Learning Japanese can seem daunting at first, with its unique writing systems, unfamiliar grammar, and new vocabulary. However, with the right approach, you can make steady progress and enjoy the journey. If you’re asking yourself, “What should I learn first in Japanese?”, this guide will help you start on the right track.

💡 Want to learn faster? Check out our detailed guide on how to learn Japanese fast by yourself to optimize your learning process!

1. Start with Hiragana: The foundation of Japanese

Hiragana is one of the three main writing systems in Japanese, alongside Katakana and Kanji. It is the phonetic foundation of the language and is used for native Japanese words, grammatical particles, and verb endings.

Why learn Hiragana first?

• ✅ Hiragana is essential for reading and writing Japanese.
• ✅ It helps you understand grammar, as many grammatical elements (e.g., particles) are written in Hiragana.
• ✅ Most beginner materials, like textbooks and apps, are based on Hiragana.

When thinking about "what to learn in japanese first?", starting with Hiragana is the most logical step because it serves as the building block for everything else.

📌 How to learn Hiragana

1. Use mnemonics: Associate each character with an image or story (e.g., あ can resemble an apple 🍎 ).
2. Practice writing: Dedicate 10–15 minutes daily to writing Hiragana characters.
3. Interactive tools: Apps like HeyJapan offer fun and engaging Hiragana drills.

You can refer to the list of best learning apps in the article on how to learn Japanese language apps to find the right tool for you!

2. Learn basic pronunciation

If you’re wondering "What should I learn first in Japanese?", mastering pronunciation should be near the top of your list. Japanese is a phonetic language with consistent pronunciation rules, making it easier for beginners compared to many other languages.

Key pronunciation tips

• Learn the five vowel sounds: あ (a), い (i), う (u), え (e), お (o).
• Practice evenly timed syllables, as Japanese doesn’t stress syllables like English does.
• Pay attention to long vowels and double consonants, which can change the meaning of a word (e.g., sake 酒 vs. sakkē サッケー).

3. Build essential vocabulary

Once you’ve mastered Hiragana and pronunciation, focus on building a core vocabulary. When deciding "what should I learn first in Japanese?", it’s crucial to prioritize high-frequency words that are used in daily conversations.

What vocabulary to learn first?

• ✅ Greetings: こんにちは (Konnichiwa - Hello), おはよう (Ohayou - Good morning).
• ✅ Numbers: 1 (いち, ichi), 2 (に, ni), 3 (さん, san).
• ✅ Food Words: ごはん (Gohan - Rice), すし (Sushi - Sushi).
• ✅ Common Verbs: 食べる (Taberu - To eat), 飲む (Nomu - To drink).

Tips for learning vocabulary

1. Use context: Learn words in phrases or sentences, not in isolation. For example, practice “水を飲みます” (Mizu o nomimasu - I drink water) instead of just “水” (Mizu - Water).
2. Spaced repetition: Use apps like Anki or HeyJapan for effective review sessions.
3. Spaced practice: Dedicate a few minutes daily to learning 5–10 new words.

4. Understand basic grammar

Understanding grammar is another essential step when thinking about "what should I learn first in Japanese?". Grammar provides the framework for constructing sentences and communicating effectively.

📌 Essential Grammar Concepts

Particles: These small words indicate the role of other words in the sentence.

• は (Wa): Topic marker. Example: 私は学生です (Watashi wa gakusei desu - I am a student).
• を (Wo): Object marker. Example: 本を読みます (Hon o yomimasu - I read a book).
• に (Ni): Direction marker. Example: 学校に行きます (Gakkou ni ikimasu - I go to school).

Verb Conjugation: Start with the present tense (ます form) and past tense (ました form).

📌 How to practice grammar

1. Write simple sentences daily using learned particles and verbs.
2. Use beginner-friendly textbooks like Genki or apps like HeyJapan for structured exercises.

5. Develop listening and speaking skills

When considering "what should I learn first in Japanese?", don’t overlook listening and speaking. Early practice in these areas helps build confidence and fluency.

Tips for listening and speaking

• Start with beginner-friendly shows like Doraemon or Shirokuma Cafe with subtitles.
• Use shadowing techniques—repeat phrases after native speakers to mimic their tone and rhythm.
• Practice basic conversations like self-introductions. Conversation practice resources are available here.

6. Use effective tools and resources

Using the right tools can make a significant difference in your learning journey. Many beginners who are searching for "What should I learn first in Japanese?" benefit from resources that simplify the process and keep them engaged. Here’s how to get started:

• Apps:
  • HeyJapan: Perfect for beginners, covering Hiragana, vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation in an interactive format.
  • Anki: Ideal for mastering vocabulary and Kanji with spaced repetition flashcards.
• Books:
  • Genki I: A beginner-friendly textbook that balances grammar, vocabulary, and practice exercises.
  • Minna no Nihongo: Offers a deeper focus on grammar and sentence structure for learners ready to immerse themselves in Japanese.

To explore more, check out this guide on the best resources for learning Japanese. Choosing the right combination of tools ensures steady progress and keeps you motivated!

7. Avoid common beginner mistakes

To answer the question "What should I learn first in Japanese?", it’s important to also know what to avoid:

• Skipping writing systems: Don’t rely on Romaji. Learning Hiragana early is essential.
• Trying to learn too much at once: Focus on one area at a time—writing systems → vocabulary → grammar.
• Ignoring context: Always learn words and grammar in phrases to understand their real-world application.

"So, if you're wondering what order to learn Japanese, the best approach is to start with the Hiragana alphabet, learn basic pronunciation, build a solid vocabulary system, understand fundamental grammar, develop listening and speaking skills, and make effective use of tools and quality resources. Finally, don’t overlook common mistakes beginners often make."

If you’ve been wondering what to know before learning Japanese or what order to learn Japanese, start with Hiragana, pronunciation, and essential vocabulary, followed by grammar and speaking practice. By building your skills step-by-step, you’ll create a strong foundation for fluency. Ready to start your Japanese learning journey? Explore HeyJapan for beginner-friendly lessons, interactive practice, and everything you need to succeed.