道
Learning Roadmap
A clear path from zero Japanese to conversational ability — about 6 months at 20 minutes a day.
Your progress
0 / 7 stages · 0%
Week 1–2Absolute Beginner
Stage 1 — Hiragana
- Learn all 46 hiragana characters
- Read short hiragana-only sentences
- Type romaji from sound (Listen & Type)
- Practice 20 minutes a day
Study tips
- • Write each character 10 times by hand
- • Drill 5 new characters per day
Week 3–4Beginner
Stage 2 — Katakana
- Master all 46 katakana characters
- Read loanwords like コーヒー, パソコン, テレビ
- Watch out for look-alikes (シ/ツ, ソ/ン)
Study tips
- • Focus on look-alikes early
- • Practice with brand names
Week 5–8Beginner
Stage 3 — Core Vocabulary
- Build 300+ word vocabulary across topics
- Use flashcards daily
- Learn greetings, numbers, days, family, food
Study tips
- • Review old cards before new ones
- • Use words in real sentences
Week 9–12N5
Stage 4 — First Kanji
- Learn 100 most-used kanji
- Understand on'yomi vs kun'yomi readings
- Read mixed-script sentences
Study tips
- • Learn radicals before complex kanji
- • Always learn a kanji with a word
Week 13–16N5
Stage 5 — Grammar & Verbs
- Master -masu, -te, -nai and past forms
- Build full sentences with は・が・を・に
- Hold short conversations
Study tips
- • Drill conjugations out loud
- • Make 3 sentences per new pattern
Week 17–24N5 → N4
Stage 6 — Reading & Listening
- Read short articles & manga
- Watch beginner anime with subtitles
- Practice listening with Listen & Type daily
Study tips
- • Read aloud daily
- • Re-listen to passages 3× before moving on
Week 25+N4
Stage 7 — Conversation
- Speak with native speakers (language exchange)
- Learn polite vs casual speech
- Aim for JLPT N4 by month 6
Study tips
- • Speak from day one — don't wait
- • Track new words you actually use