458},"a-big-table-of-tone-pairs","A big table of tone pairs",[11,30461,30462],{},"Tones do not occur in isolation in Vietnamese: they always occur next to other tones. This is important for two reasons:",[121,30464,30465,30468],{},[124,30466,30467],{},"If you can learn to recognize and produce the following tone pairs, you'll be able to pronounce the tones in any word",[124,30469,30470,30471,30476],{},"Some tones undergo small changes when they come before or after another tone; this is subtle and we won't cover it here, but be aware of it, and listen out for it as your Vietnamese improves (_the technical terms for this are ",[867,30472,30475],{"href":30473,"rel":30474},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FAssimilation_(phonology)",[1196],"progressive and regressive assimilation","_)",[11,30478,30479],{},"As you progress from left to right in this table, the tone of the second syllable will change; as you progress from top to bottom, the tone of the first syllable will change.",[183,30481,30482,30520],{},[186,30483,30484],{},[189,30485,30486,30491,30495,30500,30505,30510,30515],{},[192,30487,1572,30488,30490],{},[132,30489],{},"combo",[192,30492,30493],{},[69,30494,6093],{},[192,30496,30497],{},[69,30498,30499],{},"ò",[192,30501,30502],{},[69,30503,30504],{},"ó",[192,30506,30507],{},[69,30508,30509],{},"ọ",[192,30511,30512],{},[69,30513,30514],{},"ỏ",[192,30516,30517],{},[69,30518,30519],{},"õ",[208,30521,30522,30594,30666,30738,30810,30881],{},[189,30523,30524,30528,30539,30550,30561,30572,30583],{},[213,30525,30526],{},[69,30527,6093],{},[213,30529,30530,55,30533,55,30536,30538],{},[69,30531,30532],{},"con ong",[57,30534],{"src":30535,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_con_ong.mp3",[132,30537],{}," bee",[213,30540,30541,55,30544,55,30547,30549],{},[69,30542,30543],{},"ban đầu",[57,30545],{"src":30546,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-ban đầu.mp3",[132,30548],{}," initially",[213,30551,30552,55,30555,55,30558,30560],{},[69,30553,30554],{},"ca hát",[57,30556],{"src":30557,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-ca hát.mp3",[132,30559],{}," to sing",[213,30562,30563,55,30566,55,30569,30571],{},[69,30564,30565],{},"đi bộ",[57,30567],{"src":30568,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_đi_bộ.mp3",[132,30570],{},"to walk",[213,30573,30574,55,30577,55,30580,30582],{},[69,30575,30576],{},"em nhỏ",[57,30578],{"src":30579,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-em nhỏ.mp3",[132,30581],{},"little child",[213,30584,30585,55,30588,55,30591,30593],{},[69,30586,30587],{},"lơ đễnh",[57,30589],{"src":30590,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-lơ đễnh.mp3",[132,30592],{},"absent-minded",[189,30595,30596,30600,30611,30622,30633,30644,30655],{},[213,30597,30598],{},[69,30599,30499],{},[213,30601,30602,55,30605,55,30608,30610],{},[69,30603,30604],{},"mười năm",[57,30606],{"src":30607,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-mười năm.mp3",[132,30609],{}," ten years",[213,30612,30613,55,30616,55,30619,30621],{},[69,30614,30615],{},"nhà hàng",[57,30617],{"src":30618,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_nhà_hàng.mp3",[132,30620],{},"restaurant",[213,30623,30624,55,30627,55,30630,30632],{},[69,30625,30626],{},"quần áo",[57,30628],{"src":30629,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_quần_áo.mp3",[132,30631],{},"clothing",[213,30634,30635,55,30638,55,30641,30643],{},[69,30636,30637],{},"trường học",[57,30639],{"src":30640,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_trường_học.mp3",[132,30642],{},"school",[213,30645,30646,55,30649,55,30652,30654],{},[69,30647,30648],{},"tiền lẻ",[57,30650],{"src":30651,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_tiền_lẻ.mp3",[132,30653],{},"coins\u002Fchange",[213,30656,30657,55,30660,55,30663,30665],{},[69,30658,30659],{},"hà mã",[57,30661],{"src":30662,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-hà mã.mp3",[132,30664],{}," hippo",[189,30667,30668,30672,30683,30694,30705,30716,30727],{},[213,30669,30670],{},[69,30671,30504],{},[213,30673,30674,55,30677,55,30680,30682],{},[69,30675,30676],{},"phóng viên",[57,30678],{"src":30679,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_phóng_viên.mp3",[132,30681],{}," reporter",[213,30684,30685,55,30688,55,30691,30693],{},[69,30686,30687],{},"bánh mì",[57,30689],{"src":30690,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_bánh_mì.mp3",[132,30692],{},"bread",[213,30695,30696,55,30699,55,30702,30704],{},[69,30697,30698],{},"máy tính",[57,30700],{"src":30701,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_máy_tính.mp3",[132,30703],{},"calculator",[213,30706,30707,55,30710,55,30713,30715],{},[69,30708,30709],{},"rát họng",[57,30711],{"src":30712,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-rát họng.mp3",[132,30714],{},"sore throat",[213,30717,30718,55,30721,55,30724,30726],{},[69,30719,30720],{},"xét hỏi",[57,30722],{"src":30723,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-xét hỏi.mp3",[132,30725],{},"to interrogate",[213,30728,30729,55,30732,55,30735,30737],{},[69,30730,30731],{},"bác sĩ",[57,30733],{"src":30734,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_bác_sĩ.mp3",[132,30736],{},"doctor",[189,30739,30740,30744,30755,30766,30777,30788,30799],{},[213,30741,30742],{},[69,30743,30509],{},[213,30745,30746,55,30749,55,30752,30754],{},[69,30747,30748],{},"học sinh",[57,30750],{"src":30751,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_học_sinh.mp3",[132,30753],{}," student",[213,30756,30757,55,30760,55,30763,30765],{},[69,30758,30759],{},"thịt gà",[57,30761],{"src":30762,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_thịt_gà.mp3",[132,30764],{},"chicken (as food)",[213,30767,30768,55,30771,55,30774,30776],{},[69,30769,30770],{},"Phật giáo",[57,30772],{"src":30773,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_phật_giáo.mp3",[132,30775],{},"Buddhism",[213,30778,30779,55,30782,55,30785,30787],{},[69,30780,30781],{},"hoạt động",[57,30783],{"src":30784,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-hoạt động.mp3",[132,30786],{},"activity",[213,30789,30790,55,30793,55,30796,30798],{},[69,30791,30792],{},"địa điểm",[57,30794],{"src":30795,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_địa_điểm.mp3",[132,30797],{},"location",[213,30800,30801,55,30804,55,30807,30809],{},[69,30802,30803],{},"rực rỡ",[57,30805],{"src":30806,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-rực rỡ.mp3",[132,30808],{},"bright\u002Fradiant",[189,30811,30812,30816,30827,30838,30849,30860,30870],{},[213,30813,30814],{},[69,30815,30514],{},[213,30817,30818,55,30821,55,30824,30826],{},[69,30819,30820],{},"hỏi han",[57,30822],{"src":30823,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-hỏi han.mp3",[132,30825],{}," to inquire",[213,30828,30829,55,30832,55,30835,30837],{},[69,30830,30831],{},"cửa hàng",[57,30833],{"src":30834,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_cửa_hàng.mp3",[132,30836],{},"shop\u002Fstore",[213,30839,30840,55,30843,55,30846,30848],{},[69,30841,30842],{},"cảnh sát",[57,30844],{"src":30845,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_cảnh_sát.mp3",[132,30847],{},"policeman",[213,30850,30851,55,30854,55,30857,30859],{},[69,30852,30853],{},"nghỉ bệnh",[57,30855],{"src":30856,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-nghỉ bệnh.mp3",[132,30858],{},"sick leave",[213,30861,30862,55,30865,55,30868,17780],{},[69,30863,30864],{},"thỉnh thoảng",[57,30866],{"src":30867,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002F_vi_thỉnh_thoảng.mp3",[132,30869],{},[213,30871,30872,55,30875,55,30878,30880],{},[69,30873,30874],{},"giải mã",[57,30876],{"src":30877,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-giải mã.mp3",[132,30879],{},"to decode",[189,30882,30883,30887,30898,30909,30920,30931,30942],{},[213,30884,30885],{},[69,30886,30519],{},[213,30888,30889,55,30892,55,30895,30897],{},[69,30890,30891],{},"mỹ nhân",[57,30893],{"src":30894,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_mỹ_nhân_(美人).mp3",[132,30896],{}," nymph",[213,30899,30900,55,30903,55,30906,30908],{},[69,30901,30902],{},"đỡ đần",[57,30904],{"src":30905,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-đỡ đần.mp3",[132,30907],{},"to assist",[213,30910,30911,55,30914,55,30917,30919],{},[69,30912,30913],{},"bẫy cá",[57,30915],{"src":30916,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-bẫy cá.mp3",[132,30918],{},"fish trap",[213,30921,30922,55,30925,55,30928,30930],{},[69,30923,30924],{},"nghĩa vụ",[57,30926],{"src":30927,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-nghĩa vụ.mp3",[132,30929],{},"duty\u002Fobligation",[213,30932,30933,55,30936,55,30939,30941],{},[69,30934,30935],{},"trễ nải",[57,30937],{"src":30938,":type":60},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-trễ nải.mp3",[132,30940],{},"tardy\u002Fdelay",[213,30943,30944,55,30947,55,30949,27813],{},[69,30945,30946],{},"mỹ mãn",[57,30948],{"src":30332,":type":60},[132,30950],{},[34,30952],{},[37,30954,30956],{"id":30955},"how-am-i-ever-going-to-learn-all-of-this","How am I ever going to learn all of this?",[11,30958,30959,30960,30963],{},"First: ",[21,30961,30962],{},"Yes",", you can learn how to pronounce Vietnamese's tones. It'll eventually be second nature and won't require thought or conscious effort on your part at all.",[11,30965,30966],{},"On the way there, though, you'll pass through several stages:",[121,30968,30969,30972,30975,30978,30981,30987],{},[124,30970,30971],{},"Previusly, you didn't know which tones Vietnamese had",[124,30973,30974],{},"Now, you know them, but you likely can't reliably distinguish them",[124,30976,30977],{},"Next, you'll be able to pick them out when you hear them, but won't be able to pronounce them well",[124,30979,30980],{},"After that, you'll be able to make tones confidently when you can focus, but will make mistakes when stressed (like when having a conversation, for example)",[124,30982,30983,30984,30986],{},"Eventually you'll become able to produce consistently correct tones that Vietnamese people understand without effort—",[21,30985,12179],{}," there'll still be little nuances you get wrong",[124,30988,30989],{},"Perhaps, with a lot of listening, intentional practice, and (likely) some guidance from a professional, you'll be able to make the tones perfectly naturally",[11,30991,30992],{},"In fact, this same basic pipeline can be applied to learning pretty much any aspect of Vietnamese—or, indeed, learning anything about anything. It's a process!",[86,30994,30995],{},[11,30996,30997],{},"Right now, the most important thing you can do is listen to a lot of Vietnamese content—whether that's real people, YouTube, Netflix, podcasts, or anything that lets you hear Vietnamese as it's actually spoken.",[11,30999,31000],{},"Migaku facilitates this process by making text interactive—you can simply click on words you don't know to see definitions of what they mean. This makes it possible to make sense of Vietnamese media even if you aren't that good at Vietnamese yet.",[833,31002],{"src":31003,"width":31004,"height":31005,"alt":31006},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku_vietnamese_mobile_youtube.jpeg",1806,1256,"A screenshot of Migaku's app, showing how we make text in Vietnamese subtitles interactive",[11,31008,31009,31010,31014],{},"To get more out of the time you spend in Vietnamese, you can click that orange button in the top-right corner of the dictionary to make flashcards out of useful-looking words. We'll nudge you to review it periodically (this is called ",[21,31011,31012],{},[867,31013,4709],{"href":2958},") and, gradually, these words will work their way into your long-term memory.",[833,31016],{"src":31017,"width":31018,"height":15921,"alt":31019},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku_vietnamese_mobile_mining.jpeg",1802,"A screenshot of Migaku's app, showing how allow you to make flashcards from content you consume",[11,31021,31022,31023,31025],{},"When you eventually begin interacting with native Vietnamese speakers, every conversation will give you immediate feedback. You'll either find that you spoke clearly enough to be understood—in which case, great!—",[21,31024,12831],{}," you'll gradually identify trouble syllables that you need to pay a bit more attention to.",[11,31027,31028],{},"For now: immerse, enjoy, and improve!",[34,31030],{},[37,31032,31034],{"id":31033},"phonology-articulation-or-whatever-this-has-been","Phonology, articulation, or whatever this has been...",[11,31036,31037],{},"...Phew.",[11,31039,31040],{},"That was a lot. Even for me.",[11,31042,31043],{},"If you're feeling a bit overwhelmed right now—that's OK. This takes time, and it'll come with its fair share of challenges.",[11,31045,31046],{},"For now, just remember one thing:",[86,31048,31049],{},[11,31050,31051,31052,31054,31055,844],{},"The way we ",[21,31053,11506],{}," learn languages is by interacting with them. If you consume Vietnamese media, and you understand at least some of the sentences and messages within it, you'll make progress. ",[21,31056,899],{},[11,31058,31059],{},"Now, go take a break.",[11,31061,31062],{},"Bookmark this page, come back to skim through the explanations from time to time, and try to see if the audio recordings have become any clearer to you.",[11,31064,6939],{},{"title":383,"searchDepth":915,"depth":915,"links":31066},[31067,31068,31071,31078,31086,31091,31092,31093],{"id":28752,"depth":915,"text":28753},{"id":28834,"depth":915,"text":28835,"children":31069},[31070],{"id":28924,"depth":923,"text":28925},{"id":28979,"depth":915,"text":28980,"children":31072},[31073,31074,31075,31076,31077],{"id":29006,"depth":923,"text":29007},{"id":29041,"depth":923,"text":29042},{"id":29286,"depth":923,"text":29287},{"id":29390,"depth":923,"text":29391},{"id":29592,"depth":923,"text":29593},{"id":29629,"depth":915,"text":29630,"children":31079},[31080,31081,31082,31083,31084,31085],{"id":29797,"depth":923,"text":29798},{"id":29888,"depth":923,"text":29889},{"id":29978,"depth":923,"text":29979},{"id":30075,"depth":923,"text":30076},{"id":30163,"depth":923,"text":30164},{"id":30247,"depth":923,"text":30248},{"id":30347,"depth":915,"text":30348,"children":31087},[31088,31089,31090],{"id":30379,"depth":923,"text":30380},{"id":30400,"depth":923,"text":30401},{"id":30407,"depth":923,"text":30408},{"id":30458,"depth":915,"text":30459},{"id":30955,"depth":915,"text":30956},{"id":31033,"depth":915,"text":31034},"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. ",{"timestampUnix":31096,"slug":31097,"h1":31098,"image":31099,"tags":31104},1746165099000,"vietnamese-tones-overview","Phonology Deep Dive | Vietnamese pronunciation, tones, and tone marks",{"src":31100,"width":31101,"height":31102,"alt":31103},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-vietnamese-tones.jpeg",6307,4205,"A photo of an ear—which, after finishing this article, will be clearly hearing the 6 tones of Vietnamese",[18445,8838],"\u002Farticle\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-vietnamese-tones","---\ntitle: 'Vietnamese Tones Overview: How to Pronounce All 6 Tones (+Audio)'\ndescription: '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. '\ntimestampUnix: 1746165099000\nslug: 'vietnamese-tones-overview'\nh1: 'Phonology Deep Dive | Vietnamese pronunciation, tones, and tone marks'\nimage:\n src: '\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-vietnamese-tones.jpeg'\n width: 6307\n height: 4205\n alt: 'A photo of an ear—which, after finishing this article, will be clearly hearing the 6 tones of Vietnamese'\ntags:\n - deepdive\n - fundamentals\n---\n\nI'm not going to lie: Vietnamese phonology is pretty complex. Learning to hear and distinguish Vietnamese's tones will require you to learn about some new concepts, think about how you speak English, and listen carefully.\n\nHaving said that, you _can_ learn the tones.\n\nThis article walks through each tone in Vietnamese and everything you need to make sense of it. We've also gathered dozens of audio recordings from real Vietnamese speakers so that you can literally _hear_ what we're talking about.\n\nThis article isn't short—it'll be a 15–20 minute read—but by the time you're done, you'll know what you're doing and where to go from here.\n\nLet's get into it:\n\n\u003Ctoc>\u003C\u002Ftoc>\n\n---\n\n> \u003CCenteredText bold underline>Important note\u003C\u002FCenteredText>\u003Cbr> \u003CCenteredText>There are multiple dialects of Vietnamese. Some tones and sounds differ between them. This article will focus on the tones of Northern Vietnamese, which is what is typically taught to foreigners in Vietnamese language classes. \u003C\u002FCenteredText>\n\n## Is Vietnamese a tonal language?\n\nI hate to be the bearer of bad news, but yes: Vietnamese is a tonal language.\n\nIn fact, you might call it a _very_ tonal language.\n\nWhereas Mandarin has 4 tones (plus a neutral one), Vietnamese has 6 tones:\n\n- A flat tone \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_ba.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n\n- A low falling tone \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_bà.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n\n- A mid \u002F high rising tone \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_bá.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n\n- A glottalized mid falling tone \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_bạ.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> _(we'll explain what \"glottalized\" means down below; it's not as scary as it sounds)_\n\n- A falling-rising tone \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_bả.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n\n- A glottalized rising tone \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_bã.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n\n_(Yes, each of those audio recordings had a different tone. If you couldn't tell how, you're in the right place 💪)_\n\nHere they are visualized in this same order:\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku_vietnamese_tones_table.webp\" width=\"1413\" height=\"965\" alt=\"A visualization of Vietnamese's six tones\" \u002F>\n\n(More precisely, Vietnamese is what's called a \"register language\" because its tones are defined not only by pitch contour\u002Fmelody but also voice quality and length.)\n\nThat's a lot of big words, but hang on a second before you start panicking.\n\nI've got some good news.\n\n## The #1 thing you need to understand to make sense of Vietnamese tones\n\nEnglish makes heavy use of tones, too.\n\nDon't believe me?\n\nWell, check this out. [I'm going to say the word _dude_ eight times](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.sinosplice.com\u002Flife\u002Farchives\u002F2015\u002F01\u002F27\u002Fkaisers-dude-system-of-tones), and it's going to mean something different every time.\n\nHere we go:\n\n1. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fdude_annoyed.m4a\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n2. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fdude_high.m4a\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n3. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fdude_high_short.m4a\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n4. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fdude_you_dawg.m4a\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n5. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fdude_exasperated.m4a\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n6. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fdude_low_short.m4a\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n7. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fdude_falling.m4a\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n8. \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fdude_rising.m4a\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n\nCool, huh?\n\nI'm not much of a voice actor, but there's some cool things we can point out:\n\n- #2 and #3 are both high tones, but the third is much shorter... and that matters! This is the difference between \"dude, did you really eat my last candy bar?\" and \"dude—it's not that hard.\"\n- #6 and #7 are both falling tones, but #6 is much shorter and #7 is much more intense. This is the difference between \"dude, chill, it's not that big of a deal\" and \"dude, I said NO!\"\n- #5 is a dude of pure exasperation. _This_ dude in particular will be important for later on in the article, so listen to it a few times. In particular, notice how my voice's '\"ooh\" vowel gets grittier over the course of the recording.\n\nAnd now we need to get technical for a second:\n\n### Tones vs intonation\n\nEnglish has tones, and Vietnamese has tones, but they're not quite the same sort of tones:\n\n- English has _intonation_, which means that we use tones to communicate information about how we feel about whatever we're saying\n\n- Vietnamese is _tonal_, which means they use tones in a much more mechanical way to mark syllables (and they have intonation like we do, too—more on that in [Tjuka, Nguyen, Vijver, and Spalek (2024)](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.frontiersin.org\u002Fjournals\u002Feducation\u002Farticles\u002F10.3389\u002Ffeduc.2024.1411660\u002Ffull))\n\nWhat this means is that a rising tone (dude #8) is a sure signal that we're voicing a question or communicating our uncertainty\u002Fanxiety in English, but this isn't necessarily the case in Vietnamese. In Vietnamese, some syllables just rise by nature, whether they're part of a question or not.\n\nIf this is hard to wrap your mind around—say the word _articulation_ out loud for a second. Now find the beat. Notice what you said? arTIcuLAtion. some syllables are stressed—you pronounce them louder, more clearly, and hold them for slightly longer—and some syllables are unstressed. In _articulate_, the stressed syllables are TI and LA. Importantly, this isn't anything to do with TI or LA themselves—these same syllables are unstressed in words like PAtty and GElatin.\n\nTones work similarly in Vietnamese.\n\nEach syllable can have a different \"melody\"—it might have a pitch that's high and flat, a pitch that initially dips before rising up high, or one of a handful of other shapes. Tones work differently in Vietnamese than they do in English, and that'll take getting used to... but, for now, just remember:\n\n> As a native English speaker, you're already comfortable with the concept of tones. You use them in every single sentence you utter. To learn Vietnamese, you just need to get comfortable using tones in a mechanical fashion to mark words, rather than to express emotion.\n\n---\n\n## The five components of every tone in Vietnamese\n\nIn the section after this one, we're going to walk through all of Vietnamese's tones, step by step. To prepare for that, there are five things about tones in Vietnamese that I think you should pay attention to as a learner:\n\n1. Syllables\n2. The tone mark\n3. The relative pitch a tone starts at\n4. The quality of voice used when making a particular tone\n5. Whether a syllable ends in a consonant or a vowel\n\nThese aren't necessarily The Things™ a textbook or journal article will use to categorize tones by... but, as a learner, each one does give you a nice little handhold to latch onto.\n\n### 1. The syllable, as every tone occupies a syllable\n\nYour journey to getting comfortable with Vietnamese tones starts with identifying Vietnamese syllables. Thankfully, this is very easy. Spaces are placed before and after each syllable in Vietnamese.\n\nFor example, there are three syllables in the phrase \"in Vietnam\":\n\n- ở Việt Nam \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-ở việt nam.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n - ở\n - Việt\n - Nam\n\nWhat's a bit tricky is that these spaces are _also_ inserted between syllables that form words, such as between \"Việt\" and \"Nam\". You'll get used to this before long, but you might initially struggle to determine whether a particular syllable stands by itself or is part of a word.\n\n### 2. Dấu, or tone mark, which tells you the tone of a syllable\n\nThe Vietnamese word \"dấu\" \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-dấu.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> means mark\u002Fsign\u002Fsymbol. (_Yes, in Vietnamese, \"d\" makes a Z sound.)_ There are five dấu, plus an dấu-less dấu, and each one serves to indicate the tone (ngang \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_ngang.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>) of a word.\n\nYou may see these two terms used seemingly interchangeably online, but, strictly speaking, dấu refers to the written symbol that appears above\u002Fbelow a vowel, while ngang refers to the sound\u002Fpitch pattern of a tone.\n\nHere are the Vietnamese tone markers:\n\n| Dấu (Tone Mark) | Audio | Tone Mark Name | Description | Thanh (Tone) |\n| --------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------- |\n| a | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-a.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | **không dấu** \u003Cbr> \"no mark\" | No visible marking, as shown in \"Nam\" of \"Việt Nam\" | thanh ngang \u003Cbr> \"flat tone\" |\n| à | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-à.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | **dấu huyền** \u003Cbr> †\"grave mark\" | A descending accent marker over a vowel | thanh huyền \u003Cbr> \"falling tone\" |\n| á | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-á.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | **dấu sắc** \u003Cbr> \"sharp mark\" | An ascending accent marker over a vowel | thanh sắc \u003Cbr> \"rising tone\" |\n| ạ | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-ạ.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | **dấu nặng** \u003Cbr> \"heavy mark\" | A dot under a vowel | thanh nặng \u003Cbr> \"heavy tone\" |\n| ả | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-ả.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | **dấu hỏi** \u003Cbr> \"asking mark\" | What looks like a ? without the dot, above a vowel | thanh hỏi \u003Cbr> \"dipping tone\" |\n| ã | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-ã.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | **dấu ngã** \u003Cbr> \"stumbling mark\" | A tilde\u002Fsquiggly mark above a vowel | thanh ngã \u003Cbr> \"broken rising tone\" |\n\n_† Note: Each of the tone names is just a normal Vietnamese word, and different people may translate them slightly differently. For example, you'll sometimes see ngang hỏi translated as \"asking tone\", and other times a \"question tone\"._\n\n> \u003CCenteredText bold underline>Warning: Non-tone markers\u003C\u002FCenteredText>\u003Cbr> \u003CCenteredText>There are seven Vietnamese letters—⟨ă⟩, ⟨â⟩, ⟨ê⟩, ⟨ô⟩, ⟨ơ⟩, ⟨ư⟩, and ⟨đ⟩—which include a marker\u002Faccent by default. As such, ⟨ấ⟩ is really ⟨â⟩+ ⟨á⟩. This will be confusing at first, but you'll get the hang of it. \u003C\u002FCenteredText>\n\n\u003Caccordion heading=\"How to know which vowel to put the marker on\">\n\nWhile it may not appear so at first, the placement of Vietnamese tone markers is actually standardized.\n\n1. If a syllable has only one vowel, the dấu goes on that vowel → không, ngã\n2. If a syllable has multiple vowels and ends in a \u003Cu>vowel\u003C\u002Fu>, the dấu goes on second-to-last vowel → hỏi, dấu\n3. If a syllable has multiple vowels and ends in a \u003Cu>consonant\u003C\u002Fu>, the dấu goes on the last vowel → huyền, Việt\n\n\u003C\u002Faccordion>\n\n### 3. Starting point, or the relative highness\u002Flowness of a tone's pitch\n\nBear with me for a moment, but I'm going to state something very obvious:\n\n> Different people have different voices.\n\nAnd this is super important to understand.\n\n- A piano has _absolute_ tones—if you whack the middle C key on any piano, it'll sound at exactly the same pitch\n- Vietnamese has _relative_ tones—what matters is not necessarily the specific pitch of a tone, but rather its pitch in relation to the tones that appear around it\n\nFor example, consider that we have two people: a young girl with a naturally higher-pitched voice and an old man with a naturally lower-pitched voice. Chances are, the young girl's thanh nặng (mid falling tone) will be pronounced at a higher pitch than the old man's thanh sắc (mid \u002F high-rising tone).\n\nAnother important implication of the fact that everybody's voice is unique is that not everybody will make these tones in exactly the same way. Take a moment to skim these charts (both taken from [Nguyễn & Edmondson (1998)](http:\u002F\u002Fwww.sealang2.net\u002Farchives\u002Fmks\u002Fpdf\u002F28:1-18.pdf)) for me:\n\nVietnamese's six tones, as uttered by a male from northern Vietnam:\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fwikipedia_vietnamese_tones_1.jpeg\" width=\"1243\" height=\"620\" alt=\"A diagram of one Hanoi speaker's tones\" \u002F>\n\nVietnamese's six tones, as uttered by a female from Hanoi (in northern Vietnam):\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fwikipedia_vietnamese_tones_2.jpeg\" width=\"939\" height=\"648\" alt=\"A diagram of a second Hanoi speaker's tones\" \u002F>\n\nThe _shape_ of the tones is more or less the same, but there's also a fair bit of variance!\n\n- The first speaker's sắc tone (blue) started _higher_ than their ngang tone (black), whereas the second speaker's sắc tone started _lower_ than their ngang tone.\n- The first speaker's hỏi tone (green) dropped and didn't rise, whereas the second speaker's hỏi tone dropped and rose. (Typically, it _does_ rise back up when it appears at the end of an utterance or you're speaking carefully, but it _doesn't_ rise back up when you're speaking normally\u002Fquickly.)\n- (You'll notice a lot of things if you look closely)\n\n> \u003CCenteredText bold underline>The point\u003C\u002FCenteredText>\u003Cbr> \u003CCenteredText>You don't need perfect pitch to make Vietnamese tones. Your mid flat \u002F level tone doesn't need to be pronounced at the same pitch every single time. Your _relative_ pitches are what matter: it's not a big deal if your sắc starts a bit higher or a bit lower, but it should end higher than your ngang.\u003C\u002FCenteredText>\n\n### 4. Phonation type, or the type of voice you use\n\nThis section was originally very complex, but I've decided to simplify it. Go ahead and check out [the article Wikipedia](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FPhonation) if you want a bit more complexity, or [Edmondson (2006)](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.researchgate.net\u002Fpublication\u002F231909247_The_valves_of_the_throat_and_their_functioning_in_tone_vocal_register_and_stress_laryngoscopic_case_studies) for a much more anatomically-heavy look. (It's cool, if you're a nerd.)\n\nHaving said that, there are two main things you need to understand about speech:\n\n1. Speaking involves expelling air from your mouth (and sometimes your nose)\n2. The manner in which you manipulate that airflow significantly affects how your voice sounds\n\nFor example, from more constricted to more lax airflow:\n\n| Tension\u003Cbr>(↑more) | Quality | Audio | Description |\n| ------------------ | ------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| ↑ | Glottal stop | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fglottal_stop.m4a\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | The sound in the middle of \"uh-uh\" |\n| ┃ | Creaky voice | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fcreaky_phonation.m4a\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | AKA \"vocal fry\", here's [a lot of audio samples](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=Q0yL2GezneU&t=629s) |\n| ┃ | Tense voice | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ftense_phonation.m4a\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | Creaky voice, but with more airflow—a kind of strained voice |\n| — | Modal voice | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmodal_voice.m4a\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | Just your normal talking voice |\n| ┃ | Slack voice | N\u002FA | _(Not important for Vietnamese, but between modal and breathy)_ |\n| ┃ | Breathy voice | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fbreathy_phonation.m4a\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | Talking and letting more air out than normal—think [Marilyn Monroe](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=heQaJPFP5gU&t=44) |\n| ↓ | Whisper | \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fwhisper_phonation.m4a\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> | If you relax your larynx further, you end up whispering |\n\nThe audio recordings likely sound a bit weird because people don't normally talk \"purely\" in one of these other voices. We use our modal\u002Fnormal voice, and then we sprinkle in bits of creakiness or breathiness for effect. It might help to think of these voice qualities as being knobs you dial up or dial down:\n\n- If you constrict the muscles in your neck (your larynx), the reduced airflow leads to creakiness and eventually cuts off your sound all together (a glottal stop)\n- If you relax the muscles in your throat (the larynx), air can escape your voice more naturally, and you get a more breathy\u002Fwistful quality\n\n_(If you ctrl + f for \"#5 is a dude of pure exasperation\", that recording features a transition from modal to tense voice)_\n\n> \u003CCenteredText bold underline>Important point\u003C\u002FCenteredText>\u003Cbr> \u003CCenteredText>Vietnamese tones aren't _just_ about the tones. Some tones are made with modal (normal) voice quality, some are made with a creaky voice, and some are made with a breathy voice. We'll talk about this down below in the step-by-step guide.\u003C\u002FCenteredText>\n\n### 5. Checked tones, or whether a tone ends in a consonant or vowel\n\nEventually, you'll need to build mastery over the tones, recognize them when you hear them, and become able to reproduce each one confidently.\n\nFor now, though, here's a quick hack for you:\n\n- If a syllable ends in a P, T, or K sound, its tone _must_ be either sắc (sharp\u002Fmid rising) or nặng (mid glottalized falling)\n- If a syllable ends with any other sound, it can be any of Vietnamese's 6 tones\n - If it ends in a high tone, it's either sắc or ngã (and may sound slightly different than the \"normal\" sắc\u002Fngã, but you can pick this up as you go)\n - If it ends in a low tone, it's either nặng or huyền\n - Hỏi can go both ways—it might dip and stay low (in normal\u002Ffast speech) or it might dip and rise back up (in careful speech\u002Fthe end of an utterance)\n\nAnd now let's get a crash course into each of Vietnamese's 6 tones—and, more importantly, hear a bunch of audio samples for each one.\n\n---\n\n## A step-by-step guide to all six tones (+ audio)\n\nAs we said in the beginning of the article, Vietnamese has six tones. We're now ready to talk about them—but before you start thinking too hard about this, take a second and listen to your ears.\n\nIn particular, I want to do three things:\n\n1. Look at each tone's name\n2. Find that tone on the below graphic and note it's general shape\n3. Listen to the recordings; think about (a) how different speakers pronounce the same tone, and (b) what distinguishes each tone from the other tones\n\n- **Ngang**: Ba \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_ba.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_ba_creaky.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_ba_breathy.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> ・ La \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-la.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_la_creak.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n- **Huyền**: Bà \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_bà_m.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_bà_f.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>・ Là \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_là_m.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_là_f.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n- **Sắc**: Bá \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_bá_m.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_bá_f.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> ・ Lá \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_lá_breath.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_lá.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n- **Nặng**: Bạ \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_bạ_f.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-bạ_m.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>・Lạ \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-lạ_f.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-lạ_m.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n- **Hỏi**: Bả \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_bả_m1.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_bả_m2.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>・Lả \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_lả_m.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n- **Ngã**: Bã \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-bã.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>・Lã \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fpronunciation_vi_lã.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-lã.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku_vietnamese_tones_overview.webp\" width=\"1413\" height=\"965\" alt=\"A visualization of Vietnamese's six tones\" \u002F>\n\n_I've summarized the following notes from the common points of where [Brunelle, 2009;](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.researchgate.net\u002Fpublication\u002F293182693) [Pham, 2003;](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.internationalphoneticassociation.org\u002Ficphs-proceedings\u002FICPhS2003\u002Fpapers\u002Fp15_1703.pdf) [Phạm & McCleod, 2019;](https:\u002F\u002Fresearchoutput.csu.edu.au\u002Fws\u002Fportalfiles\u002Fportal\u002F199645633\u002F32337908_Accepted_manuscript.pdf) and Wikipedia overlap. Also featured are wonderfully clear audio recordings from [Tung Hoang of Open Lib](https:\u002F\u002Fopenbooks.lib.msu.edu\u002Fvietnamese\u002Fchapter\u002Fsection-2-tone-and-tone-marks\u002F), via [CC BY-NC 4.0](https:\u002F\u002Fcreativecommons.org\u002Flicenses\u002Fby-nc\u002F4.0\u002F)._\n\n### Ngang, the \"flat\" tone\n\nNgang is your baseline: it's what every other tone you make in Vietnamese is set against. Thankfully, it's also the easiest tone to make.\n\nBefore we get started, close your eyes and listen to several syllables with this tone:\n\n> \u003CCenteredText bold underline> Tung Hoang's audio: \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002FTung_Hoang_Ngang.mp4\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\u003C\u002FCenteredText>\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-vietnamese-ngang.webp\" width=\"1875\" height=\"1131\" alt=\"A screenshot showing the pitch contour of Vietnamese's 'ngang' tone\" \u002F>\n\nSome pointers:\n\n- This tone is completely flat. As a native English speaker, you'll likely want to drop your pitch toward the end of it. _Don't_. Maintain a flat, almost monotonous tone quality that does not waver or move.\n- Use your normal voice to make this tone. If that doesn't sound quite right, place your fingers lightly on your Adam's apple and then say the tone slightly higher and lower in pitch. You're looking for a place that is very comfortable and creates the most vibration against your fingertips.\n- Your pitch should be in the middle, or slightly above the middle, of your vocal range\n\nNow listen to these audio samples while thinking about the above details:\n\n- con voi \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fpronunciation_vi_con_voi.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> _(elephant)_\n- hoa sen \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fpronunciation_vi_hoa_sen.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> _(lotus)_\n- năm châu \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fpronunciation_vi_năm_châu.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> _(5 continents)_\n- ban đêm \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fpronunciation_vi_ban_đêm.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> _(at night)_\n- tivi \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fpronunciation_vi_tivi.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> _(television)_\n\n### Huyền, the \"deep\" tone\n\nHuyền is very similar to Ngang, but it is lower in pitch. With only that in mind, listen carefully to Hoang's audio recordings and see what your ears pick up on:\n\n> \u003CCenteredText bold underline> Tung Hoang's audio: \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002FTung_Hoang_Huyen.mp4\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\u003C\u002FCenteredText>\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-vietnamese-huyen.webp\" width=\"1875\" height=\"1134\" alt=\"A screenshot showing the pitch contour of Vietnamese's 'huyền' tone\" \u002F>\n\nSome tips:\n\n- Huyền is somewhat flat, like ngang, but drops in pitch gradually over the tone's duration\n- The #1 differentiator between ngang and huyền is that huyền is pronounced with breathiness, whereas ngang is pronounced with your normal voice; the amount of breathiness varies from speaker to speaker\n- The pitch of huyền is lower than that of ngang, but this isn't necessarily something you need to worry about consciously. Say _ahh_ normally, and then, staying just as relaxed, say _ahh_ in a breathy fashion. You'll notice that when you add breathiness to the sound, the pitch of your voice drops.\n\nNow listen to these audio samples with the above pointers in mind:\n\n- bà già \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_bà_già.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> _(old woman)_\n- mùa màng \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-mùa màng.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> _(crops)_\n- vừa lòng \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-vừa lòng.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> _(satisfied \u002F pleased)_\n- lờ đờ \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-lờ đờ.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> _(dull\u002Flack-lustre)_\n- hài hoà \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-hài hoà.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> _(harmony)_\n\n### Sắc, the \"sharp\" tone\n\nSắc is one of Vietnamese's rising tones. Again, before we say more, listen to Hoang's audio and see what you observe:\n\n> \u003CCenteredText bold underline> Tung Hoang's audio: \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002FTung_Hoang_Sac.mp4\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\u003C\u002FCenteredText>\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-vietnamese-sac.webp\" width=\"1875\" height=\"1131\" alt=\"A screenshot showing the pitch contour of Vietnamese's 'sắc' tone\" \u002F>\n\nSome pointers:\n\n- Sắc starts at a lower pitch, hangs flat for just a moment, and then quickly rises in tone—it ends at a tone higher than ngang, but how high it goes depends on the speaker\n- Sources disagree: some scholars suggest sắc is pronounced with a modal (normal) voice, others that it is pronounced with a †tense voice (between normal and creaky)\n- Sometimes (I can't quite figure out when\u002Fwhy) this tone is simply pronounced as a high, short, almost flat pitch—note the 3rd word in Hoang's audio, _tóc_ below, and _sắc_ below; it seems to be related to when two sắc tones appear in succession\n- As you get more advanced, start paying attention to how this tone sounds when it occurs in syllables that end in a P, T or K sound vs. those that don't\n\nNow that you've got an image of this tone, try listening to it again:\n\n- mái tóc \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-mái tóc.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> _(hair)_\n- bánh tráng \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_bánh_tráng.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> _(rice paper)_\n- pháo sáng \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-pháo sáng.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> _(flares)_\n- dấu sắc \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_dấu_sắc.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> _(sharp tone mark)_\n- phấn trắng \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-phấn trắng.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> _(white chalk)_\n\n_† Note: If you don't know what this means, go skim #4 of the \"five components\" section above._\n\n### Nặng, the \"heavy\" tone\n\nNặng is a low tone, and it is also a very short tone. With this in mind, go ahead and listen to Hoang's audio:\n\n> \u003CCenteredText bold underline> Tung Hoang's audio: \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002FTung_Hoang_Nang.mp4\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\u003C\u002FCenteredText>\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-vietnamese-nang.webp\" width=\"1875\" height=\"1134\" alt=\"A screenshot showing the pitch contour of Vietnamese's 'nặng' tone\" \u002F>\n\nSome pointers:\n\n- Say _uh-oh_ a few times, slowing down as you go. Notice how you kind of \"swallow\" the middle of the word—your \"uh\" suddenly stops? This is called a glottal stop, and nặng's defining characteristic is that it ends in a glottal stop\n- This is Vietnamese's lowest tone—start it off lower in your vocal register, and quickly drop your tone, tensing your voice until a glottal stop snuffs the sound out\n- This is Vietnamese's shortest tone; it lasts much less time than the other ones\n- As you get more advanced, start paying attention to how this tone sounds when it occurs in syllables that end in a P, T or K sound and those that don't\n\nAnd now to the audio:\n\n- bận rộn \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_bận_rộn.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> _(busily)_\n- tận tụy \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-tận tụy.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> _(devoted\u002Fdedicated)_\n- chậm chạp \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_chậm_chạp.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> _(slow\u002Fsluggish)_\n- tệ hại hại \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_thật_tệ_hại.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> _(\"that's terrible\")_\n- tịch mịch \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-tịch mịch.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> _(lonely\u002Fquiet)_\n\n### Hỏi, the \"asking\" tone\n\nThis is perhaps Vietnamese's most complex tone. Before thinking about it logically, take a few listens to Hoang's recording and see what stands out to you:\n\n> \u003CCenteredText bold underline> Tung Hoang's audio: \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002FTung_Hoang_Hoi.mp4\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\u003C\u002FCenteredText>\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-vietnamese-hoi.webp\" width=\"1875\" height=\"1134\" alt=\"A screenshot showing the pitch contour of Vietnamese's 'hỏi' tone\" \u002F>\n\nSome pointers:\n\n- Hỏi is one of Vietnamese's \"dipping\" tones—it initially drops down, then rises back up\n- In careful speech (such as that of these speakers, who know they are being recorded) or when it occurs at the end of an utterance, the complete hỏi tone is used—it dips and rises; in normal speech, or in the middle of a sentence, hỏi often simply drops low without rising back up\n- While this tone rises, it does not rise as much as sắc or ngã; the highest-pitch portion of this sound (its end) is only roughly as high as ngang\n- The researchers came to quite different conclusions about how the voice quality of this sound works in a way that isn't easily reconciled; from my (non-professional) interpretation of several audio recordings, this sound (a) uses a breathy voice as it drops, and then (b) transitions into a tenser voice as it rises back up\n\nAnd now for the examples:\n\n- khỏi phải \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-khỏi phải.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> _(no need to \u002F not necessary to)_\n- khủng hoảng \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_khủng_hoảng.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> _(crisis)_\n- thỉnh thoảng \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_thỉnh_thoảng.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> _(sometimes)_\n- cả nể \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-cả nể.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> _(easily agreeing to everyone's requests (because of fear of letting people down))_\n- tưởng thưởng \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-tưởng thưởng.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> _(to reward\u002Fcompensate)_\n\n### Ngã, the \"tumbling\" tone\n\nNgã is similar to sắc, but with a distinct difference that'll pop out at you. Listen to Hoang's audio and see if you can pick it out:\n\n> \u003CCenteredText bold underline> Tung Hoang's audio: \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002FTung_Hoang_Nga.mp4\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>\u003C\u002FCenteredText>\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-vietnamese-nga.webp\" width=\"1875\" height=\"1134\" alt=\"A screenshot showing the pitch contour of Vietnamese's 'ngã' tone\" \u002F>\n\nSome pointers:\n\n- This is Vietnamese's other dipping tone: it initially drops a bit, then rises\n- This sound is broken up by a glottal stop: say _uh-oh_, but drop when you say _uh_ and rise when you say _oh_, taking care to preserve the \"swallowing\" that happens in between _uh_ and _oh_—that's the rough \"shape\" of this tone\n- This tone's final pitch is on par with that of sắc for some speakers, but may go notably higher for other speakers\n- To differentiate this from hỏi, listen for (a) the glottal stop or significant tenseness and (b) a high ending pitch\n\nNga without break in its middle would be like sắc, a rising tone.\n\n- ngã ngũ \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-ngã ngũ.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> _(stalemate, deadlock)_\n- dĩ vãng \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_dĩ_vãng.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> _(the past)_\n- dễ dãi \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-dễ dãi.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> _(overly permissive)_\n- mỹ mãn \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-mỹ mãn.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> _(perfect)_\n- cũ kĩ \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-cũ kĩ.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> _(old \u002F worn out)_\n\n## Some quick notes about Southern Vietnamese vs Northern Vietnamese\n\nThis is going to be very brief, but on the off-chance you're learning Southern Vietnamese, here are a few things you should keep in mind.\n\nFor an in-depth contrast of Vietnam's four main dialects, see:\n\n- [Consonants, vowels and tones across Vietnamese dialects by Phạm, B. & McLeod, S. (2016)](https:\u002F\u002Fpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\u002F27172848\u002F) _(emphasis on consonants and vowels)_\n- [The ups and downs of Vietnamese tones by Bauman, Blodgett, Rytting, and Shamoo (2009)](https:\u002F\u002Fsealinguist.wordpress.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2015\u002F04\u002Ftto_2118_e-5-3_the_ups_and_downs_of_vietnamese_tones_section2.pdf) _(emphasis on tones)_\n\n### Hỏi and ngã have merged\n\nHỏi and ngã, the final two tones discussed above, are Vietnamese's two \"dipping\" tones. In Southern Vietnam, they have merged.Notice how, in the bottom-right chart, the purple and brown line are almost completely superimposed.\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku_northern_southern_vietnamese.jpeg\" width=\"1244\" height=\"538\" alt=\"A comparison of the tonal inventory of Northern and Southern Vietnamese accents\" \u002F>\n\n> \u003CCenteredText> _Diagram sourced from Bauman, Blodgett, Rytting, and Shamoo (2009)_\u003C\u002FCenteredText>\u003Cbr>\n\n### Pitch contour (the shape of your tone) is more important than phonation type (the type of voice you use)\n\nIf you're learning Southern Vietnamese, you can ignore all of the above notes about modal\u002Fcreaky\u002Fbreathy voice. While tones and voice quality matter in Northern Vietnamese, tones in Southern Vietnamese are differentiated purely by their pitch contour (their \"melody\").\n\n### Vietnamese vowels and consonant clusters\n\nThis is beyond the scope of this article—for in-depth information, see Phạm, B. & McLeod, S. (2016), linked above.\n\nFrom a very high-level perspective:\n\n- TR is pronounced differently, and neither sound exists in English. Both sounds are similar to T, but made with the middle of your tongue against the roof of your mouth in Northern Vietnam ( \u002Fc\u002F\u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002FVoiceless_palatal_plosive.ogg\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>) and with the tip of your tongue raised up and back toward the middle of the roof of your mouth in Southern Vietnam (\u002Fʈ\u002F \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002FVoiceless_retroflex_stop.ogg\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> )\n- P at the beginning of a syllable is pronounced like a B in Southern Vietnam\n- Q at the beginning of a word is pronounced like a K in Northern Vietnam but a W in Southern Vietnam\n- V D and GI at the beginning of a word are pronounced like a Z in Northern Vietnam but a \u002Fj\u002F (the sound in the beginning of \"yes\") in Southern Vietnam\n- S is pronounced as you'd expect in Northern Vietnam, but with the tip of your tongue angled up and backwards in Southern Vietnam (\u002Fʂ\u002F \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002FVoiceless_retroflex_sibilant.ogg\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio>)\n- R can be pronounced in multiple ways in both Northern and Southern Vietnam; it's too much to summarize here, so make a point to listen out for it as you consume Vietnamese media\n- The diphthongs iê and yê are pronounced as monophthongs like the EE in \"feet\" in Southern Vietnam, whereas both the i and the ê get pronounced in Northern Vietnam (sounding like a more carefully articulated version of the \"ye\" in \"yes\")\n- The diphthong Uô is pronounced as a monophthong like the \"oo\" in \"goose\" in Southern Vietnam, whereas each vowel is pronounced in Northern Vietnam (oow-aww); the same goes for ươ, but the vowel quality is slightly different (you'll hear it)\n\nThis isn't a complete list of all the changes; it's just the things that I felt could be summarized in a bullet point.\n\n---\n\n## A big table of tone pairs\n\nTones do not occur in isolation in Vietnamese: they always occur next to other tones. This is important for two reasons:\n\n- If you can learn to recognize and produce the following tone pairs, you'll be able to pronounce the tones in any word\n- Some tones undergo small changes when they come before or after another tone; this is subtle and we won't cover it here, but be aware of it, and listen out for it as your Vietnamese improves (_the technical terms for this are [progressive and regressive assimilation](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FAssimilation_(phonology))\\_)\n\nAs you progress from left to right in this table, the tone of the second syllable will change; as you progress from top to bottom, the tone of the first syllable will change.\n\n| Tone\u003Cbr>combo | **o** | **ò** | **ó** | **ọ** | **ỏ** | **õ** |\n| ------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| **o** | **con ong** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_con_ong.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> bee | **ban đầu** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-ban đầu.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> initially | **ca hát** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-ca hát.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> to sing | **đi bộ** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_đi_bộ.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr>to walk | **em nhỏ** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-em nhỏ.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr>little child | **lơ đễnh** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-lơ đễnh.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr>absent-minded |\n| **ò** | **mười năm** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-mười năm.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> ten years | **nhà hàng** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_nhà_hàng.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr>restaurant | **quần áo** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_quần_áo.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr>clothing | **trường học** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_trường_học.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr>school | **tiền lẻ** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_tiền_lẻ.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr>coins\u002Fchange | **hà mã** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-hà mã.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> hippo |\n| **ó** | **phóng viên** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_phóng_viên.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> reporter | **bánh mì** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_bánh_mì.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr>bread | **máy tính** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_máy_tính.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr>calculator | **rát họng** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-rát họng.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr>sore throat | **xét hỏi** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-xét hỏi.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr>to interrogate | **bác sĩ** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_bác_sĩ.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr>doctor |\n| **ọ** | **học sinh** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_học_sinh.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> student | **thịt gà** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_thịt_gà.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr>chicken (as food) | **Phật giáo** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_phật_giáo.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr>Buddhism | **hoạt động** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-hoạt động.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr>activity | **địa điểm** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_địa_điểm.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr>location | **rực rỡ** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-rực rỡ.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr>bright\u002Fradiant |\n| **ỏ** | **hỏi han** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-hỏi han.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> to inquire | **cửa hàng** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_cửa_hàng.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr>shop\u002Fstore | **cảnh sát** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_cảnh_sát.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr>policeman | **nghỉ bệnh** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-nghỉ bệnh.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr>sick leave | **thỉnh thoảng** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002F_vi_thỉnh_thoảng.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr>sometimes | **giải mã** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-giải mã.