AI Language Explainer

• Source Code: https://github.com/Immersion-Dojo/ai-language-explainer
• Changelog: https://github.com/Immersion-Dojo/ai-language-explainer/releases
• Demo Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQvp3rHaJ8g

For support, make an issue on GitHub Issues or email the developer here.

About

AI Language Explainer is an Anki extension that allows you to mass-generate written and spoken definitions for target words in the context of sentence cards.

To understand why this is useful, watch this video here or read Matt's tweet on conceptual definitions here.

It accepts input fields (target word, sentence, definition) and outputs:

• An explanation of the target word in context generated by an OpenAI text model of your choice
• A spoken version of the above is generated using a TTS Engine of your choice

It uses OpenAI's API, so it requires you to bring your own OpenAI API Key. You can make an account here. Make sure you top up your account with at least $10 in credits.

It supports the following TTS Engines:

• OpenAI TTS (requires internet connection)
• ElevenLabs (requires internet connection)
• AivisSpeech (runs locally)
• VoiceVox (runs locally)

Features

🧠 Intelligent Explanations

• Automatically generate contextual definitions using OpenAI’s models (GPT-4.1, GPT-4, GPT-3.5, etc.)
• Customize prompts to suit your learning style and level

🎵 High-Quality Audio Generation

• Supports VoiceVox, AivisSpeech, ElevenLabs, and OpenAI TTS
• Preview and choose voices (AivisSpeech/VoiceVox)
• Adjustable OpenAI TTS speed
• Batch audio generation

⚙️ Flexible Configuration

• Works with any note type
• Toggle generation features
• Tabbed settings interface for easy control

🚀 User Experience

• One-click generation during reviews
• Batch generation in the browser
• Robust error handling and logging

Images

Setup

Watching this video shows you how to set up the add-on.

You may find the sample deck here useful to see how I personally set up my Japanese language learning cards to be used with the extension.

Recommended Prompt

Here's a prompt you can use for Japanese,

Write a short explanation of the word '{word}' in the context of the sentence: '{sentence}'. 

Write an explanation that helps a Japanese native (who is around 13 years old) understand the word and how it is used in this context as an example. Phrase it as though you're explaining it to a friend. 

Start with the core meaning of the word followed by an explanation of it in the particular sentence. For example, the core meaning of 聞く is "act of obtaining information, whether by taking in sounds or asking questions to someone".

DO NOT's...
- You will be punished for using any English; use only simpler Japanese. Katana words are okay if native speakers use them.
- You will be severely punished for writing the furigana pronunciation for any kanji and words in brackets. 
- You'll be punished for using euphemisms when explaining sexual things. Just explain it as it is.
- You will be punished for starting with introductory text such as という言葉を簡単に説明するね, just dive straight into explaining after starting with the word. Ie, word, explanation

Common Issues

My cards keep failing to generate. Why?
This could be because:

• Your OpenAI API Key has expired or isn't working.
• You ran out of OpenAI API credits.
• Your prompt is misconfigured. Remember that {sentence}, {word}, and {definition} must all be in lowercase. It's case-sensitive, so no {Sentence}. There should be no other {x} in your prompt.

I'm trying to generate definitions in a non-English language, but it keeps reverting to English / Japanese?

• You should switch the OpenAI model to GPT-4o instead. It performs better than GPT-4.1 on non-English languages.

The audio failed to generate. Why?

• If you're using VoiceVox or AivisSpeech, ensure the engine is running.
• If you're using ElevenLabs or OpenAI TTS, check your internet connection.

The audio generation is taking too long with VoiceVox or AivisSpeech. Why?

• I'm afraid your computer is too slow. Simply wait or buy a better one.

Why do cards fail to generate in bulk after a few?

• New OpenAI accounts often have low rate limits when it comes to their APIs. Try to generate a card at a time for your first few days. Your rate limit will automatically increase afterwards.

About Me

Hey, I'm Ray. I make videos on YouTube and vibe-code add-ons like this and apps such as Tensor AI and HyperWhisper. You can learn to vibe-code yourself with the help of my Master Claude Code class.