I’m trying to learn Japanese and want suggestions for the best apps that can help. I need something effective for beginners, with features like vocabulary, grammar practice, or even conversational lessons. What are the top recommendations?
Alright, so here’s the deal, there’s no one-size-fits-all app for Japanese because everyone’s style is different, but I’ve definitely got some suggestions. For vocabulary, dive into Anki or Memrise. Anki is like flashcards on steroids. It’s got spaced repetition, which is fancy jargon for ‘you WILL not forget’. You can download premade decks like the JLPT ones or create your own. Memrise has more visual and audio aids if that’s your vibe.
If grammar is your struggle bus, check out Tae Kim’s Guide to Learning Japanese app. No, it’s not flashy—you’re not getting cartoons teaching you hiragana here—but MAN, it’s solid at breaking down grammar for beginners.
Now, speaking and listening? Tandem or Hellotalk are super useful. They pair you up with native speakers to chat, and you can use text, voice, or even call. Pro-tip though, some people just want to flirt; dodge those ‘study partners’ quickly.
Oh, and if you want gamified fun like Duolingo but less…well…Duolingo-y, try LingoDeer. It’s tailored for Asian languages and takes you beyond the “The owl is drinking tea” kind of lesson that Duo loves throwing at you.
Lastly, if you’re serious about conversation practice but don’t want to talk to random people, try Pimsleur or NativShark. Both are paid, but they’re like having a structured course in your pocket. Pimsleur is all audio, no distracting UI with dancing penguins.
Use 2-3 of these together so you’re not just memorizing words OR just learning how to ask where the bathroom is. Balance is key, my friend.
Sure, apps like Anki and Memrise are great, but let’s be honest here: they can get boring fast. Flashcards just aren’t everyone’s jam. If you’re feeling like you might snap your phone in half out of pure monotony, let me offer you something a bit different.
First off, Human Japanese might be what you need for a beginner-friendly intro. It feels like you’re being taught by a chill professor who actually explains WHY the language works the way it does. Less grindy, more “oh, so that’s why this verb changes.”
For kanji, go old school with Kanji Study. It’s sleek, it’s straightforward, and it doesn’t try to lure you with cartoon penguins or whatever. But here’s my slightly cynical take on kanji apps: they’re a supplement, not a miracle. No app is gonna laser the meaning of 2,000+ squiggles into your brain overnight. Prepare for a love-hate relationship with that process.
Now, a controversial suggestion: Busuu. People sleep on this one for Japanese, but it gets vocabulary and basic conversations right with its short lessons. Plus, you can submit speaking exercises and get feedback from native speakers! Just a heads-up, though—it’s not free, so if you’re broke, keep scrolling.
Also, while we’re on the topic of conversational practice, everyone raves about HelloTalk, but let’s not pretend it doesn’t sometimes feel like Tinder for language learners. If you’re gonna dive into that pool, set boundaries FAST. Another option is Italki, where you can pay a real human to teach you instead of guessing your way through phrases like ‘Where is the closest konbini?’
And for the record, Duolingo isn’t completely trash for Japanese; it’s just not enough. Use it for fun or when you’re too tired to handle serious study. But please, don’t rely on it to get you JLPT-ready.
So yeah, mix and match to fit your vibe. @viaggiatoresolare mentioned LingoDeer, which I second—it’s pretty solid for structured lessons. But don’t overdo the apps, or you’ll just scatter your focus. Real talk, your best “app” might just be a notebook and some real-world immersion. That, or a plane ticket to Japan (kidding…mostly).