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr>to decode |\n| **õ** | **mỹ nhân** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi_mỹ_nhân_(美人).mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr> nymph | **đỡ đần** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-đỡ đần.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr>to assist | **bẫy cá** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-bẫy cá.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr>fish trap | **nghĩa vụ** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-nghĩa vụ.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr>duty\u002Fobligation | **trễ nải** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-trễ nải.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr>tardy\u002Fdelay | **mỹ mãn** \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fvi-mỹ mãn.mp3\" :type=\"3\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> \u003Cbr>perfect |\n\n---\n\n## How am I ever going to learn all of this?\n\nFirst: _Yes_, you can learn how to pronounce Vietnamese's tones. It'll eventually be second nature and won't require thought or conscious effort on your part at all.\n\nOn the way there, though, you'll pass through several stages:\n\n- Previusly, you didn't know which tones Vietnamese had\n- Now, you know them, but you likely can't reliably distinguish them\n- Next, you'll be able to pick them out when you hear them, but won't be able to pronounce them well\n- After that, you'll be able to make tones confidently when you can focus, but will make mistakes when stressed (like when having a conversation, for example)\n- Eventually you'll become able to produce consistently correct tones that Vietnamese people understand without effort—_but_ there'll still be little nuances you get wrong\n- Perhaps, with a lot of listening, intentional practice, and (likely) some guidance from a professional, you'll be able to make the tones perfectly naturally\n\nIn fact, this same basic pipeline can be applied to learning pretty much any aspect of Vietnamese—or, indeed, learning anything about anything. It's a process!\n\n> Right now, the most important thing you can do is listen to a lot of Vietnamese content—whether that's real people, YouTube, Netflix, podcasts, or anything that lets you hear Vietnamese as it's actually spoken.\n\nMigaku facilitates this process by making text interactive—you can simply click on words you don't know to see definitions of what they mean. This makes it possible to make sense of Vietnamese media even if you aren't that good at Vietnamese yet.\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku_vietnamese_mobile_youtube.jpeg\" width=\"1806\" height=\"1256\" alt=\"A screenshot of Migaku's app, showing how we make text in Vietnamese subtitles interactive\" \u002F>\n\nTo get more out of the time you spend in Vietnamese, you can click that orange button in the top-right corner of the dictionary to make flashcards out of useful-looking words. We'll nudge you to review it periodically (this is called _[spaced repetition](\u002Fblog\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fspaced-repetition-language-learning)_) and, gradually, these words will work their way into your long-term memory.\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku_vietnamese_mobile_mining.jpeg\" width=\"1802\" height=\"1254\" alt=\"A screenshot of Migaku's app, showing how allow you to make flashcards from content you consume\" \u002F>\n\nWhen you eventually begin interacting with native Vietnamese speakers, every conversation will give you immediate feedback. You'll either find that you spoke clearly enough to be understood—in which case, great!—_or_ you'll gradually identify trouble syllables that you need to pay a bit more attention to.\n\nFor now: immerse, enjoy, and improve!\n\n---\n\n## Phonology, articulation, or whatever this has been...\n\n...Phew.\n\nThat was a lot. Even for me.\n\nIf you're feeling a bit overwhelmed right now—that's OK. This takes time, and it'll come with its fair share of challenges.\n\nFor now, just remember one thing:\n\n> The way we _really_ learn languages is by interacting with them. If you consume Vietnamese media, and you understand at least some of the sentences and messages within it, you'll make progress. _Period_.\n\nNow, go take a break.\n\nBookmark this page, come back to skim through the explanations from time to time, and try to see if the audio recordings have become any clearer to you.\n\nGood luck!\n",{"title":28712,"description":31094},"article\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fgeneral-vietnamese-tones","LHGzmSS26YyIksaYPb77q3nRqyaIirJcesFiC21-024","May 2, 2025",{"id":31112,"title":31113,"body":31114,"description":31489,"extension":929,"meta":31490,"navigation":942,"path":31501,"rawbody":31502,"seo":31503,"stem":31504,"__hash__":31505,"timestampUnix":31491,"slug":31492,"h1":31493,"image":31494,"tags":31499,"_dir":948,"timestamp":31506},"content\u002Farticle\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fjapanese-food.md","Discover 5 Iconic Japanese Dishes: Must-Try Foods",{"type":8,"value":31115,"toc":31480},[31116,31125,31131,31134,31136,31138,31142,31149,31152,31155,31158,31167,31176,31185,31194,31201,31203,31207,31213,31216,31219,31222,31229,31238,31245,31254,31261,31263,31267,31273,31282,31289,31296,31305,31307,31311,31317,31320,31323,31326,31335,31344,31353,31355,31359,31365,31368,31371,31374,31383,31392,31398,31404,31406,31410,31413,31416,31419,31425,31440,31443,31454,31457,31459,31464,31466,31470,31473],[11,31117,31118,31119,31121,31122],{},"Most of our blog content focuses on how to ",[867,31120,14798],{"href":14797},", but we've made the executive decision to do something delicious with this one. Everybody loves Japanese food, so it deserves a place on our blog. ",[21,31123,31124],{},"(Fight me.)",[11,31126,31127,31128,31130],{},"Anyway—you've probably heard of sushi and ramen... but that's really just the tip of the rice ball. There are ",[21,31129,26700],{}," of delicious dishes that don't get a lot of love outside the archipelago, and every prefecture has its own unique little gems. If you like variety, you'll love Japanese food.",[11,31132,31133],{},"Here's a crash course into some of the most famous Japanese foods, how they are made, and a couple vocabulary words you'll want to know if you order them.",[30,31135],{},[34,31137],{},[37,31139,31141],{"id":31140},"ramen-but-not-what-youre-thinking","Ramen, but not what you're thinking",[833,31143],{"src":31144,"width":31145,"height":31146,"alt":31147,"loading":31148},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Framen.webp",5760,3840,"A bowl of Japanese ramen, a popular food, with pork, corn, and seaweed.","eager",[11,31150,31151],{},"Ramen is a popular Japanese noodle soup dish with a rich history and cultural significance. Originally inspired by Chinese noodle dishes, ramen was introduced to Japan in the late 19th century. Over time, it evolved into a uniquely Japanese culinary staple, with regional variations that reflect the diverse flavors of the country.",[11,31153,31154],{},"Ramen typically consists of wheat noodles served in a broth based on soy sauce, miso, salt, or pork bones. The broth is often complemented by toppings such as sliced pork, green onions, nori (seaweed), boiled eggs, and bamboo shoots.",[11,31156,31157],{},"Ramen culture in Japan is deeply rooted, with countless ramen shops (ramen-ya) across the country, each offering their own twist on the dish. Some regions are famous for their specific styles, like Sapporo's miso ramen or Hakata's tonkotsu ramen. In Japan, enjoying a bowl of ramen is more than just eating; it’s a cultural experience that often involves a quick, hearty meal enjoyed in a bustling, communal setting.",[11,31159,4232,31160,55,31163,31166],{},[5744,31161],{"lang":5746,"syntax":31162},"醤油[しょうゆ]",[57,31164],{"src":31165,":type":9145},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002F醤油.m4a"," - Shouyuu; soy sauce\n",[11,31168,4232,31169,55,31172,31175],{},[5744,31170],{"lang":5746,"syntax":31171},"味噌[みそ]",[57,31173],{"src":31174,":type":9145},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002F味噌.m4a"," - Miso; fermented condiment usually made from soybeans\n",[11,31177,4232,31178,55,31181,31184],{},[5744,31179],{"lang":5746,"syntax":31180},"豚骨[とんこつ]",[57,31182],{"src":31183,":type":9145},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002F豚骨.m4a"," - Tonkotsu; pork bones\n",[11,31186,4232,31187,55,31190,31193],{},[5744,31188],{"lang":5746,"syntax":31189},"海苔[のり]",[57,31191],{"src":31192,":type":9145},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002F海苔.m4a"," - Nori; seaweed\n",[11,31195,31196,31197,31200],{},"チャーシュー ",[57,31198],{"src":31199,":type":9145},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fチャーシュー.m4a"," - Cha-shuu; sliced pork",[34,31202],{},[37,31204,31206],{"id":31205},"udon-a-thick-noodle-dish-served-cold-or-warm","Udon, a thick noodle dish served cold or warm",[833,31208],{"src":31209,"width":31210,"height":31211,"alt":31212},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fudon.webp",4650,3100,"A bowl of Japanese udon noodles topped with green onions and crispy tempura flakes.",[11,31214,31215],{},"Udon is a traditional Japanese noodle dish known for its thick, chewy wheat noodles. Originating in the Nara period (710-794 AD), udon is typically served in a mild broth made from dashi, soy sauce, and mirin.",[11,31217,31218],{},"Udon is versatile and can be eaten hot or cold. Popular variations include kake udon, served in hot broth with simple toppings, and zaru udon, a cold version served with a dipping sauce. Regional differences also exist, with Sanuki udon from Kagawa Prefecture being especially famous for its firm texture.",[11,31220,31221],{},"Culturally, udon is a beloved comfort food in Japan, enjoyed at home, in restaurants, and at specialty shops. It's also a popular dish during winter and traditional festivals.",[11,31223,31224,31225,31228],{},"みりん ",[57,31226],{"src":31227,":type":9145},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fみりん.m4a"," - Mirin; sweet rice wine",[11,31230,4232,31231,55,31234,31237],{},[5744,31232],{"lang":5746,"syntax":31233},"掛[か]けうどん",[57,31235],{"src":31236,":type":9145},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fかけうどん.m4a"," - Kakeudon; udon noodles in broth\n",[11,31239,31240,31241,31244],{},"ざるうどん ",[57,31242],{"src":31243,":type":9145},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fざるうどん.m4a"," - Zaru udon; chilled udon noodles served with a separate dipping sauce",[11,31246,4232,31247,55,31250,31253],{},[5744,31248],{"lang":5746,"syntax":31249},"讃岐[さぬき]うどん",[57,31251],{"src":31252,":type":9145},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fさぬきうどん.m4a"," - Sanuki udon; thick udon from Kagawa prefecture\n",[11,31255,31256,31257,31260],{},"だし ",[57,31258],{"src":31259,":type":9145},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fだし.m4a"," - Dashi; soup stock",[34,31262],{},[37,31264,31266],{"id":31265},"soba-thin-buckwheat-noodles-for-a-healthy-alternative","Soba, thin buckwheat noodles for a \"healthy\" alternative",[833,31268],{"src":31269,"width":31270,"height":31271,"alt":31272},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002FSoba.webp",6240,4160,"A serving of Japanese soba noodles on a bamboo tray with dipping sauce, tempura vegetables and shrimp, chopsticks, and wasabi on the side.",[11,31274,31275,31276,31278,31279,31281],{},"Soba is a traditional Japanese noodle made from buckwheat flour, known for its thin, firm texture and earthy flavor. Dating back to the Edo period (1603-1868), soba is eaten either hot in a broth or cold with a dipping sauce.",[132,31277],{},"\nPopular variations include zaru soba, cold noodles with a dipping sauce, and kake soba, which involves hot noodles in a light broth. Soba is often served with green onions, nori, and sometimes tempura.",[132,31280],{},"\nCulturally significant, soba is traditionally eaten on New Year's Eve as toshikoshi soba, symbolizing a wish for a long, resilient life.",[11,31283,31284,31285,31288],{},"ざるそば ",[57,31286],{"src":31287,":type":9145},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fざるそば.m4a"," - Zaru soba; soba served on a bamboo draining basket with dipping sauce",[11,31290,31291,31292,31295],{},"かけそば ",[57,31293],{"src":31294,":type":9145},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fかけそば.m4a"," - Kakesoba; soba in hot broth",[11,31297,4232,31298,55,31301,31304],{},[5744,31299],{"lang":5746,"syntax":31300},"年越[としこ]しそば",[57,31302],{"src":31303,":type":9145},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002F年越しそば.m4a"," - Toshikoshisoba; soba noodles eaten at night on New Year's Eve\n",[34,31306],{},[37,31308,31310],{"id":31309},"okonomiyaki-a-savory-japanese-pancake-kind-of","Okonomiyaki, a savory Japanese pancake (kind of)",[833,31312],{"src":31313,"width":31314,"height":31315,"alt":31316},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fokonomiyaki.webp",5616,3744,"A freshly cooked Japanese okonomiyaki topped with bonito flakes, green onions, mayonnaise, and a savory sauce on a griddle.",[11,31318,31319],{},"Okonomiyaki is a popular Japanese savory pancake, often called \"Japanese pizza\" or \"Japanese pancake.\" Its name combines \"okonomi\" (お好み), meaning \"what you like,\" and \"yaki\" (焼き), meaning \"grilled,\" highlighting its customizable nature.",[11,31321,31322],{},"Originating in Osaka in the early 20th century, okonomiyaki is made from a batter of flour, eggs, shredded cabbage, and water, mixed with various ingredients like meat, seafood, and vegetables. It's grilled on a hotplate and topped with okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, dried seaweed, and bonito flakes.",[11,31324,31325],{},"Okonomiyaki is a social dish, often cooked at the table in restaurants. It's enjoyed in settings ranging from street food stalls to specialized restaurants.",[11,31327,4232,31328,55,31331,31334],{},[5744,31329],{"lang":5746,"syntax":31330},"お好み焼[おこのみや]き",[57,31332],{"src":31333,":type":9145},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fお好み焼き.m4a"," - Okonomiyaki\n",[11,31336,4232,31337,55,31340,31343],{},[5744,31338],{"lang":5746,"syntax":31339},"青[あお]のり",[57,31341],{"src":31342,":type":9145},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002F青のり.m4a"," - Aonori; green dried seaweed\n",[11,31345,4232,31346,55,31349,31352],{},[5744,31347],{"lang":5746,"syntax":31348},"鰹節[かつおぶし]",[57,31350],{"src":31351,":type":9145},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002F鰹節.m4a"," - Katsuobushi; pieces of sliced dried bonito\n",[34,31354],{},[37,31356,31358],{"id":31357},"takoyaki-hot-dog-balls-but-with-octopus-and-so-much-better","Takoyaki, hot dog balls but with octopus and so much better",[833,31360],{"src":31361,"width":31362,"height":31363,"alt":31364},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ftakoyaki.webp",5184,3456,"Japanese takoyaki, octopus-filled dough balls, topped with bonito flakes, mayonnaise, and sauce, served on a black plate.",[11,31366,31367],{},"Takoyaki is a popular Japanese street food made of small, round balls of batter filled with octopus. Originating in Osaka in the 1930s, it has become a beloved snack across Japan.",[11,31369,31370],{},"The batter, made from flour, eggs, and dashi, is filled with octopus, green onions, pickled ginger, and tempura scraps. The mixture is cooked in special pans until golden brown. Takoyaki is typically served hot and topped with takoyaki sauce, mayonnaise, dried seaweed, and bonito flakes.",[11,31372,31373],{},"Commonly found at street stalls, festivals, and takoyaki shops, this snack is a symbol of Osaka’s vibrant food culture and has gained international popularity in Japanese restaurants worldwide.",[11,31375,4232,31376,55,31379,31382],{},[5744,31377],{"lang":5746,"syntax":31378},"たこ焼[たこや]き",[57,31380],{"src":31381,":type":9145},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fたこ焼き.m4a"," - Takoyaki\n",[11,31384,4232,31385,55,31388,31391],{},[5744,31386],{"lang":5746,"syntax":31387},"天[てん]かす",[57,31389],{"src":31390,":type":9145},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002F天かす.m4a"," - Tenkasu; crunchy bits of fried batter left after cooking tempura\n",[11,31393,4232,31394,55,31396,31343],{},[5744,31395],{"lang":5746,"syntax":31339},[57,31397],{"src":31342,":type":9145},[11,31399,4232,31400,55,31402,31352],{},[5744,31401],{"lang":5746,"syntax":31348},[57,31403],{"src":31351,":type":9145},[34,31405],{},[37,31407,31409],{"id":31408},"dont-speak-japanese-but-need-to-make-sense-of-japanese-menus","Don't speak Japanese, but need to make sense of Japanese menus?",[11,31411,31412],{},"I love Japan—Japanese has been a keystone of my life since 2014—but I have to admit that it isn't the most foreigner-friendly country in the world. There's a good chance that your restaurant won't have an English menu available if it isn't a large international brand. (To be fair, though, how many random restaurants in Idaho or Texas have Japanese menus?)",[11,31414,31415],{},"Anyway—there's a chance that you'll need to decipher Japanese menus, street signs, and things like that while abroad on your trip.",[11,31417,31418],{},"With Migaku, that's no problem:",[833,31420],{"src":31421,"width":31422,"height":31423,"alt":31424},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-japanese-food-ocr.jpeg",1748,1218,"A screenshot showing Migaku's OCR feature, which is very useful for tourists who need to decipher Japanese menus on their trip",[11,31426,31427,31428,31433,31434,31439],{},"Here's the menu to ",[867,31429,31432],{"href":31430,"rel":31431},"https:\u002F\u002Fuchiwarabe.com\u002Fen",[1196],"Uchiwarabe",", a unique little restaurant I visited in Tokyo and absolutely loved. Their dishes almost all focus on ",[867,31435,31438],{"href":31436,"rel":31437},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FCoho_salmon",[1196],"silver salmon"," and you get everything from sushi to rice bowls. It's worth a visit.",[11,31441,31442],{},"Uchiwarabe happens to have an English (and Chinese) menu—but you'd be OK, even if they didn't. With Migaku, all you have to do is:",[3153,31444,31445,31448,31451],{},[124,31446,31447],{},"Open our app and take a picture of the menu",[124,31449,31450],{},"Select the menu text",[124,31452,31453],{},"Click on \"translate\"",[11,31455,31456],{},"Best of all, Migaku is totally free for 10 days, without the need to input a credit card or anything like that... so if you're taking a short trip to Tokyo, you can utilize this tool without needing to pay anything 💪",[876,31458],{"href":14797,"text":15661},[11,31460,31461],{},[21,31462,31463],{},"(Of course, we also offer Japanese courses, which you're of course welcome to try out.)",[34,31465],{},[37,31467,31469],{"id":31468},"isnt-japanese-food-delicious-now-im-hungry","Isn't Japanese food delicious? Now I'm hungry...",[11,31471,31472],{},"Japanese cuisine offers a diverse array of flavors and dishes that cater to all tastes. From sushi and ramen to okonomiyaki and takoyaki, each dish reflects the culinary traditions and regional specialties of Japan.",[11,31474,31475,31476,31479],{},"If you want to learn more about Japanese culture and plan to start learning the language, we recommend our Migaku Japanese Guide. It’s the ",[867,31477,31478],{"href":14797},"best way to learn Japanese"," from zero, with easy-to-follow lessons, plenty of example sentences, and audio support.",{"title":383,"searchDepth":915,"depth":915,"links":31481},[31482,31483,31484,31485,31486,31487,31488],{"id":31140,"depth":915,"text":31141},{"id":31205,"depth":915,"text":31206},{"id":31265,"depth":915,"text":31266},{"id":31309,"depth":915,"text":31310},{"id":31357,"depth":915,"text":31358},{"id":31408,"depth":915,"text":31409},{"id":31468,"depth":915,"text":31469},"Explore the most famous traditional Japanese dishes, what makes them unique, and how they are prepared. Perfect for food lovers and culture enthusiasts.",{"timestampUnix":31491,"slug":31492,"h1":31493,"image":31494,"tags":31499},1726631312198,"famous-japanese-food","Exploring Japan's Culinary Treasures: From Udon to Takoyaki",{"src":31495,"width":31496,"height":31497,"alt":31498},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-japanese-food.webp",5948,3965,"A plate of sashimi and makizushi, two types of Japanese sushi.",[31500],"culture","\u002Farticle\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fjapanese-food","---\ntitle: 'Discover 5 Iconic Japanese Dishes: Must-Try Foods'\ndescription: 'Explore the most famous traditional Japanese dishes, what makes them unique, and how they are prepared. Perfect for food lovers and culture enthusiasts.'\ntimestampUnix: 1726631312198\nslug: 'famous-japanese-food'\nh1: \"Exploring Japan's Culinary Treasures: From Udon to Takoyaki\"\nimage:\n src: '\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-japanese-food.webp'\n width: 5948\n height: 3965\n alt: 'A plate of sashimi and makizushi, two types of Japanese sushi.'\ntags:\n - culture\n---\n\nMost of our blog content focuses on how to [learn Japanese](\u002Flearn-japanese), but we've made the executive decision to do something delicious with this one. Everybody loves Japanese food, so it deserves a place on our blog. _(Fight me.)_\n\nAnyway—you've probably heard of sushi and ramen... but that's really just the tip of the rice ball. There are _tons_ of delicious dishes that don't get a lot of love outside the archipelago, and every prefecture has its own unique little gems. If you like variety, you'll love Japanese food.\n\nHere's a crash course into some of the most famous Japanese foods, how they are made, and a couple vocabulary words you'll want to know if you order them.\n\n\u003Ctoc>\u003C\u002Ftoc>\n\n---\n\n## Ramen, but not what you're thinking\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Framen.webp\" width=\"5760\" height=\"3840\" alt=\"A bowl of Japanese ramen, a popular food, with pork, corn, and seaweed.\" loading=\"eager\" \u002F>\n\nRamen is a popular Japanese noodle soup dish with a rich history and cultural significance. Originally inspired by Chinese noodle dishes, ramen was introduced to Japan in the late 19th century. Over time, it evolved into a uniquely Japanese culinary staple, with regional variations that reflect the diverse flavors of the country.\n\nRamen typically consists of wheat noodles served in a broth based on soy sauce, miso, salt, or pork bones. The broth is often complemented by toppings such as sliced pork, green onions, nori (seaweed), boiled eggs, and bamboo shoots.\n\nRamen culture in Japan is deeply rooted, with countless ramen shops (ramen-ya) across the country, each offering their own twist on the dish. Some regions are famous for their specific styles, like Sapporo's miso ramen or Hakata's tonkotsu ramen. In Japan, enjoying a bowl of ramen is more than just eating; it’s a cultural experience that often involves a quick, hearty meal enjoyed in a bustling, communal setting.\n\n\u003Cp>\n \u003Ctypo lang=\"ja\" syntax=\"醤油[しょうゆ]\">\u003C\u002Ftypo> \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002F醤油.m4a\" :type=\"0\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> - Shouyuu; soy sauce\n\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>\n \u003Ctypo lang=\"ja\" syntax=\"味噌[みそ]\">\u003C\u002Ftypo> \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002F味噌.m4a\" :type=\"0\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> - Miso; fermented condiment usually made from soybeans\n\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>\n \u003Ctypo lang=\"ja\" syntax=\"豚骨[とんこつ]\">\u003C\u002Ftypo> \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002F豚骨.m4a\" :type=\"0\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> - Tonkotsu; pork bones\n\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>\n \u003Ctypo lang=\"ja\" syntax=\"海苔[のり]\">\u003C\u002Ftypo> \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002F海苔.m4a\" :type=\"0\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> - Nori; seaweed\n\u003C\u002Fp>\n\nチャーシュー \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fチャーシュー.m4a\" :type=\"0\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> - Cha-shuu; sliced pork\n\n---\n\n## Udon, a thick noodle dish served cold or warm\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fudon.webp\" width=\"4650\" height=\"3100\" alt=\"A bowl of Japanese udon noodles topped with green onions and crispy tempura flakes.\" \u002F>\n\nUdon is a traditional Japanese noodle dish known for its thick, chewy wheat noodles. Originating in the Nara period (710-794 AD), udon is typically served in a mild broth made from dashi, soy sauce, and mirin.\n\nUdon is versatile and can be eaten hot or cold. Popular variations include kake udon, served in hot broth with simple toppings, and zaru udon, a cold version served with a dipping sauce. Regional differences also exist, with Sanuki udon from Kagawa Prefecture being especially famous for its firm texture.\n\nCulturally, udon is a beloved comfort food in Japan, enjoyed at home, in restaurants, and at specialty shops. It's also a popular dish during winter and traditional festivals.\n\nみりん \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fみりん.m4a\" :type=\"0\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> - Mirin; sweet rice wine\n\n\u003Cp>\n \u003Ctypo lang=\"ja\" syntax=\"掛[か]けうどん\">\u003C\u002Ftypo> \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fかけうどん.m4a\" :type=\"0\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> - Kakeudon; udon noodles in broth\n\u003C\u002Fp>\n\nざるうどん \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fざるうどん.m4a\" :type=\"0\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> - Zaru udon; chilled udon noodles served with a separate dipping sauce\n\n\u003Cp>\n \u003Ctypo lang=\"ja\" syntax=\"讃岐[さぬき]うどん\">\u003C\u002Ftypo> \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fさぬきうどん.m4a\" :type=\"0\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> - Sanuki udon; thick udon from Kagawa prefecture\n\u003C\u002Fp>\n\nだし \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fだし.m4a\" :type=\"0\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> - Dashi; soup stock\n\n---\n\n## Soba, thin buckwheat noodles for a \"healthy\" alternative\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002FSoba.webp\" width=\"6240\" height=\"4160\" alt=\"A serving of Japanese soba noodles on a bamboo tray with dipping sauce, tempura vegetables and shrimp, chopsticks, and wasabi on the side.\" \u002F>\n\nSoba is a traditional Japanese noodle made from buckwheat flour, known for its thin, firm texture and earthy flavor. Dating back to the Edo period (1603-1868), soba is eaten either hot in a broth or cold with a dipping sauce.\nPopular variations include zaru soba, cold noodles with a dipping sauce, and kake soba, which involves hot noodles in a light broth. Soba is often served with green onions, nori, and sometimes tempura.\nCulturally significant, soba is traditionally eaten on New Year's Eve as toshikoshi soba, symbolizing a wish for a long, resilient life.\n\nざるそば \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fざるそば.m4a\" :type=\"0\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> - Zaru soba; soba served on a bamboo draining basket with dipping sauce\n\nかけそば \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fかけそば.m4a\" :type=\"0\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> - Kakesoba; soba in hot broth\n\n\u003Cp>\n \u003Ctypo lang=\"ja\" syntax=\"年越[としこ]しそば\">\u003C\u002Ftypo> \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002F年越しそば.m4a\" :type=\"0\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> - Toshikoshisoba; soba noodles eaten at night on New Year's Eve\n\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n---\n\n## Okonomiyaki, a savory Japanese pancake (kind of)\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fokonomiyaki.webp\" width=\"5616\" height=\"3744\" alt=\"A freshly cooked Japanese okonomiyaki topped with bonito flakes, green onions, mayonnaise, and a savory sauce on a griddle.\" \u002F>\n\nOkonomiyaki is a popular Japanese savory pancake, often called \"Japanese pizza\" or \"Japanese pancake.\" Its name combines \"okonomi\" (お好み), meaning \"what you like,\" and \"yaki\" (焼き), meaning \"grilled,\" highlighting its customizable nature.\n\nOriginating in Osaka in the early 20th century, okonomiyaki is made from a batter of flour, eggs, shredded cabbage, and water, mixed with various ingredients like meat, seafood, and vegetables. It's grilled on a hotplate and topped with okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, dried seaweed, and bonito flakes.\n\nOkonomiyaki is a social dish, often cooked at the table in restaurants. It's enjoyed in settings ranging from street food stalls to specialized restaurants.\n\n\u003Cp>\n \u003Ctypo lang=\"ja\" syntax=\"お好み焼[おこのみや]き\">\u003C\u002Ftypo> \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fお好み焼き.m4a\" :type=\"0\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> - Okonomiyaki\n\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>\n \u003Ctypo lang=\"ja\" syntax=\"青[あお]のり\">\u003C\u002Ftypo> \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002F青のり.m4a\" :type=\"0\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> - Aonori; green dried seaweed\n\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>\n \u003Ctypo lang=\"ja\" syntax=\"鰹節[かつおぶし]\">\u003C\u002Ftypo> \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002F鰹節.m4a\" :type=\"0\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> - Katsuobushi; pieces of sliced dried bonito\n\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n---\n\n## Takoyaki, hot dog balls but with octopus and so much better\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Ftakoyaki.webp\" width=\"5184\" height=\"3456\" alt=\"Japanese takoyaki, octopus-filled dough balls, topped with bonito flakes, mayonnaise, and sauce, served on a black plate.\" \u002F>\n\nTakoyaki is a popular Japanese street food made of small, round balls of batter filled with octopus. Originating in Osaka in the 1930s, it has become a beloved snack across Japan.\n\nThe batter, made from flour, eggs, and dashi, is filled with octopus, green onions, pickled ginger, and tempura scraps. The mixture is cooked in special pans until golden brown. Takoyaki is typically served hot and topped with takoyaki sauce, mayonnaise, dried seaweed, and bonito flakes.\n\nCommonly found at street stalls, festivals, and takoyaki shops, this snack is a symbol of Osaka’s vibrant food culture and has gained international popularity in Japanese restaurants worldwide.\n\n\u003Cp>\n \u003Ctypo lang=\"ja\" syntax=\"たこ焼[たこや]き\">\u003C\u002Ftypo> \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fたこ焼き.m4a\" :type=\"0\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> - Takoyaki\n\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>\n \u003Ctypo lang=\"ja\" syntax=\"天[てん]かす\">\u003C\u002Ftypo> \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002F天かす.m4a\" :type=\"0\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> - Tenkasu; crunchy bits of fried batter left after cooking tempura\n\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>\n \u003Ctypo lang=\"ja\" syntax=\"青[あお]のり\">\u003C\u002Ftypo> \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002F青のり.m4a\" :type=\"0\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> - Aonori; green dried seaweed\n\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>\n \u003Ctypo lang=\"ja\" syntax=\"鰹節[かつおぶし]\">\u003C\u002Ftypo> \u003Ccustom-audio src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002F鰹節.m4a\" :type=\"0\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-audio> - Katsuobushi; pieces of sliced dried bonito\n\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n---\n\n## Don't speak Japanese, but need to make sense of Japanese menus?\n\nI love Japan—Japanese has been a keystone of my life since 2014—but I have to admit that it isn't the most foreigner-friendly country in the world. There's a good chance that your restaurant won't have an English menu available if it isn't a large international brand. (To be fair, though, how many random restaurants in Idaho or Texas have Japanese menus?)\n\nAnyway—there's a chance that you'll need to decipher Japanese menus, street signs, and things like that while abroad on your trip.\n\nWith Migaku, that's no problem:\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-japanese-food-ocr.jpeg\" width=\"1748\" height=\"1218\" alt=\"A screenshot showing Migaku's OCR feature, which is very useful for tourists who need to decipher Japanese menus on their trip\" \u002F>\n\nHere's the menu to [Uchiwarabe](https:\u002F\u002Fuchiwarabe.com\u002Fen), a unique little restaurant I visited in Tokyo and absolutely loved. Their dishes almost all focus on [silver salmon](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FCoho_salmon) and you get everything from sushi to rice bowls. It's worth a visit.\n\nUchiwarabe happens to have an English (and Chinese) menu—but you'd be OK, even if they didn't. With Migaku, all you have to do is:\n\n1. Open our app and take a picture of the menu\n2. Select the menu text\n3. Click on \"translate\"\n\nBest of all, Migaku is totally free for 10 days, without the need to input a credit card or anything like that... so if you're taking a short trip to Tokyo, you can utilize this tool without needing to pay anything 💪\n\n\u003Cprose-button href=\"\u002Flearn-japanese\" text=\"Learn Japanese with Migaku\">\u003C\u002Fprose-button>\n\n_(Of course, we also offer Japanese courses, which you're of course welcome to try out.)_\n\n---\n\n## Isn't Japanese food delicious? Now I'm hungry...\n\nJapanese cuisine offers a diverse array of flavors and dishes that cater to all tastes. From sushi and ramen to okonomiyaki and takoyaki, each dish reflects the culinary traditions and regional specialties of Japan.\n\nIf you want to learn more about Japanese culture and plan to start learning the language, we recommend our Migaku Japanese Guide. It’s the [best way to learn Japanese](\u002Flearn-japanese) from zero, with easy-to-follow lessons, plenty of example sentences, and audio support.\n",{"title":31113,"description":31489},"article\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fjapanese-food","AYaKJkroj91BH9KK6lQPXTQciNvb0RgwPTXuriLT6oI","September 18, 2024",{"id":31508,"title":31509,"body":31510,"description":32409,"extension":929,"meta":32410,"navigation":942,"path":32420,"rawbody":32421,"seo":32422,"stem":32423,"__hash__":32424,"timestampUnix":32411,"slug":32412,"h1":32413,"image":32414,"tags":32418,"_dir":948,"timestamp":32425},"content\u002Farticle\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fstory-de-noah.md","How Noah Learned 34,000 German Words with Migaku in 3.5 Years",{"type":8,"value":31511,"toc":32382},[31512,31515,31521,31524,31531,31534,31536,31538,31542,31545,31548,31560,31564,31571,31577,31589,31592,31604,31607,31613,31619,31627,31630,31634,31643,31649,31652,31659,31662,31675,31679,31682,31685,31696,31700,31703,31713,31716,31721,31724,31728,31735,31742,31748,31766,31771,31786,31789,31794,31797,31811,31815,31818,31827,31830,31833,31862,31865,31868,31872,31875,31880,31884,31887,31893,31910,31918,31921,31926,31929,31944,32062,32069,32074,32078,32081,32084,32088,32091,32094,32103,32107,32110,32115,32121,32124,32130,32139,32143,32146,32151,32159,32162,32165,32169,32172,32185,32189,32192,32195,32198,32202,32205,32216,32222,32228,32240,32243,32247,32250,32253,32256,32263,32266,32269,32277,32281,32284,32287,32290,32295,32298,32301,32304,32307,32314,32317,32320,32329,32332,32334,32380],[11,31513,31514],{},"As a high schooler, Noah dabbled in nearly a dozen different languages. He'd see a new language on Duolingo, think it sounded cool, and start studying. It was fun: he enjoyed learning languages.",[11,31516,31517,31518,31520],{},"Eventually, he decided that he didn't ",[21,31519,6875],{}," want to dabble in languages. He wanted to learn a language very well. Like, really well.",[11,31522,31523],{},"We're talking bilingual well.",[11,31525,31526,31527,31530],{},"In pursuit of this goal, he's learned 34,136 German words ",[21,31528,31529],{},"(so far)"," with Migaku.",[11,31532,31533],{},"Here's his story:",[30,31535],{},[34,31537],{},[37,31539,31541],{"id":31540},"well-tell-us-about-yourself","Well, tell us about yourself",[11,31543,31544],{},"Hello! I am Noah.",[11,31546,31547],{},"My interests have always been of a more intellectual nature. My main interests since about the time I was in high school have been linguistics, philosophy, history and the reading thereof. I also like to go on walks and hikes. One Saturday in between my junior and senior year I walked 34 miles in a single day and was known as the guy who walks a lot.",[11,31549,31550,31551,844],{},"I completed two years of at a university in the United States studying German, and I am now planning to attend a German university, starting next fall, to get a philosophy degree with a complementary focus of Germanistik ",[21,31552,31553,31554,31559],{},"(editor: German for \"",[867,31555,31558],{"href":31556,"rel":31557},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FGerman_studies",[1196],"German studies","\")",[37,31561,31563],{"id":31562},"so-you-started-studying-german-in-high-school-how-was-that","So, you started studying German in high school. How was that?",[11,31565,31566,31567,31570],{},"Well, on the first day of class, the teacher showed up and he ",[21,31568,31569],{},"only"," spoke German. Just to scare us, I guess. But he only did that on the first day, and I think we would have learned a whole lot more if he'd kept doing that.",[11,31572,31573,31574,31576],{},"Most of the time we spent inside the classroom was in English. We spent a lot of time talking ",[21,31575,28173],{}," German, rather than engaging with it.",[86,31578,31579],{},[11,31580,31581,31582,31585,31586,19722],{},"I quite like grammar and was fairly good at it, I would say, but there is a difference between ",[21,31583,31584],{},"learning"," a language and ",[21,31587,31588],{},"acquiring",[11,31590,31591],{},"A lot of people would blame him for not being a good teacher, but I don't think that's the right thing to do.",[3153,31593,31594,31601],{},[124,31595,31596,31597,31600],{},"When we would try reading a text, people would complain about how hard it was—",[21,31598,31599],{},"I can't read this!","—and as the teacher, that's got to be frustrating",[124,31602,31603],{},"There's a textbook that the teacher is expected to use, and he doesn't have the choice not to follow the textbook",[11,31605,31606],{},"Still, I think it would be better if we'd spent more time just interacting with German—like reading. The Spanish class had a ton of graded readers, and they dedicated time to letting the students read. I wish we were able to do that in German class, too.",[11,31608,31609,31610,31612],{},"I mean, we definitely ",[21,31611,9035],{}," books in German in the classroom. When I was a senior I borrowed a couple of them and the teacher was very glad. He actually let me keep them after the end of the year since it was a seemingly rare occurrence that anyone used them.",[833,31614],{"src":31615,"width":31616,"height":31617,"alt":31618},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-story-german-noah-readers.jpeg",1024,643,"A photo of the two German bilingual readers that Noah received from his German teacher",[86,31620,31621],{},[11,31622,31623,31624],{},"Actually engaging with your language—getting input; reading and listening and stuff—is hard, it's challenging... but if you keep up with it for a month, you'll be like, \"",[21,31625,31626],{},"wow, I just learned so much.\"",[11,31628,31629],{},"After my high school German studies and a few college classes, I went into Migaku in May 2021 knowing about 1,500 German words.",[37,31631,31633],{"id":31632},"and-then-you-just-dove-right-into-german","And then you just dove right into German",[11,31635,31636,31637,31642],{},"At some point I heard of ",[867,31638,31641],{"href":31639,"rel":31640},"https:\u002F\u002Ftatsumoto-ren.github.io\u002Fblog\u002Fwhats-ajatt.html",[1196],"AJATT","—short for \"All Japanese All the Time\"—in which people basically \"immersed\" themselves into the language, switching as much of their life and entertainment time over to the language they were learning as possible.",[11,31644,31645,31646,844],{},"So I was like—",[21,31647,31648],{},"Oh, I just need to do this (German) all day long",[11,31650,31651],{},"And for a while, I did that. I just tried to listen as much as physically possible. I even grew out my hair a bit so I could always have a headphone in without anybody noticing. I worked at a grocery store in college and, you know, you're kind of just standing there and waiting, so I'd just listen to audiobooks all day long.",[414,31653,31655,31656,2001],{"id":31654},"you-went-from-high-school-classes-to-audiobooks","You went from high school classes to ",[21,31657,31658],{},"audiobooks",[11,31660,31661],{},"Yeah—I'd listen to two things, mainly:",[121,31663,31664,31667],{},[124,31665,31666],{},"The audiobook version of whatever book I'd been reading",[124,31668,10045,31669,31674],{},[867,31670,31673],{"href":31671,"rel":31672},"https:\u002F\u002Ftatsumoto-ren.github.io\u002Fblog\u002Fpassive-listening.html#condensing-audio",[1196],"condensed audio"," (dialogue) to whatever series I'd been watching",[414,31676,31678],{"id":31677},"so-youd-watch-something-then-re-listen-to-it","So you'd watch something, then re-listen to it?",[11,31680,31681],{},"Yeah, it was quite helpful.",[11,31683,31684],{},"But I have to say: listening to the same thing over and over again gets kind of boring.",[11,31686,31687,31688,31691,31692,31695],{},"The nice thing about it, though, is that just listening to the dialogue from a TV show doesn't take too long. You can get through an entire series in a shift. So I'd be listening to the same dialogues over and over, and each day, I'd have moments like ",[21,31689,31690],{},"wow, I hadn't realized they said that!"," I mean—I knew it ",[21,31693,31694],{},"happened"," later, but I had missed the foreshadowing. And it was cool to pick up on that.",[414,31697,31699],{"id":31698},"and-you-understood-all-this-stuff","... and you understood all this stuff?",[11,31701,31702],{},"Well, the first thing I did was find an audiobook version of my favorite book. I hadn't read it in German, only in English. And I'd just listen to that audiobook, passively, on repeat. I didn't really understand any of it.",[11,31704,31705,31706,31709,31710,31712],{},"Later on, when I set down to read that book (Siddharta by Hermann Hesse) in German, I could actually hear the Audiosprecher ",[21,31707,31708],{},"(editor: the person who narrates an audiobook)"," in my head just because I'd listened to it so many times. So... ",[21,31711,19065],{}," stuck.",[11,31714,31715],{},"Looking back on it, though, I don't think this passive listening was all that useful.",[86,31717,31718],{},[11,31719,31720],{},"Now I know it doesn't really work like that—learning German, I mean. You can't listen to something completely incomprehensible and expect to make progress. You need to at least somewhat understand the stuff you're reading or listening to.",[11,31722,31723],{},"If anything, I guess, it helped me get used to German pronunciation. Since I didn't understand anything, all I could pay attention to was the sounds. And I did notice some stuff—some sounds in some words stuck out.",[37,31725,31727],{"id":31726},"and-now-youre-reading-nietzsche-howd-you-get-there","And now you're reading Nietzsche. How'd you get there?",[414,31729,31731,31732,31734],{"id":31730},"and-when-did-you-first-start-reading","And when did you ",[21,31733,22804],{}," start reading?",[11,31736,31737,31738,31741],{},"Well—I said I was following AJATT, right? And one of their suggestions was to only consume content that (a) was intended for native speakers and (b) that you ",[21,31739,31740],{},"wanted"," to consume. So I took that at face value. I tried to skip everything that was easy (boring) so I'd be challenged.",[11,31743,31744,31745,31747],{},"And then, down the road, I changed my mind. Like, I had read this book—I don't remember what it was, but I really struggled with it. So I thought, hmm, maybe I ",[21,31746,27867],{}," be trying to read the hardest things in the world.",[11,31749,31750,31751,31756,31757,31765],{},"For example, there's this sci-fi author—",[867,31752,31755],{"href":31753,"rel":31754},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.goodreads.com\u002Fauthor\u002Fshow\u002F40381.Andreas_Eschbach",[1196],"Andreas Eschbach",". Somebody recommended one of his books to me—it was a book series, ",[867,31758,31761,31764],{"href":31759,"rel":31760},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.amazon.de\u002FBlackout-Trilogie-1-3-komplett-Black-out\u002Fdp\u002FB01M6BP9I5",[1196],[21,31762,31763],{},"Out","-Trilogie",", 1,185 pages.",[833,31767],{"src":31768,"width":7827,"height":31769,"alt":31770},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-german-noah-story.jpeg",856,"A screenshot of Andreas Eschbach's 'Blackout' trilogy",[11,31772,31773,31774,31779,31780,31785],{},"The author actually has like 5 book series, and I'm reading another one, ",[867,31775,31778],{"href":31776,"rel":31777},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.goodreads.com\u002Fbook\u002Fshow\u002F868434.Das_Marsprojekt",[1196],"Das Marsprojekt",", right now. Another book series that I enjoyed was ",[867,31781,31784],{"href":31782,"rel":31783},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.goodreads.com\u002Fseries\u002F275285-merle-zyklus",[1196],"Merle-Zyklus by Kai Mayer",". He is a great introduction into German Fantasy.",[11,31787,31788],{},"Many of their books are aimed at people who are younger... and it turns out that some things can still be fun to read, even if they're easy. He also has books aimed at an adult audience, and it's kind of interesting to compare—see how much harder it is to read those. Recently I showed a screenshot of a book I was reading to a native German speaker and they were impressed I could read something at that level. I was confused since German teens can read this book, but it seems non-natives do not tend to read, so reading seemingly gives you a major advantage over other language learners.",[86,31790,31791],{},[11,31792,31793],{},"I think book series are one of the best places to start. Authors tend to use the same phrasing a lot, so once you get used to a particular author's style, it gets very easy to read their books. So I think the best way to get good at reading is to master a particular author. Especially an author that writes for a younger audience.",[11,31795,31796],{},"Also:",[121,31798,31799,31808],{},[124,31800,31801,31802,31807],{},"I really liked this author named ",[867,31803,31806],{"href":31804,"rel":31805},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.goodreads.com\u002Fauthor\u002Fshow\u002F13824223.Walther_Ziegler",[1196],"Walther Ziegler",". He was a German historian who wrote introductions to different thinkers—what they thought, and stuff like that. I guess I was about in the intermediate level when I found him. I could understand him, and he published a ton of books.",[124,31809,31810],{},"I'd meet German friends and ask them to recommend me things.",[414,31812,31814],{"id":31813},"how-was-the-transition-from-books-to-tv","How was the transition from books to TV?",[11,31816,31817],{},"Maybe the timeline wasn't clear, but I'd actually been listening to German before I started reading in German. I got an Audible subscription early on, so I'd listen to books, and I also watched German shows.",[11,31819,31820,31821,31826],{},"The first series I watched in German was called ",[867,31822,31825],{"href":31823,"rel":31824},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FDark_(TV_series)",[1196],"Dark",". This was early 2021. I watched it with English subtitles then again with German subtitles. I'd initially planned to do that with all series, but I realized that the initial watch with English subtitles was unnecessary.",[11,31828,31829],{},"From there I got into all the German Netflix series... and they were OK. German television can certainly be a mixed bag, although I have learned to appreciate German television even if some of it is quite formulaic or a bit campy. I also re-watched a lot of series that I'd grown up watching. Since I knew everything that was going to happen, it meant I could completely focus on making sense of the German.",[11,31831,31832],{},"For example, one thing I watched was Avatar the Last Airbender. That was one of my favorites. Although it was a kid's show, it was actually pretty hard to understand—there's a lot of complexity. There's also all this fantasy vocab that you just don't hear in real life.",[11,31834,31835,31836,1446,31841,1446,31846,1446,31851,1446,31856,31861],{},"I really got into some of the period pieces as well as regional dramas that were available on Netflix at the time. ",[867,31837,31840],{"href":31838,"rel":31839},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=Q5eorwxcIuU",[1196],"Babylon Berlin",[867,31842,31845],{"href":31843,"rel":31844},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=X5hYFWLl9_g",[1196],"Weissensee",[867,31847,31850],{"href":31848,"rel":31849},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=GLl34TYYN3M",[1196],"Tannbach",[867,31852,31855],{"href":31853,"rel":31854},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=ZK72fcYkwmQ",[1196],"Kleo",[867,31857,31860],{"href":31858,"rel":31859},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=7pzKyeIex2Y",[1196],"Das Boot",", Unsere Mütter, unsere Väter.",[4988,31863],{"src":31864},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002Fh-EwPrqAMQs?si=r8DSFLcPKPyA_OI0",[11,31866,31867],{},"Native speakers have a ton of cultural knowledge from growing up there and by watching these you can help yourself acquire some of that information.",[414,31869,31871],{"id":31870},"and-howd-you-balance-reading-and-listening","And how'd you balance reading and listening?",[11,31873,31874],{},"Well, basically, I just tried to spend as much time in German as possible, however that worked out. I'd listen to about 10 hours of audio during the day, then read after dinner until I went to bed.",[86,31876,31877],{},[11,31878,31879],{},"In hindsight, I think I should have avoided podcasts early on. I don't like pure listening as a beginner. I mean, if you don't understand anything, just hearing a load of text isn't going to get you anywhere. With a TV show, if you don't understand something, you can look at what's happening on screen to try to make a connection.",[37,31881,31883],{"id":31882},"how-do-you-read-in-german-like-when-you-sit-down-with-a-book-what-do-you-do","How do you read in German? Like when you sit down with a book, what do you do?",[11,31885,31886],{},"So, I read in the Migaku Clipboard on iOS. It is the closest thing to that \"e-reader feel\" that is currently possible with Migaku.",[833,31888],{"src":31889,"width":31890,"height":31891,"alt":31892},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-story-noah-german-reader.jpeg",1491,1011,"A screenshot of Noah reading a German book using the Migaku Clipboard",[11,31894,31895,31896,55,31901,31904,31905,844],{},"I either find the book on ",[867,31897,31900],{"href":31898,"rel":31899},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.projekt-gutenberg.org",[1196],"Projekt Gutenberg",[21,31902,31903],{},"(editor: the German version of the website)"," or upload an epub to ",[867,31906,31909],{"href":31907,"rel":31908},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.neat-reader.com\u002Fwebapp#\u002F",[1196],"Neat Reader",[121,31911,31912,31915],{},[124,31913,31914],{},"Neat Reader is nice since, when you upload an .epub file, it places each chapter of the book onto a separate webpage, making it easier for Migaku to parse",[124,31916,31917],{},"Projekt Gutenberg lets you read books entirely in your browser, and it also divides books up so each chapter is on a different webpage",[11,31919,31920],{},"If you select the text at the very bottom, then just drag your finger upwards, you can select the entire webpage for copy relatively quickly. You can then paste that into the Migaku Clipboard. I also like to listen to an Audible audiobook as I read a text version of the same book, if one is available. That is to say that I concurrently read and listen.",[86,31922,31923],{},[11,31924,31925],{},"Since not all books have audiobooks available, it is great that Migaku uses Azure TTS to narrate whatever you have in the Migaku clipboard. The TTS voice does not sound robotic—I have native speakers who endorsed it. I can just paste a chapter and I now have audio for whatever I am reading.",[4988,31927],{"src":31928},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FzcxskqbnsX4?si=mUiQhG9eBNLc8I7J",[11,31930,31931,31932,31937,31938,31943],{},"One of the reasons I like audio is so I can hear the correct pronunciation of words. For example, the ",[867,31933,31936],{"href":31934,"rel":31935},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FGrammatical_mood#Indicative",[1196],"indicative"," past tense of the verb \"sein\" (to be)\" is \"Ich war\" (I was), while the ",[867,31939,31942],{"href":31940,"rel":31941},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FIrrealis_mood#Subjunctive",[1196],"subjunctive"," past tense is \"Ich wäre\" (I were). In German, a and ä are pronounced differently, and I hadn't realized that I wasn't differentiating them until I heard a native speaker say wäre.",[4004,31945,31947,31950,32059],{"heading":31946},"Bonus: Noah'stop 10 German book recommendations",[11,31948,31949],{},"These are ranked according to how much I liked them. I've also added a difficulty score (in parentheses). Some of these probably aren't suitable for beginners:",[121,31951,31952,31963,31974,31985,31996,32006,32016,32027,32038,32049],{},[124,31953,31954,31962],{},[867,31955,31958,31959],{"href":31956,"rel":31957},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.goodreads.com\u002Fbook\u002Fshow\u002F52036.Siddhartha",[1196],"Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse ",[21,31960,31961],{},"(difficulty: 5\u002F10)",": This was my favorite book before starting German and the first I read in German; it is a philosophical novel that follows the story of Siddhartha in ancient India and his journey of self-discovery.",[124,31964,31965,31973],{},[867,31966,31969,31970],{"href":31967,"rel":31968},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.goodreads.com\u002Fbook\u002Fshow\u002F7056900",[1196],"Götzen-Dämmerung: oder Wie man mit dem Hammer philosophiert by Friedrich Nietzsche ",[21,31971,31972],{},"(difficulty: 9\u002F10)",": This is the first primary source philosophy book that I read and had not previously read in English beforehand; This book is such a fun read and a great start reading Nietzsche, if you have not started already.",[124,31975,31976,31984],{},[867,31977,31980,31981],{"href":31978,"rel":31979},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.goodreads.com\u002Fbook\u002Fshow\u002F1460000",[1196],"In Stahlgewittern by Ernst Jünger ",[21,31982,31983],{},"(difficulty: 8\u002F10)",": The controversial Warrior Poet Ernst Jünger discusses his war experiences in WWI much like a medieval knight would, albeit in a modern setting.",[124,31986,31987,31995],{},[867,31988,31991,31992],{"href":31989,"rel":31990},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.goodreads.com\u002Fbook\u002Fshow\u002F217380.1979",[1196],"1979 by Christian Kracht ",[21,31993,31994],{},"(difficulty: 7\u002F10)",": This book is about a homosexual man who was in Iran during the 1979 Revolution; the book juxtapositions the nihilism of western individualism to ideologies in Islamist Iran and Maoist China.",[124,31997,31998,32005],{},[867,31999,32002,32003],{"href":32000,"rel":32001},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.amazon.com\u002FGro%C3%9Fe-Denker-60-Minuten-Rousseau-ebook\u002Fdp\u002FB01276U60I",[1196],"Große Denker in 60 Minuten by Walther Ziegler ",[21,32004,31961],{},": This is a great introduction to philosophy without being overly difficult; great if you are oriented in such a direction, but cannot read the primary sources I would recommend.",[124,32007,32008,32015],{},[867,32009,32012,32013],{"href":32010,"rel":32011},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.goodreads.com\u002Fbook\u002Fshow\u002F1490741",[1196],"Bauern, Bonzen und Bomben by Hans Fallada ",[21,32014,31994],{},": This is a Weimar-Era book about Weimar political violence and Landvolkbewegung in Hamburg and elsewhere in Northern Germany.",[124,32017,32018,32026],{},[867,32019,32022,32023],{"href":32020,"rel":32021},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.goodreads.com\u002Fbook\u002Fshow\u002F3417735",[1196],"Merle-Trilogie by Kai Meyer ",[21,32024,32025],{},"(difficulty: 3\u002F10)",": This is a book series with fantasy elements and a bit of adventure; it is a fairly easy read once you get past the fantasy vocabulary.",[124,32028,32029,32037],{},[867,32030,32033,32034],{"href":32031,"rel":32032},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.goodreads.com\u002Fbook\u002Fshow\u002F19219646-arbeit-und-struktur",[1196],"Arbeit und Struktur by Wolfgang Herrndorf ",[21,32035,32036],{},"(difficulty: 6\u002F10)",": Wolfgang Herrndorf is a German author and wrote blog posts about his struggle with cancer which was turned into this memoir.",[124,32039,32040,32048],{},[867,32041,32044,32045],{"href":32042,"rel":32043},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.goodreads.com\u002Fseries\u002F100822-out",[1196],"Out-Trilogie by Andreas Eschbach ",[21,32046,32047],{},"(difficulty: 4\u002F10)",": This book series was the first book series I read in German; it is about a Sci Fi book about a computer genius and AI; it was a fairly good first book series.",[124,32050,32051,32058],{},[867,32052,32055,32056],{"href":32053,"rel":32054},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.goodreads.com\u002Fbook\u002Fshow\u002F15730768-die-verwandlung-von-franz-kafka",[1196],"Die Verwandlung by Franz Kafka ",[21,32057,32036],{},": This novella is a classic about a man who awakes as a giant insect and a critic of the dehumanizing effects caused by modern life.",[11,32060,32061],{},"... and back to the article!",[11,32063,32064,32065,32068],{},"I also like the Migaku reader ",[21,32066,32067],{},"(editor: currently not available in the main extension)","—it's so useful. You can import things to read and make cards on the fly. I really like the comprehension stats. You could import all the epubs you are interested in reading, check Migaku's comprehension score to see how difficult each one is, and then read your books in order of highest to lowest comprehension. Taking this approach, I’d see my comprehension score for some difficult books go up by 5% just by waiting to read them until I’d finished a few easier books first.",[86,32070,32071],{},[11,32072,32073],{},"Like—I used to spend so much time making flashcards. With Migaku, I just press one button and it's done. Making 100 cards now is easier than making 15 cards then.",[37,32075,32077],{"id":32076},"so-you-started-in-2021-when-did-you-realize-your-efforts-were-paying-off","So, you started in 2021. When did you realize your efforts were paying off?",[11,32079,32080],{},"2022.",[11,32082,32083],{},"I started Migaku in May 2021, and I went into it knowing 1,500 words (according to Migaku). And then I started listening to German and reading it as much as I could.",[833,32085],{"src":32086,"width":31616,"height":20897,"alt":32087},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-story-noah-german.jpeg","A screenshot of Noah's physical German book collection",[11,32089,32090],{},"I was in university at the time, and basically, because I'd been doing that, I was able to skip a lot of classes—about a year's worth of German courses.",[11,32092,32093],{},"In particular, I remember this one day—sometime in the spring of 2022—when I was in an