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InkLingo
Kana · Beginner

Hiragana chart

Explore all 46 basic hiragana, voiced sounds and combinations. Select a character for its reading, example words and Japanese audio when available.

  1. Choose basic sounds or combinations.

  2. Tap a character to explore its sound.

  3. Try a word, then practice recall.

· a

Audio uses your device’s Japanese voice when available.

Read it in a word

あさ · morning

ぐあい · condition

Same sound in katakana:

Practice hiragana

Small kana change the rhythm

きゃ ≠ きや · きって ≠ きて

A small ゃ / ャ combines sounds. A small っ / ッ adds a beat before the next consonant. These are not interchangeable with full-sized characters.

A little understanding goes a long way

Make sense of what you’re practicing

01

A sound chart, not an alphabet

Most hiragana represent a consonant plus a vowel, such as ka, or a vowel on its own. ん is a separate nasal sound. Start with あ・い・う・え・お, then move along the rows.

02

Dots and circles

Two small strokes, called dakuten, change sounds: か becomes が. A small circle changes the h-row into the p-row, as in は → ぱ.

03

From chart to reading

Try hiding romaji once the shapes feel familiar. The practice quiz checks active recall, while short beginner stories help you recognize kana as meaningful words.