Guide To Learn Japanese Online

Have you ever hoped to finally understand the lyrics to your favorite anime theme song or make Japanese friends? The key to unlocking the world of Japanese culture is through the language itself. With the abundance of online resources available, learning Japanese has never been more accessible and fun! Don’t have to spend time searching how to study Japanese; this is the only guide you need to know the best way to learn Japanese online.

A Quick Jump To…

• Hiragana, Katakana, and Basic Vocabulary
• Grammar, Kanji, and Conversation
• Embracing the Fun and Culture
• Tips for Long-Term Success
• FAQ

Building the Foundation: Hiragana, Katakana, and Basic Vocabulary

Before tackling the kanji mountain, let’s focus on the essentials: hiragana and katakana. These two phonetic scripts are the gateway to understanding spoken Japanese and reading basic texts. Here are some resources to get you started:

Japanese Online Learning Apps and Websites

Duolingo

Duolingo is a fantastic free app that uses gamified lessons to introduce hiragana and katakana in a user-friendly way.

Memrise

Memrise is another excellent option, offering spaced repetition flashcards to solidify your memory.

Anki

Anki is a powerful flashcard app that allows you to create decks or download pre-made ones specifically focused on Japanese vocabulary.

Check out some blogs we wrote regarding Anki!

• Best Japanese Anki Decks: Easy ways to remember Japanese
• Guide to Learning Japanese With Anki Flashcards

Dr. Moku

Dr. Moku provides free, interactive lessons with audio recordings for clear pronunciation.

Tofugu

Tofugu offers a fun and engaging guide to hiragana and katakana, complete with mnemonics to help you remember those tricky characters.

Tae Kim’s Guide to Learning Japanese

Tae Kim’s Guide to Learning Japanese provides in-depth explanations of grammar points, often accompanied by helpful vocabulary lists.

Deepen Your Learning: Grammar, Kanji, and Conversation

Now that you have a foundation in pronunciation and basic vocabulary, it’s time to delve deeper! Here’s how to tackle those all-important grammar structures, unlock the secrets of kanji, and practice speaking the language:

Online Japanese Courses

Coto has an online platform called Coto Online Japanese School, which provides online Japanese lessons in real-time. If you cannot attend the lessons, we also provide class recordings for you! We offer various courses which are taught by professional native speakers. We sure have a suitable Japanese class for any learning goal you have. Want to know more? Check here.

Other platforms like JapanesePod101 offer structured courses with video lessons, audio dialogues, and downloadable materials designed to take you from beginner to advanced levels.

Japanese Learning Apps and Websites

Wanikani

Wanikani is a subscription-based service that uses a unique approach to make learning kanji fun and engaging.

HelloTalk

HelloTalk is a language exchange app that connects you with native Japanese speakers. You can practice writing and speaking and even exchange cultural tips.

Italki

Italki allows you to find online tutors for personalized Japanese lessons. This is a fantastic option if you want tailored feedback and guidance on your speaking skills.

Preply

Preply is for people who look for personalized learning and conversation practice with native Japanese speakers.

Beyond Textbooks: Embracing the Fun and Culture

Learning a language isn’t just about memorizing vocabulary lists – it’s about connecting with a culture. Here’s how to make your Japanese learning journey more engaging and immersive:

Anime and Manga

Watching anime (animation) or reading manga (comics) with Japanese subtitles is one of the best way to learn Japanese online to expose yourself to natural language in a fun context.

J-Dramas and Japanese Music

Dive into Japanese dramas or listen to your favorite J-pop artists. Pay attention to how phrases are used; don’t be afraid to look up unfamiliar words.

Podcasts

Coto has its podcast – Coto Sounds, where we teach you phrases you can use in different scenarios! Other options are podcasts like Nihongo con Teppei (Japanese with Teppei), which provide entertaining and informative content you can listen to while commuting or doing chores.

Staying Motivated: Tips for Long-Term Success

Learning a language is a marathon, not a sprint. Here are some tips to keep you motivated in the long run:

• Set realistic goals: Take your time trying to learn everything at a time. Start with small, achievable goals and celebrate your progress along the way.
• Find a study buddy: Partner with a friend who is also learning Japanese or join an online language learning community. Having someone to share your struggles and successes with can make a big difference.
• Make it fun! Integrate Japanese learning into your hobbies. Watch anime, listen to music you love, or read manga on interesting topics.
• Track your progress: Seeing how far you’ve come can be a powerful motivator. Keep a journal where you track your learning goals and achievements.
• Reward yourself: Celebrate milestones in your learning journey. Treat yourself to a Japanese book, movie ticket, or even a trip to Japan (when the time is right) as a reward for your hard work.

Learning Japanese online opens a doorway to a fascinating culture, rich history, and incredible experiences. With the vast resources and this guide, we hope you have found the best way to learn Japanese online and have a successful Japanese learning journey.

You Might Be Wondering

Can you learn Japanese online for free?

Yes, you can! There are a lot of ways you can learn Japanese online for free. In this blog, we discussed Duolingo, a free platform. Coto’s blog also provides free study materials. Make sure to check them out!

Can I study JLPT online?

Yes, you can! Coto Online Japanese School provides JLPT courses to prepare for your JLPT exam! Coto also provides self-study courses for you to practice!