After approx. 2-3 months of studying Japanese I started to read free graded readers online and then graduated to a collection of short stories that I purchased off of Amazon. I thought that the reason I was starting to have trouble understanding sentences was because I didn't know enough vocabulary but it was because I neglected grammar completely.
It was sorta drilled into my head off of Youtube creators to just study kanji, vocab and simple sentences as much as possible before even touching grammar. I feel absolutely lost, dude.
I am at the 5 month mark now. I can "breeze through" kanji for the most part. (as in, I can actually retain it in a decent amount of time)
I decided to study grammar about a week ago. It is SO FREAKING HARD. I don't know if there's something wrong with me or what. I don't know if it's supposed to feel like what I thought I knew is being ripped apart at the seams, stapled together, and then torn apart again....but it does.
Do you have any tips for learning grammar? Is this feeling normal? Can you tell me when the pressure in my skull will subside?
I am using Bunpro's free trial but I'm unsure if this tool will actually help me. I write tons of notes to flip through but I still fail to give them the nuanced answer they're looking for. I really enjoy the setup of Bunpro and I want to like it since it's similar to WK but I'm not sure if I'm going too fast or there's a better way to learn. I stopped learning 5 new grammar points a day and started doing only 2.
(I also have Genki I and watch GameGengo. He explains things in a way that's easy for my brain to understand.)
Sorry for the long post but any insight would be appreciated. I'm a bit nervous asking people in the language learning community for help or insight because a lot of them treat it as a way to show how fast they learned/1-up others. Tumblr's langlearn community is a lot different with what I've seen (or maybe I'm just following the right ppl lol)
Hi! Thank you so much for waiting for this response--I'm sorry it took so long. Your message was one of the ones that popped up when they locked my ask box (they actually still haven't answered me on why it was locked so 🤷♀️). To make up for that, I'm gonna be longwinded because I think that this is a super valid and important question that others may also want to know the answer to!!
Pls pls PLEASE DM me if none of this is helpful or if you'd like to talk more about what you think you need help with!!
I think that sometimes when we're learning a new language that we know is so overwhelmingly different from our own language, we focus on the things that we think will be the main hinderance and sometimes we forget the key points. You might be thinking "how did I forget grammar?" but I would say don't beat yourself up about it! Many of us focus on the things that we think are our problems(--the last time I studied for the JLPT, I focused on my weak point too much and then was frustrated with myself during the exam bc I neglected the other areas.)
I don't want to lie to you and say that learning grammar is going to get easier because that's not the case for everyone. Think of learning grammar vs everything else as learning different types of math or science--have you ever had a friend that was absolutely phenomenal at algebra or calculus but couldn't do geometry? Or a friend that was wonderful lab partner in chemistry but struggled in biology? They're struggling in biology because it requires a ton of rote memorization in comparison to practical application and math that's present in chemistry and rote memorization may not necessarily be their strong point. Personally, I think that's also why a lot of us struggle with certain grammar points. There are some that just click with us immediately and then there are others that we have to see over and over and over and over and over--you get the point--just for us to find a single sentence with it that we understand. If you're math oriented, we need to figure out a way to no longer make grammar points rote memorization for you, but to turn it into a formula of some sort. I actually write my notes out in ways that are like that--I use plus signs (+) in my notes not because the textbooks use them but because my brain genuinely reads it as "noun + particle + grammar point = a sentence that makes sense" because, for me, formulas don't fail. Your weak point doesn't have to be your weakness--you can turn the weakness into a strength that works just for you.
I've been going at this for years and every single professor or Japanese friend (or even people from the discord server) I have can tell you that I've struggled with pretty much any grammar point that included ~ように--and it wasn't because I wasn't trying, but because I couldn't find myself using any sentences that with those grammar points because I found the alternatives/similar ones to make more sense. Surprisingly, it wasn't until I was reading 夜カフェ for our book club that I was actually able to start grasping the meaning (ngl, I still haven't used it myself--I'm notorious for using alternatives); I was finally witnessing it being used in a way that made sense in my brain.
The frustration you're feeling when you encounter a new grammar point or overload yourself with too many things in one go is completely normal and I promise that a ton of us in the Japanese langblr community have definitely experienced it too! It probably feels like everything you know is being ripped apart because your native language may have a SVO (subject-verb-object) format while Japanese has a SOV (subject-object-verb) format--your 1-to-1 translations for your notes may not be helpful in the beginning because you're still trying to wrap your brain around the fact that your words still need to go in another order than you're used to. And then you add the new grammar points and concepts on top of that (like particles and other things) and it can become overwhelming and frustrating. Sometimes, you're going to find some grammar points just downright annoying--especially when you find that there's no equivalency to it in your own language. But don't give up!
