Learning Japanese with an AI tutor

I saw recently that New York City has banned the use of ChatGPT in their schools. I find this to be not only a foolish endeavor, but patently stupid and nearsighted. Thankfully, I can use ChatGPT (when it’s not overloaded) to help me learn Japanese on my own.

I doubt there are many human tutors I could hire that could work with me one on one like this AI can.

Transcript

ME: Can you suggest 10 new Japanese words that I can learn today? Please make them related to a theme of your choice.

ChatGPT: Sure, here are 10 Japanese words related to the theme of food:

大根 (daikon) - radish
魚 (sakana) - fish
肉 (niku) - meat
野菜 (yasai) - vegetables
スープ (sūpu) - soup
カレー (karē) - curry
ラーメン (rāmen) - ramen
米 (kome) - rice
おにぎり (onigiri) - rice ball
お茶 (ocha) - tea
Please take a note that the meanings are in english to make it easier to understand.

ME: I notice ramen is written in katakana. Is ramen a loan word from another language that Japanese borrowed?

ChatGPT: Yes, the word “ramen” is actually a loanword from Chinese, specifically from the Cantonese word “lā mein” (拉麺) or the Mandarin word “lā miàn” (拉面), which literally means “pulled noodles.” Ramen is a type of Chinese-style wheat noodle dish that was introduced to Japan in the early 20th century, and since then it has become a popular and beloved food in Japan with its own unique variations.

It has been adopted and popularized in Japan, which now has its own unique variations and regional styles.

ME: Interesting. Is lā mein the word Americans get the dish “lo mein” from?

Yes, “lo mein” is the Americanized version of the Chinese dish “lā mein” (拉麺 or 拉面). The dish is essentially the same, which consists of wheat-based egg noodles stir-fried with a variety of vegetables and meat, and often served in a savory sauce. The name “lo mein” is thought to have come about as a result of mispronunciation or mistranslation of the original Chinese name.

It is a staple Chinese-American cuisine, being offered in Chinese restaurants all over United States, with some variations, like adding different type of meats or sauces to the dish and also it being a bit different from the traditional Chinese dish.

ME: I’ve never seen the word kome used for rice. I think the word I usually see is gohan. Is there a difference between those words I should be aware of?

ChatGPT: Yes, you are correct that “gohan” (御飯) is a more common word for “rice” in Japanese. “Kome” (米) is a more general word that simply means “grain” or “cereal,” whereas “gohan” specifically refers to cooked rice.

Gohan is a more common way of saying “cooked rice” in Japan and it is also used in many idioms and phrases, like “tabe-gohan” (食べ御飯) meaning “to have a meal” or “gohan ga nai” (御飯が無い) meaning “I don’t have rice (to eat)”.

In most situations, it is more common to use “gohan” when referring to rice, especially in the context of a meal, however, “kome” can be used when discussing about the grain itself, for example, when talking about the field that grows rice, or when referring to the rice after its harvested and not yet cooked.

ME: Would kome then be used to describe other kinds of grain, like millet?

ChatGPT: Yes, that’s correct. As I mentioned earlier, “kome” (米) is a general word that means “grain” or “cereal.” In that sense, it can refer to any kind of grain, including rice, but also other grains such as millet, wheat, barley, and so on.

When talking about a specific grain, like millet, it’s more common to use the specific name instead, “genmai” (玄米) in Japanese.

In general, to indicate a specific kind of grain, Japanese language usually use the specific name for it rather than using the word kome.

ME: Is it common to use the word niku when describing dishes in Japan? In the US it would be a bit strange to say a “meat sandwich” for example.

ChatGPT: Yes, in Japan it is common to use the word “niku” (肉) to describe dishes that include meat as an ingredient, including dishes like “niku-jaga” (肉じゃが) which is a dish of meat and potatoes, “niku-udon” (肉うどん) which is a dish of udon noodles in a meat-based broth, “niku-don” (肉丼) which is a bowl of rice topped with meat, and so on.

Using the word “niku” to describe dishes that include meat as an ingredient, is common in Japan, since it is a word that directly means meat in Japanese, it is used as a simple and straight forward way to indicate that meat is an ingredient.

