Branching this discussion out from the Travel & Living. Noticed there's quite a number of Malaysians studying Japanese and taking the JLPT exam (also evident from the JLPT exam hall!).

Reference: https://www.jlsm.org/


.
.
.

This site has numerous resourceful materials for studies: http://www.mlcjapanese.co.jp/

--> Looking for conversation partner? 会話パートナーを探しなら：
https://cotoacademy.com/japanese-language-e...rning-japanese/

--> まるごと e-textbook for Beginners and Intermediate 初中級 （６月末まで無料 - Free access till June)
https://www.sanshusha.co.jp/np/blog/recid/53/

--> ［みなと］日本語初級向けの「ひろがる自習コース（Vol. 1）」本日公開！[Minato] “Hirogaru Self-study Course (Vol. 1)” for Beginner Japanese learners

Free Online Lesson: Self Study Course for beginners who wish to learn Japanese. Just register! Sourced from Japan Foundation's sharing.

https://minato-jf.jp/CourseDetail/Index/KL20_HRNS_A201_EN01



YouTube Resources (recommendations):
- MeshClass https://www.youtube.com/@meshclass
- [Grammar N4 onwards] 日本語 to 旅 〜Nihongo to Tabi〜 https://www.youtube.com/@nihongototabi/featured
- 出口日語 https://www.youtube.com/@deguchi (credit to @littlegamer)

Do share what's your plan and reason for learning Japanese?

Mine is simple: Want to be able to communicate with the locals and understand the culture and language in a more in-depth manner. And, be able to read books in Japanese. I've left the manga scene quite some years ago but I've always found Japanese novels, books to be appealing.

If you've any tips for the JLPT exam to share, do share them too

PS: Prefer to have a less formal discussion, so that's why I opened the thread here instead of Education section.

For those planning to further study in Japan (undergraduate), refer to this thread:
https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/4102953

*List of Japanese Centres*

List comprises of centres in KL, Penang, Johor and other states as well.
https://www.jfkl.org.my/language/learners/l...ol-in-malaysia/

Resources: Download from App Store

Japanese Dictionary - Takoboto https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?....takoboto&hl=en

Resources: Books/ Reading Materials Recommendation:

--> Tadoku Books (free e-books): https://tadoku.org/japanese/free-books/
--> NHK has a lot of Japanese educational materials for travel, culture, work for beginners which they call it "Easy Japanese". Very good and interesting site:
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/learnjapanese/

--> more for the working class (and a bit of fun learning @ bottom "After 5"): https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/tv/easyjapaneseforwork/

List of resource shared by chunhoecch : https://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopi...post&p=93297263
Audio Files Download (to be used with the textbook, own purchase): http://bookclub2.japantimes.co.jp/download/


Online Download:
ーShare legit download if any

This post has been edited by sweet_pez: May 8 2023, 11:06 AM

What is Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)?
Taken from https://www.jlpt.jp/e/about/index.html



What are the Levels? What are the components tested on?

Based on 2019 format and information: https://www.jlpt.jp/reference/pdf/guide2019.pdf


Note: JLPT is held twice in a year - in July and December.

JLPT FAQs:

Q: Do I need to be studying under a certain institution/ language centre to be endorsed to sit for the test?
A: No, you don't. Anyone can sign up for the test.

Q: Must I follow the ranking of first sitting for N5, then N4, N3 etc?
A: No, there is no such rule. You can skip any of the order and sit for the level you've studied for. Example, student A have not sat for any JLPT before and signed up straight for N3. Student A can sit for N3 test.

Q: Are there any written exam or composition (essay) in JLPT?
A: Nope, not unless they change it. It's all in multiple choices.

Q: It's my first time sitting for JLPT, what do I need to prepare?
A: Bring your Identification Card (IC)/ Passport (international student), Test Voucher, pencils, eraser, some food (if you need it), water and jacket (it might get cold).

Q: Is there any dress code?
A: While there's none established, wear something comfortable and avoid going in with slippers and shorts. If you happen to sit near the blower, all the best to you.

For more FAQs, check it out here

This post has been edited by sweet_pez: Sep 21 2020, 07:24 PM

I have passed the N4 like 10 years ago and did not proceed further as I have left the Jap company i worked in.

Not that hard to pass lar, I took N5 and N4 in 1 shot and passed both.

May i know when did the format changed to N5 N4 etc?

I passed JLPT level 4 but that was like 13 years ago when there was only 4 levels

Meaning you took the exam because you were working for a Japanese company? I guess that makes sense why you stopped after that

Am always anxious before exam

https://www.jlpt.jp/e/about/levelsummary.html

Here's the new format: https://www.jlpt.jp/e/guideline/testsections.html

Yes, i was checking some info and found out that apparently last time it was only 4 levels. From this site: https://www.jlpt.jp/e/faq/index.html

N1 Approximately the same level as the old level 1 test.
N2 Approximately the same level as the old level 2 test.
N3 Positioned a level bridging the old level 2 and level 3 tests.
N4 Approximately the same level as the old level 3 test.
N5 Approximately the same level as the old level 4 test.

Ya found from wiki too:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese-La...roficiency_Test 😂

Locals? You're living in Japan?

Nope, not living in Japan. If luck and everything else permits, probably someday

dun worry, N4 is still ok if u pay attention in the class. Cant say the same to N3 though, classmate failed 3 times. maybe her kanji weak abit. my problem is I always find it difficult in listening..

