LingoDeer

Free + paid optionsCourses & Appslingodeer.com

Best for: Structured grammar for beginners

Overview

Language app with structured lessons for Asian languages including Japanese, teaching grammar step by step with kana and kanji practice built in.

Strengths

  • More grammar explanation than most apps

Drawbacks

  • Full course needs a subscription

Alternatives to LingoDeer

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Erin's Challenge

Beginners who like video
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Erin's Challenge: free video series from the Japan Foundation following a student in Japan, with lessons on everyday phrases and culture.

Duolingo

Building a daily habit
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Free + paid options

Gamified language app with a Japanese course built on short daily lessons. Free with ads; the paid plan removes ads and adds extra practice features.

iOSAndroidWeb
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Genki

A complete beginner course from a textbook
Beginner
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GENKI: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese, published by The Japan Times. Two textbooks (Genki I and II) with matching workbooks take beginners through grammar, conversation, reading, writing and kanji. The official site has free extra resources and audio.

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