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Common Mistakes that Native English Speakers Make When Learning Japanese

Learning Japanese can be a rewarding and enriching experience, but it can also be challenging and frustrating at times. You are not alone. For native-English speakers, Japanese is said to be one of the hardest languages in the world to master. In this article, we will explore some of the most common mistakes that English speakers make when learning Japanese, and how to avoid or correct them. 1. Confusing similar-sounding words/Words that are written the same in hiragana but have different meanings Japanese has many words that sound similar to each other, but have different meanings, spellings, or kanji. For example, the words 会う (au), 合う (au), and 逢う (au) […]

What Kanji do You Need to Know to Pass the JLPT N5?

JLPT N5 Kanji List If you are studying for the JLPT N5 test you will need to know about 800 vocabulary words and around 100 kanji characters, as well as hiragana and katakana. What is the JLPT N5? The JLPT N5 (Japanese Language Proficiency Test Level N5) is the most basic level of the JLPT and focuses on basic Japanese language skills. Here is a list of the most basic 100 kanji that you should learn for the JLPT N5. If you are struggling to remember the kanji, it may be helpful to try a lesson with a teacher who can help you with strategies for memorizing the meanings and […]

How to Learn Japanese for your Learning Style

Which learning style do you have, and how should you study Japanese? Not everyone learns the same. Some people learn best by listening to explanations, others need to read something to internalise it, while others are “doers”. With our different learning styles, it’s not a surprise that learning Japanese is also different for everyone. What works for one person may not work for another. It’s important to understand what your learning style is so that you can use effective study techniques. What are the main learning styles? Visual Learners: Visual learners prefer to learn through visual aids such as charts, graphs, diagrams, and videos. They tend to grasp information better […]