ReflectJP FAQ

What is ReflectJP?

ReflectJP is an iPhone app for English speakers who want to explore Japanese through color-linked chunks, reading labels, short explanations and sound—not a grammar textbook.

Does ReflectJP translate English into Japanese?

Yes. User-initiated English-to-Japanese translation uses Apple Translation on supported iOS 18-or-later devices. Apple language downloads may be required.

What does the lifetime unlock cost?

The US base price is US$9.99 for a one-time non-consumable purchase. The App Store shows the actual localized price. There is no subscription.

What can I try for free?

The bundled Coffee example and the fifty-sounds chart are free. One successful entered translation is free. The next translation requires the lifetime unlock.

How do I hear Japanese?

The “Hear it” control speaks a full Japanese sentence with Apple Japanese speech. Phrase buttons speak individual phrases. Kana tiles use the bundled chart recordings.

Are meaning and attitude the same?

No. A Japanese chunk can carry the main meaning while a sentence ending, such as ね or よ, changes how that meaning is offered to the listener. ReflectJP helps you notice both.

Is voice input always offline?

No. Voice input uses Apple speech recognition with microphone and speech permission. Depending on Apple availability and device support, audio may be processed by Apple servers.

Why is は labeled ha but pronounced wa?

The label follows the literal kana chart. In its grammatical particle role, は is pronounced wa. The chart label and contextual pronunciation are intentionally separate.

Can I restore my purchase?

Yes. Use Restore Purchases with the Apple Account that owns the purchase. Access depends on a verified, non-revoked StoreKit entitlement.

Does Japanese use three alphabets?

Japanese uses three main writing systems, not three alphabets: hiragana and katakana are phonetic kana syllabaries, while kanji are characters associated with meaning and readings. They often appear together in a sentence. ReflectJP’s free sound chart covers hiragana and katakana.

Which iOS version do I need?

The app and free chart support iOS 17 or later. Live English-to-Japanese translation requires a supported physical iPhone on iOS 18 or later and Apple’s language models.