I want to learn Japanese

[RefractedAhav]

I'm rather slow learner when it comes to forieghn languages, but I would like to start to learn japanese so I can better understand some of the conversations on this site and so I can read the titles of anime or manga that have not yet been translated into english.

Can any one help?please?

[Towi Wakka]

Yes, I also would like to learn Japanese, but you have to think about this. If you are learning it and you currently only speak english or spanish or something, it is a lot different and will take years to learn. Hey, I'm not putting ya down. If ya wanna learn it then go for it!

[Tycho]

Let me speak as one who is in his 2nd year of college Japanese.

Japanese as a language isn't that difficult. Its a "Lego" language as my prof puts it. Once you learn how to construct the pieces of a sentence its quite easy.

Ex:
I am going to the library
In Romanji: Watashi wa, toshokan ni ikimasu.

(watashi wa) = as for me
(toshokan) = library
(ni) = particle indicates direction
(ikimasu) = polite form of iku - to go

I could just say "toshokan ni ikimasu", pretty much the same thing. Or just "ikimasu". All are valid sentences, just adding more description.

Now Kanji, ie Chinese characters, thats where it gets tricky as there are about 2000+ common characters. And each character can have multiple readings and meaning.

So, to wrap this up.
1) Get a good book - I would suggest "Japanese for Busy People Vol 1". There are two versions, one for romanji (roman spelling of japanese words) and another in kana (native script). I suggest getting the kana version so you can actually read Japanese, not speak it. If you do get the kana version, you will need another book teaching you how to read kana. Not a tricky as kanji but requires some work
2) Get a dictionary and learn vocab. My current flaw is I lack vocab.
3) Practice.....

[shooraijin]

Boku mo 'vocabulary' o motte imasen ... case in point

[Artist4Jesus89]

There are books like Japanese For Dummies thats what im reading and there ar some sites like I love Languages i just searched the net and found some since im planning a mission trip to Japan in a few years if ne one knows ne more books please tell me

[GhostontheNet]

(ni) = particle indicates direction

Curious, although myself only at level 3 in high school, according to my notes the jyoshi "ni" indicates "activity at or in" (though possibly merely at or in as a meaning as well, I have had difficulty effectively differentiating between ni and de), while the jyoshi he (pronounced like eh rather than the way it is literally spelled) indicates a direction. So one could say toshyokan ni hen na hon ga alimas, or, "there is a weird book at the library". As to the present topic, Elowen seems to be of the college age, perhaps they could find a college to take only Japanese as a single course without needing to be admitted to the college.

[enishi]

im taking japanese in college for my 2nd time. freaking hard language .. but its so great. id kill to be able to speak it fluently. lousy ADD getting in the way of learning. >_<

[Arnobius]

Curious, although myself only at level 3 in high school, according to my notes the jyoshi "ni" indicates "activity at or in" (though possibly merely at or in as a meaning as well, I have had difficulty effectively differentiating between ni and de), while the jyoshi he (pronounced like eh rather than the way it is literally spelled) indicates a direction. So one could say toshyokan ni hen na hon ga alimas, or, "there is a weird book at the library". As to the present topic, Elowen seems to be of the college age, perhaps they could find a college to take only Japanese as a single course without needing to be admitted to the college.

That's what I was taught. へ indicates direction more or less while に tends to activity. It's great fun, just like trying to decide when to use は and when to use が

To Elowen: Learning kana and learning vocabulary are key, and making yourself some flashcards to go over *EVERY DAY-- MULTIPLE TIMES* is a must

[Raiden no Kishi]

I'd recommend Rosetta Stone. Look them up on the Web. They have a software-based immersion-style curriculum I'm using right now.

Rai

[Kawaiikneko]

Just a quick question, as a 4.0 freshman in highschool, does anyone think I'd be able to handle a college course of japanese? I want to take it this summer, but I'm not sure if I'd be able to get through it... and since it'll go on my transitive and all >.>

oh and another nice online site is yesjapan.com but theres a monthly fee. Its a very good site though

[HikariChan]

well ima sophmore taking japanese in highschool and i think you'd be able to. you just have to keep on top of it! and dont get behind in the class.

[Mr. Rogers]

i would highly suggest yesjapan.com. go there right now and check it out. it does cost $12.95 a month, but don't let the price keep you from checking it out. they teach you writing, vocabulary, kanji...everything you need to know. and they don't just teach you accedemic japanese, they teach you real japanese that you can actually use in everyday life. ive been using it for a year and it is a super great way to learn.