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Learn Japanese For Beginners With Natsuko

4.8 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Based on 605 ratings
see reviews
Natsuko Yunome

Your tutor Natsuko will be guiding you with her passion of teaching Japanese language to help you improve Japanese as much as you can.

Not only will you be able to read and write basic Japanese letters and to have basic conversations with Japanese speakers by the end of this 7 hour course but also you will be able to learn some Japanese culture which makes you interested in getting to know more of Japan through learning the unique language and makes you want to go to Japan .

Section 1: Introduction To This Video Course

Section 2: Learn Hiragana

Section 3: Learn Katakana

Read more

Your tutor Natsuko will be guiding you with her passion of teaching Japanese language to help you improve Japanese as much as you can.

Not only will you be able to read and write basic Japanese letters and to have basic conversations with Japanese speakers by the end of this 7 hour course but also you will be able to learn some Japanese culture which makes you interested in getting to know more of Japan through learning the unique language and makes you want to go to Japan .

Section 1: Introduction To This Video Course

Section 2: Learn Hiragana

Section 3: Learn Katakana

Section 4: Learn Greeting Phrases

Section 5: Learn Numbers and Japanese Currency

Section 6: Speaking and Listening

Section 7: Final Test

These are the 7 sections in this video course which has an introduction and 95 lessons in total. In the section 6, you are going to learn a lot of vocabulary and very basic grammar, then practice speaking such as translating sentences into Japanese and also answering questions in Japanese. There are some practice of listening and several small tests to check your understanding as well. You can easily study even on your lunch break and improve your Japanese effectively . :)

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Basic japanese language
  • Hiragana and katakana
  • Numbers and japanese currency
  • Greeting phrases and introducing yourself
  • Daily conversations with basic grammar and vocabulary

Syllabus

Introduction To This Video Course

Introduction to Japanese language and what you will learn in this video course

You will be able to read and write Japanese letters in Hiragana
Read more

Learn first 5 Japanese letters in Hiragana.

Learn the next 5 letters in Hiragana.

Learn the next 5 letters in Hiragana

Learn the next 3 letters in Hiragana.

Learn the last 3 letters in Hiragana.

Learn how to read the 3 small letters in Hiragana.

Learn how to read a small letter in Hiragana.

Learn different way to read the 2 letters in Hiragana.

Check if you can read Hiragana.

1. Choose correct letters

2. Read words

3. Read sentences

Learn the first 5 letters in Katakana.

Learn the next 5 letters in Katakana.

How to use the 2 words and make sentences when you would like to ask.

Practice listening and check if you understand.

Learn 10 food names.

Learn 8 drink names.

Practice how to say names of food and drink you have learnt.

* Please pause the video as you practice saying the names if you need.

Learn the next 3 letters in katakana.

Learn the last 3 letters in Katakana.

Learn how to read the 3 small letters in Katakana.

Learn how to read a small letter and the meaning of a symbol.

Learn how to read the 4 small letters in Katakana (+ 1 letter exception).

Practice reading small letters and a symbol.

Practice reading country names in Katakana (no need to memorise the names but focus on reading).

Practice reading and check if you can read in Hiragana and Katakana.

1. Read words

2. Read sentences

Learn how to say "thank you" in 4 ways.

Learn how to say "good morning", "hello/good afternoon", "good evening" and "good night".

Learn how to say "bye/see you" in 5 ways.

Learn how to say "yes" & "no" in casual and in formal ways.

Learn the phrases for before and after meals.

Learn the phrases for leaving and coming back home.

Learn how to apologise and reply.

Learn how to introduce yourself (greeting phrases and how to say your name).

Practice the greeting phrases you have learnt.

1. Translate the phrases into Japanese

2. Answer the questions in Japanese

Practice the 3 phrases you have learnt to introduce yourself.

Learn numbers from 0 to 10.

Learn numbers from 11 to 20.

Learn numbers from 21 to 99.

Practice numbers from 0 to 99 that you have learnt.

* Please pause the video as you practice saying the numbers if you need.

Learn numbers from 100 to 900.

Practice numbers from 0 to 999 that you have learnt.

* Please pause the video as you practice saying the numbers if you need.

Learn numbers from 1,000 to 9,000.

Practice numbers from 0 to 9,999.

* Please pause the video as you practice saying the numbers if you need.

Learn numbers from 10,000 to 100,000.

Practice numbers from 0 to 100,000.

* Please pause the video as you practice the numbers if you need.

Learn Japanese currency.

Learn the very first grammar in order to make sentences with nouns and adjectives.

Learn phrases for shopping.

Learn some words that point.

Learn 5 item names.

Learn 6 item names.

Learn the words that point used with a noun.

Practice making sentences with the words that you have learnt.

