Japanese is a Southeast Asian language spoken by approximately 125 million people around the world. Official language of Japan, it is also spoken in Korea, the United States and many other countries. Japanese is quite different from the languages of the Indo-European group, such as Italian. It requires a lot of study and effort, but with a little effort it is possible to learn to communicate efficiently and master it with ease.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Learn the Basics
Step 1. Study hiragana
Hiragana is a Japanese syllabic writing system. It consists of 51 phonetic characters and each of them corresponds to a single sound (contrary to what happens with languages such as English, where a letter can undergo phonetic alterations depending on the context). Once you have learned hiragana, you will be able to pronounce any word in Japanese. Therefore, start your learning journey by studying and memorizing these characters.
Step 2. Learn katakana
Katakana is another syllabic writing system. It is made up of a series of characters used to transcribe loanwords or non-Japanese words (such as hot dog or internet). You have to learn how to use it to be able to read and write terms borrowed from other languages. To begin, study the words you think you can use most often.
Step 3. Learn the kanji
Kanji are topographic symbols of Chinese origin used to express basic words or expressions in Japanese. While the symbols of the hiragana have greater similarities with the letters of the Latin alphabet (as each character represents a simple sound), ideograms are used to represent complete words. Knowing the main kanji will help you understand and speak Japanese at an elementary level.
Step 4. Try not to depend on the romaji
The romaji is a writing system that uses the letters of the Latin alphabet for the romanization (i.e. the transcription into Latin script) of Japanese words. It can be useful for learning the first few sentences or for communicating online. However, if you start to rely too heavily on this system, you will never be able to really advance and master the language. Concentrate on studying hiragana, katakana and kanji (at first you just need to know the main characters).
Step 5. Practice your grammar
To study Japanese you will have to forget everything you know about grammar. Do not try to apply the rules and concepts of Italian to Japanese. Instead, try to take the norms for what they are.
- Get a Japanese grammar workbook and start following the lessons. There are several useful and comprehensive books, including Ima Nihongo or Let's Learn Japanese.
- Also look for free online resources (such as Duolingo) to study Japanese grammar.
Step 6. Learn some common expressions
Learning some basic expressions will allow you to start practicing and having informal conversations with native Japanese speakers. While you need to avoid being dependent on romaji, using it to study early expressions can be a good place to start.
- "Hello" - Kon'nichiwa.
- "Goodbye" - Sayonara.
- "I'm fine, thank you" - Watashiwa genki desu. Arigato.
- "Thank you very much" - Domo arigato gozaimasu.
- "Nice to meet you" - Hajime mash'te.
Method 2 of 3: Practice the Language
Step 1. Use flashcards or didactic cards
You can buy a bunch of Japanese-specific flashcards or make them at home. It is a learning tool that allows you to practice in a variety of ways. Didactic cards are very effective for strengthening vocabulary in all three language systems (hiragana, katakana and kanji).
- Place the flashcards around the house to identify objects with corresponding Japanese names.
- You can ask someone to take a flashcard quiz to practice memorizing hiragana characters, kanji or words written in katakana.
- You can also use them to interrogate yourself.
Step 2. Talk like a child
Young children are very good at learning new languages because, not feeling embarrassed, they are not afraid to imitate sounds. Inspire yourself by their innate "cheekiness" and practice repeating Japanese sounds, words and expressions, even if you don't pronounce them correctly.
Step 3. Practice with someone in person
Studying Japanese with someone is the absolute best way to reinforce concepts and sharpen your knowledge of grammar. If you have a native speaker friend, make an appointment and chat with him!
Don't know a native speaker? You can search for international events or language exchange groups in the area where you live
Step 4. Talk to someone online
Making a video call with a native speaker is another great option. There are many websites that allow you to find language partners. Look for new Japanese friends and talk to them through the computer screen.
Step 5. Make mistakes
Making mistakes and being corrected by native speakers is perhaps the most effective way ever to learn the nuances of Japanese. Don't avoid words you doubt or phrases you think you can't pronounce well. If you make a mistake, this means that you are really putting yourself out there to learn.
- Get out of your comfort zone.
- Open yourself to the opinions of others.
- Some Japanese speakers may avoid correcting you out of respect, so make it clear that their help would actually be more than welcome.
Step 6. Sign up for a course
Taking lessons is one of the most effective ways to learn a new language. With the guidance of a teacher, specially planned lessons and (most importantly) companions to practice with, Japanese courses allow you to make good use of your time. In addition to allowing you to learn a new language, it is also a great opportunity to meet new people.
Method 3 of 3: Discovering the Language in Other Ways
Step 1. Watch Japanese Movies
To learn Japanese, you will need to expose yourself to the language as much as possible. Make time to watch movies or TV shows from the land of the rising sun. This will confront you with extensive terminology (including slang) and offer you another method to hone your comprehension skills.
Step 2. Read
Try to get Japanese books or newspapers. This will allow you to expose yourself to a whole host of new words and expressions. Furthermore, reading is an extremely active method of learning. By committing yourself to reading Japanese, you will dedicate yourself to the new language even more deeply.
Step 3. Listen to Japanese radio
Just like television and film, radio is a great tool for discovering new words and practicing listening. Search for Japanese songs, learn them and try to sing them while you listen to them. You can also search for radio talk show stations.
Japanese or language-specific podcasts are other great resources
Step 4. Immerse yourself in the language
Full immersion is the most effective way to learn a foreign language. If you have the chance to go to Japan or even spend time with a Japanese family living in your area, don't think twice and take advantage of it. If you have Japanese friends, ask if it is possible to spend time at their house.
Step 5. Observe people as they speak
To speak in Japanese you need to learn how to use the speech apparatus differently. To produce sounds correctly, you need to position your lips and tongue in a different way than in Italian. Look at the mouth of native speakers to directly observe and understand how to generate these sounds.
Step 6. Use electronic dictionaries
Trying to look up kanji in a paper dictionary can be a tedious task. Instead, use electronic dictionaries to enrich vocabulary, fill in gaps in conversation, and help you understand new terms. You can use a free online dictionary, download a mobile application, or invest in a pocket translator.
Advice
- Do not rush. Learning a new language takes a lot of time and effort.
- Don't be put off by others. If you are motivated, you will be able to learn a new language with excellent results.
- Look for language apps to practice Japanese.
