I really love the lessons, because besides being structured, logical and easy to follow, we also cover the exceptions, the cultural aspects and the grammar that textbooks never teach — always with full explanation and context. Kanji are presented exceptionally well, and the methodology for learning them is very useful. On top of that, Józsi is extremely helpful, attentive and flexible, and with his personal experience he provides a thoroughly deep teaching that I can recommend to anyone who loves Japanese and wants to go deeper into the language!

日本語 — Japanese Language
Learn Japanese with a Professional Interpreter
Over 24 years of experience with Japanese language and culture, backed by real-life professional experience working with Japanese companies.
Private lessons from 8500 HUF · decide after the first lesson
Personalized lessons start after the first consultation
Your individual curriculum is tailored to your goals.
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Results
By the Numbers
Students
Successful Exams
Students Working in Japan
A personal teacher, instead of a language school
Japanese lessons in Budapest and online
With me, learning Japanese isn't about reciting textbook lessons — it's about speaking Japanese from the very first lesson. As a Japanese–Hungarian interpreter and language teacher, I've worked with the language every day for more than a decade, so I know exactly what's actually useful in a business meeting, on a street in Tokyo, or at a Japanese workplace — and what can safely wait. If you're looking for a Japanese teacher in Budapest, we can meet in person, and if you live elsewhere in Hungary or abroad, the same approach works just as well online.
Every learning journey starts with a short level assessment and a discussion of your goals. Some students are preparing for a language exam, others coordinate with Japanese partners at work, and some simply want to watch a film without subtitles. Learning Japanese online stays fully structured: we write together on a shared notes platform, you review with digital flashcard decks, and every lesson comes with personalized homework. We build up the writing system step by step — hiragana first, then katakana, then kanji in order of frequency — so that within a few months you'll be able to recognize real Japanese signs and text.
Progress is measurable: in roughly 8–10 months you'll reach JLPT N5 level, and within two to three years you'll be able to hold conversations independently. We also cover specialized vocabulary, business Japanese, keigo, dialects, and everyday slang, because learning Japanese is truly useful only when it matches real-world language use. Students get a 15% discount, and everyone can start with a free consultation where we plan your learning journey together.
For You
Does this sound like you?
- You love the Japanese language, but struggle with kanji?
- Speaking feels difficult?
- Are you preparing to become an interpreter or translator?
- Interested in teaching but need strong language skills first?
- Planning to move to Japan but missing the basics?
- Preparing for MEXT scholarship or JLPT exams?
- Need extra support alongside school?
- Or even planning a diplomatic career?
Positioning
Why choose tanuljjapanul.hu?
A teacher who uses the language every day as an active interpreter, with a speaking-focused methodology of his own, a personalized weekly plan, and a public knowledge base. You're not buying a course — you're getting a learning journey guided by the same person throughout.
Not a language school, but one teacher — the same one throughout
The teacher doesn't change every semester, and there's no group pace to keep up with. Your learning history lives in one person's head, so every lesson builds on the last.
Interpreting practice in the background
I work as an active interpreter and translator. What I teach in lessons is something I used in a real negotiation the previous week — not an outdated textbook phrase.
Technical language, keigo, dialects, slang
Most courses only go up to JLPT N4 level. With me you can also access technical and corporate language, business keigo, as well as everyday slang and dialects.
A free knowledge base before you decide
19 detailed articles, downloadable kana charts, JLPT guides, and a mini course. See how I explain things first — then decide about lessons.
- 20+ years of Japanese language experience
- JLPT N1 level
- Years of hands-on experience living in Japan
Video
Take a look before you decide
Watching a video is the fastest way to see whether my teaching style is a good fit for you.
Explainer video
Coming soon
Explainer video
A short introduction to how a learning journey is built, from hiragana to the JLPT exam, and what to expect in the first few months.
Sample video from a Japanese lesson
Coming soon
Sample video from a Japanese lesson
A clip from a real lesson: how I explain grammar, how I correct mistakes, and how much you get to speak yourself.
Testimonials
What My Students Say
I am very satisfied with the quality of the lessons — he always comes prepared, with lots of supplementary material and great variety. He tailors the material, dedicates a lot of attention to his students and is always helpful. I have been studying with him for five years now, and he prepared me for the JLPT N3 exam completely from scratch. He also taught me many things that come up in real conversation. His knowledge of Japanese is immense, and I will keep studying with him to master the language at an even higher level.
