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Dive deeper into the Japanese language with our Pre-Intermediate Japanese 1 class!
Tailored for those who have mastered the basics, this course focuses on enhancing your conversational skills and understanding of Japanese grammar.
You’ll expand your vocabulary and start to tackle more complex sentences, enabling you to express a broader range of ideas and emotions.
Practical exercises and cultural lessons will enrich your learning experience, connecting language skills with real-world usage.
Whether you’re studying for personal satisfaction or professional reasons, this class is your next step towards fluency in Japanese.
After Taking This Course
After taking Pre-Intermediate Japanese 1 class at Blue House Okinawa,
you’ll be able to say Japanese phrases below:
*私は、ジョイです。
/ I am Joy.
*東京の品川にすんでいます。
/ I live in Shinagawa, Tokyo.
*かぞくは二人です。おっとと私です。
/ There are two people in my family: my husband and me.
*おっとのしごとはコンサルタントです。コンピューターのかいしゃではたらいています。
/ My husband’s job is a consultant. He works at a computer company.
*私はしごとはしていません。がっこうで日本語をべんきょうしています。
/ I am not working. I am studying Japanese at school.
*しゅみは えです。
/ My hobby is painting.
*ひまなとき、こうえんで えをかきます。
/ In my free time, I paint in the park.
*はなのえを よくかきます。
/ I often paint pictures of flowers.
*人は あまり かきません。
/ I don’t paint people very much.
*日本にはきせつが４つあります。
/ Japan has four seasons.
*春、夏、秋、冬です。
/ They are spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
*私はあたたかいのが好きですから、春が好きです。
/ I like warm weather, so I like spring.
*春は3月から5月ごろです。
/ Spring is from March to around May.
*私は春によくりょこうします。
/ I often travel in spring.
*今、雪がふっています。
/ It’s snowing now.
*子どもたちが雪だるまをつくっています。
/ The children are making a snowman.
*雪が１メートルつもっています。
/ The snow has piled up to one meter.
*花はぜんぜんさいていません。
/ The flowers are not blooming at all.
*このあたりはレストランや店が多いです。
/ There are many restaurants and shops around here.
*デパートもあります。
/ There is also a department store.
*買い物やしょくじにべんりです。
/ It’s convenient for shopping and dining.
*とてもにぎやかでたのしいです。
/ It’s very lively and fun.
*あした、町に行きますか。
/ Will you go to town tomorrow?
*えきのちかくに すてきなくつの店がありますよ。
/ Near the station, there is a nice shoe store.
*えきの北口をでて、まっすぐ行ってください。
/ Exit the north gate of the station and go straight.
*こうさてんをわたって、すぐ右にまがってください。
/ Cross the intersection and turn right immediately.
*えきからあるいて、10分くらいです。
/ It’s about a 10-minute walk from the station.
*店のなまえは「アネモネ」です。
/ The name of the store is “Anemone.”
*小さくてかわいい店です。
/ It’s a small and cute store.
*私のあねの店で、私もまいにちアルバイトをしています。
/ It’s my sister’s store, and I also work there part-time every day.
*よかったら、来てください。
/ If you’d like, please come by.
What We Will Learn
In Pre-Intermediate Japanese 1, we’ll study:
Lesson 1 – Lesson 6
*Verb て います。
*Particle に for Place, で for means/method
*Verb る こと
*Noun の とき、 イ Adjective とき、ナ Adjective な とき
*Noun に なります、 イ Adjective く なります、ナ Adjective に なります
*イ Adjective い のが すきです、ナ Adjective なのが すきです
*イ Adjective い のは すきじゃです、ナ Adjective なのは すきじゃないです
*Sentence 1 から、Sentence 2
*Noun / イ Adjective / ナ Adjective です、でした
*Verb ます、ました
*Noun で、 イ Adjective くて、ナ Adjective で
*Noun だけど、 イ Adjective いけど、ナ Adjective だけど
*Noun 1 や Noun 2 (など)
*Verb て ください。
*Verb 1 て、Verb 2
*Noun 1 じゃなくて、Noun 2
Self-Paced Method
The journey to mastering Japanese becomes even more personalized with a self-paced method, combining the best of flexibility with the invaluable support of a dedicated instructor at Blue House Okinawa.
This approach adapts to your rhythm, creating a learning experience tailored to your individual needs.
Tailored Learning Pace
A self-paced method at Blue House Okinawa empowers you to control the speed of your learning, allowing you to spend more time on challenging concepts or breeze through familiar topics.
This flexibility ensures that your study of Japanese aligns with your personal learning style and daily schedule, whether it’s balancing work, other studies, or taking care of your family.
It makes language acquisition a seamless part of your life rather than a disruptive obligation.
Direct Instructor Support When Needed
While the self-paced method journey offers autonomy, the role of an instructor remains pivotal.
Whether you need clarification on complex grammatical structures, pronunciation practice, or insights into cultural nuances, your instructor is there to provide targeted support.
This blend of independence and access to expert guidance enhances the learning experience, ensuring you’re never truly alone on your path to fluency.
