Beginner's Japanese - JLPT N5 is a 12 month course covering all the knowledge the complete beginner would need to pass the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N5. The course starts at the beginning of October 2020 and is expected to finish in September 2021, this includes 2 breaks of 2 weeks in length, for a total of 48 weeks.
This course is designed for people with zero knowledge of the Japanese language that want to gain the necessary language skills to read and write simple texts and have day-to-day conversations with native speakers.
If you're working from home or socially isolating and have 4-5 hours spare a week to attend classes live, or watch replays and do a bit of self study, then you can expect by the end of the course to be able to:
- read and write Hiragana and Katakana
- read and write 103 different Kanji and recognise many more
- speak with over 600 words of vocabulary and
- learn 40+ grammar structures
We will provide the course materials via Teachable and also send physical workbooks to get you started, at least 3 weekly classes will be conducted online for 48 weeks of the year. You'll also get access to a private Facebook group so you can get to know your fellow students and get extra support outside of the allotted class times. Depending on the level of support you would like in your language learning, private sessions are available through different packages for a limited number of enrolments. You can also pay and book for single sessions as and when you need them via our coaching page.
If you would like a Payment Plan these are available for 6m or 12m and can be requested via the "Contact Us" page. These do, however, cost approximately 10% more.
Don't be overwhelmed trying to learn from scratch on your own!
With our learning schedule and buddy system as well as regular one on one time with the teacher (for those that want it) you'll be expressing yourself in Japanese in no time!
*While no formal certificate is awarded we can facilitate and assist with taking the JLPT N5 in your home country.
Course Curriculum
- Week 48 - Classes 130, 131 and 132 - Study Buddy and Individual Speaking Assessment
- Week 49 - Classes 133, 134 and 135 - Study Buddy and Individual Speaking Assessment
- Week 50 - Classes 136, 137 and 138 - Study Buddy and Individual Speaking Assessment
- Week 51 - Classes 139, 140 and 141 - Study Buddy and Individual Speaking Assessment
Hiragana, Katakana or Kanji? When do I use which?
The Japanese writing system can be quite overwhelming if you have only ever used the standard English alphabet. As part of this course you will learn all of the kana characters and get started on the first 103 kanji. We'll take it slow and make sure you know when to use which.
Is "は" pronounced "ha" or "wa"?
Any language is incomprehensible if you don't know the grammar rules. We've got you covered with 40+ grammar structures throughout the course to make your speech sound as natural as possible. As you add to your knowledge you will also gain the confidence to experiment and push your limits.
Japanese doesn't have any tones like Chinese... or does it?
When people think of speaking Japanese most would agree it's pretty straightforward. Once you learn the sounds simply pronounce the characters as they are written. Unfortunately it's not that simple, as with any language there are words which are written the same yet the way you say it can have different meanings. With each class you'll get plenty of time to develop your speaking and listening skills to get the tones and rhythm of the language just right.