Most apps start with grammar drills or scattered lessons. 1000語 takes a different route: you learn the 1000 most common words first — the vocabulary that unlocks about 85% of everyday speech — with a translation, an example sentence and audio for every word.
| 1000語 | Typical apps | |
|---|---|---|
| What you learn first | The 1000 most frequent words | Grammar rules and mixed lessons |
| Audio | Audio for every word | Often text-only |
| Formats | Video, audiobook, PDF, e-book, trainer | Usually one app format |
| Languages & directions | 33 languages, learn from your own | Often English-based only |
| Price | Free to start, one simple premium | Frequent paywalls / subscriptions |
| Offline | Downloads with premium | Often online only |
If you want to understand and be understood quickly, learning the highest-frequency words first is the shortest path. That is the whole idea behind 1000語.