Kana Origin vs Podic Dictionary
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Kana Origin
Explore the origins of Japanese kana and their connection to kanji. This app uses a multi-memory learning style, incorporating the forgetting curve and proficiency levels for effective review. It also includes a quick search function, spelling tests, and 3D word models to enhance understanding.
- Kana and kanji origins
- Quick search checklist
- Spaced repetition learning
- Spelling tests
- 3D word models
- Apple Watch compatibility
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This is an app for learning Japanese Kana, but it's more than that. - Origins Starting from the origins, we will take you through the origins of Japanese kana and its relationship with kanji, helping you to better understand and distinguish these kana. - Quick Search The Quick Checklist will help you quickly find the kana, date and number you want to know when you need it. - Learning A learning style that incorporates multiple memory modes for intensive review based on the forgetting curve and proficiency level. And you can learn some useful Japanese words in line with your learning progress. In the latest version, an Apple Watch version has been added, so you can get something out of it anytime, anywhere. - Test Reinforce your memory of unfamiliar kana through spelling. - Words Enhance your memory and understanding of words with vivid 3D models More features are in the works. You can send an email to kevinchou.c@gmail.com to give your feedback.
Podic Dictionary
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Podic is a clean, open-source dictionary app for English / French / Japanese ↔ Chinese. • Offline lookups: headwords, IPA, senses, inflections and real-usage example sentences • Reverse lookup: type Chinese to find the word • Open data: built from freely-licensed corpora (ECDICT, CFDict, JMdict, Tatoeba) • Optional AI: bring your own API key for deep explanations, generated examples, sense completion and translation No account, no ads, no tracking. All data stays on your device.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Podic Dictionary at none against Kana Origin's 1. Kana Origin's advantage is device support (5 vs 2) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.0). On price and ads there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Kana Origin sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Podic Dictionary asks for nothing beyond the download.
| Parameter | Kana Origin | Podic Dictionary |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.9 (378 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 97.8% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 378 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | — |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple Watch — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 — better | 16.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 77 MB | 375 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | 楷雯 周 | 敏 冯 |
Bugs and requests
Kana Origin
Reported bugs
6 issues- Calendar module in notification center not displaying after update
- Eraser button in handwriting area is not working
- Handwriting area does not clear automatically when switching between Hiragana and Katakana
- Pronunciation audio not working
- Bug with 'Lemon' image preventing learning progress
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- Bug with 'me' email word due to image error
Requested features
14 requests- Add word memorization feature
- Increase font size option
- Sync learning progress across devices (iOS/Android)
- Add dedicated learning section for numbers and dates
- Show correct romanization after pronunciation training
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- Allow in-app language switching (e.g., to Chinese)
- Include Katakana in review sessions
- Add Japanese writing practice (tracing/freehand)
- Randomize order within learning groups
- Add feedback window
- Add stroke order for 50 sounds
- Continuous reading of 50 sounds pronunciation
- Add more special training exercises (e.g., guessing place names)
- Make vocabulary list default to kana only, show meaning on tap
Podic Dictionary
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Kana Origin
- KanaOrigin Pro$1.99
Podic Dictionary
No in-app purchases






