Onigiri - AI Language Learning

Introduction to Onigiri - AI Language Learning

Onigiri is a language learning application designed to help users acquire vocabulary through contextual, sentence-based practice rather than isolated word memorization. It targets learners who seek deeper retention of vocabulary by engaging with authentic usage patterns, particularly those studying Japanese as a second language with Korean or English as their native language. The application emphasizes comprehension and active recall within meaningful linguistic contexts, supporting both beginner and intermediate learners across academic, professional, and everyday domains.

Unlike traditional flashcard systems that focus on word-definition pairs, Onigiri prioritizes semantic and syntactic context. Its interface is built around curated example sentences drawn from real-world topics—including medicine, molecular biology, politics, food, parenting, and news—each accompanied by AI-generated images and audio. This multimodal presentation supports diverse learning preferences and reinforces memory through visual, auditory, and textual channels.

Key Takeaways

• Generates context-rich example sentences using AI, tailored to specific subject domains
• Provides synchronized images and native-speaker audio for each sentence
• Enables interactive word-level exploration: click any word to view definitions and usage details
• Supports self-assessment through proficiency rating (e.g., "I don’t know" or "Easy")
• Implements spaced repetition to deliver personalized sentence recommendations over time
• Offers bilingual support with Korean and English as source languages for Japanese learning
• Organizes content by thematic categories (e.g., Medicine, Politics, Food) for targeted study
• Includes translation support with side-by-side Korean translations of Japanese sentences

How Onigiri Works

Users begin by selecting their target language (Japanese) and native language (Korean or English). The application then presents sentences drawn from predefined topic categories—such as molecular biology, health, family life, or current affairs. Each sentence appears with an accompanying image and audio playback. Learners interact directly with the text: clicking any word reveals its definition, part of speech, grammatical notes, and example collocations.

After reviewing a sentence, users indicate their familiarity with it using binary feedback options ("I don’t know" or "Easy"). This input informs an adaptive algorithm that schedules subsequent exposure to the sentence—and related vocabulary—based on principles of spaced repetition. Over time, the system refines its recommendations to prioritize items requiring reinforcement while reducing repetition of well-mastered content.

The interface also allows manual entry of custom sentences and supports keyword tagging for organizing personal study sets. All generated content—including images and audio—is produced programmatically to ensure consistency and scalability across topics and difficulty levels.

Core Benefits and Applications

Onigiri is especially effective for learners preparing for domain-specific language use, such as medical professionals studying clinical Japanese, researchers reading scientific literature, or individuals engaging with Japanese media and policy documents. Its sentence-first methodology bridges the gap between textbook grammar and real-world comprehension, helping users internalize not only vocabulary but also syntactic structures and pragmatic usage.

Educators can use Onigiri to supplement curriculum with authentic, topical materials, while independent learners benefit from its self-paced structure and adaptive review system. Because all sentences are tagged by theme and include accurate translations, the tool also serves as a reference resource for understanding nuanced expressions in specialized contexts.