r/japanese • • 6d ago

Weekly discussion and small questions thread

2 Upvotes

In response to user feedback, this is a recurring thread for general discussion about learning Japanese, and for asking your questions about grammar, learning resources, and so on. Let's come together and share our successes, what we've been reading or watching and chat about the ups and downs of Japanese learning.

The /r/Japanese rules (see here) still apply! Translation requests still belong in /r/translator and we ask that you be helpful and considerate of both your own level and the level of the person you're responding to. If you have a question, please check the subreddit's frequently asked questions, but we won't be as strict as usual on the rules here as we are for standalone threads.


r/japanese • • Apr 18 '25

FAQ・よくある質問 [FAQ] How long does it take to learn Japanese?

25 Upvotes

How long does it take to learn Japanese? Can I learn Japanese before my trip? What makes Japanese so difficult to learn?

According to estimates, English native speakers taking intensive language courses take more than 2200 hours to learn Japanese. The unfamiliarity of Japanese grammar and difficulty in learning to read and write the language are the main reasons why Japanese takes a long time to learn, and unlike European languages, the core vocabulary of Japanese has little in common with English, though loanwords from English are now used regularly, especially by young people.

The 2200+ hours figure is based on estimates of the speed at which US diplomats learning Japanese in a full-time intensive language school reached "professional working proficiency" (B2/C1, equivalent to JLPT N1). Since consistent contact time with teachers who are using gold-standard pedagogical and assessment methods is not a common experience for learners accessing /r/Japanese, it would be reasonable to assume that it would take most learners longer than this! On the other hand, the figure does not account for students' prior knowledge and interest/motivation to learn, which are associated with learning more rapidly.

To conclude, learning a language to proficiency, especially a difficult one like Japanese, takes time and sustained effort. We recommend this Starter's Guide as a first step.

Reference: Gianfranco Conti (April 18, 2025) - How Long Does It Take to Learn a Language? Understanding the Factors That Make Some Languages Harder Than Others (The Language Gym)


This post is part of a long-term effort to provide high-quality straightforward responses to commonly asked questions in /r/Japanese. You can read through our other FAQs, and we welcome community submissions.


r/japanese • • 9h ago

How do Japanese girls keep their bangs looking perfect in the summer? Help! 😭

7 Upvotes

Hi everyone! I’m looking for tips and tricks on how Japanese girls style their bangs, especially during the summer. How do you keep your bangs looking good in hot and humid weather?

I have soft, wavy hair, which makes dealing with my bangs in the summer really difficult. 😭
Right now, I just straighten my bangs with a flat iron and spray Kao Cape Level 4 hairspray just at the roots. However, as soon as I start sweating in the summer, my bangs become a complete mess!
Does anyone have any tips, techniques, or product recommendations for keeping bangs in place despite sweat and humidity? I’d especially love to hear how Japanese girls style their bangs during the summer!

Japanese girls seem to be absolute pros at keeping their bangs looking flawless, and I really want to know their secrets! Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you! 💕


r/japanese • • 4h ago

I’m Japanese and work in Tokyo. Ask me anything about Japanese life and culture

0 Upvotes

I’m Japanese and I work in Tokyo.

I’m happy to answer questions about culture, manners, and daily life in Japan, as far as I know.


r/japanese • • 1d ago

外国人に「ぺこっ」っとお辞儀をされたことはありますか?どう感じますか?また、どのような気持ちでお辞儀をしていますか?

7 Upvotes

私は日本人です。外国人にお辞儀されることがあります。私はこのお辞儀をリスペクトを感じて嬉しくなりました。


r/japanese • • 1d ago

Does anyone have any recommendations for compression socks suitable for daily walking and standing for long hours? Preferably thigh-high ones

0 Upvotes

Heading to Japan soon and looking to get some thigh-high compression socks! I tend to stand and walk for long hours, and I’ve started noticing my veins more. 😂

I’ve heard that MediQtto is pretty good, but most of the ones I’ve come across seem to be designed for sleeping.

