カフェトーク - 講師コラム

How Skydiving Changed My Perspective on Life

Zeenath — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 13:17:09 +0000

Last July, I went skydiving for the first time. I traveled by bus to a beautiful villa, where I spent the morning relaxing in the gardens before skydiving.

I visited a cafe on a lake for breakfast. And ended up eating something not so healthy.

I also met a cute, furry friend.

My sister had already tried skydiving a month earlier, and after hearing about her experience, I wanted to try it too. I have always believed that if there is something exciting and safe to try, it is worth doing at least once in your life.

I was finally in the plane. When the plane climbed higher and higher, I started to feel nervous. Very nervous.

I remember thinking, "I am about to jump out of a plane from 13,000 feet..."

Even though I was scared, I did not to back out. A few moments later, I was falling through the sky.

And then something unexpected happened.

Instead of feeling afraid, I felt free.

The icy cold air rushed past me. Below me, I could see the ocean, the sunset and the beach. Everything looked beautiful from above. For a few minutes, this was all I could see.

It is difficult to describe the feeling. You have to trust the experience and enjoy the moment. That day taught me something rather important.

Sometimes the things we fear the most become some of our best memories.

If I had listened to my fear, I would have stayed on the plane and missed out on a really great experience.

Now I understand why people enjoy extreme sports like skydiving and bungee jumping. These activities remind us that the world is much bigger than our fears.

Would I do it again?

Absolutely.

In fact, I would do it as many times as possible!

Zeenath 講師のプロフィール »

Finding Your Spark: How to Keep Learning When Motivation Wanes

Njoki A. — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 12:41:48 +0000

As I look at my language learning app today, I am proud to see that I’ve hit a 222-day streak in my German learning journey. But let me be honest: this streak didn't happen because I was motivated every single day.

My journey with German actually began back in 2022, but like many learners, I hit a wall. I felt the familiar weight of demotivation and I simply stopped. Returning to the language after that break was the hardest step I had to take. But that pause taught me more about learning than the streak itself: it taught me that motivation is fleeting, but systems are reliable.

If you are struggling to stay consistent, you aren't failing, you’re just human. Here is how I built a system that keeps me going, even on the days I’d rather be doing anything else.

1. Shrink Your Goals (The "6-Minute" Rule)

When we are unmotivated, our brains overestimate how much effort a task requires. Stop trying to schedule an hour of study. Instead, shrink it down to a size that feels impossible to say no to.

If 10 minutes feels like too much, make it 6. For English learners, there is a fantastic resource called "6 Minute English"(https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english) that proves you can make tangible progress in just a handful of minutes. By lowering the bar, you eliminate the mental friction that causes procrastination.

2. The Power of the Pause

If you are pushing yourself to study for long stretches, you are likely setting yourself up for burnout. Just like a muscle needs recovery time after a workout, your brain needs downtime to consolidate information. If you feel your concentration slipping, stop. Take a walk, grab a coffee or step away from your desk. You will find that when you return, your focus is sharper and your retention is significantly higher.

3. Gamify the Grind

Learning should never feel like a chore. If you find yourself dreading your vocabulary drills, change the format. Transform your study time into playtime:

Scrabble: A classic for a reason—it forces you to think about spelling and word construction in a competitive, fun way.

Treasure Hunts: Create a scavenger hunt for yourself where the clues are written in your target language.

When the brain is "playing," it releases dopamine, which actually helps you memorize vocabulary much faster than rote repetition.

4. Find Your "Study Buddy"

Isolation is the enemy of motivation. When you learn alone, it is easy to give up because there is no one to hold you accountable. Find a colleague, a friend or a tutor, like me, who can check in on your progress. Knowing that someone else is expecting you, or even just sharing the struggle with someone else, can be the push you need to show up on days when you feel like quitting.

5. Set the Atmosphere with Music

I have found that the environment is just as important as the material. When I am studying, I often play classical music in the background. It creates a calm, focused atmosphere that drowns out distractions and helps my brain enter a "flow state." If classical music isn't your thing, try lo-fi beats or ambient nature sounds—whatever helps you get into the zone.

Remember: motivation is not always there, but consistency and creativity can carry you through.

If you’d like to practice English in a supportive and enjoyable way, I invite you to join my conversational lessons, perfect for building confidence; or my gamified grammar lessons for teens, where learning feels like play.

Don’t let your progress stall. Let’s make your next "streak" your best one yet!

Njoki A. 講師のプロフィール »

海外在住者が帰国時に行きたい場所

Rie O.E — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 09:52:50 +0000

皆さんこんにちは！
6/22に飛行機に乗ります。
日にちが近づいてきてワクワクしています。

私は関西出身ですが妹家族が埼玉にいるのでいつも東京に1か月滞在します。
埼玉寄りの東京(池袋や赤羽)にいることが多いです。

私は1歳と6歳の娘がいるので帰国時はいつも子供中心で公園に連れて行ったりショッピングモールに行ったりしています。
王子のあすかやま公園、新宿中央公園や豊洲公園などに行くことが多いです。
上野もたまに行きます！

いつも同じ場所を巡っているので今回の帰国では新しい場所に行ってみようと思っています。
ただ、交通費もかかりますし予算に限度もあるのである程度安いところに行くつもりです。

今回初めて行く予定の場所は
★チームラボプラネッツ(入場料一人4,500円ほど)
★未来館(入館料630円)
★葛西臨海水族館(入園料700円)
です！

チームラボは少しお値段しますが子供に現代的なアートミュージアムを見せてあげられるのが楽しみです。
そして葛西臨海水族館はほぼ千葉ですが入園料も安いしディズニーランドが近いのでイクスピアリもセットで行こうかなと思ってます。

残念ですがディズニーランドは今回の帰国では行かないことにしました。
旦那が1日の半分を並んで待つのに1万円も払いたくない、だそうです。
ディズニーランドに行くと予算も超えてしまいそうなので今回は残念ですが次こそ行きますよ！

