i am doing homework in japanese

Mastering the Phrase: How to Say Homework in Japanese

Are you looking to expand your Japanese language skills? Learning how to express academic tasks like “homework” in Japanese is a great place to start. In this section, we will guide you through the different ways to say “homework” in Japanese, providing you with the necessary tools to communicate more effectively in the language.

Although it may seem simple, expressing “homework” in Japanese is not as straightforward as you may think. Japanese has multiple words and expressions for this concept, depending on the context and level of formality. But fear not! By the end of this article, you will know how to say “homework” in Japanese like a pro.

So, are you ready to learn the Japanese word for homework and other relevant phrases? Let’s get started!

How to Say Homework in Japanese

When it comes to expressing the concept of homework in Japanese, there are various phrases and expressions you can use. Here are some common ways to say “homework” in Japanese:

Note that the word “宿題” (shukudai) is the most commonly used term for “homework” in Japanese. However, the other phrases can also be used depending on the context and level of formality.

How to Say Homework in Japanese in Different Contexts

Depending on the situation, the appropriate Japanese phrase for “homework” may vary. Here are some examples:

• If you want to ask your teacher about the homework: 「今日の宿題は何ですか？」(Kyou no shukudai wa nan desu ka?) which means “What is today’s homework?”
• If you want to tell a friend that you have homework to do: 「宿題があるんだよ」(Shukudai ga aru n da yo) which means “I have homework to do.”
• If you want to express that the homework is difficult: 「宿題が難しいです」(Shukudai ga muzukashii desu) which means “The homework is difficult.”

By using these phrases in the appropriate context, you can effectively communicate about homework in Japanese.

Japanese Vocabulary for Homework

As mentioned earlier, the Japanese language has multiple words and expressions for “homework”, depending on the context and level of formality. Here are some of the most commonly used vocabulary words and phrases related to homework in Japanese:

It’s important to note that the pronunciation of each word and phrase can vary depending on the speaker’s region and dialect, so it’s best to listen to native speakers for proper pronunciation.

Homework Phrase in Japanese

The most commonly used phrase for “homework” in Japanese is “shukudai” (宿題), which is also the most casual and familiar. For a more formal or academic context, “kadai” (課題) can be used instead.

In addition to these phrases, Japanese educators may use the term “jishu gakushu” (自主学習) when referring to self-study or homework outside of class. Students may also use the phrases “yoshu” (予習) for preparing for a lesson and “fukushu” (復習) for reviewing material covered in class or for exams.

By familiarizing yourself with these vocabulary words and phrases, you can accurately express and discuss homework in Japanese conversations.

Ways to Express Homework in Japanese

Japanese has multiple words and expressions for “homework” depending on the context and level of formality. Here are some common ways to express homework in Japanese :

In addition to the words listed above, there are also many expressions commonly used to talk about homework in Japanese. Here are some examples:

• しゅくだいのりょうがおおい
• The amount of homework is large
• まいばんしゅくだいをする
• To do homework every night
• しゅくだいをほうちする
• To leave homework undone

By learning these variations for expressing homework in Japanese, you can showcase your language prowess and effectively communicate about academic tasks in various contexts.

Pronunciation and Usage Tips

Now that you know how to say homework in Japanese and have familiarized yourself with the related vocabulary and expressions, it’s important to understand how to pronounce these phrases correctly.

The Japanese word for homework is しゅくだい (shukudai). To pronounce it correctly, begin with the “shu” sound, which is similar to the English “shoe” sound, but with a slightly shorter duration. Next, move on to the “ku” sound, which is similar to the English “koo” sound. Finally, say “dai” with a long “i” sound, similar to the English word “die.”

Another word commonly used for homework in Japanese is 宿題 (shukudai). To pronounce this word, start with “shu” as before, then say “ku” and “dai” as you did previously. The final syllable “kai” is pronounced with a long “i” sound as in the English word “high.”

It’s important to note that Japanese has different levels of politeness and formality, and the appropriate word choice and expressions will depend on the context and situation. For example, if you want to ask a friend if they have any homework, you might use the phrase “shukudai aru?” which means “Do you have homework?” In a more formal setting, you may use “shukudai ga arimasu ka?” which has the same meaning, but with a higher level of politeness.

By paying attention to pronunciation and using the appropriate level of formality, you can effectively communicate about homework in Japanese. Keep practicing and soon you’ll be a master of the phrase!

Summary and Conclusion

In conclusion, learning the various ways to express “homework” in Japanese is an essential part of mastering the language. The Japanese language has multiple words for homework, and it’s important to understand the context and level of formality when choosing which phrase to use.

By familiarizing yourself with the specific vocabulary and expressions related to homework in Japanese, you can effectively communicate about academic tasks in various contexts. Additionally, understanding the correct pronunciation of these phrases will enhance your language skills and improve your overall communication in Japanese.

We hope this article has provided you with valuable insights into the different ways to say “homework” in Japanese and has helped you improve your language proficiency. Remember to practice and use these phrases in your Japanese conversations to further enhance your skills!

Q: How do you say “homework” in Japanese?

