🇯🇵How to start learning Japanese (my Japanese self-study journey from N5-N2)

I am back with another language tips-sharing video. In this video, I've shared my Japanese learning journey as well as some advice. :-D
💌About the MochiKanji App
- Download links for iOS: apps.apple.com/us/app/mochika...
- Download links for Android: play.google.com/store/apps/de...
- Join MochiMochi - Learn Japanese Facebook group: / mochimochi.learnkanji
📍Timestamps
0:00 Intro
1:33 Don’t search forever
2:21 Pick a textbook
4:00 Don’t neglect basics
5:27 Learn Kanji
9:35 Immerse in the language comprehensively
10:23 Self-talk
Background music:
Oneul - • 포닥포닥 겨울 산책❄️ (Winter W...
[MapleStory BGM] Night Market - • [MapleStory BGM] Night...
💌My go-to KZbin channels
✨もしもしゆうすけ - / @moshimoshi.yusuke
✨Daily Japanese with Naoko - / @dailyjapanese
✨Onomappu - / @onomappu
✨Japanese Ammo with Misa - / @japaneseammowithmisa
💌Podcasts
✨YUYUの日本語Podcast - / @yuyunihongopodcast
✨Studio Podcast by Haru - / @studiopodcastbyharu
✨JaoanesePod101 - / @japanesepod101
💌Websites
✨Tae Kim's guide to Learning Japanese: guidetojapanese.org/learn/ (a guide to Japanese grammar. Good if you like textbooks.)
✨Maggie Sensei: maggiesensei.com/ (for learning grammar for all levels and it's really fun and cutesy to learn)
✨Tatoeba: tatoeba.org/en/ (gives example sentences for words )
✨昔話童話童謡の王: www.douwa-douyou.jp/index.shtml (good website to practice reading with a collection of 450 Japanese children’s stories with audio)
✨Tofugu: www.tofugu.com/learn-japanese/ (has lots of good articles to help you understand the basics)
✨Animelon: animelon.com/
✨HiNative: hinative.com/
✨HelloTalk: www.hellotalk.com/?lang=en
✨NHK Web Easy: www3.nhk.or.jp/news/easy/k100...
💌Books
✨Genki - a.co/d/1ECVSr8
✨Minna no Nihongo - a.co/d/bgURgCl
✨Nihongo sou-matome - a.co/d/0yrxXqr
✨Shin Kanzen - a.co/d/diK7Ffk (perfect collection to prepare for JLPT exams from N4 level)

[@Ngwezinlinnlett]

💌About the MochiKanji App - Download links for iOS: apps.apple.com/us/app/mochikanji-learn-japanese/id1463353686 - Download links for Android: play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mochimochi.android.an&hl=en_US - Join MochiMochi - Learn Japanese Facebook group: facebook.com/groups/mochimochi.learnkanji

[@Janice_L]

checked

[@shuu958]

thanks for sharing

[@TrisAgnes]

thank you

[@kendall2181]

thanks for sharing

[@ariausagi2307]

I love that you started with "Don't search forever". It's honestly such underrated advice and I wasted a lot of time I could have used just sticking to one thing rather than be obsessed with efficiency. Great video and advice!

[@Ngwezinlinnlett]

Thank you and I hope it helps^^

[@mochidemy]

Hi LinnLett san! Thank you so much for a good review of the MochiKanji app, and a useful video as well. MochiMochi wishes you and your channel more success with the great content you bring to your audience!

[@jhowie]

hi, what if i initially subbed on ios, can i use the same account on my android phone or tablet? thanks.

[@minamina43xn]

🤗

[@Ngwezinlinnlett]

@@jhowie Yes you can. I am also using it on both my phone and tablet with the same account.

[@jhowie]

@@Ngwezinlinnlett thank you. 😊

[@akasuki7163]

I really like your handwriting. I also watched your notes-taking video about one year ago and I have liked it since then. Keep going!!

[@Ngwezinlinnlett]

Tysm✨

[@paithoon5506]

I love new updates about Kanji Writing. I can write Kanji step by step and my memory was improved significantly. Highly recommend!!

[@fallenwaterthefallen4670]

Hiya! It's so nice to see someone else doing their self-study of Japanese! I have NO money whatsoever, so I've been using the free online textbook, IMABI to study! I started Sept.1st of 2023, 1 hour per weekday, and you're right that everyone's path is different. I'm staying away from vocab and kanji, focusing on actually learning the concepts and particles instead--And it works well! I tend to watch a lot of anime/listen to Japanese music. So when I hear particles, my brain sometimes goes. [The '[example] particle is used here because...] I've also used youtube videos for lessons I still struggled with. There are MANY out there. To wrap, I've been digging into grammar + sentence structure more than anything, and it's quite pleasant. I also practice my hiragana and katagana because writing is important...Slow and steady creates a stable path of creativity! I eventually aim to study vocab + kanji + talking practice. I'm nervous for that, but oh well! I'm learning Japanese because I find fulfillment in it. Also I want to read untranslated manga releases but tell no one,,, Good luck on your journey (and everyone else's!)

