Welcome to a new blog, dedicated to introducing the best apps for learning Japanese Kanji characters. The apps I’ve selected include options for multiple levels and topics, and are available on a variety of platforms. I hope these guides help you choose the best option for your needs.
Table of Contents
Best Apps For Learning Kanji
Kanji App #1: AnkiDroid Flashcards by: AnkiDroid Open Source Team
Anki is the gold standard of spaced repetition systems (SRS) tools. This is much more than just a kanji app. It is a text and image flashcard application with highly customizable features. You can use Anki anytime and anywhere – waiting in a queue, commuting, or during idle time. All that at no cost.
You can fully customize it to your liking as it is open-source software. Anki also allows you to download premade decks by other Japanese learners online, making it easier for you to learn on the go. What’s even better is that you can use both your phone and computer to craft decks through their AnkiCloud software.
Anki has helped me memorize over one hundred kanji in one month during daily commutes. It is the absolute best tool for serious learners of Japanese. Even a basic understanding of the features in Anki is enough to improve your kanji skills significantly.
If you want to level up your kanji, install Anki and get some premade decks that suit you. Trust me; logging in to Anki for at least ten minutes a month can double the kanji you learn in no time.
Kanji App #2: Japanese Kanji Study- 漢字学習 by Chase Colburn
With over 1 million downloads on Android, Japanese Kanji Study is a reliable kanji app that can provide loads of content for eager learners. Unlocking everything for JLPT N4 to N1 levels does require a one-time fee, but it is well worth the price. Even the free version is great for beginners.
What makes this app stand out is its customizability for the user’s specific needs. Japanese Kanji Study is convenient since all the study material is already within the app.
From the beginning, you are coursed through a series of questions to gauge your Japanese level. You can also select whether you want to study the jōyō way or the JLPT way, which is handy.
The main features of the app include flashcards, multiple-choice quizzes, and kanji writing strokes. The full app hosts over 6000 different kanji with their reading, stroke count, and levels: more than enough to keep you occupied.
Japanese Kanji Study is a great educational app with everything already built inside. It is easy-to-use, customizable, and best of all, complete.
Kanji App #3: Japanese Dictionary Takoboto by Takoboto
For a great kanji dictionary app, I suggest Takoboto.
It is a free Japanese-English and English-Japanese dictionary that has over 200,000 Japanese entries. You can search text in English, romaji, or kana to see a word’s Japanese translation.
Another great feature of Takoboto is its collection of example sentences. Not only do you see how a kanji or word are used in a sentence. You can get a refresher on Japanese grammar structures.
This app is a great tool for translating Japanese text you find in manga volumes, in video games, or on the internet. Takoboto also has an export feature that allows you to move saved words to Anki.
Kanji App #4: Kanji of the Day by Radiant Kit
If you live outside Japan, chances are you won’t have many opportunities to use Japanese organically. You are prone to forget what you don’t use very often, kanji included. Here’s a kanji app to help with that.
Kanji of the Day helps improve your memory by sending a notification with a random kanji each day. You can choose to receive kanji from a pool classified to match your desired kanji reading level.
This means that you can be exposed to kanji just by looking at your notification bar, tapping on it, and reading!
The kanji app also has other great features. All of the kanji can be categorized by the jōyō or the JLPT system as per your preference. Or, put your kanji writing skills to the test with a drawing board complete that is complete with stroke pattern recognition.
You can sift through their radical list to improve your kanji recognition too. Most kanji are combinations of these radicals, so knowing them can help a ton down the line.
5 EASY JAPANESE NEWS by Mobile Learning
This app is a phenomenal source for easily understood Japanese news in the real world. You can read, listen, and watch live news from major news outlet companies in easy-to-understand Japanese.
These are sourced from reputable outlets, too, like NHK News and CNN. It is no doubt a great way to stay informed and on top of your game with Japanese.
If you want to practice your kanji in practical situations, you should highly consider learning Japanese with Easy Japanese News. The app simplifies difficult-to-read text in news articles into something that a beginner/intermediate learner could better understand.
It is a great learning tool since you get to see the kanji you’ve learned in an applied situation. And if you forgot the meaning of a specific word or kanji, you can use the dictionary straight from the app to help you.
In addition to this, you may also enable furigana to guide you when you encounter a new or forgotten kanji.
If you already have kanji knowledge up your belt, this app can help your learning journey tremendously.
What’s more, you can also learn more by listening to live news and music videos with Japanese subtitles available in the app. You can also customize and highlight text for studying later on. If you want to learn from the best practical-learning Japanese app, this one is definitely for you.
6 Naver Papago – AI Translator by Naver Corp.
Papago is one of the award-winning apps on the Android Play Store, and it’s clear to see why. It automatically recognizes and translates kanji in real-time for you. It is an absolute time-saver when you don’t know a kanji and need it translated fast.
