Search from various English teachers...

Learn Japanese for beginners

Learn Japanese for beginners with native tutors through practical lessons designed for real conversations. Build essential vocabulary, improve pronunciation, and grasp basic grammar at your own pace, from anywhere.

Personalized lessons
3 trial lessons
Pay per lesson

10,000,000+

Language learners

30,000+

Language tutors

150+

Languages taught

190+

Tutor nationalities

4.8

on the App Store

How to learn Japanese for beginners

Learning Japanese for the first time can feel daunting, but starting with the basics makes everything more manageable. Most beginners start with hiragana and katakana, the two foundational writing systems, before moving on to kanji, basic vocabulary, and simple sentence structures. Japanese grammar works differently from most European languages, with verbs at the end of sentences and levels of formality built into the language itself, so getting comfortable with these early makes a big difference. Practicing a little every day goes a long way, whether that is listening to Japanese content, writing out characters, or repeating common phrases out loud. Working with a tutor who specializes in teaching Japanese for beginners means you get step-by-step guidance at your own pace, with corrections and encouragement from your very first lesson.

Learn Japanese for beginners with an online tutor

Learn Japanese at your own pace with the support of our experienced Japanese teachers.

5.0
654 LESSONS
Sawako
Professional teacher
Trial Lesson:
USD 10.00
5.0
273 LESSONS
Kevin
Professional teacher
Trial Lesson:
USD 13.00
4.9
1624 LESSONS
Naoki Sato
Professional teacher
Lessons start from:
USD 15.00
5.0
1889 LESSONS
YAMADA
Professional teacher
Trial Lesson:
USD 10.00
5.0
1078 LESSONS
SAKI (さき)
Professional teacher
Lessons start from:
USD 35.00

Free online tools to start learning Japanese

Browse our Japanese resources to build your language skills from the ground up

Start your Japanese journey with free online resources designed for beginners. Practice basic vocabulary, common phrases, and hiragana/katakana to build a solid foundation and prepare for real conversations.

Japanese speaking
Japanese grammar & writing
Business Japanese
Japanese for beginners
Japanese for travel
Japanese for kids
Japanese for exams
Japanese culture
FAQs

Beginner Japanese articles you may like

Best Way for Spanish Speakers to Learn English in 2026
Best Way for Spanish Speakers to Learn English in 2026
Key takeaways:  Learning English for Spanish speakers is super useful if you want to live, work, or travel abroad. Even if you’re not heading to an English-speaking country, it still connects you to many opportunities and people. But if you really want to speak English, you need the right support.  As an English teacher, I […]
The Best English Classes in NYC (2026)
The Best English Classes in NYC (2026)
Key takeaways: Finding the best English classes in NYC is not the problem. New York City is full of options. The challenge is finding one that fits your life. Many in-person schools run on fixed timetables, charge steep tuition, and expect you to commute across town several times a week. For a busy New Yorker, […]
Learn English in One Month: A Practical 30-Day Plan
Learn English in One Month: A Practical 30-Day Plan
Key takeaways: If you want to learn English in one month, the honest answer is this: you will not reach full fluency, but you absolutely can reach a point where you understand conversations, hold your own in basic exchanges, and feel real confidence for the first time. That is a meaningful goal, and it is […]
How Much Does an English Tutor Cost? A 2026 Pricing Guide for Learners
How Much Does an English Tutor Cost? A 2026 Pricing Guide for Learners
Key takeaways: English is the most studied language in the world, which means there is no shortage of tutors, platforms, and schools all advertising very different prices. A qualified teacher in New York might charge $80 per hour. A native speaker on a tutoring platform charges $15. An online tutor from the Philippines charges $8. […]
How to Learn English Speaking: Proven Methods That Work for Learners
How to Learn English Speaking: Proven Methods That Work for Learners
Key takeaways: If you’re searching for how to learn English speaking, you’re probably not a beginner. You’re someone who understands English but freezes the moment you have to use it. You read emails, watch videos, and follow most conversations, but when someone speaks to you directly, your mind goes blank. This guide is for learners […]
Learning English for Kids: A Complete Guide for Parents
Learning English for Kids: A Complete Guide for Parents
Key takeaways: Learning English for kids does not have to be complicated or overwhelming. Your child does not need to be a bookworm, and you do not need a teaching degree to help them make real progress. Millions of families around the world are raising children who grow up speaking two languages, and the fun, […]

Test your Japanese language skills for free

Not sure where to begin? Take a free assessment to find your starting level and see what to focus on first. Practice with interactive quizzes, read beginner-friendly articles, listen to podcasts, and watch your beginner skills grow as you learn Japanese.

AssessmentAssessment
PodcastPodcast
ArticlesArticles
TopicsTopics
PromptPrompt
QuizQuiz
AssessmentPodcastArticlesTopicsPromptQuiz
AssessmentTest your level with a free language assessment
Test now
English169416 are participating
Spanish27294 are participating
French16944 are participating
German16650 are participating
Japanese13330 are participating
Korean10128 are participating
Chinese11848 are participating
Italian8660 are participating

Learn Japanese with videos

How to sound natural when speaking Japanese
3 Japanese tech words you need to know
3 ways to make Japanese friends online

How to Learn Japanese with italki

1

Find your tutor

Filter by price, availability, country of origin, and specialization to find the perfect match for your Japanese learning goals.

2

Book a trial lesson

Try up to 3 trial lessons to find a tutor that fits your learning style best.

3

Learn at your own pace

Schedule online Japanese lessons when it works for you. Your tutor creates a personalized learning plan based on your level and goals, making learning Japanese practical and effective.

Teacher's tip

The secret to faster language learning

“When learning Japanese, focus not only on grammar but also on how the language is used in everyday situations. Start with simple, practical phrases and build confidence by using them regularly”

Koyuki

Japanese tutor at italki

Book a trial lesson
Teacher

Hear it from italki learners

Your best Japanese learning solution

1-ON-1 PERSONALIZED LESSONS

Hit your language goals with qualified teachers in customized lessons that suit your learning style.

LEARN ANY TIME

Day or night. Weekend or weekday. Book lessons to suit your schedule and learn through video chat.

PAY AS YOU GO

No contracts or subscription fees. Just purchase italki credits and pay for individual lessons or lesson packages.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn Japanese from the comfort of your own home. Browse our selection of experienced Japanese tutors and enroll in your first lesson now!

FAQS: Japanese for beginners