Awesome Japanese Learning Resources
A curated list of Japanese language learning resources.
| Indicator | Description |
|---|---|
| :baby: | beginner |
| :man: | intermediate |
| :older_man: | advanced |
| :iphone: | mobile app |
| :computer: | computer software |
| :satellite: | browser extension |
| :jp: | Japanese UI only |
| :japan: | Japan IP restricted |
| :moneybag: | costs money |
| :warning: | warning |
| :book: | book |
| :card_index: | Anki deck |
| :robot: | generative AI |
New to Japanese? Start here!
A summary of the guides is basically this: first, learn hiragana and katakana using the links in the Hiragana and Katakana section further down this page. The Tofugu links are a good starting place.
Next is grammar/vocabulary. You can either use a structured textbook or a more free-form online grammar guide like Tae Kim. Either one works, try one or both and stick with the one you like the best.
For vocabulary, three nice options are Wanikani, Memrise, and Anki. If you go with the Anki route, consider a deck that displays sentences on the front rather than single words, as this will force you to learn words in context.
For translation, try to avoid Google Translate. Instead choose one from the Dictionary list.
Textbooks provide you with structured learning material.
Everyone's favorite Japanese textbook. Recommended for beginners. Description: The second edition of the most highly regarded teaching textbook on the Japanese language, covering speaking, listening, reading, and writing to cultivate overall language ability. Each lesson in the revised edition features a new section dubbed "Culture Notes", and now includes the audio CD companion which is in mp3 format ready to install on any music player. In Japanese/English.
The "Tobira" textbook combines the practice of all four language skills (reading, listening, writing, speaking) and is designed for use by students who have completed a beginner level Japanese textbook, or in terms of classroom time, have taken somewhere between 250 to 300 hours of Japanese study. The primary goals of this textbook are to solidify the grammar, vocabulary and kanji foundation studied during the beginner level and to develop all 4 language skills. What makes this book unique is that you can learn Japanese using multimedia in addition to the textbook.
Similarly to Tobira, Minna no Nihongo is intended for intermediate-level students.
The natural successor to beginner textbooks like Genki, Quartet develops all four language skills (reading, writing, speaking, listening) across two volumes, progressing from JLPT N3 in Volume 1 to N2 in Volume 2. Downloadable resources and a companion Vocab & Kanji app are available.
Easy Japanese - Made by NHK in multiple languages :baby:.
Erin's Challenge - Video based Japanese lessons :man:.
LingoDeer - Duolingo-style app whose courses focus on East Asian languages :iphone:.
NativShark - All in one Japanese learning platform, combining vocab, grammar, kanji and speaking practice :moneybag:.
NHK 高校講座 / NHK High School Course - NHK high-school video/audio lessons; good for basic vocabulary across many fields :man: :japan:.
Alphabet of Japanese language.
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