5 Apps to Learn Japanese in 2021 (Android and iOS)

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Applications for learning Japanese are good free simulators that help you quickly master grammar, expand your vocabulary, and learn to speak. Popular software turns learning into an exciting game and stimulates interest in learning new information. The user does not need to create a lesson schedule or rush to lectures at school. An application for learning Japanese from scratch can be launched in any free minute from your phone or gadget. If you have not yet signed up for online Japanese courses, choose a program and start learning on your own.

The program is designed as a fun, game-based approach that breaks learning down into five-minute lessons. Application for learning Japanese on iOS and

Android contains several clear, easy courses. It is easy for a student to master a large amount of information thanks to an extensive database of the most popular words, which are illustrated with memorable pictures. The curriculum is easy to understand, there is a swipe and tap control system. An app for learning Japanese helps you quickly and easily remember information without memorizing it. The program creates clear associative chains that are stored in memory.

Lingualeo

A universal service that has gained popularity due to its effective approach to mastering the material. The Japanese language learning program can be installed on Android or iOS. An effective, interesting service contains a lot of practice and theory, and does not allow you to get confused in a large flow of information. The student can choose training:

  • Lessons in video format.
  • Replenishment of vocabulary.
  • Thematic mini courses.
  • Exercises for mastering grammar.
  • Books and printed materials in Japanese.

Lingualeo allows you to create your own dictionary, into which you can enter words or use an already prepared database.

Applications

busuu - this application has a huge number of users around the world and offers learning a foreign language without any extra effort. However, please note that the service is suitable as support for language learning, but not the main material.

memrise - this service is aimed at practicing vocabulary in learning foreign languages, in particular Japanese. There are many exercises here to help you maintain your practice at any time.

Learn Japanese - the application will help you quickly and easily get to know the language. It was developed jointly with the Japanese, so the accuracy of the translations is ensured.

KanjiTree

The software is among the TOP applications for learning the Japanese language thanks to its non-standard, step-by-step approach to mastering information. In a game format, the user goes through three stages of training:

  1. Basics. Kanji recognition.
  2. Vocabulary and correct proofreading of words with transcription.
  3. Introducing and mastering grammar.

Feature: evaluates the amount of material covered and the student’s success in mastering it. The program builds a progress graph. The software introduces you to 6,355 hieroglyphs, which are divided into difficulty categories. In the process of mastering the material, the program gives tips, which makes the game even more fun and easier.

"CANANIZATION" FOR MEMORIZING THE ABC'S OF HIRAGANA AND KATAKANA

MEGA NEWS 2021!

A unique computer program developed back in 2007 specifically for the site Japanese for the Soul (Japanese Language Self-Teacher) by Alexey Sergeev (Kolchugino) has been updated for Windows 10 and Linux (under Wine)!

— POSSIBILITIES OF THE “SEWERAGE” PROGRAM

The program replaces syllables in any Russian-language text copied into it (top window) with characters from the Japanese alphabet Hiragana and Katakana.

The program allows you, while reading a specially processed Russian-language text, to memorize or consolidate the memorization without effort - just read and memorize in between. It is this principle that allows you to safely include this program and method in a system united by the common brand “Japanese for the Soul.”

The program is so popular that it is used by numerous websites and social groups to popularize their resources, however, unfortunately, no one indicates where the idea of ​​​​preparing texts and, in fact, the program itself came from.

— SETTINGS AND “SNOWBALL”

The operating principles of the Kananization program and its settings are obvious and understandable, so they do not require a separate description. The only thing worth paying attention to the reader is the “Snowball” mode. When it is included in the text, the replacement of syllables with signs will not occur everywhere, but according to the snowball principle (the further into the forest, the more firewood): at first, the signs will appear in single splashes, but the further along the text, the more often replacements will appear, until by the end of the text all possible options have been replaced. To maintain the “Snowball” mode, of course, you need to insert and process very large text into the top window.

— AUTHORS AND HISTORY

— INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

Download, unzip, run, work. The program comes with help. There is a file describing the updates.

2021 VERSION:

Old version:

Mondly

As in an intensive Japanese language course, the application introduces the user step-by-step, from scratch, to a large amount of data. At the start, the student is presented with basic dialogues that are most often used in communication: terms, definitions, set expressions. The user immediately receives a good basis for communication and correct construction of sentences. Software features:

  • Spoken speech recognition. The module analyzes pronunciation and immediately corrects errors.
  • Repetition of covered material.
  • Artificial intelligence. The function analyzes the student’s individual abilities, offering him a comfortable learning pace and suitable content.

The product is adapted for iOS and Android.

