Japanese Phrases Free – iPhone App Review

Japanese Phrases Free

REVIEW- "Japanese Phrases Free Frees Users From Boring Phrases"

Japanese Phrases Free offers a good collection of Japanese words and phrases for the beginner. There is an introduction to the app which makes the language and use of the app seem difficult and daunting - but this is misleading! The app runs smoothly and without fanfare. Users can select words and phrases from several categories. The words and phrases are spoken and the written version is visible as well.

Japanese Phrases Free will not give you any phrases useful for traveling. There aren't any questions about directions or transportation. Rather, the phrases and words are all commonly used in everyday conversation. Because of this, users have access to fun phrases like idioms, proverbs and slang. For the person looking to add some fun Japanese to their everyday speech this app is a hit. For the person trying to ask "what time is it?" in Tokyo - this app will not help at all.

Other features include flash cards and a quiz to help the user memorize their new phrases. Users can also upgrade to the full version which has nearly double the words/phrases.

Moving around in Japanese Phrases Free is fairly easy. The menus are straight forward and can be accessed from any page. But getting to the words and phrases can sometimes be time consuming. Each category has sub-categories and some of those have a sub-menu as well. For example, a user could select the category "Important Beginner Words", then select the sub-category of "Food". Instead of seeing a list of food words, users need to tap again on a heading called "Food Words" before seeing the words.

Once a word or phrase is selected, a new screen opens with the word written in Japanese, Romaji (Japanese words written in the English alphabet), and the English. In order to hear the pronunciation, users must tap on the image of a speaker in the bottom corner. Overall, it can take a lot of taps just to hear the word "delicious".

There is a slight introduction to the language, but Japanese Phrases Free does not do much to explain grammar or culture. It's simply an overview, nothing comprehensive. This app will be greatly appreciated by the person looking to pick up a few fun Japanese phrases.

- Melissa S.
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