Japanese Hiragana Chart: 10 Tips and Tricks for Beginners

Everything you need to know about Japanese Hiragana Chart is outlined in this helpful hiragana chart. Begin mastering Hiragana today.

Everything you need to understand the basics of Japanese writing can be found in a useful Japanese hiragana chart. Start learning Hiragana today and take your first step into Japanese!

Learning to read and write Japanese begins with the hiragana alphabet, which forms the core of the language’s written system. A simple Japanese hiragana chart offers beginners a quick and effective way to start recognizing symbols and pronouncing sounds in Japanese.

Hiragana is one part of the Japanese writing system and covers every basic sound in the language. While Japanese has complex grammar and characters like Kanji, hiragana is simpler to pick up. Mastering hiragana builds a strong base for moving on to more complex reading and writing skills.

Thankfully, the basics of hiragana are quite approachable. A hiragana chart is a great tool to start with, helping you practice the common sounds used in Japanese. Each symbol represents a single sound, and by pronouncing each one, you can start forming simple words. As you study, you’ll also learn how to combine different characters to make new syllables. These essentials will quickly set you up to read and write basic Japanese text!

Table of Contents

• Learn the Basics of Japanese Hiragana

• Japanese Hiragana Chart

• Japanese Hiragana transformations

  • Dakuten & Handakuten

  • Hiragana Combinations

• Hard stops using つ

• 10 Tips and Tricks for Learning Hiragana for Beginners

• Benefits of Learning Japanese Hiragana

• FAQs About Learning Japanese Hiragana

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Learn the Basics of Japanese Hiragana.

Before diving into the hiragana chart, it’s good to understand the basics. Hiragana has five primary vowel sounds: ‘a’ (あ), ‘i’ (い), ‘u’ (う), ‘e’ (え), and ‘o’ (お). These are pronounced as ‘ah,’ ‘ee,’ ‘ooh,’ ‘eh,’ and ‘oh,’ making them easy to learn right from the start.

The first row in hiragana is simply ‘a’, ‘i’, ‘u’, ‘e’, ‘o’. The following rows add a consonant before each of these vowels. After the vowels, you’ll see rows for ‘ka’ (か), ‘ki’ (き), ‘ku’ (く), ‘ke’ (け), and ‘ko’ (こ), followed by ‘sa’, ‘shi’, ‘su’, ‘se’, ‘so,’ and so on. This pattern allows you to learn new characters more easily by building on familiar sounds.

Japanese Hiragana Chart

Japanese Hiragana transformations

Need to create characters for sounds not directly listed in the basic Hiragana chart? No problem! Japanese hiragana transformations let you easily adapt the characters you’ve already learned to form additional sounds like "go," "pi," and "chu." These transformations are simple adjustments to the base hiragana characters, allowing you to create a wider variety of sounds without needing to memorize entirely new symbols.

Transformations in hiragana involve small modifications called dakuten (two small marks like quotation marks) and handakuten (a small circle mark). By adding these marks to existing characters, you can create new sounds, turning "ka" (か) into "ga" (が) or "ha" (は) into "pa" (ぱ), for example. Another form of transformation involves combining characters to create blended sounds like "kya" or "chu."

With these straightforward tricks, you can expand your hiragana knowledge without overwhelming yourself with extra symbols. Let's dive into how these transformations work!

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Dakuten & Handakuten

In Japanese hiragana writing, dakuten and handakuten are special symbols used to change the sound of certain hiragana characters. These small marks are added to basic characters, transforming their pronunciation and expanding the range of sounds available in hiragana.

Dakuten (〃) is represented by two small marks, similar to quotation marks, placed at the top right corner of a character. Adding dakuten changes the sound of certain consonants, making, for example, “k” sounds become “g” sounds (like changing か ka to が ga) and “s” sounds become “z” sounds (like turning さ sa into ざ za).

Handakuten ( ゜), is a small circle placed at the top right of the hiragana, is used only with characters in the “h” row. It changes these “h” sounds into “p” sounds, transforming は ha to ぱ pa, ひ hi to ぴ pi, and so forth.

By using dakuten and handakuten, you can pronounce a wider variety of sounds in Japanese without needing extra characters. These marks are essential for mastering everyday words, so understanding and practicing them will greatly improve your Japanese reading skills.

Japanese Hiragana Combinations

Hiragana combinations allow for even more sounds in Japanese by pairing certain characters together. These combinations are made by taking a character from the "i" (い) row, such as ki (き) or shi (し), and joining it with one of the smaller "y" sounds: ya (や), yu (ゆ), or yo (よ). The resulting character pairing creates a blended sound, giving you combinations like kya (きゃ), shu (しゅ), or gyo (ぎょ).

