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.
Why Learn Japanese With Language Learning Software
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.
Recommended Language Learning Apps for Japanese
LinguaLift
LinguaLift only offers three language courses: Japanese, Russian, and Hebrew. Such a small portfolio comes with the big advantage that each curriculum is designed meticulously, making it one of the best language learning apps for Japanese. Since LinguaLift was launched with the premise that students lack direction, the software offers personalized roadmaps that consider your starting place and objectives. Each lesson includes some Japanese culture and two videos (one for shadowing and the other just for fun), making the learning process painless and enjoyable. Additionally, LinguaLift is available for both mobile and desktop, allowing you to learn everything about Japanese whenever and wherever you want. The best part is that you can try it out for free, as the platform lets you take the first three lessons at zero cost.
Busuu
Busuu offers a comprehensive Japanese curriculum that teaches you everything you need to know to reach B2 level. As a bonus, it includes a course designed for travel, which focuses on the most common situations that may arise while visiting Japan. Although Busuu uses flashcards for memorization, you can find many other types of exercises, such as videos, native dialogues, quizzes, and more. The software also comes with a built-in social platform for you to get in touch with native speakers and allows you to book lessons with a tutor for a more personalized class. Speaking of personalization, Premium Plus users get a unique learning roadmap that directs them to the best way to achieve their objectives. To make things even better, Busuu offers a generous free version, where you can go through most of the content available either on mobile or desktop.
Rosetta Stone
Created in 1992, Rosetta Stone is the parent of modern language learning apps. It offers an immersive experience that teaches through association. The software jumps through reading, writing, listening, and speaking exercises to improve your overall language usage. It also takes advantage of speech recognition to tell you whether you’re pronouncing words correctly. Additionally, users who get Rosetta Stone’s online version have access to some extra features, such as offline lessons, games, and short stories read by a native speaker. Last but not least, you’re able to book live classes within the app to enhance your learning experience even further. Rosetta Stone is available on both mobile and desktop, and you can try it out for yourself for three days without paying a dime.
The Challenges of Learning Japanese
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.
Best Ways To Learn Japanese Online
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.