The Minna no Nihongo Shokyu I (Beginner 1) curriculum, covering Lessons 1 to 25, is the gold standard for foundational Japanese language learning. For English-speaking students, the Translation & Grammar Notes volume is an essential companion to the main Japanese-only textbook, providing the linguistic bridge needed to master the basics of Japanese. Structure of the Lessons 1–25 Translation Guide
Pro tip: Use this PDF alongside the main textbook’s workbook (also needs translation) and audio for full effect.
Vocabulary: Lists for every lesson with English equivalents.
The first 25 lessons typically cover the Beginner I (Shokyuu 1) level, equivalent to approximately N5 and the first half of N4 on the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test).
- Grammar: Introduction to actions in a place, (Benkyou shimasu) - will study.
- Vocabulary: (Koko) - here.
- English Translation: "I will study here."
English Translation: In this lesson, we learn vocabulary related to drinks.
- Grammar: Introduction to basic sentence structures, (Watashi wa [name] desu) - I am [name].
- Vocabulary: (Desu) - is/am/are, (Watashi) - I.
- English Translation: "I am Tanaka."
English Translation: In this lesson, we learn vocabulary related to holidays.
- Grammar: Introduction to living, (Sunde imasu) - live.
- Vocabulary: (Koko) - here.
- English Translation: "I live here."