LogoApp

Japanese 50 Sounds (Gojūon) Learning Guide

💡Learning Tip

The Japanese 50 sounds chart is the first step in learning Japanese. Practice 15-30 minutes daily using our interactive kana cards to build muscle memory.

Overview

The Japanese writing system consists of two kana sets:

  • 平仮名hiraganaHiragana - Used for native Japanese words and grammar
  • 片仮名katakanaKatakana - Used for foreign loanwords and onomatopoeia

The chart is organized by:

  • Rows (gyō): Horizontal - same consonant
  • Columns (dan): Vertical - same vowel

Modern Japanese uses 46 basic kana, plus variations like voiced sounds and contracted sounds.

Hiragana (ひらがな)

✅Hiragana Characteristics

  • Rounded, flowing strokes

  • Used for native Japanese vocabulary and grammar

  • Phonetic reading aid for kanji (

    振り仮名furiganaReading aid

    )

Basic Sounds (Seion)

A-row - Vowel Foundation

KA-row - K sounds

SA-row - S sounds (Note: し = shi)

TA-row - T sounds (Note: ち = chi, つ = tsu)

NA-row - N sounds

HA-row - H sounds

MA-row - M sounds

YA-row - Y sounds (No yi, ye)

RA-row - R sounds (Similar to "l")

WA-row - W sounds (No wi, we)

N - Nasal sound

Voiced Sounds (Dakuten)

Add two dots (゛) to the upper right:

GA-row - G sounds

ZA-row - Z sounds

DA-row - D sounds

BA-row - B sounds

Semi-voiced Sounds (Handakuten)

Add a circle (゜) to ha-row:

PA-row - P sounds

Contracted Sounds (Yōon)

Combine i-row kana with small ゃ, ゅ, ょ:

⚠️Pronunciation Tip

Yōon are quickly blended together, with the same duration as regular kana, not two separate syllables.

Voiced yōon:

Katakana (カタカナ)

💡Katakana Characteristics

  • Angular, straight strokes

  • Used for foreign loanwords

  • Onomatopoeia and technical terms

Basic Sounds

A-row

KA-row

SA-row

TA-row

NA-row

HA-row

MA-row

YA-row

RA-row

WA-row

N

Katakana Voiced & Semi-voiced Sounds

Katakana follows the same rules as hiragana for voiced/semi-voiced sounds.

GA-row

ZA-row

DA-row

BA-row (Voiced)

PA-row (Semi-voiced)

Katakana Yōon

Learning Methods & Tips

Staged Learning Plan

Stage 1: Master Basic 50 Sounds

Learn row by row:

  1. A-row - Vowel foundation (essential!)
  2. K-row, S-row - K, S consonants
  3. T-row, N-row - T, N consonants
  4. H-row to W-row - Other consonants
  5. N - Nasal sound

Recommended time: 10-15 minutes per row using our Hiragana Practice tool.

Stage 2: Learn Voiced & Semi-voiced Sounds

  • Voiced: Add two dots (゛) to base kana
  • Semi-voiced: Only PA-row, add circle (゜)

Stage 3: Master Yōon

Focus on: KYA-row, SHA-row, CHA-row - most frequently used.

Commonly Confused Kana

⚠️Watch Out For

These kana have similar shapes and are easily confused:

さ (sa) vs ち (chi) - One has a "mouth" radical

は (ha) vs ほ (ho) - Different positions of "mouth"

ね (ne) vs れ (re) vs わ (wa)

Useful Phrases

おはようございます

ohayou gozaimasu

Good morning (polite)

ありがとうございます

arigatou gozaimasu

Thank you (polite)

すみません

sumimasen

Excuse me / Sorry / Pardon

はじめまして

hajimemashite

Nice to meet you

Learning Resources

💡Practice Tools on This Site

Summary

The 50 sounds chart is the cornerstone of Japanese learning. Consistent practice is key to mastery.

✅Learning Recommendations

  1. Maintain daily practice habits, even just 10 minutes

  2. Focus on pronunciation accuracy, especially long vowels and yōon

  3. Review and consolidate regularly to prevent forgetting

  4. Practice with actual vocabulary

Through systematic learning and continuous practice, you will definitely master the Japanese 50 sounds chart and build a solid foundation for further Japanese language learning!