Lesson 1 Hiragana Japanese includes three scripts.

The very first script, which is to be learnt in the Japanese Language, is called Hiragana. It is the very basic script. Hiragana was made by modifying the Kanji letters. In the ancient times when Hiragana was made, many Japanese people did not accept it. The men used only Chinese characters in their writings. As the women were not allowed to receive the same level of education as that of men, the women started using hiragana first. Earlier for writing unofficial documents, only Hiragana was used. Whereas, for official documents both katakana and kanji were used. Hiragana is used for words, which do not have Kanji. It is also used as suffixes, prefixes and particles. As we cannot change kanji into different tenses, it is written in Hiragana at such times. There are 46 basic Hiragana characters. It includes

Hiragana chart-1

1) 5 main vowels, which are a pronounced as aa as in mark i pronounced as i as in eat u pronounced as oo as in soon e pronounced as e as in tell o pronounced as o as in more

Hiragana chart-2

2) 39 consonants which are made by joining a vowel at the end of a character like "ka", "ki", "ku", "ke", "ko" 3) One single consonant "n" 4) An alphabet "wo" pronounced "o".

When "tenten or Maru" is added to, some of the main characters, new characters are formed. Tenten are two small lines written at the head of a consonant. Maru is a small circle written at the head of a consonant. For example, if tenten is added to "ka" becomes "ga" or "sa" become "za". In addition, if maru is added to "ha" it becomes "ba". When either "ya", "yu" or "yo" character is written at the foot of any "I" ending character then they form the consonant clusters. While writing hiragana, katakana or kanji, one needs to follow a particular stroke order. Stroke order is called as "Kakijun" in Japanese. It actually means the sequential steps to write a particular character. Also, while forming Japanese words by using hiragana script, there are a few rules one needs to follow. They are:1) Nasal sound: Words, which have a nasal sound it consists of the consonant n as in "enpitsu", which means pencil. 2) Double consonants: When a small "tsu" is written in a word then the consonant after that is repeated twice as in "gakkou" which means school. 3) Long pronunciation: Whenever vowel "u" comes after any "o" ending character then the sound "o" is prolonged. Similarly, whenever "a", "i", "u", "e", "o" comes after any "a", "i", "u", "e", "o" ending character then also the respective sound is prolonged. Following are the Hiragana charts to help you learn hiragana:There are a few important things, which one should be very clear about and should always remember it. They are :*The "wo/ o" consonant is used only as a particle. It is not used in forming words. *The consonants "ji" and "zu" come in two different series. The "ji" which occurs in the "Da" series is not at all used whereas the "Zu" is used very rarely. The "Ji" and "Zu" which occur in the "Za" series is always used in forming words. Hiragana chart-3

Basic Japanese Ok. Lets starts for forming basic sentences to learn Japanese language.So now we will start with learning some basic japanese. Here we will assume that you have learned all hiraganaalphabets. If not, please feel free to revise them once again. lesson 3 Greetings in Japanese Greetings in japanese language are either 'formal' or 'friendly'. Talking in 'friendly' version of language in formal cases are not considered good. Though the vice versa is not true. Formal japanese can be used in friendly cases. Given below are all formal japanese language. Japanese people are very particular about their greetings. They are one of the most important aspects of their culture. They believe that greetings are the ways to show respect to each other. While greeting, the gesture of the person should be right. Japanese people bow from their waist when they greet each other. This act of bowing is called "Ogiji" in Japanese. The main objective behind Ojigi is that this is a sign of giving respect to each other. There are different ways of Ojigi for both males and females. Greeting someone in a lazy manner is considered disrespectful. If you are planning to go to Japan, it is better to have knowledge of the very basic Japanese greetings. Following is the list of very simple and basic set of Japanese greetings, which is used in day-today conversations:-

What is your name?

ONAMAEWA?

