Migaku: Really Learn Languages

As someone who’s tried to study Japanese on and off (emphasis on the “off” lol) for 15 years, I’m so glad Migaku exists and that I decided to take a chance on it. It’s the best language app I’ve tried yet, and not only are the lessons good (it’s got some of the best grammar explanations I’ve seen so far, while still being simple), but it also makes it easy to sentence-mine through the Chrome extension. Anki was always too overwhelming for me, but Migaku is really easy to understand, and I don’t dread opening the app every day. I recommend starting with the trial to see how you like it before you purchase, since we’re all different when it comes to learning. Migaku isn’t perfect (no language app is), but it’s helping me so much. If I’m gonna be watching J-dramas anyway, might as well learn and make some flash cards from them while I’m at it!

I have never written an app review before. I felt compelled to write this because of how much value this app and the entire Migaku ecosystem has provided to me in my Japanese learning journey. I’ve been learning Japanese on and off for about 5-6 years. I started with LingoDeer, watching tons of YouTubers like MattVsJapan on the best learning methods, and of course using Anki decks to learn words. I’ve learned a lot of Japanese over the last few years before using Migaku, but Migaku has been the most straightforward, rewarding, and seamless tool to use in my journey. Having a tool that lets me know exactly how many words I know, my comprehension level on whatever material I’m viewing/reading, gives me details on any word or sentence I come across, and that lets me easily create flash cards with automatic audio recording, screenshots, word/sentence definitions! I won’t even explain all the software and tools you’d have to install on your computer that lets you get even half of the features Migaku offers. So to have it all in one place WITH a mobile app is unprecedented with language-learning software as far as I’m aware. I’m honestly surprised that there aren’t a ton more people using this software in their language learning journey.

The app has been working good for me so far. There are some issues. Sometimes when I briefly go to another app and come back, the flash card will not have any sound, and neither will any of the rest of the cards. I have to close the app and open it again. Also, will there ever be an offline mode? This is specific but when I take the train to school I go through a tunnel for about 15 minutes and have no service. On the Anki app that was no problem and it would still work. Is there anyway that can be brought to Migaku? If not, honestly I understand. The convenience that Migaku brings is more than enough the rest of the time. It’s been so helpful in my Japanese journey.