A Step-by-Step Guide to Learning Japanese Characters: Hiragana
Table of Contents
Introduction
Hiragana is a starting point for learners who want to understand how to read, write, and speak confidently in Japanese.
For many, learning a new alphabet (2, actually) can feel a bit overwhelming. Luckily, Hiragana is simple and easy to understand. With just 46 basic characters, you can read lots of words and get a solid start on your Japanese studies.
This guide will show you a clear and manageable way to learn Hiragana. By the end, you'll have the tools, tips, and resources to start reading and writing Japanese easily.
Disclaimer: I'm not a native Japanese speaker, and I didn't take the JLPT exam. In this post, I'll explain how I learned hiragana as a self-taught.
What is Hiragana?
Hiragana is one of the three main writing scripts used in Japanese, along with Katakana (カタカナ) and Kanji (漢字). There are 46 characters in the Hiragana script, each representing a distinct syllable. This makes it a phonetic alphabet. Hiragana is different from Kanji because it's purely phonetic. It's more about the sound of words than their meaning.
It's also used for grammatical elements like particles and verb conjugations, as well as native Japanese words that don't have Kanji representations. For instance, the word かわいい (kawaii, meaning "cute") is typically written in hiragana but also has kanji 可愛い (same reading).
Hiragana is also a great way for beginners to learn Kanji. When Kanji is challenging or unfamiliar, Hiragana is often written above or beside it as a pronunciation guide, called furigana.
Why Learning Hiragana is Essential
It's the building block of Japanese writing.
It Makes Learning Kanji Easier
You can start reading simple Japanese right away.
It's important for building your vocabulary and getting a handle on pronunciation.
Each hiragana character corresponds to a specific sound, which is key for understanding how Japanese words are pronounced. Once you've got a handle on hiragana, you can spell and say new vocabulary more accurately.
Once you've got Hiragana down, you'll feel like you can take on anything.
Steps to Learn Hiragana
Familiarize Yourself with the Chart
To get started, take a look at the Hiragana chart, which shows all 46 basic characters in rows based on their vowel sounds あ い う え お (a, i, u, e, o). It's important to understand this layout if you want to grasp the structure of the script.
Tip: Print a Hiragana and Katakana chart or save it as a digital reference. Keep it visible while studying to help you remember it. Here is a pdf chart by freejapaneselessons.com or apieceofsushi.com
You can also use apps or flashcards to test your recognition of characters and their corresponding sounds. For example, Anki and deck for it
Master Stroke Order
Knowing how to write Hiragana is an art form. The order in which you write the strokes affects how clear and fluid your writing is. Each character has a specific sequence for writing its strokes.
Writing the strokes in the right order makes your writing easier to read and helps you remember the character's structure.
Practice with guides that show you step-by-step how to draw each character. Use grid paper or printables to ensure uniformity in size and spacing. Here's the example that I've used
Practice Reading and Listening
Once you've got a handle on recognizing and writing the characters, it's time to start using them in context.
Reading: Use materials that are easy to understand, like books, worksheets, or flashcards that only use hiragana.
Listening: Listen to native speakers say the sounds of hiragana. Use apps or YouTube channels that teach hiragana pronunciation to help you hear it better.
If you do these things every day, you will learn hiragana and also get a good start on learning the Japanese language.
Recommended Resources
Here's a list of resources i used myself in the beginning:
Apps
Duolingo has some great interactive lessons that focus on Hiragana recognition and pronunciation.
Anki is a customizable flashcard app that's great for memorizing characters using spaced repetition.
Conclusion
Hiragana is a key to get started with Japanese. It helps you read, write, and understand the language better. By breaking the process into small steps, practicing daily, and using helpful tools like mnemonics and apps, you can progress quickly and confidently. Stay consistent, celebrate your milestones, and enjoy the journey!