Learn Japanese can be both exciting and rewarding. As a language that beautifully intertwines ancient tradition with modern innovation, Japanese offers a unique challenge for beginners.
This introductory guide for beginners is designed to ease you into the fundamentals of the language. Providing the tools, and resources needed to build a solid foundation.
If you can just memorize the words shared here, even 50% of them, you would have a wonderful time in Japan. Plus the locals would really appreciate that you took the time to learn their language. Even if it’s just a few words.
This section is divided into three parts.
- Speaking: To help you get the ball rolling right awayy.
- Writing: To deepen your learning.
- Reading: To eventually master it all.
This approach ensures a balanced learning, and a more practical understanding of the language.
Welcome to the beginning of your Japanese language adventure.
Speaking: The Basics
Contrary to popular belief, learning Japanese may not be as hard as you think.
It’s all a memory game, and then practicing regularly.
That’s pretty much it.
If you want to learn how to write as well, then things might get a bit more complex. Still, nothing that can’t be overcome with some regular practice and of course, passion.
So one of the best ways to learn Japanese is to have a dedicated notepad, and whenever you hear, or learn a new word, just jot it down. It’s old school, but it works.
Then dedicate daily consistent time to remember the Japanese words you wrote down. It’s a proven method, and you don’t need to spend any big bucks to get it going.
So let’s start with your everyday Japanese. Which is a great way to get things started (Especially for beginners or first time travelers to Japan).
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation | Script |
|---|---|---|---|
| Good Morning | Ohayou gozaimasu | Ohio-gozaii-maas | おはようございます |
| Good Afternoon | Konnichiwa | Koni-chi-wa | こんにちは |
| Good Evening | Koombanwa | Koom-ba-wa | こんばんは |
| Bye | Ja mata / Sayounara | Ja-Mata / Saayo-Nara | じゃまた / さようなら |
| Thank you | Arigatou gozaimasu | Ari-Gato-Gozaii-Maas | ありがとうございます |
| Excuse me / Sorry | Sumimasen / Sima-Say | Sumi-Ma-Sai / Sima-Say | すみません |
| How much? | Ikura desu ka? | Iku-ra-dis-ka | いくらですか？ |
| Do you know where [Insert location]? | [Location] wa doko desu ka? | [Location] Wa-Doko-D iska | [Location] はどこですか？ |
| What’s your name? | O-namae wa nan desu ka? | Onamaii-Wa-Naan-Diska | お名前は何ですか？ |
| My name is [Name]. | Watashi no namae wa [Name] desu. | Wata-Shi-Nonamaii-Wa [Name] Diska | 私の名前は [Name] です。 |
| Nice to meet you. | Yoroshiku onegaishimasu | Yoroshku-Onay-Gaii-Shimas | よろしくお願いします |
| How are you? | Ogenki desu ka? | Ogenki-Dis ka | お元気ですか？ |
| Where are you from? | Doko kara kimashita ka? | Doko-Kara-Kimashta-Ka | どこから来ましたか？ |
| What time is it? | Nanji desu ka? | Nanji-Diska? | 何時ですか？ |
| Left | Hidari | Hidari | 左 |
| Right | Migi | Migi | 右 |
| Straight | Massugu | Mass-u-gu | まっすぐ |
| Where is the bathroom? | Toire wa doko desu ka? | To-i-re wa do-ko de-su ka? | トイレはどこですか？ |
| How do I get to [location]? | [Location] ni wa dou ikeba ii desu ka? | [Location] ni wa dou i-ke-ba ii de-su ka? | [Location] にはどう行けばいいですか？ |
| How many? | Ikutsu? | Ee-Kutsu? | いくつ？ |
| I would like [number] of [item]. | [Number] -ko onegai shimasu. | [Number]-ko-onegaii-shimaas | [Number] 個お願いします。 |
| How much does this cost? | Kore wa ikura desu ka? | Kore-wa-ikura-diska? | これはいくらですか？ |
| I would like to buy this. | Kore o kudasai. | Koray-o-kudasai | これをください |
| Can I see the menu, please? | Menyū o misete kudasai. | Menu-o-misete-kudasai | メニューを見せてください。 |
| I’ll have [dish/drink]. | [Dish/Drink] o onegai shimasu. | [Dish/Drink]-o-onegaii-shimas | [Dish/Drink] をお願いします。 |
| Help me | Tasukete! | Taas-Kittay! | 助けて！ |
| Call the police! | Keisatsu o yonde kudasai! | Keisat-su-o-yonday-kudasai! | 警察を呼んでください！ |
| I’m lost. | Mayoimashita. | Ma-yo-i-ma-shi-ta | 迷いました。 |
| I need a doctor. | Isha ga irimasu. | I-sha ga i-ri-ma-su | 医者がいります。 |
| Today | Kyō | Kyo-u | 今日 |
| Tomorrow | Ashita | A-shi-ta | 明日 |
| Yesterday | Kinō | Ki-no-u | 昨日 |
| Morning | Asa | A-sa | 朝 |
| Afternoon | Gogo | Go-go | 午後 |
| Evening | Yūgata | Yu-u-ga-ta | 夕方 |
| What day is it? | Nan'yōbi desu ka? | Nan-yo-u-bi de-su ka? | 何曜日ですか？ |
| Please (Service) | Onegaishimasu | O-ne-ga-i shi-ma-su | お願いします |
| Please (Physical product) | Ku-ra-sai | Ku-ra-sai | |
| Sorry | Gomen nasai | Go-men na-sa-i | ごめんなさい |
| Yes | Hai | Ha-i | はい |
| No | Iie | I-i-e | いいえ |
| I don’t understand. | Wakaranai | Wakara-nai | わかりません |
To learn more Japanese words, click here.
