How to Learn Japanese Smarter and Faster

This video outlines a strategy for learning Japanese more efficiently and enjoyably than the creator's initial experience. It emphasizes setting realistic goals, finding engaging learning methods, and consistently immersing oneself in the language.

Day One #

• Simultaneously learn hiragana and katakana, ideally in pairs (a-ア, i-イ, etc.).
• Purchase these recommended resources:
  • Tango N5 for vocabulary.
  • Genki or Tobira Beginner for grammar.
  • Remembering the Kanji by James Heisig for kanji.

Mindset #

• Avoid the mindset of rushing to a "finish line"; language learning is an ongoing process.
• Set tangible goals (kanji per month, study hours per week).
• Be realistic; reaching a good level of proficiency will likely take around two years.
• Focus on making the learning process fun through enjoyable activities.
• Be prepared for your goals to shift over time.
• Recognize that you can start enjoying speaking and consuming Japanese content sooner than you might think.
• Try to relax and enjoy the learning process.

Beginner Stage (Approx. 3-6 months) #

• Vocabulary:
  • Use Tango N5 and its helpful example sentences with native audio.
  • Utilize Anki flashcard decks, specifically recommending Nuke Marine's deck for Tango.
  • Potentially move on to the Tango N4 Anki deck.
  • Be aware of vocabulary in your grammar textbook, but prioritize Tango for memorization.
• Grammar:
  • Start with either Genki or Tobira Beginner textbooks.
  • Following a textbook in order is recommended over going through a dictionary alphabetically.
  • Use accompanying resources like the creator's playlist covering Genki grammar.
• Speaking:
  • Starting speaking practice immediately is optional and depends on your comfort level.
  • Shadowing is highly recommended (30 minutes to an hour, 3 times per week).
    • Listen and try to repeat audio simultaneously.
    • Focus on mimicking pronunciation and intonation.
    • Record yourself to compare to the original.
• Kanji:
  • Start with Remembering the Kanji by James Heisig.
  • After 2-3 months, start using a Japanese Nintendo 3DS/2DS LL and the game Kanji Kentei Training.
  • Use graded reading material, especially with audio, to reinforce learned concepts and practice reading and listening.

Post-Study Phase (Upper Beginner and Beyond) #

• Transitioning:
  • After finishing Genki 1 & 2, nearing the end of Remembering the Kanji, and finishing Tango N5 (maybe starting N4), shift your focus.
  • Supplement with focused grammar study using resources like Quartet or Tobira, but the majority of time should be spent on immersion.
• Immersion Activities:
  • Games:
    • Start with games like Animal Crossing.
    • Move to RPGs (Dragon Quest, Etrian Odyssey).
    • Explore visual novels (Professor Layton, Ace Attorney) for their extensive reading, visuals, and audio.
    • Be prepared to use a dictionary frequently when starting games.
    • Games are a proven method for fast Japanese improvement.
  • Books:
    • Start with elementary school level books (The Magic Tree House, Kiki's Delivery Service).
    • Use apps like Satori Reader to ease into native material.
    • Read manga (Yotsuba&!, Slam Dunk).
    • Utilize free graded readers from websites like Taroku.
    • Progress to light novels, noting their difficulty despite the name.
    • Mix games and books to stay engaged.
  • Anime/Dramas:
    • Watch anime or Japanese dramas.
    • Consider using tools like Language Reactor with Netflix to look up words initially.
    • Rewatch content without looking up words for passive immersion and enjoyment.
• Tools:
  • Use browser add-ons like Yomichan for looking up words while reading/playing on PC.
  • Use dictionaries like Japanese when not on PC.
  • Utilize built-in dictionary features in e-readers like Kindle.
  • Transition to a Japanese-only dictionary after 6 months to a year of immersion.
• Speaking Practice:
  • Start online speaking practice after reaching the post-Genki stage.
  • Consider a pitch accent course like Dogan's.
  • Connect with teachers on platforms like iTalki. (Starting earlier is also an option).
• Long-Term:
  • Continuously engage in immersion activities like games, reading, and watching anime/dramas.

Summary #

To learn Japanese effectively and enjoyably, start by mastering hiragana and katakana simultaneously with recommended resources like the Tango series, Genki/Tobira, and Remembering the Kanji. Adopt a realistic, goal-oriented, and fun-focused mindset. In the beginner stage, build vocabulary using structured resources and Anki, learn grammar through textbooks, practice speaking through shadowing, and start kanji learning with RTK and assistive games like Kanji Kentei Training. In the post-study phase, prioritize immersion through Japanese games, books (including manga and graded readers), and anime/dramas, supplementing with focused grammar study and utilizing dictionary tools like Yomichan. Finally, incorporate online speaking practice after achieving a solid foundation.