Have you ever thought about learning Japanese? Perhaps you are inspired by Japanese culture, anime, manga, or even the language itself. Deciding to start learning Japanese is certainly a challenge; while the language is fascinating, it can seem difficult at first. So, let’s look at some basics you should know before diving into the world of Japanese for the first time.
An Invitation to Learn
The Japanese language has three different writing systems. Yes, you read that right! Japanese uses three systems:
Hiragana (ひらがな): This is the basic writing system used for words that do not have a specific character or are not represented by kanji. If you are just starting to learn Japanese, hiragana is the first thing you will learn.
Katakana (カタカナ): Katakana is primarily used for foreign words that have been incorporated into the Japanese language. For example, the word “coffee” is written as コーヒー.
Kanji (漢字): This is where things get a bit more complex. Kanji are ideograms that originated in Chinese and are widely used in the writing system. Each character can have multiple meanings and pronunciations, depending on the context.
The structure of the Japanese language is quite different from that of Spanish. For instance, the word order in a sentence follows a Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) pattern. In other words, the verb usually comes at the end of the sentence, which might feel a bit strange at first. However, the grammar is quite flexible and lacks the complex inflectional systems found in European languages. Nouns do not undergo inflection, and there are no articles or plurals in the way we understand them. A single word can mean either “mountain” or “mountains,” depending on the context.
Japanese culture places great importance on politeness and respect, which is reflected in the language. Japanese features different levels of politeness, known as keigo (敬語), and their use depends on whom you are speaking with. For instance, when talking to a friend, you might use simple, everyday Japanese. However, when speaking to someone of higher status—such as a teacher or a boss—you must use more formal vocabulary and verb forms.
One of the pleasant surprises of the Japanese language is its pronunciation. Compared to other languages, such as Chinese, Japanese has a relatively straightforward pronunciation, with no tonal accents that alter the meaning of a word (as is the case in Chinese). The phonemes are similar to those in English, so you shouldn’t encounter any difficulties. Of course, there are some features that might surprise you, such as the significance of long vowel sounds. For example, the word *obasan* means “aunt,” whereas if you lengthen the “a” sound to say *obaasan*, it means “grandmother.”
Keep in mind that by learning Japanese, you can also build a solid foundation for other Asian languages that use characters, such as Chinese and Korean. This provides a broader understanding of East Asian cultures and may encourage you to explore other languages and cultures from the region.
Learning Japanese is not a quick process. It can take several years to reach a good level of proficiency, especially when it comes to kanji and more complex grammatical structures. However, with patience and consistent effort, you will see significant progress. The most important thing is not to get discouraged and to keep trying.
Professional Opportunities
Japan has one of the strongest economies in the world, and many international companies either operate there or collaborate with Japanese firms. Knowing Japanese can give you a significant advantage if you are interested in working in sectors such as cutting-edge technology, the automotive industry, fashion, video games, or entrepreneurship. Even if you do not plan to live in Japan, the language can be a major asset for international collaborations.
Japan (as you likely already know) is one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world, with many companies specializing in robotics, artificial intelligence, and computer science. Knowing Japanese, combined with your technical skills, can open doors in fields such as programming, software engineering, and product development.
Japanese Culture
If you are passionate about Japanese culture, learning the language will open up new horizons for you. Anime, manga, Japanese literature, and cultural traditions—such as Noh theater or the tea ceremony (involving matcha)—take on a different meaning when you can understand them in their original language. Reading or watching your favorite anime without subtitles, for example, is an experience that allows you to enjoy the authenticity of the dialogue and the atmosphere.
By learning Japanese, you will also be able to gain a better understanding of traditional Japanese festivals and celebrations (matsuri) during your travels. Hanami (花見)—the festival of viewing cherry blossoms—is accompanied by words and phrases that reflect an appreciation for natural beauty and the fleeting nature of things. The better you understand the language, the more you will be able to grasp the emotional impact this celebration has on the Japanese people. At festivals like the Gion Matsuri (祇園祭), knowing traditional expressions and understanding the historical events associated with these celebrations will allow you to enjoy the experience on a deeper level.
Travel and Tourism
If you dream of traveling to Japan, learning the language will make your trip even more memorable. While you can get by using English in major urban centers like Tokyo, knowing Japanese will allow you to communicate with locals in a more authentic and direct way—especially in small towns where English is not spoken. Furthermore, in more remote areas, speaking the language can truly transform your experience, as it will help you gain a better understanding of local culture and traditions.
Learning Japanese is not merely a means of communication; it is also a key to gaining a deeper understanding of Japan’s unique culture and traditions. Every language embodies the values, traditions, and way of thinking of a people, and Japanese is no exception. We wish you a great start in learning this fascinating language!
Your first step in Spain
Compare the options available in your municipality—such as Official Language Schools (Escuelas Oficiales de Idiomas), where applicable, or online courses. Ask about the entry level, the language used for instruction, the schedule, and the amount of practice required outside of class. Language exchange can complement your studies, but it is not a substitute for formal training that you may need to have officially certified.
Original article: 2024-09-10. Edition adapted for Spain: 27 October 2026. Read the Greek original. Original author: Eleni Agiou.
