Marugoto A2-1 L15 どうしたんですか

あなたは　ちょうしが　よくないです。友だちが「どうしたんですか」と聞きます。こたえましょう。

Marugoto A1 L12 Event (Time & Venue) / Invite a friend out

 あなたの　まちでは　いつ、どんな　イベントが　ありますか。

ともだちを　さそいましょう。

NHK ラジオ体操（たいそう）

 NHK Radio Callisthenics (known in Japanese as Rajio Taiso) is a series of simple exercise routines broadcast by Japan's public broadcaster, NHK. The program has been on the air since 1928 and is one of Japan's longest-running fitness traditions. The exercises are designed to improve flexibility, posture, circulation, and overall physical health. They are easy to follow, require no equipment, and take only about three minutes to complete. Many people in Japan, including children, adults, and seniors, do Radio Callisthenics at home, in schools, workplaces, and parks, especially during the summer holiday.

It is more than just exercise—it is also a cultural tradition that encourages healthy habits and brings communities together.

NHK ラジオ体操 script

How to Type Japanese Using Romaji Input

Most people in Japan type Japanese using romaji input, which means typing Japanese sounds with the Roman alphabet (A–Z) on a standard QWERTY keyboard. You do not need a keyboard with Japanese characters.

When you type letters, the Japanese Input Method Editor (IME) automatically converts them into hiragana. If necessary, it can also convert them into kanji or katakana.

Basic Examples

Type	Result
a	あ
i	い
u	う
e	え
o	お
ka	か
ki	き
ku	く
ke	け
ko	こ
nihon	にほん
arigatou	ありがとう
konnichiwa	こんにちは

Converting to Kanji

1. Type the word in romaji.

• Example: nihon

2. The IME converts it to hiragana.

• にほん

3. Press Space to see kanji suggestions.

• 日本

4. Press Enter to confirm your selection.

Special Typing Rules

• Double consonants create a small っ.

• kitte → きって

• gakkou → がっこう

• "n" (ん):

• Type n before a consonant.

• nihon → にほん

• Before a vowel or "y", type nn.

• anna → あんな

• kinyoubi → きんようび

• Small kana:

• xya or lya → ゃ

• xyu or lyu → ゅ

• xyo or lyo → ょ

Katakana

To type foreign words, type them in romaji and convert them to katakana.

Example:

• konpyu-ta- → コンピューター

• Igirisu → イギリス

Why Romaji Input?

Romaji input is the most common way to type Japanese because:

• It uses a standard English keyboard.

• It is easy to learn for beginners.

• It is the default input method on Windows, macOS, iPhone, and Android.

• Most Japanese people today use romaji input instead of directly typing kana.

In short, you simply type the pronunciation of the Japanese word using the Roman alphabet, let the IME convert it to hiragana, press Space to choose the correct kanji if needed, and press Enter to finish. This is the standard method of typing Japanese on computers and smartphones.

REFERENCE

DEVELOPING TYPING SKILLS FOR BEGINNERS (The Japan Foundation Sydney)

HOW TO TYPE IN JAPANESE (and FUN CHARACTERS TOO!) TOFUGU

自動詞・他動詞 (intransitive verbs・ transitive verbs)

💡 The Big Picture: Intransitive vs. Transitive Verbs

In Japanese, many verbs come in pairs. The main difference comes down to who or what is doing the action, and whether an object is involved.

• 自動詞 (Jidooshi) — Intransitive Verbs: The action happens automatically or by itself. There is no direct object.

• 他動詞 (Tadooshi) — Transitive Verbs: Other people or forces do the action to something or someone else.

🔍 How to Tell Them Apart (The Easy Trick)

Think of the English words "Intransitive = Intrinsic/Independent" (happens on its own) and "Transitive = Transfer"(energy is transferred from an agent to an object).

1. Check the Sentence Structure

Type	Japanese Particle	English Equivalent	Example
自動詞 (Jidooshi)	が (ga) or は (wa)	Subject + Verb	ドアが開く (The door opens.)
他動詞 (Tadooshi)	を (o)	Subject + Object + Verb	ドアを開ける ([I] open the door.)

🔑 Key Takeaway: If you see を (o), it is almost always a Transitive Verb (他動詞) because something is acting upon an object!

⚡ Common Verb Pairs to Remember

Here are a few classic pairs to see how they work in real life:

Action	Intransitive (自動詞 - Happens by itself)	Transitive (他動詞 - Someone does it)
Open	開く (aku) — ドアが開く (The door opens)	開ける (akeru) — ドアを開ける (Open the door)
Close	閉まる (shimaru) — ドアが閉まる (The door closes)	閉める (shimeru) — ドアを閉める (Close the door)
Turn on	つく (tsuku) — 電気がつく (The light comes on)	つける (tsukeru) — 電気をつける (Turn on the light)
Enter / Put in	入る (hairu) — 部屋に入る (Enter the room)	入れる (ireru) — 物を入れる (Put things in)

🧠 Quick Summary Formula

• [ Thing ] + が + 自動詞: Something happens (Focus is on the state or result).

