If you're just getting started and you confused with all of the possible starter Japanese books out there, Genki is a great place start. Genki is the EXACT book that I used to go from absolute zero (except for several Japanese phrases I had memorized) to having some beginner-level confidence. I hope it helps! Don't forget to like, comment, share and subscribe :)
Hi @TheJapanGuy - Do you write your answers on the Genki books itself or do you write it on a separate sheet of paper or a notebook? I'm planning to re-sell my complete set Genki books once I'm done hence trying to keep in pristine condition while using.
I have spent months researching into teaching yourself to talk Japanese quickly and found an awesome resource at Japanese Magic Method (check it out on google)
hi everyone ,if anyone else wants to discover how to learn to speak japanese try Jadonite Simple Japanese Buddy (just google it ) ? Ive heard some super things about it and my work buddy got amazing results with it.
I know I’m 4 years late but I just watched this because I have started learning Japanese on my own but I wanted something that offered more structure and could fill the wholes in my knowledge that I couldn’t do on my own! I’m glad I found this review I’ll definitely be getting Genki thanks so much man for the help!
You’re not late at all. Everyone starts at different times and I made this review in the hopes that Genki might help someone the way it helped me. Seeing your comment, dour years after making this, makes me feel like I did what I set out to do. Big respect to you for starting on this journey! 頑張って！
Appreciate the video, im planning on being an ALT in Japan, but before I go, I do want to have a basic understanding of the language for obvious reasons. Looking forward to studying it this summer with the first text book and workbook!
I'm taking a Japanese class in the summer at my local community college. This book would be very essential for me to get a head-start on learning and mastering Japanese! This is very helpful and thanks for sharing!
Eleanor, unfortunately I couldn't reply to your comment directly. Where can you ask about videos for a topic from me? You can go to this link on my blog: 1. www.thejapanguy.com/contact-me-2/ or 2. You can email me here on RUclips (I think) Hope that helps!
+TheJapanGuy Not certain about the points made but ,if anyone else wants to discover best way to learn japanese language try Renkarter Japanese Tutor Report ( search on google ) ? Ive heard some amazing things about it and my friend got amazing success with it.
+TheJapanGuy Umm.. will it help me even if English is my fourth Language? I want to learn Japanese really bad, but I don't have time to start with a private teacher and there are no Japanese language books in my native Language.
learn japanese online reviews- interesting points ,if anyone else wants to learn about how to speak japanese online try Jadonite Simple Japanese Buddy ( search on google ) ? Ive heard some unbelievable things about it and my work buddy got great success with it.
Dude, you really know how to brighten a guy's day. I sincerely appreciate the kind words, my friend. Thanks for checking out the video and thank you so much for subscribing, Anthony. (fist bump)
So excited to just discover your channel. I’ve been trying to learn Japanese on Duolingo and found myself just repeating Hiragana and Katakana, feeling limited. Searched on Amazon for texts and found great reviews for Genki. Just received today. I looked for info on Genki on RUclips and found your channel. Awesome you’re in Japan 🇯🇵 💥🙏 Thanks for the awesome video 💜
Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment. I'm so excited for you. Japanese is challenging and so much fun at the same time. I hope you you do some amazing things with your Japanese.
Quite a well put together video, thank you for this! I started learning Japanese using the Michel Thomas audio books, which helped me form some sentences vocabulary, but stopped after a while because of exams. I want to get back into it, and bought Genki 1 from Amazon Japan. I can't wait to try it. Arigato gozaimashita! Watashi no nihongo wa jozu nai desu ne. Nihongo sukoshi o hanasemasu kara Nihon ni ikitaidesu.
Thanks so much for this video! Ive been stressing out trying to figure out a good self study textbook and i think Genki is the one for me! Can't wait to start!
I actually decided to try Japanese from zero but im not really enjoying it much, it uses romanji and I dont really like that, im officially switching over to Genki soon
Great video. I used Genki I & II at Kansai Gaidai University in Osaka way back in 1999. I first used Japanese for Busy People and Yokosou in college in Tampa and neither books worked for me like the Genki series.
