Welcome to Your Japanese Learning Journey!
We're thrilled you're ready to embark on your Japanese learning adventure. Our lessons are structured to guide you from absolute beginner to conversational fluency. Choose your starting point below, or take our quick assessment to find your ideal path.
ready to start? choose your path!
Brand New to Japanese? Start Here!
If you've never studied Japanese before, this is the perfect place to begin. We'll cover the essential basics, starting with Hiragana, common phrases, and fundamental grammar.
Review the Core Basics
Already know some Japanese? Jump into our foundational modules to brush up on essential grammar, vocabulary, and basic conversational patterns.
Explore By Topic or Level!
Already know what you need? Dive into specific areas of Japanese learning.
Japanese Scripts
Grammar
Vocabulary
Japanese Culture
The Japanese Alphabet
Not Sure Where to Start?
Take our quick assessment to find your current Japanese proficiency level and get personalized recommendations for lessons that match your skill.
Our Approach to Learning
At Gakushuu Nihongo, we believe in practical, culturally-rich learning designed for real-world application. We're here to support you every step of this incredible journey!
Ganbatte kudasai! (Good luck!)
JLPT N5: Beginner Essentials
This level covers the absolute fundamentals of Japanese, essential for daily life conversations. You'll learn basic greetings, simple sentence structures, particles, and core vocabulary. It's the perfect starting point for complete beginners!
Basic Greetings & Introductions
- こんにちは (Konnichiwa) - Hello / Good afternoon
- おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu) - Good morning
- こんばんは (Konbanwa) - Good evening
- さようなら (Sayounara) - Goodbye
- はじめまして (Hajimemashite) - Nice to meet you (first time meeting)
- どうぞよろしくお願いします (Douzo yoroshiku onegaishimasu) - Pleased to meet you (often used after Hajimemashite)
Simple Sentence Structure & Particles
- Noun は Noun です (Noun wa Noun desu) - "A is B." (e.g: 私はジョンです - Watashi wa Jon desu - I am John.)
- Particle を (o) - Direct object marker (e.g: 水を飲みます - Mizu o nomimasu - I drink water.)
- Particle も (mo) - "also / too" (e.g: 私も学生です - Watashi mo gakusei desu - I am also a student.)
- Particle に (ni) - "at / to / in" (e.g: 学校に行きます - Gakkou ni ikimasu - I go to school.)
- Adjectives (い-adjectives & な-adjectives) - Describing things (e.g: 楽しいです - Tanoshii desu - It's fun.)
JLPT N4: Building Your Foundation
Moving beyond N5, N4 introduces more complex grammar forms, including various verb conjugations, potential forms, and passive voice. You'll expand your vocabulary for broader communication and daily scenarios.
Essential Verb Forms & Usage
- て形 (Te-form) - Connecting verbs, requests, ongoing actions (e.g: 読んでください - Yonde kudasai - Please read.)
- 可能形 (Potential Form) - Expressing ability (e.g: 日本語が話せます - Nihongo ga hanasemasu - I can speak Japanese.)
- 受身形 (Passive Voice) - Being done something to (e.g: 先生に褒められました - Sensei ni homeraremashita - I was praised by the teacher.)
- 動詞の辞書形/ない形 (Dictionary/Negative forms) - For various clauses (e.g: 食べる / 食べない - Taberu / Tabenai - to eat / not to eat)
Connecting Sentences & Expressions
- ながら (nagara) - Doing two things simultaneously (e.g: 音楽を聞きながら勉強します - Ongaku o kikinagara benkyou shimasu - I study while listening to music.)
- すぎる (sugiru) - Too much (e.g: 食べすぎました - Tabesugimashita - I ate too much.)
- た方がいいです (ta hou ga ii desu) - Had better do (e.g: 早く寝た方がいいです - Hayaku neta hou ga ii desu - You'd better sleep early.)
- でしょう/だろう (deshou/darou) - Expressing probability/conjecture (e.g: 明日雨が降るでしょう - Ashita ame ga furu desu hou - It will probably rain tomorrow.)
