Learn Japanese Fluently Online: Best Courses, Apps & Self-Study Guide

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Thanks to a vast selection of online courses, mobile apps, and interactive communities, learning to speak Japanese fluently is now more achievable than ever. Whether you're just starting or looking to reach advanced fluency, digital platforms provide structured and engaging ways to progress.

This guide covers everything you need to know about learning Japanese online efficiently, from mastering the Japanese alphabet to holding real conversations.

Why Choose Online Courses to Learn Japanese Fluently?

Online Japanese language courses are growing in popularity because they offer flexibility, customisation, and a wide variety of resources that suit different learning styles. Whether you prefer visual lessons, audio guides, or real-time interactions with tutors, online courses can adapt to your needs.

Here are some major advantages of online learning:

Interactive video lessons that simulate a classroom experience

Grammar and vocabulary breakdowns that build strong foundational skills

Listening and speaking exercises that improve practical usage

Language learning communities like Reddit’s r/LearnJapanese, where learners share resources and experiences

Popular platforms that provide structured Japanese language courses include:

TLS-The Japanese Language School – Offers live instructor-led sessions and practice tests for the JLPT

Duolingo – Excellent for beginners with its gamified learning approach

WaniKani – Focuses heavily on learning Kanji through mnemonics and SRS

Busuu – Offers a combination of vocabulary, grammar, and native speaker feedback

Rosetta Stone – Known for immersive learning techniques

Duolingo, for example, is highly rated for helping users stay consistent with bite-sized lessons that are fun and addictive, perfect for anyone just beginning their journey into Japanese.

Best Japanese Fluently Apps to Learn on the Go

Mobile apps allow for learning on the move, whether you're commuting, waiting in line, or relaxing at home. These apps are especially useful for building vocabulary, reinforcing grammar, and maintaining consistency in daily learning.

Here are some of the best apps for learning Japanese fluently:

Duolingo – Ideal for beginners to get started with basic phrases and sentence structures

Tandem – A language exchange app that connects you with native Japanese speakers for real-time conversation

Anki – A flashcard app that uses spaced repetition to help you memorize thousands of Japanese words and Kanji

LingoDeer – Offers structured grammar-based lessons similar to a traditional curriculum

Human Japanese – Provides deep explanations, cultural insights, and audio from native speakers

Apps like LingoDeer are often preferred by learners who want a more structured, grammar-focused approach compared to Duolingo’s vocabulary-based style.

How to Learn Japanese by Yourself

Self-study is a highly effective way to learn Japanese, provided you follow a disciplined and structured approach. Here’s a step-by-step method for independent learners:

Master the Japanese Writing Systems
Begin with Hiragana and Katakana. These two phonetic scripts are fundamental to reading and writing. Then, slowly introduce basic Kanji.

Use Free Resources
Access high-quality platforms like:

Practice Speaking Daily
Use voice recording apps, shadow native speakers in podcasts or anime, and practice basic conversations aloud.

Study Grammar and Sentence Structures
Understanding particles, verb conjugations, question formation, and politeness levels is essential. Resources like Imabi and Genki textbooks are helpful.

Immerse Yourself in Japanese Media
Watch anime with subtitles, read simple manga, or follow Japanese YouTubers. Immersion accelerates fluency and helps with pronunciation and contextual understanding

With this consistent approach, you can become conversationally fluent within months.

Learn the Japanese Alphabet First

The first step toward fluency is to become familiar with the Japanese writing systems. There are three scripts:

Hiragana (ひらがな) – Used for native Japanese words and grammatical functions

Katakana (カタカナ) – Used for foreign words, names, and sound effects

Kanji (漢字) – Borrowed Chinese characters representing whole words or concepts

Learning Hiragana and Katakana usually takes 1–2 weeks. Kanji takes longer but is essential for reading fluently. Use apps like KanaQuiz, WaniKani, or Anki decks for daily practice. Websites like Japanese-Lesson.com provide excellent beginner guides.

Essential Japanese Fluently Words & Phrases

Start with high-frequency words and basic phrases that are commonly used in daily conversation. Here are a few examples:

こんにちは (Konnichiwa) – Hello

おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu) – Good morning

ありがとう (Arigatou) – Thank you

はい / いいえ (Hai / Iie) – Yes / No

すみません (Sumimasen) – Excuse me / Sorry

Learning 100–200 core words and phrases can help you start speaking with confidence.

How to Be Fluent in Japanese in 3 Months

While full fluency typically takes longer, it’s possible to become conversationally fluent in 3 months with a dedicated routine:

Study 2–3 hours daily focusing on grammar, listening, and speaking

Use SRS flashcards like Anki to memorize vocabulary efficiently

Practice speaking using Tandem or HelloTalk with native speakers

Watch Japanese shows daily to tune your ear to pronunciation and speed

Enroll in an immersive course like the ones offered by TLS or JapanesePod101

Following a strict schedule and minimizing distractions will accelerate your learning significantly.

Japanese Fluently Reddit – Join the Community

One of the best ways to stay motivated is by connecting with others learning the language. The r/LearnJapanese subreddit is an active forum where you can:

Ask grammar and vocabulary questions

Get textbook and course recommendations

Share your progress

Discover free tools and resources

Participate in community challenges like “30-day speaking practice”

Being part of a community helps overcome plateaus and keeps you accountable.

Best Platforms to Learn Japanese Online

If you’re on a budget or just exploring the language, here are some of the top free platforms:

TLS-The Japanese Language School – Live virtual classes with certified tutors

NHK Easy Japanese – Beginner-friendly audio lessons

Tae Kim’s Guide – Grammar explanations with examples

Duolingo – A Good starting point for vocabulary

JapanesePod101 – Free podcasts with upgrade options

These platforms offer enough content to build a strong foundation in the language.

Final Thoughts: Your Path to Speaking Japanese Fluently

Fluency in Japanese goes beyond memorizing vocabulary or passing exams—it’s about truly connecting with the culture, using the language in real-life situations, and committing to consistent practice.

By blending structured online courses, interactive mobile apps, self-study routines, and community engagement, you can elevate your learning journey and make steady progress.

Whether you're dreaming of travelling to Japan, aiming to pass the JLPT, or simply wanting to enjoy anime without subtitles, the right tools and guidance can make all the difference.

At TLS – The Japanese Language School, we combine expert instruction with immersive, real-world learning to help you speak Japanese with confidence.

Start today, stay consistent, and enjoy every step of your path to Japanese fluency—with TLS by your side.

If you're looking for structured programs and expert guidance, don't miss our guide on the Best Online Courses for Learning Japanese.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How long does it take to speak Japanese fluently?
A: Conversational fluency can be reached in 3–6 months with daily practice. Full fluency may take 1–2 years, depending on effort and immersion.

Q2: Can I learn Japanese fluently for free?
A: Yes. Many high-quality resources like NHK Easy Japanese, Duolingo, and Tae Kim’s Guide are free and effective for self-learners.

Q3: What is the best app to become fluent in Japanese?
A: Duolingo, LingoDeer, Anki, and Tandem are some of the best apps. Each serves a different purpose—vocabulary, grammar, or conversation.

Q4: Is it possible to learn Japanese by myself?
A: Absolutely. With the right resources and dedication, self-learners can achieve fluency without formal classes.

Q5: Should I learn Hiragana and Katakana first?
A: Yes. These scripts are essential for reading, writing, and understanding Japanese. Learn them before moving on to grammar or Kanji.

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LEARN JAPANESE FLUENTLY ONLINE: BEST COURSES, APPS & SELF-STUDY GUIDE

Learn Japanese Fluently Online: Best Courses, Apps & Self-Study Guide