What is the difference between TAMA Free and Managed?

Free lets you use local models or connect your own API keys. The proposed $8 per month Managed option would provide the AI service without API-key setup. Joining the beta list is not a charge.

Daily Japanese Conversation Practice. No tutor required.

Q: How does TAMA work?

Choose a scenario, practice by voice or text, and finish when you are ready. TAMA gives you feedback, identifies useful vocabulary, and turns saved words into spaced-repetition flashcards.

Q: Is my TAMA data stored locally?

In the Free app, study history, flashcards, personas, and settings stay on your device. Requests are sent only to the AI or speech provider you choose.

Q: How much does API usage cost if I use my own key?

Cost depends on the provider and model you choose, and you pay the provider directly. A compatible local model can avoid per-request AI charges.

Practice realistic conversations by voice or text, get clear feedback, and review what you learn.

Free for macOS, Windows, and Linux

A Japanese restaurant conversation in TAMA with voice and text controls

Scenario Practice

Real conversations. Real situations.

Practice everyday Japanese with an AI conversation partner. Order food, check into a hotel, or make small talk. Speak by voice or type, then get clear feedback on what to improve.

TAMA scenario choices including train stations, asking directions, shopping, and the post office

Conversation Feedback

Know what to improve next.

TAMA summarizes each session and gives you a clear suggestion for what to practice next. Save useful vocabulary from the conversation directly to your flashcards.

TAMA session feedback with covered topics, a next-step recommendation, and saved vocabulary

Smart Flashcards

Vocabulary that actually sticks.

Save words from your sessions and let spaced repetition handle the rest. TAMA reviews them at exactly the right moment, so they move from “seen it” to “I can use it.”

A TAMA spaced-repetition flashcard asking how well a Japanese word was remembered

Practice Dashboard

Everything you need, all in one place.

TAMA brings your daily plan, recent conversations, and due flashcards together in one place. Pick up where you left off or jump straight into the next activity without deciding what to practice from scratch.

The TAMA practice dashboard with a daily plan, recent activity, and flashcard progress

Pricing

Simple pricing. No surprises.

$8/Month

Managed AI included, with no API key or provider setup.

Everything in Free
No API keys needed

Free Forever

Use local models, or use your own API keys.

Free for macOS, Windows, and Linux

Scenario practice
Persona chats
Smart flashcards
Use your own API keys
Local voice options

FAQs

How does it work?

Choose a scenario, practice by voice or text, and finish the conversation when you are ready. TAMA gives you feedback, identifies useful vocabulary, and turns the words you save into spaced-repetition flashcards.

What level of Japanese do I need?

TAMA works best once you know a few basic words and phrases. The conversations are especially useful from beginner through intermediate level, and you can choose simpler or more challenging situations as you improve.

Does it work on Windows/Linux?

Yes. TAMA has public builds for macOS on Apple Silicon, Windows x64, and Linux x64. You can find every available installer on the GitHub Releases page.

Is my data stored locally?

In the Free app, your study history, flashcards, personas, and settings stay on your device. Requests are sent only to the AI or speech provider you choose. The managed beta will require its own clear data disclosure before anyone receives access.

What’s the difference between Free and Managed?

The core practice tools are the same. Free lets you use local models or connect your own API keys. The planned $8/month Managed option removes that setup and provides the AI service for you. Joining the beta list is only a reservation signal, not a charge.

How much does API usage cost if I use my own key?

That depends on the provider and model you choose, and you pay the provider directly. You can also connect a compatible local model to avoid per-request AI charges.

Is TAMA open source?

Yes. The desktop source is licensed under GPL-3.0-only, so you can inspect it, modify it, and contribute. The TAMA name and logo are separate project marks, so public modified versions must use their own branding. See the trademark policy.