Welcome to the Nihongo Lesson feature. We strive to give you useful manga-based Japanese language tips and maybe even a glimpse into the translation process. This week’s lesson will focus on some terms from our latest JUMP START series, We Never Learn! This is the first of six new JUMP START series coming over the next few months, so make sure to fill out the survey and make your voice heard!

DEKIRU/DEKINAI (できる/できない)

DEKIRU/DEKINAI means “can do it” and “can’t do it.” These two terms might be what We Never Learn is all about! Nariyuki was raised by his father to overcome his struggles and develop a “can do” attitude. Shonen Jump teaches you that as long as you don’t give up, you can achieve your goals. But Nariyuki has a tough road ahead of him…

RIKEI (理系)

RIKEI means “science.” In We Never Learn, Rizu is an expert at all the science classes. She can solve complex equations instantly and even has the nickname "Thumbelina Supercomputer." So teaching her should be a cinch, right? Well, this wouldn’t be a Shonen Jump manga if things were easy!

BUNKEI (文系)

BUNKEI means “humanities” or “liberal arts.” These are the more creative fields of study, like art or literature. Fumino can’t solve a math problem to save her life, but she writes beautiful essays in a matter of minutes. Can Nariyuki teach her to not be intimidated by numbers? He has a long way to go…

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