Imagine watching Anime without subtitles, playing import games before anyone else, or traveling to see the cherry blossoms. These are just some of the many reasons why you should learn Japanese. If you need any more convincing, learning a new language comes with many benefits that enhance your health and career. However, Japanese isn’t the easiest language to master. It uses three alphabets, a complex honorific system, and there are a lot of Japanese social norms that you need to know by heart. Fortunately, learning Japanese has never been easier – there are plenty of affordable language learning apps out there that will help you fully understand this beautiful language. Plus, some also give you interesting cultural trivia about a country that combines tradition with modernity.
It doesn’t take much research to discover that there are many ways to learn Japanese. For example, you can immerse yourself in the language by watching content in Japanese or learn through translated lyrics of popular Japanese songs. The truth is that there isn’t a ‘correct’ way to learn Japanese. Each student has their preferred learning method, so we recommend trying out different strategies and sticking with what works best for you.
However, since Japanese seems like such an alien language at first, we suggest backing up your plan with language learning software – especially if you’re a complete beginner. Language learning software makes this process easier by helping you memorize the three Japanese alphabets – katakana, hiragana, and kanji – and only introduces them at the right time. Plus, it offers a more engaging way to learn them than by writing each character hundreds of times on paper. Language learning apps also offer grammar exercises that are vital to understanding the language, as Japanese follows an SOV sentence structure (subject, object, verb). Finally, the best language learning software teaches cultural nuances, such as when to use certain honorifics, which can be lost in translation while watching subbed Anime or listening to J-Pop.
LinguaLift’s founder was always determined to find the best method possible for teaching his students new languages. After moving to Korea to teach English, he found his answer. The main problem students face is not the lack of material, but the absence of direction. To answer this need, he created LinguaLift, a language-learning app that offers thorough courses where students are provided with a personal roadmap created by their tutors. LinguaLift provides courses for five languages: Japanese, Hebrew, Russian, Spanish, and French. Although this may seem like a small number, each program is meticulously built with tons of cultural content and grammar explanations. LinguaLift’s subscription costs $17 a month with yearly installments and provides access to all courses. Better yet, students can try the first three lessons of all programs completely for free before purchase.
Used by millions, Busuu is a well-known and well-loved language-learning application. Based in the UK, this platform ensures an engaging experience by providing a decent variety of exercises. There are 12 courses available, and all of them are built taking into consideration the language’s and country’s cultural aspects. In other words, besides teaching vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation, Busuu also provides hints on how to properly behave when speaking with the natives. What’s more, Busuu offers a limited free plan that you can use forever. That being said, a paid subscription is necessary to have access to Busuu’s full potential, such as the ability to interact with other people using the app. The price can be as low as $5.41 per month, and there’s a 14-day money-back guarantee to test the premium plans.
Launched in 1992, Rosetta Stone has over two decades of experience in teaching students a new language. The result is one of the most thorough and effective language learning apps in the industry. The software covers over 20 languages, tackling reading, writing, listening, and speaking with an immersive approach. It’s so intuitive that we didn’t even notice we were learning new vocabulary.
While courses are on-demand, Rosetta Stone does provide 6-week personalized study plans that consider students’ goals. In addition to the usual classes and exercises, the language learning platform also offers live sessions with native speakers and expert tutors, interactive stories, an audio companion, and much more. Prices start at $10.95 per month, and there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee to try out Rosetta Stone risk free.
One of the things that makes Japanese so challenging to learn is its writing system, which uses three different alphabets. Hiragana is used for words with Japanese origin, katakana for words with a foreign origin, and kanji for specific words and meanings. This means that you can sometimes find characters from all three alphabets in one sentence. Moreover, you’ll need to memorize 2,000 kanji characters to fully understand written Japanese. Language learning software helps you by introducing each alphabet and character intuitively for faster memorization.
The next challenge is Japanese grammar. Unlike English, this language follows an SOV sentence structure. This can be pretty strange at first, and it will take some time for you to adjust your mindset. Japanese doesn’t use plurals either and can be quite vague. But language learning apps have your back once again. By allowing you to check the English translation and using visual aids, you’ll start to naturally follow the Japanese sentence structure flow.
Finally, you need to know the different levels of politeness and the honorific system that come with Japanese culture. You’ll have to learn unique vocabulary to address people depending on their social status. For example, the way you speak with a friend is entirely different from how you address a teacher or your boss.
If you want to learn Japanese as fast as possible, you need to incorporate extra activities in your study plan. While language learning software helps a lot, people can only become fluent through immersion. And since most students can’t pack up and move to Japan for a few months, we recommend taking advantage of streaming services. For example, watching subbed Anime on Crunchyroll increases vocabulary and enhances speaking skills. Some other ways to improve your Japanese include watching Japanese drama, such as 100万円の女たち (Million Yen Women), listening to your favorite J-Pop artists, and playing video games with Japanese voiceovers.
Meanwhile, reading light novels and manga, as well as playing Japanese imports are great ways to enhance your reading skills. Although at first, we suggest going over content you already consumed in your native language. For instance, if you’re a huge Sword Art Online fan, get the original light novel that started the phenomenon.
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