Spring Japanese Courses

Japanese Level 1 Description (All sections)
(for students with no or little basic grammar knowledge in Japanese, meets once a week)

The course is designed to introduce elementary Japanese to students with no previous background in the language. Basic vocabulary, grammar and sentence structures will be taught in romaji (Japanese written phonetically in the Roman alphabet) so students can carry on a simple conversation. Hiragana and some introductory kanji will be introduced.

Students will be introduced to the following:

• X wa Y desu.
• Question sentences
• This/that/which
• Here/there/over there/where
• Verb conjugation (present tense)
• Sentence particles

All Level 1 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 1-A above.

All Level 1 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 1-A above.

All Level 1 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 1-A above.

All Level 1 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 1-A above.

All Level 1 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 1-A above.

All Level 1 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 1-A above.

All Level 1 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 1-A above.

Japanese Level 1&2 Description (All sections)
(for students with no or little basic grammar knowledge in Japanese, meets twice a week)

This fast-track course covers Levels 1 and 2 in one semester, and is designed to introduce elementary Japanese. 

Level 1: Basic vocabulary, grammar and sentence structures will be taught in romaji (Japanese written phonetically in the Roman alphabet) so students can carry on a simple conversation. Hiragana and some introductory kanji will be introduced. Students will be introduced to the following:

• X wa Y desu.
• Question sentences
• This/that/which
• Here/there/over there/where
• Verb conjugation (present tense)
• Sentence particles

Level 2: Students will continue to develop their beginners’ level language skills in basic Japanese as they begin to apply the past tense and are introduced to new words, grammar, and expressions. Recognition of hiragana is expected as less romaji will be used. Katakana and a few more kanji will be introduced. Students will be introduced to the following:

• X ga arimasu/imasu.
• Location description
• Adjectives (present and past tense)
• Suki (na)/ Kirai (na)
• mashou ka

Required Textbook: Genki I, 3rd Edition (Ch. 1-5)

All Level 1&2 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 1&2-A above.

All Level 1&2 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 1&2-A above.

All Level 1&2 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 1&2-A above.  

Japanese Level 2 Description (All sections)
Prerequisite: Japanese 1 or equivalent; most importantly, students must understand how to use the particles wa, o, de, ni, and e, and be able to make sentences such as, “I eat a sandwich at a restaurant at 1 o’clock.” For a full list of grammar patterns covered in Level 1, see Level Guide (Numbered Levels). Recognition of hiragana is also expected.

Students will continue to develop their beginners’ level language skills in basic Japanese as they begin to apply the past tense and are introduced to new words, grammar, and expressions. Recognition of hiragana is expected as less romaji will be used. Katakana and a few more kanji will be introduced.

Students will be introduced to the following:

• X ga arimasu/imasu.
• Location description
• Adjectives (present and past tense)
• Suki (na)/ Kirai (na)
• mashou ka

All Level 2 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 2-A above.

All Level 2 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 2-A above.

All Level 2 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 2-A above.

All Level 2 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 2-A above.

All Level 2 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 2-A above.

All Level 2 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 2-A above.

All Level 2 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 2-A above.

All Level 2 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 2-A above.  

Japanese Level 3 Description (All sections)
(Prerequisite: Japanese 2 or equivalent, and recognition of hiragana and some katakana is required as the textbook no longer uses romaji)

This course will focus on the introduction and use of the te form of verbs, and students will continue to build upon their conversational skills and vocabulary.

Required Text: Genki I, 3rd Edition (Ch. 6 & 7)

All Level 3 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 3-A above.

All Level 3 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 3-A above.

All Level 3 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 3-A above.

All Level 3 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 3-A above.

All Level 3 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 3-A above.

All Level 3 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 3-A above.

Japanese Level 3&4 Description (All sections)
(Prerequisite: Japanese 2 or equivalent, and recognition of hiragana and some katakana is required as the textbook no longer uses romaji)

This fast-track course covers Levels 3 & 4 in one semester.

