Complete Japanese Course: Learn Japanese for Beginners Course Syllabus

Overview (80-120 words) describing structure and time commitment.

Module 1: Introduction & Japanese Writing Systems

Estimated time: 0.75 hours

• Overview of Hiragana and Katakana charts
• Stroke order and writing practice for each character
• Reading and writing the two basic kana systems
• Introduction to Japanese script fundamentals

Module 2: Pronunciation & Basic Phrases

Estimated time: 0.5 hours

• Japanese phonetics: vowels, consonants, and pitch accent
• Mastering essential pronunciation and intonation
• Key survival phrases: こんにちは, ありがとう, はい／いいえ
• Practical speaking basics for beginners

Module 3: Particles & Sentence Structure

Estimated time: 1 hour

• Functions of は (topic), が (subject), を (object)
• Constructing simple SOV sentences
• Using particles in basic grammar
• Introduction to sentence negation

Module 4: Verb Conjugation: Present & Negative

Estimated time: 1 hour

• Conjugating regular –ます and –ません forms
• Using です／じゃないです for “to be” in polite speech
• Present-tense verb conjugation
• Forming basic negative sentences

Module 5: Numbers, Time & Dates

Estimated time: 0.5 hours

• Counting 1–100
• Telling the time and calendar terms
• Asking and answering “何時ですか？” and “何日ですか？”

Module 6: Everyday Vocabulary: Family, Food & Daily Life

Estimated time: 0.75 hours

• Words for family members, meals, and common activities
• Building sentences about routines and preferences
• Foundational vocabulary for daily communication
• Using new vocabulary in simple contexts

Module 7: Asking Questions & Simple Dialogues

Estimated time: 0.75 hours

• Question words: 何, どこ, いつ, どうして, どうやって
• Practical dialogues: shopping, ordering food, asking for directions
• Formulating basic questions
• Engaging in real-life conversation scenarios

Module 8: Kanji Basics & Reading Practice

Estimated time: 0.75 hours

• Introduction to 20 basic Kanji (numbers, days, common verbs)
• Reading simple signs and short sentences
• Recognizing and using foundational Kanji
• Reading practice with context

Module 9: Review & Practice Exercises

Estimated time: 0.5 hours

• Kana & Kanji quizzes
• Listening drills
• Role-play scenarios
• Tips for daily practice and spaced repetition

Prerequisites

• No prior knowledge of Japanese required
• Access to a device with audio and video playback
• Willingness to practice writing and speaking daily

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Read and write Hiragana and Katakana fluently
• Use core grammar particles and sentence structures
• Conjugate verbs in present and negative forms
• Communicate using essential vocabulary for daily life
• Engage in simple conversations and ask basic questions