"I didn't want to walk around and hear everyone sound like Charley Brown's teacher!" Exactly!! My worst fear about being in a foreign country is being there and barely knowing what's going on. If you land somewhere wrong that's not filled with English then you're in trouble I'm excited to use Genki. Im glad I found this video to reinforce! I know hiragana pretty decently, katakana not at all 🤣 and I hope to find something outside for kanji but I wanted genki for the basics
Thank you Hoberchi! Great question. Genki 2 is a solid textbook, too. I did like Genki 1 better, but there's some essential stuff in Genki 2. A recently reviewed it, too: ruclips.net/video/oGVqS3kgzC8/видео.html
If you want: Genki I [2nd Edition] + workbook + mp3 files + answer key Genki II [2nd Edition] + workbook + mp3 files then go to: drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B1f7wbm9o-enZ2dOS19nMzRtUlU
Good to see you again Donaldo-san! Hope you are doing well! Since last I spoke to you (typed actually haha) I am now taking Japanese in college! Ive studied some before so I can say im in the top of my class at how far I have learned! Not bragging by any means cause today we learned how to tell time and I just straight up blanked out. But I use the Genki book and its good! Same with the workbook! Good to see you again man hope everything is good on your end my friend!
+TerraOblivion27 SOOOOOOO good to hear your voice (er..read your words). That's so freakin' cool that you're studying Japanese...top of your class, too?!? Proud of you!! That's amazing. We'll keep growing and keep learning. 日本語の勉強するのを頑張ろうよ！
I agree with BaoDo about Elementary Japanese as I used Volume one and two and found both much better than Genki. Elementary Japanese starts off teaching you kana within the lesson and then moves on to Kanji from lesson 3 V1. Usage and grammar are covered and in a way it is easy to understand. I feel that Elementary Japanese is better for self study also, and great for use in the classroom. The included audio files are way better too. I studied Japanese in university and lived in Japan for 14 years or so. Hope you take the time to review Elementary Japanese and post your thoughts about it. Think you have a very helpful and nice RUclips channel :) .
Thank you and BaoDo for sharing this. It's good to hear another confirming opinion. I'll definitely look at it now. Sounds like Elementary Japanese is a quality textbook. I'm all over it! :D
Great question, Grankt! I wouldn't say its the best for all levels. But it can definitely help you pass the N5 and maybe even N4. But N3 and up, you'll definitely need more reading and drill practice.
I'd definitely say both textbooks are worth getting. Butt my honest recommendation: Start with the Genki One textbook and workbook to see if the style matches you. Once you're nearing the end of Genki One and it feels like it's working, then start setting your sights on Genki Two. Thanks for watching! I hope that helps.
Awesome review! I'm currently on chapter 4. I have one question, what was your learning process when doing Genki I? When you reached a new chapter did you first memorize the vocabulary before continuing? I would love to hear your process. Subscribed! :D
The nearby church, which has a Japanese class. decided to switch from Japanese for Busy People to Genki. I found Genki too hard and discouraging. But if I "read" your video correctly, it' s not an impossible textbook. Did you self study or use the book in a college class?
That's a great question, actually. Hmm...while I do think a child could get value from Genki, but I'd have to do some research before saying that it's the best child-focused Japanese textbook.
Hey, Robin! Do you remember which video? It’s been a while since I made these. I don’t remember using an app to read these, but I could be wrong. Thanks for watching 🙏
+TY 84H My pleasure TY84H! GR8 Question! Reading in Japanese is the most difficult part of learning this language for me. I'm still working on it to be honest.
+TheJapanGuy +TheJapanGuy ya it is pretty difficult learning how to read and write in Japanese , well thx for the opinion, and hope to see more videos in the future👍🏻 How about a video on, Cost of living in Japan? or what you need to move to Japan? 👍🏻
The only thing I really didn't like about it is that it's designed for college students. So it will teach you things like talking about homework and other things students do. Plus it has a lot of lessons where it asks you to pair up with a classmate and have a conversation with them. That's not something you can usually do when you're studying on your own.
If you have to choose which thing to get first, I'd definitely say the textbook first. And going in order helps because Genki 2 assumes you know what's in Genki 2. I hope that helps!
Hey Japan Guy! Very informative review! I had one question for you before I make a purchase. Does the textbook and workbook have everything you need to teach yourself Japanese and check your work? I'm only asking because I noticed they had an answer key for sale in the Amazon store. Love your videos!