A: The word for “homework” in Japanese is “宿題” (しゅくだい, shukudai).

Q: Are there any other ways to express “homework” in Japanese?

A: Yes, besides “宿題” (しゅくだい, shukudai), you can also use the phrases “宿題をする” (しゅくだいをする, shukudai o suru) which means “to do homework,” or “宿題を出す” (しゅくだいをだす, shukudai o dasu) which means “to assign homework.”

Q: How do you pronounce “宿題”?

A: “宿題” (しゅくだい, shukudai) is pronounced as “shoo-koo-die” in English.

Q: Can you provide an example sentence using the word “宿題”?

A: Sure! An example sentence could be “毎晩、宿題をします” (まいばん、しゅくだいをします, Maiban, shukudai o shimasu) which means “I do homework every night.”

Q: Are there any other words or phrases related to homework in Japanese?

A: Yes, some related words and phrases include “テストの勉強” (てすとのべんきょう, tesuto no benkyou) for “studying for a test” and “レポートを書く” (れぽーとをかく, repooto o kaku) for “writing a report.”

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(Translation of homework from the Cambridge English–Japanese Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

Translation of homework | GLOBAL English–Japanese Dictionary

(Translation of homework from the GLOBAL English-Japanese Dictionary © 2022 K Dictionaries Ltd)

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Table of Contents

Conjugating する, noun + する (する verbs), する for "to do", する for "to have" or "to take", する for "to make", する for "to play", する for "to wear (accessories)", 〜にする for selecting or deciding something, price + する for indicating how much something costs, する for what you do for a living, 〜を + い-adjective く form + する, する with adverbs, する with onomatopoeia, 〜がする for reporting sensations and feelings.

する is a versatile verb that basically means "to perform an action," and there's a lot of similarity between する and its English equivalent, "to do." Both can refer to an action in general, for example, without specifying what that action is:

• I'll do it.

Of course, you can also use it when you want to specify what kind of action you're doing. Let's take a look at an example using 宿題 (homework):

• to do homework

However, する and "to do" aren't always interchangeable. There are meanings that only "to do" has, and there are also a number of uses that are unique to する. For instance, you wouldn't say "to do" when putting on accessories in English, like "to do a necklace," but it is common to use する for putting on accessories in Japanese.

• to put on a necklace

And, this is just the tip of the iceberg — する is a must-know verb that is very versatile and useful to keep in your pocket. Read on, and you'll find out all kinds of ways you can use する!

To master the useful する verb, you should first know how to conjugate it. する is an irregular verb, which means that there are no other verbs that conjugate the way it does. Conjugating する is pretty straightforward though. As seen in the below table, only the base form する begins with す (su). When you conjugate it, you'll have to change す to し (shi). Then, instead of る, you'll use different polite or plain endings like ます or た .

Patterns of Use

Now, let's take a look at how する can be used in sentences. Since it has many different applications, you often see it paired up with various particles or other grammar components. Note however that you will see する following a noun most of the time. There may be a particle between the two, but the noun usually comes first. This is because する is like a generic placeholder verb — it is often used when actions don't have their own verbs to describe them. In these cases, actions usually have a name (noun form) instead. For example, 宿題 (homework) is a noun, and it doesn't have a specific verb that describes the action of doing homework. So you use する, or "to do," as a verb. In the following sections, we'll take a closer look at common patterns used with する.

When する is used for a specific action, it is generally used with the particle を because it marks an object (in this case, the thing being done).

• to do the laundry

Sometimes, particles other than を can be used to mark an object and express a different meaning. For example, imagine your mom asks you about your homework when you're playing a video game. To say "I'll do my homework too" (in addition to all that gaming), you can replace を with the particle も (meaning "too") and say:

• I'll do my homework too.

Next, your mom asks you to help her with some house chores. To tell her you'll do the laundry but not the other chores, you can replace を with the particle は to mark the comparison, like:

• I'll do the laundry (but not other chores).

You can also use する when selecting something (from a number of options). In this case, the thing you're selecting is marked by the particle に .

Say you're in a donut shop, deciding what kind of donut to buy. When you've made your final decision, you might use 〜にする and say:

• I'll go with this one.

〜にする can also be used with a different meaning, "to change the state of something/someone (else)," but we'll talk about that usage later on.

You can also use する to report on sensations like smell and taste, or on feelings you experience. In this case, the sensation or feeling is marked by the particle が .

For example, if you wake up and smell coffee, you can use 〜がする with コーヒーのにおい (smell of coffee) and say:

• コーヒーのにおい がする 。
• I smell coffee. ( Literally : It smells of coffee.)

We'll see more examples of this use later on this page .

する can turn a variety of nouns into verbs, and these noun-based verbs are called する verbs. Many of the words that する can make into verbs are compound words of Chinese origin (Sino-Japanese), such as 旅行 (travel). In other words, if the word is made of multiple kanji with on'yomi readings, that's a good sign that you could just attach する at the end and use it as a verb. And of course, the noun should be something actionable/doable, like "travel."

It's also common to use する with loanwords from other countries, such as ドライブ (drive).

