It can take quite a while for an English speaker to learn Japanese- not only do you have a whole new language to learn, but a different character system, as well. However, even if you only know a few phrases, there is something else you can do to pick up a little more context on your next visit. Foreign/ loan words from other languages are typically written in a different script - katakana - than native Japanese words. If you can recognize these characters in signs and text, you can sound them out and understand what they mean, since they're already words you probably know.

Just Some Kana is here to help! What looks like a simple Gojūon at first (table of 50 sounds) actually has a few tricks up its sleeve. Press one of the kana bubbles to start typing a word. As you find katakana characters in your environment, open up Just Some Kana to type them out to uncover the hidden meaning. Save each word to track your progress. Over time, you can become more familiar with katakana and eventually be able to sound out words on your own!

~ TYPE AND LEARN ~

Whenever you press a bubble, Just Some Kana will start typing a word. You can then press more bubbles to complete the word. Add chōonpu (ー) / long sounds as needed or spaces for clarity's sake. Hold a kana character to reveal its alternate dakuten/ handakuten/ yōon forms.

~ ADVANCED MODE ~

When you're ready, turn off the English key to give yourself an extra challenge. If you need a hint, you can long-press any kana to reveal its sound without starting to type a word.

~ TRACK YOUR GROWING VOCABULARY ~

Just Some Kana keeps track of how many words you've found and when you've found them. Tap on a word in the list to copy it, say it aloud, or send it to a translation service.

~ PERSONALIZE ~

Just Some Kana adapts to your phone's light and dark mode, and lets you customize the colors of your kana keyboard.

~ HIRAGANA, TOO ~

When you're just starting out, it's easy to forget if a character is katakana or hiragana, so just use the switcher button to flip back and forth.

~ COMMON WORDS AND PRASES ~

If you don't know where to start, or just want to memorize a few things to say as you make your way around Japan, check out the word list and get some ideas.