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If you are learning Japanese with the goal of working in Japan, you may be wondering which JLPT level you need and how long it takes to learn Japanese to a professional level. From beginner Japanese at N5 to advanced Japanese at N1, each JLPT level represents a different stage of your language learning journey, but passing the JLPT is only one part of becoming confident in Japanese for work. What JLPT Level Do You Need to Work in Japan? The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test

Learning a new language can be exciting, but with so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to start. Should you teach yourself with apps and YouTube? Join an online group class? Or learn face-to-face in an offline classroom? There is no single answer that works for everyone. The best option depends on your learning style, your goals, and how much structure and support you need. In this guide, we compare self-study, offline group classes and online group cl

Typing in Chinese can seem like a complete mystery to those who have have never tried it. How do you even begin to use a keyboard to type out all the different strokes for Chinese characters? Do you need a keyboard that has Chinese characters on it or can you use a regular QWERTY keyboard? Is the process the same on a phone and on a laptop or completely different? The answers to all these questions are actually relatively simple. There are several systems that can be used to

Tokyo is one of the world's best cities for dessert lovers. Whether you're searching for authentic matcha parfaits, fluffy pancakes, or beautifully crafted Japanese sweets, you'll find cafés that are just as memorable as the city's famous landmarks. If you're planning a trip to Japan, here are cafés and dessert spots that deserve a place on your itinerary. 1. Suzukien Asakusa: Home to the World's Richest Matcha Gelato Source: HiMe Source: Barry 📍Address: 3-4-3 Asakusa, Taito

Have you ever wanted to walk into your favourite sushi restaurant and order in Japanese? Maybe you've travelled in Japan and found it difficult to communicate with the restaurant staff. Regardless of the reason you want to learn, we're here to teach you everything you need to know about ordering food in Japanese, from entering a restaurant to paying the bill. We also cover a number of useful Japanese cultural factors to be aware of when ordering food. We hope this newfound kn

If you are thinking about learning Mandarin Chinese or Cantonese, you are not alone. Every year, thousands of language learners begin their journey to study Chinese for travel, work, business, family connections, or personal growth. However, many beginners have the same questions before they start. At LingoClass, we sometimes hear these questions from students who want to learn Chinese or Cantonese effectively. To help you get started, we have compiled the most frequently ask

Typing in Korean can seem like a bit of a mystery unless you've learned how. For example, we know that Korean writing is formed of character units called Hangul, but how do these translate into typing? Do you need a new Korean keyboard? Is typing Korean a different process on a phone or laptop? The answers are actually a lot more simple than you might think and today we're going to try and teach you the basics so you can go and get practising on your own! For those of you wh

Learning Mandarin Chinese can feel intimidating at first. The tones, the characters, and the idea of learning one of the world’s most spoken languages often make beginners think they need years of study before they can even hold a simple conversation. But the reality is far more encouraging. Here are some of the best free ways you can start self-learning Mandarin Chinese today. 1. Start with Pinyin Before Chinese Characters Many beginners assume they must memorise hundreds of

Learn Japanese with 10 beginner-friendly self-study methods. Discover apps, textbooks, podcasts, and tips to start learning Japanese effectively at home.

Learning Korean on your own can feel overwhelming at first, but the right approach makes it both manageable and enjoyable. With consistency and the right tools, self study can be just as effective as a classroom. 1. Build a Strong Foundation with Hangul A successful Korean learning journey starts with mastering Hangul, the Korean alphabet. Many learners are tempted to skip this step, but doing so often creates confusion later on. Hangul is logical and surprisingly quick to le

Please attempt to answer every question below. The test could be difficult for certain levels to complete so if you do not understand a question then don't attempt to guess it, you can simply move on by selecting "I do not understand this question" as this will provide you with the most accurate results. Good luck & Have fun! Please note it is very difficult to accurately assess someone's Cantonese ability from a short online test. If you're interested in studying with us, ou

Chinese Lunar Year 2026 is the Year of the Horse, a symbol of energy, strength, and forward movement. Dragon symbolises power, strength, and good fortune, and is the only mythical creature believed to bring prosperity and auspicious energy. Chinese New Year marks a fresh beginning and the turning of the year. It also signals the change of one’s Chinese zodiac sign (生肖) , a traditional twelve year cycle in which each year is represented by an animal, reflecting personality, cu

Things in the East are surprising. Do you agree? Foreign media often highlight unique Chinese customs, practices, and taboos unheard of elsewhere, creating quite a culture shock for outsiders. But are these customs really that unusual? ​ We’ve compiled some of the quirkiest habits, traditions, and styles that have made headlines across Western media. If you've ever travelled to China, see if you think these observations are spot-on! Or, perhaps you even catch yourself doing t

China is one of the most fascinating countries in Asia to explore, but it is also one of the easiest places to feel overwhelmed if you arrive unprepared. For travellers and language learners in the UK, a little planning goes a long way in turning culture shock into cultural discovery. 1. Visa requirements, including flight transit Unlike many destinations in East Asia, China does not offer visa free entry to most visitors, including those travelling from the UK. In most cases

Hot springs (onsen) hold a special place in Japanese life, offering warmth, relaxation, and a sense of ritual that becomes especially meaningful during the colder months. In winter, soaking in naturally heated mineral water while surrounded by crisp air, or even falling snow, is a deeply comforting experience, cherished for both its physical health benefits and its calming effect on the mind. More than just places to bathe, hot springs are cultural spaces where history, daily

Choosing your textbook can be exciting and "overwhelming"! Whether you are just starting to learn Korean from Hangul, looking to improve your Korean conversation skills, or planning to watch Korean dramas without subtitles, you can achieve your learning goals through practice materials. However, the difficulty levels and targeted themes of Korean study books from various publishers vary, making it difficult to choose where to start. This time, we will explain the key points f

Who's a fan of Studio Ghibli films by Hayao Miyazaki? (raises hand!) Hayao Miyazaki 's movies are like reflections of the real world, filled with imaginative wonders, captivating dreams, breathtaking visuals, and pure storytelling . They often carry profound meanings and insights, revealing a world of enchantment hidden beneath the veil of ordinary life. Many children enjoy watching Miyazaki's films, but some scenes and their deeper meanings are truly appreciated only by a

Matcha is more than just a green tea drink. In Japan, it is deeply connected to history, ritual, and mindfulness, most famously through the Japanese tea ceremony, where preparing and drinking matcha is a carefully practiced art. Traditionally made by whisking finely ground green tea leaves with hot water, matcha represents harmony, respect, purity, and calm, values that continue to shape Japanese culture today. In recent years, matcha has travelled far beyond Japan, finding a

Dine Like a Champion:Discover ‘Culinary Class Wars’ Finalists’ Restaurants in London! Korean cuisine is a delightful fusion of bold flavours, vibrant colours, and various textures , all brought together. Known for its spicy, savoury, and sometimes sweet flavours, it's one of the most dynamic and exciting cuisines. ​ If you're craving something different from the usual, and your home-cooked meals are starting to feel repetitive, why not embark on a Korean food adventure aro

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