Which written script should I learn first?

[sirdrinksalot]

Hi everyone

I have been studying spoken Japanese now for a nearly 1 month and I want to also start on reading and written.

Question is which should i start with first?

Hiragana
Kanji
Katakana

I think I have spelt them right.

Thanks for your help.

Ed

[Airth]

If you were coming to Japan next month, then I would say really focus on reading katakana smoothly. In many ways, they are of the most practical value for someone just starting the language and trying to get around.

I assume you aren't planning to come over here so soon, in which case you really need to nail the hiragana first. Actually, it shouldn't take you more than a couple of weeks to learn both kana syllabaries, so why not tackle them both at the same time?

Kanji are going to take you anywhere from a few years to forever to master. But don't let that put you off; simply learn them as you need them, or even better focus on the ones you find most interesting.

Don't forget to enjoy the process!

[sirdrinksalot]

Hi Airth

Thanks for the reply. So I should learn both Hirigana And Katakana? I never knew Kanji was so complex

Im planning to hit Japan next year for a holiday then hopefully if i like it (which im sure i will) I hope to take a gap year out there either as a JALT or similar.

Im enjoying it so far and finding the language very interesting.

Thanks

Ed

[Psy]

If you seriously want to learn Japanese, you have to learn all 3. Though it will still take time for you to gain reading speed, with flashcards and motivation there's no reason why you can't learn both hiragana and katakana in a weekend. Kanji is another story, but since it takes so long it's best to start as early as possible.

I agree with Airth on the learning order: katakana for tourists/survival, hiragana for language learners.

Good luck!

[sirdrinksalot]

Thanks guys, I appreciate your info.

I better get cracking and hit the books eh.

Thanks again
Ed