# The Kodansha Kanji Usage Guide — An A to Z of Kun Homophones

> Japanese-English reference for kun homophones, detailing kanji usage and meaning nuances. (iPhone/iPad app by CJKI.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-kodansha-kanji-usage-guide/id1069262969 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [CJKI](https://appshunter.io/developer/344405633)
- Category: Reference, Education
- Price: $9.99
- Rating: 4.70/5 from 3 App Store ratings · 3 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 9.0 · 15 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2016-03-02
- Data updated: 2026-08-18
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-kodansha-kanji-usage-guide/id1069262969/reviews.md

## What is The Kodansha Kanji Usage Guide?

The Kodansha Kanji Usage Guide is the first Japanese-English resource devoted exclusively to kun homophones—words that share the same kun reading but are written with different kanji, and often differ in meaning.

Kun homophones are one of the major stumbling blocks faced by intermediate level students as they try to make sense of written Japanese. Words like /noboru/ (登る, 上る,昇る) or /kaeru/ (変える替える換える代える), for example, can be written with several different kanji, each contributing a distinct shade of meaning. The often-subtle nuances conveyed by kanji confuse even Japanese people, and very few dictionaries provide good guidance on kanji usage.

The Kodansha Kanji Usage Guide is a new type of reference work that enables learners to deepen their understanding of how kun homophones are used in contemporary Japanese. The first Japanese-English resource devoted exclusively to kun homophones, the book presents detailed usage articles that show the differences and similarities for some 670 homophone groups, or approximately 1,600 kanji headings—the vast majority of single character kun homophones in current use. 

KEY FEATURES

* Examples show how the words are used, either by themselves or in combination with other words or word elements
* Over 675 usage articles bring together etymologically kun homophones under a single entry.
* Thousands of compound words and examples illustrate how each homophone is used in context
* Ability to jump from entry to the corresponding entry in The Kodansha Kanji Learner's Dictionary: Revised and Expanded app, if installed
* Covers the Jōyō Kanji, Jinmei Kanji and common non-Jōyō Kanji character sets
* Indexes for quickly locating entries by On-Kun reading and by English meaning
* no Internet connection required
* History and bookmarks

With headwords arranged in Japanese a-i-u-e-o order and thousands of illustrative examples of kanji in context, the Usage Guide is at once a dictionary and a manual—an all-around resource for clarity on kanji used in native-Japanese words. Armed with this unique text, learners will discover in kanji new meanings they never knew existed, and learn to write Japanese more articulately than ever before.


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

- Detailed usage articles for kun homophones
- Thousands of compound words and examples
- Indexes for On-Kun reading and English meaning
- Offline access
- History and bookmarks
- Jump to related dictionary app

## Recent user reviews (3 of 3)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-kodansha-kanji-usage-guide/id1069262969/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.

### 2/5 — Context Not Included

*2017-01-10*

This app is a list of homophones without the language learner's most valuable tool: example sentences. Without contextualization it might as well be integrated in to the Kanji Learners Dictionary instead of sold as separate  ¥1,300 app.

### 5/5 — Perfect!

*2016-03-17*

Just want to say thank you!

The way that this app integrates with the new Kanji Learner's Dictionary app by the same developer really helpful! The customer service is also very kind. Very satisfied with my purchase and gladly recommend this to serious learners! I have bought 3 apps so far, including the comprehensive dictionary too! 

I have written a comment on the other app as well. I would rate 10 stars if I could.

## Frequently asked questions about The Kodansha Kanji Usage Guide

### What is the Kodansha Kanji Usage Guide?

The Kodansha Kanji Usage Guide is a Japanese-English reference app focused on kun homophones. It helps learners differentiate between words that share the same kun reading but are written with different kanji and have distinct meanings.

### How does the Kodansha Kanji Usage Guide help with learning Japanese?

It provides detailed usage articles for approximately 1,600 kanji headings, illustrating how kun homophones are used in contemporary Japanese with thousands of examples and compound words.

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

Yes, the Kodansha Kanji Usage Guide does not require an internet connection to use its features, making it accessible for offline study.

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

The Kodansha Kanji Usage Guide is a paid app priced at $9.99.

### What kanji sets does the Kodansha Kanji Usage Guide cover?

The app covers the Jōyō Kanji, Jinmei Kanji, and common non-Jōyō Kanji character sets, providing comprehensive coverage for learners.

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

No, the Kodansha Kanji Usage Guide does not contain advertisements.

### What devices is the Kodansha Kanji Usage Guide available on?

The Kodansha Kanji Usage Guide is available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod.

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

The app was last updated on April 10, 2023, with version 1.1.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.1.2 — 2026-08-04

Bug fixes and performance improvements.

### 1.1.1 — 2026-06-06

Various fixes to ensure compatibility with the latest iOS version.

### 1.1 — 2023-04-10

1. Did some behind-the-scenes updating to make sure the app is in compliance with Apple's latest guidelines.
2. Updated the "Contact Us" feature so that we can better address users who contact us about the app.

3. Fixed an issue where the app wasn't displaying properly in Dark Mode

### 1.0.3 — 2021-10-21

- bug fixes

### 1.0.2 — 2018-08-14

This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.

- support for iPhone X
- bug fixes

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| [Kodansha Kanji Synonyms Guide](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kodansha-kanji-synonyms-guide/id1406222615) | 4.8 (4) | $14.99 | Reference |
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## Related topics

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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.*