With this app, you can take a picture of a Japanese restaurant menu, and it will translate it to English for you in next to no time. The power of technology never ceases to amaze me!
Papago’s features are not merely limited to Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology. Besides the ever-handy text translation tool, Papago also offers translation services that use voice, conversation, and handwriting recognition tools.
When enabled, this app can listen to a complete conversation and then translate it into English (or your preferred language) in less than a moment’s notice.
Not only is Papago a great kanji recognition tool, but it also has the feature to show the different kanji for words that the device hears.
Papago boasts so many of these great features, including kanji recognition, that can really help your translation needs in a pinch.
Kanji App #7: Hello Talk by Hello Talk Learn Languages App
HelloTalk connects speakers from all over the world to exchange languages and learn cultures as a global community. It is the premier social app for learners who want to be fluent in Japanese conversations.
When you match with a native speaker, you will enter a chatbox. There, you are encouraged to chat in your target language. Talking with your partner(s) in Japanese can drastically improve your skill in the language. Plus, you gain new friends along the way!
This isn’t really a kanji learning app, but you are exposed to how native Japanese speakers use kanji in everyday life. So it’s a kind of “learn in the wild” style of app.
And, if ever you have questions about kanji or Japanese in general, ask your partner! They are often more than willing to help. Plus, since many Japanese want to hone their English skills as well, you’re won’t ever be strapped for conversation partners.
Best app to learn japanese for free
- Mondly
Mondly Japanese
Learn Japanese with Mondly
If learning Japanese with cutting-edge technology sounds appealing to you, Mondly is for you.
A beautifully designed app that caters to over 40 languages, Mondly includes daily bite-size lessons, chatbot conversations, language exercises, audio guides, and tests. For an immersive learning experience, the app features speech recognition, augmented reality, and even virtual reality.
But perhaps the best thing about Mondly is that it allows you to learn languages in any combination. You can learn Japanese from any language, not just English!
Why you should try Mondly:
Vocabulary building
Quick and engaging Japanese lessons
Ideal supplement for other learning channels
Pricing: The free version is limited. The premium plan unlocks all content for $9.99/month or $47.99 for a year. Check out the latest promo here.
Devices: iOS and Android
- Pimsleur
Pimsleur Japanese
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Try Pimsleur Japanese absolutely FREE today
Pimsleur is not just a language app. It’s a language learning method.
Developed by educator and linguist Paul Pimsleur, Pimsleur uses SRS (spaced repetition system). Learners hear new words at gradually increasing intervals, and at each time they would remember longer than the time before.
The course starts with basic phrases, vocabulary, and practical grammar lessons, and progresses to an intermediate level of speaking and understanding.
What’s great about Pimsleur Japanese is that it also includes reading lessons on kana (syllabic Japanese characters) and select kanji (logographic Chinese characters).
Why you should try Pimsleur:
Practical vocabulary and grammar lessons
Listen to audio lessons while doing chores or driving
Strengthen listening and speaking skills
Pricing: Pimsleur subscription is $14.95/month for Audio-Only; $19.95/month for Premium (with Bonus Materials), or $20.95/month for All Access. Start your full access, 7-day free trial.
Devices: iOS and Android
- Rocket Languages
Rocket Japanese
Learn Japanese on Rocket Japanese
If structured learning is your thing, Rocket Japanese is one of the best apps to learn Japanese. Through interactive audio lessons, you will start with useful Japanese phrases and work your way through the finer points of the Japanese language and culture.
Covering lessons on grammar, vocabulary, writing, reading, listening, speaking, and even culture, Rocket Languages gives you a well-rounded Japanese education. Step-by-step videos also demonstrate how to write in Japanese.
Why you should try Rocket Japanese:
Structured and on-the-go learning
Caters to all levels of fluency
Learn various aspects of Japanese, including writing and reading
Pricing: Introductory lessons are free. Lifetime access starts at $99.95. Try it now for free.
Devices: iOS and Android
- italki
italki Japanese tutors
Find affordable Japanese tutors on italki
While self-studying through a Japanese language app is a good use of your time, learning from a Japanese language tutor makes a lot of sense, especially if you’re a beginner. A tutor will not just teach you how to read and write Japanese but will get you speaking, too. This is what italki is for.
italki connects 5 million language learners with over 10,000 professional and community tutors who teach various languages. There are over 600 Japanese teachers on italki offering conversational Japanese classes as well as structured lessons catered to your goals.
Lessons are done via video chat, typically through Skype or italki’s built-in Classroom, and prices cater to all budgets.
Why you should try italki:
Coaching from native speakers
Guidance and quick feedback while studying Japanese
Personalized lessons at flexible rates
Pricing: Varies depending on the teacher but one-hour lessons typically range from $11 to $25. Try it now.
