JH90608
 

Learn Japanese in 17 minutes a day.

 
A clear plan for steady progress:
You can have a first simple conversation after about 3 hours. After about 50 hours you can hold everyday conversations fluently.
Short on time? 17 minutes a day is enough – over breakfast or on the bus. If you miss a day, the course simply picks up where you left off.
 
 
Learn Japanese
How the Japanese course differs from other language courses:
Recommended learning time: 17 minutes a day.
Any time, anywhere, on any device.
For travelling, to get to know new cultures and for school, studies or internships.
The long-term memory method brings each Japanese word back just before you would forget it – after 2, 4, 8 and 16 days. If you still know it, it stays. If not, it goes back into the loop.
Superlearning music: calm background music that helps you relax and focus. With it, you learn 36.2% faster. You can switch it off at any time.
You don't need a study plan:
Every day the course puts the right exercises in front of you. You open it, do your 17 minutes, and your Japanese improves a little every day.
Dialogues, multiple-choice exercises, the verb trainer and the sentence construction trainer: the variety keeps your daily Japanese lesson fresh. That makes it easier to come back tomorrow.

Learn Japanese over the next two days completely for free Free Japanese trial:

 
Learn Japanese for two days – completely free.
See for yourself how the course works.
Try the exercises, the audio and the daily trainer before you decide.
Two days are enough to learn your first Japanese words and see whether the method suits you.
 
Free Japanese trial course

 

The most important words in Japanese:



 
en
en-jp
Hello!
こんにちは!
konnichiwa!
Bye!
バイバイ!
baibai!
yes
はい
hai
no
いいえ
iie
thank you
ありがとうございます
arigatou gozai masu
please
どうぞ
douzo
Excuse me, ...
すみません、
sumimasen,
 
en
en-jp
one
一
ichi
two
二
ni
three
三
san
four
四
yon / shi
five
五
go
six
六
roku
seven
七
nana / shichi
 
en
en-jp
eight
八
hachi
nine
九
kyū
ten
十
jū
how much?
どれくらい?
dore kurai?
to get to know someone
誰かと知り合う
dareka to shiriau
holiday
休暇
kyūka
name
名前
namae
 
en
en-jp
Good morning!
おはようございます
ohayou gozai masu
Good evening!
こんばんは
konbanwa
upstairs
上に
ueni
downstairs
下に
shitani
young
若い
wakai
old
古い
furui
eleven
十一
jū ichi
 
en
en-jp
twelve
十二
jū ni
thirteen
十三
jū san
fourteen
十四
jū yon / jū shi
fifteen
十五
jū go
sixteen
十六
jū roku
seventeen
十七
jū nana / jū shichi
eighteen
十八
jū hachi
 
 
 

Our learning methods:


With the long-term memory method, every word comes back in a fixed rhythm until it sticks. After about 50 hours you can hold everyday conversations in Japanese.
 
A varied mix of exercises keeps the lessons lively and helps you keep going.
You learn words and phrases you can use straight away.
 
In the 17 Minute Languages learning community you can ask questions, swap tips with other Japanese learners and team up with a learning partner.
 
Learn Japanese with the long-term memory method

What is included in the Japanese course:


  • The Japanese beginner's course gives you a solid basic vocabulary of over 1,300 words. You reach level A1/A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
    17 minutes a day is enough. What counts is the daily routine, not long sessions.
     
    With the Japanese complete package you learn 5,000 words and move up step by step from A1 to C2.
  • You learn every word in context and in complete sentences, with 42 dialogue texts to read and listen to.
  • All words and texts were recorded in our studio by native speakers of Japanese:
    So you pick up clear pronunciation and the right intonation from day one.
  • Practical grammar: a short new exercise every day, so you learn the rules by using them.
  • The verb trainer and the sentence construction trainer teach you to form your own sentences – the step from single words to conversation.
Japanese course contents

Online language course:


  • The additional audio trainer lets you learn and repeat the words without a screen – when driving, for example.
  • We have been making language courses since 2002 – over 540,000 courses sold.
  • You pay once and use the course for 10 years. There is no subscription that keeps charging you month after month.
  • Latest version: the Japanese beginner's course was fully revised in 2026.
  • Runs without installation on Windows, Linux, macOS, iPhone, iPad, Android smartphones and Android tablets. You can switch devices at any time.
  • 31-day money-back guarantee:
    You have 31 days to decide whether the course is right for you.
    If you are not completely satisfied, we refund 100% of the price – no questions asked.
 
Japanese course for beginners

This course compared with other providers:

 
17 Minute Languages
Other providers
Long-term memory method:
words that stick
Daily trainer:
your lesson is ready every day
Superlearning music:
calm background music to help you focus
Audio trainer:
learn without a screen
Sound quality of
words and texts
Recorded in our studio
by native speakers
Often computer-generated voices
Payment
One-off payment, no subscription
Often a monthly subscription
 

Reviews on Trustpilot:

/ Trustpilot review 13
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/ Trustpilot review 2
/ Trustpilot review 3
/ Trustpilot review 8
/ Trustpilot review 4
/ Trustpilot review 5
/ Trustpilot review 7
 

How to make steady progress in Japanese:


Make steady progress in Japanese with 17 Minute Languages
The daily trainer picks your exercises for you, matched to your level. It brings each word back for review at the right moment.
 
Learn over 1,300 Japanese words and reach level A1/A2
With the beginner's course you learn over 1,300 words and reach level A1/A2.
 
With the complete package you learn 5,000 words and work your way up from A1 to C2.
 
The complete package also contains many more lessons and texts than the beginner's course, so you get much deeper into Japanese.
Daily trainer
In the daily trainer you first read, listen to and learn the new words.
You then review them in a set pattern: sometimes you reveal the translation, sometimes you pick it in a multiple-choice exercise.
 
Over the next few days, each new word comes back just before you would forget it. A word you get wrong goes back into the loop until you know it.
That is how you memorise the translation, the pronunciation and the spelling of each word.
 
