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AI · January 24, 2025

I made a language tool that forces you to talk

Hey HN! I created Hanasu.ai after my 9-5 job as a side project. Previously I'd used Duolingo to learn Japanese, but failed spectacularly when I actually spoke with my roommate from Tokyo. Now, after OpenAI improved their Realtime audio model in December and reduced pricing, I spent my entire winter break building. So how does it work? Just choose a daily topic and converse with the AI model: (1) Didn't catch a phrase? Double tap to reveal a transcript. (2) Couldn't understand? Double tap for translations powered by Google. (3) Can't recall that intricate Chinese/Japanese character? Just…

I made a language tool that forces you to talk launched on January 24, 2025 with 5 votes and more than 75% of that year's launches. The site was still online in September 2026, 1 year on.

What it does

Stop memorizing flashcards. Have real conversations in the language you

Stop memorizing flashcards. Start having real conversations with AI and build vocabulary that actually sticks. Chat naturally, tap any word to see its meaning, and save vocabulary for later review. It's that simple. Have real conversations about topics you care about. Our AI adapts to your level and interests. Tap any word to see its meaning and save it. Learn in context, not isolation. Spaced repetition ensures you remember words long-term. Track your progress effortlessly. Chat about any topic in your target language. Get instant corrections and natural language feedback from an AI that understands context. Tap any word to see its reading, meaning, and usage examples. No need to switch…from hanasu.ai

In the maker’s words, at launch

Hey HN! I created Hanasu.ai after my 9-5 job as a side project. Previously I'd used Duolingo to learn Japanese, but failed spectacularly when I actually spoke with my roommate from Tokyo. Now, after OpenAI improved their Realtime audio model in December and reduced pricing, I spent my entire winter break building. So…

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