So i started studying last year with Minna No Nihongo mainly because there is a Spanish version with all the translations. All in all i think it’s a good book, i’ve done my share of exercises and made me wrot a LOT so, that’s good too but i’ve heard a lot that Genki is more “friendly” because it ressembles more a traditional language textbook (also it is not ENTIRELY in japanese lol). The thing is that there is no spanish version of Genki, as far as i know. I don’t really have a problem with English, i am like B2-C1 level but i figured it would be better to learn a new language from my native speaking language, rather than from english.
What do you think? Thanks!
PD: I’ve also reached lvl 10 on WaniKani although i haven’t touched it four a few months because it’s kinda expensive (blame the 104% inflation yay)
4 comments
if you already have a good beginner textbook that you can work with, no need to get another
I vastly prefer MNN as a native Eng speaker. It has way more practice and more content if you ask me. I end up feeling like the all Japanese approach leaves me way more proficient in the content. Plus the workbooks on top of that are really good and include answer keys.
I don’t know if there is much upside to changing beginner textbooks. Both books are designed for classroom use. Either way, you want to get to the intermediate level quickly (where textbook choice is more difficult imho).
MNN is really dense. There is a lot of grammar and vocabulary buried in each chapter so I spent several hours on each chapter outside of class. I think full-time language schools in Japan do about 2 chapters per week (plus kanji, writing exercises, speaking exercise, tests, etc.). If you don’t care about writing, the time requirement drops.
I especially liked the MNN audio supplements but they are expensive.
This link to Spanish resources and a store in Madrid might help you too
[https://www.reddit.com/r/LearnJapanese/comments/w1gnd9/any_good_textbook_for_spanish_native_speaker/](https://www.reddit.com/r/LearnJapanese/comments/w1gnd9/any_good_textbook_for_spanish_native_speaker/)
If you decide to change to Genki, there are some good review sites including:
[https://sethclydesdale.github.io/genki-study-resources/](https://sethclydesdale.github.io/genki-study-resources/)
I wish Genki was in Spanish:( I feel like learning Japanese from Spanish would be more ‘effective’ but there aren’t that many resources.
104% inflation… Argentina? Lol