My WATASHI WA name is KATSUMI TO Katsumi IIMAS

Relationshp in Japanese
English Wife Husband Son Daughter Romaji TSUMA OTTO MUSUKO MUSUME Hiragana

Girl-friend / Boy-friend KOIBITO

Greeting in Greeting in Romaji English Hello KONNICHIWA Good OHAYOUGOZAIMAS Morning Good Afternoo KONNICHIWA n Good Evening Good Night Good Bye Thank you KONBANWA OYASUMINASAI SAYOUNARA ARIGATOUGOZAIMA S

Greeting in Hiragana

Greeting to ask how are you along with the different ways to answer it:Question: Ogenki desu ka? How are you? (This question can be answered in three ways) Ans 1: Okage samade genki desu. With gods grace i am fine, thank you. Ans 2: Hai, mama desu. Yes, I am so-so. Ans 3: Hai genki desu. Yes I am fine. Lesson 4 Japanese Vocabulary To understand any new language it is very important that one knows the meaning of its basic words. Like the other languages of the world even while learning Japanese, it is very essential to know the Japanese vocabulary.There are words in Japanese language that have more than one meaning to it. Theree, it is very essential to use the appropriate words according to the context when you speak Japanese. Following is the list of basic Japanese vocabulary. You can see Japanese vocabulary-2 here

How are you GENKIDESKA? doing? I am fine. Thank you. I am hungry English GENKIDES ONAKA GA SUKIMASHITA Romaji Hiragana

Japanese Vocabulary related to Calendar Month Month Gatsu/ Gestu Ichigatsu Nigatsu Sangatsu Shigatsu Gogatsu Rokugatsu Nanagatsu/ Shichigatsu January February March April May June July August Youbi Shyuu Week day of a week Week

Introduction in Japanese

Nichiyoubi Sunday Getsuyoubi Monday Kaiyoubi Suiyoubi Mokuyoubi Kinyoubi Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

How do HAJIMEMASHITE you do?

September Doyoubi

Hachigatsu Kugatsu Jyugatsu Jyuichigatsu Jyunigatsu

October November December

Heya Room Genkan Entrance Toire Bathroom Kabe Wall Tenjou Ceiling Niwa Garden Yuka Floor Mado Window Vocabulary related to Time Tokei Watch Ji Oclock/ Hour Jihan Half an Hour Jikan Time Duration Fun/Bun/Pun Minutes Gogo p.m Gozen a.m Asa Morning Hiru Afternoon Ban Evening Yoru Night Kesa Today Morning Ashita Tomorrow Kyou Today Kinou Yesterday Assatte Day after tomorrow Ototoi Day before yesterday Vocabulary related to Vehicle Denshya Train Shinkansen Bullet Train Jitensha Bicycle Sanrinsha Trycycle Kuruma - Car Jidousha Car Takushi Taxi Ootobai Motorcycle Chikatetsu Subway Hikouki Airplane Fune Ship Kisha Steam Train Hansen Sailing Boat Vocabulary for the seasons Shiki Four Seasons of Japan Haru Spring Natsu Summer Aki Autumn Fuyu Winter Vocabulary related to famili & Relations Kodomo Child Ryoushin Parents Kazoku Family Kyoudai siblings Shinseki Relatives Itoko Cousin Vocabulary related to Weather Tenki Climate Youhou Forecast Hare Sunny Kumori Cloudy Ondo Temperature Yuki Snow Ame Rain Kaminari Thunder Kiri Fog Kaze Wind Arashi Storm

Vocabulary related to family & Relations haha-Okaasan-Mother Chichi-Otousan-Father Sobo-Obaasan-Grandmother Sofu-Ojiisan-Grandfather Imouto-Imoutosan-Younger Sister Otouto-Otoutosan-Younger Brother Ani-Oniisan-Elder Brother Ane-Oneesan-Elder Sister Musume-Musumesan-Duaghter Musuko-Musukosan-Son Oji-Ojisan-Uncle Oba-Obasan-Aunt Tsuma-Okusan-Wife Otto -Goshyujin-Husband Vocabulary for Colors Iro Color Akai Red Aoi Blue Shiroi White Kuroi Black Kiiroi Yellow Chyairo Brown Haiiro - Grey Daidaiiro Orange Midori Green Kimidori Light Green Mizuiro Light Blue Murasaki Purple Momoiro - Pink

Vocabulary for Direction or Location Ue Up Shita Down Koko Here Soko There Asoko That over there Migi Right Hidari Left Tonari Besides, Next to Mae Front Ushiro Behind Chikai Nearby Yoko Side Tooi Far Masuugu Straight Higashi East Nishi West Minami South Kita North

