The Ultimate Guide to the Best Apps for Learning Japanese

Learning Japanese is an incredible journey that opens doors to understanding anime, manga, Japanese culture, and even exploring Japan itself. Whether you want to watch your favorite anime without subtitles, read manga in its original form, or confidently navigate a trip to Japan, the right app can make all the difference.

But let’s be honest—learning Japanese isn’t always easy. From mastering three writing systems to figuring out grammar that’s completely different from English, the process can feel overwhelming. The good news? With the right tools, you can make progress step by step and even enjoy the ride.

Whether you’re a fan of Studio Ghibli movies, planning your dream trip to Tokyo, or simply looking to dive deeper into the language, this guide has got you covered. After analyzing top-rated resources and combining them with personal insights, I’ve created a comprehensive list of the 12 best apps for learning Japanese. Whether you’re a total beginner or aiming to level up specific skills like Kanji or conversation, this ultimate guide will help you find the perfect app to achieve your language-learning goals.

 

1. Duolingo: The Gamified Beginner's Choice

Duolingo’s playful, gamified lessons are perfect for absolute beginners who want to dip their toes into Japanese without feeling overwhelmed.

  • What It Offers:

    • Bite-sized lessons focusing on vocabulary and grammar.
    • Gamified features like streaks and rewards to keep you motivated.
    • A community forum for learner interaction.

  • Pros:

    • Fun and easy to use, especially for beginners.
    • Free version provides plenty of content to start.

  • Cons:

    • Limited conversational practice.
    • Doesn’t cover cultural context or advanced grammar.

  • Best For: Beginners looking for a low-pressure introduction.

  • Pricing: Free; Premium starts at $12.99/month.

  • Download: Duolingo

2. LingoDeer: Best for Grammar Enthusiasts

LingoDeer excels at teaching grammar and writing systems. It’s specifically designed for Asian languages, making it a great tool for serious learners.

  • What It Offers:

    • In-depth grammar explanations and exercises.
    • Lessons covering Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji.
    • Native speaker audio for pronunciation practice.

  • Pros:

    • Comprehensive and structured.
    • Offline access for flexibility.

  • Cons:

    • Less interactive compared to Duolingo.

  • Best For: Learners who want a solid understanding of grammar and writing.

  • Pricing: $11.99/month or $79.99/year.

  • Download: LingoDeer

3. WaniKani: The Ultimate Kanji Tool

Kanji can be intimidating, but WaniKani simplifies the process with mnemonic techniques and spaced repetition.

  • What It Offers:

    • Over 2,000 Kanji and 6,000 vocabulary words.
    • Fun and engaging mnemonics to aid memory.
    • Spaced repetition to ensure long-term retention.

  • Pros:

    • Excellent for mastering Kanji and vocabulary.
    • Structured, goal-oriented learning.

  • Cons:

    • Doesn’t teach grammar or conversation.

  • Best For: Learners focused on reading and Kanji mastery.

  • Pricing: $9/month or $89/year.

  • Download: WaniKani

4. Pimsleur: Audio-Based Learning for Speaking

Pimsleur’s audio-first lessons are designed to help you learn real-life conversational skills.

  • What It Offers:

    • 30-minute daily audio lessons focused on speaking and listening.
    • Lessons accessible offline.
    • Hands-free learning perfect for multitasking.

  • Pros:

    • Builds conversational confidence.
    • Easy to integrate into daily life.

  • Cons:

    • Limited focus on reading and writing.

  • Best For: Learners prioritizing speaking fluency.

  • Pricing: $14.99/month.

  • Download: Pimsleur

5. Busuu: Personalized Feedback from Native Speakers

Busuu combines structured lessons with real feedback from native speakers, creating an interactive experience.

  • What It Offers:

    • Grammar and vocabulary lessons with writing exercises.
    • A community of native speakers to correct your submissions.
    • Personalized study plans.

  • Pros:

    • Feedback helps you improve quickly.
    • Great for writing and grammar practice.

  • Cons:

    • Less emphasis on Kanji.

  • Best For: Learners who value interaction and personalized feedback.

  • Pricing: Starts at $6.95/month.

  • Download: Busuu

6. Human Japanese: A Teacher in Your Pocket

Human Japanese takes a narrative, teacher-like approach, offering engaging lessons with cultural context.

  • What It Offers:

    • Conversational grammar explanations.
    • Fun quizzes and review activities.
    • Cultural insights alongside language lessons.

  • Pros:

    • Beginner-friendly with clear explanations.
    • Adds depth with cultural learning.

  • Cons:

    • Less interactive compared to other apps.

  • Best For: Beginners who enjoy a guided, narrative style of learning.

  • Pricing: $9.99 for Beginner; $14.99 for Intermediate.

  • Download: Human Japanese

7. Anki: Customizable Flashcards for Self-Starters

Anki’s flashcard system is a favorite among language learners for memorization.

  • What It Offers:

    • Spaced repetition for efficient review.
    • Highly customizable flashcard decks.
    • Integration of images, audio, and video.

  • Pros:

    • Effective for vocabulary and Kanji retention.
    • Free on desktop.

  • Cons:

    • Requires setup time and effort.

  • Best For: Learners focused on vocabulary and Kanji memorization.

  • Pricing: Free on desktop; $24.99 for iOS app.

  • Download: Anki

8. JapanesePod101: Comprehensive Audio Lessons

JapanesePod101 offers thousands of audio and video lessons for learners of all levels.

