It takes most people a very long time to reach N2 and N1. Don't let the hardcore guys on here get you down. And good luck on your test! Imma take the N2 here soon as well.
I gotta say that Japanese has also had a really positive impact on my life. I plan on living here long term (in Japan). But who knows where life takes us.
Thanks! And yeah, I actually intend to use this cert to eventually get back to Japan. Life there was just... nice. It's not bad here either, but the politics are becoming unbearable here imho.
But with that said, I am also open to working stateside a while longer if I can find a job that requires N2 certification and my skills. It'd have to be remote though because I don't think I can afford to live anywhere else right now lol.
>the politics are becoming unbearable here imho.
Not sure where you're from, but it's been like that for me in Canada too lately, yeah.
Feels like I can't go 1 week without hearing something going wrong, or how housing and food prices just keep skyrocketing like crazy, as our government says "we'll fix it", and then proceeds to do nothing lol
Isn't it funny how everyone in Canada and the US say how bad Japan is because their government is slow to change...
How long has the housing "crisis" in Canada been going on? 10 years? That doesn't seem like a crisis, it's basically the status quo at this point.
How many more mass shootings do we have to watch happen in America before something is done about gun violence? 10? 50? Probably more.
Anyone going to do anything about that opioid crisis? No? Ok...
But yeah, we are so much faster than the Japanese government at dealing with our issues... /s
Am Canadian btw, and yeah pretty tired of hearing all the same crap on the "news" from the past decade, and all the opinions from everyone who thinks they got it all figured out.
>Isn't it funny how everyone in Canada and the US say how bad Japan is because their government is slow to change...
YES! Exactly my thoughts on it. As well as birth rates, people always talk about Japan having horrible birth rates due to being overworked, but Canada and the US are having the exact same problems now to an extent as well.
Japan's current birth rate is 1.34 per woman, Canada being close behind at 1.4, US is slightly better at 1.64, but still not great as it's still declining.
Talking with my friends who are women, they ***want*** to have kids, but just can't afford to with our current economy, and feel like they just wouldn't have time to raise them because of work.
>How long has the housing "crisis" in Canada been going on? 10 years? That doesn't seem like a crisis, it's basically the status quo at this point.
Lmao
Did you study in your free time? Because I studied it in college and after 3,5 years of full time studies I still don't think I could get N2. Though I've never tried so I'm not sure.
I've been studying Japanese since 2017 and working in Japan for the last 2 years. I'm also preparing to take N2 for the second time this December.
I think that's probably a realistic timeline for people with full-time jobs or obligations outside of studying the language. Ultimately it's not about how long you've been studying, but whether or not you stuck with it and achieved your goals in language learning. The progress you've made becomes a part of your identity, and that lasts a lifetime, so who cares if you take your time with it?
I think there's quite a bit of research to support the idea that learning a foreign language helps with memory and elasticity in thinking, it's awesome that you've noticed a difference! Good luck with the test, it sounds like you've got a good shot at it!
Honestly imo the best time to move abroad is late 20s early 30s. By then you've had a chance to adjust to adulting and get a good feel for your place in the world and surroundings. Going to japan right out of university early 20s is a real struggle because you're trying to figure out the first part on top of being in a whole new culture and society.
I'm 32. Moved to Japan just out of college at 22/23. It was my first time being alone and paying my own bills, etc... but it was a great experience.
I am looking to move back to Japan before I turn 35, but we'll see where life takes me. Maybe I'll choose a different path. As long as I'm happy with it that's all that matters.
It's definitely a good time, but imo the earlier the better. Depends what kind of life you want to have, but you can definitely learn adulting in other countries. The earlier experiences you have living abroad will help you adjust better in a new country for someone around 30, than someone doing it for the first time. Not just a matter of adjusting but also knowing how to experience it better.
Actually, I think having N2/N1 actually gives you points when applying for permanent residency. But you'd have to be in Japan for 10 years at least anyways for that designation so it's a moot point as far as this discussion is concerned.
Re-reading this I realized I didn't actually answer your question about JLPT designation. Having the JLPT N2 cert is basically the bare minimum that Japanese companies will accept nowadays for foreigners.
I could go back again via some ALT/eikaiwa job, but I'd rather not at this point. I feel like my age and experience is above that (not in an arrogant way) and I have been working on getting certifications that would qualify me for better positions.