Japanese texts to read and listen to
Words alone do not make a language. So you also get texts and dialogues to read and listen to, matched to the words you have just learnt.
With the sentence construction trainer you practise putting complete sentences together.
 
Japanese verb trainer
The course also includes a verb trainer, so you can practise the Japanese verb forms until you get them right.
 
Pick up where you left off
The course carries on exactly where you left off – you don't have to look for the right lesson.
Whether you study for three minutes, 17 minutes or an hour a day is up to you.
 
Elements that keep you motivated
There are also a few extras that keep you motivated:
For every word you learn, you earn points.
The longer you study on a given day, the more points each word earns you.
Study on several days in a row and your learning streak earns you an extra bonus.
 
Exchange points for bonuses
After each session you can compare your score with other learners and exchange points for bonuses – a bit like a frequent flyer programme.
On days when you study for an especially long time, there is a small surprise at the end.
Learn a little longer than yesterday and you earn extra points – and more bonuses.
 
Audio for the Japanese vocabulary
Each word is illustrated and was recorded in our studio by native speakers of Japanese – no computer voice.
 
17 Minute Languages learning community
You are not learning on your own: in our learning community you can compare notes with other learners and find a learning partner.
 
Vocabulary in English and Japanese
The course runs online. Use it on your computer, smartphone or tablet and switch devices whenever you like. You have 10 years of access.
After your daily lesson you can start the audio trainer with today's new words and the ones you got wrong.
You hear each word in English and Japanese and repeat it.
That helps the words stick.
 
Have a conversation in Japanese
The Japanese course takes you from your first words to real conversations: a first simple exchange after about 3 hours, fluent after about 50 hours.
The words you learn come back until they stick.
Step by step you build whole sentences – and you start talking in Japanese.
 
Order your Japanese course now »
One-off payment · 31-day money-back guarantee

See how many people are learning with 17 Minute Languages right now:

Japanese learning statistics, trends and diagrams

How long does it take on average to reach a certain level in Japanese?


A0🕑 3.8 hours ­(Basic vocabulary – 300 words)
A1🕑 8.3 hours ­(Level A1 – 600 words)
A2🕑 17.0 hours ­(Level A2 – 1,300 words)
B1🕑 34.3 hours ­(Level B1 – 2,100 words)
B2🕑 37.3 hours ­(Level B2 – 3,000 words)
C1🕑 47.4 hours ­(Level C1 – 4,000 words)
C2🕑 62.6 hours ­(Level C1 – 5,000 words)

What are the personal reasons for learning Japanese?

Travelling 46.3 %
Getting to know new cultures 16.9 %
Job and career 8.1 %
School, studies or internship 7.7 %
Emigration 7.0 %
Improving memory 4.6 %
Communicate with relatives 3.6 %
International friendships 3.1 %
Bilingual relationship 2.3 %

How old are Japanese learners?

Mobile (iOS, Android)
PC (Windows, Mac, Linux)

10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90

How long do users learn Japanese every day?


3 minutes:     12.1 %
5 minutes:     10.0 %
7 minutes:     2.3 %
10 minutes:     9.8 %
17 minutes:     48.4 %
20 minutes:     5.6 %
30 minutes:     3.7 %
45 minutes:     0.6 %
60 minutes:     4.2 %
90 minutes:     2.2 %
120 minutes:     0.6 %

How much faster do you learn Japanese with Superlearning music?

This is how long it takes on average to learn Japanese words in the daily trainer using the long-term memory learning method:
 
1,000 = 20.9 hours
♫ + 1,000 = 13.3 hours
2,000 = 41.9 hours
♫ + 2,000 = 26.7 hours
3,000 = 62.9 hours
♫ + 3,000 = 40.1 hours
Time saved with Superlearning: 36.2%
 
1,000 words without Superlearning = 20.9 hours
1,000 words with Superlearning = 13.3 hours
★ Saved: 7.6 hours
 
2,000 words without Superlearning = 41.9 hours
2,000 words with Superlearning = 26.7 hours
★ Saved: 15.2 hours
 
3,000 words without Superlearning = 62.9 hours
3,000 words with Superlearning = 40.1 hours
★ Saved: 22.8 hours
 

Which devices are used for learning?


Windows PC:  40.1 %
Android phone:  26.3 %
iPhone:  14.3 %
iPad:  7.6 %
Mac:  6.9 %
Android tablet:  2.6 %
Linux PC:  2.1 %

Where do users learn Japanese?


At home 72.1 %
On the go 8.3 %
Both 19.4 %

 
Source of all learning statistics: Japanese online language course, with data from 2,511 Japanese learners.
 

 

If you have learned Japanese with 17 Minute Languages, you will have these advantages:


Build your career!

  • You will increase your professional opportunities now that you can speak Japanese more confidently.
  • You now have the skills to work in Japan whenever you wish.

Meet new people!

  • Every new language opens a door to a new world for you.
    You will meet many new and interesting people!
    Who knows: maybe the love of your life speaks Japanese?
  • Are you in a bilingual relationship?
    You can impress your partner by speaking Japanese!

Unforgettable experiences!

  • Broaden your horizons as you travel to Japan.
    If you can speak Japanese, your trip will become an unforgettable experience:
    You'll gain a better understanding of the country and its inhabitants.

Make more of your free time!

  • You will be able to watch movies in Japanese!
  • What a joy it is to be able to read a book in Japanese!

Stay in great mental shape!

  • Scientific studies have shown:
    Continued learning increases quality of life and life expectancy.
  • Train your brain!
    Evidence suggests that the acquisition of languages assists in warding off dementia and Alzheimer's.

 

 

Free Japanese trial version

 
Test the Japanese course for free and get lots of study tips as well.
 

 
Japanese long term memory learning method

 

The long-term memory learning method of 17 Minute Languages:
Learn and never forget


The Japanese long-term memory learning method is based on the latest findings from research on vocabulary learning.
 