Do the Japanese Speak English?
Since Japan is not a colonized country, they don’t speak English. Although it’s part of their educational curriculum, it’s not considered a big deal here. They have their own language, own culture, and basically their own civilization.
That’s why, we can’t recommend enough that you at least learn some basic Japanese. Also, Japanese etiquette is a big deal (Example: Not talking while in public transportation), so make sure you have that covered as well. If you give love and give respect here, you’ll get it back twice as more here.
Numbers and Counting 1-10
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation | Hiragana / Katakana / Kanji |
|---|---|---|---|
| One | Ichi | Ich-ee | いち |
| Two | Ni | Ni | に |
| Three | San | San | さん |
| Four | Yon | Yon | し / よん |
| Five | Go | Go | ご |
| Six | Roku | Ro-ku | ろく |
| Seven | Nana | Na-na | しち / なな |
| Eight | Hachi | Ha-chi | はち |
| Nine | Kyuu / Ku | Kyu-u / Ku | きゅう / く |
| Ten | Juu | Ju-u | じゅう |
Knowing 1-10 numbers in Japanese will come quite handy. Especially when going to restaurants.
As the first thing they will ask you when you enter a restaurant here is “Naan-may-sama” | 何名様 which means “How many?”. Referring to the number of guests of course.
So if you know your numbers, then you should be just fine.
Writing System
Unlike the English langauge, that uses one script (Roman Letters), the Japanese Alphabet uses three.
- Hiragana
- Katakana
- Kanji.
When the Japanese do use English letters, they refer to it as Roma-ji. Which means Roman letters, or Roman characters in Japanese.
To learn about the Japanese Alphabet, click here.
NOTE: Once you start to actually write Japanese, your Nihongo (Speaking ability) will go to the next level and fast. As you’ll begin to recognize Japanese characters in real life. Which will trigger further learning almost instantly. Writing a language, especially in a non-colonized country like Japan, where they use their own language everywhere, you will accelerate your Japanese speaking and understanding skills exponentially. So writing is HIGHLY recommended.
Stroke Order
Japanese is one of the few languages out there that has a ‘Stoke Order’ tradition. Stroke order are designed to maintain consistency. This way, you always represent the characters properly.
So the ‘stroke’ that you draw, is accurate.
It’s like having a ‘system’ for your writing system. Now that’s commendable.
Proper stroke order for writing Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji.
[Insert Stroke Guide]
Grammar
Japanese grammar might seem complex at first.Especially for English speaking learners. As both languages follow different structures.
However, once you get familiar with the core principles, you’ll discover that Japanese is quite systematic, and easy to follow.
Here’s an introduction to the fundamentals of Japanese grammar
We’ve tailored this specifically for beginners. With comparisons to English where possible, so you can grasp things easily.
Understanding Sentence Structure: The SOV Pattern
In Japanese, sentences work a bit differently compared to English. Instead of the verb being placed in the middle of a sentence, it’s always saved for the end. This is known as a Subject-Object-Verb structure, and it gives Japanese a distinct flow that might feel unfamiliar to English speakers. In contrast, English sentences usually follow a Subject-Verb-Object order, where the verb shows up right after the subject.
Comparison:
- In English: “I eat an apple.”
