11 Great Japanese learning tools

Japanese is thought to be one of the more difficult languages to learn for a native English speaker. It takes some amount of dedication and time to learn the language. Studies say that depending on several factors like your original language, how much time you devote daily to learn the language, etc. one can decide how difficult it is to learn Japanese. Again contrary to this popular belief, many linguists agree that spoken Japanese is comparatively easier to master than other languages, because it has only five vowels and thirteen consonants. In this blog, I will discuss a few points why Japanese is easy to learn for some people and why it is difficult for others.

1.Real Japanese literature –

Textbooks are all well and good but you will eventually need to start exposing yourself to real Japanese. And if trips to Tokyo, not on the cards just yet, then reading alongside listening practice is of course a great way to do that. 

2.Get a Japanese Dictionary

When you begin to learn a language and start trying to say or understand things, you’re always going to have more questions than answers. A dictionary helps you make progress in this area and allows more spontaneity in your learning. You can always look up words that catch your fancy, regardless of whether they relate to a structured teaching unit or not.

This is a giant reference book of all of the must-know beginner Grammar. Now, let me be honest and say that this isn’t a “fun” or “exciting” read.

The value of this book is that it teaches you grammar rules and new ways of expressing yourself in Japanese. 

3.Take a Class or Computer Course –

If you don’t know any Japanese, a structured class is the best way to start. Find teachers in your area, or sign up for Japanese classes at a local community college or university. If taking a class isn’t an option, you can buy a language learning program. Applications like Multibhashi Learning Lessons Solutions are an excellent solution. They offer online classes in multiple foreign languages.

4.Listen to Language Podcasts –

There are lots of Japanese podcasts available online. They range from beginner to advanced. For best results, make listening to podcasts a daily part of your routine (listen during your commute or while you do chores). It will help you learn the language much faster than anyone else. 

5.Watch movies and TV shows with subtitles 

The first is for beginners: watching Japanese movies with English subtitles.

The second is for advanced speakers: watching Japanese movies with Japanese subtitles.

It might seem odd to watch in Japanese and read in Japanese at the same time, but it really does work wonders. Reading skills develop a lot faster than listening skills. By reading and listening at the same time, I was really able to improve my pronunciation.

6.Keep a Japanese notebook and translate words throughout the day

Workbooks can help you learn to write characters and understand their meaning. Get a workbook and dedicate a short amount of time to practice each day, even if it’s only 20 minutes. 

Ten new vocabulary words per day is sometimes quoted as a realistic target.

However, the worst possible way to go about this would be to arbitrarily pick 10 common words, put them on a list and spend 20 minutes trying to force them into your long-term memory.

Instead, translate new Japanese words during idle moments in your day.

7.Use Flashcards –

Yes, the same tool you used to memorize your time’s tables when you were 8, will come in handy memorizing and expanding your new Japanese vocabulary.  You can make your own, buy pre-made cards like Japanese Grammar SparkNotes Study Cards $10, download Flashcard Touch app for your phone or simply visit the website.

8. New words every day –

Open up your inbox every day to a new word! Sign up at Japanese  -word-a-day.com to receive daily emails with Japanese words, phrases, and sayings. This has to be one of the easiest ways to get vocabulary delivered to you!

9. Listen to Japanese songs –

Listen to some Japanese songs and focus on pronunciation and meaning. It helps to listen to the songs multiple times. Japanese places usually play songs in their native languages.

10. Write down everything –

You must write down whatever you feel is new to you. Writing down everything will help you track your progress and you’ll have all the words in one place.

11.Your Web Browser

With the Google Translate Chrome add-on, you can turn any Japanese website into an interactive Japanese dictionary. When you click on a word you don’t know, the English translation pops up on the same page, so you can read websites for native speakers without constantly stopping to look up words.

These are 11 great Japanese Learning Tools you can use to improve your bilingual skills. We hope that you’re able to find your own way to learn Japanese as fast as possible.

So what are you waiting for? Start your journey to Japanese fluency with  Multibhashi right now!