You learn all the vocabulary of the Japanese course from the beginning and repeat it in a systematic way until it is stored in your long-term memory.
This way you will remember the vocabulary permanently.
learn Japanese with long term method
 
Japanese language course
 
Here's how the long-term method works:
 
  1. First thing on the following day you have to correctly translate this word.
  2. The program then waits for two days.
    On the third day you will be prompted by the same word again.
    You then have to translate it correctly.
  3. The program then waits 4 more days.
    On day seven, the same word will prompt you once more.
  4. The program then waits 8 more days.
    On the fifteenth day you will be prompted by the same word yet again.
  5. The program then waits a final 16 days.
    You have to correctly translate the word just one more time.

If you knew the word on each occasion, by this time you will never forget it!
It is permanently stored in your long-term memory.
(Important to know: if you forget the word to be learned on any occasion during the repetition phase, the repetition starts again.)
 
With this learning method, you will learn all of the vocabulary in this Japanese course.
New words will be added to your lessons every day.
Your vocabulary will grow rapidly.
 

Daily trainer for learning Japanese:
The quick-learning system


The daily trainer guides you through all the lessons of your language course on each learning day – according to your learning level.
 
Each learning unit begins with the course evaluating your specific knowledge level, then systematically teaching all the content from the language course in a structured manner:
1
Vocabulary
Using numerous innovative test methods, you will learn and repeat the Japanese vocabulary until it is stored in your long-term memory.
You will be able to recall these words automatically as they are now stored in your long-term memory.
2
Words in long-term memory:
After finishing the daily trainer, we provide a recap of all the words that you have embedded in your long-term memory.
3
Add your own vocabulary:
You are interested in a certain topic but you can hardly find any vocabulary about it in your language course?
No problem!
You have the option of entering your own words with your translation into Japanese.
Your new words will then be entered and integrated in the daily trainer in the same way as the vocabulary contained in the course.
4
To keep the daily trainer exciting and innovative every day, these different learning topics are not treated in separate blocks, but are presented according to the subject matter and your learning level.
Such variety in your daily study keeps it engaging, prompting you to persist for a little longer in each learning period.
5
Texts, phrases and idioms
The vocabulary is broken down into themes, and you will learn sentences in the context of each theme from the many authentic set texts and dialogues.
Soon, you can look forward to reading books and watching films in Japanese in the original language.
6
Sentence construction trainer
With the help of the sentence construction trainer you will learn to build sentences in Japanese in a relaxed and creative way!
The program automatically corrects your work.
So you will quickly grasp how sentences are built in Japanese.
7
Verb trainer
It is the verbs that are at the heart of every language.
Here you will learn the most important verbs and their conjugated forms; you will also learn how to use the right tenses in Japanese.
8
Learn Japanese grammar:
The rules of the language are included in your daily trainer: with the help of clearly explained grammar chapters – illustrated by examples – you will learn Japanese grammar from scratch and according to a didactically meaningful system.

 
Order your Japanese course and start learning immediately »

 
Japanese insider learning community
 

17 Minute Languages' exclusive insider learning community


When you have completed your daily tasks you have the possibility to transfer your score online.
 
Now you have the opportunity to compete with other users via the leaderboard.
Check out who is behind the top scores (of all courses).
Similar to frequent flyer programmes, it is possible to redeem your collected course points for over 50 high-quality rewards.
 
The more you learn, the more rewards you will earn!
Connect with others!
Share your knowledge and grow together with our insider learning community of 17 Minute Languages.
 
Find a tandem partner from Japan and support and motivate each other while learning.
 
Make interesting friends with other Japanese learners or people from Japan.
 
learn Japanese online

 

 

Free Japanese trial version

 
Test the Japanese course for free and get lots of study tips as well.
 

 

Varied exercises that are fun and engaging:


Variety is key to learning.
You will find a wide range of varied and appealing learning methods, visualisations and bonuses in your language course to encourage you to continue learning every day.
 
This course will motivate you to learn every day and you will be speaking fluent Japanese in no time.
learn Japanese with a variety of daily tasks
The course programme offers you new vocabulary based on a sophisticated system.
You practise the vocabulary repeatedly until you know it inside out.
The program is designed to grow as your knowledge grows.
Between repetitions, you'll encounter new words as part of diverse daily tasks.
varied learning methods for fluent Japanese
With varied learning methods such as illustrated vocabulary, multiple-choice questions, matching games, translation exercises and dictations, you are guaranteed lasting learning enjoyment.
points for all Japanese vocabulary you have learned
You will receive points for all the vocabulary you have learned - and the longer you learn, the more points you earn.
Clearly, earning points has no value if they can't be traded in for rewards.
That's why you can gradually exchange your collected points for valuable rewards.
Japanese course with detailed statistics
We have implemented detailed statistics that will tell you exactly how extensive your knowledge is in Japanese.
You can choose to compare your scores with other learners time and time again.
Japanese verb trainer
Verbs are at the heart of every language.
We have developed a verb trainer for you.
This training program will teach you frequently used verbs and all their tenses.
studying Japanese with everyday dialogues
Typical everyday dialogues are narrated by professional native speakers and set to music to give you that authentic feel of real situations you are very likely to encounter.
fluent Japanese with superlearning music
All our language courses include the popular Superlearning music, which allows you to learn in a relaxed way.
(Of course you can also learn without this music.)
meditation practice to learn Japanese
To perfect your relaxation, you also have the opportunity to do a guided meditation after each day of learning.
This allows you to complete each learning unit in a deeply relaxed manner.
network with tandem partners
Join our learning partner community:
If you wish, you can network with learning or tandem partners and learn the new language together and support and motivate each other.
course with Japanese grammar
During the course we will introduce you to Japanese grammar.
Step by step, the course introduces you to all the important rules of the language and gives you an understanding of the grammar with entertaining exercises.
 
 

 
Japanese

Learn Japanese 32.9% faster with Superlearning music


learn Japanese with Superlearning
Your learning will be accelerated by next-generation superlearning meditation music.
The music you'll listen to is designed to profoundly relax you.
 
Within a very short time you will become very focused:
You will be completely calm, breathing slowly and deeply and be able to concentrate completely on the Japanese vocabulary.
 
