Listen & Learn: 101 Japanese Idioms [Paperback]

Michael L. Maynard (Author), Senko K. Maynard (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0844284963 | ISBN-13: 978-0844284965 | Publication Date: January 11, 1993 | Edition: 1

For All Students This flexible book and audio program features 101 Japanese idiomatic and proverbial expressions that enrich students knowledge of Japanese language and culture. Each left-hand page provides the expression in Japanese orthography and romanization, along with a whimsical illustration. Each right-hand page provides a literal translation of the idiom, its definition, cultural notes, and a dialogue in Japanese orthography, Roomaji, and English. Audiocassettes include expressive readings of the dialogues to help improve students' pronunciation.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English, Japanese

About the Author

McGraw-Hill authors represent the leading experts in their fields and are dedicated to improving the lives, careers, and interests of readers worldwide

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill; 1 edition (January 11, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0844284963
• ISBN-13: 978-0844284965
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,727,718 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Helps enormously to break conversation logjams, April 17, 2000

By 

Greg Giokas - See all my reviews

This review is from: Listen & Learn: 101 Japanese Idioms (Paperback)

The idioms in this book are absolutely essential common phrases that, if used regularly, increase the beginner's ability to move the conversation from that moment where your Japanese runs out, to a smile and relaxed feeling with your Japanese counterpart. By learning 10-20 of these expressions and using them liberally in conversation Japanese partners gain the impression that you understand the cultural distinctiveness of their language and that your appreciation for them and their culture is for real. Since using these expressions, colleagues in the office come to me to teach me new expressions and patiently explain their cultural significance. Yet, I can barely carry on a conversation! Learning though, as a result of this approach.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars fun, October 21, 1996

By A Customer

This review is from: Listen & Learn: 101 Japanese Idioms (Paperback)

A delightful book. The one I bought included two cassette tapes for about $30! (Amazon hint, hint (offer the one with cassettes too!)) My Japanese language teacher even enjoyed it. Appropriate for intermediate to advanced level. This book quickly leaves behind polite -masu, and plain da forms, getting into sentences with endings such as -tte followed by a period. The grammar here matches what the Japanese actually speak!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Impress Your Japanese Friends, January 30, 2001

By 

James R. Hoadley "Nagano Jim" (United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Listen & Learn: 101 Japanese Idioms (Paperback)

The Japanese language is full of fixed expressions. In fact the knowledge of fixed expressions (kotowaza) is considered so important that they are often included on school exams. This book introduces 101 of the basics in a comprehensive, but easy to understand, way. Each expression is explained with a full page of text that includes an sample usage and also a full page illustration that often helps you to understand and remember the expression. For more advanced learners, I recommend checking the Power Japanese series for appropriate titles (there are several). If you're like me, you'll appreciate that this book allows you to express concepts in a way that native speakers will understand. Once you can seamlessly integrate these expressions into your everyday speech, you will be well on your way to fluency.