WK allows for typos in your english answers (like it “eleavtor” for “elevator”), it can sometimes allow answers that are actually different words and should be wrong answers. That’s what the block list is for. It’s a list of words that are kinda similar to the right answer, but are definitely wrong meanings. That way you don’t get in the habit of answering an item the same (wrong) way just because the typo checker allowed it.
The allow list is for words that are not the “official” Wanikani definition but other acceptable meanings for the words. For example, although “partner” is listed as the definition of 相手, “opponent” is also a correct meaning. However, it is not the main one that WK wants to teach, so as to not confuse learners, WK accepts it as an answer but doesn’t list it on the vocab card.
Oh thanks for your explanation! I thought typos were just one wrong or missing letter. I often have problems to find the right word in English. If I know the meaning then I look it up in a dictionary instead of guessing how to say it in English. That takes much time when I do my reviews.
yes, sparring partner is another word, who can be your (temporary) ‘opponent’ in martial arts, even though you’re friendly. Also applies to chess and shogi of course.
@TofuguJenny quick one for block list, can you add “light” to 当 WaniKani / Kanji / 当 I got pretty messed up on that one since it was being picked up as a typo of “right”
The typo algorithm accepts more than one wrong letter. Recently I confused 掲示 with 刑事 (both pronounced けいじ) and my answer ‘police’ for 掲示 was accepted as a typo of ‘notice’.
BTW ‘police’ would have been false for 刑事, as the correct answer is ‘police detective’.