How to learn Japanese for beginners: 16 tips to get started

How to learn Japanese for beginners can feel like standing at the base of a mountain—intimidating, unfamiliar, and overwhelming. Japanese is classified as a Category V language by the FSI, meaning it’s one of the most challenging languages for English speakers to learn.

To add to that, you’ll need to get comfortable with three different writing systems—Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji—which we’ll break down for you later in this guide.

But here’s the good news: you’re not alone. As fellow learners, we know exactly what it feels like to start from scratch, unsure of where to begin or how to stay motivated.

That’s why we’ve put together 16 beginner-friendly tips on how to learn Japanese in a way that actually works. From building a solid foundation with Hiragana to using AI tools for daily conversation practice, this guide is packed with practical strategies to help you make real progress—without feeling lost. Let’s dive in!

How Long Does it Take to Learn Japanese?

The time it takes to learn Japanese depends on several factors—your native language, your learning goals, how consistently you study, and the methods you use. According to the Foreign Service Institute (FSI), Japanese falls into Category V, meaning it typically takes around 2,200 hours of study for English speakers to achieve professional fluency. But that doesn’t mean you need to reach that level to hold a basic conversation or enjoy a trip to Japan. With focused practice, you can learn essential phrases and survival Japanese in just a few months.

If you're learning Japanese for travel, daily life, or basic conversation, tools like Sakuraspeak can significantly speed up your progress. By simulating real-world conversations in a safe, low-pressure environment, you can build confidence and improve your speaking skills much faster than with traditional methods alone.

How to Learn Japanese for Beginners?

Learning Japanese as a beginner involves mastering Hiragana and Katakana, understanding basic grammar, and building a strong vocabulary. You can start with common phrases, use language apps, and practice daily through listening, speaking, and writing. Consistency and immersion are key to progress.

If you're wondering what to know before learning Japanese, it’s important to understand that it takes time, patience, and the right resources. In this guide, we’ve covered 16 actionable tips for learning to speak Japanese that are perfect for beginners looking to build a solid foundation and gain confidence in real-life conversations.

Photo by Nippon.com

1. Start with Hiragana and Katakana

The easiest way to learn Japanese is to start with Hiragana and Katakana, as they are essential for reading and writing in the language. If you're wondering what to start with when learning Japanese, these two phonetic scripts are the perfect entry point. Mastering them will make learning kanji and basic grammar much easier, laying a strong foundation for future progress.

The Hiragana

For all novices, knowing how to read Hiragana is essential. Hiragana, which has 46 or 51 phonetic letters, is mostly used for native Japanese words. It's essential to comprehending the meaning behind the peculiar sounds of Japanese words, like あ (a) い (i) う (u) え (e) お (o).

Hiragana is quite simple to learn because the majority of the characters have only one pronunciation. You will undoubtedly lay the solid groundwork for a native-sounding accent after you master Hiragana. Any native or Kanji word will be transcribed in Hiragana.

The Katakana

Katakana is used for non-Japanese terms or loanwords (words borrowed from a foreign language) more often than Hiragana. In fact, animal or plant names are written in Katakana if they are not written in Kanji. As a bonus, you may get additional knowledge of vocabulary in other languages. E.g.: アルバイト = Arbeit (German for work), バナナ = Banana

Katakana can be a bit more challenging than Hiragana for beginners since it isn’t used as frequently at the start of your language learning journey. However, as your proficiency grows, you’ll encounter Katakana more often. For now, focusing on recognizing and reading Katakana is more than enough for a beginner.

Another thing to note is that popular language apps like Duolingo already cover Hiragana and Katakana, allowing beginners to practice writing the different strokes of each character. This hands-on approach is one of the most effective methods when exploring how to learn to speak Japanese for beginners, as it helps reinforce memory through active engagement.

By getting familiar with the writing systems early on, you’ll retain characters more quickly and build a stronger foundation—making future grammar, vocabulary, and conversational learning much easier.

(P.S. At this stage, you might be tempted to rely on Romaji only which are written using Latin alphabet characters to represent Japanese sounds, but this is a crutch that can be costly if you are serious about making progress later on.)

