Print this page Beginner Japanese: Course 1

Start your beginner Japanese learning journey with our Beginner Japanese: Course 1, suitable for complete beginners with no prior experience of Japanese. This introductory course builds the foundations needed to communicate in simple everyday situations while developing your understanding of essential Japanese grammar and vocabulary. It is ideal for learners interested in learning Japanese for cultural interest or personal enrichment in a supportive and interactive learning environment.

You will practise communication in situations such as greeting others, introducing yourself, talking about your family, and discussing simple daily routines and plans. Grammar is introduced naturally through these interactions, including basic sentence structures, question formation, essential particles, and common verb forms. Vocabulary and phonetics are integrated throughout, including everyday topics such as food, family, and leisure activities, as well as learning Hiragana and Katakana and key pronunciation features like vowel length and rhythm.

DELIVERY MODE

Language courses are offered in two delivery modes:

• Face-to-Face: WEA Sydney
• Online: via Zoom or Microsoft Teams

Please check the delivery mode listed before enrolling, as some classes are face-to-face and others are online.

TEXTBOOK

• Marugoto 1 / A1 Introduction Rikai Coursebook, (Sanshusha Publishing Co., Ltd., 2013), ISBN: 9784384057539

Suggested Textbook Suppliers: Abbey's Bookshop · Intext Book Company / Language International Bookshop · The Language People

The textbook is not included in the course fee. Please check textbook availability with the supplier and wait until your course is confirmed before purchasing. WEA Sydney cannot accept responsibility for textbook purchases if a course is cancelled. Courses are confirmed or cancelled at least 7 days before the start date.

COURSE OUTLINE

Communication

• Using common greetings for different times of day
• Introducing yourself and exchanging basic personal information
• Talking about your family
• Talking about food preferences and simple daily routines
• Asking and answering simple questions about plans

Grammar

• Sentence structure: basic patterns
• Questions: formation with ka
• Particles: wa, ga, no, o, ni, mo, to
• Verb forms: to be, to like, to eat, to drink
• Structures: expressing likes and dislikes
• Writing systems: Hiragana and Katakana

Phonetics

• Sounds: pronunciation of Hiragana and Katakana
• Sound system: vowels and consonants
• Sounds: long and short vowels (contrast)
• Rhythm: mora timing

Vocabulary

• Countries, languages, occupations
• Family and daily life
• Numbers (0–100)
• Food and drinks; eating out
• Leisure activities

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Communicate in Japanese in simple situations such as greetings, introductions, and basic daily interactions.
2. Use fundamental grammar structures including particles, basic verb forms, and simple question patterns.
3. Apply essential vocabulary and pronunciation features, including Hiragana and Katakana, to interact in basic contexts.