Learning a new language is always an exciting challenge, and for me, that language is Japanese. Since my college days, I have been fascinated by kanji—how they form pictures and how people recognize them effortlessly. Now, after years of curiosity, I have finally taken the plunge and started learning Japanese at the N5 level. Yes and managed to pass it.
However, starting a new language in my forties is no easy task. Unlike younger learners, my memory does not retain new words as easily, making the process slow and sometimes frustrating. But despite the struggle, I find joy in understanding new words, forming simple sentences, and uncovering the cultural depth hidden in the language.
One of my favorite words so far is “atama” (頭), which means “brain” in Japanese. Interestingly, in my regional language, Marathi, the word “atma”(आत्मा) is more connected to the spirit of life. This unexpected connection between two languages makes the learning process even more fascinating.
While the journey is difficult, every small step—be it recognizing a kanji, forming a basic sentence, or discovering unexpected similarities—makes it worthwhile. Learning Japanese is not just about mastering words; it is about understanding a new way of thinking and a rich cultural history. And that, for me, is the most rewarding part.
words panorama 