I took a break from studying japanese because i was dealing with school and was having problems with my mental health. School is nearly over and I'm in kind of a better mental state so I feel like learning again. My problem is that I don't know how to make myself motivated to learn again. Before I stopped learning my favorite part of studying japanese was learning kanji, but now I don't even feel like doing that... I'm having a lot of trouble with this because I want to continue studying but I don't know how to even get the drive to study
I understand how you feel. As someone in college while also learning this language, it can be difficult to get back into the flow of things after a break. My advice is to watch videos that make you want to start learning again. Some examples could be videos about people learning the language, providing tips about an aspect of it, non-native speakers impressing others with their skills, etc. These aren’t guaranteed to get you motivated again, just examples of what could help. Best of luck to your future endeavors.
Great advice above) just wanted to add that most likely it's not the lack of motivation on your side (since you've said you still want to continue studying) but fear of approaching the studies again after a break. You might be afraid that you've forgotten things and lost the progress, but it's not true. Start with small steps, review the stuff you learned little by little, if you like kanji you can practice handwriting them on paper, making mnemonics or find some materials on kanji origins online. Good luck )
You're just very tired... take a break with films and music, join our discord sessions. It has to be fun and that will be your motivation.
Nothing wrong in loosing motivation too - sometimes it means that your brain is in need of using and exercising it's knowledge somewhere else. Some things might be useless and not investing into your progress (some do 500 words review a day!) but it's pointless if all of that doesn't make any sense to you.
It's totally normal to lose motivation when learning a new language. One way to get back into it is by watching Japanese videos, movies, or reading manga that you enjoy. It can make studying feel more fun and less like a chore.
But if you’ve tried that and still feel no interest, maybe it’s worth stepping back. Not every hobby or goal will click, and that’s okay. If learning Japanese doesn’t feel meaningful to you anymore, it might just not be the right fit — and there’s nothing wrong with moving on to something that excites you more.
Hello. I don't think there's an easy answer here. I started learning Japanese about four years ago. For two of those years I studied at a language school in Japan. Now I also live in Japan and this should theoretically be a big motivator to continue learning, but I just can't bring myself to start.
I like Japan and I want to continue living here and I know that the level I have is not enough, I know I should study, I have the time, but I just can't get myself together.
Manga, anime, YouTube videos don't help, so I realise that the only one who can help is me and only me. Need to start from your mindset. Start practising a little at a time without judgement. Perhaps change the way you study or add something new, such as writing a diary in japanese or trying to communicate with a Japanese person online.
I also think it's important to reward your brain for its work, so that studying doesn't look like a lot of pain and suffering.
Anyway, I'm sorry, I don't think it will help you and I don't know if it will help me, but I want to try again.
I understand how you feel, it happens to me often too.For that, I tell myself that I'm doing well (which is probably your case) and I'm positive.I hope this helps you even if it's not much.
I’ve also struggled with motivation and I am sending you lots of strength and ease through this moment in your life.
One thing that has helped me is journaling about goals that I want to set for myself and trying to get to the “why” I want to continue with this thing and how I see a future with this goal in mind. It’s also okay if you can’t think of anything right now, it can also be a journal entry you can come back to.
I don’t know know if this will help but sometimes quieting the noise of endless content and reflecting on what is meaningful for you can give you a sense of perspective. I wish you all the best in whatever you decide, good luck ✨
There will always be up and downs when learning a language, to keep motivation you can have objectives (JLPT, travel to Japan, watch your favourite show in VO with Japanese subtitles...). If you know where you want to go, the motivation to learn again will come by itself.
I started again 2 months ago after not having studied for 1,5 years. The thing that brought me back was realizing I still recognized some kanji in the anime I was watching. I decided to reset my account and start with the basics. And it’s easier than the first time I went through the basic schedule. I’m still working my way back up to where I was before. It feels a bit frustrating sometimes and that’s okay. Looking at the progress I’ve made again helps me stay motivated. There’s always more to learn but any progress from zero is an achievement.
