Show HN: Nani? – AI translator that teaches you while translating
nani.nowHi HN,
I made Nani!?, an AI-powered translator that not only translates your text but also teaches you better ways to say things as you go.
I started this as a small personal tool, then spent over six months rebuilding and polishing it into a product others can use.
Unlike DeepL or Google Translate, which give you a single, fixed translation, Nani!? tries to teach you as it translates. It might say things like "Here’s another way to say that" or "This would sound more natural in a casual chat."
My goal was to make a translator that feels more like a friendly teacher than a black box.
You can ask ChatGPT to do similar things, but I found it a bit tedious to keep typing prompts, copying text, playing pronunciations, or switching models for every translation. (Usually I just want a quick, natural answer without "Thinking" mode.)
So I built a web app, plus Mac / Windows versions you can trigger instantly with a shortcut.
The name Nani!? comes from the Japanese word なに!? ("What!?"), which has been getting more familiar overseas through anime and manga. I’m Japanese, love manga, and even draw as a hobby, so the name felt like a fun fit.
If you ever need translations (and want to learn a bit along the way), I’d love for you to give it a try and share your feedback.
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