皆さん、東京近辺で比較的お値打ちで小さい子供向けの場所、または公園があれば教えてください。
皆さんもこの夏楽しく過ごせますように♪

このコラムをお読み頂きありがとうございます！

Rie O.E 講師のプロフィール »

【ブログ】22.乙酉（きのととり）生まれの金運

Abemomo — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 08:50:18 +0000

自分の生まれ年の干支はこちらで確認してください。

十干十二支(六十干支)一覧表干支、六十干支（ろくじっかんし）、十干十二支（じっかんじゅうにし）の一覧です。www.n-p-s.net

乙酉生まれの人は、

・優しくて気配り上手。

・周りの人たちをよく見ている。

・傷つきやすい

・熱中しやすい

・知識やスキルをどんどん身に付けていく

・仕事は組織の中に居た方が快適

・人と競争するのは苦手

といった特徴があります。

組織の中で仕事をして言った方がよいので、

独立するよりは、会社員などの方が向いているでしょう。

ただし、競争するのは苦手なので、

営業職などではなく、

専門職的な仕事を選ぶとよいでしょう。

知識を身に付けていくのが得意なので、

仕事面ではもちろん有利ですし、

自分のライフプランを考えていく上でも

すごく役立ちます。

生涯のうちに、どんな大きなイベントがあって、

どれくらいお金を用意しておけばいいかなど、

早めに知っておいて、準備するのは

うまくできると思います。

また、資産運用も、いろいろ学んで、

自分の得意な方法をやってみるとよいでしょう。

気配り上手なので、

家族のお金の使い方もそれとなく見て、

アドバイスしたり、管理するのも得意そうです。

平和な環境で、賢く生きられそうです。

Abemomo 講師のプロフィール »

가리마를 타다? vs 가르마를 타다?

Kim mijin — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 08:45:48 +0000

머리를 빗을 때 이마에서 정수리까지 머리털을 양쪽으로 가르는 일을
'가리마를 탄다'고 할까, 아니면 '가르마를 탄다'고 할까?

이마에서 정수리까지 머리털을 야쪽으로 갈랐을 때 생기는 금을 '가르마'라고 하므로
'가르마를 탄다'고 하는 것이 맞다. 가르마를 타는 일은 '가르마질'이라고도 한다.

'가르마'는 잘못이 아닌 표준어 '가리마'는 다른 의미를 가진다.
예전에 부녀자들이 예복을 갑춰 입을 때 큰머리 위에 덮어쓰던 검은 헝겊을 가리키는 말이다.
즉 비단천의 가운데를 접어 두 겹으로 만들고 그 속에 종이나 솜을 넣은 것으로
앞머리의 가르마 부근에 대고 뒷머리 부분에서 매어 어깨나 들에 드리운다.
다른 말로 '차액 (遮額)이라고 한다.

머리를 빗을 때 이마에서 정수리까지 머리털을 양쪽으로 가르는 일을
'가리마를 마'라고 하므로

Kim mijin 講師のプロフィール »

「ヒカルの碁」原画展

Aoi.K — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 06:08:09 +0000

「ヒカルの碁」という漫画をご存知でしょうか。
1999年～連載されていた、囲碁を題材にした少年漫画です。

近くで原画展をやっていたので行ってきました！！

撮影スポットもあり、世界観に浸れます！

囲碁を知らなくても楽しめる漫画ですが、
囲碁を知ってから読むと、ますます面白さが分かりますよ♪

Aoi.K 講師のプロフィール »

I'm excited to join the Cafetalk community!

Nicolas — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 04:34:39 +0000

Bonjour à tous,

Je suis très heureux de rejoindre Cafetalk en tant que professeur de français.

Having lived in Japan for many years, I am passionate about reading, culture, science, and long bike rides around the Tokyo area. Above all, I love connecting with people and engaging in conversations that help me discover new ideas.

I sincerely thank the Cafetalk team for their warm welcome and professionalism.

After more than 25 years of teaching French (and translating as a professional) , I look forward to meeting new students and sharing the French language with them in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere.

Nicolas 講師のプロフィール »

How to Study When You Don't Feel Motivated

Mapa — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 03:44:21 +0000

How to Study When You Don't Feel Motivated

Let's be honest, there are days when studying is the last thing we want to do.

Maybe you're tired after work, stressed about other responsibilities, or simply not in the mood. Many people believe that successful learners are always motivated, but that's not true. Even the most dedicated students have days when they don't feel like studying.

The good news is that you don't need motivation every day to make progress.

Start Small

One of the biggest mistakes people make is waiting until they "feel motivated." Instead of planning a two-hour study session, try studying for just five or ten minutes.

Often, getting started is the hardest part. Once you begin, you may find it easier to continue.

Focus on Consistency, Not Perfection

Some days you will have lots of energy. Other days you won't. That's normal.

Rather than aiming for the perfect study session, focus on showing up regularly. Even a short review of vocabulary or a quick speaking practice is better than doing nothing at all.

Remember Your Reason

Why did you start learning in the first place?

Perhaps you want to travel, get a better job, communicate with international friends, or simply challenge yourself. Reminding yourself of your goal can help you stay focused when motivation disappears.

Make Studying More Enjoyable

Learning doesn't always have to come from textbooks.

Watch a video you enjoy in English. Listen to a podcast while walking. Read about a topic that genuinely interests you. The more enjoyable the process is, the easier it becomes to stay engaged.

Be Kind to Yourself

Everyone has unmotivated days.

Missing one study session does not mean you've failed. Progress is not about being perfect—it's about continuing, even after a break.

The next time you don't feel motivated, remember: you don't have to do everything. Just do something.

Small steps taken consistently can lead to big results over time.

