How Do I Learn Japanese

How Do I Learn Japanese

I speak four languages including Mandarin, Cantonese, Japanese and English. Today I am going to share my experience of taking notes for Japanese learning. And I had passed N1 test within one year from zero. I am going to share my experience of taking Japanese notes.


What Notebook Do I Use?
First of all, a nice notebook is necessary‌. I prefer a A4 or B5 size leather notebook as I love to have more information in one page. I test notebook before I know my preference.
I used A6 notebook to take notes at the beginning but I found it annoying to turn page a lot with little information in one page while reviewing the notes. That's why I finally choose a A4 notebook
There are pros and cons for both notebook sizes. A6 notebook is easy to carry for its compact size but less notes in one page. B5 notebook is large enough for more information but too large to carry. This is what I consider when choose the notebook size.

A4 AND A6 NOTEBOOK COMPARED TO IPAD 2018 AND IPHONE 11
The comparison between A6 notebook, A4 notebook, 9.7in iPad 2018 and iPhone 11. You can see that a A4 notebook is a bit larger than iPad 2018 and a A4 notebook is a bit larger than iPhone 11.


How Do I Take Notes?
I will transcribe vocabulary and example sentences before I start a new lesson. It help me to remember them.
I write down the word and explanation on one line and sentences on next line. For A6 notebook, one line for one word, but for B5 notebook, I fold the paper in half and two words in one line.
When it comes to grammar, I write down the main ideas and example sentences for comprehension.
Then I start to learn the text. I don't try hard to remember the words but just to make an impression. It helps a lot to comprehend the text. And reading the text several times helps to remember the words and grammar.

my Japanese note on A6 notebook
My Japanese notes on A6 notebook. You can see that there are two knowledge points and that's all. 
my Japanese note on A4 notebook
My Japanese notes on A4 notebook. Many knowledge points on one page. 
How Do I Use The Notes?
About one to two weeks right before the test, I don't read text anymore but my notes. I quickly pass through all the notes to make deep impression of all message. I do it several times before the test even the night before the test.

What Do I Do After Passed N1?
I finally passed my N1 test in one time, and got a 143 scores.
It is often said that N1 passed is the entrance of learning Japanese. So I keep learning Japanese after text passed. I am not living in Japan so I have to create an environment of Japanese for myself. I read Japanese novels, manga, watch anime and Japanese drama without translation.
I will answer questions online for Japanese. I do part-time job as Japanese online consultant too.
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