Level 3: This course will focus on the introduction and use of the te form of verbs, and students will continue to build upon their conversational skills and vocabulary.

Level 4: Students will practice the informal speech style in the present and past tenses. The ta form will be introduced, and students will learn to modify nouns with verbs, as well as practice phrases using to omoimasu (“I think”) and to iimasu (“he/she says”).

Required Text: Genki I, 3rd Edition (Ch. 6-9)

All Level 3&4 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 3&4-A above.  

Japanese Level 4 Description (All sections)
(Prerequisite: Japanese 3 or equivalent)

Students will practice the informal speech style in the present and past tenses, and will learn the nai form of verbs. The ta form will be introduced, and students will learn to modify nouns with verbs, as well as practice phrases using to omoimasu (“I think”) and to iimasu (“he/she says”).

Required text: Genki I, 3rd Edition (Ch. 8-9)

All Level 4 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 4-A above.

All Level 4 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 4-A above.

All Level 4 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 4-A above.

All Level 4 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 4-A above.

All Level 4 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 4-A above.  

Kanji N5
(Prerequisite: Japanese 4 or equivalent).

The N5 test requires knowledge of approximately 100 kanji. In this course, we will focus on mastering most of these kanji, primarily referencing material from the Kanji Master N5 textbook. We will also cover other N5 content such as reading comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary.

No textbook is required.  

Japanese Level 5 Description (All sections)
(Prerequisite: Japanese 4 or equivalent)

Students will learn various usages of the ta form, and comparative sentence patterns will be introduced. Enrollment in a Kanji course is recommended for those who would like to strengthen their kanji reading and recognition, including kanji from the Level 1-9 progression.

Required text: Genki I, 3rd Edition (Ch. 10 & 11)

All Level 5 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 5-A above.

All Level 5 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 5-A above.

All Level 5 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 5-A above.

All Level 5 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 5-A above.

All Level 5 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 5-A above.

All Level 5 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 5-A above.

Japanese Level 5&6 Description (All sections)
(Prerequisite: Japanese 4 or equivalent)

This fast-track course covers Levels 5 & 6 in one semester. Enrollment in a Kanji course is recommended for those who would like to strengthen their kanji reading and recognition, including kanji from the Level 1-9 progression.

Level 5: Students will learn various usages of the ta form, and comparative sentence patterns will be introduced.

Level 6: Students will learn how to use various modifying clauses to create complex sentences.

Required text: Genki I, 3rd Edition (Ch. 10 – 12), Genki II, 3rd Edition (Ch. 13 & 14)

All Level 5&6 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 5&6-A above.

5&6-B CLASS FULL; to be added to the waitlist, please email [email protected] or call 212-715-1269.

Review: Genki I Description
(Prerequisite: Japanese 5 or equivalent)

This course is designed for students who have completed Level 5, but feel the need to review the content of the Genki I textbook before moving up to Level 6. The course focuses on reviewing the grammar points and increasing vocabulary so that students gain more confidence in speaking Japanese with an accurate command of grammar. Special focus will be placed on: verb conjugation, adjective conjugation, te-form/ta-form, and nai-form. Also, common mistakes in the use of particles (は、が、を、に、で、と) and expressions such as これ／この、どの／どんな、なに／なん will be addressed. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to speak Japanese more comfortably with a refreshed grasp of grammar.

The Genki I textbook content will be referenced, but no textbook is required.    

Japanese Level 6 Description (All sections)
(Prerequisite: Japanese 5 or equivalent. Recognition of 100 kanji is expected.)

Students will learn how to use various modifying clauses to create complex sentences. Enrollment in a Kanji course is recommended for those who would like to strengthen their kanji reading and recognition, including kanji from the Level 1-9 progression.

Required text: Genki I, (Ch. 12) (purchase of Genki I textbook not required), Genki II, 3rd Edition (Ch. 13-14)

All Level 6 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 6-A above.

All Level 6 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 6-A above.

All Level 6 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 6-A above.  

