The Best Bunpo Alternative for Japanese
A vocabulary-focused companion or alternative to Bunpo.
Short answer
Bunpo is a grammar-led course. Inku focuses on vocabulary, phrases, kana and kanji with spaced review. If grammar is what you need, keep Bunpo; if vocabulary and kanji are the gap, Inku fills it.
On this page
Bunpo's App Store listing describes grammar for every JLPT level with explanations, quizzes, speech recognition and spaced review. Inku does not teach grammar. It gives you a larger vocabulary and kanji routine, which is why many learners could use the two together.
Why you are probably searching this
The usual path to looking for a Bunpo alternative goes through at least one of these:
- You want vocabulary decks for every JLPT level
- You want a separate kanji course
- You want three phrase packs for casual, polite and travel Japanese
What a good alternative looks like
A vocabulary companion to a grammar course should supply level-based decks, audio and a review schedule.
How Inku is different
- Hiragana and katakana with audio, vocabulary decks for every JLPT level from N5 to N1, everyday topic decks such as food, travel and shopping, three phrase packs (casual, polite and travel), and a kanji course with 960 kanji from N5 to N1.
- Each lesson introduces five items with the reading, meaning and pronunciation audio, then asks you to recall them. FSRS schedules every item for review, and you answer Again, Got it or Too easy.
- Inku is a paid app. Studying needs an Inku Pro subscription, bought through the App Store on iPhone or through checkout on the web, and you can try an introductory lesson in your browser first.
Common questions
Should I replace Bunpo with Inku?
Only if you no longer need grammar lessons. Otherwise use Bunpo for grammar and Inku for vocabulary, phrases and kanji.
Related alternatives and comparisons
- Duolingo alternative for Japanese
- Anki alternative for Japanese
- Rosetta Stone alternative for Japanese
- Babbel alternative for Japanese
- Best Japanese flashcard apps
- All Japanese app alternatives
See our full Inku vs Bunpo comparison for a feature-by-feature breakdown.