Tubi - The best free anime streaming app.

screenshot of anime streaming app tubi

Every anime fan wants to know how to watch anime without ads for free. But the truth is that if you want free content, advertising helps compensate for the streaming platform.

However, this is an app that has far fewer ads than others. The anime collection isn't as extensive as other platforms, but it's still worth checking out.

It has a friendly interface that's easy on the eyes and includes key features like a customizable personal video queue and the ability to cast to your TV using AirPlay or Chromecast.

Moreover, it serves as an alternative to Netflix, offering a variety of award-winning films and TV series from Paramount, Lionsgate, MGM and other studios. Tubi has a special "Not on Netflix" section that has unique content and hidden gems.

Not only is it one of the best anime streaming apps on iOS, but it is also available on a number of other platforms such as Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Roku, and Xbox.

You can even watch live streams online at tubitv.com. Oh, and did I mention it's completely free with no subscriptions required

pros

  • New videos added every week
  • Syncs across online devices including Apple TV, Roku, Xbox and Amazon.
  • For free
  • Available online

Minuses

  • No offline viewing
  • Limited Anime Collection

Price: Free

Busuu

This is a fun collection of interactive online Japanese classes. The software can offer the student diverse training sessions that do not get boring and allow you to switch to different topics. Peculiarities:

  • Clear diction when pronouncing phrases. In addition to voicing the words, they are also clearly illustrated, making them easier to memorize.
  • Lots of interactive tasks and exercises. Varying complexity and topics for advanced users and beginners.
  • Opportunity to communicate with other students and native speakers.

The application for iOS and Android focuses on quickly learning popular colloquial phrases.

Directories

Tae Kim's Guide to Learning Japanese

Play Store, free

Tae Kim's famous guide to Japanese grammar in English, in the form of an appendix. Works offline.

MetaLanguage

The popular application was created not only by developers, but by a team of teachers, native speakers and linguists. Educational content is presented in an accessible, intuitive form, and the information is easy to remember. Features of the software: reliable data, correct transcription of words, a lot of useful information for spoken language. During the course, the student has the opportunity to create a personal list of phrases and words that can be learned offline.

Translators and dictionaries

As an addition to these applications, you must remember that you must have a good dictionary or translator installed. When you are doing a particular exercise, you may have doubts about a particular word because you don't know its meaning.

imiva?

imiva

This is a multilingual dictionary that will allow you to translate any word from Japanese to Spanish and vice versa. In addition, it will also offer you a range of synonyms in Spanish to cover different variables. Various verb tenses are also included to have a much more comprehensive translation.

imiva?

Developer: Pierre-Phi di Costanzo

Camera Translator: Translation

In addition to regular translators, where you need to enter the source text to be translated, it uses a camera. With a simple photo of the phrase you want translated or a poster, you can instantly get a translation on your iPhone. This makes the task of translating a phrase from Japanese to Spanish on your mobile phone much easier.

Camera Translator: Translation

Developer: Vulcan Labs Company Limited

LearnJapanese

The product for iOS, Android in Japanese is created in the format of understandable audio lessons that focus on mastering vocabulary. Classes offer you to get acquainted every day with the most popular phrases and expressions used in oral speech. A student can memorize from 5 to 15 words at a comfortable pace and get acquainted with new symbols. Each lesson is accompanied by explanations and clear translation. The software contains:

  • Large dictionary.
  • Japanese alphabet.
  • Grammar lessons of varying levels of difficulty.

The LearnJapanese simulator is adapted for Android and iOS.

Websites

Japanese language online - the site contains a good selection of materials for learning: grammar, videos, vocabulary for levels from beginner to advanced. You can also prepare for exams separately and read interesting articles about Japan.

Krakozyabr - the portal contains useful materials on grammar, vocabulary, punctuation, and hieroglyphs. There are texts to read in Japanese.

Ninna no Nihongo - we have already mentioned this portal above. There is a huge database of materials on all aspects of language in theory and practice. The resource offers lessons, preparation for exams, and studying a database of hieroglyphs.

First lessons from Naoe Nagonuma - this site has a selection of 40 basic Japanese lessons. Classes are constantly updated.

Orient Express - a site dedicated to the culture of the Land of the Rising Sun. There are materials related to culture and traditions, as well as lessons, reference tables, textbooks and audio recordings.

Nemo

A convenient service for learning Japanese, which has a built-in phrasebook. In a large database it is easy to find words, colloquial expressions, and phrases common in oral speech. There is a module with virtual cards; it announces the correct pronunciation of words and complex terms. There are functions:

  • voice text input;
  • option to search for information of interest;
  • material repeat mode.

Netflix: Best for original content.

Screenshot of netflix anime streaming app

Netflix - the name itself is enough for this global streaming service known for its amazing content. It boasts of a good collection of popular anime like Pokemon, Naruto, Your Lie in April, Hunter x Hunter and many more.

