I am a beginner, so I hope this explanation is at least not wrong, but perhaps incomplete. The end of “gozaimasu” is the present (actually non-past) polite form. “gozaimashita” is the past tense. It is used in situations, for example, when people are parting. I am done, thank you very much.

For example, when someone brings you something in a restaurant you might say “arigatou gozaimaus”. After you have paid the bill and you are leaving, you might say “argiatou gozaimashita”, thank you, that *was* very nice. Of course, the end of that phrase is inferred by the fact that you used “mashita” (past tense) instead of “masu” (non-past polite).

I hope that clears it up at least a little bit.

がんばって。　よろしくお願いします。

Thanks,
Lucy

to get the other podcasts, check here:
http://www.japanesepod101.com/downloads/#myfeed

the best way to subscribe is using the My Feed option, so you can easily choose which lesson you want (for example, just Newbie Lessons or Beginner Lessons or just Video Vocab, etc…)

Is Japan on army time? Like a 24-hr clock rather than 12-hr? Someone told me that, but I wasn’t sure if it was true.

Also, I like to listen to the podcasts on here, but I also listen on the way to school by putting them on my ipod. The problem is that on iTunes, there are only a few podcasts on there, and some of them are random, for example, there is a part 2 of a beginner lesson there, but no part 1… I was just wondering why that is, and how I can pick which ones to put on my ipod…

Thanks, and keep up the good work!

First, is Japan on a 24-hr clock or a 12-hr clock? Someone told me that they were on army time, but I wasn’t sure if that was right.

Also, I love coming on this site to sit down and listen to the podcasts, but I like to listen on the way to school too. The problem is that on iTunes, there are only a few podcasts that we can upload, and they are random, such as begginer lessons, part 2, and things like that. I was wondering why there are only a couple podcasts on there, and how I can I get more?

Keep it up! Thanks a lot!

Marcos-san, as always thanks! Glad to hear you liked them!
Any requests?

Sarah-san, welcome and thanks for the post! It will be great when you come back next time fluent! Yes, working here is a bit on the rough side, while travel is on the great side! Definately make it back!

Gevorg-san, GREAT JOB! Tell us more about the new book. How many characters?

John-san, thanks for the extra info! Definately some really useful info in there! Everyone, please check it out.

Matthew-san, in my book the worse Minna no Nihongo lessons go, the better your Japanese is getting! Great job on catching up! As for some advice, definately find a Japanese study partner. Offer exchange lessons, 30min/30min English/Japanese, that will add much more incentive! Let us know how it turns out.

MintyFresh-san, thanks for the post and the update! Wow, we didn’t even realize it! Thanks for letting us know.

JP-san, great to hear! Wow, that is impressive!! We had to up our production to 2 today! Trying to keep ahead of you. Keep the posts coming!

Scott-san, thanks for the great post and story! We live for those. You know, personally I find Sakura and Natsuko hyterical too! And the same thing has happened to me many times! You’re not alone.

チャナンさん,こんにちは！

Ormo-san, were working on getting the videoes on the site, please hang on a bit longer. よろしく！

Marcos-san, always a pleasure! How did you like the videoes?

Steve-san, great job to you too!よかった！