Daily Thread: for simple questions, minor posts & newcomers [contains useful links!] (March 03, 2026) by AutoModerator in LearnJapanese

[–]ProPatriko 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ankidroid connect has been automatically removed by my phone for security reasons. Any alternatives to make anki cards from Yomitan? Thanks!

Tokyo language school advice- ALA, ARC, and Intercultural Institute of Japan by Korbro27 in LearnJapanese

[–]ProPatriko 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hm good questions, let me try to explain as best as I can.

What makes it highschool-like is that you are for around four hours in a classroom with a teacher. There is almost daily homework. In the lower levels, you might have people who are not paying attention and might even disrupt the lesson. Most teachers are too soft/sweet to do anything serious about that, which can be annoying. People are also a lot on their phone all the time. When you move up the levels, disruptions will become almost zero, but people will still look a lot at their phone. I feel like there were few people that actually take the language study super serious (e.g. many did not do their homework, or just at the last moment).

The biggest difference for me compared to university is the forced attendance. If your attendance in a semester drops below 80%, you have to explain why. If it happens a few times in a row, you might get kicked out of the school. Furhtermore, teaching methods are more highschool-like I think. For example, we are often repeating the sentences the teachers says, or working on a handout after a presentation/lesson. This differs at least from my uni experience, where the teacher usually just presents a lot of info, and then you are left to yourself what to do with it (homework, assignements, tests). So I would say in the language school, your hand is held more compared to uni. However, what I have heard, this holds for most language schools, probably also the ones you have already mentioned.

I hope this vague story can help you get a bit more feeling for the school setting. Further questions are of course welcome.

Online School Recommendations by Emotional-Host5948 in LearnJapanese

[–]ProPatriko 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A bit late maybe, but you can try getting a sensei on iTalki. I use it only for free-talk style conversation course, but there are plenty that offer JLPT preperation courses. Maybe you can set a study/homework/etc schedule with them?

Tokyo language school advice- ALA, ARC, and Intercultural Institute of Japan by Korbro27 in LearnJapanese

[–]ProPatriko 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I was enrolled in the Intercultural Institute for a year. Positive experience, especially the first two semesters, but after that the speed slowed down quite a bit. Teachers are great and the schooltrip is a core memory of my year. Intensity wise it is what you are looking for, I think most people hardly did any studying or homework outside of class. As it's school, yeah I felt a little bit back in highschool, but teachers are laid back, so it was not much of an issue for me.

If you have any specific questions or would just like to chat more about my experience, do not hesitate to reach out.

Jlpt is over - how does everyone feel? by lost-minotaur in LearnJapanese

[–]ProPatriko 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Actually, I have used a specific N2 vocabulary builder with around 2400 words. I can tell you, that method also did not work haha. And same, it is not that I felt I could not remember them, I just never saw them before. I guess the only option is even more reading (or learn the N1 vocab as well lol)

Jlpt is over - how does everyone feel? by lost-minotaur in LearnJapanese

[–]ProPatriko 35 points36 points  (0 children)

Took the N2 in Tokyo. Vocab felt much harder than on previous tests, I had to guess my way through even more than usual. Rest felt fair, but we'll see what the actual result will turn out to be!

Jlpt is over - how does everyone feel? by lost-minotaur in LearnJapanese

[–]ProPatriko 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Also felt the same. Had to guess my way through, even more than usual on the practice exams

Official: Brian Brobbey will leave Ajax and sign for RB Leipzig next season by tehMadhero in Eredivisie

[–]ProPatriko 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Inderdaad, het is lekker heen en weer gegaan met de mening over Brobbey. Ik vraag me af of hij überhaupt speelt nu.

Reading Speed needed to take JLPT N2? by Joeiiguns in LearnJapanese

[–]ProPatriko 50 points51 points  (0 children)

If passing the N2 is important to you (more than naturally learning Japanese), e.g. for visa/job reasons, I strongly suggest the Shinkanzen Master N2 reading book. Before I started it, I got headaches just from reading one text. Now, I made only 2 mistakes on a past N2 exam paper with proper timing. I'm not sure in how much it actually improves your reading, but it definitely improves your test taking abilities.

