College of Engineering, Architecture and

Technology
Module II: Nihongo
Course Title: Foreign Language
Course Number: GEE 104
Course Description: This is a course in Foreign Language aims that the students will have
exposure to the four languages and cultures: Korean, Japanese, Spanish, and Arabic. It is
designed to introduce students to global studies and overview of these countries. Topics
revolve around basic expressions, basic words, numbers, colors and increase their
vocabulary. Students learn conversational strategies to help maintain a conversation.
Interaction activities allow students to rehearse what they have learned. The student will learn
to speak and understand standard languages and read and write simplified characters.
Students will develop speaking and listening skills through audio-visual media, interactive
activities, and pair dialogue practice.
Total Learning Time: 18 weeks (54 hrs.)
Pre-requisites (if there’s any): None

After reading this chapter, you will be able to:

 Demonstrate an understanding of the nature of language through the comparisons of
the Korean language and their own;
 Understand and interpret written and spoken Nihongo on a variety of topics;
 Engage in language activities to maximize language learning opportunities; and
 Show evidence of becoming lifelong learners by using Nihongo for personal
enjoyment and enrichment.

Content:
 Introduction of country and culture
 Basic Expressions
 Basic Words
 Numbers
 Colors

UNIT III
INTRODUCTION
Japan, pronounced in Japanese as “Nippon” or “Nihon”, is a Pacific Ocean island nation off
the coast of mainland Asia. It is comprised of approximately 6,900 islands. The most
prominent and populous islands are Honshu, Hokkaido, Shikoku and Kyushu, making up
97% of the country. Within these islands, there are 47 prefectures with a total population of
127 million (11th in the world).
The national language is Japanese, which is the primary spoken language across the country.
Old Japanese, or “Kanbun”, originated from China and the earliest Japanese text, the
“Kojiki,” was written in the early 8th century and was written primarily in ancient Chinese
characters. Modern Japanese developed during the Edo period, between 1603 and 1868.

Modern Japanese consists of three alphabets:

 Kanji (logographic Chinese characters)
One of the three scripts used in the Japanese language, are Chinese characters, which were
first introduced to Japan in the 5th century via Korea.
Kanji are ideograms, i.e. each character has its own meaning and corresponds to a word. By
combining characters, more words can be created. For example, the combination of
"electricity" with "car" means "train". There are tens of thousands of characters, of which
2000 to 3000 are required to understand newspapers. A set of 2136 characters has been
officially declared as the "kanji for everyday use".

 Hiragana (a phonetic Japanese alphabet)

Which literally means “ordinary” or “simple” kana, is used primarily for native Japanese
words and grammatical elements. There are 46 basic characters which all symbolise
syllabaries, or 71 including diacritics. Each sound in the Japanese language corresponds to
one character in the syllabary. Students will typically learn hiragana first, before learning
katakana and kanji.

 Katakana (a phonetic alphabet used for foreign words)

meaning “fragmentary kana,” are used primarily for foreign words and names, loanwords and
onomatopoeia. Some of the most useful Japanese words are untranslatable onomatopoeia,
such as ギリギリ (girigiri). This means “to be at the limit”, such as just passing, just making
it on the train before the doors close, or being just in time for an appointment.
Like hiragana, there are 5 singular vowels, 40 consonant-vowels and 1 singular consonant in
katakana. Often you will see both hiragana and katakana in a 5×10 grid, called gojyuon ( 五
十音), or “fifty sounds.”
The development and widespread use of Katakana is illustrative of Japan’s recent adoption of
Western cultures, ideas and words.

