A WaniKani alternative with kanji plus grammar, reading, and iOS games.
WaniKani focuses on kanji and vocabulary through an SRS mnemonic system. Hane adds grammar lessons, reading passages, sentence breakdowns, handwriting input, and short iOS practice games — all in one app.
Free during the public beta on Apple TestFlight.
WaniKani: excellent kanji and vocabulary SRS
WaniKani is one of the best tools for learning kanji and vocabulary through spaced repetition and creative mnemonics. It is web-first and focuses almost entirely on reading recognition of characters and words.
Hane: kanji plus the rest of Japanese
Hane also teaches kanji and vocabulary, but adds the skills you need beyond recognition:
Explore Hane as your kanji + grammar tool
Join the Hane beta on TestFlight and study kanji alongside grammar, reading, and vocabulary on iPhone.
Join TestFlight betaBest for different learners
Use WaniKani if you want a focused, long-term kanji and vocabulary SRS with strong mnemonic support. Use Hane if you want kanji alongside grammar, reading, and iOS-native practice games in a single app.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hane better than WaniKani?
They serve different goals. WaniKani is unmatched for long-term kanji and vocabulary SRS with mnemonics. Hane is better if you want grammar, reading, and iOS games alongside kanji study in one app.
Can I use both WaniKani and Hane?
Yes. Many learners use WaniKani for kanji and vocabulary SRS, then use Hane for grammar, reading, and particle practice. The combination covers more ground than either tool alone.
Does Hane use mnemonics like WaniKani?
Not extensively. Hane focuses on learning kanji through context, repetition, and active games rather than custom mnemonic stories.
Does Hane have an SRS system?
Hane uses active recall and review intervals in games like Kanji Memory and Kanji Climb, but it is not a full spaced repetition system like WaniKani or Anki.
Explore Hane as your kanji + grammar tool
Join the Hane beta on TestFlight and study kanji alongside grammar, reading, and vocabulary on iPhone.