I just downloaded the Kanji learning app “[Japanese Kanji Study](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mindtwisted.kanjistudy&hl=en_US&gl=US)”. I have heard many good things about this app, but I don’t know how to use it. When learning kanji, it shows me the stroke order, and 2-4 readings for each kanji, do I need to memorize each one of these readings? What is the point in memorizing multiple readings for one kanji instead of just learning the reading when finding it in another word?
4 comments
The app is good but I don’t think it’s good to study per se, you need to associate it with something else imho
I’m currently relying on J-J dictionaries, but I’ve used it to look up words. The search feature is among the best I’ve seen, admitting partial matches, wildcard searches, and even letting you set the query length. Having easy access to the stroke order, readings, and dictionary radicals are nice extra perks.
As for what to memorize, you ultimately want to focus on words, which are what you use to communicate. Memorizing loose lists of readings is generally a bad idea.
Personally, I use Kanji Study as a supplement to WaniKani. I learn the kanji on WK and then I add them to a “burned kanji” list on KS once they’re burned and use that list to practice writing them from memory, because they simply don’t stick in my head otherwise. I haven’t used KS’s relatively new SRS feature, but it seems like going through that could be a good alternative to WK.
And also, again just personally, I do like learning the most common onyomi reading of a kanji when learning it, the way WK typically teaches you, so I think it IS a good idea to learn the readings or at least familiarize yourself with them before you specifically learn vocabulary that uses them.
Kanji Study is one of my favorite apps, I hope you find a way to make it work for your needs.
I don’t think you need to memorize those readings but do look up which words it is used in and remember them if they seem common