Mapa 講師のプロフィール »

ささやかな感性エッセイで練習する、スロー韓国語シャドーイング

Jina in Paris — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 03:05:11 +0000

皆さん、こんにちは。韓国語講師のジナです。

皆さんの韓国語学習に少しでもお役に立てればと思い、YouTubeチャンネル「책 읽어주는 지나（本を読んでくれるJina）」にて、「スロー韓国語」のシャドーイング動画を少しずつアップロードしています。

日常の気づきを綴ったエッセイを教材に

今回はアップロードした動画は、以前コラムでもご紹介し、たくさんの共感をいただいた、私が連載している感性エッセイ【人脈に対する再定義（인맥에 대한 재정의）】の朗読です。

生きる中で出会う瞬間の気づきや感動を記録として残したいと思い、私は現在、「찰나지나（チャルナジナ）」という筆名で文章を連載しています。
時には家族の成長を綴り、時には人生のふとした瞬間に訪れる気づきを書き留めた、ささやかなエッセイです。

字幕を見ながら、耳と口で感じるトレーニング

中上級の皆さんが発音やイントネーションを深く練習できるよう、私の音声を録音しました。画面に字幕が表示されますので、「目で読み、耳で聴きながら、口でそのまま真似して発音する（귀로 듣고 따라하기）」本格的なシャドーイングに集中してみてください。

これからも、多くの方に共感していただいたお話を中心に朗読動画をアップロードしていく予定です。
この動画が、単なる勉強の場としてだけでなく、忙しい日常の中でホッと一息つきながら、心も一緒に整えられる温かい憩いの場になれば幸いです。

１:1レッスンでは

動画の字幕に合わせて口に馴染むまで練習したら、ぜひ実際のレッスンでも聞かせてください。シャドーイングの成果を披露していただくのも良いですし、このエッセイのテーマをもとに、例えば次のような質問について自由にお話しする時間にしても素敵です。

「皆さんにとって『本当の人脈（人間関係）』とは、どのような意味を持ちますか？」
「年齢を重ねるにつれて、人間関係に対する考え方が変わった経験はありますか？」

私の個人的な思いを綴った小さな文章ですが、皆さんの韓国語の実力向上と、心の癒やしに少しでもプラスになれば嬉しいです。

まずは気楽に動画を再生して、声に耳を傾けながら一緒に発音してみてくださいね。

皆さんのシャドーイングの挑戦をお待ちしています。

【Jinaのオリジナルエッセイ・朗読動画を見る】
https://youtu.be/vxRjyYYsG2M?is=F2v3WShx4xcmwarJ

Jina in Paris 講師のプロフィール »

やる気が出ない日はどうする？

Shibashiba — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 02:53:58 +0000

やる気なぁい…

でも語学とか楽器とか、毎日やることになってるし…

じゃあね、今日は５分だけでいいってことにしておけば？
やり始めると案外続いちゃって30分になったりします。
ボールと同じで、転がしはじめにエネルギーが要るのです。
最初から「２時間やらなくちゃ！」なんて思わないことです。

でも、本当に５分で終わってしまったら？
大丈夫です！
毎日５分でもやっていれば、やる気が出た時に１時間やるのもわりと簡単です。
全然やっていなかった場合よりハードルが低く感じられます。
とにかくゼロの日を作らないことです。

１日全然やらなかったって？
大丈夫！
翌日に再開しましょう。
なるべく３日以上空けないでね。

でも。
そもそも「やる気」に頼らないことです。
毎日歯を磨いていますか？
磨く気がない日はありますか？
もう習慣になっちゃってますよね？
勉強するタイミングも、歯みがきと同じように決めるといいですね。
通勤電車で10分、お昼休みに５分、レジの待ち時間に３分、信号待ちで１分、寝る前に10分。

モチベを上げたいなら、それができるようになったとき、個人的にどんな楽しいことがあるか思い浮かべるのも効果的ですよ。

ただ、あんまりやる気が無い日が多いようだったら、そもそもその目標が自分にあっているのかどうか、検討してみるのもいいでしょう。
疲れすぎてやる気が出ないなら、毎日の生活自体を見直すのも必要でしょう。

Shibashiba 講師のプロフィール »

It's Just a Little Storm

Anthony H. — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 01:46:52 +0000

How living in Japan changed my understanding of extreme weather

Typhoon No. 6 (Jangmi) has just passed through Shiga. Last night my wife had to drive to work for a night shift as it approached. I woke up several times listening to the wind howling around the house and didn't properly relax until I heard her car pull into the driveway the following morning.

That might sound strange coming from a Briton.

After all, Britain is famous for its weather. We talk about it constantly. We complain when it's too hot, too cold, too wet, too windy or too dry. Yet living in Japan has taught me that British weather and Japanese weather are playing entirely different games.

The lesson arrived rather dramatically in 2017.

Typhoon Lan was approaching Shiga. At the time I was teaching in Osaka. My company sent us home a little early and I caught the train north. Two stops before my station the train stopped. The JR Kosei Line runs on an elevated track and often closes when strong winds come down from the Hira mountains.

All the taxis had already disappeared, so I decided to walk.

At first it wasn't too bad. Then the rain became heavier. Then my umbrella broke. Half an hour later I was bent double against the wind, soaked to the skin, listening to Bach through my earbuds and wondering why Japanese people made such a fuss about storms.

When I finally reached home, the wind was furious.

Nothing, however, compared to my wife's fury.

"You walked home in a typhoon? How stupid are you?"

"It's just a little storm," I replied in my defence.

This turned out to be the wrong answer.

A couple of hours later roof tiles were flying through the village. Large metal road signs had been peeled from their poles and thrown across fields. Most impressively, nine concrete railway power poles on the JR Kosei Line were snapped in half.

My wife never did accept my meteorological expertise.

Part of the problem was that I had grown up in Britain.

The strongest storm I remember was the Great Storm of 1987. At the time I was working away from home and living in a caravan in an exposed work yard. During the night the caravan shook so violently that we thought it might end up somewhere over the North Sea, rather like Dorothy's house in The Wizard of Oz.

