Format comparison
Compare conversation hosts, tutors and translation tools
Compare five ways to have a conversation. Find the right format if you want to meet a Japanese person, take lessons, practise alone, or call someone you already know.
Which format fits your goal?
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Japanese conversation host
Hanashi
Good fit. You want to meet a real Japanese person and talk about something you both enjoy.
Tradeoff. Early access signup is open. Check Hanashi for current host and booking availability.
Next step. Pick one topic you could talk about for 15 minutes, such as music or food. On Hanashi, shared interests and personality help you decide who you'd like to talk to. Captions and translation are designed to help you stay in the conversation.
Sign up for Hanashi early access -
Language exchange
Tandem
Good fit. You want a practice partner and can offer time in a language you speak.
Tradeoff. Finding the right match takes coordination, and both partners need time to practise.
Next step. Suggest a time limit and agree on how to split it between the two languages before you call.
How Tandem works -
Structured tutoring
Preply
Good fit. You want a teacher to correct mistakes, assign practice or help you reach a defined goal.
Tradeoff. Check the tutor's rate and the booking terms. Agree on how much time you want for open conversation.
Next step. Send the tutor one concrete goal and ask how they teach it. For example, ask to rehearse ordering in a restaurant and get feedback on your phrasing.
Preply Japanese tutors -
Solo AI practice
Talkpal
Good fit. You want to rehearse aloud before speaking to someone or practise on your own schedule.
Tradeoff. You are practising with software. It cannot give you the experience of getting to know a person.
Next step. Rehearse your introduction and two follow-up questions. Then try those same questions with a person when you feel ready.
Talkpal Japanese practice -
Translated video call
Google Meet
Good fit. You already know who you want to call and need help following what they say.
Tradeoff. You bring the other person. Check the language direction, plan and devices before relying on translation.
Next step. Send your call partner the link, test translation on both devices, and agree to type dates and names when the captions are unclear.
Google Meet translated captions