The collection of original anime will continue to grow as Netflix has partnered with four Japanese anime producers, namely ANIMA & COMPANY, which owns NAZ, Science SARU and MAPPA, and Studio Mir from Korea.

There are different Netflix subscription plans available depending on how many devices you want to stream on. What's more, you can create separate user profiles within the same account so multiple people can receive personalized recommendations.

This makes it a one-stop app for complete entertainment for the whole family.

pros

  • Original content in partnership with Japanese studios
  • Add up to 5 profiles per account
  • Great recommendations
  • Lots of other original movies and shows

Minuses

  • Screen limits per plan

Price: Starts at $8.99 per month.

Imiwa

The service offers the use of a traditional Chinese keyboard with the ability to draw characters on the screen yourself. The application has a built-in large dictionary. Symbols can be translated into other languages. What materials do the developers offer:

  • Examples of sentence construction.
  • Conjugations.
  • Kanji database with distribution by knowledge levels.
  • Personal sets with a list of symbols.
  • User training tools.

Japanese

Although the name isn't particularly inspiring, this dictionary app is extremely useful for beginners and those just wondering how much it costs to attend a language school in Japan. It provides several examples to show how to properly use the vocabulary along with the reading of each kanji. Users can also check pronunciation by clicking on the audio icon. The app has a list of verb conjugations and categorizes all words into JLPT levels. Users can search in hiragana, katakana or kanji.

Developer: Spacehamster.

Availability: Android only.

L-Lingo

Popular software with a Russian-language interface contains a lot of useful educational content. L-Lingo allows you to conduct listening, embed visuals for memorization from bright pictures, words and accompanying translation. An effective application activates all types of memory: auditory, visual, muscle.

The training program contains 65 lessons, which are divided into topics for systemic perception:

  • Studying words.
  • Memorizing phrases.
  • Pronunciation.
  • Reinforcing the material covered.
  • Screening tests are more fun.

The format for presenting the material is clear, accessible to both beginners and advanced users. The application is adapted for iOS, Android.

Crunchyroll Editor's Choice

Screenshot of anime streaming app Crunchyroll

Crunchyroll is the number one anime app in the US, and for good reason. It boasts an extensive collection of over 1,000 titles, including critically acclaimed Crunchyroll Originals.

Some of the best shows include One Piece, Naruto Shippuden, My Hero Academia, Dr. STONE, Tower of God, Black Clover, Food Wars!, Fire Force and others. At the same time, you can access other content such as manga and Asian series.

If you're looking for the best free anime streaming app, Crunchyroll is a viable option, but it has a lot of ads!

Luckily, you can get a premium membership to get rid of ads and get additional benefits. These include access to the latest episodes just an hour after they air in Japan, simultaneous streaming on up to 6 screens, and offline viewing.

You can even try the free premium version for 14 days before paying. No matter what genre you like, from comedy to action, adventure, fantasy, romance, supernatural and more. In addition, it also contains the latest news about upcoming anime shows, voice artists and animators.

The interface is well designed and easy to navigate. All these factors make Crunchyroll a one-stop destination for anime lovers and newbies alike.

pros

  • The largest anime catalog
  • Comfortable
  • Premium 14-day free trial

Minuses

  • Excessive advertising in the free version

Price: Subscription starts at $7.99 per month.

Obenkyo

A universal application that allows you to learn hiragana, katakana and kanji. The software contains lists of different levels of complexity and a large dictionary of 14 thousand kanji with explanation cards. Feature: the student can practice writing Hiragana and Katakana characters on the screen of his gadget by touching with his finger. The program offers to monitor knowledge in order to fill in gaps in a timely manner. Exams:

  • Letter.
  • Theory with answers to questions.
  • Particles.

Materials for studying grammar have been translated into Russian.

wwwJDIC

Next I will tell you about Jim Breen's dictionary. It is especially valuable as a dictionary of hieroglyphs ; now I will demonstrate its functionality. Let's say I want to find out what kind of hieroglyph this is through handwriting input, as I did earlier in Yarksi. Click on the “pencil”, enter the kanji and press HKR (HK-ER). the candidate hieroglyph we need and then the most interesting thing - something that greatly distinguishes it from the same Yarksi : by clicking on the button on the right in the form of a “card” you are transferred to the Anki which we talked about earlier. Also, all readings are copied there, which greatly simplifies your task of compiling decks of cards “for the road.” Next, we select which deck we want to save the card into, edit it if necessary and click “Add”, you’re done!

If you go back a little, you can also send kanji to the program that you need. To do this, you need to click on the button to the left, where the “arrows” are drawn. I won't describe it in more detail. Everything is extremely easy.