Note you can often use the particle を to mark the compound or loan word itself as the direct object of する, such as 旅行 を する or ドライブ を する. The two versions technically mean the same thing, but the one with を puts a little more emphasis on the specific action — not on the doing itself, in other words, but on what you're doing. If it helps, you can kind of imagine the noun that を marks as being underlined.

As said in the beginning, する has a number of uses that are akin to the English "to do." The most prevalent ones are everyday tasks, such as 洗い物をする (to do the dishes) or 洗濯をする (to do the laundry). Here is a list of some examples, with some nonstandard translations given in parentheses.

Another example is workout-related expressions that use する in Japanese and "to do" in English. Many workout actions don't have a specific verb, so it's common to use する to express them.

To express certain activities, especially occasions that involve other people, like a party or a meeting, it's common to use "to have" in English. There are also activities that you express with the verb "to take," like a walk or a trip. However, in Japanese, we can often use する instead, for the nouns that usually combine with "have" or "take" in English.

Here are some examples:

You should also know that while する is a versatile verb that works for all this, some of these activities could also be described with more specific verbs too. You can say お茶を飲む (to drink tea), for example, or パーティーを開く ("to have a party" in Japanese; literally "to open a party").

する can also be used as a translation for some of the English expressions that use "to make." When する is used this way, it is commonly used when preparing something or making a public announcement.

する can also mean "to play" when playing a game, sport, or role.

Be aware that instruments are an exception! You don't normally use する for playing instruments. Instead, you'd usually use a word like 弾く (to play) or 演奏する (to perform).

• to play the guitar
• to give a piano performance

However, する can be used to describe a state in which someone is practicing music habitually. For example, if you found out your friend is taking piano lessons, you can use the ている form of する and say:

• え、ピアノ してる の？
• Oh, you're taking piano lessons?

Note that the particle を is often omitted in casual conversation, as above.

Even though there's another verb, 付ける, which can be used for wearing accessories, する can also come into play when putting on accessories such as jewelry, glasses, scarves, ties, and so on. So if you're planning to put on a red necktie tomorrow, you could say:

• 明日は赤いネクタイを する 。
• I'll put on a red necktie tomorrow.

Note that if you want to say you're currently wearing the accessories in question, you'll commonly change する to している (the ている form ). To say you're wearing a red necktie today, for example:

• 今日は赤いネクタイを している 。
• I'm wearing a red necktie today.

For more examples of this use, check out the below list!

You've already seen some examples of how 〜にする is used when selecting something, but let's do a quick review. Imagine you're in a cafe with your friend and you're looking at the menu to figure out what to order. To ask your friend which one they're thinking of choosing, you can use 〜にする with the question word どれ (which one) and say:

• Which one are you going to pick?

Then, if your friend decides on the cake set, they may say:

• ケーキセット にする 。
• I'm gonna do the cake set.

Piece of cake, right? This nuance of 〜にする can also be applied when you're deciding what to do. For example, say you're studying with your friend when your stomach grumbles. If you want to take a break for lunch, you can ask:

• そろそろランチ にする ？
• Want to do lunch soon?

In this example, 〜にする implies that the action in question can be taken at your discretion — or the listener's. It lets them know the decision is still theirs, so it's suitable for when you want to softly suggest that it's time to do something.

Beyond the Basics

When following an amount of money, する can also indicate how much something costs. This use of する is often used when you feel the cost is too expensive.

• Oh no, it costs 10,000 yen!

It's also common to emphasize the amount of money using the particle も .

• げ、一万円 も する！

する can also be used to talk about your occupation or the role you play (at work, on a team, and so on). For example, if you were assigned to be a team leader at work, you can use チームリーダー with する and say:

• チームリーダーを する ことになった。
• It turns out that I will be the team leader.

For an occupation or role, you can also conjugate する to している (the ている form ) to show it's an ongoing state. So if your brother is a police officer, you can say:

• 兄は警察官を している 。
• My older brother works as a police officer.

And if you are explaining that you work as a manager, you can say:

• マネージャーを しています 。
• I work as a manager.

〜を〜にする for "Turning … Into …"

When you turn one thing into another thing (like water into wine or lead into gold, for example), you can use 〜にする to express that change in state. In this usage, you mark what you are changing with the particle を and mark the result of a change of state with the particle に .

The result of the change (the part marked by に) can be a noun, such as 社長 (company president).

• カナエ を 社長 にする 。
• I'll make Kanae the company president.

Or, it can also be a な-adjective, such as 簡単 (easy).

• テスト を 簡単 にする 。
• I'll make the test easy.

Note in this pattern, the 〜を part is often omitted when it's obvious from the context or situation.

The use of する as "to turn … into …" can also work with い-adjectives. When the result of a change of state is described with an い-adjective, you'll need to turn it into the く form and add する, instead of adding 〜にする.

For example, the く form of かわいい (cute) is かわいく, so if you're styling your hair in a cute way, you can say:

• 髪型 を かわいく する 。
• I'll make my hairstyle cute.

する can also be attached to adverbs. By adverbs, I mean words like ゆっくり (slowly), the adverb form of い-adjectives , such as 早く (quickly) or 強く (strongly), or the adverb form of a な-adjective, such as 大事に.

