Japanese Study Book
A structured guide to learning Japanese from the writing system to essential grammar patterns. Work through each chapter at your own pace and track your progress.
About This Book
Welcome to the Susume Nihongo Study Book. This guide is designed to take you from zero to essential N5–N4 grammar. Each chapter focuses on a specific topic, with clear explanations, practical examples, cultural notes, and interactive quizzes to reinforce your understanding. This book is meant to guide you, not replace other learning methods. To make the most of your progress, combine it with the platform’s features, quality textbooks, and daily immersion in Japanese language and culture.
Before you begin, read the Getting Started page to set up your study plan.
Chapter 01 — Introduction & ひらがな (Hiragana)
Welcome to your Japanese journey! Start by understanding the three writing systems and mastering Hiragana, the foundational script for every sound in the language.
Chapter 02 — カタカナ (Katakana) & Basic Greetings
Master Katakana, the script for loanwords, and learn essential Japanese greetings to start interacting in daily life.
Chapter 03 — Numbers & Particles は and の
Learn to count in Japanese using Kanji and master the two most fundamental particles: the topic marker 'wa' and the possession marker 'no'.
Chapter 04 — Pronouns & Particle も
Expand your ability to refer to people and things. Learn personal pronouns, demonstratives (this, that), and how to say 'also' or 'too' using the particle 'mo'.
Chapter 05 — Question Words & Particle か
Master the art of asking questions in Japanese. Learn the essential question words (Who, What, Where, When) and the particle 'ka' that marks a question.
Chapter 06 — Demonstratives Ko-So-A-Do Part 2 (この, その, あの, どの)
Master the demonstrative adjectives used to point at specific objects. Learn the difference between 'this' (kore) and 'this [noun]' (kono) and how to navigate Japanese shopping etiquette.
Chapter 07 — Noun-Desu: Affirmative & Negative
Learn the foundational 'A is B' sentence structure. Master the copula 'desu' in its affirmative and negative forms to introduce yourself and describe the world.
Chapter 08 — Time & Particle に
Master the clock in Japanese! Learn how to tell time, count minutes, and use the particle 'ni' to specify exactly when an action occurs.
Chapter 09 — Places & Particles へ and で
Expand your world by learning how to talk about where you are going and where you do things. Master the particles 'e' (direction) and 'de' (location/means).
Chapter 10 — Verb Conjugation: ます-form
Take your first step into verb conjugation. Learn how to turn plain dictionary form verbs into the polite 'masu' form to speak respectfully to others.
Chapter 11 — Particle を & Verbs Part 2
Master the direct object particle を (o) and expand your verb vocabulary. Learn how to describe daily actions and navigate Japanese dining etiquette.
Chapter 12 — Verb Groups & Dictionary Form
Unlock the master key to Japanese grammar by learning how to classify verbs into three groups based on their dictionary forms (u-verbs, ru-verbs, irregular).
Chapter 13 — Existence Verbs: あります & います
Learn how to express that something exists and describe where it is using the verbs iru (animate) and aru (inanimate) with position words.
Chapter 14 — Adjectives Part 1: い-Adjectives
Discover how to describe the world using い-Adjectives. Learn how these words conjugate like verbs to express tense and negativity.
Chapter 15 — Adjectives Part 2: な-Adjectives
Discover the second group of Japanese adjectives: adjectival nouns (na-adjectives) that rely on the copula and the particle な to modify other words.
Chapter 16 — Basic Particles Recap
Consolidate your knowledge of the 'glue' of the Japanese language: the particles that define topics, subjects, objects, and relationships.
Chapter 17 — Past Tense: Nouns & Verbs
Master the art of looking back. Learn how to describe past events, states, and feelings by conjugating nouns, adjectives, and verbs into the past tense.
Chapter 18 — Counters Part 1: General & Small Items
Learn how to count objects in Japanese using the native number system and specific counters for small items, and master the essential て-form (te-form).
Chapter 19 — Counters Part 2: People & Time
Master the counters for people and time durations, and learn how to compare items and quantities using comparative and superlative structures.
Chapter 20 — N5 Review & Capstone
Synthesize everything you have learned in the N5 curriculum through comprehensive review, complex dialogues, and a final assessment of your skills.