We survived, but millions of trees were uprooted and enormous damage was caused across southern England.

Yet storms on that scale are unusual in Britain.

In fact, the words hurricane, typhoon and cyclone all describe the same type of storm. The name simply depends on where it occurs. In the Atlantic it is called a hurricane. In the western Pacific it is called a typhoon. In the Indian Ocean and South Pacific it is usually called a cyclone.

So why doesn't Britain get many of them?

The answer is geography.

Japan sits beside warm tropical waters that provide the energy needed to create powerful typhoons. Britain sits beside the much cooler North Atlantic. We are also far from active tectonic plate boundaries, which means no earthquakes, no tsunami and no volcanoes.

Thanks to the Gulf Stream, Britain is much warmer than most places at the same latitude. Winters are generally mild, and in much of the country snow is relatively uncommon.

That does not mean British weather is always easy.

Heavy snow can bring the country to a standstill. Trains are delayed by flooding, heat, leaves on the track and occasionally almost anything else that can be imagined.

The biggest transport catastrophe we experience is often too many wet leaves on the railway tracks.

Compared with Japan, however, the scale of our natural disasters is usually much smaller.

There are flooded villages. There are winter storms. There are occasional heatwaves.

But there is no annual typhoon season.

Living in Japan has given me enormous respect for the forces of nature. When a typhoon approaches, people prepare. Trains stop. Schools close. Weather warnings are taken seriously.

I understand that much better than I did in 2017.

After all, anyone who has seen nine concrete railway poles snapped in half tends to pay more attention to the forecast.

Language Support

Howling (verb)
Making a long, loud sound.

The wind was howling around the house.

Approach (verb)
To come closer.

Typhoon No. 6 was approaching Shiga.

Elevated track (noun phrase)
A railway line built above the surrounding ground.

The Kosei Line runs on an elevated track.

Bent double (expression)
Forced to bend forward because of pain, laughter, or strong wind.

I was bent double against the wind.

Soaked to the skin (expression)
Completely wet.

After the walk I was soaked to the skin.

Make a fuss about something (expression)
To react strongly to something.

Why are people making such a fuss about the storm?

Furious (adjective)
Extremely angry or extremely powerful.

The wind was furious.
My wife was furious.

Fury (noun)
Intense anger.

Nothing compared to my wife's fury.

Language Note

The article uses furious and fury as a play on words:

The wind was furious.
Nothing, however, compared to my wife's fury.

The first describes the power of the storm. The second describes a person's anger.

In my defence (expression)
Used before explaining or justifying an action.

In my defence, I thought it was only a storm.

Peel something from something (verb)
To tear something away from a surface by force.

Road signs were peeled from their poles.

Snap in half (expression)
To break into two pieces.

The railway poles were snapped in half.

Exposed (adjective)
Open to strong weather or danger.

The caravan stood in an exposed work yard.

Uproot (verb)
To pull a tree completely out of the ground.

Millions of trees were uprooted.

Bring something to a standstill (expression)
To cause something to stop completely.

Heavy snow can bring the country to a standstill.

The forces of nature (expression)
Powerful natural events such as storms, earthquakes, floods and volcanoes.

Living in Japan gave me respect for the forces of nature.

Anthony H. 講師のプロフィール »

AI相談で救われることもある　誰にも言えない悩みとの向き合い方

Sori — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 01:22:57 +0000

恋愛で悩んでいる時、本当は誰かに聞いてほしい。
でも、誰に話せばいいか分からない。

そんな時があります。

・友達には言いにくい。
・家族には話せない。
・同じ話を何度もするのは申し訳ない。
・深夜に急に不安になる。

恋愛の悩みは、内容が複雑であればあるほど一人で抱え込みやすくなります。
そういう時に、AIに相談することで少し気持ちが落ち着く人もいると思います。

AIは

・24時間いつでも相談できる
・すぐに返事が返ってくる
・何度でも聞ける
・気持ちを受け止めてもらいやすい
・人に言いにくいことも書きやすい

という良さがあります。これは、とても大きいことだと思います。

特に恋愛は、正しい答えを知りたいというより

・今の不安を少しでも軽くしたい
・自分の気持ちを整理したい
・誰かに聞いてほしい

という時もあります。

その意味でAI恋愛相談に救われることは実際にあると思います。

・人に相談する前に、まずAIに話してみる。
・自分の気持ちを書き出してみる。
・少し冷静になる。

それだけでも、心が落ち着くことがあります。
ただ、不安が落ち着いたあとに

・では実際にどう動けばいいのか
・相手はどう受け取っているのか
・自分の場合は何を変えればいいのか

という段階になると、一人では分かりにくいこともあります。
恋愛は気持ちだけではなく、相手との関係性の中で動いていくものです。

だからこそ、AIに助けられる部分もあり、人との対話だから見えてくる部分もあると思っています。

一人で抱え込まず、まずは今の状況をお聞かせください。

まず状況を整理し、方向性を一緒に確認したい方はこちらです。（30分）
https://cafetalk.com/lesson/detail/?c=eJxLNo909o_yNMgPrMoPCi4M9i_PTwpytLUFAGRdCA8.&lang=ja

状況を整理しながら、具体的な進め方について一緒に検討したい方はこちらです。（60分）

Sori 講師のプロフィール »

やる気が出ない日の勉強法！

Kumikitty — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 01:16:39 +0000

こんにちは。

日本語教師のKumikittyです。

私は、私の日本語生徒さんと、生徒さんの母国語を使ってレッスンができればいいなと思って、カフェトークのオンラインの英会話レッスンやフランス語レッスンを受けています。

レッスンの前後に予習や復習をすればもっと上達するって事はわかってるんですけど、どうしても気が進まない時がある笑

そういう時、私は、海外のInstagramやTikTokを見て勉強という感じではないんですけれど、会話を聞いたり、文を読んでその国の言葉に浸っています( ◠‿◠ )

日本語を勉強している皆さまへ。

私のInstagramも、もちろん日本語で投稿しています。東京での暮らしやカフェ、お菓子作りなどについて綴っていますので、よかったら遊びに来てください↓

https://www.instagram.com/kumikitty_shibuya/

Hello.

