Post by ~Boshi~ on Aug 6, 2011 21:34:22 GMT -5
Hello!~ If you're reading this you are probably intrested in learning Japanese. Whether you take the classes or not, you can participate in Japanese Club and hopefully our new tutoring sessions in the library! This thread is for posting useful links related to basic language. You can also share links to free programs that help you learn Japanese.
I'm going to start with basic Hiragana and Katakana. Mastery of this is essential to learning Japanese. You must study these and be able to read and write them. There are also combinations and variations of them. (Which are easy) but these charts are fundamental to any Japanese student's resources.
I figure many of you like anime, so these are charts that give a popular anime character as an example for each character.
Hiragana: This is the basic alphabet, taught to Japanese school children in their first years of school. Any native Japanese word can be written in Hiragana, but it is not as refined as Kanji.
Katakana Katakana is the second alphabet. This is used for foreign words, some brand names, and names (Of foreigners) It is also used for sounds.
Kanji Kanji are traditional Chinese characters. Each Kanji means a certain thing and can have multiple readings and combinations. Kanji will be introduced eventually.
Programs: This is a free program that allows you to create text in Japanese. You must enter the Romajii (Roman spelling) of a Japanese word for it to appear. (It is not a translator) This is what Sensei uses also. You can download it here: www.njstar.com/cms/njstar-japanese-word-processor-download
Using NJ Star:
Type normally: Hiragana Alphabet
Type with Capslock on: Katakana Alphabet
Word with a Capital Letter: A list of recommended Kanji will appear. Click on the Kanji you want and it will replace your Hiragana with Kanji.
Japanese is easier than it sounds. Ganbatte!
I'm going to start with basic Hiragana and Katakana. Mastery of this is essential to learning Japanese. You must study these and be able to read and write them. There are also combinations and variations of them. (Which are easy) but these charts are fundamental to any Japanese student's resources.
I figure many of you like anime, so these are charts that give a popular anime character as an example for each character.
Hiragana: This is the basic alphabet, taught to Japanese school children in their first years of school. Any native Japanese word can be written in Hiragana, but it is not as refined as Kanji.
Katakana Katakana is the second alphabet. This is used for foreign words, some brand names, and names (Of foreigners) It is also used for sounds.
Kanji Kanji are traditional Chinese characters. Each Kanji means a certain thing and can have multiple readings and combinations. Kanji will be introduced eventually.
Programs: This is a free program that allows you to create text in Japanese. You must enter the Romajii (Roman spelling) of a Japanese word for it to appear. (It is not a translator) This is what Sensei uses also. You can download it here: www.njstar.com/cms/njstar-japanese-word-processor-download
Using NJ Star:
Type normally: Hiragana Alphabet
Type with Capslock on: Katakana Alphabet
Word with a Capital Letter: A list of recommended Kanji will appear. Click on the Kanji you want and it will replace your Hiragana with Kanji.
Japanese is easier than it sounds. Ganbatte!