JLPT N3: Intermediate Connections
At N3, you'll start connecting sentences more naturally, express opinions, and understand more nuanced expressions. This level bridges the gap between basic and advanced Japanese, focusing on conversational flow, reading comprehension, and everyday situations.
Expressing Nuances & Conditions
- ば (ba) - Conditional form (e.g: 勉強すれば、合格できます - Benkyou sureba, goukaku dekimasu - If you study, you can pass.)
- のに (noni) - In spite of, although (e.g: 寒いのに、窓を開けている - Samui noni, mado o akete iru - Although it's cold, the window is open.)
- はずです (hazu desu) - It is expected that / It should be (e.g: 彼も来るはずです - Kare mo kuru hazu desu - He should also come.)
- つもりです (tsumori desu) - Intending to do (e.g: 日本へ行くつもりです - Nihon e iku tsumori desu - I intend to go to Japan.)
Conjunctions & Opinion
- によると (ni yoru to) - According to (e.g: ニュースによると、雪が降るらしいです - Nyuusu ni yoru to, yuki ga furu rashii desu - According to the news, it seems it will snow.)
- と(to) - If/when (e.g: ボタンを押すと、電気がつきます - Botan o osu to, denki ga tsukimasu - When you press the button, the light turns on.)
- ため(ni) (tame (ni)) - For the purpose of, because of (e.g: 健康のために運動します - Kenkou no tame ni undou shimasu - I exercise for my health.)
- そうに/そうにない (sou ni/sou ni nai) - Seems like / does not seem like (e.g: 雨が降りそうです - Ame ga furisou desu - It looks like it will rain.)
Hiragana Lessons: Start Your First Script!
Hiragana is the most basic phonetic script in Japanese. Mastering it is your first essential step to reading and writing Japanese! Each character represents a syllable.
The Five Vowels & K-Row
- あ (a) - Sounds like 'a' in 'father'
- い (i) - Sounds like 'ee' in 'see'
- う (u) - Sounds like 'oo' in 'moon'
- え (e) - Sounds like 'e' in 'get'
- お (o) - Sounds like 'o' in 'Okay'
- K-Row:
- か (ka) - き (ki) - く (ku) - け (ke) - こ (ko)
Recommendations for Hiragana
- Stroke Order: Always practice with correct stroke order for legible writing.
- Flashcards: Use physical or digital flashcards for quick memorization.
- Typing Practice: Type Hiragana on a Japanese keyboard layout.
- Reading Practice: Start reading simple Hiragana-only texts or children's books.
- Consistency: Dedicate 15-20 minutes daily for consistent practice.
- Socialize: Use apps to talk to japanese people like Tandem or Hellotalk.
Katakana Lessons: Foreign Words & Emphasis
Katakana is another phonetic script, primarily used for foreign loanwords, names, and for emphasis (like italics in English). Its characters are often more angular than Hiragana.
The Five Vowels & K-Row in Katakana
- ア (a) - Sounds like 'A' in 'Father'
- イ (i) - Sounds like 'EE' in 'See'
- ウ (u) - Sounds like 'OO' in 'Moon'
- エ (e) - Sounds like 'E' in 'Get'
- オ (o) - Sounds like 'O' in 'Okay'
- K-Row:
- カ (ka) - キ (ki) - ク (ku) - ケ (ke) - コ (ko)
Recommendations for Katakana
- Practice: Learn 5 - 10 characters per day.
- Name Recognition: Practice recognizing foreign names written in Katakana.
- Visual Drills: Due to similar-looking characters (e.g: シ/ツ, ソ/ン), pay attention to subtle differences in writing.
- Real-world Exposure: Look for Katakana in signs, product labels, and menus.
- Practice Writing: Write your own name and familiar foreign words in Katakana.
Kanji Introduction: The Ideographic Script
Kanji are Chinese characters adopted into the Japanese writing system. They represent concepts and ideas, unlike Hiragana and Katakana which represent sounds. Learning Kanji expands your vocabulary and understanding significantly.
