If you’re on the hunt for the best Japanese Learning Apps, you’ve come to the right place. In today’s digital age, mastering Japanese has never been more accessible, thanks to a plethora of innovative and effective mobile applications. Whether your goal is to navigate the bustling streets of Tokyo, dive into the world of anime and manga without subtitles, conquer the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), or simply enhance your linguistic skills, there’s a Japanese learning app tailored to your needs.
Gone are the days when learning resources were scarce. Now, a wide array of both free and paid apps are available, designed to accelerate your journey to Japanese fluency. These apps offer a variety of approaches, from comprehensive courses that guide you step-by-step, to specialized tools focusing on reading and writing, vocabulary expansion, or conversational practice.
This guide will delve into the top japanese learning apps currently on the market. We’ll explore apps offering structured courses, those designed to improve your reading and writing skills, and others that focus on boosting your spoken Japanese and vocabulary. Whether you’re a complete beginner taking your first steps or an experienced learner looking to refine your skills, discover the perfect app to help you achieve Japanese language mastery.
Japanese Course Apps
For learners who prefer a structured, class-like learning experience, japanese course apps are an ideal choice. These apps typically offer comprehensive curricula, guiding you from beginner to advanced levels. Often developed by companies specializing in language education, these apps vary in their teaching methodologies, depth of content, and overall quality. Let’s explore some of the leading japanese course apps that can provide a solid foundation in the language.
Rocket Japanese
Rocket Japanese, developed by Rocket Languages, stands out as a highly comprehensive japanese language app for those seeking a structured learning path. If you appreciate detailed guidance throughout your language learning journey, Rocket Japanese could be your best bet. However, it’s worth noting that this app is positioned at a slightly higher price point compared to some competitors.
Pros: Rocket Japanese excels in its interactive dialogue sections, which are designed to prepare you for real-life conversations with native Japanese speakers. The app also incorporates gamification and leaderboards to keep you motivated and engaged in your learning process.
Cons: Areas for improvement include enhancing the activity level of the Rocket Japanese community forum and incorporating video content to enrich the learning experience further.
Pricing: Rocket Languages offers tiered pricing for its Japanese courses. Tier I (Beginner) is priced at $99.95, Tier II (Intermediate) at $249.90, and Tier III (Advanced) at $259.90. Rocket Japanese is offered as a one-time purchase, granting lifetime access, rather than a recurring subscription.
Read a detailed Rocket Japanese review.
EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Join ‘The Guild’ and select Japanese to unlock a special discount for our readers.
Mondly
Mondly distinguishes itself with its incorporation of cutting-edge augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies into language learning. As a full-course japanese app, Mondly offers an engaging and immersive experience. However, some users may find certain features somewhat gimmicky, and the app’s primary focus leans towards foundational language skills.
Pros: Learning Japanese with an AR instructor in your own environment or immersing yourself in a VR cafe can significantly enhance engagement and retention for some learners.
Cons: The AR and VR features might not appeal to everyone, and some aspects, like the chatbot, might feel more like novelties than essential learning tools. The app’s strength lies more in beginner-level instruction.
Pricing: Mondly offers a free version with limited access. Paid subscriptions start at $9.99 per month, with an annual subscription available for $47.99, offering significant savings.
JapanesePod101
JapanesePod101 is a dedicated japanese learning platform that utilizes bite-sized podcast lessons to facilitate language comprehension and vocabulary expansion. This app is particularly effective in building your Japanese vocabulary through the use of flashcards and other memory-enhancing techniques.
Pros: JapanesePod101’s unique podcast-based approach is ideal for learners who prefer a casual and flexible learning style. It’s particularly well-suited for auditory learners and those who want to learn on the go.
Cons: Compared to some of its competitors, JapanesePod101 may lack in-depth features and comprehensive course structure. It is more focused on audio-based learning and vocabulary acquisition.
Pricing: JapanesePod101 offers a range of subscription options, from Basic to Premium PLUS, priced between $8 and $47 per month, depending on the features and subscription duration. Discounts are available for longer subscription periods (3-month, 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year). A free version with limited content is also accessible.
Explore a comprehensive JapanesePod101 review.
SPECIAL DISCOUNT: Use code MEZZOGUILD for a 25% discount.
Mango Languages
Mango Languages distinguishes itself with its aesthetically pleasing design and its unique approach to language learning. The app allows users to toggle between literal and interpreted translations and uses color-coding to visually link words and phrases between Japanese and English, which is particularly beneficial for visual learners.
