How to start learning Hiragana

So you have recently been interested in Hiragana but you don’t know what it is and how to start learning? No worries here’s a simple guide on what is Hiragana and how to get to know the base of the Japanese language easily

What is Hiragana?

Hiragana is the most widely used writing system in Japan. We called it the Japanese alphabet but actually, it is not exactly an alphabetic system like “ABC”, instead, a phonetic system with a chart that represents all syllables in Japanese.

Basic Hiragana chart

Hiragana basic chart

There are a total of 46 basic Hiragana in this Japanese alphabet. All start with 5 basic vowels

あ a

い i

う u

え e

お o

You can see these 5 vowels in the first row of the Hiragana chart and the following row are just those 5 vowels with a consonant. For example the second row with “K” consonants we have 5 new Hiragana

か ka

き ki

く ku

け ke

こ ko

or with “T” we got

た ta

ち chi

つ tsu

て te

と to

and so on.

Yes, sometimes they do not spell the same like ち “Chi” and つ “Tsu” in the above example because it is how the Japanese pronounce those words.

Advanced Hiragana chart

In addition to the basic Hiragana chart, Japanese also have an advanced chart with more syllables. Instead of making lots of new characters for those syllables and making Japanese harder to remember, they use this extended one.

The chart introduces new concepts of reading using Dakuten, Handakuten, and Yoon

Hiragana advanced chart

Dakuten is the two dots that appear on the top-right of the characters and create Dakuon.

Handakuten works the same as Dakuten but instead of two dots, it’s one circle, and it creates Handakuon.

Yoon is formed by adding smaller versions of ゃ, ゅ, ょ with Hiragana ending with vowel i to serve more complex sounds. Like しゃ “Sha” しゅ “Shu” しょ “Sho” and so on. It can be differentiated by the smaller size of the compounded characters compared to the rest.

There’s also one more special character that lies within the basic alphabet that has the power of creating special reading rules: the small つ

Whenever you see them in a word, the consonant of the Hiragana that stands after it will be doubled.

For example ちょっとまって: chotto matte (wait a minute)

To read this you just need to emphasize the doubled consonant, it’s best to listen to some examples to get the full picture.

How to learn Hiragana easily

When starting the journey to learn Hiragana, beginners often wonder where to begin and how to approach the process.

Where to start

Start with familiarizing oneself with the basic characters and their sounds. Begin by studying the first-row あ, い, う, え, お to get an idea of how basic sounds and pronunciation work, focusing on their shapes and practice writing 20-30 times per character. It's helpful to practice writing each character repeatedly to reinforce memory and develop muscle memory.

Start it slow and steady until you are familiar and comfortable with the knowledge and keep learning 1-2 new rows a day.

Recommended method

The method of learning is crucial for every beginner, it shapes all learning behavior and possibly learning routes. It’s important to adopt a decent learning method with trusted sources and a logical way of putting lessons together. Traditional method with textbooks and tutors is always recommended

Another popular and effective method for learning Kanji is the "spaced repetition" technique. This involves regularly reviewing what you’ve learned at spaced intervals to reinforce memory retention. Create flashcards or use digital flashcard apps that utilize spaced repetition algorithms to tailor your learning experience.

Spaced repetition technique' mechanism

Additionally, you can also try using mnemonics, it’s a useful method for beginners. If you're ready to dive into learning Hiragana, there are some cool ways to get started.

Suggested source and material

Here are some suggestions for materials and sources to make the learning journey smooth and enjoyable

Set the base with Textbooks

Textbook is a crucial item for Hiragana learners. They're like friendly teachers who will teach you the basics of Hiragana in an easy-to-understand way. With textbooks, you can learn at your own pace and have all the information you need right at your fingertips.

Some of the names that are well-known to beginners are Minna no Nihongo, Genki, and TaeKim’s guide.

Practice with Worksheet

Worksheets and Vocabulary Sheets are also useful in this phase. These are like your practice buddies. Worksheets and vocabulary sheets are great for putting what you've learned into action. You can practice writing and reading Hiragana characters, as well as learn new words and phrases to expand your vocabulary.

Learning with Apps

To spice up your lesson, you can always try Interactive Apps. Learning doesn't have to be boring! There are plenty of fun and interactive apps out there that can help you learn Hiragana while having a good time. These apps often include games, quizzes, and challenges to make learning Hiragana feel like playtime. There are plenty of learning apps out there that teach Hiragana, the most recommended one is MochiKana.

MochiKana helps you learn Hiragana faster with interactive lessons

MochiKana is of the best ways to learn Hiragana. It's like having your own personal tutor in your pocket! MochiKana offers interactive lessons, quizzes, and exercises to help you master Hiragana in a fun and engaging way. Plus, you can track your progress and see how far you've come.

With these awesome sources and materials, you'll be well on your way to mastering Hiragana in no time! So grab your textbooks, worksheets, and apps, and get ready to embark on an exciting learning adventure.