Starting Bunpro N5 - How to use synonyms,antonyms and related

Bunpro
#1

Hi,

I’ve always struggled learning grammar (based on my experiences with french) so I’m glad to have found a less dry way of getting through the main points.

I only started learning Japanese 2 weeks ago, I’ve learnt the kana and am working my way through 2 anki decks. One of which is listening focused and based on Tae Kim so I have some minimal exposure to grammar.

I have just started the Bunpro n5 deck here but I’m a bit confused as to what I’m supposed to do with the synonym, antonym and related sections. They seem to contain to N5 topics but also topics from other levels.

Do I just ignore these as supplementary reading and move onto the next page once I’ve read the ‘about’ and examples’ sections related to the specific point I’m supposed to be learning about??

That’s what I’m inclined to do but I want to check if I’m using Bunpro right.

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#2

IMO, there is no one “right” way to use Bunpro. The best way to use it is whatever helps you learn best. However, just to give some context on the “synonyms” and “related” sections - many grammar points on Bunpro are very similar to each other, and Bunpro users (speaking for myself…) often struggle to retain the nuances between similar grammar points. The Bunpro team added those sections for your reference as you get further into Bunpro and need to brush up on the differences between the similar grammar points. It’s easier to have them consolidated in one place rather than needing to find them all using the search function. I think since you’re a beginner, it’s safe to ignore them for now since they will probably serve as more of a distraction than anything else. But it’s good you’re making note of them since they will likely come in handy for you later. Just my two cents.

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#3

For the time being, I completely ignore them (halfway through N4). My brain gets really confused learning similar items at the same time, so I try to not even look at them :sweat_smile: But I bet they will come in handy later, when I already learned the individual items and want to get a better grasp by comparing the usage of similar items :slight_smile:

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#4

Hi both,

thanks so much and for getting back to me so quickly. I think for now I’ll ignore them as I’ll get overwhelmed but based on what additionalramen said I can totally understand why they’re provided on the pages.

Super helpful!

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#5

Hi, welcome to Bunpro and congrats on your first two weeks of studying Japanese! It sounds like you’re off to a great start! already tackling kana, Anki decks, and grammar exposure through Tae Kim.

As others have mentioned, one of the strengths of Bunpro is how customizable it is. We offer a lot of extra resources and optional features, but how you use them is totally up to you.

It’s awesome that you’re already thinking critically about how to make the most of your study time. (I probably went overboard… I spent a month researching study methods before even touching the language.) That said, my personal advice would be to ignore the synonym/antonym/related sections for now.

Those sections are there to help you compare similar grammar points, which becomes more useful later on, once you start running into prompts like “Try something more formal,” or “This grammar point doesn’t quite express contrast.” When that happens, those sections will help you build a deeper sense of nuance and make smarter grammar choices.

Until then, you’re totally fine just focusing on the “about” sections and example sections for the point you’re learning. Keep moving at your own pace, refining your study method as you go, and chipping away at grammar and vocab daily. You’re doing great so far!

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#6

As a data point, I started N5 from scratch a while ago, passed the exam, and I’m taking the N4 exam next month. I don’t think I’ve ever used the synonyms, antonyms, and related sections.

If it improves your learning journey, use it by all means! Don’t stress too much if you’re finding it’s not meeting you where you’re at though.

1 Like
#7

First of all, I agree with other’s people that you should use Bunpro in the way it suits you the best.

I have a second approach to Bunpro, and I’m in the middle of N5, I’m also studding from other sources. My approach for synonym, antonym and related section is to choose what I’m familiar with and what is grouping nicely in my head. For example, I had “ので” (because) today and I added to study “から” which is a similar meaning.

Good luck with your journey.

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#8

Thanks everyone!