[@Ngwezinlinnlett]

Thanks a lot for sharing your journey and good luck in your learning.^^

[@dodolala8141]

Thanks a lot for the simple tips☺

[@yuenatv]

you’re super inspiring!!

[@LL-wk6is]

Your writing is so nice! And thank you for this video! :)

[@LL-wk6is]

You've been such an inspiration for me since I started watching your motivational videos.

[@TrisAgnes]

I’ve been using MochiKanji and it’s fantastic!

[@maijp20]

This video motivates me! ☺️ I will study now

[@travelphuan4792]

you're truly hard-working

[@jujuba2595]

Your handwriting is so pretty!!!

[@jenyfursmith8413]

❤❤❤ ありがとうございます

[@Janice_L]

golden time feature in MochiKanji helps me stick my vocab and kanji well

[@phanlinh874]

Your progress from N5 to N2 is amazing. It shows that hard work and consistency pay off

[@wookie2615]

Thank you so much for the tips^^

[@Ngwezinlinnlett]

Hope they help you❤️^^

[@ngthdun]

thanks for a useful video 🥰

[@adelineprasawat]

Your tips are practical and easy to follow

[@qiqi9860]

You're right.

[@mayacold8263]

I use half of the resources and material here. I'm currently studying for N3, and although not as intensive as what you do, I've been having a steady progress in Japanese. I recommend the same! And thank you for the video!

[@hngan09]

This video has given me a lot of motivation to continue my Japanese learning journey!

[@Ngwezinlinnlett]

Aww happy to hear that! Good luck with your learning journey❤

[@YukiYuki-jn5bk]

Thank you for sharing such a helpful video, I've been going on the journey to learn new language and I really love Japanese. I will try applying your methods and hope that I can know basic japanese when I come back here after months.

[@Ngwezinlinnlett]

I wish you the best of luck🩵

[@ngochuyennguyen5582]

The video is 💯

[@BinhLam-cc6vx]

great video

[@user-js5xe5qh1y]

your english voice cool i like it thz for share💞

[@suziam2196]

You have a VERY beautiful handwriting ❤️

[@melosaurrn]

Great tips! I love MochiKanji ❤ Do you listen to music while studying? Can you elaborate more on your phone/ipad screen savers?

[@aanisa.tabassum]

love love love ukhti ....

[@jjmaybank988]

asslamu alaikum

[@aanisa.tabassum]

@@jjmaybank988 Walaikum assalam

[@totaltactician1577]

素晴らしい

[@marymoris]

That's such a cool resource

[@ourys7252]

Very useful video. Can you make one like this but for Chinese please

[@tira5500]

I've also been learning Japanese for about 3 months because I got a drive from you XD

[@Ngwezinlinnlett]

I’m very glad to hear that :D Good luck with your Japanese learning.

[@NeizaSilentChannel]

Thank you so much for the video and the tips! I am someone who struggles with the multiple resources problem, because there are so many it can be overwhelming for my brain, so i will do my best to stick to just some of them like you said! Also, sorry if this question is not related to the topic, but does someone know the title of the anime that shows up at 4:40 ? The style is so pretty!

[@Ngwezinlinnlett]

It's "Return of Kings".^^

[@jiaxifeng6508]

Thank you!!!

[@mikejohn380]

I've been using Genki, but I might switch to Minna no Nihongo for a change

[@NoraBrown-kb6tm]

I'm currently at N5 and hope to reach N2 someday like you.

[@Ngwezinlinnlett]

Of course you can. Fighting!✨

[@willykun6167]

❤❤❤

[@neenobad352]

I like your voice😊Please upload on your another channal too❤️

[@Ngwezinlinnlett]

Sure 😊

[@neenobad352]

@@Ngwezinlinnlett Thz looking forward to it❤️

[@MarKeLiuZ]