Hard stops using つ

In Japanese hiragana, a small つ (known as sokuon) is used to indicate a hard stop or brief pause within a word. When you see this small つ, it signals a slight pause before pronouncing the following syllable, creating a "double consonant" effect. This pause is essential for giving Japanese words their natural rhythm and flow.

For example, in the word kitte (きって), meaning "stamp," the small つ causes a short pause between the “ki” and “te” sounds, making the pronunciation kit-te rather than kite. This small pause can change the meaning of words, so it’s important to recognize when to use it.

10 Tips and Tricks for Learning Hiragana for Beginners

1: Start with a Japanese Hiragana Chart
2: Break it Down into Sections
3: Practice with Mnemonics and Visuals
4: Write It Out - Practice Makes Perfect
5: Use Flashcards and Apps for Daily Practice
6: Incorporate Hiragana into Everyday Items
7: Try Hiragana Reading Practice with Simple Texts
8: Engage with Japanese Culture While Learning
9: Set Small Goals and Track Your Progress
10: Practice with Native Japanese Content

Tip #1: Start with a Japanese Hiragana Chart

The Japanese hiragana chart is your best friend. This chart lists each hiragana character and its corresponding sound. Here’s how to maximize its use:

• Visual Memorization: Print out a hiragana chart and keep it somewhere visible.

• Audio Pairing: Listen to native speakers or use apps to hear the correct pronunciation for each character while studying the chart.

• Daily Review: Spend a few minutes each day reviewing the chart, starting with one section at a time.

Starting with a Japanese hiragana chart helps familiarize you with the characters, sounds, and structure of the syllabary.

Tip #2: Break it Down into Sections

Learning 46 characters all at once can be overwhelming. Break down the chart into smaller sections, such as the five vowels (a, i, u, e, o) and each subsequent line that begins with consonants like k, s, t, and so forth. Working in smaller sections will help you retain information more effectively.

• Focus on Vowel Sounds: Begin with the five vowel sounds (あ, い, う, え, お) as they’re the foundation of hiragana pronunciation.

• Add Consonants Gradually: Once comfortable with vowels, add one consonant row at a time.

• Review Previous Sections: Always review previous sections to reinforce memory before moving to new ones.

Tip #3: Practice with Mnemonics and Visuals

Mnemonics are incredibly useful for memorizing Japanese hiragana. Associate each hiragana character with a visual image or phrase that helps you remember its shape and sound.

• Create Visual Cues: For example, し (shi) can look like a fishing hook, so you might think “shi, I’m fishing.”

• Use Online Resources: Some websites provide mnemonics specifically designed for hiragana. Find a few that resonate with you and use them for reference.

By creating mental images or using short phrases, hiragana becomes easier to recognize and recall.

Tip #4: Write It Out - Practice Makes Perfect

Writing each character multiple times helps reinforce memory and improve your writing skills. Japanese hiragana is all about consistent practice, and writing each character by hand can be very effective.

• Stroke Order Matters: Japanese has specific stroke orders for each character, which makes writing smoother and more natural.

• Practice Sheets: Print out hiragana worksheets that show the stroke order, which helps build muscle memory.

• Regular Writing Sessions: Dedicate 10-15 minutes each day to writing out characters to build familiarity.

Writing out each character over time helps engrain their forms in your mind, making them easier to recall later.

Tip #5: Use Flashcards and Apps for Daily Practice

Flashcards are a classic language learning tool that work well for Japanese hiragana. Digital apps also offer flashcard functionality, making learning more convenient.

• Physical Flashcards: Write each hiragana character on one side of a card and its pronunciation on the other.

• Apps: Apps like Anki, Quizlet, and DuoLingo have built-in flashcard features that help you review hiragana.

• Timed Sessions: Spend a few minutes reviewing flashcards daily to test your recall and reinforce memorization.

Flashcards and apps make learning interactive and provide instant feedback, which can be highly motivational.

Tip #6: Incorporate Hiragana into Everyday Items

Making hiragana part of your daily life can be one of the easiest ways to remember it.

• Label Household Items: Place hiragana labels on common items around your home, like the refrigerator (れいぞうこ) or table (テーブル).

• Use Sticky Notes: Place sticky notes with hiragana words in your study space to keep them top of mind.

• Calendar Reminders: Write daily reminders in hiragana to familiarize yourself with the characters in a meaningful context.

Seeing hiragana regularly on everyday items helps you associate it with real objects, enhancing your memory retention.

Tip #7: Try Hiragana Reading Practice with Simple Texts

Reading practice is a crucial part of language learning, and even beginner-level texts can be highly effective for practicing hiragana.

• Children’s Books: Japanese children’s books often use simple hiragana sentences.

• Japanese Hiragana-Only Texts: Some language learning books or online resources provide hiragana-only reading exercises.

