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Pre-beginner
☐Learn the whole Japanese alphabet (46 characters) in 1 weekend
Beginner
☐Sign up for Wanikani, study with it everyday (multiple times if possible) – to finish will take about 1-3 years depending largely on speed
☐Read through Tae KIm’s Grammar Guide once through before starting Genki I below
☐Start reading Genki I – progress ~1 chapter/week. Complete the accompanying workbooks/guides
☐Pick a way to memorize vocabulary, stick with it
☐Find a tutor, use it as ‘office hours’
Beginner > Intermediate
☐Finish Genki I, then start & finish Genki II
☐Start speaking w/ native speakers (first your tutor, then Meetup-style events). Make friends!
☐Start reading w/ beginner level texts
☐Analyze your level – proceed to Intermediate after re-reading Tae Kim’s Guide
☐Take, and pass, JLPT N4
Intermediate
☐Continue studying Kanji & Vocab, increase your attendance of Meetup events/tutoring sessions to practice
☐Start reading Tobira – progress ~1 chapter/1-2 weeks. Complete the accompanying workbooks/guides
☐Start reading at least 1 article per day in Japanese
☐Start translating J>E at least 1 article/blog etc. per day in Japanese
☐Start using Aruku as a resource (co-location dictionary)
Intermediate > Advance
☐ Take, and pass, JLPT N2
Advance > Beyond
☐Finish all 60 levels of WaniKani
☐Start reading Authentic Japanese – progress ~1 chapter/1-2 weeks. Complete the accompanying workbooks/guides
☐Take, and pass, JLPT N1
☐Interact w/ Japanese everyday as much as possible. Consider moving to Japan for some period of time. Remember: imitation!