  • What It Offers:

    • Beginner to advanced lessons.
    • Focus on practical conversation and cultural insights.
    • Transcripts and lesson notes for review.

  • Pros:

    • Huge library of content.
    • Covers listening, grammar, and culture.

  • Cons:

    • Can feel overwhelming for beginners.

  • Best For: Learners who want diverse and in-depth content.

  • Pricing: Free basic plan; Premium starts at $10/month.

  • Download: JapanesePod101

9. Memrise: Gamified Vocabulary Builder

Memrise specializes in vocabulary building with engaging, interactive features.

  • What It Offers:

    • Gamified flashcards with real-world context.
    • Video clips of native speakers.
    • Offline access.

  • Pros:

    • Fun and engaging.
    • Great for vocabulary practice.

  • Cons:

    • Limited grammar and conversation lessons.

  • Best For: Vocabulary-focused learners.

  • Pricing: Free; Premium starts at $8.99/month.

  • Download: Memrise

10. Clozemaster: Contextual Learning Through Sentences

Clozemaster teaches Japanese vocabulary in the context of full sentences.

  • What It Offers:

    • Focus on filling in blanks within sentences.
    • Supports reading comprehension and vocabulary.
    • Huge database of sentence examples.

  • Pros:

    • Great for contextual learning.
    • Helps reinforce grammar naturally.

  • Cons:

    • Minimal speaking or listening practice.

  • Best For: Learners wanting to expand vocabulary in context.

  • Pricing: Free; Pro starts at $8/month.

  • Download: Clozemaster

11. Kanji Study

Kanji Study is a dedicated app for mastering Kanji.

  • What It Offers:

    • Stroke order animations and quizzes.
    • Customizable Kanji lists.
    • Writing practice tools.

  • Pros:

    • Perfect for Kanji-focused learners.
    • Comprehensive stroke practice.

  • Cons:

    • Limited focus on grammar and conversation.

  • Best For: Learners aiming for Kanji proficiency.

  • Pricing: Free trial; $9.99 for full access.

  • Download: Kanji Study

12. Tandem: Practice with Native Speakers

Tandem is a language exchange app that connects you with native Japanese speakers for real-life practice. It’s an excellent way to dive into authentic conversations and cultural nuances.

  • What It Offers:

    • Text, voice, and video chat options.
    • Language exchange with native speakers worldwide.
    • Built-in translation tools to assist when you get stuck.

  • Pros:

    • Real conversational practice.
    • A highly immersive way to experience the language.

  • Cons:

    • No structured lessons or grammar support.
    • Relies heavily on your communication skills.

  • Best For: Learners who want to practice real conversations and connect with native speakers.

  • Pricing: Free; Pro starts at $6.99/month.

  • Download: Tandem

Key Insights for Choosing the Right App

The apps listed above all serve unique purposes, and the key to success is finding the one (or combination) that best fits your learning style and goals. Here’s a quick guide:

  • For Beginners: Start with Duolingo or LingoDeer to get a solid foundation in vocabulary, grammar, and writing.
  • For Kanji Mastery: Pair WaniKani with Kanji Study for targeted and effective Kanji learning.
  • For Conversational Practice: Use Pimsleur or Tandem to build your speaking and listening skills.
  • For Comprehensive Learning: Combine structured apps like LingoDeer with resources like JapanesePod101 to cover all aspects of the language.

Comparison Table

App Best For Strengths Pricing
Duolingo Beginners Gamified lessons, free option Free/$12.99/month
LingoDeer Grammar and writing Comprehensive grammar, offline access $11.99/month
WaniKani Kanji mastery Mnemonics, spaced repetition $9/month
Pimsleur Speaking and listening Practical audio lessons $14.99/month
Busuu Feedback from natives Personalized corrections $6.95/month
Human Japanese Cultural and grammar learning Teacher-like, cultural insights $9.99–$14.99
Anki Flashcard-based learning Customizable decks, spaced repetition Free/$24.99 (iOS)
JapanesePod101 Comprehensive content Huge audio and video library Free/$10/month
Memrise Vocabulary building Gamified, native speaker videos Free/$8.99/month
Clozemaster Contextual learning Sentence-based vocabulary practice Free/$8/month
Kanji Study Writing-focused Kanji practice Stroke order, writing quizzes Free/$9.99
Tandem Real-life conversation Chat with native speakers Free/$6.99/month

Conclusion: Finding the Perfect App for Your Journey

Learning Japanese can be a life-changing experience, whether you’re diving into anime without subtitles, reading your favorite manga in its original form, or preparing for an unforgettable trip to Japan.

The apps in this guide offer something for everyone:

  • If you’re just starting, apps like Duolingo and LingoDeer are great for building a foundation.
  • For tackling the complexities of Kanji, WaniKani and Kanji Study are unmatched.
  • If you want to boost your speaking skills, Pimsleur and Tandem provide real-world conversational practice.
  • Comprehensive options like JapanesePod101 and Human Japanese give a well-rounded experience with cultural context.

Pro Tip: Combine Apps for Maximum Impact

No single app covers everything perfectly. Combining tools (e.g., LingoDeer for grammar and Pimsleur for speaking) can help you progress faster and cover all aspects of the language.

Your Japanese learning journey starts with the right tools—and this list is here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you’re learning for fun, for travel, or for deeper cultural appreciation, there’s an app (or two!) here to help you achieve your goals.

So what are you waiting for? Choose an app, take the first step, and say "こんにちは!" to your new adventure!

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