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Duolingo vs Japademy - Why Japademy revived my love for learning Japanese

April 8, 2024
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Duolingo vs Japademy - Why Japademy revived my love for learning Japanese

Japanese is arguably one of the most captivating languages to explore. Its rich cultural heritage, intricate writing system, and unique spoken language are some of the factors that entice individuals, including me, to start learning this language. In this article, I will share my personal journey of learning Japanese through Duolingo and the realization that it no longer facilitated my progress. Additionally, I will introduce an alternative to Duolingo for Japanese language learning which is Japademy. So, if you’re interested, then keep on reading!

My interest in Japanese started when anime and manga were introduced to me by a friend. Watching anime and reading manga often allowed me to pick up some Japanese words and expressions and because of this, I started to become curious about the language. As I started learning Japanese, I realized it wasn't just about being able to become fluent in Japanese or being able to talk to people. It was like opening a door to a whole new world filled with history, stories, and traditions.

Setting Out on a Japanese Learning Journey: Discovering Duolingo

Learning Hiragana with Duolingo
Photo taken from duolingo.com


When I first decided to learn Japanese, I was overwhelmed by the large number of language-learning options available online. So, I decided to check many of them out and while doing this, I came across a very familiar language learning platform which is Duolingo. I have already seen a lot of articles talking about the advantages of learning Japanese with Duolingo and even some of my friends were using it. 

The platform’s popularity and claims of effective language acquisition made it seem like the obvious choice for me. With so many articles and users praising its approach, I felt confident that Duolingo would be the perfect platform to start my Japanese learning adventure.

Downloading the Duolingo app felt like taking the first step on an exciting journey towards Japanese fluency. What immediately caught my attention was its bright, colorful graphics and playful animations which I think make the learning experience engaging. Every time I finish a lesson, I feel a sense of accomplishment. From mastering the basic words and expressions to stringing together simple sentences, every small victory filled me with pride and made me want to finish the next lessons faster. In addition, the gamified nature of Duolingo made learning Japanese feel like a fun and addictive game. 

As I continued learning Japanese with Duolingo, I found myself immersed in vocabulary drills, grammar exercises, and interactive quizzes. The bite-sized lessons fit perfectly into my busy schedule, allowing me to squeeze in a quick study session during my lunch break or while waiting for the bus. Even on the busiest of days, I looked forward to logging into Duolingo and immersing myself in the world of the Japanese language.

However, as the initial excitement began to wane, I started to notice the limitations of the platform. While Duolingo provided a solid foundation in vocabulary and grammar basics, it lacked the depth needed to truly understand and appreciate the Japanese language. It was like memorizing words without being able to fully understand their meaning and knowing grammar rules without properly learning how to apply them. Aside from this, I found myself struggling with complex concepts with no one to help me. This is where I realized that learning Japanese effectively requires proper guidance or feedback from a professional Japanese teacher which Duolingo was not able to provide.


Seeking a More Fulfilling Learning Experience: Introducing Japademy

Learning Japanese with Japademy’s Japanese Online Lessons
Photo taken from japademy.com


I was determined not to let my interest in learning Japanese fade. So, I started searching for  Duolingo alternatives for learning Japanese that are more immersive and would cater to my needs as a learner. It was during this search that I stumbled upon Japademy. Despite not having the same level of recognition as Duolingo, Japademy's promises of personalized instruction and a supportive community caught my attention. 

What interested me the most about Japademy was its team of experienced native Japanese teachers. Aside from this, Japademy’s pricing structure was another factor that drew me in. Despite offering high-quality instruction and personalized learning experiences, Japademy's prices were surprisingly affordable. In fact, after comparing several language learning platforms, I found that Japademy offered the most affordable pricing without compromising on the quality of instruction. This combination of experienced teachers and affordability made Japademy stand out as the best choice for continuing my Japanese learning journey so I decided to give them a chance.


My Transformational Experience with Japademy

Japanese learning flashcards given by Japademy to students‍
Photo taken from japademy.com


From my very first lesson at Japademy, I knew that I had stumbled upon something truly helpful and special. Unlike the automated exercises of Duolingo, Japademy offered me a personalized and interactive approach to learning Japanese that made my experience more fun and enriching. 