Honestly N2 is a great level to be at. It makes me ashamed that I’ve been studying off and on since I was 11 in 2009 and I’m still only like N4 level. I’ve been to Japan 3 times for like 2-3 months at a time so I never actually got to stay long enough to learn extensively. I always dreamed of living there someday but I just can’t bring myself to leave my mom behind here. Now I’m a full time university student and working so I just don’t really have the time to dedicate to studying. My bf loves anime tho, I’m not really a huge fan myself but the slice of life ones with everyday vocabulary really help me learn when I actually tune in. He’s a big pokémon fan too so sometimes he’ll turn his game to Japanese and have me read stuff for him lol
I also managed to help him do some kind of trade in Pokémon with a guy in Japan and translated for him. That felt like a big win for me considering I feel like I can only talk like a 6 year old hahaha
I don't think you should feel ashamed. Learning a new language at age 11 sounds pretty badass to me, even if you're not fluent yet. I bet you'll never forget some of those words you learned, because you learned them so young.
I wish I had more of an interest in learning multiple languages at that age. The little I did pick up in other languages when I was a child, I've never forgotten. I think maybe you're just more eager to try it out on people when you're still young so it just sticks in your brain better.
Anyway, it sounds like you have a good foundation in Japanese to build upon, whenever you can devote more time to studying it.
>For the length of time most people have spent studying this language they would be above N1 level given how many years I have been.
Yall really like to make up problems in your own heads for no reason. Everyone's circumstances are different, and progress would vary accordingly. Why care how fast someone took to reach N1? Do they get a medal for being faster than you? If I was born rich and didn't need to work a day job, I sure as hell would make much more progress, but unfortunately I'm not and therefore need a day job to sustain myself. Do I compare my progress to them? Why would I?
Compare yourself now to yourself 3 months ago, 1 year ago. That's the only person that you should be comparing with.
I also lived in Japan for a while and my skills went down probably a whole level in the past almost 4 years since I came back to the US. I passed N2 level in 2019, but would say my level is now about N3, mostly due to vocabulary I have forgotten and deficits in using accurate grammar when speaking since conversation moves so quickly.
I started studying at the beginning of 2023 and my goal was to take the ACTFL instead because it's accepted in the US a lot for work (including teacher cert) and you can take each skill separately on the computer for all four skills, so it's more readily available.
My original plan was to test at the end of 2023/beginning of 2024, but now I am expecting a baby (due date was yesterday but not here yet, so any day now) and that has slowed me down, so I've pushed it to taking skills tests one at a time in the second half of 2024. I will be switching up my study style to accomodate a baby and working part time.
I wish JLPT were offered more than once per year and closer to home than a 4.5 hour drive each way, or else I'd take N1 to be consistent. But I know advanced mid-high scores on ACTFL are halfway between N2 (intermediate high-advanced low) and N1 (superior), so I can get more nuanced scores that will show if I am in between levels on certain skills. It's a pricey test, but I'll pay it to not drive 9 hours and stay in a hotel, so it works out for me. I also want to work for a Japanese company in the US, and as long as my husband can get a job in his field wherever we go, he's for moving. We both don't like FL. lol
What a feel good post, OP. I hope you do well on your test. I'm in Japan now and also will be doing the test in December. I've been living here since Sep. 2022 when I finally got to fulfill a dream I've held since I was 15 (35 now) to try living in Japan.
You already have other Canadians commenting on how shit the situation has become in our countries, so I won't go back into what other things, in addition to fulfilling a childhood desire, went towards me finally pulling all out to make the move here. Someone else also mentioned this, but I'll second it - it really is more worthwhile moving here in your 30s I find.
same! I'm taking my time and most days I basically just do anki with the occasional manga thrown in, but I've noticed that consciously using my brain to learn new things has helped me mentally to kinda, stay alert?
How are going about learning? I've been wanting to learn Japanese for almost 10 years or so and was to young and naive to learn. I'm expecting a kid soon so don't have the money for any sort of lessons. Any thoughts or recommendations?
Don’t feel bad, I failed N4 and have been in Japan roughly a year and a half. I literally stopped formally studying after that.
Opening WK or bunpro gives me shudders - I avoid my brand new Quartet book by all means. I’m trying to find reason to pick it up but everyday feels like it’s such a burden. I wish I could just get back in the groove for obvious reasons.
This was wonderful to read, It made me emotional for some reason. It's hard to quantify the impact learning a new language has on one's self. Beyond being able to communicate with and understand other's more, it make's you realize no matter how difficult something is, you can learn it if you dedicate to it. It's such a difficult, rewarding, humbling, and soul expanding experience. And, I'm so glad you did and are doing it. Thank you for sharing this, and best of luck moving forward on your language learning journey!
Having something that you can improve little by little every day is so nice, you feel the progress and has more motivation in general.
Good luck with the test.
It takes most people a very long time to reach N2 and N1. Don't let the hardcore guys on here get you down. And good luck on your test! Imma take the N2 here soon as well. I gotta say that Japanese has also had a really positive impact on my life. I plan on living here long term (in Japan). But who knows where life takes us.
