How to use Tsukigo

Tsukigo is a catalog of stories written to widen what you understand in a new language, one story at a time. Where you begin depends on how much you already know.

Where to start

From zero

Begin with the starter course: basic vocabulary taught through purpose-built exercises, plus the writing system if the language has one to learn. It's available for Japanese, Russian, Chinese and English.

With the basics

Go straight to the catalog and read what Tsukigo puts in front of you. This is the shortest way in, and the one most people should take.

Further along

Set your level first, so recommendations start where you actually are instead of at the beginning: Japanese, Russian, Chinese or English.

What to read next

Tsukigo recommends each next story based on the words you've met so far, so the difficulty rises smoothly, and the recommendations get better the more you read. You don't have to follow them: browse any level or topic whenever you want a change.

Reading a story

1. 1

   Pick a story

   Take one Tsukigo recommends, or choose your own by level, topic or fit. Fit is the small gauge on every story card: a good fit is one you can follow while still meeting a few new words.

2. 2

   Listen first

   Play the story's audio before you read a word of it. How much did you catch? Notice the words and sentences you want to come back to.

3. 3

   Read it

   Tap a word for its meaning and reading; tap a sentence for the full translation. Pronunciation and inline meanings each have their own toggle: off, on every word, or only the words you are still learning.

4. 4

   Listen again

   Play the audio once more now that you know the story. What you understand by ear the second time is what has begun to stick.

5. 5

   Mark it read

   That is what tells Tsukigo which words you have met, and what to give you next.

Get the most out of it