- Structure: Subject (I) + Verb (eat) + Object (an apple)
- In Japanese: 私はリンゴを食べます (Watashi wa ringo o tabemasu)
- Structure: Subject (私, watashi) + Object (リンゴ, ringo) + Verb (食べます, tabemasu)
The Role of Particles
Particles are essential components of Japanese sentences. These small words follow nouns, verbs, or adjectives, indicating their grammatical function within the sentence. Here are a few key particles to get you started:
- は (wa): Marks the topic or subject of the sentence.
- English Example: “I am a student.”
- In Japanese: 私は学生です (Watashi wa gakusei desu)
- Comparison: English doesn’t have a direct equivalent to “wa,” but it emphasizes “I” as the topic.
- English Example: “I am a student.”
- を (o): Identifies the direct object of the verb.
- English Example: “I read a book.”
- In Japanese: 本を読みます (Hon o yomimasu)
- Comparison: In English, “a book” is the object, while in Japanese, “o” marks “book” as the object.
- English Example: “I read a book.”
- が (ga): Another subject marker, often used for emphasis or introducing new information.
- English Example: “I like cats.”
- In Japanese: 猫が好きです (Neko ga suki desu)
- Comparison: In English, “I” is the subject, while in Japanese, “ga” emphasizes “cats.”
- English Example: “I like cats.”
- に (ni): Indicates direction, time, or indirect objects.
- English Example: “I’m going to Japan.”
- In Japanese: 日本に行きます (Nihon ni ikimasu)
- Comparison: “to Japan” in English indicates direction, similar to “ni” in Japanese.
- English Example: “I’m going to Japan.”
- で (de): Shows where an action takes place or the means by which something is done.
- English Example: “I study at home.”
- In Japanese: 家で勉強します (Ie de benkyou shimasu)
- Comparison: “at home” in English is equivalent to “de” indicating location in Japanese.
- English Example: “I study at home.”
Mastering Verb Conjugation
Japanese verbs do not change according to the subject. This simplifies conjugation (Joining sentences or phrases).
However, understanding the different forms is crucial:
- Plain Form (Dictionary Form): The basic form of the verb, used in casual or informal speech.
- English Example: “I eat.”
- In Japanese: 食べる (taberu)
- Comparison: In English, verbs like “eat” stay the same, while in Japanese, “taberu” is the dictionary form.
- English Example: “I eat.”
- Polite Form (Masu Form): Commonly used in formal situations.
- English Example: “I eat.”
- In Japanese: 食べます (tabemasu)
- Comparison: “I eat” is the same in both casual and polite English, but in Japanese, “tabemasu” is the polite form.
- English Example: “I eat.”
- Te Form: A versatile form used to connect actions or make requests.
- English Example: “Please eat.”
- In Japanese: 食べてください (tabete kudasai)
- Comparison: In English, “please” is added to make a request, while in Japanese, “te” form (tabete) is used with “kudasai.”
- English Example: “Please eat.”
Adjectives
Japanese adjectives are categorized into two types: i-adjectives and na-adjectives.
- i-adjectives: These end in -い (i) and can directly modify nouns or be used as predicates.
- English Example: “It’s a fun book.”
- In Japanese: 楽しい本 (Tanoshii hon)
- Comparison: In English, “fun” describes the book, similar to how “tanoshii” describes the book in Japanese.
- English Example: “It’s a fun book.”
- na-adjectives: These require the addition of な (na) when modifying a noun.
- English Example: “It’s a quiet place.”
- In Japanese: 静かな場所 (Shizuka na basho)
- Comparison: “Quiet” is an adjective in English, while in Japanese, “shizuka” needs “na” before a noun.
- English Example: “It’s a quiet place.”
Politeness Levels
Japanese language has various levels of politeness that affect verb forms, vocabulary, and sentence structure.
The most common levels are:
- Casual/Informal (タメ口, tameguchi): Used with friends, family, or those of the same age/status.
- English Example: “What’s up?”
- In Japanese: どうした? (Dou shita?)
- Comparison: Casual in both languages, with familiar expressions.
- English Example: “What’s up?”
- Polite/Formal (丁寧語, teineigo): Used in most everyday situations, especially with people who are not close friends or who are in a higher social position.
- English Example: “How are you?”
- In Japanese: お元気ですか? (Ogenki desu ka?)
- Comparison: Polite language is used in both languages to show respect.
- English Example: “How are you?”
- Honorific/Humble (敬語, keigo): Used in very formal situations, such as in business or when speaking to superiors.
- English Example: “May I assist you?”
- In Japanese: お手伝いしましょうか? (Otesudai shimashou ka?)
- Comparison: Both English and Japanese use more formal expressions in respectful contexts.
- English Example: “May I assist you?”