Basic Kanji Examples
- 日 (nichi/bi/hi) - Sun, Day (e.g: 日本 - Nihon - Japan)
- 本 (hon) - Book, Origin (e.g: 日本 - Nihon - Japan)
- 人 (hito/jin) - Person (e.g: 日本人 - Nihonjin - Japanese person)
- 大 (dai/oo) - Big, Large (e.g: 大きい - Ookii - Big)
- 学 (gaku/mana) - Study, Learn (e.g: 学校 - Gakkou - School)
Recommendations for Kanji
- Radicals: Learn common radicals to understand Kanji structure.
- Context: Learn Kanji within words or sentences, not in isolation.
- Spaced Repetition Systems (SRS): Use tools like Anki for efficient memorization.
- Gradual Learning: Start with the most common Kanji (e.g: JLPT N5 list) and build up.
- Reading: Read Japanese texts to reinforce Kanji recognition.
JLPT N2/N1: Advanced Grammar 🎓
This section delves into the complex grammar patterns required for higher proficiency levels (JLPT N2 and N1). Mastering these will allow you to understand nuanced expressions, read advanced materials, and engage in more complex conversations.
Key N2 Grammar Points
- によると/によれば (ni yoru to/ni yoreba): According to (e.g: 天気予報によると、明日は晴れるそうです - Tenki yohou ni yoru to, ashita wa hareru sou desu - According to the weather forecast, it seems it will be sunny tomorrow.)
- はずがない (hazu ga nai): Cannot possibly be (e.g: 彼がそんなことをするはずがない - Kare ga sonna koto o suru hazu ga nai - He couldn't possibly do such a thing.)
- わけではない (wake de wa nai): It's not that, it doesn't mean that (e.g: 日本語が話せるわけではない - Nihongo ga hanaseru wake de wa nai - It's not that I can speak Japanese fluently.)
- ないではいられない (nai de wa irarenai): Cannot help but do, cannot stop doing (e.g: 面白いので、笑わないではいられなかった - Omoshiroi node, warawanai de wa irarenakatta - It was so funny, I couldn't help but laugh.)
- に違いない (ni chigainai): Must be, I'm sure (e.g: 彼はきっと日本人であるに違いない - Kare wa kitto Nihonjin de aru ni chigainai - He must surely be Japanese.)
- ばかりか (bakari ka): Not only... but also (e.g: 彼は日本語ばかりか、英語も話せる - Kare wa Nihongo bakari ka, Eigo mo hanaseru - He can not only speak Japanese, but English too.)
Key N1 Grammar Points
- ものの (mono no): Although, but (e.g: 彼は日本に長く住んでいるものの、日本語はあまり話せない - Kare wa Nihon ni nagaku sunde iru mono no, Nihongo wa amari hanasenai - Although he has lived in Japan for a long time, he can't speak much Japanese.)
- において (ni oite): In, at, on (formal) (e.g: 会議は東京において行われた - Kaigi wa Toukyou ni oite okonawareta - The meeting was held in Tokyo.)
- ざるを得ない (zaru o enai): Cannot help but do, must do (e.g: 残念ながら、諦めざるを得ない - Zannen nagara, akiramezaru o enai - Unfortunately, I have no choice but to give up.)
- にほかならない (ni hoka naranai): Nothing but, simply (e.g: 彼の成功は努力の結果にほかならない - Kare no seikou wa doryoku no kekka ni hoka naranai - His success is nothing but the result of his effort.)
- からには (kara ni wa): Now that, since (e.g: 約束したからには、守らなければならない - Yakusoku shita kara ni wa, mamoranakereba naranai - Now that I've promised, I must keep it.)
- つつある (tsutsu aru): To be in the process of, to be continuing to (e.g: 日本経済は回復しつつある - Nihon keizai wa kaifuku shitsutsu aru - The Japanese economy is gradually recovering.)
Recommendations for Advanced Grammar
- Read Extensively: Engage with native Japanese materials like news articles, novels, and academic papers to see these grammar points in context.
- Shadowing & Listening: Practice mimicking native speakers and listen for how advanced grammar is used in natural conversations and media.
