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. A basic character normally writes one Japanese rhythm unit, called a mora, such as a, ka, or shi. Its core readings and chart order match hiragana, so you are learning new shapes and writing functions rather than a separate 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 directly to its sound instead of translating it through hiragana. When a row starts to feel familiar, switch to Recall so the shape—not the romaji—prompts the sound.
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): Traditionally romanized wo; normally pronounced o in modern standard Japanese, especially as the object 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 · 33 common 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.
Read these as compact units: for example,キャ is kya, notkiya. Less-common spellings can be studied later in the words where they occur.
From characters to words
Sound out the Katakana before opening the meaning. A familiar word may help, but the written Japanese sounds still come first.
One reading step
カメラカメラ
Join the sounds into one word. The spaces and plus signs are only a learning aid; normal Japanese writes カメラ without spaces.
First pass
These words use full-size characters and familiar sound marks from the charts above.
bus
hotel
camera
television
Next pass
Read one pattern at a time. The note under each word tells you what to notice.
Long vowel ー
The final ー extends the vowel in シ.
taxi
Long vowels ー
Each ー extends the vowel before it.
coffee
Small ャ
Small ャ joins シ to make one compact シャ sound.
shirt
Small ッ
Small ッ marks a brief closure before ド.
bed
For audio contrasts and a closer explanation, review long vowels, small-y combinations, and small ッ in the complete Kana reference.
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.”
Sound out the Katakana before checking what the word means.
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 through interactive recall and printable study sheets. For side-by-side semantic tables, special timing rules, and all 33 sourced foreign-sound forms, use thecomplete Hiragana and Katakana reference.
Use what you can read
Keep reviewing both Kana scripts as you learn a small set of everyday greetings. Begin Kanji alongside these lessons when you are ready.
