How to Learn Japanese and Pass 1 Exam

Summary

In this video, Safana Putri shares her personal journey of learning Japanese and passing three key proficiency exams (JLPT, JFT, and SSW) in a short time. Starting from scratch with no knowledge of the language, she explains her self-study methods, including learning Hiragana, Katakana, vocabulary, and kanji, as well as using online courses and resources. Safana details her intense dedication, including sacrificing sleep and free time, to study and eventually pass these exams. She encourages viewers, especially those aiming to work or study in Japan, to stay motivated and focused on their goals.

Takeaways

• 😀 Safana Putri shares her personal experience of learning Japanese and passing JLPT N4 and JFT exams in one go.
• 😀 She began learning Japanese from scratch in 2023, starting with hiragana and katakana, without any formal language institution.
• 😀 Safana used a unique self-study method by printing grid paper and writing out characters repeatedly to memorize them.
• 😀 To enhance retention, she learned hiragana and katakana through songs on YouTube, making the learning process more enjoyable and effective.
• 😀 She focused on memorizing vocabulary (kotoba) early on, as it helped her associate words with their kanji and furigana, reinforcing both skills.
• 😀 Safana followed a consistent daily study routine: reviewing 30-40 new words before bed and revising them again in the morning to ensure long-term retention.
• 😀 For grammar (bunpo), she combined online courses with self-study books like 'Irma Nirmala' and ebooks, opting for materials that were flexible and easy to understand.
• 😀 She achieved her JLPT N4 and JFT certifications in 2023, overcoming personal sacrifices like reduced sleep and leisure time to prepare.
• 😀 In addition to vocabulary and grammar, she worked on her listening skills through podcasts, specifically 'Shokainya' and 'Yuyu Nihono Podcasto' on YouTube.
• 😀 Safana also mentioned using applications like HelloTalk for practicing speaking, though she felt her speaking skills were still a bit lacking.
• 😀 After passing the JFT exam, she immediately applied for a job in Japan and also began preparing for the SSW (Specified Skilled Worker) exam, managing to pass it in just one month.

Q & A

What motivated Safana Putri to start learning Japanese?

Safana Putri was motivated to learn Japanese because she wanted to work or study in Japan, and she wanted to share her experiences to help others stay motivated in their Japanese learning journey.

What were the initial challenges Safana faced when learning Japanese?

Safana initially struggled with basic Japanese characters like Hiragana and Katakana. She was also unfamiliar with the language and only knew a few words from anime, such as 'Ohio' and 'Konnichiwa.'

How did Safana approach learning Hiragana and Katakana?

Safana memorized Hiragana and Katakana by writing them repeatedly on a grid of blank paper, ensuring that she practiced the characters until they became familiar. She also used songs on YouTube to aid memorization.

What method did Safana use to memorize Japanese vocabulary?

Safana used a method of memorizing vocabulary before bed and reviewing it the next morning. She would memorize 30 to 40 new words every night and review them the next day, effectively doubling her daily vocabulary intake.

How did Safana manage her study schedule while working?

Since Safana worked full-time, she opted for flexible online Japanese courses that allowed her to attend evening classes. She also used her breaks at work to review and study.

What resources did Safana use for grammar (Bunpo)?

For grammar, Safana used both online courses and books. She mentioned using two primary books: one for N4 and N5 levels, and another for JFT preparation. She also read ebooks and preferred flexible, easy-to-understand materials.

Why did Safana choose not to use the 'Minna no Nihongo' series?

Safana found 'Minna no Nihongo' to be too rigid and difficult to understand. She preferred books that offered more flexibility and were easier for her brain to process.

How long did it take Safana to prepare for the JLPT N4 exam?

Safana spent around 4 months preparing for the JLPT N4 exam, which included intensive study sessions during her free time, balancing her work and personal life.

What was Safana's experience with the JFT exam?

Safana took the JFT exam in August 2023. The exam results were immediately available, and she passed with a score of around 230-240, which made her extremely happy given her hard work.

What did Safana do after passing the JFT exam?

After passing the JFT exam, Safana immediately applied for the SSW (Specified Skilled Worker) exam. She studied for it intensely for one month and passed the exam successfully. She also applied for jobs in Japan after completing the exams.