Japanese Level 7 Description (All sections)
(Prerequisite: Japanese 6 or equivalent)

Students will be introduced to the volitional form, and will learn to describe the giving and receiving of services (instead of goods). The structure for reporting hearsay (sou desu) will be practiced. The tara variation of conditional sentence structures will be taught. Enrollment in a Kanji course is recommended for those who would like to strengthen their kanji reading and recognition, including kanji from the Level 1-9 progression.

Required text: Genki II, 3rd Edition, (Ch. 15-17).

All Level 7 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 7-A above.

All Level 7 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 7-A above.

All Level 7 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 7-A above.

Japanese Level 7&8 Description (All sections)
(Prerequisite: Japanese 6 or equivalent)

This fast-track course covers Levels 7 & 8 in one semester. Enrollment in a Kanji course is recommended for those who would like to strengthen their kanji reading and recognition, including kanji from the Level 1-9 progression.

Level 7: Students will be introduced to the volitional form, and will learn to describe the giving and receiving of services (instead of goods). The structure for reporting hearsay (sou desu) will be practiced. The tara variation of conditional sentence structures will be taught.

Level 8: Transitive and intransitive verbs will be compared extensively, and honorific verbs will be introduced. Hazudesu (supposed to be the case) will be taught. Students will practice “extra-modest expressions” followed by “humble expressions.” Students will also study how to include a question as a part of a longer sentence such as “Do you know when David will go to Japan?”

Required text: Genki II, 3rd Edition, (Ch. 15-20).  

Japanese Level 8 Description
(Prerequisite: Japanese 7 or equivalent)

Transitive and intransitive verbs will be compared extensively, and honorific verbs will be introduced. Hazudesu (supposed to be the case) will be taught. Students will practice “extra-modest expressions” followed by “humble expressions.” Students will also study how to include a question as a part of a longer sentence such as “Do you know when David will go to Japan?” Enrollment in a Kanji course is recommended for those who would like to strengthen their kanji reading and recognition, including kanji from the Level 1-9 progression.

Required text: Genki II, 3rd Edition, (Ch. 18-20).

All Level 8 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 8-A above.  

Japanese Level 9 Description (All sections)
(Prerequisite: Japanese 8 or equivalent)

This is the last level in which students learn essential grammar. Students will learn passive and causative sentence patterns along with other expressions, such as ba, noni and temo, to achieve more effective communication skills. Enrollment in a Kanji course is recommended for those who would like to strengthen their kanji reading and recognition, including kanji from the Level 1-9 progression.

Required text: Genki II, 3rd Edition, (Ch. 21-23).

All Level 9 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 9-A above.

All Level 9 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 9-A above.

All Level 9 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 9-A above.  

Kanji N4 Description
(Prerequisite: Japanese 8 or equivalent)

The N4 test requires knowledge of approximately 180 new kanji (in addition to the 100 required for N5). In this course, we will focus on mastering approximately 80-90 of these new kanji, including basic radical systems. We will also cover other N4 content such as reading comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary. This course is conducted almost entirely in Japanese.

No textbook required.  

Review: Genki II Description (All sections)
(Prerequisite: Japanese 9, or concurrently with Japanese 9, or equivalent.)

There are certain grammar points that many intermediate-level students struggle with. This course offers a guided review on these notorious grammar points, including Causative-Passive, Transitive vs. Intransitive verbs, and Keigo. Students will be invited to dive into the mechanism as well as the psychology behind these grammar points through drills and speaking practice. This class will help to scatter away clouds of confusion students may have had for a long time. It will serve as a confidence booster on key grammar.

