How to Memorize Japanese Hiragana
Hiragana is one of two syllabic scripts in Japanese, the other being katakana. Hiragana is typically learned before katakana, making memorizing hiragana your first step in being able to write in the language. To commit hiragana to memory, you will have to learn to read the syllables, write them and remember their pronunciation. As such, the methods you use to memorize Japanese hiragana must involve visual memorization, writing practice and pronunciation practice.
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Things You'll Need
- Hiragana chart
- Flashcards
- Tracing paper
- Japanese dictionary or textbook
Instructions
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Spend time with a hiragana chart before you begin to actively memorize the syllables. Note the way hiragana charts are organized: the five hiragana syllables in the first row of the chart are vowel sounds: a, i, u, e and o. Each row moving down adds a consonant sound to create new syllables following the same vowel pattern: ka, ki, ku, ke, ko; sa, shi, su, se, so; and so on.
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Read the entire hiragana chart row by row. Familiarize yourself with each syllable by studying its form as you read it aloud.
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Create hiragana flashcards. Write or print hiragana syllables on one side of each card and the pronunciation of the syllable on the other side.
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Read the hiragana side of the flashcards. Speak the pronunciation of each hiragana. Flip the card over to check your answers.
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Use tracing paper to practice writing hiragana syllables. Trace hiragana row by row. Don't move to the next row until you are comfortable writing the row you are currently studying.
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Practice writing hiragana without tracing paper. Pay attention to the form of each syllable and check them against the hiragana chart. Move to a new row of hiragana when you have mastered the current row.
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Use your flashcards to practice writing hiragana. Read the side of the card with the pronunciation of the syllables. Write the hiragana and turn the flashcard over to check your answer.
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Practice writing words and sentences in hiragana. Use words written in romaji (romanized Japanese) and write them in hiragana. Make a list of words written in romaji using a Japanese-English dictionary or a Japanese language textbook.
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Have a friend read out hiragana syllables. Write the syllables and check your answers with your friend.
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Use online study tools and exercises to match hiragana with romaji, learn mnemonics and stroke order.
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Tips & Warnings
Don't try to memorize the whole hiragana chart at once. Memorize hiragana line by line. Only move on to the next line when you have memorized the hiragana the previous line.
