The average person checks their phone 96 times per day. That’s 96 micro-moments where you glance at your lock screen. What if each glance taught you a new Japanese word?
Kanjijo’s lock screen and home screen widgets turn those idle moments into passive learning opportunities — no app opening required.
How Lock Screen Widgets Work
After installing Kanjijo, add the widget to your lock screen (iOS 16+):
- Long-press your lock screen → tap “Customize”
- Add Kanjijo widget to the widget area
- A new Kanji or Vocabulary word appears automatically
- Tap it to open the full flashcard with readings and pronunciation
The widget refreshes throughout the day, showing different items from your current JLPT level. You see kanji, readings, and meanings at a glance.
Home Screen Widget: Even More Context
The home screen widget is larger and shows more detail:
- The kanji character with its primary meaning
- On’yomi and Kun’yomi readings
- One example vocabulary word
- Tap to jump directly into the lesson
Available in small, medium, and large sizes to fit your home screen layout.
Why Passive Learning Works
Passive learning (also called “incidental learning”) is well-researched in language acquisition:
- Spaced exposure: Seeing a word multiple times across the day creates natural spaced repetition
- Low cognitive load: A quick glance requires minimal mental effort, making it sustainable
- Contextual triggers: You start associating kanji with moments in your day
- Habit formation: No discipline required — it’s just there every time you check your phone
Research note: Studies in second language acquisition show that repeated passive exposure to vocabulary items significantly increases recognition speed and recall accuracy, even without active study.
Combining Active + Passive Learning
The magic formula for maximum retention:
- Morning: Do your SRS reviews in Kanjijo (10-15 min active study)
- Throughout the day: Glance at lock screen widget (passive exposure)
- Evening: Study new lessons or practice writing (10-15 min active study)
This gives you 30 minutes active + dozens of passive exposures daily — more than enough to make consistent progress through JLPT levels.
Widget + OCR: The Ultimate Combo
See an interesting word on your widget? Curious about something in the real world? Use OCR to scan it, save it, and it might show up on your widget later. Everything connects.
Free with Kanjijo on iOS.