Tips for More Effective Studying
Nihongo Online School > Tips for More Effective Studying > Already Studying Japanese? These Must-Have Apps Will Boost Your Learning!
Already Studying Japanese? These Must-Have Apps Will Boost Your Learning!
2025/03/13
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.
Director: Maximiliano Moya
Digital Marketing at Nihongo Online School
Maximiliano is passionate about digital marketing and intercultural communication. He has been living in Japan since 2022, continuously improving his Japanese and exploring new opportunities in the digital world.
At Nihongo Online School, he contributes to marketing strategy and content creation for the blog, helping expand the school’s reach. His goal is to make Nihongo Online School more accessible to those interested in learning Japanese, providing them with the support they need to progress effectively and with motivation on their language-learning journey.
If you’re fully immersed in studying Japanese, having the right tools on your device can make all the difference. With the right tools at hand, learning Japanese stops feeling like a burden. From comprehensive digital dictionaries to AI, these apps will help you improve your vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension efficiently. Don’t study harder—study smarter.
Most recommendations for Japanese learning apps or websites are usually aimed at beginners just starting their journey. However, students who are already studying Japanese are often overlooked. (If you haven’t begun yet, check out this other post on the 6 best free apps to study Japanese).
If you’re already enrolled in a Japanese language school, halfway through your studies, or worried about how to study once you enter a school, this post is for you.
Below, we’ll cover some must-have apps for your smartphone, no matter your level—beginner to advanced—whether it’s dictionaries, flashcards, practice exercises, and more!
Contents
Best Apps if your Japanese studies are on going
Takoboto
Takoboto is an app and website that functions as a Japanese dictionary with multiple language options, including English, Spanish, and French. You can search for words by typing in kanji, hiragana, katakana, or even romaji. If you don’t know the exact spelling of a word you heard somewhere, Takoboto suggests similar words or a “Did you mean…?” option.
Another useful feature is the ability to search kanji by radicals or handwriting input, making it easier to identify unfamiliar characters.
Takoboto also offers translation-based games similar to Duolingo and allows you to create flashcards by saving your favorite words from the dictionary.
The paid version unlocks an AI-powered feature that helps you write correct sentences.
Yomiwa
Yomiwa is a great app for Japanese learners who want to improve their reading and comprehension. One of its standout features is its powerful dictionary, which lets you search for words in kanji, hiragana, katakana, or romaji. Unlike other dictionaries, Yomiwa not only provides translations but also detailed explanations of how words are used in different contexts.
Another valuable tool is kanji decomposition, which helps break down words character by character, showing pronunciation, radicals, and meaning. This is particularly useful for recognizing patterns in kanji and improving retention.
Yomiwa also includes learning tools such as custom vocabulary lists, example sentences, and kanji writing practice with stroke recognition. These features make it an excellent option for learners of all levels who want a more comprehensive and flexible dictionary.
The one-time paid version also unlocks the ability to scan real-world text using your camera.
Kanji Study
For those looking to master kanji, Kanji Study is one of the best apps available. With a user-friendly interface, it helps you learn and review kanji in a structured way, organizing them by level (JLPT, Jouyou, etc.).
One of its standout features is kanji writing practice with stroke recognition, which helps reinforce muscle memory and improve writing accuracy. It also offers reading and meaning quizzes, flashcards, and progress tracking to keep you motivated.
The free version includes basic levels, while the premium version unlocks advanced kanji and additional features.
https://kanjistudyapp.com/index.html
ChatGPT-4o
While ChatGPT isn’t specifically designed for learning Japanese, it can be an excellent tool for students who already have some knowledge and want to improve their fluency.
You can use ChatGPT to:
- Practice conversations by chatting in Japanese.
- Ask for grammar explanations when you’re unsure about a sentence.
- Get sentence corrections and more natural phrasing suggestions.
- Generate word usage examples to understand how vocabulary works in context.
With the camera feature, you can even take photos of Japanese text and ask ChatGPT to translate, explain, or interpret its meaning. Everything depends on how you phrase your instructions (your prompt).
Additionally, ChatGPT remembers your previous chats and progress, automatically adjusting its responses to suit your needs.
If you can access the premium version, you can also explore the GPT Store, where you’ll find specialized GPTs designed for various needs—including learning Japanese.
DeepSeek-V3
DeepSeek-V3 is an advanced AI language model designed to assist with a wide range of tasks, including learning Japanese. How effective it is for you will depend on how you use its features, such as sentence generation, grammar explanations, vocabulary practice, and text corrections.
- Contextual accuracy: DeepSeek-V3 provides precise and context-aware responses. It can help you with grammar explanations, translations, example sentences, and vocabulary drills.
- Adjusts to your level: If you give clear instructions, DeepSeek can tailor explanations for beginner, intermediate, or advanced learners. For example, you can ask it to explain the difference between は (wa) and が (ga) or to quiz you on kanji.
- Straightforward responses: It tends to be more concise and direct, making it ideal for those who prefer quick, to-the-point answers.
If you’re looking for an AI focused on efficiency and clarity, DeepSeek-V3 is a strong option.
Migii JLPT
If you’re preparing for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), Migii JLPT is one of the most comprehensive apps available. It goes beyond simple vocabulary and grammar drills, offering realistic test simulations based on past exams, helping you accurately assess your level.
One of its most valuable features is its detailed answer analysis, which explains why an option is correct or incorrect—helping you understand the logic behind each question. It also includes listening practice with audio recordings similar to those used in the official exam.
Additionally, Migii JLPT adapts to your progress, suggesting exercises based on your strengths and weaknesses. It’s an ideal tool for those who want a structured study plan to ensure they’re ready for exam day.
NHK World
NHK World is one of the best sources for Japanese news tailored to language learners.
Its NHK News Web Easy section provides:
- Simplified news articles with easier grammar and vocabulary.
- Furigana over kanji to assist with reading.
- Audio recordings to practice listening comprehension.
If you’re at an intermediate or advanced level, you can also compare the standard Japanese news articles with their English or Spanish versions to reinforce your understanding. NHK World is a great way to expand your vocabulary and get familiar with real-world Japanese expressions used in the media.
https://www.nhk.or.jp/lesson/en
AnkiPro
Memorizing vocabulary and kanji is one of the most challenging parts of learning Japanese, and AnkiPro is an indispensable tool to make it easier.
This app uses a spaced repetition system (SRS) to help you remember words and phrases efficiently.
- Pre-made flashcard decks are available for download.
- You can also create custom decks tailored to your needs.
- It allows you to add images and audio to improve retention.
AnkiPro is perfect for students looking for an advanced flashcard system with maximum customization.
Google Lens
Ever found yourself staring at a menu, sign, or document in Japanese with no clue what it says? Google Lens is your lifesaver.
With this app, you can scan Japanese text and get an instant translation, making it incredibly useful for everyday life.
Unlike other apps, Google Lens can also recognize handwritten characters and unconventional fonts, making it one of the most practical tools for students living in Japan.
Ready to take your Japanese to the next level? 🚀
Being a Japanese language student isn’t just about attending classes—it’s about reinforcing your learning with the right tools. The apps we’ve listed here will help you study more efficiently, stay motivated, and continuously improve your Japanese skills.
At Nihongo Online School, we offer one-on-one lessons for students of all levels, with expert teachers who can help you with grammar, conversation, JLPT prep, and more.
🌟 Want to see what it’s like to study with us? Try a free trial lesson and experience a personalized learning method designed just for you! 📚✨
📌 Book your free trial here 👉 [Trial Lesson] Learning Japanese can be challenging, but with the right support and tools, you can succeed!