Need some inspiration to help you learn Japanese? How about some advice from an expert? Bobby Judo is a TV and radio host in Japan. Although he was born in America, Bobby speaks fluent Japanese and hosts a popular YouTube series to help students learn Japanese. Here, Bobby talks about his own journey with Japanese and shares his expert advice for Japanese-language students…
Are you interested in learning Japanese? If so, you’re in luck! There are plenty of resources available to help you get started. But where do you begin? And how do you stay motivated along the way?
Here are five expert tips from Bobby Judo, a successful language learner and teacher. Follow these tips, and you’ll be on your way to speaking Japanese like a pro!
How Can I Learn Japanese On My Own?
While there are many benefits to taking a Japanese language class, it is also possible to learn Japanese on your own. Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Start with the basics. Learn how to read and write the Japanese alphabet, as well as basic grammar. You can find resources for this online or in books from your local library.
- Practice speaking and listening. Beginners may want to start by watching Japanese films or television shows with subtitles. As you become more proficient, you can try listening to Japanese radio or podcasts, or even conversing with native speakers online.
- Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Learning a new language is always challenging, and making mistakes is part of the process. By seeking out opportunities to practice and persist through difficulties, you will eventually become more confident and proficient in Japanese.
If you want to know how to learn Japanese, keep in mind that the best method of learning Japanese is to sign up for lessons with a Japanese language tutor. If you want to know how to learn Japanese fast, this is your best bet – but you can also teach yourself. The methods above will help, as will things like watching the video below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRY-21YW4PQ
Best Way to Learn Japanese: 5 Expert Tips
I had a passing interest in Zen Buddhism when I was in high school, and a very, very strong sense of wanderlust. My family didn’t travel much, and I always told myself that when I was old enough to go by myself, I wanted to go as far and see and do as much as I could.
I heard about the JET Program, and since I already had a positive image of Japan, I decided I was going to apply. So I already had it in my head to get a job in Japan, before I started studying. I took a year of Japanese at the University of Florida. After I graduated, I lived in New York for a year, and worked at a sushi restaurant; I made obnoxious attempts to practice with every Japanese person I encountered.
This wasn’t the best way to learn Japanese, so to save you some time, here is some advice to help you in your Japanese-learning journey.
Supplement Your Studies
Supplement your studies by using Japanese as much as you can in social settings. Find friends with similar interests, Japanese or non-Japanese, and spend time doing things that you enjoy IN Japanese.
For me, this was cooking and sports. I was never into anime or manga, and I know a lot of people read Japanese stories or novels, but I could never enjoy reading in Japanese like I do in English, plus those activities tend to be solitary.
Whatever new words or grammar points you learn, force yourself to use them in conversation. Even if it doesn’t work out; trying and failing increases your chances of remembering.
Ask Questions
Always ask for an explanation of anything you don’t know or understand.
Pretending you understand is the best way to make sure you never do.
Always Carry a Notebook
Carry a notebook. Write down any words, phrases, and grammatical structures you come across in daily life/conversation. Look them up later. Set aside a time, once a week or so, to review all of your new Japanese terms for that week.
With this method, you will interact with each new piece of language a minimum of three times, which improves your chances of retention.
Take Advantage of Learning Resources
I really got a lot out of the 日本語総まとめ book series, designed for JLPT takers. They’re great for individual study, and super comprehensive. Also, The Daily Yo-ji blog is great.
I recommend watching movies with Japanese subtitles. Lots of people will say, watch Japanese movies… but for me, I found that watching a Hollywood movie with Japanese subtitles worked so much better.
Comprehension happens instantly, and then you get to look at a naturalized translation into Japanese, so it’s like “Oh, when I want to say something like this, THAT’S how a native Japanese speaker would express that sentiment.”
I always use the example of an English-speaking character saying: “What was that?!” with the Japanese subtitle, 『今のなに？』 It never would have occurred to me that a word that means “now” should go into a translation of “what was that?” but it’s very natural in Japanese. “I miss you” translated as 『会いたい』 is another great example of this.
Get a Japanese-Speaking Job
This is pretty difficult if you don’t live in Japan, but it’s the best thing you can possibly do to learn Japanese.
I worked at a handful of restaurants, a bakery, and then once I started getting TV and radio work, it gave me a real and immediate NEED to improve my language skills.
Can You Learn Japanese Online?
While there is no substitute for learning Japanese in an immersive environment, it is certainly possible to make progress with online resources.
The best app to learn Japanese varies depending on your goals and learning style, but there are a few standouts that are worth considering.
For those who prefer a more traditional approach, Tae Kim’s Guide to Learning Japanese is an excellent resource. If you’re looking for something a little more lightweight, try Yomiwa. And for those who want to learn through interactive content, NHK World’s Minna no Nihongo series is a great option.
And of course, the TakeLessons app is another great resource to consider!
No matter which approach you choose, you’ll be able to make progress towards your goal of learning Japanese.
Is Japanese Hard to Learn?
Many people believe that learning Japanese is a difficult task. However, with the right resources and approach, it is possible to learn Japanese relatively easily.
There are many free resources available online that can help you learn the basics of the language. In addition, there are many software programs and mobile apps that can help you learn Japanese free.
Japanese is considered a difficult language for English speakers to learn for a number of reasons. Firstly, the two languages have very different grammar rules. For example, Japanese has no verb conjugations, whereas English has many. This can make it difficult to know how to properly construct a sentence in Japanese.
Secondly, the two languages have different sounds and writing systems. For instance, Japanese has four distinct writing systems, each with its own set of rules. This can be confusing for English speakers who are used to the alphabetical system.
Finally, the cultural differences between the two countries can make it hard to communicate in Japanese. For example, politeness levels are much higher in Japan than in most Western countries, which can lead to miscommunications.
However, with some effort, English speakers can learn to overcome these obstacles and become proficient in Japanese.
If you are willing to put in the time and effort, you can learn Japanese relatively easily.
How Long Does it Take to Learn Japanese?
It is difficult to estimate how long it takes to learn Japanese because it depends on several factors, such as the learner’s prior knowledge of other languages, their age, their motivation for learning, and the instructional methods used.
However, most experts agree that it takes an average of three to five years for a student to become proficient in written and spoken Japanese. This estimate includes time spent formally studying the language in a classroom setting as well as informal exposure to Japanese through conversation, reading, and listening.
While some learners may progress more quickly than others, three to five years is generally considered a reasonable estimate for how long it takes to learn Japanese.
Learning Japanese Can Change Your Life
Learning Japanese is pretty much responsible for my current life; my family and my career. I’m a regular on local TV and radio, I’ve published two books in Japanese, and I’m slowly gaining national traction.
I love everything that I’m doing, and I never would have started down this path had I not set out to learn about a different culture, and experience life in a different country. I encourage you to learn not just about Japanese, but to be open to experiencing and seeing things from different perspectives.
It gives you a much broader view of the world, and presents all kinds of possibilities for your life that never would have occurred to you before.
Good luck and have fun!
Ready to get started learning Japanese? Sign up for lessons with a private tutor, today!
Photo by Ivana Vasilj
Maile Proctor