Negative Sentences
To negate a sentence, you simply change the verb, or adjective form:
- For verbs: Add ない (nai) to the dictionary form of the verb.
- English Example: “I don’t eat.”
- In Japanese: 食べない (Tabenai)
- Comparison: “Don’t” negates the verb in English, similar to how “nai” negates it in Japanese.
- English Example: “I don’t eat.”
- For i-adjectives: Drop the final い (i) and add くない (kunai).
- English Example: “It’s not expensive.”
- In Japanese: 高くない (Takakunai)
- Comparison: In English, “not” makes the adjective negative, while in Japanese, “kunai” serves this function.
- English Example: “It’s not expensive.”
- For na-adjectives: Add ではない (de wa nai).
- English Example: “It’s not quiet.”
- In Japanese: 静かではない (Shizuka de wa nai)
- Comparison: The structure “not” + adjective in English is mirrored by “de wa nai” in Japanese.
- English Example: “It’s not quiet.”
Forming Questions
In Japanese, you can turn a statement into a question by adding か (ka) at the end of the sentence. By the way, this is one of our favorite things about learning Japanese.
- English Example (Statement): “This is a book.”
- In Japanese: これは本です (Kore wa hon desu)
- English Example (Question): “Is this a book?”
- In Japanese: これは本ですか? (Kore wa hon desu ka?)
- Comparison: In English, the verb “is” moves to the start to form a question, while in Japanese, “ka” is simply added at the end.
- Example:
IS this a book (English)?
Kore wa Hon desu KA (Japanese)?
Japanese grammar, while different from English, follows clear and consistent rules.
By understanding basic sentence structures, particles, verb conjugations, and politeness levels, beginners can start crafting meaningful sentences in Japanese.
The key to mastering these aspects is practice, exposure, and patience. Each step you take, brings you closer to fluency and a deeper understanding of Japanese culture. Keep taking them steps 🙂
Reading Japanese
Once you begin writing, reading often comes naturally. Again, this when learning Japanese will become a total blast. You at this point would probably be having conversations, etc with local native speakers.
While our main focus is to help you get started with speaking and practical communication in Japanese, your progress in writing and reading depends on the time and effort you put into it. The more you practice, the better you’ll become. That said, we’d like to share a few pointers to help you get started.
Japanese is read left to right, or top to bottom. Modern Japanese falls into the first category, and more traditional books, etc, seem to follow the top to bottom route. Both are fantastic and fun way of reading things, and really gives you some insight on how the Japanese do things.
If you’ve begun writing in Hiragana, Katakana, and perhaps even some Kanji, you’ll find that reading follows naturally (Yattaa!). As you write, you’re also likely reading the characters and learning how to pronounce them. This process creates neural pathways that help you understand and retain Japanese more effectively.
The best way to improve your reading skills is by practicing writing. This method not only helps you memorize character meanings but also reinforces correct writing techniques (Remember stroke order?).
Once you’re comfortable with both writing and reading, start practicing with simple materials like children’s books, magazine ads, and short texts. These resources are perfect for beginners and will help you build your reading skills gradually.
Reading Resources
- Graded Readers: These are books designed specifically for language learners. They start with simple texts, and then gradually increase in difficulty. They often include illustrations and pronunciation guides, to aid comprehension.
- Simplified News Articles: Look for online resources that offer news articles in simplified Japanese. These often include basic vocabulary explanations, and pronunciation aids. Making them a perfect way for practicing your reading skills and staying up to date on events as well.
- Extensive Reading Books: Also known as extensive reading materials, these books are crafted with learners in mind. Using simple vocabulary and clear sentence structures, these reading books provide an enjoyable way to practice, without feeling overwhelmed.
- Manga with Pronunciation Guides: Many manga, particularly those aimed at younger audiences, include pronunciation aids. In most cases, you can find these aids right next to Kanji characters. These make for an engaging resource to practice reading, while enjoying popular Japanese culture.
- Children’s Books: Starting with books intended for young readers can be extremely beneficial. These books use simple language, and are often richly illustrated. This helps with understanding the context of the stories, and some actually find the visuals help them remember things too. Which is essential.
- Language Learning Apps: Consider using apps that offer structured reading exercises tailored to your skill level. These apps often provide grammar explanations, and quizzes to reinforce what you’ve read.
- Online Tools: When you encounter unfamiliar words or characters, online dictionaries are invaluable. They typically provide translations, stroke order diagrams, and example sentences to deepen your understanding.
- Kanji Learning Tools: To strengthen your Kanji reading abilities, use tools that offer systematic learning paths, introducing more complex characters and compound words as you progress.