5 Steps to Learn Japanese from Nothing

Are you eager to learn Japanese but still not sure where to start? Search no more! In this blog, we’ll outline five essential steps to kickstart your Japanese learning journey successfully.

Step 1: Master the Hiragana and Katakana Scripts

To start your journey in learning Japanese, you must first master the two fundamental scripts in Japanese: Hiragana and Katakana. The characters of these scripts form the backbone of the language, serving as the cornerstone for reading, writing, and even speaking! Therefore, it’s essential to recognize and write them accurately right from the start. While it might seem challenging at first, especially for beginners, don’t be discouraged! With consistent practice, you’ll gradually become more familiar and confident with these characters.

The most effective way to memorize these characters is by reading aloud and writing them down in the correct order. Keep in mind that Hiragana and Katakana are the building blocks of Japanese, so patience is key during the initial learning phase. You can access charts for Hiragana and Katakana in this blog post or find them in the “Alphabet” section of our LingoDeer app.

Step 2: Build a Foundation in Basic Vocabulary and Grammar

Once you get comfortable with Hiragana and Katakana, it’s time to expand your vocabulary and learn basic grammar rules. Start by immersing yourself in common phrases, greetings, and simple sentences! These foundational elements are essential for constructing meaningful sentences and engaging in basic conversations.

Focus on everyday vocabulary and expressions like “みず” (water), ”くるま” (car), “おはようございます” (good morning), ”こんにちは” (hello), ”ありがとうございます” (thank you), and more. Watching anime or dramas can also be beneficial as they help you become familiar with Japanese pronunciation and common phrases in context. This approach makes learning more engaging and keeps you motivated, which is crucial for your continued progress in learning Japanese.

Step 3: Begin Learning Kanji

Kanji are Chinese characters used in Japanese writing. While mastering all Kanji can be daunting (there are thousands!), you can start by learning the most common ones. Plus, many look as simple as Hiragana and Katakana!

Kanji play a pivotal role in distinguishing between Japanese words that sound identical but carry different meanings. Acquiring Kanji will not only sharpen your communication skills but also expand your vocabulary; such vocabulary will empower you to understand more sophisticated expressions found in newspapers, books, menus, and beyond.

To tackle Kanji effectively, immerse yourself in recognizing them within different contexts, and practice writing them to enhance your memory. With plenty of apps like LingoDeer and websites at your fingertips, there is definitely a suitable method that perfectly aligns with your learning style and preferences.

Step 4: Practice Listening and Speaking Skills

Regularly immersing yourself in a Japanese listening-speaking environment is key to enhancing your comprehension and pronunciation. Tune in to Japanese podcasts, music, and watch Japanese shows with subtitles to create that environment by yourself. 

For beginners, we recommend checking out the “Learn Japanese Pod” channel. This podcast provides a variety of topics about Japan, helping listeners speak natural, fluent Japanese while understanding Japanese trends and culture. Each episode includes explanations and practice sections, allowing you to enhance your listening and speaking skills.

Consistent exposure to Japanese will gradually familiarize you with the language’s cadence and pronunciation, enabling you to speak more naturally over time. Once you reach this stage, try engaging in self-talk or expressing random thoughts aloud in Japanese. This practice will further enhance your fluency and boost your confidence in speaking Japanese.

Step 5: Do Reading and Writing Practices

As you advance in your Japanese learning journey, consider reading simple texts like children’s books. With time and practice, you can progress to more complex material such as online articles, blogs, and even news articles, many of which are available for free! This diverse range of content will not only expand your vocabulary but also enhance your reading comprehension, giving you insights into current events and daily life in Japan.

In addition to reading, it is crucial to regularly practice writing Japanese characters and sentences. Handwriting Kanji and sentences aids memory retention and enhances overall proficiency. Consider starting with simple diary entries or writing to-do lists in Japanese. This practice will not only reinforce your learning but also help you apply Japanese in a practical way.

Mastering Japanese is a rewarding journey that requires time and dedication. By following these five steps and staying consistent in your practice, you’ll be well on your way to fluency. Remember, practice is key, so embrace mistakes as part of the learning process and keep pushing yourself to improve. LingoDeer is always here to support your Japanese learning journey, helping you immerse yourself in the rich culture and beauty of the language!