The Absolute Beginner's Roadmap to Learning Japanese

Japanese can feel overwhelming at first. This step-by-step roadmap tells you exactly what to learn, and in what order.

Step 1: Hiragana & katakana

Learn both kana first (about two weeks). Everything else builds on them — don't rely on romaji.

Step 2: Basic pronunciation

Get comfortable with the vowels and even rhythm early, so good habits form from the start.

Step 3: Core grammar & first words

Learn です/ます, basic particles (は, が, を, に, で), and your first few hundred words in context.

Step 4: Essential verbs & the te-form

Master verb groups and the te-form — they unlock a huge range of sentences.

Step 5: Start kanji & JLPT N5

Begin the most common kanji and aim for JLPT N5 as your first milestone.

Step 6: Speak and immerse

Practise conversation early and surround yourself with Japanese content.

Follow the order, study a little daily, and you'll go from zero to real conversations steadily.