- Sentence Mining: Identify and record example sentences using new grammar points, and try to create your own variations.
- Tutor Practice: Work with a native Japanese tutor to practice using advanced grammar in conversation and receive feedback.
- JLPT Practice Tests: Utilize official JLPT N2/N1 practice tests to familiarize yourself with question formats and time management.
- Focus on Nuance: Pay close attention to the subtle differences in meaning between similar grammar patterns.
Everyday Vocabulary: Words for Daily Life 🗣️
Expand your Japanese vocabulary with essential words and phrases used in common daily situations, from greetings to shopping.
Common Categories & Examples
- Family Members (家族 - kazoku):
- お父さん (Otousan) - Father
- お母さん (Okaasan) - Mother
- 兄弟 (Kyoudai) - Siblings
- お兄さん (Oniisan) - Older brother
- お姉さん (Oneesan) - Older sister
- 弟 (Ototo) - Younger brother
- 妹 (Imouto) - Younger sister
- Food and Drink (食べ物と飲み物 - tabemono to nomimono):
- ご飯 (Gohan) - Cooked rice/Meal
- 水 (Mizu) - Water
- お茶 (Ocha) - Tea
- 魚 (Sakana) - Fish
- 肉 (Niku) - Meat
- 野菜 (Yasai) - Vegetables
- 果物 (Kudamono) - Fruit
- Colors (色 - iro):
- 赤 (Aka) - Red
- 橙色 (Orenji/Daidai-iro) - Orange
- 黄色 (Kiiro) - Yellow
- 緑 (Midori) - Green
- 青 (Ao) - Blue
- 藍色 (Ai-iro) - Indigo
- 紫 (Murasaki) - Purple
- 黒 (Kuro) - Black
- 白 (Shiro) - white
- Numbers (数字 - suuji):
- 一 (Ichi) - One
- 二 (Ni) - Two
- 三 (San) - Three
- 四 (Yon/Shi) - Four
- 五 (Go) - Five
- 六 (Roku) - Six
- 七 (Nana/Shichi) - Seven
- 八 (Hachi) - Eight
- 九 (Kyuu/Ku) - Nine
- 十 (Juu) - Ten
Recommendations for Vocabulary Learning
- Contextual Learning: Learn words in phrases or sentences, not just in isolation. Create simple sentences using new vocabulary.
- Daily Review: Use spaced repetition apps (like Anki) to reinforce new words efficiently. Consistency is key!
- Thematic Groups: Study words related to specific topics (e.g: `travel`, `food`, `hobbies`) to build cohesive vocabulary sets.
- Listening Immersion: Pay attention to vocabulary used in Japanese media (anime, dramas, podcasts, news). Try to identify new words you hear.
- Practice Speaking: Try to use new words in conversation as soon as possible. Even small sentences help solidify memory.
- Labels: Label objects around your home or office with their Japanese names to create an immersive environment.
- Visual Aids: Use images or draw pictures to help associate words with their meanings, especially for concrete nouns.
Travel Phrases: Navigate Japan with Confidence ✈️
Essential Japanese phrases for travelers, covering everything from asking for directions to ordering food and checking into a hotel.
Useful Phrases & Scenarios
- Basic Greetings & Thanks:
- こんにちは (Konnichiwa) - Hello
- ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu) - Thank you (polite)
- すみません (Sumimasen) - Excuse me / Sorry
- Asking for Directions:
- ___はどこですか？ (wa doko desu ka?) - Where is ___? (e.g: トイレはどこですか？ - Toire wa doko desu ka? - Where is the restroom?)
- まっすぐ (Massugu) - Straight ahead
- 右 (Migi) - Right
- 左 (Hidari) - Left
- この道を行く (Kono michi o iku) - Go down this road
- ___の隣 (No tonari) - Next to ___
- ___の前 (No mae) - In front of ___
- Ordering Food & Shopping:
- ___をお願いします (~ o onegaishimasu) - May I have ___? (e.g: これをお願いします - Kore o onegaishimasu - This, please.)
