Learn Japanese Naturally (Genki Study, Passive Form & Real Conversation)

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Nihongo to English (No Show), Michelle and Michael learn Japanese the way adults actually do — through real conversation, mistakes, and a little sake.We dive into Genki textbook Japanese (pages 46–48), including school years (〜年生), age counters (〜歳), and the confusing but essential grammar pattern 〜ようになる (“to become able to do”). Along the way, we untangle passive vs ability forms like taberareru and nommeru, and why they trip up English speakers.Cultural detours include Japanese drinking age vs America, the image of the drunk salaryman, why “leftovers” (残り物) sound strangely negative in Japanese, and how Minecraft, Black Friday shopping, and adult learning habits somehow all connect.If you’re learning Japanese, brushing up after years away, or just curious how Japanese is actually spoken outside the classroom, this episode is for you.Theme Jingle by Michelle MaliZakiSupport the show🎙️ Nihongo to English — a bilingual comedy podcast by Michelle MaliZaki and Michael Allen (GoatVsFish).No homework. Just bilingual chaos—and somehow you learn.💌 Got a language or culture question? Email us at [email protected]📱 Follow us on Instagram @NihongoToEnglishPodcast for new episodes on the 2nd, 12th, and 22nd of each month.