Pros: Mango Languages employs a research-backed methodology for language acquisition. A significant advantage is that a single monthly subscription grants access to courses in over 70 languages, in addition to Japanese.
Cons: While comprehensive in breadth, the Japanese course may lack the depth and rigor needed for advanced proficiency. It serves as a great introductory platform but might not be sufficient for advanced learners.
Pricing: Mango Languages is priced at $7.99 per month, providing access to its extensive library of language courses.
Busuu
Busuu has been recognized as an award-winning language app, receiving accolades like the “Best Language App 2018” from German publication DtGV. Studies suggest that 22 hours of study with Busuu can be as effective as a full semester of a college-level language course. Busuu also provides official certifications upon reaching specific proficiency levels and includes sections for Japanese writing, reading, and speaking practice.
Pros: Busuu’s Japanese courses are well-organized and user-friendly, making it easy to follow the learning path. It utilizes modern teaching techniques to provide a thorough understanding of the Japanese language.
Cons: While effective, Busuu might not be as intensive as some learners prefer. The free version is also limited in its content and functionality.
Pricing: Busuu offers a free version with basic features. The premium version is available for $69.99 annually, and a two-year subscription can be purchased for $119.99, offering long-term value.
Read a detailed Busuu review.
Duolingo
Duolingo is widely regarded as one of the leading japanese learning apps, particularly for those seeking a free learning option. It provides many of the same features as paid apps like Busuu and Rosetta Stone, with a robust free version that rivals its paid subscription in terms of accessible content.
Pros: The free version of Duolingo is remarkably comprehensive and sufficient for many learners. For users who wish to remove ads and access offline lessons, a paid version is available.
Cons: While Duolingo’s Japanese course is effective for beginners, it may not be as comprehensive or in-depth as its Spanish or French offerings. It might lack the advanced content and nuances necessary for higher proficiency levels.
Pricing: Duolingo is free to use. The paid subscription, Duolingo Plus, is priced at $12.99 per month or $79.99 per year, offering benefits such as ad-free learning and offline lesson downloads.
Compare Duolingo and Memrise to see which app suits you better.
Lingodeer
Lingodeer is specifically designed for East Asian languages, including Japanese. It offers a wide array of topic-based lessons and provides detailed explanations of the Japanese writing system, grammar rules, and other essential aspects of the language. Lingodeer is known for its in-depth approach to language learning.
Pros: Lingodeer is one of the most comprehensive japanese apps for learners aiming for native-like fluency. It delves into the intricacies of Japanese grammar and writing systems more deeply than many mainstream apps.
Cons: Some users may find Lingodeer’s interface less intuitive and organized compared to apps like Duolingo. However, it offers significant value at a lower price point than many competitors, providing a wealth of knowledge.
Pricing: Lingodeer no longer offers a free version. The subscription is priced at $11.99 per month. A yearly subscription is available for $55.99, and a lifetime membership can be purchased for $119.99, making it a cost-effective option for dedicated learners.
Rosetta Stone
Rosetta Stone has long been recognized as a gold standard in language learning software, and it continues to be a strong contender in the app market. Whether accessed on desktop or mobile, Rosetta Stone Japanese offers a user-friendly and polished interface, with lessons that are both clear and comprehensive.
Pros: Rosetta Stone is considered a highly professional app for learners aiming to gain a strong grasp of Japanese relatively quickly, potentially within three months. It provides a full-service language course with a focus on immersion and intuitive learning.
Cons: Rosetta Stone is one of the more expensive japanese learning apps. It offers a single course level for all learners initially, without a placement test, which might not cater to all proficiency levels effectively at the outset.
Pricing: Rosetta Stone offers a 3-month subscription for $35.97, a 1-year subscription for $170, a 2-year subscription for $249, and a lifetime access option for $299.
Explore a detailed Rosetta Stone review.
Japanese Reading and Writing Apps
While comprehensive japanese course apps often include reading and writing instruction, the Japanese writing system is notably complex. It comprises three scripts – hiragana, katakana, and kanji – with kanji being particularly challenging due to its vast number of characters and multiple readings. For learners wanting to specifically hone their literacy skills, these apps are invaluable tools for mastering written Japanese.
Waygo
Waygo is a powerful app designed to enhance your Japanese reading comprehension. Operating both online and offline, Waygo uses your smartphone’s camera to provide instant translations of Japanese text. This visual translation tool is incredibly useful for deciphering menus, signs, and other real-world Japanese text.
Pros: Waygo is a convenient tool for quickly understanding written Japanese, particularly when you encounter unfamiliar text in real-life situations. It’s especially useful for travelers in Japan.
