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Why I started using Bunpo
Passing the JLPT is part learning Japanese, part learning how to pass the JLPT. Because of this, I have a love-hate relationship with this test. While is frustrates me that I have to spend time studying the tricks and tips on how to guess correctly or answer reading comprehension questions without reading the entire passage to finish within the time limit, it also gives me a clear path for what to learn next. And possibly the most important factor—the pressure of a deadline to make sure I actually do study something.
But what and how should you study, if you really want the best chance at success? Over the last couple years, I feel like I’ve tried every app, website, textbook, podcast, etc. that there is, and what works the best for me are the methods that break these giant tests into small, digestible parts.
Will I know everything on the test from only studying the core principles? No. But memorizing everything is impossible, so for me, I think it’s best to prioritize.
In my other article that runs through all my tips on learning Japanese, I talk about the textbook Nihongo So Matome. What I like about this textbook is it only gives you what you really need to know. Turn each grammar point into a flashcard, memorize them, and you’re good to go (or at least better off than you were before). But not everyone is a paper kind of person—enter Bunpo.
I started using Bunpo right at the beginning of my Japanese studies back when I was testing every app under the sun. Three things stood out to me immediately about the app:
- You know what to study—it’s clearly broken down to follow the JLPT levels
- It’s easy to understand—each grammar point is explained thoroughly with clear examples
- The sample sentences are actually useful—no ‘Who’s robot ate my cake?’ or other highly unlikely to come across phrases
Since then, some new features have been introduced that also make Bunpo a decent choice for traveller's looking to learn some basics, as well as a must have accompaniment to any JLPT textbook. Why? Let’s look into it a little further.
How the app works
The Core Grammar Levels
The base course list of the app includes 6 levels, Alphabets and Basic Words (the introduction), JLPT N5, JLPT N4, JLPT N3, JLPT N2 and JLPT N1. These are all functions of the original app and can stand alone as a great guide for passing the JLPT.
You choose your level, then choose your topic to start a lesson. Each topic is a different grammar point. To pass the level you swipe through the explanation and sample sentences first, then answer a quiz on the topic.
The quiz includes multiple choice questions, putting the sentence in order style questions, as well as typing out what a speaker says. If you get a question wrong, you can try it again at the end of the quiz.
And here’s a feature I love: if you’re stuck on a grammar point, you can type a question and the app will give you a further explanation—before the quiz. Super helpful.
Conversation practice
Bunpo also offers an AI chat tool to help you practice what you’ve learnt. You can either choose one of the pre-set conversations, or make a custom role play where you tell the AI the scenario you want to run through, and then carry out the role play for that situation. The best part about these AI conversations are that the app will give you suggested things to say if you’re stuck, and at the end of the conversation it will review your mistakes and give you explanations on how to improve.
For me, this is really handy because generally when I’m talking to or texting Japanese friends, they won’t correct my mistakes. Therefore, I’ve gone months making the exact same mistakes over and over again with no one saying anything. Thankfully, this AI chat feature solves that problem. And it works whether you’re typing your responses or saying them out loud.
Explaining your textbook
The next feature is the ultimate game changer for me and probably my favourite feature because it is so unique, and it’s called Snap. Snap allows you to take a picture of any multiple choice question and it not only gives you the right answer, it gives full explanations on why the correct answer is correct, and why each other answer is wrong.
If you are a long time Japanese Textbook user like me, I’m sure you have been frustrated by the lack of explanations given on answer keys. How many times have you run across an answer key that just looks like this?
- A
- C
- D
- B
Not anymore! I tested this feature on several of my textbooks from JLPT N5 - JLPT N2 and it works on any of them, making it the perfect study companion for test takers.
Who is Bunpo for?
JLPT test takers
With how the app is set up, it’s a clear winner for JLPT test takers. You can easily focus on the test level you’re studying for to make sure you understand all the basic grammar concepts for the test. While I would supplement the course with some kind of vocabulary and kanji app (I use WaniKani for kanji and Bunpo for grammar, but Renshuu is better for kanji if you want to focus specifically on a certain test level at a time), this app is a great starting point.
Travellers
What I like best about Bunpo for travellers is that it doesn’t waste time reviewing ‘the apple is red’ for 20 lessons, and instead teaches you core words, the basic alphabet, and some starter phrases to get you going. While not really a travel cheat sheet, it focuses more on building a base level foundation to get you started with the language and then gives you a place to practice.
Language Students
Not everyone wants to take the JLPT—and that’s totally fine (in fact, I envy you!). Thanks to the Scan feature, Bunpo can still help you with homework from any textbook or worksheet your class gives you. And for self-studiers who don’t have access to a teacher for explanations, it’s even more of a game-changer.
Whether or not you’re focused on the JLPT, you’ll likely cover similar grammar points anyway. The app lets you choose what to study, so you’re not stuck reviewing concepts that don’t match your current course.
And what's more, the app doesn't only teach Japanese! So if you're studying multiple languages, the app may still have you covered!
If you wanna check the app out, download it from the app store or check out the website and start a free trial!
For more inspo, check out my full article of tips on how to learn Japanese, or for anyone looking to take the next step with full immersion, here’s my article on how to move to Japan! But to all my fellow Japanese language learners out there, you got this, and enjoy the journey.
Wander on friends ✨
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