FAQ

Here is a list of some of the common questions that I get:


@dahliadluxe: What's the best order to learn? Syllabaries first then vocab? Or grammar then vocab??

The order that I recommend to learn is the following:
1) Hiragana
2) Katakana
3) Vocabulary (through songs or movies)
4) Simple sentences with simple grammar
5)Basic Kanji
6) Grammar
7) More complex kanji


@aidan_harris: Once you have learnt the basic phrases, where do you go from there?

Definitely you want to practice the basic phrases not only written but also spoken. After that, you should start learning more complex kanji and more complex grammar.
For example, if the basic sentence is "My name is xxx", then now, learn how to make it a bit longer. "My name is xx and I'm xx years old, I work at xx as xx". And then understand the grammar there. But once again, not only written but also spoken.


@putrisyarifahd / @mrunmayee212: How to memorize vocabulary fast and kanji?

What worked best for me was music and jdramas. Listening to music (starting with very basic lyrics) and memorizing those lyrics or at least some of the words, help a lot.
Besides it is a very nice way to learn. Your brain will tend to memorize the new vocabulary faster especially because you are not forcing it to learn, but you are enjoying learning it.
Jdramas help a lot because it is more real life conversations. Although for beginners there are also a few animes for children that can help with vocabulary such as Chibi Maruko or Doraemon.


@pintichino: How to study particles?

Particles is one of those things that even Japanese people sometimes don't know how to use. They can get very complicated or specific in some circumstances. My advice is to study the basics and try your best in each sentence. You will learn these as you move forward with the language.


@forever8years.old: What textbook is best for learning spoken Japanese?

If by spoken, you mean listening, I recommend the matome series.
Otherwise, if you mean to improve your speaking skills, I recommend you to join a tandem partner community. Some examples are
Apps: HelloTalk or Tandem
Websites: Mixxer


@what_will_be_the_next: How to practice talking in Japanese?

Even though it might sound silly, a lot of times I talk to myself to practice a new language. It helps me get the ideas quicker in my head and speak quicker. Other than that, as I mentioned in my previous answer, finding tandem partners can help a lot too.



@thefoxrises: How to stay motivated?

Motivation is one of those things that come and go. One day you might want to conquer the world. The next day, not so much anymore.
That is why instead on focusing on trying to stay motivated, set goals. They don't have to be big either.
For example, you can say, "I want to learn a kanji per day". Just make sure you really do it until you develop the habit. By doing that, if one day you don't feel like too motivated, but you have that goal, you will do it regardless.
Also, it is good to join different social media groups where you can ask your questions and answer other people's questions. That will also help to stay on track.


@krlossh17: How can I practice the theory I'm learning?

There are quite a few communities out there for different levels. Joining these communities can definitely help. Answering other people's questions and putting your questions out there keeps you in that learning loop at all times. Also, joining tandem partners websites where you can actually find Japanese people to practice with helps a lot!
In case you want to practice written theories, I recommend you iTalki website. In this website you can have actual diary entries corrected by natives. That will help you a lot to improve!


@sami31_093 / @0sweetgirl_0: How to learn kunyomi and onyomi pronunciation or each kanji?

I mistake that I've noticed in a lot of people is trying to memorize the kun and the On for every kanji they learn. That is a DON'T do! Just learn each word as they come and the way they are pronounce. Believe or not, your brain will automatically memorize how to read the words. The more you see it, the more you will be able to know how to recognize it and read it.
Reading books is definitely the best way to memorize pronunciations and vocabulary. So that would be my biggest advice. If you are on a level that is not to read books yet, then start with simple sentences! You will notice a big advancement!

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If you have other questions, feel free to leave them in the comments below!






2 comments

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Erlangga
Admin
February 7, 2020 at 4:37 PM

How to learn kanji correctly?

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February 7, 2020 at 5:37 PM

@Erlangga: The best way to learn kanji is:
1) Learn the proper stroke order
2) Learn the radicals/elements that make up the kanji
3) Come up with some mnemonic that will help you remember
4) Find words and sentences that contain that kanji so you can learn exactly how it is used in real life.
Hope that helps.

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