I’ve recently just started learning Japanese after multiple failed attempts, trying to do things right this time. As i read some books designed for kids and those who are beginners at learning the language i still don’t understand a lot, as i don’t have a huge library of vocab in my head yet. Should i translate things i don’t understand as i read oe should i just focus on reading better and faster without translating?
3 comments
When I started reading I looked up absolutely everything. With a popup dictionary like Yomichan it does not take much time anyway.
This is actually a debate we have a lot, “Extensive” vs “Intensive” reading.
I think people usually like “Intensive” for beginners/intermediate, which is, you look up every word pretty much, as you described.
I do this as well.
I think if you get pretty far at Japanese, “Extensive” reading becomes more of a thing, but IDK since I’m not that advanced.
Try skimming the page for vocabulary first, take notes, then go back and read it fully with your notes ready for reference.