Devices: iOS and Android
- Busuu
Busuu app
Learn Japanese with Busuu
One of the most user-friendly apps to learn Japanese, Busuu’s Japanese lessons are systematic and efficient. The app has lessons on how to read and write hiragana (the Japanese alphabet) and katakana (a special alphabet for foreign words), vocabulary, and grammar that starts with the basics and progresses to more advanced levels.
Busuu’s Japanese lessons can be structured and personalized into custom study plans. You can decide when you want to study Japanese, and for how long, and the app will keep you in track.
The Conversations feature is worth checking out. Here you can speak with or write to Busuu’s community of Japanese native speakers who will give you feedback to help you improve.
Why you should try Busuu:
Structured learning
Learn basic Japanese phrases and speak to locals
Japanese speaking practice with native speakers
Pricing: Many features are available for free. Premium membership, which gives access to more useful features, starts at $5.83/month with the annual plan.
Devices: iOS and Android
- Duolingo
Duolingo Japanese
Learn Japanese with Duolingo
There are plenty of reasons why Duolingo has over 300 million users in the world. With more than 90 courses in 38 languages, it has mastered the gamified way of teaching a language.
While it mainly focuses on Japanese vocabulary, hiragana, and kanji, it is lacking on grammar lessons. But it’s still one of the best apps to learn Japanese if you only have five minutes to study per day. The bite-size, gamified lessons are fun and will keep you motivated.
Why you should try Duolingo:
No need commit to long hours of studying Japanese
Gamified learning
Great companion app if learning from other courses or channels
Pricing: Free. $6.99/month gives you ad-free access, offline access, and unlimited mistakes.
Devices: iOS and Android
- Learn Japanese by MindSnacks
- Learn Japanese by MindSnacks
Learn Japanese with MindSnacks
If you think learning Japanese is not fun, MindSnacks’ Japanese vocabulary app will prove you wrong. This app with a dose of cute lets you learn over 800 words and phrases through addictive games.
You can practice reading and writing through kana, kanji, and romaji (romanization). Colorful and beautiful images aid memorization, which also makes this app perfect for kids. Additionally, audio clips provided by a native Japanese speaker helps with pronunciation.
This app features 50 Japanese lessons designed by expert instructors, with each lesson containing 20 words. The enhanced review mode lets you replay previous lessons, too.
Why you should try Learn Japanese by MindSnacks:
Visually appealing and fun lessons
Vocabulary building
Beating high scores should be enough motivation, yes?
Pricing: The first lesson is free. Upgrade required to access all 50 lessons.
Device: iOS only
- Tae Kim’s Guide to Learning Japanese
Tae Kim’s Guide to Learning Japanese
Check out Learning Japanese with Tae Kim
Often listed as one of the best apps to learn Japanese, Tae Kim’s Guide to Learning Japanese is a great and systematic grammar guide. This is the app version of the popular online grammar guide and covers everything you’ll ever need to know about Japanese grammar.
It’s not the most aesthetically pleasing app (it’s set up like an eBook) but it does the job of comprehensively explaining Japanese language structure, grammar, and vocabulary. Introductory lessons include hiragana, katakana, and kanji.
Advanced in your Japanese studies? Don’t dismiss this app just yet. Latter chapters cover advanced topics and more complex parts of the language.
Why you should try Tae Kim’s Guide to Learning Japanese:
Comprehensive Japanese lessons
Learn and master Japanese grammar
Advanced learners can go over more complex lessons or brush up on what they’ve learned
Pricing: Free!
Devices: iOS and Android
- Innovative Language: JapanesePod101
- Innovative Language: JapanesePod101
Learn Japanese with JapanesePod101
Without a doubt, one of the best apps to learn Japanese, JapanesePod101 by Innovative Language uses podcast-styled audio lessons to teach grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and reading.
Each lesson features real-life Japanese conversations with native speakers. The hosts will then break down the grammar and vocabulary (including slang, if there’s any) in the conversation. Cultural context is also provided, as well as audio transcripts so you can read along or review later.
Why you should try Innovative Language’s JapanesePod101:
On-the-go learning
Improve your Japanese listening skills
Learn Japanese with a cultural context
Pricing: Some features are available for free. Get full access with a premium membership ($10/month) or premium plus ($23/month).
Devices: iOS and Android
- Imiwa?
Imiwa Japanese dictionary app
Learn Japanese with Imiwa?
One of the best ways to learn to read Japanese is through this amazing Japanese dictionary app.
Imiwa? contains over 170,000 Japanese entries and corresponding English translations. A good number of these entries have German, French, and Russian translations. The app also suggest conjugations, so you can switch between neutral or polite forms at the touch of a button.
Imiwa?’s best feature though is its comprehensive kanji information (13,000+ kanjis). Handwriting animations for about half of those kanjis are also available. This is a great way to read and practice writing kanji!
Why you should try Imiwa?:
Learn how to read and write kanji
Reading and writing practice for intermediate and advanced learners
Handy dictionary app that you can use as a translator while traveling
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