japanese

Korean vs Japanese Adjectives: A Learner’s Guide to Descriptive Verbs and Adjective Types

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Korean vs Japanese Adjectives

Explore the key differences between Korean descriptive verbs and Japanese adjective types. Learn how to use adjectives correctly, understand their grammar, and master subtle nuances for fluent communication.   1. Why Adjectives Feel “Different” in Korean and Japanese For many learners, adjectives seem straightforward at first—they describe qualities like “pretty,” “fast,” or “quiet.” But once … Read more

Mastering Particles in Korean and Japanese: A Practical Guide for Language Learners

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Korean-vs-Japanese-Particles

Discover how Korean and Japanese particles shape meaning, indicate actions, locations, and directions. Learn tips and insights to master 에/에서, に/で, and more.   1. Why Particles Matter in Korean and Japanese Although particles in Korean and Japanese are tiny—often just a syllable or two—their grammatical significance is enormous. They serve as essential markers, showing … Read more

Korean vs Japanese Onomatopoeia and Mimetic Words (의성어/의태어): Understanding Giongo, Gitaigo, and Sound Symbolism

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a sparkling glass bead

Explore how Korean and Japanese express sounds and motions through onomatopoeia (의성어) and mimetic words (의태어). Learn about the Japanese concepts of Giongo and Gitaigo, see direct comparisons with Korean expressions, and discover how these linguistic tools shape everyday communication and cultural nuance.   1. Introduction: Why Onomatopoeia Matters When English speakers think of onomatopoeia, … Read more

Korean Subject Markers 이/가 vs. Japanese が: A Historical and Linguistic Analysis

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korean 가 and japanese が

Why does Korean have two subject markers, 이/가, while Japanese only uses が? Dive into the fascinating history, phonetic patterns, and modern usage of these essential particles. Perfect for language learners and anyone curious about Korean-Japanese grammar differences. Introduction When diving into Korean and Japanese, learners quickly encounter a common linguistic challenge: understanding the use … Read more

Loanwords in Korean and Japanese: A Tale of Two Adaptations

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Why Korean and Japanese Borrowed Words Differ

Korean and Japanese borrowed words from Chinese and English differently. Learn how history, pronunciation, and meaning shaped unique adaptations. Loanwords—words adopted from one language into another—are fascinating markers of cultural exchange and linguistic evolution. Over centuries, both Korean and Japanese have integrated thousands of such words, influenced heavily by ancient Chinese and more recently by … Read more

Peninsular Japonic Hypothesis: A Closer Look

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Peninsular Japonic Hypothesis

Dive into the Peninsular Japonic Hypothesis, exploring the theory that ancient Japonic languages once thrived on the Korean Peninsula before spreading to Japan. Understand its implications for the linguistic relationship between Korean and Japanese.     In our previous post we noted a striking puzzle: Koreans and Japanese are genetically and geographically close, yet their … Read more

Close in DNA, Far in Language: The Korean–Japanese Paradox

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Map of the Korean Peninsula and the Japanese Archipelago

Koreans and Japanese are genetically close, but their languages are more different than many might expect.
From an outsider’s perspective, Korea and Japan may seem culturally and linguistically close. Both countries are located in East Asia, have intertwined histories, and their people even share genetic similarities. But surprisingly, the Korean and Japanese languages are not as closely related as one might think.