Great advice and nice video 🙌😊! I don't tend to comment on Japanese learning-related videos because I feel that the language community can be quite toxic and doesn't give proper advice, often setting unrealistic expectations. For example, some people say things like, "If you are not aiming and rushing to JLPT N2/N1, you're wasting your time" which I don't agree with at all. That's why I appreciate what you did here. I'm preparing for the JLPT N2 at the moment, and one piece of advice I would add is that the JLPT itself is not going to cover all the vocabulary used in anime or even the kanji used in manga. The JLPT is aimed at reaching a "business level," so to speak. In anime and manga, you encounter tons of different words and kanji that are not included in the JLPT. So, if your goal is to understand anime or read Japanese, I'd suggest reaching a grammatical level of JLPT N3 and then starting to watch and read, or maybe even before, but I think that the grammatical structures that the JLPT N3 provides are a solid foundation, also don't forget to enjoy while you are learning!. For example, I remember the first time I encountered the word 食べてえぇ while reading Chainsaw Man. It took me a while and some research to realize that it is a way of saying 食べたい. Again, that's not something you would encounter in a textbook. Or words like 迷宮 (めいきゅう) = Dungeon/maze, which is not a JLPT word, but if you're into fantasy, that word will likely show up eventually. Focus on what you want to understand/say and tackle that vocabulary 🙌 Again, nice video! アルゼンチンから挨拶！

[@Ngwezinlinnlett]

Oh, thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience and give valuable advice. 幸運を祈ります😊

[@jiaxifeng6508]

Could u pls make a chinese one too 😢. Its a bit hard for beginners idk what to learn

[@akiyamanemi]

Don't search forever and sticking with a method is one of the best tips. I've studied JP on-and-off (when time permits) for about 2 years now and I'm barely scratching the n4 level because I did all the wrong things. I also wanted to ask, what tablet is that and would you recommend using one for practicing kanji?

[@Ngwezinlinnlett]

Currently I am using Samsung tab S6 lite. I prefer writing kanji or chinese characters with S pen because my handwriting is neater if I use a sharp and lightweight pen. But it depends on you. If you prefer writing with a little weight, ipad will be better.

[@jofarpoppi3734]

Ur name sound similar to Burmese name Btw ur handwriting is pretty.thanks for advices...🔥🔥🔥 I am currently self studying N3...many motivations from u.

[@Ngwezinlinnlett]

Best of luck😊 And yes I am Burmese.^^

[@shuu958]

I've been too focused on perfection when learning kanji, so sometimes, I feel stressed a lot

[@leemack8448]

What app are you using at 1:23? I’ve been trying to find something like that to use on my ipad. Are they practice sheets from JapanesePod 101?

[@Ngwezinlinnlett]

Ah, I got them from kanji.sh. You can download any level for free XD kanji.sh/write

[@aiden6712]

I have been a fan of aesthetic study vlog especially learning languages since 2019 Here comes a burmese one

[@shakilaputri5193]

What app do you use to notetake btw, beautiful video :D

[@Ngwezinlinnlett]

I use Kilonotes and Noteshelf^^

[@noto_gemu]

I always want to use my tablet to handwrite Japanese but my tablet always annoys me when the pen tip doesn't calibrate correctly

[@paulocabello597]

Hi linlett! I am inspired by how you self studied and pass the jlpt N2 level. May i please ask the reference you used in practicing kanji at 1:23 . Is this mochi as well? Thank you and Good luck on your japanese learning journey.

[@Ngwezinlinnlett]

Thank you^^ For kanji worksheets, I got them form kanji.sh. It provides all levels. kanji.sh/write Good luck on your journey as well💛

[@paulocabello597]

@@Ngwezinlinnlett どうもありがとうございます😊

[@maki_sone7352]

hi thank you for this detailed explanation and the links! I just wanna ask what link is that japanese shows with japanese subtitles? its in @ 10:01 thank you!

[@Ngwezinlinnlett]

It's from NHK for school: www.nhk.or.jp/school/

[@maki_sone7352]

@@Ngwezinlinnlett thank you!! Your a big help. 😍❣️

[@Han-ww5oz]

Hi what app or website do you use to read Japanese manga (9:39)

[@Ngwezinlinnlett]

You can read from Renta or Mangareader(●'◡'●) renta.papy.co.jp/renta/sc/frm... mangareader.to/

[@joemailuhu]

Linlett what apps do you use to write on your ipad?

[@Ngwezinlinnlett]

Actually it’s Samsung tab. ^^I use kilonotes and Noteshelf✨

[@qiqi9860]

Can you also make one about Chinese too?

[@Ngwezinlinnlett]

Actually I also have a plan to make one on Chinese. Please stay tuned!^^

[@blxckmxrk1996]

Hello, i felt that i wasting my time in search the best method and i dont even started to understand where to start, what should i do?

