8 Free Resources to Learn Japanese Online

Japanese is a Category V language - meaning it’s among the hardest languages for an English speaker to learn.

Don’t worry though! It may take you longer but it isn’t impossible.

This is a list of free resources for learning Japanese. I tried to keep the list on the shorter side so that you can dive in instead of getting confused with too many options.

がんばって!:)

🔠 Writing System

The Japanese writing system is made up of phonetic characters (Kana) and borrowed Chinese characters. (Kanji)

Hiragana & Katakana

1. RealKana’s Website

They show you the Kana and also give you practice.

Kanji (Has every Kanji you need to know)

2. StudyKanji Net

For example sentences, copy and paste the Kanji from here into a dictionary site.

📕 Beginner Textbook

3. Irodori

These books are good for beginner levels N5-N4 (A levels in the European framework)

✈️ Grammar

4. Tae Kim (Intermediate)

He has a website but also an app that I prefer. Get the app if you can.

5. Tofugu (Beginner)

Site with free grammar content. They also have other useful content and some paid products.

6. Japanese Ammo with Misa YouTube

(Intermediate-Advanced)

A native speaker who goes over commonly asked questions in a ton of detail.

🎒Practice

7. Graded readers at Yomu (Beginner-Advanced)

Books to read in every level. They also have audio!

8. Axtongue (Intermediate)

This site lets you listen to songs with subtitles in both English and Japanese at the same time.

If you don’t want to google these feel free to check out my blog in bio for the exact links.

#learnjapanese #studyjapanese #learnalanguage #languagestudy #languagetips

2024/4/3 Edited to

... Read moreHey fellow language learners! Diving into Japanese can feel like a huge mountain to climb, especially with all the resources out there. As someone who's navigated this journey, I totally get wanting effective, free tools. The core article gave you some fantastic starting points, but let's dig a little deeper into how to maximize your learning, especially with those popular tools you're searching for! Maximizing Your Grammar Studies: Tae Kim & Japanese Ammo Many of you are looking for "Tae Kim Japanese Grammar" and "Japanese Ammo with Misa" – and for good reason! Tae Kim's Guide to Learning Japanese is a goldmine. Whether you prefer the website or the app, its clear explanations are invaluable. I personally loved having the "Tae Kim Japanese Grammar PDF" version handy for offline study or quick reference. It breaks down complex concepts into digestible chunks, perfect for understanding the nuances of Japanese grammar. Pair this with Japanese Ammo with Misa's YouTube lessons. Misa-sensei is fantastic; her native speaker insights and detailed breakdowns of commonly asked questions truly clarify those tricky grammar points. Don't just watch – actively take notes and try to apply what you learn immediately. Conquering Kana and Kanji: Beyond RealKana The article mentions RealKana, which is excellent for drilling Hiragana and Katakana. But what about interactive apps? If you're searching for a "Kana Town app interface," you're on the right track! Many apps offer gamified ways to master your basic writing systems, making the process less daunting and more fun. Look for apps that provide stroke order, pronunciation, and quizzes. For Kanji, the "StudyKanji Net" mentioned is superb, offering comprehensive lists. My personal tip? Integrate Kanji practice into your daily routine. Flashcards (digital or physical) using spaced repetition systems are a lifesaver. The OCR images also highlight the importance of mastering both Kana and Kanji as fundamental Writing systems, so don't skip those! Finding Your Rhythm: Practice Makes Perfect Once you've got a grasp of grammar and writing, it’s all about consistent Practice. Yomu's graded readers are brilliant for building reading comprehension, and Axtongue is a fun way to immerse yourself in Japanese music with subtitles. Don't forget speaking practice! Even if you're learning online, try to find language exchange partners. Engaging in real conversations, even simple ones, solidifies your understanding. The OCR also emphasized both "Read" and "Watch" for practice, so try to balance different types of exposure. Thinking Beyond Language: The 'Study in Japan' Dream I noticed some of you are curious about "study in Japan website" resources. While the article focuses on language learning, the dream of studying abroad often goes hand-in-hand with it! For this, you'll want to explore official government sites (like the Japan Student Services Organization - JASSO) or university international student pages. They often provide extensive information on visas, scholarships, and program options. Start researching early, as the application processes can be quite involved. Learning Japanese diligently now will definitely give you an edge if you pursue this path! Remember, learning a language is a marathon, not a sprint. Celebrate small victories, stay consistent, and most importantly, have fun with it. がんばって! (Ganbatte - Do your best!) You've got this!

17 comments

ClosetCaprisun's images
ClosetCaprisun

Ty for sharing! Do you have any suggestions for learning Korean? 。^‿^。

See more(2)
YoLadyKatie's images
YoLadyKatie

Thank you for sharing this!!! 🍋🍋🍋

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