Fall 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.

1-E CLASS FULL; to be added to the waitlist, please email [email protected] or call 212-715-1269.

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

1-F CLASS FULL; to be added to the waitlist, please email [email protected] or call 212-715-1269.

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. See Level 1 and Level 2 for descriptions of each level. Hiragana, katakana and some introductory kanji will be introduced.

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.  

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)
• shimashou 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.

2-F CLASS FULL; to be added to the waitlist, please email [email protected] or call 212-715-1269.

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

2-G CLASS FULL; to be added to the waitlist, please email [email protected] or call 212-715-1269.

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.

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. It will focus on the introduction and use of the te and nai forms of verbs, and students will continue to build upon their conversational skills and vocabulary. 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.

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

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.  

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.

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.

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

This fast-track course covers Levels 5 & 6 in one semester. Students will learn various usages of the ta form, and comparative sentence patterns will be introduced. 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.

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

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.  

JLPT N5
(Prerequisite: Japanese 5 or equivalent)

This course is structured to help prepare students for the N5 level of the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), which is the standard certification exam administered by the Japanese Ministry of Education. Students will focus on studying JLPT N5 content such as kanji, vocabulary, grammar, reading comprehension, and listening.

No textbook is required.  

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

Students will learn how to use various modifying clauses to create complex sentences. Recognition of 100 kanji is expected.

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.  

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.

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.

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

This fast-track course covers Levels 7 & 8 in one semester. 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. 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).

All Level 7&8 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 7&8-A above.  

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?”

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.

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.

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.  

JLPT N4 Description
(Prerequisite: Japanese 8 or equivalent)

This course is structured to help prepare students for the N4 level of the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), which is the standard certification exam administered by the Japanese Ministry of Education. This exam encompasses simple day-to-day vocabulary, as well as hiragana, katakana, and basic kanji. 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

Conversation & Culture Description
(Prerequisite: Japanese 9, or equivalent)

The goal for this course is to develop Japanese speaking skills using essential grammar and sentences. Through reading, watching videos, and engaging in conversation, students will further their cultural understanding of Japan. Topics may include onomatopoeia, tea ceremony, J-pop, concept cafés, Japanese idols, seasonal events such as ohina-sama, etc. There will also be a focus on levels of formality in spoken Japanese, where students will participate in interactive dialogues and create their own conversations using key phrases and expressions, including honorific speech (keigo). This course is recommended for students who have completed Level 9 or are at Level 10 and wish to practice their Japanese skills without necessarily learning more advanced grammar structures. This course is conducted mainly in Japanese other than grammar explanations, depending on the students in the class. It utilizes NHK’s Easy Japanese for Work in alternating semesters of odd and even lessons, and this semester will cover the even lessons.

No textbook required.  

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.  

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

This course is structured to help prepare students for the N3 level of the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), which is the standard certification exam administered by the Japanese Ministry of Education. This level requires students to comprehend a higher level of written material than the N4 and N5 exams, as well as everyday conversations spoken at near-natural speed. This course is conducted in Japanese.

No textbook required.  

Japanese Level 10: Quartet (Part 1) Description (All sections)
(Prerequisite: level 9 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.

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

10-A: 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.

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

Japanese Level 10 (Part 3) Description (All sections)
(Prerequisite: level 9 or equivalent)

Please Note: We will be phasing out these original Level 10 textbook courses over the next few semesters. 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.

Level 10 is offered in four parts: they can be taken in any order and each part is separate and self-contained, e.g., taking Part 1 is not necessary before Part 2. It is recommended that all four parts be taken at least once before moving to Level 11. Click here to see schedule of Level 10 Parts.

Required Text: An Integrated Approach to Intermediate Japanese (Revised Edition), (Part 3: Lessons 9-12)

Please Note: We will be phasing out these original Level 10 textbook courses over the next few semesters. We recommend that anyone newly joining Level 10 joins the Quartet textbook courses instead (see 10: Quartet above.)

All Level 10 (Part 3) courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 10-C (Part 3) above.

Please Note: We will be phasing out these original Level 10 textbook courses over the next few semesters. We recommend that anyone newly joining Level 10 joins the Quartet textbook courses instead (see 10: Quartet above.)

All Level 10 (Part 3) courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 10-C (Part 3) above.  

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-F: 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.

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.  

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

This course is structured to help prepare students for the N2 level of the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), which is the standard certification exam administered by the Japanese Ministry of Education. This level requires a more complex and nuanced understanding of written materials such as newspaper and magazine articles, as well as more advanced spoken materials such as more specific conversations and news reports. This course is conducted in Japanese.

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 and actively discuss the themes, language nuances, and specific cultural references. Non-traditional aspects such as slang and regionalisms will be analyzed in detail. This course will be conducted in Japanese. Japanese Drama this fall: TBA.

No textbook required.

For course description, see Level 12-A above.  

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.

No textbook required.  

JLPT N1 Description
(Prerequisite: Japanese 12 or equivalent)

This course is structured to help prepare students for the N1 level of the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), which is the standard certification exam administered by the Japanese Ministry of Education. This level requires a deep understanding of written and spoken content that is abstract or logically complex. Spoken material is presented at natural speed. This course is conducted in Japanese.

No textbook required.