The aim of this book is to help students struggling to become proficient in reading Japanese. It fills a gap in the expanding literature on Japanese-language instruction by focusing exclusively on patterns and expressions found in the written language. Although many pedagogical aids to learning the spoken language are available, there is very little to guide students who are trying to master the complexities of the written language. Based on the authors' extensive experience in teaching third- and fourth-year Japanese at American universities, the Reader's Guide to Intermediate Japanese provides student-friendly explanations and examples for phrases that occur with high frequency in written-style Japanese. Of particular value are the numerous cross-references, which make difficult verb endings much easier to access than do dictionaries, textbooks, or grammar books, where they are often embedded in lengthy grammatical discussions. English renderings, Japanese synonyms, brief structural notes, and example sentences with English translations provide quick access to an alphabetical listing of entries. Readings are provided for all Chinese characters used in the examples so that students can readily understand them without having to consult a character dictionary.

The most enjoyable and effective way to learn new vocabulary is through reading, since the words are not only learned in context, but also while your interest is high. However, it is often difficult to find texts that are easy enough to read and are still intellectually rewarding. The stories in this book were written using as many words from the JLPT N3 level as possible, with exciting plots that will make you want to keep reading and hardly notice you are studying, and they are full of enough mystery so you will want to read them again and thereby further review the vocabulary. More than three quarters of the kanji and vocabulary needed for the JLPT N3 test are included and there are no words from the N2 and N1 levels except in a few instances where there is no substitute, in which case they are marked with a star and their definition follows soon after. Following each story is an English translation and a sequential list of all the N3 words used in the story along with their English translation so that new words can be learned quickly without the need of a dictionary. The stories will also introduce many sentence structures required for the N3 test in a fluid way so that you can pick up the new grammar naturally. Reading stories makes learning new vocabulary and grammar fun and easy. But to make your learning most effective, try to implement "intelligent guessing": before turning to the Vocabulary Word List, try to guess the meaning of new words from context. This builds stronger associations with the words you are learning.

This is complete Japanese textbook and learning package for intermediate level students. In the intermediate level of this highly-acclaimed new series, learners will continue to study Japanese through an engaging story line which slowly unfolds over the arc of the text, keeping things interesting and adding the motivation needed to master new material. This story–based approach is a great way to learn Japanese. The emphasis in Intermediate Japanese is on real-life situations drawn from contemporary Japanese culture and authentic written, visual and oral materials embedded in the lessons. Available in both hardcover and paperback, Intermediate Japanese includes an accompanying audio disc, and free web-based multimedia resources with additional exercises. A separate Workbook is available with corresponding one-of-a-kind practice activities. Key features of this program: The focus is very visual. The book's narrative is told with manga-style story pages, and the CD–ROM uses colorful video. Authentic written, visual, and oral materials are embedded very naturally throughout the book. Independent learners and classroom students alike will find this an accessible and upbeat way to master contemporary Japanese. Kanji characters are emphasized here more than in other textbooks and are taught as an integral part of learning Japanese spoken vocabulary, rather than separately. By the end of this book, learners will have mastered 149 additional kanji, for a cumulative total of 300 kanji. The CD–ROM includes Native Japanese language speakers. Pronunciation guides for all new words. Accompanying dialogues. The Beginning Japanese Website includes: Online games and activities. Additional information and updates. Downloadable Hiragana Practice Book, Katakana Practice Book, kana practice sheets. Downloadable kanji and kana flash cards. Beginning Japanese is the second volume in a 3-level series. Deepen your learning with the Intermediate Japanese Workbook, a volume of drills and exercises that reinforce the lessons in the textbook.

