Is Learning Japanese Hard?

Is Learning Japanese Hard?

Many people wonder whether learning Japanese is difficult. The short answer is, it depends. Linguistically speaking, there is no such thing as an absolutely difficult or easy language to learn. Difficulty is relative and depends on the learner’s native language.

For English speakers who only speak English, Japanese may seem like a challenging language to learn. However, from the perspective of linguistic similarity, Japanese and English are not as drastically different as one might assume. Although Japanese is considered a language isolate, meaning it does not belong to any established language family, and differs significantly from English in syntax, phonology, and vocabulary, they are not complete opposites.

What Makes Japanese Difficult?

1. Kanji – One of the biggest hurdles for learners is kanji, the Chinese characters used in Japanese writing. There are thousands of them, and each can have multiple readings, making memorisation a long-term challenge.
2. Different Writing Systems – Japanese uses three scripts: hiragana, katakana, and kanji. Learning all three takes time, especially since they are used together in everyday writing.
3. Grammar Differences – If you speak English, Japanese grammar can feel unfamiliar. The word order is different, and concepts like particles and verb conjugations may take time to get used to.
4. Levels of Formality – Japanese has various levels of politeness, which means you need to adjust your speech depending on the situation. Using the wrong level can sound too casual or overly formal.
5. Listening and Pronunciation – While Japanese pronunciation is relatively simple, it can sometimes sound fast to English speakers who are unfamiliar with its rhythm and intonation.

What Makes Japanese Easier Than You Think?

1. Simple Sounds – Japanese has a small set of sounds, making pronunciation easier than in languages like English or French.
2. No Articles or Genders – Unlike many European languages, Japanese does not have articles like "a” or "the,” and nouns do not have genders.
3. Regular Verbs – Verb conjugation is quite consistent compared to languages like English or Spanish, which have many irregular verbs.
4. Many Loanwords – Japanese has adopted many English words, especially in modern vocabulary. However, it is important to note that their pronunciation is often quite different from English, making them not as easy to recognise as one might expect.

How to Make Learning Japanese Easier

• Start with hiragana and katakana – Mastering these will make reading and pronunciation much easier.
• Learn basic phrases early – Common expressions will help you feel more confident in conversations.
• Use mnemonics for kanji – Associating characters with stories or images can make them easier to remember.
• Practise listening regularly – Watching Japanese TV shows, anime, or YouTube videos can help you get used to natural speech.
• Be patient and enjoy the process – Language learning takes time, so focus on small achievements and keep going!

Learning Japanese is like climbing a mountain. Most climbers attempting to reach the peak of Mount Everest do not go alone—they rely on the expertise of Sherpas, experienced guides who help them navigate the challenging terrain, provide support, and ensure a safer, more efficient journey. In the same way, having a skilled Japanese teacher can make an enormous difference in your learning experience. Without guidance, you may struggle to figure out what to focus on, waste time with trial and error, and feel overwhelmed by the challenges ahead.

If you want to learn Japanese efficiently, with the right guidance and encouragement, you need an experienced teacher who can be your personal Sherpa. At SuikaTalk, we carefully select only highly qualified Japanese teachers who can support and guide you every step of the way. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, SuikaTalk offers structured lessons tailored to your needs. Start learning today and make your journey smoother, faster, and more enjoyable!