What is HeyJapan? Should beginners use this app to learn Japanese?

According to a report by the Japanese education organization, the number of people learning Japanese in Vietnam has increased significantly, reaching more than 70,000 people in 2023. However, not everyone knows how to learn Japanese effectively, so apps like HeyJapan have been created to simplify and optimize the process of learning Japanese.

What is HeyJapan?

HeyJapan is a basic Japanese language learning app completely free of charge, ranked among the top 3 best apps for beginners. HeyJapan helps beginners get acquainted with and easily remember the Japanese alphabet, grasp basic grammar and Japanese vocabulary with effective learning methods. You can practice all 4 skills: listening - speaking - reading - writing Japanese on this app. HeyJapan is indeed a very suitable app for you to get started with Japanese in an easy and effective way. 

How Does HeyJapan Work?

HeyJapan integrates AI technology to assist in detecting speech - a handy assistant to help you correct pronunciation errors. In addition, HeyJapan applies the spaced repetition theory to design lessons, so the learning progress suggested by the app is personalized and suitable for each individual. 

Key Features of the HeyJapan App

• Learn 20+ Japanese vocabulary every day through a combination of theory and quiz exercises by topic: family, animals, food, and many other relevant topics to life.
• Learn and apply grammar through sentence arrangement exercises.
• Easily memorize kanji characters and meanings through the writing practice feature.
• Practice speaking and pronounce accurately like a native speaker with the "Talking with Shibi" feature equipped with voice analysis AI technology.
• Provide effective Japanese learning tips.
• User-friendly interface, incredibly cute design to create a bright, uncluttered feeling when learning Japanese on the app.
• Daily reminders help you not to miss Japanese learning sessions.
• Progress and study result dashboard for you to track and adjust study time according to the AI-recommended learning path.
• Earn cool badges after each lesson to motivate you to conquer the next topics.
• Practice online JLPT exams right within the same app.

Lesson Structure of HeyJapan

HeyJapan consists of 150 lessons divided into familiar life topics. Each topic is further divided into 6 - 11 smaller lessons including: Theory, sentence patterns, speaking practice, writing practice, and comprehensive review. 

HeyJapan has arranged the lesson order based on difficulty levels, and each topic includes all four skills: listening - speaking - reading - writing. All you need to do is follow the app's instructions sequentially. You can only unlock the next lesson after completing the previous one. For example, to study lesson 5: animals, you need to complete all lessons in lesson 4: family. 

After every 8 lessons, there will be a "Talk with Shibi the dog" session and a "Review" session to consolidate and apply the knowledge you've learned in the previous 8 lessons.

What Each Lesson of HeyJapan Includes

As mentioned, each topic is divided into multiple small lessons including: Theory and exercises. The theory lessons will provide you with basic vocabulary and grammar of these topics so that you can apply them to the exercises.

The exercise types in the HeyJapan app are extremely diverse. The simplest type is image-based vocabulary quizzes like the image below.

Another popular type is translation: Japanese - Vietnamese or Vietnamese - Japanese. This type of exercise helps you learn two-way vocabulary. Thanks to this, you will remember vocabulary longer and more effectively.

Sentence arrangement is an exercise type that helps you apply the grammar you have learned to create complete sentences. The app will provide you with word tiles and sentence meanings you need to arrange, and your task is to arrange these word tiles correctly for proper grammar and meaning.

For this speaking exercise, you need to record your voice according to the model.

In the listening exercises, you need to focus on listening and choose the correct answer based on the question and what you hear.

In the writing practice, the app will guide you through the strokes. You just need to draw along and memorize the characters.

After each question in the exercise, HeyJapan will provide feedback and explain the meaning so that you can understand and improve in the following exercises.

Online JLPT Exam Practice Feature

In addition to supporting Japanese learning for beginners, HeyJapan also provides a collection of JLPT practice tests from N5 to N3 with 40 regularly updated tests, suitable for basic levels. 

The test sets are simulated closely to the real exam from timing to structure so you can have the most authentic experience when taking the test.

Guide to Download the Basic Japanese Learning App HeyJapan

Currently, HeyJapan has two versions of the mobile app and a web version for computers. To download the app on your phone, follow these steps:

Step 1: First, download the HeyJapan app here for iOS or here for Android.

Step 2: Tap the "Install" button and wait for the app to be downloaded to your device.

To use HeyJapan on your computer, simply access the website https://heyjapan.net/.

How to Use the HeyJapan App Effectively

Step 1: After successful installation, open the app.

Step 2: Choose the appropriate language.

Step 3: Turn on daily reminders to not miss study sessions.

Step 4: Set study times that suit your daily schedule.

Step 5: Fill in your information to register an account.

Step 6: Select your current Japanese proficiency level for the system to suggest a corresponding learning path.

Step 7: Set a suitable study time goal.

Above are some general information about HeyJapan - The Basic Japanese Learning App. We hope to provide useful information for you, especially for those who are starting out or intending to try their hand at this language.