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Japanese for beginners: where do I start?
The short answer
Start with hiragana this week, then katakana. From week two, add a little real Japanese every day: short, simple sentences with audio and a translation. Put the ones you like into a review deck. Skip grammar textbooks and kanji lists for now; they make more sense once you have heard the language.
Your first month
- Week 1: hiragana (7-day plan).
- Week 2: katakana, plus 5 real sentences a day with audio.
- Week 3: keep the sentences going, start a free review deck, watch one show you love with Japanese subtitles on short scenes.
- Week 4: look up the grammar patterns you keep meeting (a free guide like Tae Kim's is enough).
What to skip for now
- Long kanji lists out of context.
- Five apps at once.
- Waiting until you "know enough" to listen to real Japanese. Listen from week one.
What you need
All free: a kana guide, a dictionary (Jisho), a review app (Anki), a grammar reference, and something you love watching. The directory lists each with its real price.
“You can learn a language by yourself. And I'm going to show you how.”Languy · from a recorded lesson
Questions people also ask
Do I need a textbook to start Japanese?
No. A textbook like Genki gives structure if you like that, but you can start for free with kana, real sentences and a review deck.
Should I learn to speak or understand first?
Understand first. Lots of listening makes speaking come more easily later.
Get the free starter kit
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The Method is Languy's full course: video lessons, a language kit and a day-by-day plan. Lesson 1 is free on the page.
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