• Practice with Stories: Short stories or folktales written in hiragana help reinforce both recognition and reading speed.

Regular reading practice with basic texts builds your confidence in recognizing and understanding hiragana in real contexts.

Tip #8: Engage with Japanese Culture While Learning

Adding cultural elements can make your learning experience much more enjoyable and meaningful.

• Watch Anime with Hiragana Subtitles: Some streaming services provide hiragana subtitles, which can help reinforce your learning.

• Listen to Japanese Songs: Songs often repeat words, which helps with pronunciation and recognition.

• Japanese Calligraphy (Shodo): Try practicing hiragana characters using Japanese calligraphy, an art form that encourages slow, mindful writing.

When you connect with cultural elements, learning becomes less about memorization and more about enjoying the language.

Tip #9: Set Small Goals and Track Your Progress

Setting achievable goals helps keep you motivated and on track.

• Goal Setting: For example, aim to master one row of the Japanese hiragana chart each week.

• Track with a Journal: Record your daily or weekly progress and review how far you’ve come.

• Reward Yourself: Celebrate small achievements to maintain a positive mindset.

Tracking your progress encourages consistency and helps you stay motivated, especially when you see improvement over time.

Tip #10: Practice with Native Japanese Content

Using real Japanese content helps you improve your language skills quickly and effectively.

• Hiragana Subtitles on YouTube: Many educational Japanese YouTube channels use hiragana subtitles, making it easy for beginners to follow along.

• Practice Reading Japanese Menus or Ads: Even trying to read Japanese food packaging or ads online in hiragana builds confidence.

• Interactive Tools: Websites like NHK Easy News offer simplified Japanese news articles written in hiragana and basic kanji, perfect for beginners.

Practicing with real Japanese content helps you experience hiragana in authentic contexts, aiding in both comprehension and retention.

Benefits of learning hiragana

After mastering Hiragana with the help of a hiragana chart, you might wonder: what are the real advantages of knowing this script? Here are six key benefits that make learning Hiragana an invaluable step in your Japanese language journey:

1. Basic Communication: Understanding Hiragana allows you to read and write simple Japanese words and phrases, which is especially useful when speaking with native Japanese speakers. It enables you to recognize everyday words, helping with basic communication.

2. Basics for Learning Japanese: Once you've mastered it, you can move on to studying grammar, vocabulary, and eventually other writing systems like Katakana and Kanji. Hiragana forms the base for understanding Japanese sentence structure.

3. Reading Signs and Menus: In Japan, Hiragana appears on many signs, menus, and labels. Knowing it makes it easier to read these signs, helping you navigate and understand your surroundings and even identify items in restaurants or shops.

4. Cultural Insight: Learning Hiragana deepens your understanding of Japanese culture and language. By studying the script and language, you gain appreciation for Japan’s traditions, values, and customs, as Hiragana is closely tied to the country’s history and identity.

5. Enhanced Memory and Cognitive Skills: Learning a new alphabet requires focus and memorization, which can improve your memory and mental skills. The effort to recognize and recall each character is an excellent mental exercise, benefiting your overall cognitive abilities.

6. Personal Achievement: Learning Hiragana is challenging yet fulfilling. Mastering this script brings a sense of personal accomplishment, inspiring you to continue with the language and achieve even more in your studies.

Ready to start learning Hiragana? A great way to begin is by using a hiragana chart, like the one we’ve created just for learners! You can find it online and dive right into practicing the characters and their sounds. Check out our digital Hiragana chart here to get started today. After learning Hiragana, you’ll be well-prepared to explore Kanji and other advanced aspects of Japanese!

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Learn more about hiragana

FAQs About Learning Japanese Hiragana

Q1: How long does it take to learn Japanese hiragana?
A: Many beginners can learn to recognize and write hiragana in about two weeks with consistent practice, though mastering fluency takes longer.

Q2: Is it necessary to learn hiragana before katakana or kanji?
A: Yes, hiragana is the foundation of Japanese writing. Learning it first provides a strong base for understanding other characters.

Q3: What is the best way to memorize Japanese hiragana?
A: The best way to memorize Japanese hiragana is to use a mix of techniques that reinforce each other. Start by studying a Japanese hiragana chart to familiarize yourself with all characters, then practice writing each character by hand to build muscle memory. Mnemonics and visual associations can help you remember individual characters, and using flashcards or apps like Anki or Quizlet can support regular review. Consistent practice, especially with short, daily sessions, helps reinforce your memory and improves recall over time.

Q4: Can I learn Japanese hiragana without knowing any Japanese words?
A: Absolutely! Hiragana is a phonetic script, so you don’t need to know Japanese vocabulary to start learning it. By learning hiragana, you’re actually laying the groundwork for reading and pronouncing Japanese words correctly in the future.

