What is the best way to learn Japanese?

There are many methods to learn Japanese online, but hiring a personal teacher remains the best way to master the language. A private teacher will give the necessary training and help you study the Japanese most efficiently. And one of the best places to find experienced Japanese teachers is italki.com.

What are the benefits of learning Japanese on italki?

A private Japanese teacher will develop a tailor-made learning plan to fit your needs and learning objectives.The courses on italki are much more flexible than conventional lessons. You can ask your Japanese teacher any questions anytime.

Japanese is the official language of Japan, and approximately 130 million people speak Japanese around the world. It is a unique language with three different scripts: Katakana, Kanji, and Hiragana. The complexity of its language system makes Japanese one of the most challenging languages to learn. Japan is a technology-driven nation and the third-largest economy in the world. It is a leader in robotics and manufacturing advanced electronics. Learning Japanese will open more job and business prospects for you, especially if you're interested in innovation and technology. Japan is also the land of animation. It is the birthplace of world-famous anime movies and cartoon characters like Doraemon, Shin-chan, etc. Learning Japanese will help adults and children enjoy anime and cartoon series without the help of translators or subtitles. Moreover, understanding Japanese will give you insights into popular Japanese culture, martial arts, karaoke, cuisine, fashion, and traditional craft. That's why so many people find it compelling and exciting to learn Japanese!

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Q: How long does it take to learn Japanese?

It takes you about 2200 class hours to learn Japanese from scratch, according to the estimation of the US Department of State. English learners need to spend more time learning Japanese because of different language families. So, you need to study the Japanese language for nearly two years. It also depends on your effort and engagement in learning Japanese. And if you hire a private Japanese teacher who helps you solve your problems, the learning process may be shorter.

Japanese has been touted as one of the toughest languages for non-native speakers to learn. But, given the popularity of Japanese pop culture and professional opportunities that open up when you know the language, it’s one of the most popular languages to learn. Looking For a Japanese Tutor?

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Learning Japanese: Why a Tutor is so Helpful

Are you a fan of anime and manga? Perhaps you’re a connoisseur of Studio Ghibli films. Even if you do not fall into any of these fanbases, Japanese is still an exciting language to learn, although it is not very beginner friendly. While learning Japanese, you need to focus on the following: Japanese Speaking (verbal and written) - learning the pronunciation of Japanese words, diction, addressing others, starting and continuing conversations. Japanese Grammar (formal and informal)- understanding the basic syntax, exceptions, and everything else pertaining to the structure of the language. Japanese Words and Vocabulary- learning commonly used words, jargon, formal greetings, colloquial expressions. Japanese Phrases (formal and colloquial)- knowing phrases, idioms, saying both in formal and informal contexts, their usage and application, etc. Each of these aspects is crucial to learning Japanese. Start your Japanese learning journey with italki’s certified tutors today.

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Learn How to Speak Japanese with italki

italki’s Japanese language tutors bring experience and expertise to the table. They go above and beyond to help you learn the language as meticulously as possible: They provide personalized 1-on-1 sessions to suit your pace of learning. They help you with the spoken and written word. Although Japanese has fewer consonant and vowel sounds than English, it does have double consonant sounds. Considering these factors, you will need the best quality assistance possible to learn Japanese the correct way. A native Japanese speaker can be extremely helpful in guiding you through your learning journey and ensuring you speak Japanese fluently.

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How to Learn Japanese Grammar

Japanese grammar usually takes a simple subject + object + verb structure which is a far cry from one of the most commonly spoken languages in the world, English. But apart from the unusual syntax, Japanese grammar is not tough to crack. There are far fewer irregular verbs in the language and only two tenses. Learning Japanese grammar involves: Knowing the sentence structure and syntax, formal and informal rules that govern the language. To learn and acquaint yourself with the rules of Japanese grammar, you can: Read and listen to Japanese as much as you can. Invest in a good dictionary. Practice grammar worksheets. Write sentences in your preferred language and rearrange them per Japanese rules and think of Japanese sentences in your head before reading or writing them out loud. So only an experienced tutor can help you familiarize yourself with the language. You can view our Japanese grammar tutors to get ahead!

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How to Improve Your Japanese Vocabulary

To improve your Japanese vocabulary, you can carry a Japanese pocket dictionary to learn new words, learn words in their contextual application, make a list of commonly used words in your mother tongue and study their Japanese translations, read Japanese literature, like manga and listen to Japanese music or audiobooks, watch anime. Our online Japanese language tutors can help you kickstart your Japanese language learning journey and assist you in memorizing new words. View all of italki’s Japanese vocabulary tutors!

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How to Learn Japanese Phrases

Like every other language, Japanese has a host of phrases, idioms, and sayings that are used in day-to-day conversations. Learning these phrases can help you improve your speaking and writing skills. If you know formal and informal Japanese phrases, you will be more comfortable in social situations involving people who speak Japanese. The idea is to acquaint and familiarize yourself enough to be able to comprehend and communicate. Learning from Japanese tutors is a great way to get ahead of the game. View all Japanese tutors!

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Proven Ways to Improve Japanese Skills

Here are some effective ways in which you can pick up Japanese: Read in Japanese. Listen to JPOP, other music, podcasts, and a lot of Japanese audio. Watch Japanese films and anime. Use sentence flashcards to memorize sentences and phrases. Practice outside your classes and sessions. Speak to people who talk in Japanese. Be patient and keep at it.

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FAQs About Learning Japanese

1. Is Japanese an easy language to learn?

Certainly not. However, that does not mean it cannot be learned. It takes patience, perseverance, and practice to learn any new language. Japanese is no exception.

Have patience, even if you make mistakes. It’s only normal. Consistency is key to achieving your language learning goals.

2. How long does it take to learn Japanese?

According to the US Department of State, it takes a minimum of 88 weeks of learning to attain basic fluency in Japanese. That said, a lot depends on your pace of learning and the amount of time you can dedicate to the process. The process of learning a new language also slows down with age and may affect some people.

3. How to learn Japanese fast?

There’s no shortcut to learning a new language, let alone something as unique as Japanese. The best and the only way forward is to practice hard. But it is equally important to enjoy the process. If you do, you’ll pick the language fast.

4. How to learn Japanese online?

Simply visit the italki website, browse through the list of certified Japanese tutors, and sign up for trial classes. You can take three trial classes before deciding on a tutor and schedule. Once you’re satisfied with your decision, get started. You can learn at your own pace and time with the help of highly experienced tutors who will do anything to help you learn the language.