Nihongo Lesson 03/11/16

Feeling a little lost learning Japanese? Then check out this week's lesson!

By John Bae March 11, 2016

Welcome to the Nihongo Lesson feature. We strive to give you useful manga-based Japanese language tips and maybe even a glimpse into the translation process. This week's chapter of Nisekoi gives us a good chance to review a useful phrase that has come up in a previous lesson. If you're ever in Japan, this lesson is a must!

MAIGO (まいご)

MAIGO means "lost," as in "I don't know where I am." MAIGO literally means "lost child," but it can be used for adults as well. If you ever visit Japan, you'll probably get lost just like the little girl in this week's Nisekoi chapter. Hopefully you can find some locals who are as helpful as Shu and Ruri to help you out!

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~WA DOKO DESUKA (はどこですか)

If you ever need to ask directions, this is the phrase you'll want to know. First off, start with SUMIMASEN, the Japanese equivalent of "excuse me." It always pays to be polite. Then try to say the place you want to go to followed by WA DOKO DESUKA. Then just hope that Shu doesn't start snapping photos of you in a super-creepy way!

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KOUBAN (こうばん)

A KOUBAN is a small police station. It is often just a single room with a police officer stationed inside. These police boxes are where you're supposed to go if you are lost or need any help. They are usually all over the city in strategic locations. As seen in this week's chapter, Shu and Ruri first attempt to take the lost girl to one, but they are unable to find any nearby.

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