Nihongo to English
Nihongo To English blends language learning and stand-up humor as comedians Michelle MaliZaki and Michael Allen CPA (GoatVsFish) explore the quirks of Japanese and English—words that don’t translate, culture shocks, and why politeness can melt you faster than ice cream. Each episode moves freely between the two languages, revealing how funny and human bilingual life can be.
You’ll learn phrases, hear authentic conversation, and laugh about everything from Japanese idols and snacks to Ken-son humility and mistranslated signs.
Perfect for fans of Japanese culture, bilingual comedy, or learning Japanese the fun way.
Nihongo to English
Learn Japanese Naturally (Genki Study, Passive Form & Real Conversation)
In 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 MaliZaki
🎙️ Nihongo To English No Show — a bilingual comedy podcast by Michelle MaliZaki and Michael Allen (GoatVsFish).
💌 Got a language or culture question? Email us at NihongoToEnglishNoShow@gmail.com
📱 Follow us on Instagram @NihongoToEnglishPodcast for new episodes every 2nd, 12th & 22nd of the month!
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