Let's start learning Japanese from scratch. Where to start learning Japanese? Memorization method based on plot

Instructions

Due to the specifics of each foreign language, the initial stages of learning involve more intensive study of some sections and less intensive study of others. At the first stage of learning, familiarize yourself with all the features of the language you are about to master. You will learn that the Japanese language has its own unique structure, combining syllabic (syllabic) and hieroglyphic writing. Also at the initial stage you need to learn how to pronounce sounds correctly. Some of the most difficult sounds for Russian-speaking students to perceive by ear are r and sh. Use audio recordings to get the pronunciation correct.

In Japanese, there are several ways to write words and sentences. Start with the familiar Latin alphabet. Writing Japanese words in the Latin alphabet is called romaji. The next alphabet of the language that you will begin to study will be, it is the most universal and can be used to write all words. Hiragana is used by schoolchildren who are still learning hieroglyphs. The third is katakana. It is used mainly for recording borrowed words, as well as phonetic transcriptions. Each character or katakana corresponds not to a letter, but to an entire syllable.

Once you learn all the syllables of the Japanese alphabet, you will be able to write everything with confidence. simple words and suggestions. But in order to formulate statements correctly, you need to learn the grammatical rules. Japanese grammar seems to be the most difficult section of learning. Just like in Russian, in Japanese nouns have cases, and verbs have conjugations and perfect/imperfect forms. To avoid getting confused in the system of endings, make special cards with grammar rules for yourself.

Learning to write hieroglyphs at the initial stage is not very important; all entries can be made using hiragana, katakana or romaji. However, mastering hieroglyphic writing is one of the mandatory sections of learning the Japanese language. It is very important to study each character correctly and in detail, since in Japanese they have two reading options: Chinese (for reading as part of a word) and Japanese (for reading individual words). There are many exceptions to the hieroglyphic writing system, so you will also need flashcards to learn hieroglyphs.

As you progress in learning the Japanese language, with each new stage you will become familiar with the unique and distinctive culture of Japan. By learning hieroglyphs, you will become acquainted with the art of calligraphy, and having mastered all the basic grammatical rules and basic set words and hieroglyphs, you will already be able to read simple texts in Japanese. Having passed First stage, you will understand for yourself where to move next and how to organize training.

Are you interested in Japan and the Japanese language? Do you want to expand your horizons and learn another language, but the cost of studying at a language school in Japan is not yet affordable for you? Learning a language can be fun and challenging at the same time, but many people are unable or unwilling to invest in courses or classroom lessons. By learning the basics by practicing the language on your own, you can experience the joy of learning a new language.

Method 1: Learn the Basics

Learn Japanese writing systems

The Japanese language uses four writing systems.

Hiragana is the Japanese alphabet. Each symbol represents one sound. Start by learning and memorizing these symbols. Once you learn Hiragana, you will know how to pronounce any word in Japanese.
Katakana is a series of characters used to represent non-Japanese words (such as fast food or California). It's a good idea to learn katakana phrases for the words you usually use.
Kanji are Chinese characters that are used to represent words and phrases in Japanese. While Hiragana characters are more like “letters” (representing simple sounds), Kanji characters represent entire words.
Romaji is a system of use English letters to write Japanese words. A little Romaji will be helpful at first (especially for learning the initial key phrases), but if you rely on it too much, you're unlikely to progress to actually understanding the language. Instead, focus mainly on hiragana, katakana and kanji.

Practice your Japanese pronunciation

The Japanese language has 46 sounds, which are represented by either one of five vowel sounds or a combination of a vowel and a consonant. (There is only one exception - a sound consisting of only a consonant). You can start learning pronunciation by learning how to pronounce each character in hiragana and katakana.

Learn some key phrases

Knowing some key phrases will allow you to start practicing. While romaji shouldn't be relied upon heavily, using it to learn these basic phrases will be helpful for beginners.