Vocabulary for Food Ryori food Shyokuji Meal Gohan Cooked Rice/ Meal Asagohan Breakfast Hirugohan Lunch Bangohan Dinner Yasai Vegetable Kudamono Fruits Toriniku Chicken Butaniku Pork Gyuniku Beef Gyunyu Milk Tabemono Eatables Nomimono Drinkables Vocabulary related to Rooms Daidokoro Kitchen Ima Living room Shinshitsu Bedroom

Vocabulary for Body Parts Karada Body Me Eye Atama Head Mimi Ear Kami Hair Yubi Finger Kao Face Mayu Eyebrow Hitai Forehead Mabuta Eyelid

Japanese Vocabulary for Dates Nichi Day/ Date Tsuitachi 1st Futsuka 2nd Mikka 3rd Yokka 4th Itsuka 5th Muika 6th Nanoka 7th Youka 8th Kokonoka 9th

Mastuge Eyelash Kuchi Mounth Hana Nose Ha Teeth Kuchibiru Lip Nodo Throat Shita Tongue Ago Jaw Kata Shoulder Ude Arm Kubi Neck Te Hand Hiji - Elbow Tsume Nail Mune Chest Onaka Stomach Senaka Back Hiza Knee Ashikubi Anckle Ashi Foot, Leg Kakato Heel Tsumashi - Toe

Tooka 10th Jyuuichinichi 11th Jyuuninichi 12th Jyuusannichi 13th Jyuuyokka 14th Jyuugonichi 15th Jyuurokunichi 16th Jyuushichinichi 17th Jyuuhachinichi 18th Jyuukunichi 19th Hatsuka 20th Nijyuuichinichi 21st Nijyuuninichi 22nd Nijyuusannichi 23rd Nijyuuyokka 24th Nijyuugonichi 25th Nijyuurokunichi 26th Nijyuushichinichi 27th Nijyuuhachinichi 28th Nijyuukunichi 29th Sanjyuunichi 30th Sanjyuuichinichi 31

[Subject] [Verb] [Object]. Whereas, in Japanese language verb always come [Subject] [Object] [Verb]

This lesson will give you details about the basic Japanese grammar, and wi sentences.

While learning Japanese and specially the grammar it should always be rem in hiragana script only. The main "Particles" in Japanese language are as follows:-

Japanese Vocabulary for Animals Doubutsu Animals Tori Birds Neko Cat Inu Dog Buta Pig Kaba Hippopotamus Nezumi Mouse Zou Elephant Hitsuji Sheep Kirin Giraffe Kuma Bear Kitsune Fox Raion Lion Ookami Wolf Saru Monkey Rakuda Camel Shika deer Risu Squirrel Tora Tiger Shimauma Zebra Ushi Cow Uma Horse Usagi Rabbit Yagi goat Sakana Fish

Vocabulary for Isha Doctor Sensei Teacher Kenchikuka Architect Enjinia Engineer Daiku Carpenter Geijutsuka Artist Kokku Chef Ginkouin Banker Shouboushi Fireman Noumin Farmer Jaanarisuto Journalist Kaishain Office Employee Ryoushi Fisherman Bengoshi Lawyer Koumuin Government Employee Kangofu Female Nurse Kyouju Professor Gaka Painter Seijika Politician Sarariman Salaried Employee Keikan Police man Kagakusha Scientist Shashinka Photographer Gakusei Student Sakka Writer Tenin Store Clerk Misein Shopkeeper Hisho Secretary

Particles "wa" and "ga": "wa" particle indicates or shows the subject of a sentence. "ga" particle indicates the topic of a sentence. In the example, "I know where you live" (watashi wa anata ga doko ni sunde iru ka shitte imasu), "I" would be the subject while "you" would be the topic. Not all sentences have both a subject and topic and, in many cases, the subject is implied in Japanese (for example, the "I" (watashi wa) would be left out of this sentence because it is implied that since I am talking I am the one that knows where you live). Many Japanese books and teachers teach that "wa" and "ga" are same and it doesn't matter which you use when. Basically, "wa" is used when you specify or want to give importance to the subject. Whereas "ga" is used when, you are not talking about one particular thing. "Ga" particle has another use in Japanese grammar where it means "but". In addition, "ga" particle is used with a few words like "houshi, suki, kirai, jyouzu and heta".