Android - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.nick.wwwjdic&hl=ru

Quizlet

The app for iOS and Android specializes in memorizing large amounts of kanji words using flashcards. Software with a user-friendly interface and simple design allows users to create their own knowledge base:

  • Learning mode.
  • The option to add decks of cards that were created by yourself or other users.
  • Listening.
  • Written test: knowledge gained.
  • Exchange cards with students.
  • Dynamics of learning.

YARKSI

We'll start with Yarksy. I want to upset you right away - All more or less adequate versions of Yarxy on mobile devices are paid, so I keep it just for beauty, and use Yarxy exclusively on PCs and laptops. But for our demonstration, the free version is enough. Yarksy is also available on Android and Windows phone platforms.

When we open the program, Yarksey gives us the ability to draw the required kanji. Very thoughtful. Let’s say we enter the hieroglyph 自 “Dzi”. Select the desired option and proceed to the translation. Next comes the familiar Yarksy interface. If you do not want to search for a hieroglyph through handwritten input, you just need to click on the “radicals” button and search by keys. Everything is very convenient.

iOS - https://itunes.apple.com/ru/app/arksi-minimum/id353083118?mt=8

Android - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ru.yarxi&hl=ru

Windows Phone - https://www.windowsphone.com/ru-ru/store/app/%D1%8F%D1%80%D0%BA%D1%81%D0%B8/480f0053-36a4-4031-9878- 7eed21617a1a

FunEasyLearn

The application for Android, iOS offers the user to learn Japanese with the help of visual cards containing information for memorization. The original technique stimulates memory and allows you to independently determine a comfortable pace for learning new words and expressions. The software memory contains more than 5 thousand meanings, definitions, and terms on various topics. If desired, the missing information can be downloaded from the built-in dictionary. Feature: the user can view the saved data on any device, the information is synchronized. This option gives you a chance to repeat the learned material and evaluate your progress statistics at any time.

Japanese language learning apps are great learning aids, but they cannot replace specialized courses and lessons with teachers.

You can't learn a language with apps alone

Of course, learning languages ​​using apps alone is not enough, they are just a convenient feature where you can learn only 5-10% of the entire language, and the rest will be helped by our Language teachers. Our Language School is one of the first and oldest schools in Moscow, attached to the oldest world-famous Japanese university - Waseda University. In 2004, it was “Eurasia” that first introduced a unique method of teaching the Japanese language, in which classes are taught in parallel by a Russian-speaking teacher and a native speaker! This system has proven itself and shown its effectiveness.

Also, our teachers find a special approach to each student and use non-standard methods of presenting the material (audio-video equipment, game techniques for memorizing vocabulary and practicing lexical structures), in which not a single student gets bored and will be eager to run to class. During the training, they conduct intermediate tests that copy the international JLPT exam in form, and at the end of the training there is a final exam, according to the results of which you receive a state-issued certificate.

We are waiting for you for a free trial lesson!

Funimation: Best for dubbed anime.

Screenshot of funimation anime streaming app

It is one of the oldest anime streaming apps, founded in 1994. It began with the introduction of the Dragon Ball series to American audiences. Today it has an extensive catalog of anime with English dubs and subtitles.

I prefer to watch dubbed shows and this app is aimed at that. It features English-dubbed programs from various animation studios such as BLT Productions, Ocean Studios, Pioneer and Saban Entertainment.

It is available on various devices so you can enjoy the content anywhere. Watch on iPhone, iPad, Android, Windows, game consoles and Smart TV.

Upgrading to the premium plan allows you to have two simultaneous streams on linked devices, while the premium plus plan allows you to simultaneously stream on up to five devices at once.

pros

  • Lots of English-dubbed anime
  • Variety of content
  • Affordable price

Minuses

  • Not many new episodes; focuses on nostalgia

Price: Free ($5.99/month for Premium).

Hulu: An affordable, all-in-one streaming service.

screenshot of anime streaming app hulu

Another anime streaming option is Hulu. Unlike Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, Hulu is not available in many countries, but only in the US and Japan.

It offers some of the best anime shows such as Attack on Titan, My Hero Academia, Hunter x Hunter, Akira, Cowboy Bebop and many more.

Also, this is one of the best apps for watching anime offline because you can easily save things to watch later. This feature is only available if you subscribe to Hulu's ad-free plan.

Of course, there's plenty of other great content, including original series, movies, and even live TV.

pros

  • Add up to 6 profiles per account
  • Affordable price
  • Individual recommendations
  • Watch live broadcast

Minuses

  • Even paid plans have ads; you need to pay extra to remove ads

Price: Starts at $5.99.

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