Hello - Konnichiwa

Goodbye - Sayonara

I'm fine, thank you - Watashi wa genki desa. Arigato

Thank you very much - Domo arigato gozaimas

Nice to meet you - Hajimemashite

Please (request for something) - Kudasai

Please (offer something) - Dozo

You understand? - Wakarimasuka

Learn the rules of grammar

Japanese grammar is very different from Russian grammar, so try not to apply the rules of your native language's grammar to learning Japanese. Buy a Japanese grammar book and start studying the lessons, or find free online resources (like Duolingo) to learn Japanese grammar. Here are some basic tips for those who cannot yet start studying at a language school in Japan, but really want to learn Japanese:

Nouns have no gender. In addition, most nouns do not have separate plural forms.
The subject is optional and can be omitted.
The predicate is always at the end of the sentence.
Verbs do not change depending on the subject (he/she/it). They also lack the grammatical category of number.
Personal pronouns (such as I or you) vary depending on the level of formality of the situation.

Method 2. Language practice

Strengthen your mastery of writing systems

It is important to spend enough time learning all four writing systems. Hiragana and katakana can be learned in just a few weeks, and you can use them to write whatever you want in Japanese. Learning kanji will take much longer, but it is also important. Start practicing kanji.

A good workbook with exercises is a great way to practice reading and writing.
You can also use online resources such as Duolingo.

Talk to someone on the Internet

A fun way to practice Japanese is to video chat with a native speaker. Look for online resources that connect language partners. If you find the right person, start training with him 1-2 times a week. But it is best to practice speech with a native speaker in Japan, for example, while studying at a language school.

Look at My Language Exchange or Mixxer to find an online language partner.

Use flashcards

You can purchase (or make) flashcards for each writing system to help you learn specific phrases and remember grammar basics. Flashcards can be a fun way to expand your vocabulary in all three writing systems (hiragana, kanji, or katakana).

Place cards around the house to identify items with their Japanese names.
You can ask a friend to ask you test questions on the cards to practice your memorization.
You can use the cards to ask questions of yourself.

Use online resources

You can learn Japanese not only at a language school in Japan, but also using the achievements of modern progress. There are many online language programs to help you learn Japanese, such as Duolingo, Tofugu, and Japanese 101. Find free resources and make practicing Japanese part of your daily life.

Method 3. Fun ways to learn a language

Read

Look for Japanese books, manga or newspapers. When you read, you learn new words, improve your language skills, and become familiar with Japanese culture.

Movies can provide you with a wider range of terms (including slang) and provide an enjoyable time. You can even use subtitles to help you understand the plot.

Listen to Japanese radio

Like movies, listening to Japanese radio can be in a good way learn new words and improve your listening skills. Look for Japanese music with lyrics or Japanese radio talk.

Immerse yourself in the language environment

If you have the opportunity to visit Japan and experience an authentic Japanese restaurant, take it! This will allow you to speak to people in Japanese and watch how they speak. Not really the best way It's better to learn a new language than to immerse yourself in a language environment, so it's best to go to a language school in Japan.

I need to learn Japanese...

Some people claim that you can only learn Japanese by watching anime with subtitles. I can't agree with them. Without knowledge of the vocabulary and rules of the Japanese language, nothing will work. Of course, unless you are a genius who grasps everything on the fly.

First, the three most important rules studying Japanese, without which nothing will work:

Studying should be fun for you.
Exercise every day at least an hour (you can take one day off per week)
Set yourself specific goal (learn to read Japanese, learn to watch anime without translation, learn to communicate with Japanese on everyday topics, if you are going on a trip to Japan, pass an exam, etc.) and strive to achieve it.

And now, the algorithm for learning Japanese:

Step 1: Katakana and Hiragana

Learn katakana and hiragana first. These are syllabic alphabet. Katakana used by the Japanese to write words borrowed from foreign languages, and hiragana- in writing along with Kanji characters. In principle, Japanese words can be written using only katakana or hiragana, without kanji.

This is hiragana

Personally, hiragana was easier for me, but katakana still has problems. It is best to learn these ABCs using the “slotting” method, just as we all once learned the multiplication table.

Step 2: Learn grammar and vocabulary from the textbook

Take a textbook Minna no Nihongo and study it until you are completely enlightened. It will help you learn Japanese words and Japanese language rules. It is best to use the complete textbook, with all audio applications. This will help you learn to pronounce words more or less correctly. There is also a good textbook for universities by Nechaeva.

Minna no Nihongo

If you know any other good textbooks, write in the comments.

Step 2.5 Audio Tutorials

When learning foreign languages, it is very useful to listen to various audio materials. With their help, knowledge is ingrained directly into the brain. Listening can be combined with other activities and it saves a lot of time.

