I’m looking for effective apps to help with learning Japanese. I’ve been struggling to find one that improves both vocabulary and grammar, and would love your suggestions to guide me in the right direction. What are some apps you’ve used that really work?
Alright, so you’re on the hunt for a solid Japanese learning app, huh? Here’s the deal: I’ve tried a ton of them, and most are like “cool, you can say ‘konnichiwa’ now, go live your best bilingual life,” but then totally abandon you on the grammar battlefield. If you actually want balance, here’s a few that don’t suck:
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Anki – It’s not “fun” unless by fun you mean staring at flashcards while questioning life, but wow it drills vocab and kanji into your brain like no tomorrow. Spaced repetition for the win.
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BunPro – Grammar heaven. It’s basically Duolingo but for grammar rules. It’s clean, straightforward, and explains stuff in a way that actually makes sense. Also, you can choose the JLPT level you’re working on. Fancy, huh?
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WaniKani – Super niche, basically just kanji and vocab, but its mnemonics game is 10/10. You’ll be dreaming in radicals before you know it.
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Tae Kim’s Guide – Super solid for grammar basics. It’s not an app, it’s more like a stripped-down textbook online. Don’t expect flashy graphics, but hey, it works.
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Cure Dolly’s Organic Japanese Course – Not an app but highly worth mentioning. That CGI anime-esque teacher is unintentionally terrifying, BUT the grammar is broken down so well you (almost) don’t care about the uncanny valley situation.
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LingoDeer – Somewhere between Duolingo and an actual classroom. It covers grammar, reading, and vocab, and the lessons feel like the creators actually speak Japanese, unlike some green owl that shall not be named.
Avoid stuff like Rosetta Stone and Babbel for Japanese; they’re fine for like…European languages but fail hard here. Also, good luck avoiding procrastination while using apps. You’ll end up scrolling TikTok instead, let’s be real.
If you’re struggling to find something that nails both vocabulary and grammar, here’s a slightly different take. While I think @suenodelbosque had a solid list, I’ll throw in a couple other options that might fit your vibe better, especially if you’re after something engaging but not brutal on your sanity.
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Human Japanese – This app is a hidden gem! It’s like taking a Japanese class with a really chill, entertaining teacher. It explains grammar and vocab in a storytelling style that actually sticks in your brain. Perfect for beginners and intermediate learners who want context alongside their lessons.
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JapanesePod101 – Yes, technically not “just” an app, but their audio lessons with native speakers are super dynamic. You’re listening to real convo examples, which helps a ton if you care about sounding…you know, human in Japanese. The app format makes it easier to use on the go.
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Quizlet – Hear me out. You can create (or borrow) Japanese flashcard sets for vocab and grammar, plus their writing features force you to actually type stuff out. Combine it with grammar guides like Tae Kim, and you’re golden.
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Kanji Study – If kanji is the nightmare keeping you from sleeping, this app is a lifesaver. The stroke-order practice legit feels therapeutic (nerve-wracking, but therapeutic). Far less repetitive than WaniKani, though @suenodelbosque was right that their mnemonics are unmatched.
I disagree a bit on avoiding apps like Babbel altogether—it’s not the best tool alone, but paired with something grammar-focused, it does cover basic phrases decently. Also, Duolingo isn’t THAT bad if you just use it for vocab touch-ups, though yeah, it’s like the browser game version of Japanese learning.
TL;DR: Don’t kill yourself with just one app. Mix apps like Human Japanese or LingoDeer with podcasts, native content, and flashcards to keep it balanced AND fun.
You’ve got some strong contenders above, but let me throw in a different twist to learning Japanese with apps. Honestly, apps alone won’t get you fluent, but pairing them strategically can work wonders. Here’s what you’re missing:
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HelloTalk – Ok, unpopular opinion here: if you’re NOT using language exchange apps, you’re leaving conversational practice on the table. HelloTalk connects you to native Japanese speakers who want to learn your language. It’s like a social network, but every conversation is also a small lesson. Bonus: You can ask grammar questions directly, which no AI-duo green owl can handle (sorry, Duolingo).
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Rocket Japanese – This app takes a more structured approach. It’s like having an audio-focused curriculum. Great for pronunciation, BUT it can feel a tad repetitive and pricey. Still, if you need discipline in grammar AND speaking, it’s worth checking out.
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Tofugu Resources – Not exactly an app, but hear me out! Tofugu offers insanely detailed breakdowns of Japanese grammar, tips for using apps like WaniKani (as mentioned earlier), and cultural tidbits that Gamify the entire experience for free. Mix this with apps like Anki or LingoDeer for real results. Con: The rabbit holes you’ll dive into will consume HOURS.
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Erin’s Challenge! I Can Speak Japanese – This one’s less mainstream but brilliant for beginners. Great grammar and scenario-based learning with entertaining skits. The downside? UI feels clunky, and it’s web-focused, but the content is legit gold.
Lastly, while I agree about not relying 100% on apps like Rosetta Stone or Babbel for Japanese, I’d nudge people to use them for just pronunciation. They do provide some guidance there that’s easier for absolute newbies. Test them, but don’t bank on them alone.
For what it’s worth, mixing BunPro or LingoDeer (as mentioned above) with immersive content like podcasts, anime with Japanese subs, or even YouTube creators like Miku Real Japanese can balance vocab, grammar, and hearing native patterns. Combine effort, not apps. Pro tip: Spaced repetition apps work better with consistent daily use than just random bingeing.