Japanese language learning tips, hacks and advice. Answers to all your questions about how to learn Japanese!
For many learners, anime is their first real exposure to Japanese. And watching anime in the original version is many people’s motivation to start learning Japanese. It’s no wonder so many people ask if you can learn Japanese watching anime! Well, anime can be a useful tool for learning Japanese – but only if you … Read more
Studio Ghibli movies are often recommended to Japanese learners, but not all of them are equally helpful for language practice! Some feature dramatic speech, unusual vocabulary, or fantasy settings that don’t reflect how people talk in everyday life. If your goal is to improve listening skills and get used to natural Japanese, it helps to … Read more
Learning Japanese doesn’t have to mean sitting with textbooks for hours! Watching Japanese shows on Netflix can help you build listening confidence and pick up natural expressions – as long as you know how to use it effectively. Here’s my strategy for how to learn Japanese watching Netflix, including tips, recommended resources and top show … Read more
need more Japanese listening practice? Here’s an epic list of free and affordable resources for Japanese listening practice at every level (beginner, intermediate and advanced)
Speaking is the ultimate goal of most language learners. It’s one thing working through textbooks or watching anime in Japanese. But if you ever go to Japan, how will you order your lunch, buy a train ticket or make Japanese friends, if you can’t actually speak Japanese? But speaking can definitely be the most nerve-wracking … Read more
Japanese writing can be one of the scariest aspects of learning Japanese! And there’s no shortcut to success – you simply have to get your Japanese writing practice in. Luckily there are no shortage of tools to help you with this! Whether you are a beginner looking to practise your Japanese handwriting, or an advanced … Read more
Whether you are brand new to Japanese or approaching fluency, writing can be one of the most challenging aspects of the language. And the only way to improve your Japanese writing is to write, write, write! Of course, you can practise your Japanese writing on any old scrap of paper you can get your hands … Read more
The short answer is: No, Japanese is not a tonal language. Rather than being a tonal language, Japanese is considered a ‘pitch-accent language’. You might be wondering why. If you’re interested in finding out more, read on for the long answer too! What is a tonal language? Before looking at why Japanese is not a … Read more