*Watch grammar explanation videos on YouTube
I’ve mentioned this before, but videos have really helped me retain grammar as a self-studier.
Not only can you hear how it sounds aloud in example sentences, more importantly they tell the situations it is used in and the smaller nuances.
For example, they tell you whether or not it’s a spoken/written phrase, formal or informal, and the difference between two similar points. This is more important at the higher levels, since things start to repeat and have similar meaning.
Tobira and the Shin Kanzen Master both discuss these subtle differences too, but it’s easier for me to remember if it’s explained aloud.
*Create a table with all the grammar points
I started doing this with N3, but it has gotten more elaborate with N2. Essentially, I create a table that includes links to online resources and videos. I have a template in my highlights.
The table allows you to see everything at a glance instead of searching through the textbook over and over again. You can include helpful links and example sentences. I include similar points, since I prefer learning Japanese grammar in Japanese.
*Put grammar points into Anki to review
This is another big change for me with N2. Before I used to always write notes within the textbook, and write them again in my notebook. And I would just read and repeat over and over again until I memorized it.
But now I added an extra step of putting it all in Anki as flashcards with SRS (spaced repetition system). I used to only use flashcards for vocabulary, but I realized it’s actually a great review for grammar active recall. It doesn’t help you learn how to use it, but just for the overall meaning and gist.
Some people love learning grammar, while others don’t. I enjoy learning it, but I find it is harder to apply. So I hope these methods will help.
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