かな · Kana
Hiragana & katakana, one row at a time
Meet each character with a memory hook and its sound, prove it with a quick check, then pass the row test to unlock the next row. Hiragana has 27 units and katakana 31, including the loanword sounds.
0 of 104 characters
Next: A-ROW
BASIC KANA
DAKUTEN ・ 濁点
YOUON ・ 拗音
Tap any character to hear it. The practice sheet is 20 A4 pages: trace it, then write it.
Hiragana chart (gojūon)
Dakuten and handakuten (voiced sounds)
Yōon (combination sounds)
Extended katakana (loanword sounds)
Questions about learning kana
How long does it take to learn hiragana and katakana?
Most learners can read all 46 basic hiragana in one to two weeks of short daily sessions, and katakana in about the same again. Clearing one row at a time, with a quick test before moving on, is what makes them stick.
Should I learn hiragana or katakana first?
Hiragana. It writes native words, particles and verb endings, so you meet it in every sentence. Katakana uses the same 46 sounds for loanwords and names, so it goes faster once hiragana is solid.
What are dakuten, handakuten and yōon?
Dakuten are the two small ticks that voice a sound (か ka → が ga). Handakuten is the small circle that turns the H row into P (は ha → ぱ pa). Yōon are combination sounds written with a small ゃ, ゅ or ょ (き + ゃ = きゃ kya).
Is this kana course free?
Yes. Every hiragana and katakana unit, the chart and the printable practice sheet are free, with or without an account.
Done with kana? Carry on with the roadmap, practise with kana flashcards, or test yourself with the hiragana quiz.