I think I bought the answer key, too! But I went a little nuts when I started. I bought almost every Genki thing I could get my hands on. While I don't recommend that, that answer key might be helpful. But if you have a tutor walking you through it, won't need it.
I've heard people say that you won't actually be learning Japanese if you only do the genki book and workbook. That you need to study for hours on top of it with other resources AND have a conversation partner you practice with hours every day. If I just bought the book do you think it would be enough to learn a basic understanding of the language? I do watch Japanese streamers that speak both Japanese and English but no friends that would conversate with me. Don't want to waste the money if I'd do it all for nothing and didn't gain anything after completing the book- also only have maybe 2 hours a day I could study with where my life is currently. Appreciate any input- I know this is an old video.
Adam, that's a great question! Much of what you're saying is absolutely true. Genki isn't perfect in that even after going through both books, it doesn't necessarily mean you'll fully understand Japanese. Spoken Japanese can sound very different sometimes. And, yes, you will ABSOLUTELY will need a person to practice with (or in my case...be exposed to the real language in some way). However, Genki was a TREMENDOUS help in getting a solid Japanese base. I do think Genki enough to get a basic understanding or the language and I stand behind that. Thanks again for your question.
I have a question when you listen to japanese or speak it, does it come easy and natural like english? And if so in your process of learning japanese when did this happen, in your 1,2,3 month?
charro carlos great question! I’d say it depends on the day and who I’m talking to LOL. There will be days where you understand a lot and others where your ears fail you. BUT I just try to make sure I’m able to understand more and more each day. I’d say once I starting studying more seriously I could notice some serious improvement after about 60 days. But every person is different. Every person’s study/review schedule is also different
You really don't look like a Japanese guy but i'm totally fine with that because i am german and i have a red beard. Imagine a Japanese guy with dark red/brown hair and a bright red beard, that would be me (hilarious, eh?). I'm just in the beginning of my journey to Japan and my plan is to speak Japanese fluently not later than 2020 when the Olympic Games take place in Japan. I wish you good fun and all the best for the future. Cheerio!
+OzzyAwesome OHHHHHH MY FREAKIN' GOODNESS!!! Ozzy!!!! I'm good, man. Missing you is how I am. But life is good, working in Tokyo, out of the sharehouse I was in, so it should be a lot easier to make vids now. Nothing in the way. How the heck are ya, homie?
Im just now starting to learn japanese learing hirigana n katakani n then kanji but its frustrating trying to speak or write words n sentences cause im doing it by myself n have no feedback from anyone 😩😩😩😩🤯
Great question. I friend actually gave me that book before leaving Japan. Honestly, I don't have a take on it (YET) because I haven't gone through it. But after seeing this, I'll make some time to take a look.
interesting points ,if anyone else trying to find out best way to learn japanese language try Nevolly Fast Japanese Nerd (do a search on google ) ? Ive heard some decent things about it and my brother in law got amazing success with it.
I have spent months researching into how to talk Japanese quickly and discovered a great resource at Fergs Magic Blueprint (google it if you are interested)
I gotta say I really liked Tae Kim's guide, too. But I took a look at it after I had completed Genki. It's hard to say whether they work well together when you're just getting started. I think either one would be a good place to start. I just worry if using both at the same time would cause any info overload for the Japanese beginner.
I'm on chapter 6 of Genki now. I really like this book! It's been a while since I've been able to study, so the workbook might be a good way to recap... As for kanji, plenty of (free!) resources and apps for that :-) (Obenkyo is a good one).
yes same for me, It's a great review tool as well as general study tool which will get you thru a highly grammatical language like Japanese. it's very well strcutured
Thank you very much. I have a problem. I don't know, how I can get Genki 1. I learn Japanese and I need this book . Help me to get this book , please.. could you send me these books, please? I can't get these books therefore I need your help. Answer me please.
Oh no! Sorry Kamara, I'm not able to ship the books personally, but have you checked Amazon? Do they ship to your area? If not, eBay may have sellers that ship to places that Amazon doesn't. Or Better World Books (if they have it in stock). I hope that helps. I hope you're able to get them.