2. Build a Daily Study Routine

A daily routine is the key to steady progress in learning Japanese. Even 15–30 minutes a day can help you internalize vocabulary and grammar over time. To study Japanese effectively, consistency is essential—regular exposure keeps the language fresh in your mind and helps you build a solid foundation while making consistent improvements.

This is much better than cramming 8 hours in a single day back like studying for an exam at the very last minute in school, which tends to backfire for language learning as you will forget most of the words you learn a week later. (Or even in a situation where you are forced to apply what you’ve learned)

Here are some suggestions for developing a routine:

• Set achievable goals: Break your learning into small, manageable objectives and gradually raise the bar as you improve.

• Establish a regular time: Choose a consistent time to study each day when you’re focused and less likely to be distracted.

• Mix up your resources: Use a variety of tools like apps, textbooks, podcasts, and videos to keep your sessions engaging and well-rounded.

• Monitor your progress: Keep track of what you’ve learned by journaling or using a language app with progress tracking features. Periodically return to older learning points to avoid forgetting what was learned in the sea of new knowledge.

• Stay adaptable: If you miss a day, don’t stress—just pick up where you left off and continue your routine.

Building these habits can help you stay on track and see consistent improvement in your Japanese journey. Whether you’re practicing daily greetings or diving into kanji, steady effort over time will bring you closer to your goals.

3. Use Language Learning Apps

With remote learning becoming more popular due to its accessibility and affordability, language learning apps are an excellent way to learn Japanese from scratch. They make studying fun, engaging, and easy to fit into your daily routine. Many apps cater to different aspects of language learning, from vocabulary to pronunciation, helping beginners build a solid foundation step by step.

Here are a couple apps we personally use for our learning routine:

• Sakuraspeak: Perfect for practicing real-world conversations if you plan on visiting Japan in the near future

• Duolingo: Great for learning basic phrases in a gamified way, and learning Kana

• Anki: Ideal for building up your vocabulary bank and reviewing vocabulary flashcards with spaced repetition.

• Renshuu: Incredible resource for learning grammar as they provide free hour-long classes covering important concepts like particle usage

• NHK News: A free resource provided by the Japanese government to curate news articles for beginners to improve their reading (An alternative is Satori Reader, which provides interesting stories with line by line guidance)

Spend a few minutes each day on these apps, whether during your commute or while waiting in line.

For instance, you could have a quick 5-minute conversation on SakuraSpeak during your lunch break to practise real-life Japanese, and then follow it up in the evening by reviewing vocabulary with an Anki deck once you're back from work.

4. Practice Speaking Early

Practicing speaking Japanese from the start builds confidence and helps reinforce what you’ve learned.

Many advanced learners at the N1-N2 stage have shared that a huge mistake they made was not outputting early, which became more difficult over time.

If your goal is to become fluent at speaking Japanese, just reading a bunch of manga and watching anime on Netflix isn’t enough.

You need to intentionally spend time practicing speaking out loud phrases each day.

Even knowing how to pronounce simple phrases like “こんにちは” (Hello) or “ありがとう” (Thank you) and understanding different pitch accents make a big difference in your ability to communicate.

Don’t wait till you are “ready”—begin conversation practice early. With apps like Sakuraspeak, you can hold simulated conversations before participating in actual ones. Natural output comes with practice.

5. Learn Basic Phrases for Daily Use

Start with practical phrases that you can use immediately. Simple expressions like greetings, polite phrases, and basic questions are ideal to speak Japanese for beginners, helping you build confidence for real-life interactions—especially if you plan on visiting Japan in the future.

Here are some phrases you can practice below:

• “こんにちは” (Hello)

• “こんばんは” (Good evening)

• “すみません” (Excuse me)

• “ありがとうございます” (Thank you)

• “美味しいです!” (It’s delicious!)

• “どこですか” (Where is it?)

Practice these phrases out loud and use them in context whenever possible—whether you’re at home or out and about.

One tip that works well is the shadowing technique, which is recording yourself speaking out a phrase and then comparing yourself to how a native speaker pronounces the same phrase on YouTube:

As you play back your recording, try to spot the difference and then repeat with the same pitch accent over time.

Another method you could do if you like watching shows is by shadowing the voice actors of your favorite anime on Netflix.

After the character says a phrase, you can record yourself saying the same phrase and try to match the same pitch accent as the voice actor.

