Japanese is, without a doubt, quite hard to learn for people who know only European languages. Kanji characters, unique grammar, and different cultural nuances make learning feel overwhelming. But absolutely possible If you find the right way to do it.
Why Learning Japanese
The U.S. Foreign Service Institute ranks English as a Category IV language (together with Korean and Arabiq), estimating that it takes an English speaker around 2,200 hours of study to reach proficiency. According to the same system, German is a Category II language, and the approximate time to master it for an English speaker is 900 class hours.
However, studying the Japanese language is worth it for multiple reasons. Whether you want to have more job opportunities or want to go deeper into Japanese culture, mastering the language will help you achieve your personal or professional goals. Japan is the third-largest economy, and Japanese companies are global leaders in technology and innovation. If you enjoy modern Japanese culture including manga, anime, J-pop, and video games, Japanese language learning will bring your hobbies to the next level.
Special Features of the Japanese Language
Let’s discuss why the Japanese language is so special and so interesting. To understand how to learn Japanese you need to understand what makes this language so unique.
📃 Three Alphabets
There are three Japanese writing systems: Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji. Hiragana and Katakana are fairly simple to learn, as they each have 46 basic characters, but Kanji, with thousands of complex characters, takes much longer to master.
📃 Kanji Memorization:
Learning the approximately 2,000 Kanji required for basic literacy can be challenging. Each Kanji character can have multiple readings (ways to pronounce it), depending on its context and combination with other characters. You will have to work on your memory very hard!
📃 Politeness Levels
Japanese has multiple levels of politeness, from casual to highly formal, which changes the way you construct sentences. Knowing when to use polite forms (like „-masu” endings) versus plain forms (like „-ru” endings) is crucial for respectful communication. Can be hard to learn and be polite all the time!
📃 Sentence Order
Japanese uses a Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) structure, which can feel unusual for English speakers who are accustomed to Subject-Verb-Object (SVO).
How to Learn Japanese
There are many more details you will learn on the way of learning Japanese. So let’s start with our step-by-step guide!
Learn Hiragana and How to Type in It
Hiragana is a writing system, one of Japan’s three writing systems, along with katakana and kanji, and is essential to start learning Japanese. Most beginner resources assume you know hiragana, so it’s a good first step to start learning Japanese.
Once you can read and pronounce hiragana, you’ll need to install a Japanese keyboard to start typing. Most devices support adding a Japanese IME (Input Method Editor) without extra hardware.
Next, focus on typing in hiragana. Practice until you’re comfortable, especially with elements like small tsu, dakuten, and contractions.
Many classrooms take a month to teach hiragana, but you can use mnemonics and worksheets to learn faster — possibly in a week or two if you are dedicated to learning Japanese.
To move on, make sure you can read all hiragana characters and contractions, even slowly. Speed will come with practice. You’re not limited by a classroom pace — learn Japanese at your own speed!
Understand Kanji
When you begin to learn Japanese you’ll start learning kanji as soon as you can read and type hiragana. This is key because kanji is a critical part of Japanese and essential for vocabulary, which makes grammar learning smoother.
Learning kanji first will save you time later by reducing the need to constantly look up characters, making grammar easier and more meaningful. Our method uses mnemonics and focuses only on the most common meanings and readings to simplify the process.
Aim to learn 20–30 kanji and 100 related vocabulary words each week. Use spaced repetition to help with memorization. By the end, you should know around 2,000 kanji and 6,000–7,000 vocabulary words — enough to read almost anything in Japanese.
To set your own pace, create a study plan on how to learn Japanese. Also, start learning pronunciation to understand pitch accents and Japanese pronunciation rules. This kanji-focused approach may feel slow at first but will help you progress faster and avoid burnout.
Learn to Read and Type in Katakana
Learning katakana is similar to hiragana, and with our mnemonic guide, you can likely master it in a few days. Aim to recognize all katakana characters — even slowly — before diving into vocabulary. If you want to learn Japanese it is very important to do everything step by step.
Although katakana appears less often than hiragana and kanji initially, it will become more frequent later. For now, just focus on being able to read it. Once you’re comfortable, start learning to type katakana, which is straightforward if you already know hiragana typing.
