Learning a new language on your own has never been easier, there are tons of resources available both online and offline. But let’s be honest, knowing how to study Japanese by yourself can be very challenging. But with the right motivation and resources, anyone can effectively self-study Japanese.
In this article, we’ll provide tips and resources for setting goals, finding materials, and staying motivated while you learn Japanese on your own. So, if you’re ready to take on the challenge, read on for advice on how to get started.
The benefits of learning Japanese
Improved career opportunities: Knowing Japanese can give you an advantage in the job market, particularly in Japan since many companies require some level of Japanese to even consider you a candidate.
Cultural enrichment: Learning Japanese can give you a deeper understanding and appreciation of Japanese culture, art, and history.
Improved communication with native Japanese speakers: Knowing Japanese allows you to communicate with native speakers and build deeper relationships with people from a different cultural background.
Personal satisfaction: Learning a new language is a challenging and rewarding experience, and can be a great sense of accomplishment.
However. Let’s not kid ourselves. Studying by yourself can be quite challenging. Here we will give you some pointers in the right direction, as well as recommendations for good study material that you can use on your own.
The challenges of self-studying a language
Self-studying a language can be a challenging task for a number of reasons. One of the main challenges is finding the time to consistently and dedicatedly practice the language. Without a structured classroom setting or a teacher to guide you, it can also be difficult to know where to start and what materials to use.
Another challenge is finding opportunities to practice speaking the language, especially if you don’t have regular access to native speakers. It can be easy to become demotivated when learning a language on your own, especially if you don’t see progress as quickly as you’d like. Finally, it can be intimidating to speak a new language, especially if you make mistakes or feel like you’re not making progress, which can lead to feeling self-conscious.
Find your motivation
With the right motivation, anyone can self-study Japanese effectively.
First of all: Identify your motivation for learning Japanese and tailor your studies around that. That could be personal or professional goals, a general interest in Japanese culture or just wanting to order in restaurants while traveling Japan. If you have an actual interest and goal, keeping the motivation will be easier.
Secondly: Set realistic goals and create a study schedule.
Although we all dream of the day a chip can be inserted into the brain with instant knowledge of a language of our choice, the sad reality is that language learning is 95 percent repeating, repeating, and repeating. We cannot stress enough how important it is to create a routine and a schedule/plan where you study every day or at least every week. Repetition is the way to success.
Lastly: Be honest with yourself. How much time can you realistically dedicate to study Japanese each day or week? Break your goals down into smaller, achievable tasks.
Motivational tip: Studying a language can often feel like banging your head against a wall with nothing to show for it. From time to time, go back and look at things you studied a long time ago. Wow, it suddenly looks much easier now, doesn’t it? It’s good to remind yourself of your progress from time to time!
Resources for studying Japanese on your own
Classic textbooks might work for some. Others would rather take posion than opening a book. Figure out what you need in terms of resources to not lose motivation. Here are some alternatives to consider:
Textbooks
There are many traditional textbooks out there. They might not be very “fun” but if you’re going to take the JLPT it might be a good idea to study the particular grammar, kanji and words that will appear in the test.
Good places to find Japanese textbooks are Omg japan and Amazon.
Read manga
If you want to spice up your studies and get a break from boring textbooks and grammar, manga is a great way to enjoy japanese culture while still learning. Just be aware that many mangas are using quite difficult gramar and words rarely used in everyday Japanese.
Here are some sites where you can find Manga in original language. Look around and try to find a level that is close to your own.
- Comixology: Website and apps with a big catalogue of manga in Japanese. Android and Iphone.
- Crunchyroll: Many titles, both translations and in Japanese. Subscription required.
- Viz Media: Manga publisher where you can buy digital copies of manga.
- BookWalker: A digital bookstore for among other things many manga titles.
- CDJapan: A stor with many manga books as well as anime.
Apps and websites
Apps and websites often provide a convenient and interactive way to study and practice Japanese. They often include a variety of features such as flashcards, quizzes, and audio exercises that can help you memorize vocabulary, practice grammar, and improve listening and speaking skills.
Additionally, many apps and websites offer personalized lessons and adaptive learning algorithms that can help users learn at their own pace. Some services also offer social features such as chat rooms or language exchange partners that can connect users with native speakers to practice their conversation skills.
If you are a beginner we recomend you start by learning the basics. Check out our guide to free apps for learning hiragana and katakana.