Taken from the weekly magazine "Shukan Asahi," these stories are accompanied by an English translation, faithfully done and easy to follow. Included is a short glossary of each word and phrase, a reverse derivation of each declined verb and adjective, detailed notes on vocabulary and grammar, and information and commentary on the cultural background. (Foreign Language-Dictionaries/Phrase Books)

A great story can lead a reader on a journey of discovery—especially if it's presented in two languages! Beautifully illustrated in a traditional style, Japanese Stories for Language Learners offers five compelling stories with English and Japanese language versions appearing on facing pages. Taking learners on an exciting cultural and linguistic journey, each story is followed by detailed translator's notes, Japanese vocabulary lists, and grammar points along with a set of discussion questions and exercises. The first two stories are very famous traditional Japanese folktales: Urashima Taro (Tale of a Fisherman) and Yuki Onna (The Snow Woman). These are followed by three short stories by notable 20th century authors: Kumo no Ito (The Spider's Thread) by Akutagawa Ryunosuke (1892-1927) Oborekaketa Kyodai (The Siblings Who Almost Drowned) by Arishima Takeo (1878-1923) Serohiki no Goshu (Gauche the Cellist) by Miyazawa Kenji (1896-1933) Reading these stories in the original Japanese script--and hearing native-speakers read them aloud in the accompanying free audio recording--helps students at every level deepen their comprehension of the beauty and subtlety of the Japanese language. Learn Japanese the fun way—through the country's rich literary history.

An unmissable collection of eight unconventional and captivating short stories for young and adult learners of Japanese. "Olly's top-notch language-learning insights are right in line with the best of what we know from neuroscience and cognitive psychology about how to learn effectively. I love his work - and you will too!" - Barbara Oakley, PhD, Author of New York Times bestseller A Mind for Numbers Short Stories in Japanese for Intermediate Learners has been written especially for students from low-mid intermediate (ACTFL) level of Japanese. Mapped to B1 and approaching B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference, these eight captivating stories are designed to give you a sense of achievement and a feeling of progress when reading, and most importantly - enjoyment! What does this book give you? - Eight stories in a variety of exciting genres, from science fiction and crime to history and thriller - making reading fun, while you learn a wide range of new vocabulary - Controlled language at your level to help you progress confidently - Spoken dialogues in a range of polite and casual forms in real settings to help you to improve the flow and accuracy of your spoken Japanese. - To help you advance your kanji recognition skills, furigana is used to support reading higher level or unusual kanji and for the first appearance for common kanji. - Common vocabulary from levels 4 and 5 of the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) along with vocabulary carefully chosen from the higher levels help you learn useful new expressions and progress through the intermediate reading levels. - Accessible grammar so you learn new structures naturally, without feeling overwhelmed or frustrated - Practical tips help you to unlock the meaning of Japanese sentences and new kanji words successfully. - Beautiful illustrations accompanying each story, to set the scene and support your understanding - Pleasure! Research shows that if you're enjoying reading in a foreign language, you won't experience the usual feelings of frustration - 'It's too hard!' 'I don't understand!' With intriguing plots that will spark your imagination and keep you reading, Short Stories in Japanese for Intermediate Learners will take your grasp of Japanese to the next level with key features to support and consolidate your progress, including: - A glossary for bolded words in each chapter - Full plot summary - A bilingual word list - Comprehension questions after each chapter. As a result, you will be able to focus on enjoying reading, delighting in your improved range of vocabulary and grasp of the language, without ever feeling overwhelmed. From science fiction to fantasy, to crime and thrillers, Short Stories in Japanese for Intermediate Learners will accelerate you journey towards fluency. Use the codes inside the book and ebook to access a bonus story for free and the discounted audiobook on our Language Readers Library site or in the Language Readers app.

Explains the basic terminology and concepts of English grammar, focusing on material which will most benefit students of Japanese.

Japanese From Zero! is an innovative and integrated approach to learning Japanese that was developed by professional Japanese interpreter George Trombley, Yukari Takenaka and was continuously refined over eight years in the classroom by native Japanese professors. Using up-to-date and easy-to-grasp grammar, Japanese From Zero! is the perfect course for current students of Japanese as well as absolute beginners.