Onomanabi
Feel Japanese Onomatopoeia
Free · In‑App Purchases
Stop translating. Start feeling.
Onomanabi teaches Japanese onomatopoeia — the sound and mimetic words (giongo and gitaigo) that carry nuance no dictionary translation captures. The kana themselves move, so you feel the difference before you read the explanation. Built for intermediate-to-advanced learners (JLPT N3–N1) and Japanese teachers alike.
WHY ONOMATOPOEIA
"Doki-doki." "Zaa-zaa." "Kira-kira." Japanese is full of words whose real meaning lives in a feeling, not a translation. Onomanabi makes that feeling visible.
FEEL IT THROUGH MOTION
Every word moves in its own way — spinning, bouncing, stretching, trembling — so you feel the difference between "zaa-zaa" and "para-para" instead of just reading about it.
USAGE MAPS
Each word sits on a map of nearby words, with axes chosen for the subject: soft to hard for textures, negative to positive for feelings.
COMPARISON MODE (PREMIUM)
Tap a nearby word on the usage map and the comparison opens right below, with a native note on the decisive difference — the nuance dictionaries flatten out.
QUIZZES THAT STICK
Multiple quiz types (4-choice, typing, comparison) with mistake-prioritized, spaced-repetition review.
LEVELS & COLLECTION
A guided six-level path and word-collection progress, plus a daily word to keep you coming back.
FOR TEACHERS
A category- and level-organized reference for a subject most textbooks barely cover.
FREE TO START
Levels 1–2, part of the dictionary, and usage maps are free — no account needed. Your progress and reviews are saved on your device. The dictionary, quizzes, and reviews work offline.
PREMIUM (ONE-TIME, NOT A SUBSCRIPTION)
- 1,500+ words
- Levels 3–6
- Comparison mode and comparison quizzes
- No further payments, ever
Japanese nuance isn't something you translate. It's something you feel.
Start with today's word.
Ratings & Reviews
- This app hasn’t received enough ratings or reviews to display an overview.
Comparison notes and comparison quizzes are now shown in English for translated pairs. Improved how nearby words are picked on usage maps, and quizzes now keep your language setting.
The developer, Takeshi Nogi, 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
- Contact Info
- Identifiers
- Usage Data
Accessibility
The developer has not yet indicated which accessibility features this app supports. Learn More
Information
- Seller
- Takeshi Nogi
- Size
- 97.7 MB
- Category
- Education
- Compatibility
Requires iOS 16.4 or later.
- iPhone
Requires iOS 16.4 or later. - iPad
Requires iPadOS 16.4 or later.
- iPhone
- Languages
- English and Japanese
- Age Rating
4+
- 4+
- In-App Purchases
Yes
- Onomanabi Premium (Welcome) $11.99
- Onomanabi Premium $14.99
- Copyright
- © 2026 take-lab