Top apps and books for studying Japanese language

by Karen Tomita

If you have a great desire to study Japanese, but no opportunity to go Japan and communicate with native speakers, no panic. Fortunately, we live in the world of globalization and sharing the information, and as a result, everybody can find everything via Internet. In this article, I would like to make a short review of the best books and applications for studying Japanese language.

1. Grammar

• A Dictionary of Basic Japanese Grammar - it is not a textbook, but a treasury of numerous Japanese grammar constructions for beginners. Students call it “Yellow book” or “Japanese Bible”.
• TextFugu - this service is made especially for self-learners, so the website is comfortable and easy in use.
• All About Particles - a Handbook of Japanese Function Words.
• Read Kanji - studying Japanese in the context of real sentences, improving understanding and grammar.
• Kim's Grammar Guide - website for learning Japanese online.
• Learn Japanese by Mindsnacks - free app for quick and interesting practicing language skills.

2. Vocabulary

• Kanji Converter - For translating Japanese language, it is even better than Google Translate is.
• Wakan - a program for free learning Japanese language. It has dictionary, text editor and other useful tools.
• JapanDict - coherent dictionary with automated conjugation.
• 英辞郎 - translator from Japanese to English.
• Drill The Kanji - it is free online program with text editor.
• 501 Japanese Verbs (501 Verb Series) - the title speaks for itself. It is just useful dictionary.
• Anki - this flashcard program helps to learn how to remember words easily. Download is available both for iOS and Android.
• Tae Kim's Guide to Learning Japanese - perfect combination of practicing Japanese vocabulary and grammar.

3. Training of speaking/understanding

• Japanese for Busy People - one of the most popular books for learning Japanese all around the world. It will teach you how to learn Japanese in twenty minutes per day.
• The Ultimate Guide to Learn Hiragana - there are be two kinds of phonetic alphabets in Japanese language, called hiragana and katakana. This is resource for learning hiragana it includes basic words and useful tips for pronunciation.
• The Ultimate Guide to Learn Katakana - the same resource as previous one, but for learning katakana.
• Colloquial Kansai Japanese - Japanese language in use. Includes necessary expression and words combinations.
• Situational Functional Japanese Volume 1: Notes - teachers recommend this book, as one of the best.
• Authentic Japanese - this is the book for people who already know something about Japanese and have at least “Intermediate” level.

それじゃ、みんなさん、頑張ってください！

About the writer

My name is Karen Tomita, Nisei Japanese in Georgia. I am a writer and a full-time blogger at www.eduzaurus.com. As a writer, I am interested in everything related to language, language learning and teaching. どうぞ,よろしくお願いします！

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