Job Discussion Forums

[dbooster]

Can anyone provide me with a link to a good resource with the 500-1000 most common words in the Japanese language? Flashcards of random words are just not working well for me, so I thought I might at least try to make the words a little less random and a little more useful (I've read that the most 1000 common words in a language make up about 85% of the spoken language in most situations)

[canuck]

You'll need some sort of context to make it work. I suggest working through a book, and finishing the book. Then moving on to the next book in the series. That is going to be a far more effective way to improve your Japanese.

Did a quick google search. Here's 100 towards manga.

http://www.yale.edu/anime/glossary.html

[luckyloser700]

Canuck's advice is right-on. The words will come. Learn the basic grammar first. Contextually works best. Lots of textbooks teach grammar using everyday dialogues. Much of the most commonly used grammar, along with many of the most commonly used words are included in the lessons. If you can use the basic grammar, you'll be surprised at how often you can slip an English word or two into your sentences and be all right. Lots of Japanese people know many English words. You just have to use Japanese pronunciation when you say them.

[guitarcries]

The Genki textbook series (well, there are only 2) are great... you learn new vocab. and then they keep using those words in the book over and over again. The textbooks give you TONS of exercises, and they also make workbooks. Perfect if you want to be able to speak/listen AND read/write, as it's an "integrated approach," meaning they teach the vocab./grammar and the kanji together.

[Bozo Yoroshiku]

[sallycat]

atsui, samui, genki.
daijoubu?
otsukaresama-deshita.