Collocation
A2
clearly study
To study with a very specific, well-defined goal or focus in mind. It means your study session isn't vague or aimless; you know exactly what you are trying to master.
Usage: This phrase is neutral in formality. It is most effective when you want to contrast a focused study session with a vague or distracted one.
Collocation
A2
clearly eat
To eat in a clear, decisive way that leaves no doubt about your appetite or preferences. It is the opposite of picking at your food or being vague about whether you are actually eating.
Usage: This phrase is neutral but leans toward informal. It is most often used in instructional or encouraging contexts, particularly within families or close friendships.
Collocation
A2
clearly drink
It describes the act of drinking or swallowing something in a very distinct, visible, or unmistakable way.
Usage: This phrase is neutral in formality. It is most frequently used in instructional or descriptive contexts where the physical act of swallowing needs to be confirmed or emphasized.
Collocation
A1
well speak
This phrase describes someone who is talkative or speaks frequently. It is like saying a friend 'has the gift of gab' or just has a lot to say.
Usage: The phrase is neutral but leans slightly informal. In polite company, always use the 'masu' form: `yoku hanashimasu`. Avoid using it for social superiors as it can sound like you are judging their behavior.
Collocation
A1
one person buy
This phrase describes the simple act of purchasing something for just one person. It is used when you are buying a single ticket, a single meal portion, or just something for yourself.
Usage: This is a basic A1-level phrase. While '一人買う' is understandable, adding '分' (bun) or 'で' (de) is necessary for natural conversation depending on if you mean 'one portion' or 'acting alone'.
Collocation
A1
three people buy
This phrase describes a situation where three people are making a purchase, usually together as a group or as a count of customers.
Usage: In casual speech, the particle `で` is almost always included (`三人で買う`) to clarify that the action is collective. Without a particle, it sounds like a headline or a very clipped observation.
Collocation
B1
retain
It’s about keeping a specific state, status, or record exactly as it is over time. Imagine pressing 'pause' on a situation to make sure nothing changes or degrades.
Usage: This phrase is a 'kango' (Sino-Japanese) expression, making it naturally formal. It is most at home in newspapers, business reports, and scientific papers. In spoken Japanese, it sounds professional and precise.
Collocation
A2
not at all study
This phrase is used to express that you haven't put in any effort or time into studying. It's the ultimate 'I did zero work' confession you'd tell a friend before a big exam.
Usage: The phrase is inherently informal. While the grammar technically requires a negative ending, the 'not at all' meaning is so strong that the negative verb is the most important part to get right.
Collocation
A1
not at all say
It means 'I'll totally say it' or 'I have no problem saying that.' It is a modern, informal way to show you are willing to speak up without hesitation.
Usage: This is high-energy slang. Use it to show enthusiasm or lack of fear in social situations, but keep it away from formal documents or elders.
Collocation
A1
not at all read
This phrase describes the act of not reading something at all. To express this correctly in Japanese, you usually pair 'zenzen' with the negative form of the verb to show a total lack of action.
Usage: Remember that 'zenzen' is an intensifier. While it's A1 level, its dual use as a negative 'not at all' and a slang positive 'totally' makes it a bit tricky. Stick to the negative verb ending to be safe.
Collocation
A1
not at all exercise
This phrase is used to admit that you are doing absolutely zero physical activity. It's the perfect way to tell someone your gym shoes are still in the box.
Usage: To mean 'not at all,' always pair `全然` with a negative verb form like `〜ない` or `〜ません`. Using it with the positive `する` is rare and sounds like slang for 'totally do.'
Collocation
A2
not at all drink
This phrase is a casual way to say 'I'd totally drink that' or 'I'm definitely down for a drink.' It uses a word that usually means 'not at all' to emphasize a big, enthusiastic 'yes.'
Usage: This is high-energy slang. Use it to show you are 'down' for whatever is being offered. Avoid it in any situation where you need to show professional distance or high respect.
Collocation
B2
split
This phrase describes a single entity breaking apart into two or more separate groups or pieces. It is often used for biological cells, political parties, or organizations experiencing internal conflict.
Usage: This is a neutral to formal collocation. It is most frequently found in scientific, political, or organizational contexts and should be avoided in casual social sharing (like food or costs).
Collocation
A2
cheap chance
A low-risk or low-cost opportunity where you have very little to lose by trying. It describes a situation with a low barrier to entry, usually involving money or effort.
Usage: This phrase is mostly used in casual or marketing contexts. Be careful not to use it for serious life events or when referring to people's value, as 'yasui' can sometimes carry a nuance of 'worthless' if used incorrectly.
Collocation
A2
cheap afternoon
This phrase describes spending your afternoon doing activities that cost very little or no money at all. It is a practical way to talk about budget-friendly fun like walking in a park or visiting a library.