This post has been edited by ben_ang: Sep 20 2018, 05:59 PM

IMO, it's a great place for visiting or holiday. But to stay, probably not that great
Nevertheless, pretty sure you'll enjoy being there

Unfortunately our sensei is not even halfway to the N4 syllabus. There's only 2 months left... likely I'll have to do my own study relying on external materials. N4 Kanji is still ok, so i think i won't have a major problem there. It's the other areas that I'm more worried about - grammar, sentences arrangement, comprehension and listening. Vocabulary is more advanced.

Aiks failed 3x N3? Sorry to hear that. Kanji need to constantly read, practice and understand it -___- takes time but still do-able imo. I agree with you, 聴解 is so tricky sometimes!

Hahahahaha i know what you mean. Expectations are really high, pressure is even worse. Most of the time when one works there, there's barely time to travel or rest. I agree with you. What I have in mind would be something more temporary than permanent (staying/ working there). More for experiences and learning. Are you currently living in Japan?

Finally passed my N1 last July, my 6th time.
Can really call it an end to it, but not meaning to stop using the language.
N1 is just the begining IMO.

Good thread.

sweet_pez which center did you study or you study on your own?

No
Been there once for holiday only & been wanting to go back there again but no chance

Dont waste money on N5, N4, N3 tests. Directly go for N2 before challenge the N1. basically for me the N5, N4, N3 is about the same level. waste of time n money.

I study in a centre in KL. What about you?

There'll be chances. If none, you 'create' the chance

I beg to differ. Examinations are different than tests one takes at the centre or home. The environment, rules etc is different. At least sit for 1 preliminary paper before going straight to N2, just to know what it's like.

Congratulations!!!
You're right on that, passing the line is merely the beginning of your journey. Must be crazy tough! What's your plan after passing N1 now?

Thank you.
Why I started to learn Japanese was simple enough, so I can listen/watch anime/Jdrama/songs without translation.

what to do after N1 you asked? In a cross road actually, been thinking of changing job which can make use of my Japanese or status quo.

I didn't take any classes after I passed the old level 2 (now you know how long it took me to pass my N1) so I kinda lost the golden opportunity to change job while I was younger that time. Not confident even i had level 2 that time, even though my sensei always praised me for my Japanese, deep down I know I'm not good enough.
Now I have to weigh between money and interest

This post has been edited by fuji_apple: Sep 21 2018, 10:04 AM

Passed the N2 many years ago, if have more free time, will continue to finish N1 in future

Ah that simple reason isn't all that simple. It needs a lot of resilience and discipline. I heard you can already watch movies without subtitles in N2. True enough?

You're awesome because you studied N1 on your own have to give you double thumbs up. And one needs to be mentally strong to accept 5x of failure and stand up 6th. Don't think about "missed opportunity" because otherwise you wouldn't be where you are. Look forward and decide what you want to do. Money can always be earned but rare opportunities don't always come by haha.

Very much encouraged to do that. Seems like a lot of people take breaks after their N2 must have taken a toll mentally upon finishing N2.

It's not easy while working and self-studying for exam in same time, that's why N1 goal is being put on hold, hope can finish it in one day

That certainly sounds tough especially if your work is busy. How do you study? Or the method of your studying? Any useful site(s) or resources to share?

Already passed N3 a few years back.

I don't think I'll go for any exams, but still continue to study more materials for my own enjoyment.

Not working for any Japanese company or anything, this is just an interest I had since primary school.

Hello,

Plan and reason for studying Japanese huh? I was interested in learning other languages back in primary school, even started on Spanish. But it was only for a few weeks. Hahah

That said, I do love linguistics, somewhat.

Why I am studying Japanese now? DRM said to "Look East" mah. Found the language very interesting and hoping to work in Japan for a few years. Yes, yes, I know the work culture, stress all that. But I still want to experience something different for a change. Quarter life crisis? Maybe. Struggled with some health issues for years, now that I've finally recovered fully, I find myself being stuck in a routine and complacency. So yeah, I want to do something drastic for a change, while I can (minimal debt, not attached, and all that). I am also interested in exploring the wind orchestra scene in Japan, it's so active there.

Taking N5 this year. My class isn't even close to finishing the syllabus, but I've been self-studying to prepare for it. A senpai told me it took him 4 years to go from 0 to N1, and he actually easily passed N4 without even finishing the syllabus. I did wonder whether I should have tried N4 instead. Hahha But oh well, don't want to be too adventurous.

Learning Japanese has made me appreciate the Mandarin language even more. Linguistics is just so much fun and meaningful.

Let me search it back, last time I have many resources for the self study

Thanks for the ping! :0

I actually passed L2 around 9 years ago I think when I was form 5, then just for the sake of getting a new cert I did N2 again around 3 years ago.

Tried my luck with N1 last year but was 10 marks away from passing (though Im pretty sure I was gonna flunk it cause I really didnt prepare properly.

N1 requires so much discipline which I totally lack of though currently, while working it is just so hard to focus ;___;. I miss the days when I was still a student and learning Japanese was much more easier as I had less distractions hahaha.

That said, Ive been self studying on and off for JLPT and I bought books from Taiwan online bookstore cause local bookstores too expensive xD

This post has been edited by Yenjo: Sep 23 2018, 12:25 AM

You're right on language being fun and meaningful. While we've all used English as the communication tool overseas, it's all basic expression. It's hard to express your opinion regarding a certain matter or discuss more in depth of something due to lack of language proficiency.

It's good that you're taking N5 first. Some may say waste of money but hey, nothing wrong with starting from basic or at least experience the whole JLPT examination process before going for higher level

がんばって！

Awesome, thank you!!! i'm sure the rest who are going self study will also benefit from this.

