Training with iKanji

What is spaced repetition?

iKanji 2 features Spaced Repetition System (SRS) based training for kanji and vocabulary. It is based on the popular Leitner system.

Kanji and vocabulary move between five groups that are tested at different intervals. Items in group 1 are tested the most frequently and items in group 5 are tested the least frequently. Each time you answer all questions about a kanji or word correctly it will move up a group. Each time you make a mistake it will drop back down to group 1. The piechart icons you see in the Kanji and Vocabulary Browsers show the group items are in. An empty circle signifies group 1 and a full green circle signifies group 5. The more green you see, the better you are doing!

Training progress piecharts from group 1 to 5

Choosing what to train

You can launch the training interface from either the Kanji or Vocabulary Browser windows or from the menu bar. The kanji and vocabulary browsers become unavailable while training to prevent cheating! Training kanji set picker

Before you start training first you need to pick the kanji or vocabulary set you want to learn. Kanji are ordered into sets and subsets like in the Kanji Browser and vocabulary sets are listed as in the Vocabulary Browser.

Before starting the training session you can choose whether you want to use the spaced repetition system or not. This can be a handy way to get extra practice in between the scheduled training periods.

Training

When you start training you will be shown a short series of flash cards with details about the kanji or vocabulary you have chosen to study. You will then be asked a series of multiple-choice questions about each kanji/word. Don't worry if you make a mistake, you will be shown the flash card again each time until you can answer all the questions correctly.

Typical training flash card

You can use the keyboard to both dismiss the flash cards (by pressing the return key) and answer the multiple-choice questions (use the number keys 1 to 8).

Kanji questions

You will be asked the following questions for a kanji:

Vocabulary questions

The SRS limits you to training 10 kanji or words at a time. It's important to not overload yourself by trying to study too much at once.

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