Jitaku 字宅 · for iPhone and iPad

Learn to read and write Japanese kanji.

Recognising kanji is not the same as knowing them. Jitaku has you write them by hand, with spaced repetition, an offline dictionary and a built-in text reader.

Download on the App Store
  • 2,500+ kanji to write
  • 180,000+ dictionary entries
  • Offline dictionary search

On Android?

Features

Everything you need to actually remember kanji

01 Handwriting

Write every kanji by hand until it sticks

Learn how to write more than 2,500 kanji with a spaced repetition system. With Jitaku, you remember how to read kanji, but also how to write them.

  1. 1

    See the reading and the meaning

    Each review gives you a word with one kanji left blank.

  2. 2

    Write the kanji from memory

    Draw it in the writing box. A hint is there when you are stuck.

  3. 3

    Review it when it is due

    Jitaku decides when each kanji needs another review, so your time goes where it helps.

02 Dictionary

180,000+ entries, instant and offline

The integrated JMDICT dictionary lets you search more than 180,000 vocabulary entries. Search is very fast because it needs no internet access.

  • Works without a connection
  • Keep the vocabulary you look up in mind with the built-in spaced repetition system

03 Text reader

Read real Japanese, and practise while you read

Import any text you like into the integrated reader. Tap a word you don't know to look it up, and tap once more to create a flash card that keeps the sentence it came from.

  • One tap to look up, one tap to save
  • Flash cards keep their context sentence
  • Hides the kanji suited to your level so you write them as you read

04 iPad

Room to write on iPad

Jitaku is optimized to take advantage of the larger iPad screens.

05 Motivation

Make it yours and keep going

Set a goal and watch your progress day by day. Pick a colour theme you like and add widgets to your home screen.

  • Daily goal and progress tracking
  • Multiple colour themes and home screen widgets
  • A kanji banner showing the kanji you missed today, ready to review

Start writing Japanese today

Get Jitaku on your iPhone or iPad, or print a practice sheet and pick up a pen.

Download on the App Store

About

Made by a learner, for learners

Hello, I am Stephane (aka thaos), an independent developer and language enthusiast. I created Jitaku after noticing that I could barely handwrite any kanji despite having learned Japanese for more than 10 years and holding JLPT N1.

I have put all my efforts into incorporating my learning experience and making the memorization process as fast and enjoyable as possible. Learning Japanese is a long and beautiful journey, and I really hope Jitaku can accompany you for a part of the trip.

Thank you to everyone who helped and supported me during development, and thank you for reading this far. I would be happy to hear from you if you have any feedback or questions.

Get in touch