Learn Japanese for Beginners (Level A) from Udemy

This course is video based and taught by Rika 先生, a bilingual speaker who is a native and experienced Japanese teacher.

This course teaches the persons with little or no knowledge of Japanese. Check out the preview lessons.

When you finish this course, you will be able not only to understand basic conversations, but to construct sentences and questions in present tense, talk about yourself, your family, the hobby, the work, describe the place where you live, among other things.

If you are looking to learn Japanese, this is the course for you. I look forward to seeing you on the inside.

This course is video based and taught by Rika 先生, a bilingual speaker who is a native and experienced Japanese teacher.

This course teaches the persons with little or no knowledge of Japanese. Check out the preview lessons.

If you are looking to learn Japanese, this is the course for you. I look forward to seeing you on the inside.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Learn how to write and read in japanese (hiragana anda katakana)
A detail explanation of hiragana and katakana

Learn how to pronounce and write in hiragana and katakana
Basics phrases in daily life

Learn how to write and read in japanese (hiragana anda katakana)
A detail explanation of hiragana and katakana
Learn how to pronounce and write in hiragana and katakana
Basics phrases in daily life

Syllabus

Lesson 1

The Japanese language :)

あ a い i う u え e お o か ka き ki く ku け ke こ ko

さ sa し shi す su せ se そ so た ta ち chi つ tsu て te と to

な na に ni ぬ nu ね ne の no は ha/wa ひ hi ふ fu/hu へ he/e ほ ho

ま ma み mi む mu め me も mo や ya ゆ yu よ yo

ら ra り ri る ru れ re ろ ro わ wa

ア a イ i ウ u エ e オ o カ ka キ ki ク ku ケ ke コ ko

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Provides a foundation in Hiragana and Katakana, which are essential for reading and writing in Japanese

Covers basic conversational skills, enabling learners to construct simple sentences and ask questions in the present tense

Explores practical topics such as family, hobbies, work, and location, which are useful for everyday communication

Taught by a bilingual speaker and experienced Japanese teacher, which can enhance the learning experience

Focuses on present tense sentence construction, which may limit learners' ability to discuss past or future events initially

Reviews summary

Solid foundation in beginner japanese

According to learners, this course offers a solid and encouraging start for absolute beginners in Japanese. Many find the instructor, Rika Sensei, highly effective, praising her clear explanations and engaging teaching style. The course effectively covers the basics like Hiragana and Katakana, providing a strong foundation for reading and writing. While primarily focused on foundational elements and basic grammar, some students note it's a great starting point that might need supplementary practice for fluency. Overall, it's seen as a valuable resource for learning Japanese fundamentals.

Benefits from additional study alongside.

"While the course provides excellent core instruction, I found I needed to supplement with external practice exercises and vocabulary apps to really solidify my learning."

"It gives you the tools and understanding, but becoming fluent definitely requires practice beyond the course material itself."

"The lectures are great, but plan on doing extra self-study for memorization and application."

"You'll gain understanding, but plan to practice writing and speaking outside the lessons."

Tailored specifically for those starting from scratch.

"As an absolute beginner, I found this course perfectly suited to my needs. It starts from zero assumption of prior knowledge."

"If you're completely new to Japanese, this is the place to start. It doesn't rush and builds up concepts gradually."

"I had tried other resources before but felt lost. This course finally made sense and made me feel capable of learning Japanese."

"Perfect pacing and content for someone who has never studied Japanese before."

Explanations are easy for beginners to follow.

"The explanations are very clear and easy to grasp, even for someone who has never studied Japanese before. I appreciate the way concepts are broken down."

"Everything was explained step-by-step in a logical order. It never felt overwhelming. A great way to start learning the language."

"I found the lessons to be very concise and to the point, which helped me stay focused and absorb the information effectively."

"The concepts are presented simply, making the learning curve feel gentle."

Covers Hiragana, Katakana, and basic grammar.

"This course gave me a really strong foundation in Hiragana and Katakana. I can now read basic words and sentences, which is a huge step for me."

"The syllabus covers exactly what is promised - the basics of reading, writing, and simple sentence construction. It's perfect for level A."

"Learning the kana systems thoroughly was a key goal for me, and this course delivered. I feel confident moving on to more complex material."

"It covers the essential building blocks you need before moving to more advanced topics."

Rika Sensei is highly praised for her teaching.

"Rika 先生 is an amazing teacher! She explains everything very clearly and her voice is pleasant to listen to. I highly recommend this course for anyone wanting to learn Japanese basics."

"Rika-sensei is very enthusiastic and explains things in a very clear and easy to understand way. Her lessons are always well-paced and organized. I feel like I'm really progressing."

"I really enjoyed Rika Sensei's teaching style. She makes learning fun and approachable, especially for someone like me who started with zero knowledge."

"The instructor is truly wonderful and patient. Her explanations resonate well with beginners."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Learn Japanese for Beginners (Level A) with these activities:

Review Hiragana and Katakana Charts

Show steps

Familiarize yourself with Hiragana and Katakana to improve reading and writing skills in Japanese.

