
In this lesson, you'll learn the reasons why you should start learning Japanese, and how to get started. There are countless reasons, but perhaps the biggest one of all, is that it could actually change your life! Learning a new language unlocks new pathways that are off limits to you now.
| In this lesson, you'll learn the basics of Japanese pronunciation. "Pronunciation" refers to the manner in which a word is spoken. So don't focus on reading what's onscreen, instead focus on listening and repeating. |
In this lesson, you'll learn the basics of Japanese writing. In English, we use only one script – the English Alphabet, to write in English. To write in Japanese however, you will need to use three different scripts together. What are they? Let's see.
| In this series, we're going to teach you how to master the Japanese Alphabet in the fastest, easiest, and most fun way! Did you know? Written Japanese actually uses three different scripts: hiragana, katakana, and kanji. We'll start with the hiragana vowels, あ、い、う、え、お. Let's practice! |
You've learned these five Hiragana characters from the previous lesson: かがきぎくぐけげこご
In this lesson, you'll learn five new characters and 10 new sounds using the K column. So, stay tuned.
You've learned the K column from the previous lesson. In this lesson, you'll learn five new characters and again, 10 NEW sounds in S column.
You've learned the S column from the previous lesson. In this lesson, you'll learn five new characters, 10 new syllable sounds, and an extra character function. So, stay tuned for the T column.
You've learned the T column from the previous lesson. In this lesson, you'll learn five new Hiragana characters using the N column. So, stay tuned.
You've learned the N column from the previous lesson. In this lesson, you'll learn five new characters, AND... 16 new sounds using the H column. So, stay tuned.
You've learned the H column from the previous lesson. In this lesson, you'll learn five new hiragana characters using the M column. So, stay tuned.
You've learned the M column from the previous lesson. In this lesson, you'll learn five new hiragana characters using the R column. So, stay tuned.
You've learned the R column from the previous lesson. In this lesson, you'll learn three new characters, and 33 new syllable sounds using the Y column and digraphs. Yes, 33! 11 times 3, 33 new sounds! Gotta learn them all!
You've learned the Y column from the previous lesson. In this lesson, you'll learn three new characters, and just 2 new sounds using the W column (plus N). So, stay tuned.
You've learned ALL the 46 hiragana characters from the previous lessons. Now it's time to move on to katakana!
In this lesson, you'll learn about katakana, how it is different from hiragana, and the five katakana vowels.
You've learned the five Katakana vowels from the previous lesson. In this lesson, you'll learn five new characters using the Katakana K column. Remember the dakuten? We'll see it appear again in this lesson.
You've learned the five Katakana characters using the K column from the previous lesson. In this lesson, you'll learn five new characters using the Katakana S column. Let's start!
You've learned the five Katakana characters using the S column from the previous lesson. In this lesson, you'll learn five new characters using the Katakana T column. Let's start!
You've learned the five Katakana characters using the T column from the previous lesson. In this lesson, you'll learn five new characters using the Katakana N column. Let's start!
You've learned the five Katakana characters using the N column from the previous lesson. In this lesson, you'll learn five new characters using the Katakana H column. We'll be using the dakuten and handakuten as well. Let's start!
You've learned the five Katakana characters using the H column from the previous lesson. In this lesson, you'll learn five new characters using the Katakana M column. Let's start!
You've learned the five Katakana characters using the M column from the previous lesson. In this lesson, you'll learn five new characters using the Katakana R column. Let's start!
You've learned the five Katakana characters using the R column from the previous lesson. In this lesson, you'll learn five new characters using the Katakana Y column, and the rest of the digraphs. Let's start!
You've learned the five Katakana characters using the Y column from the previous lesson. In this lesson, you'll learn five new characters using the Katakana W column (plus N). Let's start!
In this series, you'll master Japanese pronunciation. Proper pronunciation is essential for being understood, and in this series, you'll learn it in a fast, accessible, and comprehensive way. Let's start!
In this lesson, you'll learn the top 5 Japanese pronunciation mistakes to avoid. This is important to understand. You're now on the path to perfect Japanese pronunciation!
In this lesson, you'll master perfect pronunciation of the Japanese vowels. There are 5 vowels in Japanese, and their pronunciation doesn't change. Let's take a look!
In this lesson, you'll master the first of 2 consonant groups. Each group is broken down into rows, following traditional Japanese practice. Ready? Let's start!