I’m a Japanese University student. I’m not good at English,and I’m busy studying everyday. (^_^;) Let’s try our best! 私は日本の大学生です。 私は英語が得意ではなく毎日勉強に追われています。お互い頑張りましょ！
Hello! I just found your channel and found this review really helpful! I would like to know if completing the Genki I series would be sufficient enough to pass the JLPT N5 test? Thank you ˆˆ
![Genki Two Review [A Japanese Textbook Worth Using?]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/oGVqS3kgzC8/mqdefault.jpg)
If you're just getting started and you confused with all of the possible starter Japanese books out there, Genki is a great place start. Genki is the EXACT book that I used to go from absolute zero (except for several Japanese phrases I had memorized) to having some beginner-level confidence. I hope it helps!
Don't forget to like, comment, share and subscribe :)
I've been studying learning Japanese and discovered a fantastic website at Japanese Magic Method (check it out on google)
Which one would you need first, the workbook or the textbook?
If you have to pick one, I'd DEFINITELY say the textbook first. The workbook is extremely useful, but the textbook is Genki's core.
Hi @TheJapanGuy - Do you write your answers on the Genki books itself or do you write it on a separate sheet of paper or a notebook? I'm planning to re-sell my complete set Genki books once I'm done hence trying to keep in pristine condition while using.
TheJapanGuy bro how long does it take to finish this book 📚
It's funny cause I hated the workbooks they gave us in elementary school now I sitting here wanting one
I have spent months researching into teaching yourself to talk Japanese quickly and found an awesome resource at Japanese Magic Method (check it out on google)
jayla Willis I have genki 1 and I feel like i don’t know how to do it
hi everyone ,if anyone else wants to discover how to learn to speak japanese try Jadonite Simple Japanese Buddy (just google it ) ? Ive heard some super things about it and my work buddy got amazing results with it.
was not expecting that voice from this absolute unit of a man good review though
I get that alot, actually. Thanks for checking out the review, dude.
that Charlie Brown bit had me dying hilarious absolutely hilarious
Keith Crum me too 😂😂
Yes! XD
I've almost got Hiragana down and Katakana looks less complex and at least I've already know all the sounds. Learning Japanese is kinda fun!
How's it going
?
And then the Kanji come in. Muahaha
I know I’m 4 years late but I just watched this because I have started learning Japanese on my own but I wanted something that offered more structure and could fill the wholes in my knowledge that I couldn’t do on my own! I’m glad I found this review I’ll definitely be getting Genki thanks so much man for the help!
You’re not late at all. Everyone starts at different times and I made this review in the hopes that Genki might help someone the way it helped me. Seeing your comment, dour years after making this, makes me feel like I did what I set out to do. Big respect to you for starting on this journey! 頑張って！
very useful! ありがとう
Appreciate the video, im planning on being an ALT in Japan, but before I go, I do want to have a basic understanding of the language for obvious reasons. Looking forward to studying it this summer with the first text book and workbook!
The Marine708 I hope it helped!
I'm taking a Japanese class in the summer at my local community college. This book would be very essential for me to get a head-start on learning and mastering Japanese! This is very helpful and thanks for sharing!
Eleanor, unfortunately I couldn't reply to your comment directly. Where can you ask about videos for a topic from me?
You can go to this link on my blog:
1. www.thejapanguy.com/contact-me-2/
or
2. You can email me here on RUclips (I think)
Hope that helps!
+TheJapanGuy thank you!
Eléanor+ No worries :)
+TheJapanGuy Not certain about the points made but ,if anyone else wants to discover best way to learn japanese language try Renkarter Japanese Tutor Report ( search on google ) ? Ive heard some amazing things about it and my friend got amazing success with it.
+TheJapanGuy Umm.. will it help me even if English is my fourth Language? I want to learn Japanese really bad, but I don't have time to start with a private teacher and there are no Japanese language books in my native Language.
learn japanese online reviews- interesting points ,if anyone else wants to learn about how to speak japanese online try Jadonite Simple Japanese Buddy ( search on google ) ? Ive heard some unbelievable things about it and my work buddy got great success with it.
Man, I love your attitude. Just saw this single video and INSTAsuscribed to your channel. World needs more people like you.
