Is it Better to Learn Hiragana or Katakana?
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Time to read 5 min
When you begin learning Japanese, one of the first questions that comes up is: “Should I learn Hiragana or Katakana first?” Both are essential writing systems in Japanese, but they serve different purposes. Understanding the difference and knowing which one to start with can make your Japanese learning journey much smoother and more efficient.
In this article, we’ll break down the functions of Hiragana and Katakana, explain why each is important, and help you decide which one to learn first — along with some practical tips to master them faster.
Understanding the Japanese Writing System
Japanese uses three writing systems:
Hiragana (ひらがな)
Katakana (カタカナ)
Kanji (漢字)
Each system plays a unique role.
Hiragana is mainly used for native Japanese words, grammatical particles, and verb endings.
Katakana is used for foreign words, names, and sound effects.
Kanji represents Chinese characters that convey meaning rather than sound.
Before diving into Kanji, beginners must learn Hiragana and Katakana first — collectively known as Kana.
What Is Hiragana?
Hiragana is the foundational writing system for Japanese. It consists of 46 basic characters, each representing a syllable. Hiragana is the first script Japanese children learn in school, and it’s essential for reading and writing everyday Japanese.
Hiragana is used for:
Native Japanese words not written in Kanji
Grammar particles (such as は, が, を)
Verb and adjective endings
Children’s books and beginner texts
For example:
たべます (tabemasu, to eat)
かわいい (kawaii, cute)
おはよう (ohayou, good morning)
Hiragana gives structure to the language and connects Kanji together in sentences. Without it, you can’t form proper grammar or express ideas naturally.
What Is Katakana?
Katakana also has 46 characters, corresponding directly to the same sounds as Hiragana. However, it’s used differently — mainly for foreign loanwords (words borrowed from other languages), foreign names, technical terms, and onomatopoeia (sound effects).
For example:
コンピューター (konpyuutaa, computer)
アメリカ (Amerika, America)
コーヒー (koohii, coffee)
ドキドキ (dokidoki, heartbeat sound)
Katakana gives Japanese writing a modern and international flavor. You’ll see it on menus, advertisements, and product packaging everywhere in Japan.
Key Differences Between Hiragana and Katakana
| Feature | Hiragana | Katakana |
|---|---|---|
| Usage | Native words, grammar, and function words | Foreign words, names, and sound effects |
| Shape | Curvy and flowing | Sharp and angular |
| Learning order | Taught first in Japanese schools | Learned after Hiragana |
| Frequency | Appears more often in texts | Used selectively for specific words |
| Example | たべもの (tabemono, food) | パン (pan, bread) |
While both represent the same sounds, their visual styles and purposes are quite distinct.
Which Should You Learn First — Hiragana or Katakana?
1. Start with Hiragana
For almost every learner, Hiragana should come first. Here’s why:
It’s the foundation of Japanese grammar.
Most textbooks and courses assume you already know Hiragana.
It appears in nearly every sentence, including those with Kanji.
Children’s books and beginner resources are written in Hiragana.
Once you can read and write Hiragana, you’ll be able to pronounce Japanese words correctly, use verb conjugations, and read basic texts.
2. Learn Katakana Afterward
Once you’re comfortable with Hiragana, move on to Katakana. You’ll encounter Katakana words often — especially in modern contexts like food, technology, and pop culture.
Learning Katakana second makes sense because:
You’ll already understand how Japanese sounds work.
You can focus on recognizing the different shapes and remembering which words use Katakana.
It helps you read signs, menus, and brand names easily when you travel to Japan.
Why You Shouldn’t Skip Katakana
Some learners focus only on Hiragana, thinking it’s enough. However, skipping Katakana will limit your comprehension. Imagine trying to read Japanese menus or product labels — you’ll find Katakana everywhere!
For example:
サンドイッチ (sandoicchi, sandwich)
バス (basu, bus)
チョコレート (chokoreeto, chocolate)
Katakana is also important for reading foreign names and brand names, like:
マクドナルド (Makudonarudo, McDonald’s)
グーグル (Guuguru, Google)
スターバックス (Sutaabakkusu, Starbucks)
In short: you can’t fully read Japanese without Katakana.
How to Learn Hiragana and Katakana Effectively
Here are some proven tips to help you master both scripts faster:
1. Use Mnemonics
Connect each character to an image or story.
For example:
The Hiragana ぬ (nu) looks like noodles in a bowl.
The Katakana ア (a) looks like an antenna.
Visual associations help you remember more easily.
2. Practice Writing Daily
Writing helps your brain retain character shapes and stroke order. Spend 10–15 minutes each day writing words or sentences by hand.
3. Use Flashcards or Apps
Apps like Anki, Duolingo, or Tofugu’s Hiragana/Katakana guides can help you review characters in a fun, interactive way.
4. Read Simple Texts
Once you’ve learned the basics, start reading children’s books, manga, or online articles for beginners. You’ll quickly get used to seeing Hiragana and Katakana in real contexts.
5. Mix Practice with Real Words
Don’t just memorize characters in isolation. Combine them to form actual words — it’s more meaningful and practical.
Example:
Hiragana: こんにちは (konnichiwa, hello)
Katakana: テレビ (terebi, TV)
🧠 Use Flashcards for Daily Practice
Flashcards are one of the most effective ways to master both Hiragana and Katakana.
Start with our Hiragana Flashcards to build a strong foundation.
Then move to our Katakana Flashcards to practice reading foreign words and names.
Consistent daily review, even for 5 minutes, helps you remember characters effortlessly.
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Common Mistakes Beginners Make
Learning both systems at the same time.
This can confuse you since they look similar but serve different functions. Master one first — usually Hiragana.Ignoring stroke order.
Proper stroke order improves writing speed and legibility.Not reviewing regularly.
Kana needs repetition. Even five minutes daily is better than one long session once a week.Relying only on romaji (Roman letters).
Using romaji too long delays your progress. Switch to Hiragana and Katakana as soon as possible.
FAQ:
Q1: Do I need to learn Katakana if I already know Hiragana?
Yes. Katakana is used for foreign words and names, which appear often in everyday Japanese.
Q2: Can I learn both at the same time?
You can, but it’s more effective to master Hiragana first to avoid confusion.
Q3: Is Katakana harder than Hiragana?
Many learners find Katakana slightly harder because it’s less frequently used, making it easier to forget. Regular practice helps.
Q4: How long does it take to learn Hiragana and Katakana?
With consistent practice, you can learn both scripts in about 2–3 weeks.
Q5: Can I write Japanese without Kanji?
Yes, but your writing will look like a children’s book. Kanji adds meaning and clarity, so you should learn it after mastering Kana.
Final Thoughts: Which Is Better to Learn First?
If you’re asking whether it’s better to learn Hiragana or Katakana, the answer is Hiragana first, Katakana second. Hiragana is the foundation of the Japanese language, while Katakana complements it by expanding your ability to read modern and foreign terms.
Think of Hiragana as the heart of Japanese, and Katakana as its modern voice. You need both to be fluent, but starting with Hiragana sets the strongest foundation for everything that follows.
