# Kodansha Kanji Synonyms Guide — Bilingual kanji thesaurus

> Bilingual kanji thesaurus grouping characters by shared meaning and concept. (iPhone/iPad app by CJKI.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kodansha-kanji-synonyms-guide/id1406222615 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [CJKI](https://appshunter.io/developer/344405633)
- Category: Reference, Education
- Price: $14.99
- Rating: 4.80/5 from 4 App Store ratings · 2 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 9.3 · 22 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2018-08-15
- Data updated: 2026-08-18
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kodansha-kanji-synonyms-guide/id1406222615/reviews.md

## What is Kodansha Kanji Synonyms Guide?

The Kodansha Kanji Synonyms Guide is the first-ever reference work to group together kanji characters that are related in meaning (share the same concept). Arranged alphabetically by concept, these groupings let users focus on the often-subtle differences and similarities between them. 

The words of a language form a closely linked network of interdependent units. The meaning of a word or expression cannot really be understood unless its relationships with other closely related words are taken into account. For example, such words as 'kill," "murder," and "execute" share the meaning of ‘put to death’, but differ considerably in usage and connotation. Similarly, in Japanese there are many kanji that share a common meaning but differ in detail, such as 破 BREAK, 崩 CRUMBLE, 壊 BREAK DOWN and 折 BREAK OFF. Intermediate and advanced learners of Japanese need to distinguish between such similar kanji in order to gain a full understanding of their individual shades of meaning.

The Kodansha Kanji Synonyms Guide helps the learner gain this full understanding by allowing one to compare the character meanings and illustrative compounds of the synonym group members to each other, providing a deeper understanding of their (often subtle) differences and similarities.

Like The Kodansha Kanji Learner's Dictionary, and all of Jack Halpern's previous publications, The Kodansha Kanji Synonyms Guide is an innovative, authoritative, and impeccably-prepared resource that helps Japanese language learners deepen their knowledge of written Japanese, and provides educators, scholars, writers, and translators with an invaluable reference tool.

KEY FEATURES

* 1,245 synonym groups, arranged alphabetically by shared concept
* Covers 5,630 synonym members from the Jōyō Kanji, Jinmei Kanji, and non-Jōyō Kanji characters sets
* Nearly 21,000 compounds illustrate the function of kanji as word elements
* Compound words and readings in hiragana
* Ability to search using ON-KUN readings of characters and/or compounds, and core meanings
* No Internet connection required
* History and bookmarks


ABOUT CJKI
The CJK Dictionary Institute is directed by Jack Halpern, editor of the New Japanese-English Character Dictionary and The Kodansha Kanji Learner's Dictionary, now standard reference works.

Be sure to check out our other dictionary apps available for iOS (search for "cjki").

## Key features

- 1,245 synonym groups by concept
- Covers 5,630 kanji characters
- Nearly 21,000 illustrative compounds
- Searchable by readings and meanings
- Offline access
- History and bookmarks

## Recent user reviews (2 of 2)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kodansha-kanji-synonyms-guide/id1406222615/reviews.md

### 4/5 — Accidentally Bought

*2018-12-21*

Accidentally bought the bundle but really like this synonym app. The apps are a bit confusing at first though.

### 5/5 — An amazing app

*2018-08-29*

This app is amazing. It contains almost all the kanji you’ll typically see, and the groupings are very logical and give a good overview of the differences between similar kanji. You also get a sense of connectedness between different characters that makes Japanese feel like a network of meaning rather than a collection of confusingly similar terms in a dictionary.

I hope in the future there will be more characters. I notice that some of the example jukugo words provided don’t have both of the characters defined, but these are somewhat rare.

If CJKI were ever to release a EJJE dictionary intended for English speakers (contrary to the vast number of existing ones oriented towards Japanese learners of English), I would buy it right away. Something with multi-word definitions rather than simple translations would be nice too, but beggars can’t be choosers.

At any rate, thank you for your hard work in compiling these amazing, quality resources for Japanese learners.

## Frequently asked questions about Kodansha Kanji Synonyms Guide

### What is the Kodansha Kanji Synonyms Guide?

The Kodansha Kanji Synonyms Guide is a reference application that groups Japanese kanji characters by shared meaning. It helps users understand the subtle differences and similarities between related kanji, aiding in a deeper comprehension of written Japanese.

### How many kanji does the Kodansha Kanji Synonyms Guide cover?

The app covers 5,630 kanji characters, including those from the Jōyō Kanji, Jinmei Kanji, and non-Jōyō Kanji sets. It organizes these into 1,245 synonym groups based on shared concepts.

### Can I use the Kodansha Kanji Synonyms Guide offline?

Yes, the Kodansha Kanji Synonyms Guide does not require an internet connection to use. This allows for convenient study and reference anytime, anywhere.

### What is the price of the Kodansha Kanji Synonyms Guide?

The Kodansha Kanji Synonyms Guide is available for a one-time purchase of $14.99. There are no in-app purchases or subscription fees associated with this application.

### What devices is the Kodansha Kanji Synonyms Guide compatible with?

The Kodansha Kanji Synonyms Guide is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices. It is designed for iOS users.

### How often is the Kodansha Kanji Synonyms Guide updated?

The app was last updated on March 30, 2023, with version 1.3. While specific update frequency isn't detailed, this indicates ongoing support and potential improvements.

### Does the Kodansha Kanji Synonyms Guide have ads?

No, the Kodansha Kanji Synonyms Guide is ad-free. As it is a paid application, it does not contain advertisements, allowing for an uninterrupted user experience.

### What is the age rating for the Kodansha Kanji Synonyms Guide?

The Kodansha Kanji Synonyms Guide has an age rating of 4+. This indicates it is suitable for a wide range of users, including younger learners and adults.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.3.1 — 2026-04-30

Ensuring compatibility with the latest updates to iOS.

### 1.3 — 2023-03-30

Three updates:
1. Migration from UIWebView to WKWebView (highly technical but basically means the app remains in compliance with iOS guidelines).

2. Updated the Contact Us functionality so we have more information when dealing with any bugs.
3. Fixed an issue where the app wasn't functioning optimally when the device is in Dark Mode.

### 1.2 — 2022-01-24

- bug fixes

### 1.1 — 2018-11-04

Romaji support added. You can now search using romanized Japanese, or have the option to have readings displayed in romaji via the app's settings.

### 1.0 — 2018-08-14

No release notes.

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## Related topics

[kodansha kanji synonyms guide](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/kodansha-kanji-synonyms-guide) · [the kodansha kanji usage guide](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/the-kodansha-kanji-usage-guide) · [cjki](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/cjki)

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*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 2026-08-18.*