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A daily blend of useful Japanese phrases and culture notes, made for learners who want steady, natural contact with Japanese.

Today in Japan
August 10 · Monday
PhraseCultureReading

Today's Phrase

それってどういう意味いみ

What does it mean?

A natural, casual way to ask someone to verify the meaning of what they just said. In polite situations, add 'ですか' (desu ka).

Casual

A: 今日きょう特別とくべつだから。 B: え、それってどういう意味いみ

A: Because today is a special day. B: Eh, what does that mean?

Polite

A: 今回こんかいはパスします。 B: それはどういう意味いみですか?参加さんかしないんですか?

A: I'll pass this time. B: What does that mean? You aren't joining?

What Day Is It Today?

August 10

Road Day

みち

In English

In 1920, Japan's first modern road improvement plan began. The date also plays on the wordplay 8 (mi) + 10 (chi) = michi (road/path).

日本語

1920ねんのこの日本初にほんはつ近代的きんだいてき道路整備計画どうろせいびけいかくはじまりました。8と10で「みち」の語呂合ごろあわせでもあります。

Around the World
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