Memorising the Hiragana and Katakana

Although there are 104 kana sounds, there are only 46 distinct symbols which you need to memorise in each alphabet. The rest can be deduced, as they form part of a simple logical pattern.

Please note - the katakana mnemonics are intended for use after you have learnt the hiragana alphabet. The knowledge of a few simple kanji will also help with the katakana mnemonics (but it is not at all necessary).

Hiragana Mnemonics

Set 1: a i u e o

Set 2: ka ki ku ke ko

Set 3: sa shi su se so

Set 4: ta chi tsu te to

Set 5: na ni nu ne no

Set 6: ha hi fu he ho

Set 7: ma mi mu me mo

Set 8: ra ri ru re ro

Set 9: wa wo n

Set 10: ya yu yo

Katakana Mnemonics

Set 1: a i u e o

Set 2: ka ki ku ke ko

Set 3: sa shi su se so

Set 4: ta chi tsu te to

Set 5: na ni nu ne no

Set 6: ha hi fu he ho

Set 7: ma mi mu me mo

Set 8: ra ri ru re ro

Set 9: wa wo n

Set 10: ya yu yo

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