As an intermediate Japanese learner, you’ve already conquered the basics and are making steady progress. However, this stage of language learning comes with its own set of challenges. In this blog post, we’ll explore some common pitfalls that intermediate Japanese learners often encounter and provide tips on how to avoid them.
1. Overreliance on Polite Forms (丁寧語：ていねいご)
Many learners become comfortable with the polite -です/-ます forms and struggle to transition to casual speech. While polite forms are essential, overusing them can make your Japanese sound unnatural in casual settings.
Tip: Practice using plain forms in appropriate contexts, such as when talking with friends or sending messages to friends on LINE.
2. Neglecting Kanji Study
It’s tempting to focus solely on grammar and vocabulary, but neglecting kanji can severely hinder your progress.
Tip: Incorporate regular kanji study into your routine. Use apps like WaniKani or Anki for spaced repetition practice.
3. Ignoring Pitch Accent
Japanese pitch accent is often overlooked but plays a crucial role in natural-sounding speech.
Tip: Pay attention to pitch patterns when learning new words. Use resources like the “Suzuki-kun” website or “OJAD” (Online Japanese Accent Dictionary) to check pitch accent.
4. Direct Translation from English
Trying to directly translate English phrases into Japanese often leads to unnatural expressions.
Tip: Focus on learning common Japanese phrases and expressions rather than translating from your native language.
5. Overuse of Pronouns
Unlike English, Japanese often omits pronouns when the subject is clear from context.
Tip: Practice omitting pronouns when the meaning is clear. Pay attention to how native speakers use (or don’t use) pronouns in conversations.
6. Misuse of Honorific and Humble Language (敬語：けいご)
Keigo is a complex aspect of Japanese that even native speakers sometimes struggle with. Misusing it can lead to awkward or even offensive situations.
Tip: Start with the basics of honorific and humble language, and gradually incorporate them into your speech. Be aware of the social context when using keigo.
7. Neglecting Listening Practice
Many learners focus on reading and writing but neglect listening skills, leading to difficulties in real-life conversations.
Tip: Incorporate diverse listening materials into your study routine, such as podcasts, news broadcasts, and anime without subtitles.
8. Forgetting About Counters
Japanese uses a wide variety of counters for different types of objects, which can be overwhelming for learners.
Tip: Focus on mastering the most common counters first, then gradually expand your knowledge. Practice using counters in context.
9. Incorrect Particle Usage
Particles are the building blocks of Japanese sentences, but their proper usage can be tricky for learners.
Tip: Pay close attention to particle usage in example sentences. Practice creating your own sentences and have them checked by native speakers or teachers.
10. Fear of Making Mistakes
Many intermediate learners become self-conscious about their Japanese ability, leading to hesitation in speaking.
Tip: Embrace mistakes as learning opportunities. Remember that even small errors won’t hinder communication in most cases.
Conclusion
Being aware of these common pitfalls can help you navigate the intermediate stage of Japanese learning more effectively. Remember, language learning is a journey, and overcoming these challenges will bring you closer to fluency. Keep practicing, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. がんばってください！