Taught mostly in Japanese, this course is the ideal next step after completing our Japanese Beginners (Year 1) course. At the end of three Beyond Beginners modules, you will be able to commutate confidently at JLPT N5 level of the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test.
Japanese can be a difficult language to master. Our Japanese Beyond Beginners (Year 2) course allows allows you to gain a solid grasp on the foundations of beginners Japanese, build your basic vocabulary; and perfect pronunciation and grammar so that you are fully equipped to deal with the more complex topics covered in the Lower Intermediate (Year 3) syllabus.
The course comprises three 10-week modules (part 1, 2 and 3), taught over three terms that progressively build upon one another.
Enrol on the full Beyond Beginners syllabus (parts 1-3) for the best price. Our teaching takes place one evening a week, ideal for those with various commitments or working full-time.
Our language short courses are taught by qualified native speakers and delivered at City, University of London’s main campus, in the heart of the capital.
Part 1 will cover topics from the textbook Minna no Nihongo (Lessons 8-14) - the textbook only uses Japanese characters, so you are expected to be able to read and write in Japanese (Hiragana & Katakana) before joining this course.
Part 2 will cover topics from the textbook Minna no Nihongo (Lessons 15-20) - this will also include learning colloquial form in order to talk with your Japanese friends more naturally.
Part 3 will cover topics from the textbook Minna no Nihongo (Lessons 21-25) - this will be more practical; you will be involved in listening practice from oral conversations, films and drama in natural speed.
Our Japanese Beyond Beginners short course is the perfect next step after completing the Japanese Beginners full syllabus, or if you are familiar with the basics of Japanese. You should be halfway towards level JLPT N5 of the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test.
The course is taught at progressive levels, starting with Part 1 in October. We only advise joining Part 2 or Part 3 if you are already familiar with the content from earlier modules (see the What will I learn? section below for module content). To join part 2 or part 3 you will need to have your level assessed - please contact the tutor as below.
You can check your level using our online guidelines
If you are not certain of your level, we recommend you contact Taka, our Japanese tutor on t.ogura@city.ac.uk who will be able to advise you.
Please note that some topics of Japanese Year 1 will be revised at the beginning of the academic year. The course outline below is only a guide and topics will be studied according to students' needs and progress.
Part 1 will cover topics from the textbook Minna no Nihongo I (Lessons 8-14). We will quickly revise grammar points from Japanese Beginners (Year 1) and then develop more communication skills in Japanese. The textbook only uses Japanese characters, so you will need to be able to read and write in Japanese (Hiragana & Katakana) before joining this course; or you will need to catch up during this term.
N はadjective です。
N は どうですか。
N が 好きです/上手です
N 1(place)にN2があります/います
N が あります/わかります
N 1はN2よりadjective です
N 1とN2とどちらがadjective ですか
N がほしいです
Vます-formたいです
N (place)へVます-formに行きます。
Verb て-formください
Part 2 will cover topics from the textbook Minna no Nihongo I (Lessons 15-20). We will learn colloquial form in order to talk with your Japanese friends more naturally.
Verb て-form はいけません
Verb て-formいます
Verb て-form、Verb て-form
い-adj(without~い)->~くて、~
N or な-adj(without~な)＋で、~
V1て-fromから、V2
N1はN2がadjective
Vない-formなければなりません
Vない-formなくてもいいです
V dictionary form ことができます
わたしの趣味はV dictionary form ことです
Vた-formことがあります
Vた-formり、Vた-formりします
い-adj(without~い)->~くなります
Part 3 will cover topics from the textbook Minna no Nihongo I (Lessons 21-25)
You will do more listening practice from oral conversations, from films and drama in natural speed.
Plain form と思います
Plain form と言います
Plain form でしょう
V dictionary form 時間 / 約束 / 用事
How to use とき
Verb て-form＋あげます / もらいます / くれます
Plain past form ら、~
Verb て-formも、~
You should have one of the following:
If you wish to join this course in January, please contact the short courses office.
The course will include formative evaluation (to help you assess your strengths and weaknesses), an oral presentation and continuous support from your tutor. All evaluation will take place in a relaxed and informal setting.
Minna no Nihongo 1
Lesson 8-25 are covered in the textbook
Students are advised to purchase their own copy of the book, either online or most major bookshops.
Takayuki Ogura
Takayuki Ogura has been teaching Japanese as a foreign language in London for over ten years to students from diverse backgrounds.
Taka also has extensive experience teaching Japanese for business, in particular for banks, insurance companies and to diplomats.