You will also be able to concentrate on the Japanese course longer than without superlearning music, as you will be less distracted.
 
learn Japanese with meditation
The superlearning music includes 'binaural beats' (a sound wave) known for their health benefits: increased memory, relaxation and reduced anxiety.
 
To gain the full effect, you need to put on headphones.
 
You can use the superlearning music any time!
You might like to try it when you're working or studying for exams.
 
And of course you can switch the superlearning music off at any time, if you would prefer to learn without music.

 
Versatile dialogues and useful phrases for Japanese

Versatile dialogues and useful phrases


All words and dialogues have been recorded by a Japanese native speaker.
 
From the very beginning, you will learn clear, accent-free pronunciation and correct emphasis.
 
The texts and phrases were developed through the cooperation of a linguist and a Japanese native speaker.
 
In this course, you will learn how Japanese is really spoken in Japan.
 

Content of texts and dialogues:


You will accompany the two main characters of the language course on their holidays and in their day-to-day lives at home in 42 different dialogues.
Together with them, you will encounter important situations that could happen on your holidays or at home with your partner.
In the many dialogues provided, you will practice sentences that you can really use.
When you work with the dialogues provided in this course, you will improve your conversation skills day by day.
 
en
en-jp
On holiday
休暇中
kyūka chū
Kiyoshi is on holiday. He meets Sakura.
きよしは休暇中です。さくらと会います。
kiyoshi wa kyūkachū desu. sakura to ai masu.
Hello, my name’s Kiyoshi.
こんにちは。僕の名前はきよしです。
konnichiwa. boku no namae wa kiyoshi desu.
I am twenty-six.
僕は26さいです。
boku wa nijūroku sai desu.
Nice to meet you. My name is Sakura.
あなたと知り合えてうれしいわ。私はさくらです。
anata to shiriaete ureshii wa. watashi wa sakura desu.
Where do you come from?
どこから来たの?
doko kara kita no?
From Japan. I was born in Tokyo.
日本から。東京出身だよ。
nihon kara. tōkiō shusshin dayo.
 
en
en-jp
At a café
カフェで
kafe de
Kiyoshi is hungry and thirsty.
きよしは、お腹が空いて、喉も乾いています。
kiyoshi wa, onaka ga suite, nodo mo kawaite imasu.
He goes to a café and sits down at a free table.
彼は、カフェに行って、あいている席に座ります。
kare wa, kafe ni itte, aite iru seki ni suwari masu.
The waitress comes over to him.
ウェートレスが、彼のところへやって来ます。
uētoresu ga, kare no tokoro e yatte ki masu.
What would you like to drink?
何を飲みますか?
nani o nomi masu ka ?
A cup of black tea and a glass of water, please.
紅茶とお水を一杯ください。
koucha to omizu o ippai kudasai.
Would you also like something to eat?
何か食べますか?
nanika tabe masuka?
 
en
en-jp
Kiyoshi‘s flat
きよしの部屋
kiyoshi no heya
Kiyoshi and Sakura are talking about Kiyoshi‘s apartment.
きよしとさくらは、きよしのアパートについて話しています。
kiyoshi to sakura wa, kiyoshi no apāto ni tsuite hanashite imasu.
I like the way you‘ve furnished the rooms.
きれい、まるで部屋に家具を備えつけたみたいね。
kirei, marude heya ni kagu o sonae tsuketa mitai ne.
Everything looks bright with these big windows.
大きな窓のおかげで、全部明るく見えるね。
ookina mado no okage de, zenbu akaruku mieru ne.
Thanks. I‘m very pleased I found this flat.
ありがとう。この部屋を見つけれて、とてもうれしいよ。
arigatou. kono heya o mitsukerete, totemo ureshii yo.
It wasn't easy at all.
すごく大変だったんだ。
sugoku taihen dattan da.
I would also prefer to live in a flat on my own.
私も一人暮らしができたらなぁ。
watashi mo hitori gurashi ga deki tara nā.
 
en
en-jp
The letter
手紙
tegami
Kiyoshi writes a letter to his brother.
きよしは、兄に手紙を書いています。
kiyoshi wa, ani ni tegami o kaite imasu.
Dear brother,
兄さんへ
niisan e
How are you? I haven't seen you in a long time.
元気ですか?しばらく会ってないね。
genki desu ka? shibaraku atte nai ne.
I hope grandpa is okay. Is he healthy again?
おじいちゃんの具合がいいといいのだけど。おじいちゃん、元気になりましたか?
ojiichan no guai ga ii to iino dakedo. ojiichan, genki ni nari mashita ka?
I have some good news for you. I‘ve met a girl.
すてきなニュースがあるんだ。僕は、ある女の子と知り合いました。
suteki na nyūsu ga arunda. boku wa, aru onna no ko to shiriai mashi ta.
Her name is Sakura and she's from Osaka.
彼女はさくらという名前で、大阪出身なんだ。
kanojo wa sakura to iu namae de, oosaka shusshin nanda.
 
en
en-jp
Renting a car
車を借りる
kuruma o kariru
Kiyoshi has invited Sakura. He wants to take her along to his parents.
きよしは、さくらを誘いました。彼は、彼女を両親のところへ連れていきたいのです。
kiyoshi wa, sakura o sasoi mashita. kare wa, kanojo o ryoushin no tokoro e tsurete iki tai no desu.
They rent a car in order to drive there.
彼らは、そこに行くために、車を借ります。
karera wa, soko ni iku tame ni, kuruma o kari masu.
Kiyoshi dials the number of the car rental company.
きよしは、レンタカー業者の電話番号をダイアルします。
kiyoshi wa, rentakā gyousha no denwa bangou o daiaru shi masu.
Hello. I'd like to rent a car for two weeks from next Saturday.
こんにちは。次の土曜日から二週間、車を借りたいのです。
konnichiwa. tsugi no doyoubi kara ni shūkan, kuruma o kari tai no desu.
Do you still have a car available for this time?
この期間で、空いている車はありますか?
kono kikan de, aite iru kuruma wa ari masu ka?
You're in luck. For that period there are still two cars available.
幸運ですね。この期間では、まだ、荷台の車が空いていますよ。
kouun desu ne. kono kikan de wa, mada ni dai no kuruma ga aite imasu yo.
 