upper-level German class. The teacher brought up some grammar rule because somebody had made a mistake with it. Something to do with word order, I don't quite remember.",[86,32095,32096],{},[11,32097,32098,32099,32102],{},"Anyway—I was the only person in class to get this grammar rule right. ",[21,32100,32101],{},"And I wasn't even aware it existed."," I just knew that's how native speakers talked. It just felt right.",[37,32104,32106],{"id":32105},"and-how-has-your-german-been-more-recently","And how has your German been more recently?",[11,32108,32109],{},"From late 2022 to mid-2024, my motivation for German dropped significantly and I was hardly doing anything with it. I would do occasional things, but not much; I was in a very different headspace than I am today or back in 2021-2022. As it would turn out, despite this break, my comprehension and vocabulary remained in place. I thought it would go out the window, but no, when I came back, I could understand most everything and read books fine—with the exception of some high brow literature.",[86,32111,32112],{},[11,32113,32114],{},"Since I got back into German in the middle of this year, my known words have gone from about 21k to 34k in 4.5 months.",[11,32116,32117,32118,32120],{},"Or, like, more recently—the other day, I was talking to some Germans. I told them I was American before I started talking. And they thought I was lying about being an American. Now, they didn't think I was ",[21,32119,6546],{},", but just that there was no way I was American. I didn't have an American accent. I had to speak English for them to believe me. I still stutter a lot when I speak in German, and I forget basic words—I just haven't practiced it enough, so I'm not very good at it, although in my last conversation I felt like I did quite well and that fluency is right around the corner.",[11,32122,32123],{},"Recently I had 100% comprehension according to the Migaku Extension of an episode of a TV show I hadn't seen before—like I watched the episode, and there were some words I didn't know, but 100% from a rounding up from 99.5% or so is still rather impressive in my opinion. Actually, I got “100%” comprehension for three episodes in a row. That was cool, too.",[833,32125],{"src":32126,"width":32127,"height":32128,"alt":32129},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-story-noah-german-comprehension.jpeg",1554,1006,"A screenshot of Noah's comprehension stats for a piece of content that has been parsed by Migaku",[11,32131,32132,32133,32138],{},"Recently, I read ",[867,32134,32137],{"href":32135,"rel":32136},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.gutenberg.org\u002Febooks\u002F7203",[1196],"Götzen-Dämmerung oder wie man mit dem Hammer philosophiert"," by Nietzsche in one day. I had a goal of becoming capable of reading the real works from German philosophers by the end of the year, and I met that goal. Nietzsche is a good choice since his writing style is more concrete, in contrast to the more abstract philosophers. He is such a fun writer to read. If you are at that level, I would recommend this book. This one, and many more, are in the public domain and available for free on Projekt Gutenberg.",[37,32140,32142],{"id":32141},"where-do-you-see-yourself-going-with-german-from-here","Where do you see yourself going with German from here?",[11,32144,32145],{},"Alright—so I didn't actually graduate university with a degree. I want to get a degree from a German university, and I did enough school in the US that I am eligible to transfer to a German university. To do that I need to know German, obviously, but",[86,32147,32148],{},[11,32149,32150],{},"I also need to get a B1 proficiency in a third language. I doubt I will stop at B1 though. The fun really begins when you can do most everything in the language.",[11,32152,32153,32154,844],{},"Then, what I'm entering is a philosophy program, so by the time you graduate, they expect you to have learned either Latin or Ancient Greek, as well. I am undecided on that front but leaning towards Ancient Greek. I like a lot of the writers from ancient Greece and am looking forward to being able to hear the beauty that Homer wrote in the original language with ",[867,32155,32158],{"href":32156,"rel":32157},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FAncient_Greek_accent",[1196],"the proper pitch accent",[11,32160,32161],{},"Then, so far as personal goals go, another goal I have is to be able to just sit down and read pretty much anything with 98%+ comprehension.",[11,32163,32164],{},"Generally speaking, though, it'll be cool to live in Germany and experience life there.",[414,32166,32168],{"id":32167},"wait-youre-learning-a-third-language","Wait, you're learning a third language?",[11,32170,32171],{},"Yeah. The philosophy program at Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena requires 2 modern foreign languages and also that I learn either Latin or Ancient Greek by the time I present my thesis.",[11,32173,32174,32175,32178,32179,32184],{},"For my third language, as mentioned, I am choosing French—many German thinkers like to quote it verbatim without translation, so it would be useful to have French in my toolbox. I've already started learning it, actually. It has been about 2.5 weeks and I've just hit a \"known words\" count of over 1,000 words. Initially my plan was to learn 45,000 German words and ",[21,32176,32177],{},"then"," switch my focus to language number 3—that being French—until I pass a ",[867,32180,32183],{"href":32181,"rel":32182},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FDipl%C3%B4me_d%27%C3%A9tudes_en_langue_fran%C3%A7aise",[1196],"the B1 test",", but I changed my mind.",[37,32186,32188],{"id":32187},"what-are-your-goals-for-2025","What are your goals for 2025?",[11,32190,32191],{},"I think when it comes to goals you should both be doing something realistic, but also difficult to complete. If you fail, you can always finish later.",[11,32193,32194],{},"My goals are to have read, by the end of 2025, 10k pages total for French and 50k pages total for German. By the end of this year I suspect I will only have read 15k pages in German total, but a large sum of those were since I got back into German in the later half of this year—meaning that I've read 15k pages in just several months.",[11,32196,32197],{},"Reading 100 pages a day for German is definitely doable. Hitting 10k pages in French is definitely going to be a stretch, but that is only 28 pages a day, on average, so it is doable. I suspect I should be able to read books in French by mid January. Consistency is key. I want to be able to read any text in German or French that I may need to read in any philosophy course with complete and utter ease.",[37,32199,32201],{"id":32200},"lets-swap-roles-say-i-want-to-learn-german-what-are-your-top-3-bits-of-advice-for-me","Let's swap roles. Say I want to learn German. What are your top 3 bits of advice for me?",[11,32203,32204],{},"If I had to pick three things:",[3153,32206,32207,32210,32213],{},[124,32208,32209],{},"Read things you find interesting",[124,32211,32212],{},"Try to listen as much as possible",[124,32214,32215],{},"Stay around your level—it doesn't make much sense for someone to read Hegel if they only know a thousand words",[11,32217,32218,32219,32221],{},"Then, as boring as it sounds, the most important thing about language learning is probably time management. If learning a language really ",[21,32220,3041],{}," important to you, you can probably find the time in your schedule to do it.",[833,32223],{"src":32224,"width":32225,"height":32226,"alt":32227},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-story-noah-german-streak.jpeg",2138,1204,"A screenshot of Noah's Migaku desktop dashboard, showing that he's only missed a single day of study in the last four months.",[11,32229,32230,32231,32233,32234,32236,32237,32239],{},"Like, I was spending 3 hours a night after dinner reading. And I mean, you don't ",[21,32232,11696],{}," to spend three hours reading. But like—I know people who say they have no time, but they just mindlessly scroll on their phone at night for hours. They never ",[21,32235,5726],{}," anything… but they never have time for anything. You ",[21,32238,5726],{}," have time, you just aren't making time for your target language.",[11,32241,32242],{},"Looking back there were many things I did that weren’t optimal. Like—I’d read this book that was way above my level and... that wasn’t optimal... but I enjoyed the book. And I ended up learning German. So I don't really care. Worry less about being optimal and more about having fun and being consistent.",[37,32244,32246],{"id":32245},"any-thoughts-looking-back-on-your-journey-with-german","Any thoughts, looking back on your journey with German?",[11,32248,32249],{},"Yeah, sure.",[11,32251,32252],{},"I don't think learning a language is all that complicated. You find something you're interested in, and then you read it. And then you find something else you're interested in, and you read that. And you just keep doing that over and over again.",[11,32254,32255],{},"Try to mix it up—news articles, online magazines, easy books.",[11,32257,32258,32259,32262],{},"You just kind of have to treat your second language a lot like your first. Like—nobody is going to say ",[21,32260,32261],{},"oh, I can't listen to anymore English today. It's too hard!"," And you just have to treat the language you're learning like that.",[11,32264,32265],{},"It's a really gradual thing, of course. Some people think you get from zero to one hundred in a couple months, and that's not how things work.",[11,32267,32268],{},"It really just boils down to consistency.",[86,32270,32271],{},[11,32272,32273,32274,32276],{},"If there's a language skill you want to develop, you develop it by doing that thing. Like, you're not going to learn how to read by ",[21,32275,3835],{}," reading, right?",[37,32278,32280],{"id":32279},"what-sort-of-learner-would-you-recommend-migaku-to","What sort of learner would you recommend Migaku to?",[11,32282,32283],{},"Immersion learning is the best method—but, ultimately, it is something that is not hard so much as long. It is a marathon not a sprint. One thing that a lot of people tend to underestimate is how long it will take to learn a language. A lot of people want to be done in a matter of months. I think a lot of people like the idea of learning a language more than the time and effort required to do it successfully.",[11,32285,32286],{},"Migaku is ideal for people who are serious about acquiring fluency in a second language—people who are are willing to put in time and effort every single day.",[11,32288,32289],{},"A lot of people hold that immersion learning has the potential to change the language learning landscape, but I think this claim is exaggerated. People who do not want to put in more than 30 minutes a day are not going to get fluent regardless of method—at least, not in any reasonable time frame. Nevertheless, if you can show up everyday and not care where your present ability resides, the progress you will make will be immense. You need not get bogged down if you don't know every single word. Just do your best.",[86,32291,32292],{},[11,32293,32294],{},"A maxim I once heard is that it is not about improving your ability in the language but about being less bad at it. I find this paradigm to be helpful. You are slowly unlocking the whole language. You just have to put one foot in front of the other and show up continually and most importantly remember the number one rule of immersion is to have fun.",[11,32296,32297],{},"The ideal person for Migaku is people who will actually use it and enjoy the learning process.",[37,32299,32300],{"id":28283},"Anyway...",[11,32302,32303],{},"Hi y'all! Editor here.",[11,32305,32306],{},"In closing, I'd like to highlight something Noah said way up in one of the first sections:",[86,32308,32309],{},[11,32310,32311],{},[21,32312,32313],{},"Actually engaging with your language—getting input; reading and listening and stuff—is hard, it's challenging... but if you keep up with it for a month, you'll be like, \"wow, I just learned so much.\"",[11,32315,32316],{},"That, to me, is gold.",[11,32318,32319],{},"It's what I think every success story will boil down to, if you boil it long enough.",[11,32321,32322,32323,32325,32326,32328],{},"You learn to ride a bike by actually ",[21,32324,20359],{}," the bike, and you learn languages by interacting with them. There are many ways you can learn a language... but, at some point, you ",[21,32327,28050],{}," begin interacting with your language. Fluency is a byproduct of having spent a lot of time using your language to do things that you find important or meaningful.",[11,32330,32331],{},"If you'd like to start learning a language by using it, but don't think your level is quite high enough yet, I invite you to try Migaku. It's totally free for 10 days, and you don't need to enter a credit card or anything like that to sign up.",[876,32333],{"href":878,"text":879},[4004,32335,32337,32340,32357,32369],{"heading":32336},"(Or click here to read a few more mic drops I couldn't quite work into the article)",[11,32338,32339],{},"A few comments I found insightful but couldn't find a place to squeeze in:",[121,32341,32342,32347,32352],{},[124,32343,32344],{},[21,32345,32346],{},"If something's too hard—like, just stop. It doesn't really matter. You can just come back to it later, when it's easier, and enjoy it.",[124,32348,32349],{},[21,32350,32351],{},"I’m reading history and like I don’t know all these random very specific words. I won’t know the exact word, I mean, but like I know it’s a military rank, or a vegetable, or an animal that you hunt… and sometimes that’s enough. You don't always need to know exactly what a word means to understand what it's doing in a sentence.",[124,32353,32354],{},[21,32355,32356],{},"When it comes to understanding native speech, vocabulary is a greater limitation than grammar.",[121,32358,32359],{},[124,32360,32361],{},[21,32362,32363,32364,55,32366,32368],{},"Frankly, I think 30 words a day as a beginner is way too much. ",[132,32365],{},[132,32367],{},"It's not a big deal for me to learn German words now because I have a large vocabulary and a lot of words build on other words. When you're a beginner, though, you lack all that infrastructure. It's just a completely different game, being an advanced learner. The more words you know, the easier it is to learn more words.",[86,32370,32371],{},[11,32372,32373,32374,32376,32377,32379],{},"A lot of people seem to think that you have to learn the language first, and ",[21,32375,32177],{}," you unlock reading, and stuff. But like—reading is a skill you need to learn and develop. You can literally just jump in and start reading. It's not the case that you get fluent first and then the fun begins—on the contrary, you get fluent ",[21,32378,13411],{}," reading.",[34,32381],{},{"title":383,"searchDepth":915,"depth":915,"links":32383},[32384,32385,32386,32392,32398,32399,32400,32401,32404,32405,32406,32407,32408],{"id":31540,"depth":915,"text":31541},{"id":31562,"depth":915,"text":31563},{"id":31632,"depth":915,"text":31633,"children":32387},[32388,32390,32391],{"id":31654,"depth":923,"text":32389},"You went from high school classes to audiobooks?",{"id":31677,"depth":923,"text":31678},{"id":31698,"depth":923,"text":31699},{"id":31726,"depth":915,"text":31727,"children":32393},[32394,32396,32397],{"id":31730,"depth":923,"text":32395},"And when did you first start reading?",{"id":31813,"depth":923,"text":31814},{"id":31870,"depth":923,"text":31871},{"id":31882,"depth":915,"text":31883},{"id":32076,"depth":915,"text":32077},{"id":32105,"depth":915,"text":32106},{"id":32141,"depth":915,"text":32142,"children":32402},[32403],{"id":32167,"depth":923,"text":32168},{"id":32187,"depth":915,"text":32188},{"id":32200,"depth":915,"text":32201},{"id":32245,"depth":915,"text":32246},{"id":32279,"depth":915,"text":32280},{"id":28283,"depth":915,"text":32300},"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.",{"timestampUnix":32411,"slug":32412,"h1":32413,"image":32414,"tags":32418},1734924465304,"how-noah-learned-34k-german-words","Noah’s Journey to Learning 34,000 German Words with Migaku",{"src":32415,"width":2938,"height":32416,"alt":32417,"position":9984},"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-story-noah-german-header1.webp",1106,"A screenshot of Noah's Migaku dashboard, showing that he's gone from 1.5k known words to 34k known words in 3 years.",[32419],"successstory","\u002Farticle\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fstory-de-noah","---\ntitle: 'How Noah Learned 34,000 German Words with Migaku in 3.5 Years'\ndescription: '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.'\ntimestampUnix: 1734924465304\nslug: 'how-noah-learned-34k-german-words'\nh1: 'Noah’s Journey to Learning 34,000 German Words with Migaku'\nimage:\n src: '\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-story-noah-german-header1.webp'\n width: 1558\n height: 1106\n alt: \"A screenshot of Noah's Migaku dashboard, showing that he's gone from 1.5k known words to 34k known words in 3 years.\"\n position: top\ntags:\n - successstory\n---\n\nAs a high schooler, Noah dabbled in nearly a dozen different languages. He'd see a new language on Duolingo, think it sounded cool, and start studying. It was fun: he enjoyed learning languages.\n\nEventually, he decided that he didn't _just_ want to dabble in languages. He wanted to learn a language very well. Like, really well.\n\nWe're talking bilingual well.\n\nIn pursuit of this goal, he's learned 34,136 German words _(so far)_ with Migaku.\n\nHere's his story:\n\n\u003Ctoc>\u003C\u002Ftoc>\n\n---\n\n## Well, tell us about yourself\n\nHello! I am Noah.\n\nMy interests have always been of a more intellectual nature. My main interests since about the time I was in high school have been linguistics, philosophy, history and the reading thereof. I also like to go on walks and hikes. One Saturday in between my junior and senior year I walked 34 miles in a single day and was known as the guy who walks a lot.\n\nI completed two years of at a university in the United States studying German, and I am now planning to attend a German university, starting next fall, to get a philosophy degree with a complementary focus of Germanistik _(editor: German for \"[German studies](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FGerman_studies)\")_.\n\n## So, you started studying German in high school. How was that?\n\nWell, on the first day of class, the teacher showed up and he _only_ spoke German. Just to scare us, I guess. But he only did that on the first day, and I think we would have learned a whole lot more if he'd kept doing that.\n\nMost of the time we spent inside the classroom was in English. We spent a lot of time talking _about_ German, rather than engaging with it.\n\n> I quite like grammar and was fairly good at it, I would say, but there is a difference between _learning_ a language and _acquiring_ it.\n\nA lot of people would blame him for not being a good teacher, but I don't think that's the right thing to do.\n\n1. When we would try reading a text, people would complain about how hard it was—_I can't read this!_—and as the teacher, that's got to be frustrating\n2. There's a textbook that the teacher is expected to use, and he doesn't have the choice not to follow the textbook\n\nStill, I think it would be better if we'd spent more time just interacting with German—like reading. The Spanish class had a ton of graded readers, and they dedicated time to letting the students read. I wish we were able to do that in German class, too.\n\nI mean, we definitely _had_ books in German in the classroom. When I was a senior I borrowed a couple of them and the teacher was very glad. He actually let me keep them after the end of the year since it was a seemingly rare occurrence that anyone used them.\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-story-german-noah-readers.jpeg\" width=\"1024\" height=\"643\" alt=\"A photo of the two German bilingual readers that Noah received from his German teacher\" \u002F>\n\n> Actually engaging with your language—getting input; reading and listening and stuff—is hard, it's challenging... but if you keep up with it for a month, you'll be like, \"_wow, I just learned so much.\"_\n\nAfter my high school German studies and a few college classes, I went into Migaku in May 2021 knowing about 1,500 German words.\n\n## And then you just dove right into German\n\nAt some point I heard of [AJATT](https:\u002F\u002Ftatsumoto-ren.github.io\u002Fblog\u002Fwhats-ajatt.html)—short for \"All Japanese All the Time\"—in which people basically \"immersed\" themselves into the language, switching as much of their life and entertainment time over to the language they were learning as possible.\n\nSo I was like—_Oh, I just need to do this (German) all day long_.\n\nAnd for a while, I did that. I just tried to listen as much as physically possible. I even grew out my hair a bit so I could always have a headphone in without anybody noticing. I worked at a grocery store in college and, you know, you're kind of just standing there and waiting, so I'd just listen to audiobooks all day long.\n\n### You went from high school classes to _audiobooks_?\n\nYeah—I'd listen to two things, mainly:\n\n- The audiobook version of whatever book I'd been reading\n- The [condensed audio](https:\u002F\u002Ftatsumoto-ren.github.io\u002Fblog\u002Fpassive-listening.html#condensing-audio) (dialogue) to whatever series I'd been watching\n\n### So you'd watch something, then re-listen to it?\n\nYeah, it was quite helpful.\n\nBut I have to say: listening to the same thing over and over again gets kind of boring.\n\nThe nice thing about it, though, is that just listening to the dialogue from a TV show doesn't take too long. You can get through an entire series in a shift. So I'd be listening to the same dialogues over and over, and each day, I'd have moments like _wow, I hadn't realized they said that!_ I mean—I knew it _happened_ later, but I had missed the foreshadowing. And it was cool to pick up on that.\n\n### ... and you understood all this stuff?\n\nWell, the first thing I did was find an audiobook version of my favorite book. I hadn't read it in German, only in English. And I'd just listen to that audiobook, passively, on repeat. I didn't really understand any of it.\n\nLater on, when I set down to read that book (Siddharta by Hermann Hesse) in German, I could actually hear the Audiosprecher _(editor: the person who narrates an audiobook)_ in my head just because I'd listened to it so many times. So... _something_ stuck.\n\nLooking back on it, though, I don't think this passive listening was all that useful.\n\n> Now I know it doesn't really work like that—learning German, I mean. You can't listen to something completely incomprehensible and expect to make progress. You need to at least somewhat understand the stuff you're reading or listening to.\n\nIf anything, I guess, it helped me get used to German pronunciation. Since I didn't understand anything, all I could pay attention to was the sounds. And I did notice some stuff—some sounds in some words stuck out.\n\n## And now you're reading Nietzsche. How'd you get there?\n\n### And when did you _first_ start reading?\n\nWell—I said I was following AJATT, right? And one of their suggestions was to only consume content that (a) was intended for native speakers and (b) that you _wanted_ to consume. So I took that at face value. I tried to skip everything that was easy (boring) so I'd be challenged.\n\nAnd then, down the road, I changed my mind. Like, I had read this book—I don't remember what it was, but I really struggled with it. So I thought, hmm, maybe I _shouldn't_ be trying to read the hardest things in the world.\n\nFor example, there's this sci-fi author—[Andreas Eschbach](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.goodreads.com\u002Fauthor\u002Fshow\u002F40381.Andreas_Eschbach). Somebody recommended one of his books to me—it was a book series, [_Out_-Trilogie](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.amazon.de\u002FBlackout-Trilogie-1-3-komplett-Black-out\u002Fdp\u002FB01M6BP9I5), 1,185 pages.\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-german-noah-story.jpeg\" width=\"1226\" height=\"856\" alt=\"A screenshot of Andreas Eschbach's 'Blackout' trilogy\"\u002F>\n\nThe author actually has like 5 book series, and I'm reading another one, [Das Marsprojekt](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.goodreads.com\u002Fbook\u002Fshow\u002F868434.Das_Marsprojekt), right now. Another book series that I enjoyed was [Merle-Zyklus by Kai Mayer](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.goodreads.com\u002Fseries\u002F275285-merle-zyklus). He is a great introduction into German Fantasy.\n\nMany of their books are aimed at people who are younger... and it turns out that some things can still be fun to read, even if they're easy. He also has books aimed at an adult audience, and it's kind of interesting to compare—see how much harder it is to read those. Recently I showed a screenshot of a book I was reading to a native German speaker and they were impressed I could read something at that level. I was confused since German teens can read this book, but it seems non-natives do not tend to read, so reading seemingly gives you a major advantage over other language learners.\n\n> I think book series are one of the best places to start. Authors tend to use the same phrasing a lot, so once you get used to a particular author's style, it gets very easy to read their books. So I think the best way to get good at reading is to master a particular author. Especially an author that writes for a younger audience.\n\nAlso:\n\n- I really liked this author named [Walther Ziegler](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.goodreads.com\u002Fauthor\u002Fshow\u002F13824223.Walther_Ziegler). He was a German historian who wrote introductions to different thinkers—what they thought, and stuff like that. I guess I was about in the intermediate level when I found him. I could understand him, and he published a ton of books.\n- I'd meet German friends and ask them to recommend me things.\n\n### How was the transition from books to TV?\n\nMaybe the timeline wasn't clear, but I'd actually been listening to German before I started reading in German. I got an Audible subscription early on, so I'd listen to books, and I also watched German shows.\n\nThe first series I watched in German was called [Dark](\u003Chttps:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FDark_(TV_series)>). This was early 2021. I watched it with English subtitles then again with German subtitles. I'd initially planned to do that with all series, but I realized that the initial watch with English subtitles was unnecessary.\n\nFrom there I got into all the German Netflix series... and they were OK. German television can certainly be a mixed bag, although I have learned to appreciate German television even if some of it is quite formulaic or a bit campy. I also re-watched a lot of series that I'd grown up watching. Since I knew everything that was going to happen, it meant I could completely focus on making sense of the German.\n\nFor example, one thing I watched was Avatar the Last Airbender. That was one of my favorites. Although it was a kid's show, it was actually pretty hard to understand—there's a lot of complexity. There's also all this fantasy vocab that you just don't hear in real life.\n\nI really got into some of the period pieces as well as regional dramas that were available on Netflix at the time. [Babylon Berlin](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=Q5eorwxcIuU), [Weissensee](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=X5hYFWLl9_g), [Tannbach](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=GLl34TYYN3M), [Kleo](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=ZK72fcYkwmQ), [Das Boot](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=7pzKyeIex2Y), Unsere Mütter, unsere Väter.\n\n\u003Ccustom-iframe src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002Fh-EwPrqAMQs?si=r8DSFLcPKPyA_OI0\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-iframe>\n\nNative speakers have a ton of cultural knowledge from growing up there and by watching these you can help yourself acquire some of that information.\n\n### And how'd you balance reading and listening?\n\nWell, basically, I just tried to spend as much time in German as possible, however that worked out. I'd listen to about 10 hours of audio during the day, then read after dinner until I went to bed.\n\n> In hindsight, I think I should have avoided podcasts early on. I don't like pure listening as a beginner. I mean, if you don't understand anything, just hearing a load of text isn't going to get you anywhere. With a TV show, if you don't understand something, you can look at what's happening on screen to try to make a connection.\n\n## How do you read in German? Like when you sit down with a book, what do you do?\n\nSo, I read in the Migaku Clipboard on iOS. It is the closest thing to that \"e-reader feel\" that is currently possible with Migaku.\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-story-noah-german-reader.jpeg\" width=\"1491\" height=\"1011\" alt=\"A screenshot of Noah reading a German book using the Migaku Clipboard\" \u002F>\n\nI either find the book on [Projekt Gutenberg](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.projekt-gutenberg.org) _(editor: the German version of the website)_ or upload an epub to [Neat Reader](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.neat-reader.com\u002Fwebapp#\u002F).\n\n- Neat Reader is nice since, when you upload an .epub file, it places each chapter of the book onto a separate webpage, making it easier for Migaku to parse\n- Projekt Gutenberg lets you read books entirely in your browser, and it also divides books up so each chapter is on a different webpage\n\nIf you select the text at the very bottom, then just drag your finger upwards, you can select the entire webpage for copy relatively quickly. You can then paste that into the Migaku Clipboard. I also like to listen to an Audible audiobook as I read a text version of the same book, if one is available. That is to say that I concurrently read and listen.\n\n> Since not all books have audiobooks available, it is great that Migaku uses Azure TTS to narrate whatever you have in the Migaku clipboard. The TTS voice does not sound robotic—I have native speakers who endorsed it. I can just paste a chapter and I now have audio for whatever I am reading.\n\n\u003Ccustom-iframe src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FzcxskqbnsX4?si=mUiQhG9eBNLc8I7J\">\u003C\u002Fcustom-iframe>\n\nOne of the reasons I like audio is so I can hear the correct pronunciation of words. For example, the [indicative](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FGrammatical_mood#Indicative) past tense of the verb \"sein\" (to be)\" is \"Ich war\" (I was), while the [subjunctive](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FIrrealis_mood#Subjunctive) past tense is \"Ich wäre\" (I were). In German, a and ä are pronounced differently, and I hadn't realized that I wasn't differentiating them until I heard a native speaker say wäre.\n\n\u003Caccordion heading=\"Bonus: Noah'stop 10 German book recommendations\">\n\nThese are ranked according to how much I liked them. I've also added a difficulty score (in parentheses). Some of these probably aren't suitable for beginners:\n\n- [Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse _(difficulty: 5\u002F10)_](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.goodreads.com\u002Fbook\u002Fshow\u002F52036.Siddhartha): This was my favorite book before starting German and the first I read in German; it is a philosophical novel that follows the story of Siddhartha in ancient India and his journey of self-discovery.\n- [Götzen-Dämmerung: oder Wie man mit dem Hammer philosophiert by Friedrich Nietzsche _(difficulty: 9\u002F10)_](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.goodreads.com\u002Fbook\u002Fshow\u002F7056900): This is the first primary source philosophy book that I read and had not previously read in English beforehand; This book is such a fun read and a great start reading Nietzsche, if you have not started already.\n- [In Stahlgewittern by Ernst Jünger _(difficulty: 8\u002F10)_](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.goodreads.com\u002Fbook\u002Fshow\u002F1460000): The controversial Warrior Poet Ernst Jünger discusses his war experiences in WWI much like a medieval knight would, albeit in a modern setting.\n- [1979 by Christian Kracht _(difficulty: 7\u002F10)_](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.goodreads.com\u002Fbook\u002Fshow\u002F217380.1979): This book is about a homosexual man who was in Iran during the 1979 Revolution; the book juxtapositions the nihilism of western individualism to ideologies in Islamist Iran and Maoist China.\n- [Große Denker in 60 Minuten by Walther Ziegler _(difficulty: 5\u002F10)_](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.amazon.com\u002FGro%C3%9Fe-Denker-60-Minuten-Rousseau-ebook\u002Fdp\u002FB01276U60I): This is a great introduction to philosophy without being overly difficult; great if you are oriented in such a direction, but cannot read the primary sources I would recommend.\n- [Bauern, Bonzen und Bomben by Hans Fallada _(difficulty: 7\u002F10)_](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.goodreads.com\u002Fbook\u002Fshow\u002F1490741): This is a Weimar-Era book about Weimar political violence and Landvolkbewegung in Hamburg and elsewhere in Northern Germany.\n- [Merle-Trilogie by Kai Meyer _(difficulty: 3\u002F10)_](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.goodreads.com\u002Fbook\u002Fshow\u002F3417735): This is a book series with fantasy elements and a bit of adventure; it is a fairly easy read once you get past the fantasy vocabulary.\n- [Arbeit und Struktur by Wolfgang Herrndorf _(difficulty: 6\u002F10)_](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.goodreads.com\u002Fbook\u002Fshow\u002F19219646-arbeit-und-struktur): Wolfgang Herrndorf is a German author and wrote blog posts about his struggle with cancer which was turned into this memoir.\n- [Out-Trilogie by Andreas Eschbach _(difficulty: 4\u002F10)_](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.goodreads.com\u002Fseries\u002F100822-out): This book series was the first book series I read in German; it is about a Sci Fi book about a computer genius and AI; it was a fairly good first book series.\n- [Die Verwandlung by Franz Kafka _(difficulty: 6\u002F10)_](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.goodreads.com\u002Fbook\u002Fshow\u002F15730768-die-verwandlung-von-franz-kafka): This novella is a classic about a man who awakes as a giant insect and a critic of the dehumanizing effects caused by modern life.\n\n... and back to the article!\n\n\u003C\u002Faccordion>\n\nI also like the Migaku reader _(editor: currently not available in the main extension)_—it's so useful. You can import things to read and make cards on the fly. I really like the comprehension stats. You could import all the epubs you are interested in reading, check Migaku's comprehension score to see how difficult each one is, and then read your books in order of highest to lowest comprehension. Taking this approach, I’d see my comprehension score for some difficult books go up by 5% just by waiting to read them until I’d finished a few easier books first.\n\n> Like—I used to spend so much time making flashcards. With Migaku, I just press one button and it's done. Making 100 cards now is easier than making 15 cards then.\n\n## So, you started in 2021. When did you realize your efforts were paying off?\n\n2022\\.\n\nI started Migaku in May 2021, and I went into it knowing 1,500 words (according to Migaku). And then I started listening to German and reading it as much as I could.\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-story-noah-german.jpeg\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" alt=\"A screenshot of Noah's physical German book collection\"\u002F>\n\nI was in university at the time, and basically, because I'd been doing that, I was able to skip a lot of classes—about a year's worth of German courses.\n\nIn particular, I remember this one day—sometime in the spring of 2022—when I was in an upper-level German class. The teacher brought up some grammar rule because somebody had made a mistake with it. Something to do with word order, I don't quite remember.\n\n> Anyway—I was the only person in class to get this grammar rule right. _And I wasn't even aware it existed._ I just knew that's how native speakers talked. It just felt right.\n\n## And how has your German been more recently?\n\nFrom late 2022 to mid-2024, my motivation for German dropped significantly and I was hardly doing anything with it. I would do occasional things, but not much; I was in a very different headspace than I am today or back in 2021-2022. As it would turn out, despite this break, my comprehension and vocabulary remained in place. I thought it would go out the window, but no, when I came back, I could understand most everything and read books fine—with the exception of some high brow literature.\n\n> Since I got back into German in the middle of this year, my known words have gone from about 21k to 34k in 4.5 months.\n\nOr, like, more recently—the other day, I was talking to some Germans. I told them I was American before I started talking. And they thought I was lying about being an American. Now, they didn't think I was _German_, but just that there was no way I was American. I didn't have an American accent. I had to speak English for them to believe me. I still stutter a lot when I speak in German, and I forget basic words—I just haven't practiced it enough, so I'm not very good at it, although in my last conversation I felt like I did quite well and that fluency is right around the corner.\n\nRecently I had 100% comprehension according to the Migaku Extension of an episode of a TV show I hadn't seen before—like I watched the episode, and there were some words I didn't know, but 100% from a rounding up from 99.5% or so is still rather impressive in my opinion. Actually, I got “100%” comprehension for three episodes in a row. That was cool, too.\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-story-noah-german-comprehension.jpeg\" width=\"1554\" height=\"1006\" alt=\"A screenshot of Noah's comprehension stats for a piece of content that has been parsed by Migaku\"\u002F>\n\nRecently, I read [Götzen-Dämmerung oder wie man mit dem Hammer philosophiert](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.gutenberg.org\u002Febooks\u002F7203) by Nietzsche in one day. I had a goal of becoming capable of reading the real works from German philosophers by the end of the year, and I met that goal. Nietzsche is a good choice since his writing style is more concrete, in contrast to the more abstract philosophers. He is such a fun writer to read. If you are at that level, I would recommend this book. This one, and many more, are in the public domain and available for free on Projekt Gutenberg.\n\n## Where do you see yourself going with German from here?\n\nAlright—so I didn't actually graduate university with a degree. I want to get a degree from a German university, and I did enough school in the US that I am eligible to transfer to a German university. To do that I need to know German, obviously, but\n\n> I also need to get a B1 proficiency in a third language. I doubt I will stop at B1 though. The fun really begins when you can do most everything in the language.\n\nThen, what I'm entering is a philosophy program, so by the time you graduate, they expect you to have learned either Latin or Ancient Greek, as well. I am undecided on that front but leaning towards Ancient Greek. I like a lot of the writers from ancient Greece and am looking forward to being able to hear the beauty that Homer wrote in the original language with [the proper pitch accent](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FAncient_Greek_accent).\n\nThen, so far as personal goals go, another goal I have is to be able to just sit down and read pretty much anything with 98%+ comprehension.\n\nGenerally speaking, though, it'll be cool to live in Germany and experience life there.\n\n### Wait, you're learning a third language?\n\nYeah. The philosophy program at Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena requires 2 modern foreign languages and also that I learn either Latin or Ancient Greek by the time I present my thesis.\n\nFor my third language, as mentioned, I am choosing French—many German thinkers like to quote it verbatim without translation, so it would be useful to have French in my toolbox. I've already started learning it, actually. It has been about 2.5 weeks and I've just hit a \"known words\" count of over 1,000 words. Initially my plan was to learn 45,000 German words and _then_ switch my focus to language number 3—that being French—until I pass a [the B1 test](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FDipl%C3%B4me_d%27%C3%A9tudes_en_langue_fran%C3%A7aise), but I changed my mind.\n\n## What are your goals for 2025?\n\nI think when it comes to goals you should both be doing something realistic, but also difficult to complete. If you fail, you can always finish later.\n\nMy goals are to have read, by the end of 2025, 10k pages total for French and 50k pages total for German. By the end of this year I suspect I will only have read 15k pages in German total, but a large sum of those were since I got back into German in the later half of this year—meaning that I've read 15k pages in just several months.\n\nReading 100 pages a day for German is definitely doable. Hitting 10k pages in French is definitely going to be a stretch, but that is only 28 pages a day, on average, so it is doable. I suspect I should be able to read books in French by mid January. Consistency is key. I want to be able to read any text in German or French that I may need to read in any philosophy course with complete and utter ease.\n\n## Let's swap roles. Say I want to learn German. What are your top 3 bits of advice for me?\n\nIf I had to pick three things:\n\n1. Read things you find interesting\n2. Try to listen as much as possible\n3. Stay around your level—it doesn't make much sense for someone to read Hegel if they only know a thousand words\n\nThen, as boring as it sounds, the most important thing about language learning is probably time management. If learning a language really _is_ important to you, you can probably find the time in your schedule to do it.\n\n\u003Cimg src=\"\u002Fassets\u002Fblog\u002Fmigaku-story-noah-german-streak.jpeg\" width=\"2138\" height=\"1204\" alt=\"A screenshot of Noah's Migaku desktop dashboard, showing that he's only missed a single day of study in the last four months.\"\u002F>\n\nLike, I was spending 3 hours a night after dinner reading. And I mean, you don't _have_ to spend three hours reading. But like—I know people who say they have no time, but they just mindlessly scroll on their phone at night for hours. They never _do_ anything… but they never have time for anything. You _do_ have time, you just aren't making time for your target language.\n\nLooking back there were many things I did that weren’t optimal. Like—I’d read this book that was way above my level and... that wasn’t optimal... but I enjoyed the book. And I ended up learning German. So I don't really care. Worry less about being optimal and more about having fun and being consistent.\n\n## Any thoughts, looking back on your journey with German?\n\nYeah, sure.\n\nI don't think learning a language is all that complicated. You find something you're interested in, and then you read it. And then you find something else you're interested in, and you read that. And you just keep doing that over and over again.\n\nTry to mix it up—news articles, online magazines, easy books.\n\nYou just kind of have to treat your second language a lot like your first. Like—nobody is going to say _oh, I can't listen to anymore English today. It's too hard!_ And you just have to treat the language you're learning like that.\n\nIt's a really gradual thing, of course. Some people think you get from zero to one hundred in a couple months, and that's not how things work.\n\nIt really just boils down to consistency.\n\n> If there's a language skill you want to develop, you develop it by doing that thing. Like, you're not going to learn how to read by _not_ reading, right?\n\n## What sort of learner would you recommend Migaku to?\n\nImmersion learning is the best method—but, ultimately, it is something that is not hard so much as long. It is a marathon not a sprint. One thing that a lot of people tend to underestimate is how long it will take to learn a language. A lot of people want to be done in a matter of months. I think a lot of people like the idea of learning a language more than the time and effort required to do it successfully.\n\nMigaku is ideal for people who are serious about acquiring fluency in a second language—people who are are willing to put in time and effort every single day.\n\nA lot of people hold that immersion learning has the potential to change the language learning landscape, but I think this claim is exaggerated. People who do not want to put in more than 30 minutes a day are not going to get fluent regardless of method—at least, not in any reasonable time frame. Nevertheless, if you can show up everyday and not care where your present ability resides, the progress you will make will be immense. You need not get bogged down if you don't know every single word. Just do your best.\n\n> A maxim I once heard is that it is not about improving your ability in the language but about being less bad at it. I find this paradigm to be helpful. You are slowly unlocking the whole language. You just have to put one foot in front of the other and show up continually and most importantly remember the number one rule of immersion is to have fun.\n\nThe ideal person for Migaku is people who will actually use it and enjoy the learning process.\n\n## Anyway...\n\nHi y'all! Editor here.\n\nIn closing, I'd like to highlight something Noah said way up in one of the first sections:\n\n> _Actually engaging with your language—getting input; reading and listening and stuff—is hard, it's challenging... but if you keep up with it for a month, you'll be like, \"wow, I just learned so much.\"_\n\nThat, to me, is gold.\n\nIt's what I think every success story will boil down to, if you boil it long enough.\n\nYou learn to ride a bike by actually _riding_ the bike, and you learn languages by interacting with them. There are many ways you can learn a language... but, at some point, you _must_ begin interacting with your language. Fluency is a byproduct of having spent a lot of time using your language to do things that you find important or meaningful.\n\nIf you'd like to start learning a language by using it, but don't think your level is quite high enough yet, I invite you to try Migaku. It's totally free for 10 days, and you don't need to enter a credit card or anything like that to sign up.\n\n\u003Cprose-button href=\"\u002F\" text=\"Try Migaku for free\">\u003C\u002Fprose-button>\n\n\u003Caccordion heading=\"(Or click here to read a few more mic drops I couldn't quite work into the article)\">\n\nA few comments I found insightful but couldn't find a place to squeeze in:\n\n- _If something's too hard—like, just stop. It doesn't really matter. You can just come back to it later, when it's easier, and enjoy it._\n\n- _I’m reading history and like I don’t know all these random very specific words. I won’t know the exact word, I mean, but like I know it’s a military rank, or a vegetable, or an animal that you hunt… and sometimes that’s enough. You don't always need to know exactly what a word means to understand what it's doing in a sentence._\n\n- _When it comes to understanding native speech, vocabulary is a greater limitation than grammar._\n\n* _Frankly, I think 30 words a day as a beginner is way too much. \u003Cbr> \u003Cbr>It's not a big deal for me to learn German words now because I have a large vocabulary and a lot of words build on other words. When you're a beginner, though, you lack all that infrastructure. It's just a completely different game, being an advanced learner. The more words you know, the easier it is to learn more words._\n\n> A lot of people seem to think that you have to learn the language first, and _then_ you unlock reading, and stuff. But like—reading is a skill you need to learn and develop. You can literally just jump in and start reading. It's not the case that you get fluent first and then the fun begins—on the contrary, you get fluent _by_ reading.\n\n\u003C\u002Faccordion>\n\n---\n",{"title":31509,"description":32409},"article\u002Flanguage-fun\u002Fstory-de-noah","8IulAL2kvTaZQ8bCY3WOpfDs6Waykw-bS4oauR8Ur-0","December 23, 2024",{"approximate_member_count":32427},20174,[32429,32444,32456,32469,32482,32495,32508,32520,32532,32544,32556,32569,32581,32593,32605,32618,32631,32643,32656,32668,32678,32691,32704,32717,32729,32742,32753,32765,32777,32789,32800,32813,32824,32835,32847,32859,32870,32880,32893,32906,32918,32931,32941,32953,32966,32978,32991,33003,33015,33027,33039,33050,33062,33074,33086,33099,33109,33121,33134,33146,33157,33169,33180,33191,33204,33214,33225,33236,33247,33259,33271,33280,33291,33304,33316,33328,33340,33351,33362,33373,33384,33396,33408,33419,33431,33443,33455,33467,33477,33490,33501,33513,33524,33535,33547,33559,33571,33583,33594,33605,33616,33627,33639,33652,33663,33674,33687,33698,33709,33722,33734,33745,33757,33767,33779,33790,33801,33813,33825,33836,33847,33857,33869,33879,33890,33902,33914,33926,33938,33949,33960,33969,33980,33991,34003,34014,34026,34038,34048,34059,34069,34080,34089,34100,34111,34123,34133,34142,34154,34163,34173,34184,34193,34204,34215,34226,34238,34250,34261,34272,34284,34296,34307,34319,34330,34341,34351,34362,34373,34384,34395,34406,34417,34429,34441,34452,34464,34476,34489,34501,34513,34525,34536,34547,34559,34571,34582,34594,34605,34617,34629,34641,34653,34665,34676,34688,34700,34712,34724,34735,34747,34758,34770,34781,34792,34804,34816,34828,34839,34850,34862,34874,34885,34897,34909,34921,34932,34944,34956,34968,34980,34992,35004,35015,35026,35037,35048,35060,35071,35082,35093,35105,35117,35128,35139,35151,35163,35174,35185,35197,35209,35220,35231,35242,35254,35264,35276,35288,35299,35311,35323,35335,35347,35359,35370,35381,35393,35404,35415,35427,35439,35450,35461,35472,35483,35496,35507,35518,35529,35541,35553,35565,35576,35587,35599,35610,35622,35634,35646,35657,35668,35679,35690,35702,35713,35725,35736,35747,35758,35770,35782,35793,35804,35815,35827,35838,35850,35862,35874,35886,35898,35909,35921,35932,35944,35955,35966,35978,35989,36000,36011,36022,36033,36045,36057,36068,36080,36091,36102,36113,36124,36136,36148,36160,36171,36182,36193,36204,36215,36226,36237,36248,36259,36270,36282,36293,36304,36315,36327,36339,36350,36361,36372,36383,36395,36406,36417,36428,36439,36450,36461,36473,36485,36496,36508,36519,36530,36540,36551,36562,36573,36585,36596,36608,36619,36630,36641,36652,36663,36674,36685,36697,36708,36719,36730,36741,36752,36763,36774,36785,36797,36809,36820,36831,36842,36853,36864,36876,36887,36898,36909,36920,36932,36943,36955,36966,36977,36989,37000,37011,37022,37033,37045,37056,37068,37079,37090,37102,37114,37126,37137,37148,37159,37170,37181,37193,37205,37217,37228,37240,37251,37262,37273,37285,37297,37309,37320,37332,37343,37354,37365,37376,37387,37398,37411,37422,37433,37444,37455,37466,37478,37490,37501,37512,37523,37534,37547,37558,37569,37581,37593,37604,37616,37627,37640,37651,37662,37673,37684,37695,37706,37717,37728,37739,37750,37761,37772,37783,37794],{"id":32430,"documentId":32431,"slug":32432,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":32434,"description":32435,"image":32436,"tags":32440,"timestampUnix":32442,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},785,"yizv1omr7z2vvgvqcotw6o1b","i-love-you-in-italian",null,"How to Say I Love You in Italian: Ti Amo vs Ti Voglio Bene","Ti amo or ti voglio bene? 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Here's what actually works for self-study and fluency.",{"alt":32638,"src":32639,"width":32545,"height":32640,"previewOnly":32439},"Vietnamese cartoons","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002F151117mut22_97bc403aac\u002F151117mut22_97bc403aac.jpg",371,[940],1761965340000,{"id":32644,"documentId":32645,"slug":32646,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":32647,"description":32648,"image":32649,"tags":32654,"timestampUnix":32655,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},644,"bda5rsngcqghtbshw5ljz83v","how-to-say-hello-in-portuguese","How to Say Hello in Portuguese: Greetings Guide","Learn Portuguese greetings for every situation. 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Practical terms with examples to boost your Italian conversations.",{"alt":32749,"src":32750,"width":27625,"height":20897,"previewOnly":32439},"Nature and environment vocabulary in Italian - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FLPT_1116_114_a1609af844\u002FLPT_1116_114_a1609af844.avif",[941,32441],1774024500000,{"id":32754,"documentId":32755,"slug":32756,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":32757,"description":32758,"image":32759,"tags":32763,"timestampUnix":32764,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},650,"znua2dlifn652xfxr7sq07k3","best-italian-learning-apps","Best Italian Learning Apps: What Works & What Doesn't","Duolingo, Babbel, Rosetta Stone—we tested them all. 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Learn the common Vietnamese greetings that work in real conversations, plus the pronoun system that makes them work.",{"alt":32784,"src":32785,"width":14689,"height":32786,"previewOnly":32439},"greetings in vietnamese","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fblog_hello_in_vietnamese_8de0b3e991\u002Fblog_hello_in_vietnamese_8de0b3e991.png",437,[940],1764718800000,{"id":32790,"documentId":32791,"slug":32792,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":32793,"description":32794,"image":32795,"tags":32799,"timestampUnix":32580,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},731,"xwhomvaxytsdkj7xogf8g8bl","best-english-learning-apps","Best Apps for Learning English: What Actually Works","We reviewed research on the best English learning apps like Duolingo, Memrise, and ELSA Speak. Here's what works, what doesn't, and how to actually learn English.",{"alt":32796,"src":32797,"width":32754,"height":32798,"previewOnly":32439},"children forming the word english","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fba87c6569c4e208f50e3220f470b1e9e_4ef571bea5\u002Fba87c6569c4e208f50e3220f470b1e9e_4ef571bea5.jpg",400,[940],{"id":32801,"documentId":32802,"slug":32803,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":32804,"description":32805,"image":32806,"tags":32810,"timestampUnix":32812,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},555,"fry1zkm3inoyz6yqhcz30adw","french-ir-verbs-guide","French IR Verbs: Conjugate Regular & Irregular Verbs","Master French IR verb conjugation with clear patterns. Learn how to conjugate regular -IR verbs, irregular forms, and essential French verbs in all tenses.",{"alt":32807,"src":32808,"width":31616,"height":32809,"previewOnly":32439},"People enjoying the scenery at France.","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FGenerated_Image_November_04_2025_7_28_PM_817fdb6c4c\u002FGenerated_Image_November_04_2025_7_28_PM_817fdb6c4c.png",937,[32811],"verbs",1761967260000,{"id":32814,"documentId":32815,"slug":32816,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":32817,"description":32818,"image":32819,"tags":32822,"timestampUnix":32823,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},560,"ebtw8metitejiv919j13ic0w","thank-you-in-portuguese","Thank You in Portuguese: Obrigado, Obrigada & Ways to Say It","Learn how to say thank you in Portuguese with obrigado, obrigada, and informal phrases like valeu. Brazilian Portuguese gratitude expressions explained simply.",{"alt":32820,"src":32821,"width":28700,"height":28701,"previewOnly":32439},"Thank you spelled out.","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Falexas_fotos_pn_Gjb_J_Em_U3o_unsplash_b93217904a\u002Falexas_fotos_pn_Gjb_J_Em_U3o_unsplash_b93217904a.jpg",[32441],1762744800000,{"id":32825,"documentId":32826,"slug":32827,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":32828,"description":32829,"image":32830,"tags":32833,"timestampUnix":32834,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},607,"l1a30z1bop4t2vqda7yfejei","thank-you-in-vietnamese","Thank You in Vietnamese: How to Say Cảm Ơn (Pronounce It Right)","Learn how to say thank you in Vietnamese like a local. Master cảm ơn pronunciation, pronouns, and when to use each phrase in Vietnam. Real usage, no textbook BS.",{"alt":32831,"src":32832,"width":16858,"height":32652,"previewOnly":32439},"Thank you in Vietnamese","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fvietnamese_family_day_slide16_5b73d1c8f8\u002Fvietnamese_family_day_slide16_5b73d1c8f8.png",[940],1763004000000,{"id":32836,"documentId":32837,"slug":32838,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":32839,"description":32840,"image":32841,"tags":32845,"timestampUnix":32846,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},609,"szpfcc5v3pac7kczipt1xwy7","cantonese-pronunciation","Cantonese Pronunciation: Master All 6 Tones (Not 9)","Learn Cantonese pronunciation with the 6 real tones. Understand Jyutping, why tones matter, and how to actually pronounce Cantonese words naturally.",{"alt":32842,"src":32843,"width":32844,"height":32665,"previewOnly":32439},"Man pronouncing words","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FGetty_Images_1154653785_e1605691279673_0c5a930c20\u002FGetty_Images_1154653785_e1605691279673_0c5a930c20.jpg",1687,[940],1763094000000,{"id":32848,"documentId":32849,"slug":32850,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":32851,"description":32852,"image":32853,"tags":32857,"timestampUnix":32858,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},610,"ipttz7kxnx7tf6ahdh3xhsge","how-to-learn-french","How to Learn French Fast: Best Way for Beginners","Most methods to learn French keep you stuck in textbook exercises. Here's the best way to learn French from real content and speak fluently faster.",{"alt":32854,"src":32855,"width":32856,"height":32754,"previewOnly":32439},"Fun French cartoon","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FFun_French_Cartoons_for_Kids_742e49296b\u002FFun_French_Cartoons_for_Kids_742e49296b.jpg",999,[940],1763096100000,{"id":17929,"documentId":32860,"slug":32861,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":32862,"description":32863,"image":32864,"tags":32868,"timestampUnix":32869,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},"sxtszsqo9ma48muy673xyegr","how-to-say-love-in-english","How to Say & Pronounce Love in English (Meaning + Usage)","Learn how to pronounce love in English, what it means, and when to use it. 