How to Learn Japanese - Pimsleur Japanese Review

[@fpg213263fu]

When I first started, I bought a CD called learn Japanese as you sleep. I turned it on, and went to sleep. When I woke up, my private parts where pixelated.

[@V4ultr3mTV]

😂😂😂😂 I GET IT!!!

[@calebwany8422]

Bruh

[@iorinne]

😹😹😹😹

[@aquariaaustin2077]

I'm doing a multi-prong approach: I'm doing Pimsleur for learning how to speak the language, because it helps me to hear the words said so that I know HOW to say certain things. Language isn't merely about learning and repeating words. It's about learning intonations and inflections as well. Pimsleur is very good at teaching such subtleties in a natural and instinctive way. I'm also taking Japanese classes at the college level, with a native-speaker professor, which I always--ALWAYS--recommend. Because I do have a writing and linguistics background, the boring old school method is the best way to learn WHY the language works the way it does, with someone there to explain grammar, syntax, and all the rest if I'm struggling. I'm the kind of person who gets into how words work and interact with each other, so this is a good method for me to learn a language at a "thinking" level. I also try to watch live-action dorama from Japan or even game or variety shows, because, unlike anime, those programs incorporate the language, phrases, slang and so on that native Japanese speakers actually use, day to day. You'll learn more and better Japanese watching an episode of a shoujo live-action dorama like Nodame Cantabile or a game show like Vs. Arashi than you will from watching several episodes of anime or a historical drama, because contemporary shows like those make use of what Japanese people are actually saying to each other, day in and day out, in the here and now. As for Kanji, Wani Kani is fairly good, but I do well enough with good old-fashioned flash cards or simply writing the characters over and over--both by hand. Handwriting the characters is important because you get a hard double-imprint from the visual cue AND the muscle memory of writing. The more you write the characters (and their on/kun readings), the more you not only master the writing of the characters but also get those characters imprinted into your brain. Numerous studies have repeatedly shown that handwriting not only helps with memorization, but also comprehension of material. So write, write, write in Japanese, as often as you can. Going to Japan is almost an essential. You have to go there and immerse yourself in the language and culture, if you're serious about learning the language. Finally, the most important thing to do is to stop translating from Japanese to English and back. This sounds counterintuitive, but instead of hearing "sora" and thinking, "That means sky," start visualizing the sky itself, the CONCEPT, when you hear the word "sora," and NOT the word sky. You don't tell yourself when you see a sky or hear someone talking about it, "The word for that is sky." That's crazy. Same thing with foreign languages. Stop thinking about what it means in your language and associate the concept with the Japanese word for it. Why trip over the unnecessary step of translating? You have to start thinking in Japanese the same way as you do in your native language. When I'm in my "Japanese" mode and look at the sky, I don't think, "Sky." I think, "Sora." And that's what every language learner has to do: Stop translating and THINK in another language. You know you're getting the hang of it when you dream in Japanese (or whatever language you're learning). Or when you speak a couple of sentences in Japanese without realizing it, and your long-suffering spouse says, "Honey--I don't speak Japanese. Remember?" I do these things ALL the time now.

[@cakeswithfaces]

I think it's good to learn from different sources - it's more well-rounded and when you get fed up or frustrated with one, you've got something else to turn to! :-) I know what you mean about thinking in a different language - when I was working really hard on learning German at school I felt like that!

[@psifrost7910]

IMAGINARY CONVERSATION? I’m sorry but me and Tanaka-San are besties and I don’t care what ANYONE ELSE SAYS

[@cakeswithfaces]

Sorry I don't want to intrude on your special relationship!! 😜

[@fromanotherplanetg.6130]

Definitely be using Pimsleur as well!! I tried free trial of lesson 1 and remember so much! It felt odd to talk to myself...but I remembered so much, looking forward to get the lessons though!👊😁🔥

[@cakeswithfaces]

It's strange at first but for me it's easier to learn from than other methods I've tried. Yes it was strange at first, especially as you don't have anything to look at or write down like you usually would when you're studying. Good luck with your Japanese!

