Play the Game. Learn the Language.

Studying Japanese too hard

7 Effective Ways to Learn Japanese (Without Really Trying)

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by

BJ
in

Learning Japanese can feel like work, especially if you’re not immersed in the language on a daily basis. But fear not! With these easy and entertaining tips, you’ll be speaking Japanese like a pro in no time. And the best part? You won’t even feel like you’re trying.

1. Watch Japanese TV shows and movies (with subtitles)

Let’s start with the obvious. Watching Japanese TV shows and movies with English subtitles is a great way to learn the language. Not only will you get used to the sound of Japanese, but you’ll also learn new words and phrases in context. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy some great entertainment in the process. Just don’t get too caught up in the plot and forget to learn anything! Try repeating phrases you hear. Make sure anyone else in the room understands you’re “studying” to minimize weird looks.

2. Listen to Japanese music (and sing along)

Music is a universal language, and Japanese music is no exception. Whether you’re into J-pop, rock, or hip-hop, there’s something for everyone. And by listening to Japanese music, you’ll pick up new vocabulary and grammar structures without even realizing it. Plus, singing along is a fun way to practice your pronunciation and intonation. Just remember: it may be acceptable to sing “Butterfly” by Kaela Kimura at the top of your lungs on the train in America, but they do not do that in Japan.

3. Use a Japanese learning app (and compete with friends)

Learning apps like Duolingo, Memrise, and Rosetta Stone are great for building vocabulary and grammar skills. But let’s be real, they can also be a bit boring. So why not make it a competition with your friends? Challenge each other to see who can get the highest score or complete the most lessons in a week. Not only will it make learning more fun, but you’ll also hold each other accountable and stay motivated. Duolingo and a few others even have competition built right in!

4. Label everything in your house in Japanese (even your pet)

Labeling everyday objects in your house with their Japanese names is a fun and effective way to build vocabulary. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter when you have guests over. “Oh, you like my cat? His name is Neko, which means ‘cat’ in Japanese.” Just make sure you don’t accidentally label your pet as a “toilet” or a “trash can.” Unless your pet is named “toilet” or a “trash can.” But… if only for my sake, please don’t do that, either.

5. Play language-learning games (like Japanese: The Game)

Learning should be fun! Language-learning games like Japanese: The Game are a great way to practice grammar and vocabulary in a more engaging way. This card game focuses on sentence-building practice, with the twist that you get random and amusing sentences like you’d enjoy with MadLibs. It’s easy enough for kids, but it’s great practice for high school and up! Plus, you can play with friends and family, making it a social activity. Just don’t get too competitive and start throwing cards at each other. I’ve seen Japanese card throwers cut fruit in half and that’s got to sting.

6. Talk to yourself (in Japanese)

This one might sound a bit strange, but hear me out. Talking to yourself in Japanese is a great way to practice speaking without the pressure of talking to someone else. Plus, it’s a great way to work through grammar and vocabulary that you’re struggling with. Just make sure you’re not doing it in public, or people might think you’re a bit crazy. If you want to get really Japanese about it, though, you could plan out the phrases you’re going to speak to yourself so that they’re minimally awkward in public. Diminishing awkwardness is an art form you should get used to if you’re going all the way with this.

7. Go to a Japanese restaurant (and order in Japanese)

Last but not least, going to a Japanese restaurant and ordering in Japanese is a great way to practice speaking in a real-life situation. The phrases to order, such as “o kudasai” are pretty basic and memorizable. Plus, you get to enjoy some delicious food in the process. The waitstaff will forgive you if your accent is a bit off. And don’t be discouraged if you accidentally order “nattō” (fermented soybeans) instead of “tempura” (batter-fried meat and vegetables) even though those things don’t sound anything like each other. I pre-forgive you. And I’ll even eat your nattō. I forced myself to like it back when I lived in Hiratsuka.

Ganbatte!