# Nihongo Desu

> Japanese language learning app using YouTube videos and interactive study games. (iPhone/iPad app by Andrew Watabe.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nihongo-desu/id1455278563 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Andrew Watabe](https://appshunter.io/developer/1455278562)
- Category: Education
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.96/5 from 83 App Store ratings · 14 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 12+
- Requires: iOS 12.0 · 26 MB
- Languages: English
- Released: 2020-07-19
- Data updated: 2026-06-10
- Monetization: freemium
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nihongo-desu/id1455278563/reviews.md

## What is Nihongo Desu?

Nihongo Desu is a Japanese language-learning application where you can learn Japanese vocabulary directly from watching fun YouTube videos. Each YouTube video has a list of vocabulary used in the video along with some fun games to help you study the vocabulary!

Features:
• Embedded YouTube videos from real Japanese YouTubers
• Videos organized by categories
• Vocabulary lists with audio and timestamps from YouTube videos
• Study games including flashcards, speaking practice, memory, and quizzes

Become a premium user to access more content and exclusive features, and get one month FREE for new subscribers!

Premium Membership:
• Removes ads
• Access to Premium Only games
• Upgrade to natural sounding Japanese speech powered by machine learning

Terms and Conditions apply. Payment will be charged to your Apple ID account at the confirmation of purchase. Subscription automatically renews unless it is canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Your account will be charged for renewal within 24 hours prior to the end of the current period. You can manage and cancel your subscriptions by going to your account settings on the App Store after purchase. Only one free trial per account is allowed. If you have subscribed to this service in the past you will not be given a second free trial.

Enhanced audio will be used whenever possible, but is not guaranteed to play every time. When enhanced audio is unavailable, standard quality playback will be used.

Terms and Conditions: https://www.andydesu.com/terms-and-conditions

## Key features

- Embedded YouTube videos
- Vocabulary lists with audio
- Study games (flashcards, quizzes)
- Speaking practice
- Memory games
- Videos organized by categories

## Recent user reviews (10 of 14)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nihongo-desu/id1455278563/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Issues with vocabulary.

*2020-08-27, version 1.0.2*

It’s a great app so far, simple and easy to use and it’s organized in a perfect way. But I’m having issues adding the words at the bottom of captions to my Vocabulary. The pop up gets completely cut off so you can’t see the pronunciation, meaning, and most importantly you can’t add it to your Vocabulary list. Apart from that the app is fantastic, but someone should look into that, that way we can take the flash cards and quizzes with those words as well.  (It also wasn’t letting me report the issue from the app, so that’s why I’m specifically letting people know through here)

### 5/5 — Saw it on tik tok

*2020-08-20, version 1.0.1*

Giving this a real shot. I’m hoping to vacation in Japan next year so hopefully this will help me communicate when I get there.

### 5/5 — WAYYY BETTER THAN DUOLINGO

*2020-08-16, version 1.0.1*

that’s it. It’s better than duolingo period

### 5/5 — Simple but great UX design, useful contents

*2020-08-05, version 1.0.1*

The app is easy to use. Clean design. The contents are useful, not your typical classroom materials, but something that can help you not only get better at Japanese also understand the culture better. Please keep more good contents coming!

### 5/5 — Best Japanese App

*2020-08-01, version 1.0*

Way better than dualingo!! This app actually helps you learn Japanese that people use!!  I love that I can learn from youtubers!!

### 5/5 — Great app! Except...

*2020-07-27, version 1.0*

I just wish I was able to sign in another way other than Facebook. I don’t have a Facebook and I’m sure others may not have one as well. Other sign in options would be awesome such as Apple or Google, so that I may be able to study flash cards and save my progress. Other than that the app is great overall.

### 5/5 — Great app

*2020-07-26, version 1.0*

Such a great app! It tells you what word you’re learning in the video and it really helped. I definitely recommend!

### 5/5 — intellectual king 🥺✨

*2020-07-26, version 1.0*

very easy to follow with and the format is super cute, thank you Andyyy

### 5/5 — awesome app!!!!

*2020-07-24, version 1.0*

very very very very awesome app

### 5/5 — Understanding

*2020-07-24, version 1.0*

Thankful the developer came forward about the issue.

## Frequently asked questions about Nihongo Desu

### What is Nihongo Desu?

Nihongo Desu is a Japanese language-learning application that helps users learn vocabulary by watching fun YouTube videos. It provides vocabulary lists with audio and timestamps from the videos, along with interactive study games to reinforce learning.

### What are the key features of Nihongo Desu?

Key features include embedded YouTube videos from Japanese YouTubers, categorized video content, vocabulary lists with audio and timestamps, and various study games such as flashcards, speaking practice, memory games, and quizzes.

### How much does Nihongo Desu cost?

The app offers a freemium model. Users can access basic content for free, and a premium membership is available for purchase. New subscribers receive one month free. Premium features include ad removal, access to exclusive games, and enhanced Japanese speech.

### What devices is Nihongo Desu compatible with?

The description mentions payment being charged to an Apple ID account, suggesting compatibility with iOS devices. Subscription management is done through the App Store, further indicating iOS compatibility.

### How can I use Nihongo Desu to learn Japanese?

You can learn Japanese by watching curated YouTube videos that feature Japanese speakers. As you watch, you can access vocabulary lists with audio and timestamps, and then practice what you've learned through a variety of engaging study games designed to improve retention.

## Version history (last 1 release)

### 1.0.7 — 2021-04-28

Updates to TTS and Premium Features

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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 2026-06-10.*