[@c-red4637]

most of my Japanese is from pimsleur, nowadays I'm practically using multiple sources to try to improve my Japanese but so far I can't find anything as effective as pimsleur. I have an online teacher, been watching Japanese lesson skits, even watching children books but so far I'm not proving as much as I want to. I wish pimsleur had more than 5 lessons, Japanese has a whole ton to learn and pimsleur gives you like 10% of the language.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Same here! I found Pimsleur so much easier to learn from too. Fingers crossed they bring out a level 6 one day!!

[@mitchmurph]

This is the video that got me to your channel! I was curious if anyone recommended Pimsleur and after watching your video I decided to give it a try. I love it so much it really helps with speaking and listening in Japanese. I am always looking forward to your videos!!

[@cakeswithfaces]

Ah that's great to hear! So glad you've been enjoying my videos,and you found Pimsleur useful too. Everyone learns in different ways but I found it the easiest course to learn from, and more natural than looking at a book - because that's how you speak Japanese when you're in Japan! Good luck with the Japanese! 💪

[@tbroski2573]

Thank you so much for your video! I was on the fence about buying Pimsleur but once I saw this video, I made the decision to buy the Japanese program with swiftness 😂😂😂! I really enjoy using the program so far. Thank you for your honest opinion on this product. Love the energy you gave in this video!

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thanks, good luck with your Japanese learning! We can do this!! :-)

[@majesticadrian6268]

T Broski how’s your learning going so far ?

[@etaosin]

I feel the same. I don't know the last one. You don't mention Anki, but it is worth to be said.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thanks for the rec! Some of my friends use that one, I used physical flashcards as a break from staring at screens all the time! 😅

[@gledwood9108]

You could try the old Linguaphone course. It comes as 2 books, a thick handbook with all the grammar and a thin textbook where all the audio is written down. There are 4 cassettes and I think it's available on CD as well. It throws a LOT of Japanese at you. The glossary has a vocab of 2000 words +. Not for absolute beginners! The textbook's all in romaji which is a bit of a disappointment, but not too much of a big deal. You can input it into computer or phone and get full Japanese script that way -- the process of doing that is a superb learning experience. Of course you have to be very careful to get the kanji absolutely right. As I say, I wouldn't recommend this as a beginner's course, but if you're dead set on learning Japanese fluently this makes an excellent beginner's to intermediate backup course. I got mine for £20 -- 2nd hand on cassette from Amazon -- an amazingly good deal and probably the best spent £20 of my entire life!

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thanks for the recommendation! That's a great deal. I think I still have a cassette player somewhere...! :-)

[@MoreThanFuel]

Pimsleur is now available in the US for a $15 per month subscription. I'm on month three an loving it! Not sure whether the subscription is available in other countries

[@cakeswithfaces]

Yes! I heard about the subscription, it came out after I filmed this video! I think it's a good idea, making it more affordable :-) Good luck with your Japanese!

[@marmalade3168]

well, i’ve just begun learning japanese, and to start off I learned hiragana and katakana through tofugu. I’m currently learning kanji on wanikani. I plan to study grammar with Genki 1 and to be guided through by a tutor on Italki which will also help me improve my speech. After that….I’m not quite sure 😅. I would love to be somewhat fluent in four, dedicated years. I have a two week japan trip i’ve planned for my senior year and your videos have helped me understand japan and it’s culture tremendously!

[@cakeswithfaces]

A trip is the best motivation to keep learning! It'll all be worth it when you get there and manage to read something or communicate with people - I always feel so proud when I manage to say or understand even simple phrases! Good luck and keep at it - you can do it!

