How to Memorize Japanese Hiragana

Learn a few methods for memorizing the Japanese hiragana writing system.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A hiragana chart (available to print for free online)
• Paper
• Pen/Pencil
• Flashcards (optional)

1. First, find a source for a detailed hiragana chart. You will probably want a chart that provides not only the basic hiragana, but the combinations as well (such as "shi"+small "yu" for "shu"). "Japan with Kids" provides a sound-enabled chart here: http://www.tokyowithkids.com/fyi/hiragana_chart.html, but feel free to search around for the one you like best.

2. Start with the top row (a i u e o), known in Japanese as the a-gyou. Before you do any writing, simply look at the forms and say the sounds out loud. Try to emphasize the differences you see between each form.

3. When you feel comfortable with the look of the top hiragana, you can try writing them. Pay close attention to form as these will be the foundation of your writing. The correct stroke order (see here: http://www2.hawaii.edu/~ssatoru/other/kana/hiragana_image/) will help others decipher the characters if you've written in a rush. One popular memorization method entails simply writing each character over and over while repeating its name.

4. Another way to memorize the hiragana is to prepare flashcards for yourself. Simply write the hiragana on one side, and the sound it represents on the other. This can be very effective; however, to learn to write the hiragana properly, flashcards must be combined with other methods such as the one above.

5. One particularly effective method for memorizing hiragana is to associate it with an image. For example, you may think that the character for "ro" looks like a three. You could then make up a phrase like, "THREE sailors ROwed ashore." Some of the hiragana will require a stretch, but this is method can greatly improve your acquisition of the characters.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to keep a copy of your hiragana chart taped up somewhere you will see it daily. For example, you could hang it on the wall by your desk, on your fridge, or even in your bathroom.
• Write everything you can in hiragana. You will remember much more if you can use hiragana in context.

[bunnyknitter]

on 6/21/2009 very great and useful tips