Minna no Nihongo JLPT Series - Complete Guide

Q: Can I use Minna no Nihongo for self-study?

Yes, but it's more challenging than Genki for self-study. You'll need to purchase both the main textbook and the Translation & Grammatical Notes book in your native language. The workbook and answer keys are also highly recommended. Many self-learners find it helpful to supplement with video lessons or a tutor when using Minna no Nihongo.

Q: What's included in the Minna no Nihongo series?

The series includes: Main Textbook (conversation and grammar), Translation & Grammatical Notes (in various languages), Workbook for practice, Kanji textbook, Listening Tasks audio materials, Sentence Pattern Practice book, Reading Comprehension book, and Test books. You don't need all of them - most students get the Main Textbook, Translation book, and Workbook.

Q: Which translation book should I buy?

Buy the Translation & Grammatical Notes book in your native language. It's available in English, Chinese, Korean, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and many other languages. This book provides vocabulary lists, grammar explanations, and cultural notes corresponding to each lesson in the main textbook.

Q: How long does it take to finish Minna no Nihongo I and II?

Completing both books typically takes 9-18 months with regular study (4-6 hours per week). Each book has 50 lessons. Intensive classroom programs might finish each book in 3-6 months, while self-study learners often take longer. The pace depends on your study schedule and whether you complete all supplementary materials.

Immersive Japanese textbook series for beginners and elementary learners

What is Minna no Nihongo and is it right for me?

Minna no Nihongo is an immersive Japanese textbook series covering N5-N4 levels. Unlike Genki, lessons are in Japanese with separate translation booklets available. It's excellent for classroom use and provides thorough grammar practice, but may be challenging for complete beginners self-studying without a teacher.

Minna no Nihongo I: Beginner level (N5), 50 lessons
Minna no Nihongo II: Elementary level (N4), 50 lessons
Main textbook is entirely in Japanese for immersive learning
Translation & Grammatical Notes books available in 15+ languages
Includes numerous workbooks, kanji books, and listening materials
Popular in Japanese language schools and intensive programs

About

Minna no Nihongo (Everyone's Japanese) is a popular textbook series published by 3A Corporation, widely used in Japanese language schools worldwide. It takes an immersive approach with lessons primarily in Japanese, supported by separate translation and grammar notes books. The series covers beginner to early intermediate Japanese (N5-N4 levels).

Pros and Cons of

Advantages

•Fully immersive Japanese-only approach builds reading skills
•Extensive grammar drill exercises for mastery
•Translation books available in 15+ languages
•Comprehensive supplementary materials (workbooks, kanji books)
•Widely adopted in Japanese language schools globally
•50 lessons per volume for thorough coverage
•Strong focus on sentence patterns and grammar accuracy

Disadvantages

•More challenging for self-study without teacher guidance
•Requires separate translation book purchase
•Less cultural context compared to Genki
•Dialogues can feel dated or formal
•Steeper learning curve for beginners
•Need multiple books for complete experience (textbook + translation + workbook)
•Less communicative focus compared to modern textbooks

Is Right for You?

Best For:

✓Classroom learning environments with teacher support
✓Students who prefer immersive Japanese-only materials
✓Learners who want extensive grammar drill practice
✓Those attending Japanese language schools
✓Students preparing for N5-N4 JLPT exams
✓Learners who benefit from structured, repetitive practice

Not Ideal For:

✗Complete self-study beginners without teacher access
✗Those preferring English explanations throughout
✗Learners wanting modern, casual dialogues
✗Students prioritizing conversational fluency over grammar accuracy
✗Budget-limited students (multiple books required)

All Books ()

Showing books across JLPT levels

Minna no Nihongo I

By Three A Network

A popular alternative to Genki, this textbook provides a structured approach to beginning Japanese with clear explanations and practical exercises.

¥4,949

Prices may vary

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Minna no Nihongo II

By Three A Network

Continuation of the popular Minna no Nihongo series, covering intermediate grammar and vocabulary for N4.

¥5,249