[@graylad]

I use pimsleur for both Japanese as well as Hebrew. I used pimsleur for learning Japanese because that's half of my heritage, and I used pimsleur for Hebrew to enhance my Old Testament Bible studies. It's probably the best one out there.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Wow, I didn't realise Pimsleur did Hebrew as well! Glad you enjoyed it, everyone learns in different ways but I found it the easiest way to learn too! :-)

[@kristenmoon4405]

What i'm doing is basically (Pimsleur for 30 min , Rosetta stone for 1 course per day ( apx 20 min), and 20 min of book study ( currently using Genki series). Doing it this way, I get a solid hour to hour and 10 min of study in each day ( or every other day if its a hard lesson, I have bad ADHD). And it keeps my learning style diverse. Pimsleur is good for conversation, Rosetta stone is good for vocabulary, book study is good for writing / reading. The next step would be to find a local meet up person to study with. I can also recommend Italki. It's a wonderful resource. You can get actual lessons from native speakers for dirt cheap.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Sounds good! It's good to have different courses to learn from, to learn different things. And if you get fed up with one, you can always try another that day! Good luck with your Japanese!

[@danielnemeth5793]

I have been using the "Memrise" app on my phone and it works like a treat, I started off with Japanese 1 no script so it used the romaji writing instead of kana, but then I picked up the same lesson with the script and started learning hiragana and katakana as well. I am using it everyday before I go to sleep without a fail for the past 79 days and I have learned around 400 words/phrases with it. You can use it for free or can buy a premium membership however I found that it didn't add much to it however a year subscription for £ 37 is pretty good. I have also started learning using the book called "Japenese from Zero" .

[@cakeswithfaces]

Sounds like you're doing great! It's so much easier when you study every day, so you don't forget things. I've tried Memrise too, then I got physical cards because I spend too much time staring at screens! :-) But it's good that it's always with you on your phone whenever you have a bit of spare time.

[@PatRNBSN]

A former co-worker is married to a Japanese woman, and he suggested both Pimsleur and Memrise. I will check out both.

[@gilbertflores3034]

Cakes with Faces Where did you get physical cards?

[@KuroudoAkabane]

Great review !

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thanks! Good luck with your Japanese!

[@Naoyuki_Atsune]

世界的に見れば、かなりローカルな言語である日本語を、多くの外国の方々に興味を持ってもらえて、とてもうれしいです。どうもありがとう！

[@cakeswithfaces]

うれしい! I really want to be learn more & become better at Japanese! :-)

[@Gazereths1234]

I'm using Japanese pod 101, I like the bite sized lessons and the app which I use at work (shh don't tell my boss) pretty cheap as well. I also should be further along but like you I've taken to many breaks.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Whenever I'm busy, it's my Japanese that has to be given up - but I think you shouldn't beat yourself up about it too much. As long as you get back on the train and carry on learning, that's the important thing. It is so much easier if you do a little bit every day though.

[@Gotta_Keep_Moving_On]

I'm at the beginning. Bought a book to learn the Hirigana characters that makes you write them out. Also, using Duolingo app which is straight forward to use and enjoyable. Planning on Tokyo at end of next year, need to keep it going :)

[@cakeswithfaces]

Fantastic! If you can learn hiragana and katakana by then, you'll definitely be able to read a few words on packaging, etc - always an amazing feeling (even though half the time it's written in english as well anyway!!) :-)

[@dormanthero]

What is the name of the book you used if you are still here 3 years in the future 🙏📿

[@manjoola]

I'm using YesJapan.com and I bought the first book. I like that it includes both speaking and writing in every lesson.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Looks good, thanks for the recommendation! :-)

[@firebreathingmoonbeam3961]

Cakes with Faces he also has KZbin videos that go with the lessons. Japanese from zero or jfz.:)

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thanks! Subscribed so I can take a look later :-)

[@stephaniemckeever3943]

Hi amy.would you recommend that japanese grammar book that you briefly showed in this video as a first language book, thanks steph.

[@toughercoot0518]

I have used Japanesepod101 it’s pretty good but I’m not really focussing on talking and listening just yet. I’m doing more reading and writing. I don’t really use apps much but they do help quite a bit. I have a sheet with all the hiragana and katakana and i just copy them down then practise. It’s free and easy. It’s not super fun but it’s not too boring once you get into it. Memrise is a good app too for all languages and helped quite a bit. Also japanesepod101 has a KZbin channel and their videos are pretty helpful. I like the hiragana and katakana ones and also the basic train one.

[@cakeswithfaces]

I've used Memrise a bit too - and it's great that it's free. Hadn't thought to look up Jpod101's KZbin channel, I'll take a look! Thanks!

