What Japanese scripts will you need to learn and what are some good guides start?

To fully understand and communicate in Japanese, it is essential to learn three writing systems:

1. Hiragana

Hiragana is a phonetic syllabary, meaning each character represents a sound. There are 46 basic hiragana characters, and they are primarily used for writing native Japanese words, particles, and grammatical endings.

2. Katakana

Katakana is also a phonetic syllabary, but it is used for foreign words, loanwords, and onomatopoeia. There are 46 basic katakana characters, which are derived from Chinese characters.

3. Kanji

Kanji are Chinese characters that have been adopted into the Japanese writing system. There are thousands of kanji, each with its own meaning and pronunciation. Kanji are used to write the majority of Japanese words, including nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs.

Good Guides for Starting

There are various excellent guides and resources available to help you learn Japanese scripts. Here are a few popular and highly recommended options:

1. Genki I: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese

This two-volume textbook is designed for beginners and provides a comprehensive introduction to Japanese language, including all three scripts. It offers clear explanations, engaging exercises, and audio materials to enhance your learning.

2. Minna no Nihongo: Elementary Japanese I

Another well-known textbook series that teaches Japanese step by step. Minna no Nihongo covers grammar, vocabulary, and cultural aspects of Japanese, with an emphasis on learning kanji and kanji compounds.

3. Japanese From Zero

This online resource offers a systematic approach to learning Japanese, including scripts and grammar. Japanese From Zero provides video lessons, printable worksheets, and interactive exercises to help you master the language.

4. Duolingo

Duolingo is a free language learning platform that offers a user-friendly interface and gamified lessons to teach you Japanese. It includes modules on hiragana, katakana, and kanji, along with vocabulary and sentence building.

5. Kanji Learner's Dictionary

An essential tool for learning kanji, this dictionary provides detailed explanations of each character, including meaning, pronunciation, and stroke order. It also offers example words and phrases to help you understand usage in context.

Remember, learning Japanese takes time and dedication, but with the right resources and consistent effort, you can achieve proficiency in the language.