Instructions
- Review the Hiragana Chart: Take a moment to look at the first set of Japanese characters called Hiragana. Unlike the English alphabet, Japanese characters represent syllables (consonant + vowel).
- Practice Writing: In the practice tables, observe the example character and then carefully copy it into the blank cells. Pay attention to the shape!
- Vocabulary Match: Use the reference chart to translate the Japanese words into English.
- Language Detective: Identify the common Japanese loanwords we use in English every day.
- Bonus Challenge: Try to write your own name using the sounds provided (or as close as you can get!).
Part 1: The Basics of Hiragana
Hiragana is the primary writing system in Japan. There are 46 basic characters. Let's start with the first five vowels and the 'K' row.
| Character | Romaji (Sound) | English Sound Hint |
|---|---|---|
| あ | a | "ah" as in father |
| い | i | "ee" as in feet |
| う | u | "oo" as in food |
| え | e | "eh" as in egg |
| お | o | "oh" as in boat |
| か | ka | "ka" as in car |
| き | ki | "kee" as in key |
| く | ku | "koo" as in cuckoo |
| け | ke | "keh" as in kettle |
| こ | ko | "ko" as in koala |
Part 2: Writing Practice
Carefully draw the characters in the empty boxes. Focus on keeping the proportions the same as the example.
| Character | Practice 1 | Practice 2 | Practice 3 | Practice 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| あ (a) | ||||
| い (i) | ||||
| う (u) | ||||
| か (ka) | ||||
| き (ki) | ||||
| こ (ko) |
Part 3: Word Building
Using the characters from the chart above, translate these Japanese words into English.
Hint: Read the sounds out loud!
| Japanese Word | Romaji (Sound) | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| あおい | a-o-i | Blue |
| あか | a-ka | |
| いい | i-i | |
| うえ | u-e | |
| かお | ka-o | |
| いか | i-ka |
Part 4: Japanese in Our World
Many Japanese words are used in English. Match the common Japanese word on the left to its description on the right by drawing a line or writing the letter.
- Sushi (すし) A. A massive tidal wave caused by an earthquake.
- Karaoke (からおけ) B. A Japanese style of animation.
- Tsunami (つなみ) C. Vinegared rice usually served with raw fish.
- Emoji (えもじ) D. "Empty orchestra" - singing along to a track.
- Anime (あにめ) E. A small digital icon used to express an idea.
Part 5: Common Phrases
Here are three essential phrases. Practice saying them out loud!
- Konnichiwa (こんにちは) — Hello / Good afternoon
- Arigatou (ありがとう) — Thank you
- Sayounara (さようなら) — Goodbye
Quick Task: If you were meeting a new friend from Tokyo at 2:00 PM, which phrase would you use first?
Answer: ____
Extension Challenge (Optional)
In Japanese, characters are written in a specific "Stroke Order" (which line comes first). Research Question: Look up the stroke order for the character あ. How many times do you have to lift your pen to draw it?
Answer: ___ strokes.
Answer Key
Part 3: Word Building
- あか (a-ka): Red
- いい (i-i): Good
- うえ (u-e): Up / Above
- かお (ka-o): Face
- いか (i-ka): Squid
Part 4: Matching
- C
- D
- A
- E
- B
Part 5: Common Phrases
- Konnichiwa
Extension Challenge
- 3 strokes