Summary

Inku is an iOS Japanese flashcard app that helps learners study and retain kana, vocabulary, and phrases using ready made cards. It uses a spaced repetition system (SRS), reintroducing cards right before you’re likely to forget them, so difficult words stick more effectively.

Inku organizes its cards into multiple packs: a kana pack, JLPT N5 and N4 vocabulary packs which have over 1000 words all together, and phrase packs that cover both casual and polite Japanese as well as essential Japanese phrases. Every single card has accompanying audio so you hear how every word and phrase sounds. You’ll also get opportunities to practice kana handwriting. Using Inku is pretty straightforward: open the app, complete a review session, and keep track of your progress over time. You won’t need an account to use the app, and you can access content even when you’re offline.
Inku is similar to Anki in its use of SRS to build vocabulary, but where Anki has a bit of a learning curve for new users, Inku’s simple design makes it easier for beginners to pick up right away.

The app is intentionally focused on flashcards, so it isn’t a full curriculum and is best used as a supplementary resource alongside other resources. Additionally, learners at N2 and above may need more than what Inku currently offers, however, for beginner and intermediate learners looking for a simple way to build Japanese vocabulary, Inku is worth a try.