# Hiragana & Katakana Trainer — Learn Japanese characters

> Adaptive spaced repetition system for learning Japanese Hiragana and Katakana. (iPhone/iPad app by Philipp Straub.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hiragana-and-katakana-trainer/id1583039052 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Philipp Straub](https://appshunter.io/developer/1573167056)
- Category: Education, Reference
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 4.50/5 from 11 App Store ratings · 2 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 13.0 · 35 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2021-10-14
- Data updated: 2026-08-29
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hiragana-and-katakana-trainer/id1583039052/reviews.md

## What is Hiragana & Katakana Trainer?

Learning Hiragana and Katakana is the essential first step to reading Japanese. These syllabaries appear everywhere: signs, menus, train stations and study materials. Mastering them early makes navigation and further language learning much easier. This app provides a structured approach that focuses on clarity, efficiency and sustainable long-term memory.

At the core is an adaptive spaced repetition system that adjusts review intervals according to your real memory performance. If you remember a character after a longer interval than expected, the system increases the next interval. If you hesitate or forget, the interval decreases without resetting your overall progress. This creates a balanced learning path tailored to your abilities.

Two learning modes support different needs. Multiple Choice allows quick practice and helps build pattern recognition. Self-Assessment encourages active recall: you view a character, try to remember the reading, then judge whether you knew it, almost knew it or did not know it. This mode strengthens long-term retention by engaging deeper memory processes.

All kana categories are included: Hiragana gojūon (46), yōon (21), dakuten and handakuten sets (25 + 12), Katakana gojūon (46), yōon (21), and their dakuten and handakuten sets (25 + 12). In total, 208 characters distributed across clear groups. You can choose the direction of practice, such as Kana → Romaji, Romaji → Kana or pronunciation-based prompts. You may change your configuration at any time without losing progress.

Each category has its own test. All characters appear once and results earn a silver or gold medal. Tests offer a transparent way to measure improvement over time.

A full card browser is included for free exploration and review.

## Key features

- Adaptive spaced repetition
- Multiple Choice mode
- Self-Assessment mode
- Covers all kana categories
- Kana → Romaji, Romaji → Kana, pronunciation prompts
- Category-specific tests with medals
- Full card browser

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Version | $4.99 | one-time |


## Recent user reviews (2 of 2)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hiragana-and-katakana-trainer/id1583039052/reviews.md

### 5/5 — My Journey

*2026-05-31*

This app has helped everyday get closer and closer to understanding the language.

### 5/5 — Excellent simple kana learning app

*2024-10-05*

I learned hiragana in an afternoon and katakana in two afternoons with help of this app. I am now using it to internalize pronunciation and to maintain memory of the kana I learned. I do not often review apps, but I find this to be excellent. I would recommend an option to change fonts. I find reading kana easy with such a sans serif font, but reading with fonts in a calligraphic style takes getting used to. The best example of this is こ which appears more like a sideways い when written calligraphically. Well done!!

## Frequently asked questions about Hiragana & Katakana Trainer

### How does Hiragana & Katakana Trainer help me remember characters?

It uses an adaptive spaced repetition system that adjusts review intervals based on your memory performance. If you remember a character well, the next review is longer; if you struggle, it's shorter, ensuring efficient long-term retention.

### What learning modes are available in Hiragana & Katakana Trainer?

You can choose between Multiple Choice for quick pattern recognition practice and Self-Assessment, which encourages active recall by having you judge your own knowledge of a character.

### Does Hiragana & Katakana Trainer cover all Japanese characters?

Yes, it includes all 208 characters across Hiragana and Katakana, encompassing gojūon, yōon, dakuten, and handakuten sets, organized into clear groups.

### Can I test my progress in Hiragana & Katakana Trainer?

Yes, each character category has its own test where all characters appear once. Results earn silver or gold medals, providing a clear measure of your improvement over time.

### What devices is Hiragana & Katakana Trainer available on?

Hiragana & Katakana Trainer is available on iPhone and iPad devices.

### Does Hiragana & Katakana Trainer have ads?

Yes, Hiragana & Katakana Trainer contains advertisements.

### How often is Hiragana & Katakana Trainer updated?

The app was last updated on March 31, 2026, with version 2.14.2. This indicates a recent update, suggesting ongoing support and development.

### What is the age rating for Hiragana & Katakana Trainer?

Hiragana & Katakana Trainer has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for young learners and children.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.15.3 — 2026-07-26

This update includes minor improvements and bug fixes for better stability.

### 2.15.1 — 2026-05-28

This update includes minor improvements and bug fixes for better stability.

### 2.14.2 — 2026-03-31

This update includes minor improvements and bug fixes for better stability.

### 2.14.0 — 2026-02-23

This update adds Dark Mode.

### 2.13.4 — 2026-02-15

This update includes minor improvements and bug fixes for better stability.

## Apps similar to Hiragana & Katakana Trainer

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [MARU: Learn Japanese Hiragana](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/maru-learn-japanese-hiragana/id1208009110) | 4.9 (17,885) | Free | Education |
| [Japanese!! Learn Kana & Kanji](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/japanese-learn-kana-and-kanji/id1014955564) | 4.8 (22,151) | Free | Education |
| [RoboKana: Japanese Writing](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/robokana-japanese-writing/id1322000057) | 4.9 (1,951) | Free | Education |
| [Kanji Study - Learn Japanese!](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kanji-study-learn-japanese/id1078107994) | 4.7 (7,088) | Free | Education |
| [Learn Japanese Hiragana Kanji](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/learn-japanese-hiragana-kanji/id939234951) | 4.1 (34) | Free | Education |
| [Kana - Hiragana and Katakana](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kana-hiragana-and-katakana/id1454200955) | 4.8 (12,780) | Free | Education |

## More apps by Philipp Straub

- [Chemical Elements Practice](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chemical-elements-practice/id1581952820)
- [World Capitals Trainer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/world-capitals-trainer/id1582219449)
- [World Flags Trainer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/world-flags-trainer/id1583038202)
- [US States Trainer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/us-states-trainer/id1583038813)
- [US Presidents Trainer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/us-presidents-trainer/id1583039032)

All apps by Philipp Straub: https://appshunter.io/developer/1573167056

## Related topics

[katakana pro](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/katakana-pro) · [learn hiragana katakana](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/learn-hiragana-katakana)

---

*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-29.*