Admirable on the self study. Seems like when it hits N1 or N2, a lot of you are studying on your own.

Huhu yes younger peeps like secondary school students will be able to absorb better it's alright, as long as you're determined to study, you'll have no issue - only 10 marks away...! Taiwan online bookstore? And then get it delivered to your place in Malaysia? Shipping fee will add onto the cost burden though? Some of the books i saw in Kinokuniya - original price sold at ￥1,200 but Kino in KL selling for RM80. That's why I want to buy books when I'm in Japan.

Sounds good! Continue with the effort

Should also tag deodorant and sacwoc to contribute hahahaha

This is an interesting thread! I'm currently self learning Japanese as well....Haven't gone to any exams and such. Hope to learn from the sensei's here

So many self learners around

We can also use this thread to get clarification, advice, info etc including posting questions on anything one needs help with their lessons.
Hope that N1, N2 先輩たち can spare some time to answer/ reply.

Tricky question hahahaha lets just say I take my lessons when I'm already working. Haven't been very disciplined about my studies but I'll do the homework given and spend an hour or two in a week to read (via app, story books, online resources etc). Also trying to spend more time on learning Kanji. It's really getting tougher and increasingly confusing.

Planning to fix my self-study time especially over the weekend. And one method that helps in your study/ understanding (for those attending Japanese lessons), take 30min to go through the new chapter (that your teacher will be teaching in the next class) and you'll be more familiar with the topic during the class. Do one more revision after class. I like to stay back after class and do homework or some reading/ self study for an hour or two. Being at home, I tend to slack off and get distracted; so the centre is the best place for me to do studying.

On weekdays I sometimes tune in to NHK and listen to their news/ watch their programs. Doesn't matter if I don't fully understand what's happening, it'll at least help to get familiar with listening (hopefully) that's my method.

Hmm? I only know

やめて
行く
気持ちいい

Just kidding lol. My biggest problem is speaking nia, don't have any Japanese friends so my only speaking practice is during class once a week 🤷🏻‍♂️

I mean for example, a given episode of terrace house with no subtitles I can probably understand around 75% of it. But if you ask me to speak ... I think at the spur of the moment I can only recall and properly construct 25% or less.

Anyway my colleague asked me to create a profile on https://www.conversationexchange.com and see if I can find any language partners. Maybe you guys / gals can try too and see if it's useful?

Ah... I'll reply one by one.

1. Yes story books. My centre has a shelf with various books - from academic reference books to story books. Unfortunately we're not allowed to borrow the academic books. So on and off I'll borrow some story books and read them. For one, I enjoy reading

If you're wondering what books they are, it's the Japanese Graded Readers. In simple Japanese, for basic level and then they also have books for higher levels: http://jpninfo.com/24711

2. Only resources? I usually follow the textbook "皆の日本語” (minna no nihongo) but there are also sites that I refer to (you just select N5 for beginner):

https://jlptsensei.com/jlpt-n4-study-guide/grammar-list/
http://www.mlcjapanese.co.jp/n4_01.html
https://nihongoichiban.com/2011/08/03/list-...or-the-jlpt-n5/

Phone App (mine is Android)

---> Kanji Study
It's free for first 2 level, but have to pay to upgrade to other words. It's a very good app and thus I decided to invest on it. Only RM10 to have access to all; i think sometimes our dinner already cost >RM10.

It teaches you how to write the strokes correctly, with kunyomi and onyomi readings, meaning of the word as well as example of word usage in sentence pattern.

---> えほん （絵本）
One of the building blocks in Japanese is to expand your vocabulary. In this app you can read children's pictorial books.

---> NHK News
It comes with a news presenter reading the news (just the voice) and also short article with furigana (on top of kanji). It's very good to learn and get familiarize with kanji, as well as listening.

---> Takoboto
When you need to look up a word, Takoboto is your multi purpose dictionary. I can't "live" without it. So convenient and useful. You can type/ search in English, Japanese or in Romaji. In fact, there's also flashcards etc that you can do with the app.

3. I'm pretty much a... half banana. I can read some Chinese characters but not write. I did self-learning where Chinese is concerned due to interest last time and I'm glad it was in the Taiwanese/ traditional Chinese as this resembles Kanji more than current less strokes Chinese characters.

Kanji involves understanding the word, breaking down the complicated ones and assemble the 'components' together. Even our sensei said there's no method to teaching Kanji... you just need to learn it yourself either through plenty of practice and memorising or remembering them through pictorial techniques:

https://www.slideshare.net/Accura/jbp2-lesson-look-learn-l2

Imo, whichever you learn better. My preference stays with constantly practicing + making sense of the word. For example, the word "数” "suu" means Number or digit. It's not hard to write but also not easy imo, until i break the components down. There's "rice aka こめ"（米） at the top, and a woman （女）at the bottom. Women usually are the one at home keeping tabs of the household earning and buying rice etc. So the rice is on top, and the woman bottom. You're pretty much half done at least.

4. Yes over the weekend and I like it that way. If on a weekday, I'll need to rush home. I understand your problem... even for someone with a teacher to guide, I'm still blur sometimes

5. Hahahahaha I watch whatever is on NHK except when they're broadcasting sports like sumo or baseball. Even watch the children's program occasionally and it helps to learn a thing or two. Entertainment program - depends I guess. Currently is still too basic to catch dorama without subs; usually this is do-able when you're in N2 or so. Long way to go huhu.