Usage: This phrase is safe for daily use with friends and family. It is neutral in formality, but avoid using it in contexts where 'cheapness' could be interpreted as 'low quality' or 'lack of effort.'
Collocation
A1
cheap night
This phrase refers to an evening spent socializing or having fun without spending much money. It is often used when you find a great deal at a bar or decide to keep things low-key.
Usage: This phrase is mostly informal. It is perfect for friends, family, or close colleagues, but avoid it in romantic or high-stakes professional settings.
Collocation
A2
cheap memory
This phrase describes memories that feel shallow, superficial, or lacking in real emotional depth. It is like a 'cheap' souvenir that doesn't hold much value or sincerity.
Usage: This phrase is mostly informal and carries a strong emotional or judgmental tone. Be careful not to use it when discussing experiences shared with people you want to stay on good terms with.
Collocation
A1
cheap time
It refers to off-peak hours or specific time slots when services like karaoke, gyms, or restaurants offer discounted rates. It's like 'happy hour' or 'off-peak pricing' for your wallet.
Usage: The phrase is neutral and safe for most daily conversations. However, in professional settings, using 'off-peak' or 'jikantai' (time slot) sounds more polished.
Collocation
A1
cheap morning
This phrase describes a morning that doesn't cost much money. It usually refers to finding a great breakfast deal or having a simple, budget-friendly start to your day.
Usage: This is a literal phrase. While neutral, using 'yasui' can sometimes sound a bit blunt. In polite company, 'reasonable' is a safer choice.
Collocation
A2
cheap opportunity
A 'cheap opportunity' refers to a chance to do or get something at a very low financial cost. It describes a situation where the barrier to entry is low because it doesn't require much money.
Usage: This is a literal combination of words. While grammatically correct and useful for A2 learners, native speakers often prefer 'お得' (otoku) to emphasize value over just the price tag.
Collocation
A2
cheap experience
This phrase describes an activity or event that didn't cost much money but still provided you with a new memory or lesson.
Usage: This phrase is neutral but leans toward informal. It is literal, so ensure the context makes it clear whether you are praising the value or commenting on the low quality.
Collocation
A2
cold chance
A 'cold chance' refers to a very slim, unpromising, or weak opportunity where success feels unlikely. It’s like having a chance, but it’s so 'chilly' that it doesn't give you much hope.
Usage: This is a slangy collocation. It is highly informal and should be reserved for friends, gaming contexts, or casual social media posts. Avoid in academic or professional writing.
Collocation
A2
cold opportunity
This phrase describes a chance or event that happens during cold weather, or metaphorically, a socially 'chilly' and awkward moment.
Usage: This phrase is neutral and safe for most conversations. Be careful using the 'slang' meaning (lame) with superiors, as it can sound dismissive.
Collocation
A2
cold experience
This phrase describes a time you felt physically or socially chilled. It covers everything from freezing mountain trips to awkward, silent rooms after a bad joke.
Usage: This phrase is safe for most situations. Just remember that 'samui' refers to the air or atmosphere, while 'tsumetai' refers to physical objects you touch.
Collocation
A2
spacious chance
It describes a situation where you have a wide range of possibilities or many different paths to success. It's like standing in a big, open field where you can run in any direction you choose.
Usage: The phrase is neutral and versatile. It is particularly effective when you want to sound encouraging or when discussing strategic options that involve multiple paths.
Collocation
A2
spacious memory
This phrase describes memories that feel vast, expansive, and full of 'breathing room,' like a wide-open landscape in your mind.
Usage: This is a poetic collocation. While grammatically correct, it is used more for emotional impact than literal description. It sits comfortably in neutral to formal registers.
Collocation
A1
spacious day
A day that is completely open and free of any commitments. It feels like you have all the room in the world to breathe and do whatever you want.
Usage: This is an informal, slightly poetic expression. Use it with friends to sound relaxed and mindful, but stick to standard 'open schedule' terms in professional emails.
Collocation
A1
spacious time
This phrase describes time that feels vast, unhurried, and open. It is not just about having 'free time,' but about the mental luxury of having no deadlines or pressure weighing you down.
Usage: The phrase is neutral but leans towards being poetic. It is best used when you want to sound thoughtful about your schedule or mental state. Avoid using it for short durations.
Collocation
A1
spacious morning
A poetic way to describe a morning that feels open, unhurried, and full of mental space. It captures that peaceful feeling when you have the whole world to yourself before the daily rush begins.
Usage: The phrase is neutral but leans towards the poetic. It is most effective when used to describe a subjective feeling of peace rather than objective physical measurements. Avoid using it in high-stress or cramped situations unless you are being ironic.
Collocation
A2
spacious opportunity
This phrase describes having a wide range of different possibilities or paths available to you. It is like having a buffet of choices rather than just one single option.
Usage: This phrase is neutral and safe for most situations. Just remember that it refers to the *variety* of options, not the *importance* of a single event.