Meanwhile, keep up with your kanji reviews. Consistent reviews will help solidify your knowledge and make learning Japanese a solid and stable process.
Learn to Type in Kanji
Make sure you know around 20-30 kanji before moving on to typing. Typing in kanji is slightly more complex than hiragana or katakana but still follows similar rules.
Once you’re comfortable with typing, set a goal to reach WaniKani level 10 (about 300 kanji and 1,000 vocabulary words). Pay special attention to pronunciation and pitch accent as you learn vocabulary — this will really help when you start reading full sentences.
With a solid foundation in kanji, vocabulary, and pronunciation, grammar study will feel much smoother. Instead of constantly looking up words, you’ll be able to focus on structure, making reading and speaking flow more naturally. Learn Japanese with a focus on solid memorization and understanding, don’t try to move too fast if you still didn’t get the previous steps.
Collect and Study Vocabulary of the Japanese Language
Vocabulary will naturally build up as you study kanji, but you’ll also need to learn Japanese words that don’t use kanji, like grammar-related terms or words from real-life sources. To manage this, you need a system to collect and study these words effectively.
- Collecting Vocabulary: Start by recording words you encounter in textbooks or in daily life. Use a method that’s convenient for you — apps like Evernote or Airtable, a notebook, or even your phone’s camera with a dedicated folder. The main point is to make this step a habit: if you see a word you want to learn, add it to your list immediately.
- Processing the List: Set a regular time (daily, weekly, or monthly) to review and organize these words into your study routine. Add them to a system that will help you review them over time.
- Learn the words with flashcards: Use language learning apps like Anki Pro to create decks with and learn the words regularly.
With this routine, vocabulary study will become a natural part of your Japanese learning journey.
Find a Japanese Tutor
Not saying that you can’t study Japanese on your own, but finding a tutor or joining a class will make the process much easier. Consider finding a Japanese tutor if you need help with questions or want to focus on speaking and listening skills. You can learn Japanese online with a tutor or find an offline school or classes. Choose depending on your preferences and learning style, anyway a good teacher with help you to speed up your language learning.
With your kanji and vocabulary base, a tutor can offer the most value by providing guidance on pronunciation, nuances, and conversational skills, rather than teaching kanji, which is often better learned independently. But you can do most of the learning of vocabulary and alphabets on your own.
Learn Japanese Language Grammar
Japanese and English grammar (or other European languages grammar) are completely different so forget everything you know about it. It is an absolutely unique system, you need to know it before you start to learn Japanese grammar.
Japanese has only two tenses: past and non-past (which covers both present and future). It makes studying grammar much easier. But, it has two forms: polite and plain, with plain used in casual conversation and polite in more official. Keep in mind to avoid awkward situations.
And! Don’t forget that Japanese writing is read from right to left, top to bottom.
📃 Basic Textbooks for Beginners Japanese Learners:
- Practice Makes Perfect: Basic Japanese
- A Guide to Japanese Grammar by Tae Kim
- Japanese Hiragana & Katakana for Beginners First Steps to Mastering the Japanese Writing System
- A Dictionary of Japanese Grammar by The Japan Times
These Japanese books offer practical lessons to help you understand the language’s structure and unique writing system. For sure their studies will enhance your Japanese skills.
Start Learning Basic Phrases
Start with the essentials — learn the most common words and phrases. Simple expressions like „Hello,” „How do you do?” and „Nice to meet you” will instantly connect you with native speakers.
To sound natural, focus on nailing your pronunciation. Try recording yourself to catch those tricky sounds, though be aware that some are hard to master without a tutor to guide you. It will help you to develop your vocabulary knowledge and speaking skills faster.
Find Language Exchange Partners and Develop Speaking skills
One of the best ways to start speaking Japanese and reinforce what you know is to practice consistently with native Japanese speakers. Even if you don’t have a Japanese-speaking friend nearby, there are many ways to connect and practice.
Language exchange platforms make it easy to find conversation partners, whether they’re native speakers or fellow learners. Check out these tools:
- HelloTalk: A language exchange app for quick chats with native speakers.
