Before kanji, every Japanese learner starts with two phonetic scripts: Hiragana and Katakana. Together they are called kana, and each has 46 basic characters.
Hiragana (ひらがな)
Rounded, flowing characters used for native Japanese words, grammar particles and verb endings. This is the first script you should master.
Katakana (カタカナ)
Sharp, angular characters used for foreign or loan words (コーヒー = coffee), names and emphasis.
Fastest way to memorise kana
- Learn 5–10 characters a day in rows (あ い う え お …)
- Write each one by hand — muscle memory matters
- Use flashcards and read simple words daily
- Finish Hiragana first, then Katakana
Most students master both scripts in 2–3 weeks with daily practice. LingualSync beginners start here on day one. Explore our JLPT N5 course.