Cons: There’s a potential risk of over-reliance on Waygo for translations, which could hinder the process of actively learning to read Japanese independently. However, when used as a supplementary tool, it’s excellent for verifying understanding and quickly looking up unknown words.
Pricing: Waygo offers a free version with limited daily translations. The full, unlimited version of the app is available for a one-time purchase of $7.99.
Yomiwa
While Waygo is a versatile Japanese translator, Yomiwa specializes in providing accurate kanji translations. Kanji, similar to Chinese characters, are complex and can have multiple meanings and readings depending on context. Yomiwa also includes a comprehensive Japanese dictionary, making it a robust tool for serious learners of written Japanese.
Pros: Yomiwa is exceptionally feature-rich, offering detailed information about kanji, vocabulary, and grammar. It significantly aids in improving Japanese reading comprehension, especially with complex texts.
Cons: The free version of Yomiwa is quite limited in functionality. For full access, including unlimited handwriting recognition, you’ll need to upgrade to the paid version.
Pricing: Yomiwa offers a limited free version. The full version, unlocking all features, is available for a one-time purchase of $8.99.
Write It! Japanese
Write It! Japanese is an app specifically designed to teach you how to write Japanese characters correctly. Whether you are just starting to learn hiragana and katakana stroke order or aiming to write full Japanese sentences, Write It! Japanese provides comprehensive practice.
Pros: Write It! Japanese is one of the most affordable apps focused on Japanese writing practice. It’s effective for mastering hiragana and katakana and provides a solid foundation for handwriting skills.
Cons: The app’s focus is primarily on hiragana and katakana and does not include kanji practice. For learners aiming to master kanji writing, supplementary tools will be needed.
Pricing: Write It! Japanese has a free version with limited features. The full version, unlocking all content and practice modes, is priced at $6.99.
Japanese Alphabet Writing
Similar to Write It! Japanese, Japanese Alphabet Writing allows you to practice tracing Japanese characters on your screen and provides feedback on your accuracy and progress. This app is designed to help you learn to write both hiragana and kanji, offering a broader scope than Write It! Japanese in terms of script coverage.
Pros: Including kanji practice is a significant advantage. The app aims to teach writing for both hiragana and kanji, catering to a wider range of learning needs within the Japanese writing system.
Cons: Being developed by a smaller developer, the app may be more susceptible to bugs and occasional technical issues compared to apps from larger companies with dedicated support teams.
Pricing: Japanese Alphabet Writing offers a free trial version. The full version, unlocking all features and character sets, is available for $8.99.
Japanese Speaking Apps
Speaking Japanese, while perhaps less tonally complex than Chinese, still requires considerable practice to achieve natural pronunciation and rhythm. Overcoming the initial “gaijin” accent is a common goal for learners. The following apps are designed to help you improve your spoken Japanese to a level where you can confidently communicate in various everyday situations, from ordering food to asking for directions.
Pimsleur
Pimsleur Japanese is a comprehensive language course app with a primary focus on auditory learning and speaking proficiency. Although it is positioned as a premium option, Pimsleur’s methodology emphasizes correct pronunciation and provides continuous feedback to help you refine your spoken Japanese.
Pros: Pimsleur’s strong emphasis on spoken language and listening comprehension makes it ideal for learners who want to prioritize conversational skills, especially for those planning to live in Japan or use Japanese regularly in spoken interactions.
Cons: Pimsleur tends to teach a more formal style of Japanese, which, while grammatically correct, might sound overly polite or stiff in casual conversations. This formality might lead to slightly awkward interactions in informal settings.
Pricing: Pimsleur Japanese offers a subscription model at $19.95 per month. Lifetime licenses for its Japanese courses are also available, ranging from $230 to $550, depending on the course level and package.
Read a detailed Pimsleur review.
Poro
Poro is designed to help you develop Japanese speaking and comprehension skills by displaying Japanese syllables on screen that you then pronounce aloud. The app offers adjustable speaking speeds, catering to different proficiency levels and allowing learners to gradually improve their listening and pronunciation skills.
Pros: Poro provides a cost-effective way to practice speaking and listening. It offers features similar to more expensive apps like Pimsleur at a fraction of the price.
Cons: Developed by an independent developer, Poro may be more prone to occasional bugs or technical glitches. User experience might not be as polished as apps from larger companies.
Pricing: Poro can be used for free with ad interruptions. An ad-free, full version of the app is available for a very affordable one-time purchase of $2.99.