I know this is a super cliché thing to say, but practicing them will help. If you can, I would make note of the grammar points that you're struggling with, try to make sentences with them, and ask somebody to check them and explain exactly why (or why not) they're working and then ask them for examples because they may have an even better way of explaining it to you than what you've come up with for yourself!
I can look back at old notes and see when I wrote a sentence as an example just because a textbook/professor used it but I didn't actually understand why it worked at the time and then I can also find notes where the sentences written as examples were added once I finally found something that clicked for me.
You've already done yourself a favor by learning a lot of vocab, kana, and kanji because now you'll be able to try out an array of ways to pick up grammar instead of just a textbook. (I will make a note that if you're looking to take the JLPT, I would recommend having a list of grammar points that you would need to know for the level that you're planning on sitting for because there's no guarantee of what will or won't pop up on the test.)
Another important thing while you're practicing: be comfortable with making mistakes. We all make them, but when you're learning a new language it's important to be ready to make mistakes and to welcome them with open arms because it gives you a chance to experience and learn in real time.
ALSO: for you specifically--because you're interested in reading, you might enjoy learning grammar through tracking the different grammar points through what you're reading and using the sentences as your examples because they're all going to be cohesive. And if reading books or other things totally turn you off right now, maybe games? Animal Crossing and Pokemon are very nice games to play in Japanese for people that are just starting out! You may also enjoy using Lingo Legend--it's an JRPG language learning app that I beta tested and I think that it's a nice way to review (it has some fun incentives). I'm not a big gamer, so I struggle with learning through games, but I've been picking up a lot of grammar through reading because I focus on finding things that I'm interested in, rather than things that are "at my level." When I start a manga, I will scour a ton of websites and forums and bug a ton of people when I come across a grammar point that I can't wrap my brain around because I want to be able to understand what's going on.
We have book clubs and gamers in my discord server, as well as places for people to post what they're practicing or to ask for help. We have people of all varying levels and different skillsets that love to share their wisdom with others.
I haven't used Bunpro, but I know that @sammilearns has, so she may be able to weigh in on that! And @tokidokitokyo @nihongoseito @chouhatsumimi @kanpeki-bekki @burgeoning-ambition probably also have even more tips that me--I'm trying to tag people that I know we all learn in different ways, so their tips and tricks might be just what you need!
Please weigh in, fellow langblr members! How have you been learning grammar? Are you game-ifying it? Have you turned it into math equations? Have you managed to tie it in with your special interest? I can't wait to see what people add to this post!
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We have currently 263 asks in the queue so it might take awhile for them to show up in the blog. If you don’t see them in 1-2 weeks, let me know. I usually publish questions as soon as I can but other mods can queue them. Tuafw-posts take longer to show up, I think. - Mod Venu (Also two people use that emoji… One called onigiri and one called riceball. I don’t know which one of you sent this ask but I suggest one of you changes the name?)
I just went through the entire queue and found two posts with this emoji, both of which include asking for this emoji. If you sent more that those and what have already been posted under the tag onigiri asks, then we haven’t received them - Mod Liz
Hi, I just found your blog and followed it. I turned 30 in June. I always wanted to be Japanese translator, too. My native language is English. I've never had a job before. Do you think I can still be a translator someday? I'm at a JLPT N5 or N4-ish level. I've never taken the JLPT.
I THINK SO!!
I don't think there's an age limit on working towards your dream--especially for something like translation. We face a lot of setbacks in life that stop us from moving towards our goals, but I believe that even if you're "late," it's still worth it! Even if you're moving towards becoming a translator while working in another field (which is what a ton of us are doing), you're no less valid than anyone else who took a different path to reach the translator status. YOU CAN DO IT!!
There were some things that made it to where my goals were all on hold, but when I was ready to start up again, I made my discord server as a way to help others work towards their dreams and goals and as a way of holding myself accountable.
If there are any specific resources that you're looking for, let me know!
Do you think it’s worth making a jpn studyblr if it’d be mostly reblogs? I don’t have a lot of time to study but I do follow several studyblrs so I come across jp stuff passively in my spare time, and I’m debating just… making a collection, plus whatever random thing I find that is part of my study when I have time or happen to be able to study while I do other things.
