How Long It Takes to Learn Japanese (and how to make a study schedule)

Summary

This video addresses common questions about learning Japanese, emphasizing the need for realistic expectations and consistent effort. It explains that the time required to learn Japanese varies based on daily study time, personal commitments, and study methods. The video highlights the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) levels and the hours needed to pass each. It stresses the importance of balancing study and immersion, learning kanji, and tailoring a study schedule that includes vocabulary, grammar, and engaging with Japanese media. The key message is to be honest about your goals and sacrifices, and to commit to regular practice.

Takeaways

• 😕 The idea of becoming fluent in Japanese in a short time is unrealistic without considering personal circumstances and study habits.
• ⏰ The amount of time one can dedicate daily to studying Japanese is a critical factor in determining progress and language proficiency.
• 🎮 Willingness to sacrifice leisure activities, such as gaming, is essential for making significant strides in language learning.
• 📊 The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) levels indicate the hours of study required to achieve each level, with N5 to N1 representing increasing proficiency.
• 📚 Studying for 30 minutes a day might take years to achieve even the lowest JLPT level, emphasizing the need for more substantial daily study time.
• 📈 Three hours of daily study and exposure to the language can significantly speed up the learning process, potentially allowing one to pass N3 in a year.
• 🌐 Immersion involves getting a lot of input through listening and reading, but it also requires active study, such as looking up unknown words and studying kanji.
• 📚 Regardless of the method, a combination of targeted study and immersion is beneficial for language acquisition.
• 📅 A practical and enjoyable study schedule is crucial for maintaining consistency and achieving language learning goals.
• 📝 Learning kanji is an important aspect of studying Japanese, and dedicating time to it daily can be beneficial, especially if time is limited.
• 🔄 Adjusting and personalizing the study schedule to fit one's lifestyle and maintaining consistency is key to making progress in language learning.

Q & A

What factors determine how much Japanese one can learn in a certain period?

The factors include the amount of time available for study each day, the tools used for learning, the learner's current responsibilities (e.g., being a student or a parent), and their prior knowledge of other languages.

Why is it difficult to answer the question 'How much Japanese can I learn in six months?'

It is difficult to answer because the amount of progress depends on various personal factors such as daily study time, study methods, and the learner's individual circumstances and prior language experience.

What is the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) and what are its levels?

The JLPT is a test that measures Japanese language proficiency. It has five levels, ranging from N5 (the lowest) to N1 (the highest).

How many hours of study and exposure are needed on average to pass the JLPT N5 level?

An average student who doesn't know Chinese characters needs about 462 hours of study and exposure to pass the JLPT N5 level.

How long would it take to pass the JLPT N5 level with 30 minutes of study per day?

At 30 minutes of study per day, it would take approximately 924 days, or about 2.5 years, to pass the JLPT N5 level.

What level of Japanese proficiency does the JLPT N3 represent?

The JLPT N3 level represents a stage where learners start to really be able to understand and communicate in Japanese, provided they have practiced speaking.

How many hours of study are required on average to pass the JLPT N3 level?

To pass the JLPT N3 level, an average of 1,325 hours of study and exposure is needed.

How can one reach JLPT N3 level proficiency in a shorter period?

One can reach JLPT N3 level proficiency in a shorter period by studying for longer periods each day. For example, three hours of study per day could enable passing the N3 level in a little over a year.

What is the role of immersion in language learning according to the transcript?

Immersion involves getting lots of input through listening and reading in the target language. It is important for language learning, but should be complemented with targeted studying, such as looking up unknown words and making flashcards.

What is a suggested daily study schedule for learning Japanese?

A suggested schedule includes 30 minutes to an hour per day for kanji, 30 minutes for vocabulary flashcards, and 15 to 30 minutes for grammar study. Additional time can be spent on fun activities like watching TV shows or reading in Japanese.

Why is it important to mix structured study and immersion activities?

Mixing structured study and immersion activities is important because it makes the learning process more enjoyable and sustainable. Structured study provides a foundation in grammar and vocabulary, while immersion helps in practical application and maintaining interest.

How should one handle days when they feel unmotivated to study Japanese?

On days when motivation is low, one should still commit to doing at least a small amount of study, such as five minutes of flashcards or watching a short anime episode. This helps maintain consistency and progress.