Introduction
Welcome to the Irodori Starter study guide at NihongoDoya. This page brings together every sentence pattern, particle and verb conjugation introduced across Irodori Starter (Japan Foundation) (18 task-based units), with worked examples, exam-style explanations and clear summaries on each lesson card. Whether you are revising for JFT-Basic A1 or building Japanese from scratch, the cards above let you jump straight to the topic you need — and the linked Japanese word list and audio practice pages keep every pattern grounded in real speech.
What you will learn
- Self-introductions, greetings and basic small talk
- Asking for things in shops, restaurants and stations
- Telling the time, day and price in spoken Japanese
- Describing daily routines with simple verb endings
- Reading the kana on signs and menus you meet daily
- Short polite expressions for thanks and apologies
Who this level is for
Irodori Starter is built for adults living, working or studying in Japan who want practical conversation skills first and exam structure second. If you need Japanese for shops, transport, doctor visits and short small talk, the units here cover exactly those situations.
A useful weekly cycle for grammar study
- Read one unit on this page and copy the sentence pattern in your notebook.
- Drill three example sentences out loud, twice each.
- Match the unit with the related Japanese word list, learning ten new items.
- Listen to the unit on the matching audio practice page, first without the script, then with it.
- Review the previous unit for five minutes before moving on.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Translating word-for-word from English instead of using natural Japanese order.
- Skipping particles in spoken practice — they sound small but change the meaning.
- Saying ます-form for very casual settings where short responses are normal.
- Forgetting set polite expressions for thanks and apologies in shops.
Related study materials
Build a joined-up study cycle by combining this page with the matching Irodori Starter grammar guide, the Irodori Starter Japanese word list and the Irodori Starter audio practice page.
Frequently asked questions
What level is Irodori Starter?
Irodori Starter sits at CEFR A1 — total-beginner Japanese with a focus on daily-life situations, designed by the Japan Foundation for adult learners living in Japan.
How is Irodori Starter different from JLPT N5?
Irodori is task-based and situational, while JLPT N5 follows a classical exam syllabus. Many learners use Irodori for speaking and Japan-life skills, and JLPT N5 for written exam structure.
Do I need to know kana before starting?
Yes — hiragana and katakana are assumed. The grammar guide shows kanji from unit one, with readings on the matching word list.
How long does Irodori Starter take?
Roughly three months at one or two units per week, with short daily review. Pair every unit with the audio practice page for the strongest retention.
What comes next after Irodori Starter?
Move to Irodori Elementary 1 for the natural A1-to-A2 progression, or join the JLPT N5 grammar guide if your goal is exam-focused study.