The verb trainer will take you through all the verbs and their conjugated forms step by step


 
At the heart of every language are the verbs.
You will begin with the most frequently used verbs and all their conjugated forms.
When you recognise and form verbs correctly, you have already learned the most important part of grammar and can now form meaningful sentences.
 
With the verb trainer, you will learn how to conjugate the most frequently used verbs, how to use the verbs in constructing sentences and apply the tenses correctly in Japanese.
 
When you master this you have already learned the essentials of Japanese grammar.
You will understand sentences and confidently have your first conversations in Japanese.
 
The verb trainer will systematically teach you all important verbs in all tenses within the first few days.
The playful exercises build on each other making it very easy for you to follow.
 
See how verbs are formed in Japanese here:
 
to have
ある / aru
I have
私はある / watashi wa aru
you have
あなたはある / anata wa aru
he has
彼はある / kare wa aru
we have
私たちはある / watashi tachi wa aru
you have
あなたたちはある / anata tachi wa aru
they have
彼らはある / karera wa aru
to be
いる / iru
I am
私はいる / watashi wa iru
you are
あなたはいる / anata wa iru
he is
彼はいる / kare wa iru
we are
私たちはいる / watashi tachi wa iru
you are
あなたたちはいる / anata tachi wa iru
they are
彼らはいる / karera wa iru
to go
行く / iku
I go
私は行く / watashi wa iku
you go
あなたは行く / anata wa iku
he goes
彼は行く / kare wa iku
we go
私たちは行く / watashi tachi wa iku
you go
あなたたちは行く / anata tachi wa iku
they go
彼らは行く / karera wa iku
can
できる / dekiru
I can
私はできる / watashi wa dekiru
you can
あなたはできる / amata wa dekiru
he can
彼はできる / kare wa dekiru
we can
私たちはできる / watashi tachi wa dekiru
you can
あなたたちはできる / anata tachi wa dekiru
they can
彼らはできる / karera wa dekiru
to do
する / suru
I do
私はする / watashi wa suru
you do
あなたはする / anata wa suru
he does
彼はする / kare wa suru
we do
私たちはする / watashi tachi wa suru
you do
あなたたちはする / anata tachi wa suru
they do
彼らはする / karera wa suru
I had
私はあった / watashi wa atta
you had
あなたはあった / anata wa atta
he had
彼はあった / kare wa atta
we had
私たちはあった / watashi tachi wa atta
you had
あなたたちはあった / anata tachi wa atta
they had
彼らはあった / karera wa atta
I was
私はいた / watashi wa ita
you were
あなたはいた / anata wa ita
he was
彼はいた / kare wa ita
we were
私たちはいた / watashi tachi wa ita
you were
あなたたちはいた / anata tachi wa ita
they were
彼らはいた / kare wa ita
I went
私は行った / watashi wa itta
you went
あなたは行った / anata wa itta
he went
彼は行った / kare wa itta
we went
私たちは行った / watashi tachi wa itta
you went
あなたたちは行った / anata tachi wa itta
they went
彼らは行った / karera wa itta
I did
私はした / watashi wa shita
you did
あなたはした / anata wa shita
he did
彼はした / kare wa shita
we did
私たちはした / watashi tachi wa shita
you did
あなたたちはした / anata tachi wa shita
they did
彼らはした / karera wa shita
I will have
私はある / watashi wa aru
you will have
あなたはある / anata wa aru
he will have
彼はある / kare wa aru
we will have
私たちはある / watashi tachi wa aru
you will have
あなたたちはある / anata tachi wa aru
they will have
彼らはある / karera wa aru
I will be
私はいる / watashi wa iru
you will be
あなたはいる / anata wa iru
he will be
彼はいる / kare wa iru
we will be
私たちはいる / watashi tachi wa iru
you will be
あなたたちはいる / anata tachi wa iru
they will be
彼らはいる / karera wa iru
I will go
私は行く / watashi wa iku
you will go
あなたは行く / anata wa iku
he will go
彼は行く / kare wa iku
we will go
私たちは行く / watashi tachi wa iku
you will go
あなたたちは行く / anata tachi wa iku
they will go
彼らは行くkarera wa iku
I will do
私はする / watashi wa suru
you will do
あなたはする / anata wa suru
he will do
彼はする / kare wa suru
we will do
私たちはする / watashi tachi wa suru
you will do
あなたたちはする / anata tachi wa suru
they will do
彼らはする / karera wa suru
Is there ... ?
...はありますか。 / ...wa ari masu ka.
May I ... ?
...てもいいですか。 / ...temo ii desu ka.
I need ...
...が必要です。 / ...ga hitsuyou desu.
Where is ... ?
...はどこですか。 / ...wa doko desu ka.
What is ... ?
...は何ですか。 / ... wa nan desu ka.
How much is ... ?
...はいくらですか。 / ... wa ikura desu ka.
I would like to have ...
...をください。 / ...o kudasai.
Can you ... ?
...くれる。 / ...kureru.
          
 

Japanese sentence construction trainer


Japanese sentence building trainer
You will find the Japanese Sentence Construction Trainer integrated into your language course.
This program teaches you to form sentences in Japanese quickly and correctly.
 
This is how you practise sentence construction in Japanese:
 
You see a short sentence in Japanese broken down into its building blocks, the individual words.
Your task now is to put the individual words in the correct order.
 
You learn the vocabulary in the context of complete sentences and with each exercise you improve your sentence structure in Japanese.
 
You will learn Japanese even faster and become more confident in speaking every day.
 
 

Japanese conversation trainer


At the beginning of learning Japanese it is very important that you can start to form sentences quickly and have important phrases in Japanese at hand.
You can achieve this important foundation in a short time with the Japanese conversation trainer.
 
