How to express surprise in Japanese?

To express surprise in Japanese you can use え！ Ehh! which is akin to “really?!”, “no way”, or “ehhhh” in English. 本当に can be translated as really? too. Whilst え ! is more of a noise to express surprise, 本当に truly carries the meaning. 嘘 uso literally means lie . In conversation, you can use this to express surprise, and it’s very commonly used. Think of it as No way! (the literal translation would be more like You’re lying aren’t you?! ).

本当に can be translated as really? too. Whilst え ! is more of a noise to express surprise, 本当に truly carries the meaning. We’ll look at some examples of this in combination with the next point.

嘘 uso literally means lie . In conversation, you can use this to express surprise, and it’s very commonly used. Think of it as No way! (the literal translation would be more like You’re lying aren’t you?! ).

How to express to want in Japanese?

When expressing desire for a thing, or a noun in other words, we can use the word 欲しい（ほしい) . 欲しい is an ii adjective. Even though “want” is a verb in English, it is an adjective in Japanese, so we have to adjust our thinking about “wanting” appropriately. Examples: あの本が欲しい , ano hon ga hoshii | I want that book らーメンが欲しい , ramen ga hoshii | I want ramen -- -- Learn more about expressing desire in Japanese here.

Where to learn more Japanese grammar?

We created a Japanese Grammar Bank with the aim to provide free grammar lessons available to all. We are in the process of publishing more lessons at the moment, so feel free to contact us and let us know what lessons you’d like to see in the bank.

Can I study Japanese in Japan?

Of course! We offer Japanese Courses in Tokyo , with group or individual classes. You’ll even have the chance to live with a Japanese family as part of our homestay program.

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Grammar Point	Pattern	Example
Expressing surprise in Japanese	-
Intended for / aimed at in Japanese	Noun + 向け+ の + Noun	この講座は初中級者向けです。
Introduction to Keigo 敬語	お / ご + stem of the verb + する	10分後にお電話します
Simple past vs Progressive past in Japanese	-
Plans & Intentions in Japanese	Verb + つもりです	明日映画を見るつもりです。
Expressing similarity in Japanese	Noun + のように + Verb	彼女は日本人のように話す。
Expressing have to, must in Japanese	Verb in て form + は + だめ	食べてはだめ
Expressing 'for now' in Japanese	今のところ + Sentence	今のところ、天気は良いです。
Expressing after all & in the end in Japanese	結局 + Sentence	結局、彼女と別れてしまった。
Expressing when in Japanese	Verb / Adjective / Noun (+ の) + 時に	私は暇な時に映画を見ます。
Expressing certainty in Japanese	Verb / Nouns / Adjectives + だろう	この店の料理は美味しいだろう。
Expressing only in Japanese	Verb / Adjective / Noun + だけ	一回だけ行きました

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