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Learning Japanese starts with one fundamental building block — Hiragana (ひらがな).
Whether you’re dreaming of reading manga, ordering ramen in Tokyo, or passing the JLPT, understanding Hiragana is your first major step.
This guide explains what the Japanese Hiragana alphabet is, why it matters, and how to learn it efficiently, including stroke order, pronunciation, and common mistakes to avoid.
Table of Contents
What Is Hiragana?
Hiragana is one of the three writing systems used in Japanese, alongside Katakana and Kanji.
It represents native Japanese sounds and functions as the foundation of Japanese literacy.
Unlike the English alphabet, which is made up of individual letters, Hiragana is a syllabary — meaning each symbol represents a syllable (sound) rather than a single letter.
| Character | Sound | Example Word | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| あ | a | あさ (asa) | morning |
| い | i | いぬ (inu) | dog |
| う | u | うみ (umi) | sea |
| え | e | えき (eki) | station |
| お | o | おちゃ (ocha) | tea |
Hiragana is used in:
- Grammar endings (particles like は, が, を)
- Native Japanese words without Kanji
- Furigana, small readings written above Kanji to show pronunciation
Why Learn Hiragana First
Learning Hiragana is non-negotiable for anyone serious about Japanese.
Here’s why it’s essential:
1. It’s the Foundation of the Language
Almost every Japanese sentence contains Hiragana. Even Kanji-heavy text mixes in Hiragana for grammar and word endings.
2. It Improves Pronunciation
Each Hiragana character corresponds to a specific sound. Learning them trains your ear and tongue for Japanese pronunciation early.
3. It Unlocks Reading Practice
Once you know Hiragana, you can:
- Read menus, train signs, and websites for children
- Practice with beginner-level Japanese textbooks and games
- Use reading apps like Tadoku or Satori Reader
Hiragana vs. Katakana vs. Kanji
| Script | Purpose | Appearance | Used For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hiragana | Native Japanese grammar and words | Rounded, flowing | Words like たべる (to eat), いぬ (dog) |
| Katakana | Foreign words and emphasis | Angular, sharp | Words like コンピュータ (computer) |
| Kanji | Borrowed Chinese characters | Complex, blocky | Words like 水 (water), 日本 (Japan) |
💡 Tip:
Think of Hiragana as your “training wheels” — once you can read it, you’ll naturally start recognizing Kanji and Katakana patterns.
How Hiragana Works: The 46 Basic Characters
There are 46 basic Hiragana characters, representing every sound in the Japanese language.
They’re organized in a chart called the Gojūon (五十音), or “Fifty Sounds Table.”
The Gojūon Chart – The 46 Basic Syllabary of The Japanese Hiragana Alphabet
| a | i | u | e | o |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| あ (a) | い (i) | う (u) | え (e) | お (o) |
| か (ka) | き (ki) | く (ku) | け (ke) | こ (ko) |
| さ (sa) | し (shi) | す (su) | せ (se) | そ (so) |
| た (ta) | ち (chi) | つ (tsu) | て (te) | と (to) |
| な (na) | に (ni) | ぬ (nu) | ね (ne) | の (no) |
| は (ha) | ひ (hi) | ふ (fu) | へ (he) | ほ (ho) |
| ま (ma) | み (mi) | む (mu) | め (me) | も (mo) |
| や (ya) | — | ゆ (yu) | — | よ (yo) |
| ら (ra) | り (ri) | る (ru) | れ (re) | ろ (ro) |
| わ (wa) | — | — | — | を (wo) |
| ん (n) | — | — | — | — |
📝 Side Note:
Modern Japanese rarely uses obsolete Hiragana characters like ゐ (wi) or ゑ (we), though they appear in older literature.
Additional Sounds: Dakuten, Handakuten & Combinations
Japanese modifies basic Hiragana to create new sounds:
1. Dakuten (Voiced Marks)
Adds a small double quote (゛) mark to create voiced sounds.