Browse courses on Hiragana

Show steps

Download or create Hiragana and Katakana charts.
Practice writing each character multiple times.
Use online resources to check your pronunciation.

Read 'Remembering the Kana'

Show steps

Use mnemonic techniques to memorize Hiragana and Katakana more effectively.

View Remembering the Kana on Amazon

Show steps

Obtain a copy of 'Remembering the Kana'.
Work through the book, focusing on the mnemonic for each character.
Practice writing each character while recalling the mnemonic.

Read 'Genki: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese'

Show steps

Supplement your learning with a comprehensive textbook to reinforce grammar and vocabulary.

View GENKI 2 Text and Workbook , Answer Key ( 3rd... on Amazon

Show steps

Obtain a copy of 'Genki: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese'.
Work through the first few chapters, focusing on grammar and vocabulary.
Complete the practice exercises in the book.

Four other activities

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Show all seven activities

Create Flashcards for Vocabulary

Show steps

Reinforce vocabulary learning by creating flashcards for new words and phrases.

Show steps

Identify new vocabulary words from each lesson.
Write the Japanese word on one side of the flashcard.
Write the English translation on the other side.
Review the flashcards regularly.

Follow JapanesePod101 Lessons

Show steps

Supplement your learning with audio and video lessons from JapanesePod101.

Show steps

Sign up for a free or paid account on JapanesePod101.
Browse the beginner-level lessons.
Listen to the audio or watch the video, and follow along with the transcript.

Practice Writing Japanese Characters

Show steps

Improve your handwriting and character recognition through repetitive writing exercises.

Show steps

Select a set of Hiragana or Katakana characters.
Find a stroke order diagram for each character.
Practice writing each character multiple times, focusing on stroke order.

Write a Short Self-Introduction in Japanese

Show steps

Practice using learned vocabulary and grammar to introduce yourself in Japanese.

Show steps

Review the lessons on personal pronouns and basic phrases.
Write a short paragraph introducing yourself, including your name, nationality, and occupation.
Practice saying your introduction aloud.

Career center

Learners who complete Learn Japanese for Beginners (Level A) will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Language Exchange Partner

A language exchange partner connects with someone who speaks the language you are learning, and in turn, you help them learn your language. This course, which focuses on teaching basic Japanese conversation, including sentence construction and comprehension, prepares you to engage in meaningful exchanges with native Japanese speakers. The ability to talk about yourself, your family, hobbies, and where you live, all taught in this course, may serve as excellent conversation starters. The course helps provide a solid foundation for practicing speaking and listening skills with a language partner.

See salaries and explore the career path for Language Exchange Partner

Japanese Teacher

A Japanese teacher instructs students in the Japanese language and culture. While this course is designed for beginners, it offers a strong start for someone aspiring to teach. The experience of learning Japanese through this course, which covers basic conversation, sentence construction, and essential vocabulary, helps you to understand the challenges faced by new learners. Knowing the specific points of grammar and pronunciation emphasized in the course, as well as learning Hiragana and Katakana, may provide you with the insights needed to effectively teach introductory Japanese to others.

See salaries and explore the career path for Japanese Teacher

Cultural Ambassador

A cultural ambassador promotes understanding and appreciation between different cultures. Strong language skills are essential for bridging cultural gaps. This course in basic Japanese, which teaches conversational skills, sentence construction, and how to describe aspects of daily life, may help you to engage with Japanese culture on a deeper level. The ability to discuss family, hobbies, work, and locations, along with understanding basic greetings and expressions, helps to foster positive relationships. Understanding Hiragana and Katakana also allows for a deeper appreciation of written Japanese, further enriching cultural exchanges.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cultural Ambassador

Travel Blogger

A travel blogger creates content about travel experiences, destinations, and cultures. If you focus on Japan, knowing the language opens doors to more immersive and authentic experiences. This course, which teaches basic Japanese conversation and sentence construction, helps you to communicate with locals, ask for directions, and understand cultural nuances. The ability to talk about yourself, your interests, and describe places visited, all taught in this course, may enrich your storytelling and connect with your audience. The knowledge of Hiragana and Katakana may also allow you to read signs and menus, enhancing your travel adventures.

See salaries and explore the career path for Travel Blogger

Tour Guide

A tour guide leads groups of people through attractions, providing information and insights about the sites. For a tour guide working with Japanese-speaking tourists or in Japan, knowing the language is essential. This course, which teaches basic Japanese conversation, sentence construction in present tense, and describing places, helps provide valuable skills for interacting with visitors and sharing information. The ability to understand basic conversations and ask simple questions, alongside the focus on pronunciation, may enhance the experience for Japanese-speaking tourists. This skillset ensures that the tour guide can communicate effectively and provide a comprehensive and enjoyable tour.

