Fude review
A focused iOS app for learning kana handwriting, with quizzes and spaced review.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Fude is a mobile Japanese-learning app centered on writing hiragana and katakana by hand. It suits iPhone learners who want feedback on how they form kana, rather than a broad course spanning many kinds of language study. Learners write with a finger, and the app checks stroke count, order, direction, shape, proportion and curvature, then explains errors. Its scope includes 183 written forms, pronunciation audio, reading quizzes and a listening quiz that matches sound to kana. Hiragana learning is available on the free plan.
The writing instruction is the app’s clearest strength. Guided sessions, fading visual guides and active recall help learners move from tracing toward remembering forms, while spaced repetition supports review over time. Reading quizzes are available in four modes, and pronunciation audio covers kana and words. Offline use and on-device progress storage make it possible to practice without a connection. These features keep Fude focused on recognizing and writing kana rather than speaking practice or broad vocabulary development.
Fude is freemium: the Free plan covers all 46 hiragana and includes reading practice, stroke recognition and pronunciation. FUDE Premium adds guided katakana, diacritics and yōon sessions, fading guides, spaced review, and reading and listening practice across the full kana and word library. Premium is described as having no subscription, ads or account. The 56-word vocabulary library is limited for learners seeking broader word study, and the app is available on iOS only. Choose Fude for structured kana handwriting practice on an iPhone; learners prioritizing speaking practice, a larger vocabulary or another platform should look elsewhere.
Fude pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Checks stroke count, order, direction, shape, proportion and curvature
- Combines fading guides, active recall and spaced repetition
- Supports offline practice with on-device progress storage
- Where it doesn't
- Available on iOS only
- The vocabulary library contains 56 words
- Does not include speaking practice
Fude fact sheet, pricing and score →
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