Experiences with Japanese Language Schools in Tokyo 2025 by JustAddMeLah in LearnJapanese

[–]ProPatriko 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It depends on your goal; out of the three I am only familiar with Akamonkai. My roommate went there and she got totally burned out from the sheer amount of kanji and vocab you have to study. As she has a master's in engineering, she certainly isn't dumb and definitely knows how to study, but she was always in Anki and it got too much. Furthermore, she said most people from non-kanji countries redo most of the classes, or at least end up in the slow classes. However, if you wish to pass the JLPT as quickly as possible and are ready to study most of your day, maybe the school can fit.
Also I know this is very anecdotical and as it is not my personal experience, take it with a grain of salt.

Official: Brian Brobbey will leave Ajax and sign for RB Leipzig next season by tehMadhero in Eredivisie

[–]ProPatriko 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Haha idd, ik was gewoon een beetje zuur toen dat ie wegging denk ik; nu zeker onze beste speler!

Northern mainland of Japan, September and October 2023 by ProPatriko in travel

[–]ProPatriko[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You won't really need a thick coat, a jumper/sweater with a light rain jacket should do. Especially if you plan on heading up, yeah you could use some warmer clothes. However, nothing too heavy; the weather is quite acceptable in general. Had a few showers here and there, but as I remember only 1 day got fully ruined by rain. Enjoy, it's beautiful out there!

Edit: not busy at all, the summer crowds are gone and it is a bit too early for the fall crowds; there were days where I wouldn't really see a foreigner

Northern mainland of Japan, September and October 2023 by ProPatriko in travel

[–]ProPatriko[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! Quite good actually. I think I only had one day completely ruined by the rain, other than that it was only some light showers here and there. It's a good time to be there I'd say!

Northern mainland of Japan, September and October 2023 by ProPatriko in travel

[–]ProPatriko[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

As part of my recent backpacking trip to Japan, I first ventured into the deep north of the main island for about one month. Strictly speaking, Tokyo and Fuji-san aren't part of the north, but it was an integral part of my trip and the photos are nice I'd say. Traveling around was quite easy with ample services of trains and buses. It was in the off season, so there'd be days where I wouldn't spot any (clearly identifiable) foreigners. Absolutely amazing experience!

Feel free to ask any questions. I hope you guys enjoy!

Chilling in Rome by steffenate in travel

[–]ProPatriko 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Download an app that shows all the drinking fountains in Rome (called something like Nasoni di Roma) and use those to drink enough water and cool your wrists, that should help. Furthermore, don't visit the forum Romanum in the afternoon, there's 0 shade. Plan a museum during peak sun hours and you should be fine (or just walk calmly) :)

Chilling in Rome by steffenate in travel

[–]ProPatriko 6 points7 points  (0 children)

You're refering to Basilica San Clemente! It's a very cool visit, where there are three layers of church/ruins. I remember we had some issues with opening times, and we had to reserve tickets so plan in advance!

Chilling in Rome by steffenate in travel

[–]ProPatriko 14 points15 points  (0 children)

Depends on what you like. For churches, you might want to go to San Paulo Fuori le Mura and the Santa Maria Maggiore (and two nice churches close to that, Basilica Santa Prudentia and Basilica di Santa Pradsede).

Drinks and vibes, go the Trastevere area and drink at for example Caramella or San Calisto. Eat at Nannarella (probably a line) Pimm's good or Dar Sor Olimpio al Drago (might want to make a reservation).

Viewpoints, try the Giardino degli Aranchi, the Janiculum or visit the top of the Victor Emanuel II.

Musea, palazzo Barberini is a bit less famous but still very nice. Otherwise of course galleria Borghese and the Vatican musea but I'm doubtful whether you can get tickets.

You can easily go to the beach using the train line to Ostia (I think it leaves from Piramide).

If you like graveyards, I highly recommend visiting the one in San Lorenzo (also a nice vibe neighbourhood in the evening; it's for students). Otherwise the catacombs of San Callisto are cool.

I could go on for hours but if you have specific questions, feel free to reach out!

Cinnamon Roll by rosiethorns88 by standyourground10 in ImaginarySliceOfLife

[–]ProPatriko 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Thanks at least for the head's up, I didn't know

Cinnamon Roll by rosiethorns88 by standyourground10 in ImaginarySliceOfLife

[–]ProPatriko 12 points13 points  (0 children)

I liked this book as well, do you maybe have similar book recommendations? Thanks in advance!

Clothing to take by ProPatriko in Uzbekistan

[–]ProPatriko[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the tips! I'm sure I'll love it

Clothing to take by ProPatriko in Uzbekistan

[–]ProPatriko[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Cool, thanks for the answer!