How long does it take to become fluent in Japanese?

2200 hours
According to the US Department of State, Japanese is one of the hardest languages for English natives to learn. It doesn’t have many similarities in structure to English. They estimate it takes 88 weeks of learning, or 2200 hours, to reach fluency.

Is duolingo Japanese worth it?

Duolingo Japanese is not perfect. But it is a fun and effective way to learn some basic Japanese. If you really only have five minutes in a day to study, Duolingo is probably one of the most effective ways to spend your time.

Students of Japanese who actively study for a few hours per day are typically ready to attempt the advanced-level Japanese tests (like the JLPT N2 —that’s Japanese Language Proficiency Test Level 2) after about two and a half or three years. But, it’s worth noting that the N2 exam is largely composed of kanji and more obscure grammar.

How long does it take to learn to read Japanese?

Want to read simple fiction books or comics in Japanese? Depending how much you study, this could be do-able in a little over a year. Aiming to read native-level material or watch TV shows in Japanese? That’s a more long-term goal, and you’re probably looking at around three to five years of learning.

Do you have to study Japanese eight hours a day?

That’s not to say that you have to study Japanese eight hours a day in order to make any worthwhile progress! But just like when building a jigsaw, you’ll do it faster if you just sit down and build it than you would if you just walk by every now and then to put a piece in place.

How can I learn Japanese on my own?

On your commute, try listening to Japanese music or a podcast that teaches you some Japanese on the go. If you’re interested in what’s happening in Japan, try reading the news on NHK News Easy. This is a great website for learners that provides news using simple kanji and vocab, plus audio, so you can listen and read along.