The conversation trainer is part of the Japanese course and teaches you sentences, sentence building blocks and phrases right from the start.
The topics are as follows:
 
  • greetings & farewells
  • small talk
  • introducing yourself
  • asking your first questions
  • talking about hobbies
  • reading labels, signs and tags
  • ordering in restaurants and coffeehouses
  • ask for prices
  • book a room
  • make phone calls in Japanese
  • organise everything when travelling
  • appointments and dates
  • write e-mails
  • rent a car
  • travel by public transport
  • and much more!
Japanese conversation trainer

 

 
Order the Japanese course and start immediately »
 

 

One online course suitable for all your devices: laptop, tablet and smartphone


You can use the Japanese online course on all your devices and switch back and forth between them as you like.
 
The course can be used with any smartphone (Android, iPhone), any tablet (iPad, Android or Windows) and any computer running Windows (11, 10, 8, 7), Linux or macOS.
 
You can pick up where you left off, regardless of the device.
 

 
Practice Japanese in the morning on the train using your iPhone or Android smartphone.
You can pick up where you left off during your lunch break on your laptop, using Windows, Linux or on a Mac.
In the evenings, you can kick back in your favourite spot and learn while you relax, whether it's on your iPad, Windows or Android tablet.

Bonus: Additional Audio-Trainer


As an extra to the Japanese learning software you get the Japanese audio trainer.
 
The audio trainer teaches you in blocks of 5 minutes, which you can play manually or via autoplay function – ideal if you don't have a free hand.
You will be able to consolidate what you have learned and learn new words.
 
You can listen to the Japanese audio trainer on your mobile phone or run it on your PC.
 
To help you remember the words even better, we have added the superlearning music to the background of each track.
With the audio trainer you learn Japanese just by listening, almost without noticing, for example:
...when doing physical activity or riding a bike
...while driving
...while sitting comfortably on the sofa at home
...on the train or bus
...in between breaks or waiting periods

Audio trainer example 1



 

Audio trainer example 2



 
 

Want to refresh your Japanese or expand your existing knowledge?


If you already know some Japanese and would like to expand your existing Japanese knowledge, you can take a placement test for Japanese right at the beginning of the language course.
You will then start learning at exactly the perfect point for you.
 
If you learned Japanese a long time ago, but have forgotten a lot of words, we recommend that you start at the very beginning.
 
You will move through the course quickly: for each word, you can quickly tag whether you already knew it or whether it is new to you.
 
Verbs, texts and grammar will be repeatedly shown to you throughout the course with new content.
You can decide for yourself at any time what else you would like to learn.
This way you only learn new things and quickly revise everything you might have forgotten.
 

Professionally recorded Japanese texts and vocabulary


All vocabulary and texts are spoken by a Japanese native speaker.
You can listen to and repeat each of the 1,300 words as well as the 42 dialogue texts as often as you'd like.
 
In all the learning methods and tests, the vocabulary and lines of text are played for you.
You constantly repeat the correct pronunciation.
 
You learn clear and accent-free pronunciation with the correct emphasis!
learn Japanese with native speakers

 

Free Japanese trial version

 
Test the Japanese course for free and get lots of study tips as well.
 
 

You are protected by our money-back guarantee:


Test the language course without any risk.
If you are not completely satisfied, we will refund 100% of the purchase price.
No questions asked.
 
Order your Japanese course now »

 

You get immediate access to the language course:


When you order the course and pay by credit card or PayPal, you get immediate access to your online course.
You only pay once – this is not a subscription model as is the case with other providers.
You can use your course for 10 years.
 
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Frequently Asked Questions


Questions...
about the Japanese language course


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Questions...
about 17 Minute Languages' software


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Questions...
about ordering my Japanese language course


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I have more questions about the Japanese language course!


Please visit the 17 Minute Languages' Help Center – we provide you with plenty of answers to many questions.
We are always happy to help you!
 
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learn Japanese with 17 Minute Languages

 

What do our clients say
... regarding the learning methods of the language courses


"It is a more fun approach than other courses.
I like the repetition rhythm of words I do not know. I need a visual approach to support aural learning."

   (Andrea Matrosovs)
 
"The vocabulary trainer is just awesome!!! This is how you motivate people to learn!
Words have to be repeated until you spell them correctly.
Also, I think it's great being tested in both languages. Either one way or the other, it's up to you.
I'm pretty sure this is how you will remember your vocabulary! The texts are chosen very well, directly taken out of everyday life, very understandable for everyone, meaningful and very helpful for general use.
I also like being able to listen to the texts line by line and listening to the vocabulary particularly as often as you want to. This program is super easy to handle. Thumbs up!"

   (Doro Graham)
 
"It speaks the words so I can hear pronunciation instead of just guessing how written words might sound.
I also like the multitude of ways the words are presented: written words, pictures, fill in the blank sentences, spoken dialogue, etc.
This allowed me to speak more authentically and to learn the words more thoroughly.
This is the best program I have used."

   (Ashley Crust)
 
"I am very content with your language course and I really enjoy learning with it. I like the well-structured way of the course and the wide-ranging possibilities which make learning so much easier and varying as well. Besides I think it's great you can choose to listen to the language as often as you want to as well as being able to print the vocabulary on flashcards. In any case I would love to thank the experts who developed the course very much! It's fun to learn a new language with this course!"
   (Gillian Smith)
 
"This is my first exercise program for PC ever - especially the offered possibilities of long-term memory training as well as the literacy test which are very helpful for me are fascinating to me."
   (Tom Livingston)
 

What our clients say
... about the long term memory learning method


"I've been mostly impressed by the long-term method for learning new vocabulary, since I didn't expect to know the vocabulary after a pretty long break. The explanation of the psychological backgrounds and the systematics of the memory performance respectively makes the learning methods much more comprehensible."
   (Scott Wilkinson)
 
"The long-term memory learning method for keeping vocabulary in long-term memory is, in my opinion, particularly efficient. Thereby you are developing ambition which keeps you going. Also the pages which hide the vocab are tremendously good to get a quick overview and are very suitable to repeat in fast track. I find the displaying of the last seven wrong inputs in the long-term memory learning method very supportive."
   (Frank Collins)
 
