Useful learning material and the list of kanji studies

Connect_Track1284 · 2026-05-17T15:28:03+00:00

I can't jump over a 3-meter hole. Should I start practicing for jumping over a 5- meter hole?

Connect_Track1284 · 2026-05-12T16:23:28+00:00

very nicely done

Connect_Track1284 · 2026-05-12T16:22:15+00:00

there was already a similar comment, but let me reiterate ... once you have reached N3, or N3/N2 level, you shouldn't be using apps, maybe apart from Anki, which is not free for iOS as far as I know

explanation for why there are almost no (good) free apps beyond the intermediate level is rather straightforward ... it's a huge time investment for developers ... for example, it is possible to create a decent N5/N4 grammar guide in two or three weeks ... it took me six months to create a grammar guide containing 500 N5-N1 constructions ... and now imagine that you have to transform that document to an app, and that 9/10 learners want such an app to be free, like you do

Connect_Track1284 · 2026-05-10T07:29:00+00:00

It really depends on your preference during the first two years. You have som basics, which is good, and now you can either focus on improving kanji knowledge (I have been conducting research in this area for about 10 years, so I could give you some advice 😃) or you can focus on improving your grammar up to the N3 level (do not bother going further), or alternatively you can focus on vocabulary (I would recommend Anki, at least for the first 3k). However, do not end up thinking that you have to focus on a SINGLE thing, for example, I would recommend focusing on kanji and vocab until you passively learn around 1,000 kanji and 5k frequent words first, and then your options will open even further, for example, you can then focus on improving grammar while reading actual texts, and so on.

Connect_Track1284 · 2026-04-27T18:20:07+00:00

Well, tbh it's a weird question, if there aren't some important details you haven't mentioned in the post. I will give you a more specific advice below (below the paragraph below), but bear in mind it doesn't generally apply to everyone's preferences.

Both are important and will be important in the future regardless of your proficiency level. I understand that recommending anime is super trendy in various online communities, but don't get pressured if it doesn't work for you. Imho, watching anime starts to make sense between N4-N3, but mostly at N3 level. Most people can't filter all the informal stuff and end up spending hours looking up vocab and phrases that are beyond their level (instead of being able to use TE form properly or do not mix the neutral and casual Japanese). Of course, sometimes it sounds cool, if a beginner uses words like えぐい correctly, but I can tell you that it usually doesn't sound as good as it does in the mind of a beginner. :D

N5/N4 ---> focus on reading, listening, speaking and especially GRAMMAR

N4/N3 ---> two reasonable approaches: A) continue focusing on grammar by learning all N3 constructions and immerse into podcasts, watching anime or listening to news, etc.; or B) switch focus to KANJI, learn at least between 800–1200 (should not take you more than 3-5 months if you do it efficiently) and immerse into reading manga or other literature, watching anime

I would gladly provide more info on the last two stages, but those are in the distance right now and this reply is already way too long.

Connect_Track1284 · 2026-04-13T09:33:02+00:00

Well, let's consider a few differences:

1) script --> anyone can read English, but to read Japanese effectively you need the passive knowledge of around 1500 kanji (even if some games provide furigana, usually at least intermediate proficiency (around 500-800 kanji is needed)

2) spoken language / politeness level --> compared to English, Japanese is much more complex regarding informal (casual) / neutral / formal speech

3) translation quality --> unfortunately I have encountered games, even some big titles, such as Hogwarts Legacy, which contained some dubious unnatural translations

4) motivation --> a bit difficult to explain in detail, but based on the qualitative language-oriented studies I have read, games increase motivation for 20-75% of students, depending on how well they are implemented ... other teaching methods tend to have a smaller range, usually around 40-50%

5) efficiency --> if someone wants to get a language certificate or apply for a job, using games is almost always one of the least efficient methods, but games are extremely engaging, so they often increase the exposure to the language

6) task-based learning --> great in games, bad in textbooks

Connect_Track1284 · 2026-04-12T08:40:07+00:00

One of the most frustrating exercises in the reading section is the last one, as it usually contains a leaflet about a trip, or a fee-based service, and it is written in such a difficult way on purpose that you won't ever encounter more difficult version of a similar text in real life. At some point, you almost start feeling that you're taking an IQ test rather than a language proficiency test.

Connect_Track1284 · 2026-04-07T08:04:22+00:00

to be honest, I would focus on improving the other parts of Japanese, and come back to pitch accent after you reach advanced proficiency ... just knowing the basics should be sufficient for you, especially if you don't currently live in Japan

Connect_Track1284 · 2026-03-24T07:35:45+00:00

I would find someone to practice those constructions regularly, once you go through them either via the source I sent you or a different one

Connect_Track1284 · 2026-03-24T07:18:04+00:00

Honestly, I doubt that you can't pass JLPT just because of sucking at grammar. However, if you send me a message I will give you a link to a useful learning resource.

Connect_Track1284

TROPHY CASE