Study the words. Watch the show. Let both do the work.

Linguist helps you learn Japanese through the media you're already consuming. Study the vocabulary from an episode, then watch it — hearing words in context reinforces what you've learned in a way flashcards alone never will.

Join the beta

How it works

Studying vocabulary alongside the media it comes from makes both more effective.

1

Pick what you're watching

Browse decks built from real anime episodes, TV shows, podcasts, and books. Each deck contains the vocabulary you'll encounter in that piece of media.

2

Learn the vocabulary

Study the words from an episode before or alongside watching it. Spaced repetition schedules your reviews so you focus on what needs reinforcement — not what you already know.

3

Immerse

Watch the episode on Netflix, Crunchyroll, or from your DVD shelf — wherever you normally access the show. When you encounter words you've studied, your brain makes the connection. Hearing and reading vocabulary in real context cements it in a way that drilling alone can't.

4

Watch your knowledge compound

As you work through more media, your vocabulary builds on itself. Words you've learned carry across every deck they appear in, so each new episode has fewer unknowns. Decks that once looked intimidating become approachable.

Vocabulary from real content

Every deck is built from a real script. See how much you already know before you start — pick media that matches your level.

TV & Anime
Yuru Camp S1 Ep. 1
134 words
42% known
Yuru Camp S1 Ep. 2
121 words
58% known
Films
Spirited Away
289 words
31% known
Books
Kitchen Ch. 1
187 words
19% known

Simple, focused study

Each card shows you a Japanese word. Recall the meaning, check your answer. Get it right, the interval grows. Get it wrong, it comes back sooner. No complicated grading — just yes or no.

Front
Word
始める
Back
Word
はじめる
始める
  • to begin
  • to start
Component Kanji
beginning, start
On: シ   Kun: はじ.める
Incorrect
Correct

Built for learners who study through immersion

Linguist is in early beta. The core study system works, but there's plenty still to build. We're looking for Japanese learners who want to try a different approach and tell us what's working and what isn't.

Create an account

Linguist helps you study vocabulary from media — it does not provide the media itself. You'll need your own access via streaming services, DVDs, or other sources.