When you learn vocabulary, either through sentences or individually, do you focus on the whole compound, or piece by piece?

In other words, I feel a bit dyslexic in Japanese (but never in English). So when I learn something like 簡単 I feel like if I saw 単簡 I might not see the problem. It's more of a problem with similar words, although RTK has helped enormously. Still, I get confused by order more than individual characters. Maybe once the readings are just more drilled in (haven't done RTK2, but mostly through RTK1).

Anyways - just curious if people are focusing on various methods. I think the MCD method might be good, as it makes you focus on the individual missing character. Kana to Kanji I've tried a bit, but I find it to be such a chore - kinda boring and time consuming.

It'll sort itself out. For example, my eyes quickly passed over 簡単 and I read かんたん instantly. But when I saw 単簡 my brain went, "Wait, what?"

Just don't worry about. Studying some sentences, get use to seeing the kanji compounds. It'll all come together.

If you link kanji to readings, then 簡単 looks different from 単簡, especially since there are a lot of radicals with similar readings.

Since I did KO2001 I learned a lot of words that were related to one kanji. So I'd learn 単語, 単純, etc. and I'd see 簡単　and have no problem linking it to かんたん。

On the other hand, I do get confused when I hand write it, and I'm sure I've accidentally written 間単 before.

Yeah, I guess I'm hoping it will sort itself out, but not sure the best way to do sentences. I've tried working through some of the Core 6000, but I find it mind numbing. I'm pretty far through RTK1 - hopefully done soon.

My level is something like lower intermediate or something. I can have basic one-on-one conversations, but I'm lost if I'm listening to a group of Japanese people talking. So I do have some experience - but trying to figure out the best way forward. Likely will either do KIC or KO - or possibly just the MCD method of sentences.

Just keep plugging away at it. The more vocab you know, the sooner that feeling will go away.

Also, if the sentences suck, try using more interesting sentences. As in, get them from manga, light novels, dramas, whatever you need to make for more interesting sentences. Mind-numbingly dull sentences will crush your desire to review. (At least it does for me.)

If you don't have time to do that, at least try using shorter sentences. I always found long sentences to be momentum-killers for me.