Japanese is one of the most interesting and unique languages to learn. Its rich history, culture, and speaker base of over 125 million, predominantly from Japan, offer an unparalleled learning experience. While the distinct writing system, nuanced levels of politeness, and complex structure that reflects a deep respect for hierarchy and social context can be challenging, learning the language can also be a rewarding experience.
The Japanese language demands both patience and a significant amount of practice. From the graceful strokes of kanji to the precise rhythm of spoken phrases, the beauty of the language is in its intricacies. Beginners venturing into learning Japanese will find many helpful tips and resources available to help them in their journey. Before that, let’s learn more about the Japanese language and writing system.
A Beginner's Guide to the Japanese Writing Systems
When you're starting to learn Japanese, one of the first hurdles you'll encounter is getting the hang of its unique writing system. These writing systems are hiragana, katakana, and kanji, each with its own distinct characteristics and purposes. Let's explore these fascinating Japanese writing systems together!
Hiragana
It serves as the cornerstone of Japanese language study. It is mainly used in daily Japanese writing and signifies sounds in the language.
Hiragana characters represent a combination of a consonant and a vowel, unlike an alphabet, which represents separate letters. You must memorise the distinct characters and their corresponding sounds to learn hiragana. Hiragana has 48 characters, and instead of just one sound, each one stands for a whole syllable.
Katakana
Katakana, similar to hiragana, is a native phonetic script consisting of another set of 48 characters representing the same sounds as hiragana. Compared to hiragana, katakana has more angular and simpler lines. It is mainly used for foreign loanwords, scientific terms, names of plants and animals, and for adding emphasis.
Kanji
Kanji, katakana, and hiragana are combined in Japanese to form sentences. These characters are derived from Chinese symbols, and in Japanese, each kanji represents complete words, ideas, or concepts. With thousands of kanji characters in use, understanding them is essential for effective reading and writing in Japanese.
Start by learning hiragana and katakana so you can put together basic sentences and start recognising patterns. Learning kanji is essential for reading newspapers, books, and formal documents as you progress.
In addition to these three writing systems, Japanese has grammar rules that are different from English, such as sentence structure, particles, and honorifics. These differences show that becoming fluent in Japanese requires consistent practice and commitment.
It's essential to focus on building a strong vocabulary to communicate effectively in Japanese. Start by learning commonly used words and then expand your knowledge based on your needs.
Simple Words and Phrases
Do you want to learn to speak Japanese? Learning some basic words and phrases is an excellent way to begin using Japanese in your daily life. Below are some essential words and phrases that beginners can work on:
Greetings
- Hello (used when answering the phone) - Moshi moshi
- Good morning - Ohayou gozaimasu
- Good afternoon - Konnichiwa
- Good evening - Konbanwa
- Goodbye - Sayounara
- See you - Matane
Polite Expressions
- Nice to meet you - Yoroshiku onegai shimasu
- Excuse me - Sumimasen
- I’m sorry - Gomennasai
- Please - Onegaishimasu
- Thank you - Arigatou gozaimasu
- You’re welcome - Douitashimashite
Common Questions
- How are you? - Ogenki desu ka?
- Can you help me? - Tetsudatte kuremasen ka?
- How much does that cost? - kura desu ka?
- Where is the restroom? - Toire wa doko desu ka?
- What did you say? - Nani tte itta no?
- What time is it now? - Ima nanji desu ka?
Everyday Words & Phrases for Tourists
- Yes - Hai
- No - Lie
- Hot - Atsui
- Cold - Samui
- Hotel - Hoteru
- Airport - Kuukou
- Station - Eki
- Ticket- Kippu
- Taxi - Takushi
- I don’t know - Shirmasen
- I don’t understand - Wakarimasen
- More slowly, please - Yukkuri onegai shimasu
- I want to go to __ - __ ni Ikitai
- Do you have an English menu?: Eigo no menyuu wa arimas ka?
- Can I have the bill, please? - O kaikei onegaishimas
The Best Way to Learn Japanese
It doesn’t matter why you want to learn Japanese, there are plenty of tools and resources available. You can learn Japanese using online resources, mobile apps or even books. Here are some of our suggestions for you to check out:
WaniKani
If you're looking to master kanji and expand your vocabulary, this web-based app is just what you need. Developed by Tofugu, it utilises spaced intervals to help you memorise kanji, vocabulary, and radicals. Additionally, it offers mnemonics that present imaginative and often amusing stories to assist learners in recalling the meanings and readings of kanji and vocabulary.