6. Think my reading is decent, writing is relatively... average? still confused with usage of particles sometimes and generally weak in my katakana. I've no problem reading them but when you ask me to write, sometimes I'll forget hahahahaha.

Like deo-kun below mentioned, speaking is also a problem. We're not in Japan and there's no environment to foster the conversational skills.

Same here aih... speaking is so hard. When I get nervous, dunno whatever flies out... few weeks back over a oral test, sensei asked "道で迷ったらどうしますか。”
I was like................................ the word isn't coming out (mind was blank) and time is ticking so I said, "道の人。。。。。。。。。たのみます？”

Are you taking N3 end of this year?

Ahhhhh conversation exchange ka... ちょっと。。。緊張だ。

oh my, u can understand 75% of them?! I was like only understand or try to understand at the beginning, then after tat they read too quick and difficult word, my brain
got traffic jam few km then system hang liao.

For those staying in KL/Selangor, you guys can become the library member of Japan Foundation KL if you don't want to spend fortune for JLPT books, it's only RM10 a year. You can use the facilities there for your study as well.

Thank you for all the resources! Will check them out!

I try to spend an hour every day. Haha I usually try to finish chapter before classes. Actually, I am like 5 chapters ahead of the class right now since I am going to be taking N5 end of the year. Classes are where I get to practicing speaking and checking if I've made mistakes in my self-studies.

Thank you Fuji_apple for that suggestion! Sounds great!

I think my weakest now is listening and speaking. I can read and understand, but listening stumps me, it's just usually too fast.

What do you guys think about watching anime or japanese shows with japanese subtitles? Would that help at all?

This post has been edited by ChocChristy: Sep 24 2018, 06:35 PM

Unfortunately the opening hours is hard to cater for some of us working away from MV.

Hmmm you're actually not encouraged to watch anime or read manga due to the informal languages they use. But don't let that stop you from enjoying animation

then how best to practice listening? 聞きの練習はどうしますか。教えてください。

This post has been edited by ChocChristy: Sep 24 2018, 07:43 PM

Ahh this method is similar to what I'm trying to use....breaking up the kanji into little parts to visualize something (though I complement that with rote learning by writing it with flash cards)


I currently listen to radio shows on youtube (with subs ), and songs

Probably not as effective though

This post has been edited by duh2k: Sep 24 2018, 09:51 PM

The library do open on Saturday as well, unless you work on Saturday too then I cannot say much.

Anime and manga really does help but you need some solid basics to know and differentiate what to use in real life.
For listening, drama cd from seiyuu can train you well because seiyuu have superb pronunciation.

Do we have some whatsapp group or something where we can discuss japanese language and anything related to japanese and its resources together?

日本語をもっと聞くね：D　映画とかドラマとか。

I believe movies and dramas (depending on the show as well) have better proper Japanese especially stories relating to working class. Probably watching those can help.

Everyone learns differently and in different pace. I'll say this - whatever that works for you

Yes exactly. That's one way to remember kanji better... works for some hahahaha but not exactly all. Some characters I may remember how to write it today, but probably will forget it the next few days aih.

Yes, I don't really have time on Saturday... as every Sat morning I've got something on. By the time I'm free it's probably around 2-3pm, whereby the library is about to close soon.

No problem, sharing is caring would love to get affiliated with the local Japanese learners.

1. Honto app? I'll go check it out later haha.
Ahhh but books best if you check it out yourself and see what you want to read. It's hard for someone to buy for you as the preference/ standard could be different. It take s a lot of time to browse through something. Spent 1 hour at a book shop in Narita trying to pick something i could read. The selection was little but it took me such a long time to decide what to get hahaha

2. Yes that's right, that's the app. I enjoyed using it... there are some quizzes you can play/ do as well to check your understanding. Hahahaha yeah I hesitated a little when it involves paying. But then when I think about it - heck i even bought books that I couldnt read (yet) at RM40 and so. What is RM10 for knowledge and practice? An actual Kanji book is going to cost a lot more than that.

--> i think it's this one: App

You can search えほん Pibo (絵本) (i think Pibo is the developer name).

---> NHK news - ah the one you found is specific to natural disaster. For Android it's this one (the one I'm currently using):
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?....nhkradio&hl=en

---> Takoboto - oh? This app is not in Apple Store? It's not an issue if you're using Midori and it works for you.

Hahahahaha yes, so it's best to be a banana and not know Chinese because Kanji will have different meaning. According to my sensei, those who doesn't know Chinese actually can pick up Kanji better/ faster than chinese-ed students. For the latter, they struggle with the tricky Kanji as some strokes and meaning are different than Chinese.

Yes, 数 is read as "すう”. When you pick up Japanese, don't write in Romaji anymore. You'll need to write everything in Hiragana/ Katakana/ Kanji as practice and to get familiar with it. If you use Romaji, you may get stuck in romanizing all the characters/ words.

No worries, it's definitely harder for the working class to learn as we're busy with work and numerous other things. Work is always the priority.

Imo passion is built with a goal in mind. If you're learning the language without any specific objective/ goal in mind, there's a possibility you'll take your time with it. My goal now is to pass my N4 exam, which is in appx 2 month's time. There's a nagging worry as I've only started my year 2 and we've got 15 chapters to cover otherwise i won't be able to pass the exam. End up I'll need to do a lot of my own studying to make up for it.

