Tips for More Effective Studying
Nihongo Online School > Tips for More Effective Studying > Best Apps to Learn Japanese in 2025 – Top Tools for Beginners
Best Apps to Learn Japanese in 2025 – Top Tools for Beginners
2025/01/19
Director: Kotaro Muramoto
Principal of Nihongo Online School
In September 2019, he founded "Nihongo Online School". Since then, has been teaching Japanese online lessons, with a total of over 1,000 students.
He has designed an individualized curriculum based on student’s needs and study goal. And is conscious of making the classes speech-centered in order to improve students’ speaking skills.
The school asks students to submit homework assignments worth 2 hours per lesson to improve faster. By supporting students with these features, students are able to efficiently improve Japanese language skills.
For Japanese learners studying or working in Japan, mastering the Japanese language is an essential skill for both daily life and career success. However, finding an efficient way to learn within a limited budget can be challenging. To help with this, we’ve carefully selected some free Japanese language learning apps to introduce to you. Each app’s features and benefits are explained in detail, so you can discover the one that best suits your learning goals.
Tandem
Overview: This app primarily focuses on language exchange, matching Japanese learners who want to learn Japanese with Japanese people who want to learn foreign languages. The biggest appeal lies in the opportunity to learn while conversing directly with native Japanese speakers.
Key Features:
- Text chat, voice calls, and video calls are available.
- Users can specify the language they want to learn and topics of interest in their profile.
- A wide range of features is accessible even in the free version.
Recommended For:
Ideal for those who want to improve their practical conversation skills. By making friends with Japanese users on the app, you can also deepen your understanding of Japanese culture.
Busuu
Overview:
An app that allows you to learn Japanese for various situations, from simple greetings to everyday conversations. A large number of lessons are available even in the free version.
Key Features:
- Pronunciation practice with voice recognition functionality.
- Customize your learning schedule and set goals.
- Correction services provided by native Japanese speakers (partially available in the free version).
Recommended For:
Perfect for beginners to intermediate learners, especially for improving speaking skills. The learning content is practical and specific, making it ideal for travelers as well.
LingoDeer
Overview:
This app specializes in Asian languages, including Japanese, and is ideal for those who want to learn grammar thoroughly. It offers a comprehensive range of lessons for beginner to intermediate lev
Key Features:
- Systematic lessons on grammar and vocabulary.
- Audio features to check pronunciation.
- Quiz format to assess understanding.
Recommended For:
This app is perfect for those who want to focus on grammar. The free version offers ample learning opportunities, but upgrading to the paid version unlocks additional features for even more comprehensive learning.
Duolingo
Overview:
A globally popular language learning app that supports Japanese. It starts with simple vocabulary and grammar for beginners, gradually increasing in difficulty as you progress.
Key Features:
- A game-like interface for a fun learning experience.
- Tracks daily learning progress to help maintain motivation.
- Balances the development of vocabulary, listening, and grammar skills.
Recommended For:
Ideal for learning in short bursts, such as during commuting or breaks.
NHK WORLD JAPANの「Easy Japanese」
Overview:
A free app provided by NHK, offering lessons using news and simple Japanese phrases. It features a rich selection of materials specifically designed for Japanese learners.
Key Features:
- A wide variety of conversation phrases for beginners.
- Learn current vocabulary through news-based lessons.
- Includes information on Japanese culture and lifestyle.
Recommended For:
Ideal for beginners or those looking to memorize essential phrases for daily life. By using the Japanese news in the app, you can also improve your listening skills.
https://www.nhk.or.jp/lesson/en
Kanji Study
Overview:
A learning app focused on kanji, providing thorough support for reading, writing, and memorizing. It features kanji lists categorized by JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) levels, making it highly convenient for learners.
Key Features:
- Includes a feature for practicing stroke order.
- JLPT-aligned vocabulary lists.
- Learn kanji meanings and readings through quiz formats.
Recommended For:
Highly recommended for those struggling to master kanji. The app allows you to track your learning progress, making it easier to stay motivated. With over a million downloads and an impressive rating of 4.9, it is highly regarded.
How to move from app-based study to real Japanese conversation
Japanese learning apps are excellent tools for building a foundation. They help you review vocabulary, grammar patterns, and basic sentence structures at your own pace, anytime and anywhere.
However, many learners reach a point where they feel stuck. They understand grammar rules, recognize words, and can read simple sentences — but still struggle to speak naturally in real conversations.
This stage is very common among false beginners. You are no longer starting from zero, but your speaking ability has not yet caught up with your knowledge.
At this point, mobile apps alone are often not enough. Most apps focus on recognition and input, while real conversation requires additional skills: understanding spoken Japanese in real time, responding appropriately, and continuing a conversation without translating in your head.
That is why many learners successfully combine app-based self-study with structured conversation practice. Apps are useful for preparation, while conversation lessons help turn passive knowledge into active speaking skills.
With guided speaking practice, clear conversation levels, and consistent feedback, learners can gradually build confidence and fluency in everyday situations such as work, travel, and daily life.
If you already use Japanese learning apps but feel unsure about your speaking level, checking your current level can help you understand what kind of practice will be most effective for your next step.
Summary
Japanese language learning apps are convenient and accessible tools for many Japanese learners. Each app has its own unique features and benefits, so it’s important to choose one that aligns with your goals and lifestyle. Many of the apps introduced here are free to use, so download and try them out to see which one works best for you.
