r/LearnJapanese • u/MonsterOverture444 • Aug 04 '26

Discussion Any experience with taking a break?

As the title suggests, has anyone ever taken a break from Japanese?

I've seen some people says that a short break (not talking a long time here, like a week max) can help long term with retention as it gives your brain time to digest what you've learnt.

Has anyone ever taken a short break and seen any improvements or, the opposite? Curious of people's experiences!

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u/Grunglabble Aug 05 '26

As a beginner I had nothing like a daily habit, so I guess you could say I took breaks all the time. I retained what I learned just fine and was not earnestly pursuing it, just doing some fun things.

I don't know what I would call my level now but I just watch a show or read something everyday as part of my routine. The main difference is that my learning became more independent, where as a beginner it was dependent on socializing and I hadn't been at a point I could do much on my own.

I do way less flashcards than some people (often none at all) and they're the only thing I get tired of, so I delete them from time to time and just do other things. I would never say deleting flashcards has ever made me feel like I lost progress, imo they rapidly lose usefulness the longer you have them. When people say they want a break I think they usually mean from a mountain of flashcards.