The Derailing Thread

[KevinK]

When are you taking it? And the N4 is lower than 2 or 1 right? I recall the video you posted said that there are five levels.

December. Yes, it goes reverse order N5 is the easiest, N1 is the hardest. The Japanese tend to do this. For example, in karate you proceed through 9 "kyuu" levels in reverse order, 9-1, white through brown belt. Then the black belt levels are in "normal" order, 1-10.

 

[Angel]

How do graduate in belts? Do you master things like breaking wood in half with your hands and then move to higher tasks?

 

[KevinK]

Why the o ?

O is a "particle", specifically an object marker. It marks the word just before it as an object.

 

[Angel]

What's a marker mean?

 

[Angel]

I see a particle section in my grammar book....

 

[KevinK]

How do graduate in belts? Do you master things like breaking wood in half with your hands and then move to higher tasks?

Breaking things is usually not included in testing any more in modern karate. You have to demonstrate a certain level of proficiency in 3 areas: kihon, kata, and kumite (basics such as blocking, punching, and kicking, pre-arranged forms, and sparring ability). The higher the belt test, the more difficult the requirement.

 

[KevinK]

I see a particle section in my grammar book....

That's it. A very important and tricky part of Japanese. Other particles: wa (topic marker), ga (subject marker), e (to), ni (at), de (action in place). It's tricky because many markers have multiple uses. Don't ask me about wa vs. ga; it's a very tricky subject that even Japanese have trouble explaining.

 

[Angel]

Breaking things is usually not included in testing any more in modern karate. You have to demonstrate a certain level of proficiency in 3 areas: kihon, kata, and kumite (basics such as blocking, punching, and kicking, pre-arranged forms, and sparring ability). The higher the belt test, the more difficult the requirement.

Interesting. Did you practice karate before your accident? What belt are/were you?

 

[Angel]

That's it. A very important and tricky part of Japanese. Other particles: wa (topic marker), ga (subject marker), e (to), ni (at), de (action in place). It's tricky because many markers have multiple uses. Don't ask me about wa vs. ga; it's a very tricky subject that even Japanese have trouble explaining.

Wow! English grammar can be confusing so I'm not surprised. Maybe not as confusing as Japanese...I noticed you have a good vocabulary in English. I've had to look some of your words up lol

 

[KevinK]

Interesting. Did you practice karate before your accident? What belt are/were you?

Yes, before and after. It took me almost 20 years because of my health problems, but I finally reached first degree black belt, passing on my first attempt.

 

[Angel]

Allriiiiiight! Go you!

 

[Angel]

Uma says neigh!

 

[Angel]

This song has been my favorite for a week now. it originally was a song for the olympics . (I wish they had them every year instead of four!) Anyway,

 

[KevinK]

I forget if I ever asked, so how did you become interested in Japanese?

 

[Angel]

honestly? Anime! then it grew from there.

 

[KevinK]

honestly? Anime! then it grew from there.

Oh, of course. I'm not into anime, so it would not be foremost on my mind. I'm one of those who developed an interest in the language because I was studying a Japanese martial art, and have a general interest in the culture.

I've understand it's somewhat of a feather in your cap to other anime fans if you can speak a decent level of Japanese. Just what I heard.

 

[Angel]

That's cool
I'm gonna go to bed I'm tired and Matt's in bed already.
Have a good night. Oyasumi

 

[KevinK]

Oyasumi.

 

[KevinK]

I just took an N4 practice exam.
The bad news: I scored a dismal 62%.
The good news: I only needed 31% to pass! (Yes, they set the bar that low for the lower levels.)

 

[Angel]

It was a good try. Since you have until December you have some time to practice/review