6. Focus on Vocabulary

Building a strong vocabulary is one of the most important steps in learning Japanese as a beginner. A solid word base allows you to understand common phrases and sentences, making it easier to communicate and grasp more advanced concepts down the line. Flashcards are an excellent tool for mastering new words, and they’re versatile enough to fit into any learning style.

Here’s how you can make the most of flashcards to expand your vocabulary:

• Use pre-made decks: Apps like Anki offer pre-made decks featuring the 1,000 most commonly used Japanese words. These decks are designed with spaced repetition, ensuring that you review words at the right intervals for long-term retention.

• Set a daily goal: Start with 12 new words per day, which is a manageable number for beginners. Over time, this will steadily increase your vocabulary base without overwhelming you.

• Label household items: Reinforce your learning by labeling everyday objects in your home with their Japanese names. For example, stick a note that says "冷蔵庫 (reizouko)" on your fridge or "窓 (mado)" on your window. Seeing these words daily helps you connect them to real-life contexts and strengthens your recall.

If you’re looking for additional methods to make vocabulary stick, here are a few creative tips:

• Quiz yourself regularly: Flip through your flashcards and try to recall the meaning before checking the answer. This active recall method helps cement words in your memory.

• Practice in sentences: Don’t just learn words in isolation—use them in sentences. For instance, instead of memorizing "猫 (neko)" means cat, try saying “猫があります” (Neko ga arimasu) or “There is a cat.”

With consistent effort and creative strategies, flashcards can become one of your most powerful tools for mastering Japanese vocabulary.

7. Experiment with AI

With the explosion of AI technology, it has never been easier to learn Japanese with tools like ChatGPT. It has revolutionized how we learn languages as you can use it for all kinds of purposes like studying grammar, vocabulary, or even testing your pronunciation by chatting with it.

There are even new AI apps now that are customized for practising Japanese conversations like Sakuraspeak. This allows you to practise speaking with different role-play scenarios, like ordering food at a restaurant or asking for directions at a train station.

To make the most out of AI tools, we recommend combining them with other resources like textbooks or Japanese courses taught by native speakers.

One example could be taking the phrases you learn from a popular textbook like Genki and instantly outputting it in the Sakuraspeak app, which provides you the opportunity to speak it out in a real-life setting.

Sakuraspeak Demo

8. Watch Japanese Media with Subtitles

Watching Japanese TV shows, movies, or YouTube videos is not just entertaining—it’s an incredible way to soak up the language naturally. By tuning into authentic content, you’ll start to pick up proper pronunciation, common sentence structures, and even a bit of slang that textbooks might not teach.

Start with English subtitles to get a feel for the vocabulary used in the dialogues in one episode, and then gradually switch to Japanese subtitles once you’re comfortable. This helps you match written words to their spoken forms, which speeds up your learning. (Another helpful tip is to pay attention to the scenario the word is used in, as Japanese words heavily rely on the context.)

There are even Google Chrome extensions built for this specific use case like Language Reactor, which allows you to dual stream both English and Japanese subtitles on Netflix at the same time.

Some popular Japanese shows on Netflix are Good Morning Call (グッドモーニング・コール, Guddo Mōningu Kōru) for humor or Your Name (君の名は, Kimi no Na wa) for a stunning anime experience that’s rich in relatable vocabulary. By combining fun with learning, you’ll improve your listening skills without it feeling like a chore!

Your Name - Photo by IGN

9. Use Spaced Repetition for Kanji

Kanji, composed of thousands of characters adapted from Chinese, represents entire words, concepts, or phrases. Many learners view Kanji as the most difficult part of studying Japanese, but it is an unavoidable aspect of the language.

Even learning basic Kanji can enhance your ability to read, write, and understand simple Japanese. However, Kanji comes with its own set of challenges, as its meanings don’t always translate directly into English, and a single character can have multiple interpretations.

Although learning Japanese can be demanding, acquiring Kanji skills will significantly expand your ability to communicate. To start, try exploring websites or tools specifically created to help learners master Kanji.

For instance, Wanikani is a well-known learning app specifically to help English native speakers to master Kanji by using mnemonic techniques.

