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.
96 Kana characters with writing practice, mnemonics and SRS.