What are the best apps for JLPT study?
Quick Answer
Top apps: Anki (flashcards), WaniKani (kanji), Bunpro (grammar), Todai (reading), and Japanese Pod 101 (listening). Use 2-3 apps max.
Apps complement traditional study materials effectively. Here are the best options by category:
Flashcards & SRS
- **Anki** (Free/$25 iOS): Best for vocabulary with community JLPT decks - **Memrise**: Gamified vocab learning, less customizable - **Quizlet**: Simple flashcards, good for beginners
Kanji Learning
- **WaniKani** ($9/month): Structured kanji + vocabulary, gamified - **Kanji Study** (Android): Comprehensive with stroke order - **Kanji Tree**: Free, level-based progression
Grammar
- **Bunpro** ($5/month): SRS-based grammar practice, JLPT-organized - **Tae Kim app**: Free, based on popular grammar guide - **Japanese Grammar**: Reference app with examples
Reading Practice
- **Todai Easy Japanese**: Graded news articles - **Satori Reader**: Curated stories with built-in dictionary - **NHK World**: Real Japanese news with furigana
Listening
- **JapanesePod101**: Structured lessons, various levels - **NHK World Radio**: Free native audio - **Spotify**: Japanese podcasts (ひいきびいき, etc.)
All-in-one
- **LingoDeer**: Comprehensive beginner course - **Duolingo**: Basic introduction only - **Human Japanese**: Excellent explanations for beginners
Recommended Combinations
- Beginner: Anki + WaniKani + LingoDeer - Intermediate: Anki + Bunpro + Todai + JapanesePod101 - Advanced: Anki + native content apps
Tips for App Usage
1. Don't use more than 3-4 apps simultaneously 2. Apps supplement textbooks, don't replace them 3. Consistency matters more than app choice 4. Set daily goals (reviews, new cards, minutes) 5. Paid apps often have better content organization
Key Takeaways
- 1Anki is essential for vocabulary with SRS
- 2WaniKani or similar for systematic kanji learning
- 3Bunpro for grammar SRS practice
- 4Use 2-3 apps max to avoid overwhelm
- 5Apps supplement books, not replace them
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