I'm Kumikitty, a Japanese language teacher.

I take online English and French lessons on Cafetalk because I'd like to be able to teach my Japanese students using not only Japanese, but also their native languages when appropriate.

I know that preparing before lessons and reviewing afterward would help me improve more quickly, but sometimes I just don't feel motivated to do it!

When that happens, I spend time watching Instagram and TikTok content from other countries. It's not exactly studying, but it allows me to immerse myself in the language. I listen to conversations, read posts, and naturally absorb the language and culture ( ◠‿◠ )

To everyone studying Japanese: my Instagram posts are, of course, written in Japanese. If you'd like, please take a look!

I share posts about life in Tokyo, cafés, baking, and more. ✨　↑↑↑

Kumikitty 講師のプロフィール »

Get a 5% OFF Coupon Today! ５％OFFクーポンプレゼント♪

MiyoshiK — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 01:15:12 +0000

Everyone who requests an "Standby Lesson" today (June 3, Japan time) will receive one 5% OFF coupon for a future Free Talk lesson (25 or 50 minutes)!

✓ I just want to speak a lot of Japanese!
✓ I want a relaxed but productive conversation lesson.
✓ I'm a beginner and would like a supportive environment.

Beginners are very welcome too! :)

If you have some time today, come to fine me Standby Lessons today.

I look forward to talking with you.

本日（日本時間６月３日）「今すぐレッスン」でリクエストしてくださった方全員に、
次回のレッスン（２５ｍまたは５０ｍのフリートーク）で使える５％OFFクーポン１枚をレッスン後にプレゼントします。

「とにかくたくさん話したい！」
「安心して充実した ”話せる時間”を過ごしたい」

初級の方も大歓迎です :)

ぜひ「今すぐレッスン」をのぞいてみてくださいね。

MiyoshiK 講師のプロフィール »

How To Study When You Don't Feel Motivated: 4 Things That Seriously Work

Jeff — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:21:36 +0000

Struggling to reach goals isn't about skill difficulty or learning strategy. It's usually about consistency and motivation to continue showing up, day in and day out.
Especially when you feel like you're not making progress. Because here's the truth: you probably are making progress, but results sometimes don't show up for months (or even years). Small daily wins are easy to miss, but they stack up and compound over time.
I've had my fair share of motivational dips (as a language learner and musician/artist), but these are my absolute favorite ways to stay focused.
1. Have A Burning 'Why'
If you don't have a strong, personal reason for your goal, you won't stay motivated. Simon Sinek (in his book Start with Why) talk about the power of starting with your why, which is your core purpose or belief. After deciding your why, then you can think about how (to reach your goal) .
2. Attach Your Studying To A Personal Project
This is my favorite way to stay motivated. Make a project for your study topic or goal. This makes the studying feel more creative and purposeful. For example, if I want to learn Japanese, I could create a personal passion project around this goal, such as making my own anime story or comic book, or writing a whole album in Japanese. When I have a clear project attached to my studying goal, I feel a lot of extra motivation and purpose.
3. Just Start (Motivation Comes After)
The truth is, motivation usually comes after you start, not before. So here's the strategy: just commit to studying for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, there's a good chance you'll feel more motivated and in the zone.
4. Change Your Environment & Context
This is a simple trick that's super effective. Whenever I feel unmotivated, I just change my environment. For example:

Go to a different location (a new room, a cafe, etc.)
Change clothes (especially if you're at home)
Add some background study music

My favorite place to study is the cafe. I feel most motivated in public with other people around me also working.
How about you? Let me know in the comments how you stay motivated!

Jeff 講師のプロフィール »