Learning kanji can feel like a huge task, but spaced repetition makes it manageable. Focus on the most commonly used characters first and review them regularly to reinforce your memory.

One tip is to review kanji in small chunks by breaking down each Kanji into its radicals. Pair kanji with vocabulary to see them in context, and create mnemonics to help you remember their meanings and readings.

10. Find a Language Partner

Learning Japanese with a language partner adds an interactive and enjoyable way to your studies. The right language partner can help you practice speaking, point out mistakes, and teach you natural expressions that textbooks might not cover. Plus, having someone to talk to keeps you motivated and accountable.

Photo by PCMag

Where to find one:

• Platforms like HelloTalk and Tandem are perfect for connecting with native speakers and fellow learners. You can schedule regular sessions to chat about hobbies, travel, or everyday topics in Japanese.

• Japanese language learning Discord servers like Sakuraspeak or Renshuu are also fantastic for finding language partners. These communities offer not just one-on-one practice opportunities but also group voice chats (VCs). If you’re not ready to speak yet, you can simply listen in to hear how vocabulary and phrases are used naturally in conversation.

By engaging with a language partner or a community, you’ll immerse yourself in real-life Japanese while building confidence at your own pace. Whether you’re chatting about your favorite anime or asking for feedback on your pronunciation, having a language friend always makes the process more fun.

11. Take Online or In-Person Classes

If you are willing to invest more money into your Japanese learning, taking online or in-person classes might be an even better option for you. Classes offer the structure and accountability that many beginners need to stay on track. With the guidance of a teacher, you’ll be able to navigate the basics, get your questions answered, and receive valuable feedback to improve your skills more effectively.

Photo by FreePik

Platforms like iTalki and Preply connect you with online tutors for personalized lessons tailored to your goals and skill level. Within minutes, you can search across hundreds of native Japanese tutors according to your budget, and book your first trial lesson as soon as tomorrow.

You can also take up group classes at local language schools or cultural centers, where you can learn alongside other beginners for a more in-person experience. By committing to a class, you’ll have a clear learning path, access to expert advice, and the motivation to stick with your Japanese learning journey.

12. Immerse Yourself in the Language

Immersion doesn’t require moving to Japan—you can surround yourself with Japanese right where you are. By exposing yourself to the language regularly, you’ll start absorbing vocabulary, sentence patterns, and cultural nuances naturally.

How to immerse yourself:

• Switch your phone’s language settings to Japanese to familiarize yourself with everyday terms. (Recommended from high N4-N3)

• Listen to Japanese podcasts during your commute or downtime to practice your listening skills.

• Watch Japanese vlogs or channels on YouTube for a fun and engaging way to learn new words and phrases in context.

• Label items around your home in Japanese, like “本 (hon)” for books or “ドア (doa)” for doors, to reinforce your vocabulary every day.

• Think in Japanese: For example it’s hot af outside: Try thinking 暑いな to slowly naturalise.

Creating an immersive environment allows you to incorporate Japanese into your daily life, making learning feel more natural and less like a chore.

Also, if you’re feeling adventurous and ready to fully commit to mastering Japanese, you can even consider moving to Japan for a year or two to study at a language school. Immersing yourself in the country’s culture and environment can supercharge your learning experience and give you daily opportunities to practice with native speakers.

Japan offers over 200 language centers in Tokyo alone, many of which cater specifically to foreigners who are serious about learning Japanese. These schools provide structured curriculums that cover everything from grammar to kanji, with classes tailored to different proficiency levels.

Living in Japan allows you to apply what you learn immediately, whether it’s ordering ramen at a local shop, navigating the subway, or chatting with neighbors. If you are serious about reaching fluency, this could be the ultimate opportunity to take your Japanese to the next level.

(P.S. This method is highly recommended only if you are at N3 JLPT proficiency and above, otherwise it will be difficult for you to leverage the advantages..)

13. Keep a Study Journal

Despite how dependent we are on technology these days, a study journal can still be a handy resource if you are a more traditional learner. It’s like a language learner’s version of a diary—just as some people jot down their thoughts to reflect on their day, you can use your journal to document your progress in Japanese. Writing even a few simple sentences helps you practice grammar, expand your vocabulary, and see how far you’ve come over time.

