Grammar
Learning Japanese grammar can feel both simple and challenging. While the idea of mastering a new grammar system may seem overwhelming, there are many helpful resources to guide you through the process. The key to success is straightforward: find a guide that works for you and start learning.
Grammar forms the backbone of any language, and in Japanese, it plays a particularly crucial role. The sentence structures, particles, and verb conjugations are quite different from English and other Indo-European languages. Understanding these elements not only boosts your speaking and writing skills but also deepens your comprehension of spoken and written Japanese.
Over the years, many grammar resources have been created—some exceptional, others less effective. Due to the complexity of the language, no single resource works perfectly for everyone. It's important to explore a few options and find the one that best fits your learning style.
Here are a few guides I recommend for total beginners. You don’t need to go through every one of them—just pick the one that resonates with you and fits your pace.
Tae Kim's Japanese Grammar Guide
The recommended Japanese grammar guide for beginners. This guide was created as a resource for those who want to learn Japanese grammar in a rational, intuitive way that makes sense in Japanese. The explanations are focused on how to make sense of the grammar not from English but from a Japanese point of view.
IMABI
The recommended Japanese grammar guide for beginners. A grammar website like Tae Kim, but made by a linguist. Has many great, in-depth explanations, but some may find them almost too in-depth.
Sakubi
It is written with immersion learners in mind. The guide stresses the importance of reading and listening as opposed to drilling and memorizing.
Ixrec's Guide to Japanese
You can skip the "Alphabets" page since you've already gone over it. At the end of each page, you'll find example sentences that are broken down into parts and translated for better understanding.
Bunpro
Clear and structured, perfect for a self-driven approach. If you're stuck on a grammar point, it will provide you helpful links to relevant sites and videos.
YouTube Playlist
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Neko Sensei: Minna no Nihongo- Grammar
Mining grammar points
When you come across a new grammar point while reading, it's often a good idea to create an SRS (spaced repetition system) or Anki card for it—a method known as sentence mining, which I already covered earlier, if you don't know how to create anki card then you can watch this YouTube video But what about grammar points you encounter in a grammar guide? Here, opinions tend to vary. Some suggest simply skimming through the guide—reading without actively trying to memorize or create cards. The idea is to familiarize yourself with the material and let it sink in naturally over time. Others recommend taking a more hands-on approach: read the guide thoroughly and make cards for the grammar points you think are important or unfamiliar.
Ultimately, it’s your call. Some learners benefit from mining grammar as they go through guides, while others prefer a more relaxed approach, relying on exposure and practice to cement their understanding. Consider what works best for your learning style and decide if incorporating grammar mining will enhance your studies.