Japanese script guide
Katakana represents the same basic sound set as hiragana with different shapes. It is especially useful for recognizing borrowed words, names, sound effects, and emphasis.
Katakana is the second kana script. Each basic character represents a sound such asa, ka, or shi. Its core sounds and chart order match hiragana, so you are learning new shapes rather than a new sound system.
The modern basic katakana set contains 46 characters. The open positions in the Y and W rows are part of the standard ordering, not missing page content.
Katakana commonly writes words borrowed from other languages, many non-Japanese personal and place names, onomatopoeia, and words given special emphasis. It also appears in some scientific and technical terms.
These are general patterns, not a rule that every foreign-looking idea must always be in katakana. Real writing choices depend on the word and context.
46 modern basic characters
Use the familiar a–i–u–e–o order. Learn each row as a set of shapes connected to sounds you already know.
Link each katakana to its sound rather than mentally translating it into hiragana first. After a row is familiar, look for its characters in short borrowed words.
Katakana study chart
Turn the chart into recall practice.
Focus on one row, hide the readings, or ask the chart to choose a character for you.
Current character
aVowels
Say the sound, then reveal the answer.
Matching hiragana: あ
Read mode shows each romanized sound. Select any card to compare it with the other kana script.
ヲ (wo): Usually pronounced like “o” when used as a particle.
Beyond the basic chart
Add sound marks first, then learn the most useful combinations with small kana. Switch to Recall when you want to test the readings at your own pace.
Readings are visible. Study one labelled group at a time before mixing them.
Level 2 · 25 variants
Dakuten changes kana such as カ → ガand creates the G, Z, D, and B rows. Handakuten changesハ → パ and creates the P row.
Why ji and zu appear twice:ジ and ヂ are both commonly romanized ji; ズ andヅ are both commonly romanized zu. They are distinct spellings, so learn which one belongs in each word.
Level 3 · 36 combinations
These pair an i-row kana with smallャ, ュ, orョ. Read each pair as one compact sound unit rather than two full-sized kana.
About the second ja, ju, jo group:ヂャ・ヂュ・ヂョ are valid but rare in modern Japanese. They remain in the chart because their spelling differs from the more commonジャ・ジュ・ジョ.
Steady practice
Reuse your knowledge of the sound rows, but give the new shapes their own recall practice.
Learn ア・イ・ウ・エ・オ before moving through consonant rows.
Notice the angle, length, and position of strokes without trying to absorb the full chart.
Aim to see カ and think ka, not “the katakana version of か.”
Use familiar names and established loanwords only when you can verify their Japanese spelling.
Put confusing pairs side by side and describe the visual difference you notice.
This guide covers the modern basic kana, voiced and semi-voiced variants, and common small-y combinations. Extended loanword spellings and other small-kana patterns remain for later lessons.
Keep building
Return to the lesson library to connect both kana charts with the writing systems and vowel lessons.