JAPANESE BOOKS(LITERATURE)
 Almost Transparent Blue (1976) by Ryu Murakami
Ryu Murakami wrote Almost Transparent Blue while still a student at
Musashino Art University, and it’s a work that ended up winning him the
prestigious Akutagawa Prize. The book follows a group of dissolute Japanese
youths in the mid-1970s, and is infused with themes of sex, drugs, and
rock’n’roll.
 Death in Midsummer and Other Stories (1953) by Yukio Mishima
sa powerful collection of Yukio Mishima’s short prose, filled with black humor
and fraught relationships. The titular story, “Death in Midsummer,” is about just
that, and the suffocating heat and languid slowness of a long summer’s day
stands in stark contrast to the immediacy of a sudden, tragic accident.
 The Diving Pool (1990) by Yoko Ogawa
Composed of three novellas—The Diving Pool, Pregnancy Diary, and The
Dormitory— this book aims to make the reader embody their central characters.
The focus is on female protagonists observing from strange places of isolation.
 Kafka on the Shore (2002) by Haruki Murakami
is a perfect introduction to Haruki Murakami’s literary universe. An author who
has captured the imagination of a vast international readership, Murakami was
considered a strong contender for the 2014 Nobel Prize in Literature.
 Kokoro (1914) by Natsume Soseki
Natsume Soseki is counted among Japan’s greatest writers: active in the Meiji
era, he was a scholar, a poet, and a novelist. Kokoro—meaning heart, in its
various English forms—was serialized in a newspaper in 1914.
 Seven Japanese Tales (1963) by Jun’ichirō Tanizaki
Jun’ichirō Tanizaki is ranked among Japan’s most brilliant authors and Seven
Japanese Tales is a comprehensive introduction to the writer of The Makioka
Sisters and A Cat, a Man, and Two Women.

 Snow Country (1937) by Yasunari Kawabata

is Yasunari Kawabata’s seminal tale of isolation and indifference, set in a rural
region of Japan where the snow falls the heaviest.
 The Waiting Years (1957) by Fumiko Enchi
is a beautifully written tale of suffering set in Meiji Japan. Tomo, the novel’s
female lead, struggles through her life and marriage to her unfaithful husband,
with each new woman that enters the picture reaffirming the protagonist’s
powerlessness to change her situation. 

JAPANESE CULTURE, HISTORY, & SOCIETY

Culture
 Early Japanese culture was heavily influenced by China. During the Edo era, Japan
exercised a strict isolationist policy, closing its doors to all relationships with the
outside world. This cultivated a distinct Japanese culture.

 After the fall of that era in 1868, Japan reversed this practice, adopting cultural
practices from all over the world and mixing them with what was established during
the Edo era. Over the years, Western culture has influenced all aspects of Japanese
culture including art, lifestyle and food.
Religion
 There are two main religions in Japan: Shinto and Buddhism. Shinto is a Japanese
religion, while Buddhism was imported in the 6th century from China. A recent poll
found that 39% of Japanese people identify as Buddhist, 3.9% as Shinto and 2.3% as
Christian.
Family Structure
 The traditional family unit in Japan is called “Kazoku,” comprising of a mother,
father and their children. Traditionally, the Kazoku often live with their elderly
parents. However, more recently, three generation household numbers have fallen in
favor of more modern arrangements.
Sports
 Sports play a significant role in Japanese culture. Sumo, judo and karate are
traditional Japanese sports and baseball, soccer and rugby have been adopted from
other cultures.
 Sumo is the national sport of Japan and to this day is primarily practiced only in
Japan. Modern sumo was formed during the Edo era and little has changed since.
Baseball is the most-watched sport in the country. It was first introduced to the
country in 1872 and has grown in popularity ever since.

