Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn Japanese in Washington, DC and what are the possibilities in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with apps, you have four principal options for learning Japanese interactively in Washington, DC. First, universities and community colleges are an especially good idea for in-state residents. Also, ask about the centers for continuing education and professional studies (they are cheaper.) Your 2nd resource can be local private language academies that are better priced and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, international learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Fourth, you can look for a private Japanese tutor in Washington, DC. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Washington, DC and online Japanese tutors.
🎟 How expensive is it to learn Japanese and what are the ballpark lesson costs for Japanese tutors?
For university and college courses you can estimate Japanese course cost as one-tenth of the yearly tuition (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the rate for fifty or so class hours each semester. Language schools and individual Japanese tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with private classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the less pricey Japanese tutors can be found online, with rates on Preply averaging 19 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor location, positive reviews and student demand. Average reviews for Japanese lessons on Preply is 4.96 out of 5 stars.
📚 What are the requirements for Japanese language skill level to sign up for a course?
When considering college and learning center classes be prepared to show a language test profeciency score or take an entrance test to determine your level. 'Canned' classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework load and graded tasks, so research all such requirements in advance. With personal Japanese tutors you can find reviews for whom the tutor is effective with and which other specializations they make available (like instruction for beginners, etc.) For maximum flexibility, choose a tutor from a wide selection of those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Japanese so difficult and are there ways to learn it faster?
One-size-fits-all language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn Japanese. According to experts, you can gain basic Japanese fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback 5 hours a week you will be able to understand most sentences, speak on some level, shop and place orders in about a year. Relocating is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a quick and affordable way of acquiring the basic knowledge of Japanese. After gaining basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have Japanese tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced students.
🤷 How long does it take to learn Japanese?
Some people have a natural ability and learn languages quickly, but for most to go beyond the basics and gain working fluency in Japanese will demand at least 600 hours of active use. The actual range of time can differ a lot depending on your existing level of Japanese or knowledge of other languages in the same group. As soon as you've learned the basics it is recommended to use the language as often as possible: watch news and movies, start a journal or write posts and comments using your new language skills, find native speakers to speak with, try other ways to think and speak in Japanese out loud. If you're struggling when starting a discusssion you can also take conversational Japanese classes online.
🤳 What are my options when choosing the Japanese teacher?
In colleges and universities, there's a chance you can choose your own tutor (from select few). Online, always! The largest selection of verified Japanese tutors with video profiles and customer reviews is available on online language learning marketplaces like Preply.
🗓 What time of day and on which days are classes available?
Colleges usually offer classes twice a week over a semester (75-day period). Language schools typically have shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, you can choose your own lesson frequency and time, on weekdays and/or weekends.