Nice to see Japanese from Zero (JFZ) mentioned, I think he has made a great introduction course to Japanese with his channel. My only criticism of JFZ is that it's kind of slow, or doesn't dig too deep, but I think that was the creator's intention. Regardless the guy has a great personality so I still like to watch his videos. As for the kana, yes, that is a foundational skill. I used Tofugu's guides long ago and they were great. For a long time I mixed up the katakana ワ (wa) and ウ (u) but I think I got it now... As for comparisons, I agree. There are people who claim to learn Japanese super quickly to a super high level (in like just a few years) and while it may be true, not everyone has the dedication or especially the time to pull through. Additionally yes I agree with visiting Japan, it was so amazing that it initially motivated me to learn Japanese in the first place. As for grammar, I think it's worth learning it only to be able to understand it when you see it, or else you just get confused. Don't get terribly stuck up on it, like learning how to do every exact part. Only to be able to understand it when you see it (The conjugations of verbs, etc.).
My 'problem' is that I actually enjoy figuring out the grammar although it's probably not efficient if the goal is to become more natural. And you're right, George has a great personality which makes watching his videos (and thus learning Japanese) way more fun
@@Angelovanrooij If you enjoy doing such things that's completely fine. The true first rule about language learning is to have fun, or else why are you even doing it. I'm mainly taking this idea from MattVsJapan, but I think the only way to actually become more natural is to simply take in more input of the language (listening, reading, etc.). I'm sure that practicing output is important too, to help you get a feel on how to even speak, though I'm not at that point so I can't really comment.
I'm two years into learning Japanese, and that is all good advice, especially about not measuring your progress by time. It takes a LONG time. People who say they're "fluent" in two years or less are probably not fluent in the way I define it, which is being able to have complex adult conversations about a variety of topics. I'm making progress, but it is slow, even though I take classes every week, including a conversation class. But I am enjoying the journey. I wish I'd started sooner, though. My advice is, if you really want to learn, don't put it off, and remember, when some days you aren't motivated, you can still be disciplined and do something.
I totally agree. My definition of fluent is probably similar to yours and although I can have a conversation about certain topics, I'm nowhere near fluent. Good to hear that you're enjoying the journey. Having fun is important!
On social media Japanese people talk about the weak yen and act like everyone can come to Japan for almost no money now. I’m going next month but I have to say it’s quite expensive haha. $2000 roughly for the plane tickets which is a lot more than I paid before covid. But Japanese people just see foreigners and think I’m only there because of the weak yen. I get to save $2 roughly per meal. Wow.
Nice to see Japanese from Zero (JFZ) mentioned, I think he has made a great introduction course to Japanese with his channel. My only criticism of JFZ is that it's kind of slow, or doesn't dig too deep, but I think that was the creator's intention. Regardless the guy has a great personality so I still like to watch his videos.
As for the kana, yes, that is a foundational skill. I used Tofugu's guides long ago and they were great. For a long time I mixed up the katakana ワ (wa) and ウ (u) but I think I got it now...
As for comparisons, I agree. There are people who claim to learn Japanese super quickly to a super high level (in like just a few years) and while it may be true, not everyone has the dedication or especially the time to pull through.
Additionally yes I agree with visiting Japan, it was so amazing that it initially motivated me to learn Japanese in the first place.
As for grammar, I think it's worth learning it only to be able to understand it when you see it, or else you just get confused. Don't get terribly stuck up on it, like learning how to do every exact part. Only to be able to understand it when you see it (The conjugations of verbs, etc.).
My 'problem' is that I actually enjoy figuring out the grammar although it's probably not efficient if the goal is to become more natural.
And you're right, George has a great personality which makes watching his videos (and thus learning Japanese) way more fun
@@Angelovanrooij If you enjoy doing such things that's completely fine. The true first rule about language learning is to have fun, or else why are you even doing it.
I'm mainly taking this idea from MattVsJapan, but I think the only way to actually become more natural is to simply take in more input of the language (listening, reading, etc.). I'm sure that practicing output is important too, to help you get a feel on how to even speak, though I'm not at that point so I can't really comment.
I'm two years into learning Japanese, and that is all good advice, especially about not measuring your progress by time. It takes a LONG time. People who say they're "fluent" in two years or less are probably not fluent in the way I define it, which is being able to have complex adult conversations about a variety of topics. I'm making progress, but it is slow, even though I take classes every week, including a conversation class. But I am enjoying the journey. I wish I'd started sooner, though. My advice is, if you really want to learn, don't put it off, and remember, when some days you aren't motivated, you can still be disciplined and do something.
I totally agree. My definition of fluent is probably similar to yours and although I can have a conversation about certain topics, I'm nowhere near fluent. Good to hear that you're enjoying the journey. Having fun is important!
For me It help that katakana "mu" looks like hiragana "mu" む/ム, well.. in their direction at least
How did I never come up with that haha
If I had the money to go to japan I would have already gone to Japan and back seeveral times, but for now, it's just a distant wish
I think I spent almost 3k for 10 days... I do wanna go back though and I think I could've gone for cheaper but oh well...
@@Angelovanrooij Yeah, have to plan it really well
On social media Japanese people talk about the weak yen and act like everyone can come to Japan for almost no money now. I’m going next month but I have to say it’s quite expensive haha. $2000 roughly for the plane tickets which is a lot more than I paid before covid. But Japanese people just see foreigners and think I’m only there because of the weak yen. I get to save $2 roughly per meal. Wow.