[@azzamfs]

I just completed all five levels of Pimsleur Japanese during the quarantine. However, I did not buy the MP3 and instead I bought the monthly subscription model which is much more affordable, but the downside is I can't keep the audio lessons :( So basically I listened to one lesson every day, but I will listen to it twice (just like you listening to a lesson twice but you took two days to do it. I did it in one day so that I can finish my lessons by the time my subscription ends). So after I finished it, I practiced it with some italki tutors and some of my japanese friends online, and they were impressed by how much I can speak after five+ months LOL. Obviously I am FAR from fluency and my grammar is spotty but hey if they can understand me I'd say that's good enough. And yes, Pimsleur didn't teach me much on writing/reading. But then again, I'm not that interested in that hahaha. So if you're looking for a Japanese language tool that teaches you to write and read, I think it's better with a textbook. As for me I think I'll memorise new words and start rewatching japanese shows that I have enjoyed before, but without subtitles. I'm open to invest in another Japanese language programme but I'm not sure which one yet. As for you Cakes With Faces, what did you use to further your Japanese language after Pimsleur?

[@cakeswithfaces]

Wow well done, that's very impressive! Good job for sticking at it and completing all the levels! Although you don't learn reading and writing, I think it's really good for your pronunciation, and confidence because you're used to speaking out loud without looking at a book or anything. The subscription's a good, much more affordable option (it wasn't available when I made this video!). After Pimsleur I was also a bit stuck about what to move on to!! I used the Dr Moku apps and various other free apps to learn hiragana and katakana, and started teaching myself kanji with the White Rabbit Flashcards (nice to have physical cards as a break from looking at a screen).

[@azzamfs]

@@cakeswithfaces Thank you so much for the reply. I really appreciate it. To anyone else who is looking for more opinions on Pimsleur Japanese, I made an opinion video about it kzbin.info/www/bejne/gWbLfZhjqN-on7c (I hope this is not too intruding, if it does you can delete this comment)

[@PatRNBSN]

I also didn't like Rosetta Stone. Am currently using Duolingo, teaching myself Hiragana and Katakana from workbooks and Yuta Aoki has online courses. I will be visiting Japan next year, so I will try Pimsleur since, like you said, you can't be looking at your notes while trying to make conversation.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thanks for the recommendations! It's strange at first not looking at a book or anything but I think it's more natural.

[@davidpicarazzi]

I'm just about done Japanese 1! Looking back, how do you review the stuff in Pimsleur to make sure it sticks? I ask since you've done all 5 levels. I'm wondering how you keep in the loop to make sure you don't forget the stuff you've learned. Also what did you end up learning after Pimsleur?

[@indigo4208]

In the next levels they’ll draw back on stuff you learnt in previously levels occasionally to remind you. So like mid way through level 3 they’ll ask you a question about something you learned in level 1.

[@cakeswithfaces]

I found it stuck with me pretty well! Sometimes I'd go back and do a lesson or two from a previous level as a refresher. I actually didn't find a good substitute for Pimsleur once I finished it! Nothing else that I got along with as well. I've really been slacking off on my Japanese since I started learning trombone (seems I only have time/capacity to study one thing at a time!!) :-) But I've just got back from Japan and found I could still speak/understand enough to get through basic situations.

[@TheSailorTenjou]

Would love to know more about how you learn Japanese. I'm trying to learn Hiragana and Katakana now (I want to commit them to memory before moving on) but I can't seem to remember them. It looks like I forgot how to learn stuff ))) I mostly use apps fro Hiragana/Katakana, flashcards but I look in my Genki book too, as it's "handwritten" differently. I have this impression that absolutely every stroke matters in Japanese, but some characters are "handwritten" differently in different apps and books and it's throwing me for a bit of a loop.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Advice_Daybreak That is a problem with the handwritten style vs printed - it’s throwing me off with kanji at the moment! I really liked the Dr Moku apps for hiragana & katakana. I just found them easier to learn from, and I like how you can test yourself. There are other free apps, but I found the Dr Moku ones really good. Good luck - you can do it!! 💪

