Students regularly ask me, "How do I know what comes after a verb?"  This is a tough question, and it's no surprise that most EFL textbooks don't talk much about it.  There aren't any easy answers but at the same time, there are some guidelines.  

To access the full text of this podcast, please go to https://www.difficultenglishexplained.com/what-comes-after-verb-1/.

Difficult English Explained

What comes after a verb? "To do", "do," or "doing"? (Part 1)

日本企業で働きたい方、アニメファンの皆さん、こんにちは！

『ONE PIECE』や『ポケモン』などのアニメやゲームは、日本語学習の最高のきっかけですよね。
しかし、「実際に職場で使おう」と思ったとき、アニメで覚えた話し方で本当に大丈夫でしょうか？

今回のエピソードでは、ビジネス日本語教師Mayukoが、アニメで学んだ日本語の「楽しさ」を活かしながら、職場で信頼される「ビジネス日本語」にアップグレードするためのヒントを解説します。

【クイズ】
Q.アニメで覚えた「〜っす」という話し方は、日本の職場で使っても問題ないでしょうか？
A. はい、問題ないです。使っても大丈夫です。
B.いいえ、問題があります。使ってはいけません。

答えはPodcastで！
🎤 このエピソードで学ぶ、ビジネス日本語へのアップグレード術

【Quiz】
Q. Is it acceptable to use "—ssu" (a casual anime ending) in a Japanese workplace?
A. Yes, it's fine; you can use it.
B. No, there's a problem; you should not use it.

Find the answer at the end of the Podcast's episode.
🎤 Learn to Upgrade to Business Japanese in This Episode

Anime Japanese is the best entry point. Keep that enjoyment, and remember that learning the business rules of "when and where to use it" is the quickest path to career success!

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✅ 決定的な違いは「距離感」：
アニメの「タメ語」や「役割語（キャラクターの個性を示す言葉）」は距離がゼロの表現です。
ビジネスで信頼を得るために必須の、「丁寧語」や「謙譲語」といった敬語を使って、上司や顧客との適切な距離を作る方法を学びます。

✅ 特殊な表現は使わない：
キャラクター特有の特別な表現（「〜っす」「〜かしら？」など）は、ビジネスの場面ではNGです。仕事では性別に関係なく、語尾は必ず「です・ます」で統一する具体的な変換例を紹介します。

✅ 感情の表現を和らかくする「クッション言葉」：
「マジで？」「最悪だ！」といったストレートな感情表現を、「さようでございますか」「申し訳ございません」といったやわらかい言葉に変える練習をしましょう。

✅ The Key Difference is "Social Distance" (Kyori-kan):
Casual Tame-go and "Role Language" from anime are zero-distance expressions. Learn how to create appropriate distance with your superiors and clients using Keigo (honorific language) like Teineigo and Kenjōgo.

✅ Avoid Character-Specific Language:
Endings that show strong personality (like "—ssu" or "—kashira?") are **NG in business settings**. We show specific examples of how to unify your speech with **"Desu/Masu"**, regardless of gender.

✅ Softening Emotions with "Cushion Words":
Practice changing straight emotional expressions (*Maji de?", "Saiaku da!") into soft words (yawaraka-i kotoba) like "Cushion Words" (Sayō de gozaimasu ka, Mōshiwake gozaimasen).

Let's work in Japanese!（日本語を使って、働こう）

【Anime Japanese vs. Real Japanese】仕事で信頼を得るための決定的な違い～The Crucial Difference for Trust at Work～

⭐ To make the most of this podcast, transcript in 6 languages (French, English, German, Spanish, Italian, Chinese) and language activities are available on my website Explore French.

⭐ To go further, please check out my other podcast channel "Learn French with Anthony" and visit my website to access plenty of interactive language activities.

Explore France with Anthony

#05 Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité

In this lesson, we'll learn some words about  fruits and flavor
grammer and sentence structure such as: 
the usage of "再“& "又“ （again)
因为.....所以.....(because...)....so..... ;
“或者”（or);
有...有....还有....(there are sth in some place)

Basic communication conversations

第十七课  红苹果，苦咖啡 lesson 17 red apple. bitter coffee

ストレスの度合いを図ることができる物質が発見された話題を取り上げます。
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/easy/k10012049031000/k10012049031000.html

いっしょにNHK News Web Easyを読もう📢Reading News Articles

大阪おおさか大学だいがく　ストレスを測はかることができる物質ぶっしつを見みつける

DOCTOR: What seems to be the problem?
CATHY: Well, I have a bad cough and a sore throat. I also have 
a headache.
DOCTOR: How long have you had these symptoms?
CATHY: About three days now. And I’m really tired, too.
DOCTOR: Hmm. It sounds like you’ve got the flu. Take aspirin
every four hours and get plenty of rest. Make sure you 
drink lots of fluids. Call me if you’re still sick next week.
CATHY: OK, thanks

LANGUAGE NOTES 
• What seems to be the problem? means “What is the problem?” Notice that the intonation 
falls at the end of the question. The doctor wants information, not a “yes/no” answer.
• Well is used as an introductory word. Notice how the vowel is drawn out, to sound like 
“Weeeeeell …” This can be used as a way to “buy time” while you think about what you 
want to say next.
• A bad cough … a sore throat … a headache: Notice the article “a” before each symptom.
• About is used to mean “more or less.” It’s used here to give an estimate of time.
• Take aspirin … get rest … Make sure … Call me: Notice the doctor uses the simple tense 
here to give instructions. This is the imperative form of the verb.
• Still sick means “continue to be sick.”

English Conversation practice (30-day challenge)

Day 11: At the doctor's office

Bernie Pinson
- Je ne mangerai plus jamais de tarte aux pommes...
Cela fait deux semaines que Bernie Pinson répète sans cesse cette phrase. Il est vrai qu’il a passé une nuit horrible après avoir trop mangé.
Au hasard de sa promenade, Bernie renifle une délicieuse odeur. Madame Hérisson prépare des tartes aux pommes.
- Un petit morceau pour mon ami Pinson ? propose-t-elle.
- Bien volontiers ! s’exclame Bernie en passant à table...