Hahahahahaha I know what you mean. Japanese are really really on time and they'll be at the meeting venue early. Definitely a good culture vs Malaysians who are usually late but then meaning your sensei back then is actually Japanese? On the contrary i prefer local teachers. They can use other language to illustrate the situation when we don't get it.

Nayyyyy me watching NHK doesn't mean I could fully understand what they're talking about, it's more like getting familiarize with the way they speak, intonation and catching keywords if I can.

It takes time so write more hiragana! In class, we had to write a lot, so I got used to writing with Hiragana and Kanji, but rarely use Katakana as the latter is used only when there's a foreign word involved. I'll suggest you practice writing often and answer questions from reference books/ app etc.

Not really lolol, jdrama and variety shows might help with conversations but I never find anime to be a big help cause the medium is stuck between formal conversation and casual talks.

I personally want to continue my Japanese language studies again since I have done two years of basic language classes in my uni until this summer.

The level was about N4 but our uni one was harder cause we were required to learn how to write essays and compose emails and letters.
And with conversation skills both were tested alongside with grammar skills.

I would like to go for N3 should I'm be able to continue the language lessons but I couldn't find a language centre near my living/working area which is cheras/kajang.

[tl;dr] I wont study by my own and need help from language classes.
I'm lazy and not-so dedicated as I used to be when I was crazy about anime and idols, plus now I'm working
I still want to learn the language now to know more about the Japanese culture.
I can understand anime without subs lol but I still need subtitles for jdramas cause I don't get 25% of the usually-used non-formal words and dialects and stuffs.

Any help on this minnasan?

This post has been edited by Melvin117: Sep 25 2018, 01:33 PM

That's very good actually. Composition is tough, and without understanding of various sentence pattern, one won't be able to construct an essay or letter properly. It means your Uni is pretty hardcore (the lecturer).

Try to look for language schools nearby such as one near your workplace, whereby you can attend after work. Optionally, a centre that you'll need to drive to on a weekend. I'll be honest - I drive about 45min to class every weekend from home. It's a distance away but I don't dislike the drive. After awhile I got used to it and this has become a routine for me.

Hahaha similarly I've left the anime scene quite some time ago. Only follow 1 or 2 manga series, which I read every 3-6 months or a year to let the chapters pile up. You'll need to make a trip to Japan to re-ignite that fire in you. Before my first trip to Japan, I've kinda lost interest in Japanese and was chasing Korean instead (thanks to all those good dramas out there). However after that first trip, I went on a second one and since then the desire to learn came back. Soonafter I started looking for a centre, making calls and checking the schedule, fees etc.

1. Yet to! They're a bit deep after i actually read them... and every line I'll need to search several times. A bit too tedious so end up i'm leaving it aside, and will read only when I'm 70% proficient and able to understand. Next time I'll look for simpler novels/ books aih.

2. Yes, RM10 is really worth it. You can try out the app before purchasing... only buy if you think it'll help you, and it's caters to your learning.

NHK for school? Maybe you can try that out first. Also, try looking for ラジオ日本 in Apple Store. Android has it... it's Japanese radio channels - a variety for you to choose from and listen to.

For Japanese keyboard, you can use "Go Keyboard". It's widely used by the Japanese. With this app, you won't be able to use romaji all these are habitual and you're doing something out of your comfort zone. Will take some time to get used to, so slowly change your habit and go for only Hiragana. I still remember when I was a kid (around standard 3), I really wanted to improve my English so every night before bed i'll read the dictionary. It's weird but it did help me expand my vocabulary.

Awhh you don't have to study if you don't want to. After work, just take it easy and try to listen to some Japanese podcast or watch a dorama. Otherwise, just play with an app (eg. like the Kanji app). Don't treat this as "studying". Treat is as a game or entertainment while learning something. When you change that mindset, you'll be able to get into it better.

Nope, mine is local tutor. Prefer it that way... he explains well and always give us a lot of exercises to do in class. When we get into class each time, first thing in the morning we'll have to do kanji/ grammar/ sentences arrangement exercises. It's very local style to drill us, and i learn better this way. Probably too used to the local school method. Our education's problem hahaha

It's okay to have an ugly handwriting; no one is perfect. Mine isn't nice as well... but as long as my sensei can read it it's fine.

Particles is not easy to master. As you level up, there will be other ways to use the same particles as well ...I'm still making mistakes occasionally due to all these 'exceptional' rules. Maybe you can share what problems you're facing with particles (and which one), and probably someone can answer you.

@burgerramli N4 JLPT is around RM115. The price is standard across the board.

@melvin That's awesome! Getting you guys to write essays and letters in Japanese. I want to get to that level, definitely. If just for the kicks.


About the anime and manga part, it's fascinating. I understand that we should be focusing on formal Japanese first, but at the same time, we will eventually end up having to figure out informal japanese too? I'm not sure, feels like it's more of having to be aware and smart when watching whatever tv shows to not confuse yourself.

I'm currently at chapter 20 of Minna no Nihongo, and that chapter is starting to teach about informal Japanese.

I should go around checking out those links and see. I don't really watch much anime, just a few that I find meaningful on and off. Not really a hardcore japanese entertainment person.

I managed to get my hands on a kids fairy tale book though. It was interesting to read it now and then, and finding myself understanding more of the sentences each time. It's mostly all those familiar fairy tales, fox and the sour grapes etc.


About kanji, I think it's a different kind of challenge for people with background in Mandarin. It's easier to remember but definitely, gotta be careful with the meaning of the Kanji, since they are different in meaning sometimes. But overall, i personally am thankful I have a background in Mandarin, makes for easier learning for me.

