# MARU: Learn Japanese Hiragana

> Free Beginner Kana Practices

Canonical page: [https://chrome-stats.com/d/id1208009110](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id1208009110)

## Overview

- **ID:** `id1208009110`
- **Platform:** Apple
- **Type:** Apple app
- **Status:** Available
- **Publisher:** Overdreamer, LLC
- **Category:** Education
- **Rating:** 4.90 / 5 (18,206 ratings)
- **Version:** 2.15
- **Last updated:** 2024-08-02
- **First published:** 2017-02-24
- **Size:** 36 MB
- **Data as of:** 2026-09-22
- **Store listing:** [Apple App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/maru-learn-japanese-hiragana/id1208009110)
- **Privacy policy:** [https://overdreamer.com/kana/privacy](https://overdreamer.com/kana/privacy)

## Description

MARU Japanese Kana is a beloved Chrome extension for beginners, now with authentic voice recordings and 14 practice varieties to learn Hiragana and Katakana. It covers reading, writing, listening, typing, and vocabulary, making Japanese feel approachable for new learners. Trusted by over a million users and rated 4.9, MARU focuses on practical, enjoyable practice.

With the free version you get all 105 Hiragana and Katakana, 300+ everyday words, clear voice audio, MARU-kun encouragement, and a small ad after every five mistakes. Pro adds ad-free offline practice, writing and typing tasks, more words for time/date and Katakana, and extended features. This lightweight Chrome extension aims to spark a fun, sustainable Japanese learning journey.

## Rankings

- #12,075 — Overall

## Review summary

MARU is repeatedly praised for being user-friendly, well-designed, and effective for learning Kana quickly. Its bite-sized drills, progressive introduction, clear character breakdowns, and good audio support help beginners gain confidence and see real progress. The app’s cute UI and accessible free version are strong positives. A notable drawback is that ads in the free tier can feel intrusive to some users, and a few features may require a paid upgrade.

### Pros

- Easy to use and well designed
- Highly effective for learning Hiragana/Kana with quick progress
- Bite-sized, incremental drills with clear breakdown and repetition
- Pleasant, cute UI and engaging learning experience
- Free version is solid and accessible with helpful audio

### Cons

- Ads in the free version can be intrusive

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Source: [Chrome-Stats](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id1208009110)