Free chart ยท with audio
Learn Hiragana: chart with audio
Hiragana is the first Japanese script to learn. These 46 characters can write every sound in Japanese, and they are used for grammar endings and words without kanji.
๐ Tap any character to hear it. Audio uses your deviceโs Japanese voice.
The 46 basic hiraganaread across: a ยท i ยท u ยท e ยท o
The hiragana for wo is usually pronounced โoโ, and ใ (n) is the only character that is just a consonant. Looking for the other script? See the katakana chart.
Manekkoโs hiragana sprint shows you a character and you type its romaji. It takes a few minutes a day and itโs free.
Questions
How long does it take to learn hiragana?
Many learners can read all 46 basic hiragana within one to two weeks of short daily practice. Typing them from memory, rather than just reading the chart, makes them stick much faster.
Should I learn hiragana or katakana first?
Hiragana first. It is used in almost every sentence, while katakana is mainly for foreign loanwords. Once hiragana feels comfortable, move on to the katakana chart.
Do I need a Japanese keyboard to practise?
No. On Manekko you type romaji on any keyboard (for example โkaโ) and it turns into ใ as you type.
Why is ใฏ sometimes read โwaโ?
When ใฏ is used as the topic particle (as in ใใใฏ, โthis isโ), it is pronounced โwaโ. Everywhere else it is โhaโ.