Which Japanese Alphabet Should I Learn First: Hiragana, Katakana, or Kanji?
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When starting your Japanese language journey, you’ll quickly realize that Japanese has three writing systems: Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji. Unlike English, which uses only the Latin alphabet, Japanese combines these three scripts to form sentences.
So, which one should you learn first? The short answer: Hiragana. But let’s break down why—and how to approach the other two.
Understanding the Three Japanese Alphabets
Before choosing where to start, let’s look at what each alphabet is used for:
1. Hiragana (ひらがな) – The Foundation of Japanese
- Usage: Writing native Japanese words, grammatical elements, and furigana (pronunciation guides for Kanji).
- Structure: 46 basic characters representing syllables (a-i-u-e-o pattern).
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Why Start Here?
- Used in almost every Japanese sentence.
- Essential for reading and writing Japanese.
- Helps with pronunciation and grammar.
- Used for learning Kanji (with furigana as a guide).
💡 Pro Tip: Master Hiragana first with VerbaCard’s Hiragana Flashcards for quick memorization using spaced repetition and clear mnemonics.
2. Katakana (カタカナ) – For Foreign Words
- Usage: Writing foreign words (loanwords), onomatopoeia, and scientific terms.
- Structure: 46 characters, similar to Hiragana but with sharper, more angular strokes.
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When to Learn It?
- After Hiragana, since its structure is almost identical.
- If you need to read foreign words in Japanese (e.g., コーヒー = "coffee").
- If you plan to work in Japan, as it's used for company names and branding.
💡 Pro Tip: Learn Hiragana first, then pick up Katakana quickly since many characters share phonetics (e.g., か (ka) vs. カ (ka)).
3. Kanji (漢字) – The Complex Character System
- Usage: Writing most nouns, verbs, adjectives, and many common words.
- Structure: Thousands of characters, each with its meaning and multiple pronunciations.
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When to Learn It?
- After mastering Hiragana (and some Katakana).
- Once comfortable reading basic sentences.
- If you plan to become fluent, as Kanji is necessary for advanced reading comprehension.
💡 Pro Tip: Start with basic Kanji (N5 level) while still improving your Hiragana and Katakana. Use flashcards to break Kanji into radicals and meanings.
Which Japanese Alphabet Should You Learn First?
✅ Start with Hiragana
- It’s the most commonly used.
- Every beginner must know it.
- It helps with pronunciation and grammar.
- You'll see it everywhere (books, signs, menus, etc.).
🔜 Learn Katakana Next
- It’s nearly identical in structure to Hiragana.
- It’s used in loanwords, so it appears frequently in modern Japanese.
🔜 Gradually Introduce Kanji
- It’s essential for fluency, but don’t rush.
- Learning Kanji too soon can be overwhelming—Hiragana helps you read basic Japanese first.
How to Learn the Japanese Writing Systems Effectively
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Use Flashcards for Memorization
- Flashcards help with recognition and repetition.
- VerbaCard’s Hiragana and Kanji Flashcards use spaced repetition, so you retain characters long-term.
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Practice Writing Daily
- Writing helps reinforce memory.
- Follow correct stroke order for smoother recall.
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Read Simple Sentences Early
- Children's books and beginner-friendly content use Hiragana and basic Kanji with furigana.
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Use Mnemonics and Associations
- Associate characters with familiar images or words.
- Example: さ (sa) looks like a samurai sword.
Conclusion
If you're just starting out, learn Hiragana first—it’s essential for reading, pronunciation, and forming basic sentences. Once you’ve mastered Hiragana, move on to Katakana, then gradually introduce Kanji as you progress.
Ready to Master Japanese Faster?
Check out VerbaCard’s Hiragana Flashcards for an easy, structured way to learn Hiragana with spaced repetition and mnemonics. Start building your Japanese foundation today!