- いくらですか (Ikura desu ka?) - How much is it?
- お会計 (Okaikei) - The bill, please
- 美味しい (Oishii) - Delicious
- これください (Kore kudasai) - This one, please.
- 持ち帰り (Mochikaeri) - Takeout
- 中で食べます (Naka de tabemasu) - Eat in
- おすすめは何ですか (Oススメ wa nan desu ka?) - What do you recommend?
- Transportation:
- 駅 (Eki) - Station
- バス停 (Basutei) - Bus stop
- 切符 (Kippu) - Ticket
- ___まで (Ma de) - To ___ (e.g., 東京まで - Tokyo made - To Tokyo)
- 次の電車 (Tsugi no densha) - Next train
- タクシー (Takushii) - Taxi
- このバスは ___ に行きますか (Kono basu wa ___ ni ikimasu ka?) - Does this bus go to ~?
- Accommodation:
- ホテル (Hoteru) - Hotel
- チェックイン (Chekkuin) - Check-in
- 予約 (Yoyaku) - Reservation
- 部屋 (Heya) - Room
- 鍵 (Kagi) - Key
- 朝食 (Choushoku) - Breakfast
- インターネット (Intaanetto) - Internet
- Emergencies/Trouble:
- 助けてください (Tasukete kudasai) - Please help me!
- 警察 (Keisatsu) - Police
- 病院 (Byouin) - Hospital
- 道に迷いました (Michi ni mayomashita) - I'm lost.
Recommendations for Travel Phrases
- Role-play: Practice dialogues for common travel scenarios with a partner or language exchange friend. Simulate ordering food, asking for directions, or checking into a hotel.
- Listen to Audio: Familiarize yourself with natural pronunciation through travel phrase audio guides, Japanese podcasts, or videos.
- Phrasebook App: Keep a small phrasebook or a translation app on your phone for quick reference when you're on the go.
- Key Verbs: Focus on essential verbs like `ikimasu` (go), `tabemasu` (eat), `nomimasu` (drink), `kaimasu` (buy), `arimasu/imasu` (to be/exist).
- Confidence: Don't be afraid to try using the phrases, even if you make mistakes! Most Japanese people appreciate the effort and will be understanding.
- Learn Numbers: Being able to count and understand prices is crucial for shopping, ordering, and transportation.
- Basic Questions: Master simple question words like `doko` (where), `nani` (what), `itsu` (when), `dare` (who), and how to form basic questions with `ka`.
- Cultural Awareness: Learn basic Japanese etiquette, like bowing, to enhance your interactions.
Business Japanese: Politeness & Professionalism 💼
Learn the nuances of polite and respectful Japanese, essential for professional settings, meetings, and formal communications.
Core Concepts & Phrases
- Keigo (敬語): Honorifics and Humble Language
- 尊敬語 (Sonkeigo) - Honorific language (e.g: いらっしゃる - irassharu - to come/go/be, honorific of 行く/来る/いる) - Used to elevate the person you are speaking to or about.
- 謙譲語 (Kenjougo) - Humble language (e.g: 伺う - ukagau - to visit/ask, humble of 行く/聞く) - Used to humble yourself or your actions, showing respect to the other party.
- 丁寧語 (Teineigo) - Polite language (e.g: です/ます forms) - The standard polite forms used in most formal situations.
- Business Greetings & Introductions:
- お世話になっております (Osewa ni natte orimasu) - Thank you for your continued support (very common business greeting, often used at the start of emails/calls).
- 初めまして、[会社名]の[自分の名前]です (Hajimemashite, [Kaishamei] no [Jibun no Namae] desu) - Nice to meet you, I am [Your Name] from [Company Name].
- よろしくお願いいたします (Yoroshiku onegai itashimasu) - Best regards / Pleased to meet you (formal closing, used for favors, introductions, etc.)
- 本日はありがとうございます (Honjitsu wa arigatou gozaimasu) - Thank you for today.
- Formal Requests & Apologies:
- 恐れ入りますが (Osoreirimasu ga) - Excuse me, but... / I'm sorry to trouble you, but... (used when making a request or asking for a favor).
