Today’s AI-powered answer engine Perplexity is no longer just for pulling facts.
Since OpenAI introduced ChatGPT, one this is certain: large language models (LLMs) are becoming increasingly smart. And with the internet's knowledge and its massive datasets, it's easy for LLMs to become tutors. And Perplexity is quietly turning itself into a language-learning companion.
In a recent update, Perplexity added a new feature on its iOS and web apps (with Android coming soon) that lets users practice vocabulary, memorize phrases and hear correct pronunciation.
And that they can do all this within the same interface they use for search.
Perplexity co-founder and CEO Aravind Srinivas explained the change on LinkedIn:
Tokens refer to units of text, words, punctuation, or just parts of words, that Perplexity uses to process and generate language. The company notes it can handle around 8,000 tokens per query, showing how this learning tool is embedded into its core engine.
What this means for learners is compelling: instead of switching between a translator, an audio tool and flash-cards, they can stay inside one app and ask Perplexity to "learn new words in Korean," or "learn phrases in German," and have it respond with vocabulary lists, pronunciation buttons, sample sentences and flash-cards to review.
Users can tap a 'play' button to hear how a word is pronounced; they can tap a word to reveal a flash-card with its meaning plus usage.
The tool supports not just basic terms, but more advanced phrases too.
Perplexity says the feature is available to all users, both free and paid plans, and supports a variety of languages, including German, Korean, Hindi, French and more.
Learn any language on Perplexity.
Practice words and basic terms, or use flashcards to learn and memorize more advanced phrases.
Available now on iOS and web. pic.twitter.com/pZNTZdGhZn— Perplexity (@perplexity_ai) October 16, 2025
In the crowded language-learning space, with apps like Duolingo pushing hard into AI, Perplexity’s move is clever.
Since a lot of people are already using Perplexity for search and research, adding a learning module turns the tool into a multitasking assistant: one moment they're looking up history or tech, the next they're practicing Spanish pronunciation.
The seamless switching between "search" and "learn" lowers friction and might help learners pick up momentum.
This is especially useful for busy readers, tourists, or tech savvy individuals who want to pick up phrases, jargons or a few travel friendly words in foreign languages.
Of course, there are caveats.
The feature is new, and while it promises broad language support, the depth and quality of lessons may vary by language and by how much time they invest. Also, learning a language well usually involves much more than flash-cards and vocab drills: it requires conversation, feedback, culture immersion, all of which a single app may struggle to replicate fully.
But as a complement to traditional tools or as a quick starter, it holds promise.