Learn English with Cultural Context | B1 Level ESL Blog | MK’s English
April is one of the most beautiful and meaningful months in Japan. The cherry blossoms bloom, new school years begin, and people enjoy a fresh start. It’s also the perfect time to learn English phrasal verbs — especially if you’re an ESL learner who loves Japanese culture!
In this blog post from MK’s English, you’ll discover useful phrasal verbs connected to April traditions in Japan. These real-life examples and practice sentences will help intermediate English learners (B1) speak more fluently and confidently.
✅ What Are Phrasal Verbs?
Phrasal verbs are combinations of a verb + a preposition or adverb that create a new meaning. For example:
- “Turn off” (stop something)
- “Look forward to” (feel excited about something)
They’re very common in everyday English, and learning them is a must for fluency!
🌸 6 Phrasal Verbs You’ll Hear in April (Especially in Japan)
🚉 1. Start off
Meaning: To begin something
Example:
In Japan, schools and companies start off the year in April.
🌸 2. Look forward to
Meaning: To be excited about something in the future
Example:
Everyone looks forward to cherry blossom season and hanami parties.
🧹 3. Clean up
Meaning: To make a space neat or tidy
Example:
Many families clean up their homes for the new school year.
🎓 4. Get into
Meaning: To be accepted into something
Example:
My friend got into a great university this April!
🌧️ 5. Put off
Meaning: To delay something
Example:
We had to put off our picnic because of rain.
👫 6. Meet up with
Meaning: To meet someone socially
Example:
Many people meet up with friends during Golden Week.
📝 Practice Your English!
🧠 Fill in the blanks:
- I always ____________ the new anime season in April!
- We ____________ the cherry blossom picnic because of the weather.
- I’m going to ____________ my best friend this Friday.
- Let’s ____________ the school year with a fun activity!
- Please ____________ your desk before class starts.
✅ Answers:
- look forward to
- put off
- meet up with
- start off
- clean up
💬 Conversation Challenge
Try using these phrasal verbs in a conversation with a friend or classmate.
- What are you looking forward to this April?
- Did you get into a new school or job recently?
- How do you usually start off your day?
🎯 Why Learn Phrasal Verbs with MK’s English?
🔹 Real-life examples from Japanese culture
🔹 Level-appropriate grammar explanations (B1 / Intermediate)
🔹 Practice activities for speaking, writing, and listening
🔹 Great for students preparing for EIKEN, TOEIC, IELTS, and more!
🚀 Keep Learning with Our Full ESL Course!
Want to level up your English with more phrasal verbs, grammar tips, and fun speaking activities?
👉 Check out our full intermediate course:
Talking About Family and Possessions (B1 Step 3)
You’ll get:
✅ Step-by-step lessons
✅ Video and audio practice
✅ Downloadable worksheets
✅ Fun quizzes and real-life topics
📚 Learn anywhere, anytime — and make English a part of your everyday life.
🎉 Start today at MKsEnglish.com – friendly, flexible, and fun English learning that fits your lifestyle.
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