Learning Japanese is both an exciting and challenging journey. For the past year, I’ve developed a system that has helped me stay on track and continually improve my skills. In this post, I’ll share the resources, methods, and tools I’ve used to learn Japanese effectively. Whether you’re just starting or looking to enhance your Japanese language learning routine, these insights might help you create a solid foundation.
The Basics of the Japanese Language
Before diving into how I learn Japanese, it’s essential to understand the structure of the language. Japanese uses three scripts: Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji.
- Hiragana: The core script used for native Japanese words.
- Katakana: Used mainly for foreign loanwords, like “banana” (バナナ).
- Kanji: Complex characters that represent entire words or concepts. An average Japanese high school student knows about 2,000 Kanji.
If you’re serious about learning Japanese, it’s crucial to study all three writing systems since they are used simultaneously in everyday language. For a look at Japan’s cultural and geographical context, check out our blog post on Japan’s Island Count.
How I Learn Japanese
Duolingo
While Duolingo is a great starting point for beginners, I quickly realized that it wouldn’t get me to fluency. However, I use it more for maintaining consistency—spending about 2 minutes a day to track my daily progress. Still, to take your Japanese to the next level, you’ll need more advanced tools.WaniKani
One of the most effective tools I’ve used for learning Kanji and vocabulary is WaniKani. It’s a spaced repetition system (SRS) designed to help you retain words and characters more efficiently. With that said, using WaniKani, I’ve been learning around one level per month, and after a year, I’ve mastered about 200 Kanji and over 600 words. The program gradually introduces new radicals, Kanji, and vocabulary, ensuring you don’t feel overwhelmed while progressing steadily.Genki Textbook
To build a strong foundation in grammar, I use the Genki textbook series. Specifically, it’s perfect for beginners and intermediate learners, covering essential grammar points that will help you pass the JLPT N5 exam. I’m currently about one-third of the way through Genki 1, and I plan to complete it by early next year. For this reason, for those looking to focus more on grammar, this book is highly recommended.Anime and YouTube Videos
Immersion is key to learning any language. Therefore, I watch anime with Japanese subtitles to practice reading while listening to natural spoken Japanese. One of my personal favorites is Assassination Classroom. In addition, I follow Japanese YouTubers and sometimes listen to Japanese podcasts during my workouts. It’s a slow process, but gradually, I’ve started understanding more from context.
The Importance of Consistency
Learning Japanese takes time, but staying consistent is the key to success. I spend about an hour a day learning Japanese, and while it may not seem like much, this routine has helped me steadily progress. According to a study by the Japanese Academy, it takes roughly 350 hours to reach JLPT N5 level. With around 200 Kanji and 800 words in my arsenal, I’m on track to achieve this in about a year and a half.
Realistic Expectations for Fluency
One of the most common questions I get is, “How long will it take to become fluent in Japanese?” Based on my experience and studies, achieving fluency at the N1 level will likely take around 10 years if you dedicate one hour a day. By that time, I’ll have mastered around 2,000 Kanji and 10,000 words—comparable to the vocabulary of a native Japanese speaker.
Final Thoughts on How I Learn Japanese
Learning Japanese is a marathon, not a sprint. With the right tools, resources, and a consistent routine, you’ll be able to make steady progress. My personal learning system includes Duolingo, WaniKani, the Genki textbook, and plenty of immersion through anime and YouTube. You now know how I learn Japanese. If you’re looking for a place to start, I recommend checking out Tofugu’s guide to Japanese learning strategies.
If you want to see how I apply these methods in my daily life, check out my YouTube video.