When する comes right after adverbs, it indicates the act of doing something in a certain manner. For example, if you're being slow preparing for school in the morning, your mom might use 早くする and say:

• Hurry up! ( Literally : Do it quickly!)

Many of these combinations are also employed as idioms. For instance, ゆっくりする can mean not only "to do something slowly" but also "to enjoy doing something at your own pace." As a result, it's a typical expression used to advise a guest to "make themselves at home," "enjoy their stay," "take it easy," or something along those lines.

• ゆっくりしてくださいね。
• Enjoy your stay.

Here's another example of a common adverb-する pair: 大事にする. This indicates the act of "treating something with care." Therefore, it's used when you look after someone or when you treasure something. For example, if you have a girlfriend, someone may give you advice such as:

• 彼女のこと、大事にするんだぞ！
• You should look after your girlfriend.

Remember how する can be used when turning something into something else ? It's the same idea here — the combination of an adverb and する can indicate the act of changing something's condition a certain way — in other words, it can indicate a willful change . Let's say you're in the backseat of a car and it's too hot. You want to ask someone in the front seat to turn up the A/C. For that, you can use 強くする and say:

• 冷房、もうちょっと強くしてくれない？
• Can you turn up the A/C a little more?

する can directly attach to an onomatopoeic word and turn it into a verb as well. For example, する can be added to ドキドキ (onomatopoeia for heartbeats):

• to be nervous/thrilled

Japanese onomatopoeia is often a repetition of the same sound, such as ドキドキ. It's to represent that the sound or action repeats or continues. On the other hand, if it's used only once, it expresses a momentary sound or action. When the unrepeated version consists of one or two syllables, you usually need to add っ/ッ with と between the word and する.

• to feel shocked
• to be stunned

If the unrepeated onomatopoeia has more than two syllables, you can simply add 〜とする directly.

• to get startled

する can also be used to report your sensations. In this case, you use the particle が to mark the sensation. So let's say you've lost your sense of taste or smell due to a temporary illness. When you've recovered and notice you can taste or smell things again, you may use 〜がする and say:

• I can taste it. ( Literally : It has a taste.)
• I can smell it. ( Literally : It has a smell.)

But unless you're in a unique situation like this one where you realize you can suddenly taste or smell again, the sensations you report are normally more descriptive. For example, if you pop a candy in your mouth and find it's strawberry-flavored, you could say:

• イチゴの味 がする 。
• This tastes like strawberry.

When you're starving and you smell something delicious cooking, you may say:

• いいにおい がする 。
• I smell something good. ( Literally : It smells good.)

You can also use 〜がする when describing how you feel. For example, if you're sad, you can say:

• 悲しい気持ち がする 。
• I feel sad.

When you use 〜がする, however, it sounds like you're more objectively describing how you feel. You might use it while communicating your feelings to others, but when simply expressing your sad emotion, it's more common just to say 悲しい (I'm sad).

Since 〜がする indicates that you're articulating a sense, it's suitable when you suspect that something is the case or something might happen. For example, if you're watching a detective show and suspect a mail carrier is the culprit, you can say:

• あの郵便屋さんが犯人な気 がする 。
• I have a feeling that the mail carrier is the culprit.

Also, if you are positive that you will be able to visit Japan this year, you can say:

• 今年は日本に行ける気 がする 。
• I have a feeling that I can go to Japan this year.

Japanese translation of 'homework'

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How to Say Homework in Japanese Hiragana

Learning a new language involves not only memorizing vocabulary and grammar rules but also understanding various aspects of its culture. As you dive into the Japanese language, it’s important to acquire everyday vocabulary that includes terms like “homework.” In Japanese, the word for homework can be expressed using hiragana, one of the three main scripts used in writing. This guide will provide you with the formal and informal ways to say homework in Japanese and offer several tips and examples to assist your learning journey.

1. The Formal Way: 宿題 (しゅくだい)

In formal situations, such as when talking to your teachers or superiors, the appropriate term for homework in Japanese is “宿題” (しゅくだい). This word is written using kanji characters but can also be expressed in hiragana as “しゅくだい.” The pronunciation remains the same, but it emphasizes the formal and polite context.

Example: 先生、宿題を提出しました。(Sensei, shukudai o teishutsu shimashita.) Translation: Teacher, I have submitted my homework.

2. The Informal Way: テスト (てすと)

In informal and casual conversations with friends or peers, the Japanese language often adopts loanwords from English. In this context, the word “homework” is commonly replaced with the borrowed term “テスト” (てすと), which directly translates to “test” in English but is used more broadly to refer to homework as well.

Example: 明日、てすとがたくさんあるよ。(Ashita, tesuto ga takusan aru yo.) Translation: I have a lot of homework tomorrow.

These informal expressions can be used comfortably among friends or when in casual settings, but it’s essential to be mindful of your audience and the level of politeness required in the given situation.

