Do you want to learn Japanese but don’t want to get lost in boring textbooks? If so, we’re here to introduce you to the eight best apps to learn Japanese!
The language learning apps mentioned in this post are the most recommended by language learners. Of course, if you have an app not featured here, please don’t hesitate to comment on the name down below and we’ll make sure to take a look at it! So, let’s get started!
Why Learn Japanese
Let’s first talk about the amazing Japanese culture! Have you ever wanted to rock a kimono while chomping down on sushi like a pro? Learning Japanese isn’t just about words; it’s like getting a backstage pass to Japan’s cultural extravaganza. You can impress your pals by dropping some samurai lingo or even reciting a haiku. Plus, imagine watching anime without the subtitles; mind-blowing, right?
Economically speaking, Japan is like a tech and trade ninja. Speaking their language is like having the golden ticket to their business wonderland. You could be sealing deals, trading gadgets, and cracking jokes with your Japanese counterparts in their own language!
Moreover, learning Japanese is like a brain gym. Studies show that learning a language like Japanese enhances cognitive skills. So, you’ll be flexing those brain muscles while decoding kanji characters. It’s like mental gymnastics with a linguistic twist!
And let’s not forget the coolest party trick – busting out karaoke jams in Japanese! You’ll be belting out tunes like a J-pop superstar. Trust me, you’ll be the life of the party.
You see, learning Japanese isn’t just about words; it’s a wild ride through culture, business, brain gains, and karaoke glory. So, get ready to level up your life – the Japanese way!
Best Apps To Learn Japanese
| App | Price Starting At | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| JapanesePod101 | $4/ month (Free Version Available) | Podcast Style Learning |
| JA Sensei | $10/ month (Free Version Available) | Learning Basic Language Skills |
| Japanese Kanji Tree | $5.49 for a one-time purchase | Improving Reading & Writing Skills |
| Ling | $6.67/ month (Free Version Available) | Gamified Experience |
| LingoDeer | $11.99/ month | Beginners |
| Renshuu | Free | Learning Vocabulary |
| Hiragana Quest | Free | Learning Japanese Alphabet |
| Duolingo | Free | People Short On Time |
1. JapanesePod 101: Best For Podcast Style Learning
JapanesePod101 has podcast-styled audio lessons to teach Japanese grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.
The reigning feature of this app has to be that it teaches you Japanese slang phrases! Not to mention, each lesson includes real-life conversations between two native Japanese speakers. With JapanesePod101, not only will you learn the Japanese language, but be given the context of Japanese culture.
Reasons To Try JapanesePod 101
- Learn Japanese from native speakers
- Master your Japanese listening and comprehension skills
- Learn the language and culture side by side
Available On: iOS and android.
Pricing
| Price | Version |
|---|---|
| Free Version | Limited Features |
| $10/ month | Premium |
| $23/ month | Premium Plus |
2. JA Sensei: Best For Learning Basic Language Skills
JA Sensei is one of the best apps for beginners learning Japanese. The app covers common Japanese vocabulary along with basic reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.
Each lesson also teaches Japanese grammar and vocabulary as it relates to real life. To test your knowledge, there are assessment quizzes at the end of each lesson. Keep in mind that the quizzes are based on the SRS (spaced repetition system), which means you’ll be focusing on the terms you need to repeat the most.
One of the best features is that you can record and check your own pronunciation by comparing it to the audio of native Japanese speakers. Basically, you can get almost everything you need to learn Japanese with this app!
Reasons To Try JA Sensei
- Beginner-friendly
- Helps you build a strong foundation in the Japanese language
- Offers a completely free version
Available On: Android
Pricing
The app is absolutely free to use.
3. Japanese Kanji Tree: Best For Improving Reading & Writing Skills
Japanese Kanji Tree offers you a comprehensive Japanese course focused only on kanji, thanks to its kanji recognition software. This app has a unique three-step process to teach kanji: recognition, reading, and writing.
You can even customize your kanji list based on JLPT level or grade level. Kanji characters are then divided into their radicals for learners to easily comprehend and read. Next, the app guides you on the correct stroke orders to make when writing kanji.
Reasons To Try Japanese Kanji Tree
- Perfect for mastering the kanji script.
Available On: Android
Pricing
$5.49 for a one-time purchase.