I think that it's a great idea! It seems like it'd be an easy place for you to be able to sift through and find what you're looking for when you have the time. Your blog doesn't have to be perfect--it's a place just for you and however you want to manage it is completely up to you. It may be fun to dig through later on when you've reached a certain progress point, too.
When I first started this blog, it was a catch-all. Then it was a sailor moon blog. Then i deleted all of that and dedicated it to be a progress report and me studying towards being a translator. But then i ignored it bc I was actively studying in school. Then I came back to it--but I had no original content; I was only reblogging. And that's fine! Now, I have original content, reblog others, and still shitpost on here, too lol. Everyone's journey in studying (or even maintaining their blogs) are different--none of it has to be linear. You just need to be you.
I can't speak for everybody, but I do think that the ppl I've encountered in the Japanese studyblr community on here are very kind and supportive and willing to share resources.
And as a shameless plug, if you're looking for a place to lurk and pick up tips and study info (even if you don't talk), feel free to join my discord server.
Hi - I saw your Manabi Reader mention, thanks for spreading the word. Just wanted to let you know I've released v3 a couple days ago, a full rewrite with a bunch of new features. Cheers
WAAAHHH--you're the creator of Manabi Reader?! Thank you so much! It's a wonderful resource. If I ever get the chance, I'd love to chat with you.
And for anyone who's interested to see what apps I recommend, check out this link that leads directly to my post. It's also posted to my studygram @/onigiristudies
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Hi what is JLPT N1, N3, N5, etc? (｡•́‿•̀｡) I am beginning Japanese learning and see those.
omg hi!! 👋 welcome to learning Japanese, i hope i can be helpful on your learning journey!
There's a long answer below, so now's your chance to run!!
The JLPT is the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. It's a standardized test that includes reading comprehension, vocab and grammar, and a listening section. The N1-N5 refer to the levels of Japanese proficiency you can achieve, with N1 being the highest, N3 being intermediate, and N5 being the lowest/beginner. One thing to note about the JLPT, though, is that it doesn't test speaking (and it kinda has a weird grading technique imo). You can read more about the JLPT on the official website and even wikipedia has a pretty good blurb about it and its history.
Another thing is that each JLPT level test is its own separate test--we don't all go sit for the same test and come out with different levels as our scores. All of the testing levels are cumulative--if you're going to sit for an N3 test, it's assumed that you already know the N4 level and N5 level information and that makes it free game on the N3 test. Because of this, there are textbook and workbook series geared specifically towards studying for the JLPT levels and each of the things that might appear on the tests.
If you're thinking "that's gonna be a ton of money to take each level"--don't worry! You don't have to take each test. You can sit for whatever level you want. Some people want to sit for each level, some people only want to take the highest level--to each their own.
And NOW....DUNDUNDUNDUN...time for a shameless plug from our sponsors (that's me, lmao)
I do have a digital shop where I make worksheets and packets geared towards those that are studying for the JLPT. Currently, I have packets for learning hiragana, katakana, JLPT Kanji & Grammar checklists (currently just N4 and N5 because the lists get longer and longer and I'm trying to make sure that they're perfect), as well as kanji jouyou packets and reading packets!
If you're looking for some community, come join my discord server! We've got learners of all levels and walks of life, study buddies, bookclubs, study streams, Musical Mondays, sharing study tips and resources--anything you can think of.
And if there's anything else that you can think of that you want to ask, but I didn't manage to answer, feel free to DM me or send more asks!
I just wanted to let you know I haven’t been able to go through all your daily reading posts yet (been saving them though) but I super appreciate your doing them. I’m looking forward to tackling that book myself when I have the spoons. Just wanted to let you know that it’s very much appreciated :) ありがとうございます♪
omg!! thank you so much! just the type of motivation i needed. sometimes im staring at the book and im dreading it, but my goal for this year is to read at least one thing in Japanese everyday.
it's nice to know that my stubborn way of holding myself accountable (aka, taking and posting these notes) is able to help you too!
from one spoonie to another, hang in there 💪some day we might get more spoons
I studied abroad in Japan 10 years ago and am just now getting back into learning the language, I don’t think I’d try to take the JLPT test again (tried N2 right out of college and failed)
But really love your posts and am going to check out your ko-fi shop!
(^^)v
omg thank you!! every time someone checks out my shop, i feel so special!
i'm actually in the process of making the N3 checklist (it's taking a bit longer than expected by there's a lot of kanji and i like to make things harder on myself by organizing/categorizing the kanji) and then N2 should be coming up!
If you want to meet other ppl who have taking the JLPT or are studying Japanese (newbies, long-time studiers, study when you're free), you might be interested in my discord!
