Start Here: The Basics
Begin with the building blocks every beginner needs: hiragana, katakana, clear pronunciation, and must-know phrases. We keep grammar light and practical—think simple sentence patterns, polite ます forms, and how Japanese word order works. You’ll learn greetings, self-introductions, numbers, and time right away so you can use Japanese from day one. Short exercises help you check understanding and keep learning fun for beginners.
- Master hiragana and katakana with quick drills
- Learn core phrases for greetings and introductions
- Understand simple particles: は, が, を (basics only)
- Practice numbers, days, and telling time
How to Study Online (and Stick With It)
Consistency beats intensity. Aim for 15–20 minute sessions and protect a regular time slot. Set tiny goals you can actually finish—like “learn five words” or “one dialogue.” Track your streak, celebrate small wins, and forgive skipped days. You’re learning for yourself, not for a test, so keep it light and attainable. Everything here is optimized for quick, effective online practice.
- Do one short lesson, then one short review
- Use spaced repetition to remember vocabulary
- Shadow audio aloud for 2–3 minutes daily
- Finish with a mini quiz to lock it in
Reading, Writing, and PDFs
Handwriting helps memory, even if you mostly learn online. Download our free PDF kana charts and stroke-order worksheets to practice anywhere. Print them or use a tablet and stylus. A compact beginner PDF pack includes kana, basic verbs, common phrases, and particle tables. Use the answer keys to check yourself quickly and keep momentum without getting stuck.
- Printable hiragana and katakana PDF charts
- Stroke-order practice pages with guides
- Beginner vocabulary and phrase PDF mini-book
- Self-check quizzes with answer PDFs
Speak and Listen with Confidence
Listening first makes speaking easier. Start with slow, clear audio and short dialogues. Repeat out loud (shadowing) to copy rhythm and pronunciation. Record yourself to notice small improvements—volume, clarity, and natural speed. We gently introduce pitch accent so it never feels scary. The goal is practical, polite Japanese you can use with friends, teachers, or travel staff.
- Shadow short lines, then full dialogues
- Record yourself weekly and compare
- Use polite forms for safe conversation
- Mix listening, reading, and speaking together
Common Beginner Mistakes (and Easy Fixes)
Beginners often rely on romaji too long, skip kana, or mix particles. Fix it by switching to kana ASAP, drilling particles in context, and practicing long vowels (おう, えい). Learn katakana loanwords early—they’re everywhere. Our quick checks and mini quizzes help you catch errors fast and keep your learning steady and encouraging.
- Wean off romaji after week one
- Practice は vs. が in short sentences
- Mark long vowels to keep meaning clear
- Learn common katakana for daily words
FAQ
- Can I learn Japanese by yourself as a beginner?
- Yes. With clear goals, daily micro-sessions, and feedback loops, you can learn Japanese on your own. Use our guided lessons, free PDFs, and audio practice. Track a simple streak, review often, and switch between reading, listening, and speaking to keep motivation high.
- How long does it take to reach A1–A2 level?
- Most learners need 3–6 months for A1 and 6–12 months for A2 with consistent study (about 15–30 minutes a day). Your pace depends on review habits and speaking practice. Short, daily repetition beats long, occasional sessions for steady progress.
- Where can I get a free PDF kana chart and basics pack?
- Right here. Download our free PDF set with hiragana and katakana charts, stroke-order pages, beginner vocabulary, and phrase sheets. Print them or use digitally. The pack includes quick answer keys so you can check yourself and move on without losing momentum.
- Should I study kanji now or later?
- Start with kana first so reading becomes natural. Then introduce high-frequency kanji in context—signs, menus, names, and simple verbs. Learn meaning, reading, and example words together. Ten kanji a week is plenty for a beginner focused on communication basics.
- Do I need a teacher, or can I learn online for free?
- You can learn a lot online for free using structured lessons, audio, and PDFs. A teacher helps with feedback and accountability, but it’s optional at A1–A2. If you can, add a weekly conversation session or language exchange to speed up speaking confidence.