Japanese Worksheets for 12-Year-Olds — Hiragana, Katakana & Simple Words

Instructions

1. Read the Pronunciation Guide carefully to understand how Japanese vowels sound.
2. Complete the Writing Practice section by tracing and then writing the characters on your own.
3. Fill in the Essential Greetings table to learn how to communicate in daily life.
4. Solve the Translation Challenge to test your memory.
5. Complete the Real-World Scenario at the end to practice using your new skills.

Section 1: The Foundation (Vowels)

In Japanese, every sound is based on five core vowels. Unlike English, these vowels almost always sound the same.

• A sounds like "ah" (as in father)
• I sounds like "ee" (as in feet)
• U sounds like "oo" (as in boot)
• E sounds like "eh" (as in pet)
• O sounds like "oh" (as in boat)

Practice writing the first 5 Hiragana characters:

Section 2: Essential Greetings

Japanese culture places a high value on politeness. Use the table below to learn common phrases.

Note: The "u" at the end of many Japanese words (like 'desu') is often silent or very short!

Section 3: Word Builder

Combine the vowels you learned in Section 1 with the meanings below. Draw a line to match the Japanese word to its English meaning.

1. Ie (pronounced ee-eh) •            • Blue

2. Ue (pronounced oo-eh) •            • No

3. Ao (pronounced ah-oh) •            • House

4. Iie (pronounced ee-ee-eh) •         • Above / Top

Section 4: Real-World Scenario

The Situation: You are visiting a small stationery shop in Tokyo. You accidentally bump into a shelf and want to apologize to the shopkeeper. Then, you want to thank them as you leave.

1. What do you say when you bump into the shelf?

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2. The shopkeeper says "Konnichiwa." What does that mean in English?

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3. As you walk out the door, what is the most appropriate way to say goodbye?

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Section 5: Advanced Challenge

In Japanese, you can turn a statement into a question by adding the sound "ka" to the end.

If "Wakarimasu" means "I understand," how would you ask someone "Do you understand?"

Answer: ___

Answer Key

Section 2: Essential Greetings (Suggested Uses)

• Arigatou: After receiving a gift or help.
• Sumimasen: To get a waiter's attention or if you step on someone's toe.
• Sayounara: Leaving school or a long-term parting.
• Yoroshiku: After introducing yourself to someone new.
• Hai: Answering a question or confirming you are listening.

Section 3: Word Builder

1. Ie -> House
2. Ue -> Above / Top
3. Ao -> Blue
4. Iie -> No

Section 4: Real-World Scenario

1. Sumimasen
2. Hello / Good Day
3. Sayounara

Section 5: Advanced Challenge

• Wakarimasu ka?