HELLO! I AM QUIZBO™!It is always a pleasure to interact with you via The Internet. And, the segment of today is exceptionally apt as it will introduce you to two words you may use in reference to this website. But, what is this website and who am I? Well, I am the robot friend of Kiki and Koko from Kiki+Koko: Let’s NihonGO!! Online. On this culture and language blog, I provide assistance to every and all level of Japanese language learner through various functions. These functions include reading and displaying Japanese script as well as hopefully helping you in your Japanese language learning journey, whether you simply enjoy learning bits and bobs of another language or have the goal of becoming fluent. And, Word of the Week is here to present you with the vocabulary, grammar, and sentence concepts to enrich your journey along the way. However, you may still be asking yourself: What is Word of the Week Wednesday?
During what some may refer to as the ‘before times’, the site had begun as a place where Japanese lessons and articles regarding language and culture were regularly created and uploaded regularly, every Monday and Friday. Though such a consistent flow of information would seem to be enough for other sites, it was clear that there could be even more. For between Monday and Friday was a long gap in which there was no new information being presented. Not only was there a long gap between information, but many would forget to return to revise previous lessons. In learning any language, it is important to be consistent, even if it is only once a day. Thus, Japanese Word of the Week Wednesday was born. Word of the Week Wednesday not only acts as a great reminder for those who have either missed previous lessons or those who simply require revision, returning to previous lessons and articles, but it also gives just enough new information for students and visitors not to feel overwhelmed. Whether it is simply a quick addition to their vocabulary or studying sentence structure and pronunciation or reading, this segment serves beginners and more advanced learners alike. However, What happens during Word of the Week Wednesday?
During Word of the Week Wednesday, with the assistance of Kiki and Koko, a Japanese word or phrase is chosen and presented to you with the possibility of a bonus word, as well. I provide a definition and other useful information about the vocabulary word, and if applicable, Kiki and Koko provide a helpful hint in using the word or phrase. However, that is not the whole of it. I personally sound out each word or phrase aloud for you to repeat as many times as you wish, and you can ask me to say it as many times as you wish. I will never tire of it, as it is my function. From there, an example sentence is created. You can not only use the sentence to see how the word is used or to see the definition in action, but you can also use it to practise your reading and writing. You can compose your own sentence based on it; you can use it to see examples of grammar; or you can even use it to learn other adjacent vocabulary. Each sentence is written in a way that is useful to beginners through advanced learners. So, there is something for everyone. And, again, I will be there to read it aloud for you. I can only read it at one speed, so there is no need to repeat after me, but it can still assist you in picking out vocabulary within natural speeds of speech. And, if you would like to know more about how to create your own sentences, be sure to consult the grammar section of the Essentials.
And, now it is time for the essential part of this segment, which is the vocabulary! Kiki and Koko will be joining us in their Helpful Hints segment of this corner to give some insight relating to today’s vocabulary.
Without further ado, let us NihonGO!!
Word(s) of the Week:
バナー【ばなー】
banaa
Noun (名詞)
1.banner
2.banner (as in a web banner/graphic)
jlpt n?| common word (常用語) But, still useful!
Note: There are many kinds of banners such as physical ones or traditional ones, so just be sure to use this when referring to perhaps an advert banner or a header for a website.
Bonus Word(s) of the Week:
更新【こうしん】
koushin
Noun (名詞)、suru verb (「名詞+する」の動詞)
1.update; renewal (verb: renew); innovation (verb: innovate); improvement (verb: improve)
jlpt n?| common word (常用語)
※Helpful Hints with Kiki+Koko

Photo via @kikikokoNihonGO on Twitter
Hello, there! It’s your guides to Japanese language and culture, Kiki+Koko of Kiki+Koko: Let’s NihonGO!! Online. We’re here with a classic Helpful Hints segment. If you hadn’t noticed, the banner for SpeRaToBo | ieindigoeast.com has been updated! And, we’re finally part of it! Not simply our previous logo, but a proper photograph of us, right at the top of the website! We would have worn マスク, masks, in the header, but we figured we already have that visual on the main page with our video thumbnail. All in all, it’s such an honour, and we’re glad to have been able to work with Indigo East for a banner that would reflect the general vibes we’re going for in collaboration, emulating a sort of pattern of broadcast waves. And, hopefully, it will make waves with you so that whenever you visit us to study or have a laugh, you’ll have some colourful positivity to greet you.