- 申し訳ございません (Moushiwake gozaimasen) - I am truly sorry (formal and strong apology, often used in business).
- お手数をおかけしますが (Otesuu o okake shimasu ga) - Sorry to trouble you, but... (used before asking for a favor that might be inconvenient).
- お忙しいところ恐縮ですが (O-isogashii tokoro kyoushuku desu ga) - I apologize for disturbing you during your busy time, but...
- Meeting & Discussion Phrases:
- 会議を始めます (Kaigi o hajimemasu) - Let's start the meeting.
- ご意見はありますか (Go-iken wa arimasu ka?) - Do you have any opinions/suggestions?
- 承知いたしました (Shouchi itashimashita) - Understood (formal acknowledgment, often replacing `wakarimashita`).
- 検討いたします (Kentou itashimasu) - I will consider it.
- 大変参考になりました (Taihen sankou ni narimashita) - That was very helpful.
- 質疑応答の時間です (Shitsugi outou no jikan desu) - It's time for Q&A.
- Email & Telephone Etiquette:
- いつもお世話になっております (Itsumo osewa ni natte orimasu) - Always indebted to your support (common email opening).
- お電話ありがとうございます (O-denwa arigatou gozaimasu) - Thank you for calling.
- 担当の者が不在でございます (Tantou no mono ga fuzai de gozaimasu) - The person in charge is currently absent.
- 折り返しお電話いたします (Orikaeshi o-denwa itashimasu) - I will call you back.
- ご確認のほどよろしくお願いいたします (Go-kakunin no hodo yoroshiku onegai itashimasu) - Please confirm (formal closing for requests).
Recommendations for Business Japanese
- Observe: Pay close attention to how native speakers use polite forms in business contexts, especially in meetings, formal emails, and phone calls. Mimic their patterns.
- Phrase Memorization: Start with common business phrases and internalize them. Focus on phrases that are frequently used in your specific work environment or industry.
- Role-playing: Practice with a tutor or native speaker to build confidence in using Keigo and formal expressions. Simulate common business scenarios like introductions, apologies, and discussions.
- Formal Media: Watch Japanese business news, documentaries, or read business-related articles and reports to expose yourself to professional language and vocabulary.
- Focus on Keigo: This is often the most challenging but crucial aspect of business Japanese. Understand the different types (Sonkeigo, Kenjougo, Teineigo) and when to use them appropriately.
- Email & Document Writing: Practice drafting formal emails, meeting summaries, or simple business proposals to grasp the appropriate tone, vocabulary, and sentence structures.
- Active Listening: Develop strong listening skills to accurately understand instructions, requests, and nuanced opinions in a fast-paced business setting.
- Cultural Nuances: Beyond language, understand Japanese business etiquette, such as exchanging business cards (meishi koukan), meeting protocols, and the importance of group harmony.
Japanese Culture: An Overview 🌸
Explore the rich and diverse aspects of Japanese culture. This section provides a general introduction to what makes Japan unique, from its deep-rooted history to its modern-day global influence.
Key Cultural Elements
- Historical foundations and philosophical thoughts.
- Influence of nature and aesthetics (e.g: Wabi-Sabi).
- Community values and group harmony.
- The evolving modern Japanese society.
- Brief overview of arts and daily life.
Learning Recommendations
- Read general books on Japanese history and culture.
- Watch documentaries that cover various cultural aspects.
- Visit cultural exhibitions or online resources.
- Engage in discussions about cultural differences.
- Approach learning with an open mind and respect.
- Use apps like (Tandem or Hellotalk) to talk with japanese people.
Japanese Traditions: Etiquette & Classical Arts 👘
Delve into the timeless traditions that shape Japanese society. Understand the foundational etiquette, the beauty of classical arts, and the deeply ingrained practices passed down through generations.
Key Aspects of Traditions
- Bowing (お辞儀 - Ojigi): Different types and contexts.
- Chopstick Manners (箸の作法 - Hashi no Sahou): Dos and don'ts.