Yes, I think as mentioned above - learn the way you feel comfortable. Teachers generally discourage watching animation but yes, there is a chapter on informal language where one uses to talk to friends/ colleagues/ juniors.

Indeed, Kanji is different for different people. For those with Mandarin background, you're able to "guess" the meaning of the word sometimes. It could be a good thing, or it could be a trap sometimes. Just need to be careful. From English or other background, the advantage is that we/they only learn the "actual" kanji so they'll only recognize the correct kanji. Examinations like to confuse students by putting in the Chinese character and a lot of people tend to make such mistakes for the kanji part. Thus the reason why both my sensei said the same thing - it's actually better (and sometimes faster) for people with no Chinese background to pick up Japanese kanji. This is merely their opinion. End of the day learners come from all walks of life - and everyone's pace is different.

Interesting, my sensei didn't discourage for some reason. hahaha

That is true I guess, about the kanji learning part. Though probably a pain to remember all those shapes huh? But we have a huge disadvantage, I just remembered. The strokes are different sometimes . Japanese like to do the opposite of Mandarin stroke . That's definitely something I struggle with hahahaa. Usually it's left to right, then suddenly realised for Japanese, there's many strokes on the right to left that comes first. 残念です。

The radio you recommended are awesome! Totally gonna try and listen to them more

Probably different educators have different style. However it's just a discouragement, nothing wrong to still watch animation haha.
Doesn't matter the strokes in examination though, as you'll only need to be able to select the right word actually. Even Japanese themselves I doubt everyone write the strokes exactly as they were taught.

No problem enjoy!!

I think anime is not encouraged because they speak rather roughly and informally? If you tried those sentences in Japan, it'd probably come across as rather rude.



This post has been edited by duh2k: Sep 25 2018, 09:18 PM

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?...ews.jp&hl=en_US

This is interesting. haha listen to news. The NHK news reader/ radio that sweet_pez recommended is extremely good too, since you can read.

This one I found, you can adjust speed, but no text. Can listen while driving I guess. But gosh, so many good resources in this thread. Just managed to properly check them all. Very interesting. Feel like an old grandma reading and listening to news at the same time.

This post has been edited by ChocChristy: Sep 25 2018, 09:37 PM

I'm still passionate but just too busy and the nearest language centre near me is like 1++ hrs away, damn why is life so mafan haish

I still have uni friends in japan and daily dose of fresh Japanese contents to keep me interested, just not insanely enthusiastic like others
still planning to visit my amigo at Keio before he heads back to UK ayyy
(yeah my uni has exchange programme with major japanese uni such as tokyo U, kyoto U, keio, nagoya and hokkaido, really decent choices but I wasn't able to join)

I think using anime as a reason to learn the language is both good and bad cause once one is not actively interested in the medium anymore, the drive will just fade away(well that was for me)
One needs to appreciate the culture to truly go on, or just not losing interest on anime lmao like alot of my friends do

I used to watch anime on a weekly basis until this summer cause I was too free(uni ayyy)
However, I got busy with jobs and to settle down then I just lose interest entirely cause most shows suck in all honesty, shingeki no kyojin is still 10/10 tho


Haha that skill is quite useful so that I can tweet in japanese and not look like a dumbass

I had conversations in formal ways(with my Japanese senseis) and casual ways(with my japanese friends in japanese society) before so I'll just say that if you talk like how people speak in anime, you are going to get those "what's wrong with this boi/gurl speaking like a primary schooler" look

Anime Japanese is proper in some ways yet they need to cater to children so they SPEAK ULTRA SLOWLY, and they are mainly conversations so they will be partly improper too, but not the normally spoken way like how Japanese people converse.
The easy way to feel the difference is just watch an episode of Jdrama or variety (a great starter will be Hanzawa Naoki or Kodoku No Gurume or ニンゲン観察 モニタリング or any of the Jap variety shows you can find on youtube) and you can see it

Sure if you're learning Japanese, watching anime will at least let you to know better pronunciations, perhaps train your listening skills too if you are not using the english subtitles(they are bad, like, only korean and mandarin subtitles are good for japanese mediums IMO) but it won't really help with going further.
It's like great entertainment and drive but for education, it's pretty beginner level but not all helpful and frequently misleading.

Even for Chinese people, kanjis are not as easy as you have imagined cause the writings are based on traditional Chinese writings instead of the simplified ones we Malaysians are learning and using right now

Small history talk: the simplified Chinese writings were actually inspired from kanjis when they were created

And even though alot of kanjis and chinese words look no way apart, they have different strokes and dots so alot of practice is needed

for example, 毎日(Japanese) and 每日(Chinese), in japanese it's a long stroke for "mai" while it's 2 dots for "mei"

#languageISfun

Saw this thread and read till the end of the thread. Awesome sharing platform.

The starting point of learning Japanese language is due to anime.

After that I have studied Japanese during college times. Attended to language center and attended exams for both N4 and N3 and embarrassed to say didnt passed. Failed at listening as couldnt pickup the keywords.

When I start in working life, studying Japanese become difficult as not enough time.

Since then, I make myself to use Windows OS Japanese Edition since Windows ME! All Windows OS, I installed MUI Language Pack change 100% to Japanese. But keyboard still english! Wanted to get a Japanese keyboard.

Even my office laptop also I change to Japanese.

Nowadays I listen to live japanese radio using TuneIn Radio channels. Watch Live Japanese paid TV Streaming during commuting to work and after work at home.



