Table of Contents
Intro
Japanese verb and adjective conjugation pose unique challenges compared to most European languages. In Japanese, both verbs and adjectives require conjugation, and the intricacies extend beyond tense to include formality and politeness levels. Mastering Japanese conjugation can seem a daunting task.
While immersion learning will help to familiarize you with the conjugation patterns, specific conjugation practice remains crucial for learning a language as grammatically complex as Japanese.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at five great apps for Japanese conjugation practice.
App 1. Bailey Snyder's Japanese Conjugation Practice (web-based)
This free online conjugation tool functions like an automated flashcard app, quizzing you on verb and adjective conjugation forms.
The page displays a verb or adjective along with a prompt specifying the tense, the formality level (either “plain” or “polite”), and whether the answer is affirmative or negative. Your task is to input the correct Japanese answer, with your current streak tracked in the top left corner.
While the primary interface is elegantly simple, the comprehensive options tab allows you to customize your experience, toggle English and furigana on or off, and choose specific forms for practice. Currently, the available forms are limited to past, present, and て forms; there is no option to practice more advanced conjugations such as the volitional, potential, imperative, passive, and causative forms.
Japanese Conjugation Practice is completely free, although a donate button is provided for those who wish to support the project.
Pros
- Simple and easy-to-use
- Customizable options for a tailored learning experience
- Free
Cons
- Limited to past, present and て forms
- No explanations for incorrect answers
App 2. Don’s Japanese Conjugation Drill (web-based)
Japanese learners the world over should thank Don for creating one of the most useful conjugation tools available for web browsers.
The quizzes involve transitioning between different conjugation forms, such as from negative to affirmative, formal to informal, plain to causative, and so on. To keep you on your toes, trick questions—where the verb is already in the requested form—are also included.
Incorrect answers prompt useful explanations, enhancing the app’s utility as a learning tool. All options are conveniently displayed on the main interface. Users can mark specific verb forms for practice, focus on adjectives, or use the drop-down menu to choose a specific lesson or grammar point for review.
Don’s Japanese Conjugation Tool is completely free and open source and requires no registration.
Pros
- Useful quizzes transitioning between different conjugation forms
- Trick questions for added challenge
- Incorrect responses prompt detailed explanations
- No registration required; completely free and open source
Cons
- Limited options for adjective practice
- No English definitions for verbs and adjectives
App 3. Steven Kraft’s Japanese Project (web-based)
Another web-based program, Steven Kraft’s conjugation tool seamlessly merges the functionalities of Don’s Japanese Conjugation Drill and the simplicity of the Japanese Conjugation Practice app.
The main page features an extensive list of Japanese verb and adjective conjugations, including the volitional and conditional forms. For a more comprehensive review, users can opt for “randomized forms” on the main menu.
One limitation is the absence of feedback or explanations beyond marking responses as correct or incorrect. However, the site provides helpful “cheat sheets” for users to review the correct conjugation rules.
What sets Steve Kraft’s Japanese Project apart from the other web-based solutions is the inclusion of a wider range of adjective conjugations, including the なる form. While the app itself is entirely free to use, those who wish to support the project are invited to donate via Patreon.
Pros
- Extensive list of Japanese verb conjugations
- Wider range of adjective conjugations, including the なる form
- Toggle English definitions on or off
Cons
- Limited feedback or explanations
App 4. Japanese Conjugation City (iOS)
Japanese Conjugation City, available on iOS, allows you to create tests and practice nearly 30 verb conjugations and 6 adjective conjugations, each with its own lessons and examples in romaji or Japanese.
Unlike the other apps on this list, Japanese Conjugation City employs multiple-choice questions for faster practice compared to manually inputting Japanese forms. Conjugations are arranged by JLPT level and incorrect answers trigger explanations, making this a useful learning tool for those studying for the JLPT.
With an extensive list of verb and adjective conjugation, a smart interface and a helpful stats screen, Japanese Conjugation City offers the best overall combination of usability and completeness for iOS users, all for a single, one-off payment of 99 cents. Unfortunately, the Android app is not yet compatible with the latest versions of Android.
Pros
- Multiple-choice questions for faster practice
- Conjugation forms arranged by JLPT level
- Clear explanations given for incorrect answers
Cons
- Currently unavailable on Android
- Requires a one-time payment of 99 cents
App 5. Genki Conjugation Cards (Android / iOS)
Crafted by the Japan Times Publishing Company, the creators of the popular Genki Japanese course and textbooks, this Android and iOS app offers four sets for each verb form and three sets for each adjective form.
The home screen, adorned in a pleasant shade of pink, showcases a list of all verb and adjective decks, along with a numerical count of cards for review in each deck. As you progress, these numbers decrease, providing a tangible sense of achievement.
To initiate a quiz, select one or more decks and click the “check” button in the bottom-right corner. Respond to each question by inputting the correct Japanese conjugation. The app includes a “rule” section in the drop-down menu, so you can always refer back to the grammar notes if you get stuck. Regrettably, the Genki app lacks feedback or explanations for incorrect answers.
Genki Conjugation Cards offers a comprehensive list of verb and adjective conjugations, including the volitional, potential, causative, passive, and causative-passive verb forms. The app is available on both Android and iOS devices for a single one-off fee of $5.99.
Pros
- Comprehensive list of verb and adjective conjugations, including advanced forms
- Tangible sense of achievement with card review count
- Conjugation practice arranged by difficulty level
Cons
- Lacks feedback or explanations for incorrect answers
- One-time fee of $5.99 for access
- Limited customization options
Comparison Table of the 5 Apps
Conclusion
Verb conjugation apps are valuable tools for reviewing and internalizing Japanese verb and adjective forms. However, their effectiveness is maximized when used in short, focused bursts of practice.
While these apps contribute to skill development, the most effective approach to mastering Japanese, including grammar and conjugations, remains immersive learning. Actively engaging with the language, such as through listening to Japanese content, enhances your ability to internalize adjective and verb conjugations.
At HayaiLearn, our extensive video library offers immersive Japanese learning content for all proficiency levels. Hover over Japanese subtitles to access translations, definitions, and detailed explanations, including conjugation forms for adjectives and verbs. Enhance your understanding as we break down conjugations while exploring the language.
