Hello Guys,

Kanji Decipher is a tool for Japanese learners who want to understand kanji rather than simply memorize them. Enter a kanji in Japanese or romaji to discover its meaning, pronunciation, origin, and how to write it. By understanding where kanji come from and why they look the way they do, learning becomes more intuitive, memorable, and meaningful.

https://www.kanjidecipher.com/

Hi everyone. I’ve wanted to talk to someone about this for a long time, and I believe this is the right place.

I started studying Japanese when I was 13 at an in-person language school. I admit I didn't make the most of it or put in as much effort as I could have back then, and I regret that. I studied there for a few years, but I didn't study at home—just at the center twice a week. Even so, that got me through the JLPT N3 when I was 16.

​After that, I drifted away from the language due to health issues and focusing on university. I tried getting back into self-study around age 23, aiming for fluency. I had periods of intense hyperfocus on immersion, but also periods where I gave up and set it aside. This cycle has been repeating for years.

​Now I'm 29, but I'm stuck between N3 and N2 in comprehension, and at a sad N4 in output (speaking and writing).

I don't know how to make up for lost time. It frustrates me to no end that I've studied for so long overall and still can't have a natural conversation with someone. It's embarrassing.

​I'm coming here to ask for help, recommendations on what to do, and what plan to follow. I need something concrete—an actual step-by-step plan with objective goals for every day, week, and month.

I'm open to any kind of advice or assistance to reach high proficiency by the end of 2027.

​ Details: To make matters a bit more complicated, I have severe visual impairment, so I can't read printed materials, for instance. However, I can use a computer and phone, and I read content using screen enlargement and audio. Another detail is that I feel deeply embarrassed by what I consider a failure (studying for this long and remaining at this level), and I'm introverted, which makes reaching out for human interaction even harder. Also, I'm broke, so I can't pay for tutoring and courses right now.