Learn to speak Japanese from day one
You don't need to master Japanese writing before you start speaking. TalkBuddy helps you learn useful Japanese words and phrases, practice them with quick games, and use them in real conversations with your AI speaking partner.
Free to download on the App Store.
Learn Japanese by speaking, not just memorizing
Japanese has a lot to learn: new words, unfamiliar sounds, and three writing systems. But you don't need to master everything before you start talking. TalkBuddy takes a speaking-first approach. Learn useful phrases, practice them with quick games, then use them in real conversations with your AI buddy.
Start with Japanese you'll actually use
Learn practical words and phrases for everyday situations. Greetings, ordering food, shopping, asking for directions, traveling, and making small talk. Focus on the Japanese you'll actually need when speaking in real life.
Get familiar with Japanese sounds
Hear every phrase spoken naturally, slow it down when you need to, and repeat it out loud. Regular listening and speaking practice helps you become more comfortable with Japanese pronunciation and rhythm.
Build confidence speaking Japanese
Knowing a Japanese phrase is one thing. Being able to say it naturally in a conversation is another. TalkBuddy gives you a safe place to practice speaking out loud. Make mistakes, try again, and keep going without worrying about being judged.
How TalkBuddy works
Meet the words in context
Learn the Japanese you'll actually use. Every lesson starts with useful Japanese words and phrases for the situation ahead. Listen to each phrase in a natural voice, slow it down, and say it out loud. By the time the conversation starts, the words already feel familiar.
Pair each word with its meaning
Make new vocabulary stick. Put your new Japanese words to the test with a quick matching game. Tap a word, find its meaning, and keep going. A few seconds of practice helps make new vocabulary easier to remember.
Train your ear
Get comfortable with spoken Japanese. Listen to a Japanese word or phrase and choose its meaning. It's a simple way to train your ear and become familiar with Japanese sounds before you have to respond yourself.
Start speaking
Turn what you learned into real conversation. Now use the Japanese you've just learned. Talk out loud with your AI buddy about a real-life situation. It listens, responds naturally, and gives you the next phrase to try when you need a little help. No script. No judgment. No pressure to speak perfectly. Just speak.
Your words. Your conversations. Your progress.
Build your own Japanese phrase library. Every Japanese word and phrase you learn and use is saved with its pronunciation and organized by topic. Come back anytime to review the language you've actually practiced. Over time, your library becomes a collection of Japanese you can really use.
Learn Japanese — your questions
Do I need to learn Hiragana and Katakana first?
No. TalkBuddy is designed to help you start speaking without requiring you to master Japanese writing first. You can learn useful words and phrases and begin practicing conversations from the start.
Do I need to know Kanji?
No. You can start learning and speaking Japanese without knowing hundreds of Kanji. TalkBuddy focuses on useful spoken language first, so you can build your speaking confidence while gradually becoming familiar with Japanese writing.
Is TalkBuddy good for beginners?
Yes. You don't need advanced Japanese or a large vocabulary. Start with simple words and phrases, practice them, and gradually become more comfortable speaking out loud.
Can I practice Japanese pronunciation?
Yes. Listen to natural Japanese pronunciation, slow phrases down when you need to, and repeat them out loud. Regular listening and speaking practice helps you become more comfortable with Japanese sounds and rhythm.
Can I use TalkBuddy to prepare for a trip to Japan?
Yes. Practice everyday situations such as ordering food, checking into a hotel, shopping, asking for directions, using public transportation, and making small talk.
Can I practice Japanese conversation with AI?
Yes. TalkBuddy lets you practice spoken Japanese with an AI speaking partner that listens, responds naturally, and helps you keep the conversation going.
Also learn
Start speaking Japanese
You don't need to know everything before you start talking. Learn the words. Practice them. Speak them. TalkBuddy helps you take your first steps toward speaking Japanese with confidence.