Hiragana vs Katakana
Two scripts, the same 46 sounds — but used for completely different things. Here's the difference, and which one to learn first.
Quick answer: Hiragana (あ, curved and flowing) is for native Japanese words and grammar. Katakana (ア, sharp and angular) is for foreign loanwords, names, and emphasis. They share the same sounds. Learn hiragana first — you'll see it everywhere from day one.
- Used for Native Japanese words, verb endings, particles, and grammar
- Style Curved, rounded, flowing strokes
- You'll see it in Textbooks, children's books, furigana, most sentences
- Example さくら (sakura) — cherry blossom
- Used for Loanwords, foreign names, onomatopoeia, emphasis
- Style Sharp, straight, angular strokes
- You'll see it in Menus, product packaging, signs, manga sound effects
- Example コーヒー (kōhī) — coffee
Same sound, different look
Every hiragana has a katakana twin with the exact same pronunciation. Only the shape changes.
Side-by-side comparison
| Hiragana | Katakana | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of characters | 46 basic (104 with all sounds) | 46 basic (104 with all sounds) |
| Main use | Native words & grammar | Foreign words & emphasis |
| Stroke style | Curved, flowing | Straight, angular |
| Long vowels | Extra vowel (おう, えい) | Long vowel mark (ー) |
| Learn it | First | Second |
| Frequency | Very high — everywhere | Common, but less than hiragana |
Which should you learn first?
Hiragana, without question. It carries Japanese grammar and native vocabulary, so it appears in almost every sentence — you can't read much without it. Katakana comes naturally afterwards, and since the two share the same sounds, the second script is far quicker to learn.
Start with the hiragana chart →