# Kotomora — Japanese Dictionary & Examples > Japanese dictionary with advanced search, examples, and translation guides for learners. (iPhone/iPad app by Jeffrey Senecal.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kotomora/id6780101906 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Jeffrey Senecal](https://appshunter.io/developer/6780101908) - Category: Education, Reference - Price: Free - Rating: 5.00/5 from 4 App Store ratings · 3 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 9+ - Requires: iOS 17.0 · 31 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2026-06-17 - Data updated: 2026-08-22 - Monetization: free - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kotomora/id6780101906/reviews.md ## What is Kotomora? Kotomora is a Japanese dictionary built for learners who want more than quick definitions. Search by typing Japanese, English, romaji, kana, or kanji — or draw Japanese characters by hand when you don't know the reading. Then explore words in context with readings, meanings, examples, pitch accent, conjugations, frequency, JLPT level, related words, related kanji, and written-form notes. Tap any example sentence to hear it read aloud. Kotomora now includes a complete grammar reference: 862 grammar points organized by JLPT level, from N5 essentials like は and てください to advanced N1 patterns. Every point explains formation, nuance, and common mistakes, with examples you can listen to or break down word by word. Fifty in-depth guides connect the patterns that belong together — like polite requests or casual spoken contractions. Browse by JLPT level, part of speech, theme, and more, or start from curated collections like onomatopoeia, four-character idioms, proverbs, and keigo. Kotomora also includes translation guides that explain how English words and phrases map to natural Japanese. Learn the difference between options like ありがとう, ありがとうございます, and すみません, or how words like "run," "wear," "please," and "but" change depending on context. Features: • Japanese-English dictionary search by typing or handwriting • Draw Japanese characters to search when you don't know the reading • Complete grammar reference — 862 points and 50 guides across JLPT N5–N1 • Audio on every example sentence, plus word pronunciations • Browse and filter by JLPT, part of speech, theme, and curated collections • Related words on every entry — synonyms, easily confused words, word families, and transitive/intransitive pairs • Usage patterns and expressions that show how words combine in real sentences • Sentence analyzer with word and grammar breakdowns • Translation guides for nuance and natural usage • Kanji meanings, readings, components, similar kanji, and stroke order • Pitch accent, examples, conjugations, frequency, and JLPT info • Save entries and add personal notes for offline review Kotomora is designed for learners who want to understand how Japanese is actually used. ## Key features - Handwriting Japanese character search - Japanese-English dictionary - Sentence analyzer - Translation guides for natural usage - Kanji details and stroke order - JLPT level and frequency information - Offline review of saved entries ## Recent user reviews (3 of 3) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kotomora/id6780101906/reviews.md ### 5/5 — Finally, something different than the rest. *2026-07-30* A lot of dictionaries are just reskins of the same datasets it seems. Kotomora is something unique—it has plain explanations of the NUANCES of the word, not just the English dictionary equivalent, and another things that is also really important to me: etymology for Kanji. They even have entries for English words explaining different ways the English word could be translated and the different nuances between each translation. Simply incredible, and finally something unique. **Developer response:** Thank you so much! Helping learners understand the nuances behind words—not just their dictionary equivalents—is exactly why we created Kotomora. We’re especially glad you’re enjoying the kanji etymology and English-to-Japanese translation guides. It means a lot to hear that these features make Kotomora feel genuinely different. Thank you for your support! ### 5/5 — Finally, A Modern Japanese Dictionary App *2026-07-17* I’ve been studying Japanese for 2 years and use Shirabe Jisho a lot but I’ve noticed it doesn’t get updated much and the example sentences aren’t very helpful. This app has much better example sentences and separates the distinct meanings when a word has multiple definitions. Shirabe Jisho’s audio examples are also really bad. This app actually has natural sounding audio examples so I can practice proper pitch accent, which I find useful. The analyze feature that breaks down sentences for you is a really nice touch. Definitely try it out if you’re looking for a more modern Japanese dictionary or learning app that’s updated often and takes feedback. **Developer response:** Thank you for the wonderful review! We’re thrilled that the clearer definitions, natural audio, example sentences, and Analyze Text feature are helping with your studies. Creating a modern Japanese dictionary that continues to improve through learner feedback is exactly what we’re aiming for, so your support means a lot to us. Thanks for giving Kotomora a try! ### 5/5 — Excellent Japanese dictionary app *2026-06-19* This has become my main Japanese dictionary app. I like how it actually explains how to use each word and gives examples for each usage. ## Frequently asked questions about Kotomora ### How does Kotomora help with learning Japanese vocabulary? Kotomora provides detailed entries for Japanese words, including readings, meanings, example sentences, pitch accent, conjugations, frequency, and JLPT level. It also offers translation guides to explain how English words map to natural Japanese usage. ### Can I search for Japanese words in Kotomora without knowing their reading? Yes, Kotomora allows you to search by typing Japanese, English, romaji, kana, or kanji. Additionally, you can draw Japanese characters by hand when you don't know the reading, making it accessible even for beginners. ### What kind of grammar support does Kotomora offer? Kotomora includes a sentence analyzer that breaks down words and grammar within sentences. This feature helps learners understand sentence structure and the function of different words in context. ### Is Kotomora suitable for offline use? Yes, Kotomora allows you to save entries for offline review. This feature is beneficial for studying on the go without an internet connection. ### What devices is Kotomora available on? Kotomora is available on iPhone and iPad devices, indicated by its supported devices list. ### How often is Kotomora updated? The latest version of Kotomora is 1.1.0, and it was last updated on June 25, 2026. This suggests a relatively frequent update cycle for the app. ### What is the age rating for Kotomora? Kotomora has an age rating of 9+, making it suitable for a wide range of learners. ### Does Kotomora have ads? No, Kotomora does not contain advertisements, as indicated by the 'hasAds' flag being false. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 1.4.1 — 2026-08-08 Fixed a bug affecting bookmark and notes display ### 1.4.0 — 2026-08-06 • Grammar reference — 862 grammar points and 50 in-depth guides organized by JLPT level, with search, furigana, tappable examples, and offline saving. Word pages now link to related grammar. • Example audio — tap the speaker beside any example sentence to hear it, across word, guide, and grammar pages. • Long-press any example sentence to copy it. • Saved and note markers now appear on the word links inside kanji pages and the kanji links inside word pages. • Various bug fixes and improvements ### 1.3.0 — 2026-07-14 Word pages now show how words connect: • Related words on every entry — synonyms, words that are easily confused, word families, politeness equivalents, and transitive/intransitive pairs • Usage patterns and common expressions, with examples you can open in the analyzer • "See all" links to explore a word's full family More to explore: • Browse every translation guide from A to Z in the Explore tab • Redesigned translation guide pages Refinements: • Search results update while you're still typing Japanese • A new two-column layout for word pages on iPad • Report a content issue directly from any page • Many small design and layout fixes ### 1.2.0 — 2026-07-09 • Explore — browse the entire dictionary by JLPT level, part of speech, and theme, or dive into curated collections like idioms, proverbs, onomatopoeia, and keigo. • Instant search — search now runs entirely on your device, so it responds instantly. • Personal notes — add your own notes to any entry. • Share to analyze — send Japanese text from any app straight to the sentence analyzer. • Plus refinements and fixes across the app. ### 1.1.0 — 2026-06-25 Added ability to search by drawing Japanese characters by hand Various bug fixes and visual improvements --- *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 2026-08-22.*