How to Practise Speaking Japanese Online: The Complete Guide (2026)

January 25, 2026

Why Speaking Feels So Hard (Even If You “Know” Japanese)

Learning Japanese is exciting, but many learners struggle with one thing more than anything else: speaking.

You can study grammar, memorise vocabulary, and recognise kanji, yet still freeze when it’s time to talk. That’s normal. Speaking is a real-time skill, and Japanese adds extra friction with rhythm, pronunciation, and politeness levels.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• Why speaking practice is essential for Japanese fluency
• The best ways to practise Japanese conversation online (even if you’re shy)
• How to improve pronunciation and confidence with simple routines
• How to combine speaking practice with kanji and vocabulary so everything sticks

Why Speaking Practice Is So Important in Japanese

Without regular speaking practice, many learners:

• Understand written Japanese but can’t respond quickly
• Mispronounce basic sounds (especially long vowels and pitch rhythm)
• Struggle to form natural sentences under time pressure
• Feel anxious in real conversations, even after months of study

If your goal is to travel, live, or work in Japan, speaking practice isn’t optional. It’s what turns “knowledge” into usable Japanese.

The Best Ways to Practise Speaking Japanese Online

Today, there are more options than ever to practise Japanese conversation online. The best approach is usually a mix: something you can do daily, plus occasional “real people” practice.

1) Practise Speaking with AI Conversation Tools

AI speaking tools let you practise Japanese conversations anytime, without scheduling.

They’re especially useful because you can:

• Speak out loud and train pronunciation
• Practise daily without pressure
• Repeat the same scenario until it feels automatic
• Get instant feedback and corrections

If you struggle with consistency, AI is one of the easiest ways to build a daily speaking habit. If you want a step-by-step routine and prompts, see our guide on learning Japanese speaking with AI.

2) Language Exchange and Online Partners

Language exchanges are great for hearing natural speech and learning casual expressions.

You can practise with:

• Japanese learners studying your language
• Online conversation partners
• Language exchange apps

Tip: go in with a topic and a few phrases you want to practise. Otherwise it’s easy to default to English (or spend 20 minutes talking about “how long have you studied?”).

3) Online Japanese Tutors

Private tutors are very effective for:

• Correcting advanced mistakes you don’t notice
• Explaining grammar in context
• Practising polite and business Japanese

Many learners combine tutors (1–2 times per week) with daily self-practice for the best results.

A Simple “Online Conversation” Mini-Dialogue You Can Reuse

These phrases cover the first 30 seconds of almost any online speaking session:

You:
聞こえますか？
Kikoemasu ka?
Can you hear me?

Partner/Tutor:
はい、聞こえます。
Hai, kikoemasu.
Yes, I can hear you.

You:
今日は日本語を練習したいです。
Kyou wa Nihongo o renshuu shitai desu.
I want to practise Japanese today.

You:
間違えたら、直してください。
Machigaetara, naoshite kudasai.
If I make mistakes, please correct me.

How to Improve Japanese Pronunciation Faster

Good pronunciation comes from regular listening and speaking, not from reading explanations once.

To improve faster:

• Listen to native Japanese every day (even 5–10 minutes)
• Repeat sentences out loud (don’t stay silent)
• Shadow short dialogues from videos or podcasts
• Practise tricky sounds like つ, り, and long vowels (おばさん vs おばあさん)

Daily short sessions beat one long session per week.

How to Combine Speaking Practice with Kanji and Vocabulary

Speaking alone isn’t enough to master Japanese. The fastest progress comes from balance:

• Speaking practice for fluency and confidence
• Vocabulary study so you can express real ideas
• Kanji practice for reading, writing, and recognition
• Listening practice to build comprehension speed

Many learners use JLPT vocabulary lists, kanji apps/flashcards, plus Japanese podcasts and videos, then “activate” that knowledge by speaking.

The Phrases That Make Online Practice Easier

These are small phrases that instantly reduce stress during online conversations:

• Could you say that again?
  もう一度言ってください。
  Mou ichido itte kudasai.

• Please speak slowly.
  ゆっくり話してください。
  Yukkuri hanashite kudasai.

• What does (word) mean?
  （言葉）はどういう意味ですか？
  (Kotoba) wa dou iu imi desu ka?

• Let me think for a second.
  ちょっと考えます。
  Chotto kangaemasu.

Practising Japanese Conversation with Hanashi

Hanashi is an app designed to help learners practise speaking Japanese naturally and confidently.

With Hanashi, you can:

• Practise real-life Japanese conversations
• Improve pronunciation with instant feedback
• Train every day at your own pace
• Build confidence before speaking with real people

It works well as a daily speaking tool alongside kanji and vocabulary study, especially if your biggest barrier is “I know the words, but I can’t say them.”

FAQ

How can I practise speaking Japanese by myself?

Use AI conversation tools, shadow short audio, record yourself, and repeat dialogues out loud. If you want structure, practise the same conversation scenario for a week (self-introduction, ordering, small talk, directions), then switch.

What is the best way to improve Japanese conversation skills?

Daily speaking practice combined with listening, vocabulary study, and occasional real conversations is the most effective method. You don’t need perfect grammar. You need reps.

How often should I practise speaking Japanese?

Ideally 10 to 30 minutes every day. Consistency matters more than long study sessions once a week.

More Resources

• How to Learn Japanese Speaking with AI (2026)
• Best Cafés to Work Remotely in East Tokyo
• Browse all articles

Ready to Speak Japanese with More Confidence?

👉 Start small: 10 minutes today. Then do it again tomorrow. If you want guided, real-life speaking practice, try Hanashi and build the habit. Download now