Japanese
Online Japanese courses from independent instructors.
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Japanese uses three writing systems, and most courses start with the two syllabaries: hiragana for native Japanese words and grammar endings, and katakana for loanwords and emphasis. Once learners can read both, courses introduce kanji, the characters borrowed from Chinese, with their meanings, readings and stroke order.
Beginner grammar covers sentence order with the verb at the end, particles such as wa, ga, o, ni and de, the polite masu and desu forms, adjectives, counters and asking questions. Intermediate courses add the plain form, the te-form and its many uses, conditionals, giving and receiving verbs, and keigo, the system of honorific and humble speech used in formal and business settings.
Learners come to Japanese for many reasons: travel, work, anime and manga, literature or family. Some courses focus on conversation and listening, some on reading, and some prepare learners for JLPT-style levels. Choosing a course that fits your goal keeps the challenging early stages motivating.
Choosing an online Japanese course
- If you are new, choose a course that teaches hiragana and katakana before or alongside your first grammar lessons.
- Check how kanji are introduced, how many per lesson, and whether readings and stroke order are included.
- Look for clear explanations of particles, which carry much of Japanese grammar.
- Decide whether you need polite everyday Japanese, casual speech, or business Japanese with keigo.
- Try the free preview lesson to see whether romaji is used and when the course switches to Japanese script.
Questions about japanese
Do I need to learn hiragana before starting a Japanese course?
Many beginner courses teach it in the first module, so you do not need to know it beforehand. Courses for higher levels usually assume you can read hiragana and katakana.
Should a course use romaji?
Romaji can help in the first few lessons, but relying on it slows reading progress. Most learners do better with courses that move to kana early.
Are JLPT prep courses official?
No. They are independent courses that teach to the exam's levels and question types. Check the official JLPT information for test dates and registration.