I met Józsi completely by chance at a university programme info session, and the moment I heard him speak I knew: I have to learn from him. He expressed himself eloquently, fluently and incredibly naturally, and alongside my university language classes I needed to catch up as fast as possible. I started Japanese from zero in 2017, and thanks to Józsi's carefully built lessons I passed the JLPT N3 exam in 2019. But that is not all — beyond the JLPT I learned an enormous amount about culture, social customs, everyday life and the world of work, preparing me for an exchange programme and a possible longer stay abroad. Even though life has taken me elsewhere for now, Józsi's teaching remains the one rock-solid foundation from my university years that still stays with me today.
At first I saw the Japanese lessons as a challenge — my goal was to prove that I could do it. The challenge has not gone away, but as we progressed I gained an ever broader insight into Japanese culture and into how my Japanese colleagues think. In Józsi's lessons the emphasis is not on focusing on mistakes, but on understanding connections and embedding them into learning for the long term. He regularly brings situations, sentences and vocabulary closely tied to our own industry. The other important aspect for me is the emphasis on spoken communication, and the corporate-level context of greetings and set phrases. So now I can return the effort and respect of my Japanese colleagues: when they honour us with a Hungarian "jó reggelt", I can answer at the end of the day with お疲れ様でした.
József is exceptionally well prepared and has broad language knowledge in both everyday and corporate contexts. He is able to pass this knowledge on in a form that matches each learner's current needs. From my own experience I can say that his lessons have a great atmosphere, are goal-oriented, and the structure and pace of the curriculum are tailored to you. I warmly recommend him to anyone, whether learning for corporate or personal reasons!
When I started learning Japanese I was a complete beginner, but thanks to the lessons I progressed quickly. The lessons have a good atmosphere, are clear and easy to follow, so I always stayed motivated. It helps a lot that he explains patiently, and teaches not only grammar but also pays attention to its practical use during the lessons. I recommend him to anyone who wants to learn Japanese in a pleasant atmosphere and truly make progress.
I am very satisfied with his lessons — he is extremely precise, explains in detail and clearly, while being very helpful, patient, and taking every student's needs and pace into account. The lessons have a great atmosphere, so I always look forward to them. I have improved a lot with him, because he creates a motivating and supportive environment that constantly encourages progress. I can only recommend him to anyone who wants to learn Japanese.
I started learning Japanese to give myself an intellectual challenge — and this language certainly does not lack challenges. Even learning the very first word, "こんにちは", requires a completely new set of characters 😊 But the lessons were so motivating and well structured that after six months I missed it if a day passed without practising at least a few new kanji. My favourite line from the lessons: "We've already covered the grammar, it's not complicated." You just need to know whether you're talking to your superior or your subordinate, whether they're older or younger than you, male or female… and there you have the right conjugation 😊 We are currently preparing for the N5 exam. The enthusiastic, motivating lessons and the step-by-step curriculum give a very solid foundation for progress.
I have been studying professional English with Józsi for 2 years and have improved enormously in that time. He prepares tailored material for every lesson, always connected to my own profession and to real work situations. The lessons are very practical, especially useful for professional communication and negotiations. I have also learned many mindsets and communication techniques from him that I use daily at work. I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone who wants to learn genuinely usable professional English.
Well prepared, patient, and explains clearly. He shapes the lessons around your needs and prepares dedicated materials for them. The lessons have a great atmosphere — I can only recommend him.
With József I prepared, in just a few months, for both the advanced-level Japanese school-leaving exam and the B2 ORIGO language exam. He is a very well prepared, intelligent teacher who explains well and clearly, especially grammar. He helped me a lot to progress systematically and reach a more serious level in Japanese. His lessons are intensive and he expects a lot from his students, which was a challenge, but I learned an enormous amount from it. Vocabulary and kanji were harder for me, but looking back I truly see how strong a foundation he gave me. Later I also passed the JLPT N3, which I had failed several times studying on my own. I recommend him to those who want to take Japanese seriously and are not put off by consistent work.
Since I started learning with you my Japanese has improved enormously. The lessons are always well structured, clear and have a good atmosphere, so it is easy to stay motivated. It helped especially that we don't only focus on textbook material but on real language use, so I can communicate in Japanese far more confidently. When I started I was much less sure of both grammar and vocabulary; by now I have reached N1 level and also won a scholarship for university studies in Japan. A big part of that was that the lessons were personalised and I always got useful feedback, and whenever I didn't understand something you carefully explained it in a way I could grasp. I think one of the greatest strengths of your method is that you explain clearly and practically, so even the harder parts don't feel intimidating. I can only recommend these lessons to anyone who seriously wants to progress in Japanese.