One of the most significant differences I noticed between Duolingo and Japademy was the quality of instruction. At Japademy, I had the privilege of learning from experienced native Japanese teachers who were not only fluent in the language but also deeply passionate about sharing their culture. Their expertise was evident in every lesson, as they guided me through the complexities of Japanese grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation with patience and precision. 

In addition, the interactive nature of Japademy's lessons was another game-changer for me. Unlike Duolingo's static exercises, Japademy's live lessons allowed me to engage directly with my teachers and fellow learners in real time. This not only made the learning process more dynamic and engaging but also fostered a sense of community and camaraderie that I had been missing with Duolingo. 

Another thing that I liked about Japademy is that they went above and beyond to make sure our learning journey was top-notch. They provided us with additional resources such as learning handouts and flashcards that we can use to enhance our experience during leisure hours. Additionally, we were granted complimentary access to their extensive library of Japanese Online Video Courses which proved to be immensely beneficial in my learning. Aside from this, I also enjoy reading their blog for learning Japanese. Their articles make my experience more immersive and insightful.

What truly set Japademy apart was its commitment to personalized learning and the unwavering support and encouragement they provided. Instead of following a one-size-fits-all curriculum, Japademy tailored its lessons to suit my learning style and goals. Whether I was struggling with a tricky grammar point or celebrating a breakthrough in my speaking skills, my teachers and fellow students were there every step of the way, cheering me on and helping me push through any challenges. 

As a result, my motivation to learn Japanese had never been higher. Japademy has reignited my passion for language learning in ways I never thought possible. The personalized instruction, interactive lessons, and supportive community have become the backbone of my learning journey, empowering me to achieve levels of proficiency I once only dreamed of.

As I continued my journey with Japademy, I found myself growing more confident and proficient in Japanese with each passing day. The personalized instruction, interactive lessons, and supportive community provided the perfect environment for me to thrive as a language learner. 


Sustained Motivation: A Testament to Japademy's Impact

With Japademy, I really felt that learning Japanese wasn't just about memorizing vocabulary or conjugating verbs. It was about immersing myself in the language and culture of Japan, about connecting with fellow learners and passionate teachers who shared my enthusiasm. Every lesson felt like a new adventure, filled with laughter, discovery, and aha moments that kept me coming back for more. 

And you know what's even more remarkable? Despite having access to other language learning platforms like Duolingo, I've never once looked back. Why? Because Japademy offers so much more than just language instruction. It's a holistic experience that enriches not only my language skills but also my understanding and appreciation of Japanese culture. It's a journey I never want to end, and I'm grateful every day that I found my way to Japademy.


Comparison Table: Duolingo vs Japademy

japademy-logo-black
duoling-logo
Japanese Teachers
YES - Live lessons led by native Japanese teachers
NO - No interaction with native speakers
Personalized Instruction
YES - Personalized feedback
NO - No human interaction and feedback
Community Engagement
YES - Active community with teachers and peer support
YES - Through social media
Affordable Price
YES - The most affordable I found online for live lessons
YES - Free & Paid plan
Personalized Learning Experience
YES - Structured curriculum with personalized support
MAYBE - Self-paced lessons with pre-made pathway
Web / Mobile Learning App
NO - Online lessons only
YES - Learn on your device
Overall Score
4.7 / 5
4.3 / 5


Choosing Japademy for Lifelong Japanese Language Learning

Japademy’s native Japanese teacher teaching Japanese online using flashcards
Photo taken from japademy.com 


One thing that I realized over time is that it's not just about learning Japanese; it's about falling in love with the language and culture. Through Japademy, I've had the opportunity to explore not just the mechanics of the language but also the rich tapestry of Japanese history, traditions, and customs. It's a holistic approach to learning that has broadened my horizons and deepened my understanding of the world around me. 

In reflecting on my language learning journey, one thing has become abundantly clear: choosing Japademy was one of the best decisions I've ever made. It has transformed my language learning journey from a solitary pursuit to a collaborative adventure, filled with excitement, discovery, and endless possibilities. With Japademy by my side, I know that my journey to mastering Japanese is just beginning, and I couldn't be more excited for what lies ahead.

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Kanami Iwasaki, Japademy Founder

Japademy | Learn Japanese

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