I'm currently using Remembering the Kanji 1 to learn Japanese. I already know how to draw a little over 100 kanji. But I don't know where to go after I finish all the kanji. This is what I'm wondering:

-Should I use an online or printed dictionary to learn vocabulary? What are the benefits of each?
-Should a dictionary be my only source to learn new words?
-Should I be focusing on learning more kanji after RTK1 or should I focus on vocabulary or something else?

It would really be helpful if someone could answer my questions.

Online dictionaries are definitely better than printed ones, for these reasons (among other): Free. Doesn't weigh a ton. Automatic search. Several to pick from, since they are free.

You shouldn't really use dictionaries as a source to learn new words, that makes no sense. Use real japanese sources. http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com for more information on that.

No, you really don't need to focus on learning more kanji, you already know more than enough when you're finished with RtK1. Learn the rest as you run into them. It's much better to focus on vocabulary and basic grammar so you can get started in enjoying Japanese. http://www.guidetojapanese.org is a great site for beginners where you can learn the basics of Japanese. Once you're done with it, you can learn from manga or maybe smart.fm.

I think we need a nicely written sticky for these types of questions don't you think =D

KoiNoDensetsu Wrote:-Should I use an online or printed dictionary to learn vocabulary? What are the benefits of each?

Online, paper dictionaries take long to look up english words, never mind kanji compounds.

KoiNoDensetsu Wrote:-Should a dictionary be my only source to learn new words?

If you find a new word in a manga, or a news article don't be afraid to just put the sentence in your srs. Dictionary sentences are good, but usually a bit boring =(

KoiNoDensetsu Wrote:-Should I be focusing on learning more kanji after RTK1 or should I focus on vocabulary or something else?

You *could* do RTK3 afterwords, but imo it isn't worth it. After RTK you can break down almost all kanji and learn them on the spot. My suggestion would be to do some grammer at Tae Kims Guide to Japanese and then start mining from native sources, or if you feel like it, K02001 for vocab.

bombpersons Wrote:I think we need a nicely written sticky for these types of questions don't you think =D

Exactly. I was scared I would get this thread locked since I expected there would be a sticky like this, but apparently there isn't. >_<

bombpersons Wrote:If you find a new word in a manga, or a news article don't be afraid to just put the sentence in your srs. Dictionary sentences are good, but usually a bit boring =(

That's what I don't understand about using an SRS. Am I supposed to put the Japanese text as the question and the English/kanji translation as the answer? How will I understand it if I don't know all the vocabulary?
I know about the method of letting words 'come to you' (what's seen on AJATT), but I can't do that for all the words I come across. For instance, I still don't know the EXACT difference between 'ga' and 'wa' even though I have heard them used multiple times in anime, manga, etc. Some words I only kind of know.

bombpersons Wrote:You *could* do RTK3 afterwords, but imo it isn't worth it. After RTK you can break down almost all kanji and learn them on the spot. My suggestion would be to do some grammer at Tae Kims Guide to Japanese and then start mining from native sources, or if you feel like it, K02001 for vocab.

What is K02001? I've heard it used multiple times on this forum, but don't know what it is.

Anyway, thanks everyone! This is a big help. ^_^

You should find sentences where you understand all the vocabulary but one, then look that word up in a dictionary so you understand the sentence. THEN enter it into your SRS so you don't forget that word you just learned.

As for the difference between wa and ga, you don't have to understand the difference, just be able to feel which one should be used. This will come later after you've seen tons of hours of Japanese, listen to tons of hours of it and read tons of books in it . Seriously though, you COULD find some grammar book about ga and wa, but it probably won't matter much. You might understand a bit better why one is used, but it won't change how well you use them when you speak Japanese, only exposure can do that.

KO2001 is a textbook, kanji odyssey 2001. It lists all the commonly used kanji and gives some example sentences for each kanji. By learning all the sentences in KO2001 in an SRS, you basically jumpstart your Japanese ability by a whole lot.

KoiNoDensetsu Wrote:That's what I don't understand about using an SRS. Am I supposed to put the Japanese text as the question and the English/kanji translation as the answer? How will I understand it if I don't know all the vocabulary?
I know about the method of letting words 'come to you' (what's seen on AJATT), but I can't do that for all the words I come across. For instance, I still don't know the EXACT difference between 'ga' and 'wa' even though I have heard them used multiple times in anime, manga, etc. Some words I only kind of know.