Dude, you really know how to brighten a guy's day. I sincerely appreciate the kind words, my friend. Thanks for checking out the video and thank you so much for subscribing, Anthony. (fist bump)
So excited to just discover your channel. I’ve been trying to learn Japanese on Duolingo and found myself just repeating Hiragana and Katakana, feeling limited. Searched on Amazon for texts and found great reviews for Genki. Just received today. I looked for info on Genki on RUclips and found your channel. Awesome you’re in Japan 🇯🇵 💥🙏 Thanks for the awesome video 💜
Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment. I'm so excited for you. Japanese is challenging and so much fun at the same time. I hope you you do some amazing things with your Japanese.
@@TheJapanGuy Thanks 🙏 so much. I look forward to other wonderful videos 🇯🇵
Great Video, I just ordered both Genki 1& 2
I'm going to university to study a degree in Japanese language!
I hope these books help me a lot :)
Thanks for watching Bryce! I hope you've been getting some great value out of the Genki series!
This is a fun video I can't help myself but to subscribe 💞 more powers to you!
Quite a well put together video, thank you for this! I started learning Japanese using the Michel Thomas audio books, which helped me form some sentences vocabulary, but stopped after a while because of exams. I want to get back into it, and bought Genki 1 from Amazon Japan. I can't wait to try it. Arigato gozaimashita! Watashi no nihongo wa jozu nai desu ne. Nihongo sukoshi o hanasemasu kara Nihon ni ikitaidesu.
Thanks so much for this video! Ive been stressing out trying to figure out a good self study textbook and i think Genki is the one for me! Can't wait to start!
I actually decided to try Japanese from zero but im not really enjoying it much, it uses romanji and I dont really like that, im officially switching over to Genki soon
Kayden James Benavidez are you flent now
Great video. I used Genki I & II at Kansai Gaidai University in Osaka way back in 1999. I first used Japanese for Busy People and Yokosou in college in Tampa and neither books worked for me like the Genki series.
You are so nice!! I just couldn't leave without saying this :D
Thank you!
Thank you for the review. Just ordered it.
100% my pleasure. I hope it serves you well, Icestrike!
Thank you, you have convinced me to buy!
I was using your website and discovered this video. Thank you, your blog posts have been really helpful
When it comes to "dirty and raw" Japanese, FilthyFrank is the one to go to!
*goes to Google* lol
thanks for the review i've been looking into getting this book
Thank you for watching!
I’m gonna grab one of these.
I hope it helps, Justin.
"I didn't want to walk around and hear everyone sound like Charley Brown's teacher!" Exactly!! My worst fear about being in a foreign country is being there and barely knowing what's going on. If you land somewhere wrong that's not filled with English then you're in trouble
I'm excited to use Genki. Im glad I found this video to reinforce! I know hiragana pretty decently, katakana not at all 🤣 and I hope to find something outside for kanji but I wanted genki for the basics
I liked, subscribed, and put my notifications on!
I think I got the work book on accident, in stead of the textbook.
DANG IT!
Great review. Very useful c:
Thank you for watching!
Excellent review... have you also used Genki 2? If so, how did you like it?
Thanks
Thank you Hoberchi!
Great question. Genki 2 is a solid textbook, too. I did like Genki 1 better, but there's some essential stuff in Genki 2. A recently reviewed it, too: ruclips.net/video/oGVqS3kgzC8/видео.html
If you want:
Genki I [2nd Edition] + workbook + mp3 files + answer key
Genki II [2nd Edition] + workbook + mp3 files
then go to: drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B1f7wbm9o-enZ2dOS19nMzRtUlU
Brendan Berney the book 1 has 140 paces, why?
because you're looking at the workbook
Brendan Berney THANK YOU
We need more nice people like you in this world
Thank you Brendan. eventho I'll still buy a copy of the Textbooks but I can save some on the workbook!
Good to see you again Donaldo-san! Hope you are doing well! Since last I spoke to you (typed actually haha) I am now taking Japanese in college! Ive studied some before so I can say im in the top of my class at how far I have learned! Not bragging by any means cause today we learned how to tell time and I just straight up blanked out. But I use the Genki book and its good! Same with the workbook! Good to see you again man hope everything is good on your end my friend!
+TerraOblivion27 SOOOOOOO good to hear your voice (er..read your words). That's so freakin' cool that you're studying Japanese...top of your class, too?!? Proud of you!! That's amazing. We'll keep growing and keep learning.
日本語の勉強するのを頑張ろうよ！
Hello Man cool video!! As for the exercises on both textbook and workbook, do they come with solutions??