Deepened Understanding Through Flexibility
The beauty of a self-paced approach lies in the liberty to pause and dive deeply into areas of interest or difficulty.
Without the pressure to keep up with a preset class pace, you can ensure that your understanding of Japanese language is not just superficial but deeply rooted.
This flexibility encourages a more reflective and thorough engagement with the language, leading to lasting comprehension and proficiency.
Enhanced Motivation and Responsibility
With the freedom of a self-paced method comes the responsibility for one’s own learning.
This responsibility, guided by the supportive presence of an instructor, fosters a sense of ownership over the learning process at Blue House Okinawa.
Motivation is driven by personal achievements and milestones, encouraging a more engaged and proactive approach to learning Japanese.
The benefits of a self-paced method supported by an instructor in the context of learning Japanese are manifold.
From the flexibility that caters to individual lifestyles to the tailored learning experiences that address specific needs, this approach offers a personalized pathway to language mastery.
With the added advantage of deepened understanding and enhanced motivation, learners are well-equipped to embark on a rewarding journey toward fluency in Japanese.
Embrace the opportunity to learn at your pace, guided by expertise, and discover the joys of language learning tailored just for you.
Our self-paced method consists of two parts, your homework part and practice in class.
Our Textbook
Our textbook, “Marugoto,” is designed specifically for adult learners of Japanese.
It emphasizes not only the use of Japanese for communication but also the understanding and respect for different cultures.
The textbook prioritizes listening, speaking, and conversational skills, catering to those who wish to quickly acquire basic Japanese proficiency.
It includes various scenarios featuring interactions among people from diverse cultural backgrounds, all conducted in Japanese.
Students like the textbook for its realistic speaking scenarios and the audio resources available through its online platform.
Many appreciate the opportunity to enhance their practice independently through its interactive online components.
Additionally, “Marugoto” offers a glimpse into various facets of Japanese culture via photographs and illustrations, accompanied by numerous natural conversational examples.
The online learning center enables students to study anytime, anywhere, providing more opportunities to practice Japanese, especially during classroom sessions.
Your Homework
1. Sign up for Minato
The Japan Foundation’s JF Japanese e-Learning Minato is a platform dedicated to the study of the Japanese language.
“Minato,” translating to “port,” symbolizes a gathering place for learning and connecting with others who share a similar interest.
At Minato, we offer an invitation to deepen your comprehension and insight into Japan, its people, and their language.
At Minato, a diverse array of Japanese courses awaits you online, making it easier than ever to start your journey into the Japanese language from wherever you are, at any time that suits you.
Have you ever felt discouraged from learning because classes were out of reach, or found yourself too busy to travel for lessons?
Or perhaps you’re curious about starting but feeling a bit apprehensive?
Minato is designed for you.
Here, you can personalize your learning experience by selecting the course level, type, study category, and language of instruction that best fits your needs.
Get ready to embark on your learning adventure with us.
2. Study Marugoto A2-1 on Minato
This course is designed to offer a thorough understanding of both the Japanese language and culture.
Within the Katsudoo section, participants are afforded the opportunity to develop practical communication skills applicable to daily scenarios.
This is achieved through extensive exposure to Japanese, enhancing your ability to speak by actively listening.
Conversely, the Rikai section is structured to provide a systematic approach to learning how Japanese functions in communicative contexts.
The ultimate goal is to cultivate a comprehensive proficiency in Japanese, encompassing reading, listening, writing, and speaking abilities.
3. Flashcards and Practice on Blue House Okinawa App/Website
You’re zipping through your day, and whether you’re on a coffee break or waiting in line, your phone becomes your gateway to a quick Japanese lesson.
With digital flashcards, you’re actively engaging with the language, thanks to the magic of spaced repetition.
It ensures you review words right when your brain is about to let them slip, making learning stick better.
And if you ever feel like you’re running out of cards, there’s a whole world of pre-made decks online, waiting to be explored.
Example Flashcards:
4. Flashcards “Learn” on Study Room
To use these flashcards, Select or type the correct answer.
Settings and options
To customize your session, open the Options menu.
You can choose to answer with terms, definitions, or a specific language (if applicable).
You can also choose to study only starred terms, change your audio settings, and select which question types are included.
5. Flashcards “Spell” on Study Room
Spell mode helps you practice spelling terms by prompting you to type what you hear.
To finish a round of Spell mode and see your results, you’ll need to spell each word correctly twice.
Settings and options
If you misspelled a word, the letters you missed will be highlighted and the word will be spelled out for you. Then, you can try it again.
You can slow down the audio by selecting Options and choosing Slow.
To hear a term again, click the Speaker.
6. Lesson Quizzes on Blue House Okinawa App/Website
Get ready for a little victory at the end of each lesson, because that’s quiz time!
Aim for the stars and try to score 80% or higher on these quizzes.
The best part?
You can retake them as many times as you need to hit that sweet 80% mark or even go beyond.
Remember, repetition isn’t just a step in learning a new language—it’s the secret sauce!
So embrace those quizzes, and let’s see your scores soar!
7. Writing Practice on Workbook
After you’ve hit 80% or more on lesson quizzes, why not practice writing on workbook?