3. Additional Regional Variations

In addition to the formal and informal ways mentioned above, regional variations exist within Japan. While these may not typically be used in everyday conversation, it’s useful to be aware of them to deepen your understanding of the language’s diversity. Here are a few regional variations for the word homework:

• 関東 (かんとう) Variation: テツド (てつど) This variation is used in the Kanto region, which includes major cities like Tokyo. The pronunciation “テツド” represents the word “宿題” (しゅくだい) in hiragana form.
• 九州 (きゅうしゅう) Variation: モド (もど) People in the Kyushu region, located in southwestern Japan, may use the term “モド” (もど) for homework instead of the more standard expressions.

4. Tips for Learning Vocabulary

Building vocabulary skills is crucial when learning any language, including Japanese. Here are some tips to help you effectively learn and reinforce new words:

• Create Flashcards: Write the Japanese term for homework on one side of the flashcard and its English translation on the other. Test yourself regularly to enhance memorization.
• Use Mnemonics: Conjure up mental images or associate the word “しゅくだい” or other variations with something memorable. For example, you could imagine a school bus that transports homework instead of students.
• Practice with Native Speakers: Engage in language exchange programs or find Japanese language partners to practice speaking and using new vocabulary in conversations.
• Immerse Yourself: Surround yourself with Japanese media, such as anime or dramas, and actively listen for vocabulary in context. This exposure helps reinforce your understanding of how words are used.

Congratulations on taking the initiative to learn how to say “homework” in Japanese using hiragana! Remember that “宿題” (しゅくだい) is the formal term, while “テスト” (てすと) represents the more informal way to refer to homework, even though it directly translates to “test” in English. Be mindful of the context and level of politeness required in various situations.

Additionally, knowing regional variations, such as the Kanto region’s “テツド” (てつど) and the Kyushu region’s “モド” (もど), can deepen your understanding of the language’s diversity.

Remember to employ effective vocabulary learning techniques, such as flashcards, mnemonics, conversation practice, and language immersion, to reinforce new words and concepts effectively.

Enjoy your journey of learning the Japanese language and discovering its rich cultural heritage!

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How do you say this in Japanese? I’m doing my homework. See a translation

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私は今宿題をしています

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わたしはしゅくだいをします。 watashi wa shyukudai o shimasu.

• How do you say this in Japanese? I'm doing homework.
• How do you say this in Japanese? I'm doing my homework.
• How do you say this in Japanese? I’m doing my homework
• How do you say this in Japanese? I'm doing my homework
• How do you say this in Japanese? ..,,du bist süß"
• How do you say this in Japanese? hello there how are you doing?
• How do you say this in Japanese? hello
• How do you say this in Japanese? I love you
• How do you say this in English (US)? テストの丸つけ中に生徒に「正解」「間違い」「惜しい」
• How do you say this in English (US)? Hi im raha
• How do you say this in English (US)? hola como se dice soy nuevo, necesito ayuda
• How do you say this in English (US)? ‎私は皆さんを応援するために来ました。皆さんの夢は必ず叶います。あきらめないで、希望を持ちつづけてください、そして自分を...
• How do you say this in English (US)? cumplir años
• How do you say this in English (US)? 私は銀行員です
• How do you say this in English (US)? j
• How do you say this in English (US)? Duas ruas depois
• How do you say this in English (US)? arroz
• How do you say this in English (US)? あなたが幸せそうで嬉しいです。
• How do you say this in Japanese? ベッドタイム　does this word exist in katakana?
• What is the difference between 引起 and 导致 ?

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Japanese Particles Master

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May 28, 2022 By Masaki Mori Leave a Comment

Shukudai is the Japanese word for ‘homework’, explained

What does “shukudai” mean in japanese.

Native speakers use shukudai to mean ‘homework’ in Japanese. Perhaps, some Japanese learners know this word as it is sometimes used in Japanese textbooks. In this blog post, however, I will explain this word in detail based on its kanji expression. And also, I will explain how to use it through example sentences. My explanations would help Japanese learners understand shukudai more clearly. Then, let’s get started!

Definition and meaning of “shukudai”

How to say “homework” in japanese, another example of “shukudai”.

Let me start with the definition and meaning of shukudai .

• shukudai – 宿題 (しゅくだい) : a noun meaning ‘homework’ in Japanese.

Native speakers use this noun to refer to a task or tasks to do at home after school. So, the usage is very similar to that of the English noun, homework , I think.

The definition and meaning are simple and clear. To understand this noun more clearly, however, let me explain its kanji characters in detail, one by one.

Shukudai in kanji

The kanji expression of shukudai consists of the following two kanji characters:

• 宿 : a kanji character used to refer to a place where people stay.
• 題 : a kanji character used to mean a ‘theme’, ‘subject’, ‘question’, or ‘problem’ in Japanese.

From these two kanji characters, we can understand that shukudai literally means ‘a place where people stay and questions’ in Japanese. This literal interpretation is not completely in line with the actual meaning, but still understandable, I think. Homework is often a set of questions which people need to solve at home.

When we meet new kanji expressions, we should check their kanji characters in detail to understand their meanings clearly and deeply. In many cases, kanji characters tell us a lot about the meanings of the expressions they form. Actually, here, we could get the better understanding of shukudai through the detailed kanji check above.

