Kaku is a Japanese notebook designed for beginner-to-intermediate learners. Instead of jumping back and forth between a notes app, a dictionary, and a translator, you write in Japanese and all tools appear right where you're working:
- Instant dictionary - highlight any word and matching entries appear above the keyboard, with readings, word types, and real example sentences. Powered by an offline dictionary, lookups are instant and work anywhere.
- Write with training wheels - stuck on a word? Highlight the English word and insert the Japanese one in one tap, including the conjugated form you need.
- Translate your notes - check your sentence structure by translating a whole note into your native language. 20 languages supported.
- Read Aloud - Kaku reads your note out loud, highlighting each word as it's spoken, so you can shadow along. Choose from the best Japanese voices on your device.
- Scan text with your camera - turn textbook pages, signs, and handwritten notes into editable text using built-in OCR.
- Made for focus - a clean, paper-inspired design, folders to organize your study notes, and adjustable text size for comfortable reading.
- Private by design - your notes live on your device.
Kaku feels at home on iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
I have only recently started learning Japanese, but I have found Kaku to be essential in keeping myself immersed in the language everyday. The grammar examples have helped me to understand and work with various conjugations and special word forms. The selected words make Kaku easy to use in quick situations.A lot of love and care has gone into this app. If you have any inclinations in getting the app; do it! It is wonderful to use on a daily basis, and I know it will continue to help me in my language learning journey for a long time.
Awesome premium features
sweetsknight
I use this app on my iPad in my class all the time and really recommend upgrading to premium to access the text-to-speech, better translations/dictionary and reader mode. With so many language learning apps out there, this app is a hidden gem.
Developer Response
Thanks for your support, I’m glad you’re getting great value out of the premium upgrade!
Fascinating!
babysadist
This app definitely lessens the waste of paper! But I found I was focusing more on trying to get the translation correct instead of writing! Well-developed regardless!! The Word Bank widget seems right up my alley for an everyday review of words I tend to forget, so I’ll absolutely be trying this new feature!
Developer Response
Thanks for your feedback. I find an effective way to use the translator is to only translate when you are not sure if your sentence is structured correctly rather than at the end of every sentence.I’m glad you like the widget, it took a lot of effort to work out how to implement them. But now that I have figured it out, I look forward to creating more. 🙂
- New: Copy Japanese text anywhere and Kaku will drop it into a new note the next time you open the app.
Version 7.30
The developer, Dittman Shum, indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .
Data Linked to You
The following data may be collected and linked to your identity:
Purchases
Data Not Linked to You
The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:
Usage Data
Diagnostics
Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More
Accessibility
The developer has not yet indicated which accessibility features this app supports. Learn More
