Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 3 sections in order. Notice the target form, compare it with the nearby alternative, then use the reading and practice below to check the meaning in context.
Section 1 of 3
The さ row
The さ row looks simple at first, but し is one of the first kana that does not match a one-letter romaji expectation. Train your eye and ear together: さ, し, す, せ, そ.
Target signal
さ し す せ そ
sa shi su se so
This is the さ row.
Vocabulary notes
- さ
- the hiragana character sa
Compare in context
すし
sushi
This common word is a good first check for す and し together.
Vocabulary notes
- すし
- sushi
Compare in context
そと
outside
Read the word as one sound unit rather than two separate letters.
Vocabulary notes
- そと
- outside
- と
- and; with; that
Section 2 of 3
The た row
The た row adds two important shapes: ち and つ. They are high-frequency kana, so it is worth slowing down now and making them automatic early.
Target signal
た ち つ て と
ta chi tsu te to
This is the た row; ち and つ need extra attention.
Vocabulary notes
- と
- and; with; that
Preview
あした
tomorrow
This is one of the most useful beginner time words, and it contains し.
Vocabulary notes
- あした
- tomorrow
- した
- did
- あ
- ah; oh
Preview
くつ
shoes
This short word is useful for making つ feel normal in real reading.
Vocabulary notes
- くつ
- shoes
Section 3 of 3
Spot し, ち, and つ quickly
The fastest way to improve is to see the tricky kana often in real words. Read the sound block first, then the whole word, and only then think about English.
Target signal
ちず
map
This word checks whether ち is becoming automatic for you.
Vocabulary notes
- ちず
- map
Preview
つき
moon
This word is useful because つ appears at the start of the word.
Vocabulary notes
- つき
- moon
Preview
した
below; under
This word gives you one more quick reading pattern with し and た.
Vocabulary notes
- した
- did