[@RiisaAnderson]

Oh my goodness that is so expensive. Everything I have done has been free! Apart from the Kanji book I bought. Jpod 101 to learn all kana. Then memrise and finally Duolingo. Because I'm now at an intermediate level where I feel confident whenever i go to Japan I will keep up the spoken language by using italki online tutors which is the first time I'll be paying and they are pretty cheap. £500 to be at low intermediate level is not fair I think

[@cakeswithfaces]

It's great that there are lots of free resources too! Pimsleur is certainly pricey - they now have a monthly subscription model that makes it more affordable (depends how quick you are!). I've bought the levels over several years which has spread the cost out. I think it's good to use a variety of books/apps/courses, so when you've had enough of one you can try another one! :-) Good luck with your Japanese!

[@reysantos6932]

I've used Pimsleur before but it didn't work for me, then I used Living Language didn't work for me also, I tried a lot of things, in the end I found out about some guy name Tim Ferriss and followed his guidance since he learnt Japanese in a year as his first foreign language, he recommended Michel Thomas Japanese course which is taught by a British woman like yourself, and he also recommended Lonely Planet and Duolingo, with the Michel Thomas Japanese course I have learnt about the structure of phrases and Duolingo's 'Tinycards' has helped me a lot also, the only thing I was put off with was the Lonely Planet Phrasebook, it has a couple of errors, apart from all I said I am also practicing with someone who lives in Tokyo, not saying Pimsleur isn't great, everyone is different because of their learning styles and what works for me doesn't work for everyone, wish you further success:)

[@cakeswithfaces]

Rey Santos Ah I’ve heard of Tim Ferris! Everyone learns in different ways, so it’s great there are different types of courses etc - you just have to try them & find what works for you!

[@reysantos6932]

Yeah, I've tried Rosetta Stone, JapanesePod101, Iknow.jp, even attended a Japanese Language Institute, I've learnt a lot but not yet fluent, I believe my main problem was always not being content with the speed in which I was learning things, I remember even buying a Mnemonics book, but anyways I changed my mindset, productivity is essential but one has to be also realistic, so now I'm seeing results because I'm hyperfocused on this with patience and hope, thanks

[@cakeswithfaces]

At least when you're teaching yourself you have more control over the speed you're learning things, than when you take a class. Good luck, you can do it! :-)

[@reysantos6932]

Yes you are right about this, when I was taking Japanese class my progress was slow but it also depends on the teaching style of the sensei, one thing I realized also is that it wasn't personalized, I am doing better now after doing some deep soul searching and finding out my strengths and weaknesses when learning any skill, so going with the flow, learning Japanese from books for example is tedious and time-consuming for me, with flash cards I feel I have more control of the speed and taking regular quizes I can measure my progress, the audio courses though I find good for knowing the proper pronunciation and grammar, but I believe nothing beats getting a private tutor that translates for you the phrases and words you mostly used during your day to day to converse in your native language, I find this to be the most personalized way to learn Japanese which I'm doing with the help of a friend living in Tokyo, wish you the very best, thanks for the encouragement and sorry for the long message lol

[@dormanthero]

Is there a level 6 yet? I have been doing a lesson a day now and loving it at lesson 3 somewhere. It feels amazing so far.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Sadly only up to level 5 still. It's my fav too! I think it helps when you're speaking in Japan as you're not used to looking at a book, and you get lots of listening practice.

[@dormanthero]

@@cakeswithfaces It is a shame. I have lesson 6 today (obviously as once per day) and it has been really fun. I am extremely keen with these kind of lessons. It has made me realise how wrong the approach of our schools are towards languages as well. Learning just random words and weather patterns instead of exercises like this outputting entire sentences via speech. tbf in my school we used to lock teachers in cupboard so no surprise I had not learnt anything :)

[@cakeswithfaces]

@@dormanthero Fingers crossed they make some more! I was waiting so long for volume 5 to come out! Haven't found anything else that's quite as good. There's Japanesepod101 but I didn't get into it as much.

