APPS & ONLINE PRACTICE
The Apps on this page can be downloaded to your i-phone, i-pad, or Android device. Click the link, and you will be taken to a page where you can download the app. Items marked with a ($$) are paid apps.
I did not include online dictionaries, because learning how to use a Japanese dictionary is an integral part of learning Japanese. You should learn how to use a traditional Kanji dictionary before going to an online version.
The Apps on this page can be downloaded to your i-phone, i-pad, or Android device. Click the link, and you will be taken to a page where you can download the app. Items marked with a ($$) are paid apps.
I did not include online dictionaries, because learning how to use a Japanese dictionary is an integral part of learning Japanese. You should learn how to use a traditional Kanji dictionary before going to an online version.
Downloadable Apps
Quizlet for Mobile Devices
All flashcards for Genki vocabulary sections are on Quizlet.
($$)I Start Japanese
A virtual tutor. Grammar explained in English. Has the option of "reading along" or listening to the narration. LITE version also available for free.
($$)I-kana Touch
Covers all hiragana and katakana (including diacritical marks). Romaji can be toggled on and off. Allows for writing practice as well.
($$)Kana Flip
Flashcards for learning the kana. This is included in the Kanji flip program, so it might be a good idea to just buy the kanji flip program rather than the individual kana program.
($$)Momos Learning Japanese
Designed for children (but ideal for beginner students as well), the program allows you to draw and/or trace the kana characters with either a stylus or with your fingers. When you succeed at the task, a cartoon girl shows up and shouts encouraging phrases in Japanese. Silly and mind-numbing, but amazingly effective.
(*)Japanese Hiragana Free
Scroll down the page to find the download button. This program gives you culture lessons as well, in addition to narrating the words on the screen. Interface can be switched between English and Japanese by touching the button. Available for both Iphone and Android.
($$)Study Japanese for iPad
The same idea as the "Momo" app, but not as silly and geared for adult learners.
($$)KanjiPop
Most learners need more help with kanji than with hiragana or katakana, so this this app is likely to be very useful. Kanji is also something you will need throughout your study of Japanese, so this app will be used well beyond 1st year Japanese. 127 levels, and a quiz format with approximately 16 kanji per level. By the time you are done, you will have gone through about 2,000 kanji. Recommended for JLPT takers.
($$)Kanji Flip
Virtual kanji flashcards.
($$)Kana Trace
This app features both Hiragana and Katana within the same app. Trace the symbols in the order to acclimate your hands to the movement of writing.
($$) Genki Kanji Cards
An app created to go along with the Genki textbook. At $5.99, it's a little pricey for an app, but covers both Genki I and II.
Writing Order Free Kanji 1
Writing Order Free Kanji 2
Writing Order Free Kanji 3
Writing Order Free Kanji 4
Writing Order Free Kanji 5
Writing Order Free Kanji 6
I love this one--it covers all the kanji, from grades 1-6 and you can learn them through games and play. You will need to download kanji 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 as well. Available for Android as well. Type "writing Order Free Kanji Android" into your browser.
All flashcards for Genki vocabulary sections are on Quizlet.
($$)I Start Japanese
A virtual tutor. Grammar explained in English. Has the option of "reading along" or listening to the narration. LITE version also available for free.
($$)I-kana Touch
Covers all hiragana and katakana (including diacritical marks). Romaji can be toggled on and off. Allows for writing practice as well.
($$)Kana Flip
Flashcards for learning the kana. This is included in the Kanji flip program, so it might be a good idea to just buy the kanji flip program rather than the individual kana program.
($$)Momos Learning Japanese
Designed for children (but ideal for beginner students as well), the program allows you to draw and/or trace the kana characters with either a stylus or with your fingers. When you succeed at the task, a cartoon girl shows up and shouts encouraging phrases in Japanese. Silly and mind-numbing, but amazingly effective.
(*)Japanese Hiragana Free
Scroll down the page to find the download button. This program gives you culture lessons as well, in addition to narrating the words on the screen. Interface can be switched between English and Japanese by touching the button. Available for both Iphone and Android.
($$)Study Japanese for iPad
The same idea as the "Momo" app, but not as silly and geared for adult learners.
($$)KanjiPop
Most learners need more help with kanji than with hiragana or katakana, so this this app is likely to be very useful. Kanji is also something you will need throughout your study of Japanese, so this app will be used well beyond 1st year Japanese. 127 levels, and a quiz format with approximately 16 kanji per level. By the time you are done, you will have gone through about 2,000 kanji. Recommended for JLPT takers.
($$)Kanji Flip
Virtual kanji flashcards.
($$)Kana Trace
This app features both Hiragana and Katana within the same app. Trace the symbols in the order to acclimate your hands to the movement of writing.
($$) Genki Kanji Cards
An app created to go along with the Genki textbook. At $5.99, it's a little pricey for an app, but covers both Genki I and II.
Writing Order Free Kanji 1
Writing Order Free Kanji 2
Writing Order Free Kanji 3
Writing Order Free Kanji 4
Writing Order Free Kanji 5
Writing Order Free Kanji 6
I love this one--it covers all the kanji, from grades 1-6 and you can learn them through games and play. You will need to download kanji 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 as well. Available for Android as well. Type "writing Order Free Kanji Android" into your browser.
Online Practice
The links here ARE NOT APPS--they are stand alone websites, so you will need to be connected to the internet to use them. You can access these programs from your phone or tablet, however, these sites are best viewed on a laptop or full size computer rather than a small phone screen.
N.B. 2: Some of these exercises are aligned specifically with the Genki textbook, but can be used as stand alone practice as well.
Learning Kana (Hiragana and Katakana)
Hiragana Drag and Drop Matching Game
Match the symbol with its correct romanized sound.
Kana Invaders
Old school shoot the aliens video game style. Shoot the correct romanized kana.
Hiragana Typing Game--Stop the Blizzard
Type the romanization of the character on the falling "snowflake." Ideal for learning how to type in Japanese.
Kanagrams
3 different games in 1. Try them all.
Hiragana Typing Game
Grammar and Structure
Particle Exercises (N.B. This page is aligned with the Genki textbook, but you can use it for general reference.)
The Particle Game
Tests your knowledge of the basic particles "de" "ni" "wo"" and "wa".
Fit the Particle to the verb
ectives and all vocabulary from the textbook. Created by yours truly.
Kikitori Listening Comprehension Exercises
Practice your listening skills with short dialogues and quizzes. Two speeds--natural speed and slow.
Japanese Culture
Virtual Visit to a Japanese House
For kids, but very informative if you have never been inside a traditional Japanese house.
Explanatory Resources
Links to videos or websites containing additional information on the topics we have studied. Items marked with a (V) are videos.
(v)Telling Time--General Introduction
(v)Telling Time--Minutes
(V)Telling TIme--Hours
Hiragana Mnemonics--Images for recalling the hiragana.
(v)Telling Time--General Introduction
(v)Telling Time--Minutes
(V)Telling TIme--Hours
Hiragana Mnemonics--Images for recalling the hiragana.