• [ Person ] + が/は + [ Thing ] + を + 他動詞: Someone does something to an object (Focus is on the action).

Marugoto A1 Topic 1-5 カタカナ の ことば

These are the katakana words that appeared in Marugoto A1 Topics 1–5.

Let's practice reading all of them.

Introduction to "Irodori"

This article is highly recommended for anyone who loves studying grammar.

 "Irodori" is an online textbook published by the Japan Foundation. Its structure is similar to "Marugoto," but it is specifically created for foreign nationals working in Japan. Since "Marugoto" is suitable for anyone who wants to learn Japanese, I use "Marugoto" in my class instead of "Irodori."

"Irodori" provides detailed grammar notes and practice worksheets for free. Since much of the content overlaps with "Marugoto" (though not all of it), it works great as supplementary self-study material.

If you're interested, please check it out!

Links

Grammar Notes

Worksheets A1 

Worksheets A2-1

Worksheets A2-2

Other Resources

Japanese Seasonal Events and National Holidays

 

1. 皇室や歴史に由来するもの (Imperial & Historical Origins)

多くの祝日は、天皇にまつわる行事や日本の歴史的な出来事がもとになっています。

• 天皇誕生日 (Emperor's Birthday) / 元日 (New Year's Day)

  Explanation: These holidays celebrate key milestones for the nation and the Imperial Family. New Year's Day is rooted in ancient rituals to welcome the god of the new year, while the Emperor's Birthday changes depending on the reigning monarch. （国や皇室の重要な節目を祝う日です。元日は新年を迎える古代の儀式に由来し、天皇誕生日は在位中の天皇によって日付が変わります。）

• 建国記念の日 (National Foundation Day) / 昭和の日 (Showa Day)

  Explanation: National Foundation Day is based on the mythical founding of Japan by its first emperor. Showa Day reflects on the turbulent but progressive era under Emperor Showa (Hirohito). （建国記念の日は初代天皇による日本建国の神話に基づいています。昭和の日は、激動の時代であった昭和を振り返る日です。）

2. 自然への感謝や季節の節目に由来するもの (Nature & Seasonal Origins)

日本は古くから農業国であり、自然の恵みに感謝する神道の価値観が色濃く残っています。

• 春分の日・秋分の日 (Vernal and Autumnal Equinox Days)

  Explanation: Originally linked to Ohigan, a Buddhist period to honor ancestors. These days also mark the seasonal change, where people appreciate nature in spring and remember their ancestors in autumn. （もともとは先祖を供養する仏教の「お彼岸」と深く結びついています。季節の変わり目でもあり、春は自然を称え、秋は祖先をしのびます。）

• 海の日 (Marine Day) / 山の日 (Mountain Day)

  Explanation: As an island nation with abundant peaks, Japan established these relatively new holidays to express gratitude for the blessings of the ocean and the mountains. （島国であり、多くの山を持つ日本ならではの祝日です。海の恩恵、そして山の恩恵に感謝するために作られた比較的新しい祝日です。）

3. 戦後の平和や社会の発展を願うもの (Post-WWII Peace & Social Progress)

1948年に制定された「国民の祝日に関する法律」によって、現代の生活や平和を重視した祝日が多く誕生しました。

• 憲法記念日 (Constitution Memorial Day) / 文化の日 (Culture Day)

  Explanation: Established after World War II to celebrate the new constitution and promote peace, freedom, and cultural growth. Culture Day was originally the birthday of Emperor Meiji. （第二次世界大戦後、新憲法の施行を記念し、平和、自由、そして文化の発展を願って制定されました。文化の日は、もともとは明治天皇の誕生日でした。）

• こどもの日 (Children's Day) / 敬老の日 (Respect for the Aged Day)

  Explanation: These days focus on family and society, wishing for the healthy growth of children (derived from the traditional Tango no Sekku festival) and honouring the contributions of the elderly. （家族や社会に焦点を当てた日です。こどもの日は伝統的な「端午の節句」に由来し、子どもの健やかな成長を願います。敬老の日は、高齢者のこれまでの貢献を称えます。）

• 勤労感謝の日 (Labour Thanksgiving Day)

  Explanation: Derived from Niiname-sai, an ancient Shinto harvest ritual where the Emperor offered newly harvested rice to the gods. Today, it has evolved into a day to appreciate all forms of labour and production. （天皇が神々に新穀を捧げる古代の収穫祭「新嘗祭（にいなめさい）」に由来しています。現在では、あらゆる労働と生産に感謝する日へと発展しました。）

Marugoto A1 L10 How many hours do you sleep everyday?

みなさんは　まいにち　なんじかん　ねますか。

 ー わたしは　7じかんぐらい　ねます。

なんじかん　うんどうしますか。

ー わたしは　30分　します。

Let's practice until you can answer correctly and smoothly.