7 Easy Tips to Start Learning Japanese Quickly
November 21, 2023
You might have heard that Japanese is the most difficult language to learn. But this is not really the case. The Japanese language can indeed be challenging to learn, but there are some ways you can approach the learning process with relative ease.
The Japanese language has a whole different writing system, with three types of characters called Kanji, Hiragana, and Katakana. All three systems are used to represent different words and terms. Among these three, Kanji is the most challenging to learn because there are just so many of them.
However, as they say, pursuing a challenge can be both exciting and fulfilling. This is certainly true with the Japanese language. Read below as we describe some of the easiest tips that will help you learn Japanese quickly.
This nighttime street scene includes examples of all 3 types of Japanese characters.
1. Set Clear Learning Goals
No matter what you are learning or how you are going to pursue your learning journey, you will need to set some clear and achievable learning goals. This approach provides you with guidance and direction to navigate through the whole learning process.
To set your Japanese learning goals, you will need to determine why you want to learn Japanese. Ask yourself questions like:
- Do I aim to learn Japanese because I want to travel to Japan? OR
- Is it because of my business needs or personal interests?
Once you have found your purpose, you can tailor your learning approach to suit your goals. For example, you can aim to learn a certain number of vocabulary words per week or hold a basic conversation within a specified timeframe.
2. Master Hiragana and Katakana
Kanji is somewhat more difficult for beginners, but we can say that Hiragana and Katakana are the building blocks of the Japanese writing system. To master them efficiently, start by learning the basic stroke order for each character.
Practice writing them repeatedly using paper or writing apps. To learn each character with a visual or story, you can use mnemonics. This will help you memorize what you have learned. Grouping characters based on their similarities in shape or sound can also simplify the learning process.
Understanding the basics of Hiragana and Katakana will not only help you in reading and writing but will also lay a foundation for strong Japanese grammar.
3. Use Japanese Language Learning Apps
Japanese language learning apps help you learn the language by using pretty fun and easy ways. These apps offer interactive lessons and fun activities to use different teaching styles. The best way to learn Japanese is to learn it while watching your favorite videos.
There are platforms that help you learn the Japanese language by watching YouTube videos with Japanese subtitles. The subtitles are broken down word by word with explanations. These apps use translation technologies to help you learn Japanese by subtitles.
You can also explore other types of apps to find the one that suits your learning preferences. Some apps emphasize vocabulary, while others are more focused on grammar or speaking skills. So, be sure to choose the one that matches your learning goals.
4. Surround Yourself with Japanese Media
One of the most fun ways to learn Japanese quickly is by surrounding yourself with the language. You can start by watching Japanese movies, anime, or TV shows that come with subtitles. This way, you will be immersed in the story while also giving yourself an opportunity to learn diverse vocabulary.
You can also listen to Japanese music or podcasts to expose yourself to how natural speech works and which vocabulary to use in real-life situations. If you want to be immersed even more in Japanese media, you can change your social media and browser settings in a way to show you more Japanese content on the news feed.
These things will help you learn Japanese like a local person. This approach is easier, more fun, and will help you learn the language quickly without getting bored.
5. Find a Language Partner or Tutor
If you have someone to speak to, you can learn the Japanese language more easily. There are several language exchange platforms where you can connect with native Japanese speakers who want to learn your native language.
This will be helpful for both of you and create an environment of mutual interest that will help you learn more quickly.
If you cannot find anyone like that, you can always hire a tutor to provide you with personal guidance. Learning Japanese this way is more structured and accountable, which will help you master the language quickly. But this can be somewhat less fun for people who want to take their time to learn the language.
6. Visit Japan or Engage with Japanese Culture
If feasible for you, you should engage with Japanese culture in order to learn the Japanese language quickly and precisely. Experts say that there is no better way to learn the Japanese language than to get yourself immersed in the culture and hang out with people who are native speakers.
Therefore, if it's possible for you, visit Japan, spend time with locals, navigate daily life on your own, and experience the culture up close. There is no better opportunity to learn the challenging Japanese language than this.
However, if you cannot visit Japan immediately, we recommend that you explore local Japanese cultural events and join clubs that have Japanese traditions. This will give you an opportunity to practice what you have learned in a real-world context, which is the most effective way to learn Japanese.
7. Focus on Speaking from Day One
As we have been saying from the start, speaking is the best and the most fun way to learn Japanese quickly. It's natural that you may feel hesitation at first, but regularly practicing speaking will eventually build confidence and fluency in your tone.
If you still think you will hesitate while speaking, you can start by mimicking the language while listening to audio or watching anyone speak. By doing this, you will gradually start constructing simple sentences easily. Just don't worry about making mistakes; it is a natural part of the learning process.
Follow these tips, and you will be well on your way to learning Japanese without exhausting yourself.
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