Learn 5 phrases you can use in restaurants.

Learn 4 phrases you can use in restaurants.

Practice the phrases you can use in restaurants that you have learnt.

* Please pause the video as you practice saying the names if you need.

Practice listening and check if you understand.

Learn how to ask where the things are.

Learn 10 building (place) names.

Practice the place names you have learnt.

* Please pause the video as you practice saying the names if you need.

Learn the words for places.

Learn 10 country names (you have learnt some in the previous lesson as you learnt Katakana. Focusing on memorising the names this time).

Learn 10 more country names.

Practice country names that you have learnt.

* Please pause the video as you practice saying the names if you need.

Learn how to ask and answer where you come from.

Learn how to ask and answer where you are from.

Learn how to ask and answer where you live.

Learn how to ask and answer how old you are.

Learn 10 job names.

Learn 10 more job names.

Learn how to ask and answer your job.

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, and this is a great starting point for language acquisition
Covers practical topics like numbers, currency, and basic grammar, enabling learners to handle simple transactions and navigate daily situations in Japan
Includes practice exercises for speaking and listening, which helps learners develop conversational skills and improve their pronunciation
Teaches basic greeting phrases and self-introductions, which are useful for initiating conversations and building rapport with Japanese speakers
Requires learners to translate phrases and answer questions in Japanese, which may be challenging for absolute beginners without prior exposure to the language
Focuses on vocabulary related to shopping and restaurants, which is helpful for learners planning to travel to Japan or interact with Japanese speakers in these settings

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Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
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Reviews summary

Friendly introduction to japanese basics

learners say this course provides a highly positive introduction to the Japanese language for absolute beginners. Many students highlight the instructor, Natsuko, praising her clear, patient, and engaging teaching style. The course structure is often mentioned as a strength, particularly the breakdown of Hiragana and Katakana learning into manageable lessons. Students feel they gain a solid foundation in basic scripts, greetings, numbers, and simple conversations. While effective for beginners, some reviewers note it serves as a starting point and suggest finding supplementary practice, especially for conversational fluency. Overall, it's described as a fun and effective first step into learning Japanese.

Well-structured with easy-to-follow lessons.
"The lessons are well-structured and easy to follow..."
"The bite-sized lessons are perfect for squeezing in study time."
"The pace is just right for a beginner."
"I found the structure logical and the lessons easy to consume daily."
"Each lesson is short and focused, which I found very helpful."
"The lesson length is good for busy people."
Provides a solid and effective starting point.
"A solid introduction to the language..."
"Excellent introductory course."
"This course is a great introduction to Japanese."
"A fantastic first step into learning Japanese."
"It covers the very essentials and sets a solid foundation."
"I feel much more confident tackling basic Japanese now."
Effective method for learning Hiragana/Katakana.
"Learning Hiragana and Katakana felt much less intimidating than I expected."
"I managed to pick up Hiragana and Katakana pretty quickly."
"A fantastic first step... she makes even learning the writing systems feel achievable."
"Perfect course for beginners!... I learned Hiragana and Katakana..."
"Great focus on the foundational characters."
"Decent course for learning Hiragana and Katakana, which it does quite well."
Clear, patient, and engaging teacher.
"Natsuko sensei is amazing! She's incredibly patient, clear, and her passion for teaching really shines through."
"Natsuko is a fantastic teacher, very enthusiastic and makes learning fun."
"Absolutely loved this course! Natsuko is so kind and explains everything clearly."
"A fantastic first step... Natsuko's energy is infectious..."
"Perfect course for beginners! Natsuko is wonderful and explains everything perfectly."
Basic grammar/conversation requires more practice.
"You will definitely need to supplement this course with other resources, particularly for speaking practice and more in-depth grammar."
"However, the grammar and conversational parts are *extremely* basic and don't go into much detail. I felt like I needed more exercises for speaking..."
"Very disappointed. The content is way too basic. I expected more grammar and speaking practice."
"As others mentioned, you'll need more than just this course for conversational fluency, but it's a great stepping stone."