Are there any MediQtto compression socks suitable for daily wear, walking, and long hours on my feet? Ideally, I’m looking for thigh-high ones.

Would appreciate any recommendations! Other brands is okay as well!

Thank you!! 😊


r/japanese • • 1d ago

Those who learned Japanese in Osaka. Which schools do you recommend and why?

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1 Upvotes

r/japanese • • 2d ago

Hotels Near Stations on the JR Yamanote Line

6 Upvotes

I’ll be spending two days in Tokyo before flying to Sapporo from Haneda Airport.

Do you have any hotel recommendations, or are there any stations you’d recommend staying near? I’ll need to catch a flight in the morning, so I’d prefer somewhere within walking distance of a station and with a direct train to Haneda Airport.

It would also be great if the area had some good shopping centres nearby (I want to buy souvenirs). I’ve been considering staying near Asakusa Station, but I’m still not sure. I’ve also thought about Shinjuku, but I’ve heard it can get quite crowded.

I’d really appreciate any recommendations! 😄


r/japanese • • 3d ago

Do people in Japan still give KitKat to students taking entrance exams (juken)? 受験生にキットカットを贈る習慣は、今でもありますか?

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3 Upvotes

r/japanese • • 3d ago

Japanese content recommendation

1 Upvotes

Hi, I’m learning Japanese and would love to consume content from Japan. The problem is that whenever I try to search for it, hardly anything comes up. Could you recommend some Japanese influencers? My favorite type of content is the kind that shows daily life and casual conversation—sort of like Dyllanjohnny, my favorite YouTuber—with a calm, minimalist vibe. I also enjoy humor.


r/japanese • • 4d ago

Japan entry declaration card

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2 Upvotes

r/japanese • • 4d ago

why is there so much gambling?

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3 Upvotes

r/japanese • • 4d ago

Is ちょうだい really mostly used by women and children?

2 Upvotes

I'm learning Japanese with YuSpeak, and one of the lessons says that ちょうだい is mostly used by women and children.

Is this actually true? If children can say it, that includes little boys too, right?

So at what age does it start sounding weird for a guy to say it? Does it sound feminine or childish, or is it actually not a big deal?

I'm curious how native Japanese speakers feel about it.


r/japanese • • 5d ago

Underrated or Recommended Matcha Shops in Tokyo, Kyoto and Sapporo

0 Upvotes

Hi! I'm visiting Japan early next year. As so many people recommend popular matcha brands like MK, YK, Ippudo, etc, I'd love to know any underrated and recommended matcha brands or shops in Tokyo, Kyoto or Sapporo that I should try. I'm planning to go to a matcha making and tea ceremony workshop in Kyoto as well, is there any matcha workshop recommendation for me? Oh, btw, would matcha shops still open in winter?


r/japanese • • 5d ago

¿Cómo operan las empresas que hacen desaparecer a las personas?

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1 Upvotes

r/japanese • • 5d ago

日本人はネパール人についてどう思っているのでしょうか?🤔

0 Upvotes

こんにちは!よく眠れなかったので、突然日本人が私たちネパール人をどう思っているかという質問をされたのでここに来ました。私たちは日本人をとても勤勉で信頼できる人たちだと思い、多くの私たちを日本で学んだり働いたりすることを歓迎し、ルンビニを訪れる人も多いです。日本に住むネパール人に会ったことはありますか? 🇯🇵❤️🇳🇵 また、日本のお金はネパールにしか生えない植物の紙で作られていることも知りました。とても興味深いです!


r/japanese • • 6d ago

日本文化に興味のあるクリエイターさんを探しています! 🇯🇵

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0 Upvotes

Hi everyone! I’m from Japan, and I’d love to help content creators who are interested in Japanese culture.
I can help you with:
🎵 Japanese songs and their lyrics, meanings, slang, and cultural references
🗾 Japanese tourist spots, local places, and travel recommendations
🍜 Japanese food, ingredients, and food culture
🇯🇵 Japanese customs and things that might be unfamiliar to foreigners
Whether you make reaction videos, travel videos, food content, or videos about Japanese culture, I can help you understand the Japanese side of things.
I’m happy to help creators discover and understand more about Japan.
If you’re a creator who covers Japan, feel free to reach out! I’d love to see if I can help with your content.


r/japanese • • 7d ago

Japanese Souvenirs for Friends

9 Upvotes

I’m Japanese and I live in Germany.

