Why not Anki?

Disclaimer: I’m not trying to change the minds of Anki users — they are some of the most dedicated learners I’ve ever encountered.

This article explains why Anki doesn’t meet my language-learning needs.

People sometimes ask me why I don’t just use Anki (or Quizlet, or Memrise).

I created Vocably because none of the existing solutions let me create flashcards quickly enough.

It takes 12 steps to add a new word to Anki.

Here they are:

  1. See a new word on any website.
  2. Select and translate it with Google Translate (or another tool).
  3. Copy the word.
  4. Open Anki/Quizlet/Memrise.
  5. Click “Add new card.”
  6. Paste the word.
  7. Return to the website.
  8. Copy the translation.
  9. Go back to Anki/Quizlet/Memrise.
  10. Paste the translation.
  11. Click “Save.”
  12. Switch back to the website.

If you’re watching a YouTube video, there are even more steps, because you also have to:

  1. Open Google Translate.
  2. Type the new word manually.

And if you want to store words in their base form instead of as plurals or past-tense verbs (“acquire” rather than “acquired”), you have to edit them by hand — which means even more typing and looking things up.

Adding a new word to Vocably is just 3 steps.
  1. See a new word on a website or in a YouTube video.
  2. Select it and translate with Vocably.
  3. Save the card — it already includes definitions, parts of speech, translations, usage examples, and the word in its base form.

3 steps versus 12.

So, to answer the question Why not Anki?:

  • Fewer steps to add a new word.
  • No app switching — no losing focus while reading or watching.
Install Chrome Extension Install Safari Extension Install Android App Install iOS App
Also supports Supports