Advanced Japanese: Katakana-go for the JLPT N1

The JLPT N1 is the most advanced level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. As the name implies, katakana-go are Japanese words written in katakana. These words are imported from other languages, including thousands from English. Sometimes, though, the word's meaning takes a subtle shift when it becomes part of Japanese, and, of course, the pronunciation takes on a distinctly Japanese flavor.

Many students of Japanese try to avoid using katakana-go in their Japanese conversation, preferring "real" Japanese vocabulary without foreign-sounding syllables. However, many Japanese people have the opposite feeling toward katakana-go: Sprinkling katakana-go in one's conversation gives an air of sophistication and style that cannot be achieved with "real" Japanese. To each his own, as they say.

In any case, learning the proper Japanese pronunciation and meaning for katakana-go will help you pass the JLPT, and will help your Japanese conversation sound more natural and stylish.

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Here's to your success on the JLPT N2 and in all of your Japanese language studies!