History
 Jomon Period (- 300 BC)
The early Japanese were gatherers, hunters and fishers.
 Yayoi Period (300 BC - 250 AD)
The introduction of rice agriculture begins the development of a social hierarchy and
hundreds of small countries that started to unify into larger countries
 Kofun Period (250 - 538)
Japan is for the first time more or less united. Large tombs (kofun) were built for the
deceased leaders.
 Asuka Period (538 - 710)
538/552 Introduction of Buddhism.
604 Prince Shotoku's Constitution of seventeen articles is promulgated.
645 The Taika reform is introduced. The Fujiwara era starts.
 Nara Period (710 - 784)
710 Nara becomes the first permanent capital.
784 The capital moves to Nagaoka.
 Heian Period (794 - 1185)
794 The capital moves to Heian (Kyoto).
1016 Fujiwara Michinaga becomes regent, marking the peak of Fujiwara power.
1159 The Taira clan under Taira Kiyomori takes over the power after the Heiji war.
1175 The Buddhist Jodo sect (Pure land sect) is introduced.
1180-85 In the Gempei War, the Minamoto clan puts an end to Taira supremacy.
 Kamakura Period (1192 - 1333)
1191 The Zen sect is introduced.
1192 Minamoto Yoritomo is appointed shogun and establishes the Kamakura government
in Kamakura.
1221 The Jokyu Disturbance ends a struggle between Kamakura and Kyoto, resulting in the
supremacy of the Hojo regents in Kamakura.
1232 A legal code, the Joei Shikimoku, is promulgated.
1274 and 1281 The Mongols try to invade Japan twice, but fail mainly because of bad
weather conditions.
1333 The Kamakura government falls.
 Muromachi Period (1338 - 1573)
1334 Kemmu Restoration: the emperor restores power over Japan.
1336 Ashikaga Takauji captures Kyoto.
1337 The emperor flees and establishes the Southern court in Yoshino.
1338 Takauji establishes the Muromachi government and a second emperor in Kyoto
(Northern court).
1392 Unification of the Southern and Northern courts.
1467-1477 Onin war.
1542 Portuguese introduce firearms and Christianity to Japan.
1568 Nobunaga enters Kyoto.
1573 The Muromachi government falls.
 Azuchi-Momoyama Period (1573 - 1603)
1575 The Takeda clan is defeated in the battle of Nagashino.
1582 Nobunaga is murdered and succeeded by Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
1588 Hideyoshi confiscates the weapons of farmers and religious institutions in the "Sword
Hunt".
1590 Japan is reunited after the fall of Odawara (Hojo).
1592-98 Unsuccessful invasion of Korea.
1598 Death of Hideyoshi.
1600 Tokugawa Ieyasu defeats his rivals in the battle of Sekigahara.
 Edo Period (1603 - 1868)
1603 Ieyasu is appointed shogun and establishes the Tokugawa government in Edo (Tokyo).
1615 The Toyotomi clan is destroyed after Ieyasu captures Osaka Castle.
1639 Isolation of Japan from the rest of the world except for strictly regulated trade with
China, Korea, the Netherlands, the Ryukyu Kingdom and the Ainu.
1688-1703 Genroku era: popular culture flourishes.
1792 The Russians unsuccessfully try to establish trade relations with Japan.
1854 Commodore Matthew Perry forces the Japanese government to open a limited number
of ports for trade.
 Meiji Period (1868 - 1912)
1868 Meiji Restoration.
1868 The capital moves to Tokyo.
1872 First railway line between Tokyo and Yokohama.
1889 The Meiji Constitution is promulgated.
1894-95 Sino-Japanese War.
1904-05 Russo-Japanese War.
1910 Annexation of Korea.
1912 Death of Emperor Meiji.
 Taisho Period (1912 - 1926)
1914-18 Japan joins allied forces in WW1.
1923 The Great Kanto Earthquake devastates Tokyo and Yokohama.
 Showa Period (1926 - 1989)
1931 Manchurian Incident.
1937 Second Sino-Japanese War starts.
1941 Pacific War starts.
1945 Japan surrenders after atomic bombs are dropped over Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
1946 The new constitution is promulgated.
1952 The Allied Occupation of Japan ends.
1956 Japan becomes member of the UN.
1972 Normalization of relations with China.
1973 Oil crisis.
 Heisei Period (1989 - 2019)
1992 Burst of the Bubble Economy.
1995 The Great Hanshin Earthquake hits Kobe.
1995 Sarin Gas attack in the Tokyo subway by Aum sect.
2011 The Great East Japan Earthquake hits the Tohoku Region.

-Basic Expressions/Phrases
English Nihongo
Yes Hai
No Iie
Please O-negai shimasu
Thank you Arigatō
You're welcome Dōitashimashite
Excuse me Sumimasen
I am sorry Gomennasai
Good morning Ohayō gozaimasu
Good evening Konbanwa
Good night O-yasumi nasai
 Hello Konnichiwa
Hello (but only if you’re on the phone or Moshi moshi (but only if you’re on the
something like Skype) phone or something like Skype)
How are you? Ogenki desu ka?
I’m good/I’ve been doing well, thanks Genki desu
Happy Birthday O-tanjoubi omedetou gozaimasu
What’s your name? Namae wa nan desu ka?
I don’t understand Wakarimasen
I don’t know Shirimasen
Why? Doushite?
That’s okay Daijoubu desu
That’s good Ii desu
Good Luck Ganbatte!
I love you Aishiteru
Cheers Kanpai
Congratulations Omedetou

Basic Words
English Nihongo
What Nani
Where Doko
Who Dare
When Itsu
Meat Niku
Teacher Sensei
Sometimes Tokidoki
Never Zenzen
Always Itsumo
Rice Gohan/ Kome
Time Jikan
Now Ima
Later Ato
Today Kyou
Yesterday Kinou
Tomorrow Ashita
Everyday Mainichi
Friend Tomodachi
Water Mizu
House Ie

