Japanese has three scripts for different purposes—hiragana, katakana, and kanji—with notably more than 2,000 kanji in regular use, meaning that it is difficult to study for speakers of other languages ...

Why basics matter: Simple greetings and phrases like 'Konnichiwa' or 'Sumimasen' can make daily interactions smoother and show respect for Japanese culture. Politeness in practice: Using phrases like ...

Why it matters: Speaking basic Japanese shows respect, helps you navigate daily situations, and often leads to warmer, more helpful interactions with locals. What to learn: Focus on greetings, polite ...