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 With Natsuko with these activities:
Review Hiragana and Katakana
Strengthen your foundation in Hiragana and Katakana to improve reading and writing skills in Japanese.
Browse courses on Hiragana
Show steps
  • Review the charts for Hiragana and Katakana.
  • Practice writing each character multiple times.
  • Use online resources to test your knowledge.
Read 'Remembering the Kana'
Use a mnemonic system to memorize Hiragana and Katakana characters more effectively.
View Remembering the Kana: A Guide to Reading and... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Remembering the Kana'.
  • Work through the book, following the mnemonic techniques for each character.
  • Review the characters regularly to reinforce memorization.
Read 'Genki: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese'
Supplement your learning with a comprehensive textbook that covers grammar, vocabulary, and cultural insights.
View GENKI 1 2 an Integrated Course in Elementary... 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 exercises and practice dialogues.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create flashcards for vocabulary
Reinforce vocabulary learning by creating flashcards for new words and phrases encountered in the course.
Show steps
  • Gather new vocabulary words from the course materials.
  • Write the Japanese word on one side of the flashcard.
  • Write the English translation on the other side.
  • Review the flashcards regularly.
Practice writing Japanese characters
Improve your handwriting and character recognition by practicing writing Hiragana and Katakana characters.
Show steps
  • Find a Hiragana and Katakana writing practice sheet online.
  • Practice writing each character multiple times, focusing on stroke order.
  • Use a Japanese calligraphy pen for a more authentic experience.
Write a short journal entry in Japanese
Practice using newly learned vocabulary and grammar by writing short journal entries in Japanese.
Show steps
  • Choose a simple topic, such as your daily activities.
  • Write a few sentences in Japanese, using vocabulary and grammar from the course.
  • Use a dictionary or online translator to help with unfamiliar words.
Practice conversations with a language partner
Improve your speaking and listening skills by practicing conversations with a language partner.
Show steps
  • Find a language partner online or in person.
  • Prepare conversation topics based on the course material.
  • Practice speaking and listening to each other, providing feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete Learn Japanese For Beginners With Natsuko will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Japanese Language Teacher
A Japanese Language Teacher instructs students in the Japanese language and culture. This course can help aspiring teachers build a foundation in basic Japanese. The course covers hiragana and katakana, essential for reading and writing, as well as numbers, currency, and basic conversational phrases. This knowledge is invaluable for teaching beginners and providing a solid starting point for their language journey. If you want to teach Japanese, this course will give you the basic knowledge and confidence you need.
See salaries and explore the career path for Japanese Language Teacher
Cultural Ambassador
A cultural ambassador promotes understanding and appreciation between different cultures. This course helps those who wish to become cultural ambassadors by providing a foundation in Japanese language and culture. The course covers essential elements such as hiragana, katakana, basic greetings, and conversational phrases. These will enable a cultural ambassador to effectively communicate and connect with others. By taking this course, a cultural ambassador will be able to promote understanding between cultures with confidence.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cultural Ambassador
Translator
A translator converts written material from one language to another, often working with documents, websites, or other media. This course may be useful for those who aspire to be translators, as it provides a basic understanding of Japanese grammar, vocabulary, and cultural nuances. The ability to read and write hiragana and katakana, as taught in the course, is a crucial skill. A translator will also be able to translate basic conversations. While a translator usually requires advanced study, this course provides a valuable initial step.
See salaries and explore the career path for Translator
Tour Guide
A tour guide leads groups of tourists, providing information about local attractions, history, and culture. This course may be useful for those who wish to become tour guides in Japan or for Japanese-speaking tourists. Knowing basic greetings, numbers, and currency, as covered in this course, are essential for daily interactions. The course's conversational phrases and cultural insights may enrich the tour experience. A tour guide can use the phrases taught in this course to create a more immersive, interactive experience for tourists.
See salaries and explore the career path for Tour Guide
Japanese Interpreter
A Japanese Interpreter facilitates communication between individuals who do not share a common language, conveying spoken messages accurately and fluently. This course may be useful for those who aspire to be interpreters, as it provides a basic understanding of Japanese grammar, vocabulary, and cultural nuances. The ability to read and write hiragana and katakana, as taught in the course, is a crucial skill. While an interpreter usually requires advanced study, this course provides a valuable initial step.
See salaries and explore the career path for Japanese Interpreter
Customer Service Representative
A customer service representative assists customers with inquiries, orders, and complaints. This course may be useful for those who work with Japanese-speaking customers or in companies that conduct business in Japan. Basic greeting phrases, as taught in the course, are invaluable for initiating positive interactions. The course's focus on numbers, currency, and basic conversation may help in addressing customer needs. A customer service representative will be able to deal with Japanese customers more effectively.
See salaries and explore the career path for Customer Service Representative
International Sales
Those in international sales generate revenue for their company by selling goods to foreign customers. This course may be useful if you are seeking to sell to Japan. The course can help you learn basic greetings, numbers, and currency, as covered in the course, that are essential for sales interactions. The course's conversational phrases and cultural insights may facilitate smoother sales negotiations. This course will help you learn the basics you need to grow your international sales.
See salaries and explore the career path for International Sales
Travel Agent
A travel agent assists clients with planning and booking travel arrangements, including flights, accommodations, and activities. This course may be useful for travel agents who specialize in travel to Japan or who serve Japanese-speaking clients. Knowing basic greetings, numbers, and currency, as covered in the course, are essential for assisting travelers. The course's conversational phrases and cultural insights may help in providing better customer service. A travel agent will be able to respond to the needs of clients who wish to travel to Japan.
See salaries and explore the career path for Travel Agent
International Business Development
Professionals in international business development focus on expanding a company's reach into new markets. This course may be useful if you are seeking to expand your company in Japan. The course can help you learn basic greetings, numbers, and currency, as covered in the course, that are essential for business interactions. The course's conversational phrases and cultural insights may facilitate smoother negotiations and partnerships. This course will help you learn the basics for international business.
See salaries and explore the career path for International Business Development
ESL Teacher
An ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher instructs non-native English speakers in the English language. This course may be useful for ESL teachers who work with Japanese students, as it provides insights into the Japanese language and culture. Understanding the basics of Japanese, including hiragana, katakana, and basic conversational phrases, may help teachers better connect with their students and address their learning needs. The course's introduction to Japanese culture can also aid in creating a more inclusive classroom environment for an ESL teacher.
See salaries and explore the career path for ESL Teacher
Software Localization Tester
A Software Localization Tester ensures that software products are accurately translated and culturally adapted for specific regions. This course may be useful for those who seek to work as testers for the Japanese software market. The understanding of basic Japanese grammar, vocabulary, and cultural nuances, as provided in this course, is key to quality assurance. The Software Localization Tester will have a basis of comparison between the original software and the translated software.
See salaries and explore the career path for Software Localization Tester
Market Research Analyst
A market research analyst studies market conditions to examine potential sales of a product or service. This course may be useful if the target for a business's market is Japan. A market research analyst may find the cultural insights provided by this course invaluable. Gaining an understanding of the Japanese language is a necessary first step to understanding the Japanese people. If you want to gain insights into the Japanese market, this course may be useful.
See salaries and explore the career path for Market Research Analyst
Immigration Officer
An immigration officer is a government official responsible for controlling and regulating the entry of people into a country. This course may be useful for an immigration officer that deals with Japanese immigrants. This course goes through basic phrases as well as essential elements of Japanese culture. This introduction to Japanese culture may help an immigration officer ease the process of immigration and help new immigrants feel more comfortable.
See salaries and explore the career path for Immigration Officer
Japanese Chef
A Japanese Chef prepares authentic Japanese dishes in a restaurant or other culinary setting. While culinary expertise is the primary requirement, this course may be useful in communicating with Japanese-speaking suppliers, colleagues, or customers. Knowing basic phrases, numbers, and food-related vocabulary, as covered in this course, are useful in daily interactions. The course's introduction to Japanese culture may also enrich the chef's understanding of Japanese cuisine. A Japanese chef will be able to communicate with employees and customers.
See salaries and explore the career path for Japanese Chef
Librarian
A librarian helps people locate books and other materials. This course may be useful for those who wish to become a librarian in a Japanese library or a library that has a significant collection of Japanese books. Knowing basic greetings and the ability to read Hiragana and Katakana, as covered in this course, may be useful for assisting patrons and organizing collections. A librarian can use the skills gained in this course to better serve the needs of the community.
See salaries and explore the career path for Librarian