Thanks. A copy arrived today.
I hope you find it as useful as I did, Keith!
Great video! I'll think about getting them. Thanks so much!
+Chey's Shows 200% my pleasure. Thank YOU for watching!!
Great video, thanks!
Was told to get genki 1 for my beginners course, but thanks for the vid anyway! 😁
I agree with BaoDo about Elementary Japanese as I used Volume one and two and found both much better than Genki. Elementary Japanese starts off teaching you kana within the lesson and then moves on to Kanji from lesson 3 V1. Usage and grammar are covered and in a way it is easy to understand. I feel that Elementary Japanese is better for self study also, and great for use in the classroom. The included audio files are way better too. I studied Japanese in university and lived in Japan for 14 years or so. Hope you take the time to review Elementary Japanese and post your thoughts about it. Think you have a very helpful and nice RUclips channel :) .
Thank you and BaoDo for sharing this. It's good to hear another confirming opinion. I'll definitely look at it now. Sounds like Elementary Japanese is a quality textbook. I'm all over it! :D
@@TheJapanGuy Hope you like it as much as I do....I did both Genki and Elementary Japanese, and while Genki was ok... EJ was excellent...imho :)
Awesome! Thank you so much. I will definitely purchase it! Youre awesome by the way 😁
Thank you, Neko! So are you.
thanks man i really liked this video. im using it myself and it is great
Thanks for watching! More importantly thanks for sharing your experience with this book!
Great review, I'm considering picking it up. Yeah it's expensive but seems to be worth it.
Love your video!
Thanks for that, Cayenne!
Genki is great. Thank you. I didn't know they taught Japanese, also. Would you say it's the best book for beginners starting to prepare for the JLPT?
Great question, Grankt! I wouldn't say its the best for all levels. But it can definitely help you pass the N5 and maybe even N4. But N3 and up, you'll definitely need more reading and drill practice.
You give off such a good vibe
I really appreciate that. Thank you!
informative video thanks brother
Awesome video thank you so much!!
100% my pleasure.
do i need both textbooks? love your videos!!
I'd definitely say both textbooks are worth getting.
Butt my honest recommendation: Start with the Genki One textbook and workbook to see if the style matches you. Once you're nearing the end of Genki One and it feels like it's working, then start setting your sights on Genki Two.
Thanks for watching! I hope that helps.
Awesome review! I'm currently on chapter 4. I have one question, what was your learning process when doing Genki I? When you reached a new chapter did you first memorize the vocabulary before continuing? I would love to hear your process. Subscribed! :D
Thank you so much for this!
best review. thanks man.
Truly my pleasure. Thanks for watching!
I am not a native English speaker but I find the way you speak so calming? Lmao.
Great video, btw.
Super kind of you! Thank you so much, Rinquel.
The nearby church, which has a Japanese class. decided to switch from Japanese for Busy People to Genki. I found Genki too hard and discouraging. But if I "read" your video correctly, it' s not an impossible textbook. Did you self study or use the book in a college class?
Tysm!
My pleasure!!!
ありがとうございます.
どういたしまして！
I love that I am able to read this now 😭
Can you recommend GENKI to a 8 year old?
That's a great question, actually. Hmm...while I do think a child could get value from Genki, but I'd have to do some research before saying that it's the best child-focused Japanese textbook.
I would be cautious when using Genki 1, with an 8 year old. As Marysan does try some bad bad things like smoking and suicide.
@@happyhindu30 suicide?
great review
Thank you!
How about learning the characters of the three scripts?
hey! are there videos or some sort of free resource that can walk me through the book?
Was it pimsleur basic convo Or pimsleur comprehensive?
thanks, this was super helpful :)
So glad to hear that!
3:50 Both the textbook and workbook associated with Genki I
I saw in another video with you and the Genki book, but you also used a app to read it out loud what app did you use?
Hey, Robin! Do you remember which video? It’s been a while since I made these. I don’t remember using an app to read these, but I could be wrong. Thanks for watching 🙏
Wow thx so much for this vid man👍🏻 and also, How long did it take you to learn how to read Japanese?
+TY 84H My pleasure TY84H! GR8 Question!
Reading in Japanese is the most difficult part of learning this language for me. I'm still working on it to be honest.
