🇯🇵Japan

Learn Japanese with real humans

Small groupsNative teachersTwice a week
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First words in Japanese
やあ！元気？ (Yaa! Genki?), Hey! How are you?
ha-jee-meh-MASH-teh / yaa, GEN-kee
はじめまして (Hajimemashite), Pleased to meet you
Formal greeting
Did you know? Japanese is one of the rare languages with grammatically distinct levels of politeness, 'keigo' (ultra-formal speech) used in business is almost a language within the language, with its own set of verbs. Japanese speakers also use 'ma' (間), the art of silence and pauses in conversation, as a genuine communicative element. Saying 'no' directly is considered impolite: 'chotto muzukashii' (it's a little difficult) clearly means 'no' in a professional context. Our native teachers have fully mastered these cultural codes, and they pass them on to you.
Small
Class groups
2×
Live classes / week
100%
Native teachers
30d
Money-back guarantee
Live classes

Learn Japanese live with a native teacher

2 live classes per week in small groups. Ask questions, practice conversation, progress fast.

Native teacher in class - Japanese | TargumiConversation with a teacher - Japanese | Targumi
2
classes per week
Small
groups
100%
certified native teachers
Live classes

Your typical Japanese week

2 live video classes per week, Mondays and Thursdays at 8pm (Paris time). Small groups.

Week of
8 – Jun 14, 2026
Mon8
20:00
Essential greetings
ConversationBeginner
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Tue9
·
Wed10
·
Thu11
20:00
At the restaurant: ordering
Role-playBeginner
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Fri12
·
Sat13
·
Sun14
·
2 live classes per week · Unlimited replay · Small groups
Join a live class→Watch a replay→

Ready to get started?

Try Targumi risk-free for 30 days. Money-back guarantee, no commitment.

Try for 30 days

Risk-free trial · 30-day refund · Small groups of 2-5

The platform

Progress in Japanese between classes, at your own pace

Interactive lessons with native audio, vocabulary, dialogues and quizzes. Everything you need to reinforce your skills between live sessions.

Ready to improve?

Access all interactive exercises and online courses.

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Risk-free trial · 30-day refund · Small groups of 2-5

The community

Join Targumi's Japanese community

Dedicated WhatsApp group, exchanges between learners, resource sharing. You're never alone in your learning journey.

Join the support group

Free · Lifetime access · Native speakers present

The method

Our method for learning Japanese

Step 01

Quick level test

Assess your current knowledge in 5 minutes

Step 02

Structured modules

Progressive learning path with native audio and exercises

Step 03

Interactive live classes

2 sessions per week with your native teacher

Step 04

Level certification

Validate your progress with an official certificate

Why Targumi

What makes us different for Japanese

100+
Available languages

Including rare languages you won't find anywhere else.

30
Free trial days

Try everything with no commitment. Classes, exercises, community.

3-en-1
Complete platform

Video classes + interactive exercises + WhatsApp community. All included.

24/7
Unlimited access

Learn whenever you want. Exercises and content are available 24/7.

The curriculum

What you'll learn in Japanese

A curriculum designed to get you speaking Japanese in the situations that actually matter to you.

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  1. 01
    Hiragana and katakana: master both syllabaries in 3 weeks
  2. 02
    Kanji: progressive, context-based learning of the 2,136 common characters
  3. 03
    Japanese politeness levels: teineigo, keigo and casual Japanese
  4. 04
    Japanese for anime, manga and contemporary pop culture
  5. 05
    Business Japanese: professional etiquette and formal communication
  6. 06
    JLPT N5 to N1 preparation: official certification

Start Japanese now

Try free for 30 days, no commitment.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions about learning Japanese

