bunbuku

GUIDED JAPANESE LEARNING

Learn Japanese.
Use it for real.

Build confidence for everyday situations, one step at a time.

Learn what to say and get comfortable saying it.

Start learning free

Try it in your browser. No download or card needed.

Bunbuku's First Introductions topic, with a clear sequence of lessons and a Start lesson button
Your first topic: First Introductions.

FIRST INTRODUCTIONS

Introduce yourself in Japanese

  1. Learn

    Introduce yourself and ask about the other person.

  2. Practise

    Listen, build replies and say them aloud.

  3. Speak

    Put what you’ve learned to use.

A Japanese matching activity pairing words and romaji with their English meanings

Practise what you’ve learned

Review words and grammar from your lessons with short games.

Lessons and practice are included in the Free plan.

Explore Bunbuku

CONVERSATION PRACTICE

Get more comfortable
with everyday Japanese.

Practise everyday situations with an AI partner. Speak or type at your own pace, with help when you get stuck.

A ramen counter in Japan

Order ramen at a Tokyo counter

Make a request, ask a question, and follow the reply.

Try this scenario → A Japanese temple visit

Ask about a temple visit

Practise asking about customs and what to expect.

Try this scenario → A Japanese train station

Find the right platform

Ask for directions and work through the answer.

Try this scenario →

Support while you speak.

Read Japanese with romaji and English translations. Use example replies when you need a starting point.

Know what to work on.

See what went well and where to improve. Tutor Talk also lets you practise expressing your own ideas.

BEFORE YOU START

Frequently asked questions

Can I start as a beginner?

Yes. Start with First Introductions and follow the lessons in order. You don’t need to read Japanese already: audio, English meanings and romaji (Japanese written in Latin letters) help you along.

Is Bunbuku free?

Lessons, practice games, vocabulary review and grammar are free. A free account also includes a daily conversation allowance. Pro is optional for more conversations and extra tools. No card is needed for the Free plan, and signing up does not start a paid subscription.

Do I need an account?

You can try the first lesson before signing up. Create a free account to continue the course and keep your progress across devices.

Do I have to speak straight away?

No. Begin with lessons and practice, or listen to example dialogues before trying a scenario. When you’re ready, you can speak or type your replies.

How does conversation practice work?

Choose an everyday situation and speak or type with an AI partner. Read along with romaji and English translations, ask for example replies, and review feedback afterwards. AI responses and feedback can sometimes be incorrect.

How is Bunbuku different from Duolingo?

Bunbuku connects topic-based lessons and short practice games with open-ended Japanese conversations. You can use it alongside Duolingo or other learning resources.

What languages are available?

Bunbuku currently focuses on Japanese.

Do I need to install an app?

No. Bunbuku works in your browser on your phone or computer.

Read our Japanese learning comparison guide →

START WITH FIRST INTRODUCTIONS

Start learning Japanese

Start learning free →

Follow your first lesson in your browser. No download or card needed.