Hiragana is where every Japanese learner should start. It's the foundation the entire language is written and pronounced on — and it's very learnable, often in a couple of weeks. Here's what it is and how to learn it fast.
What is hiragana?
Hiragana (ひらがな) is one of Japan's three writing systems, alongside katakana and kanji. It's a phonetic script — each character stands for a sound, not a meaning. There are 46 basic characters, and with a few added marks they represent every sound in Japanese.
What hiragana is used for
Hiragana carries the "glue" of Japanese:
- Native Japanese words that aren't written in kanji.
- Grammar — verb and adjective endings, and the particles that connect a sentence.
- Furigana — small hiragana printed above kanji to show how they're read.
Because grammar lives in hiragana, you can't really progress in Japanese without it.
How the system fits together
- 46 basic characters cover the core sounds (a, i, u, e, o, and the k/s/t/n/h/m/y/r/w rows).
- Dakuten (゛) and handakuten (゜) marks turn some sounds voiced (か ka → が ga, は ha → ぱ pa).
- Small combinations (like きゃ kya) add the remaining sounds.
Learn the 46 first; the marks and combinations are quick additions once the base is solid.
How to learn hiragana fast
- Learn in small groups — five characters at a time, by row.
- Use spaced repetition so each character sticks (Komichi's study decks do this for you).
- Practise reading, not just recognising — read simple words aloud daily.
- Write a little — even a few characters by hand helps memory.
- Read every day — the reading library turns practice into real reading.
After hiragana
Once hiragana feels comfortable, move straight to katakana (the second script, same sounds), then start building N5 vocabulary. Learning the scripts first makes everything after it far easier. Start free on Komichi's study decks today.