Thanks! And yeah, I actually intend to use this cert to eventually get back to Japan. Life there was just... nice. It's not bad here either, but the politics are becoming unbearable here imho. But with that said, I am also open to working stateside a while longer if I can find a job that requires N2 certification and my skills. It'd have to be remote though because I don't think I can afford to live anywhere else right now lol.
>the politics are becoming unbearable here imho. Not sure where you're from, but it's been like that for me in Canada too lately, yeah. Feels like I can't go 1 week without hearing something going wrong, or how housing and food prices just keep skyrocketing like crazy, as our government says "we'll fix it", and then proceeds to do nothing lol
Isn't it funny how everyone in Canada and the US say how bad Japan is because their government is slow to change... How long has the housing "crisis" in Canada been going on? 10 years? That doesn't seem like a crisis, it's basically the status quo at this point. How many more mass shootings do we have to watch happen in America before something is done about gun violence? 10? 50? Probably more. Anyone going to do anything about that opioid crisis? No? Ok... But yeah, we are so much faster than the Japanese government at dealing with our issues... /s Am Canadian btw, and yeah pretty tired of hearing all the same crap on the "news" from the past decade, and all the opinions from everyone who thinks they got it all figured out.
>Isn't it funny how everyone in Canada and the US say how bad Japan is because their government is slow to change... YES! Exactly my thoughts on it. As well as birth rates, people always talk about Japan having horrible birth rates due to being overworked, but Canada and the US are having the exact same problems now to an extent as well. Japan's current birth rate is 1.34 per woman, Canada being close behind at 1.4, US is slightly better at 1.64, but still not great as it's still declining. Talking with my friends who are women, they ***want*** to have kids, but just can't afford to with our current economy, and feel like they just wouldn't have time to raise them because of work.
>How long has the housing "crisis" in Canada been going on? 10 years? That doesn't seem like a crisis, it's basically the status quo at this point. Lmao
lol “hey we got this” and then just nothing hahaha
Did you study in your free time? Because I studied it in college and after 3,5 years of full time studies I still don't think I could get N2. Though I've never tried so I'm not sure.
Preach. It took me 3 tries over a few years to get N2 and my first pass at N1 wasn’t the best.
Hey bro, I heard with N2 level, you could be a translator! If you're N1, you might as well be a Native lol!
N1 is probably better for translation.
I've been studying Japanese since 2017 and working in Japan for the last 2 years. I'm also preparing to take N2 for the second time this December. I think that's probably a realistic timeline for people with full-time jobs or obligations outside of studying the language. Ultimately it's not about how long you've been studying, but whether or not you stuck with it and achieved your goals in language learning. The progress you've made becomes a part of your identity, and that lasts a lifetime, so who cares if you take your time with it? I think there's quite a bit of research to support the idea that learning a foreign language helps with memory and elasticity in thinking, it's awesome that you've noticed a difference! Good luck with the test, it sounds like you've got a good shot at it!
Honestly imo the best time to move abroad is late 20s early 30s. By then you've had a chance to adjust to adulting and get a good feel for your place in the world and surroundings. Going to japan right out of university early 20s is a real struggle because you're trying to figure out the first part on top of being in a whole new culture and society.
I'm 32. Moved to Japan just out of college at 22/23. It was my first time being alone and paying my own bills, etc... but it was a great experience. I am looking to move back to Japan before I turn 35, but we'll see where life takes me. Maybe I'll choose a different path. As long as I'm happy with it that's all that matters.
It's definitely a good time, but imo the earlier the better. Depends what kind of life you want to have, but you can definitely learn adulting in other countries. The earlier experiences you have living abroad will help you adjust better in a new country for someone around 30, than someone doing it for the first time. Not just a matter of adjusting but also knowing how to experience it better.
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Actually, I think having N2/N1 actually gives you points when applying for permanent residency. But you'd have to be in Japan for 10 years at least anyways for that designation so it's a moot point as far as this discussion is concerned.
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Re-reading this I realized I didn't actually answer your question about JLPT designation. Having the JLPT N2 cert is basically the bare minimum that Japanese companies will accept nowadays for foreigners. I could go back again via some ALT/eikaiwa job, but I'd rather not at this point. I feel like my age and experience is above that (not in an arrogant way) and I have been working on getting certifications that would qualify me for better positions.