Practicing Japanese writing significantly enhances learning by improving memorization of kanji characters and their numerous compounds.
It facilitates a deeper understanding of sentence structure, grammar, and vocabulary, making the language more accessible.
Writing practice aids in mastering the nuances of kanji, hiragana, and katakana, crucial for reading and comprehension.
Additionally, it boosts confidence in using Japanese in real-world contexts, from casual conversations to formal writing.
Engaging with the writing system actively rather than passively listening or reading encourages active recall, reinforcing learning and retention.
Overall, writing practice is an indispensable tool in achieving fluency in Japanese.
8. 1 Post & 5 Comments on Blue House Okinawa App/Website
You asked for more ways to practice Japanese, and guess what?
We’ve got you covered with our very own app, made for you amazing students! 🌟
Now you can flex your language muscles anytime, anywhere—whether you’re chilling at home, on your daily commute, or just scrolling through your phone with some time to spare.
Dive into the app and you’ll find all sorts of fun ways to keep up with your Japanese studies.
Post, comment, slide into DMs, and do everything you need to boost your language skills.
Plus, you get to support our awesome local Japanese friends who are learning English, just like in our Language Exchange program at school.
Feeling a bit shy about your Japanese?
Pop into the Living Room to ask if your Japanese hits the mark, or lend a hand (and your English skills) to help local students master English with your comments and posts.
9. Host a Study Exchange
Want to try out your Japanese?
Or, do you like to practice your listening and speaking?
Then, host a Study Exchange and study with local Japanese friends!
At the Study Exchange, you can:
*see if you remember what you’ve learned.
*see if your Japanese friends understand your Japanese.
*listen to native Japanese speakers’ Japanese pronunciation.
*learn how native Japanese speakers use Japanese.
*understand what your Japanese friends think, how they look at things, and how they express their feelings.
*understand Japanese culture on a deeper level.
Sounds so exciting, right?
Oh after the Study Exchange, don’t forget to post the report for your review!
Practice in Class
1. Ask Questions if There Are Any
Asking questions in class is your secret weapon for learning!
It clears up confusion, deepens your understanding, and even helps your classmates who might be wondering the same thing.
Plus, it shows you’re engaged and eager to learn.
So don’t hesitate—every question is a step toward mastering the material!
2. Take the Performance Test with the Instructor
Taking the Japanese speaking performance test with your instructor is a golden opportunity in your language learning journey.
It’s not just a test; it’s a chance to get personalized feedback on your pronunciation, grammar, and conversational skills.
This experience boosts your confidence and hones your ability to speak Japanese fluently. Embrace this moment—it’s designed to highlight your strengths and guide your progress toward becoming a confident and proficient speaker.
3. Listening and Speaking Practice with Native Japanese Speakers in Language Exchange
It immerses you in the language’s natural rhythm, intonation, and cultural nuances, making learning authentic and engaging.
This direct interaction boosts your listening comprehension and speaking fluency, allowing you to pick up colloquial expressions and slang.
Moreover, it builds confidence in real-world communication and fosters a deeper understanding of Japanese culture.
These exchanges are a crucial part of mastering the language in a way textbooks alone cannot provide.
4. Ask Native Japanese Speakers the Questions You Made
This immersive experience helps learners grasp nuanced pronunciations, understand colloquial expressions, and become familiar with cultural contexts, improving listening and speaking skills.
It encourages active learning through real-time feedback, helping to correct mistakes and clarify doubts immediately.
Engaging with natives also boosts confidence in using the language in everyday scenarios, making the learning process more enjoyable and effective.
Overall, it’s a direct, practical approach to mastering Japanese, making it easier to think and communicate fluently in the language.
How to Start
Here are the easy steps to get you started with your Pre-Intermediate Japanese 1 class.
1. Please take a moment to review our cancellation policy on the registration page.
2. Go ahead and sign up for the class using the link below.
3. Complete the online orientation. Don’t worry, we’ll send you the link automatically once you’ve registered.
4. Familiarize yourself with our student agreement and house rules.
5. Register and set up your profile on our school app or website.
6. Install and set up the Japanese keyboard on your devices.
7. Introduce yourself on the app or website to connect with your classmates.
8. Once you’ve completed all the steps, drop us a message in the Living Room.
We’re excited to have you join us and can’t wait to see you in class!
As we conclude our Pre-Intermediate Japanese 1 course, you have significantly advanced your grasp of the Japanese language.
With enhanced vocabulary and improved grammatical understanding, you are now better equipped to handle more detailed conversations and express complex ideas.
This course has aimed to bridge the gap between basic knowledge and more advanced language use, preparing you for the next stages of learning.
Continue to immerse yourself in Japanese through reading, speaking, and cultural engagement.
Your journey is just getting more exciting—keep up the great work and embrace the challenges ahead!
Who We Are
More Than a Language School
We are a close-knit community of Japanese and English learners! We teach each other and learn from each other.
Authentic Language Practice
Because we have both English classes and Japanese classes, there are endless opportunities to practice with native speakers.
Relaxed & Community-Centered
We believe in a community-oriented approach to learning. We support each other, grow, and laugh together.