[@fuzexi]

I've been listening to Pimsleur when I go shopping, although sometimes it makes me forget what I came to buy! I got the Pimsleur 1 as a torrent years ago, and have eventually, after several stops (for years) and re-starts, got to lesson 10. It's quite expensive, so I was worried about buying it. I would like to be able to learn to read though; could you recommend any resources for that?

[@cakeswithfaces]

Hehe I couldn't do anything else except washing up or household chores while I was doing Pimsleur - I tried it in the car but felt like I wasn't concentrating enough on driving! 😝 It is expensive, but they offer a monthly subscription model now which isn't so bad, depending on how quickly you can get through the modules. For reading I don't really have one resource that I like better than any others, apart from the Dr Moku apps for learning hiragana and katakana. I tried several apps and they were the ones I got along best with. Apart from that I used various books, like the Instant Japanese book mentioned in the video, but I didn't find one that was particularly the best. Once I'd learned hiragana and katakana it was fun to try and sound out words in Japanese magazines - they're phonetic so you can often work out words on labels and packaging too, if they don't have too many kanji in them. Good luck!

[@Gantorin]

I am using Rosetta Stone... so a recommendation that MAY NOT be for you... really not sure to be honest. A friend bought it for me as a gift, so it is all I have. I am learning, but unless number, colors, a blanket, and a pillow are involved... It may take me a while to figure things out. 3 levels, and 4 lessons with 4 Units. I make random conversations with my self in Japanese all the time... I can guarantee I am completely wrong. I also have books to read. Japanese for Dummies is easy to understand, and I have one title My first Japanese. Will it help on my trip... probably not... I forget things easily unless they are random useless facts.

[@Gantorin]

My biggest problem with Rosetta Stone is... it explains NOTHING... So I am left wondering... What did I just say, but it is getting my feet wet. I just started adding Kanji into my lesson, and cutting out Romaji. I have Hiragana down, and most of Katakana... A good app for on the go is Duolingo... The website is better than the app, but they work the same way.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Yes, I found that with Rosetta Stone too - it says it's completely immersive but sometimes you're not sure what it's trying to say. But if that's what you have, you should make the best of it! I think with a lot of languages you learn simple, pointless things at first, then move on to more useful phrases. If you can ready hiragana and katakana, you'll be able to read some things in Japan - they'll definitely come in useful!

[@RoseEmblem]

Are you able to do a video about the revised edition vs the older editions? Or what’s the main difference between the older editions vs the updated ones

[@cakeswithfaces]

I actually hadn't realised there are two editions? :-)

[@RoseEmblem]

@@cakeswithfaces oh. Thanks though, I actually think this is the 3rd. Possibly 4th (if you count the special editions included in libraries)

[@robvfx89]

Hey there, Does Pimsleur teach casual forms? I know this is very important because alot of Japanese people to be friendly to foreigners will bust out the casual forms, and I have no idea how to conjugate for this. I'm halfway through Pimsleur level 1 Japanese and they havent gone over these yet.

[@cakeswithfaces]

There are a few as you get further on but the vast majority's in the same form as you learn at the start. Casual/formal Japanese can be so confusing!

[@amo4x]

i just finished pimsleur level 5 - what to do next? wish there was a level 6

[@cakeswithfaces]

Me too, I have the same problem!! Hope they make level 6!

[@davidkelly4400]

@@cakeswithfaces Hi Amy, the Mrs and I are enjoying your channel immensely. We just started Pimsleur Level 4 today and wondering what you ever decided on to continue your Japanese language study. We both are using Kanji Koohii website to learn the kanji and I highly recommend it. The crowd sourced mnemonics are funny (some incredibly raunchy as well) and make remembering easier. The Dr. Moku app could have anyone up to speed on the kana in a few days. Cheers from Oregon!

[@cakeswithfaces]

@@davidkelly4400 I used Dr Moku too! Thanks for the recommendation. I've been using the White Rabbit flashcards for kanji. They don't really give you any help pr mnemonics but I like having physical cards to sort and shuffle, as I spend so much time staring at screens. I've been slacking off on my Japanese lately - I've always been quite on and off with it, and I'd be so much better if I didn't take breaks! But when I'm busy it's always what I don't have time for, then I get out of the habit...

