A complete beginner's guide
日本語を学ぼう
From zero to conversation — a structured guide covering writing systems, grammar, vocabulary, and the mindset to stay motivated.
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01 — Writing
三つの文字体系
Japanese uses three distinct scripts, often mixed together in a single sentence. Mastering all three is essential — and more achievable than it looks.
46 phonetic characters for native Japanese words and grammar particles. Learn this first — it takes about a week.
46 characters mirroring Hiragana, used for foreign loanwords, emphasis, and scientific terms.
Adopted Chinese characters. ~2,136 are considered "common use." Learn gradually — start with the most frequent 100.
Hiragana and Katakana together are called Kana. Nail both in your first month — everything else builds on them. — Standard learning advice
02 — Plan
学習ロードマップ
Japanese rewards consistency over intensity. Here is a realistic path from zero to conversational fluency.
Learn all Hiragana and Katakana. Study pronunciation. Begin basic vocabulary (numbers, greetings, colors). Use a spaced-repetition system (Anki).
Work through a structured textbook (Genki I). Learn the top 100 Kanji. Build sentences using は, が, を, に, and で particles. Start listening to simple native content.
Finish Genki II. Learn ~300 Kanji. Understand past/present/negative/potential verb forms. Start watching anime with Japanese subtitles.
Read simple manga and graded readers. Find a language exchange partner (HelloTalk, Tandem). Prepare for JLPT N3. Aim for ~1,000 Kanji.
Consume native media without subtitles. Read novels. Aim for JLPT N2 or N1. Build domain-specific vocabulary for work or interests.
03 — Grammar
文法の基礎
Japanese grammar is very different from English — but also highly logical and consistent once the core rules click.
Japanese is Subject–Object–Verb. The verb always comes last. "I sushi eat" instead of "I eat sushi."
Small words after nouns that mark their role. は (topic), が (subject), を (object), に (direction/time), で (location/means).
Japanese has formal (丁寧語), humble (謙譲語), and respectful (尊敬語) speech. Beginners should master polite -ます/-です forms first.
Verbs conjugate for tense, politeness, negative, and potential. Two main groups (U-verbs and RU-verbs) plus irregular する and くる.
04 — Phrases
基本フレーズ
These core expressions will carry you through your first conversations. Memorize them early.
05 — Resources
学習リソース
A curated selection of tools used by thousands of successful learners.
| Resource | Type | Best For | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Genki I & II | Textbook | Structured grammar foundation | Paid |
| Anki | Flashcard app | Vocabulary & Kanji (spaced repetition) | Free |
| WaniKani | Web app | Kanji learning with mnemonics | Paid |
| Duolingo | App | Daily habit / review | Freemium |
| JapanesePod101 | Audio / Video | Listening & conversation practice | Freemium |
| HelloTalk | App | Conversation with native speakers | Free |
| NHK Web Easy | Website | Reading simple Japanese news | Free |
| Jisho.org | Dictionary | Word lookup, example sentences | Free |
06 — Mindset
効果的な学習法
Technique matters as much as time. These principles separate learners who make it to fluency from those who plateau.
30 minutes every day beats 3-hour weekend sessions. Japanese requires daily exposure to build lasting memory.
Start consuming native content (music, anime, podcasts) from month two — even if you understand nothing at first.
Anki with pre-made decks (Core 2000/6000) is the most efficient way to build and retain vocabulary long-term.
Don't wait until you feel "ready." Record yourself, find a tutor on iTalki, or use language exchange apps early.
Don't avoid Kanji — integrate it from the start. Kanji actually make reading faster once you know them.
Anime, travel, business, literature — whatever your reason, connect your daily study to it. Motivation beats discipline.