English leans on one word, “if.” Japanese offers four flavors, each with its own feel: 〜たら (the everyday “once/when/if”), 〜ば (hypothetical), 〜と (automatic, natural result), 〜なら (“if it’s the case that”). Start with たら — it handles most situations while you get a feel for the others.
Today's words
集める
to collect; to assemble
利用
use; utilization
村
village
珍しい
rare; uncommon
青い
blue; azure
Write today's kanji — tap to replay
集
利
用
村
珍
青
See it in real sentences
よければ、一つ貸してあげる。
I'll lend you one if you like.
もし気にさわったら、ごめん。
I apologize if I hurt your feelings.
メアリーと言えば、しばらく会ってないな。
Speaking of Mary, I have not seen her for a long time.
そんな高くなかったら、買うのに。
I would buy it, except that it costs too much.
忙しければ、私が手伝います。
If you are busy, I will help you.
変装すれば、分かりませんよ。
If you disguise yourself, they won't be able to tell.
Practice
Spaced review — recall from earlier days (tap to flip)
drumming (noise)
どんどん
1d ago
weak
弱い
1d ago
snow
雪
3d ago
near
近い
3d ago
to sing
歌う
7d ago
tea (esp. green or barley)
お茶
7d ago
Recall
Which word means “blue”?
Which word means “village”?
Which word means “use”?
Which word means “rare”?
Listen and choose
What did you hear?
What did you hear?
What did you hear?
Your turn — say it, then check
Say: “I'll lend you one if you like.”
よければ、一つ貸してあげる。
Say: “I apologize if I hurt your feelings.”
もし気にさわったら、ごめん。
👀 Today’s input · ~15 min — where fluency actually comes from
Real-world Japanese
NHK News Web Easy is now within reach — simplified news with furigana *and* audio, so you can read and listen at the same time. Do one short article a day; hover past what you don’t know.