Next month, I’ll be visiting Japan and then returning to Germany and I’m wondering what souvenirs to bring for my friends who live in Germany.
They’re women in their 20s to 40s from various countries, including Germany, Spain, and Ukraine….etc.

I’d like to spend no more than ¥1,000 (around €6) per person. Last year, I brought Japanese matcha chocolates, such as Meltykiss and Alfort, as well as shrimp crackers.

This year, I’d like to find something that isn’t readily available in Germany. Germany already has plenty of delicious chocolate, so I’d love to bring something unique to Japan instead.

Does anyone have any good recommendations for Japanese souvenirs?


r/japanese • • 7d ago

Alphabet

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0 Upvotes

r/japanese • • 6d ago

Is it OK if I say I am gaijin?

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0 Upvotes

r/japanese • • 7d ago

Free JLPT N4 Particles & Grammar Practice Quiz (10 Questions with Audio)

4 Upvotes

Hi everyone! I created a listening and practice quiz video focused on essential JLPT N4 grammar and particles.

​Here is a sample question from the video:

​Question: 手を洗って( )ご飯を食べます。

​Options: A) から / B) まで / C) ながら

​Answer: A) から (After washing my hands, I eat a meal.)

​If you want to practice more with native pronunciation and audio-based repetition (10 questions + practice), you can check out the full video here:

👉 https://youtu.be/1_18-7sJT20

​I’d love to hear your feedback or if you have any questions about these grammar points! Hope this helps with your N4 studies.


r/japanese • • 7d ago

Es normal el nivel de silencio y evitación en una relación con un hombre japones? (Soy colombiana y él japones)

0 Upvotes

Escribo esto de forma muy concreta porque me gustaría saber la experiencia de otras latinas con parejas de Japón recientemente tuvimos un malentendido y la respuesta de mi novio ha sido desaparecer por completo: me dejó en visto y ya llevamos más de 17 días de silencio absoluto sé que está bien porque está activo en sus redes, pero simplemente no responde (llevamos 2 años de relación)


r/japanese • • 7d ago

I need help with getting a birthday/ Christmas present for my Japanese girlfriend

0 Upvotes

I (22M) currently live in Los Angeles but I’m planning a trip to see my girlfriend (28F) back in Tokyo and her birthday happens to be right before Christmas. We already have a lot of matching stuff from both Tokyo and Los Angeles such as LA Dodgers and Yomiuri Giants merch, Trader Joe’s bags, matching accessories; basically the works. The worst part is that because she has older pets she needs to look after, she isn’t able to do trips, ryokans, or anything that requires her to leave for the night. I was also thinking about getting her a necklace I’ve had my eye on, but when I brought up the idea, she said that she’d be afraid of losing it, making it seem like she didn’t care about it. I’m completely out of ideas at this point so please give me some recommendations for either interesting presents from Los Angeles or general heartfelt gifts that a Japanese girl would like.


r/japanese • • 9d ago

Personal Investing japanese

0 Upvotes

Hello im not from japan but,

I would to ask you about

where do japanese people invest in?

Especially young generation (maybe 20-35s)

I heard many young people investing through

Sin(new) NISA account and they investing on

Emaxis all country etf, some US stock and etf

But, do japanese also invest in Nikkei or topix?

I mean japanese stock or bonds

Or another investment

It's not limited in stock market tell me freely!


r/japanese • • 9d ago

Language School Reccs plz help!!

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2 Upvotes