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Here's the truth about Portuguese pronunciation, grammar, and the best way to learn Portuguese faster than traditional methods.",{"alt":32876,"src":32877,"width":937,"height":32553,"previewOnly":32439},"Clip from a Portuguese show","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fimage_23_52f7dcfd24\u002Fimage_23_52f7dcfd24.jpeg",[940],1763005800000,{"id":32881,"documentId":32882,"slug":32883,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":32884,"description":32885,"image":32886,"tags":32891,"timestampUnix":32892,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},562,"n7zf9s2rrdayvjcrve3ylqcq","cantonese-tones","Cantonese Tones: Master All 6 Tones (9 Tones Explained)","Learn Cantonese tones the right way. Understand the 6 tones system (not 9), how pronunciation works, and what actually helps you master tones in Cantonese.",{"alt":32887,"src":32888,"width":32889,"height":32890,"previewOnly":32439},"Man saying something with a tone on his voice.","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FTone_Of_Voice_1_8bcd1d2732\u002FTone_Of_Voice_1_8bcd1d2732.jpg",2240,1400,[940],1762745460000,{"id":32894,"documentId":32895,"slug":32896,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":32897,"description":32898,"image":32899,"tags":32904,"timestampUnix":32905,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},614,"objvplgmqs7lq4rvmrxbe7cv","hello-in-vietnamese","How to Say Hello in Vietnamese (Xin Chào & More)","Learn Vietnamese greetings that actually work. Xin chào, chào anh, chào chị—how to greet someone in Vietnamese culture with the right pronunciation and respect.",{"alt":32900,"src":32901,"width":32902,"height":32903,"previewOnly":32439},"Girl saying hello","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FGetty_Images_1006529878_651826fcfc\u002FGetty_Images_1006529878_651826fcfc.jpg",2121,1414,[32441],1763086800000,{"id":32907,"documentId":32908,"slug":32909,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":32910,"description":32911,"image":32912,"tags":32916,"timestampUnix":32917,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},567,"lbd3kcqxak41955y3dsyi8l9","goodbye-in-german","Goodbye in German: Tschüss, Auf Wiedersehen & When to Use Each","Learn how to say goodbye in German with Tschüss, Auf Wiedersehen, Bis bald, and more. Real usage context for formal and informal ways to say bye in German.",{"alt":32913,"src":32914,"width":32602,"height":32915,"previewOnly":32439},"Emoji saying bye.","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002F1171e55b82e1419c6a74820fe37da605_82c8bb949f\u002F1171e55b82e1419c6a74820fe37da605_82c8bb949f.jpg",450,[32441],1762746000000,{"id":32919,"documentId":32920,"slug":32921,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":32922,"description":32923,"image":32924,"tags":32929,"timestampUnix":32930,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},774,"qon849yi63nwjm56924311tj","vietnamese-hard-to-learn","Is Vietnamese Hard to Learn? Vietnamese Language Difficulty","Learn Vietnamese with less effort than you think. Vietnamese language difficulty comes from tones, not grammar. Here's what makes it hard to learn—and what doesn't.",{"alt":32925,"src":32926,"width":32927,"height":32928,"previewOnly":32439},"child confused about what his learning","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Flearn_chinese_is_hard_c222bd0f0a\u002Flearn_chinese_is_hard_c222bd0f0a.jpg",587,359,[940],1763940000000,{"id":32932,"documentId":32933,"slug":32934,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":32935,"description":32936,"image":32937,"tags":32940,"timestampUnix":32917,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},568,"jj34npo0aleybk8wtwjtz37x","how-to-say-love-in-italian","Love in Italian: Ti Amo vs Ti Voglio Bene (And When to Use Each)","Learn the Italian words for love and when to use them. Ti amo vs ti voglio bene—using the wrong phrase can be awkward. Here's what Italians actually say.",{"alt":32938,"src":32939,"width":32713,"height":32714,"previewOnly":32439},"Woman covering eye with hearts","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fbeautiful_woman_covering_eyes_with_hearts_470178_11288_87dead94bf\u002Fbeautiful_woman_covering_eyes_with_hearts_470178_11288_87dead94bf.avif",[940],{"id":32942,"documentId":32943,"slug":32944,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":32945,"description":32946,"image":32947,"tags":32951,"timestampUnix":32952,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},576,"v909yeps7cpr03ag2l0jm94n","goodbye-in-italian","10 Ways to Say Goodbye in Italian (Ciao, Arrivederci & More)","Learn the best way to say goodbye in Italian. From \"ciao\" to \"arrivederci\" to \"buonanotte\"—when to use each farewell and avoid embarrassing mistakes.",{"alt":32948,"src":32949,"width":32518,"height":32950,"previewOnly":32439},"Lady saying goodbye in an Italian cafe.","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FGenerated_Image_November_04_2025_6_57_PM_9afcc96b10\u002FGenerated_Image_November_04_2025_6_57_PM_9afcc96b10.png",924,[32441],1761967860000,{"id":32954,"documentId":32955,"slug":32956,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":32957,"description":32958,"image":32959,"tags":32964,"timestampUnix":32965,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},649,"j5v2qc2w7hot14sm812pq7jr","is-italian-hard-to-learn","Is Italian Hard to Learn? Honest Answer for English Speakers","Italian is one of the easiest languages for English speakers. Here's what actually makes it easy, where you'll struggle, and how to learn it effectively.",{"alt":32960,"src":32961,"width":32962,"height":32963,"previewOnly":32439},"Italian cartoon","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FItalian_cartoon_4c8538c1e9\u002FItalian_cartoon_4c8538c1e9.webp",2350,1622,[940],1761866880000,{"id":32967,"documentId":32968,"slug":32969,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":32970,"description":32971,"image":32972,"tags":32976,"timestampUnix":32977,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},654,"pht5t3okx6xz8b1vm3sdx72r","best-french-textbooks","Best French Textbooks (What Actually Works in 2025)","Researched French textbooks from language schools worldwide. Here's what works, what's overhyped, and why textbooks alone won't make you fluent in French.",{"alt":32973,"src":32974,"width":32614,"height":32975,"previewOnly":32439},"city-in-france","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fistockphoto_160324880_612x612_4287c21526\u002Fistockphoto_160324880_612x612_4287c21526.jpg",460,[940],1761779640000,{"id":32979,"documentId":32980,"slug":32981,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":32982,"description":32983,"image":32984,"tags":32989,"timestampUnix":32990,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},652,"fev0ql4m6pua2uzinbqmmm3r","thank-you-in-italian","How to Say Thank You in Italian (Correct Pronunciation)","Most English speakers mispronounce \"grazie.\" Learn the correct pronunciation, when to use \"grazie mille\" vs \"La ringrazio,\" and how to actually sound Italian.",{"alt":32985,"src":32986,"width":32987,"height":32988,"previewOnly":32439},"thank you in italian","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fthank_you_in_italian_4660e3578f\u002Fthank_you_in_italian_4660e3578f.jpg",1758,1008,[32441],1761780420000,{"id":32992,"documentId":32993,"slug":32994,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":32995,"description":32996,"image":32997,"tags":33001,"timestampUnix":33002,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},653,"oha220g9n63cnq4swodqrdaw","italian-slang-guide","Italian Slang: Sound Like a Real Person (Not a Textbook)","Learn the Italian slang you'll actually hear every day—boh, cavolo, mamma mia, and more. Regional variations, when to use it, and how gestures matter.",{"alt":32998,"src":32999,"width":33000,"height":32465,"previewOnly":32439},"voice-slang","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FVocal_fold_news_feature_3213020d10\u002FVocal_fold_news_feature_3213020d10.jpg",1648,[940],1761780300000,{"id":33004,"documentId":33005,"slug":33006,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33007,"description":33008,"image":33009,"tags":33013,"timestampUnix":33014,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},734,"b3rfi4roqaznet4o0xf3twdp","best-portuguese-grammar-guide","Portuguese Grammar Guide: Essential Rules for Beginners","Master basic Portuguese grammar: verb conjugation, ser vs estar, noun gender, adjectives, pronouns, and more. A practical guide for beginners learning Portuguese.",{"alt":33010,"src":33011,"width":13261,"height":33012,"previewOnly":32439},"portuguese grammar","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fportuguese_grammar_book_scaled_6440cbb59b\u002Fportuguese_grammar_book_scaled_6440cbb59b.jpg",1707,[940],1763778000000,{"id":33016,"documentId":33017,"slug":33018,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33019,"description":33020,"image":33021,"tags":33025,"timestampUnix":33026,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},3987,"qapwux4e91xzwi0cem29op7z","duolingo-italian-review","Duolingo Italian Review: Can It Actually Make You Fluent?","Honest Duolingo Italian review covering what works, what doesn't, and whether you can become fluent. Real pros, cons, and better alternatives.",{"alt":33022,"src":33023,"width":27625,"height":33024,"previewOnly":32439},"Honest review of Duolingo for learning Italian - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_26_014756_2a23adcd4d\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_26_014756_2a23adcd4d.png",323,[16019,940,18445],1772060400000,{"id":28400,"documentId":33028,"slug":33029,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33030,"description":33031,"image":33032,"tags":33037,"timestampUnix":33038,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},"prfc1vuqph2de96mkb2pb1fh","best-portuguese-textbooks","Best Portuguese Textbooks for Learning (2025 Guide)","Honest reviews of the best Portuguese textbooks for beginners and self-study. Find out which books actually work and which ones waste your time and money.",{"alt":33033,"src":33034,"width":33035,"height":33036,"previewOnly":32439},"Popular Portuguese cartoons","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002F1_f7252f24bf\u002F1_f7252f24bf.jpg",671,377,[940],1761870000000,{"id":32867,"documentId":33040,"slug":33041,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33042,"description":33043,"image":33044,"tags":33048,"timestampUnix":33049,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},"tuly5kuq6eh8kxrsn2yxoeds","thank-you-in-english","Different Ways to Say Thank You in English (Sound Natural)","Learn different ways to say thank you in English that native speakers use daily. Master informal and formal expressions with the right tone and context.",{"alt":33045,"src":33046,"width":32566,"height":33047,"previewOnly":32439},"Thank you emoji","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fthank_you_emoji_16_dd9771d9e7\u002Fthank_you_emoji_16_dd9771d9e7.webp",315,[32441],1762103400000,{"id":33051,"documentId":33052,"slug":33053,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33054,"description":33055,"image":33056,"tags":33060,"timestampUnix":33061,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},631,"lrv949ort2m8q5p11xh0fsst","french-greetings","French Greetings: Bonjour, Tu vs Vous & La Bise Guide","Master French greetings beyond bonjour. Learn tu vs vous rules, when to use salut vs bonsoir, la bise etiquette, and how to greet people in French without looking clueless.",{"alt":33057,"src":33058,"width":32669,"height":33059,"previewOnly":32439},"Peppa goes to Paris.","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fhq720_1_ae09b26557\u002Fhq720_1_ae09b26557.jpg",386,[940],1762104000000,{"id":33063,"documentId":33064,"slug":33065,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33066,"description":33067,"image":33068,"tags":33072,"timestampUnix":33073,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},882,"zvwfjidbi5g97oxywllxqrrb","french-pronouns","French Pronouns: Learn the Types and How to Use Them","Learn all about French pronouns—subject, object, and reflexive pronouns—with clear explanations, real examples, and how to master French grammar through context.",{"alt":33069,"src":33070,"width":32713,"height":33071,"previewOnly":32439},"french girl","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Ffrench_pronouns_en_and_y_e1688892610152_1ee179ee44\u002Ffrench_pronouns_en_and_y_e1688892610152_1ee179ee44.webp",533,[940],1764642000000,{"id":33075,"documentId":33076,"slug":33077,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33078,"description":33079,"image":33080,"tags":33084,"timestampUnix":33085,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},632,"voxf1vtl3c6h5l1qcdjfzqsg","yes-in-italian","Yes in Italian: How to Say Yes (Sì, Va Bene, Certo & More)","Learn how to say yes in Italian beyond sì. Discover va bene, certo, volentieri and other ways to say yes that Italians actually use in conversation.",{"alt":33081,"src":33082,"width":32566,"height":33083,"previewOnly":32439},"Italy flags","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fitalian_flags_on_poles_hands_600nw_2598405707_ebac19f954\u002Fitalian_flags_on_poles_hands_600nw_2598405707_ebac19f954.webp",353,[940],1762143600000,{"id":33087,"documentId":33088,"slug":33089,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33090,"description":33091,"image":33092,"tags":33097,"timestampUnix":33098,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},905,"g5zwddhj0pjf13nm17jbs4sm","english-verb-tenses","English Verb Tenses Explained: Simple Guide for Learners","Master English verb tenses through real examples. Learn which verb forms matter most, avoid common mistakes, and practice naturally with actual content.",{"alt":33093,"src":33094,"width":33095,"height":33096,"previewOnly":32439},"verbs scrabble","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fverbs_1_daa0000715\u002Fverbs_1_daa0000715.jpg",3600,2400,[940],1764717600000,{"id":33100,"documentId":33101,"slug":33102,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33103,"description":33104,"image":33105,"tags":33107,"timestampUnix":33108,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},656,"g8j1p23d0gn7qsmpnd3qusux","hello-in-italian","How to Say Hello in Italian (Ciao, Buongiorno, Buonasera)","Learn when to use ciao, buongiorno, and buonasera correctly. Most Italian learners mess up these greetings - here's how to avoid looking like a tourist.",{"alt":12726,"src":33106,"width":32565,"height":32602,"previewOnly":32439},"https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fpexels_henri_mathieusaintlaurent_5898311_51f24d11e8\u002Fpexels_henri_mathieusaintlaurent_5898311_51f24d11e8.webp",[940],1761778080000,{"id":33110,"documentId":33111,"slug":33112,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33113,"description":33114,"image":33115,"tags":33119,"timestampUnix":33120,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},634,"ih2jcxcam0i7tmhdwxpi7kv0","best-portuguese-learning-apps","11 Best Apps to Learn Portuguese (What Actually Works)","Want to learn Portuguese? Here's what research says about Duolingo, Busuu, Pimsleur, and other Portuguese learning apps—plus the best way to get fluent fast.",{"alt":33116,"src":33117,"width":32713,"height":33118,"previewOnly":32439},"Kid learning through his tablet.","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FTimber_Creek_Ped_educational_apps_for_kids_how_to_choose_tools_that_truly_teach_83b25838bf\u002FTimber_Creek_Ped_educational_apps_for_kids_how_to_choose_tools_that_truly_teach_83b25838bf.jpg",325,[940],1762053000000,{"id":33122,"documentId":33123,"slug":33124,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33125,"description":33126,"image":33127,"tags":33132,"timestampUnix":33133,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},636,"lk71k4k0xsliy0uty568t8k2","vietnamese-grammar-guide","Vietnamese Grammar: Essential Grammar Guide for Beginners","Vietnamese grammar is simpler than you think. No verb conjugations, no gender, clear sentence structure. Learn essential Vietnamese grammar from real sentences, not textbooks.",{"alt":33128,"src":33129,"width":33130,"height":33131,"previewOnly":32439},"Vietnamese cartoon","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002F16_vn_cartoon_99d9df9a04\u002F16_vn_cartoon_99d9df9a04.jpg",570,320,[940],1762105200000,{"id":33135,"documentId":33136,"slug":33137,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33138,"description":33139,"image":33140,"tags":33144,"timestampUnix":33145,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},637,"mo2xnv8s9lqkyh091vl0xafj","how-to-say-love-in-cantonese","How to Say Love in Cantonese (我鍾意你 vs 愛)","Learn how to say love in Cantonese the way native speakers actually do it. Discover the phrase, vocabulary, and romantic expressions Chinese speakers use.",{"alt":33141,"src":33142,"width":32614,"height":33143,"previewOnly":32439},"Two hearts","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fistockphoto_1364600229_612x612_1aed917e9c\u002Fistockphoto_1364600229_612x612_1aed917e9c.jpg",367,[32441],1762104600000,{"id":33147,"documentId":33148,"slug":33149,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33150,"description":33151,"image":33152,"tags":33155,"timestampUnix":33156,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},657,"x1rtbbqauwgi5o6ye7xn47l5","is-french-hard-to-learn","Is French Hard to Learn? The Real Answer from Research","French is Category I (easiest) for English speakers, needs 600-750 hours to B2. Here's what makes it easier than most languages—and what still trips people up.",{"alt":33153,"src":33154,"width":991,"height":16858,"previewOnly":32439},"peppa-in-paris","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fpeppa_pig_video_game_4ab7e5a1d7\u002Fpeppa_pig_video_game_4ab7e5a1d7.jpg",[940],1761693180000,{"id":33158,"documentId":33159,"slug":33160,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33161,"description":33162,"image":33163,"tags":33167,"timestampUnix":33168,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},640,"lss7jt8mcwnpmdfq77uxk0c4","best-vietnamese-learning-apps","Best Apps for Learning Vietnamese (What Actually Works)","Most Vietnamese apps won't make you fluent. Here's what works: audio lessons for pronunciation, then massive input from real Vietnamese content with proper tools.",{"alt":33164,"src":33165,"width":33166,"height":32665,"previewOnly":32439},"Vietnamese women","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fchinese_waitresses_with_asian_dishes_762075_143_f21455ccb7\u002Fchinese_waitresses_with_asian_dishes_762075_143_f21455ccb7.avif",1018,[940],1762050000000,{"id":33170,"documentId":33171,"slug":33172,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33173,"description":33174,"image":33175,"tags":33178,"timestampUnix":33179,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},658,"wk3zs54quico06xfu0dgq6ye","i-love-you-in-german","Ways to Say I Love You in German (Cultural Guide)","Learn the right way to express love in German. From \"Ich liebe dich\" to \"Ich mag dich\"—ways to express feelings at every relationship stage with native speaker insights.",{"alt":32437,"src":33176,"width":32566,"height":33177,"previewOnly":32439},"https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fheart_shape_3d_icons_love_600nw_2450299305_faccaab290\u002Fheart_shape_3d_icons_love_600nw_2450299305_faccaab290.webp",343,[32441],1762136400000,{"id":33181,"documentId":33182,"slug":33183,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33184,"description":33185,"image":33186,"tags":33189,"timestampUnix":33190,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},659,"bxz6qwsx5sxrn0qtgngpo2b2","thank-you-in-german","How to Say Thank You in German (What You Actually Need)","Forget the 18-phrase lists. Here's what you actually need to know about saying thank you in German, from \"danke\" to \"vielen Dank\" and when to use each one.",{"alt":33187,"src":33188,"width":32669,"height":33059,"previewOnly":32439},"say-thank-you","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fhq720_811a740f82\u002Fhq720_811a740f82.jpg",[32441],1761779100000,{"id":33192,"documentId":33193,"slug":33194,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33195,"description":33196,"image":33197,"tags":33202,"timestampUnix":33203,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},883,"vnlcx82m40nlwzfscnz2pmdj","no-in-english","How to Say \"No\" in English: 15+ Ways Without Being Rude","Learn different ways to say no in English politely. Discover how native speakers decline invitations, refuse offers, and make negative sentences naturally.",{"alt":33198,"src":33199,"width":33200,"height":33201,"previewOnly":32439},"no emoji","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fafb9ee16_5076_4d01_a8da_96c4ec46532d_1250x417_5b3d572336\u002Fafb9ee16_5076_4d01_a8da_96c4ec46532d_1250x417_5b3d572336.jpg",1250,417,[32441],1764643800000,{"id":33205,"documentId":33206,"slug":33207,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33208,"description":33209,"image":33210,"tags":33212,"timestampUnix":33213,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},721,"peyiwjcwdcalilswi1je5azg","vietnamese-pronunciation","Vietnamese Pronunciation: How to Pronounce Vietnamese Words","Master Vietnamese pronunciation with this guide to tones, vowels, and consonants. Learn how to pronounce Vietnamese words correctly with practical tips that actually work.",{"alt":6047,"src":33211,"width":32566,"height":32762,"previewOnly":32439},"https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002F1_806e916add\u002F1_806e916add.webp",[940],1763695200000,{"id":33215,"documentId":33216,"slug":33217,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33218,"description":33219,"image":33220,"tags":33223,"timestampUnix":33224,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},969,"rgv8vkub0hx4vxkosr8wozme","vietnamese-numbers","Vietnamese Numbers: Exceptions & Rules That Actually Matter","Vietnamese numbers follow a pattern, but 15 is weird, tones change everything, and cultural beliefs about 4 and 8 actually matter. Here's what you need to know.",{"alt":33221,"src":33222,"width":991,"height":16858,"previewOnly":32439},"vietnamese numbers","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fmaxresdefault_1_0255b31210\u002Fmaxresdefault_1_0255b31210.jpg",[940],1765043400000,{"id":11435,"documentId":33226,"slug":33227,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33228,"description":33229,"image":33230,"tags":33234,"timestampUnix":33235,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},"a0hedm6vo9wsuqasb1afpmk3","best-german-learning-apps","Best App to Learn German in 2025 (Honest Review)","After testing a dozen German language programs, here's what actually works for learning German - and why most apps fall short of real fluency.",{"alt":33231,"src":33232,"width":937,"height":33233,"previewOnly":32439},"man learning online","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FTHE_SURPRISING_ASPECTS_OF_ONLINE_LEARNING_1_0c3c5397fc\u002FTHE_SURPRISING_ASPECTS_OF_ONLINE_LEARNING_1_0c3c5397fc.jpg",700,[940],1765592040000,{"id":33237,"documentId":33238,"slug":33239,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33240,"description":33241,"image":33242,"tags":33245,"timestampUnix":33246,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},972,"zvo33lnlosme0sn5fjada6cr","portuguese-days-of-the-week","Portuguese Days of the Week: Numbered System Explained","Portuguese weekdays are numbered (segunda-sexta) instead of using planet names. Learn why they're different, how gender works, and how people actually use them.",{"alt":33243,"src":33244,"width":16858,"height":32701,"previewOnly":32439},"days of the week","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fblog_daysoftheweek_2b14bbe42a\u002Fblog_daysoftheweek_2b14bbe42a.webp",[940],1765128600000,{"id":33248,"documentId":33249,"slug":33250,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33251,"description":33252,"image":33253,"tags":33257,"timestampUnix":33258,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},1325,"fvcs93hd23qdufrsghjrpo40","best-french-learning-apps","Best App to Learn French: What Actually Works in 2025","Most French learning apps won't get you fluent. Here's what Duolingo, Babbel, and Pimsleur actually do—and the better way to learn French from real content.",{"alt":33254,"src":33255,"width":33256,"height":32798,"previewOnly":32439},"learn french word","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FLearn_French_Comprehension_d85cac310f\u002FLearn_French_Comprehension_d85cac310f.jpg",849,[940],1766197200000,{"id":33260,"documentId":33261,"slug":33262,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33263,"description":33264,"image":33265,"tags":33269,"timestampUnix":33270,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},3988,"wb33jcoete4k10foty043kc3","what-is-your-name-in-italian","What Is Your Name in Italian: How to Ask and Answer","Here's your guide to self-introduction phrases. Learn how to say \"my name is\" (mi chiamo) and ask \"what's your name\" (come ti chiami) in Italian.",{"alt":33266,"src":33267,"width":27625,"height":33268,"previewOnly":32439},"How to ask and say your name in Italian - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_26_014904_93bb86ed1d\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_26_014904_93bb86ed1d.png",379,[941,32441],1772067600000,{"id":6919,"documentId":33272,"slug":33273,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33274,"description":33275,"image":33276,"tags":33279,"timestampUnix":33224,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},"vdz8xacr5heoggqf5jfufxyu","how-to-learn-english-easily","How to Learn English: What Research Actually Says Works","Most English learning methods ignore decades of research. Here's what actually works: comprehensible input, spaced repetition in context, and real content over drills.",{"alt":33277,"src":33278,"width":32713,"height":32566,"previewOnly":32439},"learn english photo","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002F931c630c53425a98921f530a2752b724_fa3d86ec13\u002F931c630c53425a98921f530a2752b724_fa3d86ec13.jpg",[940],{"id":33281,"documentId":33282,"slug":33283,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33284,"description":33285,"image":33286,"tags":33289,"timestampUnix":33290,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4679,"vliqp57pep944wzp7xtr0qqq","german-school-vocabulary","German School Vocabulary: Essential Words for Education","Learn essential German school vocabulary for subjects, supplies, and the education system. Complete guide with phrases, terms, and practical examples.",{"alt":33287,"src":33288,"width":27625,"height":20897,"previewOnly":32439},"School and education vocabulary in German - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fhigh_school_students_learning_talking_german_classroom_with_one_german_flag_811902_1028_c78160800a\u002Fhigh_school_students_learning_talking_german_classroom_with_one_german_flag_811902_1028_c78160800a.avif",[941,32441],1774024560000,{"id":33292,"documentId":33293,"slug":33294,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33295,"description":33296,"image":33297,"tags":33302,"timestampUnix":33303,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},751,"a8r17hva9atey7lq9szhgx60","french-subjunctive","French Subjunctive: When to Use Le Subjonctif (Full Guide)","Master the French subjunctive with clear explanations of conjugation, triggers, and when to use le subjonctif. Learn French grammar that actually sticks through real content.",{"alt":33298,"src":33299,"width":33300,"height":33301,"previewOnly":32439},"women taking a selfie in france","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002F3741c5ed4150ef6b50890076222f20a3_8ff68257ec\u002F3741c5ed4150ef6b50890076222f20a3_8ff68257ec.jpg",1253,836,[940],1763861100000,{"id":33305,"documentId":33306,"slug":33307,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33308,"description":33309,"image":33310,"tags":33314,"timestampUnix":33315,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},752,"gzuwj3bhz4n76lf6ra5r4p8a","english-numbers","English Numbers 1 to 100: How to Count & Pronounce Them","Master English numbers 1 to 100. Learn how to count, pronounce thirteen vs. thirty, and actually remember English numerals through real practice.",{"alt":33311,"src":33312,"width":33256,"height":33313,"previewOnly":32439},"girl counting","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fcounting_on_fingers_to_do_math_0ea212639f\u002Fcounting_on_fingers_to_do_math_0ea212639f.jpg",565,[940],1763868000000,{"id":33317,"documentId":33318,"slug":33319,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33320,"description":33321,"image":33322,"tags":33326,"timestampUnix":33327,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},754,"mo0t5mj3qbctbr3swaecpp0k","italian-pronouns","Guide to Italian Pronouns: Master Italian Naturally","Complete guide to Italian pronouns covering all types—subject, object, reflexive, possessive, and more. Learn how pronouns are used in real Italian, not just grammar rules.",{"alt":33323,"src":33324,"width":33325,"height":27624,"previewOnly":32439},"woman bringing italian flag","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fhow_learn_italian_fast_t_Sa_1100_X462_75aa83382e\u002Fhow_learn_italian_fast_t_Sa_1100_X462_75aa83382e.jpg",1100,[940],1763864400000,{"id":33329,"documentId":33330,"slug":33331,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33332,"description":33333,"image":33334,"tags":33338,"timestampUnix":33339,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},844,"xou1hkuhfvoikbd1rxllzqde","no-in-cantonese","How to Say No in Cantonese: 唔, 冇, 未 & Cultural Tips","Master saying no in Cantonese with 唔 (m4), 唔係, 冇, and 未. Learn different ways to express negation in formal and casual situations with real examples.",{"alt":33335,"src":33336,"width":32518,"height":33337,"previewOnly":32439},"learning to say no","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Flearning_to_say_no_529c81a498\u002Flearning_to_say_no_529c81a498.jpg",350,[32441],1764109800000,{"id":33341,"documentId":33342,"slug":33343,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33344,"description":33345,"image":33346,"tags":33349,"timestampUnix":33350,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},845,"csp8odthl1ze6q1cz2k8g6ru","american-vs-british-english","American vs British English: Which Should You Learn?","Wondering whether to learn American or British English? Here's the honest truth: both work fine. Learn what matters, skip what doesn't, and focus on real content instead.",{"alt":33347,"src":33348,"width":27625,"height":32798,"previewOnly":32439},"american vs british flags","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fbritish_american_top_2cc953d0e0\u002Fbritish_american_top_2cc953d0e0.jpg",[940],1764451200000,{"id":33352,"documentId":33353,"slug":33354,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33355,"description":33356,"image":33357,"tags":33361,"timestampUnix":33327,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},753,"a1g1l4ymldmj50iz9p12v5d6","german-word-order","Master German Word Order: V2 Rule & Sentence Structure Guide","Learn German word order rules for main and subordinate clauses. Master German sentence structure, verb placement, separable verbs, and build sentences correctly.",{"alt":33358,"src":33359,"width":32932,"height":33360,"previewOnly":32439},"german cartoon","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fwickie_cartoon_series_33f9a112d6\u002Fwickie_cartoon_series_33f9a112d6.jpg",319,[],{"id":33256,"documentId":33363,"slug":33364,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33365,"description":33366,"image":33367,"tags":33371,"timestampUnix":33372,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},"ehzckppn26503ngvc54dxgzb","vietnamese-classifiers","Vietnamese Classifiers: Cái, Con & Vietnamese Grammar Guide","Vietnamese classifiers (cái, con, người) aren't as hard as they look. Learn how these noun classifiers work in Vietnamese grammar with real examples.",{"alt":33368,"src":33369,"width":2032,"height":33370,"previewOnly":32439},"vietnamese words","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002F6247220382946a9d0fc6fcb1977dc457_93251739ba\u002F6247220382946a9d0fc6fcb1977dc457_93251739ba.jpeg",1500,[940],1764110400000,{"id":33374,"documentId":33375,"slug":33376,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33377,"description":33378,"image":33379,"tags":33382,"timestampUnix":33383,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},3991,"ap6jjcejvag405s81l9bb0f0","portuguese-future-tense","Portuguese Future Tense: Formation and Usage Guide","Form and use the Portuguese future tense, from simple future conjugation to informal ir + infinitive. Get practical examples for natural speech.",{"alt":33380,"src":33381,"width":27625,"height":16016,"previewOnly":32439},"How to form and use the Portuguese future tense - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fshutterstock_2537093851_fb93b42b2d\u002Fshutterstock_2537093851_fb93b42b2d.webp",[8838,32467,24904,32811],1772074800000,{"id":31769,"documentId":33385,"slug":33386,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33387,"description":33388,"image":33389,"tags":33394,"timestampUnix":33395,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},"pan5x8xpbm3yog29kzmw10g7","goodbye-in-english","80+ Ways to Say Goodbye in English (How People Really Talk)","Learn the many ways to say goodbye in English that native speakers actually use. From casual slang to formal farewells, plus common mistakes to avoid.",{"alt":33390,"src":33391,"width":33392,"height":33393,"previewOnly":32439},"waving goodbye","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fimages_b87ebcaa12\u002Fimages_b87ebcaa12.png",318,159,[940],1764447600000,{"id":33397,"documentId":33398,"slug":33399,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33400,"description":33401,"image":33402,"tags":33406,"timestampUnix":33407,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},978,"xjvekiptry4lqju7p0w3se2a","german-articles-der-die-das","German Articles (Der, Die, Das): Patterns That Actually Work","Stop memorizing random articles. Learn the patterns that predict 80% of German noun genders, understand why das Mädchen is neuter, and actually internalize der\u002Fdie\u002Fdas through real content.",{"alt":33403,"src":33404,"width":33405,"height":32653,"previewOnly":32439},"german speech","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002F360_F_593987195_0_Tulv72_G_Wi8_Vf3rx_Jp_Ng0g_X3_W7_Q3_J0f_Y_f0d78b50f0\u002F360_F_593987195_0_Tulv72_G_Wi8_Vf3rx_Jp_Ng0g_X3_W7_Q3_J0f_Y_f0d78b50f0.jpg",639,[940],1765042080000,{"id":33409,"documentId":33410,"slug":33411,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33412,"description":33413,"image":33414,"tags":33417,"timestampUnix":33418,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},981,"i5ym3wnnqff6cfbi9hf4o9kq","french-verb-conjugation","French Verb Conjugation: What You Need (& What to Skip)","Forget memorizing 21 tenses. Learn the French verb conjugation patterns that actually matter for real conversations, plus what you can safely ignore.",{"alt":33415,"src":33416,"width":991,"height":16858,"previewOnly":32439},"french verbs","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fmaxresdefault_2_7c9ac21a8d\u002Fmaxresdefault_2_7c9ac21a8d.jpg",[940],1765042200000,{"id":33420,"documentId":33421,"slug":33422,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33423,"description":33424,"image":33425,"tags":33429,"timestampUnix":33430,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},1136,"bzi2d1wbj6p9n2d8nnr06lk9","goodbye-in-french","How to Say Goodbye in French (15 Ways That Sound Natural)","Learn the different ways to say goodbye in French beyond au revoir. From casual salut to formal expressions, pronounce these phrases like a native speaker.",{"alt":33426,"src":33427,"width":33370,"height":33428,"previewOnly":32439},"girls waving their goodbyes","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FZen_Shui_Eric_Audras_56a32aa23df78cf7727c1d55_08227411e6\u002FZen_Shui_Eric_Audras_56a32aa23df78cf7727c1d55_08227411e6.jpg",1001,[940],1765591800000,{"id":33432,"documentId":33433,"slug":33434,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33435,"description":33436,"image":33437,"tags":33441,"timestampUnix":33442,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},3993,"mkak4rwqoldaz97lu4otq716","portuguese-prepositions-guide","Portuguese Prepositions: Common Uses and Examples","Em, de, para, and por are the common Portuguese prepositions that learners should know. Learn contractions and verb combinations in detail.",{"alt":33438,"src":33439,"width":27625,"height":33440,"previewOnly":32439},"Common Portuguese prepositions and how to use them - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FThinking_1400x850_d22f0b1ce8\u002FThinking_1400x850_d22f0b1ce8.jpg",850,[8838,24904],1772082000000,{"id":33444,"documentId":33445,"slug":33446,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33447,"description":33448,"image":33449,"tags":33453,"timestampUnix":33454,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},3994,"aulti2x3ah2a7hvcslxteo14","portuguese-clothing-vocabulary","Portuguese Clothing Vocabulary: Complete Guide for Learners","Portuguese clothing vocabulary with practical terms for shopping, getting dressed, and fashion conversations. Includes Brazilian and European variants.",{"alt":33450,"src":33451,"width":27625,"height":33452,"previewOnly":32439},"Clothing and fashion vocabulary in Portuguese - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_26_094209_3d8ba6cda6\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_26_094209_3d8ba6cda6.png",428,[941,32441],1772089200000,{"id":33456,"documentId":33457,"slug":33458,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33459,"description":33460,"image":33461,"tags":33465,"timestampUnix":33466,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},1073,"tg0w5ekabrxrkdvlskfzunop","german-greetings","German Greetings: What to Say (And When to Say It)","Learn German greetings that actually matter—from formal Guten Tag to regional Moin and Grüß Gott. Plus when to use Sie vs du, and mistakes to avoid.",{"alt":33462,"src":33463,"width":32614,"height":33464,"previewOnly":32439},"german language","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fgerman_1_e8b288a44a\u002Fgerman_1_e8b288a44a.jpg",433,[940],1765592400000,{"id":23841,"documentId":33468,"slug":33469,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33470,"description":33471,"image":33472,"tags":33475,"timestampUnix":33476,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},"zaftitmultz1gg37z0wchpgb","german-pronouns","German Pronouns: Personal Pronouns, Cases & Grammar Guide","German pronouns change based on four cases. Learn German personal pronouns, possessive pronouns, reflexive pronouns and more with clear examples.",{"alt":33473,"src":33474,"width":13261,"height":9916,"previewOnly":32439},"german pronouns","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002F7bc2b016ae764f1bba2228dad6678b3c3d0f3949_2560x1260_3478688d7f\u002F7bc2b016ae764f1bba2228dad6678b3c3d0f3949_2560x1260_3478688d7f.jpg",[940],1764638400000,{"id":33478,"documentId":33479,"slug":33480,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33481,"description":33482,"image":33483,"tags":33488,"timestampUnix":33489,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},871,"zsz70efowc8k2l45kmrf4ojx","french-grammar-guide","Guide to Basic French Grammar: Learn What Actually Matters","Learn French grammar rules that matter. Master verbs, nouns, adjectives, and conjugation from real content. Skip the textbook BS and start speaking French.",{"alt":33484,"src":33485,"width":33486,"height":33487,"previewOnly":32439},"girl carrying flag of france","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fbcf_Beginning_Conversational_French_935x572_65b269572a\u002Fbcf_Beginning_Conversational_French_935x572_65b269572a.jpg",935,572,[940],1764639000000,{"id":33491,"documentId":33492,"slug":33493,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33494,"description":33495,"image":33496,"tags":33499,"timestampUnix":33500,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},801,"lits8rw2gbabc0b93wy06468","english-slang","English Slang Words: American & British Slang Guide 2025","Learn English slang words that native speakers actually use. Complete guide to American slang, British slang, and common slang terms with real examples.",{"alt":33497,"src":33498,"width":937,"height":32566,"previewOnly":32439},"english language artwork","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fimage_45_6015051d74\u002Fimage_45_6015051d74.png",[940],1764109200000,{"id":33502,"documentId":33503,"slug":33504,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33505,"description":33506,"image":33507,"tags":33511,"timestampUnix":33512,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},3752,"heikxn0ujnqvywmd3gfw3hwe","french-professions-vocabulary","French Professions Vocabulary: Jobs & Careers Guide","Let's talk about your profession in French! Learn French professions vocabulary with gender forms, pronunciation, and usage. Complete guide to job names.",{"alt":33508,"src":33509,"width":27625,"height":33510,"previewOnly":32439},"Job and profession vocabulary in French - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_24_015103_e473c7d91d\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_24_015103_e473c7d91d.png",382,[941,32441],1771894800000,{"id":33514,"documentId":33515,"slug":33516,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33517,"description":33518,"image":33519,"tags":33522,"timestampUnix":33523,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},802,"rjhmj8g9t7mbtrjz5wlo1idk","german-numbers","German Numbers 1 to 100: Learn How to Count in German","German numbers go backwards—\"four-and-twenty\" not \"twenty-four.\" Learn how to count from 1 to 100 in German, pronounce numbers correctly, and avoid mistakes.",{"alt":33520,"src":33521,"width":991,"height":16858,"previewOnly":32439},"numbers cartoon","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fmaxresdefault_35e6e6c4b7\u002Fmaxresdefault_35e6e6c4b7.jpg",[940],1764031800000,{"id":33525,"documentId":33526,"slug":33527,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33528,"description":33529,"image":33530,"tags":33534,"timestampUnix":32442,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},782,"exbfqa9rlbqy459wdks8241w","yes-in-portuguese","Yes in Portuguese: Sim & The Verb Repetition Pattern","Learn how to say yes in Portuguese beyond \"sim.\" Brazilians use verb repetition in conversation—here's the pattern with real examples and pronunciation tips.",{"alt":33531,"src":33532,"width":32713,"height":33533,"previewOnly":32439},"child yes expression","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FHD_wallpaper_yes_beach_cute_boy_vara_green_hand_copil_summer_child_funny_face_89d38a810f\u002FHD_wallpaper_yes_beach_cute_boy_vara_green_hand_copil_summer_child_funny_face_89d38a810f.jpg",588,[32441],{"id":33536,"documentId":33537,"slug":33538,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33539,"description":33540,"image":33541,"tags":33545,"timestampUnix":33546,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},951,"mgd9uoub8t070vmmumga40hp","how-to-learn-vietnamese","How to Learn Vietnamese: Beginner's Guide (2025)","Learn Vietnamese the right way. Master pronunciation, grammar basics, and vocabulary with proven methods that work. Start speaking Vietnamese in months, not years.",{"alt":33542,"src":33543,"width":33181,"height":33544,"previewOnly":32439},"vietnamese woman","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002F28_1411872313_5689_1718080110_ffdbf9372b\u002F28_1411872313_5689_1718080110_ffdbf9372b.webp",424,[940],1765070400000,{"id":33548,"documentId":33549,"slug":33550,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33551,"description":33552,"image":33553,"tags":33557,"timestampUnix":33558,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},953,"wl4ekebk88i85do3i9pr1qhm","portuguese-months","Portuguese Months: How to Say & Write Them Correctly","Learn Portuguese months with correct pronunciation, the critical lowercase rule, and how to form dates. Master what apps get wrong about calendar vocabulary.",{"alt":33554,"src":33555,"width":14688,"height":33556,"previewOnly":32439},"girl carrying a calendar","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fdownload_e17dd17e60\u002Fdownload_e17dd17e60.jpeg",775,[940],1765071000000,{"id":33560,"documentId":33561,"slug":33562,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33563,"description":33564,"image":33565,"tags":33569,"timestampUnix":33570,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},1081,"fnud8ztarthavv73am398hu7","i-love-you-in-portuguese","How to Say I Love You in Portuguese (Te Amo vs Amo-Te)","Learn the different ways to say I love you in Portuguese. Covers expressing love in Portuguese with te amo, amo-te, and when to use gostar, adorar, and amar.",{"alt":33566,"src":33567,"width":33568,"height":33568,"previewOnly":32439},"laptop in portuguese","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Flaptop_translate_to_european_portuguese_ea52491e33\u002Flaptop_translate_to_european_portuguese_ea52491e33.jpg",425,[940],1765593000000,{"id":33572,"documentId":33573,"slug":33574,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33575,"description":33576,"image":33577,"tags":33581,"timestampUnix":33582,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},873,"q6s40d2mwi52wkir2aio2vi7","italian-greetings","Italian Greetings: Say Hello & Goodbye Like a Native","Learn common Italian greetings like ciao, buongiorno, and buonasera. Master formal and informal ways to greet people in Italian without being rude.",{"alt":33578,"src":33579,"width":32565,"height":33580,"previewOnly":32439},"italian greetings","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Flezione_saluti_1_8c4b9c7b59\u002Flezione_saluti_1_8c4b9c7b59.jpg",586,[940],1764639780000,{"id":33584,"documentId":33585,"slug":33586,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33587,"description":33588,"image":33589,"tags":33592,"timestampUnix":33593,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},897,"qjdttwgumknoyo5c91esi58x","how-to-say-love-in-portuguese","How to Say Love in Portuguese (Te Amo vs Amo-Te)","Learn how to say love in Portuguese with real context. Covers te amo vs amo-te, Brazilian vs European Portuguese, and romantic phrases that native speakers actually use.",{"alt":33590,"src":33591,"width":32566,"height":32798,"previewOnly":32439},"heart symbol","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002F32826_thumb2_bc9f251914\u002F32826_thumb2_bc9f251914.jpg",[940],1764715800000,{"id":33595,"documentId":33596,"slug":33597,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33598,"description":33599,"image":33600,"tags":33603,"timestampUnix":33604,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},956,"gqv7tz871ssl544zx7y7rm7l","italian-grammar-guide","Italian Grammar Guide: What Actually Matters for Learners","Italian grammar explained clearly: gender, verb conjugation, adjectives, and word order. Skip the textbook overwhelm and learn what matters from real content.",{"alt":33601,"src":33602,"width":32565,"height":32566,"previewOnly":32439},"italian flag","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fcover_How_much_do_you_know_about_Italian_2f9f85edb9\u002Fcover_How_much_do_you_know_about_Italian_2f9f85edb9.png",[940],1765071900000,{"id":32565,"documentId":33606,"slug":33607,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33608,"description":33609,"image":33610,"tags":33614,"timestampUnix":33615,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},"m69vqpe6inouzcjad6lat4ry","english-grammar-guide","English Grammar Guide: What Works (And What Doesn't)","Most grammar guides teach you rules but not usage. Here's what actually works for learning English grammar from research on real language learning methods.",{"alt":33611,"src":33612,"width":29334,"height":33613,"previewOnly":32439},"grammar word","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fgrammar_3a28a0e21e\u002Fgrammar_3a28a0e21e.jpeg",410,[940],1764717120000,{"id":33617,"documentId":33618,"slug":33619,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33620,"description":33621,"image":33622,"tags":33625,"timestampUnix":33626,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},880,"fsf4fg89hjolghhux486fkes","learn-vietnamese-days-of-the-week","Vietnamese Days of the Week: Monday Is \"Second Day\"?","Learn Vietnamese days of the week with the thứ system. Find out why Monday means \"second day,\" master pronunciation, and use them in real conversations.",{"alt":33623,"src":33624,"width":937,"height":32867,"previewOnly":32439},"vietnamese costume","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fworld_costume_vietnam_8585f7f8ec\u002Fworld_costume_vietnam_8585f7f8ec.jpg",[940],1764641400000,{"id":33628,"documentId":33629,"slug":33630,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33631,"description":33632,"image":33633,"tags":33637,"timestampUnix":33638,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},957,"cwjfbe5kqrjpllp280kwe3xh","how-to-learn-german","How to Learn German: Complete Guide (That Actually Works)","Learn German from actual research, not app marketing. Real methods from the Goethe-Institut and linguistics professors for reaching fluency faster.",{"alt":33634,"src":33635,"width":32652,"height":33636,"previewOnly":32439},"german cartoon show","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fcartoon_biene_maja_d76c7381fc\u002Fcartoon_biene_maja_d76c7381fc.jpg",324,[940],1765071300000,{"id":33640,"documentId":33641,"slug":33642,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33643,"description":33644,"image":33645,"tags":33650,"timestampUnix":33651,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},959,"v60b943zcijkokrq3qpl71v3","french-numbers","French Numbers 1-100: Learn to Count in French (70-99 Explained)","French numbers are tricky—especially 70-99. Learn why French uses \"sixty-ten\" for 70, master the vigesimal system, and actually remember these numbers.",{"alt":33646,"src":33647,"width":33648,"height":33649,"previewOnly":32439},"french numbers","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fun_deux_trois_c1d249a24e\u002Fun_deux_trois_c1d249a24e.jpeg",960,534,[940],1765072140000,{"id":33653,"documentId":33654,"slug":33655,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33656,"description":33657,"image":33658,"tags":33661,"timestampUnix":33662,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4681,"y89gy6rtdalt3aczmwstjwqi","french-demonstrative-adjectives-ce-cet-cette-ces","French Demonstrative Adjectives: How to Use Ce Cet Cette Ces","Learn how to use French demonstrative adjectives ce, cet, cette, and ces correctly. Clear rules for gender agreement, vowels, and proximity with examples.",{"alt":33659,"src":33660,"width":27625,"height":20897,"previewOnly":32439},"How to use ce cet cette ces in French - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fcurious_french_woman_pointing_with_finger_up_refined_stylish_girl_yellow_beret_197531_14438_cb94b56fd9\u002Fcurious_french_woman_pointing_with_finger_up_refined_stylish_girl_yellow_beret_197531_14438_cb94b56fd9.avif",[8838,941,24904],1774026000000,{"id":33664,"documentId":33665,"slug":33666,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33667,"description":33668,"image":33669,"tags":33672,"timestampUnix":33673,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},876,"ja3idb59hpvifncrwswluejb","cantonese-days-of-the-week","Cantonese Days of the Week: Learn with YouTube Examples","Master the days of the week in Cantonese with 星期 (sing1 kei4) and 禮拜 (lai5 baai3). Simple number pattern, real video examples, pronunciation tips for Monday through Sunday.",{"alt":33670,"src":33671,"width":937,"height":937,"previewOnly":32439},"days of the week printout","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FDays_of_the_Week_30943c7d62\u002FDays_of_the_Week_30943c7d62.jpg",[],1764640800000,{"id":33675,"documentId":33676,"slug":33677,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33678,"description":33679,"image":33680,"tags":33685,"timestampUnix":33686,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},1138,"bfs8rx89gu5q6fbfyyjy0n5b","how-to-say-love-in-german","How to Say Love in German: Liebe, Lieben & Usage Guide","Learn how to say love in German with this practical guide. Native speaker context on Ich liebe dich vs. Ich hab' dich lieb, pet names, and real usage tips.",{"alt":33681,"src":33682,"width":33683,"height":33684,"previewOnly":32439},"heart sign","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fpexels_photo_10031322_42497be84f\u002Fpexels_photo_10031322_42497be84f.jpeg",6720,4480,[940],1765595400000,{"id":33688,"documentId":33689,"slug":33690,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33691,"description":33692,"image":33693,"tags":33696,"timestampUnix":33697,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},1084,"thknct3snh1v5e3yzjk42g4d","portuguese-verb-conjugation","Portuguese Verb Conjugation: No-BS Guide to Conjugate Verbs","Master Portuguese verb conjugation with this practical guide. Learn present tense, past tense, irregular verbs like ser and estar, plus the conjugator tricks native speakers actually use.",{"alt":33694,"src":33695,"width":33158,"height":32653,"previewOnly":32439},"woman learning portuguese","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fhappy_student_learn_portuguese_verbs_0ea42331e4\u002Fhappy_student_learn_portuguese_verbs_0ea42331e4.jpg",[940],1765594320000,{"id":33699,"documentId":33700,"slug":33701,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33702,"description":33703,"image":33704,"tags":33707,"timestampUnix":33708,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},3999,"p6euhtm3zt5iavozaw2btna6","portuguese-idioms-meanings-translations","Common Portuguese Idioms: Meanings & Literal Translations","Pick up 20+ essential Portuguese idioms with literal translations and real meanings. Master expressions like \"falar pelos cotovelos\" to sound natural.",{"alt":33705,"src":33706,"width":27625,"height":33135,"previewOnly":32439},"Common Portuguese idioms and their meanings - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fpagar_o_pato_a377cd3bad\u002Fpagar_o_pato_a377cd3bad.jpg",[941,31500,32441],1772096400000,{"id":33710,"documentId":33711,"slug":33712,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33713,"description":33714,"image":33715,"tags":33720,"timestampUnix":33721,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},1083,"y6xwppefwdkd009xzgib84bc","learn-french-re-verbs","French -RE Verbs: How to Conjugate Regular -RE Verbs (Guide)","Learn how to conjugate French -RE verbs with clear patterns, pronunciation tips, and common regular -RE verbs you'll actually use. Includes present tense, passé composé, and more.",{"alt":33716,"src":33717,"width":33718,"height":33719,"previewOnly":32439},"french woman","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FAdobe_Stock_579146222_798x338_1_30fac6154f\u002FAdobe_Stock_579146222_798x338_1_30fac6154f.jpeg",798,338,[940],1765594200000,{"id":33723,"documentId":33724,"slug":33725,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33726,"description":33727,"image":33728,"tags":33732,"timestampUnix":33733,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},1117,"t6w5vfl0wzlv0tpuwe93e5of","portuguese-subjunctive","Portuguese Subjunctive: A No-BS Guide to All 3 Tenses","Learn the Portuguese subjunctive mood without the confusion. Present, imperfect, and future subjunctive explained simply with trigger words and real examples.",{"alt":33729,"src":33730,"width":32713,"height":33731,"previewOnly":32439},"portuguese cartoon","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fimages_dff5a3631b\u002Fimages_dff5a3631b.jpeg",300,[940],1765678800000,{"id":33735,"documentId":33736,"slug":33737,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33738,"description":33739,"image":33740,"tags":33744,"timestampUnix":33733,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},1118,"jkzyaob8sr7k146csbz9lv5m","english-articles","English Articles Explained: A, An, The (No More Guessing)","Learn when to use a, an, and the in English. Clear rules for definite and indefinite articles, countable vs uncountable nouns, and the zero article.",{"alt":33741,"src":33742,"width":33158,"height":33743,"previewOnly":32439},"english articles","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fsddefault_61adf7aa67\u002Fsddefault_61adf7aa67.jpg",480,[940],{"id":33746,"documentId":33747,"slug":33748,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33749,"description":33750,"image":33751,"tags":33755,"timestampUnix":33756,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4682,"yevmzaeidm3kk5mqi5344ek6","english-body-parts-vocabulary-guide","English Body Parts: Complete Vocabulary Guide for Learners","Learn essential body parts in English with practical examples, common phrases, and proven strategies. From head to toe, master the vocabulary you'll actually use.",{"alt":33752,"src":33753,"width":27625,"height":33754,"previewOnly":32439},"Body part vocabulary in English - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2023_02_20_at_16_36_15_9454d9f07f\u002FScreenshot_2023_02_20_at_16_36_15_9454d9f07f.webp",1022,[941,32441],1774033200000,{"id":33758,"documentId":33759,"slug":33760,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33761,"description":33762,"image":33763,"tags":33766,"timestampUnix":33466,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},1086,"vn5ddqiymay12xx5rwmddfj5","yes in vietnamese","How to Say Yes in Vietnamese: Dạ, Vâng, Ừ & More","Learn how to say yes in Vietnamese with 6 different words. Dạ, vâng, có, ừ—which one you use depends on who you're talking to. Here's the full breakdown.",{"alt":33764,"src":33765,"width":1956,"height":32713,"previewOnly":32439},"yes expression","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fafif_ramdhasuma_D1z3dw_R_Oc44_unsplash_0_e372923354\u002Fafif_ramdhasuma_D1z3dw_R_Oc44_unsplash_0_e372923354.webp",[940],{"id":33768,"documentId":33769,"slug":33770,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33771,"description":33772,"image":33773,"tags":33778,"timestampUnix":33733,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},1119,"os9axh7itkhje7p754it2n14","vietnamese-slang","Vietnamese Slang Words: Guide to Sound Like a Local","Learn 25+ Vietnamese slang words and phrases that actual Vietnamese speakers use. From gấu to toang, sound like a local with this authentic guide.",{"alt":33774,"src":33775,"width":33776,"height":33777,"previewOnly":32439},"vietnamese slang","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002F1355_4d70235006\u002F1355_4d70235006.jpg",820,470,[940],{"id":33780,"documentId":33781,"slug":33782,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33783,"description":33784,"image":33785,"tags":33789,"timestampUnix":33733,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},1121,"jlh4hemoomwjn29qdwgcfpd8","italian-prepositions","Italian Prepositions Made Easy: How to Use Them Correctly","Master Italian prepositions di, a, da, in, su, per, tra, and fra. Learn articulated prepositions, common mistakes, and how to use them correctly with real examples.",{"alt":33786,"src":33787,"width":33788,"height":32545,"previewOnly":32439},"woman learning italian","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fitalian_prepositions_tablet_min_eca43c6899\u002Fitalian_prepositions_tablet_min_eca43c6899.webp",1140,[940],{"id":33791,"documentId":33792,"slug":33793,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33794,"description":33795,"image":33796,"tags":33800,"timestampUnix":33733,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},1127,"af4nc5tf2y6ystvfyinecap9","english-months","Months of the Year in English: Pronunciation & Vocabulary Guide","Master the 12 months of the year in English with pronunciation tips, spelling tricks, and grammar rules. Learn how July, February, October, November and more actually work.",{"alt":33797,"src":33798,"width":31616,"height":33799,"previewOnly":32439},"english months","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fmonths_8ab099e965\u002Fmonths_8ab099e965.png",512,[940],{"id":33802,"documentId":33803,"slug":33804,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33805,"description":33806,"image":33807,"tags":33811,"timestampUnix":33812,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},1151,"r85b5f50s5rnyo56fyqpdnwy","no-in-german","How to Say No in German: Nein, Nicht & Doch Explained","Learn different ways to say no in German beyond just nein. Master nicht, kein, doch, and casual slang like nee and nö with real examples and grammar tips.",{"alt":33808,"src":33809,"width":31616,"height":33810,"previewOnly":32439},"no in german","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fno_in_german_girl_hand_1024x683_67ae884703\u002Fno_in_german_girl_hand_1024x683_67ae884703.jpg",683,[940],1765686000000,{"id":33814,"documentId":33815,"slug":33816,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33817,"description":33818,"image":33819,"tags":33823,"timestampUnix":33824,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},3260,"ccsesel1ntpkc82ob0vmrl86","french-clothing-vocabulary","French Clothing Vocabulary: Complete Guide to Fashion Terms","Let's get ready for some shopping! Learn essential French clothing vocabulary from shirts to shoes. Guide with pronunciation tips and shopping phrases.",{"alt":33820,"src":33821,"width":27625,"height":33822,"previewOnly":32439},"Clothing and fashion vocabulary in French - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_23_021439_b5bcf1c685\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_23_021439_b5bcf1c685.png",395,[941,32441],1771758000000,{"id":33826,"documentId":33827,"slug":33828,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33829,"description":33830,"image":33831,"tags":33835,"timestampUnix":33466,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},1132,"pwe0mtcdrzxvo046pnbunt3v","portuguese-slang","Portuguese Slang Words That Make You Sound Natural","Master essential Portuguese slang words and phrases from Brazil and Portugal. Learn the colloquial expressions that make you sound more natural with native speakers.",{"alt":33832,"src":33833,"width":33834,"height":32602,"previewOnly":32439},"portuguese slang","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FHow_to_say_hello_in_Portuguese_f5e7050ba6\u002FHow_to_say_hello_in_Portuguese_f5e7050ba6.jpg",797,[940],{"id":29817,"documentId":33837,"slug":33838,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33839,"description":33840,"image":33841,"tags":33845,"timestampUnix":33846,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},"f29w9ns23nzgsbuhqqwe0x4d","no-in-italian","How to Say No in Italian: Different Ways + Grammar Rules","Learn all the ways to say no in Italian, from polite refusals to emphatic rejections. Plus the crucial \"no\" vs \"non\" grammar rule every learner needs.",{"alt":33842,"src":33843,"width":33844,"height":32602,"previewOnly":32439},"no hand sign","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FLearn_Italian_GO_say_no_in_italian_fcd0eaf36b\u002FLearn_Italian_GO_say_no_in_italian_fcd0eaf36b.jpg",740,[940],1765589100000,{"id":29903,"documentId":33848,"slug":33849,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33850,"description":33851,"image":33852,"tags":33855,"timestampUnix":33856,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},"s5dm4w7i7plu2y5nyelgp641","german-verb-conjugation","German Verb Conjugation: The Honest Guide That Actually Works","Master German verb conjugation with clear patterns for regular verbs, strong verbs, and modal verbs. Learn which tenses matter most and how to practice effectively.",{"alt":33853,"src":33854,"width":33776,"height":33777,"previewOnly":32439},"learn german","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FHow_to_learn_German_8832177a9d\u002FHow_to_learn_German_8832177a9d.png",[940],1765592700000,{"id":33858,"documentId":33859,"slug":33860,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33861,"description":33862,"image":33863,"tags":33867,"timestampUnix":33868,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},1147,"zknlge7xkzl3wxr03uy93yzb","portuguese-pronouns","Portuguese Pronouns: Complete Guide to Personal & Object Pronouns","Master Portuguese pronouns with this guide covering personal, object, possessive, and reflexive pronouns. Learn the differences between Brazilian and European Portuguese.",{"alt":33864,"src":33865,"width":33866,"height":33777,"previewOnly":32439},"portuguese pronouns","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002F0232_8a9903106d\u002F0232_8a9903106d.jpg",821,[940],1765685700000,{"id":33870,"documentId":33871,"slug":33872,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33873,"description":33874,"image":33875,"tags":33878,"timestampUnix":33466,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},1133,"dpb2iark446kcsf918yp8r5p","no-in-portuguese","How to Say No in Portuguese: Não, Double Negatives & More","Learn how to say no in Portuguese with não, double negatives, and polite phrases. Pronunciation tips and grammar rules for beginners learning European or Brazilian Portuguese.",{"alt":33876,"src":33877,"width":16016,"height":32566,"previewOnly":32439},"no sign","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002F7114347_e1698447227432_c7c0d37778\u002F7114347_e1698447227432_c7c0d37778.jpg",[940],{"id":16758,"documentId":33880,"slug":33881,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33882,"description":33883,"image":33884,"tags":33888,"timestampUnix":33889,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},"lyxtnestshh11ek6jkimrqqf","goodbye-in-portuguese","How to Say Goodbye in Portuguese (11 Ways That Actually Work)","Learn 11 ways to say goodbye in Portuguese, from casual tchau to formal adeus. Includes Brazilian vs. European differences, slang, and when to use each farewell.",{"alt":33885,"src":33886,"width":27625,"height":33887,"previewOnly":32439},"goodbye in portuguese","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FSaying_Goodbye_0ba2558994\u002FSaying_Goodbye_0ba2558994.jpg",667,[940],1765685400000,{"id":33891,"documentId":33892,"slug":33893,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33894,"description":33895,"image":33896,"tags":33900,"timestampUnix":33901,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4002,"mxjbubysdy505k32zpz7umq3","portuguese-animals-vocabulary","Portuguese Animals Vocabulary: Learn 100+ Animal Names","Essential Portuguese animal vocabulary with translations, gender forms, and examples. 