Japanese 50 Sounds (Gojūon) Learning Guide
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Hiragana - Used for native Japanese words and grammar
- 片仮名Katakana - 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)
Rounded, flowing strokes
Used for native Japanese vocabulary and grammar
Phonetic reading aid for kanji (
振り仮名Reading 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:
Yōon are quickly blended together, with the same duration as regular kana, not two separate syllables.
Voiced yōon:
Katakana (カタカナ)
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
Stage 1: Master Basic 50 Sounds
Learn row by row:
- A-row - Vowel foundation (essential!)
- K-row, S-row - K, S consonants
- T-row, N-row - T, N consonants
- H-row to W-row - Other consonants
- 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
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
Summary
The 50 sounds chart is the cornerstone of Japanese learning. Consistent practice is key to mastery.
Maintain daily practice habits, even just 10 minutes
Focus on pronunciation accuracy, especially long vowels and yōon
Review and consolidate regularly to prevent forgetting
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!