So far, I’ve explained the definition and meaning of shukudai together with its kanji characters. Then, let me explain how to use it through the example sentences below.

kyou wa shukudai ga takusan aru – 今日は宿題がたくさんある (きょうはしゅくだいがたくさんある) Today, I have a lot of homework.

Below are the new words used in the example sentence.

• kyou – 今日 (きょう) : a noun meaning ‘today’ in Japanese.
• wa – は : a binding particle working as a case marker or topic marker. In the example, this works as a topic marker after kyou to put a focus on it.
• ga – が : a case particle used to make the subject word or the object word in a sentence. In the example, this is used after shukudai to make the subject in the sentence.
• takusan – たくさん : an adverb of quantity meaning ‘many’, ‘much’, or such in Japanese. In the example, this works to emphasize the amount of the homework.
• aru – ある : a verb meaning ‘to be’, ‘to exist’, ‘to present’, or such in Japanese.

This is a typical usage of shukudai . In this example, it works as a part of the commonly-used phrase, shukudai ga aru , which literally means ‘homework exists’ in Japanese. This phrase is often translated into English as ‘to have homework’, though.

boku wa shukudai wo katazuke mashi ta – 僕は宿題を片付けました (ぼくはしゅくだいをかたづけました) I finished my homework.

• boku – 僕 (ぼく) : a pronoun meaning ‘I’ in Japanese. This is used mainly by boys and young males.
• wo – を : a case particle used to make the object word in a sentence. In the example, this is used after shukudai to make the object in the sentence.
• katazuke – 片付け (かたづけ) : one conjugation of the verb, katazukeru , which means ‘to clean’, ‘to clear’, ‘to finish’, or such in Japanese. In the example, it has been conjugated for the better connection with its following word.
• mashi – まし : one conjugation of the auxiliary verb, masu , which is used after a verb to make it polite. In the example, this is used after katazuke to make it sound polite.
• ta – た : an auxiliary verb used after a verb, adjective, or auxiliary verb to make its past tense form. Probably, this is well known as a part of Japanese ta form. In the example, this is used at the end of the verb phrase to mean ‘to have finished’ in Japanese.

This is another example of shukudai . In this example, it works together with the case particle, wo , to become the object in the sentence. When we want to mean ‘homework’ in Japanese, anyway, this noun is always a very good option.

In this blog post, I’ve explained the definition and meaning of shukudai in detail based on its kanji expression. And also, I’ve explained how to use it through the example sentences. Let me summarize them as follows.

• shukudai – 宿題 (しゅくだい) : a noun meaning ‘homework’ in Japanese. Native speakers use this noun to refer to a task or tasks to do at home after school. So, the usage of this noun is very similar to that of the English one, homework . These two kanji characters literally mean ‘a place where people stay and questions’ in Japanese. This literal interpretation is not completely in line with the actual meaning, but still understandable, I think. Homework is often a set of questions which people need to solve at home.

Hope my explanations are understandable and helpful for Japanese learners.

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How to Say “I am” in Japanese – Don’t Use “Watashi (wa)”

In English, we start a lot of our sentences with “ I’m… “, so it’s only natural that you want to know how to say “ I am ” in Japanese . However, after living in Japan I found that translating “ I am… ” is rather complicated because there are a bunch of words that mean “ I ” and it is common to leave out the “ I ” or “ I am ” part when speaking Japanese. Here is, for example, how to say “ I am Alex ” in Japanese .

“Watashi” (私) is the generic Japanese word for “I” and is usually followed by the particle は (wa) to form sentences starting with “I am…”. So for example “Watashi wa Arekusu desu” (私はアレクスです) means “I am Alex”. However, it is common and more natural to omit “Watashi wa” and just say “Arekusu desu”.

If that was too fast, don’t worry! Below you will find the detailed answer of how to say “ I’m… ” in Japanese and we will also cover the differences between “ watashi (wa) “, “ boku (wa) “, “ ore (wa) “, and the other Japanese words that mean “ I “. You can also read the in-depth explanation of why you shouldn’t use “ watashi (wa) ” (私は) aka “ I am ” when speaking Japanese.

How to Say “I am” in Japanese

The formal and most common way to say “ I am… ” in Japanese is “ Watashi wa … desu ” (私は〇〇です). Watashi (私) means “ I “, wa (は) is the topic particle which marks what the speaker wants to talk about, and desu (です), the last word, is the polite copula that can be translated as “ am “, “ is “, or “ are “.

Watashi wa ___ desu. 私は〇〇です。 I am ____.

This is a basic and kinda useful sentence structure to introduce or talk about yourself. So here are a few more example sentences that illustrate how you can use “ Watashi wa ___ desu ” to say things like “ I’m (name) “, “ I’m (age) years old “, or “ I’m a/an (occupation) “.

Watashi wa Sakura desu. 私は桜です。 I’m Sakura. Watashi wa juusan sai desu. 私は十三歳です。 I’m 13 years old. Watashi wa isha desu. 私は医者です。 I’m a doctor.