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Brazilian and European Portuguese options for every level.",{"alt":33909,"src":33910,"width":27625,"height":33911,"previewOnly":32439},"The best Portuguese TV shows for language learners - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FPeople_watching_TV_2cdbb5604e\u002FPeople_watching_TV_2cdbb5604e.jpg",1270,[16019,31500,940,18445],1772125200000,{"id":33915,"documentId":33916,"slug":33917,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33918,"description":33919,"image":33920,"tags":33924,"timestampUnix":33925,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},1150,"bh4i7ypgout3690y63n4kvh4","italian-subjunctive","Italian Subjunctive Guide: How to Use Il Congiuntivo","Master the Italian subjunctive with this practical guide to il congiuntivo. Learn conjugation, triggers, and when to use the subjunctive in subordinate clauses.",{"alt":33921,"src":33922,"width":16016,"height":33923,"previewOnly":32439},"students speaking in italian","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002F700_863d6db8ea\u002F700_863d6db8ea.jpg",525,[940],1765686900000,{"id":33927,"documentId":33928,"slug":33929,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33930,"description":33931,"image":33932,"tags":33936,"timestampUnix":33937,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},3265,"d2skitgb9qphae2xi0jfylen","french-house-vocabulary","French House Vocabulary: Rooms and Furniture in French","Learn essential French house vocabulary for rooms, furniture, and appliances. Practical words for salon, cuisine, chambre, and more with usage tips.",{"alt":33933,"src":33934,"width":27625,"height":33935,"previewOnly":32439},"Home and furniture vocabulary in French - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_23_021601_fe4e0fc56c\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_23_021601_fe4e0fc56c.png",317,[941,32441],1771779600000,{"id":33939,"documentId":33940,"slug":33941,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33942,"description":33943,"image":33944,"tags":33947,"timestampUnix":33948,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},1101,"etp60er84dvbjfl4l6kq15wd","german-cases","German Cases Explained: Nominative, Accusative, Dative, Genitive","German cases confusing you? Learn what nominative, accusative, dative and genitive do, with examples showing how each noun declension actually works.",{"alt":33945,"src":33946,"width":13261,"height":9981,"previewOnly":32439},"german cases","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FGerman_Cases_Alternative_4f2e811572\u002FGerman_Cases_Alternative_4f2e811572.jpg",[940],1765682700000,{"id":33950,"documentId":33951,"slug":33952,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33953,"description":33954,"image":33955,"tags":33959,"timestampUnix":33733,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},1105,"gp4us545sdnclp0x542yk35m","how-to-say-i-love-you-in-vietnamese","How to Say I Love You in Vietnamese: Anh Yêu Em Explained","Learn how to say \"I love you\" in Vietnamese with the right pronouns. Anh yêu em, em yêu anh, and phrases for your partner, family member, or friend—explained by native speaker context.",{"alt":33956,"src":33957,"width":33958,"height":32653,"previewOnly":32439},"love symbol","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002F360_F_308397226_Z_Ze_Dgux_P7owq_P_Add_Tvmgi3s3_Y7q7_Wgrw_24c885a7bf\u002F360_F_308397226_Z_Ze_Dgux_P7owq_P_Add_Tvmgi3s3_Y7q7_Wgrw_24c885a7bf.jpg",714,[940],{"id":32416,"documentId":33961,"slug":33962,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33963,"description":33964,"image":33965,"tags":33968,"timestampUnix":33733,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},"y350lv15t1zzt0a0uvuhebn9","portuguese-greetings","Portuguese Greetings: Basic Phrases That Actually Work","Learn Portuguese greetings natives actually use. Say hello in Portuguese the right way—Brazilian vs. European differences, pronunciation tips, and more.",{"alt":33966,"src":33967,"width":32713,"height":33071,"previewOnly":32439},"portuguese greeting","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fgreetings_kiss_55a609785a\u002Fgreetings_kiss_55a609785a.jpg",[940],{"id":33970,"documentId":33971,"slug":33972,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33973,"description":33974,"image":33975,"tags":33978,"timestampUnix":33979,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},1153,"akpwwm54qazafi6r72ep4mup","english-phrasal-verbs","English Phrasal Verbs: Stop Being Confused by Them","English phrasal verbs explained with practical tips and examples. Learn what they are, the most common types, and how to actually master them without memorizing endless lists.",{"alt":33976,"src":33977,"width":991,"height":16858,"previewOnly":32439},"phrasal verbs example","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FI_Hye4c9_RQ_Tq_Beqi_WZBHW_Untitled_design_6b5b9771e5\u002FI_Hye4c9_RQ_Tq_Beqi_WZBHW_Untitled_design_6b5b9771e5.jpg",[940],1765687200000,{"id":33981,"documentId":33982,"slug":33983,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33984,"description":33985,"image":33986,"tags":33989,"timestampUnix":33990,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4686,"wdvo5hj4jhu5vge50lrn4gvt","portuguese-internet-slang","Portuguese Internet Slang: Gen Z Terms & Texting (2026)","Learn the Portuguese internet slang Brazilians actually use in 2026. From \"kkkkk\" to \"lacrou,\" master texting abbreviations and Gen Z terms to sound natural online.",{"alt":33987,"src":33988,"width":27625,"height":20897,"previewOnly":32439},"Popular Portuguese internet slang and online expressions - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fmobile_search_internet_browsing_people_using_phone_279525_18161_d7d9596fa8\u002Fmobile_search_internet_browsing_people_using_phone_279525_18161_d7d9596fa8.avif",[941,31500,32441],1774069260000,{"id":33992,"documentId":33993,"slug":33994,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":33995,"description":33996,"image":33997,"tags":34001,"timestampUnix":34002,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},3266,"xyp3vsblrczcb1fxudp5kum8","french-idioms-meanings-examples","Common French Idioms: Meanings and Real Usage Examples","Understand what poser un lapin, and other common French idioms mean. Bring your French learning to the next level and talk like a native with this list.",{"alt":33998,"src":33999,"width":27625,"height":34000,"previewOnly":32439},"Common French idioms and their meanings - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_23_022046_f9433819e8\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_23_022046_f9433819e8.png",381,[31500,32441],1771786800000,{"id":34004,"documentId":34005,"slug":34006,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34007,"description":34008,"image":34009,"tags":34012,"timestampUnix":34013,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4687,"xu9t7svwaen8a5v64kjolx9x","vietnamese-restaurant-phrases-order-food","Vietnamese Restaurant Phrases: Order Food Like a Local","Learn essential Vietnamese restaurant phrases to order food, ask questions, and pay the bill. Practical guide with pronunciation tips for travelers and beginners.",{"alt":34010,"src":34011,"width":27625,"height":32713,"previewOnly":32439},"How to order food at a restaurant in Vietnamese - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FSecret_Garden_Restaurant_a74e403d55\u002FSecret_Garden_Restaurant_a74e403d55.jpg",[941,32441],1774054860000,{"id":34015,"documentId":34016,"slug":34017,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34018,"description":34019,"image":34020,"tags":34024,"timestampUnix":34025,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},3269,"dp3p978bh0p3n8vjc1ve5pnk","french-comparatives-and-superlatives","French Comparatives and Superlatives Explained Simply","Master French comparatives and superlatives with explanations of plus, moins, que, meilleur, and mieux. Includes irregular forms and types of comparisons.",{"alt":34021,"src":34022,"width":27625,"height":34023,"previewOnly":32439},"How to make comparisons in French - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_23_022222_079c0eaeb9\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_23_022222_079c0eaeb9.png",340,[8838,941,32441,24904],1771794000000,{"id":34027,"documentId":34028,"slug":34029,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34030,"description":34031,"image":34032,"tags":34036,"timestampUnix":34037,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},1326,"zfguwb0r7xizkrtfycr0kcr1","learn-goodbye-in-french","How to Say Goodbye in French (15+ Ways That Sound Natural)","Learn different ways to say goodbye in French — from au revoir and salut to bonne journée and informal expressions. Real usage, not textbook French.",{"alt":34033,"src":34034,"width":34035,"height":33533,"previewOnly":32439},"goodbye in french","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fgoodbye_in_French_e1615814122178_239ece9449\u002Fgoodbye_in_French_e1615814122178_239ece9449.webp",1158,[940],1766283600000,{"id":34039,"documentId":34040,"slug":34041,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34042,"description":34043,"image":34044,"tags":34047,"timestampUnix":34037,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},1328,"y9w1kk0gh7iggrlhxwadkux8","how-to-learn-portuguese","How to Learn Portuguese: A No-BS Guide for Beginners","Learn Portuguese the right way. Real talk on pronunciation, grammar, and what actually works for English speakers trying to become fluent.",{"alt":34045,"src":34046,"width":33256,"height":32798,"previewOnly":32439},"learn portuguese","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FLearn_Portuguese_02f2651f01\u002FLearn_Portuguese_02f2651f01.jpg",[940],{"id":34049,"documentId":34050,"slug":34051,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34052,"description":34053,"image":34054,"tags":34057,"timestampUnix":34058,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},1347,"m1zsbxnsxqo0k93s8btafeen","is-cantonese-hard-to-learn","Is Cantonese Hard to Learn? Harder Than Mandarin? (Honest Take)","Is Cantonese hard to learn for English speakers? We break down what makes Cantonese harder than Mandarin, what's easier than expected, and how to actually learn it.",{"alt":34055,"src":34056,"width":32566,"height":32881,"previewOnly":32439},"boy thinking","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FS7_VQ_6h_G_Wyt_A7_M2_Qa_Wy_JU_Sb_fa71c0bf74\u002FS7_VQ_6h_G_Wyt_A7_M2_Qa_Wy_JU_Sb_fa71c0bf74.jpg",[940],1766370000000,{"id":34060,"documentId":34061,"slug":34062,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34063,"description":34064,"image":34065,"tags":34068,"timestampUnix":34058,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},1348,"mbfwri2o05umekke9aj3cnb3","how-to-learn-cantonese","How to Learn Cantonese: A Beginner's No-BS Guide","Want to learn Cantonese and start speaking with native speakers? This beginner's guide covers vocabulary, tones, and the best way to actually build Cantonese skills.",{"alt":34066,"src":34067,"width":33776,"height":33777,"previewOnly":32439},"awesome alt text","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FCantonese_ab4071d7a9\u002FCantonese_ab4071d7a9.png",[940],{"id":34070,"documentId":34071,"slug":34072,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34073,"description":34074,"image":34075,"tags":34078,"timestampUnix":34079,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4688,"an1ciz6iuc2ptdt7hlnby4m2","how-to-maintain-a-language","How to Maintain a Language: Keep Your Skills Sharp","Learn practical strategies to maintain language skills and prevent them from fading. Daily habits for reading, listening, speaking, and writing that actually work.",{"alt":34076,"src":34077,"width":27625,"height":14688,"previewOnly":32439},"How to keep your language skills from fading - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FBenefits_Of_Learning_A_New_Language_1920x1240_644bdc8704\u002FBenefits_Of_Learning_A_New_Language_1920x1240_644bdc8704.jpg",[940,18445],1774076460000,{"id":34081,"documentId":34082,"slug":34083,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34084,"description":34085,"image":34086,"tags":34088,"timestampUnix":34037,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},1327,"a7pu470subz58gukfmgu38fk","yes-in-german","How to Say Yes in German: 15+ Ways Beyond Ja","Learn different ways to say yes in German beyond just \"ja.\" From doch to genau to auf jeden fall—sound natural in any conversation with this guide.",{"alt":33764,"src":34087,"width":1956,"height":32713,"previewOnly":32439},"https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fafif_ramdhasuma_D1z3dw_R_Oc44_unsplash_0_57bfdbba35\u002Fafif_ramdhasuma_D1z3dw_R_Oc44_unsplash_0_57bfdbba35.webp",[940],{"id":34090,"documentId":34091,"slug":34092,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34093,"description":34094,"image":34095,"tags":34098,"timestampUnix":34099,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},3754,"o8b81amqgu5c1jbtjnwu6kpu","what-is-your-name-in-french","What Is Your Name in French: Ask and Answer Like a Native","Ask \"What is your name\" in French with Comment t'appelles-tu and respond with Je m'appelle. Includes audio, formal vs informal usage, and dialogues.",{"alt":34096,"src":34097,"width":27625,"height":33337,"previewOnly":32439},"How to ask and say your name in French - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_24_111435_11da78f2ac\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_24_111435_11da78f2ac.png",[8838,941,32441],1771902000000,{"id":34101,"documentId":34102,"slug":34103,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34104,"description":34105,"image":34106,"tags":34110,"timestampUnix":34037,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},1334,"hiykl8nxjbrah0y5qe23tdql","english-swear-words","English Swear Words: A Real Guide to Bad Words in English","Learn English swear words, their severity levels, and when to use them. A practical guide to curse words, profanity, and taboo language for English learners.",{"alt":34107,"src":34108,"width":34109,"height":33337,"previewOnly":32439},"angry expression","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fangry_south_asian_man_yelling_intense_facial_expression_in_indoor_setting_photo_84f5fa92d1\u002Fangry_south_asian_man_yelling_intense_facial_expression_in_indoor_setting_photo_84f5fa92d1.jpg",625,[940],{"id":34112,"documentId":34113,"slug":34114,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34115,"description":34116,"image":34117,"tags":34121,"timestampUnix":34122,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},3274,"bn75s3oebfv15al00xka6kwt","french-imperative-mood-commands","French Imperative Mood: How to Give Commands in French","French imperative mood explained. Here's how to give commands, make requests, and offer suggestions. Master conjugations for tu, vous, and nous forms.",{"alt":34118,"src":34119,"width":27625,"height":34120,"previewOnly":32439},"How to give commands in French using the imperative - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_23_022512_7d5159c3cb\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_23_022512_7d5159c3cb.png",316,[8838,941,32441,24904],1771801200000,{"id":34124,"documentId":34125,"slug":34126,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34127,"description":34128,"image":34129,"tags":34132,"timestampUnix":34058,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},1349,"kgiky9hyk40tj8kc1tcseivf","cantonese-greetings","Cantonese Greetings Guide: Hello, Goodbye & More Phrases","Learn essential Cantonese greetings spoken in Hong Kong—from 你好 to Chinese New Year phrases. Pronunciation tips, cultural context, and common greetings explained.",{"alt":34130,"src":34131,"width":33866,"height":33777,"previewOnly":32439},"cantonese greetings","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002F0172_2b38a8f6d1\u002F0172_2b38a8f6d1.jpg",[940],{"id":34134,"documentId":34135,"slug":34136,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34137,"description":34138,"image":34139,"tags":34141,"timestampUnix":34058,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},1353,"yv2dnwhqd3dn2jgxxh2cbxks","yes-in-english","20+ Ways to Say Yes in English (Sound Natural, Not Robotic)","Learn natural ways to say yes in English beyond the basic \"yes.\" From formal (certainly, absolutely) to casual (yeah, sure)—with real examples for every situation.",{"alt":33764,"src":34140,"width":20897,"height":33799,"previewOnly":32439},"https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fyes_in_japanese_768x512_00d095091f\u002Fyes_in_japanese_768x512_00d095091f.jpg",[940],{"id":34143,"documentId":34144,"slug":34145,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34146,"description":34147,"image":34148,"tags":34153,"timestampUnix":34058,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},1356,"u6lr7bb2mzljw4cd3ebnvchs","best-cantonese-learning-apps","Best Cantonese Learning App in 2025 (What Actually Works)","Looking for the best app to learn Cantonese? Here's an honest breakdown of what works, what doesn't, and how to actually achieve conversational fluency.",{"alt":34149,"src":34150,"width":34151,"height":34152,"previewOnly":32439},"children learning","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Ffff_cf6924ed2e\u002Ffff_cf6924ed2e.webp",735,390,[940],{"id":34155,"documentId":34156,"slug":34157,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34158,"description":34159,"image":34160,"tags":34162,"timestampUnix":34058,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},1357,"agu8qcsb2kxmearyj9vuzh43","i-love-you-in-cantonese","How to Say \"I Love You\" in Cantonese (What Natives Say)","Learn how to say I love you in Cantonese the way native speakers actually do it. Discover why 我鍾意你 beats 我愛你 for everyday romantic phrases.",{"alt":33956,"src":34161,"width":31362,"height":31363,"previewOnly":32439},"https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fpexels_photo_4091131_b6634b0f98\u002Fpexels_photo_4091131_b6634b0f98.jpeg",[940],{"id":34164,"documentId":34165,"slug":34166,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34167,"description":34168,"image":34169,"tags":34172,"timestampUnix":34058,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},1358,"k91m4zbiv4dfzcb2qw92w967","cantonese-numbers","Learn Cantonese Numbers 1-10 and Count Like a Local","Learn Cantonese numbers 1-10 with correct pronunciation, tones, and cultural context. Plus how to count higher, lucky\u002Funlucky numbers, and hand gestures.",{"alt":34170,"src":34171,"width":991,"height":16858,"previewOnly":32439},"numbers 1 to 10","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fmaxresdefault_0fd2efe48d\u002Fmaxresdefault_0fd2efe48d.jpg",[940],{"id":34174,"documentId":34175,"slug":34176,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34177,"description":34178,"image":34179,"tags":34183,"timestampUnix":34058,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},1359,"uyf6d1lm7gx5k5rp74rpt6qt","yes-in-cantonese","How to Say Yes in Cantonese: 係 (hai6) & Affirmative Guide","Learn how to say yes in Cantonese with 係 (hai6) and other affirmative expressions. Discover why Cantonese has no direct translation for \"yes\" and how to respond naturally.",{"alt":33764,"src":34180,"width":34181,"height":34182,"previewOnly":32439},"https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FDepositphotos_188036326_L_f501e4f9b5\u002FDepositphotos_188036326_L_f501e4f9b5.jpg",1999,1333,[940],{"id":34185,"documentId":34186,"slug":34187,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34188,"description":34189,"image":34190,"tags":34192,"timestampUnix":34058,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},1360,"jn0ve7bcx97wclmysio1px8i","english-days-of-the-week","Days of the Week in English: Pronunciation, Grammar & Idioms","Master the English days of the week with correct pronunciation (yes, Wednesday is tricky), grammar rules, common idioms like \"Monday blues,\" and practical usage tips.",{"alt":33243,"src":34191,"width":991,"height":16858,"previewOnly":32439},"https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fmaxresdefault_1_052dee4168\u002Fmaxresdefault_1_052dee4168.jpg",[940],{"id":34194,"documentId":34195,"slug":34196,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34197,"description":34198,"image":34199,"tags":34202,"timestampUnix":34203,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4691,"da7uisbkdkk782hpkk7123lw","italian-demonstrative-adjectives-questo-quello","Italian Demonstrative Adjectives: Questo, Quello Guide","Learn how Italian demonstrative adjectives work. Complete guide to questo and quello forms with examples, usage rules, and tips for gender\u002Fnumber agreement.",{"alt":34200,"src":34201,"width":27625,"height":32602,"previewOnly":32439},"How to use questo quello and related forms in Italian - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FVia_del_Corso_Rome_1_e2b1c574ab\u002FVia_del_Corso_Rome_1_e2b1c574ab.jpg",[8838,941,24904],1774098060000,{"id":34205,"documentId":34206,"slug":34207,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34208,"description":34209,"image":34210,"tags":34213,"timestampUnix":34214,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4692,"ca1qrxw9vusl2b3kmv1zmbvj","best-german-shows-for-language-learners","Best German Shows for Language Learners in 2026","Find the best German shows on Netflix and streaming platforms for every level. From beginner reality TV to advanced thrillers like Dark and Babylon Berlin.",{"alt":34211,"src":34212,"width":27625,"height":33617,"previewOnly":32439},"The best German TV shows for language learners - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fpexels_cottonbro_studio_4009402_1320x880_3c3d38c46b\u002Fpexels_cottonbro_studio_4009402_1320x880_3c3d38c46b.jpg",[16019,940],1774105260000,{"id":34216,"documentId":34217,"slug":34218,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34219,"description":34220,"image":34221,"tags":34224,"timestampUnix":34225,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4694,"vtvx7m5eeb2eg9k1j2b8jtht","french-transport-vocabulary","French Transport Vocabulary: Essential Travel Words & Phrases","Learn essential French transport vocabulary for trains, buses, cars, and more. Practical phrases for navigating French public transportation and travel.",{"alt":34222,"src":34223,"width":27625,"height":33810,"previewOnly":32439},"Transportation vocabulary in French - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FFrench_Train_51a6b52de7\u002FFrench_Train_51a6b52de7.jpeg",[941,32441],1774112400000,{"id":34227,"documentId":34228,"slug":34229,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34230,"description":34231,"image":34232,"tags":34236,"timestampUnix":34237,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4695,"rizmtz4fupgqjnv8yyuaqew4","how-long-to-learn-english","How Long to Learn English? Real Timelines for Each Level","Realistic timelines for learning English at each CEFR level, from A1 to C2. Get honest hour estimates, factors affecting speed, and what you can actually do at each stage.",{"alt":34233,"src":34234,"width":27625,"height":34235,"previewOnly":32439},"How long it takes to learn English at each level - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FLearning_Strategies_for_the_ESL_Classroom_400ef77c8f\u002FLearning_Strategies_for_the_ESL_Classroom_400ef77c8f.jpg",1599,[940,18445],1774119600000,{"id":34239,"documentId":34240,"slug":34241,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34242,"description":34243,"image":34244,"tags":34248,"timestampUnix":34249,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},2315,"yrxl9syb2pfffihdy1w48zca","french-colors-gender-rules","French Colors: Gender Rules and Agreement Explained","Talking about colours is essential for traveling! Learn colours in French and their adjectives with proper gender and number agreement rules.",{"alt":34245,"src":34246,"width":27625,"height":34247,"previewOnly":32439},"How to say colors in French with gender rules - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fimages_1_a4eaff4ab0\u002Fimages_1_a4eaff4ab0.jpg",191,[8838,941,32441,24904],1770116400000,{"id":34251,"documentId":34252,"slug":34253,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34254,"description":34255,"image":34256,"tags":34259,"timestampUnix":34260,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4700,"ay7pxc4ehw121a19nnnop7v7","happy-birthday-in-vietnamese","Happy Birthday in Vietnamese: Pronunciation & Cultural Tips","Learn how to say happy birthday in Vietnamese with proper pronunciation, formal variations, and cultural context. Includes tones, phrases, and party customs.",{"alt":34257,"src":34258,"width":27625,"height":16016,"previewOnly":32439},"How to say happy birthday in Vietnamese - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fpic_of_birthday_cake_with_candles_55bc2b5c95\u002Fpic_of_birthday_cake_with_candles_55bc2b5c95.jpg",[941,32441],1774141200000,{"id":34262,"documentId":34263,"slug":34264,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34265,"description":34266,"image":34267,"tags":34270,"timestampUnix":34271,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},2320,"nrhzm8mgei30r1jzugrtuhc9","french-travel-phrases","Essential French Phrases Travelers Need to Know","It would take 250 days to go over all the collections in the Louvre... Ready to explore France and the essential French phrases for your trip?",{"alt":34268,"src":34269,"width":27625,"height":32602,"previewOnly":32439},"Essential French travel phrases you need to know - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fthe_glass_pyramid_is_2be152c6e2\u002Fthe_glass_pyramid_is_2be152c6e2.jpg",[8838,941,32441,24904],1770130800000,{"id":34273,"documentId":34274,"slug":34275,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34276,"description":34277,"image":34278,"tags":34282,"timestampUnix":34283,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},2321,"fjywy5f88pyytc9ky5difsig","how-long-to-learn-french","How Long Does It Take to Learn French Until Fluency?","Here are the realistic timelines for learning French by CEFR level. From 60 hours to A1 up to 750+ for B2, plus factors that speed up your progress.",{"alt":34279,"src":34280,"width":27625,"height":34281,"previewOnly":32439},"How long it takes to learn French at each level - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fistockphoto_939841380_612x612_dc5da07f18\u002Fistockphoto_939841380_612x612_dc5da07f18.jpg",408,[940,18445],1770145200000,{"id":34285,"documentId":34286,"slug":34287,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34288,"description":34289,"image":34290,"tags":34294,"timestampUnix":34295,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},2322,"r7d3oi4wp8saowynz5w0mx7q","french-question-words-how-to-form-questions","French Question Words: How to Ask Questions in French","We all need to ask questions when traveling... That's when French question words (qui, que, où) come into play. Explore how to form questions in French.",{"alt":34291,"src":34292,"width":27625,"height":34293,"previewOnly":32439},"How to form questions in French - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fistockphoto_477912113_612x612_fbf972c579\u002Fistockphoto_477912113_612x612_fbf972c579.jpg",558,[8838,941,32441,24904],1770159600000,{"id":34297,"documentId":34298,"slug":34299,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34300,"description":34301,"image":34302,"tags":34305,"timestampUnix":34306,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},2154,"qnuiey0iz6eolf4xtiqv29z0","japanese-ads-in-the-west","10 Iconic Ads from Japanese Brands That Conquered Western Markets","Honda's Cog, Sony's Balls, Nintendo's Wii—how Japanese brands adapted their philosophy for Western audiences and created advertising legends.",{"alt":3567,"src":34303,"width":33844,"height":34304,"previewOnly":32439},"https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fblackpanther_bfe361f006\u002Fblackpanther_bfe361f006.jpeg",416,[31500],1769846040000,{"id":34308,"documentId":34309,"slug":34310,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34311,"description":34312,"image":34313,"tags":34317,"timestampUnix":34318,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},2363,"lmpmaveq9c5afr6t99bgjzj7","french-body-parts-vocabulary-guide","French Body Parts: Essential Vocabulary Guide","French body parts vocabulary saves you trouble when talking to a doctor! Learn the basic words here with gender rules and practical expressions.",{"alt":34314,"src":34315,"width":27625,"height":34316,"previewOnly":32439},"Body part vocabulary in French - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_04_090841_80290c36eb\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_04_090841_80290c36eb.png",355,[8838,941,32441,24904],1770188400000,{"id":34320,"documentId":34321,"slug":34322,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34323,"description":34324,"image":34325,"tags":34328,"timestampUnix":34329,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4705,"q05qnf5f14clg1qhn83an61j","portuguese-sports-vocabulary","Portuguese Sports Vocabulary: Essential Words and Examples","Learn portuguese sports vocabulary with practical examples, from basic sport names to action verbs and game terminology. Includes pronunciation tips.",{"alt":34326,"src":34327,"width":27625,"height":33071,"previewOnly":32439},"Sports vocabulary in Portuguese with examples - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fcontent_5e46076103\u002Fcontent_5e46076103.jpg",[941,32441],1774155600000,{"id":34331,"documentId":34332,"slug":34333,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34334,"description":34335,"image":34336,"tags":34339,"timestampUnix":34340,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},2327,"ey100yjyadtj36y3t9g0mag0","french-alphabet-pronunciation-guide","French Alphabet: Pronunciation Guide With Accents","What does the French alphabet look like? Complete guide on French alphabet with pronunciation for all 26 letters, accents, and differences from English.",{"alt":34337,"src":34338,"width":27625,"height":33024,"previewOnly":32439},"The French alphabet with pronunciation and accents - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_04_053044_0f5ddfe3dd\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_04_053044_0f5ddfe3dd.png",[8838,941,32441,24904],1770174000000,{"id":27995,"documentId":34342,"slug":34343,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34344,"description":34345,"image":34346,"tags":34349,"timestampUnix":34350,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},"qa3k6btcwiao6iod42pnc6wx","language-learning-with-video-games","Language Learning with Video Games: Complete Guide","Learn how to use video games for language learning with practical strategies, game recommendations, and tips that actually work for building fluency.",{"alt":34347,"src":34348,"width":27625,"height":16858,"previewOnly":32439},"How to use video games for language learning - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002F07c_Si_E9clgz_Uqz_O9_Xweslk_E_7_fc79529a71\u002F07c_Si_E9clgz_Uqz_O9_Xweslk_E_7_fc79529a71.webp",[940,18445],1774162800000,{"id":34352,"documentId":34353,"slug":34354,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34355,"description":34356,"image":34357,"tags":34360,"timestampUnix":34361,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5480,"sc2oyy0kjrue2zvfpve5z3bj","vietnamese-family-vocabulary","Vietnamese Family Vocabulary: Complete Guide to Family Terms","Learn Vietnamese family vocabulary with this complete guide. Discover how Vietnamese family terms work, from siblings to extended relatives and in-laws.",{"alt":34358,"src":34359,"width":27625,"height":32894,"previewOnly":32439},"Family member vocabulary in Vietnamese - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002F7_ok_910aa82fc6\u002F7_ok_910aa82fc6.jpg",[941,32441],1774861200000,{"id":34363,"documentId":34364,"slug":34365,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34366,"description":34367,"image":34368,"tags":34371,"timestampUnix":34372,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5101,"e6nqlbd41p6wg1lxxrft5rbt","portuguese-phone-conversation-phrases","Portuguese Phone Conversation Phrases: Talk on the Phone","Learn essential portuguese phone conversation phrases for greetings, asking for someone, leaving messages, and ending calls in Brazilian and European Portuguese.",{"alt":34369,"src":34370,"width":27625,"height":937,"previewOnly":32439},"How to talk on the phone in Portuguese - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fmobile_portugal_f2f2f3ebad\u002Fmobile_portugal_f2f2f3ebad.webp",[941,32441],1774530060000,{"id":34374,"documentId":34375,"slug":34376,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34377,"description":34378,"image":34379,"tags":34382,"timestampUnix":34383,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4711,"pao3gj9tl8k0pilkmjafke75","see-you-later-in-italian","See You Later in Italian: 12+ Ways to Say Goodbye","Learn how to say see you later in Italian with ci vediamo, a dopo, and other essential phrases. Includes pronunciation, formal vs informal usage, and slang.",{"alt":34380,"src":34381,"width":27625,"height":32533,"previewOnly":32439},"How to say see you later in Italian - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fistock_915620968_3bfab2f66b\u002Fistock_915620968_3bfab2f66b.jpeg",[941,32441],1774184400000,{"id":34385,"documentId":34386,"slug":34387,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34388,"description":34389,"image":34390,"tags":34393,"timestampUnix":34394,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4712,"e94flzurbqqrmiucxee32zbe","how-are-you-in-german","How Are You in German: 12+ Ways to Ask (Formal & Casual)","Learn how to say \"how are you\" in German with formal phrases like \"Wie geht es Ihnen?\", casual greetings, slang variations, and how to respond naturally.",{"alt":34391,"src":34392,"width":27625,"height":32545,"previewOnly":32439},"Different ways to say how are you in German - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fhow_to_say_hello_in_German_friends_min_0222cbb2df\u002Fhow_to_say_hello_in_German_friends_min_0222cbb2df.webp",[941,32441],1774191600000,{"id":34396,"documentId":34397,"slug":34398,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34399,"description":34400,"image":34401,"tags":34404,"timestampUnix":34405,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5326,"fr33jwuiofxx4bue09ybkwpe","english-travel-phrases","Essential English Travel Phrases You Actually Need","Useful English travel phrases for airports, hotels, restaurants, and emergencies. Practical expressions that help you communicate abroad.",{"alt":34402,"src":34403,"width":27625,"height":32653,"previewOnly":32439},"Essential English phrases for traveling - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002F1mj4u12000f1cjr176235_Z_640_10000_R5_jpg_f99f1e4a54\u002F1mj4u12000f1cjr176235_Z_640_10000_R5_jpg_f99f1e4a54.webp",[941,32441,2036],1773133200000,{"id":34407,"documentId":34408,"slug":34409,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34410,"description":34411,"image":34412,"tags":34415,"timestampUnix":34416,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5784,"mcj8jr7iok0pby4n98w68fgh","german-idioms-common-expressions-meanings","German Idioms: Common Expressions and Their Real Meanings","Learn German idioms with literal translations and meanings, from \"Ich verstehe nur Bahnhof\" to food idioms. Explore interesting idioms with cultural notes.",{"alt":34413,"src":34414,"width":27625,"height":32566,"previewOnly":32439},"Common German idioms and their meanings - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fst_large_507x507_pad_600x600_f8f8f8_846cd44680\u002Fst_large_507x507_pad_600x600_f8f8f8_846cd44680.jpg",[941,31500,32441],1773414000000,{"id":34418,"documentId":34419,"slug":34420,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34421,"description":34422,"image":34423,"tags":34427,"timestampUnix":34428,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4714,"tiz6b0trn4ju8i9th1vl1p2z","french-sports-vocabulary","French Sports Vocabulary: Essential Terms and Examples","Learn essential french sports vocabulary including sport names, action verbs, equipment terms, and phrases. Complete guide with practical examples for learners.",{"alt":34424,"src":34425,"width":27625,"height":34426,"previewOnly":32439},"Sports vocabulary in French with examples - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FDEST_FRANCE_PEOPLE_WOMAN_HIKER_CHAMONIX_Getty_Images_675834103_616a2b9cdf\u002FDEST_FRANCE_PEOPLE_WOMAN_HIKER_CHAMONIX_Getty_Images_675834103_616a2b9cdf.jpg",1312,[941,32441],1774198800000,{"id":34430,"documentId":34431,"slug":34432,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34433,"description":34434,"image":34435,"tags":34439,"timestampUnix":34440,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4716,"ea4nl8nf1hs4o9bv3l2pln19","english-passive-voice-guide","English Passive Voice: How to Form and Use It Correctly","Learn how to form and use the English passive voice across all tenses. Clear examples, conversion tips, and when to use passive vs active voice.",{"alt":34436,"src":34437,"width":27625,"height":34438,"previewOnly":32439},"How to form and use the passive voice in English - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Froyal_mail_letter_hub_letter_postbox_711x414_1_71a95d3aec\u002Froyal_mail_letter_hub_letter_postbox_711x414_1_71a95d3aec.jpg",474,[8838,24904],1774206000000,{"id":34442,"documentId":34443,"slug":34444,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34445,"description":34446,"image":34447,"tags":34450,"timestampUnix":34451,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},2368,"l3osfitt0rxrxna4mrcwhdgg","french-weather-vocabulary","French Weather Vocabulary: Talk About Weather in French","Describe French weather like a pro! Learn French weather terms with essential patterns and talk about the weather confidently.",{"alt":34448,"src":34449,"width":27625,"height":34281,"previewOnly":32439},"Talking about the weather in French - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fistockphoto_1935422974_612x612_69b38962a4\u002Fistockphoto_1935422974_612x612_69b38962a4.jpg",[8838,941,32441,24904],1770231600000,{"id":34453,"documentId":34454,"slug":34455,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34456,"description":34457,"image":34458,"tags":34462,"timestampUnix":34463,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4721,"w22ka34vi5mm1n9ibxs5dcl1","vietnamese-travel-phrases","Vietnamese Travel Phrases: Essential Words for Vietnam","Learn essential vietnamese travel phrases for your Vietnam trip. Greetings, food ordering, directions, shopping, and emergencies with pronunciation guides.",{"alt":34459,"src":34460,"width":27625,"height":34461,"previewOnly":32439},"Essential Vietnamese phrases for traveling in Vietnam - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fog_travel_hub_16x9_f9dc513cc4\u002Fog_travel_hub_16x9_f9dc513cc4.jpeg",1125,[941,32441],1774227600000,{"id":34465,"documentId":34466,"slug":34467,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34468,"description":34469,"image":34470,"tags":34474,"timestampUnix":34475,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},2278,"cl50nh0ff5psy9d7m0utk5nz","french-slang-words-expressions","Modern French Slang: 40+ Words Gen Z Actually Uses in 2026","Your treasure trove of current French slang is here! - from verlan (meuf) to Gen Z phrases (sah, cheum). Tips to sound natural in casual conversations.",{"alt":34471,"src":34472,"width":27625,"height":34473,"previewOnly":32439},"Modern French slang words and expressions - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_03_050216_98a787a5b9\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_03_050216_98a787a5b9.png",333,[941,31500,32441],1770087600000,{"id":34477,"documentId":34478,"slug":34479,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34480,"description":34481,"image":34482,"tags":34487,"timestampUnix":34488,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},2370,"xtwygrd65wlblntay6vjbe92","italian-months-complete-guide","Italian Months: Complete Guide to the Months of the Year","Which month is the best for visiting Italy? Learn the months with pronunciation tips, grammar rules, and cultural insights with this guide.",{"alt":34483,"src":34484,"width":34485,"height":34486,"previewOnly":32439},"The months of the year in Italian - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fistockphoto_961259832_170667a_a6f368da3b\u002Fistockphoto_961259832_170667a_a6f368da3b.jpg",997,339,[8838,941,32441,24904],1770246000000,{"id":34490,"documentId":34491,"slug":34492,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34493,"description":34494,"image":34495,"tags":34499,"timestampUnix":34500,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5482,"vbzlhkxbksviskf93uokjy75","portuguese-passive-voice-guide","Portuguese Passive Voice: Formation and Usage Guide","Learn how to form and use the passive voice in Portuguese with ser + past participle and the impersonal se construction. Includes examples and conjugations.",{"alt":34496,"src":34497,"width":27625,"height":34498,"previewOnly":32439},"How to form and use the passive voice in Portuguese - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_04_02_023637_b1fcab0baa\u002FScreenshot_2026_04_02_023637_b1fcab0baa.png",309,[8838,24904],1774875660000,{"id":34502,"documentId":34503,"slug":34504,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34505,"description":34506,"image":34507,"tags":34511,"timestampUnix":34512,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},2279,"sb5mmnx9zkos7wqnpoi56f49","french-food-vocabulary","French Food Vocabulary: Essential Terms for Dining and Cooking","Interested in cooking French cuisine? Learn essential French food vocabulary, including ingredients, cooking terms, and restaurant phrases, with examples.",{"alt":34508,"src":34509,"width":27625,"height":34510,"previewOnly":32439},"Essential French food and dining vocabulary - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Ffrench_food_macarons_shutterstock_62967172_2_98ce4e4a6b\u002Ffrench_food_macarons_shutterstock_62967172_2_98ce4e4a6b.jpg",334,[8838,941,31500,32441],1770102000000,{"id":34514,"documentId":34515,"slug":34516,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34517,"description":34518,"image":34519,"tags":34523,"timestampUnix":34524,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},2371,"asxe1mab25q7v2vl5jsaonkz","italian-food-vocabulary-essential-dining-phrases","Italian Food Vocabulary: Essential Menu and Dining Terms","You need more nuanced terms to complete your Italian food journey! Master antipasto, primo, dolci, and other Italian food words here.",{"alt":34520,"src":34521,"width":27625,"height":34522,"previewOnly":32439},"Essential Italian food vocabulary and dining phrases - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FHomemade_Ground_Beef_Lasagna_f5e4eb65c2\u002FHomemade_Ground_Beef_Lasagna_f5e4eb65c2.png",628,[8838,941,31500,32441],1770260400000,{"id":34526,"documentId":34527,"slug":34528,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34529,"description":34530,"image":34531,"tags":34534,"timestampUnix":34535,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5012,"icnpmo2asww2mkjbx88wjpxv","vietnamese-verb-tenses-time-markers","Vietnamese Verb Tenses: How Time Markers Replace Conjugation","Vietnamese verbs don't conjugate. 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Play-based methods, apps, immersion techniques, and age-specific tips that actually work.",{"alt":34543,"src":34544,"width":27625,"height":20897,"previewOnly":32439},"How to help children learn a second language - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fmedium_shot_happy_kids_painting_23_2149199886_28c23b9ee4\u002Fmedium_shot_happy_kids_painting_23_2149199886_28c23b9ee4.avif",[940,18445],1774882860000,{"id":34548,"documentId":34549,"slug":34550,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34551,"description":34552,"image":34553,"tags":34557,"timestampUnix":34558,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},2374,"eso3dr8ab1c7fhsqay8o05j0","italian-colors-vocabulary-grammar-guide","Italian Colors: Vocabulary and Grammar Rules Explained","What do the colors in Italian flag represent? Unlock the complete palette of Italian colors with pronunciation tips and grammar for adjective agreement.",{"alt":34554,"src":34555,"width":27625,"height":34556,"previewOnly":32439},"How to say colors in Italian with grammar tips - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_05_080055_ce190e3c37\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_05_080055_ce190e3c37.png",475,[8838,941,32441],1770274800000,{"id":34560,"documentId":34561,"slug":34562,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34563,"description":34564,"image":34565,"tags":34569,"timestampUnix":34570,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},2781,"g39bkud3elx97o3xkdx68b6e","portuguese-false-friends","Portuguese False Friends: Cognates That Confuse Learners","Learn the most common Portuguese false friends that trip up English speakers. Avoid embarrassing mistakes with this guide to tricky cognates and their real meanings.",{"alt":34566,"src":34567,"width":27625,"height":34568,"previewOnly":32439},"Portuguese-English false cognates that confuse learners - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_16_020450_817ee6f1fe\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_16_020450_817ee6f1fe.png",453,[941,32441],1771066800000,{"id":34572,"documentId":34573,"slug":34574,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34575,"description":34576,"image":34577,"tags":34580,"timestampUnix":34581,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4913,"hzajb5mljg0q9it9te8yow0k","vietnamese-school-vocabulary","Vietnamese School Vocabulary: Classroom Terms You'll Use","Essential Vietnamese school vocabulary from classroom items to academic subjects. Practical terms for students, teachers, and anyone learning Vietnamese.",{"alt":34578,"src":34579,"width":27625,"height":32713,"previewOnly":32439},"School and education vocabulary in Vietnamese - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fvietnam_education_system_ishcmc_1_0179c0fec1\u002Fvietnam_education_system_ishcmc_1_0179c0fec1.webp",[941,32441],1772931600000,{"id":34583,"documentId":34584,"slug":34585,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34586,"description":34587,"image":34588,"tags":34592,"timestampUnix":34593,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},2782,"w3tdiuyj7otunorvkupzmjvq","portuguese-body-parts-vocabulary-guide","Portuguese Body Parts: Complete Vocabulary Guide","Enjoy working out at the gym? Learn essential Portuguese body parts vocabulary from head to toe. Brazilian vs European differences explained clearly.",{"alt":34589,"src":34590,"width":27625,"height":34591,"previewOnly":32439},"Body part vocabulary in Portuguese - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_16_020645_4bbe239d5c\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_16_020645_4bbe239d5c.png",404,[941,32441],1771074000000,{"id":34595,"documentId":34596,"slug":34597,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34598,"description":34599,"image":34600,"tags":34603,"timestampUnix":34604,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},2783,"mzzsy7rh0e46q6tquswnactf","portuguese-weather-vocabulary","Portuguese Weather Vocabulary: Essential Words & Phrases","Should you bring an umbrella today? 