Adjectives allow you to describe people, places, food, objects, experiences, and just about everything else. Japanese adjectives are also a little different from English adjectives, so learning how they work early will make your Japanese much easier later.

Japanese question words are relatively straightforward. Once you know the basic words, you can combine them with the grammar you've already learned to start asking all kinds of questions.

If you're just beginning your Japanese learning journey, the JLPT N5 is the perfect first goal. It focuses on the fundamental grammar, vocabulary, kanji, and listening skills needed to communicate in everyday situations. The N5 measures your understanding of basic Japanese typically learned in beginner classes and is the easiest of the five JLPT levels.

If you've completed the basics of Japanese, the JLPT N4 is the next big milestone. At this level, you'll move beyond simple self-introductions and everyday phrases into more natural conversations, longer grammar patterns, and a much larger vocabulary.

Ask a linguist where the line between a dialect and a language lies, and you’ll usually get a smile — followed by, “It’s complicated.” That’s because language isn’t just a system of grammar and vocabulary. It’s a web of identity, politics, and power. What we call a “dialect” or a “language” often says more about history and culture than about linguistic facts.

Have you ever been required to learn a language in school, whether in high school or college? If so, how much of that language do you remember today? For many people, the answer is surprisingly little.

For a while, teaching Japanese was something I did because I genuinely loved helping people discover a language that had changed my life.

How teachers who learned the language can help you overcome roadblocks, master tricky grammar, and stay motivated.

If you’ve ever tried learning a new language, you’ve probably had moments where your brain “borrows” from another one you know. Sometimes this works in your favor — other times, it creates confusion. Linguists call this language interference, and it’s one of the most fascinating parts of multilingual learning.