Once you are ready to level up your studying there are many great apps and websites. Here are a few favourites:
Kanji
Wanikani
One of, if not the, best apps for learning kanji there is. It’s not technically an app, but the website works great in mobile as well. With a great repetition system you will learn kanji as well as a lot of vocabulary with ease. Since kanji takes years (yes, years) to learn, we recommend that you buy the life time subscription right of the bat. It will be worth it in the long run if you are serious with your studying. Every end of the year there is usually a big sale of the life time subscription, so try to time it if you can.
Grammar
Tae Kim’s Guide to Learning Japanese
An old but always relevant website that is perfect for beginners of Japanese studies. It’s not very visually pleasing, but it contains a lot of great information that will get you started when learning the grammar and other parts of the Japanese language.
Here at Nihongo Plaza we also have an ever growing archive of japanese grammar points sorted by JLPT level. Check it out!
Dictionaries
There are many dictionaries and the fill slightly different needs. Here are som must haves:
Google Translate
A great way to quickly translate anything from words to long sentences. Just keep in mind that the translations are sometimes a bit wonky, but they can definitely point you in the right direction on how to write something.
Takoboto
Easy to use dictionary where you can search for words using alphabet, kanji or kana. App available for Android.
Language exchange partners
Even if you are studying on your own with no techer present, practicing conversation with another human is still important if you want to learn how to accually speak. There are may options, both online and in the real world for this.
Here are some recomended options:
- Meet up
An app/web page were you can find all kinds of gatherings in your area. For example Japanese language exchange. Download for Android or Iphone. - Hello Talk
A great app for language exchange with local Japanese people. Just remember that you also have to bring something to the game. Japanese people on the app also want to learn a language, usually English. For Android or Iphone. - Tandem
Another language exchange app that makes finding language partners easy. For Android and Iphone.
Dating apps
An often overlooked way of getting some real world Japanese training is signing up for a dating app. There are surprisingly many who wants to chat for a long time before even considering meeting anyone.
Just make sure you’re honest about your intentions and try to only talk to people looking for friends, rather than a dating partner. (On Bumble you even have the option to look specifically for friends.)
In Japan many popular dating apps are restricted to Japan, but Tinder, Bumble and OK Cupid also have many users.
YouTube
There are a boatload of videos on Youtube about everyhing from specific grammar points to live lessons and entertaining, often free. Just go to Youtube a search and you will find something.
We can recommend that you check out these channels:
- Nihongo no mori
A channel run by very inspired and energetic Japanese teachers. Especially good for those who are studying for the JLPT. - Japanese from Zero
Great channel for beginners. The host packs a lot of energy and humor. - Japanesepod101
As the name hints this channel also has a podcast (which we recommend!), but their youtube channel is also filled with a lot of grammar points to practice for free. - Ask Japanese
Great channel for practicing listening to real Japanese. Interviews with random people in Japan. Great for upper intermediate learners.
Podcasts and radio
You don’t have to stop studying just because you leave your home. With a good podcast or Japanese radio station you can continue with listening practice on the move as well. There are many options out there. We can recommend:
- Japanesepod101
Very popular podcast with tonnes of content and lessons. Subscription needed, but basic levels are free. - Radio Garden Live for Android and Iphone
Simple radio app where you can tune in to radio channels all over the world. And you guessed it, Japan as well. The app is free with ads.
Watch movies
Why are people so good at speaking english? Study of course, but also because of Hollywoods popularity. English is everywhere. Now do the same with Japanese and watch a lot of Japanese movies. Probably the most fun way to study!
Practice, practice, practice
… but don’t burn yourself out. A regular study schedule is important, but don’t over do it. It’s hard to find the motivation again if you burn out, so make sure to get some rest in between the study sessions!
In conclusion
- Identify your motivation for learning Japanese. Understanding your reasons for wanting to learn the language can help you stay motivated during the learning process.
- Set realistic goals and create a study schedule. Break your goals down into smaller, achievable tasks, and schedule time each day or week to work on them.
- Find quality resources for self-study. Textbooks, apps, websites, YouTube channels and podcasts. Many different resources can do wonders for the motivation when you self-study Japanese.
- Practice, practice, practice: Consistent practice is essential to make progress in language learning, opportunities to practice speaking with native speakers and use the language in real-life situations are important.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help: Seek out a tutor or language exchange partner if you get stuck. Join online communities or forums for support and guidance.
Good luck! And remember – learning a language is not something that happens instanly. Prepare yourself for a long (and fun!) journey to fluency in Japanese.
More Japanese study resources
