Starting your Japanese learning journey (focusing on Genki learners)
Hi all! After 3 years of teaching Japanese as an independent tutor, I decided to write a post for beginners looking to learn Japanese. I am writing how I teach, which of course may not work for everyone, so keep that in mind.
Just a note, I began my own 独学の物語 at 10-ish while the internet was still really expanding and becoming a thing. I studied lots, and eventually got into a high school Japanese program, then college, and now I teach for a living and study independently. I've done a bit of everything.
So I teach using Genki 1 for my raw beginners, and I like it. There are TONS of textbooks out there, I teach using 4 across my classes (Japanese for Busy People, Genki 1 and 2, and Adventures in Japanese 1). This guide will be based on that, but open to other textbooks. I own a ton, so ask me and I may be able to help with other textbooks.
You should start with the writing system and the sounds. Get to know how the vowels and consonants interact before anything else. You need to know how to sound them out properly before you do anything. Speak Japanese Naturally is great for this.
Then, start with learning the first row of hiragana. Listen to audio and say them aloud. When you get comfortable, write down the characters as you see them in the textbook. Keep in mind handwritten font and textbook font can look very different (as shown on Nihongo Resources). To ensure good sizing, I recommend Genkouyoushi paper.
Good practice games 1, 2, and 3 for learning hiragana and katakana
I usually recommend my students get a small whiteboard so they can keep writing and erasing as needed. Add characters as you feel comfortable (I recommend batching them in groups of 5 (あーお、かーこ、etc) until you finish the main set, then do the double consonants, long vowels, and compounds).
As you learn hiragana, open your textbook and begin with the greetings section (if applicable). Learn those then shift ahead and start chapter 1. If your book has one, read the index first, then do this.
Most books start with a self-introduction section and a reading. Listen to a recording of the reading first, then on your second time around, READ THE READING ALOUD alone.
After finishing the reading, start the grammar. Read it grammar point at a time, then shift your focus to the vocab. Grammar and vocab go hand in hand in understanding, so you have to focus on both.
Build up your vocab enough to learn the grammar, then move to the practice section in the textbook. Genki is focused on classroom use, so the examples are difficult to do alone. Go one grammar point at a time until you feel confident enough to move on.
Use the internet if you're studying alone! Check reddit, hellotalk, etc for feedback! Or, ask for help here! There are people out there happy to help :D
If you're using Genki, the workbook breaks down by chapter, and then it's one page per grammar point. You can find an answer key online, but remember to be open to feedback. Sometimes your answers may be right, but not covered in the textbook.
Remember to read your answers aloud and write in Japanese. Don't cheat and write in romaji.
You can study the Genki vocab/ grammar using Quizlet, Anki, Tanoshii Japanese, etc. Use what works for you.
Now, if you're studying Genki, move to the back of the textbook (pg 304) and check out the reading practice section. Complete this after you (almost) complete Genki chapter 1, but not before you learn Hiragana entirely.
Listen to a recording of the reading, then read it aloud alone. Translate the reading to the best of your ability. Remember, you're a beginner, you don't have to be perfect.
If not using Genki, browse the level S/0 Tadoku readings. I recommend reading one or two per chapter until you can read fluidly. Increase your level accordingly.
For listening, my students tend to over-focus on this. Reading and speaking are more important, but listening is still important lol. I generally recommend looking for movies and TV shows that interest you. Music, also, is something I highly recommend (Dir en Grey, my beloved).
Singing along to lyrics is good practice! I recommend it!
r/JapaneseContent is a goddess! There are lots of channels and content out there to explore, so find your interests and go!
I'VE FINISHED CHAPTER 1. NOW WHAT?
Good job! Take a day to yourself to unwind, then rinse and repeat the above process for chapter 2+!
I usually recommend writing a short daily diary beginning around Chapter 3 of Genki. Talk about what you do, will do, etc. Write your routine at first, and build up as you get the knowledge.
You have to put in the effort. Be consistent and if you need, do a weekly diary or adjusted writing assignments to your schedule. Make it work for you.
Tutors vary by learning style. I prefer to learn alone, but my job is keeping people accountable with their learning and ensuring they're learning properly. If you need that, find a tutor.
For those without a tutor that prefer to self study, I recommend watching ToKini Andy's Genki video series. Bunpro and Renshuu can be adjusted to your Genki level, so they're both great resources depending on what you're looking for.
And, sorry, I am no longer taking clients. I am going for my Master's soon and my plate is full.
HOW TO GET INTO THE HABIT OF STUDYING?
A lot of my students want to study either all the time or not at all, forgetting balance. You need to study the amount that works for you. Someone who works full time is not going to study like someone who's still in school.
Set up a space for studying only. A desk, your bed, the floor... anywhere you can place your textbook and study materials. Set a time to study and follow it. Consistency is key, especially if you have ADHD.
Set small goals (finish a grammar point, memorize 10 vocab points, read a paragraph in Japanese) and you'll find it much more manageable. Be kind to your mental health.
I use Wanikani, Bunpro, and JPDrills. I'm also studying through Japanese for Professionals, which brings back trauma from my Business Japanese class (lol).
I speak with Japanese friends daily and read daily in Japanese. Do what you can, and don't feel pressured to do everything.
For a full list of resources, check out my master list!
If you've read this far, thank you. I'm fighting a short bout of insomnia and trying to tire myself out ahaha! I'm pretty busy right now, but feel free to reach out with textbook questions. I will try my best to answer.
Remember that learning Japanese should be fun. Don't take yourself too seriously, acknowledge the goofy mistakes you have, and enjoy the process. You've got this.
Even I, after over a decade, still have oh so much to learn.
