Japanese Writing Systems
Japanese uses three writing systems: Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji. Each has a specific role and together they create the rich written language of Japanese.
The Three Japanese Alphabets
Hiragana is a phonetic alphabet with 46 base characters representing syllables. It's used for native Japanese words, grammar elements, and children's literature.
- Curved, flowing shape
- Used for native Japanese words
- Essential for particles and verb endings
- First alphabet taught to Japanese children
Katakana is another phonetic alphabet with the same sounds as hiragana but different symbols. It's primarily used for foreign loanwords, scientific terms, and emphasis.
- Angular, sharp appearance
- Used for foreign loanwords and names
- Common for technical and scientific terms
- Used for onomatopoeia and emphasis
Kanji are logographic characters adopted from Chinese. Each represents a concept rather than just a sound, with most having multiple pronunciations depending on context.
- Over 2,000 characters in common use
- Each can have multiple readings (on-yomi and kun-yomi)
- Forms the core of Japanese written communication
How Japanese Writing Works
Combined Usage
Modern Japanese text combines all three writing systems in the same sentence. This mixture creates a visual hierarchy and helps distinguish parts of speech:
私はコーヒーを飲みます
Watashi wa koohii o nomimasu (I drink coffee)
私 (I), 飲 (drink)
は, を, みます
particles & verb ending
コーヒー
coffee (foreign word)
Learning Progression
Japanese language learning typically follows a specific progression:
- 1
Hiragana
The foundational alphabet for basic reading and writing
- 2
Katakana
For foreign words and special expressions
- 3
Basic Kanji (JLPT N5-N4)
Simple, everyday kanji characters (~300)
- 4
Intermediate & Advanced Kanji
Gradually expanding to ~2,000+ characters