Japanese for kids
Many children discover Japanese through anime, manga or games. That curiosity is a good place to start.
In class they learn their first characters, simple words and sentences they can use to introduce themselves and talk about their lives. Young children are welcome too.
For families who speak Ukrainian, Russian or English at home there is an advantage: your child learns Japanese in the language they understand best.
- ねnekocat
- はhanaflower
- ひhitsujisheep
- あHiraganathe first script
- アKatakanathe second script
- 日Kanjiyour first characters
- こんにちはSentencesfor travel and conversation
Japanese for beginners
Starting from zero? Then you begin with hiragana, the first of the three Japanese scripts. After that come katakana, your first kanji and the sentences you need when travelling or chatting.
Whether you are learning for a trip, for the culture or because you love the language: I plan the lessons around your goal.
Japanese for advanced learners
You can already read and hold simple conversations? Then it is about moving forward: speaking more freely, deepening your grammar, reading more kanji and understanding texts that really interest you.
In the first lesson we look together at where you stand. After that, the lessons start exactly at your goals.
- 話すSpeakingeveryday conversations, fluent and confident
- 読むReadingtexts, manga, news
- 漢字Kanjireading, writing, remembering
- 文法Grammarpolite forms and sentence structure
Your Japanese teacher in Basel
I am Maria Schäfli and I lived in Japan for seven years.
I studied Japanese philology and hold two master's degrees, from Kyiv National Linguistic University and from Osaka University. My master's thesis in Osaka was about how learners can teach themselves to read Japanese.
I trained as a Japanese teacher at the Japan Foundation Japanese-Language Institute in Urawa. I then taught Japanese at Kyiv National Linguistic University and worked as a teaching assistant in language classes at Osaka University. In Osaka I also worked as an interpreter and translator for English and Japanese.
My native language is Ukrainian. I also speak Russian, German, English and Japanese and can teach in any of these languages.
Online, in Basel or at your home
Online
By video, from home. All you need is a computer or tablet with a camera.
At my place in Basel
Private lessons at my home, a few minutes from Basel SBB station. You get the exact address when we arrange a time.
At your home
If you like, I come to your home, in Basel and the surrounding area. Just tell me where you live.
One-to-one or in a group. You can learn on your own, in pairs, with siblings or in a group with friends.
How much do Japanese lessons cost?
| Trial lesson | free, by arrangement |
|---|---|
| One-to-one, 60 minutes | CHF 55 (guide price) |
| Groups, packages, home visits | on request |
Tell me what you have in mind and I will send you a suggestion that suits you.
Book a trial lessonLessons in your language
Japanese is easier to learn when the explanations come in a language you understand well. You choose:
- Deutsch
- English
- Українська
- 日本語
- Русский
Frequently asked questions
Is there a trial lesson?
Yes. The first lesson is free by arrangement. It lets us get to know each other and you can see whether the lessons suit you or your child.
I already know some Japanese. Where do I start?
In the trial lesson we look together at what you already know and where you want to go. Then we plan the lessons from exactly that point, whether you know a few words or are already advanced.
From what age can my child start?
Young children are welcome too. Tell me how old your child is and we will talk about what the lessons could look like.
How hard is it to learn Japanese?
Pronunciation is fairly easy for most Europeans; you already know most of the sounds. What is new are the three scripts and the word order, with the verb at the end. With hiragana you quickly have a first foundation that lets you read simple words.
How long does it take to learn hiragana?
Hiragana has 46 basic characters. With regular practice many learners manage it in a few weeks. How fast it goes for you depends on how often you practise.
Is an app like Duolingo enough?
An app is good for revising words and characters. Speaking, asking questions and understanding your mistakes work better with a teacher. Many people combine both.
How much do the lessons cost?
The guide price for one-to-one lessons is CHF 55 per hour. For groups, packages and home visits you get an offer on request. The trial lesson is free by arrangement.
Online or in person: which is better?
Both work. Online you save the journey and can learn from anywhere. In person, younger children often find it easier to concentrate.
Do you also come to our home?
Yes, in Basel and the surrounding area. Tell me where you live and we will find a solution.
In which language do you explain?
In German, English, Ukrainian, Japanese or Russian. You choose when you get in touch.
Book a trial lesson
Write me a few lines about who would like to learn and what matters to you.