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Learn Japanese For Beginners With Natsuko.
GENKI 1 2 an Integrated Course in Elementary...
Save
Genki widely used textbook for beginner Japanese learners. It provides a comprehensive introduction to grammar, vocabulary, and cultural aspects of Japan. is useful as a reference tool and provides additional depth to the course material. It is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions.
GENKI 1 2 an Integrated Course in Elementary...
Paperback
Check
GENKI 1 2 an Integrated Course in Elementary...
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Remembering the Kana
Save
Uses a mnemonic system to help learners memorize Hiragana and Katakana quickly and effectively. It is particularly useful for visual learners and those who struggle with rote memorization. This book is more valuable as additional reading than it is as a current reference. It provides a unique approach to learning the Japanese writing systems.
Remembering the Kana: A Guide to Reading and...
Paperback
$$

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Course image
Rating
4.8 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Effort
7 total hours
Via
Udemy
Instructor
Natsuko Yunome
Language
English
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, and this is a great starting point for language acquisition
Covers practical topics like numbers, currency, and basic grammar, enabling learners to handle simple transactions and navigate daily situations in Japan
Includes practice exercises for speaking and listening, which helps learners develop conversational skills and improve their pronunciation
Teaches basic greeting phrases and self-introductions, which are useful for initiating conversations and building rapport with Japanese speakers
Requires learners to translate phrases and answer questions in Japanese, which may be challenging for absolute beginners without prior exposure to the language
Focuses on vocabulary related to shopping and restaurants, which is helpful for learners planning to travel to Japan or interact with Japanese speakers in these settings
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