How to Learn Japanese Language: Guide for Indian Students
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How to Learn Japanese Language: Guide for Indian Students

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Raj Vimal
Assistant Manager Editorial
Updated on Oct 3, 2025 18:43 IST

So you know how to learn Japanese Language fast? Japanese language is one of 9th most spoken languages in the world. 120+ million people use Japanese language to communicate globally. To live, travel or study in Japan for Indian Students, learning the Japanese language is essential.

How to Learn the Japanese Language?

More than 120 million people around the world use Japanese as their Native language. Indian citizens should learn Japanese language if they want to visit, live or study in Japan. It will give students an advantage in getting selected for admission.

The Japanese government is welcoming international students to study in top universities in Japan. They are offering various benefits, and job opportunities and making easy visa process to attract students globally. Japanese language will help you to avoid the language barrier easily. This article will cover tips to learn Japanese at home, including apps and websites.

Table of content
  • 10 Tips to Learn Japanese Language
  • Reasons to Learn Japanese Language
  • How to Learn Japanese in India?
  • How to Learn Japanese for Free?
  • Best Books to Learn Japanese for Indian Students
  • 15 Regular Words in Japanese with Meaning

10 Tips to Learn Japanese Language

Here are the tips to learn the Japanese language.

  1. Start Early and Divide Goals: Set a goal for yourself and divide it into small objectives.
  2. These will help you to create your basics of the Japanese language.
  3. 20 minutes daily can help you.
  4. Learn new Japanese phrases.
  5. Learn Japanese words daily.
  6. A guide or teacher helps track progress and correct mistakes.
  7. Learning things in the native language helps to relate things.
  8. You can make online friends or join online exchanges, language meetups, or WhatsApp groups.
  9. Regularly watch japanese news English and Japanese subtitles will help you.

After following all these tips and completing preparation, you'll appear for JLPT exam. It is popularly known as the Japanese Language Proficiency Test.

Reasons to Learn Japanese Language

Here are some top reasons to learn the Japanese language as an Indian student.

  1. Being multilingual can make your resume more competitive for job market.
  2. Proficiency in the Japanese language will help you to win scholarships to study in Japan.
  3. The medium of teaching in most Japanese universities is the Japanese language.
  4. You can explore Japan-based companies that will give priority to your profile.
  5. Other than the above benefits, building a global network, making new friends globally, and enjoying anime, manga, movies, & music become easy with basic knowledge of the Japanese language.

How to Learn Japanese in India?

Here are some popular coaching institutes in India to learn Japanese:

Popular Coaching Institutes About Coachings Address
Mosai Institute of Japanese Languages (MIJL) MIJL Institute has been closely working with the Embassy of Japan in India since 2002.
 
Mosai Institute of Japanese Language 104 (1st Floor) New Delhi House
27, Barakhamba Road New Delhi-110001
Japan Foundation (New Delhi) This organization was established in 1972  under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Japan) A-13, Green Park, Aurobindo Marg, New Delhi 110016

Popular Universities to Learn Japanese

Several popular universities in India offer courses to learn Japanese. Here are the top education institutions that are offering courses related to the Japanese language in India. Also, students can explore Japanese colleges in India and their courses to choose the ideal one for them.

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Popular Indian Universities to Learn Japanese Course Details
Goa University
  • Course Name- Learn Japanese
  • Duration - 28 Weeks
  • Eligibility-  12th pass
Delhi University
  • Course Name- One Year Post Graduate Intensive Diploma in Japanese (JF-1)
  • Duration- 1 Year
  • Eligibility- Must have a Bachelor's Degree with 45% or above marks.
Bengaluru City University
  • Course Name- Global Language Certificate Course
  • Duration- 1 Year
  • Eligibility- Must have Passed 10th board exam

How to Learn Japanese for Free?

Here are some tips to learn Japanese easily at zero cost.

  • Explore Youtube videos in Japanese language.
  • Watch favorite movies in English and Japanese subtitles.
  • Talk with the people of Japan can improve your proficiency easily.
  • Reading newspapers, Manga or books in Japanese can improve your vocabulary for free.

Best Apps and Websites to Learn Japanese

Here are some popular websites and apps to learn Japanese online.

Apps/Websites

Platform

Subscription Type

Bussu

iOS and Android

Free and Subscription Based

Lingo Deer

iOS and Android

Free and Subscription Based

Duolingo

iOS and Android

Free and Subscription Based

Youtube

iOS and Android

Free

Memrise

iOS and Android

Free and Subscription Based

Wasabi

Website

Free and Subscription Based

Japan Foundation

Online (Website)

Subscription Based

Best Books to Learn Japanese for Indian Students

Below, we have mentioned some recommended books to help you in learning. You can buy these books from any online platform easily.

  • Learning Japanese Kanji Practice Book Volume 1
  • GENKI I: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese
  • A Dictionary of Basic Japanese Grammar
  • How to Sound Intelligent in Japanese: A Vocabulary Builder
  • Read Real Japanese Fiction

15 Regular Words in Japanese with Meaning

Start your learning journey with basic Japanese words. Here we have mentioned some English words with Japanese translations. Have a look!

Japanese Words
English Meaning
Konnichiwa Good morning
Sayonara
Goodbye (formal)
Arigatō gozaimasu
Thank you (formal)
Arigatō
Thank you (informal)
Sumimasen
Excuse me / Sorry (formal and informal)
Gomennasai Sorry (formal)
Hai Yes
Iie  No
Kudasai Please
Dozo
Please (more polite)
Genki desu ka?
How are you? (informal)
desu
(copula, translates to "am," "is," or "are")
Kankokugo
Korean language
Aishitemasu I love you
Q:   How long will it take to learn Japanese language for Indians?
A:

No fixed time frame can be considered the ideal time to learn the Japanese language. It totally depends on your practice and dedication. To study in Japan, you need L2 level proficiency. You can achieve this proficiency level in 1 to 2 months.

According to the US Foreign Service Institute (FSI), it would take native English speakers 88 weeks to reach Professional Working Proficiency. Also, some EdTech learning platforms claim that 4 to 6 months is the ideal time for learning beginner level Japanese language.

Q:   How much does University of Tokyo cost for international students?
A:

The Tokyo University cost for Indian students enrolled in higher studies at Uni of Tokyo is: ¥642,960 (INR 3.8 L) per year for undergraduate, ¥520,800-¥535,800 (INR 3.1 L-INR 3.17 L) per year for graduate and ¥804,000 (INR 4.76 L) per year for School of Law students.

Note: These are only tuition costs, and students may also incure some additional costs such as admisisons fees, books and supplies, and some other costs. Refer the University of Tokyo Fees section, for the same. 

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About the Author
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Written by
Raj Vimal
Assistant Manager Editorial
Hi, I am Raj. I help Indian students figure out study abroad without the confusion. For 8+ years, mostly in Ed-Tech, I have written about the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. I cover what peo Read Full Bio
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