In this lesson, you'll master the second of 2 consonant groups. Again, this group will be broken down into rows. Ready? Let's start.
You've learned 46 basic kana sounds so far. In this lesson, you'll learn 23 additional sounds. The characters are familiar, but they are marked. And this changes the pronunciation.
In this lesson, you'll combine sounds with the Y-group や ゆ and よ.
Do you remember the syllables ending in an "i" sound?
In this lesson, you're going to learn the secret to mastering long vowels in Japanese. You have already learned the short vowels. Long vowels are pronounced for twice as long as short vowels.
In this lesson, you'll master the Japanese pause, known as the small ”tsu," or silent "tsu." How do you pronounce these words? Here's how you should pronounce them.
In this lesson, you're going to learn the basics of pitch accent in Japanese. Each syllable is pronounced with either a high or low pitch. We're going to give you examples. Let's listen to the words!
In this lesson, you are going to learn how to introduce yourself in Japanese. There are three sentences to do this and it’s super easy and you are going to learn them all right now. So in just three minutes, you will be able to introduce yourself in Japanese.
Is Mastering Basic Japanese greetings really this easy? Yep, you will learn a few tips to master basic Japanese greetings fast with this introduction lesson. In this lesson, you are going to learn how to say hi, how are you in Japanese and how to answer. It’s super easy and it only takes 3 minutes. Let’s learn a short dialogue.
Remember in our previous lesson, we learned こんにちは。 (Konnichiwa) is a general greeting meaning hi or hello. In this lesson, we are going to learn more general greetings おはようございます。 (Ohayō gozaimasu.) こんばんは。 (Konbanwa..) and おやすみなさい。
How much do manners matter in Japan? Manners are everything and in this lesson, you will master several polite Japanese phrases. You are going to learn how to say thank you and I am sorry in Japanese and you will learn these phrases and more in three minutes.
Wouldn’t you say manners when eating are very important everywhere you go? In this lesson, you are going to learn the phrase said before and after you eat いただきます。 (Itadakimasu.) and ごちそうさま。 (gochisōsama) and some other useful phrases.
In this lesson, you are going to learn three useful classroom expressions. They are super easy and you are going to learn them in less than 3 minutes. Perfect for any classroom situation!
In this lesson, we are going to look at three frequent mistakes by beginners learning Japanese. They are super easy to avoid and it will only take 3 minutes.
In this lesson,you are going to learn three common expressions that will wow your Japanese friends. They are super easy and it will take less than 3 minutes. Okay let’s hear the phrases!
In just a few minutes, you are going to master the Japanese numbers from 1 to 10. Japanese numbers are very easy once you know the numbers from 1 to 10. This lesson is critical. So let’s get started.
In this lesson, you are going to master Japanese numbers from 11 to 19. We'll get started by reviewing the numbers from 1 to 10.
In the previous lesson, you learned the numbers from 11 to 19. Do you remember the pattern? In this lesson, you are going to learn the Japanese numbers from 20 to 100.
In this lesson, you are going to learn the numbers over 100 to 1000. In the previous lessons, you learned the numbers up to 100. Let’s start by reviewing some of those numbers now.
In just a few minutes, you are going to learn the numbers up to 10,000. In the previous lessons, you learned the numbers up to 1000. Let’s start by reviewing the numbers from 100 to 1000.
Do you know how to count objects in Japanese? In Japanese, special counters are used to count different things. The counters depends on the shape or the characteristics of the objects. In this lesson, you are going to learn the general counter つ (tsu).
In the previous lesson, you learned the most general counter つ (tsu) such as ひとつ、ふたつ、みっつ。 (hitotsu, futatsu, mittsu.) . In this lesson, you are going to learn more counter suffixes like こ (ko) ほん (hon) and まい (mai) .
Can you answer the question what time is it in Japanese? In this lesson, you are going to learn how to tell time in Japanese. What time is it?!
How to say the months and dates? What’s today’s date? Do you know how to say the date in Japanese? By the end of this lesson, you will.
Do you remember how to introduce yourself in Japanese? In this lesson, you are going to learn this simple and useful sentence structure A は (wa) B です。 (desu.)
Have you ever had trouble finding a specific item in the supermarket? In this lesson, you are going to learn how to ask questions, is this such and such and what’s this? Let’s take a look at the conversation between Yuchi and Hiroko.
Do you know how to ask the price of something you want to buy? In this lesson, you learn how to ask and give prices.