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Includes conjugation rules, examples, and when to use each tense together.",{"alt":34612,"src":34613,"width":27625,"height":34614,"previewOnly":32439},"Understanding the French past tenses passe compose and imparfait - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_12_022132_73ca4861c3\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_12_022132_73ca4861c3.png",376,[8838,24904],1770836400000,{"id":34618,"documentId":34619,"slug":34620,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34621,"description":34622,"image":34623,"tags":34627,"timestampUnix":34628,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},2743,"x9a0yra7ylw2o4bmpibjv537","french-family-vocabulary","French Family Vocabulary: Complete Guide to Family Terms","Mère, père, frère, belle-mère, and all essential family terms with usage tips are here for your use! Learn the complete French family vocabulary here.",{"alt":34624,"src":34625,"width":27625,"height":34626,"previewOnly":32439},"Family member vocabulary in French - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_12_022254_82af21aa17\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_12_022254_82af21aa17.png",387,[941,32441],1770850800000,{"id":34630,"documentId":34631,"slug":34632,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34633,"description":34634,"image":34635,"tags":34639,"timestampUnix":34640,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},2786,"f07kyjilevra9vuhkcf6w21y","portuguese-family-vocabulary","Portuguese Family Vocabulary: Essential Words You Need","Words stick in the memory better in chunks. Learn Portuguese family vocabulary with this complete guide covering pronunciation tips.",{"alt":34636,"src":34637,"width":27625,"height":34638,"previewOnly":32439},"Family member vocabulary in Portuguese - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_16_020939_95c5b1baaa\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_16_020939_95c5b1baaa.png",472,[941,32441],1771088400000,{"id":34642,"documentId":34643,"slug":34644,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34645,"description":34646,"image":34647,"tags":34651,"timestampUnix":34652,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},2744,"qb28hhftp8vcunf1ftq7o032","french-false-friends-faux-amis","French False Friends: 24 Faux Amis That Confuse Learners","Don't get tripped by these most common French false friends (faux amis)! Avoid embarrassing mistakes with these French-English cognates.",{"alt":34648,"src":34649,"width":27625,"height":34650,"previewOnly":32439},"French-English false cognates that confuse learners - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_12_092438_a1dc25d0f6\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_12_092438_a1dc25d0f6.png",193,[941,32441,940],1770865200000,{"id":34654,"documentId":34655,"slug":34656,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34657,"description":34658,"image":34659,"tags":34663,"timestampUnix":34664,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},2787,"kqaz806h36yj0273ddob3ehd","portuguese-emotions-vocabulary","Portuguese Emotions Vocabulary: Express Feelings Naturally","You'd like to talk about how you feel today. But what's the accurate word for it? Learn Portuguese emotions vocabulary with examples for conversations.",{"alt":34660,"src":34661,"width":27625,"height":34662,"previewOnly":32439},"How to express emotions and feelings in Portuguese - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_16_021042_55abbd11c0\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_16_021042_55abbd11c0.png",396,[941,32441],1771095600000,{"id":34666,"documentId":34667,"slug":34668,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34669,"description":34670,"image":34671,"tags":34674,"timestampUnix":34675,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},2745,"flk6q3ce4jq4p7f2rr2liyu3","french-time-expressions","French Time Expressions: How to Tell Time in French","Learn French time expressions, from basic clock time (Il est...) to daily phrases. Master telling time, using heure, and essential temporal vocabulary.",{"alt":34672,"src":34673,"width":27625,"height":32739,"previewOnly":32439},"How to tell time and use time expressions in French - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_13_085709_71bb0e8d54\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_13_085709_71bb0e8d54.png",[8838,941,32441],1770958800000,{"id":34677,"documentId":34678,"slug":34679,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34680,"description":34681,"image":34682,"tags":34686,"timestampUnix":34687,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},2793,"vfpks7c2044drz7ntvg80zta","portuguese-past-tense-preterito-imperfeito","Portuguese Past Tense: Preterito vs Imperfeito Explained","Let's talk about the past. Learn when to use pretérito perfeito vs imperfeito in Portuguese. Clear conjugation patterns with practical tips.",{"alt":34683,"src":34684,"width":27625,"height":34685,"previewOnly":32439},"Understanding Portuguese past tenses preterito and imperfeito - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_16_021327_52afbe7e71\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_16_021327_52afbe7e71.png",398,[8838,941,24904],1771102800000,{"id":34689,"documentId":34690,"slug":34691,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34692,"description":34693,"image":34694,"tags":34698,"timestampUnix":34699,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},2746,"h2sq9yb7lw551ka8d3z6yem3","french-articles-guide-le-la-les-un-une-des","French Articles Guide: Le, La, Les, Un, Une, Des Explained","Take your first step to learn French articles. Covering definite (le, la, les), indefinite (un, une, des), and partitive articles (du, de la).",{"alt":34695,"src":34696,"width":32713,"height":34697,"previewOnly":32439},"Understanding French articles le la les un une des - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_13_085828_866f4faf8a\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_13_085828_866f4faf8a.png",205,[8838,24904],1770966000000,{"id":34701,"documentId":34702,"slug":34703,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34704,"description":34705,"image":34706,"tags":34710,"timestampUnix":34711,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},2903,"wzvps8kh8ags4cweh1ljcp2b","how-to-learn-vocabulary-fast","How to Learn Vocabulary Fast: Proven Methods for Learners","Memorizing a whole list is not gonna work. Try to learn vocabulary fast using spaced repetition, context-based learning, and active practice.",{"alt":34707,"src":34708,"width":27625,"height":34709,"previewOnly":32439},"The fastest methods for memorizing foreign vocabulary - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_19_021002_2196c2f492\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_19_021002_2196c2f492.png",294,[8838,941,32441],1771434000000,{"id":34713,"documentId":34714,"slug":34715,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34716,"description":34717,"image":34718,"tags":34722,"timestampUnix":34723,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5102,"zuu09d72o68sb9ia13z0dsgb","language-learning-with-podcasts","Language Learning With Podcasts: How to Actually Improve","Learn how to use podcasts effectively for language learning. Discover the right methods, best formats, and daily routines that actually build fluency.",{"alt":34719,"src":34720,"width":27625,"height":34721,"previewOnly":32439},"How to use podcasts effectively for language learning - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fpodcast_as_brain_enhancer_1_708efa3831\u002Fpodcast_as_brain_enhancer_1_708efa3831.jpg",665,[16019,940],1774537260000,{"id":34725,"documentId":34726,"slug":34727,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34728,"description":34729,"image":34730,"tags":34733,"timestampUnix":34734,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},2747,"u98cjvdy500wrpqkvc62qxh1","french-emotions-vocabulary","French Emotions Vocabulary: Express Feelings Naturally","Go through essential French emotions vocabulary with practical examples, gender agreement rules, and common expressions to describe how you feel.",{"alt":34731,"src":34732,"width":27625,"height":32701,"previewOnly":32439},"How to express emotions and feelings in French - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_16_013428_94ebc5662e\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_16_013428_94ebc5662e.png",[941,32441],1770973200000,{"id":34736,"documentId":34737,"slug":34738,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34739,"description":34740,"image":34741,"tags":34745,"timestampUnix":34746,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},2748,"ng559e4aj4yi6i0psdab9wqt","good-morning-in-french","How to Say Good Morning in French (And When to Use It)","Only know about bonjour? Learn how to say good morning in French with bonjour, salut, and other greetings. Includes pronunciation tips and cultural notes.",{"alt":34742,"src":34743,"width":27625,"height":34744,"previewOnly":32439},"How to say good morning in French - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_16_013601_e2084c92e2\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_16_013601_e2084c92e2.png",257,[941,32441],1770980400000,{"id":34748,"documentId":34749,"slug":34750,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34751,"description":34752,"image":34753,"tags":34756,"timestampUnix":34757,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},2463,"keenkyikogdlpq3whumatv9l","italian-question-words","Italian Question Words: How to Ask Questions in Italian","Master Italian question words like chi, cosa, quando, and dove. Learn how to form questions, use prepositions, and speak naturally with practical examples.",{"alt":34754,"src":34755,"width":34485,"height":34281,"previewOnly":32439},"How to ask questions in Italian - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fistockphoto_693649754_612x612_a7a70c84e2\u002Fistockphoto_693649754_612x612_a7a70c84e2.jpg",[8838,941,32441,24904],1770289200000,{"id":34759,"documentId":34760,"slug":34761,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34762,"description":34763,"image":34764,"tags":34768,"timestampUnix":34769,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},2464,"rvsj5p74qjov4ctcuu5skhd2","how-long-to-learn-italian","How Long Does It Take to Learn Italian? CEFR Timelines Here!","Realistic timelines for learning Italian from A1 to C2 according to CEFR standards. Get hour estimates on how long to become fluent in Italian.",{"alt":34765,"src":34766,"width":27625,"height":34767,"previewOnly":32439},"How long it takes to learn Italian at each level - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_06_013535_0854c411f4\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_06_013535_0854c411f4.png",481,[8838,940],1770303600000,{"id":34771,"documentId":34772,"slug":34773,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34774,"description":34775,"image":34776,"tags":34779,"timestampUnix":34780,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},2465,"v6y98afhd1m03zv65ztbmgyf","italian-sentence-structure","Italian Sentence Structure: Basic to Advanced Rules","The basic SVO pattern is simple, but don't stop there! Here are more word order rules of Italian sentences. Understand pronoun dropping, negation, etc.",{"alt":34777,"src":34778,"width":27625,"height":33392,"previewOnly":32439},"Basic to advanced Italian sentence structure rules - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_06_013956_8550ade3f1\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_06_013956_8550ade3f1.png",[8838,24904],1770318000000,{"id":34782,"documentId":34783,"slug":34784,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34785,"description":34786,"image":34787,"tags":34790,"timestampUnix":34791,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},2466,"ti31a0j5qw2uwokk39bdcefv","portuguese-food-vocabulary","Portuguese Food Vocabulary: Essential Words for Dining Out","Your one-stop essential Portuguese food vocabulary list is here! Covers meats, desserts, drinks, and useful dining phrases for Portugal and Brazil.",{"alt":34788,"src":34789,"width":27625,"height":27625,"previewOnly":32439},"Essential Portuguese food and restaurant vocabulary - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FPortugese_Foods_You_Need_To_Try_at_Least_Once_FT_2_BLOG_1122_852171ee3e1f4a3fb63c3ebe8353f836_557998400a\u002FPortugese_Foods_You_Need_To_Try_at_Least_Once_FT_2_BLOG_1122_852171ee3e1f4a3fb63c3ebe8353f836_557998400a.jpg",[941,31500,32441],1770332400000,{"id":34793,"documentId":34794,"slug":34795,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34796,"description":34797,"image":34798,"tags":34802,"timestampUnix":34803,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},2471,"bg7bxpszej9h8kxslmy2zof2","portuguese-colors-complete-guide","Portuguese Colors: Complete Guide to Color Vocabulary","Want to describe the unique colors of Portuguese architecture? Learn Portuguese colors with pronunciation, gender agreement rules, and practical examples.",{"alt":34799,"src":34800,"width":27625,"height":34801,"previewOnly":32439},"How to say colors in Portuguese - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_06_080117_4e070263c3\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_06_080117_4e070263c3.png",328,[941,32441],1770346800000,{"id":34805,"documentId":34806,"slug":34807,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34808,"description":34809,"image":34810,"tags":34814,"timestampUnix":34815,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},2472,"jhmoayowgjs7ugevz7os3qal","portuguese-question-words","Portuguese Question Words: How to Ask Questions Naturally","Curious about how to form natural Portuguese questions? Learn Portuguese question words (quem, que, quando, onde) with examples and common mistakes.",{"alt":34811,"src":34812,"width":27625,"height":34813,"previewOnly":32439},"How to ask questions in Portuguese - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_06_080608_bb4dd6acef\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_06_080608_bb4dd6acef.png",365,[8838,941,32441,24904],1770361200000,{"id":34817,"documentId":34818,"slug":34819,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34820,"description":34821,"image":34822,"tags":34826,"timestampUnix":34827,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},2475,"eqdu4rg2i7ekzaw4hq2721rk","portuguese-sentence-structure-beginners","Portuguese Sentence Structure: Basic Guide for Beginners","Learn basic Portuguese sentence structure with SVO patterns, verb conjugations, questions, and negatives. Simple guide with examples for beginners.",{"alt":34823,"src":34824,"width":27625,"height":34825,"previewOnly":32439},"Basic Portuguese sentence structure for beginners - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_09_082047_bb09744d0a\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_09_082047_bb09744d0a.png",466,[8838,24904],1770390000000,{"id":34829,"documentId":34830,"slug":34831,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34832,"description":34833,"image":34834,"tags":34837,"timestampUnix":34838,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},2525,"vjmvrb3b6mhrr740squ9slki","portuguese-travel-phrases","Basic Portuguese Phrases for Travel You Need to Know","Portuguese phrases for greetings, dining, and cultural expressions with pronunciation. If not this trip, maybe next time they will come in handy!",{"alt":34835,"src":34836,"width":27625,"height":14689,"previewOnly":32439},"Essential Portuguese travel phrases you need to know - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FAdobe_Stock_593917660_1546eac59b\u002FAdobe_Stock_593917660_1546eac59b.jpeg",[941,32441],1770404400000,{"id":34840,"documentId":34841,"slug":34842,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34843,"description":34844,"image":34845,"tags":34848,"timestampUnix":34849,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},2753,"cickipthaxq401q2yx2jh123","good-night-in-french","How to Say Good Night in French (Bonne Nuit and More)","Do the French actually say \"bonne nuit\" for good night? Here's what you need to know! Basic phrases with context explained.",{"alt":34846,"src":34847,"width":27625,"height":32915,"previewOnly":32439},"How to say good night in French - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_16_013726_dc31f06e4c\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_16_013726_dc31f06e4c.png",[941,32441],1770994800000,{"id":34851,"documentId":34852,"slug":34853,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34854,"description":34855,"image":34856,"tags":34860,"timestampUnix":34861,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},2754,"av4ip2bzx62i79g2my95gn61","italian-travel-phrases","Italian Travel Phrases: Essential Words for Your Italy Trip","Greetings, directions, dining, emergencies... There are so many scenarios that learning common Italian phrases can make your trip to Italy smoother!",{"alt":34857,"src":34858,"width":27625,"height":34859,"previewOnly":32439},"Essential Italian phrases for traveling - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_16_013911_511ab4f03a\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_16_013911_511ab4f03a.png",673,[941,32441],1771009200000,{"id":34863,"documentId":34864,"slug":34865,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34866,"description":34867,"image":34868,"tags":34872,"timestampUnix":34873,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},2755,"lehy8yrso0i6q7gvcn430ic6","italian-false-friends","Italian False Friends: 30+ Tricky Words That Confuse Learners","Taking shortcuts can lead to mistakes! Learn the most common Italian false friends that trip up English speakers.",{"alt":34869,"src":34870,"width":27625,"height":34871,"previewOnly":32439},"Italian-English false cognates that confuse learners - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_16_014545_123f10b70c\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_16_014545_123f10b70c.png",356,[941,6047,24904],1771016400000,{"id":34875,"documentId":34876,"slug":34877,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34878,"description":34879,"image":34880,"tags":34883,"timestampUnix":34884,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},2756,"a5ipz0iffkdjs1ei0npy3mzt","italian-body-parts-vocabulary-guide","Italian Body Parts: Complete Vocabulary Guide for Learners","From head to toe, learn these body parts in Italian to deal with more than an emergency. Includes practical tips to master anatomical terms fast.",{"alt":34881,"src":34882,"width":27625,"height":32738,"previewOnly":32439},"Body part vocabulary in Italian - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_16_014945_c9eac83271\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_16_014945_c9eac83271.png",[941,32441],1771023600000,{"id":34886,"documentId":34887,"slug":34888,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34889,"description":34890,"image":34891,"tags":34895,"timestampUnix":34896,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},2757,"gbm2eq9agm199t7t2c0016e9","italian-weather-vocabulary","Italian Weather Vocabulary: Talk About the Weather Like a Local","Learn essential Italian weather vocabulary, from basic terms like piove and temporale to advanced idioms. Master how to talk about the weather naturally.",{"alt":34892,"src":34893,"width":27625,"height":34894,"previewOnly":32439},"Talking about the weather in Italian - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_16_015339_ba6cbe125f\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_16_015339_ba6cbe125f.png",308,[941,32441],1771038000000,{"id":34898,"documentId":34899,"slug":34900,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34901,"description":34902,"image":34903,"tags":34907,"timestampUnix":34908,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5825,"tdils9vqx1juqzncre8nhlvx","portuguese-directional-words","Portuguese Directional Words: Navigate Like a Local","Give and ask directions with essential Portuguese directional words and phrases. Practical vocabulary for travelers and language learners.",{"alt":34904,"src":34905,"width":27625,"height":34906,"previewOnly":32439},"How to give and understand directions in Portuguese - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002F2_days_in_Lisbon_itinerary_Lisboa_sign_feat_image_196de3633d\u002F2_days_in_Lisbon_itinerary_Lisboa_sign_feat_image_196de3633d.jpg",866,[941,32441,2036],1773464400000,{"id":34910,"documentId":34911,"slug":34912,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34913,"description":34914,"image":34915,"tags":34919,"timestampUnix":34920,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},2759,"u5ye1jfx7t00boim75ib0u59","italian-articles-guide","Italian Articles Guide: Il, La, Lo, Le, Un, Una Explained","Why do Italian articles take time to learn? Understand il, la, lo, le, gli, un, una and master definite and indefinite articles fast.",{"alt":34916,"src":34917,"width":27625,"height":34918,"previewOnly":32439},"Understanding Italian articles il la lo le un una - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_16_015709_caf02bc623\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_16_015709_caf02bc623.png",233,[8838,941,24904],1771052400000,{"id":34922,"documentId":34923,"slug":34924,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34925,"description":34926,"image":34927,"tags":34930,"timestampUnix":34931,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},2760,"rwihkn3dzimxv5d0zra16sv9","italian-emotions-vocabulary","Italian Emotions Vocabulary: Express Feelings Like a Native","Express happiness, fear, love, and anger naturally in conversations. Here is essential Italian emotions vocabulary with practical phrases.",{"alt":34928,"src":34929,"width":27625,"height":34591,"previewOnly":32439},"How to express emotions and feelings in Italian - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_16_020010_71e4a1f0b3\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_16_020010_71e4a1f0b3.png",[941,32441],1771059600000,{"id":34933,"documentId":34934,"slug":34935,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34936,"description":34937,"image":34938,"tags":34942,"timestampUnix":34943,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5826,"x92d2vmpixsaajjrspndoz5z","translation-vs-immersion-learning","Translation vs Immersion Learning: What Is Slowing You Down","Thinking in translation creates a mental bottleneck that kills fluency. Learn why immersion learning works better and how to stop translating in your head.",{"alt":34939,"src":34940,"width":27625,"height":34941,"previewOnly":32439},"Why thinking in translation slows down language learning - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002F0x0_9d00e6245f\u002F0x0_9d00e6245f.webp",827,[940,18445],1773471600000,{"id":34945,"documentId":34946,"slug":34947,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34948,"description":34949,"image":34950,"tags":34954,"timestampUnix":34955,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},2607,"jcz9grnzdjfo70cp6n0x8h31","easiest-languages-to-learn-for-english-speakers","Easiest Languages to Learn for English Speakers (2026)","Discover the easiest languages for English speakers to learn in 2026. From Norwegian to Spanish, learn which languages take just 600 hours vs 2,200+.",{"alt":34951,"src":34952,"width":27625,"height":34953,"previewOnly":32439},"The easiest languages for English speakers to learn - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_10_093234_7f306773d9\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_10_093234_7f306773d9.png",524,[31500,940,18445],1770634800000,{"id":34957,"documentId":34958,"slug":34959,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34960,"description":34961,"image":34962,"tags":34966,"timestampUnix":34967,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},2613,"v6cuzwp2jvvh4duvsdt3jx1p","comprehensible-input-method-language-learning","How the Comprehensible Input Method Works for Learning","Classroom teaching and textbook learning are not for everyone. Learn how comprehensible input improves language acquisition beyond traditional methods.",{"alt":34963,"src":34964,"width":27625,"height":34965,"previewOnly":32439},"How comprehensible input works for language learning - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_10_093509_31295f63f2\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_10_093509_31295f63f2.png",422,[16019,940,18445],1770649200000,{"id":34969,"documentId":34970,"slug":34971,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34972,"description":34973,"image":34974,"tags":34978,"timestampUnix":34979,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},2614,"svvt9murwkgvwfsj8ne3j40f","sentence-mining-guide-learn-vocabulary-faster","Sentence Mining Guide: Learn Vocabulary Faster in 2026","Are you still drilling through isolated new words? Learn how to use sentence mining in immersion for language learning. Covers the 1T rule, SRS, and tips.",{"alt":34975,"src":34976,"width":27625,"height":34977,"previewOnly":32439},"How to use sentence mining to learn vocabulary faster - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_10_093746_5c897a7fc3\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_10_093746_5c897a7fc3.png",486,[8838,940,18445],1770678000000,{"id":34981,"documentId":34982,"slug":34983,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34984,"description":34985,"image":34986,"tags":34990,"timestampUnix":34991,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},2615,"snatpjo4ehlw8h4upolvrh5g","break-through-language-learning-plateau","How to Break Through a Language Learning Plateau in 2026","Stuck at intermediate? Learn 7 proven strategies to overcome your language learning plateau and start making real progress again with immersion.",{"alt":34987,"src":34988,"width":27625,"height":34989,"previewOnly":32439},"How to break through a language learning plateau - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_10_165027_59d8757339\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_10_165027_59d8757339.png",522,[8838,16019,940,18445],1770692400000,{"id":34993,"documentId":34994,"slug":34995,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":34996,"description":34997,"image":34998,"tags":35002,"timestampUnix":35003,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},2616,"n5ugyxv4axfktmfxsrkh48xd","how-to-watch-foreign-movies-for-language-learning","How to Watch Foreign Movies to Learn a Language in 2026","Passive watching can't get you anywhere. Learn exactly how to watch movies for language learning with subtitle strategies and tools that actually work.",{"alt":34999,"src":35000,"width":27625,"height":35001,"previewOnly":32439},"Using movies and TV shows to learn a language effectively - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_10_165206_e451388acc\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_10_165206_e451388acc.png",541,[8838,16019,940,18445],1770706800000,{"id":35005,"documentId":35006,"slug":35007,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":35008,"description":35009,"image":35010,"tags":35013,"timestampUnix":35014,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4764,"izpbdh0hxnj8gmkh48jzs5w4","language-learning-journal-guide","Language Learning Journal: Write Your Way to Fluency Faster","Keeping a language learning journal accelerates fluency through active practice, progress tracking, and personalized learning. Here's how to start today.",{"alt":35011,"src":35012,"width":27625,"height":33887,"previewOnly":32439},"How keeping a journal accelerates language learning - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fgirl_writing_in_ajournal_1024x1024_1_e06b03bddb\u002Fgirl_writing_in_ajournal_1024x1024_1_e06b03bddb.webp",[16019,940,18445],1772830800000,{"id":35016,"documentId":35017,"slug":35018,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":35019,"description":35020,"image":35021,"tags":35024,"timestampUnix":35025,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},3757,"oyes8n762wb0kpkrjr705vh3","italian-past-tense-passato-prossimo-imperfetto","Italian Past Tense: Passato Prossimo vs Imperfetto Guide","Learn how to use Italian past tense correctly. Clear explanations of passato prossimo and imperfetto with examples, formation rules, and when to use each.",{"alt":35022,"src":35023,"width":27625,"height":34662,"previewOnly":32439},"Understanding Italian past tenses passato prossimo and imperfetto - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_24_111540_5909ae1262\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_24_111540_5909ae1262.png",[8838,24904],1771909200000,{"id":35027,"documentId":35028,"slug":35029,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":35030,"description":35031,"image":35032,"tags":35035,"timestampUnix":35036,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4765,"lli50v1mvmofymqpntj3k3da","grammar-vs-immersion-debate","Grammar vs Immersion Debate: What Actually Works","The grammar vs immersion debate misses the point. Here's what works for language learning and why you probably need both approaches.",{"alt":35033,"src":35034,"width":27625,"height":32713,"previewOnly":32439},"Should you study grammar or just immerse yourself - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fwoman_singing_in_car_b2d4e13670\u002Fwoman_singing_in_car_b2d4e13670.webp",[16019,940,18445,24904],1772838000000,{"id":35038,"documentId":35039,"slug":35040,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":35041,"description":35042,"image":35043,"tags":35046,"timestampUnix":35047,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5486,"wga2ottm8t1m93g6sesqdsnk","italian-directional-words-guide","Italian Directional Words: Navigate Italy Like a Local","Learn essential Italian directional words and phrases to ask for and understand directions. Master destra, sinistra, dritto, and navigate Italian cities confidently.",{"alt":35044,"src":35045,"width":27625,"height":32545,"previewOnly":32439},"How to give and understand directions in Italian - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002F1600_X1000_tutto_quello_che_c_e_da_sapere_per_guidare_in_italia_hero_1_f7ddaa189a\u002F1600_X1000_tutto_quello_che_c_e_da_sapere_per_guidare_in_italia_hero_1_f7ddaa189a.webp",[941,32441],1774904400000,{"id":35049,"documentId":35050,"slug":35051,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":35052,"description":35053,"image":35054,"tags":35058,"timestampUnix":35059,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},3758,"wmqfrs37artrujtjxs3xgfco","italian-future-tense","Italian Future Tense: Formation and Usage Guide","Learn how to form and use the Italian future tense with clear conjugation patterns, irregular verbs, and real-world usage examples for all skill levels.",{"alt":35055,"src":35056,"width":27625,"height":35057,"previewOnly":32439},"How to form and use the Italian future tense - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_24_111655_35bbb5e651\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_24_111655_35bbb5e651.png",337,[8838,24904],1771916400000,{"id":35061,"documentId":35062,"slug":35063,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":35064,"description":35065,"image":35066,"tags":35069,"timestampUnix":35070,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},2935,"pzy9u2hioaw61p43idqaaft6","language-exchange-tips","Language Exchange Tips: How to Actually Improve Fast","Stop wasting time in unproductive language exchange sessions. Learn how to structure conversation exchanges and speak the language fluently in the end.",{"alt":35067,"src":35068,"width":27625,"height":33731,"previewOnly":32439},"How to get the most out of language exchange partners - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_19_021141_b4355e77a7\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_19_021141_b4355e77a7.png",[8838,16019,31500,940],1771441200000,{"id":35072,"documentId":35073,"slug":35074,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":35075,"description":35076,"image":35077,"tags":35080,"timestampUnix":35081,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},2936,"no980ndy1h3y95kvtd3qtvqx","shadowing-language-learning-pronunciation","Shadowing Language Learning: Improve Your Pronunciation Fast","Is shadowing worth it? Learn how shadowing works to improve pronunciation, intonation, and fluency. Step-by-step guide with tips for all levels.",{"alt":35078,"src":35079,"width":27625,"height":33036,"previewOnly":32439},"How to use the shadowing technique to improve pronunciation - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_19_021404_a9860f061f\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_19_021404_a9860f061f.png",[8838,16019,940,18445],1771455600000,{"id":35083,"documentId":35084,"slug":35085,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":35086,"description":35087,"image":35088,"tags":35091,"timestampUnix":35092,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},2939,"m425g0zcmlmlgonnmbp76yvl","anki-settings-for-language-learning","Best Anki Settings for Language Learning (2026 Guide)","Optimize your Anki settings for language learning with this complete guide. 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Complete guide to possessive adjectives with rules, examples, and common mistakes to avoid.",{"alt":35377,"src":35378,"width":32713,"height":32457,"previewOnly":32439},"How to use mon ma mes ton ta tes in French - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_24_014542_dadba2dd8a\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_24_014542_dadba2dd8a.png",[8838,941,24904],1771873200000,{"id":35382,"documentId":35383,"slug":35384,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":35385,"description":35386,"image":35387,"tags":35391,"timestampUnix":35392,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},3764,"yr2elhzzm3hmyfu8oarkt4u5","italian-clothing-vocabulary","Italian Clothing Vocabulary: Essential Fashion Terms","Complete Italian clothing vocabulary lists for shopping, travel, and conversation. Guide to clothes, shoes, and useful phrases with English translation.",{"alt":35388,"src":35389,"width":27625,"height":35390,"previewOnly":32439},"Clothing and fashion vocabulary in Italian - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_25_022544_120282b13f\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_25_022544_120282b13f.png",277,[941,32441],1771938000000,{"id":35394,"documentId":35395,"slug":35396,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":35397,"description":35398,"image":35399,"tags":35402,"timestampUnix":35403,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},3765,"ld04tdehlikab4f4gei1x0z1","italian-house-vocabulary","Italian House Vocabulary: Learn Home and Furniture Words","Explore lists of essential Italian house vocabulary for rooms, furniture, and appliances. Practical words you'll use to describe homes and daily life.",{"alt":35400,"src":35401,"width":27625,"height":32640,"previewOnly":32439},"Home and furniture vocabulary in Italian - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_25_022701_77c1278bad\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_25_022701_77c1278bad.png",[941,32441],1771952400000,{"id":35405,"documentId":35406,"slug":35407,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":35408,"description":35409,"image":35410,"tags":35413,"timestampUnix":35414,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4933,"gfm0rnbnt8aifjt15s0fbzzi","vietnamese-emotions-vocabulary","Vietnamese Emotions Vocabulary: Express Feelings Naturally","Express your feelings with the essential Vietnamese emotions vocabulary. 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Learn Italian family vocabulary from immediate family to in-laws.",{"alt":35422,"src":35423,"width":27625,"height":35424,"previewOnly":32439},"Family member vocabulary in Italian - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_16_015540_95b89262da\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_16_015540_95b89262da.png",455,[941,32441],1771045200000,{"id":35428,"documentId":35429,"slug":35430,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":35431,"description":35432,"image":35433,"tags":35437,"timestampUnix":35438,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},3184,"yc1f36gypqb2ge9pq65rcu7a","french-future-tense-guide","French Future Tense: Formation and Usage Guide","Learn how to form and use the French future tense with futur simple and futur proche. Includes conjugation rules, irregular verbs, and practice tips.",{"alt":35434,"src":35435,"width":27625,"height":35436,"previewOnly":32439},"How to form and use the French future tense - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_23_020736_a096ea3eb3\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_23_020736_a096ea3eb3.png",271,[8838,32441,24904],1771736400000,{"id":35440,"documentId":35441,"slug":35442,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":35443,"description":35444,"image":35445,"tags":35448,"timestampUnix":35449,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},3185,"vo13evash5v0xwf6vqsaiocg","french-conditional-tense-guide","French Conditional Tense: Formation and Usage Guide","I would check this post if I were you! Learn how to decode and recode this conditional tense in French. Clear rules, examples, and common usage patterns.",{"alt":35446,"src":35447,"width":27625,"height":33083,"previewOnly":32439},"How to form and use the French conditional - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_23_021027_531ae1f5e2\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_23_021027_531ae1f5e2.png",[8838,32441,24904],1771743600000,{"id":35451,"documentId":35452,"slug":35453,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":35454,"description":35455,"image":35456,"tags":35459,"timestampUnix":35460,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},3186,"sctln8dqi0gts0sgpj02pk0z","french-prepositions-guide","French Prepositions: Common Uses and Examples Explained","Each language follows its own logic on preposition usage. Learn French prepositions like à, de, and en with practical examples and idiomatic expressions.",{"alt":35457,"src":35458,"width":27625,"height":33131,"previewOnly":32439},"Common French prepositions and how to use them - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_23_021220_d61720a768\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_23_021220_d61720a768.png",[8838,941,32441,24904],1771750800000,{"id":35462,"documentId":35463,"slug":35464,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":35465,"description":35466,"image":35467,"tags":35470,"timestampUnix":35471,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4934,"p9kzz4ert24qr9sqwfhkgkv3","german-comparatives-and-superlatives","German Comparatives and Superlatives: Complete Guide","Learn how to form and use German comparatives and superlatives with -er and -st endings. Includes irregular forms, als vs wie, and practical examples.",{"alt":35468,"src":35469,"width":27625,"height":16016,"previewOnly":32439},"How to make comparisons in German - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Flatte_vs_flat_white_2_fa63b28515\u002Flatte_vs_flat_white_2_fa63b28515.webp",[8838,24904],1772982000000,{"id":35473,"documentId":35474,"slug":35475,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":35476,"description":35477,"image":35478,"tags":35481,"timestampUnix":35482,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5489,"eoo624jl510qzsq695nmmx2w","best-english-shows-for-learning","Best English Shows for Learning: What Actually Works","The best English TV shows for learning, from beginner sitcoms like Friends to British series like The Crown. Find shows matching your level with clear speech.",{"alt":35479,"src":35480,"width":27625,"height":26944,"previewOnly":32439},"The best English TV shows for language learners - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fwoman_watching_television_pointing_remote_b6809bd872\u002Fwoman_watching_television_pointing_remote_b6809bd872.jpg",[16019,940],1774926060000,{"id":35484,"documentId":35485,"slug":35486,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":35487,"description":35488,"image":35489,"tags":35494,"timestampUnix":35495,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5788,"s6audaofi7k7msl8mm5eflkw","portuguese-shopping-vocabulary","Portuguese Shopping Vocabulary: Learn Essential Market Phrases","Learn practical Portuguese shopping vocabulary for supermarkets, markets, and stores. Essential phrases for grocery shopping in Brazil and Portugal with real examples.",{"alt":35490,"src":35491,"width":35492,"height":35493,"previewOnly":32439},"Shopping and market vocabulary in Portuguese - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_04_07_134221_52175dcc91\u002FScreenshot_2026_04_07_134221_52175dcc91.png",1042,697,[941,32441],1775494800000,{"id":35497,"documentId":35498,"slug":35499,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":35500,"description":35501,"image":35502,"tags":35505,"timestampUnix":35506,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},3769,"vv26w13lnozfmlsr9isxges7","italian-idioms-common-meanings","Common Italian Idioms for Everyday Conversation","From \"in bocca al lupo\" to food expressions, understand the most common Italian idioms as a beginner. Tips on how to learn and mine idiomatic expressions.",{"alt":35503,"src":35504,"width":27625,"height":34626,"previewOnly":32439},"Common Italian idioms and their meanings - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_25_022819_c4929cf902\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_25_022819_c4929cf902.png",[31500,32441],1771959600000,{"id":35508,"documentId":35509,"slug":35510,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":35511,"description":35512,"image":35513,"tags":35516,"timestampUnix":35517,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4935,"bd4a2w7pzcjjgq2xxjz7mg8l","excuse-me-in-english","How to Say Excuse Me in English (With Context Examples)","Use \"excuse me\" in English across different situations. Get the pronunciation, tone, and context right to sound natural and polite.",{"alt":35514,"src":35515,"width":27625,"height":937,"previewOnly":32439},"How to say excuse me in English with context - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fwaiting_tables_1800x1200_9c5486ffdb\u002Fwaiting_tables_1800x1200_9c5486ffdb.webp",[941,32441],1772989200000,{"id":35519,"documentId":35520,"slug":35521,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":35522,"description":35523,"image":35524,"tags":35527,"timestampUnix":35528,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4065,"dxpvvg9kw4dviwp12pbqr6zm","excuse-me-in-portuguese","How to Say Excuse Me in Portuguese (All the Right Ways)","Use com licença, desculpe, and perdão to say excuse me in Portuguese. Get the right phrase for every situation, from casual to formal contexts.",{"alt":35525,"src":35526,"width":27625,"height":20897,"previewOnly":32439},"How to say excuse me in Portuguese - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002F5026_fe705b2473\u002F5026_fe705b2473.avif",[941,32441],1772132400000,{"id":35530,"documentId":35531,"slug":35532,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":35533,"description":35534,"image":35535,"tags":35539,"timestampUnix":35540,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},3821,"z5n0h8iiaief6u5xhxzkw205","excuse-me-in-italian","How to Say Excuse Me in Italian: Scusi, Scusa & More","Say excuse me in Italian with scusi (formal), scusa (informal), permesso, and more. Get formal and informal ways to say excuse me in different contexts.",{"alt":35536,"src":35537,"width":27625,"height":35538,"previewOnly":32439},"How to say excuse me in Italian - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_25_092530_47b0cc262f\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_25_092530_47b0cc262f.png",342,[941,32441],1771988400000,{"id":35542,"documentId":35543,"slug":35544,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":35545,"description":35546,"image":35547,"tags":35551,"timestampUnix":35552,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},3828,"myedguwwmozn3ejrylbfriju","sorry-in-italian","How to Say Sorry in Italian: Scusa, Mi Dispiace & More","Say sorry in Italian with scusa, mi dispiace, and formal apologies. Get the right phrase for every situation, from casual to professional.",{"alt":35548,"src":35549,"width":27625,"height":35550,"previewOnly":32439},"How to say sorry and apologize in Italian - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_25_093355_3659e5ca22\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_25_093355_3659e5ca22.png",230,[8838,941,32441],1772010000000,{"id":35554,"documentId":35555,"slug":35556,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":35557,"description":35558,"image":35559,"tags":35563,"timestampUnix":35564,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5492,"dcb3mnm2mk59p5bevseb7huy","vietnamese-colors-how-to-say-guide","Vietnamese Colors: How to Say and Use Them (Cultural Guide)","Learn how to say colors in Vietnamese with pronunciation, cultural meanings, and practical usage. Includes shades, idioms, and symbolism in Vietnamese culture.",{"alt":35560,"src":35561,"width":27625,"height":35562,"previewOnly":32439},"How to say colors in Vietnamese - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_04_02_024915_d577026445\u002FScreenshot_2026_04_02_024915_d577026445.png",548,[941,32441],1774947660000,{"id":35566,"documentId":35567,"slug":35568,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":35569,"description":35570,"image":35571,"tags":35574,"timestampUnix":35575,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},3822,"w696pu9jpjzzo128uocwcx65","happy-birthday-in-italian","How to Say Happy Birthday in Italian (Buon Compleanno Guide)","Wish someone happy birthday in Italian with buon compleanno and more. Learn to sing the birthday song. Explore relevant Italian birthday expressions.",{"alt":35572,"src":35573,"width":27625,"height":34281,"previewOnly":32439},"How to say happy birthday in Italian - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_25_092620_d0fd5c20b4\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_25_092620_d0fd5c20b4.png",[941,32441],1771995600000,{"id":35577,"documentId":35578,"slug":35579,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":35580,"description":35581,"image":35582,"tags":35585,"timestampUnix":35586,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5494,"jmdv4jvt1ftcojh1x90rdhrl","portuguese-school-vocabulary","Portuguese School Vocabulary: Essential Words for Learning","Learn essential Portuguese school vocabulary including classroom objects, educational roles, and academic activities. Perfect for beginners building practical language skills.",{"alt":35583,"src":35584,"width":27625,"height":937,"previewOnly":32439},"School and education vocabulary in Portuguese - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Finternational_school_pupils_lisbon_3609c20724\u002Finternational_school_pupils_lisbon_3609c20724.webp",[941,32441],1774962060000,{"id":35588,"documentId":35589,"slug":35590,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":35591,"description":35592,"image":35593,"tags":35597,"timestampUnix":35598,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},3814,"bhh46b3qjlv6b0978p7sa6ni","best-italian-shows-language-learners","Best Italian TV Shows for Language Learners in 2026","Discover the best Italian TV shows to learn Italian, from beginner family dramas to dialect-heavy crime series. 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Learn how to measure and track your language learning progress with methods that show real results, not just app streaks.",{"alt":35629,"src":35630,"width":27625,"height":35631,"previewOnly":32439},"How to measure and track your language learning progress - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FProgress_toward_goal_scaled_2f414dcba2\u002FProgress_toward_goal_scaled_2f414dcba2.jpg",1367,[940,18445],1774969260000,{"id":35635,"documentId":35636,"slug":35637,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":35638,"description":35639,"image":35640,"tags":35644,"timestampUnix":35645,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},3830,"foxun5eyppv2r7lo7cg5utp2","nice-to-meet-you-in-italian","Nice to Meet You in Italian: Piacere and When to Use It","Piacere is the basic word for \"nice to meet you\" in Italian. If you're curious to learn more, this post includes other formal and informal variations.",{"alt":35641,"src":35642,"width":27625,"height":35643,"previewOnly":32439},"How to say nice to meet you in Italian - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_26_014444_3e3dbe9c8b\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_26_014444_3e3dbe9c8b.png",330,[941,32441],1772017200000,{"id":35647,"documentId":35648,"slug":35649,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":35650,"description":35651,"image":35652,"tags":35655,"timestampUnix":35656,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},3831,"c014vnsezq7h9ftkq7cdtcfy","good-morning-in-italian","How to Say Good Morning in Italian: Buongiorno and More","Contexts and pronunciation tips on saying good morning in Italian with buongiorno. Avoid these common mistakes when greeting Italians.",{"alt":35653,"src":35654,"width":27625,"height":35102,"previewOnly":32439},"How to say good morning in Italian - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_26_014550_49b12975c5\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_26_014550_49b12975c5.png",[941,32441],1772038800000,{"id":35658,"documentId":35659,"slug":35660,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":35661,"description":35662,"image":35663,"tags":35666,"timestampUnix":35667,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},3825,"nr7k8rmzwvqlq2vaj8no1p0q","how-are-you-in-italian","How Are You in Italian: 8 Ways to Ask (Formal & Casual)","Understand how to say \"how are you\" in Italian with come stai, come sta, and other expressions, and how to respond to formal and informal greetings.",{"alt":35664,"src":35665,"width":27625,"height":33268,"previewOnly":32439},"Different ways to say how are you in Italian - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_25_093227_0a3bc3822b\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_25_093227_0a3bc3822b.png",[8838,941,32441],1772002800000,{"id":35669,"documentId":35670,"slug":35671,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":35672,"description":35673,"image":35674,"tags":35677,"timestampUnix":35678,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},3832,"eve397qy950uuv8jewbijnrx","good-night-in-italian","How to Say Goodnight in Italian: Buonanotte and Variations","Learn how to say good night in Italian with buonanotte, plus romantic variations, pronunciation tips, and when to use evening greetings instead.",{"alt":35675,"src":35676,"width":27625,"height":32640,"previewOnly":32439},"How to say good night in Italian - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_26_014648_6bdf7f7032\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_26_014648_6bdf7f7032.png",[941,32441],1772053200000,{"id":35680,"documentId":35681,"slug":35682,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":35683,"description":35684,"image":35685,"tags":35688,"timestampUnix":35689,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},3746,"a7u9tliwufyop90qxaf8u3jm","french-animals-vocabulary-guide","French Animals Vocabulary: Complete Guide with Examples","Enjoy animal documentaries? Learn essential French animal vocabulary from pets to wild creatures. Examples, pronunciation tips, and usage included.",{"alt":35686,"src":35687,"width":27625,"height":32615,"previewOnly":32439},"Animal vocabulary in French with examples - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_24_014645_d962196164\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_24_014645_d962196164.png",[941,32441],1771880400000,{"id":35691,"documentId":35692,"slug":35693,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":35694,"description":35695,"image":35696,"tags":35700,"timestampUnix":35701,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},3751,"n307d8t7jvi2dcg7g7s6i0uy","french-negation-negative-sentences","French Negation: How to Form Negative Sentences in French","Step-by-step guide covering French negation placement rules, compound tenses, and common mistakes. Learn ne...pas and other negation expressions.",{"alt":35697,"src":35698,"width":27625,"height":35699,"previewOnly":32439},"How to form negative sentences in French - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_24_014932_c0cd0152a1\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_24_014932_c0cd0152a1.png",336,[8838,24904],1771887600000,{"id":35703,"documentId":35704,"slug":35705,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":35706,"description":35707,"image":35708,"tags":35711,"timestampUnix":35712,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5499,"vdrpjp0i5jnewrlgxihwpg8q","italian-internet-slang","Italian Internet Slang: Gen Z Phrases & Online Expressions","Learn the actual Italian internet slang Gen Z uses in 2026. From \"shippare\" to \"tvb,\" master the phrases young Italians use on social media and in chat.",{"alt":35709,"src":35710,"width":27625,"height":32713,"previewOnly":32439},"Popular Italian internet slang and online expressions - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002F326316_94e81cebf6\u002F326316_94e81cebf6.jpg",[941,31500,32441],1774990860000,{"id":35714,"documentId":35715,"slug":35716,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":35717,"description":35718,"image":35719,"tags":35723,"timestampUnix":35724,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5500,"c5xw3rzrf2qtt0xcyv0s17by","german-relative-clauses-formation-guide","German Relative Clauses: Formation Guide With Examples","Learn how to form German relative clauses with the right pronouns, cases, and word order. Clear examples for nominative, accusative, dative, and genitive.",{"alt":35720,"src":35721,"width":27625,"height":35722,"previewOnly":32439},"How to form relative clauses in German - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_04_02_025855_0cea74c8a8\u002FScreenshot_2026_04_02_025855_0cea74c8a8.png",307,[8838,24904],1774998060000,{"id":35726,"documentId":35727,"slug":35728,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":35729,"description":35730,"image":35731,"tags":35734,"timestampUnix":35735,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4070,"r7dtu3zv9tntgsf7l07qbbv1","happy-birthday-in-portuguese","Happy Birthday in Portuguese: Phrases, Song & Pronunciation","Feliz aniversário! Say happy birthday in Portuguese with correct pronunciation, learn birthday song lyrics, and get cultural tips for celebrations here.",{"alt":35732,"src":35733,"width":27625,"height":33510,"previewOnly":32439},"How to say happy birthday in Portuguese - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_27_015435_93e719b10d\u002FScreenshot_2026_02_27_015435_93e719b10d.png",[941,32441],1772139600000,{"id":35737,"documentId":35738,"slug":35739,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":35740,"description":35741,"image":35742,"tags":35745,"timestampUnix":35746,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5501,"zd7jy7j6ki83xtiuvxoxtbfk","french-school-vocabulary","French School Vocabulary: Essential Words for the Classroom","Learn essential French school vocabulary including classroom objects, subjects, personnel, and phrases. Complete guide with practical examples for language learners.",{"alt":35743,"src":35744,"width":27625,"height":33177,"previewOnly":32439},"School and education vocabulary in French - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fv2_bf4d421a435b3a6d83f52a3ccb383b82_b_ee5711feba\u002Fv2_bf4d421a435b3a6d83f52a3ccb383b82_b_ee5711feba.jpg",[941,32441],1775005260000,{"id":35748,"documentId":35749,"slug":35750,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":35751,"description":35752,"image":35753,"tags":35756,"timestampUnix":35757,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5509,"argizko8fo3tz1zhamddzshc","portuguese-relative-pronouns","Portuguese Relative Pronouns: Que, Quem, Onde Explained","Master Portuguese relative pronouns que, quem, and onde to build natural, complex sentences. Clear explanations, examples, and tips for learners.",{"alt":35754,"src":35755,"width":27625,"height":32754,"previewOnly":32439},"Understanding que quem and onde in Portuguese - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_04_02_031740_ccf748b832\u002FScreenshot_2026_04_02_031740_ccf748b832.png",[8838,24904],1775048400000,{"id":35759,"documentId":35760,"slug":35761,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":35762,"description":35763,"image":35764,"tags":35768,"timestampUnix":35769,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5503,"zjlamnakkxwfcsagmmt4f7ky","english-weather-vocabulary","English Weather Vocabulary: Talk About Rain, Wind & More","Learn essential English weather vocabulary to describe sunny days, rain, storms, and temperature. Includes adjectives, nouns, idioms, and phrases.",{"alt":35765,"src":35766,"width":27625,"height":35767,"previewOnly":32439},"Talking about the weather in English - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002F841872_1814e0860a\u002F841872_1814e0860a.jpg",1620,[941,32441],1775012400000,{"id":35771,"documentId":35772,"slug":35773,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":35774,"description":35775,"image":35776,"tags":35780,"timestampUnix":35781,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4832,"yhbem2x0526zb98ayno1uyan","italian-connectors-linking-words","Italian Connectors: Link Sentences Like a Native Speaker","Master Italian connectors and conjunctions to connect sentences naturally. Learn coordinative vs subordinative types with examples and usage tips for fluency.",{"alt":35777,"src":35778,"width":27625,"height":35779,"previewOnly":32439},"How to connect sentences with Italian linking words - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_03_24_092550_439f62b874\u002FScreenshot_2026_03_24_092550_439f62b874.png",495,[8838,941,24904],1774270800000,{"id":35783,"documentId":35784,"slug":35785,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":35786,"description":35787,"image":35788,"tags":35791,"timestampUnix":35792,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4833,"osula3bhqh7tjuxmdf0csuww","german-animals-vocabulary","German Animals Vocabulary: 100+ Words with Examples","Learn German animals vocabulary with translations for pets, farm animals, wildlife, and more. Practical examples and phrases for beginners.",{"alt":35789,"src":35790,"width":27625,"height":35194,"previewOnly":32439},"Animal vocabulary in German with examples - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_03_24_092703_710d41eab3\u002FScreenshot_2026_03_24_092703_710d41eab3.png",[941,32441],1774278000000,{"id":35794,"documentId":35795,"slug":35796,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":35797,"description":35798,"image":35799,"tags":35802,"timestampUnix":35803,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4835,"txa83opvxmbp050z9jzijvn4","english-family-vocabulary-guide","English Family Vocabulary: Learn All the Terms You Need","Master English family vocabulary from immediate family to extended relatives, in-laws, and modern family structures. Practical examples and learning tips included.",{"alt":35800,"src":35801,"width":27625,"height":33743,"previewOnly":32439},"Family member vocabulary in English for learners - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Ffamily_3602245_480_bdca03136b\u002Ffamily_3602245_480_bdca03136b.jpg",[941,32441,6047],1774292400000,{"id":35805,"documentId":35806,"slug":35807,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":35808,"description":35809,"image":35810,"tags":35813,"timestampUnix":35814,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4834,"zsu498s357lwqayefy22k3a2","french-shopping-vocabulary","French Shopping Vocabulary: Stores, Markets & Essential Phrases","Learn essential french shopping vocabulary for stores, markets, and supermarkets. Practical phrases, clothing terms, and cultural tips for shopping in France.",{"alt":35811,"src":35812,"width":27625,"height":20897,"previewOnly":32439},"Shopping and market vocabulary in French - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fcrowds_of_people_at_rue_montorgueil_pedestrian_royalty_free_image_1576958383_9a4ff73914\u002Fcrowds_of_people_at_rue_montorgueil_pedestrian_royalty_free_image_1576958383_9a4ff73914.avif",[941,32441],1774285200000,{"id":35816,"documentId":35817,"slug":35818,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":35819,"description":35820,"image":35821,"tags":35825,"timestampUnix":35826,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5792,"j5t621g88dm3maxotq9idill","learn-italian-with-netflix","Learn Italian with Netflix: Complete 2026 Guide","Learn Italian with Netflix using the right shows, subtitle strategies, and tools. Get level-specific recommendations and active learning techniques that work.",{"alt":35822,"src":35823,"width":27625,"height":35824,"previewOnly":32439},"How to learn Italian by watching Netflix shows - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_04_07_134704_b59285b61c\u002FScreenshot_2026_04_07_134704_b59285b61c.png",262,[16019,940],1775530800000,{"id":35828,"documentId":35829,"slug":35830,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":35831,"description":35832,"image":35833,"tags":35836,"timestampUnix":35837,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4332,"fooz8iixql463gc8b47b8jlv","german-family-vocabulary","German Family Vocabulary: Complete Guide to Family Members","Learn essential German family vocabulary from parents and siblings to extended family and in-laws. Get lists of common phrases to talk about your family.",{"alt":35834,"src":35835,"width":27625,"height":9981,"previewOnly":32439},"Family member vocabulary in German - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002F664758bddc1670_02188144_5b900155c0\u002F664758bddc1670_02188144_5b900155c0.webp",[941,32441],1772701260000,{"id":35839,"documentId":35840,"slug":35841,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":35842,"description":35843,"image":35844,"tags":35848,"timestampUnix":35849,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5507,"umfleyogs19ugeyyuaxsxcei","vietnamese-house-vocabulary","Vietnamese House Vocabulary: Rooms, Furniture & Home Words","Learn Vietnamese house vocabulary for rooms, furniture, and household items. Complete word list with practical phrases to describe any home in Vietnamese.",{"alt":35845,"src":35846,"width":27625,"height":35847,"previewOnly":32439},"Home and furniture vocabulary in Vietnamese - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002F16598536652540639_2048x1374_fed6336244\u002F16598536652540639_2048x1374_fed6336244.jpg",1374,[941,32441],1775034000000,{"id":35851,"documentId":35852,"slug":35853,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":35854,"description":35855,"image":35856,"tags":35860,"timestampUnix":35861,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4838,"e2khljmpkc720yvnkhwxil20","vietnamese-animals-vocabulary","Vietnamese Animals Vocabulary: Complete Guide with Examples","Learn essential Vietnamese animals vocabulary with practical examples, cultural context, and usage tips. Master \"con\" and common animal names for real conversations.",{"alt":35857,"src":35858,"width":27625,"height":35859,"previewOnly":32439},"Animal vocabulary in Vietnamese with examples - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_03_24_093553_e1dd8c9027\u002FScreenshot_2026_03_24_093553_e1dd8c9027.png",409,[941,32441],1774314000000,{"id":35863,"documentId":35864,"slug":35865,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":35866,"description":35867,"image":35868,"tags":35872,"timestampUnix":35873,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4839,"z9dd5nk1hdj8i39h1jdd7f95","language-learning-with-subtitles","Language Learning with Subtitles: Complete Guide (2026)","Learn how to use subtitles effectively for language learning. Proven techniques for beginners to advanced learners, plus the tools and platforms to use.",{"alt":35869,"src":35870,"width":27625,"height":35871,"previewOnly":32439},"How to use subtitles effectively for language learning - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002F112231_25742126d3\u002F112231_25742126d3.jpg",642,[16019,940],1772874000000,{"id":35875,"documentId":35876,"slug":35877,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":35878,"description":35879,"image":35880,"tags":35884,"timestampUnix":35885,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5510,"edxl5jkb8maiekmn4t08ocjp","german-vs-french","German vs French: Which Language Should You Learn First?","Comparing German vs French for language learners. Find out which is easier, better for careers, and which challenges you'll face with grammar and pronunciation.",{"alt":35881,"src":35882,"width":27625,"height":35883,"previewOnly":32439},"Comparing German and French for language learners - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Ffg3_953b60a098\u002Ffg3_953b60a098.jpg",200,[940,18445],1775055600000,{"id":35887,"documentId":35888,"slug":35889,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":35890,"description":35891,"image":35892,"tags":35896,"timestampUnix":35897,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5514,"k1rhui1jfrhhegkpcwpvqdvp","italian-banking-vocabulary","Italian Banking Vocabulary: Essential Financial Terms Guide","Learn essential Italian banking vocabulary for managing accounts, making transactions, and navigating banks in Italy. Practical terms you'll actually use.",{"alt":35893,"src":35894,"width":27625,"height":35895,"previewOnly":32439},"Banking and financial vocabulary in Italian - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FWithdrawing_cash_abroad_d2cfbdcba6\u002FWithdrawing_cash_abroad_d2cfbdcba6.webp",1067,[941,32441],1775084400000,{"id":35899,"documentId":35900,"slug":35901,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":35902,"description":35903,"image":35904,"tags":35907,"timestampUnix":35908,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5142,"fh7vcq81pqwr22xezl5wljbu","vietnamese-food-vocabulary","Vietnamese Food Vocabulary: Essential Words for Ordering","Explore Vietnamese food vocabulary for dishes, ingredients, and restaurant phrases. Navigate menus confidently and order like a local.",{"alt":35905,"src":35906,"width":27625,"height":20897,"previewOnly":32439},"Essential Vietnamese food and restaurant vocabulary - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fpho_hue_088fc41a62\u002Fpho_hue_088fc41a62.avif",[941,32441],1773111600000,{"id":35910,"documentId":35911,"slug":35912,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":35913,"description":35914,"image":35915,"tags":35919,"timestampUnix":35920,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5515,"fti9obpgwiowevxhsluvzvw0","excuse-me-in-german","How to Say Excuse Me in German: Entschuldigung & More","Learn how to say excuse me in German with Entschuldigung, Tut mir leid, and other key phrases. Includes pronunciation, formal vs informal usage, and examples.",{"alt":35916,"src":35917,"width":27625,"height":35918,"previewOnly":32439},"How to say excuse me in German - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_04_02_032454_dc45d13804\u002FScreenshot_2026_04_02_032454_dc45d13804.png",554,[941,32441],1775091600000,{"id":35922,"documentId":35923,"slug":35924,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":35925,"description":35926,"image":35927,"tags":35930,"timestampUnix":35931,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5793,"gtfmtn2kmcwb6ntyqsw6uefo","german-shopping-vocabulary","German Shopping Vocabulary: Essential Words and Phrases","Master German shopping vocabulary with practical words and phrases for supermarkets, stores, and markets. Learn essential terms for prices, payments, and real conversations.",{"alt":35928,"src":35929,"width":27625,"height":20897,"previewOnly":32439},"Shopping and market vocabulary in German - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002F80dd44c1_883e_4351_a999_2f468d338472_e148f89791\u002F80dd44c1_883e_4351_a999_2f468d338472_e148f89791.avif",[941,32441],1775538000000,{"id":35933,"documentId":35934,"slug":35935,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":35936,"description":35937,"image":35938,"tags":35942,"timestampUnix":35943,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5844,"gx1fsdft2jq3wugcv08k8hmg","best-free-language-learning-resources","Best Free Language Learning Resources That Actually Work","Discover the best free language learning resources in 2026, from spaced repetition apps to AI tutors. Build fluency without spending a cent.",{"alt":35939,"src":35940,"width":31616,"height":35941,"previewOnly":32439},"The best free tools and resources for language learners - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_04_08_141030_8bca67b076\u002FScreenshot_2026_04_08_141030_8bca67b076.png",633,[16019,940,18445],1775602800000,{"id":35945,"documentId":35946,"slug":35947,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":35948,"description":35949,"image":35950,"tags":35953,"timestampUnix":35954,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5267,"dzsjwvfpdqo53eyaj2wh83d1","english-animals-vocabulary","English Animals Vocabulary: Learn 100+ Animal Names Fast","Learn essential English animals vocabulary with examples, categories, and practical tips. From pets to wild animals, master the words you'll actually use.",{"alt":35951,"src":35952,"width":27625,"height":32713,"previewOnly":32439},"Animal vocabulary in English with examples - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Feuropean_hedgehog_4a1dde6703\u002Feuropean_hedgehog_4a1dde6703.jpg",[941,32441],1774580460000,{"id":35956,"documentId":35957,"slug":35958,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":35959,"description":35960,"image":35961,"tags":35964,"timestampUnix":35965,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5794,"entn8wcqg7o5j245kh2dywu1","french-internet-slang","French Internet Slang: Popular Online Expressions in 2026","Learn the most popular French internet slang, texting abbreviations, and Gen Z expressions used on social media in 2026. From MDR to verlan terms.",{"alt":35962,"src":35963,"width":27625,"height":34894,"previewOnly":32439},"Popular French internet slang and online expressions - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002F622x308_Blog_121622_fc39ecee88\u002F622x308_Blog_121622_fc39ecee88.png",[941,31500,32441],1775545200000,{"id":35967,"documentId":35968,"slug":35969,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":35970,"description":35971,"image":35972,"tags":35976,"timestampUnix":35977,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5795,"sdcxpx4ja8dbfeaz7lcp0b94","english-comparatives-and-superlatives","English Comparatives and Superlatives: Complete Guide","Learn how to form comparative and superlative adjectives in English with clear rules, examples, and irregular forms. Master comparisons fast.",{"alt":35973,"src":35974,"width":27625,"height":35975,"previewOnly":32439},"How to make comparisons in English - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fl_intro_1696254934_ea3e0e5f73\u002Fl_intro_1696254934_ea3e0e5f73.jpg",896,[8838,15782,24904],1775552400000,{"id":35979,"documentId":35980,"slug":35981,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":35982,"description":35983,"image":35984,"tags":35987,"timestampUnix":35988,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5107,"dnoh9xcd18ytejrazz8ytjj1","what-is-your-name-in-german","What Is Your Name in German? How to Ask and Introduce Yourself","Learn how to say \"my name is\" and ask \"what is your name\" in German. Covers formal vs. informal phrases, pronunciation, and common mistakes to avoid.",{"alt":35985,"src":35986,"width":27625,"height":16016,"previewOnly":32439},"How to ask and say your name in German - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FHow_to_Ask_Someones_Name_in_German_c0e5f060ee\u002FHow_to_Ask_Someones_Name_in_German_c0e5f060ee.jpg",[941,32441],1774566060000,{"id":35990,"documentId":35991,"slug":35992,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":35993,"description":35994,"image":35995,"tags":35998,"timestampUnix":35999,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5112,"w2uisv1dnrpa1bqdc4sjsy62","good-night-in-english","How to Say Good Night in English: 30+ Ways (2026 Guide)","Learn creative ways to say good night in English. Includes sweet dreams, sleep tight, and 30+ natural phrases for any situation.",{"alt":35996,"src":35997,"width":27625,"height":33810,"previewOnly":32439},"How to say good night in English - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FThe_secret_recipe_to_a_good_night_s_sleep_banner_21cd0236_5fad_430b_8050_9ef4ca402328_0d96fcf492\u002FThe_secret_recipe_to_a_good_night_s_sleep_banner_21cd0236_5fad_430b_8050_9ef4ca402328_0d96fcf492.webp",[941,32441],1773061200000,{"id":36001,"documentId":36002,"slug":36003,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36004,"description":36005,"image":36006,"tags":36009,"timestampUnix":36010,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4846,"ni4zor6gtz9byea48kd96f8g","spaced-repetition-vs-cramming","Spaced Repetition vs Cramming: Why Spacing Wins Every Time","Cramming kills long-term memory. Learn why spaced repetition beats cramming for language learners, plus practical schedules to make it work.",{"alt":36007,"src":36008,"width":31616,"height":33810,"previewOnly":32439},"Why spaced repetition beats cramming for language learners - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fbrain_hemispheres_3459b0bf89\u002Fbrain_hemispheres_3459b0bf89.webp",[941,940,18445],1772881200000,{"id":36012,"documentId":36013,"slug":36014,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36015,"description":36016,"image":36017,"tags":36020,"timestampUnix":36021,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4847,"abqqfthhdg29eahzxo25eogx","french-vs-italian","French vs Italian: Which Language Should You Learn in 2026?","Comparing French vs Italian for language learners: pronunciation, grammar, career utility, and which is easier. Honest breakdown to help you choose.",{"alt":36018,"src":36019,"width":33648,"height":35871,"previewOnly":32439},"Comparing French and Italian for language learners - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002F117410_dc822e0c8d\u002F117410_dc822e0c8d.jpg",[940,18445,15782],1772888400000,{"id":36023,"documentId":36024,"slug":36025,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36026,"description":36027,"image":36028,"tags":36031,"timestampUnix":36032,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4848,"ylenhgrevgnzwjl4sdveudvk","how-are-you-in-vietnamese","How Are You in Vietnamese: 10+ Ways to Greet Naturally","Say \"How are you?