How to start learning with Japanese SenSei
Japanese SenSei lives inside Telegram — your AI teacher is just a chat away. Follow this guide to set up everything and start your first lesson.
Set up in under 1 minute
Six simple steps to meet your teacher
Step 1
Download Telegram
If you don't have Telegram yet, download it free from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android). It works on desktop, tablet, and even in your browser at web.telegram.org.
Already have Telegram? Skip straight to Step 2.
Step 2
Open Japanese SenSei
Open Telegram and search for @JapaneseSensei_bot in the search bar. Or simply tap the button below — it will open the bot directly in your Telegram app. Then press the "Start" button at the bottom of the chat.
Make sure you're chatting with the official bot: @JapaneseSensei_bot
Step 3
Choose your language
First, pick your preferred language for explanations. Choose between English or 中文. Your teacher will use this language to explain grammar, vocabulary, and give instructions.
You can change your language anytime using the /settings command.
Step 4
Meet your teacher
Choose between two AI teachers with unique personalities. 南美咲 Minami is warm, playful, and encouraging — like a supportive friend who cheers you on. 蓮太郎 Rentaro is calm, witty, and analytical — like a patient mentor who explains everything clearly.
You can switch teachers anytime from /settings. Try both to see who motivates you more!
Step 5
Set your level
Tell your teacher your Japanese level — from complete beginner (N5) to upper-intermediate (N2). This determines the vocabulary, grammar, and kanji your teacher will focus on.
Not sure? Pick N5 (beginner). Your teacher will adjust based on your actual responses.
Step 6
Start your first lesson!
Your teacher greets you in Japanese and immediately starts teaching! For beginners, you'll learn essential greetings like こんにちは (hello), おはよう (good morning), こんばんは (good evening), ありがとう (thank you), and すみません (excuse me).
Don't worry about getting everything right — your teacher is endlessly patient and will guide you step by step.
Your first conversation
Here's what happens in your first lesson
Teacher introduces themselves
Your teacher greets you by name in Japanese. Minami might say "Let's have fun learning together!" while Rentaro might say "I'll make sure you understand every detail." Each teacher has their own teaching style.
Learn 5 essential words
Your first lesson covers the most important Japanese greetings: こんにちは (konnichiwa), おはよう (ohayou), こんばんは (konbanwa), ありがとう (arigatou), and すみません (sumimasen). Each word comes with pronunciation and real-world context.
Practice in context
Your teacher creates a mini conversation using the words you just learned. They'll ask you to respond in Japanese — even a single word counts. Every mistake is a learning opportunity.
Words saved to your deck
Every word from your lesson is automatically saved to your personal flashcard deck. Use /review anytime to practice them with spaced repetition — the scientifically proven way to remember.
Useful commands
Type these anytime in the chat to access features
/quiz
Take a vocabulary or grammar quiz to test your knowledge
/review
Start a flashcard review session with spaced repetition
/word
Learn today's word of the day with examples
/kanji
Practice kanji recognition and stroke order
/roleplay
Practice real-life scenarios like ordering food or asking directions
/news
Read Japanese news articles adapted to your level
/dashboard
View your learning progress, streak, and statistics
/settings
Change your teacher, language, level, or other preferences
/upgrade
See plans and upgrade to Pro or Premium
What your teacher can do
More than just a chatbot — it's a complete learning system
Daily Conversations
Chat in Japanese about any topic. Your teacher adapts to your level, introduces new vocabulary naturally, and corrects mistakes in real time.
JLPT Preparation
Focused study modes for N5 through N2. Grammar drills, reading comprehension, vocabulary lists, and mock test questions tailored to your target level.
Roleplay Scenarios
Practice real-life situations: ordering at a restaurant, asking for directions, job interviews, making friends. Build confidence before you need it in real life.
Smart Flashcards (SRS)
Every word you learn is automatically added to your flashcard deck. Spaced repetition ensures you review at the optimal time — right before you'd forget.
Voice Conversations
Send voice messages and get feedback on your pronunciation. Your teacher will point out accent and intonation issues so you sound more natural. (Premium)
Photo Teaching
Send a photo of a Japanese sign, menu, or textbook page. Your teacher will read it, translate it, and teach you the vocabulary from it. (Premium)
Free vs Pro vs Premium
Start free, upgrade when you're ready
Free
Perfect for trying out Japanese SenSei and building a daily learning habit.
- 5 messages per day
- Choose your teacher
- Daily word of the day
- 1 quiz per day
- 15 flashcard reviews
- Kanji practice (N5)
- 1 voice message per day
Pro — $7.99/mo
Everything you need for serious Japanese study.
- Unlimited messages
- All JLPT levels (N5–N2)
- Unlimited quizzes & flashcards
- Roleplay scenarios
- Voice conversations
- News reading practice
Premium — $12.99/mo
The complete immersion experience for dedicated learners.
- Everything in Pro
- Photo teaching
- Pronunciation feedback
- Priority responses
- Early access to new features
All paid plans offer yearly billing at a discount. No contracts — cancel anytime.
Tips for getting the most out of it
Small habits, big results
Chat every day, even for 5 minutes
Consistency beats intensity. A short daily conversation is more effective than a 2-hour weekend cram session. Your teacher will send you a reminder if you forget.
Don't be afraid to make mistakes
Your teacher is endlessly patient. Make mistakes — that's how you learn. The more you try, the faster your teacher can identify gaps and help you improve.
Use Japanese in your replies
Even if it's just one word. Mixing Japanese into your messages forces your brain to recall and apply what you've learned. Your teacher will understand bilingual messages.
Review your flashcards
Type /review to start a flashcard session. Spaced repetition only works if you actually review. A quick 2-minute session saves you hours of re-learning later.
Common questions
Do I need to know any Japanese to start?
Nope. Complete beginners are welcome. Your teacher will start from the very basics — hiragana, simple greetings, and everyday words.
Is Telegram safe? Why not a standalone app?
Telegram has end-to-end encryption, is used by 900+ million people, and works on every platform. By using Telegram, we save you from downloading yet another app — your teacher lives where your messages already are.
Can I use it on my computer?
Yes! Telegram works on iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, and in your web browser. Your conversation syncs across all devices.
How do I upgrade or cancel my subscription?
Type /upgrade in the chat to see plans and upgrade. To manage or cancel, type /settings and select Manage Subscription. It's all handled inside Telegram — no external websites needed.
What if I get stuck or need help?
Just ask your teacher in your preferred language — they understand both English and Chinese. You can also type /dashboard to see your progress or /settings to adjust your preferences.
Why Telegram?
Zero friction. No app to download. Your teacher lives where your messages already are — works on any device, any OS. Over 900 million people already use Telegram.
Ready? Meet your teacher now
One tap and you're learning Japanese. No sign-up forms, no credit card.