A Detailed Guide to Learning Japanese for Beginners

So you want to learn Japanese but aren't quite sure where to start. It's one of the more difficult languages for native English speakers, with three writing systems, tons of Japanese vocabulary, and pronunciation that might feel a bit unnatural at first. However, learning a new language requires practice, and Japanese will require dedication, commitment, and a lot of hard work. Luckily, learning Japanese for beginners doesn't have to make you want to scream when you take it step-by-step.

To help you get the most out of your time, we've put together a detailed guide to learning Japanese for beginners and what to do to continue improving fluency.

How Long Does it Take to Learn Japanese?

Experts believe that it can take anywhere between 400 and 600 hours to reach basic Japanese fluency. To reach the first milestone (beginner level), it will likely take about four to six months of consistent studying. This is specifically for individuals who are starting from scratch and have no prior Japanese lessons or introductions. To reach an advanced level of Japanese, it will probably take at least three years of consistent studying. 

How to Learn Japanese for Beginners

Japanese courses aren't for everyone, so if you want to get started on your path toward fluency one of the best ways is to figure out what works for you. Some people like Japanese textbooks, while others prefer flashcards or podcasts. Regardless of your current Japanese skills, here are 11 tips for learning Japanese for beginners.

1. Start Learning Japanese with the Alphabet

Japanese uses three writing systems: Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji. The kana alphabet represents sounds used in the spoken language, similar to letters in the English alphabet. Hiragana and katakana are both part of the kana alphabet. Kanji, on the other hand, takes some inspiration from the Chinese alphabet. Each character in kanji is used to stand for an entire concept or idea.

When just you start to learn the three Japanese writing systems, begin with Hiragana and Katakana, which are simpler and consist of basic syllabaries.

Hiragana and Katakana

Hiragana contains 46 characters and is used for native Japanese words and grammatical elements. It’s essential for beginners to learn because it forms the foundation of Japanese writing.

Katakana also has 46 characters and is primarily used for foreign words, names, and onomatopoeia. However, it's equally important as Hiragana for reading and writing.

You can find a more thorough breakdown of the Japanese alphabet here. To help you study, try using flashcards, writing each character repeatedly, or making some mnemonic devices. And remember, consistency is key. It can be overwhelming at first but pretty sooon you'll be reciting the alphabet in your sleep.

Kanji

Kanji characters are logographic and more complex. They represent whole words or concepts and have different readings depending on context. While Hiragana and Katakana are essential for beginners, introducing basic Kanji early can be beneficial and rewarding! Plus, it's still important to learn kanji at some point, so you might as well get started early.

2. Master Japanese Pronunciation

Japanese is phonetic, meaning words are pronounced exactly as they are written. This makes pronunciation relatively straightforward compared to other languages. To help you put together sounds for various words and phrases, start by learning the sounds of the vowels and consonants.

There are five vowels in Japanese, and they're the same as in English: a, i, u, e, o. Each has a consistent pronunciation:

• A as in "father"
• I as in "machine"
• U as in "flute"
• E as in "bed"
• O as in "more"

Most consonants are similar to English but may have slight variations. In Japanese, each consonant is paired up with a vowel to form a different "letter" in the alphabet. Our previous post on the Japanese alphabet will take you on a more in-depth learning journey to help you better understand sounds.

3. Learn Japanese Grammar

Japanese grammar is very different from English, and it has only two tenses: past and non-past (present and future). There are also polite and plain versions of the language, which will need to be used based on who you're talking to.

In addition to the writing system, Japanese learning requires you to understand some common particles and what they mean. Particles are small words that indicate the grammatical function of the previous word. They are crucial for constructing sentences correctly. Some of the most common ones include:

• は (wa): Subject (general)
• が (ga): Subject (questions and emphasis)
• か (ka): Used to indicate a question
• を (wo): Direct object
• に (ni): Indicates direction or time
• へ (e): Indicates direction or destination
• で (de): Indicates the location of an action
• の (no): Indicates possession
• も (mo): Means "also" or "too"
• よ (yo): Used to give emphasis or assurance
• ね (ne): Used at the end of sentences for confirmation or agreement
• から (kara): Indicates the reason or cause, similar to "because"

You'll also want to learn Japanese adjectives, Japanese noun cases, and how to conjugate verbs in Japanese.

4. Learn Some Basic Japanese Words

Next, start growing your vocabulary by learning some common words. Some of the best Japanese words to start with include: 

• こんにちは (konnichiwa) - Hello
• さようなら (sayounara) - Goodbye
• お願いします (onegaishimasu) - Please
• ありがとう (arigatou) - Thank you
• はい (hai) - Yes
• いいえ (iie) - No
• 何 (nani) - What
• 誰 (dare) - Who
• どこ (doko) - Where
• いつ (itsu) - When
• どうして (doushite) - Why
• どうやって (douyatte) - How
• 本 (hon) - Book
• ペン (pen) - Pen
• ノート (nooto) - Notebook
• 机 (tsukue) - Desk
• 椅子 (isu) - Chair
• 電話 (denwa) - Phone
• 車 (kuruma) - Car
• 自転車 (jitensha) - Bicycle
• 家 (ie) - House
• 鍵 (kagi) - Key
• 大きい (ookii) - Big
• 小さい (chiisai) - Small
• 新しい (atarashii) - New
• 古い (furui) - Old
• いい (ii) - Good
• 悪い (warui) - Bad
• 高い (takai) - Expensive / Tall
• 安い (yasui) - Cheap
• 面白い (omoshiroi) - Interesting / Fun
• 難しい (muzukashii) - Difficult

Next, add in some Japanese verbs!