However, please note that not all English sentences that start with “ I am ___ ” or “ I’m ___ ” can be translated like this.

The English expression “ I’m home “, for example, translates into “ Tadaima ” (ただいま), one of the many greetings used to say “hello” in Japanese . And, “ I’m sorry ” is either “ Gomen ” (ごめん) or the politer “ Gomen nasai ” (ごめんなさい) in Japanese.

Tadaima. ただいま。 I’m home. Gomen (nasai) ごめん(なさい) I’m sorry.

It also often happens that “ I am ___ ” just translates as “ Watashi wa ___ ” (私は〇〇) without the desu (です) at the end. Or, the informal and more declarative copula da (だ) is used instead of it.

Watashi wa nemui. 私は眠い。 I am tired. Watashi wa nemui desu. 私は眠いです。 I am tired (more polite) Watashi wa nemui da. 私は眠いだ。 I’m tired! (more casual)

Another good example is the present continuous “ I am ___ing ” because you can’t add desu (です) after a verb .

Watashi wa hashitteiru. 私は走っている。 I am running. Watashi wa oyoideiru. 私は泳いでいる。 I’m swimming.

So always keep in mind that “ Watashi wa ___ (desu)” (私は〇〇です) is just a basic Japanese sentence structure that can be used to translate a few but not all English sentences that start with “ I am ___ “.

On top of that, it is actually more common and natural to omit “ Watashi (wa) ” entirely in Japanese . It’s so counter-intuitive that it can be one of the hardest things to wrap your mind around when learning Japanese. Take a deep breath and let’s look into it!

Why You Shouldn’t Use “Watashi (wa)”

Whenever it is clear that the topic or subject of a sentence is “ I ” it is common to leave out that part of the Japanese sentence and omit “ watashi wa ” (私は). While generally speaking, it is grammatically correct to use the full sentence including “ Watashi wa” , it is not natural in spoken Japanese.

So, when we look at the English sentence “ I am (name) ” it literally translates as “ Watashi wa (name) desu ” (私は〇〇です). However, in a Japanese conversation, especially in a casual setting with friends, it is way more natural to just say “ (Name) desu ” (〇〇です).

Watashi wa Arekusu desu. 私はアレクスです。 I am Alex (not natural) Arekusu desu. アレクスです。 I am Alex (natural)

And this is actually true for all the sentences we have covered so far. In a Japanese conversation it is way more natural to just say:

Juusan sai desu. 十三歳です。 I’m 13 years old. Nemui. 眠い。 I am tired. Nemui desu. 眠いです。 I am tired (more polite) Hashitteiru. 走っている。 I am running.

Feels strange? I know! It took me so long to get used to this.

I am also fully aware that all the Japanese textbooks and probably your Japanese teacher , too, use the “ Watashi wa ___ desu ” (私は〇〇です) sentence structure. And if you ask them they will probably say you have to (or should) use “ Watashi wa ___ “, because it is correct . And they are not wrong. I t is not wrong ! But also, it is not natural .

After living here in Tokyo for more than 6 years I know that none of my Japanese friends and none of my coworkers use “ Watashi wa ” (or “Anata”) when the topic and/or subject are clear .

So please believe me when I try to convince you to omit “ watashi wa ” (私は) in order to speak natural Japanese .

Watashi vs Boku vs Ore – What’s the Difference?

Watashi (私) is not the only Japanese word that can be used to say “ I “, “ I am ___ ” or “ I’m ___ “.

There is the politer version which is watakushi (私), the semi-formal boku (僕) which is often used by young males, the feminine sounding atashi (あたし) which is sometimes used by girls, and the rather rough ore (俺), which you can often hear when watching anime. All of these Japanese words mean “I”.

So instead of “ Watashi wa ___ desu ” (私は〇〇です), you could also say “ Atashi wa ___ desu ” (あたしは〇〇です) or “ Boku wa ___ desu ” (僕は〇〇です), for example.

Atashi wa Sakura desu. あたしわ桜です。 I’m Sakura. Boku wa juusan sai desu. 僕は十三歳です。 I’m 13 years old.

You need to be a bit careful, though!

Watash i (私) is the gender-neutral word for “ I ” that can be used in any situation .

Atashi (あたし), on the other hand, should only be used by females and only in casual situations , while boku (僕) is most commonly used by young males in formal and informal situations . Sometimes men might use it in casual situations, too.

In the chart below you will find the most common words that can be used to say “ I ” in Japanese and see by whom and in which situations they are usually used.

How to Say “Yes I’m” in Japanese

In Japanese “ Hai, sou desu ” (はい、そうです) is the common expression that is used to say “ Yes, I am “. It literally translates as “ Yes, that is right ” or “ Yes that is true ” and depending on the situation it can also be translated as “ Yes, I do “, “ Yes, it is “, “ Yes, she is “, and “ Yes, he is “.

So, for example, when someone asks you the question “Are you a student?” (学生ですか) you can confirm it and say “ Yes I am ” by saying “ Hai, sou desu ” (はい、そうです) in Japanese.

Gakusei desu ka? 学生ですか？ Are you a student? Hai, sou desu. はい、そうです。 Yes, I am.