It is not strange to use the word “niku” in this way, but it might be different from how it would be described in English speaking countries. In those countries, it is more common to be more specific about the type of meat, for example, “beef sandwich” or “pork sandwich” instead of simply “meat sandwich.”

It’s important to note that in Japan, people tend to use more specific words to specify the type of meat and even the cuts of it in some situations, but in day to day conversation, it is quite common to use the word “niku” as a general term to describe meat dishes.

ME: Oh yes, I think I’ve seen references to specific cuts of fish even in a manga.

ChatGPT: Yes, you are correct. In Japan, it is common to use specific names to describe different types and cuts of fish, particularly in the context of sushi and sashimi, which are popular dishes in Japan.

For example, “maguro” (鮪) is the word for tuna, “sake” (鮭) for salmon, “aji” (鯵) for horse mackerel and “tai” (鯛) for sea bream. Furthermore, in sushi and sashimi context it is also common to hear specific names of cuts of fish like “o-toro” (大とろ) for the fatty belly of bluefin tuna, “chutoro” (中とろ) for medium fatty tuna, “akami” (赤身) for lean tuna etc.

It’s not only fish, but also other meats and vegetables have specific names to describe different cuts and varieties. This rich vocabulary is a result of the long and sophisticated culinary tradition in Japan.

Understanding the nuances in different words used to describe food and its preparation is a way to learn more about the culture, even if you don’t know the specifics, it’s a good way to appreciate the attention and care that goes into the food in Japan.

ME: I’ve seen the word o-toro before. That would be the underbelly between the head of the fish and its midline, right?

Yes, that’s correct. “O-toro” (大とろ) is a specific cut of fish, usually tuna, that is taken from the fatty belly area, which is located between the head and the midline of the fish. This area is considered to be the most desirable and the most expensive part of the fish due to its high fat content and rich, buttery flavor. O-toro is considered a delicacy in Japan and is often used in sushi and sashimi dishes.

It’s not only tuna, but also other fish or meat can also have specific names of cuts. For example “harami” (腹身) for skirt steak of cow and “gyu-tan” (牛タン) for beef tongue.

The use of specific names for different cuts of fish and meats is not only limited to Japan, but it is also a common practice in other countries with a rich culinary tradition. It is often used by professional chefs, but also in the everyday conversation of food enthusiasts.

ME: Do you know if people in Japan eat tuna from a tin like we do in the US, or would it be seen as unusual?

ChatGPT: It is not a common practice in Japan to eat canned tuna, especially when it comes to sushi and sashimi, where only the freshest fish is typically used. Canned tuna is more of a Western product, and it is mainly seen in supermarkets as a convenient food item and it is not as highly regarded as fresh fish.

However, Japan is known for its high-quality canned fish products, such as “shiro-maguro” or “white tuna” which is a type of canned tuna made from the leaner meat of the fish and it is often used in sandwiches and salads.

Also, canned salmon is found in supermarkets and is considered an easy way to make a meal, it is usually used in sandwiches, salads or pastas.

In Japan, Sushi is considered a delicacy and it is quite a sophisticated dish that is expected to be made with high quality, fresh ingredients. While it’s not impossible to find canned tuna or canned fish in Japan, they are mostly used as convenience food, rather than as a delicacy or something to be enjoyed in formal settings.

ME: Can you create a short quiz for me to test my recall of some of the words we discussed?

ChatGPT: Sure, here is a short quiz to test your recall of some of the words we discussed:

1. What does the word “daikon” mean in Japanese?
2. What is the most common word for “rice” in Japan?
3. “Lā mein” is a Chinese dish, what’s its Japanese name?
4. What does “kome” mean in Japanese?
5. “Niku-don” is a Japanese dish made with what kind of ingredient?
6. What’s the word that specifically means “cooked rice” ?
7. “O-toro” refers to what specific cut of fish ?
8. Is it common to eat canned tuna in Japan?
9. What’s the word for grain or cereal in Japanese?
10. Are there specific name for cuts of fish and meats used in Japan?

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. I’m happy to help with any words you’re not sure about.

ME: Here are my answers. Can you tell me if I got any wrong or if I could have been more specific? 1. radish 2. gohan 3. ramen 4. a grain of rice 5. meat 6. gohan 7. the fatty belly 8. no 9. kome 10. yes, for example o-toro

ChatGPT: Great job, you got all the questions correct!