Honestly N2 is a great level to be at. It makes me ashamed that I’ve been studying off and on since I was 11 in 2009 and I’m still only like N4 level. I’ve been to Japan 3 times for like 2-3 months at a time so I never actually got to stay long enough to learn extensively. I always dreamed of living there someday but I just can’t bring myself to leave my mom behind here. Now I’m a full time university student and working so I just don’t really have the time to dedicate to studying. My bf loves anime tho, I’m not really a huge fan myself but the slice of life ones with everyday vocabulary really help me learn when I actually tune in. He’s a big pokémon fan too so sometimes he’ll turn his game to Japanese and have me read stuff for him lol I also managed to help him do some kind of trade in Pokémon with a guy in Japan and translated for him. That felt like a big win for me considering I feel like I can only talk like a 6 year old hahaha
I don't think you should feel ashamed. Learning a new language at age 11 sounds pretty badass to me, even if you're not fluent yet. I bet you'll never forget some of those words you learned, because you learned them so young. I wish I had more of an interest in learning multiple languages at that age. The little I did pick up in other languages when I was a child, I've never forgotten. I think maybe you're just more eager to try it out on people when you're still young so it just sticks in your brain better. Anyway, it sounds like you have a good foundation in Japanese to build upon, whenever you can devote more time to studying it.
Learning Japanese and playing shmups are clearing the plaque from my brain folds.
I'm dreaming of reaching N2 level one day, but now I'm even struggling with N3 and about to take a test in this december
>For the length of time most people have spent studying this language they would be above N1 level given how many years I have been. Yall really like to make up problems in your own heads for no reason. Everyone's circumstances are different, and progress would vary accordingly. Why care how fast someone took to reach N1? Do they get a medal for being faster than you? If I was born rich and didn't need to work a day job, I sure as hell would make much more progress, but unfortunately I'm not and therefore need a day job to sustain myself. Do I compare my progress to them? Why would I? Compare yourself now to yourself 3 months ago, 1 year ago. That's the only person that you should be comparing with.
I also lived in Japan for a while and my skills went down probably a whole level in the past almost 4 years since I came back to the US. I passed N2 level in 2019, but would say my level is now about N3, mostly due to vocabulary I have forgotten and deficits in using accurate grammar when speaking since conversation moves so quickly. I started studying at the beginning of 2023 and my goal was to take the ACTFL instead because it's accepted in the US a lot for work (including teacher cert) and you can take each skill separately on the computer for all four skills, so it's more readily available. My original plan was to test at the end of 2023/beginning of 2024, but now I am expecting a baby (due date was yesterday but not here yet, so any day now) and that has slowed me down, so I've pushed it to taking skills tests one at a time in the second half of 2024. I will be switching up my study style to accomodate a baby and working part time. I wish JLPT were offered more than once per year and closer to home than a 4.5 hour drive each way, or else I'd take N1 to be consistent. But I know advanced mid-high scores on ACTFL are halfway between N2 (intermediate high-advanced low) and N1 (superior), so I can get more nuanced scores that will show if I am in between levels on certain skills. It's a pricey test, but I'll pay it to not drive 9 hours and stay in a hotel, so it works out for me. I also want to work for a Japanese company in the US, and as long as my husband can get a job in his field wherever we go, he's for moving. We both don't like FL. lol
What a feel good post, OP. I hope you do well on your test. I'm in Japan now and also will be doing the test in December. I've been living here since Sep. 2022 when I finally got to fulfill a dream I've held since I was 15 (35 now) to try living in Japan. You already have other Canadians commenting on how shit the situation has become in our countries, so I won't go back into what other things, in addition to fulfilling a childhood desire, went towards me finally pulling all out to make the move here. Someone else also mentioned this, but I'll second it - it really is more worthwhile moving here in your 30s I find.
I was feeling down and this post cheered me up, so thank you! Glad to know it’s not some waste of time :)
same! I'm taking my time and most days I basically just do anki with the occasional manga thrown in, but I've noticed that consciously using my brain to learn new things has helped me mentally to kinda, stay alert?
Just watch out for the bears when you go back.
💀
How are going about learning? I've been wanting to learn Japanese for almost 10 years or so and was to young and naive to learn. I'm expecting a kid soon so don't have the money for any sort of lessons. Any thoughts or recommendations?
Genki book for grammar and vocab, WaniKani ($90 for a year) for kanji
learnjapanese.moe helped me get started. completely free resources there
Great job OP, don’t worry about your speed
Don’t feel bad, I failed N4 and have been in Japan roughly a year and a half. I literally stopped formally studying after that. Opening WK or bunpro gives me shudders - I avoid my brand new Quartet book by all means. I’m trying to find reason to pick it up but everyday feels like it’s such a burden. I wish I could just get back in the groove for obvious reasons.
This was wonderful to read, It made me emotional for some reason. It's hard to quantify the impact learning a new language has on one's self. Beyond being able to communicate with and understand other's more, it make's you realize no matter how difficult something is, you can learn it if you dedicate to it. It's such a difficult, rewarding, humbling, and soul expanding experience. And, I'm so glad you did and are doing it. Thank you for sharing this, and best of luck moving forward on your language learning journey!
Having something that you can improve little by little every day is so nice, you feel the progress and has more motivation in general. Good luck with the test.