"I particularly like the vocabulary-learning function with the long-term memory learning method. Not only is this method incredibly efficient but also very motivating, because success becomes apparent immediately and you can feel certain having the vocabulary stored in your long-term memory. A great advantage are the crystal clear voice recordings which don't leave you thinking about the pronunciation and makes naturally learning possible."
   (Guillaume Guerrin)
 
"I'd learned this language already basically before but I could hardly remember anything about my basics, nevertheless I was able to reaccess the language. For this I'm sure the clear and logical structure of the language course is crucial and also the opportunity to operate within the program in so many different ways."
   (Jean-Baptiste Novak)
 
"I particularly like the diversity of the learning method and the great choice of topics of the lessons or the continuous sequences. The exercising sections containing the long-term memory learning method are really motivating to start learning. Now, my son (15) really enjoys learning new vocabulary and is making great progress. Personally, I was able to develop myself professionally and put into practice what I had learned."
   (Marguerite Guérin)
 
"I've been using this language course for 4 months intensively. I think it's really convenient having the possibility to repeat the vocabulary regularly with the long-term memory learning method. I really enjoy this program for it keeps asking until the correlate word is typed in correctly. Moreover the digital speech of the respective vocabulary is also great."
   (Gautam Kumars)
 
"I was especially amazed by learning with the long-term method. The recordings of the entire vocabulary and dialogues sound very natural and realistic since they were all spoken by native speakers. Putting it in a nutshell, it's a well-made language course."
   (Marcus Großkautz)
 
"I really do like learning using the long term memory learning method. Using the PC is much simpler than writing manually. Moreover using the PC is much more efficient since you cannot cheat yourself - The system is correcting every single mistake also including emphasis which are also registered. Storing the different levels makes repeating the vocabulary and the texts based on the flashcard principle possible and thereby more effective. Learning foreign languages has become a hobby to me - for me, personally, it is not only learning by heart but a leisure pursuit."
   (Emily Snyder)
 
"I liked the logical structure of my language course. The dialogues are easy to follow and very comprehensible. The further possibilities which can be chosen to learn vocabulary by different styles and ways both verbally and written are very well-suited for keeping them in the long-term memory. Even after several months they are still available. My basic understanding of languages has been broadened by this course."
   (Anthony Hockner)
 
"The long term memory learning method makes sure the learned language remains "available". In comparison to other language courses the vocabulary is spoken and recorded by native speakers thus it's possible to speak virtually accent-free. The vocabulary being taught makes you capable to communicate with native speakers easily. People who struggle to organize themselves when it comes to learning a language are given the opportunity to work on daily exercises. What has made me choose your course is being able to determine by yourself how much and when you want to learn. The course provides a great variety of different learning aids. They really have something in store for everyone."
   (Joseph Holmes)
 
"It's very beneficial being able to organize your individual schedule and also being able to print out the entire course. The variety of the teaching materials is also great.
When it comes to learning vocabulary by using the long term memory learning method you only decide once how long you would like to learn per day. Once you've decided on how long you want to learn a day, this will be happening automatically afterwards. So, once you get started you will pull through.
This is also very helpful when having a hard time with motivation. Being able to decide on your own how long you want to learn makes this course "feasible"."

   (Henry Smalls)
 

Customer reviews
... about the daily trainer


"I like the interval repetition, the division in levels and the monitor how much time is left to achieve a level, I like the reward system, when it is possible to get other courses in other languages, I like the meditation music."
   
 
"I enjoy the daily exercise program because it's easy to work on and it's varying. Mostly I use the long term memory learning method and the quick repetition. This course allows me to continue my studies on a daily basis and I feel really really motivated to learn another language."
   (Jason Big)
 
"I really have to thank you for the daily exercises. They really give me the motivation I need to do at least my daily exercises on a daily basis since I don't have much time left. Additionally I think the great choice of the different ways of learning is gorgeous, e.g. first, taking a look at the vocabulary, secondly finding them hidden in a text and thereby studying them and then being tested and learning vocabulary intensively. "
   (A. Svensson)
 
"The daily exercises are the greatest thing about this learning software. In this way I'm able to learn in a structured way. Thereby, I can learn both the vocabulary training and text exercises quickly and continuously. Moreover I'm convinced by the different methods of vocabulary training and different learning methods. Above all the text input and the automatic testing of your knowledge gives me a quick and really good result."
   (Chris Osborne)
 
"I am given the possibility to determine the learning rate myself. The daily exercises are giving me the pressure necessary I need to do them.
Apparently different brain areas are getting activated by different learning methods of the program. In my own case, the learning success seems to be lasting."

   (Craig Miller)
 
"I especially enjoy the daily exercises since they really enhance the quality of learning new languages. I'll try learning a new language every year. I also like being constantly encouraged by the program and getting learning tips. Without the learning tips it would definitely take me longer to learn a language and also the feeling of success wouldn't be as huge (as it is now)."
   (Claudia Sawitsch)
 
"To me the daily exercises are awesome and be given the possibility to continue right where I stopped by the repetition.
Not a day goes by without me working with the program and working on my vocabulary knowledge at least.
Within almost 100 days I've stored more than 1000 words in the long term memory.
I would like to thank you so much for this course. I'm enjoying it so much and it really helps me stay on track."

   (Victoria Statham)
 
"The daily exercises learning method seems very effective. It gives you a well-structured schedule that guides you through the program.
And if there is time left you could additionally use further training methods."

   (Gunther Rummel)
 

What our clients say
... in regard to structure and content of the programme


"This course has broadened my vocabulary knowledge tremendously.
For me personally, listening to texts and thereby improving my own pronunciation was particularly helpful. Of course this is really motivating, helpful and is giving me a feeling of getting more and more confident when communicating with native speakers. The method by which you acquire vocabulary is excellent - at the same time it's a fantastic exercise to train my brain."