How to start:

• Begin with short daily entries, such as “Kyou wa atsui desu” (Today is hot), and gradually build up to longer sentences as your skills improve.

• Note down new words or phrases you learn during the day, and revisit them often to reinforce your memory.

• Treat your journal like a personal scrapbook of your Japanese learning journey—it’s a space for experimenting, making mistakes, and celebrating milestones.

Much like keeping a diary for self-reflection, a study journal helps you stay focused, track your growth, and build confidence in your language skills.

14. Embrace Mistakes

Making mistakes is an inevitable part of learning Japanese just like learning any other skill, so don’t let them discourage you. Think of every stumble as a stepping stone toward fluency. Each error you make is an opportunity to refine your skills and grow as a learner.

Don’t compare yourself to Japanese language learning Youtubers who boast about becoming N1 fluency in a single year, as everybody has a different pace of learning.

In almost all cases, nobody becomes fluent in Japanese without making a few blunders along the way. The key is to keep speaking and practicing, even if you’re not 100% sure of yourself. Most native speakers are incredibly understanding and will appreciate your effort. In fact, many will gladly help you correct mistakes or teach you a more natural way to say something.

By embracing your mistakes, you’ll build the resilience and confidence needed to keep improving. Instead of focusing on your goals all the time, take time to reflect on your progress every few weeks to see how far you have grown as a language learner.

Take note of the notable mistakes in each output session and put effort into improving them before the next session. Oftentimes, we spend so much time feeling anxious and asking ourselves why we “aren’t there yet” but the best learners are those who focus on themselves and continue to practise even if they make mistakes.

15. Stay Consistent and Motivated

Consistency is the secret sauce for mastering Japanese, like anything else. Language learning is a long-term commitment and takes tremendous effort to become fluent, but celebrating your progress—no matter how small—can help you stay inspired and on track:

• Set realistic goals, such as learning 5 new kanji each week or taking a grammar lesson per week.

• Celebrate milestones, like completing your first chapter in Genki textbook, first section of Duolingo Japanese, or holding your first conversation. Treat yourself to something fun—a Japanese meal, a new manga, or a guilt-free anime binge session—to keep the momentum going.

Learning Japanese is a marathon, not a sprint. By staying consistent and celebrating your wins, you’ll keep the journey enjoyable and rewarding!

We find that a great way to stay motivated is to always surround yourself with other learners going on the same journey as you, which is why we recommend you to join a Japanese language learning community on Discord. There are tons of great communities out there and you’ll make tons of new friends just by joining one.

16. Master basic grammar

Fundamentals are everything. If you were to master them, it would save you so much trouble when you are further along in your journey with more complex expressions. Have the basic particles（は、が、を、に、で、と） and conjugations （一段、五段、変格） mastered to the point of it becoming second nature. This will significantly accelerate your progress once you’re past the beginner wall. You’ll have so much more confidence in your expression ability that you’ll barely expend mental energy worrying if you were misunderstood.

Your Japanese Language Learning Journey Starts Now

There’s no secret hack to becoming fluent in Japanese, no one-size-fits-all technique that will guarantee success. The truth is, most language learning methods work if you stick with them consistently. Whether it’s using flashcards, watching anime with subtitles, or practicing with a language partner, the key is to keep showing up and putting in the time.

Don’t get trapped in the mindset of finding the "perfect" technique. Instead, focus on building a routine that works for you, experimenting with different strategies, and making learning Japanese a part of your daily life. Every small effort adds up over time, and consistency will take you much further than endlessly debating which method is best.

So pick a tip—or a few—from this guide and get started today. Whether you’re memorizing Hiragana, chatting with a language partner, or journaling in Japanese, every step you take brings you closer to your goal. Most importantly, enjoy the journey—it’s as rewarding as the destination. Ganbatte (Good luck)!

How to Learn Japanese for Beginners with Sakuraspeak

If you're wondering how to learn Japanese for beginners, Sakuraspeak is the perfect place to start. Our AI-powered app lets you practise real-life conversations in Japanese, helping you gain confidence and fluency from day one. You can make mistakes without pressure, get instant feedback, and improve your speaking skills at your own pace. It’s a beginner-friendly approach designed to make your Japanese learning journey smooth and engaging.