[@Ngwezinlinnlett]

It’s normal to feel like that. For me, I started with only one textbook and practiced little by little everyday, listened to the CD, wrote and spoke along. After some time, I got into the flow of learning. So just pick one resource and stick with that for a while. I believe you will find a way❤️

[@jinjin6543]

I also self-learn Japanese and it's really difficult

[@Ngwezinlinnlett]

Yeah all things are difficult before they become easy. Just don’t give up. 頑張って😉

[@TaPhuong-fm2jb]

I made the mistake of jumping into advanced content too soon.

[@htetsansan1788]

what is use note using app ipad.please

[@Ngwezinlinnlett]

Do you mean note-taking apps for iPad? Actually, I don't use iPad but lots of people recommend Notability or Goodnotes^^

[@hongnhungo8432]

do you jump to the JLPT N2 exam, or you take each level?

[@Ngwezinlinnlett]

Yup I just jump to N2 level 😊

[@kim_haeun_03]

can u do one for korean too? T^T

[@Uein]

K!

[@kijin6447]

May i know what tab you using?

[@Ngwezinlinnlett]

Samsung tab S6 lite🩵

[@AlexTraynor-xk7hs]

What tab is she using? Anyone know?

[@YukiYuki-jn5bk]

It's Samsung tab S6 lite

[@annekerenza3612]

minna no nihongo and genki, which would be better?

[@Ngwezinlinnlett]

I've only used Minna no Nihongo and don't know much about Genki but I think Minna no Nihongo offers more in-depth like more vocab, grammar, and exercises. But if you are just starting from scratch( especially self-study), Genki is more beginner-friendly. If you have someone to teach you, Minna no Nihongo will be a better choice because there's not much explanation added. I could learn through Minna because I've already known Chinese so it wasn't that difficult for me.

[@dodolala8141]

@@Ngwezinlinnlett I also want to know this. Thank you for your suggestion. 😇

[@shashankinjapan]

which tab you using ?

[@Ngwezinlinnlett]

Samsung tab S6 lite.

[@xxianmoon]

I'm currently studying N5 & N4 level at the moment, i just finished my N5 but i feel like i still couldn't grasp the proper way in creating basic grammar

[@Ngwezinlinnlett]

Actually, I also felt like that at first. The foundation is really important before moving to the next level so I went through the N5 grammar book, did exercises all over again, and tried to make my own sentences because as I said I had nobody to practice speaking with. After reviewing, I could understand quite a lot of sentences from animes and that gave me the motivation and also confidence to move on to the next level. ^^ So for me, I grasp lots of grammar from animes and also KZbin especially from Japanese Ammo with misa. It varies from person to person, so if you feel like textbooks aren't helping you that much, try other ways like watching videos, listening to podcasts, or even attending classes.

[@xxianmoon]

@@Ngwezinlinnlett oh Thank you so much luv 💜💜💜 oh and if it's not too much to ask, by any chance could you recommend me podcast that you find helpful and that i could try listening too, i do am attendings classes however, the teachers i have don't really explain it well, felt like I'm just self studing when there are things i would like to clarify they just brush it off and tell me to just real and understand the text books myself and i too don't have anyone to try and convers with 🥺🥺

[@Ngwezinlinnlett]

@@xxianmoon For podcasts, Yuyu の日本語podcast mini and daily japanese with Naoko are great. They provide subtitles so you can also read along while listening❤️

[@xxianmoon]

@@Ngwezinlinnlett Thank you luv 💕

[@sweetsugarie]

what tablet do u use?

[@Ngwezinlinnlett]

Samsung tab S6 lite^^

[@user-ku7sp8bt2q]

Hi !May I know what type of tablet it is and how many inches it is?❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Ngwezinlinnlett]

It’s Samsung tab S6 lite (10.4”)❤️

[@user-ku7sp8bt2q]

@@Ngwezinlinnlett Thanks 😍

[@minhtam1099]

I’ll aim for 5-10 minutes a day. is it okay?

[@Ngwezinlinnlett]

You can. It depends on your goals, how quickly you want to learn it, to what level you want to learn it, and how much of your spare time and energy you can put into it, etc. It will just take a lot longer to learn to do 10 minutes a day than it would if you did an hour or more.

[@limpaula_]

how do u take the exams to know in which level are you???

[@Ngwezinlinnlett]

I studied the JLPT books from N5 and finished level by level. The first three levels were not that difficult for me but I started doubting myself whether I had a thorough understanding of Japanese or not. So I decided to take the N2 test after learning N2 books.

[@NiNi-vx8ex]

I can say you did study a lot by looking at your books. XD

[@Ngwezinlinnlett]

😅

[@hangshoo]

you also know Chinese?

[@Ngwezinlinnlett]

Yeah. I've been learning it since I was 9 years old^^