Hiragana
A kana script used for Japanese rhythm units throughout ordinary writing.
- Generally used for
- Grammar, word endings, particles, furigana, and many everyday words.
- Beginner focus
- Learn the five vowels, then one row at a time.
Japanese for complete beginners
Learn Japanese, one clear step at a time.
Understand how Japanese writing works, learn the basic sounds, and build recognition with Hiragana and Katakana. Then start using short Japanese expressions while adding beginner Kanji alongside them.
Japan Alphabet is our name. Japanese itself uses several writing systems—not one alphabet.
The big picture
How Japanese writing works
Japanese is not written with one alphabet. Beginners will meet three scripts, often alongside romaji while they are getting started.
Katakana
A second kana script with the same core readings as Hiragana.
- Generally used for
- Many loanwords, foreign names, sound words, emphasis, and some labels.
- Beginner focus
- Begin after your first Hiragana rows feel familiar.
Kanji
Meaning-bearing characters used throughout written Japanese.
- Generally used for
- The roots of many nouns, verbs, adjectives, names, and places.
- Beginner focus
- Add common characters gradually inside useful words.
Rōmaji
Japanese represented with Latin letters; it is not a native Japanese script.
- Generally used for
- Temporary reading support, typing input, and some public signs.
- Beginner focus
- Use it briefly, always checking the kana beside it.
Your roadmap
A beginner path with clear next steps
Start with writing and sound, then build Hiragana and Katakana recognition. Once Kana feels familiar, begin useful words and simple patterns while adding beginner Kanji alongside them.
Understand the writing systems
See how Hiragana, Katakana, Kanji, and romaji work together in written Japanese.
Learn how Japanese writing worksLearn the basic Japanese sounds
Meet the five steady vowel sounds that organize both Kana charts.
Learn the five vowel soundsBuild Hiragana recognition
Learn the core script one row at a time, then strengthen it through recall and review.
Learn HiraganaAdd Katakana
Reuse the same sound order while learning a second set of character shapes.
Learn KatakanaBegin real Japanese gradually
Keep improving Kana while you use short greetings and simple patterns. Add beginner Kanji alongside these lessons.
Start using Japanese
Available now
Open the next step in your path
If every script is new, start at Step 1. If you already know some Kana, choose the first step that still needs steady recall.
Step 1
Understand the writing systems
See how Hiragana, Katakana, Kanji, and romaji work together in written Japanese.
Step 2
Learn the basic Japanese sounds
Meet the five steady vowel sounds that organize both Kana charts.
Step 3
Build Hiragana recognition
Learn the core script one row at a time, then strengthen it through recall and review.
Step 4
Add Katakana
Reuse the same sound order while learning a second set of character shapes.
Step 5
Begin real Japanese gradually
Keep improving Kana while you use short greetings and simple patterns. Add beginner Kanji alongside these lessons.
Reference
Hiragana and Katakana charts
Study the 46 basic forms, sound marks, yōon, special timing rules, and extended Katakana in one reference.
Calm by design
Designed for real beginners
Clear structure matters when every sound and shape is new. Each page is made to be readable on a phone and useful in a short study session.
A clear learning order
Know what to study now, what can wait, and how each step supports the next.
Short, useful explanations
Meet new terms in plain language, with just enough detail to move forward.
Examples you can inspect
See Japanese, readings, romaji when useful, and a clear English meaning together.
Support that steps back
Use romaji to get oriented while steadily building real kana reading skills.
Your first step
Start with the writing systems
See the full beginner roadmap, then take your first short lesson with a clear idea of what comes next.