[@dogestep64]

When I have to do a lesson over I feel like I suck and giving up

[@cakeswithfaces]

I always do every lesson at least once - it's natural to need to go over things! Keep at it! When you're learning something new, part of the process is accepting that you won't be perfect (or even good!) straight away - because you're learning! You'll get better with practice - keep at it and do a bit each day. You can do this!

[@gilbertflores3034]

Doge Step Don’t worry! I’m still stuck on level two! Now that I’m doing it everyday, I try to do the same lesson two days in a row, and move on the the next. Rinse and repeat!

[@cakeswithfaces]

@@gilbertflores3034 We can do this!! 💪

[@timbauer399]

Same. I do every lesson at least twice before moving on. Sometimes I need three. Once, I had to do one four times before I really felt ready to move on. There was just one phrase in particular that I always seemed to panic on.

[@EDuran-bk6jr]

@@timbauer399 hows your japanese now?

[@crangesmcbasketball367]

Right now I’m using Pimsleur for my speaking, what should I use Or is good for learning grammar

[@cakeswithfaces]

I have a small book for grammar (the one pictured in the thumbnail!) - although I'm not too into it, as I'm learning for fun and to be able to communicate in Japan, I haven't been forcing myself to learn all the grammar rules properly to be honest!

[@snrkmaiden7015]

This programme sounds very good! I might give it a go ^_^

[@cakeswithfaces]

Try the free lesson first & see if you get on with it - good luck!! :-D

[@buddhas_nightmare1333]

Thanks! :)

[@cakeswithfaces]

Good luck with your Japanese! 💪

[@dgmario]

Hello, now pimsleur can be manage on phone app for 20 bucks a month, happy christmas

[@cakeswithfaces]

Yes the subscription is a lot more affordable (it came out after I filmed this!) - and encourages you to be quick with the courses to save money!!

[@MrBeastBoyXD]

Does anyone know if pimsleur teaches the different tense like past tense for example?

[@cakeswithfaces]

Yes, it covers different tenses.

[@thenerdytiger9306]

I'm using the duolingo app to teach myself japanese

[@cakeswithfaces]

Good luck, hope it's going well! You can do it! :-)

[@thenerdytiger9306]

@@cakeswithfaces going slowly but surely. It focuses mainly on hiragana reading and how to pronounce the sounds and words. Even has voice system that actually says them for you so you can hear them I find learning through listening easier than learning through reading.

[@cakeswithfaces]

@@thenerdytiger9306 That's what I liked about Pimsleur too - it seems more natural listening and speaking than focussing on a book, because that's how you use a language in the real world!

[@aujoyeu]

interesting points ,if anyone else needs to find out about fastest way to learn to speak japanese try Knewreck Fast Japanese Guide (Have a quick look on google cant remember the place now ) ? Ive heard some pretty good things about it and my friend got excellent results with it.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Hadn't heard of that one, thanks for the tip! :-)

[@hudsonball4702]

I'm 35. If I try and start learning Full on Japanese now, I'll be 80 by the time I learn enough of it to carry on a basic conversation >_>

[@cakeswithfaces]

It's never too late to start! If you don't make a start, you'll never be able to :-)

[@VoylinsLife]

I think there will never be a level 6 ^^"

[@cakeswithfaces]

I guess it depends how popular level 5 is. The further you go up the levels, the fewer people will make it that far, so they wouldn't sell as many.

[@jellybean23yearsago58]

Thanks for sharing you you learn Japanese but $550!!!!!

[@cakeswithfaces]

Joseph F Yes, it is a lot for the full course. I borrowed the first level from a friend, then bought the others level by level over the course of several years, which spread he cost out. I wouldn’t recommend buying the whole lot straight away before you know if you want to carry on with it all :-)

[@jellybean23yearsago58]

Cakes with Faces yeah I suppose if it spread out over a few years then it’s not too bad.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Joseph F It is pricey, but the way I see it, if I’d taken a class I could have easily spent that much.

[@strongestdirector6137]

It's $20 a month now