Looking for tips on Conjugation in and out of Bunpro

Bunpro
#1

Hey all!

A bit of background before I list my question. I joined Bunpro after digging into resources like WaniKani, LingoDeer, Duolingo. As a result I am probably N4 level on vocab/Kanji/ reading, but I bought Bunpro because I realized those places (sans Lingodeer) did not really teach me any grammar fundamentals on how the language worked.

I’ve enjoyed Bunpro but I’ve found verb conjugation a struggling point for me in the program. Many times I know the concept or grammatical point but do not know how to perfectly conjugate the verbs (so I fail the review). As a result I was looking for tips or best practices on two things.

  1. I was curious if there are any recommended tips for learning verb conjugation? I found this Don's Japanese Conjugation Drill but have not had too much time to do drills so was not sure if anyone had other tips.

  2. When in Bunpro is there a way to look up the rules on how a particular verb was conjugated? I ask this as on some of the more recent lessons (on the “te” form and “states”) that are on compounding grammatical concepts I am struggling to find any explanation on the type/conjugation of the verbs in Bunpro. It would be awesome if there were more intensive verb drills in Bunpro that maybe I have not yet found haha.

Apologies if my question is unclear, just trying to figure out ways to attack this weakness in my learning. Thanks in advance!

#2

I use the Ultra Handy Japanese Verb Conjugator when I’m unsure of a conjugation: https://www.japaneseverbconjugator.com/

And I use this for conjugation drills periodically, to keep myself refreshed: Japanese Conjugation Practice

As for conjugation rules, my favorite explanation was in the Human Japanese Intermediate app. They do a really good job of breaking down the different categories of verbs and how each conjugates, without getting too into the weeds with grammar. Ultimately, Japanese verb conjugation is quite regular with few exceptions, once you get the hang of it.

Oh, also, I got into the habit of using the “Oops” button on Bunpro when I make a conjugation mistake, as long as I know the actual grammar point that’s being tested. As long as I’m studying and drilling conjugation elsewhere, I don’t need to pile up extra reviews for it here, so I give myself that leeway.

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#3

Thanks for that just bookmarked it!

I like your strategy of using the oops button if you got the gist correct but not the execution. My struggle right now is my previous tools taught jack all about manually conjugating, so I need to build up that reserve of experience with conjugation.

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#4

You can always come on here and ask on a per sentence basis for a breakdown of why something is being conjugated the way it is and someone in the forums will explain it.

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