Q5: What’s the difference between Japanese hiragana and katakana?
A: Hiragana and katakana are both phonetic scripts in Japanese. Hiragana is primarily used for native Japanese words and grammatical elements, while katakana is used for foreign loanwords, names, and certain onomatopoeic expressions. Learning both helps you become proficient in Japanese writing, but hiragana is usually taught first.

Q6: Are there apps specifically for learning Japanese hiragana?
A: Yes, there are many apps designed to help learners master hiragana! Some popular options include Duolingo, Hiragana Quest, LingoDeer, and Anki. These apps often feature flashcards, quizzes, and interactive exercises to make learning hiragana engaging.

Q7: How can I improve my Japanese hiragana handwriting?
A: Focus on stroke order and form. Practice by using worksheets that show the correct stroke order, and try writing each character slowly. You can also find calligraphy tutorials online to make your handwriting more precise and aesthetically pleasing.

Q8: What is the best way to test my hiragana knowledge?
A: Testing yourself regularly with flashcards or quizzes is a great way to assess your progress. Many language-learning apps have built-in quizzes, and some websites offer printable hiragana tests. Reading simple texts or attempting to write out words using hiragana is also helpful.

Q9: Is there a specific order in which I should learn hiragana characters?
A: Yes, it’s common to learn hiragana in “rows” based on vowel-consonant order. Start with the five basic vowels (あ, い, う, え, お), then proceed with the following rows that begin with consonants (ka, sa, ta, na, etc.). This method is systematic and helps build a strong foundation.

Q10: What are dakuten and handakuten in hiragana?
A: Dakuten (゛) and handakuten (゜) are diacritical marks added to certain hiragana characters to change their pronunciation. For example, か (ka) becomes が (ga) with dakuten, and は (ha) becomes ぱ (pa) with handakuten. Learning these modifications expands your ability to read more words in Japanese.

Q11: How important is stroke order when learning Japanese hiragana?
A: Stroke order is essential in Japanese writing, as it affects the flow, appearance, and readability of characters. Practicing correct stroke order from the beginning helps you develop good habits and improves the overall appearance of your handwriting.

Q12: Can I use hiragana alone to communicate in Japanese?
A: While you can use hiragana to write basic sentences, native Japanese writing typically includes a mix of hiragana, katakana, and kanji. However, children’s books and beginner-level texts often use hiragana exclusively, so it’s certainly possible to communicate at a basic level using hiragana alone.

Q13: Should I learn to speak Japanese before studying hiragana?
A: Learning to speak and understand basic Japanese phrases can complement your hiragana study, but it’s not strictly necessary. Many learners start by studying hiragana first to build a foundation for both reading and speaking Japanese.

Q14: What is romaji, and should I use it when learning hiragana?
A: Romaji is the use of the Latin alphabet to represent Japanese sounds. While it can be helpful for absolute beginners, relying too much on romaji may slow your progress in mastering hiragana. Transitioning to hiragana as early as possible is generally recommended for effective learning.

Q15: Can I learn hiragana through Japanese culture?
A: Yes, integrating cultural activities like watching anime with hiragana subtitles, listening to Japanese music, or practicing calligraphy (shodo) can make learning hiragana more immersive and enjoyable. Cultural engagement helps reinforce your learning and deepens your connection to the language.

Q16: How can I prevent myself from forgetting hiragana characters?
A: Consistent practice and review are key to retaining hiragana characters. Use flashcards, write characters regularly, and incorporate hiragana into your daily activities. Revisiting what you’ve learned weekly or even monthly can also help prevent forgetting.

Q17: Is it normal to confuse similar-looking hiragana characters?
A: Yes, it’s common for beginners to mix up similar-looking characters like さ (sa) and ち (chi), or ぬ (nu) and め (me). Regular practice and comparing characters side-by-side can help you learn to distinguish them.

Q18: How many hours per day should I spend studying hiragana?
A: Consistency is more important than the total time spent. Even 15-30 minutes of daily study can be very effective. The key is regular review, so find a pace that works for you and stick with it over time.

Q19: Are there books specifically for learning Japanese hiragana?
A: Yes, several books focus on teaching hiragana, such as "Remembering the Kana" by James Heisig and "Japanese Hiragana & Katakana for Beginners" by Timothy G. Stout. These books offer structured practice and often include exercises to help reinforce your learning.

Q20: Will learning hiragana help me understand kanji?
A: Learning hiragana is a foundational step that makes understanding kanji easier, as kanji readings are often accompanied by hiragana (known as furigana). Hiragana is also used to form verb endings and grammar particles that are essential for reading sentences that contain kanji.

Therefore, our website has something to offer everyone, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced learner. We invite you to explore our content further and increase your knowledge with Japanese language and culture. We appreciate your reading and hope to provide you with more information soon. See you later!

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