\" in Vietnamese with proper pronouns, responses, and cultural context. From \"Khỏe không?\" to formal greetings explained.",{"alt":36029,"src":36030,"width":27625,"height":33743,"previewOnly":32439},"Different ways to say how are you in Vietnamese - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fvietnam_conical_hat_information_ff1f96d85a\u002Fvietnam_conical_hat_information_ff1f96d85a.webp",[941,32441],1772895600000,{"id":36034,"documentId":36035,"slug":36036,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36037,"description":36038,"image":36039,"tags":36043,"timestampUnix":36044,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5524,"cqsy0rj9n8fvpt4xi0s5p8w4","english-internet-slang-abbreviations","English Internet Slang: Common Abbreviations and Acronyms","Learn the most common English internet slang, abbreviations, and acronyms used across social media in 2026. Understand what LOL, IYKYK, NGL, and more actually mean.",{"alt":36040,"src":36041,"width":27625,"height":36042,"previewOnly":32439},"Popular English internet slang and abbreviations - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FTeens_say_they_prefer_texting_friends_rather_than_talking_in_person_6f1eade128\u002FTeens_say_they_prefer_texting_friends_rather_than_talking_in_person_6f1eade128.jpg",1124,[941,31500,32441],1774839600000,{"id":36046,"documentId":36047,"slug":36048,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36049,"description":36050,"image":36051,"tags":36055,"timestampUnix":36056,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5725,"k75ksqamzq3nhsxp70fip6di","vietnamese-comparatives-how-to-make-comparisons","Vietnamese Comparatives: How to Make Comparisons Simply","Make comparisons with Vietnamese comparatives hơn, bằng, and nhất. Simple patterns for comparing anything without irregular forms.",{"alt":36052,"src":36053,"width":27625,"height":36054,"previewOnly":32439},"How to make comparisons in Vietnamese - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fshutterstock_663281680_compressed_jpg_db423bf7b1\u002Fshutterstock_663281680_compressed_jpg_db423bf7b1.webp",725,[8838,941,24904],1773320400000,{"id":36058,"documentId":36059,"slug":36060,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36061,"description":36062,"image":36063,"tags":36066,"timestampUnix":36067,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5106,"akf4cdxhw9bxfhi8vpmrszqh","congratulations-in-italian","How to Say Congratulations in Italian (Complete Guide)","Learn how to say congratulations in Italian with complimenti, congratulazioni, and auguri. Get pronunciation tips and know exactly what to say for any occasion.",{"alt":36064,"src":36065,"width":27625,"height":20897,"previewOnly":32439},"How to say congratulations in Italian - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fraise_glass_champagne_friends_raise_glasses_champagne_party_387864_11142_1d1c40f3a3\u002Fraise_glass_champagne_friends_raise_glasses_champagne_party_387864_11142_1d1c40f3a3.avif",[941,32441],1774558800000,{"id":36069,"documentId":36070,"slug":36071,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36072,"description":36073,"image":36074,"tags":36078,"timestampUnix":36079,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5529,"e5pr3qat0j4nmbud8s4novih","sorry-in-vietnamese","How to Say Sorry in Vietnamese: Complete Apology Guide","Say sorry in Vietnamese with xin lỗi and other apology phrases. Learn formal vs casual usage, cultural context, and responses to apologies.",{"alt":36075,"src":36076,"width":27625,"height":36077,"previewOnly":32439},"How to say sorry and apologize in Vietnamese - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fshutterstock_788077351_2_2642726274\u002Fshutterstock_788077351_2_2642726274.webp",606,[941,32441],1773190800000,{"id":36081,"documentId":36082,"slug":36083,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36084,"description":36085,"image":36086,"tags":36089,"timestampUnix":36090,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4335,"pf7pieqecyr5rjug6gcjog0r","german-colors-gender-rules","German Colors: Gender Rules & How to Say Colors in German","Complete gender rules, adjective endings, and declension patterns for mastering German color words. From basic vocabulary to advanced grammar.",{"alt":36087,"src":36088,"width":27625,"height":20897,"previewOnly":32439},"How to say colors in German with gender rules - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fimg_1568_61946ec3ad\u002Fimg_1568_61946ec3ad.avif",[941,32441],1772708460000,{"id":36092,"documentId":36093,"slug":36094,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36095,"description":36096,"image":36097,"tags":36100,"timestampUnix":36101,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4336,"sljh6n0s1gt8069tby6m3ica","german-weather-vocabulary","German Weather Vocabulary: Essential Words and Phrases","Learn essential German weather vocabulary, including nouns, verbs, adjectives, and phrases, to talk about weather conditions naturally in conversations.",{"alt":36098,"src":36099,"width":27625,"height":33731,"previewOnly":32439},"Talking about the weather in German - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fgermany_bavaria_weather_feature_13565687_jpg_850e4fcfa7\u002Fgermany_bavaria_weather_feature_13565687_jpg_850e4fcfa7.webp",[941,32441],1772715660000,{"id":36103,"documentId":36104,"slug":36105,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36106,"description":36107,"image":36108,"tags":36111,"timestampUnix":36112,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4329,"yv8oc7q36uhejmurbzplfpxh","german-past-tense-perfekt-prateritum","German Past Tense: Perfekt vs Präteritum Explained","When to use Perfekt vs Präteritum in German grammar explained. Get conjugation rules, examples, and practical tips for German past tenses.",{"alt":36109,"src":36110,"width":27625,"height":34473,"previewOnly":32439},"Understanding German past tenses perfekt and prateritum - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fpexels_photo_32636179_44f2ba2518\u002Fpexels_photo_32636179_44f2ba2518.webp",[8838,32467,24904],1772679660000,{"id":36114,"documentId":36115,"slug":36116,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36117,"description":36118,"image":36119,"tags":36122,"timestampUnix":36123,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5531,"ga9zbnfkr464r7dm7crd2wxa","language-learning-for-travel-quick-guide","Language Learning for Travel: Learn Enough in 1-4 Weeks","Learn a language for travel fast with apps, essential phrases, and immersion techniques. Practical strategies for 1-4 week prep timelines.",{"alt":36120,"src":36121,"width":27625,"height":19479,"previewOnly":32439},"How to learn enough of a language for travel in a short time - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fblog_header_cheapest_flights_22db1c6288\u002Fblog_header_cheapest_flights_22db1c6288.webp",[940,18445],1773198000000,{"id":36125,"documentId":36126,"slug":36127,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36128,"description":36129,"image":36130,"tags":36134,"timestampUnix":36135,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4330,"hs1xupze9ykl1jb9b3ogox8l","german-food-vocabulary-restaurant-guide","German Food Vocabulary: Essential Restaurant & Cooking Words","Learn essential German food vocabulary for restaurants, shopping, and cooking. Covers dishes, ordering phrases, and iconic German foods for conversations.",{"alt":36131,"src":36132,"width":27625,"height":36133,"previewOnly":32439},"Essential German food and restaurant vocabulary - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fgerman_food_culture_640x427_414415b039\u002Fgerman_food_culture_640x427_414415b039.webp",427,[941,32441],1772686860000,{"id":36137,"documentId":36138,"slug":36139,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36140,"description":36141,"image":36142,"tags":36146,"timestampUnix":36147,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4337,"ql9jh501wxmz9emyfd8zgith","german-question-words-guide","German Question Words: Complete Guide for Beginners","Start conversations and ask questions with words like wer, was, wann, wo, and wie. Includes examples, grammar rules, and word order.",{"alt":36143,"src":36144,"width":27625,"height":36145,"previewOnly":32439},"How to ask questions in German - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_03_06_014434_14d1de0d33\u002FScreenshot_2026_03_06_014434_14d1de0d33.png",332,[8838,941,32441,24904],1772722860000,{"id":36149,"documentId":36150,"slug":36151,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36152,"description":36153,"image":36154,"tags":36158,"timestampUnix":36159,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4331,"c525ihpyi5nn6it3wemjr6sj","german-travel-phrases-essential-guide","German Travel Phrases: Basic German Words for Your Trip","Common German travel phrases you actually need. Covers greetings, directions, food, shopping, and emergencies with study tips.",{"alt":36155,"src":36156,"width":27625,"height":36157,"previewOnly":32439},"Essential German travel phrases you need to know - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002F136497643_l_922cfe41b0\u002F136497643_l_922cfe41b0.webp",566,[941,32441],1772694060000,{"id":36161,"documentId":36162,"slug":36163,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36164,"description":36165,"image":36166,"tags":36169,"timestampUnix":36170,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4377,"c2cdfz756llqmyfvxutc7xtd","language-learning-motivation-how-to-stay-motivated","Language Learning Motivation: How to Stay Motivated Long-Term","Struggling with language learning motivation? Get practical strategies to stay motivated, overcome plateaus, and build sustainable habits.",{"alt":36167,"src":36168,"width":27625,"height":35102,"previewOnly":32439},"How to stay motivated when learning a language - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FFeatures_Image_1_b51c995cc5\u002FFeatures_Image_1_b51c995cc5.webp",[940,18445],1772766060000,{"id":36172,"documentId":36173,"slug":36174,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36175,"description":36176,"image":36177,"tags":36180,"timestampUnix":36181,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5847,"jk4scm86cflrnwq9uoeuewgo","italian-professions-vocabulary","Italian Professions Vocabulary: Jobs and Careers Guide","Learn Italian professions vocabulary with gender forms, common jobs, and practical phrases. Master how to talk about work and careers in Italian conversations.",{"alt":36178,"src":36179,"width":27625,"height":32602,"previewOnly":32439},"Job and profession vocabulary in Italian - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002F1600_X1000_migliori_sartorie_milano_1_e0561537a8\u002F1600_X1000_migliori_sartorie_milano_1_e0561537a8.webp",[941,32441],1775624400000,{"id":36183,"documentId":36184,"slug":36185,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36186,"description":36187,"image":36188,"tags":36191,"timestampUnix":36192,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5848,"z2p4q9rk5iubqe78hbk43bfn","german-internet-slang","German Internet Slang: Popular Online Terms & Expressions","Learn the most popular German internet slang in 2026. From \"digga\" to \"cringe,\" discover abbreviations, Gen Z terms, and texting expressions Germans actually use online.",{"alt":36189,"src":36190,"width":27625,"height":937,"previewOnly":32439},"Popular German internet slang and online expressions - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fapps_germany_0513d01209\u002Fapps_germany_0513d01209.webp",[941,31500,32441],1775631600000,{"id":36194,"documentId":36195,"slug":36196,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36197,"description":36198,"image":36199,"tags":36202,"timestampUnix":36203,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5849,"nxixzsaqwglfppcsaiq5ggqg","french-banking-vocabulary","French Banking Vocabulary: Essential Terms for Daily Use","Master French banking vocabulary for opening accounts, making transfers, and handling daily transactions. Learn essential terms like compte courant, carte bancaire, and more.",{"alt":36200,"src":36201,"width":27625,"height":33887,"previewOnly":32439},"Banking and financial vocabulary in French - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Ffrench_banking_how_to_open_an_account_f39facdd49\u002Ffrench_banking_how_to_open_an_account_f39facdd49.jpg",[941,32441],1775638800000,{"id":36205,"documentId":36206,"slug":36207,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36208,"description":36209,"image":36210,"tags":36213,"timestampUnix":36214,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4864,"pkggodc1j1lzujhxuv16nys7","nice-to-meet-you-in-german","How to Say Nice to Meet You in German (Formal & Casual)","Learn the correct ways to say \"nice to meet you\" in German, from \"Freut mich\" to formal \"Sie kennenzulernen\" phrases. Includes pronunciation and audio.",{"alt":36211,"src":36212,"width":27625,"height":32553,"previewOnly":32439},"How to say nice to meet you in German - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fclausula_lock_up_d1f2da4a95\u002Fclausula_lock_up_d1f2da4a95.webp",[941,32441],1772910000000,{"id":36216,"documentId":36217,"slug":36218,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36219,"description":36220,"image":36221,"tags":36224,"timestampUnix":36225,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5108,"t04o2pt0renj1377zbzzw8au","french-gerund-present-participle-guide","French Gerund: How to Use En + Present Participle","Learn how to form and use the French gerund (en + present participle) for simultaneous actions, manner, and cause. Includes examples and irregular forms.",{"alt":36222,"src":36223,"width":27625,"height":35148,"previewOnly":32439},"How to use the French gerund en plus present participle - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Ftwo_girls_studying_and_talking_to_each_other_in_a_park_free_photo_40af373f3f\u002Ftwo_girls_studying_and_talking_to_each_other_in_a_park_free_photo_40af373f3f.jpg",[8838,24904],1774573200000,{"id":36227,"documentId":36228,"slug":36229,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36230,"description":36231,"image":36232,"tags":36235,"timestampUnix":36236,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4356,"fzk0x0q5hir0sx96jki46eyx","german-emotions-vocabulary-express-feelings","German Emotions Vocabulary: Express Feelings Like a Native","Share your feelings with German emotions vocabulary, from basic adjectives to complex ones. Includes verbs, nouns, phrases, and unique German words.",{"alt":36233,"src":36234,"width":27625,"height":34281,"previewOnly":32439},"How to express emotions and feelings in German - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fistockphoto_1222073245_612x612_3b3441ea76\u002Fistockphoto_1222073245_612x612_3b3441ea76.jpg",[941,32441],1772730060000,{"id":36238,"documentId":36239,"slug":36240,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36241,"description":36242,"image":36243,"tags":36246,"timestampUnix":36247,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4357,"gcf24b2mohwo2jikw00bcith","german-false-friends","German False Friends: Tricky Cognates That Confuse Learners","Don't get tripped up by these common German false friends. From \"Gift\" (poison) to \"Handy\" (phone), avoid embarrassing mistakes with this guide.",{"alt":36244,"src":36245,"width":27625,"height":32942,"previewOnly":32439},"German-English false cognates that confuse learners - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002F764838_3c212f9d55\u002F764838_3c212f9d55.jpg",[941,32441,15782],1772737260000,{"id":36249,"documentId":36250,"slug":36251,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36252,"description":36253,"image":36254,"tags":36257,"timestampUnix":36258,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4384,"guc98wevd7szt32uok96x02u","output-hypothesis-language-learning","How Output Hypothesis Accelerates Language Learning Fluency","Swain's output hypothesis explains why output accelerates language learning. Here's how to put the theory into practice.",{"alt":36255,"src":36256,"width":27625,"height":991,"previewOnly":32439},"How speaking and writing practice accelerates language learning - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fasian_woman_enjoy_with_working_online_using_laptop_talking_on_video_conference_at_home_office_5e933c0f5e\u002Fasian_woman_enjoy_with_working_online_using_laptop_talking_on_video_conference_at_home_office_5e933c0f5e.webp",[940,18445],1772767860000,{"id":36260,"documentId":36261,"slug":36262,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36263,"description":36264,"image":36265,"tags":36268,"timestampUnix":36269,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4361,"b1a3vm6988c6xgbg2ln2xw1f","how-long-to-learn-german","How Long to Learn German: Real Timelines by CEFR Level","Realistic timelines to learn German from A1 to C2. Find out how long it takes for each level and what actually speeds up your progress to fluency.",{"alt":36266,"src":36267,"width":27625,"height":33170,"previewOnly":32439},"How long it takes to learn German at each level - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fepub_QM_0126_CLMN_Speaking_of_Quality_p1_FT_Firefly_silhuette_of_young_man_studying610729_webp_bd4eca147a\u002Fepub_QM_0126_CLMN_Speaking_of_Quality_p1_FT_Firefly_silhuette_of_young_man_studying610729_webp_bd4eca147a.webp",[940,18445],1772744460000,{"id":36271,"documentId":36272,"slug":36273,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36274,"description":36275,"image":36276,"tags":36280,"timestampUnix":36281,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4385,"r8qzywly38crtjjdzkgim6mn","how-to-think-in-a-foreign-language","How to Think in a Foreign Language: Tips to Train Your Brain","Practical strategies to train your brain to think in another language without translating. Stop the mental translation and build target language fluency.",{"alt":36277,"src":36278,"width":27625,"height":36279,"previewOnly":32439},"Training your brain to think in your target language - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Finterconnected_brain_hemispheres_neural_networks_communication_45281_240c29c05a\u002Finterconnected_brain_hemispheres_neural_networks_communication_45281_240c29c05a.webp",736,[940,18445],1772773200000,{"id":36283,"documentId":36284,"slug":36285,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36286,"description":36287,"image":36288,"tags":36291,"timestampUnix":36292,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4363,"owkuazun0x4e239esufgf60p","best-language-learning-methods","Best Language Learning Methods Compared (2026 Guide)","Comparing the best language learning methods in 2026: AI apps, immersion tools, tutoring platforms, and proven strategies to reach fluency faster.",{"alt":36289,"src":36290,"width":27625,"height":20897,"previewOnly":32439},"Comparing the most effective language learning methods - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fportrait_female_hand_holding_pencil_open_notebook_171337_19300_f95a39b116\u002Fportrait_female_hand_holding_pencil_open_notebook_171337_19300_f95a39b116.avif",[940,18445],1772751660000,{"id":36294,"documentId":36295,"slug":36296,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36297,"description":36298,"image":36299,"tags":36302,"timestampUnix":36303,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5538,"nea13ykxwylz9ryv90xrrj31","german-professions-vocabulary","German Professions Vocabulary: Jobs & Careers Guide","Learn essential German professions vocabulary with masculine\u002Ffeminine forms, common jobs like doctor and engineer, plus examples for conversations.",{"alt":36300,"src":36301,"width":27625,"height":32942,"previewOnly":32439},"Job and profession vocabulary in German - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FThese_Top_3_Tools_Will_Help_You_Improve_Your_Business_German_for_Work_184aa45de4\u002FThese_Top_3_Tools_Will_Help_You_Improve_Your_Business_German_for_Work_184aa45de4.webp",[941,32441],1773212460000,{"id":36305,"documentId":36306,"slug":36307,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36308,"description":36309,"image":36310,"tags":36313,"timestampUnix":36314,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4368,"g35e7tp7vfq1jxayzwkjs6do","hardest-languages-to-learn","Hardest Languages to Learn for English Speakers (2026)","Discover the hardest languages to learn for English speakers based on FSI data. Arabic, Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, and Cantonese require 2200+ hours.",{"alt":36311,"src":36312,"width":27625,"height":20897,"previewOnly":32439},"The hardest languages for English speakers to learn - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fyoung_pretty_student_overwhelmed_with_books_272645_183_6b2ad38198\u002Fyoung_pretty_student_overwhelmed_with_books_272645_183_6b2ad38198.avif",[940,18445],1772758860000,{"id":36316,"documentId":36317,"slug":36318,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36319,"description":36320,"image":36321,"tags":36325,"timestampUnix":36326,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5539,"h1hbcq79e55dugfszu41arqz","how-are-you-in-english","How Are You in English: 30+ Natural Ways to Ask and Answer","Explore casual and formal alternatives to \"How are you?\" in English. Discover natural phrases, proper responses, and context tips to sound natural.",{"alt":36322,"src":36323,"width":27625,"height":36324,"previewOnly":32439},"Different ways to say how are you in English - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FNU_London_masters_28_4fd71c0600\u002FNU_London_masters_28_4fd71c0600.webp",1441,[941,32441],1773219660000,{"id":36328,"documentId":36329,"slug":36330,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36331,"description":36332,"image":36333,"tags":36337,"timestampUnix":36338,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4382,"mkdq51hnyqa301y6t5jh2pe0","active-vs-passive-listening-language-learning","Active vs Passive Listening for Language Learning (2026)","Learn exactly when to use active vs passive listening in language learning. Discover how combining both methods improves your listening skills faster.",{"alt":36334,"src":36335,"width":27625,"height":36336,"previewOnly":32439},"When to use active vs passive listening for language study - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FActive_Learning_In_Higher_Education_8938819e3e\u002FActive_Learning_In_Higher_Education_8938819e3e.webp",461,[940,18445],1772767200000,{"id":36340,"documentId":36341,"slug":36342,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36343,"description":36344,"image":36345,"tags":36348,"timestampUnix":36349,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5033,"s2g3bx7d0cv30mmyn3s2fmt8","german-restaurant-phrases-order-food","German Restaurant Phrases: Order Food in German Confidently","Learn essential German restaurant phrases to order food, make reservations, and pay the bill. Practical phrases for real dining situations in Germany.",{"alt":36346,"src":36347,"width":27625,"height":16016,"previewOnly":32439},"How to order food at a restaurant in German - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fbest_traditional_german_restaurants_in_berlin_58c9c9041a\u002Fbest_traditional_german_restaurants_in_berlin_58c9c9041a.webp",[941,32441,2036],1773018000000,{"id":36351,"documentId":36352,"slug":36353,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36354,"description":36355,"image":36356,"tags":36359,"timestampUnix":36360,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5543,"etok0bexkke2zdojb1j7nhb2","vietnamese-weather-vocabulary","Vietnamese Weather Vocabulary: Learn Words for Weather","Essential Vietnamese weather vocabulary, from basic terms like nắng and mưa to full phrases. 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Find out which features matter and which app fits your goals.",{"alt":36379,"src":36380,"width":27625,"height":16016,"previewOnly":32439},"Comparing the top language learning apps - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002F6504c13fb63e22fa1a1182a9_dit_zijn_de_beste_vertaal_apps_van_dit_moment_9f33d808b0\u002F6504c13fb63e22fa1a1182a9_dit_zijn_de_beste_vertaal_apps_van_dit_moment_9f33d808b0.webp",[16019,940,18445,15782],1772780400000,{"id":36384,"documentId":36385,"slug":36386,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36387,"description":36388,"image":36389,"tags":36393,"timestampUnix":36394,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5545,"aodl0qh7hdkv2nc8np31azyx","common-english-idioms-meanings","Common English Idioms and Their Meanings Explained","Learn the most common English idioms you'll actually hear in conversation. Understand what these expressions mean and how native speakers use them every day.",{"alt":36390,"src":36391,"width":27625,"height":36392,"previewOnly":32439},"Common English idioms and their meanings - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_04_02_105030_a8239912ca\u002FScreenshot_2026_04_02_105030_a8239912ca.png",432,[941,31500,32441],1775106000000,{"id":36396,"documentId":36397,"slug":36398,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36399,"description":36400,"image":36401,"tags":36404,"timestampUnix":36405,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4435,"osk9lkzzflax4069gw1g22nl","how-to-read-in-a-foreign-language","How to Read in a Foreign Language: Strategies That Work","Practical strategies to read in a foreign language without constant dictionary use. 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No travel or classes needed.",{"alt":36413,"src":36414,"width":27625,"height":32566,"previewOnly":32439},"How to create a language immersion environment at home - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FOnline_learning_service_web_f3bae43f12\u002FOnline_learning_service_web_f3bae43f12.jpg",[16019,940,18445],1772794800000,{"id":36418,"documentId":36419,"slug":36420,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36421,"description":36422,"image":36423,"tags":36426,"timestampUnix":36427,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4871,"f5tvfnjjfgasuevyn8g67nl1","english-false-friends","English False Friends: Words That Confuse Language Learners","English false friends trip up learners constantly. See lists of Spanish, German, French, and Dutch words that look familiar but mean something totally different.",{"alt":36424,"src":36425,"width":27625,"height":9916,"previewOnly":32439},"English words that confuse speakers of other languages - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002F1660319178_Howtoletgoofshame_097ff5ab68\u002F1660319178_Howtoletgoofshame_097ff5ab68.webp",[941,32441],1772917200000,{"id":36429,"documentId":36430,"slug":36431,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36432,"description":36433,"image":36434,"tags":36437,"timestampUnix":36438,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4442,"c8ix6e47th6b8agu5h4e84ku","monolingual-dictionary-language-learning","When to Switch to Monolingual Dictionaries for Learning","Learn when and how to switch from bilingual to monolingual dictionaries. Discover why monolingual dictionary language learning works better at B1-B2 level.",{"alt":36435,"src":36436,"width":27625,"height":937,"previewOnly":32439},"When and how to switch to a monolingual dictionary - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fopened_thick_dictionary_books_4oi07u8brsf9u4r1_94c2299886\u002Fopened_thick_dictionary_books_4oi07u8brsf9u4r1_94c2299886.jpg",[941,16019,940,18445],1772802000000,{"id":36440,"documentId":36441,"slug":36442,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36443,"description":36444,"image":36445,"tags":36448,"timestampUnix":36449,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5668,"b8th2v019nrtsotgnvbevsg9","french-phone-conversation-phrases","French Phone Conversation Phrases: Talk on the Phone in French","Learn essential french phone conversation phrases to handle calls confidently. From greetings to goodbyes, master the vocabulary you actually need.",{"alt":36446,"src":36447,"width":27625,"height":937,"previewOnly":32439},"How to talk on the phone in French - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fwoman_phone_call_paris_1_df3cfc2749\u002Fwoman_phone_call_paris_1_df3cfc2749.webp",[941,32441],1775185200000,{"id":36451,"documentId":36452,"slug":36453,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36454,"description":36455,"image":36456,"tags":36459,"timestampUnix":36460,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4483,"pl0dlw0haoxhhragjohqvdnp","language-learning-with-music","Language Learning With Music: How Songs Actually Help","Discover how language learning with music works, backed by science. Learn practical methods to use songs for vocabulary, pronunciation, and comprehension.",{"alt":36457,"src":36458,"width":27625,"height":33012,"previewOnly":32439},"How to use songs and music to learn a language - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fmusic_production_guide_scaled_fb0dd046c9\u002Fmusic_production_guide_scaled_fb0dd046c9.webp",[16019,940,18445],1772809200000,{"id":36462,"documentId":36463,"slug":36464,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36465,"description":36466,"image":36467,"tags":36471,"timestampUnix":36472,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4484,"so7z0ftvh4ddle1wglf1g1kh","flashcard-best-practices-language-learning","Flashcard Best Practices for Language Learning That Work","Flashcard best practices explained. 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Research-backed strategies, practical tips, and tools for language learners.",{"alt":36480,"src":36481,"width":27625,"height":36482,"previewOnly":32439},"Using cloze deletions for vocabulary and grammar retention - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fstudent_preparing_for_oet_writing_test_8425ea5254\u002Fstudent_preparing_for_oet_writing_test_8425ea5254.webp",1335,[941,940,18445,24904],1772823600000,{"id":36486,"documentId":36487,"slug":36488,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36489,"description":36490,"image":36491,"tags":36494,"timestampUnix":36495,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4509,"cuaubmn38dllg2eb9gvnh543","portuguese-professions-vocabulary","Portuguese Professions Vocabulary: Jobs You'll Actually Use","Learn essential Portuguese professions vocabulary with masculine\u002Ffeminine forms, example sentences, and conversational phrases for talking about jobs.",{"alt":36492,"src":36493,"width":27625,"height":33012,"previewOnly":32439},"Job and profession vocabulary in Portuguese - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Finterview_job_seeeker_visa_girl_portugal_residency_adivsors_scaled_a872cf6b1d\u002Finterview_job_seeeker_visa_girl_portugal_residency_adivsors_scaled_a872cf6b1d.jpg",[941,32441],1773997200000,{"id":36497,"documentId":36498,"slug":36499,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36500,"description":36501,"image":36502,"tags":36506,"timestampUnix":36507,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4501,"krzqmtx6x6ye49h98gch0x8o","italian-transport-vocabulary","Italian Transport Vocabulary: Trains, Buses, and Travel Words","Learn essential Italian transport vocabulary for trains, buses, taxis, and more. Get practical phrases for tickets, stations, and navigating Italy like a local.",{"alt":36503,"src":36504,"width":27625,"height":36505,"previewOnly":32439},"Transportation vocabulary in Italian - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002F66d88332a85d8a71a381105f_65ddb82e338c05337d96cd76_travel_tramitaly_565274c22f\u002F66d88332a85d8a71a381105f_65ddb82e338c05337d96cd76_travel_tramitaly_565274c22f.webp",1027,[941,32441],1773984240000,{"id":36509,"documentId":36510,"slug":36511,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36512,"description":36513,"image":36514,"tags":36517,"timestampUnix":36518,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4502,"ttwl7ub47khw9yhgpz7knku6","german-months-of-the-year","German Months: Complete Guide to Months of the Year","Learn all 12 months in German with pronunciation guides, abbreviations, and useful phrases. 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Includes pronunciation, formal vs informal options, and when to use each.",{"alt":36526,"src":36527,"width":33648,"height":35562,"previewOnly":32439},"How to say see you later in French - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002F672872_583adb70f5\u002F672872_583adb70f5.jpg",[941,32441],1773984780000,{"id":36531,"documentId":36532,"slug":36533,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36534,"description":36535,"image":36536,"tags":36539,"timestampUnix":36529,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4504,"cs9ph4okkbmrdwnh5vkn8955","good-morning-in-english","How to Say Good Morning in English (Creative & Romantic Ways)","Learn creative ways to say good morning in English, from romantic messages to funny greetings. Get practical tips for texts, grammar rules, and unique phrases.",{"alt":36537,"src":36538,"width":27625,"height":28218,"previewOnly":32439},"How to say good morning in English - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fpenlee_cafe_slide_banner_1_c69d8789cb\u002Fpenlee_cafe_slide_banner_1_c69d8789cb.jpg",[941,32441],{"id":36541,"documentId":36542,"slug":36543,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36544,"description":36545,"image":36546,"tags":36549,"timestampUnix":36550,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4507,"v1pcul6b1hnc8axd61meg6on","best-vietnamese-podcasts-for-language-learners","Best Vietnamese Podcasts for Language Learners in 2026","Discover the best Vietnamese podcasts for learners in 2026. From beginner-friendly shows to authentic content, plus tips to actually improve your listening skills.",{"alt":36547,"src":36548,"width":27625,"height":33649,"previewOnly":32439},"The best Vietnamese podcasts for language learners - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fpodcast_a3e557f5b7\u002Fpodcast_a3e557f5b7.webp",[16019,940],1773986040000,{"id":36552,"documentId":36553,"slug":36554,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36555,"description":36556,"image":36557,"tags":36560,"timestampUnix":36561,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5669,"cnhrftiwxnho2m5vgbbqjnwn","english-conditionals-if-clauses-guide","English Conditionals: Master All 4 Types of if Clauses","Learn the 4 types of English conditionals with clear examples. 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Understand the 6 tones, vowel marks, and why those accent marks actually matter for reading.",{"alt":36580,"src":36581,"width":27625,"height":36582,"previewOnly":32439},"Understanding Vietnamese letters and tone marks - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002F343232_4821514859304831_image_f732c513dc\u002F343232_4821514859304831_image_f732c513dc.png",435,[8838,941,6047,24904],1775214000000,{"id":36586,"documentId":36587,"slug":36588,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36589,"description":36590,"image":36591,"tags":36594,"timestampUnix":36595,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4879,"yr6i0sln4j7goqrcrwsa5syc","input-vs-output-language-learning","Input vs Output Language Learning: Balance for Fast Progress","Learn how to balance input and output in language learning. Discover optimal ratios, practical activities, and strategies to accelerate your progress.",{"alt":36592,"src":36593,"width":27625,"height":32553,"previewOnly":32439},"Balancing input and output practice for faster progress - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FWoman_Learning_a_Language_4b911d3589\u002FWoman_Learning_a_Language_4b911d3589.webp",[940,18445],1774335600000,{"id":36597,"documentId":36598,"slug":36599,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36600,"description":36601,"image":36602,"tags":36606,"timestampUnix":36607,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4994,"s84j14ozrib3oq9se7qnyve0","english-linking-words-connect-sentences","English Linking Words: Connect Sentences Like a Native","Learn how to use English linking words to connect sentences smoothly. Practical examples for addition, contrast, cause and effect, and more.",{"alt":36603,"src":36604,"width":27625,"height":36605,"previewOnly":32439},"How to connect sentences with English linking words - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fpeople_chatting_8a35a4a222\u002Fpeople_chatting_8a35a4a222.jpg",810,[941,24904],1774407600000,{"id":36609,"documentId":36610,"slug":36611,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36612,"description":36613,"image":36614,"tags":36617,"timestampUnix":36618,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4999,"vipt6ptoy86i0n5ya0o1a6gv","portuguese-restaurant-phrases","Portuguese Restaurant Phrases: Order Food Like a Local","Learn essential Portuguese restaurant phrases for ordering food, getting the waiter's attention, and handling the bill in Portugal and Brazil.",{"alt":36615,"src":36616,"width":27625,"height":32942,"previewOnly":32439},"How to order food at a restaurant in Portuguese - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fimage_d5661752b5\u002Fimage_d5661752b5.jpg",[941,32441],1774443600000,{"id":36620,"documentId":36621,"slug":36622,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36623,"description":36624,"image":36625,"tags":36628,"timestampUnix":36629,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4997,"zi0vrn23p0l298ik237s1z7m","good-night-in-vietnamese","Good Night in Vietnamese: How to Say It Right (2026 Guide)","Learn how to say good night in Vietnamese with proper pronunciation, romantic variations, and cultural etiquette. From \"chúc ngủ ngon\" to regional differences.",{"alt":36626,"src":36627,"width":27625,"height":33428,"previewOnly":32439},"How to say good night in Vietnamese - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fnightlife_in_hanoi_259390251b\u002Fnightlife_in_hanoi_259390251b.jpg",[941,32441],1774429200000,{"id":36631,"documentId":36632,"slug":36633,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36634,"description":36635,"image":36636,"tags":36639,"timestampUnix":36640,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5000,"mjtusg4gbt8jgzlyp9rargcw","writing-practice-language-learning","Writing Practice Language Learning: How It Accelerates Fluency","Writing practice boosts speaking, grammar, and vocabulary faster than passive learning. Research-backed strategies for language learners who want real results.",{"alt":36637,"src":36638,"width":27625,"height":32701,"previewOnly":32439},"How writing practice accelerates language acquisition - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fv2_1040852f0ca0c7f4e0942d57f7cc0699_720w_b61af3ecd7\u002Fv2_1040852f0ca0c7f4e0942d57f7cc0699_720w_b61af3ecd7.jpg",[940,18445],1774450800000,{"id":36642,"documentId":36643,"slug":36644,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36645,"description":36646,"image":36647,"tags":36650,"timestampUnix":36651,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5003,"cfbnlm4ldp8ycjjub98pezsp","best-italian-podcasts-for-language-learners","Best Italian Podcasts for Language Learners in 2026","Discover the best Italian podcasts for every level. From Coffee Break Italian to advanced content, find shows that actually improve your listening skills.",{"alt":36648,"src":36649,"width":27625,"height":33810,"previewOnly":32439},"The best Italian podcasts for language learners - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FDubn_Sub_why_are_podcasts_so_popular_in_2021_why_are_more_people_listening_to_podcasts_1024x683_658ac56853\u002FDubn_Sub_why_are_podcasts_so_popular_in_2021_why_are_more_people_listening_to_podcasts_1024x683_658ac56853.png",[16019,940,18445],1774472400000,{"id":36653,"documentId":36654,"slug":36655,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36656,"description":36657,"image":36658,"tags":36661,"timestampUnix":36662,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5004,"fu3beow28yhae52wt8czt19e","german-conditional-mood-konjunktiv-guide","German Conditional Mood: Master Konjunktiv II for If-Clauses","Learn how to use the German conditional mood (Konjunktiv II) for hypothetical situations, if-clauses, wishes, and polite requests with clear examples and conjugations.",{"alt":36659,"src":36660,"width":27625,"height":32713,"previewOnly":32439},"How to use the German subjunctive for conditionals - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FWie_Gehts_How_Are_You_in_German_Chatting_Friends_aea65fa834\u002FWie_Gehts_How_Are_You_in_German_Chatting_Friends_aea65fa834.jpg",[8838,941,24904],1774479600000,{"id":36664,"documentId":36665,"slug":36666,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36667,"description":36668,"image":36669,"tags":36672,"timestampUnix":36673,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5005,"q130c0cjccg0j7f356m9n596","french-office-vocabulary","French Office Vocabulary: Essential Workplace Terms Guide","Learn essential French office vocabulary for jobs, meetings, departments, and business phrases. Practical terms for working in French-speaking workplaces.",{"alt":36670,"src":36671,"width":27625,"height":20897,"previewOnly":32439},"Office and workplace vocabulary in French - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fwoman_working_desk_with_eiffel_tower_view_250422_1868_192e66c79c\u002Fwoman_working_desk_with_eiffel_tower_view_250422_1868_192e66c79c.avif",[941,32441],1774486800000,{"id":36675,"documentId":36676,"slug":36677,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36678,"description":36679,"image":36680,"tags":36683,"timestampUnix":36684,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5674,"nt0d2ij0o7fq4m10vet6rg51","portuguese-accent-marks","Portuguese Accent Marks: Complete Guide to Diacritics","Learn how Portuguese accent marks work, what each diacritic means for pronunciation, and how to type them on any keyboard. Essential guide for learners.",{"alt":36681,"src":36682,"width":27625,"height":33887,"previewOnly":32439},"Understanding Portuguese accent marks and diacritics - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FConversation_partner_4f794074c8\u002FConversation_partner_4f794074c8.jpg",[8838,941,6047,24904],1775228400000,{"id":36686,"documentId":36687,"slug":36688,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36689,"description":36690,"image":36691,"tags":36695,"timestampUnix":36696,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5850,"xdugbqvfnyg9mb9obn9zqv8i","english-emotions-vocabulary","English Emotions Vocabulary: Express Feelings Naturally","Learn essential English emotions vocabulary from basic feelings to complex expressions. Practical word lists, idioms, and examples for natural conversation.",{"alt":36692,"src":36693,"width":27625,"height":36694,"previewOnly":32439},"How to express emotions and feelings in English - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_04_08_142008_51f1e34efc\u002FScreenshot_2026_04_08_142008_51f1e34efc.png",685,[941,32441],1775646000000,{"id":36698,"documentId":36699,"slug":36700,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36701,"description":36702,"image":36703,"tags":36706,"timestampUnix":36707,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5042,"ouv0tc1qzf2dcd37h8ba5fop","english-clothing-vocabulary","English Clothing Vocabulary: Complete Fashion Terms Guide","English clothing vocabulary from basic garments to fashion terms. Covers tops, bottoms, accessories, verbs, and British vs American differences.",{"alt":36704,"src":36705,"width":27625,"height":33012,"previewOnly":32439},"Clothing and fashion vocabulary in English - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fartificial_photography_v_B5qtt8_X4_NA_unsplash_1_scaled_jpg_f70d5a8cab\u002Fartificial_photography_v_B5qtt8_X4_NA_unsplash_1_scaled_jpg_f70d5a8cab.webp",[941,32441],1773025200000,{"id":36709,"documentId":36710,"slug":36711,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36712,"description":36713,"image":36714,"tags":36717,"timestampUnix":36718,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5807,"r2ym56u6f8jmuqhnsl6rnge6","french-directional-words-guide","French Directional Words: Navigate Like a Local in 2026","Master French directional words to ask for and understand directions confidently. Essential vocabulary, phrases, and practice tips for travelers.",{"alt":36715,"src":36716,"width":27625,"height":36336,"previewOnly":32439},"How to give and understand directions in French - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fparis_street_signs_4bc2451dc3\u002Fparis_street_signs_4bc2451dc3.jpg",[941,32441,2036],1773421200000,{"id":36720,"documentId":36721,"slug":36722,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36723,"description":36724,"image":36725,"tags":36728,"timestampUnix":36729,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5044,"ho70t9j2kh9xulkmvy7nvzzt","vietnamese-body-parts-vocabulary-guide","Vietnamese Body Parts: Essential Vocabulary Guide","Learn Vietnamese body parts vocabulary with practical examples, pronunciation tips, and usage in real conversations. Complete guide from head to toe.",{"alt":36726,"src":36727,"width":27625,"height":20897,"previewOnly":32439},"Body part vocabulary in Vietnamese - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FFBA_2180_min_min_768x768_2b663a3e9d\u002FFBA_2180_min_min_768x768_2b663a3e9d.webp",[941,32441],1773039600000,{"id":36731,"documentId":36732,"slug":36733,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36734,"description":36735,"image":36736,"tags":36739,"timestampUnix":36740,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4908,"jwetqtb5iwmm0rmat30f0b5g","good-night-in-german","Good Night in German: 15+ Ways to Say Goodnight Naturally","Learn how to say good night in German beyond \"Gute Nacht.