Japanese Worksheets for 12-Year-Old Beginners — Writing & Speaking (Foreign Language, Linguistics)

Instructions

1. Read the Pronunciation Guide: Pay attention to how the Japanese vowels sound before you start writing.
2. Practice Writing: Use the grid in Section 1 to practice the five basic Japanese vowels (Hiragana). Focus on the shape and the order of the strokes.
3. Learn the Phrases: Review the essential greetings in Section 2. Practice saying them out loud to a partner or yourself.
4. Complete the Dialogue: Use the vocabulary you've learned to fill in the missing parts of the conversation in Section 3.
5. Take the Challenge: Try the bonus section at the end if you feel confident!

Section 1: Writing the Vowels (Hiragana)

In Japanese, Hiragana is the basic phonetic script. Everything starts with the five vowels. Pronunciation: A (ah), I (ee), U (oo), E (eh), O (oh).

(Note: Keep your strokes smooth and slightly curved!)

Section 2: Essential Greetings (Aisatsu)

Japanese culture places a high value on politeness. Match the Japanese word (Romaji) to its English meaning by drawing a line.

Pronunciation Tip: In Japanese, vowels are short and clipped. Try saying Ko-n-ni-chi-wa (four even beats).

Section 3: The Art of Self-Introduction

When meeting someone for the first time, you use a specific pattern called a Jikoshoukai. Fill in the blanks below to create your own introduction.

Pattern:

• Hajimemashite (Nice to meet you)
• Watashi wa [Name] desu (I am [Name])
• Douzo yoroshiku (Please be kind to me / Pleased to meet you)

Your Turn: Imagine you are meeting a new student named Haru from Tokyo. Write your response:

1. Haru: "Hajimemashite! Watashi wa Haru desu."
2. You: "____"
3. You: "Watashi wa ____ desu."
4. You: "____"

Section 4: Practical Communication Scenarios

Japanese is often about context. Choose the correct phrase for each real-world situation.

1. You are leaving the classroom at the end of the day. You say to your teacher:

   • [ ] Ohayou
   • [ ] Sayounara

2. A friend gives you a cool sticker. You say:

   • [ ] Arigatou
   • [ ] Konnichiwa

3. You see your neighbor while walking the dog at 8:00 AM. You say:

   • [ ] Ohayou
   • [ ] Douzo yoroshiku

4. You want to tell someone your name is Alex. You say:

   • [ ] Watashi wa Alex desu
   • [ ] Sayounara Alex

Section 5: The Kanji Challenge (Optional)

Japanese also uses Kanji (symbols that represent ideas). The Kanji for "Person" looks like two legs walking: 人.

The Kanji for "Mountain" looks like three peaks: å±±.

Draw a simple picture below that incorporates the Kanji for Mountain (山) and Person (人) to help you remember what they mean:

Answer Key

Section 2: Matching 1-C, 2-A, 3-B, 4-E, 5-D

Section 3: Self-Introduction

2. Hajimemashite
3. [Your Name]
4. Douzo yoroshiku

Section 4: Scenarios

1. Sayounara
2. Arigatou
3. Ohayou
4. Watashi wa Alex desu