How to Learn Japanese on Your Own

Learning Japanese is a step-by-step journey. By understanding the learning process, you can find the right resources and progress effectively.

Self-Study Recommendations

Steps and Tips

Get Started

Try Duolingo or watch some YouTube videos teaching Japanese for an introduction.

First step

Listen to Japanese

Find audio-based content to get used to listening, such as JapanesePod101. The more Japanese you can hear, the better, but anything is fine as long as you enjoy it.

Audio-based learning

Learn Simple Phrases

Let's start with greetings. Speaking out is a fun exercise. If you are planning a trip to Japan, learning practical phrases will help you enjoy simple communication.

Learn Hiragana and Katakana

It is important if you want to join a class or use a textbook to learn grammar. These scripts are phonetic, so they help you match sounds to words more easily in the long run. If your goal is conversation or travel, focusing on speaking skills is okay.

You will learn five characters as a unit. If you’re a working adult or in full-time education, 5–10 characters per week is a realistic pace. It will take about three months to complete Hiragana, or less if you can dedicate more time to it.

Let's learn Hiragana and Katakana

Understand Sentence Structure

Use a textbook or website to grasp language structure and essential vocabulary.

Books and websites to learn grammar

Connect with Real Japanese

Enjoying anime, dramas, or J-Pop is a great way to stay motivated and hear natural Japanese. For extra progress, try "Tadoku" (Extensive Reading). Search for "Japanese Graded Readers" to find easy stories.

Learn Kanji

Find methods for mastering Kanji that suit you.

Apps, websites and workbooks to study Kanji

Milestones for Beginner

After 1.5 to 2 years, you will be able to communicate in simple Japanese and enjoy reading and writing simple texts.
In terms of grammar, mastering the negative form and the past tense marks the end of the lower beginner level. Learning vocabulary takes some time, and it varies from person to person.

If you feel you need more time to learn vocabulary, stay at this level and consolidate your foundation. You can use the same textbook all over again, or use a different beginner's textbook or material for a change.

If you are good at learning vocabulary, move on to an upper-beginner textbook. If you are a teenage learner considering taking GCSE Japanese, you should start preparing and plan to study for an additional year or two.

Anchor 1