• 行く (iku) - To go
• 来る (kuru) - To come
• 見る (miru) - To see
• 聞く (kiku) - To listen / hear
• 食べる (taberu) - To eat
• 飲む (nomu) - To drink
• 話す (hanasu) - To speak
• 読む (yomu) - To read
• 書く (kaku) - To write
• 買う (kau) - To buy

Japanese numbers are also a great way to learn as a beginner! Start with 1 to 10 and grow from there. The following are Japanese numbers in kanji.

• 一 (ichi) - One
• 二 (ni) - Two
• 三 (san) - Three
• 四 (shi/yon) - Four
• 五 (go) - Five
• 六 (roku) - Six
• 七 (shichi/nana) - Seven
• 八 (hachi) - Eight
• 九 (kyuu) - Nine
• 十 (juu) - Ten

5. Memorize Essential Japanese Phrases

When learning a language, mastering some of the most common phrases can also help you get around.

• おはようございます (ohayou gozaimasu) - Good morning
• こんばんは (konbanwa) - Good evening
• おやすみなさい (oyasuminasai) - Good night
• すみません (sumimasen) - Excuse me / I'm sorry
• わかりません (wakarimasen) - I don't understand
• わかります (wakarimasu) - I understand
• はじめまして (hajimemashite) - Nice to meet you
• 私の名前は (name) です (Watashi no namae wa (name) desu) - My name is (name)
• お元気ですか？ (Ogenki desu ka?) - How are you?
• どこですか？ (Doko desu ka?) - Where is it?
• これは何ですか？ (Kore wa nan desu ka?) - What is this?
• ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu) - Thank you very much
• どういたしまして (Dou itashimashite) - You're welcome
• すみません (Sumimasen) - Excuse me / I'm sorry
• ごめんなさい (Gomen nasai) - I’m sorry

6. Immerse Yourself in Japanese Culture

Understanding the cultural context enhances language learning and makes it more meaningful, so try to do what you can. Learn all about Japanese customs and social etiquette, including bows, business card traditions, and the importance of removing shoes. If you have Japanese friends, ask them questions or see if you can join them in celebrations and traditions. If you don't know anyone who speaks Japanese as their native language, download Tandem and find a new friend today.

7. Listen to Simple Japanese Podcasts

Podcasts are another excellent way to improve listening skills and expose yourself to natural speech when learning Japanese as a beginner. Some great options for beginners are:

• JapanesePod101
• Slow Japanese
• Tofugu
• Learn Japanese Pod

8. Read Japanese Books or Manga

Reading Japanese books and manga can also be a great way for beginners to learn the language. Manga, with its vivid illustrations and engaging storylines, provides visual context that helps learners understand and remember new vocabulary and expressions. The dialogue in manga often reflects everyday spoken Japanese, offering practical examples of how the language is used in real-life situations. 

Japanese books, especially those written for children or language learners, use simple sentences and basic vocabulary, making them accessible to beginners. They often come with furigana, small hiragana characters above the kanji, which aids in reading and pronunciation. 

9. Watch Japanese Anime

For more visual learners, Japanese anime is a fun way to immerse yourself in the language. Anime has diverse genres and relatable characters, providing a rich source of real-life conversational Japanese. The spoken language in anime often includes various dialects, slang, and casual speech, offering learners a broad perspective on how Japanese is used in different contexts. Plus, subtitles can provide immediate translation, allowing you to connect spoken Japanese with your native language.

10. Speak Japanese Daily

Speaking Japanese daily is another essential tip for beginners learning Japanese. Practice not only improves fluency but also builds confidence in using Japanese in real-life situations. Regular conversation helps reinforce grammar rules, sentence structure, and vocabulary learned through textbooks or other study methods. Even if you don't have someone to talk to, practicing your pronunciation will go a long way.

11. Connect with a Native Japanese Speaker

Finally, connecting with a native Japanese speaker can be invaluable for learning the language. Interacting with a native speaker provides firsthand exposure to authentic pronunciation, intonation, and natural conversational patterns that textbooks and language learning apps may not fully capture. It allows you to ask questions, get help with pronunciation, and grow your confidence while studying Japanese.

Through this cultural exchange, learners gain a deeper insight into the nuances of Japanese language and culture, making their language learning journey not just educational but also enriching and rewarding.

So, how can you connect with a native Japanese speaker if you're not living in the country? Luckily, there’s an app for that! Tandem offers a unique language learning experience that will help you improve your Japanese while learning how and when to use new words in everyday life. All you need to do is download the app, sign up, and find a native speaker of your target language. Once you match, you’ll begin communicating through language exchange and one-on-one teaching. To join our worldwide community, sign up for Tandem today!