Introduction

Konnichiwa, Minna! (Hello, everyone!)

So, you’re looking to dive into the wonderful world of Japanese and want to make sure your journey is smooth sailing, right? That’s a super smart move, and I’ve got you covered with some simple tips for you.

Learning Japanese is a bit like training for a big cricket match—you need to practice consistently and work on all your skills, not just batting! Let’s talk about 12 Japanese learning mistakes you need to avoid so your journey is not just successful, but genuinely enjoyable.

1. Rushing into Kanji

You might be excited to jump straight into the complex Kanji (the characters borrowed from Chinese), but slow down. It’s like trying to run before you can walk.

Instead of trying to memorize 50 Kanji on day one, you should first get a solid grip on Hiragana and Katakana. They are the foundation, and without them, everything else will be much harder. Think of them as your ABCDs!

 2. Thinking Only Anime Can Teach You

We all love anime, right? But relying only on anime to learn Japanese is a bit like thinking you can become a doctor by only watching medical dramas.

Instead of only using the super casual language from anime, you should learn more polite, standard forms. The language in anime is often very informal and might not be suitable for everyday conversations. It’s a great supplement, but not the main textbook!

3. Being Afraid to Speak

This is a big one. You might feel shy or worried about making a mistake. Arrey, chinta mat karo! Everyone makes mistakes, and they are the best way to learn.

Instead of staying silent out of fear, you should try speaking what you know, even if it’s just a few words. Don’t be that person who can write a perfect essay but can’t ask for a glass of water! The more you speak, the more confident you’ll become. 

4. Ignoring Pronunciation

Japanese pronunciation might seem easy because it has very few sounds, but it’s not.

Instead of guessing the pronunciation, you should actively listen to native speakers and try to mimic them exactly. A small change in sound can completely change the meaning of a word. For example, “ushi” means cow, but “uchi” means house. Imagine saying you saw a cow when you meant you saw a house!

5. Translating Word-for-Word

This is a mistake many of us make. You can’t just translate a Hindi or English sentence directly into Japanese.

Instead of thinking in English, you have to learn to restructure the sentence in your mind. For example, “I eat an apple” in Japanese is “Watashi wa ringo o tabemasu,” which literally means “I apple eat.”

6. Not Being Consistent

Consistency is key! It’s better to study for 15 minutes every day than to cram for 3 hours on one Sunday and then forget about it for a week. A little bit of effort every day, like a small investment in a Fixed Deposit, will give you great returns over time.

This is one of the most common Japanese learning mistakes that can seriously slow down your progress.

7. Overusing “Watashi” (I)

In your English class, you’re taught to use “I” a lot. But in Japanese, it’s often dropped when the context is clear. Instead of starting every sentence with “Watashi wa…”, you should practice dropping it when it’s not needed. It’s a bit like how we in India sometimes say, “Khaana khaa rahe hain?” (Eating food?) without saying “Aap” (You).

8. Not Having a Clear Goal

Why are you learning Japanese? Instead of just saying “I want to learn Japanese,” you should set a specific, small goal, like “I want to be able to introduce myself in Japanese by the end of the month.” It’s tough to reach a destination if you don’t know where you’re going!

9. Learning Only from Textbooks

Textbooks are great, but they are only one part of the puzzle. Instead of just reading from a book, you should try to listen to Japanese podcasts, music, and watch shows with Japanese subtitles. This will help you get used to the natural rhythm and flow of the language.

10. Ignoring Particles

Particles like “wa,” “ga,” “o,” and “ni” are small words that attach to other words and are super important for grammar.

Instead of ignoring these tiny connectors, you should pay close attention to them as they hold the sentence together. Messing them up can make your sentences sound very confusing!

11. Comparing Yourself to Others

Everyone learns at their own pace. Instead of worrying that your friend is picking up Kanji faster, you should focus on celebrating your own small victories. Your friend might be a pro at Kanji, but you might be better at conversation, and that’s a win!

12. Being Scared of Keigo (Polite Speech)

Japanese has different levels of politeness, known as keigo. It might seem complex at first, but don’t be scared of it.

Instead of avoiding polite speech altogether, you should just start with the basic polite forms like “-masu.” You don’t have to master it on day one, and you’ll learn the more formal stuff as you get better.

Conclusion:

Look, let’s be real. Learning a language, especially one as unique as Japanese, is a real hustle, and making mistakes is just part of the journey. But hey, don’t let a few wrong steps stop you. The most important thing is to never give up! If you ever feel overwhelmed or unmotivated, just take a deep breath. A little break is all you need.

And when you’re ready to get back on track, remember that you don’t have to do it alone. At Yoisho Academy, we’re not just teachers—we’re your guides, ready to make your Japanese learning journey as smooth and fun as possible. We’re here to help you get past those tricky moments and celebrate every single win with you.

👉 Ready to start your journey the right way? Take the first step today!

🔗 Click here to get started with Yoisho Academy!