Download the audio guide. And listen to it until you feel that the Japanese language has been ingrained into your brain. And then, (Rutreker was blocked, so the links may not work) These are excellent audio tutorials (I won’t recommend anything bad), although they are only suitable for those who know English.

There are also good podcasts for Japanese language learners, which can also be found on RuTracker.

Step 3: Learn Kanji

Learn hieroglyphs. “Love hieroglyphs and they will love you”. I don't know who came up with this phrase, but I really like it. The “slotting” method will not cope with hieroglyphs. After all, you need to learn about 2000 hieroglyphs to read Japanese texts. Use mnemonics methods (mnemonics are a set of rules and techniques that allow you to remember the necessary information). It is important to memorize not only the hieroglyph itself, but also the words it includes.

If you're just starting to learn kanji, try reading a book with a strange title "Kanja essays". It can give a good impetus to the study of hieroglyphs.

By the way, you need to memorize not only appearance hieroglyph, but also the order in which the strokes are written. This also has a hidden meaning and its own logic.

There are many excellent programs for learning characters and Japanese words. The most famous program for learning using flashcards is . I advise you to use it. If you want to learn to read Japanese, then you need to study them every day at least an hour using cards.

I also advise you to install a hieroglyph dictionary. Great program.

Step 4: Start using your Japanese knowledge

At this stage, you can start watching anime in Japanese and reading manga. There is a little secret when watching anime. If characters speak too quickly, slow down the playback. This can be easily done using for example VLC media player. Then you will understand the words in Japanese.

For manga, start with simple children's manga that doesn't use many characters. I can also recommend simple Japanese fairy tales. Very suitable for starting to learn to read.

Step 5: Communicate with Japanese

Start communicating with Japanese people on the Internet, or in real life, if possible. It all depends on how sociable you are. If everything is fine with this, then you can easily find Japanese friends on social networks or on special websites.

The article is not finished yet, because you can learn Japanese indefinitely. I hope any Japanese language experts who stop by the blog Nippon-otaku will make their additions.

Yes, by the way, there is more information on this topic on the blog. In the section and by tag.

Japan is a country with a long history and mysterious traditions. Its language is difficult to learn even for those who live on the lands of the Country rising sun.

The Japanese language has three writing systems: two syllabaries (hiragana and katakana) and hieroglyphs. In order to communicate, write and read freely, you need to know at least two thousand hieroglyphs, with the help of which words and the roots of Japanese words are written, which in itself is not easy. However, if you are motivated, have the time and the right amount of stubbornness, nothing is impossible.

Knowing the language of the land of the rising sun will not be superfluous when you plan long-term creative and business ties with Japanese companies, which today are promising partners in the market.

All Courses Com has compiled a selection of free online courses and resources to help you learn Japanese.

Simple and clear Japanese lessons for beginners: the alphabet, first characters, pronunciation, reading and even intonation.

– the online resource contains a lot of valuable materials for self-studying the basics of the Japanese language: explanations of the rules, assignments, interactive tests, audio dialogues, etc. The user will also find many useful information about the culture, history, traditions, customs and modern scientific achievements of the country.

A resource that provides online lessons on learning hieroglyphs, tests and materials for preparing for the Noreku Shiken exam - Japanese for foreigners. Many materials can be accessed freely, but some require registration to read. By the way, be careful when registering, because if a user has not used an account for 180 days, strict administration will delete him, and he may not be able to register again.
- a VKontakte group about learning Japanese, which constantly updates its material and has a lot of interesting information in the archive. You can subscribe and receive fresh materials and lessons on an ongoing basis.

A convenient program for memorizing text, graphic and audio information in many languages of the world.

A resource for a mobile device; you can also take lessons from a browser. Here you can improve your Japanese vocabulary by choosing a ready-made course of words or kanji to study, you can also create your own set of words.

A high-quality resource that provides the opportunity to listen to Japanese speech. While listening to the speaker, you can follow his speech by reading the printed text below, you can also repeat after the speaker or try to guess the words yourself. The site is in Japanese.

- encyclopedia in Wikipedia style about Japanese characters. A lot of historical and unusual information that will be useful for understanding the habits and traditions of the nation.