\" Discover 15+ phrases for formal, informal, and romantic situations with pronunciation tips.",{"alt":36737,"src":36738,"width":27625,"height":33071,"previewOnly":32439},"How to say good night in German - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fdusseldorf_2064284_1920_35f8a7153f\u002Fdusseldorf_2064284_1920_35f8a7153f.webp",[941,32441],1774393200000,{"id":36742,"documentId":36743,"slug":36744,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36745,"description":36746,"image":36747,"tags":36750,"timestampUnix":36751,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4909,"tpt3owxpvi6pi973xkixgyky","best-french-podcasts","Best French Podcasts for Language Learners in 2026","Discover the best French podcasts for every level. From Coffee Break French to InnerFrench, find shows that actually improve your listening skills.",{"alt":36748,"src":36749,"width":32713,"height":33649,"previewOnly":32439},"The best French podcasts for language learners - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Ffrench_podcasts_e1662557433338_2d137a7823\u002Ffrench_podcasts_e1662557433338_2d137a7823.jpg",[16019,940,18445],1774400400000,{"id":36753,"documentId":36754,"slug":36755,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36756,"description":36757,"image":36758,"tags":36761,"timestampUnix":36762,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5096,"qtnaxdeme12wqibs6sxh8ie5","english-prepositions-guide","English Prepositions: Common Types and How to Use Them","Learn the most common English prepositions and how they work. Covers prepositions of time, place, direction, plus practical tips for mastering them.",{"alt":36759,"src":36760,"width":27625,"height":33201,"previewOnly":32439},"Common English prepositions and how to use them - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fcoffee_cup_sitting_top_table_662214_429182_a61177de7b\u002Fcoffee_cup_sitting_top_table_662214_429182_a61177de7b.jpg",[8838,941,24904],1774494000000,{"id":36764,"documentId":36765,"slug":36766,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36767,"description":36768,"image":36769,"tags":36772,"timestampUnix":36773,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5099,"qcc0t72vlvctv7yppx7o56lr","what-is-your-name-in-vietnamese","What Is Your Name in Vietnamese? Ask & Answer Like a Native","Learn how to ask \"what is your name in Vietnamese\" with Bạn tên gì, pronouns like anh\u002Fchị\u002Fem, and how to introduce yourself naturally in any context.",{"alt":36770,"src":36771,"width":27625,"height":20897,"previewOnly":32439},"How to ask and say your name in Vietnamese - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FVietnam_coffee_lake_view_b6b57e546b\u002FVietnam_coffee_lake_view_b6b57e546b.avif",[941,32441],1774515660000,{"id":36775,"documentId":36776,"slug":36777,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36778,"description":36779,"image":36780,"tags":36783,"timestampUnix":36784,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},4907,"i73pph22hf8feue4t9h6gmod","italian-medical-vocabulary-guide","Italian Medical Vocabulary: Essential Health Terms Guide","Learn practical Italian medical vocabulary for doctor visits, symptoms, and healthcare. Essential terms, phrases, and body parts to navigate Italian medical settings.",{"alt":36781,"src":36782,"width":27625,"height":31616,"previewOnly":32439},"Medical and health vocabulary in Italian - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fpharmacy_sign_bologna_italy_1536x1024_e6c40a6e2f\u002Fpharmacy_sign_bologna_italy_1536x1024_e6c40a6e2f.webp",[941,32441],1774386000000,{"id":36786,"documentId":36787,"slug":36788,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36789,"description":36790,"image":36791,"tags":36795,"timestampUnix":36796,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5759,"xgxgeh33q088jlgzw7yclok5","vietnamese-question-words","Vietnamese Question Words: How to Ask Questions in Vietnamese","Ask questions confidently with Vietnamese question words like gì, ai, đâu. Practical guide with examples for yes\u002Fno questions and wh-questions.",{"alt":36792,"src":36793,"width":27625,"height":36794,"previewOnly":32439},"How to ask questions in Vietnamese - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fbudget_vietnam_backpacking_9_a3059289d3\u002Fbudget_vietnam_backpacking_9_a3059289d3.webp",449,[8838,24904],1773370800000,{"id":36798,"documentId":36799,"slug":36800,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36801,"description":36802,"image":36803,"tags":36807,"timestampUnix":36808,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5052,"uqdltf0v1ormkhlnyycz1kie","sorry-in-german","How to Say Sorry in German: Essential Apology Phrases","Say sorry in German with Entschuldigung, Es tut mir leid, and other essential apology phrases. Includes formal\u002Finformal usage and audio.",{"alt":36804,"src":36805,"width":27625,"height":36806,"previewOnly":32439},"How to say sorry and apologize in German - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fp08czqgr_jpg_29ceac5738\u002Fp08czqgr_jpg_29ceac5738.webp",270,[941,32441],1773054000000,{"id":36810,"documentId":36811,"slug":36812,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36813,"description":36814,"image":36815,"tags":36818,"timestampUnix":36819,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5836,"v6ietgefzmzlmr0es0vok85s","italian-shopping-vocabulary","Italian Shopping Vocabulary: Useful Phrases for Shopping","Explore markets, stores, and other Italian shops confidently with these shopping phrases. Essential phrases for prices, sizes, and purchases.",{"alt":36816,"src":36817,"width":27625,"height":34281,"previewOnly":32439},"Shopping and market vocabulary in Italian - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fistockphoto_170027194_612x612_5ccac9fbae\u002Fistockphoto_170027194_612x612_5ccac9fbae.jpg",[941,32441],1773493200000,{"id":36821,"documentId":36822,"slug":36823,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36824,"description":36825,"image":36826,"tags":36829,"timestampUnix":36830,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5119,"mpvhwnmkqpmch39hnqvotqxo","vietnamese-professions-vocabulary","Vietnamese Professions Vocabulary: Job Titles You'll Use","Learn Vietnamese professions vocabulary with job titles organized by industry. Get pronunciation tips and conversation phrases for real-world use.",{"alt":36827,"src":36828,"width":27625,"height":32602,"previewOnly":32439},"Job and profession vocabulary in Vietnamese - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fvietnam_foreign_students_part_time_work_2025_64a20038e2\u002Fvietnam_foreign_students_part_time_work_2025_64a20038e2.webp",[941,32441,2036],1773075600000,{"id":36832,"documentId":36833,"slug":36834,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36835,"description":36836,"image":36837,"tags":36840,"timestampUnix":36841,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5837,"zwaps3evg7cys4wn8dpu9ge1","german-time-expressions","German Time Expressions: How to Tell Time in German","Tell the exact time in German with halb, viertel, nach, and vor. Master both 12-hour and 24-hour formats with practical examples.",{"alt":36838,"src":36839,"width":27625,"height":34281,"previewOnly":32439},"How to tell time and use time expressions in German - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fistockphoto_2226984058_612x612_544edea3c7\u002Fistockphoto_2226984058_612x612_544edea3c7.jpg",[941,32441],1773500400000,{"id":36843,"documentId":36844,"slug":36845,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36846,"description":36847,"image":36848,"tags":36851,"timestampUnix":36852,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5864,"bprmldqr5371in9z22ykrx3w","how-are-you-in-portuguese","How Are You in Portuguese: 10+ Ways to Greet Like a Native","Say how are you in Portuguese with tudo bem, como vai, e aí, and more. Discover formal and informal greetings used in Brazil and Portugal.",{"alt":36849,"src":36850,"width":27625,"height":32867,"previewOnly":32439},"Different ways to say how are you in Portuguese - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FHPC_Summer_School_d7246afc4c\u002FHPC_Summer_School_d7246afc4c.webp",[941,32441],1773894480000,{"id":36854,"documentId":36855,"slug":36856,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36857,"description":36858,"image":36859,"tags":36862,"timestampUnix":36863,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5811,"dvksxab25nu6c8185oa5zyej","english-question-words","English Question Words: How to Ask Questions Like a Native","Learn the 7 main English question words and how to use them correctly. Master who, what, when, where, why, how, and which with clear examples and patterns.",{"alt":36860,"src":36861,"width":27625,"height":34281,"previewOnly":32439},"How to ask questions in English - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fistockphoto_697604048_612x612_d4cbd558fe\u002Fistockphoto_697604048_612x612_d4cbd558fe.jpg",[8838,941,32441,24904],1773428400000,{"id":36865,"documentId":36866,"slug":36867,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36868,"description":36869,"image":36870,"tags":36874,"timestampUnix":36875,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5860,"vq9vefq1kcj0d9x8ghqikh0p","language-learning-goals-setting","Language Learning Goals Setting: Strategies for 2026","Set realistic language learning goals using SMART frameworks. Learn strategies to keep yourself motivated and practical tracking methods for 2026.",{"alt":36871,"src":36872,"width":27625,"height":36873,"previewOnly":32439},"How to set realistic and effective language learning goals - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FGetty_Images_1511226415_67437e024a\u002FGetty_Images_1511226415_67437e024a.jpg",482,[940,18445],1773558000000,{"id":36877,"documentId":36878,"slug":36879,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36880,"description":36881,"image":36882,"tags":36885,"timestampUnix":36886,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5866,"omu8sumkg77gx2xsts733qbh","nice-to-meet-you-in-portuguese","How to Say Nice to Meet You in Portuguese (Brazil & Portugal)","Say nice to meet you in Portuguese with formal and informal phrases for Brazil and Portugal. Includes pronunciation, cultural tips, and real dialogues.",{"alt":36883,"src":36884,"width":27625,"height":33887,"previewOnly":32439},"How to say nice to meet you in Portuguese - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fbusiness_deal_casual_collaboration_women_pexels_e1556629045436_jpg_250b6fde78\u002Fbusiness_deal_casual_collaboration_women_pexels_e1556629045436_jpg_250b6fde78.webp",[941,32441],1773905880000,{"id":36888,"documentId":36889,"slug":36890,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36891,"description":36892,"image":36893,"tags":36896,"timestampUnix":36897,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5853,"sewsab54n6atyob7ygh9n1bx","french-months-guide","French Months Guide: Pronunciation, Gender, and Usage","Learn the French months with pronunciation audio, gender rules, and proper usage. Master capitalization, prepositions, and dates in French quickly.",{"alt":36894,"src":36895,"width":27625,"height":34281,"previewOnly":32439},"Months of the year in French with gender and usage - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fistockphoto_2211711751_612x612_c2ed4e40e9\u002Fistockphoto_2211711751_612x612_c2ed4e40e9.jpg",[8838,941,32441],1773507600000,{"id":36899,"documentId":36900,"slug":36901,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36902,"description":36903,"image":36904,"tags":36907,"timestampUnix":36908,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5130,"v80j1hkb0pokx2cnknt7cvkf","german-imperative-mood-commands","German Imperative Mood: How to Give Commands in German","Learn how to form and use the German imperative mood for du, ihr, Sie, and wir. Includes examples, irregular verbs, and tips for natural-sounding commands.",{"alt":36905,"src":36906,"width":27625,"height":35332,"previewOnly":32439},"How to give commands in German - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_03_12_020204_8b3775d4e8\u002FScreenshot_2026_03_12_020204_8b3775d4e8.png",[8838,24904],1773090000000,{"id":36910,"documentId":36911,"slug":36912,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36913,"description":36914,"image":36915,"tags":36918,"timestampUnix":36919,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5568,"wtko14agpk48b2bbkt5erljt","vietnamese-months","Vietnamese Months: Learn All 12 Months in Vietnamese Fast","Learn Vietnamese months easily with this simple numbering system. Master tháng một through tháng mười hai plus dates, pronunciation, and practical phrases.",{"alt":36916,"src":36917,"width":27625,"height":35975,"previewOnly":32439},"Months of the year in Vietnamese - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FR_C_751ffe5ac5\u002FR_C_751ffe5ac5.png",[941,32441],1775127600000,{"id":36921,"documentId":36922,"slug":36923,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36924,"description":36925,"image":36926,"tags":36930,"timestampUnix":36931,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5574,"yynmqhomkbjj0j3kbo7psr0x","italian-restaurant-phrases-order-food","Italian Restaurant Phrases: Order Food in Italian Confidently","Learn essential italian restaurant phrases to order food, make reservations, and pay the bill. From \"per favore\" to \"il conto,\" speak Italian at restaurants.",{"alt":36927,"src":36928,"width":27625,"height":36929,"previewOnly":32439},"How to order food at a restaurant in Italian - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FBest_Restaurants_In_Positano_Italy_scaled_9c1993b983\u002FBest_Restaurants_In_Positano_Italy_scaled_9c1993b983.jpeg",1365,[941,32441],1775170800000,{"id":36933,"documentId":36934,"slug":36935,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36936,"description":36937,"image":36938,"tags":36941,"timestampUnix":36942,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5679,"ys1t40z9zjm6l24u6klhrgkn","german-modal-verbs-guide","German Modal Verbs: Complete Guide to Using All 6 Modals","Learn the 6 German modal verbs (können, müssen, dürfen, sollen, wollen, mögen) with conjugation tables, examples, and practical tips for natural usage.",{"alt":36939,"src":36940,"width":27625,"height":991,"previewOnly":32439},"Understanding German modal verbs and how to use them - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FGerman_Reading_Comprehension_ba89f3bd11\u002FGerman_Reading_Comprehension_ba89f3bd11.jpg",[8838,24904],1775271600000,{"id":36944,"documentId":36945,"slug":36946,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36947,"description":36948,"image":36949,"tags":36953,"timestampUnix":36954,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5678,"og50v51r7kmtss2sicmgxcpe","italian-office-vocabulary","Italian Office Vocabulary: Essential Workplace Terms","Master Italian office vocabulary for professional settings. Learn essential workplace terms, verbs, phrases, and email conventions to communicate confidently at work.",{"alt":36950,"src":36951,"width":27625,"height":36952,"previewOnly":32439},"Office and workplace vocabulary in Italian - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_04_06_015700_d9c36daf6b\u002FScreenshot_2026_04_06_015700_d9c36daf6b.png",383,[941,32441],1775264400000,{"id":36956,"documentId":36957,"slug":36958,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36959,"description":36960,"image":36961,"tags":36964,"timestampUnix":36965,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5570,"hvzmm52fk4o7mocr5bh3ysnz","please-in-portuguese","How to Say Please in Portuguese: Por Favor and Polite Phrases","Learn how to say please in Portuguese with por favor, faz favor, and se faz favor. Includes pronunciation, examples, and differences between Brazil and Portugal.",{"alt":36962,"src":36963,"width":27625,"height":34591,"previewOnly":32439},"How to say please and make polite requests in Portuguese - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_04_03_020959_998da88da0\u002FScreenshot_2026_04_03_020959_998da88da0.png",[941,32441],1775142000000,{"id":36967,"documentId":36968,"slug":36969,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36970,"description":36971,"image":36972,"tags":36975,"timestampUnix":36976,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5571,"plv356f7sqhe4m132k62wdc8","morning-routine-language-learning","Morning Routine Language Learning: Build a Daily Habit","Learn how to build a morning routine language learning habit that actually sticks. Simple strategies for consistent daily practice that work even when motivation fades.",{"alt":36973,"src":36974,"width":27625,"height":34638,"previewOnly":32439},"How to build a daily language learning morning routine - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fmorning_coffee_book_bouquet_flowers_181291_16_a4611e38c7\u002Fmorning_coffee_book_bouquet_flowers_181291_16_a4611e38c7.jpg",[940,18445],1775149200000,{"id":36978,"documentId":36979,"slug":36980,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36981,"description":36982,"image":36983,"tags":36987,"timestampUnix":36988,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5575,"in2gjtnydwyf5wb2tzuzrd3l","german-irregular-verbs","German Irregular Verbs: The Most Common Ones You Need","Master the most common German irregular verbs with patterns that actually work. Learn the top 50-70 verbs that cover everyday conversations and real content.",{"alt":36984,"src":36985,"width":27625,"height":36986,"previewOnly":32439},"The most common German irregular verbs - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_04_03_021453_f45900c181\u002FScreenshot_2026_04_03_021453_f45900c181.png",310,[8838,32467,24904,32811],1775178000000,{"id":36990,"documentId":36991,"slug":36992,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":36993,"description":36994,"image":36995,"tags":36998,"timestampUnix":36999,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5684,"ffcw9xlyox96x7us1wg7coge","english-professions-vocabulary-jobs-careers","English Professions Vocabulary: Jobs and Careers Explained","Learn essential English professions vocabulary, from common jobs to workplace terms. Understand job titles, application words, and career terminology with examples.",{"alt":36996,"src":36997,"width":27625,"height":16016,"previewOnly":32439},"Job and profession vocabulary in English - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002F108077669_1734542257249_gettyimages_2155192214_getty_modernoffice_2024_05803_7f5f00fa9b\u002F108077669_1734542257249_gettyimages_2155192214_getty_modernoffice_2024_05803_7f5f00fa9b.jpeg",[941,32441],1775286000000,{"id":37001,"documentId":37002,"slug":37003,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":37004,"description":37005,"image":37006,"tags":37009,"timestampUnix":37010,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5683,"goggbqqoliuamulsx2j330tz","please-in-french","How to Say Please in French: Complete Politeness Guide","Learn how to say please in French with s'il vous plaît, s'il te plaît, and other polite expressions. Master formal and informal requests like a native speaker.",{"alt":37007,"src":37008,"width":27625,"height":33059,"previewOnly":32439},"How to say please and make polite requests in French - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_04_06_020223_ebd3181252\u002FScreenshot_2026_04_06_020223_ebd3181252.png",[941,32441],1775278800000,{"id":37012,"documentId":37013,"slug":37014,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":37015,"description":37016,"image":37017,"tags":37020,"timestampUnix":37021,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5579,"r79ile3ss4fq953nl4zwid4z","language-learning-with-ai-tools","Language Learning With AI Tools: Complete Guide for 2026","Discover the best AI tools for language learning in 2026. Compare pricing, features, and effectiveness of apps like ELSA, Talkio, and Speak for faster fluency.",{"alt":37018,"src":37019,"width":27625,"height":32652,"previewOnly":32439},"How to use AI tools to accelerate language learning - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002F2028315_5_3272fc422d\u002F2028315_5_3272fc422d.webp",[16019,940,18445],1773241260000,{"id":37023,"documentId":37024,"slug":37025,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":37026,"description":37027,"image":37028,"tags":37031,"timestampUnix":37032,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5687,"p2llzvnxx97gh2fsrks82fik","excuse-me-in-vietnamese","How to Say Excuse Me in Vietnamese (All Contexts Explained)","Learn how to say excuse me in Vietnamese with \"xin lỗi\" and other context-specific phrases. Covers pronunciation, politeness levels, and when NOT to say it.",{"alt":37029,"src":37030,"width":27625,"height":33887,"previewOnly":32439},"How to say excuse me in Vietnamese - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FWomen_for_chatting_at_the_airport_of_departure_lobby_e1696399100940_77501e578f\u002FWomen_for_chatting_at_the_airport_of_departure_lobby_e1696399100940_77501e578f.jpg",[941,32441],1775307600000,{"id":37034,"documentId":37035,"slug":37036,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":37037,"description":37038,"image":37039,"tags":37043,"timestampUnix":37044,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5690,"mdqlqac90edkqdae9l53yj70","language-learning-for-introverts","Language Learning for Introverts: Use Your Strengths","Introverts have natural advantages for language learning. Learn how to use deep focus, listening skills, and solo study to become fluent your way.",{"alt":37040,"src":37041,"width":27625,"height":37042,"previewOnly":32439},"How introverts can learn languages effectively - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_04_06_022130_84f61f9572\u002FScreenshot_2026_04_06_022130_84f61f9572.png",596,[940,18445],1775329200000,{"id":37046,"documentId":37047,"slug":37048,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":37049,"description":37050,"image":37051,"tags":37054,"timestampUnix":37055,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5689,"b8zqds97cp9xiaevy9k58ba6","portuguese-banking-vocabulary","Portuguese Banking Vocabulary: Essential Terms You Need","Learn practical Portuguese banking vocabulary for accounts, cards, transfers, and payments. Essential terms for Brazil and Portugal with real examples.",{"alt":37052,"src":37053,"width":27625,"height":32766,"previewOnly":32439},"Banking and financial vocabulary in Portuguese - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Ff118cbee83631c5488a8f86223c644d4_1200_9adca0f4da\u002Ff118cbee83631c5488a8f86223c644d4_1200_9adca0f4da.jpg",[941,32441],1775322000000,{"id":37057,"documentId":37058,"slug":37059,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":37060,"description":37061,"image":37062,"tags":37066,"timestampUnix":37067,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5903,"kqws7guq23ub0xi99im04od8","italian-passive-voice-guide","Italian Passive Voice: How to Form and Use It Correctly","Form the Italian passive voice with essere + past participle, master agreement rules, and discover when to use passive constructions naturally.",{"alt":37063,"src":37064,"width":27625,"height":37065,"previewOnly":32439},"How to form and use the passive voice in Italian - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fimages_3701d2150a\u002Fimages_3701d2150a.jpg",168,[24904],1773983460000,{"id":37069,"documentId":37070,"slug":37071,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":37072,"description":37073,"image":37074,"tags":37077,"timestampUnix":37078,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5732,"qza7xhc3fvqwzykgc1lhb9nc","how-to-find-a-language-tutor","How to Find a Language Tutor: Platforms, Tips, and Pricing","Find the perfect language tutor with our guide to top platforms like Preply and iTalki, plus tips on filtering by price, reviews, and teaching style.",{"alt":37075,"src":37076,"width":27625,"height":34182,"previewOnly":32439},"How to find and choose a good language tutor - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FTutors_Near_Me_11b72ef245\u002FTutors_Near_Me_11b72ef245.webp",[16019,940,18445],1773334800000,{"id":37080,"documentId":37081,"slug":37082,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":37083,"description":37084,"image":37085,"tags":37088,"timestampUnix":37089,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5270,"zh0xvlxdv28uabpafdav113y","vietnamese-idioms-common-proverbs","Vietnamese Idioms: Common Proverbs You'll Actually Hear","Learn popular Vietnamese idioms and proverbs with translations, meanings, and real usage examples. Understand the cultural wisdom behind these essential phrases.",{"alt":37086,"src":37087,"width":27625,"height":35148,"previewOnly":32439},"Common Vietnamese idioms and proverbs - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fasian_woman_reading_a_book_in_the_park_free_photo_0e08c3dcfd\u002Fasian_woman_reading_a_book_in_the_park_free_photo_0e08c3dcfd.jpg",[31500,32441],1774602000000,{"id":37091,"documentId":37092,"slug":37093,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":37094,"description":37095,"image":37096,"tags":37100,"timestampUnix":37101,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5271,"rqlshzqiiomx8ihhob0fw1cl","portuguese-nature-vocabulary","Portuguese Nature Vocabulary: Essential Words You Need","Learn Portuguese nature vocabulary with this complete guide covering trees, landscapes, animals, and environmental terms. Includes translations and usage tips.",{"alt":37097,"src":37098,"width":27625,"height":37099,"previewOnly":32439},"Nature and environment vocabulary in Portuguese - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fursa_1800x1013_32ccda1f3a\u002Fursa_1800x1013_32ccda1f3a.jpg",1013,[941,32441],1774616400000,{"id":37103,"documentId":37104,"slug":37105,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":37106,"description":37107,"image":37108,"tags":37112,"timestampUnix":37113,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5583,"mtdc5pfv2ob9berfgoeitwyr","happy-birthday-in-german","How to Say Happy Birthday in German (Phrases & Songs)","Learn how to say happy birthday in German with Alles Gute zum Geburtstag and other phrases. Includes songs, toasts, formal greetings, and cultural tips.",{"alt":37109,"src":37110,"width":27625,"height":37111,"previewOnly":32439},"How to say happy birthday in German - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fkolko_harchat_germancite_za_rojden_den_1_0a38063e4a\u002Fkolko_harchat_germancite_za_rojden_den_1_0a38063e4a.webp",712,[941,32441],1773255600000,{"id":37115,"documentId":37116,"slug":37117,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":37118,"description":37119,"image":37120,"tags":37124,"timestampUnix":37125,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5736,"a59tcm8qrnctb8rypv8jpf8x","german-body-parts-vocabulary-guide","German Body Parts: Complete Vocabulary Guide for Learners","Here's how to talk about body parts in German with gender and plural form rules. Covers head, torso, arms, legs, plus pronunciation audio.",{"alt":37121,"src":37122,"width":27625,"height":37123,"previewOnly":32439},"Body part vocabulary in German - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fwurstfest_00fb726bc1\u002Fwurstfest_00fb726bc1.webp",722,[941,32441,2036],1773349200000,{"id":37127,"documentId":37128,"slug":37129,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":37130,"description":37131,"image":37132,"tags":37135,"timestampUnix":37136,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5739,"tbu89r2433wphry65byp36ee","french-medical-vocabulary","French Medical Vocabulary: Learn Essential Health Terms","Master french medical vocabulary for healthcare, emergencies, and doctor visits. Learn essential terms, phrases, and cultural context for medical French.",{"alt":37133,"src":37134,"width":27625,"height":937,"previewOnly":32439},"Medical and health vocabulary in French - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fdoctor_france_1_38eb685b42\u002Fdoctor_france_1_38eb685b42.webp",[941,32441],1775451600000,{"id":37138,"documentId":37139,"slug":37140,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":37141,"description":37142,"image":37143,"tags":37146,"timestampUnix":37147,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5273,"i7heg3qf0ek8gfc5uvs7t5im","language-learning-for-busy-adults","Language Learning for Busy Adults: Fit It Into Your Schedule","Learn how to fit language learning into a busy schedule with practical strategies that actually work for adults juggling careers and responsibilities.",{"alt":37144,"src":37145,"width":27625,"height":33834,"previewOnly":32439},"How to fit language learning into a busy schedule - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fru_nontrad_cheesman_1200x797_f7737d7570\u002Fru_nontrad_cheesman_1200x797_f7737d7570.jpg",[31500,940],1774623600000,{"id":37149,"documentId":37150,"slug":37151,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":37152,"description":37153,"image":37154,"tags":37157,"timestampUnix":37158,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5276,"lwgnqouwiwyb0euqer6ladnd","please-in-italian","How to Say Please in Italian: Per Favore, Piacere & More","Learn how to say please in Italian with per favore, per piacere, and per cortesia. Includes pronunciation, examples, and cultural tips for polite requests.",{"alt":37155,"src":37156,"width":27625,"height":34152,"previewOnly":32439},"How to say please and make polite requests in Italian - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fplease_in_italian_feature_585x390_62fc1aa5d1\u002Fplease_in_italian_feature_585x390_62fc1aa5d1.jpg",[941,32441],1774645200000,{"id":37160,"documentId":37161,"slug":37162,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":37163,"description":37164,"image":37165,"tags":37168,"timestampUnix":37169,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5277,"jgcmhnlnndq9g7x5jm18zbqa","german-passive-voice","German Passive Voice: How to Form and Use It Correctly","Learn how to form and use the German passive voice with werden, across all tenses, with modals, and master Vorgangspassiv vs. Zustandspassiv with examples.",{"alt":37166,"src":37167,"width":27625,"height":16858,"previewOnly":32439},"How to form and use the passive voice in German - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002F62c71b33a2ab7a0f3ecdff68_t_Stocksy_txp46eb27d6_Jr_S300_Medium_3239317_2_copy_1_3106ffcf46\u002F62c71b33a2ab7a0f3ecdff68_t_Stocksy_txp46eb27d6_Jr_S300_Medium_3239317_2_copy_1_3106ffcf46.webp",[8838,24904],1774652400000,{"id":37171,"documentId":37172,"slug":37173,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":37174,"description":37175,"image":37176,"tags":37179,"timestampUnix":37180,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5278,"r3frdmctxkyemeyy375ntb0n","french-nature-vocabulary","French Nature Vocabulary: Essential Words for the Outdoors","Learn essential French nature vocabulary for landscapes, weather, plants, and animals. Get practical words and phrases you'll actually use in conversations.",{"alt":37177,"src":37178,"width":27625,"height":32927,"previewOnly":32439},"Nature and environment vocabulary in French - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_03_30_030746_7a72b94a0b\u002FScreenshot_2026_03_30_030746_7a72b94a0b.png",[941,32441],1774659600000,{"id":37182,"documentId":37183,"slug":37184,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":37185,"description":37186,"image":37187,"tags":37191,"timestampUnix":37192,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5279,"s7v6snwvmpwrllxp9hmumy0n","what-is-your-name-in-english","What Is Your Name in English: How to Ask and Answer","Learn natural ways to ask and say your name in English. From casual \"What's your name?\" to formal introductions, master real English phrases that natives use.",{"alt":37188,"src":37189,"width":31616,"height":37190,"previewOnly":32439},"How to ask and say your name in English - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002F1525913936unnamed_1024x682_6896da9d8e\u002F1525913936unnamed_1024x682_6896da9d8e.webp",682,[941,32441],1774666800000,{"id":37194,"documentId":37195,"slug":37196,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":37197,"description":37198,"image":37199,"tags":37203,"timestampUnix":37204,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5285,"mpges9m39ifyv1zdn3tode3j","mnemonics-for-language-learning","Mnemonics for Language Learning: Memory Techniques That Work","Learn proven mnemonic techniques for vocabulary and grammar. Keyword method, memory palace, visualization, and more strategies that actually help you memorize.",{"alt":37200,"src":37201,"width":27625,"height":37202,"previewOnly":32439},"Using memory techniques to learn vocabulary and grammar - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FBrain_notes_f7fab2d143\u002FBrain_notes_f7fab2d143.webp",1350,[940,18445],1774710000000,{"id":37206,"documentId":37207,"slug":37208,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":37209,"description":37210,"image":37211,"tags":37215,"timestampUnix":37216,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5282,"yxrnhu9vdb9lq3snnv8ya4qs","vietnamese-personal-pronouns-guide","Vietnamese Personal Pronouns: How They Actually Work","Vietnamese personal pronouns change based on age, gender, and relationship. Learn how to use tôi, anh, chị, em, and other pronouns correctly in real conversations.",{"alt":37212,"src":37213,"width":27625,"height":37214,"previewOnly":32439},"How Vietnamese personal pronouns work - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FSmile_in_communicating_with_Vietnamese_people_9fd0db6805\u002FSmile_in_communicating_with_Vietnamese_people_9fd0db6805.jpg",490,[8838,24904],1774688400000,{"id":37218,"documentId":37219,"slug":37220,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":37221,"description":37222,"image":37223,"tags":37226,"timestampUnix":37227,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5284,"a2z4mkqbyzftibumv13kusqn","portuguese-transport-vocabulary","Portuguese Transport Vocabulary: Travel Like a Local","Master essential Portuguese transport vocabulary for buses, trains, metros, and driving. Includes European and Brazilian variants with practical phrases for travelers.",{"alt":37224,"src":37225,"width":27625,"height":16669,"previewOnly":32439},"Transportation vocabulary in Portuguese - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FSA_0_Og_GNHRO_6_M_Hnvygm_Am_0b68c21fd1\u002FSA_0_Og_GNHRO_6_M_Hnvygm_Am_0b68c21fd1.jpg",[941,32441],1774702800000,{"id":37229,"documentId":37230,"slug":37231,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":37232,"description":37233,"image":37234,"tags":37238,"timestampUnix":37239,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5288,"rmh34jgupjq6jaanf8k4jlll","italian-school-vocabulary","Italian School Vocabulary: Essential Terms for Students","Learn essential Italian school vocabulary from supplies to subjects, classroom terms to exam phrases. Complete guide for students and language learners.",{"alt":37235,"src":37236,"width":27625,"height":37237,"previewOnly":32439},"School and education vocabulary in Italian - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FWS_Gallery_Canadian_School_of_Milan_Cover_Photo_927aa6dc77\u002FWS_Gallery_Canadian_School_of_Milan_Cover_Photo_927aa6dc77.webp",950,[941,32441],1774731600000,{"id":37241,"documentId":37242,"slug":37243,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":37244,"description":37245,"image":37246,"tags":37249,"timestampUnix":37250,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5289,"hhlc69cbpzmjqmmtnnbb76ak","good-morning-in-german","How to Say Good Morning in German (Guten Morgen & More)","Learn how to say good morning in German with \"Guten Morgen\" plus regional variations, pronunciation tips, and when to use different German greetings.",{"alt":37247,"src":37248,"width":27625,"height":33887,"previewOnly":32439},"How to say good morning in German - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fcoffee_mug_with_vinca_flowers_and_note_Guten_Morgen_good_morning_in_German_015dc169ec\u002Fcoffee_mug_with_vinca_flowers_and_note_Guten_Morgen_good_morning_in_German_015dc169ec.jpg",[941,32441],1774738800000,{"id":37252,"documentId":37253,"slug":37254,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":37255,"description":37256,"image":37257,"tags":37260,"timestampUnix":37261,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5290,"dt7nteaq1ixhmrma4b08zlel","french-passive-voice-guide","French Passive Voice: Formation and Usage Guide","Learn how to form and use the French passive voice with être and past participle. Includes tenses, agreement rules, examples, and natural alternatives.",{"alt":37258,"src":37259,"width":27625,"height":20897,"previewOnly":32439},"How to form and use the passive voice in French - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fyoung_woman_sitting_cafe_table_with_fresh_coffee_croissant_while_reading_book_247147_1026_1b3102977d\u002Fyoung_woman_sitting_cafe_table_with_fresh_coffee_croissant_while_reading_book_247147_1026_1b3102977d.avif",[8838,24904],1774746000000,{"id":37263,"documentId":37264,"slug":37265,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":37266,"description":37267,"image":37268,"tags":37271,"timestampUnix":37272,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5291,"sbgxqizf2d88wex8qp1a7akq","english-restaurant-phrases-order-food","English Restaurant Phrases: Order Food Confidently","Learn essential English restaurant phrases for ordering food, making reservations, and handling your bill. Practical vocabulary for confident dining anywhere.",{"alt":37269,"src":37270,"width":27625,"height":33201,"previewOnly":32439},"How to order food at a restaurant in English - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FPlanning_in_a_Busy_Restaurant_Environment_5f7ea9f046\u002FPlanning_in_a_Busy_Restaurant_Environment_5f7ea9f046.jpg",[941,32441],1774753200000,{"id":37274,"documentId":37275,"slug":37276,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":37277,"description":37278,"image":37279,"tags":37283,"timestampUnix":37284,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5294,"fj4o7kng1kx665iaju4ylcu0","vietnamese-false-friends","Vietnamese False Friends That Confuse Language Learners","Vietnamese false friends trip up learners constantly. Learn which Vietnamese words sound like English or Chinese but mean something totally different.",{"alt":37280,"src":37281,"width":27625,"height":37282,"previewOnly":32439},"Vietnamese words that confuse learners from other languages - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002F65822033_188266805511661_8719864127878923837_n_e1579922955252_cfc8639128\u002F65822033_188266805511661_8719864127878923837_n_e1579922955252_cfc8639128.jpg",515,[941,940,15782],1774774800000,{"id":37286,"documentId":37287,"slug":37288,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":37289,"description":37290,"image":37291,"tags":37295,"timestampUnix":37296,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5296,"oafiaxk98nq9ac3jv9uoy12u","see-you-later-in-portuguese","How to Say See You Later in Portuguese (All the Ways)","Learn how to say see you later in Portuguese with até mais, até logo, tchau, and more. Includes Brazilian vs European differences and when to use each phrase.",{"alt":37292,"src":37293,"width":27625,"height":37294,"previewOnly":32439},"How to say see you later in Portuguese - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_03_30_033841_de2a7b284d\u002FScreenshot_2026_03_30_033841_de2a7b284d.png",511,[941,32441],1774789200000,{"id":37298,"documentId":37299,"slug":37300,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":37301,"description":37302,"image":37303,"tags":37307,"timestampUnix":37308,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5297,"ozgq8mquiwmfvg9gpxkgrske","language-learning-with-audiobooks","Language Learning With Audiobooks: Complete Guide (2026)","Learn how to use audiobooks for language learning effectively. Discover the best platforms, techniques, and content to improve listening skills and vocabulary.",{"alt":37304,"src":37305,"width":27625,"height":37306,"previewOnly":32439},"How to use audiobooks for language learning - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fa_beginners_guide_to_listening_to_audiobooks_t9bw_1200_3cd7c78133\u002Fa_beginners_guide_to_listening_to_audiobooks_t9bw_1200_3cd7c78133.webp",773,[16019,940],1774796400000,{"id":37310,"documentId":37311,"slug":37312,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":37313,"description":37314,"image":37315,"tags":37318,"timestampUnix":37319,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5299,"v52ny8tp0owk5i9vk2dhp84t","italian-phone-conversation-phrases","Italian Phone Conversation Phrases: Talk Confidently on Calls","Learn essential Italian phone conversation phrases from \"Pronto?\" to goodbye. Includes full examples, formal vs informal usage, and handling connection problems.",{"alt":37316,"src":37317,"width":27625,"height":20897,"previewOnly":32439},"How to talk on the phone in Italian - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fwoman_making_phone_call_milan_italy_63239_2952_905ca90be5\u002Fwoman_making_phone_call_milan_italy_63239_2952_905ca90be5.avif",[941,32441],1774818000000,{"id":37321,"documentId":37322,"slug":37323,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":37324,"description":37325,"image":37326,"tags":37330,"timestampUnix":37331,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5300,"uf6bkxip21gx46hn7ho8e1yc","duolingo-german-review","Duolingo German Review: What 60+ Hours Actually Taught Me","Honest Duolingo German review after months of testing. Learn what works, what doesn't, and whether it's worth your time for learning German in 2026.",{"alt":37327,"src":37328,"width":27625,"height":37329,"previewOnly":32439},"Honest review of Duolingo for learning German - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FDuolingo_German_reviews_1ab9f68fbf\u002FDuolingo_German_reviews_1ab9f68fbf.jpg",666,[16019,940],1774825200000,{"id":37333,"documentId":37334,"slug":37335,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":37336,"description":37337,"image":37338,"tags":37341,"timestampUnix":37342,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5301,"wr786u2vczz8xjpl4ecwbgoa","french-job-interview-phrases","French Job Interview Phrases: Essential Guide for 2026","Master essential french job interview phrases with this practical guide. Learn greetings, strengths, weaknesses, and questions to ace your interview in France.",{"alt":37339,"src":37340,"width":27625,"height":32798,"previewOnly":32439},"Essential French phrases for job interviews - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fjob_interview_in_france_d7c17bdc1a\u002Fjob_interview_in_france_d7c17bdc1a.webp",[941,32441],1774832400000,{"id":37344,"documentId":37345,"slug":37346,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":37347,"description":37348,"image":37349,"tags":37352,"timestampUnix":37353,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5586,"xfdjftmjtoahec64ktgodov9","english-colors-spelling-guide","English Colors: Color vs Colour Spelling Guide","Learn how to spell and say colors in English. Understand color vs colour spelling differences between American and British English with examples.",{"alt":37350,"src":37351,"width":27625,"height":34614,"previewOnly":32439},"How to say colors in English with spelling differences - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fdeckchair_beach_scene_picture_id168272331_1_jpg_ce895620c6\u002Fdeckchair_beach_scene_picture_id168272331_1_jpg_ce895620c6.webp",[8838,941,32441],1773262800000,{"id":37355,"documentId":37356,"slug":37357,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":37358,"description":37359,"image":37360,"tags":37363,"timestampUnix":37364,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5854,"vad7ls9xjfw4uzsk3zbo2yv9","english-school-vocabulary","English School Vocabulary: Lists of Vocabulary for Students","Improve your English with school vocabulary from elementary to high school. Includes classroom terms and practical memorization strategies.",{"alt":37361,"src":37362,"width":27625,"height":35895,"previewOnly":32439},"School and education vocabulary in English - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fshutterstock_503426038_8fe5b16818\u002Fshutterstock_503426038_8fe5b16818.jpg",[941,32441,2036],1773514800000,{"id":37366,"documentId":37367,"slug":37368,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":37369,"description":37370,"image":37371,"tags":37374,"timestampUnix":37375,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5315,"vz4p01llhru8yo5t3ieiavas","german-separable-verbs-guide","How to Use German Separable Verbs (With Examples)","Learn how German separable verbs work across tenses. Covers prefix rules, separation patterns, and the difference from inseparable verbs.",{"alt":37372,"src":37373,"width":27625,"height":33205,"previewOnly":32439},"How to use German separable prefix verbs - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002F50_Basic_German_Phrases_for_Travel_The_Ultimate_Survival_Guide_Featured_Image_3829353003\u002F50_Basic_German_Phrases_for_Travel_The_Ultimate_Survival_Guide_Featured_Image_3829353003.webp",[8838,32467,24904,32811],1773126000000,{"id":37377,"documentId":37378,"slug":37379,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":37380,"description":37381,"image":37382,"tags":37385,"timestampUnix":37386,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5694,"wnkp5zw6q2dr2pjwli5nsdrp","italian-time-expressions","Italian Time Expressions: Tell Time Like a Native Speaker","Learn Italian time expressions from basic clock times to useful phrases. Master telling time in Italian with clear examples and grammar rules that actually work.",{"alt":37383,"src":37384,"width":27625,"height":32602,"previewOnly":32439},"How to tell time and use time expressions in Italian - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002F2024220029_messina_clock_tower_italy_time_zone_utc_a4f6f37d8a\u002F2024220029_messina_clock_tower_italy_time_zone_utc_a4f6f37d8a.jpg",[941,32441,24904],1775350800000,{"id":37388,"documentId":37389,"slug":37390,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":37391,"description":37392,"image":37393,"tags":37396,"timestampUnix":37397,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5737,"cx16bma9yjiczr3f9da0lrtv","italian-relative-pronouns-che-cui-quale","Italian Relative Pronouns: Che, Cui, and Quale Explained","Master Italian relative pronouns che, cui, quale, and chi. Learn when to use each one with clear examples and practical tips for natural Italian sentences.",{"alt":37394,"src":37395,"width":27625,"height":34894,"previewOnly":32439},"Understanding che cui and quale in Italian - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_04_06_142613_3cea02df20\u002FScreenshot_2026_04_06_142613_3cea02df20.png",[8838,941,24904],1775437200000,{"id":37399,"documentId":37400,"slug":37401,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":37402,"description":37403,"image":37404,"tags":37409,"timestampUnix":37410,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5738,"ietbabcp58zii084yhyoycye","german-future-tense","German Future Tense: How to Form and Use Futur I and II","Learn how to form and use the German future tense (Futur I and II) with werden, when Germans actually use it, and why present tense often works instead.",{"alt":37405,"src":37406,"width":37407,"height":37408,"previewOnly":32439},"How to form and use the German future tense - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_04_06_142822_b352886b21\u002FScreenshot_2026_04_06_142822_b352886b21.png",1058,590,[8838,32467,24904,32811],1775444400000,{"id":37412,"documentId":37413,"slug":37414,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":37415,"description":37416,"image":37417,"tags":37420,"timestampUnix":37421,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5695,"lro0jjiv0l967mchs25wklzq","german-clothing-vocabulary","German Clothing Vocabulary: Essential Words for Fashion","Master German clothing vocabulary from basics like Hose and Schuhe to traditional Lederhosen. Learn practical words, verbs, and phrases for everyday use.",{"alt":37418,"src":37419,"width":27625,"height":32814,"previewOnly":32439},"Clothing and fashion vocabulary in German - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fclothes_in_german_815dfdb059\u002Fclothes_in_german_815dfdb059.jpg",[941,32441],1775358000000,{"id":37423,"documentId":37424,"slug":37425,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":37426,"description":37427,"image":37428,"tags":37431,"timestampUnix":37432,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5361,"f07twqg1csutc3s0rwe1hzbm","german-negation-negative-sentences","German Negation: How to Form Negative Sentences Correctly","Use nicht and kein to form negative sentences in German. Complete guide with placement rules, examples, and common mistakes to avoid.",{"alt":37429,"src":37430,"width":27625,"height":16016,"previewOnly":32439},"How to form negative sentences in German - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FWhat_Makes_It_So_I_Cannot_See_Far_Away_33049c7dff\u002FWhat_Makes_It_So_I_Cannot_See_Far_Away_33049c7dff.webp",[8838,24904],1773169200000,{"id":37434,"documentId":37435,"slug":37436,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":37437,"description":37438,"image":37439,"tags":37442,"timestampUnix":37443,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5740,"fng8pen6osi3scqb0zaae1cy","nice-to-meet-you-in-english","Nice to Meet You in English: 15+ Ways to Say It Naturally","Learn how to say nice to meet you in English with 15+ alternatives for formal and casual situations. Master greetings that sound natural and confident.",{"alt":37440,"src":37441,"width":27625,"height":28701,"previewOnly":32439},"How to say nice to meet you in English - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002F5537998_13a0777552\u002F5537998_13a0777552.jpg",[941,32441],1775458800000,{"id":37445,"documentId":37446,"slug":37447,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":37448,"description":37449,"image":37450,"tags":37453,"timestampUnix":37454,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5743,"l33o87q68cgeod564wbynps5","nice-to-meet-you-in-vietnamese","Nice to Meet You in Vietnamese: Phrases & Pronunciation","Learn how to say nice to meet you in Vietnamese with proper pronunciation. Get formal and casual variations, cultural tips, and essential greeting phrases.",{"alt":37451,"src":37452,"width":27625,"height":33491,"previewOnly":32439},"How to say nice to meet you in Vietnamese - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002F1951180_bea44ec871\u002F1951180_bea44ec871.jpg",[941,32441],1775480400000,{"id":37456,"documentId":37457,"slug":37458,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":37459,"description":37460,"image":37461,"tags":37464,"timestampUnix":37465,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5696,"pky96el6en02z85k2rqvedtn","french-connectors-linking-words","French Connectors: Link Sentences Like a Native Speaker","Learn the essential French connectors and linking words that transform choppy sentences into smooth, natural French. Practical examples and tips included.",{"alt":37462,"src":37463,"width":27625,"height":33568,"previewOnly":32439},"How to connect sentences with French linking words - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002F3416374295_e29d64e5d2_z_7d12f09c47\u002F3416374295_e29d64e5d2_z_7d12f09c47.jpg",[8838,941,24904],1775365200000,{"id":37467,"documentId":37468,"slug":37469,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":37470,"description":37471,"image":37472,"tags":37476,"timestampUnix":37477,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5354,"l6b13hh832731m1lch9jmt2u","good-morning-in-vietnamese","How to Say Good Morning in Vietnamese (Pronunciation Guide)","Learn how to say good morning in Vietnamese with proper pronunciation, tones, and cultural context. Understand formal vs informal usage and common phrases.",{"alt":37473,"src":37474,"width":27625,"height":37475,"previewOnly":32439},"How to say good morning in Vietnamese - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002F16017738_rice_fields_in_sapa_vietnam_a7ef222981\u002F16017738_rice_fields_in_sapa_vietnam_a7ef222981.webp",749,[941,32441],1773147600000,{"id":37479,"documentId":37480,"slug":37481,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":37482,"description":37483,"image":37484,"tags":37488,"timestampUnix":37489,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5355,"td7txna015x4ojjpt6tdj3q7","tongue-twisters-for-language-learning","Tongue Twisters for Language Learning: Pronunciation Guide","Tongue twisters can improve pronunciation through muscle memory and targeted practice. Get examples for all levels, from Peter Piper to advanced twisters.",{"alt":37485,"src":37486,"width":27625,"height":37487,"previewOnly":32439},"Using tongue twisters to improve pronunciation - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_03_12_022506_2a36936da2\u002FScreenshot_2026_03_12_022506_2a36936da2.png",322,[16019,6047,940,18445],1773154800000,{"id":37491,"documentId":37492,"slug":37493,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":37494,"description":37495,"image":37496,"tags":37499,"timestampUnix":37500,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5701,"zbks8646lp1w5va2m1kdql2i","vietnamese-clothing-vocabulary","Vietnamese Clothing Vocabulary: Essential Fashion Terms","Learn Vietnamese clothing vocabulary with essential fashion terms, shopping phrases, and traditional garment names. Master áo, quần, and practical words you'll actually use.",{"alt":37497,"src":37498,"width":31616,"height":32509,"previewOnly":32439},"Clothing and fashion vocabulary in Vietnamese - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Ftraditional_clothes_in_vietnam_1_5b1e785d03\u002Ftraditional_clothes_in_vietnam_1_5b1e785d03.jpg",[941,32441],1775394000000,{"id":37502,"documentId":37503,"slug":37504,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":37505,"description":37506,"image":37507,"tags":37510,"timestampUnix":37511,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5362,"uh6q9uhtxgaml1qedloj29f6","english-food-vocabulary-essential-guide","English Food Vocabulary: Essential Words for Learners","Learn essential English food vocabulary for restaurants, cooking, and daily conversations. Includes ordering phrases, menu terms, and common dishes.",{"alt":37508,"src":37509,"width":27625,"height":34426,"previewOnly":32439},"Essential English food and restaurant vocabulary for learners - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fb3dd2b76e5033aee25febae863a170f0_9d603f9c07\u002Fb3dd2b76e5033aee25febae863a170f0_9d603f9c07.webp",[941,32441],1773176400000,{"id":37513,"documentId":37514,"slug":37515,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":37516,"description":37517,"image":37518,"tags":37521,"timestampUnix":37522,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5698,"nqu8ndu5nie0h3p49zyrvt93","common-english-collocations-every-learner-should-know","Common English Collocations Every Learner Should Know","Learn the most common English collocations that make you sound natural. Discover verb, noun, and adjective combinations native speakers use every day.",{"alt":37519,"src":37520,"width":27625,"height":16016,"previewOnly":32439},"Common English collocations every learner should know - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fmaroon_english_dictionaries_9ih5n6suobpwg24d_9503f6399d\u002Fmaroon_english_dictionaries_9ih5n6suobpwg24d_9503f6399d.jpg",[8838,941,24904],1775372400000,{"id":37524,"documentId":37525,"slug":37526,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":37527,"description":37528,"image":37529,"tags":37532,"timestampUnix":37533,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5704,"jpkpq5byu0d6gsm4bc5xj74z","portuguese-connectors-linking-words","Portuguese Connectors: Link Sentences Like a Native Speaker","Learn Portuguese connectors and linking words to build complex sentences naturally. Master conjunctions, cause-effect phrases, and contrast words for fluent speech.",{"alt":37530,"src":37531,"width":27625,"height":32915,"previewOnly":32439},"How to connect sentences with Portuguese linking words - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fbooks_about_Portugal_7389fddd07\u002Fbooks_about_Portugal_7389fddd07.webp",[8838,941,24904],1775408400000,{"id":37535,"documentId":37536,"slug":37537,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":37538,"description":37539,"image":37540,"tags":37545,"timestampUnix":37546,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5705,"a3oukig6p4u5bj4odj7anmzg","first-words-to-learn-in-any-language","First Words to Learn in Any Language: Start Here","Learn which first words to learn in any language for fastest progress. 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Daily schedules that help you become fluent.",{"alt":37611,"src":37612,"width":27625,"height":37613,"previewOnly":32439},"Sample daily routines for different language levels - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FPower_up_your_productivity_with_routines_cc966092ea\u002FPower_up_your_productivity_with_routines_cc966092ea.webp",704,[940,18445],1773284400000,{"id":37617,"documentId":37618,"slug":37619,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":37620,"description":37621,"image":37622,"tags":37625,"timestampUnix":37626,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5865,"pw0j2kwlfk1xpdpie9ic306r","sorry-in-portuguese","How to Say Sorry in Portuguese: Complete Guide (2026)","Learn how to say sorry in Portuguese with desculpa, desculpe, sinto muito, and more. Master formal and informal apologies.",{"alt":37623,"src":37624,"width":27625,"height":32915,"previewOnly":32439},"How to say sorry and apologize in Portuguese - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FHow_to_be_Apologetic_1491323ba4\u002FHow_to_be_Apologetic_1491323ba4.webp",[941,32441],1773903600000,{"id":37628,"documentId":37629,"slug":37630,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":37631,"description":37632,"image":37633,"tags":37638,"timestampUnix":37639,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5841,"ehxpfvyax0wwsyd0g919i1wn","best-vietnamese-shows-language-learners","Best Vietnamese Shows for Language Learners in 2026","Find the best Vietnamese shows for every level, from beginner sitcoms to advanced dramas. Learn where to watch and which phrases you'll pick up.",{"alt":37634,"src":37635,"width":37636,"height":37637,"previewOnly":32439},"The best Vietnamese TV shows for language learners - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FScreenshot_2026_04_08_140318_b98ea7e024\u002FScreenshot_2026_04_08_140318_b98ea7e024.png",1066,705,[16019,940,18445],1775574000000,{"id":37641,"documentId":37642,"slug":37643,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":37644,"description":37645,"image":37646,"tags":37649,"timestampUnix":37650,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5770,"j2r1bjsp4sd92qcz2vy56x4i","learn-portuguese-with-netflix","Learn Portuguese with Netflix: Shows & Strategies That Work","Discover the best Netflix shows and proven subtitle strategies to learn Portuguese effectively. 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Includes essential terms, phrases, and examples.",{"alt":37702,"src":37703,"width":27625,"height":937,"previewOnly":32439},"Office and workplace vocabulary in Portuguese - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fmeeting_office_603962981a\u002Fmeeting_office_603962981a.webp",[941,32441],1775595600000,{"id":37707,"documentId":37708,"slug":37709,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":37710,"description":37711,"image":37712,"tags":37715,"timestampUnix":37716,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5857,"ejowjndopyxaw5d04qld06yd","duolingo-vietnamese-review","Duolingo Vietnamese Review: Does It Actually Work in 2026?","Honest Duolingo Vietnamese review covering what works, major pronunciation gaps, and whether this free app can actually teach you Vietnamese in 2026.",{"alt":37713,"src":37714,"width":27625,"height":35424,"previewOnly":32439},"Honest review of Duolingo for learning Vietnamese - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002F305041101_1750321818652466_7807037555226134168_n_1427_99bbf45fb5\u002F305041101_1750321818652466_7807037555226134168_n_1427_99bbf45fb5.webp",[16019,940,18445],1773536400000,{"id":37718,"documentId":37719,"slug":37720,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":37721,"description":37722,"image":37723,"tags":37726,"timestampUnix":37727,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5867,"zcr44wsb2hgv3pi00sq1q3nm","good-morning-in-portuguese","How to Say Good Morning in Portuguese (Bom Dia & More)","Learn how to say good morning in Portuguese with \"Bom dia\" plus essential greetings for any time of day. Includes pronunciation, timing, and cultural tips.",{"alt":37724,"src":37725,"width":27625,"height":32915,"previewOnly":32439},"How to say good morning in Portuguese - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fsunrise_over_historic_lisbon_ad175dd2ab\u002Fsunrise_over_historic_lisbon_ad175dd2ab.webp",[941,32441],1773918000000,{"id":37729,"documentId":37730,"slug":37731,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":37732,"description":37733,"image":37734,"tags":37737,"timestampUnix":37738,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5874,"cqgp4fpccokoof9dqmpr9w3k","good-night-in-portuguese","How to Say Good Night in Portuguese: Boa Noite & More","Master how to say good night in Portuguese with \"Boa noite,\" plus pronunciation tips, alternatives like \"Durma bem,\" and when to use each phrase naturally.",{"alt":37735,"src":37736,"width":27625,"height":32533,"previewOnly":32439},"How to say good night in Portuguese - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002F7_of_the_best_places_to_go_in_portugal_for_nightlife_lisbon_46daa0e23f\u002F7_of_the_best_places_to_go_in_portugal_for_nightlife_lisbon_46daa0e23f.webp",[941,32441],1773932400000,{"id":37740,"documentId":37741,"slug":37742,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":37743,"description":37744,"image":37745,"tags":37748,"timestampUnix":37749,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5875,"rxs198u05uxjmn0429tt1ebj","duolingo-portuguese-review","Duolingo Portuguese Review: Honest Look at What Works (2026)","Real Duolingo Portuguese review covering what the course actually teaches, how far it gets you, and whether it's worth your time. No fluff, just facts.",{"alt":37746,"src":37747,"width":27625,"height":32566,"previewOnly":32439},"Honest review of Duolingo for learning Portuguese - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fcover_How_well_does_Duolingo_work_ff4f910b6c\u002Fcover_How_well_does_Duolingo_work_ff4f910b6c.png",[16019,940,18445],1773946800000,{"id":37751,"documentId":37752,"slug":37753,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":37754,"description":37755,"image":37756,"tags":37759,"timestampUnix":37760,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5901,"bn4j0pmax8hqzco3rawtotmf","what-is-your-name-in-portuguese","What Is Your Name in Portuguese: How to Ask and Respond","Learn how to ask \"What is your name in Portuguese?\" and respond naturally. Covers pronunciation, European vs Brazilian differences, and examples.",{"alt":37757,"src":37758,"width":27625,"height":36929,"previewOnly":32439},"How to ask and say your name in Portuguese - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Flisbon_tipsy_tour_image_1_and_cover_photo_1_2048x_281716f333\u002Flisbon_tipsy_tour_image_1_and_cover_photo_1_2048x_281716f333.webp",[941,32441],1773950580000,{"id":37762,"documentId":37763,"slug":37764,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":37765,"description":37766,"image":37767,"tags":37770,"timestampUnix":37771,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5928,"v5gfp4wt9z13cst3f2mqorz1","sorry-in-english-how-to-apologize","How to Say Sorry in English: Different Ways to Say Sorry","Apologize in English with casual, formal, and professional phrases. Master saying sorry naturally for any situation with practical examples.",{"alt":37768,"src":37769,"width":31616,"height":33810,"previewOnly":32439},"How to say sorry and apologize in English - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fim_sorry_other_ways_cover_1024x683_jpg_764c020d50\u002Fim_sorry_other_ways_cover_1024x683_jpg_764c020d50.webp",[941,32441],1773984000000,{"id":37773,"documentId":37774,"slug":37775,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":37776,"description":37777,"image":37778,"tags":37782,"timestampUnix":37557,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5927,"un23hzsvoxgm2g3ccmu9zwc1","french-relative-pronouns-explained","French Relative Pronouns: Qui, Que, Dont, Où Explained","Learn how French relative pronouns qui, que, dont, où, and lequel work. Get clear explanations, examples, and usage rules to improve your French grammar.",{"alt":37779,"src":37780,"width":31616,"height":37781,"previewOnly":32439},"Understanding qui que dont and ou in French - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002FThe_16_Best_French_Books_to_Read_Quran_Mualim_2_1024x743_3f6ff09687\u002FThe_16_Best_French_Books_to_Read_Quran_Mualim_2_1024x743_3f6ff09687.webp",743,[8838,24904],{"id":37784,"documentId":37785,"slug":37786,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":37787,"description":37788,"image":37789,"tags":37792,"timestampUnix":37793,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},5969,"ezfkijfbw0mbo75bbmaqzub0","how-long-to-learn-vietnamese","How Long to Learn Vietnamese: Realistic Timelines by Level","Wondering how long to learn Vietnamese? Get realistic hour breakdowns for each level, from basic phrases (2-3 months) to fluency (18-24 months).",{"alt":37790,"src":37791,"width":27625,"height":33617,"previewOnly":32439},"How long it takes to learn Vietnamese at each level - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fi_Stock_2162737243_jpg_66cd56d1e2\u002Fi_Stock_2162737243_jpg_66cd56d1e2.webp",[940,18445],1773984060000,{"id":37795,"documentId":37796,"slug":37797,"category":948,"lang":32433,"title":37798,"description":37799,"image":37800,"tags":37803,"timestampUnix":37804,"featured":32443,"locale":-1,"_dir":948},6033,"alhwf79x07nomo3otb7f5vhp","portuguese-medical-vocabulary","Portuguese Medical Vocabulary Guide for Travelers and Learners","Learn essential Portuguese medical vocabulary for doctor visits, emergencies, and healthcare. Body parts, symptoms, phrases, and terms you'll actually use.",{"alt":37801,"src":37802,"width":27625,"height":33718,"previewOnly":32439},"Medical and health vocabulary in Portuguese - Banner","https:\u002F\u002Fmigaku-cms-assets.migaku.com\u002Fimage_bea1fa0d9a\u002Fimage_bea1fa0d9a.webp",[941,32441],1773984180000]