Learn to speak Japanese from day one
You don't have to master kana before you speak. TalkBuddy shows the reading for every phrase and has you say real Japanese out loud with a patient AI buddy.
Free to download on the App Store.
Why speaking-first works for Japanese
Readings for every phrase
Kanji and kana come with their reading spelled out, so you can pronounce anything from your first lesson.
Natural, polite Japanese
Practice the friendly, polite forms you'll actually use, spoken out loud until they feel natural.
Everyday situations
Greetings, ordering ramen, asking directions — practical Japanese for real life and travel.
How TalkBuddy works
Meet the words in context
Every lesson opens with the words you'll actually use. Hear each phrase in a natural voice, slow it down, and say it out loud — so it already feels familiar by the time you speak.
Pair each word with its meaning
Right after you learn them, lock the words in with a quick match game. Tap a word, then its meaning — fast, satisfying, and the surest way to make them stick.
Then train your ear
Hear a word and pick what it means. Listen & choose tunes your ear to the sounds of the language before you ever have to produce them yourself.
This is where the learning happens
Now put it together — talk to your AI buddy out loud about a real situation. It listens, responds naturally, and hands you the exact line to try next. No scripts, no judgment, no fear of mistakes.
Your words. Your conversations. Your progress.
Every phrase you learn and use is saved with its pronunciation, organized by topic. Over time, your library becomes a collection of the language you've actually learned to use.
Learn Japanese — your questions
Do I need to know hiragana first?
No. Every phrase shows its reading and audio, so you can start speaking immediately and learn kana alongside.
Does it cover polite forms?
You practice the everyday polite forms most useful for conversation and travel.
Kanji looks scary — is that a problem?
Not at all. Kanji always comes with its reading, and you can tap any phrase to see it broken down word by word.
Is this good for a trip to Japan?
Yes — free-talk lets you rehearse airport, restaurant, and hotel conversations before you go.
Also learn
Start speaking Japanese
TalkBuddy is out on iPhone. Download it free and start speaking today.