How to learn Japanese, how long it takes, the JLPT, and the resources worth your time.
10 articles in Study & JLPT
September 13, 20267 min read
Japanese and Chinese are unrelated languages that share characters. How they differ in writing, sound and grammar, and which is harder for English speakers.
Read MoreSeptember 4, 20268 min read
Yes, for English speakers Japanese is hard: the FSI estimates 88 weeks (2,200 class hours). What's hard, what's easy, and realistic milestones.
Read MoreAugust 27, 202617 min read
The best free Japanese learning resources: Jisho, Tae Kim, Minato, NHK, Anki and more. What is free, what is the catch, checked 2 October 2026.
Read MoreAugust 6, 202616 min read
The best websites to learn Japanese, by job: Tofugu, Jisho, Bunpro, WaniKani, Anki, NHK News Web Easy and more. Free and paid, prices checked Oct 2026.
Read MoreAugust 1, 202610 min read
How long to study for JLPT N5: about 150 hours by the JLPT's own old figure, or 3 to 5 months at 1 to 2 hours a day. Other estimates, and a 12-week plan.
Read MoreJuly 30, 20269 min read
The JLPT N5 passing score is 80 out of 180, with at least 38 in Language Knowledge・Reading and 19 in Listening. Scaled scores, the A1 level and pass rates.
Read MoreJuly 29, 20268 min read
JLPT N5 needs about 100 kanji and 800 words, but there's no official list. Where those figures come from, why sites say 79, 103 or 112, and all 103 kanji.
Read MoreJuly 25, 20269 min read
Is Duolingo enough for JLPT N5? Not on its own. What Duolingo's Japanese course teaches, what the N5 test asks, and how to fill the gaps.
Read MoreJuly 24, 202610 min read
How many new Japanese words a day? Most beginners do well with 5 to 20, set by review time. Why reviews grow, how many kanji a day, and FSRS vs SM-2.
Read MoreNovember 12, 202515 min read
Discover the complete step-by-step roadmap to learning Japanese from scratch. Learn the best methods, resources, and study techniques to master Japanese effectively.
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