Language

Japanese is spoken by approximately 126 million people worldwide and is often considered one of the more challenging languages to learn. While it may seem complex at first, a structured approach makes it more accessible, especially for travelers and beginners. One of the most distinctive features of Japanese is its three-part writing system, which is used simultaneously in everyday text.

Kanji are characters borrowed from Chinese, each carrying meaning rather than sound alone. They are used for nouns, verb stems, adjectives, and names. Although there are thousands of kanji, everyday literacy relies on a few thousand commonly used characters.

Alongside kanji, Japanese uses hiragana and katakana, two phonetic writing systems in which each character represents a specific sound. Japanese writing typically combines all three systems within a single sentence, making basic familiarity with hiragana and katakana especially useful, even for short-term visitors.

Hiragana is used for native Japanese words, grammatical endings, and particles that show how words function in a sentence. It is the first script taught to Japanese children and appears frequently in everyday writing. For learners and travelers, recognizing hiragana helps with understanding basic sentence structure and reading simple information such as instructions, notices, and menus.

Katakana is primarily used for foreign loanwords, names, technical terms, and onomatopoeia. Many modern and travel-related words—such as foods, drinks, brand names, and transportation terms—are written in katakana. Because many katakana words are derived from English or other European languages, travelers often find them easier to recognize and understand.

A Brief History of the Japanese Language

The Japanese language developed independently but was strongly influenced by Chinese culture beginning around the 5th century. Chinese characters were initially adopted to write Japanese, eventually forming the basis of kanji.

Over time, hiragana and katakana emerged as simplified forms of kanji, better suited to represent spoken Japanese. Hiragana became associated with literature and everyday writing, while katakana was originally used for annotation and later became the script used for foreign words.

Modern Japanese continues to absorb vocabulary from other languages, particularly English, resulting in a growing number of loanwords written in katakana that travellers may encounter in daily life.

The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)

The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is the most widely recognized standardized exam for measuring Japanese language ability. It is commonly used by educational institutions, employers, and immigration authorities.

The JLPT has five levels, ranging from N5 (basic) to N1 (advanced).

• N5 tests fundamental grammar, basic kanji, and simple listening skills.
• N4–N3 focus on practical, everyday Japanese.
• N2–N1 assess advanced comprehension, reading speed, and nuanced language use.

The test evaluates reading, listening, vocabulary, and grammar, but does not include speaking or writing components.

Tips for Travellers Learning Japanese

For travelers, learning even a small amount of Japanese can significantly improve navigation and communication. Understanding basic written and spoken Japanese makes everyday tasks—such as using public transportation, ordering food, or asking for assistance—much easier and less stressful.

Learning hiragana and katakana is one of the most effective first steps. Being able to read station names, menus, signs, and ticket machines reduces reliance on translation apps and helps avoid confusion, particularly in less tourist-heavy areas. Hiragana is widely used in materials for children who have not yet learned kanji and often appears alongside kanji to support reading.

This reading aid is known as furigana. Furigana are small hiragana characters written above or beside kanji to indicate pronunciation. They are commonly found in children’s books, textbooks, manga, and sometimes on signs or menus intended for a broad audience. For travelers and learners, furigana can be especially helpful when encountering unfamiliar kanji.

While English signage is common in major cities and tourist destinations, spoken English is more limited, especially outside urban areas. Many people may understand basic English but feel hesitant to speak it, making simple Japanese phrases, gestures, and written cues useful in daily interactions.

Japanese communication places strong emphasis on politeness and formality. Using polite language forms is generally appreciated, and perfect grammar is less important than showing respect. Even limited effort is often met with patience and helpfulness.

Japanese pronunciation is relatively consistent, meaning words are usually pronounced as they are written. This predictability helps beginners build confidence quickly and makes it easier to read unfamiliar words aloud.