Your next language
Learn Japanesefor real life
日本語
Learn Japanese through a language you already know. Build useful vocabulary, follow personalized lessons, and practise everyday conversations with your AI tutor.
Get the appFree to start, on Android and iPhone.
- Speakers
- 125+ Million
- Speaking regions
- Japan
- Writing system
- Japanese (Kanji, Hiragana & Katakana)
People, places & possibilities
Why learn Japanese?
Japanese combines three writing systems and is spoken by over 125 million people, offering access to Japan's language, technology and pop culture.
- Connect with 125+ million native speakers in Japan
- Enjoy anime, manga and Japanese cinema in the original language
- Useful for careers in technology, engineering and design
- Understand a rich culture of tradition, etiquette and craftsmanship
- Explore three writing systems working together in daily use
Your first steps
How to start learning Japanese
Start where you are. Connect each new word to something you want to say.
Get to know the writing and sounds
Explore Japanese (Kanji, Hiragana & Katakana) writing and how Japanese sounds. Take time with unfamiliar characters and pronunciation.
Start with words you will use
Learn useful Japanese greetings and everyday vocabulary, with explanations in the language you choose.
Turn words into a conversation
Practise speaking Japanese with your AI tutor. Ask a question, explain an idea, or talk about something you enjoy.
Make a little time for practice
Return to your lessons and try your new Japanese words in different situations. Build towards fluent speaking at your own pace.
From knowing to speaking
Make Japanese part of your day
Work towards more fluent conversations by putting your words into practice, not just memorising them.
Practise both sides of a conversation
Speak Japanese with an AI tutor that responds. Try everyday situations or talk about your interests.
Understand it in your own language
Ask your AI tutor to explain a word or idea in a language you already know, then try using it yourself.
Follow a plan that starts with you
Your goals, interests and level help shape your next lesson. Keep building on what you have already learned.
Speaking practice in the Indilingo app.
Can I start learning Japanese for free?
Yes. You can start with the core learning experience for free. AI chat and speaking have free-use limits, and Indilingo Pro gives you more. Check the app for your current plan's features and limits.
Can I learn Japanese from a language I already speak?
Yes. Choose Japanese as the language you want to learn and a supported language for your explanations. Your starting language can help you understand new words and ideas.
How can I practise speaking Japanese?
Open the Speak tab in the app and choose an everyday situation or General Practice. Talk with your AI tutor, ask questions, and try using the Japanese words you have learned.
Is Japanese difficult to learn?
That depends on the languages you already know and what you want to do with Japanese. Get familiar with its Japanese (Kanji, Hiragana & Katakana) writing system, start with useful words, and give yourself time to practise.
How long does it take to become fluent in Japanese?
There is no single timeline. Your starting point, goals, regular practice and opportunities to use Japanese all matter. Set a practical goal, such as introducing yourself or making plans, and build from there.
How many people speak Japanese?
Our language guide lists 125+ Million speakers, with speaking communities across Japan. Speaker estimates vary by source and by whether they include second-language speakers.
Where can I learn Japanese with Indilingo?
Download Indilingo on Android from Google Play or on iPhone from the App Store. Personalized lessons, AI chat and speaking practice are available in the mobile app.
Learn Japanese from the language you know
- From Hindiहिन्दी
- From Tamilதமிழ்
- From Bengaliবাংলা
- From Gujaratiગુજરાતી
- From Korean한국어
- From Marathiमराठी
- From Teluguతెలుగు
- From FrenchFrançais
- From ItalianItaliano
- From Malayalamമലയാളം
- From Odiaଓଡ଼ିଆ
- From PortuguesePortuguês
- From Punjabiਪੰਜਾਬੀ
- From SpanishEspañol
- From Arabicالعربية
- From Assameseঅসমীয়া
- From Bodoबोडो
- From Chinese中文
- From Dogriडोगरी
- From DutchNederlands
- From GermanDeutsch
- From IndonesianBahasa Indonesia
- From Kannadaಕನ್ನಡ
- From Kashmiriکٲشُر
- From Konkaniकोंकणी
- From Maithiliमैथिली
- From Manipuriꯃꯅꯤꯄꯨꯔꯤ
- From Nepaliनेपाली
- From PolishPolski
- From RussianРусский
- From Sanskritसंस्कृतम्
- From Santaliᱥᱟᱱᱛᱟᱲᱤ
- From Sindhiسنڌي
- From Thaiไทย
- From TurkishTürkçe
- From Urduاردو
- From VietnameseTiếng Việt
Keep exploring
More ways into Japanese
- Why Learn Japanese? Benefits Beyond Anime
- How to Learn a Language
- The Science of Speaking
- Why We Are Building Indilingo
Where would you like to go next?
Your next conversation could be in Japanese
Take the next step towards fluent speaking. Start with a language you know and build from there.