- Gift-giving (贈答 - Soutou): Importance and customs.
- Tea Ceremony (茶道 - Sadou): Ritual and philosophy.
- Traditional Clothing: Kimono, Yukata, etc.
- Calligraphy (書道 - Shodou) & Ikebana (生け花): Artistic expressions.
Learning Recommendations
- Practice bowing and common polite phrases.
- Observe chopstick etiquette in Japanese restaurants.
- Learn about the history and significance of the tea ceremony.
- Explore videos or books on traditional Japanese arts.
- Consider trying a cultural workshop if available.
Japanese Festivals: Vibrant Celebrations 🎉
Experience the energy and joy of Japan's countless festivals (祭り - Matsuri)! These vibrant events, deeply rooted in history and local customs, offer a unique glimpse into the heart of Japanese communities.
Popular Festivals & Their Significance
- Hanami (花見): Cherry blossom viewing (Spring).
- Obon (お盆): Ancestor worship festival (Summer).
- Gion Matsuri (祇園祭): Kyoto's famous parade (July).
- Sapporo Snow Festival (さっぽろ雪まつり): Ice sculptures (Winter).
- New Year's (お正月 - Oshōgatsu): Important family celebration.
- Local shrine festivals and regional specific events.
Learning Recommendations
- Research major Japanese festivals and their customs.
- Watch videos of festival parades and activities.
- Learn related vocabulary (e.g., `mikoshi` - portable shrine).
- If traveling, try to experience a local festival.
- Understand the seasonal aspect and traditional foods/drinks.
The Japanese Alphabet: Understanding the Scripts
Japanese doesn't have a single 'alphabet' like English. Instead, it uses a combination of three writing systems. Mastering these scripts is fundamental to reading and writing Japanese!
Hiragana (ひらがな)
Hiragana is a phonetic script used for native Japanese words, grammatical particles, and verb endings. It's the first script you should learn! Each character represents a syllable.
| Char | Romaji | Char | Romaji | Char | Romaji | Char | Romaji | Char | Romaji |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | ヲ | wo | ン | n |
Example words:
- ねこ (neko) - cat
- さくら (sakura) - cherry blossom
- ありがとう (arigato) - thank you
Katakana (カタカナ)
Katakana is also a phonetic script, often used for foreign loanwords (gairaigo), foreign names, and for emphasis (like italics in English). Its characters are often more angular than Hiragana.
| Char | Romaji | Char | Romaji | Char | Romaji | Char | Romaji | Char | Romaji |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ア | a | イ | i | ウ | u | エ | e | オ | o |
| カ | ka | キ | ki | ク | ku | ケ | ke | コ | ko |
| サ | sa | シ | shi | ス | su | セ | se | ソ | so |
| タ | ta | チ | chi | ツ | tsu | テ | te | ト | to |
| ナ | na | ニ | ni | ヌ | nu | ネ | ne | ノ | no |
| ハ | ha | ヒ | hi | ふ | fu | ヘ | he | ホ | ho |
| マ | ma | ミ | mi | ム | mu | メ | me | モ | mo |
| ヤ | ya | ユ | yu | ヨ | yo | ||||
| ラ | ra | り | ri | る | ru | れ | re | ろ | ro |
| ワ | wa | ヲ | wo | ン | n |
Example words (often loanwords):
- コーヒー (koohii) - coffee
- ビール (biiru) - beer
- アメリカ (Amerika) - America
Kanji (漢字)
Kanji are Chinese characters adopted into the Japanese writing system. They represent concepts and ideas, unlike Hiragana and Katakana which represent sounds. Learning Kanji expands your vocabulary and understanding significantly.
A typical Japanese sentence uses a mix of Kanji (for nouns, verb stems, adjective stems), Hiragana (for grammatical particles, verb/adjective endings, native words without Kanji), and Katakana (for foreign words).
Example: 私は 'アメリカ人' です。 (Watashi wa 'Amerika-jin' desu.) - "I am 'American'." (Kanji: 私, 人; Hiragana: は, です; Katakana: アメリカ)