– many video lessons from Japanese youth. Pleasant and useful: cheer up and learn a language. – another free educational and interesting channel with video lessons.
- an archive with Japanese characters and their examples of reading, as well as use in context.

An educational blog for those learning Japanese. You can find many useful articles on grammar.

Helps you expand your vocabulary of Japanese words. Here you can subscribe to receive a dozen Japanese words every day with voiceovers and examples of use.

A very useful resource for those studying Japanese and preparing for the language proficiency test for foreigners. Japanese and English versions of the site are possible. For advanced users.

A resource that will allow you to test yourself at all levels of the exam for foreigners. A site for those who already speak basic Japanese at an advanced level.

A high-quality dictionary of Japanese characters, which allows you to find the desired symbol by various characteristics: reading, meaning, number of strokes, radical, as well as by writing it with your finger. As a result of the search, the dictionary will display the meaning of the hieroglyph, examples of its use and correct pronunciation. There are tests for repetition and consolidation of information. The dictionary can be purchased for free by users of the Android, iPhone-iPad, Windows Phone, Windows Mobile, Samsung bada, Mac/Linux platforms.

Dear friends! Surely many of those who study foreign languages(in particular Japanese), they are faced with the fact that they have some problems and difficulties that prevent them from moving forward. Therefore, in today’s article we will talk about how to effectively learn Japanese so that you do not stop in one place, but only move forward in your learning.

Set yourself a goal

When you start any business (in this case, learning the Japanese language), you need, first of all, to set yourself a clear goal. What do you want to achieve and what specific deadline have you set for yourself to achieve this goal?

What is it for?

First of all, based on your goal, you can make your own schedule, build your own training plan, that is, when, on what day, what do we do.

Systematicity and regularity

Systematicity and regularity in the process of learning any language is also very important.

For many who have decided to take up learning the Japanese language on their own, we can advise the following: choose one main textbook and one additional one. Also, don’t use ten different textbooks and ten different websites.

And as mentioned above, regularity of exercise is very important, that is, a ten-minute lesson will be better and more useful for you than if you exercise once a week or a month at an accelerated pace.

Prescribe - speak

Probably the most terrible thing that those who study Japanese or Chinese encounter are hieroglyphs (kanji).

Do not strive to know the hieroglyphs perfectly, since even the Japanese themselves do not know all the hieroglyphs.
Also, write them down as often as possible so that your hand remembers their spelling and at the same time pronounce the reading of the hieroglyph itself.

Use cards

It will be very good for you if you use thematic cards to memorize hieroglyphs. On one side of the card you write the hieroglyph itself, and on the other - its reading and translation. You need to not only make cards, but also repeat them regularly.

Put the cards that you know well in one pile. As for those that you don’t know well, constantly return to them and repeat them more often.

By the way, cards can be made using a special ANKI program - the same cards, but in electronic format, plus you can add pictures and the sound of this hieroglyph.

And most importantly, the better this program is - there is spaced repetition- that is, the program shows words exactly with the frequency that is needed for this word to enter long-term memory.

Figurative memorization

The next method of memorizing hieroglyphs is the figurative method. That is, you should see in the hieroglyph not only the order of features, but a specific image.

After all, in fact, hieroglyphs are former pictures, simplified over time (that is, you can find out the history of the hieroglyph and find out what the author wanted to say).

For example, the hieroglyph “mountain” really looks like a mountain.

Can I recommend books for this? “Japanese for the soul” by Alexander Voordov and a book Lena Walsh's Japanese Language Self-Teacher, which describe the origin stories of the most common hieroglyphs.

After all, when you know the history and image of the character you are studying, learning is much easier.

Another important thing when studying hieroglyphs is the correct spelling of strokes. After all, then not only will your hieroglyph look more beautiful and “real,” but you will also easily learn to look for its meaning in special applications and dictionaries.

And finally...

As mentioned above, it is very important to choose the right textbook that will make it easier for you to remember the educational material.

And of course practice: without it it is impossible to learn any language.

Ideally, of course, it is better to take a Japanese language course or individual sessions with a Japanese teacher, but if this is not possible, then you always need a partner to not only practice the Japanese language yourself, but also maintain interest in it. Otherwise, you can quickly give up and quit learning the language.