Once you are comfortable and familiar with the above basic Japanese vocabulary you will be able to communicate the basic Japanese sentences, which are used in everyday conversations.

Particle "to": "to" particle has 2 different meanings which are "And" & "With". "to" is used for connecting nouns. In the example, "Book and magazine are there" (soko ni hon to zasshi ga arimasu.), "to" is used as "and". In the next example, "I am going to Japan with my mother" (watashi wa haha to nihon e ikimasu), "to" is used as "with".

Lesson 5
Japanese Grammar

Particle "mo":

"mo" particle means 'also'. For example, "Mr. Ram is an Learning Japanese grammar is very simple but very different from English Grammar. In English grammar, the form of a simple sentence is

Indian. Mr. Ali is also an Indian" (Ram san wa Indojin desu. Alisan mo Indojin desu.)

Kanji is the most important script of the Japanese language. Years ago, Japanese language did not have any written script for itself. It was only after the adoption of the Chinese characters, that Japan formed it own written script. The other two scripts namely hiragana andkatakana have been formed from kanji. However, one should always remember that, there is a huge difference between the meanings and pronunciations of the Chinese characters that are used to write the Chinese language and kanji, which is used to write the Japanese language. The kanji symbols, which were designed in Japan, are known as kokuji. Whereas, the Chinese characters, which have not been modified but have been given a different Japanese meaning, different from the Chinese meaning are called kokkun. Kanjis are used to write verb stems, nouns and adjective stems. Two or more kanjis are joined to make a meaningful word. The combination of two or more kanjis to make meaningful words is known as "Jyukugo" in Japanese. Japanese N5 Kanji Kanji has two different readings or pronunciations namely "onyoumi" and "kunyoumi". Onyoumi is the native Chinese pronunciation. On the other hand, kunyoumi is the Japanese pronunciation given to the kanji. A single kanji can have both readings kunyoumi and onyoumi or only of them. A jyukugo can be a combination of either of the following 4 types:

Particle "wo" or "o": "o" particle indicates the direct object on which the action takes place. In the example, "I eat noodles." (watashi wa Ramen o tabemasu.), "Ramen" is the direct object which is indicated by the particle.

Particle "ni": "ni" particle is used in many different ways, which are for showing the location of a thing or person; talking about exact time, day, date, month, year; showing the indirect object in other words indicates the receiver of the action; is used while telling the intension behind doing a particular object. In the example, "there is an apple on the table" (tsukue no ue ni ringo ga arimase), "ue" which means on is a location indicated by the "ni" particle. In the example, "I wake up at 6 every morning" (watashi wa maiasa rokuji ni okimasu.), "rokuji" is the exact time indicated by "ni" particle. In the example, "The teacher teaches the students." (Sensei wa gakuseitachi ni oshiemasu.), "gakuseitachi" are the receivers of the action who are indicated by the "ni" particle. In the example, "I will go with my friend to watch a movie." (watashi wa tomodachi to eiga wo mini ikimasu.), the intension of going to watch a movie has been indicated by "ni" particle.

Particle "e": "e" particle shows the movement from one place to another. It shows the 'Destination' to which the movement is taking place. In the example, "I am going to school from home." (watashi wa uchi kara gakkou e ikimasu.), the destination "gakkou" is indicated by "e" particle.

Onyoumi + Kunyoumi Onyoumi + Onyoumi Kunyoumi + Onyoumi Kunyoumi + Kunyoumi Which reading of the kanji should be considered depends on some rules. However, it is difficult to remember these rules. Few factors, which are considered while deciding the pronunciation, are location in the sentence, context of the sentence, proposed meaning and use in the compound. A Japanese sentence is a combination of all the three scripts. A sentence can be written in hiragana only but it cannot be written either katakana or in kanji only. The total number of kanjis is lot but for the JLPT exams, the limit has been specified. Each level has a particular number of kanjis to learn along with their jyukugo. For the N5 level the approximate number is around 200 kanjis. For N4 level it is around 300-400 kanjis. For N3 it is around 600 kanjis. For N2 level, the number is approximately 1200-1500 kanjis and for level N1, it is around 2000 kanjis. As kanjis are a pictorial script, there is a particular stroke order you need to follow while writing it. The way in which you study kanji is also very important. Kanjis are not be learnt only by readingthem. It is essential to write the kanji and then learn it. You can learn kanjis faster through this very helpful way. It is essential to learn both the readings of the kanji. Another way of learning kanjis is to relate some meaning or logic to it, which will help you remember the reading and actual meaning as soon as you see the kanji. This logic or meaning differs from person to person. You can follow any of the above ways of studying this script or any other way that you are comfortable with. This lesson provides you with the kanjis, their readings and meanings,