4. Ling: Best App For A Gamified Experience
Are you a fan of gamified learning? Then go for the Ling app! This language learning app is an allrounder when it comes to learning a new language in a fun, interactive and engaging manner. Short on time? It’s bite-sized lessons pack a punch in a short time. Looking to improve your Japanese pronunciation? The speech recognition tool lets you record your own voice to better your speaking and pronunciation skills.
But do you know what is its best feature? The AI chatbot with whom you can have easy, real-life conversations! The most marvelous thing about using the Ling app is that it arms you with conversational phrases so that you immediately start conversating in Japanese with confidence.
Reasons To Try Ling
- Fun and easy user interface
- A plethora of engaging exercises and quizzes to keep you on your toes
- A progress monitoring feature to let you know how much you are learning each day
- AI chatbot to practice Japanese speaking skills
Available on: iOS and Android.
Pricing
| Price | Version |
|---|---|
| Free Version | First 8 Lessons Free |
| $8.99 for a month | All Features Unlocked |
| $6.67/ month | All Features Unlocked |
| $149.99 for a lifetime | All Features Unlocked |
5. LingoDeer: Best For Beginners
LingoDeer offers a very structured Japanese course that covers Japanese vocabulary and grammar rules. This app is best for beginners and intermediate learners.
The core of LingoDeer consists of units made up of lessons, flashcards, phrasebooks, stories, and much more! Once you give it a try, you will see what makes LingoDeer one of the best apps to learn Japanese.
Reasons To Try LingoDeer
- Various fun activities available in each lesson
- Detailed grammar explanations
- Well-structured course design
Available On: iOS and android.
Pricing
| Price | Version |
|---|---|
| Free Version | Limited Features |
| $11.99/ month | Monthly |
| $119.99/ month | Lifetime |
6. Renshuu: Best For Learning Vocabulary
Renshuu can help you advance from beginner Japanese to advanced Japanese in such a short amount of time. Want to know how?
Renshuu is an engaging language learning app with comprehensive vocabulary, detailed explanations of grammar rules and how to write kanji, and customizable quizzes to track your progress. Also, your efforts are rewarded with collectible badges! With this app, you can even adjust your flashcards according to your individual needs or make them more challenging with a crossword puzzle.
Particularly helpful for beginner learners, you can submit your own sentences in Japanese writing games to receive constructive feedback from the community.
Reasons To Try Renshuu
- Customizable learning schedule
- Interactive Japanese writing exercises
- Unlimited free version
Available On: iOS and android.
Pricing
| Price | Version |
|---|---|
| Free Version | Limited Features |
| $6.99/ month | Pro |
| $129.00 | Lifetime Pro |
7. Hiragana Quest: Best For Learning Japanese Alphabet
Hiragana Quest focuses on teaching you how to read and write the Japanese alphabet hiragana (and katakana). If you are a total beginner who is eager to learn the Japanese writing system, this will be one of the best apps for you!
This app has simple flashcards designed to help teach you the Japanese alphabet. You can also access pronunciation tips to help improve your accent.
Reasons To Try Hiragana Quest
- Gamified and interactive learning style
- Learn how to read and write the Japanese alphabet
- Best for beginners
Available On: iOS and android.
Pricing
| Price | Version |
|---|---|
| Free | First 7 Hiraganas |
| $3.99 | To Unlock Hiragana |
8. Duolingo: Best For People Short On Time
Duolingo gives you a chance to take a placement test so that they can tailor your Japanese lessons to fit your needs. This app uses a gamified teaching style to help keep you motivated so you can continue studying!
The main feature of this app is its quick, repetitive lessons that only take 5-10 minutes to finish. If you don’t want to commit hours to learn Japanese, the app claims that you can learn any language you want with as little as 5 minutes per day!
See our full review of Duolingo here.
Reasons To Try Duolingo
- Gamified and interactive learning style
- Learn how to read and write the Japanese alphabet
- Doesn’t consume much time
Available On: iOS and android.
Pricing
| Price | Version |
|---|---|
| Free Version | With ads |
| $6.99/ month | Plus Membership |
Learn Japanese With Ling!
Do you want to know the best way to learn Japanese, but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry because the Ling App is here for you!
The Ling app is a language learning app that consists of 60+ language courses, including the Japanese language! The app is designed to be practical for language learners so that you don’t have to spend hours and hours learning a new language. In fact, the Ling app will save you time with its concise 15-minute lessons!
What’s more, you can try it out for free! Download the Ling app from the App Store or Google Play to experience this great app yourself!
Updated by Punya
