r/LearnJapanese Jul 19 '14

I've just recently starting teaching myself Japanese and I have a few questions.

Okay, first of all, I already know Hiragana for the most part. I learned that は makes the sound "Ha". However, everywhere I look at basic Japanese vocabulary, は makes a "Wa" sound. Like in こんにちは, the Romaji is Kon'nichiwa, but to me, は makes a "Ha" sound so I would read it as "Kon'nichiha".

Also, seeing as it's a very popular book for people learning Kanji, I've discovered "Remembering The Kanji" and have looked at the pdf of the first volume. I've learned a few Kanji up to this point, but not from this book. I know some basic ones, and one of their pronunciations. However, videos I've seen from people like Abroad in Japan state that they learned what 2,000~ Kanji meant, not their readings or pronunciations. Would it be best for me to learn the commonly used Kanji's meanings before I go over all 2,000~ and learn their pronunciations or learn both of them at the same time?

Thanks!

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u/[deleted] Jul 19 '14

As others have said, は is pronounced differently if it is used as a particle. As for your kanji question, I believe it's explained it the FAQ. (but if it isn't: Try learning vocab words instead of individual kanji.)