Before you can learn Kanji or read Japanese, you need to master the two phonetic scripts: Hiragana (ひらがな) and Katakana (カタカナ). Together they’re called Kana - and they’re your gateway to the Japanese language.
Hiragana vs Katakana: What’s the Difference?
- Hiragana (46 characters): Used for native Japanese words, grammar particles, and verb conjugations. Round, flowing shapes. Example: たべる (to eat)
- Katakana (46 characters): Used for foreign loanwords, onomatopoeia, and emphasis. Angular, sharp shapes. Example: コーヒー (coffee)
Both scripts represent the same sounds. あ (hiragana) and ア (katakana) both sound like “a”. You need to learn both.
The 5 Vowels: Your Foundation
Japanese has only 5 vowel sounds. Every other kana is a consonant + vowel combination:
あ (a) · い (i) · う (u) · え (e) · お (o)
Learn these first. They appear in virtually every Japanese word.
Learning Strategy: 5 Characters Per Day
- Day 1-2: あ行 (a, i, u, e, o) - the vowels
- Day 3-4: か行 (ka, ki, ku, ke, ko) - k-row
- Day 5-6: さ行 (sa, shi, su, se, so) - s-row
- Day 7-8: た行 + な行 (t-row + n-row)
- Day 9-10: は行 + ま行 (h-row + m-row)
- Day 11-12: や行 + ら行 + わ行 + ん (y, r, w-rows + n)
- Day 13-14: Review all + start Katakana
Using SRS flashcards (like in Kanjijo) is the most efficient way to go through this. The app handles the review schedule automatically.
Tips for Faster Memorization
- Write by hand: Physical writing engages different memory pathways. Kanjijo includes writing practice for all 96 kana characters.
- Use mnemonics: “き (ki)” looks like a key. “ぬ (nu)” looks like noodles. Visual associations stick.
- Listen + repeat: Use native pronunciation for each character. Kanjijo provides audio for every kana.
- Read early: Try reading real Japanese (manga, signs, menus) as soon as you know 20+ kana. Struggle is part of learning.
Common Mistakes
- Relying on romaji: Stop writing Japanese in English letters. It cripples your reading ability.
- Skipping Katakana: Many beginners focus only on Hiragana. Katakana appears everywhere - in signs, menus, and technology terms.
- Not reviewing: Kana is “easy” but forgettable without SRS. Keep reviewing even after you move to Kanji.
After Kana: What’s Next?
Once you can read Hiragana and Katakana, you’re ready for Kanji and Vocabulary. Kanjijo seamlessly transitions you from Kana lessons into JLPT N5 content - no gap, no confusion.
Free tool
Drill hiragana and katakana right here in your browser — all 46 base characters plus dakuten and combination kana, in either direction, with the full charts underneath. No signup.
Open the free kana quiz96 Kana characters with writing practice, mnemonics and SRS.