AI相談では難しいこと　実際の対話だから見えるもの

Sori — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:03:37 +0000

最近は、まずAIで恋愛相談をしてから私のところへ相談に来られる方も少なくありません。

実際に

「AIで色々相談していたけれど、やはり実際の恋愛やコミュニケーションに詳しい人と話しながら、どうしたら自分が望む関係になれるのかを、もっと詳しく知りたかった」

とお話しされる方もいらっしゃいます。

確かにAIはとても便利です。

・客観的な意見
・一般的な恋愛心理
・距離感
・LINEの考え方　など

整理する力は非常に高いと思います。
実際、私自身もAIを否定するつもりは全くありません。

ただ実際の恋愛相談ではAIだけでは難しい部分も多くあります。
なぜなら恋愛は一般論だけではなく、個々の状況が非常に重要だからです。

例えば

・相手の性格
・会話の雰囲気
・距離感
・温度差
・立場
・過去の流れ
・本人の性格やコミュニケーション

など、本当に多くの要素があります。

しかし実際には、相談者自身も自分の状況を整理できていないことが少なくありません。

「何が問題なのか分からない」
「どこがズレているのか分からない」
「何をどう説明したらいいのか分からない」

そういう状態で相談される方も多いです。

AIは基本的に、入力された情報に対して答える形になります。
もちろん対話はできますが、基本的には受け身型です。

一方、私の恋愛相談では、単なる「質問→回答」ではなく

・温度感
・言い回し
・迷い
・矛盾
・話の流れ

なども含めながら、対話を通して少しずつ核心へ近づいていきます。

そのため、最初は気づいていなかった問題点や本当の原因が見えてくることも少なくありません。

例えば

・そこをもう少し詳しくお聞きします。
・以前はどうでしたか？
・相手はどんなタイプですか？
・その時どんな空気感でしたか？

など、対話をしながら重要な部分を深掘りしていきます。
実際、相談を進めていく中で

「本当の原因はそこだったんですね」
「そこは自分では気づいていませんでした」
「自分はこういうつもりの言動でも相手には違うように受け取られているんですね」

となることも少なくありません。

恋愛は単純なテクニックだけではなく

・外見
・内面
・雰囲気
・会話
・距離感
・コミュニケーション
・キャラクター

など、様々な要素が重なっています。

だからこそ一般論だけではなく「この人の場合はどうなのか？」を見ていくことが大切だと思っています。

AIが得意なこと。
人だからできること。

これからは、その両方をうまく活用していく時代なのかもしれません。
一人で抱え込まず、まずは今の状況をお聞かせください。

まずは状況を整理し、方向性を一緒に確認したい方はこちらです。（30分）
https://cafetalk.com/lesson/detail/?c=eJxLNo909o_yNMgPrMoPCi4M9i_PTwpytLUFAGRdCA8.&lang=ja

状況を整理しながら、具体的な進め方について一緒に検討したい方はこちらです。（60分）

Sori 講師のプロフィール »

Weekly Topic: But I don't feel motivated to study...

Tim Certified English Coach — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 23:58:17 +0000

Wednesday Weekly Topic

But I don't feel motivated to study...

Motivation • Study Habits • Productivity

The Real Goal

The secret isn't finding a magic source of motivation. It's about building systems and habits that keep you going even when motivation is low.

We’ve all been there. One day you’re excited about learning English, and the next, you can’t even imagine opening your textbook. This feeling of low motivation is completely normal. It’s not a sign of failure; it’s a sign that you might need a new approach, or maybe just a little break.

When you feel like you've completely lost your drive, the worst thing you can do is try to force it. That often leads to frustration and makes the problem worse. This article will give you some simple, practical strategies to keep making progress, even on the days you feel like you're running on empty.

Break It Down: The Five-Minute Rule

Why It Works

This psychological trick makes the task feel less intimidating. A five-minute commitment is so small that your brain doesn't fight against it. It's an easy way to get started and build a little positive momentum.

Often, the hardest part of studying is simply starting. The mental block you feel is a powerful form of inertia. To overcome it, don't think about the full hour of study you 'should' do. Instead, just commit to five minutes. This simple trick can be the spark that gets your engine running again.

Your Space, Your Mind

A Fresh Perspective

A new environment breaks the negative mental patterns linked to your usual study spot. This is especially helpful if you've recently hit a wall and feel like you can't make any more progress in your current space.

Are you always studying in the same chair at the same desk? Sometimes feeling stuck in a rut is directly connected to your physical environment. If your brain associates that spot with feelings of frustration or boredom, it's going to be difficult to feel motivated there. A simple change of scenery can work wonders for your mindset.

Aim for Progress, Not Perfection

Small Wins, Big Impact

Finishing even a tiny task gives your brain a small hit of dopamine, the chemical related to satisfaction and reward. This creates a positive feedback loop, making it easier to tackle another small task tomorrow.

On low-motivation days, your goal is not to have a perfect, two-hour study session. The goal is simply to do *something*. When you feel like you're in a slump, trying to achieve a huge goal will only make you feel worse. Instead, lower your expectations for the day and focus on the low-hanging fruit—the easiest, quickest tasks you can do. This prevents you from just sitting there and going through the motions without learning.

Copy-Paste Expressions

We all have days where we lack energy or motivation. Here are some common and natural ways to express these feelings in English.

Expressing Low Energy

• “I'm running on empty.” (Use this when you feel you have absolutely no energy left, like a car with no gas.)

• “I'm feeling so drained.” (This implies that something has taken all of your energy, either physically or mentally.)

• “I'm completely wiped out.” (A very common, informal way to say you are extremely tired.)

• “I just don't have it in me today.” (This phrase means you lack the necessary energy, motivation, or patience to do something.)

Talking About Lack of Motivation

• “I can't seem to get started.” (Perfect for describing the feeling of procrastination or when the first step feels impossible.)

• “I'm just not feeling it today.” (A casual way to say you lack enthusiasm or interest in an activity.)

• “My get-up-and-go has got up and gone.” (A humorous, idiomatic way to say you have no energy or motivation.)

• “I've lost my drive.” (This is a more serious-sounding phrase that implies a longer-term loss of ambition or motivation.)

Encouraging Yourself or Others

• “Just take it one step at a time.” (Helpful advice to break down a large, overwhelming task into smaller pieces.)

• “Something is better than nothing.” (Use this to remind yourself that even a small amount of effort is valuable.)

• “Let's just ease into it.” (A gentle suggestion to start slowly, without pressure.)

• “Don't be so hard on yourself.” (A kind reminder to practice self-compassion, especially during a difficult time.)

Mini-dialogues:

Hitting a Wall

A: “I've been studying for this test for weeks, but now I've completely hit a wall.”

B: “I know that feeling. Maybe a short break would help?”

A: “I tried that. I just feel like I'm in a rut, reviewing the same things over and over.”

B: “How about a complete change of scenery? Let's go to the library downtown tomorrow.”

A: “That might actually work. I need a new environment.”

B: “Exactly. It could be the spark you need.”

In a Slump

A: “I'm in such a study slump. I open my book and just stare at the page.”

B: “Me too. I just go through the motions without actually learning anything.”

A: “What's your plan to fix it?”

B: “Honestly, I'm just focusing on the low-hanging fruit. Five minutes of flashcards, that's it.”

A: “Just five minutes? Does that help?”

B: “It's better than zero minutes! It helps me feel like I did something.”

Feeling the Dread

A: “I really dread my evening study session today. I'm so tired.”

B: “Then don't do it. Or do a much shorter version.”

A: “But I'll fall behind. I need to push through.”

B: “Sometimes pushing just makes things worse. It's okay to have an off day.”

A: “You're right. Maybe I'll just watch a short English video instead.”