   (Bill Green)
 
"I like being drilled - and measured against A1/A2 proficiency. I also like the dialogs. I go back over them again and again. (Occasionally the dialog translations are not real accurate but they do give the meaning.) After reading dialogs, I will also type them into my own document, give me a good practice writing. I also like the dictation."
   (Ira Lund)
 
"I appreciate the course's systematic regarding the structure, the clarity regarding the titles you can click on.
I also like being able to print out whatever I like and having the correcting aid at my disposal. It's very beneficial having the opportunity to listen to the appropriate vocabulary. This course is definitely meeting my expectations!"

 
"I like the learning units being split in small very achievable units. The vocabulary being taught is very applicable especially for beginners - that's what I really like since I want to learn this language only on a "vacation" kind of level. Additionally I want to point out the learning monitoring and the opportunity given to print out the vocabulary which makes learning a lot easier for me."
   (Mark Curtis)
 
"The lessons are very versatile. This program also provides the possibility to print out cards which I think is very crucial. Since we're getting ready to move these lessons are great to get prepared.
This course is great!"

   (Tess Carlson)
 
"I'm very pleased with this course and it helps a lot with my studies. This course is especially helpful when it comes to learning vocabulary and a proper pronunciation. I'm pretty sure I would have given up learning this language if it wasn't for this course. I like the lessons being short and therefore clear. Also the flashcards which can be printed out are great for taking with you and learn whenever I feel like studying."
   (Holly Wilkinson)
 
"I'm really motivated by the short and not too challenging lessons. They encourage me to hang in there because they are easy to process by the self-learning principle. I really like the versatile testing options. Each term or sentence can be repeated - this way the pronunciation can be memorized much better."
   (Christen Nixon)
 
"The listening examples are suitable for the daily use and are worth learning.
Within a short period of time I acquired essential vocabulary which encouraged me to keep going.
In addition the recording is realistic, comprehensible and I as a student was given the chance to get an impression what feeling for language means."

   (Chester Fields)
 
"I was positively surprised by the many lessons. The lessons aren't stuffed full and contain an appropriate amount of vocabulary. The dialogue texts are well-chosen and the basic vocabulary is extensive.
The flash cards which can be printed are a good learning method - it really worked out for me."

   (Nicki Chestnut)
 

What our clients say
... about the price/performance ratio of the language courses


"What I like most about the course is the long term memory learning method. This way it's possible to learn vocabularies which you consider to be essential. Moreover I was surprised by the price... I think it is a very fair price! Kudos to you!"
   (Sebastian White)
 
"I would like to thank you for the excellent price/performance ratio. "
   (George Murphy)
 
"I don't think there's a better program to learn vocabulary fast and effectively."
   (Emma Cooper)
 
"I've tried bunches of language courses and this one is the best so far! The price-performance ratio is absolutely justifiable. The course's navigation is easy to handle whereas the course is both visually and acoustically orientated. This way learning is easy and progress can be seen very soon. This course is highly recommendable - especially for beginners."
   (Daniel Robinson)
 
 

And after A1/A2, your Japanese journey continues:
Advanced course (B1/B2) · Business course (B2–C2) · Proficiency vocabulary (C1/C2)
– all included in the Japanese complete package below!

31-day money-back guarantee · one-time payment, no subscription · 10 years of access
 
Order the Japanese course »
 
 
Japanese with superlearning method

 
P.S.
Here's a summary of what's included in the Japanese language course:
  • Learn over 1,300 words with the unique long-term memory learning method and acquire a solid Japanese basic vocabulary.
     
    If you choose the Japanese complete package, you'll learn over 5,000 words.
  • You will be given countless phrases and texts grouped by themes.
    You will learn the words in context and in whole sentences.
  • Every day, you will receive new exercises including grammar to enhance your language knowledge.
  • The daily trainer provides you with exercises according to your learning level and speed, in order to achieve the highest possible learning efficiency.
  • Thanks to the verb trainer, which is also presented to you as part of the daily trainer, you will learn how to conjugate the most common verbs and how to apply the tenses in Japanese.
  • With the help of the sentence construction trainer, you will be taught the sentence structure in Japanese in a playful way.
    Soon you will be able to form correct sentences in Japanese.
  • The conversation trainer provides you with an easy and successful introduction to the language.
    You will learn simple sentences and useful expressions.
    Beginners in particular will quickly be able to have basic conversations.
  • In the 17 Minute Languages' learning community, you can exchange ideas and make new friends with other highly motivated learners of your chosen foreign language as well as native speakers from Japan.
  • Every learner finds great joy in learning through effective methods tailored to their needs.
  • The course requires no prior installation and is particularly user-friendly.
  • Latest version – the Japanese language course was completely revised in 2026.
  • One-off payment, no subscription.
    You get access for 10 years.
  • For Windows / Linux / macOS / iPhone / Android smartphones / iPad / Android tablets / Windows tablets.

 
money-back guarantee
 
You are protected by our 31-day money-back guarantee:
 
Test the language course without any risk.
If you are not completely satisfied, we will refund 100% of the purchase price.
No questions asked.

 

Select your course here:

   Secure Order:

 
 
Full right of return:
You have 31 days – if you're not happy, we'll refund the full purchase price.
 
 
You will receive the software as an online course:
  • Begin learning right away!
  • You don't have to install anything – you learn online.
  • The online course works with Windows, macOS and Linux, on iPhone and Android smartphones, on iPad and Android tablets.
  • Access to the online course is valid for 10 years.
  • You can cancel your purchase at any time during the first 31 days and get your money back.
  • More than 540,000 people have become fluent in a new language thanks to 17 Minute Languages.
  • All prices include VAT.

What sets this language course apart from the competition?


rapid progress

Swift progress:

This software program will make learning Japanese fun and easy at breathtaking speed.
software

Sophisticated software:

We first released this software in 2002.
Our developers revise it every year and with the greatest attention to detail.
daily tasks

A variety of tasks each day:

Varied daily tasks and a huge selection of learning methods will motivate you to continue learning every day.
unique learning methods

Unique learning methods:

With the long-term memory learning method and daily tasks tailored to you, you will learn Japanese in record time.
no subscription

No subscription model:

Your access is valid for 10 years – you only pay once.
exclusive learning community

Exclusive learning community:

Make connections with like-minded people in our learning community.

Order the Japanese course »