Japanese Language
Idioms
Learn what Japanese idioms mean, focusing on those built from parts of the body and everyday actions.
Expressions like te o yaku and hara o kukuru carry a flavor that is distinctly Japanese. See whether you can state what each one actually means.
Take the idioms quizWhat idioms are
An idiom joins two or more words to produce a meaning quite separate from what the words say on their own. A great many of them draw on parts of the body or on physical actions, which is what lets them convey feelings and situations so vividly. Noticing the gap between the literal and the intended meaning is where much of the pleasure of Japanese lies.
What you will learn here
Focusing on idioms built from the body and from actions, you can check both meaning and usage. Getting them right makes what you say and write markedly richer, and builds a feel for language that carries across everyday exchanges, business and exams alike.
How to approach it
Start with expressions you have heard at least once. Idioms that sit close in meaning are easy to mix up, so when you get one wrong, check it alongside an example sentence. Keep going while watching your accuracy rate and the expressions you can actually use will grow on their own.
Pick a set and start
2 sets · 20 questionsYour results are saved on this device. Start with a single set.