FluentU
FluentU takes a unique approach to language learning by using real-world Japanese videos, such as music videos, movie trailers, and news clips. It provides interactive, annotated subtitles to help you understand spoken Japanese in natural contexts. FluentU aims to improve your speaking skills by enhancing your contextual understanding of Japanese vocabulary and expressions.
Pros: FluentU offers an engaging and immersive learning experience by using authentic Japanese video content. It helps learners understand how Japanese is used in real-life situations and improves listening comprehension naturally.
Cons: FluentU lacks a structured curriculum. Learning is more exploratory and context-driven, which might not be suitable for learners who prefer a step-by-step learning path. It’s more of a supplementary tool for immersion and contextual learning rather than a primary course.
Pricing: FluentU offers a free trial version with limited access. Subscription options are available at $8 per month (billed annually) or $18 per month (billed monthly), providing access to its extensive video library and learning tools.
Explore a detailed FluentU review.
Japanese Tutoring Apps
Sometimes, the most effective way to learn a language is through direct interaction with native speakers. Whether you’re seeking formal tutoring or a language exchange partner for informal conversation practice, numerous apps connect you with native Japanese speakers for language exchange and lessons. These apps are perfect for honing your conversational skills and gaining real-time feedback.
italki
italki is a prominent platform for language tutoring, boasting a vast network of Japanese tutors. Tutors on italki often offer competitive rates compared to other platforms. The italki app is user-friendly and accessible on both desktop and mobile devices, making it convenient to connect with tutors and schedule lessons.
Pros: In addition to tutoring, italki offers writing correction services, which can be invaluable for improving your Japanese writing skills. The platform’s extensive tutor database ensures a wide selection to choose from, catering to various learning styles and budgets.
Cons: italki’s payment system requires you to pre-load funds into your italki account before paying tutors, which adds an extra step to the process. Some users might find this prepayment system less convenient than direct payment options after each lesson.
Pricing: The cost of Japanese tutors on italki varies, typically ranging from $10 to $30 per lesson, depending on the tutor’s qualifications, experience, and lesson type (community tutor or professional teacher).
Read a detailed italki review.
Wyzant
Wyzant is another reputable platform for finding Japanese tutors. While it may have a smaller pool of Japanese tutors compared to italki, Wyzant offers competitively priced lessons and a focus on quality tutoring services.
Pros: Wyzant provides access to qualified Japanese tutors at competitive prices. The platform emphasizes verified tutors and secure payment processing, ensuring a reliable tutoring experience.
Cons: Wyzant’s community and tutor pool are smaller compared to more established platforms like italki. As a result, the selection of Japanese tutors might be less extensive.
Pricing: Tutor prices on Wyzant are set individually by each tutor, leading to price variations. You can browse tutor profiles to compare rates and choose a tutor that fits your budget and learning needs.
LinguaLift
LinguaLift is a comprehensive Japanese language program that integrates tutoring as a core component of its curriculum. As you progress through LinguaLift’s course materials, you receive personalized support from a tutor who assists you with challenging areas and provides guidance.
Pros: LinguaLift offers a holistic approach to learning Japanese, combining structured course content with personalized tutoring. It provides a well-rounded learning experience with dedicated tutor support.
Cons: LinguaLift is one of the more expensive japanese learning options. While tutoring is integrated, learners primarily seeking tutoring might find it more cost-effective to connect with tutors directly through platforms like italki or Wyzant, especially if they are less interested in the additional course materials offered by LinguaLift.
Pricing: LinguaLift is available at $14 per month or $99 per year. This price includes access to the full course materials and integrated tutoring support.
Read a LinguaLift review.
Tandem
Tandem is a language exchange platform that pairs you with native Japanese speakers who match your language learning goals and interests. Functioning much like a social media service, Tandem is also useful for building personal connections with Japanese speakers and engaging in cultural exchange.
Pros: Even the free version of Tandem offers significant value, providing access to a large community of language partners. The platform is active and makes it easy to find Japanese speakers for language exchange.
Cons: Tandem includes features beyond language exchange, such as social networking aspects, which some users might find less relevant to their primary goal of language learning. While these features can enhance community engagement, they might also distract from focused language practice for some users.
Pricing: Tandem offers a free version with basic language exchange features. Premium subscriptions are available for enhanced features and are priced at $6.99 for a single month, $3.99 per month with a 3-month subscription, or $2.92 per month with an annual subscription, offering cost savings for longer commitments.
Explore a detailed Tandem review.
Verbling
Verbling takes a more traditional approach to language tutoring, featuring a comprehensive database of Japanese tutors. You can view detailed profiles, including tutor reviews and the number of lessons completed. With Verbling, you pay per individual language lesson, offering flexibility and control over your learning investment.