I have been learning Japanese with József for more than 2 years. The lessons are very intensive and we cover a lot of material. József pays particular attention to what kind of learning and practice I need at any given moment. He explains everything in context, so what we learn sticks far better. His lessons are varied — sometimes live conversation, sometimes grammar, sometimes vocabulary is at the centre. I feel my language skills have improved greatly in this time, mainly thanks to the structured lessons and homework. Right now we are preparing for my upcoming JLPT exam, which I will face confidently thanks to our work together.
We have been attending Józsi's Japanese lessons for several years now, and I have learned a great deal in that time — though there is still plenty of room to grow. The lessons are varied, interactive and adapted to our abilities, sometimes to the very top of them, but that too greatly helps our progress. (pressure makes diamonds 🙂 )
Pricing
Flexible Pricing, Real Progress
Lesson fees are always tailored to your goals, level, and available time.
Individual lessons from 7,000 HUF
Group lessons at discounted rates
Extra discounts for multiple sessions
Blog
Reading about learning Japanese
If you're just getting started with Japanese, these articles are a great place to begin.
Reader favorites
Most popular articles
- 01Writing System · 11 minThe Formation and Use of Hiragana: The True Cornerstone of Japanese Writing
- 02Culture · 9 minJLPT Preparation Step by Step: A Realistic Plan from N5 to N1
- 03Writing System · 12 minThe Origin and Use of Japanese Kanji: From Chinese Roots to the JLPT
- 04Keigo · 12 minThe Basics of the Japanese Keigo System: Sonkeigo, Kenjougo and Teineigo
- 05Grammar · 12 minSentence-final particles in Japanese: よ、ね、わ、ぞ、ぜ and their companions
- 06Writing System · 11 minThe Formation and Use of Katakana: The Writing System for Foreign Words
Study plan
What level are you at right now?
Choose your level, and I'll show you what's worth reading and at what pace to progress.
Expertise
Why is this a reliable source?
JLPT N1 — the highest level
A passed JLPT N1 exam and professional translation experience: I don't just speak the language — I can teach its every layer.
10+ years of professional experience
Business interpreting and professional translation for Japanese companies — lessons draw on real workplace situations.
150+ students, 200+ successful exams
I've guided students from beginner to advanced level, and 40 of them now work in Japan or at Japanese companies.
A methodology of my own
A speaking-focused structure with measurable milestones and a personalized weekly plan at every level.
Knowledge base
Guides to learning Japanese
JLPT preparation by level
- JLPT N5 preparation — The first step: basic vocabulary and kana
- JLPT N4 preparation — Everyday topics and confident use of the te-form
- JLPT N3 preparation — The transitional level: real texts and keigo basics
- JLPT N2 preparation — Workplace and media language, nuanced grammar
- JLPT N1 preparation — Academic and business Japanese at the highest level
Study guides
- How to start learning Japanese — a beginner's guide
- Student results and case studies
- Japanese learning path — from hiragana to JLPT
- Learning Japanese in 7 Steps — Free Mini Course
- Complete Japanese guide — from zero to N1
- Japanese for beginners — step by step
- Japanese words for beginners — the first 300 words
- Japanese sentences for beginners — 100 essential sentences
- Japanese grammar basics
- Japanese speaking practice — how to start talking
- Japanese phrases for travel
- How long does it take to learn Japanese?
- Private tutor, language school, or app?
- Japanese for work — business Japanese
- Free Japanese learning materials and downloads
Blog categories
Next steps
Where do you go from here?
- 1. step
Read up on it
Free in-depth articles on Japanese writing, grammar, and keigo.
Blog - 2. step
Follow a plan
A structured learning path and mini course, so you always know your next step.
Learning path - 3. step
Choose a lesson
Private or paired lessons, packages, and group formats — with transparent pricing.
Lessons and prices - 4. step
Get started
Tell me your level and your goal, and I'll put together your personal study plan.
Contact
Community
Join fellow learners
150+ students are currently on their own Japanese learning journey. On social media I share short lessons, exam tips, and student results — you can learn alongside them even without taking lessons.
Instagram
Napi mini leckék, kandzsi kártyák
Facebook
Hírek, vizsgaidőpontok, tanulói sikerek
LinkedIn
Üzleti japán és szaknyelvi tartalmak
Discord
Kérdezz közvetlenül tanulás közben
Prefer to learn by email? Request the free study materials — kana charts and JLPT guides.
Free materials
Downloadable materials
Free, printable Japanese study aids — no registration required.