- LextTalk: The first social networking and chat app made for language exchange and speaking practice.
- MyLanguageExchange: A platform to connect with native speakers and language learners alike.
Another tip is to look for Japanese cultural centers /libraries in your city, likely they have language clubs or events in Japanese where you can practice and find other people who learn Japanese to support each other in your experience.
When doing language exchanges, remember to:
- Respect your partner’s time and goals,
- Prepare questions or topics to keep things flowing,
- Offer help with your native language,
- Be open to feedback and cultural tips.
Read Manga In Japanese
Probably you have already read manga in English translation, but now that you have started learning the language, it is time to read it in Japanese. Manga, a unique blend of art and storytelling in comic form, is not only a huge part of Japanese culture but also a global pop culture phenomenon. You can’t skip this part if you want to know how to learn Japanese.
For language learners, manga is a fantastic tool. Filled with visual context, it helps you grasp the meaning of Japanese words more easily, making reading both fun and educational. So grab a manga, and start exploring the Japanese language and culture in a whole new way.
📃 Beginners-friendly Mangas for Learning Japanese
よつばと！(Yotsuba&!) – A slice-of-life story about a curious young girl named Yotsuba. The language is simple, and the everyday conversations are perfect for beginners.
しろくまカフェ (Shirokuma Café / Polar Bear Café) – A humorous, lighthearted manga featuring animals in a café. The dialogue is casual and straightforward, making it easy to follow along.
ドラえもん (Doraemon) – A classic about a robot cat from the future helping a young boy. The vocabulary is approachable, with plenty of repetition and visual cues.
スキップ・ビート！(Skip Beat!) – A comedic and dramatic manga about a girl aiming to make it in showbiz. The storyline is engaging, with fairly simple language and some cultural insights.
ワンピース (One Piece) – An adventure about pirates searching for treasure. While it’s a bit longer, the language and story are relatively easy to follow and full of action.
Watch Japanese Anime
Binge-watching anime is a great way to combine business and pleasure. Originally a unique animation style exclusive to Japan, anime is now a global sensation with millions of fans.
Watching anime in your free time can boost your Japanese skills by introducing you to new words, everyday expressions, and even slang — all while leveling up your listening skills.
📃 Beginners-friendly Animes for Learning Japanese
- ちびまる子ちゃん (Chibi Maruko-chan) – A comedic look at a young girl’s daily life. The family-friendly setting makes it approachable for beginners.
- 日常 (Nichijou / My Ordinary Life) – A surreal comedy that plays with everyday situations. The language is simple, with plenty of visual humor to help with context.
- カードキャプターさくら (Cardcaptor Sakura) – A magical girl story with clear, easy-to-follow dialogue and relatable everyday interactions.
- ワンピース (One Piece) – An adventurous series about pirates. Although it’s long-running, the language is accessible, with lots of repetition and action vocabulary.
- 銀魂 (Gintama) – A comedy-action series set in a quirky, historical world. Gintama uses humor to play with language, making it both fun and educational
- けいおん (K-On!) – Following a high school music club, this anime is filled with casual conversations and school-related vocabulary necessary to learn Japanese.
Immerse Yourself in Japanese
If you want to learn Japanese, add as much of the language as possible to your life. This will enhance your fluency and speed up your learning process.
Even if you’re not in Japan, there are plenty of ways to make Japanese part of your everyday life:
- Switch your phone and computer settings to Japanese,
- Follow Japanese influencers, YouTube channels, and Instagram bloggers,
- Read Japanese news and follow media channels,
- Listen to Japanese music and try picking up the lyrics,
- Cook Japanese dishes using recipes in Japanese (find them on YouTube),
- Join online communities and forums to practice Japanese reading and writing,
- Check out Japanese cultural events or meetups near you to practice speaking.
Conclusion
Learning the Japanese language is challenging, and you will probably have several moments on your way when you want to give up. It is understandable, and no one will judge you. But you can do it; just be patient. Learning Japanese will benefit you not only in your career or studies but also in your personal development and strengthen your brain. How proud of yourself you will be when you reach at least an intermediate level? Just keep going.
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