I started learning Japanese last month and someone on discord suggested that I start with learning the hiragana and katakana and ask what comes next later, but I left the server so I was in a ***what next*** situation ***after learning the characters*** until I saw an ad for ***duolingo and have been using that since*** but someone said I ***should*** ***use the genki textbook if I was really serious*** about Japanese but I think Duolingo is just fine. **What do you people think?**
4 comments
Genki, but you can use both honestly.
Both
Duolingo is a fun, free supplemental tool that’s great for reviewing and picking up a few things, but it doesn’t replace a structured curriculum like Genki.
Start with free apps to learn hiragana and katakana, even kanji. If you’re enjoying it and want to get serious, invest in textbooks.
But before spending money, I think everyone should start with free materials to gauge their authentic interest. It’s fun to start, but it’s a long term commitment that requires work and dedication. It stinks having expensive books gathering dust.
Also consider Crystal Hunters. Is pretty cheap compared to Genki and can give you a good ‘taste’ of grammar and reading easy manga.
If I had to choose between either Genki or Duolingo, I’d choose Genki but only begrudgingly. AJATT is the best way to learn Japanese imo