1. What is Japanese?
Japanese is the language spoken in Japan. It uses three writing systems:
• Hiragana – basic alphabet for native words
• Katakana – for foreign words and names
• Kanji – Chinese characters that show meaning
Beginners first learn Hiragana, then Katakana, and finally basic Kanji.
2. Basic Sounds (Pronunciation)
Japanese has clear and simple sounds:
• a (ah)
• i (ee)
• u (oo)
• e (eh)
• o (oh)
Every Japanese word is made from these sounds. Pronunciation is easy and consistent.
3. Must-Know Beginner Words
• konnichiwa – hello
• arigatou – thank you
• sumimasen – excuse me / sorry
• hai – yes
• iie – no
• ohayou – good morning
These are used in everyday Japanese conversations.
4. Basic Japanese Grammar (Very Simple)
• Word order: Subject → Object → Verb
Example: I rice eat. (In Japanese word order)
• No plural forms like English.
• Verbs don’t change for gender or number.
• Particles (small words) show the role of words in sentences.
5. How to Start Learning (Beginner Steps)
• Step 1: Learn Hiragana first.
• Step 2: Learn basic vocabulary (100–200 words).
• Step 3: Learn simple grammar like:
– desu (to be)
– masu (polite verb ending)
– wa (topic marker)
• Step 4: Practice listening with easy Japanese videos.
• Step 5: Start reading simple hiragana sentences.
6. Beginner Practice Sentences
• わたしは がくせい です。 – I am a student.
• これは りんご です。 – This is an apple.
• みずを のみます。 – I drink water.
These sentences help you understand structure and pronunciation.
7. Why Learning Japanese Is Useful
• For jobs in Japan
• For travel
• For anime, games, and movies
• For JLPT exams
• For personal development and skills