The 25 episodes are cumulative — each one builds on the last. This path groups them into five stages so you always know what to do next.
How to use this path
- Start at Episode 1 and go in order. Skipping breaks the cumulative method.
- Speak out loud whenever the native speaker prompts you — passive listening won't build fluency.
- Drill with the Exercises-only audio on each episode (or the Exercises page) after the lesson.
- Learn the kana alongside — work through Hiragana and Katakana as you go.
Stage 1 - FoundationsEpisodes 1-5
Meet the method. Your first particle (が ga), cognates, casual vs. polite Japanese, and core starter vocabulary.
Stage 2 - Building BlocksEpisodes 6-10
More verbs and particles, talking about languages, and your first interpreter-style practice.
Stage 3 - ExpandingEpisodes 11-15
New uses of the わ (wa) particle, Japanese counters, and high-frequency particle patterns.
Stage 4 - Deeper GrammarEpisodes 16-20
A new use of が (ga), the essential に (ni) particle, and expanding what you can do with verbs.
Stage 5 - Real-World JapaneseEpisodes 21-25
Practical verbs and vocabulary for living in Japan, plus mastering が (ga). The home stretch.
