Did you start learning the Japanese language recently? Are you trying to enhance your understanding of this language? If yes, you would probably be bothered about whether you should learn kanji or vocabulary first. Well, the fact is that there is no thumb rule that stipulates the one you should learn first. Everything relies on your choice, learning model, as well as needs.
Having said this, lots of Japanese language experts agree that you should first learn kanji before vocabulary. These people have reasons for saying this and we will explain these reasons later in this article. Nonetheless, we will first shed more light on the difference between kanji and Japanese vocabulary.
Kanji vs. vocabulary
Kanji is basically a writing system that is used for the Japanese language. It is important to understand that kanji, hiragana, and katakana are the three essential writing scripts for Japanese. A kanji can be utilized to represent a word directly or sometimes changed by a hiragana symbol to create another word. Hence, any learner that wants to have a great knowledge of this language must never overlook the need to learn kanji.
Kanji is relatively different from katakana and hiragana. This is because it contains various systems that are used for depicting different concepts or words. Katakana and hiragana, on the other hand, are for representing Japanese sounds. Currently, there are thousands of kanji characters in the Japanese language. However, you only need about 2,000 kanji symbols to communicate effectively with anyone.
Comparatively, Japanese vocabulary refers to all the words that are used in the Japanese language to represent different words or ideas. There is an infinite number of Japanese vocabularies; hence, learning vocabulary is often a never-ending process for most individuals. Despite this, it is still a crucial part of the language.
With the explanation above, you will agree that kanji and vocabulary are quite different from one another. As a consequence of this, most individuals will probably choose to learn them differently. So, this refers us back to our initial question – should I learn kanji or vocabulary first?
Why you should consider learning kanji first
Here are some reasons you should consider when trying to choose kanji before learning vocabulary.
- Many Japanese words are formed by kanji compounds
In general, there are lots of Japanese words that are formed by certain kanji compounds. This means that even if you are learning such words as you are expanding your vocabulary, you will need some good knowledge of the kanji characters. When you already know why and what kanji characters are used to form those Japanese words, it will be easier for you to learn them.
Also, knowing kanji will ease the process of remembering those Japanese words. Therefore, learning kanji before vocabulary will help you. In fact, this is why some self-taught Japanese learners are clamoring for individuals to first learn kanji before vocabulary or grammar. So, if you can afford to learn kanji before vocabulary, you should not shy away from doing so.
- It will speed up your learning process
As explained above, understanding kanji boosts your ability to learn vocabulary and other essential elements of the Japanese language. However, it doesn’t stop there. This is because when you already understand kanji, you will be able to learn every other thing quicker than you would without knowing kanji. Therefore, for anyone concerned about speeding up their rate of learning the Japanese language, it is vital to learn kanji before vocabulary.
- It helps your reading
This particular point is not for everybody as there are some people that only want to learn how to speak the Japanese language without knowing how to read it. Nonetheless, if you want your Japanese literacy to be mainly focused on reading, you cannot do without understanding kanji.
Without mincing words, it will be difficult for you to read anything expansive or substantial in the modern Japanese language if you don’t understand kanji. This is because most written things, such as your store signs, anime subtitles, etc. have some elements of kanji. Therefore, reading those things will be difficult if you don’t learn kanji regardless of the level of your Japanese vocabulary.
In addition, without kanji, any Japanese-speaking individual you speak to will perceive you oddly as you will be seen as illiterate.
- Kanji forms an essential part of Japanese writing scripts
Another reason that should make you learn kanji before vocabulary is that kanji plays a key role in the Japanese writing system. Although you can manage with only katakana and hiragana, you will still lack a lot if you don’t know kanji. Therefore, you should learn kanji first before studying vocabulary.
- Vocabulary requires a never-ending process
About 2,000 kanji characters are officially known to be necessary for everyday use. This means that you can learn these 2,000 characters and leave others in the meantime. However, the same doesn’t apply to vocabulary. In fact, vocabulary requires a never-ending learning process as you can come across unknown words from time to time. Hence, you should first concentrate on learning kanji and then learn vocabulary. Similarly, you can continue improving your Japanese vocabulary by relying on other sources such as the Japanese dictionary, radio, TV, as well as newspapers.
What about learning both together?
Yes, learning kanji before vocabulary is good and usually recommended. However, learning both at the same time is better. Factually, some schools of thoughts have suggested that students should never learn these two separately as it can affect their ability to memorize them. This is believed to be the best approach to learn kanji and vocabulary as you can learn quickly. So, you should not focus on one at a time. Learn kanji, study vocabulary, and continue using them in your day-to-day conversation.
Nevertheless, this can be difficult for the majority of Japanese learners as it may make them struggle with understanding the Japanese language. This is why we have earlier suggested that you should first learn kanji and then add vocabulary to it later.
