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Making mistakes is a normal and valuable part of learning Japanese. The important step is to recognise recurring patterns, understand why they occur and practise a clearer or more natural alternative. Indian learners often have the advantage of already knowing more than one language. This multilingual experience can make it easier to notice grammar patterns and adapt to a new sentence structure. At the same time, habits from English or an Indian language may sometimes be transferred directly into Japanese. In Part 1, we examine three common areas:
1. Using あなた too frequently Beginners often learn that あなた means “you”. This translation is correct, but Japanese does not use second-person pronouns as frequently as English. When the listener is already clear from the conversation, Japanese commonly omits the subject. A person’s name with an appropriate suffix may also be used. Grammatically possible but sometimes unnatural Example あなたはどう思いますか。 あなたは どう おもいますか。 Anata wa dō omoimasu ka? What do you think? This sentence is grammatically possible. However, repeatedly using あなた in a conversation can sound distant, overly direct or unnatural, depending on the relationship and context. More natural when the listener is obvious Example どう思いますか。 どう おもいますか。 Dō omoimasu ka? What do you think? Using the person’s name Example 田中さんはどう思いますか。 たなかさんは どう おもいますか。 Tanaka-san wa dō omoimasu ka? What do you think, Tanaka-san? Learning point Do not treat あなた as a word that must replace every instance of “you” in English. First ask:
2. Converting English words directly into katakana Japanese contains many loanwords, including words borrowed from English. These are usually written in katakana. Example ホテル ホテル Hoteru Hotel Example コンピューター コンピューター Konpyūtā Computer However, this does not mean that every English word can be converted into katakana and used naturally in every situation. Example: asking for progress Understandable but less precise アップデートをください。 アップデートを ください。 Appudēto o kudasai. Please give me an update. More specific in a formal situation 進捗を共有していただけますか。 しんちょくを きょうゆうして いただけますか。 Shinchoku o kyōyū shite itadakemasu ka? Could you please share the progress? Example: finishing something English-influenced expression クローズします。 クローズします。 Kurōzu shimasu. I will close it. Clearer depending on context 終了します。 しゅうりょうします。 Shūryō shimasu. I will finish or conclude it. Learning point Before converting an English word into katakana, check:
3. Forgetting Japanese counters Japanese often uses a counter after a number. The counter changes according to what is being counted.
りんごを三買いました。 りんごを さん かいました。 Ringo o san kaimashita. The number does not have the required counter. Correct りんごを三つ買いました。 りんごを みっつ かいました。 Ringo o mittsu kaimashita. I bought three apples. Learning point Do not memorise numbers in isolation. Practise numbers together with commonly used counters: Counter example 一人 ひとり Hitori One person Counter example 二冊 にさつ Nisatsu Two books Counter example 三枚 さんまい Sanmai Three flat objects Quick practice 1. How would you ask “What do you think?” when the listener is already clear?
2. Which counter is commonly used for books?
3. Which sentence correctly means “I bought three apples”?
Summary
About Learn Japanese WellLearn Japanese Well is an educational resource about the Japanese language, JLPT preparation, study methods and Japanese culture. It is published by Sakuraa Nihongo Resource Centre®. For course, training or service enquiries, please contact SNRC.
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