Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 4 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 4
The な and は rows
Read the remaining basic hiragana rows with more confidence.
na
ni
nu
ne
no
This is the row.
Notice the variation
ha hi fu he ho
This is the row, and is read fu rather than hu.
More detail: how to apply this
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 as the basic hiragana ha in the chart;
later you will meet it again as the topic particle pronounced wa.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Treat as its own beat, even though it has no separate vowel.
Read ho-n, book. Keep the final nasal beat rather than changing the word to ho-no.
book
Treat as its own beat, even though it has no separate vowel.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
na ni nu ne no
This is the row.
Vocabulary notes
- な
- sentence-ending particle; na
- に
- to; at; in; on
- ね
- isn't it; right?
Compare in context
ha hi fu he ho
This is the row, and is read fu rather than hu.
Vocabulary notes
- は
- topic marker
- へ
- toward; to
Compare in context
boat
This word gives you a real example of and together.
Vocabulary notes
- ふね
- boat
Section 2 of 4
The remaining basic rows
The remaining basic rows
ma
mi
mu
me
mo
/
/
ya
yu
yo
/
/
ra
ri
ru
re
ro
/
/
wa
o
n
This completes the basic chart. is often written wo in kana charts, but the object particle is normally pronounced o.
Notice the variation
mountain
This short word uses one kana from the shortened y-row.
More detail: how to apply this
The rest of the basic hiragana chart includes the row, the shortened row, the row, and .
The basic chart is almost complete once these feel familiar.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
ma mi mu me mo / ya yu yo / ra ri ru re ro / wa o n
This completes the basic chart. is often written wo in kana charts, but the object particle is normally pronounced o.
/ / /
ma mi mu me mo / ya yu yo / ra ri ru re ro / wa o n
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: ma mi mu me mo / ya yu yo / ra ri ru re ro / wa o n
Showing The remaining basic rows: Everyday words.
Target signal
/ / /
ma mi mu me mo / ya yu yo / ra ri ru re ro / wa o n
This completes the basic chart. is often written wo in kana charts, but the object particle is normally pronounced o.
Vocabulary notes
- も
- also; too
- や
- and; among other things
- よ
- you know; indeed
Preview
mountain
This short word uses one kana from the shortened y-row.
Vocabulary notes
- やま
- mountain
Preview
sky
This word mixes previously learned kana with the new .
Vocabulary notes
- そら
- sky
Section 3 of 4
The special kana ん
Treat as its own beat, even though it has no separate vowel.
The special kana ん
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
is ho. It already includes its vowel sound.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
The kana 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.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
book
ends with , so it is a good first example of the special nasal sound.
book
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: book
Showing The special kana ん: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
book
ends with , so it is a good first example of the special nasal sound.
Vocabulary notes
- ほん
- book
Preview
Japan
ends with too. For a word with in the middle, compare (o-n-na), woman.
Vocabulary notes
- にほん
- Japan
Preview
mandarin orange
is a useful everyday word with at the end.
Vocabulary notes
- みかん
- mandarin orange
Section 4 of 4
Compare the meaning
Use the contrast to make a decision. Choose an answer before opening the explanation.
Example A
Example B
Your turn · decide before revealing
Which starts with nu?
More detail: what changes and why
Compare and .
Which starts with nu?
is nu and is ne.
In these words, is no and is ko.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
is nu and is ne. In these words, is no and is ko.
Which starts with nu?
Supported meaning: ぬの
Use the sentence to choose between these interpretations; do not add information that is only in an answer choice.
Showing Compare the meaning: Everyday words.