+TheJapanGuy +TheJapanGuy ya it is pretty difficult learning how to read and write in Japanese , well thx for the opinion, and hope to see more videos in the future👍🏻
How about a video on, Cost of living in Japan? or what you need to move to Japan? 👍🏻
The only thing I really didn't like about it is that it's designed for college students. So it will teach you things like talking about homework and other things students do. Plus it has a lot of lessons where it asks you to pair up with a classmate and have a conversation with them. That's not something you can usually do when you're studying on your own.
Phil Nolan Just skip those parts...there's still a bunch of exercises for each grammar point
I'm thinking buy it!! I'm living in Japan too!! Thank you for the review
Truly my pleasure, Sayuri! I'm super glad you found it useful.
Does it matter if I get the text/work books in order? because I’m also buying for Japanese from zero 1 and 2
If you have to choose which thing to get first, I'd definitely say the textbook first. And going in order helps because Genki 2 assumes you know what's in Genki 2. I hope that helps!
Hey Japan Guy!
Very informative review! I had one question for you before I make a purchase. Does the textbook and workbook have everything you need to teach yourself Japanese and check your work? I'm only asking because I noticed they had an answer key for sale in the Amazon store.
Love your videos!
I think I bought the answer key, too! But I went a little nuts when I started. I bought almost every Genki thing I could get my hands on. While I don't recommend that, that answer key might be helpful. But if you have a tutor walking you through it, won't need it.
Great video👍
does genki one have 0 casual Japanese or just a little?
I've heard people say that you won't actually be learning Japanese if you only do the genki book and workbook. That you need to study for hours on top of it with other resources AND have a conversation partner you practice with hours every day.
If I just bought the book do you think it would be enough to learn a basic understanding of the language? I do watch Japanese streamers that speak both Japanese and English but no friends that would conversate with me. Don't want to waste the money if I'd do it all for nothing and didn't gain anything after completing the book- also only have maybe 2 hours a day I could study with where my life is currently.
Appreciate any input- I know this is an old video.
Adam, that's a great question! Much of what you're saying is absolutely true.
Genki isn't perfect in that even after going through both books, it doesn't necessarily mean you'll fully understand Japanese. Spoken Japanese can sound very different sometimes.
And, yes, you will ABSOLUTELY will need a person to practice with (or in my case...be exposed to the real language in some way).
However, Genki was a TREMENDOUS help in getting a solid Japanese base. I do think Genki enough to get a basic understanding or the language and I stand behind that.
Thanks again for your question.
I have a question when you listen to japanese or speak it, does it come easy and natural like english? And if so in your process of learning japanese when did this happen, in your 1,2,3 month?
charro carlos great question! I’d say it depends on the day and who I’m talking to LOL. There will be days where you understand a lot and others where your ears fail you. BUT I just try to make sure I’m able to understand more and more each day.
I’d say once I starting studying more seriously I could notice some serious improvement after about 60 days. But every person is different. Every person’s study/review schedule is also different
You really don't look like a Japanese guy but i'm totally fine with that because i am german and i have a red beard. Imagine a Japanese guy with dark red/brown hair and a bright red beard, that would be me (hilarious, eh?).
I'm just in the beginning of my journey to Japan and my plan is to speak Japanese fluently not later than 2020 when the Olympic Games take place in Japan.
I wish you good fun and all the best for the future.
Cheerio!
Being fluent by the Olympics is a great goal to have, Christof!
good review. glad you are doing well! how is life? what are you up to recently?
+OzzyAwesome OHHHHHH MY FREAKIN' GOODNESS!!! Ozzy!!!! I'm good, man. Missing you is how I am. But life is good, working in Tokyo, out of the sharehouse I was in, so it should be a lot easier to make vids now. Nothing in the way. How the heck are ya, homie?
Someone gave me a softcopy of this book and I have it printed, so basically, I didn't spend that much. 😍
I wish you have briefly showed us the pages.
I heard that genki 1 had vocabulary error there was 2 is that true.
His voice 👌🏻🔥
Im just now starting to learn japanese learing hirigana n katakani n then kanji but its frustrating trying to speak or write words n sentences cause im doing it by myself n have no feedback from anyone 😩😩😩😩🤯
What do you think about the book "Elementary Japanese" by Hasegawa Yoko if you have it
Great question. I friend actually gave me that book before leaving Japan. Honestly, I don't have a take on it (YET) because I haven't gone through it. But after seeing this, I'll make some time to take a look.
