Learning Japanese can be a challenge, but thanks to technology, there are amazing tools that facilitate the process. Browser extensions are especially useful, allowing you to learn while browsing the internet. In this article, I present a detailed list of the best extensions for learning Japanese directly from your browser, with recommendations for different learning levels and needs.
Table of Content
Mainichi (毎日): Expand Your Vocabulary Daily
The Mainichi extension is a simple and efficient way to increase your Japanese vocabulary. Whenever you open a new tab in Google Chrome, a Japanese word appears accompanied by:
- Kanji, hiragana or katakana (depending on the word).
- Translation in English.
- An associated image, which helps in visual memorization.
With Mainichi, you learn new words every day, integrating learning into your daily life.
Other Essential Extensions
1. Rikaikun: The Instant Translator for Japanese
Rikaikun is essential for anyone browsing Japanese websites. With a simple hover over a Japanese word, it displays:
- Pronunciation of the kanji (in hiragana).
- Translation in English.
- Related words.
Ideal for intermediate and advanced students who need support while reading news, manga, or any online content.
2. IPA Furigana: Read Kanji with Ease
If you are still learning kanji, the IPA Furigana is a fantastic extension. It adds furigana (pronunciation in hiragana) over the kanji on any page you visit.
- Great for singing lyrics of songs in Japanese.
- Help with reading complex texts.
- Facilitates the connection between the kanji and its correct pronunciation.
Additional Extensions to Enhance Learning
3. Yomichan: The Advanced Support for Study
Yomichan is similar to Rikaikun but with additional features. It allows you to save words directly into an Anki Deck (flashcard tool), making review easier.
- Integration with dictionaries.
- Precise translation and multiple meanings.
- Customization for different learning levels.
4. Estudo de Kanji Japonês
This extension is like an interactive dictionary for kanji. You can search for kanji, learn their strokes, and find usage examples.
- Ideal for practicing writing and memorizing radicals.
- Bring details about the JLPT levels (Japanese Language Proficiency Test).
5. Aprendizado de Idiomas com a Netflix (LLN)
If you love watching animes or Japanese series, this extension is perfect. The LLN adds interactive subtitles on Netflix, allowing you to pause and see the translation of words or phrases.
- Show the subtitles in Japanese and in the language of your choice.
- Allows you to save words to study later.
6. WaniKani Context Search
For users of the WaniKani system, this extension makes it easy to find words in context on the web. Just select a word to see how it is used in real sentences.
Tips for Making the Most of Extensions
We do not provide download links, as each browser usually has an Extension Store, and some can be removed or modified, so I recommend that you conduct your own search. Here are some tips for using the tools:
- Combine several tools: Use Rikaikun for reading, Mainichi for learning new words, and IPA Furigana for practicing pronunciation.
- Set daily goals: Define how many words or phrases you want to learn each day.
- Use consistently: Install the extensions on all devices you use to ensure that learning is always present.
Final Reflections
Learning Japanese can be challenging, but with the right extensions, the process becomes more interactive and accessible. Tools like Mainichi, Rikaikun, and IPA Furigana are just the beginning. Try different combinations and find out which ones suit your learning style best.
Do you already use any of these extensions or know of others that weren't mentioned? Share your recommendations and experiences in the comments!