# Just Some Kana — Interactive Gojūon > Interactive Japanese kana learning app for recognizing loanwords and building vocabulary. (iPhone/iPad app by Keith Kurak.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/just-some-kana/id1671606312 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Keith Kurak](https://appshunter.io/developer/1671606314) - Category: Travel, Utilities - Price: Free - Rating: 5.00/5 from 1 App Store ratings · 1 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 15.1 · 39 MB - Languages: English - Released: 2023-02-14 - Data updated: 2026-06-04 - Monetization: free - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/just-some-kana/id1671606312/reviews.md ## What is Just Some Kana? It can take quite a while for an English speaker to learn Japanese- not only do you have a whole new language to learn, but a different character system, as well. However, even if you only know a few phrases, there is something else you can do to pick up a little more context on your next visit. Foreign/ loan words from other languages are typically written in a different script - katakana - than native Japanese words. If you can recognize these characters in signs and text, you can sound them out and understand what they mean, since they're already words you probably know. Just Some Kana is here to help! What looks like a simple Gojūon at first (table of 50 sounds) actually has a few tricks up its sleeve. Press one of the kana bubbles to start typing a word. As you find katakana characters in your environment, open up Just Some Kana to type them out to uncover the hidden meaning. Save each word to track your progress. Over time, you can become more familiar with katakana and eventually be able to sound out words on your own! ~ TYPE AND LEARN ~ Whenever you press a bubble, Just Some Kana will start typing a word. You can then press more bubbles to complete the word. Add chōonpu (ー) / long sounds as needed or spaces for clarity's sake. Hold a kana character to reveal its alternate dakuten/ handakuten/ yōon forms. ~ ADVANCED MODE ~ When you're ready, turn off the English key to give yourself an extra challenge. If you need a hint, you can long-press any kana to reveal its sound without starting to type a word. ~ TRACK YOUR GROWING VOCABULARY ~ Just Some Kana keeps track of how many words you've found and when you've found them. Tap on a word in the list to copy it, say it aloud, or send it to a translation service. ~ PERSONALIZE ~ Just Some Kana adapts to your phone's light and dark mode, and lets you customize the colors of your kana keyboard. ~ HIRAGANA, TOO ~ When you're just starting out, it's easy to forget if a character is katakana or hiragana, so just use the switcher button to flip back and forth. ~ COMMON WORDS AND PRASES ~ If you don't know where to start, or just want to memorize a few things to say as you make your way around Japan, check out the word list and get some ideas. ## Key features - Type kana to reveal word meanings - Track learned vocabulary - Advanced mode for extra challenge - Supports hiragana and katakana - Customizable keyboard colors - Personalize with light/dark mode ## Recent user reviews (1 of 1) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/just-some-kana/id1671606312/reviews.md ### 5/5 — Awesome app! *2024-11-18* This app is awesome! I’m ready to go to Japan. ## Frequently asked questions about Just Some Kana ### What is Just Some Kana? Just Some Kana is an interactive app designed to help users learn Japanese characters, specifically katakana and hiragana. It allows you to type out kana to uncover the meanings of loanwords, aiding in vocabulary acquisition for travelers and language learners. ### How does Just Some Kana help with learning Japanese? The app focuses on recognizing katakana characters found in loanwords. By typing these characters, users can discover their English equivalents, making it easier to sound out signs and understand common words encountered during travel. ### Can Just Some Kana be used offline? The provided data does not specify offline functionality. However, its core features of typing and learning vocabulary suggest it may be usable without a constant internet connection for basic practice. ### Is Just Some Kana suitable for beginners? Yes, Just Some Kana is designed for beginners, offering an easy way to start with Japanese characters. It includes a hiragana/katakana switcher and an option to view common words and phrases to get started. ### What devices does Just Some Kana support? Just Some Kana is available for iPhone and iPod devices, as indicated by the supported devices list. It also adapts to your phone's light and dark mode settings. ### How often is Just Some Kana updated? The app was last updated on April 27, 2026, indicating a recent update. The release date was February 14, 2023, and it is currently on version 1.6.6. ### What is the age rating for Just Some Kana? Just Some Kana has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of users, including younger learners interested in Japanese characters. ### Does Just Some Kana have ads? No, Just Some Kana does not contain advertisements. The app is completely free to use without any ad interruptions. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 1.6.6 — 2026-04-27 Just some bug fixes and improvements ### 1.6.5 — 2025-11-08 Just some fixes ### 1.6.3 — 2025-10-01 Just some fixes and improvements ### 1.6.2 — 2025-09-20 Just some fixes and improvements ### 1.6.1 — 2025-09-01 Just some big fixes and improvements ## Apps similar to Just Some Kana | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Maptera – Map & Save Places](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/maptera-map-and-save-places/id6475052382) | 5.0 (3) | Free | Travel | | [JunatNyt Trains Finland](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/junatnyt-trains-finland/id1554670309) | 5.0 (2) | Free | Travel | | [OKKAMI](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/okkami/id1241655886) | 4.0 (4) | Free | Travel | | [WRTA On Demand](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/wrta-on-demand/id6450645571) | 4.9 (22) | Free | Travel | | [Learn Thai Language!](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/learn-thai-language/id1615739001) | 4.1 (46) | Free | Travel | | [SocoSIX](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/socosix/id6462139979) | — | Free | Travel | ## More apps by Keith Kurak - [Introvert Chat](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/introvert-chat/id6742565690) - [Pancake Theory](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pancake-theory/id6754523206) All apps by Keith Kurak: https://appshunter.io/developer/1671606314 --- *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 2026-06-04.*