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 な and は rows
This lesson completes more of the core chart. Read the rows aloud in rhythm and keep matching each shape to a clear sound. For now, treat は as the basic hiragana ha in the chart; later you will meet it again as the topic particle pronounced wa.
Target signal
な に ぬ ね の
na ni nu ne no
This is the な row.
Vocabulary notes
- な
- sentence-ending particle; na
- に
- to; at; in; on
- ね
- isn't it; right?
Compare in context
は ひ ふ へ ほ
ha hi fu he ho
This is the は row, and ふ is read fu rather than hu.
Vocabulary notes
- は
- topic marker
- へ
- toward; to
Compare in context
ふね
boat
This word gives you a real example of ふ and ね together.
Vocabulary notes
- ふね
- boat
- ね
- isn't it; right?
Section 2 of 3
The remaining basic rows
The rest of the basic hiragana chart includes the ま row, the shortened やゆよ row, the ら row, and わを. The basic chart is almost complete once these feel familiar.
Target signal
ま み む め も / や ゆ よ / ら り る れ ろ / わ を ん
ma mi mu me mo / ya yu yo / ra ri ru re ro / wa wo n
This line finishes the main hiragana set, including the shortened やゆよ row and the special ん.
Vocabulary notes
- も
- also; too
- や
- and; among other things
- よ
- you know; indeed
Preview
やま
mountain
This short word uses one kana from the shortened y-row.
Vocabulary notes
- やま
- mountain
- や
- and; among other things
Preview
そら
sky
This word mixes previously learned kana with the new ら.
Vocabulary notes
- そら
- sky
Section 3 of 3
The special kana ん
The kana ん is different from the rest of the chart because it stands on its own as a nasal sound. It can appear at the end of a word or in the middle of a word. Once you notice it quickly, many common words become easier to read.
Target signal
ほん
book
ほん ends with ん, so it is a good first example of the special nasal sound.
Vocabulary notes
- ほん
- book
- ん
- contracted explanatory の
Preview
にほん
Japan
にほん shows that ん can appear inside a longer word too.
Vocabulary notes
- にほん
- Japan
- ほん
- book
- に
- to; at; in; on
Preview
みかん
mandarin orange
みかん is a useful everyday word with ん at the end.
Vocabulary notes
- みかん
- mandarin orange
- みか
- Mika
- か
- question marker; or