B: “Perfect. It's still practice, but it's low pressure.”

Getting Back on the Horse

A: “I skipped studying for three days straight. The inertia is so strong now.”

B: “It's hard to start again. Don't worry, you just need to get back on the horse.”

A: “But where do I even begin? I feel so overwhelmed.”

B: “Just start with the easiest topic. One small step.”

A: “Okay, I can do that. One simple grammar review exercise.”

B: “There you go. You'll be back in your routine before you know it.”

Vocabulary & Useful Expressions:

• hit a wall:

To reach a point where you can no longer make progress.

• in a rut:

Stuck in a boring, repetitive, and uninspiring routine.

• slump:

A period of poor performance or inactivity.

• get back on the horse:

To try something again after a failure or setback.

• change of scenery:

Moving to a different location, which often helps improve one's mood or perspective.

• low-hanging fruit:

The easiest tasks or goals to accomplish first.

• dread:

To anticipate with great apprehension, fear, or reluctance.

• inertia:

A tendency to do nothing or to remain unchanged; the feeling of being 'stuck'.

• go through the motions:

To do something without real effort, interest, or enthusiasm.

• spark:

A small stimulus that can ignite a larger action or feeling, like motivation.

Challenge Corner

Which expression would you use in each situation? Talk about the following:

You are talking to a friend who has lost all motivation to study for an important exam. Give them some gentle advice using phrases for encouragement.
Your coworker asks you how your evening English classes are going. Explain that you're in a slump and finding it hard to stay focused, using phrases to express low motivation.
You need to cancel a study session with your language partner because you feel completely drained. Politely explain your situation and suggest rescheduling.

The Five-Minute Challenge

This week, pick one study task you have been avoiding. Set a timer for just five minutes and work on it without any distractions. The goal is not to finish the task, but simply to start. Notice how you feel after the five minutes are up – you might be surprised to find you want to continue!

Want feedback on your English?

If you want to practice expressing your opinions, sharing your goals, or discussing your hobbies, you can book a lesson with me on Cafetalk. We can work on making your English more natural!

Book a lesson and let's learn natural English together!

Tim Certified English Coach 講師のプロフィール »

La verdure qui s’élimine et le béton qui prend la relève

Achour — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 17:46:11 +0000

Cette vidéo, explore la tension entre le lien de l'humanité avec la nature et l'expansion rapide et incontrôlée de l'industrialisation et du béton. L'intervenant soutient que cette évolution reflète un déclin de notre « devoir de conscience ».

Achour 講師のプロフィール »

Let’s be honest: motivation is unreliable

Rey the Teacher — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 17:10:43 +0000

Some days you wake up ready to learn, take notes, review vocabulary, and do everything perfectly.

Other days, even opening your English book feels like a huge effort.

If that sounds familiar, you’re not lazy — you’re human.

The good news is this: you do not need to feel motivated to study.

You just need the right system.

In this article, you’ll learn practical ways to study even when your motivation is at zero.

1. Stop waiting to “feel like it”

One of the biggest mistakes students make is waiting for the perfect mood.

They think:

“I’ll study later when I feel better.”
“I’ll start tomorrow when I’m more focused.”
“I need motivation first.”

But motivation often comes after you start, not before.

Think of it like this:

Action creates motivation, not the other way around.

So instead of asking, “Do I feel ready?” ask,

“What is the smallest thing I can do right now?”

Even 5 minutes is enough to begin.

2. Make the task ridiculously small

When you’re unmotivated, your brain resists anything that feels big.

So don’t say:

“I need to study English for 2 hours.”
“I have to finish this whole unit.”
“I must learn 50 new words.”

That feels overwhelming.

Instead, shrink the task:

Review 5 flashcards
Read 1 short paragraph
Listen to 2 minutes of English
Write 3 simple sentences
Learn just 1 new word

Small actions are powerful because they are easy to start.

And once you start, continuing becomes much easier.

3. Use the 5-minute rule

Tell yourself:

“I only have to study for 5 minutes.”

That’s it.

No pressure. No big promise. No commitment to a full session.

Why does this work?

Because the hardest part of studying is usually starting.

Once you begin, your brain stops fighting so hard.

Often, after 5 minutes, you’ll naturally keep going.

And even if you don’t, you still made progress.

That’s a win.

4. Don’t rely on willpower — design your environment

Willpower is limited.

If your phone is next to you, notifications are on, and your desk is messy, studying becomes much harder.

Make studying easier by changing your environment:

Put your phone away
Keep your notebook open
Prepare your water bottle
Leave your book on your desk
Remove distractions before you begin

The easier it is to start, the more likely you are to actually study.

5. Lower the quality bar

A lot of students quit because they think every study session must be perfect.

But when motivation is low, perfect is the enemy of progress.

You do not need:

a perfect schedule
a perfect mood
a perfect notebook
a perfect study session

You just need some progress.

If you can only read one page, read one page.

If you can only listen to one audio clip, listen to one audio clip.

If you can only review one grammar point, review one grammar point.

Done is better than perfect.

6. Make studying feel less like studying

If you’re tired of traditional study methods, try to make language learning feel more enjoyable.

For example:

Watch a short YouTube video in English
Listen to a song and check the lyrics
Read a fun article, not just a textbook
Learn vocabulary from a movie or podcast
Practice with a friend

When learning feels less heavy, it becomes easier to stay consistent.

And consistency matters more than intensity.

7. Connect study time to a bigger reason

When motivation disappears, purpose can keep you going.

Ask yourself:

Why am I learning English?
What will this skill help me do?
What future do I want?
How will my life change if I keep going?

Maybe you want to:

study abroad
get a better job
travel more confidently
understand movies without subtitles
speak with more people around the world

Your “why” gives meaning to the effort.

And meaning is stronger than mood.

8. Accept that some days will be bad

Not every day will be productive.

Not every day will feel inspiring.

That’s normal.

The goal is not to feel motivated every day.

