This thread is for all simple questions, beginner questions, and comments that don’t need their own post.
# Welcome to /r/LearnJapanese!
* New to Japanese? Read our [Starter’s Guide](https://www.reddit.com/r/LearnJapanese/wiki/index/startersguide) and [FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/LearnJapanese/wiki/index/faq)
* New to the subreddit? Read the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/LearnJapanese/wiki/subredditrules)!
Please make sure if your post has been addressed by checking the wiki or searching the subreddit before posting or it might get removed.
If you have any simple questions, please comment them here instead of making a post.
**This does not include translation requests, which belong in /r/translator.**
If you are looking for a study buddy or would just like to introduce yourself, please join and use the *\# introductions* channel in [the Discord here!](https://discord.gg/yZQKZYdBSw)
\—
\—
[Seven Day Archive](https://www.reddit.com/r/LearnJapanese/search?q=Daily+thread%3A&restrict_sr=on&include_over_18=on&sort=new&t=week) of previous threads. Consider browsing the previous day or two for unanswered questions.
4 comments
I was wondering about the difference between 分かる and 知る. I am under the assumption that 分かる means “to understand” while 知る means “to know”. But at times I see both used for some sentences I just don’t understand the difference between them and when to use which one in all honesty. If anyone is able to help explain the difference I would greatly appreciate it!
Ways to learn Japanese without a computer?
I do have a laptop… but it either needs to be replaced or fixed, I don’t know which one yet, though. Thankfully I still have my iPhone (saying this just in case there are any app recommendations). I’m still at a beginner level so I can’t do anything too complex. I can read some kanji and I know hiragana and katakana.
Also… 明けましておめでとうございます！
Is it ok to use the あげる or もらう verb forms when referring to things you give to yourself?
Such as “I bought myself a new shirt”
自分に新しいシャツを買ってあげました。
The intention being to imply an indulgence. Or doing something to treat, better, or improve oneself. Things like spa days, luxury goods, specialized knowledge, etc.
Hey guys and gals, first time posting here.
よろしくお願いしますね。
I’m a long time learner of Japanese, on and off over the years.
I started when I was in grade 5 primary school, and did the school learning thing. It didn’t work for me.
In grade 11 I went on a 12 day school trip to Japan. We rode the shinkansen and did a decent cross section, which was the biggest 冒険 of my life up until that moment.
My motivation to learn Japanese after that skyrocketed, due to my desire to return to explore more of Japan (for longer).
My elected path back to Japan was an exchange program with my university. I went back for 6 months and did full blown immersion for that entire time, working towards N2 level. (By this stage I had found AJATT and prepared myself as much as possible).
Since returning from Japan, that chapter of my life sort of closed, and I stopped with the Japanese because I couldn’t see how it would continue to be useful for me longterm.
It’s been about 11 years, and I’m picking it up again now. My goal is to find value in it as a hobby, and to have fun!