This class will reinforce students’ understanding and usage of grammar points including:

• Week 1: Particles
• Week 2: Transitive vs. Intransitive
• Week 3: Conditional: 〜たら、〜と、〜ば、〜なら
• Week 4: Doing a favor: 〜てあげる、〜てもらう、〜てくれる
• Week 5: Passive & Causative-Passive
• Week 6: Noun modifiers
• Week 7: Conjecture: 〜だろう、〜かも知れない、〜らしい、〜ようだ、〜はずだ、〜みたいだ
• Week 8: Honorifics: 尊敬語、謙譲語
• Week 9 & 10: Semester Review, Q&A

Kigaru na Kaiwa
(Prerequisite: Japanese 9, or equivalent)

Kigaru na Kaiwa roughly translates to “easy conversation without hesitation.” This course is recommended for students who wish to train their conversational skills in Japanese beyond the Genki II textbook content. Students will practice sharing their thoughts on various topics and situations relating to the arts, food, technology, etc., utilizing interesting reading materials or current news. Useful conversational techniques will also be introduced, such as あいづち(response words), ice breakers, finding common interests to talk about, and more

No textbook required.  

Kanji N3 Description
(Recommended for students considering Level 10, or taking with Level 10 concurrently, or equivalent)

The N3 test requires knowledge of approximately 370 new kanji (in addition to the 280 required for N4 and N5). In this course, we will focus on mastering some of these new kanji (approximately 80-100 a semester). We will also cover other N3 content such as reading comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary. This course is conducted in Japanese.

No textbook required.  

Japanese 10: Quartet (Part 1) Description (All sections)
(Prerequisite: level 9 or equivalent. Recognition of approximately 300 kanji from the Genki I and II textbooks is expected.)

For students who have mastered basic Japanese grammar with the Genki II textbook content, Quartet is an ideal textbook to advance to the intermediate level. It helps develop all four language skills (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) through the study of grammar and expressions needed to communicate at the intermediate level. This course is designed to provide students with the necessary tools to move up to Level 11. Enrollment in Kanji courses is recommended.

Level 10: Quartet is offered in several parts; these parts should be taken in order, starting from Part 1. It is recommended that all parts be taken at least once before moving to Level 11.

Required Text: Quartet: Intermediate Japanese Across the Four Language Skills
Textbook 1, (Part 1: Ch. 1 and Ch. 2)

All Level 10: Quartet (Part 1) courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 10-A: Quartet (Part 1) above.

10-B: Quartet (Part 1) CLASS FULL; to be added to the waitlist, please email [email protected] or call 212-715-1269.

All Level 10: Quartet (Part 1) courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 10-A: Quartet (Part 1) above.

Japanese 10: Quartet (Part 2) Description (All sections)
(Prerequisite: level 10: Quartet (Part 1), or equivalent.)

For students who have mastered basic Japanese grammar with the Genki II textbook content, Quartet is an ideal textbook to advance to the intermediate level. It helps develop all four language skills (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) through the study of grammar and expressions needed to communicate at the intermediate level. This course is designed to provide students with the necessary tools to move up to Level 11. Enrollment in Kanji courses is recommended.

Level 10: Quartet is offered in several parts; these parts should be taken in order, starting from Part 1. It is recommended that all parts be taken at least once before moving to Level 11.

Required Text: Quartet: Intermediate Japanese Across the Four Language Skills Textbook 1, (Part 2: Ch. 3 and Ch. 4)

All Level 10: Quartet (Part 2) courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 10-D: Quartet (Part 2) above.

Japanese Level 10: Integrated Approach (Part 4) Description (All sections)
(Prerequisite: level 9 or equivalent)

Please Note: We are phasing out these original Level 10 textbook courses; this semester is the last time they will be offered. We recommend that anyone newly joining Level 10 joins the Quartet textbook courses instead (see 10: Quartet above.)

For students who feel secure with the Genki II textbook content, this class follows Level 9 in the progression from the Genki II textbook, continuing a formal study of Japanese grammar. More advanced grammar, vocabulary and kanji will be introduced over several semesters. Speaking practice will also be emphasized. This course is designed to provide students with the necessary tools to move up to Level 11. Enrollment in Kanji courses is recommended.