The goal is to build a habit that still works on bad days.

If you study only when you feel great, your progress will always be inconsistent.

But if you can do a little bit even on low-energy days, you become someone who does not quit.

And that changes everything.

Final thoughts

You do not need more motivation.

You need a smaller first step, a better system, and less pressure.

So the next time you don’t feel like studying, don’t ask yourself:

“How do I get motivated?”

Ask:

“What is the smallest useful thing I can do right now?”

Then do that one thing.

Because progress does not come from perfect days.

It comes from the days when you had no motivation — but studied anyway.

Rey the Teacher 講師のプロフィール »

¿Has perdido la motivación para aprender un idioma? Esto es lo que funciona

Ainhoa — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 15:27:05 +0000

¡Hola a todos y a todas de nuevo!

Aprender un idioma comienza casi siempre con entusiasmo. Todo es nuevo, útil y estimulante. Sin embargo, con el paso del tiempo, es habitual que esa motivación inicial disminuya. La rutina, las dificultades e la gramática o la falta de vocabulario y la sensación de no avanzar lo suficiente pueden hacer que el proceso se vuelva muy difícil. En este punto, muchos estudiantes se plantean abandonar. No obstante, este momento no es un final, sino una etapa normal y muy común del aprendizaje que puede gestionarse con diferentes estrategias adecuadas dependiendo de cada alumno y sus necesidades. Hoy os voy a contar algunas de las que siempre suelen funcionar, tal vez os ayuden :)

Uno de los elementos más importantes para continuar es establecer un hábito. Cuando el estudio se realiza de forma regular, aunque sea durante poco tiempo, se integra en la rutina diaria. Esto reduce la dependencia de la motivación y añade disciplina (algo MUY necesario si quieres aprender un idioma a largo plazo)

También es esencial contar con un objetivo claro. Aprender un idioma sin una razón definida puede generar desinterés. En cambio, cuando existe un propósito concreto —como viajar, mejorar el perfil profesional o comunicarse con otras personas—, el esfuerzo cobra sentido. Es por eso que siempre que empezamos por primera vez una clase me escucháis preguntaros ¿Y por qué estás aprendiendo español? La respuesta a esta pregunta es muy sencilla, necesito un objetivo claro y verdadero para poder adaptar la enseñanza de español a las necesidades de cada estudiante.

Otro factor clave es reconocer el progreso. A menudo, los estudiantes tienen la sensación de no avanzar, pero una revisión del camino recorrido demuestra lo contrario. Esta toma de conciencia refuerza la confianza y ayuda a mantener la constancia.

La frustración es una parte inevitable del proceso. Cometer errores o no entender ciertos contenidos puede resultar desmotivador. Sin embargo, estos momentos deben interpretarse como señales de aprendizaje y no como fracasos.

Para evitar el estancamiento, es útil ajustar la estrategia de estudio. No todos los métodos funcionan igual para todas las personas. Cambiar la forma de aprender, incorporando más escucha, lectura o conversación, puede reactivar el interés. Si veis que lleváis mucho tiempo aprendiendo el idioma de una manera pero no notáis tanta evolución como os gustaría, ddeberíais comentárselo a vuestra profesora o profesor y tal vez podáis trabajar juntos en encontrar un método que te ayude a mantener mejor ese nivel de evolución deseada. No tengas miedo de decirlo, ¡La comunicación es clave en el proceso de aprendizaje!

La disciplina es un elemento decisivo. La motivación puede fluctuar, pero la disciplina permite continuar incluso cuando el interés disminuye. Mantener una rutina constante es lo que asegura el avance real.

La inmersión en el idioma también contribuye a recuperar la motivación. Exponerse al idioma a través de series, música o contenidos digitales lo hace más cercano y menos académico, lo que aumenta el interés. ¡Siempre lo digo en clase y nunca dejaré de recomendarlo! La diferencia entre estudiantes que se exponen al idioma y los que no suele ser evidente.

Establecer pequeñas metas ayuda a mantener la sensación de progreso. Dividir el aprendizaje en objetivos alcanzables permite obtener resultados frecuentes, lo que refuerza la motivación.

Finalmente, la perseverancia es lo que sostiene todo el proceso. Aprender un idioma requiere tiempo, y solo quienes mantienen el esfuerzo y la disciplina a pesar de las dificultades consiguen resultados sólidos. Los profes estamos para guiaros en este proceso, pero vosotros tenéis que poner de vuestra parte y dar vuestra mejor versión para conseguir los mejores resultados :)

Perder la motivación durante el aprendizaje de un idioma es una experiencia MUY común, pero no definitiva. Con hábitos adecuados, objetivos claros y una buena dosis de disciplina, es posible recuperar el impulso y seguir avanzando. El verdadero reto no es no perder la motivación, sino saber continuar incluso cuando disminuye.

¡Nos vemos en clase!

Vocabulario

motivación: impulso que lleva a actuar. Ejemplo: La motivación cambia con el tiempo. English: motivation

hábito: acción repetida regularmente. Ejemplo: Estudiar cada día crea un hábito. English: habit

objetivo: meta o finalidad. Ejemplo: Su objetivo es viajar a España. English: objective/goal

progreso: avance en el aprendizaje. Ejemplo: He notado mi progreso este mes. English: progress

frustración: sensación de desánimo ante dificultades. Ejemplo: La frustración es normal. English: frustration

estrategia: método para lograr algo. Ejemplo: Cambió su estrategia de estudio. English: strategy

disciplina: capacidad de mantener una rutina. Ejemplo: La disciplina es clave. English: discipline

inmersión: contacto continuo con el idioma. Ejemplo: La inmersión ayuda mucho. English: immersion

meta: objetivo concreto. Ejemplo: Alcanzó su meta de nivel B2. English: goal/target

perseverancia: esfuerzo continuo. Ejemplo: La perseverancia es esencial. English: perseverance

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