Ziyo

Product Introduction

1. Ziyo is a Japanese online Kanji dictionary and search engine designed specifically for language learners, offering instant access to comprehensive Kanji data through a minimalist interface. It supports cross-linguistic queries by accepting inputs in multiple formats and delivering results in English, Japanese Kana, Chinese Hanzi, Pinyin, Korean Hangeul, and Romaji. The tool eliminates the need for complex radical-based lookup systems, making Kanji study accessible to beginners. Its real-time processing ensures immediate results without requiring prior knowledge of Kanji structure.

2. The core value of Ziyo lies in its ability to bridge linguistic gaps for learners studying Japanese alongside other East Asian languages. It provides unified access to pronunciation guides, semantic meanings, and regional variations of Kanji characters. By integrating machine learning for handwriting recognition and adaptive search algorithms, it reduces lookup time by 70% compared to traditional methods. This focus on efficiency and multi-language support positions Ziyo as a comprehensive solution for modern language learners.

Main Features

1. Ziyo supports six output languages and four input methods, including handwritten character recognition and radical component searches. Users can input Kanji by drawing on touchscreens, typing pronunciations in Romaji/Kana, or pasting Chinese/Korean text. The system automatically detects input type and displays corresponding readings in all supported languages, including stroke-order animations for proper writing technique. This feature is powered by a proprietary OCR engine optimized for East Asian character recognition.

2. The platform offers comparative linguistic analysis, displaying side-by-side readings in Japanese On/Kun, Chinese Pinyin, and Korean Hanja. Each Kanji entry includes frequency statistics, JLPT level tags, and connections to related Joyo characters. Advanced filters allow sorting results by stroke count, radical components, or Unicode encoding. Database updates occur weekly, incorporating new usage examples from contemporary Japanese media and literature.

3. Integrated learning tools include customizable flashcard generators and downloadable PDF worksheets with grid paper templates. Users can save search histories, create personalized Kanji lists, and export data to Anki or other SRS platforms. The API supports third-party integrations for educational apps, providing JSON-formatted data with 98% accuracy for radical decomposition and etymology. All features are accessible without account creation, though registered users gain cloud storage for study materials.

Problems Solved

1. Ziyo addresses the fragmented nature of traditional Kanji study, where learners often juggle separate resources for Chinese, Japanese, and Korean readings. It consolidates cross-linguistic data into single-character profiles, reducing research time across multiple dictionaries. The platform solves the "unknown radical" problem through visual component recognition that works without prior knowledge of Kanji classification systems.

2. The primary user base includes self-taught Japanese learners, university language students, and multilingual professionals working with East Asian texts. Secondary users encompass Chinese speakers studying Japanese Kanji variants and Korean learners analyzing Hanja-Japanese correspondences. Educators benefit from classroom-ready materials generated through the platform's export functions.

3. Typical scenarios include a beginner deciphering restaurant menus by drawing unfamiliar Kanji on a smartphone, a student comparing Sino-Japanese vocabulary through shared character components, and a translator verifying nuanced meaning differences across language-specific readings. Researchers utilize the API to analyze character frequency patterns in modern versus historical texts.

Unique Advantages

1. Unlike competitors, Ziyo processes mixed-language queries natively, recognizing when users input Chinese Hanzi or Korean Hanja while requesting Japanese readings. The search engine indexes variant forms (旧字体) and simplified versions simultaneously, providing coverage from classical literature to modern web content. This dual-layer indexing system is patented and unavailable in other free platforms.

2. The handwriting recognition system employs convolutional neural networks trained on 1.2 million samples of non-native Kanji writing. It achieves 94% accuracy on poorly drawn characters, outperforming commercial Japanese IMEs by 15%. Real-time radical analysis appears alongside search results, visually mapping components to their positions within the character structure.

3. Competitive advantages include zero advertising, full GDPR compliance for EU users, and W3C AA accessibility certification. The platform operates on renewable energy servers with 99.9% uptime, supporting 38 concurrent language pairs for meaning comparisons. All data exports comply with Genkouyoushi manuscript formatting standards for academic use.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How accurate is Ziyo's handwriting recognition for complex Kanji? The system achieves 94% recognition accuracy for standard Joyo Kanji and 87% for Jinmeiyo characters, verified through ISO-certified testing. Complex strokes are analyzed through vector path detection rather than bitmap matching. Users can adjust recognition sensitivity in settings to accommodate personal writing styles.

2. Can I use Ziyo to prepare for JLPT exams? Yes, all 2,136 Joyo Kanji are tagged with their corresponding JLPT N5-N1 levels, with 500+ example questions from past exams. The practice mode filters characters by test level and provides timed mock tests. Frequency statistics show which Kanji appear most frequently in JLPT reading sections.

3. Does Ziyo support batch processing of multiple Kanji? The professional tier allows CSV uploads for bulk analysis, generating comparative reports on character complexity and cross-language equivalencies. Free users can process up to 10 characters simultaneously through the list import feature. Bulk exports include RTF and EPUB formatting options for academic papers.