There are also two more casual versions that can be used. The first one is “ Hai, sou da ” (はい、そうだ) and the second one is “ Hai, sou da yo! ” (はい、そうだよ). Both phrases translate as “ Yes, I am ” but they sound more casual and also more empathic or enthusiastic . So only use them with friends.

Hai, sou desu. はい、そうです。 Yes, I am. (polite) Hai, sou da! はい、そうだ！ Yes, I am. (casual) Hai, sou da yo! はい、そうだよ！ Yes, I am! (more casual)

おはよう. I'm Alex. I have started studying Japanese when I was still a high school student and I have been living and working in Japan since 2015. I'm still learning new Japanese phrases and words every day and I thought that publishing them online will be useful for you, too. Hopefully, my study notes and free Japanese lessons will help you to reach the Japanese level you want to have! If you want to practice your Japanese for free follow me on Twitter and/or Instagram .

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How to say "You do your homework." in Japanese.

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So long, Stumpy. More than 150 of D.C.'s cherry trees have to go as water rises

Jacob Fenston

The scraggly cherry blossom tree known as Stumpy on March 15 in Washington, D.C. At high tide, the base of the tree's trunk is inundated with several inches of water. Jacob Fenston hide caption

The scraggly cherry blossom tree known as Stumpy on March 15 in Washington, D.C. At high tide, the base of the tree's trunk is inundated with several inches of water.

WASHINGTON – The famed cherry blossoms around D.C.'s Tidal Basin are in peak bloom this week, but for 158 of the trees, it will be their last bloom. The trees will be cut down later this spring as part of a project to rebuild and raise the seawalls around the basin.

Daily flooding threatens trees, inconveniences visitors

Millions of people flock to Washington, D.C., each spring to take selfies among the cherry blossoms — some even get engaged. That's what Jody Axinn did some 20 years ago. Now, Axinn says, the romantic spot she remembers is unrecognizable.

"The part that we got engaged in is now under water. The whole path, the whole section, it's under water," Axinn says. "I come down and tell my kids, 'Children, Dad and I got engaged in that watery area.'"

What The Cherry Blossom Bloom Can Tell Us About Climate Change

Every day, twice a day, at high tide, portions of the walkway around the Tidal Basin flood with several inches of water. Some of the roughly 2,500 cherry trees around the basin have water lapping at exposed roots; others are completely inundated. Numerous park benches are partially submerged.

"When I got here 10 years or so ago, it was a regular occurrence, but certainly not twice a day, every day," says Mike Litterst, a spokesperson for the National Park Service. "The only variable now is how far inland is the water going to go on any given day."

The cherry trees around the Tidal Basin were first planted more than a century ago — a gift from the mayor of Tokyo, and a symbol of international friendship.

Sinking land, rising water

There are two forces working together to undermine the Tidal Basin, and the trees and monuments around it. The land around the basin, built using mud dredged up from the Potomac River bottom, is sinking. That has allowed the land to settle by about five feet over the past century. At the same time, the water level has gone up by more than a foot because of climate change.

"Combining those two factors, you now have water six feet above where the seawall was originally designed to keep it out," Litterst says.

The Tidal Basin looks like a small lake, but it's actually part of the Potomac River. There are gates at the upstream and downstream ends of the basin that allow river water to rush through, ebbing and flowing with the tides. Because the river is tidal, it is gradually rising along with the level of the world's oceans, as ice sheets and glaciers melt because of the burning of fossil fuels.

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'a reminder that nature is strong': in japan, a 1,000-year-old cherry tree blooms.

This year, the cherry trees reached peak bloom at the second-earliest date on record, according to the National Park Service. In recent years, the average peak bloom date has moved about a week earlier, due to the warming climate.

Later this spring, the park service will break ground on a major project to raise portions of the walkway around the basin and along the Potomac River. Officials say the new seawall will be high enough to withstand about 100 years of future sea level rise. It's engineered so it can be built on top of, if needed.

It would be impossible to complete the $113 million project without removing the trees along the water, Litterst says.

"The problem is if we don't fix the seawall, we're losing trees every year because of the water. They can't be replanted until we fix the source of the problem," Litterst says.

The project is slated to be finished in 2027. In the meantime, the northern and eastern sides of the Tidal Basin will still be open to the public. When the project is complete, 274 new cherry trees will be planted.

So long, Stumpy

Among the trees to be removed is one very famous tree known as "Stumpy."

It's a scraggly tree with a trunk that is mostly rotted out. At high tide, the base of the tree is flooded. Yet, each spring, Stumpy's three or four small branches burst into flower, with the Washington Monument standing tall in the background.

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"I just fell in love with Stumpy," says Debby Swope, an eighth-grade history teacher visiting from Oregon. "Stumpy is my emotional support tree in Washington, D.C. He just represents perseverance and courage, and cuteness."

Still, looking at Stumpy during high tide, Swope sees the need for the project. "His feet are wet," she says.

Stumpy, and other low-lying trees, will be torn out to make way for construction equipment. But clippings from the famous tree will be sent to the National Arboretum to propagate new trees.