25/05/2024
How I Learn Japanese through Anime 😇🇯🇵💪
I've always been a fan of Japanese manga and anime. In fact, it was my love for anime that initially motivated me to start learning Japanese. However, I quickly realized that the Japanese taught in classrooms was vastly different from the language used in anime. Watching anime didn't seem to help me improve my Japanese much either.
Despite these challenges, I discovered that anime could still be a valuable resource for learning Japanese. By carefully selecting the anime I watch and using effective learning strategies, I've been able to significantly enhance my Japanese language skills.
1. Choosing the Right Anime
The first step is to choose anime that is appropriate for your Japanese learning level. Anime comes in a wide variety of genres, each with its own unique vocabulary and speaking style. Popular anime like Naruto, One Piece, and isekai series like Sword Art Online, Re: Zero, and Akame ga Kill! often use complex vocabulary and slang that is rarely used in everyday conversation. While I still enjoy watching these anime for entertainment, I know that their language isn't the most practical for learning purposes.
On the other hand, anime with themes like school life, romance, sports, etc., such as Itazura na Kiss, Working!!, Haikyuu!!, and Makoto Shinkai's works, tend to use more natural and everyday Japanese. These anime are generally more suitable for learners around the N3 level.
2. Watching with Subtitles
When watching anime, I always use subtitles, whether in Japanese or English. Watching with subtitles allows me to follow the conversation and pick up new words and phrases more easily. If I come across an interesting word or phrase, I'll make a note of it to review later.
While it's tempting to watch anime without subtitles once you feel your listening comprehension has improved, I highly recommend using subtitles for as long as possible. Subtitles provide a safety net, ensuring that you don't miss important dialogue and helping you to avoid misinterpretations.
3. Learning Kanji through Anime
Anime can also be a great resource for learning kanji. Many anime titles and character names are written in kanji, and often these kanji are relatively common and easy to learn. For example, the kanji in the titles of anime like ""暗殺教室"" (ansatsu kyoush*tsu) and ""鬼滅の刃"" (kimetsu no yaiba) are all around the N4-N3 level.
I personally also use Mazii to learn kanji. I discovered this app through Japanese learning groups on Facebook, and I've found it to be very helpful. Mazii uses flashcards and short quizzes to help you memorize kanji meanings and usage. The app also organizes kanji by JLPT level and topic, making it an excellent tool for preparing for the JLPT exam.
4. Anime Music and Lyrics
Anime music is another great way to immerse yourself in the Japanese language. I often listen to the opening and ending themes of my favorite anime, and I'll sometimes try to translate the lyrics myself. This helps me to learn new vocabulary and grammar structures, and it also gives me a better understanding of Japanese culture.
One of my favorite anime songs is the opening theme song for Naruto, ""自分で自分を信じられなくちゃ誰を信じるの？"" (If you can't believe in yourself, then who will you believe in?). I also really like the song ""Akuma no ko"" from Shingeki no Kyojin.
5. Beyond Anime: Drama and Manga
If you're looking for additional Japanese learning resources beyond anime, you can also try watching Japanese dramas and reading manga and light novels. Light novels, in particular, tend to use a higher level of vocabulary, around the N2 level. However, keep in mind that buying physical copies of manga and light novels can be quite expensive.
One way I've been able to expand my Japanese vocabulary is by translating manga. This has been a great way to learn new words and phrases in context, and it has also helped me to improve my grammar skills. In fact, I've found that translating manga has been even more effective for vocabulary acquisition than simply watching anime. This is because when I'm translating, I'm forced to pay close attention to the meaning of each word and phrase, and I have to actively think about how to express those ideas in English.