- か → が (ka → ga)
- さ → ざ (sa → za)
- た → だ (ta → da)
- は → ば (ha → ba)
2. Handakuten (P Marks)
Adds a small circle (゜) to create “p” sounds.
- は → ぱ (ha → pa)
3. Combination Sounds (Yōon)
Combine small や, ゆ, or よ with another character:
- きゃ (kya)
- しゅ (shu)
- ちょ (cho)
These combinations are common in everyday Japanese words, like:
- きゃく (kyaku) — guest
- しゅくだい (shukudai) — homework
- ちょう (chō) — long / butterfly
How to Write Hiragana Correctly
Hiragana isn’t just about memorizing — it’s about writing with correct stroke order and balance.
1. Follow the Stroke Order
Each character has a specific order and direction for each line.
For example:
- あ (a): three strokes
- き (ki): four strokes
- ほ (ho): four strokes
Following stroke order helps your handwriting look natural and legible.
2. Practice by Hand
Even if you type on a phone, handwriting helps memory.
Use:
- Printable Hiragana practice sheets
- Apps like Kana Town or Jalup
3. Write with Rhythm
Japanese writing flows smoothly. Avoid lifting your pen excessively — connect strokes fluidly.
💡 Tip:
Try writing with a brush pen or calligraphy app to feel the movement of each character.
Tips for Memorizing Hiragana
Memorizing 46 characters might sound intimidating, but it’s easier than it looks.
Here’s how to learn Hiragana fast:
1. Use Mnemonics
Visual associations help memory stick.
Example:
- い (i): looks like two people standing together — “i” for individuals
- ぬ (nu): looks like a noodle bowl with a chopstick
- も (mo): looks like a fish hook and bubbles — “mo” for more fish!
2. Learn in Groups
Study one row (a-line, ka-line, sa-line) per day.
You’ll master the full set in 10 days or less.
3. Use Flashcards
Try VerbaCard Hiragana Flashcards, which include:
- Audio pronunciation
- Stroke order diagrams
- Example words
4. Test Yourself
Apps like Anki, Tofugu Kana Quiz, and VerbaCard’s Deck make review fun and interactive.
Common Mistakes Beginners Make
Even dedicated learners slip up when starting out. Avoid these traps:
❌ Confusing Similar Characters
Some Hiragana look alike:
- ぬ vs め
- ね vs れ
- さ vs ち
👉 Tip: Write them side-by-side when studying to spot subtle differences.
❌ Mixing Katakana Too Early
Master Hiragana before moving on to Katakana.
Learning both simultaneously often causes confusion.
❌ Ignoring Stroke Order
Skipping proper stroke order leads to messy, unrecognizable handwriting later.
❌ Over-Reliance on Romaji
Romaji (the Latin alphabet version of Japanese) is just a crutch.
Reading only Hiragana builds real fluency.
FAQ: Common Questions About Hiragana
Is Hiragana an alphabet or syllabary?
Hiragana is a syllabary, meaning each symbol represents a syllable sound (like ka, shi, tsu).
Do Japanese people still use Hiragana?
Yes — constantly! Every Japanese text includes Hiragana, especially for grammar, verb endings, and particles.
Do I need to learn Katakana at the same time?
Not necessarily. Focus on Hiragana first, then Katakana. Many textbooks follow this order.
How long does it take to learn Hiragana?
Most learners can memorize all characters in 1–2 weeks with daily practice. Particularly with the use of tools like these Hiragana Flashcards.
Are Hiragana and Kanji related?
Hiragana developed from simplified Kanji centuries ago, but they now serve very different purposes.
Final Thoughts
The Japanese Hiragana alphabet is the cornerstone of reading, writing, and speaking Japanese.
Once you’ve mastered it, you’ll unlock your ability to read native materials, understand grammar, and move confidently toward Katakana and Kanji.
Remember:
- Learn systematically using the Gojūon chart
- Practice stroke order and pronunciation
- Use flashcards and writing drills daily
Ready to move on?
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