This post has been edited by tass: Sep 26 2018, 12:30 PM

Got my N3 long ago but too lazy to take N2...
Love Japan so decided to go Japan vacation one year while taking Japanese course there.
Now daily use japanese due to working in a Japanese company in Malaysia. Need to learn a lot of technical words...and my formal Jap quite bad due to all the casual type and inappropriate words I learn from jap friends..

I CBA cause I use my PC to work and all types of japanese IMEs are just arses to use
like they aint as direct as English IME and definitely 2 decades behind of Chinese IMEs in terms of convenience and shortcut keys

I have seen those japanese keyboard with beautiful kana etchings on them, always want to buy one but I'm yet to learn to type with kanas instead of romanji so I gave up hahaha

For my jap content consumption I'm still stuck at Netflix and chinese-subbed dramas and variety shows, yet to go that far

Damn that sounds wonderful, my constant worry is that I won't get chances to practice Jap speaking and even that I manage to pass N1, my language proficiency will decrease as soon as I stop learning
Like my BM is so bad rn even though I got an A in SPM

This post has been edited by Melvin117: Sep 26 2018, 02:13 PM

oh i understand wat u mean, i hv been typing jap so long tht if u ask me write hiragana n katakana now also i need to think awhile
hell i even forgot how to write my chinese name d...

Sorry.. What CBA means? Lol

I'm currently working in a known Japanese organization. Hence even though my company laptop is English version, I just installed the MUI. Some of my colleagues was given Japanese keyboard laptop edition, so our MIS change the language from Japanese to English. Ahh, should have swapped the laptop, *facepalm*

I do use Google translate.

Quite couple of times tempted to buy the Japanese keyboard while I was in Japan but skipped as not top priority, but when come back to KL, regret didn't buy. Ha ha ha.

I do still have all the Japanese text book, Minna no Nihongo and the exercises. But kept somewhere already..

Always wanted to return back to study, but need to do a placement test... Kind of rusty and don't want to start back from ground zero.. Huhuhu

Netflix show Japanese content?

I watched all without subtitles right now even though not 100% I understand what they are saying. At least to catch their keywords.

In terms of speaking, totally not good as no one to practice speaking with.. :'(

I see. Netflix Japan?

Terrance house. Quite interesting. Indeed the reserved conversation among them.

This paid Japanese IPTV streaming I'm currently watching. Watch live and up to 14 days of catch up service playback.



This post has been edited by tass: Sep 26 2018, 03:31 PM

Yes, that's the thing. Informal language... and they use very casual words. It's stuffs that you use within family and with close friends, thus as you mentioned, comes across as rude if we speak them.

Glad to hear that, happy listening! I'll take a look at the one you shared too, thank you



1. Yeah hahahahaha I think I bought a book for elementary level a bit advanced for me at the moment.

2. No problem, I'm more than happy to share. Knowledge, useful stuffs are not meant to be kept haha... the more we share, the better we'll be. Yes Go Keyboard is nice to use. Whenever i type Japanese using it, I'll be slow because not used to it.

If... your brain is still hard to process reading Hiragana/ Katakana, I'll suggest you get familiar with these characters first. There are many basic apps that help you master your Hiragana/ Katakana. You'll need to know them very well in order to move onto the next level.

Yes you're right... most of the time everyone have different pattern of studying. On and off I like to explore the characters in Takoboto (dictionary app) and see what I'll get.

And yes, certainly everyone needs a break. If you don't feel like doing something and you 'force' yourself to, it will no longer be an enjoyment but stress. While some sort of stress is good, eventually one day, you'll just stop or let go. Thus it's important to sustain that interest... and with that, I agree with Melvin on the point he said about using anime to learn the language. When I stopped watching anime, my interest towards Japan also went down. Had it not been a friend who "jio" to Tokyo trip, my love for the language would not have re-ignited. After several trips, I found my "purpose" - why I want to learn the language in-depth.

Hahahahahahahaha hiragana has curves la but it's not that bad/ hard to write though? Suggest writing the あいうえお (the whole chart) 20-30x a day. It'll definitely improve your handwriting and memory of the characters.

Sure no problem! Drop your question(s) here later and those who are able to answer - hopefully - will help out.

I guess... it depends on how bad you want something in my centre there are people who drove from Klang to KL for lessons. That's easily an hour drive each time. If you can study on your own and save on the travelling time, petrol etc, there's no issue.

Great to hear that, welcome to the thread!

There's no need to be embarrassed for failing. Everyone have their own Achilles Heel in the examination... I'm not good with listening as well. Sometimes the characters speak fast, use difficult words, or the situation is confusing. If it's for examination, train more through listening to conversations for mock exams etc. That's what I'm planning to do this time for N4... bought a book on listening so that I can practice on the area.

Japanese keyboard always using work laptop so I don't dare to change the language. Later my IT guys come and do some update/ backup etc they'll have problem (me too) hahahaha

Eh not bad leh... with N3 can communicate often with colleagues and bosses in Japanese.

still okla, type technical report in japanese everyday
30 days till my next vacation trip to japan this time bringing my gf there to poison her with all the awesome stuff in japan
still debating hakone or kamakura for a day trip

Thank you!

Nowadays I stop buying Manga in kinokuniya. Even anime magazines. Back then I have spent a lot. But recently just ordered サクラ大戦 Vol. 7 manga from kino as my No. 1 favorite anime/game. Hardcore fan.

Right now mostly I self learning:-
1) watching paid IPTV streaming.
2) My home PC and laptop is in Japanese MUI.

Hehehehe, I kam cheng with my IT guys so I have no problems with my office laptop.

