Understanding Japanese Without Translating?

[cocomonk22]

Hi,

I have this problem, I'm sure others may as well. When someone says something in Japanese, usually my mind tries to think about what was said and translates it to English unless it is something simple like さようなら or こんにちは. What's the best way to understand instantly without translating?

[watermen]

Hi,

I have this problem, I'm sure others may as well. When someone says something in Japanese, usually my mind tries to think about what was said and translates it to English unless it is something simple like さようなら or こんにちは. What's the best way to understand instantly without translating?

Looking at pictures.

[cmwatkins]

I think it really comes down to frequency of use, cocomonk, and here are a couple techniques I used to increase that frequency:
* Encourage yourself to "think in Japanese" by consciously using Japanese as you think your way through the day. To explain: We all engage in a little mental "self-talk," particularly when we're by ourselves, such as when you're working your way through a recipe you're cooking for dinner, or reviewing directions as you're walking or driving somewhere. Challenge yourself to do that in Japanese rather than English, and it gets you in the habit of thinking directly in that language.
* Keep a journal/diary in which you write all entries in Japanese (kana would be more than sufficient, I think, if your kanji knowledge is low--that's what I did, and the technique still did its trick). Try to write at least a little something every day, no matter what it is.

And, of course, as watermen suggested, you can try to divorce the Japanese from the English by referencing pictures instead of words, which is a technique that I think would work well for vocabulary. I've seen some people plaster post-it notes on various items around their homes on which the other-language word for that item is written.

If you come across other techniques, I hope you'll share them here!

:: Chris Watkins ::
:: OdoriPark.com ::

[oskar2008]

Say it on Japanese in your head. Wake up and see clock 8:00 , don't say on English, say in your head 　hachiji , nobody hear you anyway if you make mistake who care. But for you this time maybe something important(must go in supermarket maybe) and easy to remember. If you do not how say , there is a few lesson and practice. Also all what you like or work or your hobby try say on Japanese, same thing. Same if you do not know how say on Japanese , listen there is are many lesson , if you still not found how say something on Japanese, use dictionary , or post question.
Like Jessi sensei say on review track "Remember repeating words a loud really help to pronunciation..."
I can't say easy, but need practice. And become possible.
Many Japanese school use same this method, maybe because work. Yes work.

Have a nice day.

ゾラン