No, no, no! The best way to learn Japanese is not graduating in the language. Instead, you can go for countless free tutorials to become adept of this linguistic communication. Let’s get acquainted with the best ways to learn Japanese, just to further enrich your visit to the land of the rising sun…
Congratulations! Finally you’ve decided to learn this beautiful language called Japanese. Did you watch Seven Samurai or Gojira by any chance (sometimes, I hate myself for cracking such poor jokes!)? Anyway, now that you’re all set to go on a Japan travel spree, the first thing that is the most important for you is to learn the Japanese language as well as the dialect. At least some common Japanese phrases will help you escape weird situations, that would otherwise create unnecessary hassles, don’t you think? Lets unleash some free ways to learn this amazingly different language.
Learning Japanese: Approach
Thinking of setting up a business in Japan or collaboration with Japanese clients? You sure must learn Japanese for business communication. The best source of learning Japanese on your own would be the Internet. Trust me, the Internet today has thousands of tutorials and learning Japanese programs, free of cost, that are extremely easy, and do not cost you a pretty penny at all! A number of websites on the web put forth tutorials using flash cards, Japanese dictionary, and various devices aid to recall. Just so you know, in comparison to other languages, Japanese is way simpler to learn. Grammar is easy, and there is absolutely no hassle of learning singulars and plurals here. Isn’t that amazing? While many people make mistakes in speaking even their native language properly, Japanese has eradicated all these issues.
However, if you want to learn effective Japanese, solely for business trade purposes, Japan has established support and development in the form of Japan External Trade Organization or JETRO, to foster business in and outside Japan. This organization is affiliated to the Japanese government, and promotes foreign direct investment into Japan with the help of various techniques and strategies. Out of the many activities it undertakes, JETRO also runs a Business Japanese Proficiency Test or BJT with the help of which, people who do not speak language but are contemplating on doing business in or with Japan, can learn Japanese in the National Institute of Japanese Language that runs in cooperation with BJT. The aspirants can easily get their Japanese abilities tested in terms of reading proficiency, listening, vocabulary, grammar, and Kanji which comprises the symbols and characters. Have a go at the various Kanji symbols and characters which may be extensive, but are surely impressive and expressive.
Common Japanese Phrases
Fluency and ‘blabbering’ may be a requisite for other lingos and languages, but not for Japanese! It’s time to learn your first lesson of learning Japanese with the help of a quick tutorial on some of the most common Japanese phrases that you can use while on a visit to Japan. Here we go!
Japanese | English |
Ohayogozaimasu | Good Morning |
Konnichiwa | Good Day |
Konbanwa | Good Evening |
Onegaishimasu | If you please |
Arigatou gozaimasu | Thank you |
Doitashimashite | It’s my pleasure/Welcome |
Sumimasen | I am Sorry (Also used when wanting to say ‘Excuse me’) |
Gomen nasai | Sorry |
Watashi no namae wa Veethi desu’ | My name is Veethi |
Hajimemashite | Pleased to meet you/It’s nice to meet you |
Sarariman | Corporate employee/salaryman |
Ogenki desu ka | How are you |
Watashi wa sore o tanoshimi ni shite imasu | I’m looking forward to it |
Amazing, aren’t they? Learning the basics can be fun and a lot easier. After all, you need not be concerned about the rules, syntax, and grammar, that does nothing but complicates a language (Sorry!). Acknowledging the influence this language has had on the masses, and learning a tad-bit of Japanese can decrease the difficulties you’d otherwise have to face in a foreign land. So, go through the various ways discussed above to learn this language, and enjoy learning Japanese in the easiest way possible.