Required Text: An Integrated Approach to Intermediate Japanese (Revised Edition), (Part 4: Lessons 13-15)

Special Topic Level 10: Japan Right Now Description
(Recommended for students who have taken Level 10 at least once, or equivalent)

Japan Right Now: This class will examine aspects of today’s Japanese society and culture through the latest news. Students will read articles on NHK News Web Easy and actively discuss them. The original articles written with advanced vocabulary and grammar may also be introduced. There will be listening exercises through video clips. For a sample of course material from a previous semester, please see here.

This class is ideal if you want to reinforce any of the following skills:

• Reading comprehension
• Discussion skill
• Vocabulary building
• Kanji building and refresher
• Listening comprehension
• Learning about Japanese society

For course description, see Level 10-G: Japan Right Now above.  

Japanese Level 11 Description (All sections)
(Prerequisite: minimum of four semesters of Japanese 10 (textbook course), or equivalent. Recognition of approximately 500 kanji recommended)

Looking at culture and current topics, students will use real-life sources, somewhat modified, to continue to increase their knowledge of written and spoken Japanese. Vocabulary and common expressions will be emphasized. Students will study and discuss Japanese culture at a deeper level. For a sample of course material from a previous semester, please see here. Enrollment in Kanji courses is recommended.

No textbook required.

For course description, see Level 11-A above.  

Special Topic Japanese Level 11: The Art of Zatsudan Description
(Prerequisite: minimum of four semesters of Japanese 10 (textbook course) or equivalent)

The Art of Zatsudan: In this course, you will learn how to expand on 雑談 (zatsudan = chit chat, chatting), which plays a crucial role in fostering positive relationships. We will cover various popular topics such as hobbies, movies, cultural differences, current events, etc., allowing you to review and acquire vocabulary, expressions, and grammar necessary for successful zatsudan. Additionally, we will explore effective communication strategies and appropriate language usage tailored to various relationships. This course offers an excellent opportunity for learners seeking to enhance their conversational skills in Japanese.

No textbook required.  

Kanji N2 Description
(Recommended for students at Japanese 11, or equivalent)

The N2 test requires knowledge of approximately 380 new kanji (in addition to the 650 required for N3 – N5). In this course, we will focus on mastering some of these new kanji (approximately 80-100 a semester). We will also cover other N2 content such as reading comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary. This course is conducted in Japanese.

No textbook required.  

Japanese Level 12 Description
(Prerequisite: Japanese 11 or equivalent. Recognition of approximately 800 kanji is recommended.

This will be a heavily discussion-based class. In small to large groups, students will share their thoughts on current topics using various sources such as videos, articles, excerpts, and more. Many useful and relevant vocabulary words will be introduced every week. There may be experimental activities involving generative AI for speaking and reading practices. Enrollment in Kanji courses is recommended.

No textbook required.  

Special Topic Japanese Level 12: Japanese Drama Description
(Prerequisite: Japanese 11 or equivalent)

Japanese Drama: Students will watch episodes of a Japanese TV series (逃げるは恥だが役にたつ) and actively discuss the themes, language nuances, and specific cultural references. Non-traditional aspects such as slang and regionalisms will be analyzed in detail. Students will be encouraged to do weekly writing assignments to share their thoughts.

No textbook required.  

Japanese Level 13 Description
(Prerequisite: Japanese 12 or equivalent, and have passed JLPT N2 or equivalent knowledge. Students should recognize at least 1,200 kanji.)

The highest level for those at near native proficiency. Looking at culture and current topics, there will be extended discussions about current events from TV programs and articles to increase knowledge of useful advanced vocabulary for oral communication. Movies and dramas will be used to learn current expressions and idioms. For a sample of course material from a previous semester, please see here. Enrollment in Kanji courses is recommended.

No textbook required.  

Kanji N1 Description
(Prerequisite: Japanese 12 or equivalent)

The N1 test requires knowledge of approximately 1,000 new kanji (in addition to the roughly 1,000 required for N2 – N5). In this course, we will focus on mastering some of these new kanji (approximately 100-200 a semester). We will also cover other N1 content such as reading comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary. This course is conducted in Japanese.

No textbook required.