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
Dakuten and handakuten change the sound
Read voiced kana made with dakuten such as and .
ga
gi
gu
ge
go
These are voiced kana made with dakuten.
Notice the variation
pa pi pu pe po
These are p-sounds made with handakuten.
More detail: how to apply this
Dakuten add voicing, turning into and similar pairs across the chart.
Handakuten create the p-sounds on the row.
These marks matter because many everyday words depend on them.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Check three things separately: kana size, voicing marks, and the timing beat.
has a small circle, making pu. Together the word is ki-p-pu, ticket, with a held p.
ticket
Check three things separately: kana size, voicing marks, and the timing beat.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
ga gi gu ge go
These are voiced kana made with dakuten.
Vocabulary notes
- が
- subject marker
Compare in context
pa pi pu pe po
These are p-sounds made with handakuten.
Compare in context
key
This common word shows how a dakuten changes the sound and the word.
Vocabulary notes
- かぎ
- key
Section 2 of 4
Small ゃ, ゅ, and ょ make one sound block
Small , , and make one sound block
kya
shu
cho
Each pair is read as one sound block, not as two separate kana.
Notice the variation
guest; customer
The first sound block is , not + .
More detail: how to apply this
Small , , and combine with the kana before them to make one contracted sound such as or .
Read the pair as one sound block instead of two separate kana.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
kya shu cho
Each pair is read as one sound block, not as two separate kana.
kya shu cho
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: kya shu cho
Showing Small ゃ, ゅ, and ょ make one sound block: Everyday words.
Target signal
kya shu cho
Each pair is read as one sound block, not as two separate kana.
Preview
guest; customer
The first sound block is , not + .
Vocabulary notes
- きゃく
- guest; customer
Preview
hobby
is another common contracted sound in real words.
Vocabulary notes
- しゅみ
- hobby
Section 3 of 4
Small っ marks a held consonant
Check three things separately: kana size, voicing marks, and the timing beat.
Small っ marks a held consonant
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
is ki. The next mark is a small , not a full-sized .
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
Small does not make a full vowel sound by itself.
Instead, it holds or doubles the consonant that follows.
You will see it in many everyday words very early.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
school
Small doubles the consonant that follows, so sounds different from .
school
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: school
Showing Small っ marks a held consonant: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
school
Small doubles the consonant that follows, so sounds different from .
Vocabulary notes
- がっこう
- school
Preview
ticket
This is another very common beginner word with small .
Vocabulary notes
- きっぷ
- ticket
Preview
a little
This word combines a contracted sound and a small , so it is excellent final practice.
Vocabulary notes
- ちょっと
- a little; just; hey
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
What must the reader preserve?
More detail: what changes and why
Compare and .
What must the reader preserve?
Small signals the held consonant.
It is not a vowel-length mark or dakuten.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
Small signals the held consonant. It is not a vowel-length mark or dakuten.
What must the reader preserve?
Supported meaning: The extra timing beat before t in きって
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.