Hi, I am new to Bunpro. I currently use Minna no Nihongo textbooks, but I don’t really have time to read textbooks anymore. Is it okay to use Bunpro as a main source of grammar and vocabulary instead of textbooks? Also, what review type should I use for grammar and vocab review?
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If you don’t have time to read textbooks, does that also mean you don’t have time to read the grammar explanation on bunpro and maybe 1-2 links on the bottom that explain said grammar in more depth? It takes roughly the same amount of time I’d say.
You can probably bruteforce a lot of simpler grammar points without reading too much into them and just apply them, I guess. I probably wouldn’t do that, because you will miss some deeper understanding on nuance, how they work, how to apply them.
If time is the problem: I would probably rather do less grammar points but deep dive them a little more, rather than do many and just add them blindly. Just from my personal experience, the grammar points I rushed through the most, are the ones that are sticking the least.
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I would say you can do this for N5 and N4 grammar no problem, as the grammar points and fairly simple and easy to apply. For N3 forward it needs a lot more practice and understanding to apply. Once you get to this level, reduce the amount of grammar and read the pages in detail.
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I used only bunpro for N5 and N4 in read&translate self grade mode. For my goal (reading manga and watching anime) it had been perfect. It won’t help you with learning how to talk/write or form sentences on your own. So I’d say it really depends on what your goals are.
I’m now starting with N3 and I’m still undecided if I want to add textbook work into the mix. Doing textbook exercises is fun for me, but it takes away a lot of my reading time.
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I’ve tried to include Genki in the mix with Bunpro, but in the end, I’ve decided to just focus on Bunpro and reading Yotsubato! for now. I’m now about to start N3 grammar (still working through N4 vocab) and don’t plan to add a textbook, so I suppose we’ll see how that goes. For the most part, I’m satisfied with my progress so far.
As for the type of review, I’ve just used the default “type in the answer” way to review since I think it helps it stick better for me personally. I would recommend it, but if you find that way too painful, just do whatever keeps you coming back, imo.
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This might be a bit of a hot take, but I think it’s fine not using a textbook for the higher levels. I solely used Bunpro for grammar from around half of N4 and up (after completing Genki I and II). For me, it was more about getting a general feel for a grammar point and then properly solidifying it through reading and listening to native material. Also, many grammar points at N3+ are just words or combinations of previous grammar points (in other words, not too many new concepts). Although I do think using a textbook for the lower levels is good to get a general grasp of the language, since there are a lot of new concepts.
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I’m extremely anti-textbook so I’m probably biased. I use Bunpro on its own. I try to write my own sentences using each of the grammar points. If a grammar point is particularly challenging, I find a YouTube video which usually clears it up pretty quickly. Honestly, there are so many resources for language learning now. Most of them will work if you’re consistent and find a way to apply your learnings. Just do what feels right for you.
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I am currently learning N2 grammar and agree with the “no textbook needed” opinions.
For instance I have tried to use Tobira for N3 grammar but found that the description of Bunpro are often more detailed.
Still, I think some specific JLPT-style book might be helpful to get the nuanced differences between some grammar patterns down.
For N5 / N4 grammar, I would still recommend a textbook to get extra practice in for the fundamentals.
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Strongly recommend these 3 textbooks if you want to familiarize yourself with the test questions. I hate to admit, collegeboard had taught the lesson that textbooks are a huge benefits when you are taking any standardized tests.
TRY! JAPANESE LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY TEST
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you don’t have to buy them, try to rip an ebook somewhere.
For me personally, “textbook” explanations of grammar has been infinitely more useful than Bunpro’s explanations. I only use Bunpro for example sentences, and if sentences alone leave any room for confusion, go check Dictionary of Advanced/Intermediate Japanese Grammar or other online resources.
As a separate point, I’d say, if you are looking to save time somewhere in the triad of Explanation(textbook/youtube/etc) - SRS - Native content, the first one I’d drop is SRS.