How NumYap Works

Pattern-Based Learning

NumYap doesn't track individual numbers or single digits. Instead, it tracks your progress on pronunciation patterns — the building blocks of number reading.

This approach is more effective because once you learn a pattern (like how to say hundreds), you can apply it to any number that uses it.

The Patterns We Track

How Rating Works

When you practice a number like 3,456, you're actually exercising multiple patterns at once:

• Tens for the 56
• Hundreds (Regular) for the 400
• Thousands (Irregular) for the 3000 (さんぜん)

Your rating affects all these patterns. If you rate it "Easy," all three patterns get pushed further into the future. If you struggle, they'll come back sooner.

Spaced Repetition

NumYap uses the SM-2 algorithm (the same one Anki uses) to schedule reviews. Patterns you find easy appear less often. Patterns you struggle with appear more frequently.

The system caps intervals at 14 days because number fluency benefits from regular practice, even for patterns you've mastered.