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 a cute scene from We Never Learn. This series has been on fire lately with some nice character development of Rizu. Seeing this sometimes-awkward girl learn about kissing has been a treat!

HEN (へん)

HEN means “weird” or “odd.” Rizu has been a math wiz since she was young but has always struggled with reading emotions and excessive concentration. Once she gets obsessed with a question, she can’t let go. And the question she’s currently struggling with concerns her feelings for Nariyuki. She’s somehow stumbled into thinking that kissing him is the answer! But when that goes awry, she asks him if he thinks she’s HEN.

KAKKOII (かっこいい)

We’ve done this word before, but KAKKOII means “cool” or “attractive.” It shows up all the time in manga and anime. It’s a great compliment and it tugs at the heartstrings when Nariyuki tells Rizu that he finds her to be KAKKOII. Of course, he then ruins it by going on some anti-kissing rant on the next page. Nariyuki, just kiss the girl!

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