See salaries and explore the career path for Tour Guide

Translator

A translator converts written material from one language into another. This role demands a strong understanding of both the source and target languages, as well as cultural nuances. A course that teaches basic Japanese, including sentence construction and conversational skills, helps build a foundation for a career as a translator specializing in Japanese. The ability to understand and construct sentences, talk about personal information, hobbies, work, and describe locations, all taught in this course, may be very useful for translating various types of documents and content. The emphasis on Hiragana and Katakana also builds a strong foundation in written Japanese, essential for accurate translation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Translator

Hospitality Staff

Hospitality staff work in hotels, restaurants, and other service-oriented businesses, ensuring guests have a positive experience. In areas with a significant Japanese-speaking clientele or in Japan itself, knowing the language provides exceptional service. This course, which teaches basic Japanese conversation, sentence construction, and essential phrases, may help you to communicate effectively with guests. The ability to understand basic requests, provide information, and offer assistance using the vocabulary taught in this course, enhances guest satisfaction. Knowing how to greet guests and ask simple questions can create a welcoming and inclusive environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Hospitality Staff

Localization Specialist

A localization specialist adapts products or content to a specific region or market. This often involves translating text, adjusting cultural references, and ensuring the product resonates with the local audience. This course, which teaches basic Japanese, including sentence construction, grammar, and vocabulary related to daily life, helps provide a foundational understanding of the language. This may assist in the localization of software, websites, or marketing materials for the Japanese market. The emphasis on Hiragana and Katakana also builds a foundation in written Japanese, essential for adapting written content.

See salaries and explore the career path for Localization Specialist

Customer Service Representative

A customer service representative assists customers with inquiries, resolves issues, and provides support. Knowing Japanese becomes increasingly valuable in global customer service roles. This course, which teaches basic Japanese conversation and sentence construction, may allow you to effectively communicate with Japanese-speaking customers. The ability to understand basic questions, provide information, and address concerns using the phrases and vocabulary learned in this course helps enhance customer satisfaction. The focus on understanding and speaking about everyday situations can also make interactions more personal and effective.

See salaries and explore the career path for Customer Service Representative

International Sales Representative

An international sales representative is responsible for selling products or services to customers in other countries. Knowing the language of a target market helps in building relationships and closing deals. This course in basic Japanese, which teaches fundamental conversational skills and sentence structure, may give you a competitive edge when interacting with Japanese-speaking clients. The ability to introduce yourself, discuss your company, and understand the needs of your clients, by applying the constructs from this course, helps form rapport and trust. This foundational knowledge of Japanese may facilitate more effective communication and better business outcomes.

See salaries and explore the career path for International Sales Representative

Import/Export Specialist

An import/export specialist manages the flow of goods between countries, coordinating logistics, documentation, and compliance. Knowing the language of a key trading partner like Japan always has its benefits. This course, which teaches basic Japanese conversation, sentence construction, and essential phrases, may help in communicating with suppliers, customers, and partners in Japan. The ability to understand basic inquiries, provide information, and negotiate terms using the vocabulary taught in this course, helps streamline business operations. Knowing Japanese demonstrates a commitment to the market and may foster stronger business relationships.

See salaries and explore the career path for Import/Export Specialist

ESL Teacher

An English as a Second Language teacher instructs non-native speakers in the English language. While it may seem counterintuitive, knowing a student's native language helps to establish a connection. This course in Japanese, which helps build a foundation in basic conversations, may assist in understanding the challenges Japanese speakers face when learning English. By learning to construct simple sentences and understand basic grammar, the ESL teacher can better anticipate areas where Japanese students might struggle. Knowing phrases and expressions that the students use in daily life may help create a more comfortable and effective learning environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for ESL Teacher

Market Research Analyst

A Market Research Analyst studies market conditions to examine potential sales of a product or service. If this role involves the Japanese market, being able to read Japanese helps assess trends. By learning to read Hiragana and Katakana in such a course, you may gain an independent and informed perspective when examining Japanese market publications. Basic conversation skills may also be useful for on-the-ground investigation.

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Foreign Service Officer

A foreign service officer represents their country's interests abroad, working in embassies and consulates. Strong language skills and cultural understanding are essential for effective diplomacy. This course in basic Japanese, which teaches fundamental conversational skills and sentence structure, may provide an entry point for engaging with Japanese culture and society. The ability to introduce yourself, discuss your background, and understand the basics of everyday conversation, helps facilitate initial interactions. While further language training is typically required, this course provides a foundation for future language acquisition.

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International Aid Worker

An International Aid Worker assists people in other countries, by providing humanitarian aid, disaster relief, or development assistance. This often takes place in developing countries. To the extent that the work involves Japan, conversational skills are invaluable. This course, which teaches how to construct sentences and to understand basic conversations, provides some basic skills needed to operate in Japan. The ability to construct basic questions and to talk about one's background may be useful in establishing relations with the local population.

See salaries and explore the career path for International Aid Worker

Learn Japanese for Beginners (Level A)

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Solid foundation in beginner japanese

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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