Month: June 2023

How much kanji does We need to learn for Normal Conversation in Japanese Language?

To engage in normal conversation in Japanese and have a functional level of proficiency, it is recommended to learn around 1,000 to 2,000 kanji characters. This range allows you to understand and use a wide range of vocabulary and expressions in everyday conversations, as well as comprehend written materials to a significant extent. Delhi’s Top Japanese Language Institute

Here’s why learning a substantial number of kanji is important for normal conversation:

  1. Vocabulary Expansion: Kanji characters are used to represent a significant portion of Japanese vocabulary. By learning kanji, you gain access to a broader range of words, making it easier to express yourself and understand others in various conversational contexts.
  2. Reading Comprehension: Kanji is extensively used in written Japanese, including newspapers, books, signs, and online content. Having knowledge of kanji enhances your ability to read and comprehend written materials, which in turn expands your exposure to the language and cultural nuances.
  3. Contextual Understanding: Kanji characters provide visual cues and help disambiguate homophones (words that sound the same but have different meanings). In conversation, kanji aids in understanding the intended meaning by providing context and differentiating between words with similar pronunciations.

When starting to learn kanji, it is common to focus on basic characters and gradually build your knowledge. It is advisable to learn kanji in context, associating them with vocabulary and phrases to reinforce their usage and meanings.

Remember that language learning is a continuous process, and the number of kanji characters you learn can increase as you progress and delve deeper into the language. Regular practice, exposure to Japanese materials, and consistent effort will contribute to your proficiency in using kanji in everyday conversations.

What Should we need to Learn First & Why in Japanese Language Kanji characters or grammar?

When starting to learn the Japanese language, it is generally recommended to begin with hiragana and katakana, the two phonetic scripts of Japanese. These scripts allow you to read and write Japanese words and practice basic pronunciation. Hiragana is commonly used for native Japanese words, while katakana is used for foreign loanwords and emphasis. Delhi’s Top Japanese Language Institute

After gaining some familiarity with hiragana and katakana, the question arises of whether to focus on learning kanji characters or grammar next. The answer depends on personal preferences and learning goals, but here are some considerations:

  1. Grammar: Understanding basic grammar is crucial for constructing sentences, expressing ideas, and engaging in conversations. Learning grammar early on can provide a solid foundation for understanding sentence structure, verb conjugation, particles, and other essential elements of the language. It helps you communicate and comprehend the language in a more meaningful way from the beginning.
  2. Kanji: Kanji characters are an integral part of written Japanese and play a significant role in vocabulary expansion, reading comprehension, and cultural understanding. Learning kanji unlocks access to a vast number of words, improves reading abilities, and enhances your overall proficiency in the language. However, kanji can be complex and require a long-term commitment to mastery.

Ideally, it is beneficial to balance your learning by gradually introducing both grammar and kanji. While studying grammar, you can simultaneously learn and practice a set of essential kanji characters. This way, you can apply the kanji you learn to reinforce your understanding of grammar and vocabulary.

Ultimately, the most effective approach may vary depending on your learning style and goals. Some learners prefer focusing more on grammar initially to gain conversational abilities, while others find kanji learning motivating and enjoy the benefits of reading and vocabulary expansion.

Remember to tailor your learning approach to suit your needs, practice consistently, and seek resources or guidance from textbooks, language courses, or language tutors to ensure a well-rounded development of both grammar and kanji proficiency.