What if you get lost and don’t know where to go? In this lesson, you are going to learn how to ask where something in Japanese.
What if you want to know when someone’s birthday is or when an important meeting takes place. In this lesson, you are going to learn how to ask when something takes place.
Have you ever had trouble finding what you want to eat at a Japanese restaurant? In this lesson, you are going to learn how to ask if they have certain items.
Do you know how to ask for someone over the phone? In this lesson, you are going to learn how to do that in Japanese. For example, when you call Mr. Tanaka’s office and someone else picks up the phone, what would you say?
We have 24 basic Japanese lessons so far. Do you know how far your Japanese has come? In this lesson, you are going to watch a short skit to review what you learned in this course.
In this lesson, listen to a conversation set in a bookstore. Look at the image, listen to the question, listen to the dialogue and answer the question. Learn new vocabularies too! This is perfect for absolute beginners.
In this lesson, listen to a conversation set in a restaurant. Look at the image, listen to the question, listen to the dialogue and answer the question. Learn new vocabularies too! This is perfect for absolute beginners.
In this lesson, listen to a phone call to the doctor's office. Look at the image, listen to the question, listen to the dialogue and answer the question. Learn new vocabularies too! This is perfect for absolute beginners.
In this lesson, listen to a journal entry being read out loud. Look at the image, listen to the question, listen to the dialogue and answer the question. Learn new vocabularies too! This is perfect for absolute beginners.
In this lesson, listen to a conversation about a photograph. Look at the image, listen to the question, listen to the dialogue and answer the question. Learn new vocabularies too! This is perfect for absolute beginners.
In this lesson, listen to a conversation about going to the movies. Look at the image, listen to the question, listen to the dialogue and answer the question. Learn new vocabularies too! This is perfect for absolute beginners.
In this lesson, listen to a conversation about buying a shirt. Look at the image, listen to the question, listen to the dialogue and answer the question. Learn new vocabularies too! This is perfect for absolute beginners.
In this lesson, listen to a conversation set in a burger shop. Look at the image, listen to the question, listen to the dialogue and answer the question. Learn new vocabularies too! This is perfect for absolute beginners.
In this lesson, listen to a conversation about baking a cake. Look at the image, listen to the question, listen to the dialogue and answer the question. Learn new vocabularies too! This is perfect for absolute beginners.
In this lesson, listen to a conversation about making plans. Look at the image, listen to the question, listen to the dialogue and answer the question. Learn new vocabularies too! This is perfect for absolute beginners.
In this lesson, listen to a conversation between a student and a teacher. Look at the image, listen to the question, listen to the dialogue and answer the question. Learn new vocabularies too! This is perfect for absolute beginners.
In this lesson, listen to a conversation set in a restaurant. Look at the image, listen to the question, listen to the dialogue and answer the question. Learn new vocabularies too! This is perfect for absolute beginners.
In this lesson, listen to a conversation about choosing a place to wait. Look at the image, listen to the question, listen to the dialogue and answer the question. Learn new vocabularies too! This is perfect for absolute beginners.
In this lesson, listen to a conversation about making vacation plans. Look at the image, listen to the question, listen to the dialogue and answer the question. Learn new vocabularies too! This is perfect for absolute beginners.
In this lesson, listen to a conversation about breakfast. Look at the image, listen to the question, listen to the dialogue and answer the question. Learn new vocabularies too! This is perfect for absolute beginners.
In this lesson, listen to a conversation set in a department store. Look at the image, listen to the question, listen to the dialogue and answer the question. Learn new vocabularies too! This is perfect for absolute beginners.
In this lesson, listen to a conversation about age. Look at the image, listen to the question, listen to the dialogue and answer the question. Learn new vocabularies too! This is perfect for absolute beginners.
In this lesson, listen to a conversation set in a clothing boutique. Look at the image, listen to the question, listen to the dialogue and answer the question. Learn new vocabularies too! This is perfect for absolute beginners.
In this lesson, listen to a conversation about who's attending a party. Look at the image, listen to the question, listen to the dialogue and answer the question. Learn new vocabularies too! This is perfect for absolute beginners.
In this lesson, listen to a conversation about arranging furniture in a room. Look at the image, listen to the question, listen to the dialogue and answer the question. Learn new vocabularies too! This is perfect for absolute beginners.