Typically your card format will be:

Question: Japanese sentence written in Kanji.

Answer: The sentence in kana or furigana and (if you want) an english translation (or when you get good enough, Japanese definitions of new words)

With this format you want to be testing your ability to:
Read the kanji
Understand what each word means
Understand the sentence as a whole

You don't want to put things into your SRS that you don't understand. If the original sentences are too difficult for you, go find an easier one from a dictionary instead.

Also don't worry about the ga/wa thing. It will come naturally with enough exposure.

KoiNoDensetsu Wrote:What is K02001? I've heard it used multiple times on this forum, but don't know what it is.

It is an audio e-book that presents 1110 most commonly used kanji with their common readings and example sentences for each one. There are about 3000 example sentences. Each sentence has audio recorded by a native speaker. Perfect for SRSing.

As for your original question ("where to go?") this is what many people on this forum recommend, and I have personally done:

RtK1-->Tae Kim*-->KO2001

Once you have done this you will be good enough to start mining from any native source you want. I did this and I went from 0 knowledge of Japanese to being able to play through and understand Chrono Trigger in Japanese.

*In case you didn't know, Tae Kim is a beginners source for basic grammar. There is a spreadsheet on the forum with all the sentences and you can find the site itself here: http://www.guidetojapanese.org/

Tobberoth Wrote:You should find sentences where you understand all the vocabulary but one, then look that word up in a dictionary so you understand the sentence. THEN enter it into your SRS so you don't forget that word you just learned.

Is there any dictionary sites you would recommend? I'm currently using Denshi Jisho for some translations, but I am also looking for a site that gives Japanese definitions. (along with the English equivalent)
One thing Jisho also doesn't do is translate complex kanji combinations. For instance, if I were to type in ' 夕実 ' in Denshi Jisho, it wouldn't give me the name's translation. Do any online dictionaries support kanji combinations like this?

Tobberoth Wrote:KO2001 is a textbook, kanji odyssey 2001. It lists all the commonly used kanji and gives some example sentences for each kanji. By learning all the sentences in KO2001 in an SRS, you basically jumpstart your Japanese ability by a whole lot.

Which of the CDs would you suggest I purchase?

blackmacros Wrote:RtK1-->Tae Kim*-->KO2001

Thanks that is really helpful.

KoiNoDensetsu Wrote:

Tobberoth Wrote:You should find sentences where you understand all the vocabulary but one, then look that word up in a dictionary so you understand the sentence. THEN enter it into your SRS so you don't forget that word you just learned.

Is there any dictionary sites you would recommend? I'm currently using Denshi Jisho for some translations, but I am also looking for a site that gives Japanese definitions. (along with the English equivalent)
One thing Jisho also doesn't do is translate complex kanji combinations. For instance, if I were to type in ' 夕実 ' in Denshi Jisho, it wouldn't give me the name's translation. Do any online dictionaries support kanji combinations like this?

Sure it does, you just have to set it Names and Places instead of general dictionary in jisho.orgs word page.

I personally use 大辞林 and 大辞泉 at dic.yahoo.co.jp for my J-J dictionary needs. http://www.sanseido.net also works. I also have the AWESOME J-E dictionary kenkyuusha's 大和英辞典, which is perfect if you need example sentences, but you will have to get it by illegal means if you don't want to pay quite a lot of money for the CD edition.

KoiNoDensetsu Wrote:

Tobberoth Wrote:KO2001 is a textbook, kanji odyssey 2001. It lists all the commonly used kanji and gives some example sentences for each kanji. By learning all the sentences in KO2001 in an SRS, you basically jumpstart your Japanese ability by a whole lot.

Which of the CDs would you suggest I purchase?

I have no idea, I don't own the books myself.

KoiNoDensetsu Wrote:Which of the CDs would you suggest I purchase?

The audio e-book is what you want. It contains both books and its the only one that comes with audio for the example sentences.

You can find more info here ( http://www.coscom.co.jp/ebook/e-2001kanji.html ), but I would definitely recommend the audio ebook.

blackmacros Wrote:Typically your card format will be:

Question: Japanese sentence written in Kanji.

Answer: The sentence in kana or furigana and (if you want) an english translation (or when you get good enough, Japanese definitions of new words)

I get the warm fuzzies inside when I realize I can do Japanese definitions of new words