The two syllabaries (hiragana and katakana) each have 46 base characters. With 15 to 20 minutes of daily practice, most of our students master hiragana in 1 to 2 weeks and katakana in another 2 to 3 weeks. The method: visual mnemonics (each character paired with a memorable image) plus speed-reading drills to anchor them in long-term memory. After 3 weeks you can actually read Japanese, and even without always understanding the meaning, that is a real victory.
For speaking, kanji are not essential, you can hold solid conversations using only hiragana and katakana. For reading (menus, signs, social media, manga), kanji quickly become indispensable. JLPT N3 (intermediate) requires about 650 kanji, N2 about 1,000. Our courses introduce kanji progressively, always within real reading contexts, never as abstract lists to memorise.
Three real challenges: 1) The three writing systems to learn in parallel (hiragana, katakana, kanji); 2) The SOV word order (Subject-Object-Verb), the verb always comes at the end of the sentence; 3) Grammatical particles (wa, ga, wo, ni, de, to...) with no direct equivalent in English. The good news: Japanese grammar is very regular, pronunciation is simple (five pure vowels), and Japanese people deeply appreciate the efforts of foreigners.
Yes. The JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) is the benchmark international certification, ranging from N5 (beginner, 800 words) to N1 (advanced, 10,000 words and kanji). We offer tailored tracks for each level, covering targeted vocabulary, grammar review and full mock exams. N4 or N3 is often required for a work visa or studies in Japan, N2 is typically needed for professional roles in Japanese companies.
We always start with teineigo (the desu/masu form), the standard polite level, used with anyone you don't know well, in shops and in neutral situations. It is the safest and most useful level. Casual Japanese will come naturally afterwards. Professional keigo is an advanced stage, essential only if you work in a Japanese company or deal with Japanese clients.
Absolutely, and it is the number one motivation for most of our Japanese students. Anime exposes you to natural pronunciation and everyday vocabulary. Our teachers can integrate your favourite series and manga into lessons: breaking down dialogue, the vocabulary used by specific characters, and authentic expressions. One caveat: the Japanese of shōnen anime (Naruto, Dragon Ball) tends to be informal and sometimes overly masculine or aggressive, our teachers help you calibrate what can actually be used in real life.
Hiragana, katakana and basic vocabulary can be picked up through self-study. But natural conversation, correct pronunciation and cultural codes (politeness levels, indirect communication) genuinely need a native teacher. Targumi students who moved from an app to our classes consistently report progress three times faster in speaking, thanks to small groups and immediate feedback.
The most effective method combines live classes with a native teacher (for speaking and for mastering cultural codes), passive immersion (anime in original Japanese, Japanese podcasts, J-pop music) and regular kanji practice. Targumi offers exactly this format, with two live classes per week in small groups, supported by tailored exercises between sessions.
Targumi offers 3 plans: quarterly, yearly, and lifetime access. All plans include live small-group classes with native teachers, interactive lessons, and the community. See full pricing on the pricing page.
100% online. Live classes happen twice a week in small groups via Google Meet. You can join from anywhere in the world. The mobile and web app stay accessible 24/7 for interactive lessons.
Yes. Targumi offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans. If you are not satisfied, just email [email protected] for a full refund.
You can cancel anytime from your profile (“My subscriptions” section) with no hidden fees. Your access stays active until the end of your paid period.
Resources

All Japanese resources

Explore our free tools to progress outside of class.

Japanese level test

Assess your CEFR level in 5 minutes. 30-day learning plan included.

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Japanese survival kit

A hundred words and thirty key phrases as a printable PDF, free.

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Japanese cultural quiz

How well do you know Japanese culture? Films, music, traditions.

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Japanese articles

Guides and articles to learn Japanese.

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Japanese vocabulary

Essential words and phrases organized by theme.

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Cultural resources

Podcasts, movies, TV shows and music to progress through immersion.

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Reviews

They are learning Japanese with Targumi

Verified learner testimonials.

KK

“The moment I read a sign in Japanese without thinking, I couldn't sleep, I was so proud.”

Khady KimVerified purchase
YN

“On the eve of my 60th birthday, I recommended Targumi to everyone around me. Japanese works for me, it'll work for them.”

Yaw NakamuraVerified purchase
KB

“I listen to Japanese music and finally understand lyrics. Like discovering songs for the first time.”

Keita BrownVerified purchase
CM

“After 6 weeks of Japanese, I hold a fluent phone conversation. my investment paid off.”

Cheikh MarinoVerified purchase
EL

“Really good Japanese class. A built-in note-taking tool is missing.”

Elodie LimVerified purchase
CK

“After a burnout, Japanese helped me channel my energy in the right direction.”

Chen K.Verified purchase
SP

“Quality Japanese classes. The interface would benefit from being more intuitive.”

Salma PatelVerified purchase
PZ

“My 14-year-old takes Japanese classes. She speaks this language to me at dinner, it's hilarious.”

Patrick ZhangVerified purchase
Pricing

Start learning Japanese today

30-day money-back guarantee, no questions asked.

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No commitment
Monthly
To check that our method works for you
$99
per month
  • A complete learning platform: learn to build sentences, listen to audio to pronounce correctly, practice with exercises.
  • Live small-group classes, 2 to 4× a week: real practice. Schedule on the platform, everything on replay so you never miss out. Join in or not — no obligation.
  • WhatsApp community with other learners and teachers: practice writing, chat every day, immerse yourself in the language.
30-day money-back guarantee, no questions asked — email [email protected]
For a 3-month sprint
Save 33%
Quarterly
Enough to build solid foundations
$199
per quarter
  • A complete learning platform: learn to build sentences, listen to audio to pronounce correctly, practice with exercises.
  • Live small-group classes, 2 to 4× a week: real practice. Schedule on the platform, everything on replay so you never miss out. Join in or not — no obligation.
  • WhatsApp community with other learners and teachers: practice writing, chat every day, immerse yourself in the language.
30-day money-back guarantee, no questions asked — email [email protected]
Most chosen plan
Best investment
Lifetime
No subscription, no stress — we support you until you no longer need us.
$399
One-time payment · lifetime access
  • A complete learning platform: learn to build sentences, listen to audio to pronounce correctly, practice with exercises.
  • Live small-group classes, 2 to 4× a week: real practice. Schedule on the platform, everything on replay so you never miss out. Join in or not — no obligation.
  • WhatsApp community with other learners and teachers: practice writing, chat every day, immerse yourself in the language.
  • Shareable account. Share your login with someone close — they can sign in and attend classes in your place.
30-day money-back guarantee, no questions asked — email [email protected]
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