Listen to a conversation in a jewelry store. This Japanese Listening Comprehension Series tests you on your listening and makes sure you understand every word. Plus, you'll learn new words and phrases. Perfect for Beginners!
Listen to a conversation about rearranging an office. This Japanese Listening Comprehension Series tests you on your listening and makes sure you understand every word. Plus, you'll learn new words and phrases. Perfect for Beginners!
Listen to a conversation about grocery shopping. This Japanese Listening Comprehension Series tests you on your listening and makes sure you understand every word. Plus, you'll learn new words and phrases. Perfect for Beginners!
Listen to a weather report. This Japanese Listening Comprehension Series tests you on your listening and makes sure you understand every word. Plus, you'll learn new words and phrases. Perfect for Beginners!
Listen to a conversation about redesigning a business card. This Japanese Listening Comprehension Series tests you on your listening and makes sure you understand every word. Plus, you'll learn new words and phrases. Perfect for Beginners!
Listen to a conversation about getting directions. This Japanese Listening Comprehension Series tests you on your listening and makes sure you understand every word. Plus, you'll learn new words and phrases. Perfect for Beginners!
Listen to a conversation about choosing drinks for a meeting. This Japanese Listening Comprehension Series tests you on your listening and makes sure you understand every word. Plus, you'll learn new words and phrases. Perfect for Beginners!
Listen to a conversation set in a computer store. This Japanese Listening Comprehension Series tests you on your listening and makes sure you understand every word. Plus, you'll learn new words and phrases. Perfect for Beginners!
Listen to a conversation about a travel schedule. This Japanese Listening Comprehension Series tests you on your listening and makes sure you understand every word. Plus, you'll learn new words and phrases. Perfect for Beginners!
Listen to a conversation about ordering pizza. This Japanese Listening Comprehension Series tests you on your listening and makes sure you understand every word. Plus, you'll learn new words and phrases. Perfect for Beginners!
Listen to a conversation about a restaurant's opening hours. This Japanese Listening Comprehension Series tests you on your listening and makes sure you understand every word. Plus, you'll learn new words and phrases. Perfect for Beginners!
Listen to a conversation about choosing a delivery time. This Japanese Listening Comprehension Series tests you on your listening and makes sure you understand every word. Plus, you'll learn new words and phrases. Perfect for Beginners!
Listen to a conversation about when and which medicines to take for an illness. This Japanese Listening Comprehension Series tests you on your listening and makes sure you understand every word. Plus, you'll learn new words and phrases. Perfect for Beginners!
Listen to a conversation about someone's family. This Japanese Listening Comprehension Series tests you on your listening and makes sure you understand every word. Plus, you'll learn new words and phrases. Perfect for Beginners!
Listen to a conversation about choosing a pair of glasses. This Japanese Listening Comprehension Series tests you on your listening and makes sure you understand every word. Plus, you'll learn new words and phrases. Perfect for Beginners!
Listen to a conversation about changing a dentist appointment. This Japanese Listening Comprehension Series tests you on your listening and makes sure you understand every word. Plus, you'll learn new words and phrases. Perfect for Beginners!
Listen to a conversation about locating a friend's apartment. This Japanese Listening Comprehension Series tests you on your listening and makes sure you understand every word. Plus, you'll learn new words and phrases. Perfect for Beginners!
Listen to a conversation about renting DVDs. This Japanese Listening Comprehension Series tests you on your listening and makes sure you understand every word. Plus, you'll learn new words and phrases. Perfect for Beginners!
Listen to a conversation about the time. This Japanese Listening Comprehension Series tests you on your listening and makes sure you understand every word. Plus, you'll learn new words and phrases. Perfect for Beginners!
Listen to a conversation about choosing a seat on a plane. This Japanese Listening Comprehension Series tests you on your listening and makes sure you understand every word. Plus, you'll learn new words and phrases. Perfect for Beginners!
Are you ready to start speaking, writing and understanding Japanese in minutes? Then, this is the course for you. You unlock 100 high-quality beginner video lessons and we’ll guide you step-by-step.
Learn Japanese with lessons made by real teachers.
In every lesson, we take you by the hand and guide you through the language.
You will...
This is the ultimate starting point for any beginner.
By the end, you’ll be able to hold basic Japanese conversations – such as introducing yourself, asking for directions and making small talk with others. You’ll also know how to read and write in Japanese.
If you’re a beginner and want to learn Japanese in the fastest, easiest and most fun way, start here. This course is broken up into 6 parts: