Hi, I am Shingo SATO, a native speaker with more than 10 years of experience teaching Japanese.
Learning a new language can be a daunting task. It requires dedication, focus, and patience. As with any language, it often takes time and practice to truly master the nuances and intricacies of the language. When it comes to learning a language like Japanese, it can be even more difficult due to its unique writing system and the complexity of its grammar.
However, there are many tools and resources available that can help to make the process of learning Japanese easier and more accessible. One such resource is PDFs, or Portable Document Format files. PDFs are especially useful when it comes to learning Japanese, as they provide an easy and convenient way to access a wide variety of materials, from textbooks to audio lessons.
In this blog post, I will introduce recommended Japanese textbooks in PDF. There are two recommendations as follows.
As a Japanese language teacher, I actually use Irodori.
I will also discuss the benefits of learning Japanese with PDFs.
Japanese Textbooks in PDF
One of the best resources for learning Japanese with PDFs are Japanese textbooks. These textbooks are designed to teach the basics of the language, from grammar to vocabulary. They often come with accompanying audio files and exercises, making them a great choice for those who want to learn Japanese.
There are two recommendations.
The table below summarizes the characteristics of these two books.
| Irodori | Easy Japanese | |
|---|---|---|
| Issued by | the Japan Foundation | NHK World Japan |
| Level | Starter to Elementary | Starter to Elementary |
| Number of Books | 3（Starter, Elementary 1 and Elementary 2） | 2（Grammar and Conversation） |
| Number of Pages in Total | Over 1,400 | 224 |
| Audio | Available | Available |
| Videos | Available | Available |
| Grammar Notes | Available | Available |
| Vocabulary List | Available | Available |
| Culture Notes | Available | Available（simple ones） |
| Romaji | Only available at lesson 1 and lesson 2 of the Starter level | Available |
| Apps | Available | Not Available |
| Website | Website | Website |
Both are easy to learn because they have audio and video as well as PDF. The great thing is that both are completely free, and there are no ads. You can learn not only language knowledge like grammar and vocabulary, but also Japanese culture.
I will present these books in detail.
Irodori: Japanese for Life in Japan
Irodori is issued by the Japan Foundation. The Irodori textbook is divided into three parts: Starter, Elementary 1, and Elementary 2. Each part corresponds to a specific JF Standard for Japanese-Language Education level.
While the JF standard is not based on grammar or vocabulary, there are Can-do statements, which means the book focuses not on vocabulary, grammar, or other language knowledge, but on what you can do with the Japanese language. For example, if the Can-do is “Can ask and answer questions about what you want to do on your days off”, you will learn vocabulary related to holiday activities and grammar for communicating what they want to do. In other words, the goal comes first, and then you learn the vocabulary and grammar necessary to achieve that goal.
In addition, there are “Tips for Life in Japan” at the end of every lesson, where you can learn about Japanese culture regarding the lesson. For example, after you learn about how to “ask and answer questions about what you want to do on your days off”, in the “Tis for Life in Japan” explains Onsen（hot springs）including bathing etiquette.
For more information on this book, you can read the following post.
Easy Japanese
Easy Japanese is issued by NHK World Japan. There are two books: Grammar and Conversation. The conversation one is based on JF Standard, like Irodori. In addition to vocabulary and grammar, you will also learn about culture, but the content is simpler than Irodori. There is a six-fold difference in the number of pages, so it can’t be helped.
Which one should you choose?
If you want to learn Japanese in depth, I recommend Irodori.
While the book is over 1400 pages in total, Easy Japanese is only 224 pages long.
On the other hand, Easy Japanese is the right choice for casual learners. Irodori only has romaji in the first two lessons, but Easy Japanese has romaji from beginning to end.
Benefits of Learning Japanese with PDFs
There are many benefits to learning Japanese with PDFs. Firstly, PDFs are convenient and easy to access. Unlike other materials, such as textbooks or audio lessons, PDFs can be accessed from almost any device, including computers, smartphones, and tablets. This makes them a great choice for learning Japanese, as they can be accessed from almost anywhere.
In addition, PDFs can be used to supplement any type of learning. Whether you are using textbooks, online courses, or audio lessons, PDFs can provide an extra layer of support. This makes them a great choice for those who want to supplement their learning with additional resources.
Finally, PDFs can be used to access a wide variety of materials. From textbooks to audio lessons, PDFs can provide access to almost any type of resource. This makes them a great tool for learning Japanese, as they can provide access to a variety of materials.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I recommend the following PDF Japanese textbooks.
PDFs are a great tool for learning Japanese. They are convenient, easy to access, and can be used to access a wide variety of materials, from textbooks to audio lessons. They are also a great way to supplement any type of learning, from textbooks to online courses. So, if you are looking to learn Japanese, why not give PDFs a try?
You can learn about the Irodori app in the following post, too.
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