Next year planning to visit to Tokyo. Still thinking whether necessary to get a Japanese keyboard or not...

Yay! Trip to Japan.

Go both then. Hakone and Kamakura on different days. But if want to see Fuji san, not sure good time or not as seems rainy days in Japan now..

While Kamakura, visit Big Buddha, Enoshima : anime pilgrimage where Slamdunk opening scene at that place.

if u can wait or prefer ebook, buy directly from honto.jp
i got all my manga from there both physical n digital copy, they got their own apps for it

Thanks for sharing the link!

But I have already placed booking with Kinokuniya, so I just wait for it.

How about Amazon.jp? I mostly buy stuffs from there for DVD and games and certain figurines. Books depending. Else I will order through Kinokuniya.

all my books from honto.jp only due to directly from japan wit same price as japn, only need pay for the cheap shipping or more exp if u wan it faster but overall still cheaper than kino.
amazon japan hardly use

Hi guys!
I'm interested in learning Japanese, just wondering would you recommend any centre in KL area? Best if the classes are on weekend.

I see. Noted! Maybe can source some via honto.jp

You can try ICLS

Link is below.
ICLS KL School

ADDRESS:
Lot D6, Ground Floor, Block D
Fahrenheit88, Jalan Bukit Bintang
55100 Kuala Lumpur
Wilayah Persekutuan

Tel : (+6) 03-2144 2060
Fax : (+6) 03-2144 1850
Email : icls@icls.com.my


BUSINESS HOURS:
Monday to Friday : 9.30am to 9.00pm
Saturday : 10.00am to 4.00pm
Sunday, Public Holiday & ICLS Holiday : Closed

I've been using Google's own Japanese keypad for my android phone, and also Google Japanese IME input for my PC. Quite simple and straightforward. Disabled the romanji option and it feels a bit like typing Chinese back in those days. Hahaha That kind of phone keypads on old Nokia I think?


When you guys talk about japanese keyboard, is it a physical keyboard or a software/overlay? Curious about that.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biMdXIpHK14&t

Some good tips on preparing for JLPT.

The listening part can be a killer huh.

Part of me wants to finish the whole 25 chapters of Minna No Nihongo before I explore the children's books apps and news. Part of me want to check them out now. Haha But only got 1-2 hours per day to study, so have to pick wisely.

CBA=can't be arsed, which means couldn't be bothered

こんばんわー『テラスハウス』は見ず知らずの男女6人が共同生活する様子をただただ記録したものです。

man I love Boys and Girls in The City to the core, Aloha State was bad and the latest one was OK

like, it was a real sneak peek into how living in Tokyo feels like

easily hakone

if one is not impressed by hakone, the person is a bad person and no cure

You using this.?


For pc/Laptop, I using their Microsoft IME. Happened where, not sure why the IME settings was changed to typing hiragana/katana instead of romaji. So when type S =さ, instead of sa = さ.. So have to disable as not Japanese keyboard.


Great tips. But don't think will go for jlpt soon.

This post has been edited by tass: Sep 26 2018, 11:34 PM

I see. XD

Ha ha ha.

D U D E

It's the opening lines for the show, they just repeat it everytime with the same precision cause J A P A N E S E

テラスハウス, some kinda reality show where they put 6 boys and gals together and record their life.. i think

I believe it's 'Terrace House'. The reality show that's making a few waves....

IMO it wouldn't be wrong to say that it's the most watched japanese show ever

I have so many foreign and local friends who aren't big fans of the Japanese culture just proceed to watch and actually finish it cause Netflix has it

I havent used Japanese since I left Tokyo.....slowly I am losing it. When I was in Japan, alot of people told me that to learn Japanese fast, you just find a Japanese girlfriend or boyfriend. . I know it works...

In microsoft office, there is also a possibility to check the phonetic of kanjis. Here is the link on how to do it.
https://thomasplagwitz.com/2012/02/21/how-t...n-ms-word-2010/
It was very useful during my university years especially while I was doing research and need to do presentation.

Yah wei saw your itinerary, nice my turn will be in Dec. So much to plan, but so little time. Saw the news yesterday - Tokyo experienced unexpected weather change. it was so cold - around 13 degrees. May slowly change back to normal the next few days.

Kino in Malaysia is expensive, thus buying from them is $$$$. Nais, which month are you planning to go?

You mean cheaper than Kino in Malaysia right? The books here is $ but i saw the yen price tag and IMO it's decent in Japan. Just need to find time among my itinerary to stop at bookstore for an hour or two.

Hahahaha yes i think for all those who study on their own, the biggest issue is procrastination. Even I have the same problem; I'll sometimes do my homework 1 day before class ...and I have to complete last semester's work.

いいえ、どういたしまして。がんばってね。

Thanks sacwoc!! That's very helpful! While I have a furigana app in my mobile, I've always wondered if there's a convenient way to read furigana on laptop awesome! Do share if you have any other tips or useful resources.

Ahhh you'll need to make some Japanese friends in Hong Kong

loll you'll need to stalk Chinti... not. Just visit Travel & Living section - Japan thread. A number of us knew each other from there

yea this year weather a bit bad, im kinda worry of all those unexpected weather as well.
hopefully everything will go as plan.
really looking forward to halloween party in Shibuya

yeap i mean cheaper than kino even after shipping. kino sell like 2x~3x the original price

in the japan travel thread

dun stalk me leh, i shy shy

huh? u met me before?
i met too many lowyat ppl d...cant keep track of all...