You can get it for free search genki 1 pdf google drive
is it the workbook or textbook?
Sofia R everything including the mp3s
Yoel Marquez thank you^^
شكراً🙏💜
The problem I have with learning is the remembering, I just have a hard time with that. Any suggestions?
Sorry, I’m just seeing this! I HIGHLY recommend using Anki. I struggle with memorization too, but it helps. Great question!
I am fluent in dubstep, and your words are offensive. :-P . Jk love ya
Hahahahaha! Thanks for watching :D
you're so cute ;)
Right? He is so handsome
+Ladydee You're gonna give me a nosebleed with those kinds of comments. LOL But thank you!
+Alize Johnson Oooh, now you've done it...DRIP, DRIP. Yep, a nosebleed. Thanks Alize
interesting points ,if anyone else trying to find out best way to learn japanese language try Nevolly Fast Japanese Nerd (do a search on google ) ? Ive heard some decent things about it and my brother in law got amazing success with it.
I have spent months researching into how to talk Japanese quickly and discovered a great resource at Fergs Magic Blueprint (google it if you are interested)
would you recommend tae kims lessons with the genki
I gotta say I really liked Tae Kim's guide, too. But I took a look at it after I had completed Genki.
It's hard to say whether they work well together when you're just getting started. I think either one would be a good place to start. I just worry if using both at the same time would cause any info overload for the Japanese beginner.
Hey, i used this book when i studied Japanese in the university. I didn't like my teacher.
Sorry you didn't like your teacher. Yeah, I think I originally bought the book because so many universities were using it to teach 101 level Japanese.
I'm on chapter 6 of Genki now. I really like this book! It's been a while since I've been able to study, so the workbook might be a good way to recap... As for kanji, plenty of (free!) resources and apps for that :-) (Obenkyo is a good one).
yes same for me, It's a great review tool as well as general study tool which will get you thru a highly grammatical language like Japanese. it's very well strcutured
Thank you very much. I have a problem. I don't know, how I can get Genki 1. I learn Japanese and I need this book . Help me to get this book , please.. could you send me these books, please? I can't get these books therefore I need your help. Answer me please.
Oh no! Sorry Kamara, I'm not able to ship the books personally, but have you checked Amazon? Do they ship to your area? If not, eBay may have sellers that ship to places that Amazon doesn't. Or Better World Books (if they have it in stock). I hope that helps. I hope you're able to get them.
Hi do you feel 元気after studying the book?
Hahaha! That was pretty good. Yeah, I guess I kinda do.
I’m a Japanese University student.
I’m not good at English,and I’m busy studying everyday. (^_^;)
Let’s try our best!
私は日本の大学生です。
私は英語が得意ではなく毎日勉強に追われています。お互い頑張りましょ！
That's amazing. I think you're going to pick up so much. 100% Respect!
応援するよ！一緒に頑張ろうよ :)
楽しみ！
genki!? get ready for sari san the indojin hahahahaha
Hahahah! Love it!
Subscribed
Do you need the workbook?
You don't have to have it, but I do recommend it they really work well together.
This is a fine review, but I must say your username is about as creative as Physics Girl's.
Hahahaha! Funny cuz it's true!
I appreciate you watching, though.
haha mine is ripped the same way
Hahaha! Ripped Genki buddies!
Amazing
It's an expensive book, it's £49.99 on amazon and then the coursebook for writing is £29.99. Is. It cheaper anywhere
Buy it on Japanese amazon it’s more cheaper there
Hello! I just found your channel and found this review really helpful! I would like to know if completing the Genki I series would be sufficient enough to pass the JLPT N5 test? Thank you ˆˆ
yes
Absolutely! I actually passed N4 using the Genki Series (my reading wasn't the best, though)
I also got the old version new one is too expensive
Holy shit he lives!
+cookiemonsteryummy2 YESSIR!!!! I wouldn't leave ya, homie
Damn man, we haven't talked in months. And that was on facebook haha, good to see a couple more videos man. How have you been?
i like how my parents think im japanese just from immersing into the language form anime-