Family members
Englsih Nihongo
Family / Family Members Kazoku
 Grandfather Sofu
Grandmother Sobo
Parents Ryoushin
Father Chichi
Mother Haha
Siblings / Brothers Kyoudai
Sisters Shimai
Older Brother Ani
Older Sister Ane
Younger Brother Otouto
Younger Sister Imouto
Maried Couple/ Husband and Wife Fufu
Husband Shujin/ Otto
Wife Kanai/ Tsuma
Son Musuko
Daughter Musume
Uncle (Older/ Younger than Parent) Oji
Aunt (Older/Younger than Parent) Oba
Cousin (Male and Female) Itoko
Children Kodomo
Niece Mei
Nephew Oi

Numbers
Englsih Nihongo
1 ichi
2 ni
3 san
4 shi/yon
5 go
6 ruko
7 shichi/ nana
8 hachi
9 kyuu/ ku
10 juu
11 juuichi
12 juuni
13 juusan
14 juushi/yon
15 juugo
16 juuruko
17 juushichi/nana
18 juuhachi
19 juukyuu/ku
20 nijuu
21 nijuuichi
22 nijuuni
 23 nijuusan
24 nijuushi/yon
25 nijuugo
26 nijuuruko
27 nijuushichi/nana
28 nijuuhachi
29 nijuukyuu/ku
30 sanjuu

English Nihongo
1 ichi
10 juu
20 ni-juu
30 san-juu
40 yon-juu
50 go-juu
60 roku-juu
70 nana-juu
80 hachi-juu
90 kyuu-juu
100 hyaku

Colors
English Nihongo
Red Aka/Reddo
Orange Daidaiiro/Orenji
Yellow Kiiro/iero-
Green Midori/Guri-n
Blue Ao/Buru-
Purple Murasaki/Pa-puru
Pink Momoiro/Pinku
Brown Chairo/Buraun
Gold Kin/Go-rudo
Black Kuro/Burakku
White Shiro/Howaito
Silver Gin/Shiruba
Examples
James: Hello
Konnichiwa
Pauline: Nice to meet you
Hajimemashite
James: What’s your name?
Namae wa nan desu ka?
Pauline: I am Pauline. What’s your name?
Watashi wa Pauline desu. Namae wa nan desu ka?
James: I am James
Watashi wa James desu

Julie: I’d like to see you again. When are you free?
Mata aitai desu. Itsu aitemasuka
Sky: I’m pretty busy this week. How about next Monday?
Konshuu wa kekkou isogashii desu. Raishuu no getsuyoubi wa doudesuka
Julie: I’m not free next week. Just let me know when you are free next month.
Raishuu wa aitemasen. Raigetsu ni aitara oshiete kudasai
Sky: Sure, I’ll send you an e-mail. See you soon!
Mochiron. Meeru wo okurimasu. Dewa mata aimashou
Anne: Excuse Me. Do you have a moment?
Suimasen. Chotto jikan arimasuka.
Joey: Yes, sure what’s up? Are you lost?
Hai, iidesuyo. Mayotteiruno desuka
Anne: Yes, I am lost. Can you tell me where Takashimaya is?
Hai, chotto mayotteimasu. Takashimaya ga doko ni aruka oshiete
moraemasuka
Joey: If you go straight here, you can turn right at the first stoplight. Then, you will
see it on your left side.
Koko wo massugu iku to saisho no shingou de migi ni magattekudasai. Hidari
gawa ni arimasu.

REFERENCES:

 https://www.globalizationpartners.com/2017/12/11/japanese-culture-and-tradition/
 https://www.transparent.com/learn-japanese/phrases.html
 https://www.iwillteachyoualanguage.com/learn/japanese/japanese-tips/basic-japanese-
phrases
 https://www.fluentu.com/blog/japanese/easy-japanese-words-phrases/
 https://www.learn-japanese-adventure.com/japanese-family.html

 https://www.coscom.co.jp/learnjapanese101/wordcategory/basicwords_numbers.html
 https://cotoacademy.com/colors-japanese-use-japanese-color-words/
 https://gogonihon.com/en/blog/japanese-characters/
 https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2046.html