Learning Japanese When You’re Rusty (Numbers, Snacks & Conversation)

Counting to ten quickly turns into a comedy class as Michelle and Michael warm back up to Japanese and discover how easily being “rusty” becomes part of the lesson. From the art of 謙遜 (kenson, humble deflection) to why shi sometimes becomes yon, we explore how numbers, politeness, and social instinct collide in everyday conversation.

Along the way, we riff on Niigata senbei, “shrimp media,” and a fairy tale where Yuki-hime literally melts from too much politeness—a surprisingly accurate metaphor for what happens when you hesitate too long in Japanese. The episode balances laughs with practical takeaways, landing on phrases you can actually use without sounding stiff, awkward, or out of practice.

What you’ll learn (and laugh about)

• 謙遜 (kenson): why compliments in Japanese often get a humble “no, no, no”
• “Rusty” in Japanese: when English metaphors don’t translate cleanly
• Japanese numbers: 0–10, teens, and counting by tens (without common traps)
• Pronunciation pitfalls: 病院 (byōin) vs. 美容院 (biyōin)
• おごる, two meanings: to boast vs. to treat someone to a meal
• Culture corner: Yuki-hime, politeness, and knowing when to speak up

Try these phrases

• 「すごいですね。」→「いえいえ、まだまだです。」(kenson in action)
• 「今日はご飯を奢ります。」(I’ll treat you to dinner today)
• 「ちょっと熱いです。」(It’s a bit hot — polite and self-preserving)

Have a question or a moment you want us to unpack?
Email the show at nihongotoenglishnoshow@gmail.com
— we may feature it in a future episode.

Theme Jingle by Michelle MaliZaki