I’ve been using WaniKani and Bunpro for a while, and both of those services have been incredibly helpful for me when it comes to reading and understanding Japanese. I’m still quite bad, but I’m making progress, and it’s thanks to those two tools.
The reason for my post is that I’ve recently realized how bad I still am when I try to actually say sometime, myself, without just remembering a set phrase or having some sort of hint.
I’ve been using Japanese.IO as well, which has been great for understanding texts and reading simple Japanese, but unfortunately I don’t think it helps me to actually speak “freely”.
I’m not necessarily just referring to talking, even just trying to type out a phrase on my PC or phone, it’s the same thing - I’m really, really bad at it.
Sooo to get to the point of this - is there any website to practice this? Something that for instance shows a random English phrase and makes me type it out in Japanese. Ideally, it would connect with Bunpro and / or WaniKani and only expect me to utilize words / grammar that I’ve already learned.
I recently started using Speechling a bit, that one might actually help me with speaking Japanese (duh), but it’s not really exactly what I described above I think.
Does anyone else struggle with this? If so, what’s your approach?
Thanks!
I’ve never heard of anything quite like what you’re describing, but it honestly sounds great. The closest all-digital tool I could think of for making sentences is the Bunpo app, which is like a more effective Duolingo. But it doesn’t really make you translate from English…
Other than apps, I’ve had the most success with using HelloTalk, and having a language partner to fix my Japanese.
Or, for translation, I’ve heard of people buying the same book in two languages–you would read one part, try to translate it, and then check the Japanese!
I’d like to do more of this too, so hopefully there’s a tool someone knows out there
I believe OP means a site that will correct their mistakes so they don’t form bad habits in terms of grammar and sentence structure.
@yannick96 I don’t know of any sites like what you’re describing, but the Tofugu store used to have a set of 4500 sentences for translating built around 4500 individual vocabulary words. There’s also the app called HelloTalk which pairs you with language learning partners, and allows for you to correct each others messages in-app. Though your mileage may vary as you’re just pairing up with random strangers on the internet who want to learn your native language.
Ooh, I definitely understand what you’re going for! I will say, I have tried using HelloTalk and it was a pretty fun experience! It’s definitely a way for you to meet other people. It’s also helpful because you both are going into the app with the hope of bettering your language skills! It can be hard at first but the longer you’re on the app the better it gets. I used it when I was still jumping around on what language I wanted to learn ahah!
I have not ever heard of the website JapaneseIO though, it looks so interesting! I think this would a wonderful extension or app to have that would help you read and become familiar with various characters.
I’ll be cheering you on towards your goal and I hope someone will be able to drop other helpful links or resources for you to use!
It sounds like https://www.clozemaster.com/ might be perfect for you. The paid version gives you more choice of specific grammar, but in general, you should be able to set up your settings to allow typed answers only and (I believe) English prompts. The sentences are all famous lines from movies and the like.
I enjoyed using it for French, but my Japanese isn’t at the level yet for it to be efficient for learning for me.
Thanks for recommending HelloTalk! Oh and I really like japanese.io, especially the browser add-on. I’t actually a really useful addition to WaniKani. When I do my reviews, I always try to read and understand the example sentence, even though they’re mostly too difficult for me to understand. So what I do is I highlight the phrase and “decorate” the text using the browser add-on, looking at every single word and how it’s conjugated, etc. I can even save words with a click of a button. Unfortunately, the subscription also costs 10€ which is a little expensive imo. But the most essential features are included in the free plan. Man I sound like I’m paid by them lol, but I just wanted to say this because it’s been really helpful haha.
Thank you! It actually comes really, really close to what I’m looking for. I haven’t had enough time to used it a lot yet, but do you know if there’s also a mode for inputting the whole phrase, instead of filling the gap by using one specific word?
I actually changed my google assistant to Japanese (well I added it as a second language) but everything I’ve used it for in Japanese so far is asking for the weather lol. Also, half of the time I try to talk to in JP and it thinks I’m speaking German lmao. My pronunciation needs some work too I guess, but I digress
Thanks for the recommendations! I’ll check out the things you mentioned. Tbh I haven’t even formed bad habits yet because I struggle to even come up with a simple phrase in the first place lol. I really neglected the speaking / writing part waay to much