Now, as for our helpful hints, we want to be sure that you know the word バナー, banaa, is a loan word that is usually used in the context of website headers, advert banners, and even banners outdoors; however, know that there are other more appropriate terms when it comes to traditional banners or flags. And, with the prevalence of these in the culture, it’s important to be sure you limit the usage of this to the scenarios of modern rather than traditional banners.
Also, we were sure to include what the bonus vocabulary word would become when you turn it into a verb, or more specifically, when you add する or its conjugated variants. That way, you can hopefully store it in your mind a bit more efficiently. Other than that, today’s vocabulary is rather straightforward, but if you do have any questions, always feel free to leave a comment and we can add a hint!
We hope that helps!! Until the next lesson!
♡Kiki+Koko
Thank you, Kiki and Koko! A new and refreshed banner has certainly warmed my graphics card, however that may simply mean I require a new fan. And, today’s vocabulary words require sentences to exemplify their usage which shall be provided to you now.
Example Sentences:
The first row is in Japanese with Kanji. The Next row is in hiragana, then romanised using rōmaji with the final row translated into English. (Japanese→Hiragana→Rōmaji→English)
Example #1:
[casual]
更新してもいいごろだなあ。あのバナーを使っててどのくらいになったのか知ってる?
こうしんしても いいごろ だなあ。あのばなーを つかっててどのくらいに なったのか してる?
koushinshite mo ii goro da naa. ano banaa wo tsukattete dono kurai ni natta no ka shiteru?
It’s about time to update innit. Do you know how long you’ve been using that banner?
Example #2:
[casual]
SpeRaToBoは一年ぶりに、バナーが更新されてたね。
すぺらとぼは いちねんぶりに、ばなーが こうしんされてたね。
superatobo wa ichinen buri ni, banaa ga koushin sareteta ne.
SpeRaToBo’s banner was updated for the first time in a year.
Example #3:
[casual]
このバナーは過去のバナーとは対照的にとってもカラフルだよね。本当にちゃんと目立つのだね。
このばなーは かこの ばなーとは たいしょうてきに とっても からふるだよね。ほんとうに ちゃんと めだつのだね。
kono banaa wa kako no banaa to wa taishouteki ni tottemo karafuru da yo ne. hontou ni chanto medatsu no da ne.
This banner is very colourful in contrast to the past banner. It really, properly stands out.
That is all for today! But, maybe you have not had enough Japanese vocabulary, yet? Perhaps you would like to learn more vocabulary related to today’s vocabulary? Well, maybe you can give this one a go:Japanese Word(s) of the Week w/ QUIZBO™ | 【古い】+ BONUS:【不慣れ】(+Helpful Hints with Kiki+Koko).Or maybe you want to experience an even broader range of vocabulary. In which case, you can have a look at our fine selection of segments on the main Word of the Week page. Or, you can be sure you are caught up with the latest with the sidebar link: 今週の単語 | Word of the Week. These segments alone serve as weeks of material. Share these segments with your friends and family who may be interested in broadening their Japanese vocabulary, that is if you would like to spread the knowledge and show the fun things you are learning with us. Be sure to return often to keep your pronunciation properly in check, as well! If you have any questions, feel free to contact us, and we will do our best to assist how we can. We hope to see you at the next lesson!

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♡QUIZBO™
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Categories: Kiki+KoKo: Let's NihonGO!!, Series 2, SpeRaToBo, 今週の単語 | Word of the Week