Pros: Verbling employs highly qualified and knowledgeable tutors. User reviews and lesson completion counts provide transparency and help in selecting a suitable tutor.
Cons: While Verbling is an active platform, its tutor pool may be smaller compared to newer tutoring apps like italki. The selection of Japanese tutors might be less extensive, although the quality of tutors is generally high.
Pricing: Each Japanese tutor on Verbling sets their own lesson price. For example, a highly-rated tutor like Mari, with nearly 2,000 positive reviews, charges $34 per lesson, illustrating the range of pricing based on tutor experience and demand.
Japanese Vocabulary Apps
Whether you have some basic Japanese knowledge or need to learn essential phrases for travel or daily interactions, japanese vocabulary apps can be incredibly useful. These apps help you expand your Japanese word knowledge without requiring structured courses or conversational practice. They are ideal for building a foundational vocabulary or quickly learning specific sets of words and phrases.
Drops
Drops is a visually appealing and well-designed app specifically focused on teaching Japanese vocabulary. As a rising star in the language learning app market, Drops shows great promise with its engaging and gamified approach to vocabulary acquisition.
Pros: Drops boasts a beautiful and intuitive interface, making vocabulary learning visually stimulating and enjoyable. The gamified format helps to maintain motivation and engagement.
Cons: Despite its appealing design, Drops is relatively simple in its functionality, primarily focusing on vocabulary training. Some users might find it slightly expensive for a dedicated vocabulary app, especially considering its limited scope beyond vocabulary acquisition.
Pricing: Drops offers several subscription options: $5 per month (billed annually), $8.50 per month (billed monthly), or a lifetime membership for a one-time payment of $150.
Learn Japanese
This straightforward vocabulary app contains over 800 common Japanese words and phrases, categorized into practical topics such as dining, greetings, and romance. The phrases are available offline, allowing you to use Learn Japanese anytime, anywhere, even without an internet connection.
Pros: Learn Japanese provides a basic but useful collection of common Japanese phrases for everyday situations. Offline access is a significant advantage for travelers or learners in areas with limited internet connectivity.
Cons: Some user reviews have pointed out inaccuracies in the translations provided by Learn Japanese. It’s advisable to verify translations with other resources, especially for critical communication needs.
Pricing: Learn Japanese offers a free version with access to a subset of vocabulary. A full version, unlocking all 800+ phrases and categories, is available for a one-time purchase of $4.99.
Tae Kim’s Guide to Learning Japanese
Tae Kim’s Guide to Learning Japanese is a completely free app that focuses on building your Japanese language skills through vocabulary mastery. In addition to vocabulary lessons, it includes lessons on Japanese verbs, kanji, grammar, and other essential aspects of the language.
Pros: As a vocabulary app, Tae Kim’s Guide is exceptionally comprehensive, especially considering it is entirely free. It provides a wealth of learning material without any cost or ads.
Cons: Compared to paid japanese course apps, Tae Kim’s Guide is simpler in terms of features and interactivity. It is primarily a text-based guide and lacks the multimedia elements and interactive exercises found in many paid apps.
Pricing: Tae Kim’s Guide to Learning Japanese is 100% free. It does not include any in-app purchases or advertisements, making it an accessible resource for all learners.
How to Choose the Best Apps for Learning Japanese
Selecting the ideal japanese learning app is a personal decision that depends largely on your individual learning goals and preferences. If your aim is simply to learn enough Japanese to order sushi, a basic vocabulary app might suffice. However, if you’re planning to fully immerse yourself in Japanese culture, you’ll need a more comprehensive suite of apps that prepare you for speaking, reading, and writing Japanese in everyday contexts.
A good starting point is to experiment with a free app to gain a basic understanding of the Japanese language and explore different learning styles. From there, you might consider investing in a paid full course and supplementing your learning with a Japanese textbook to build a solid foundation.
Remember, no single app can make you fluent overnight, but each of the japanese learning apps discussed in this guide can contribute to your journey towards Japanese language proficiency. The key is to choose apps that align with your learning style, goals, and budget, and to use them consistently to achieve your desired level of Japanese mastery.
Do you know of a great japanese learning app that we missed? Share your recommendations in the comments below!
🎓 Cite article
Grab the link to this article
Copy Link
Prev Specialize In One Language Or Limited Proficiency In Many? Next Preparing For TOPIK and Reflecting On a Tough Year in Korea
See my favorite resources for: Japanese
Handpicked, reviewed and test-driven
