Turn your WaniKani study notes into an Anki deck with AI
Skip the search for a ready-made set. Upload the kanji lists, vocabulary and lesson notes you already have, and DeckOwl builds flashcards with spaced repetition from them.
Why build your own WaniKani deck
Most people who study Japanese with WaniKani eventually want a WaniKani Anki deck they can review on the train or before bed, but a pre-made set rarely matches the vocabulary and readings you actually meet in your lessons. A deck built from your own notes keeps the cards tied to what you are studying right now.
- Upload the lists and notes you already keep for each WaniKani level.
- Include both on-yomi and kun-yomi readings on the back of each kanji card.
- Add one or two vocabulary words per kanji so the reading appears in context.
- Review daily in short sessions and let spaced repetition schedule the repeats.
Built from your material
Upload PDFs, slides, plain text notes or photos of handwritten lists. The text is read and turned into flashcards for the exact kanji and words you are learning.
Spaced repetition
Cards you miss come back sooner and cards you know fade into longer intervals, so your review time goes to what you are still forgetting.
Export to Anki
On the Plus plan, export your deck to Anki, or to PDF, DOCX or CSV, and keep reviewing wherever you already study.
How it works
Add your notes
Paste your kanji and vocabulary notes, or upload a file or a photo of a list.
Generate flashcards
DeckOwl creates front and back cards covering meanings, readings and example words.
Study or export
Review in the browser with spaced repetition, or export the deck to Anki on Plus.
Good kanji cards usually show the character on one side and the meaning and reading on the other, plus a sample word that uses it. Adding a short example makes the reading easier to recall than memorizing the reading alone.
Work in small batches of new kanji rather than importing a huge list at once. Review every day, and let spaced repetition decide when each card returns.
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Frequently asked questions
How many kanji should I add to a deck at once?
Small batches work better than one large import, because a big batch can make daily reviews pile up quickly. Add the next group once you are comfortable with the current one.
What should a Japanese flashcard include besides the meaning?
Include the reading, noting whether it is on-yomi or kun-yomi, and a sample word that uses the kanji. Seeing the reading inside a real word makes it easier to remember.
Can I export my flashcards to Anki?
Yes, Anki export is included on the Plus plan, which also covers PDF, DOCX and CSV export. The Free plan lets you study in the browser but does not include exports.
Is there a free plan?
Yes. The Free plan includes 3 generations per month and browser study, and no credit card is needed to start. Students get 40% off with a school email.
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