How to Learn Japanese
Learning Japanese is a rewarding journey that opens doors to a rich culture and unique perspectives. This comprehensive guide provides a structured approach to take you from absolute beginner to intermediate level. Follow these phases to build your Japanese skills systematically.
1. Getting Started with Japanese
Japanese is unique among world languages with its three writing systems and complex honorific system. While challenging, Japanese follows logical patterns once you understand the fundamentals.
- Set realistic daily study goals
- Master the writing systems step by step
- Focus on high-frequency vocabulary
- Practice pronunciation from day one
2. Japanese Learning Syllabus
Follow this structured curriculum designed for systematic progress. Each phase builds essential skills.
Phase 1: Foundation (Weeks 1-6)
- Hiragana characters (46 basic + combinations)
- Katakana characters (46 basic + combinations)
- Japanese pronunciation and pitch accent
- Numbers 1-100, days, months, basic counters
- Basic greetings and polite expressions
- Introduction to particles (は, を, が, に, で)
Phase 2: Building Blocks (Weeks 7-12)
- Basic kanji (100 most common characters)
- Verb classifications and present tense
- Adjective types (i-adjectives and na-adjectives)
- Family, professions, and everyday vocabulary
- Basic sentence patterns (です/である)
- Question formation with か and question words
Phase 3: Communication (Weeks 13-20)
- Past tense forms for verbs and adjectives
- Te-form and its various uses
- Food, shopping, and travel vocabulary
- Expressing likes, dislikes, and preferences
- Time expressions and duration
- Basic keigo (polite language) introduction
Phase 4: Advanced Patterns (Weeks 21-28)
- Intermediate kanji (300+ characters total)
- Conditional forms (たら, ば, なら)
- Potential and passive voice
- Advanced vocabulary: emotions, opinions, abstract concepts
- Formal keigo and business expressions
- Cultural nuances and indirect communication
3. Study Methods and Practice
Use multiple approaches to reinforce your Japanese learning:
- Practice writing systems with spaced repetition
- Listen to Japanese podcasts and music
- Watch anime and dramas with Japanese subtitles
- Read manga and simple news articles
- Practice conversation with language exchange partners
- Keep a diary using learned vocabulary and grammar
4. Daily Study Schedule
Week 1-6: Writing systems and basic patterns (30 minutes daily)
Week 7-12: Kanji introduction and grammar building
Week 13-20: Communication practice and reading
Week 21-28: Advanced patterns and cultural immersion
5. Essential Japanese Phrases for Learners
- これは日本語で何と言いますか？ — How do you say this in Japanese?
- もう一度お願いします — Please say that again
- 分かりません — I don't understand
- もっとゆっくり話してください — Please speak more slowly
- それはどういう意味ですか？ — What does that mean?
6. Tips for Success
- Master hiragana and katakana completely before moving on
- Learn kanji in context, not isolation
- Practice pitch accent patterns
- Embrace making mistakes as part of learning
- Immerse yourself in Japanese media regularly
Summary: Follow this structured Japanese learning syllabus to progress from beginner to intermediate level. Focus on mastering the writing systems first, then build grammar and vocabulary systematically for lasting success.