Australia no minasan, konnichi wa! Are you planning to visit a country where Japanese is spoken, or just keen to learn the basics?
Learn Japanese for everyday use in these practical and inexpensive classes, aimed at absolute beginners. This course also prepares you for in-depth Japanese language study.
Study online via Zoom.
Upcoming courses
Delivery mode
online, online classroom
Date
29 April–17 June 2026 6pm–8pm (GMT+10) Brisbane time
Absolute beginners with no previous knowledge of Japanese who:
want to learn Japanese for everyday use, or
are preparing for in-depth Japanese language study.
Entry requirements
No entry requirements
Simply enrol online to begin your language journey!
What you'll learn
Gain the speaking skills and confidence to have conversations about everyday topics, such as introducing yourself, ordering food and drinks, asking for directions, time, transport and more.
Time commitment
This is an online course that will require roughly 16 hours to complete.
8 x 2-hour sessions
Course curriculum
Language functions
Greeting people and leave taking
Introducing yourself using simple language and fixed expressions
Language focus
Brief introduction to Japanese pronunciation
Simple greeting and leave-taking expressions (e.g. Konnichiwa – Good afternoon; Shitsuree shimasu – Excuse me/I’m leaving)
Basic expressions to introduce yourself (e.g. Doozo yoroshiku - Nice to meet you)
Language functions
Giving and asking about basic personal details
Socialising using basic expressions and formulaic language
Language focus
Countries and nationalities
Professions (e.g. O-shigoto wa? – What is your job?)
Numbers 1 to 10
Simple expressions used to socialise
Language functions
Asking and giving basic information about a friend or family member
Providing basic description of others using simple words and formulaic expressions
Language focus
Basic words to describe your own and someone’s family member
Counting people
Age (e.g. Oikutsu desuka? – How old is he or she?)
Place of living
Numbers 11 to 100
Language functions
Asking about places in the neighbourhood or city using simple words
Providing basic description of a place or a location
Understanding and following basic instructions
Language focus
Basic words of place (e.g. Koko, Soko and Asoko – here, there and over there)
Simple expressions to ask about places (e.g. Tokyo Eki wa doko desuka - Where is Tokyo station?)
Basic words and expressions to show the location (e.g. Café no tonari desu – It’s next to the cafe)
Language functions
Understanding a simple menu
Understanding basic expressions used at a restaurant
Making simple drink and food orders
Asking for the bill
Language focus
Simple words and expressions to point to an item (e.g. Kore, Sore and Are - this, that and that one over there)
Basic expressions to order a drink or a simple meal (e.g. Hanbaagaa o kudasai – Can I have a hamburger, please?)
Ordering amounts of food and drinks
Greetings when you eat
Language functions
Asking and telling time
Asking about public transport using simple words and formulaic language
Purchasing a bus or train ticket using formulaic language
Understanding basic expressions used in transportation
Language focus
Time (e.g. Nanji desuka - What time is it?)
Basic expressions to buy a ticket (e.g. Ikura desu ka - how much is it?)
Simple expressions to ask about transportation (e.g. Nanbansen desuka? – Which platform is it?)
Language functions
Understanding big numbers and prices for shopping
Understanding basic expressions used in shopping
Language focus
Basic question words and expressions to ask the price and buy
Simple words to describe items
Counting of items
Numbers 1 to 10,000
Assessment
There are no assessments for this short course.
Certification and accreditation
You can request a Certificate of Attendance if you attend at least 75% of the course.
Cost
Applicant
Price
Early bird
A$360
Standard
A$390
GST is included in the cost
To qualify for the early-bird price, you must enrol by the following dates:
for courses starting in April: 30 March 2026
for courses starting in October: 7 September 2026.