Furthermore, the platform is easy to navigate, providing users with a dashboard that shows their progress, upcoming reviews, and lessons. It has sixty levels, teaching 2,000 kanji and 6,000 vocabulary words. The first three levels are free; after that, you can choose a subscription or Lifetime membership.
JapanesePod101
This online learning platform is designed to help you master Japanese at your own pace. If you are looking for a variety of resources, JapanesePod101 offers audio and video lessons, vocabulary lists, and grammar explanations.
It is more suited for beginners and intermediate-level learners. JapanesePod101 offers an incredible amount of listening content. Although the older lessons may not be as polished as the newer ones, it remains one of the top choices for anyone looking to practice their Japanese listening skills.
JapanesePod101 offers a free tier with premium options for more structured learning and access to additional resources.
Genki
One of the best books to learn Japanese is by using the Genki series. Genki 1 and 2 textbooks are excellent for newbies learning Japanese. In Genki 1, you learn basic greetings, grammar, and vocabulary like "shoes," "thank you," "person," "to eat," and other simple terms. It also introduces the two types of kana and starts with kanji. By the end of Genki 2, you've covered all the basic grammar points, but there are still many sentence patterns to learn. The books also include an audio CD. You can get the workbooks for extra practice, but sticking to just the textbooks is fine.
Tae Kim’s Guide to Learning Japanese
Tae Kim's Guide is a free resource that explains Japanese grammar in detail. It's beneficial for tackling tricky grammar points and has lots of examples and sentences to make things easier to understand.
Just to be clear, though, it's not a phrasebook or an app that will have you speaking Japanese right away. It's more like a reference guide when you don’t understand Japanese grammar. You can check it out online or as a mobile app, which makes it convenient for studying on the move. And if you're into old-school reading, a physical book version is also available.
Onomappu
Have you heard of the YouTube channel Onomappu? It is one of the best apps to learn Japanese and is run by a native Japanese speaker who is fluent in both English and Chinese. Hitoki discusses Japanese grammar, vocabulary, and language learning tips in a clear and accessible manner, providing subtitles in various languages for the videos.
Hitoki's grammar videos are comforting and feel like receiving a friendly explanation from a classmate. His teaching style is captivating and personable, which can be beneficial if you struggle to focus on more formal content.
Hitoki utilises props, gestures, visuals, keywords, and various examples in his onomatopoeia series to effectively convey the feeling of each onomatopoeia from the viewpoint of a native speaker.
Tips to Learn Japanese
When you first start learning Japanese, it might seem tough. Japanese is different from English because it focuses more on context and subtle meanings rather than being direct.
Despite its differences from English, some aspects of Japanese can make it more manageable than anticipated. The language features very few irregular verbs and does not assign gender to nouns.
In Japanese, there are just two verb tenses: past and present. Once you grasp reading, most pronunciations will be phonetic. If you're ready to dive into learning Japanese, here are three useful tips for beginners.
Start with Hiragana and Katakana
Mastering Hiragana and Katakana is essential for understanding the Japanese language. These writing systems form the basis, and once you become proficient in them, you will be able to understand basic texts and pronounce words correctly. Dedicate time daily to practising these characters, whether through apps like Kana Quiz or by physically writing them out to strengthen your memory.
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Use Flashcards for Vocabulary
Flashcards are a powerful tool for language learning, especially for mastering vocabulary. Anki and Quizlet are some of the best apps for learning Japanese vocabulary using flashcards. You get to craft personalised decks or utilise existing ones. Prioritise learning high-frequency words and phrases, significantly enhancing your conversational skills. Regularly revisiting your flashcards will help you maintain a firm grasp of the vocabulary.
Speak Regularly with Native Speakers
Mastering any language, including Japanese, requires embracing speaking as the key. Use language exchange platforms like HelloTalk or find a private tutor on Superprof to practice conversation with native speakers. Remember, making mistakes is part of the process, and native speakers are usually very patient and happy to help beginners improve. The only way to improve is to keep practising!
The best way to learn Japanese on your own is to use a combination of apps, books, and other resources with the right attitude. You need to be prepared to put in the word and stay disciplined. Mastering Japanese on your own is possible, but it is not for everyone.
Hiring a private tutor to help you learn Japanese is one of the best ways to master the language easily. Are you looking for Japanese classes or pursuing certifications? With Superprof, you can find tutors who suit your needs and choose whether to learn online or in physical lessons. One of the best ways to learn Japanese online is by hiring a private tutor who can tailor the lessons to suit your needs.
Visit the Superprof Singapore homepage and browse through the tutors' profiles. Note their area of expertise, years of tutoring, current location, and hourly rate to make an informed decision. Once you've made your choice, confidently contact them using the messaging feature!
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