Particle "ka": "ka" particle of Japanese grammar has two different meanings depending upon its location in the sentence. If the particle comes in the middle of a sentence it means "OR". Whereas, if it comes at the end of the sentence then, it changes the sentence into a question. In the example, "Is this a textbook or a dictionary?" (Kore wa kyoukashyo desu ka, jishyou desu ka.), the "ka" which is in the middle of the sentence means 'or' and the "ka" which has come to the end of the sentence has changed it into a question.

Particle "de": "de" particle has many uses and meanings respectively. Some of the uses are, showing the place where the action takes place; by using; shows the means of transport; indicates the medium of language, shows the limit.

De Particle E,To,Ya,No Particles Ga, Wa and Mo Particle Japanese Ni Particle WO or O Particle

Lesson 6
Learn KanjiWhen an individual starts learning Japanese verbs, the first form of verb introduced will be the masu verbs. Japanese language does not have three different tenses. The Present tense and the future tense of a verb is the same.

which are essential from the point of view of JLPT N5 exam. Lesson 7 Basic Japanese Sentences To learn japanese and speak it fluently you need to learn japanese sentences. Given below are the most common japanese sentences to start with. Konnichi wa. Hello. Ohayoo Gozaimasu. Good morning. Hajimemashite. Nice to meet you. Watashi wa Suzuki Akio desu. I am Akio Suzuki. Anata wa Nihon-jin desu ka. Are you a Japanese? Kore wa nan desu ka. What is this? Sore wa nan desu ka. What is that? Kore wa konpyuutaa desu. This is a computer. Kono hon wa tomodachi no desu. This is my friend's book. Shibaraku desu ne. It's been a long time.

Lesson 8 Introduction in Japanese

When we meet someone for the first time, there is a specific way in which we introduce ourselves to each other. The language used should be simple, polite and understandable. The body language and gestures should be appropriate. In Japan, there are certain greetings, which should always be used while introducing your self. Introduction in Japanese is known as "Jiko Shyoukai". Another very important rule to remember while introduction in Japanese is that of, "Ojigi" which, the act of bowing is down while greeting each other. This chapter describes how to introduce yourself when you meet a Japanese person for the first time. Japanese Version-1

Yoshida:

Hajimemashite. Yoshida Ken to moshimasu. Watashiwa nihonjin desu. Hajimemashite. Watashi no name wa Odagiri

Odagiri:

Satoko desu. Watashi mo nihonjin desu. Yoshida san wan nan sai desu ka.

Yoshida:

watashi wa ni jyu ni sai desu. Odagiri san nani o shimasu ka. Watashi wa chikaku no kissaten de arubaitou o shimasu. Yoshida san wa gakusei desu ka.

Odagiri:

Yoshida: Hai gakusei desu. Douzo yoroshiku. Odagiri: Douzo yoroshiku.

English Version-1

Yoshida:

How do you do? I am called Yoshida Ken. I am a Japanese national. How do you do? My name is Odagiri Satoko. I am also a Japanese national. Mr. Yoshida what is your age?

Odagiri: Anata wa isogashii desu ka. Are you busy? Morita San wa nansai desu ka. Mr. Morita, how old are you? Otoo-san to okaa-san wa doko desu ka. Where are your father and mother? Sumisu-san to Tanaka-san wa sensei desu. Mr. Smith and Mr. Tanaka are teachers. Kaimono ni ikimasu. I'm going shopping. Nani o kaimasu ka. What will you buy? Ganbatte kudasai. Good luck. Tookyoo e ikimashita. I went to Tokyo. Kondo no shuumatsu tookyoo e ikimasu. I am going to Tokyo this weekend.