What does the word “daikon” mean in Japanese?
You answered: radish. That’s correct!

What is the most common word for “rice” in Japan?
You answered: gohan. That’s correct!

“Lā mein” is a Chinese dish, what’s its Japanese name?
You answered: ramen. That’s correct!

What does “kome” mean in Japanese?
You answered: a grain of rice. That’s correct!

“Niku-don” is a Japanese dish made with what kind of ingredient?
You answered: meat. That’s correct!

What’s the word that specifically means “cooked rice” ?
You answered: gohan. That’s correct!

“O-toro” refers to what specific cut of fish ?
You answered: the fatty belly. That’s correct!

Is it common to eat canned tuna in Japan?
You answered: no. That’s correct!

What’s the word for grain or cereal in Japanese?
You answered: kome. That’s correct!

Are there specific name for cuts of fish and meats used in Japan?
You answered: yes, for example o-toro. That’s correct!

You have a good understanding of the Japanese words and concepts we discussed. I hope this quiz was helpful for you. If you have any other question feel free to ask.

ME: Can you create a short dialogue in romanized Japanese along with translation into English that uses some of the words we talked about today? I want to use it to practice using some of the words in sentences.

ChatGPT: Sure, here’s a short dialogue in romanized Japanese (with furigana) along with a translation into English that uses some of the words we talked about today:

A: Konnichiwa, watashi wa o-sushi o tabetai desu. (こんにちは、私はお寿司を食べたいです。) - Hello, I want to eat sushi.

B: Sushi wa nihon no meibutsu desu ne. Watashi wa anata ni maguro no o-toro o misete ageru. (寿司は日本の名物ですね。私は貴方に鮪の大とろを見せてあげる。) - Sushi is a famous Japanese food, isn’t it? I’ll show you some O-toro of Tuna.

A: Arigatou gozaimasu! Sō desu ka. Honto ni oishii to omoimasu. (ありがとうございます！そうですか。本当に美味しいと思います。) - Thank you very much! Is that so? I really think it is delicious.

B: Sō desu ne. Sushi wa oishī desu. Anata wa chotto daikon mo tabetai desu ka? (そうですね。寿司は美味しいです。貴方はちょっと大根も食べたいですか？) - That’s right. Sushi is delicious. Would you like to try some daikon too?

A: Hai, daikon mo tabetai desu. (はい、大根も食べたいです。) - Yes, I want to try daikon too.

This dialogue is a simplified conversation and you might come across different ways to say things depending on the context, but it gives you an idea of how the words you learned can be used in sentences.

Also, take note of the use of particles, honorifics and the polite way of expressing the desire to eat, “tabetai desu” (食べたいです)

Let me know if you have any question or need any further help.

ME: I am a vegetarian. Can you think of any words or phrases that might help me when ordering food at a restaurant in Japan?

ChatGPT: Sure! Here are some words and phrases that might be helpful when ordering food at a restaurant in Japan as a vegetarian:

Bejitarian ベジタリアン
This word refers to being vegetarian and it will give the idea to the waiter or chef that you do not consume any meat or fish.

Niku-nashi 肉なし
This phrase means “without meat.” You can use this phrase when ordering dishes to make sure that they don’t contain any meat.

Sakana-nashi 魚なし
This phrase means “without fish.” You can use this phrase when ordering dishes to make sure that they don’t contain any fish.

Yasai ga ii desu. 野菜が良いです。
This phrase means “I’d like some vegetables.” You can use this phrase to make sure you get some vegetable dishes in your meal.

Tamago-nashi 卵なし
This phrase means “without eggs.” You can use this phrase when ordering dishes to make sure that they don’t contain any eggs.

Dashi nashi だしなし
This phrase means “without fish broth”. Dashi is a traditional Japanese broth made from fish and kelp, it’s used as a base for many Japanese soups and sauces.

You can use this phrase to ask for dishes without dashi.

Keep in mind that in Japan, like in any other country, the availability of vegetarian options might vary from one restaurant to another, and even from one region to another, so you might want to be prepared for some flexibility.

Also it might be helpful to have some of these words written down in case the communication is difficult.

Please let me know if you have any more questions or need more help, I’ll be happy to help!