Friday, July 11th
2025 Japanese Lesson Reviews
Duolingo
- Pricing from free to $9.99 per month
- Sentence-reading and listening approach
- Hiragana lessons right away
- Totally free account available
- 14-day free trial of premium (Super Duolingo)
- Gamified learning with points and leaderboards
- Mobile apps for iOS and Android
- 4.7-star average rating
If you're not familiar with Duolingo yet, you might be missing out on something big. This language-learning platform has become popular with students and teachers (and especially on social media), thanks to its adorable owl mascot that nudges you to keep learning. Duolingo is well known for its gamified method of teaching Japanese, along with over 40 other languages. It's become a top choice for many first-time language learners since it's a free option that can help you establish the basics in a flash.
Preview lesson offers detailed alphabet discussions
Starting your Japanese language journey with Duolingo couldn't be easier. It offers a 100% free sign-up, allowing you to dive into learning before you even make an account. Simply select the language you're interested in (like Japanese, in our case), and Duolingo will guide you through some initial questions about your learning goals, your current level, and how much time you can dedicate daily. Without any commitment, you'll be directed to your first lesson.
Writing system emphasized
During our trial run, we noticed that Duolingo emphasizes grasping the Hiragana writing system right away, offering detailed explanations about a symbolic alphabet rather than a phonetic one (like we use in English). Your progress is tracked with a helpful bar at the top, gradually turning green as you answer questions. Mistakes prompt quick review questions, and the lesson's key feature, especially for free members, is the heart system. Losing hearts for errors (starting with 5) can be frustrating, but it encourages focused learning from the outset.
Free to learn or $6.99 per month
Duolingo provides a subscription service priced at $6.99 per month. You can use a 14-day trial to explore premium features before committing, but if you don't remember to cancel your premium membership post-trial, you'll automatically be charged. (On the bright side, you can use Duolingo totally for free if you don't want to worry about automatic renewals and premium costs.) Super Duolingo offers you access to features like unlimited replay so you won't lose progress when making mistakes, along with access to extra practice tools to master challenging aspects of Japanese. Duolingo recently introduced a Super Duolingo Family Plan, which allows you to add several learners on a single paid subscription, including friends or roommates. While the exact pricing and signup details may be hard to find, our research suggests an approximate cost of $9.99 per month for up to 5 people.
Fluency may require outside resources
One drawback of Duolingo is that achieving fluency in a language isn't as straightforward compared to other platforms. While Duolingo's gamified approach does make learning fun, language experts tend to criticize it as being overly addictive, potentially keeping students from more effective learning methods. To truly gain language skills, you need to approach learning with purpose. Taking notes, practicing outside of Duolingo, and independently focusing on grammar may be necessary to truly succeed in Japanese fluency. While Duolingo offers valuable features, relying solely on it may not suffice for mastering Japanese without outside study.
No refunds after 14-day trial
According to Duolingo, refunds are not available for any purchases. So, if you don't monitor your 14-day free trial closely, you may find yourself automatically enrolled in a somewhat pricey premium membership. Those who have been charged stated that Duolingo took payment for a full year rather than on a month-to-month basis after the free trial. So, even though the pricing is advertised as monthly on the website, you may be looking at over $60 if you miss your window to cancel.
Students love it, but the BBB shows concerns
In terms of reputation, Duolingo receives mixed feedback. The Better Business Bureau rates Duolingo with an "F" grade, based on 254 complaints lodged within the last 3 years. However, if you look at the ratings on app stores like Google Play and the Apple Store, Duolingo presents a different picture. Currently, Duolingo holds a 4.7-star rating on both platforms and even earned the Editors Choice award on the Apple Store. Students report seeing progress in their language skills and describe the program as "fun."
Best for beginners, not for full fluency
Ultimately, Duolingo offers a fun approach to learning Japanese, but it may not be the most well-rounded choice available. Some students suggest that it's ideal for beginners or for dipping your toes into a new language rather than relying on it for full proficiency. Nevertheless, with its affordable pricing and enjoyable interface, Duolingo remains popular among students. Since it's free to use, it's worth downloading as a tool alongside other learning programs or coursework. For these reasons, Duolingo earns a respectable rating for Japanese lessons.
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The 11 Best Japanese Lessons
Where Can You Find the Best Japanese Lessons?
Learning a new language opens up a world of opportunities, and Japanese is one of the most intriguing languages you can choose. Suppose you're fascinated by Japanese culture, anime, manga, or traditional arts like tea ceremonies and calligraphy. In that case, delving into the Japanese language can provide a deeper understanding and appreciation of what you love.
Fortunately, with the increasing popularity of online learning, you can easily find Japanese lessons on the internet. Whether you're a complete beginner or seeking to refine your conversational skills, online Japanese courses offer a variety of teaching styles. From immersive audio lessons and interactive quizzes to multimedia resources and virtual language exchanges, online platforms offer an engaging learning environment.
Japanese Lesson FAQ
Continued from above...
Whether you dream of exploring the bustling streets of Tokyo, immersing yourself in the serene landscapes of Kyoto, or simply connecting with Japanese speakers, learning the language can be a rewarding experience.
Japan has a rich cultural heritage, steeped in centuries-old traditions and modern innovations. From the graceful movements of traditional dance forms like Noh and Kabuki to the intricate artistry of sushi-making and bonsai cultivation, Japanese culture offers art, history, and innovation. By learning Japanese, you gain access to a vibrant cultural world that spans ancient history and contemporary pop culture phenomena like J-pop music. From the elegance of Japanese architecture to the dynamic energy of modern city life, learning Japanese allows you to delve deeper into the heart and soul of Japan.
In today's interconnected world, proficiency in Japanese can open doors to many personal and professional opportunities. Japan is a global economic powerhouse, home to leading technology companies, automotive giants, and influential cultural exports. Whether you aspire to work for a Japanese corporation, pursue academic research in collaboration with Japanese institutions, or engage in cross-cultural exchange programs, fluency in Japanese can significantly broaden your horizons.
As you embark on your journey to learn Japanese, it can be hard to narrow down the options. Here are some key factors to consider to help you find the best resource for your Japanese lessons:
- Teaching methodology. Identify your preferred learning style - whether auditory, visual, or kinesthetic - and select a Japanese course that works best with how you learn. Whether you thrive on interactive exercises, audiovisual content, or structured grammar discussions, make sure you prioritize platforms that offer methods that support how you learn best.
- Free trial option. Look for Japanese language platforms that offer free trials or sample lessons. This allows you to check out the program before committing to a subscription. Some platforms offer course previews or multi-day trials. These will give you the best chance at trying a language program before you have to pay.
- Cost. Evaluate the cost of Japanese language courses with respect to the value they offer in terms of educational content and language proficiency outcomes. Many Japanese language lessons are free, but you may not get full proficiency from those sources. On the other hand, some programs are very expensive, but you still might miss some key features. Balance the cost and value of the language instruction to find your best fit.
- Reputation. Research the reputation and credibility of Japanese language platforms through customer reviews, ratings, and testimonials. Explore third-party review sites, language learning forums, and social media channels to see if your favorite Japanese lesson provider offers the results you want. Look for platforms with positive feedback regarding instructional effectiveness, customer support, and learning outcomes for a rewarding and fulfilling learning experience.
To help you get the most out of your language studies, Top Consumer Reviews has tested, evaluated and ranked the best options for online Japanese lessons today. We know this information will give you all the info you need to choose the best program for your learning style and schedule.
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