Yoshida: My age is 22 years. Miss Odagiri what do you do? Odagiri: Yoshida: I do a part time job in the nearby Coffee shop. Mr. Yoshida are you a student? Yes I am a student. Nice to meet you.

Yamada: Nice to meet you.

Japanese Version-2

Tanaka: Kimura: Tanaka:

Konnichiwa. Konnichiwa. Kimura-san, kochira wa watashi no tomodachi desu. Yamada Hiroko-san desu. Hajimemashite. Yamada Hiroko desu. Douzo yoroshiku. Kimura Ichirou desu. Douzo yoroshiku.

Yamada: Kimura:

Yamada: Gakusei desu ka. Kimura: Hai, gakusei desu.

Yamada: Go-senmon wa. Kimura: Keizai desu. Anata mo gakusei desu ka.

Yamada: Iie, hisho desu. Kimura: Sou desu ka.

Toshokan wa ano biru no tonari desu. Gofun gurai desu yo. C: Doomo arigatou gozaimashita.

English Version-2

D: Doo itashimashite.

Tanaka: Kimura: Tanaka: Yamada: Kimura: Yamada: Kimura: Yamada: Kimura: Yamada: Kimura:

Hello. Hello. Mr. Kimura, this is my friend. This is Hiroko Yamada. How do you do? I'm Hiroko Yamada. Nice to meet you. I'm Ichirou Kimura. Nice to meet you. Are you a student? Yes, I am. What is your specialization? Economics. Are you a student, too? No, I'm a secretary. I see.

English Version

A: Excuse me. B: Yes. A: Is there a telephone nearby? B: The telephone is on the second floor of this building. It is in front of the cafeteria , you won't miss it. A: Thanks. B: Not at all. C: Excuse me. D: Yes. C: Could you tell me where the library is? D: There is a big building over there, you see?

Note: The Japanese people always mention the family name first while using full names. For example, with the name Kimura Ichirou, Ichirou is the given name and Kimura is the family name. The Japanese people do not have middle names. Everyone knows that people in Western countries put the given name first, so you can introduce yourself without reversing your name. Outside their families or circle of closest friends, Japanese adults are rarely addressed by their given names, even by neighbors or coworkers. Another significant point to remember is that after the name, the Japanese always use a suffix "san" which means Mr. or Mrs. or Miss. San is always used after the name. This is a rule, which everybody needs to follow. Another suffix "kun" is also used after thename but only for males. "Kun" also means "Mr." however always keep in mind that san is used for every one and Kun is used only for men.

The library is next to that building. It takes about five minutes. C: Thank you very much. D: You are welcome. Lesson 10 Asking Directions in Japanese

This chapter will show you how should you ask for directions in japanese. Japanese Version

A: Sumimasen. B: Hai.

Lesson 9 Japanese at Restaurant This chapter gives information on what and how to speak in japanese in restaurants.Learning japanese is made simlpe here..just see Japanese Version

A: Kono chikaku ni denwa ga arimasu ka. B: Denwa nara kono biru no nikai ni arimasu. Shokudou no mae desu kara sugu wakarimasu yo. A: Doomo. B: Iie. C: Ano, sumimasen.

A: Sumimasen. B: Hai. A: Kono chikaku ni denwa ga arimasu ka. B: Denwa nara kono biru no nikai ni arimasu. Shokudou no mae desu kara sugu wakarimasu yo. A: Doomo. B: Iie. C: Ano, sumimasen. D: Hai. C: Toshokan wa doko deshou ka. D: Asoko ni ookii biru ga arimasu ne.

D: Hai. C: Toshokan wa doko deshou ka. D: Asoko ni ookii biru ga arimasu ne. Toshokan wa ano biru no tonari desu. Gofun gurai desu yo. C: Doomo arigatou gozaimashita. D: Doo itashimashite.

English Version
A: B: Excuse me. Yes.

A: B:

Is there a telephone nearby? The telephone is on the second floor of this building. It is in front of the cafeteria , you won't miss it.

A: B: C: D: C: D:

Thanks. Not at all. Excuse me. Yes. Could you tell me where the library is? There is a big building over there, you see? The library is next to that building. It takes about five minutes.

C: D:

Thank you very much. You are welcome.