Complete Hiragana Chart with Pronunciation & Stroke Order Guide

If you’ve just started learning Japanese, your journey will almost always begin with the Hiragana chart. Hiragana is one of the three Japanese writing systems (alongside Katakana and Kanji) and is essential for reading, writing, and pronunciation in Japanese. Mastering Hiragana will not only help you recognize words but also make learning Katakana and Kanji much easier.

In this guide, we’ll explore the complete Hiragana chart, its pronunciation, stroke order, examples, and how to practice effectively. Plus, we’ll share how TLS – The Japanese Language School helps beginners master Hiragana quickly through structured lessons and cultural immersion.

What is Hiragana?

Hiragana is a phonetic script used in Japanese writing, consisting of 46 basic characters. Each character represents a sound (syllable), not a single letter like in English. Hiragana is primarily used for:

• Native Japanese words not written in Kanji
• Grammar particles and endings
• Children’s books and beginner Japanese material

If you’ve seen Japanese text with simple rounded characters, you’ve likely seen Hiragana.

The Complete Hiragana Chart

Here’s the standard Japanese Hiragana chart you’ll use as a reference.

Understanding the foundations of Japanese requires knowing the Japanese writing systems, which you can explore in detail here: Japanese Writing Systems.

Hiragana Chart with Stroke Order

Learning the right stroke order is important for writing Hiragana neatly and legibly. Every character follows a top-to-bottom and left-to-right stroke pattern.

For example:

• あ (a) → 3 strokes
• き (ki) → 4 strokes
• ぬ (nu) → 2 strokes

At TLS – The Japanese Language School, students are given Hiragana chart PDFs with arrows indicating stroke order, making it easy to practice at home.

Hiragana Chart with English Pronunciation

Here’s a quick reference:

あ (a) → “ah”
い (i) → “ee”
う (u) → “oo” (as in "food")
え (e) → “eh”
お (o) → “oh”

…and so on for all characters. This Hiragana chart with English helps absolute beginners match sounds to symbols.

Beginners can start with how to read Hiragana to build a strong base in Japanese reading skills: How to Read Hiragana.

Full Hiragana Charts with Worksheets and Practice Sheets

A full hiragana chart is your go-to reference for learning all 46 basic characters in the Japanese syllabary. When paired with worksheets and practice sheets, it becomes a powerful learning tool, allowing you to repeatedly trace and write each character until it becomes second nature. These worksheets typically include:

• Large traceable outlines for beginners.
• Blank spaces for freehand writing.
• Pronunciation guides for each syllable.
  Consistent practice on these sheets will not only improve your handwriting but also help with memorization and reading fluency.

Full Hiragana Charts

The standard hiragana chart contains all the basic characters arranged in the traditional gojūon (50-sound) order. Each symbol represents a specific sound in Japanese and does not change regardless of the word it appears in. For example:
あ (a), い (i), う (u), え (e), お (o) form the first vowel row.
Having a clear, visually neat chart helps learners quickly locate and recall sounds, making reading practice much easier.

Full Hiragana Charts with Dakuon, Dakuten, and Yoon

In addition to the basic characters, Japanese uses modified forms called dakuon (voiced sounds), handakuon (p-sounds), and yoon (contracted sounds).

• Dakuon: Adding 「゛」 changes ka (か) to ga (が).
• Handakuon: Adding 「゜」 changes ha (は) to pa (ぱ).
• Yoon: Combining small や, ゆ, よ with certain consonants to make sounds like kya (きゃ) or ryo (りょ).
  A full hiragana chart with these variations ensures you’re not missing essential syllables used in everyday Japanese words.

Hiragana Charts Using Mnemonics

Mnemonics help you connect the visual form of a hiragana character to its sound through imagery or storytelling. For example:

• き (ki) looks like a “key.”
• ね (ne) looks like a “net.”
  These associations make learning faster and more fun, especially for beginners who struggle to remember abstract shapes. Many mnemonic charts include illustrations beside each hiragana character to reinforce memory.

To advance further, check out how to learn Hiragana and Katakana for mastering both Japanese syllabaries: How to Learn Hiragana and Katakana.

Hiragana Charts with Stroke Orders

Stroke order is crucial for writing hiragana neatly and quickly. A chart that shows the correct order of each pen stroke ensures your writing flows naturally, just like native speakers. Proper stroke order also helps you recognize handwritten Japanese more easily, as many characters simplify naturally when written quickly. Stroke order charts typically use numbered arrows to guide you step-by-step.

How to Learn Hiragana?

Learning hiragana effectively involves a mix of visual recognition, writing practice, and usage in real words. Here’s a suggested approach:

1. Start with a basic chart and learn 5–10 characters at a time.
2. Practice writing each character with stroke order.
3. Use flashcards (digital or physical) to test recognition.
4. Incorporate the characters into simple Japanese words and phrases.
5. Read children’s books or graded readers that use hiragana.
   Regular short study sessions are better than cramming, and pairing study with listening practice will reinforce correct pronunciation.

Basic Hiragana Practice Sheets

Basic hiragana practice sheets are designed to help beginners repeatedly write characters until they become automatic. These sheets may include:

• Grid layouts to maintain consistent size and spacing.
• Tracing lines to help with stroke order and shape.
• Spaces for freehand repetition.
• Small word examples using the character.
  Daily use of these sheets can help build muscle memory, improve reading speed, and ensure you retain what you’ve learned.

Hiragana Chart with Examples

Memorizing becomes easier when each character is paired with a word:

• あ (a) → あめ (ame) – candy
• き (ki) → きつね (kitsune) – fox
• ね (ne) → ねこ (neko) – cat

TLS instructors often use picture-based flashcards so students remember Hiragana through real-life vocabulary.

Hiragana and Katakana – What’s the Difference?

Hiragana and Katakana are both phonetic alphabets with the same sounds but different uses:

• Hiragana → Japanese native words and grammar
• Katakana → Foreign words, loanwords, and emphasis

If you master the Hiragana chart 1, moving to the Katakana chart is much easier because the sounds remain identical.

Expand your vocabulary and writing skills by learning Kanji and Japanese words through this guide: Learn Kanji and Japanese Words.

How to Learn Hiragana Fast – TLS Approach

At TLS – The Japanese Language School, Hiragana is taught in the first two weeks of beginner Japanese classes. Their method includes:

1. Daily Writing Practice – Guided stroke order drills using worksheets.
2. Flashcards & Mnemonics – Associating shapes with images for memory retention.
3. Reading Practice – Using children’s books and basic dialogues.
4. Speaking & Listening – Repeating words aloud to reinforce pronunciation.

By the end of this phase, most TLS students can read and write all Hiragana characters confidently.

Why Mastering Hiragana Matters

Without Hiragana, you’ll struggle to read even the simplest Japanese sentences. Even Kanji-heavy texts often have Hiragana above them (called furigana) to show pronunciation.

Mastering Hiragana also improves your:

• Reading speed
• Listening comprehension
• Ability to use Japanese dictionaries and apps

Free Hiragana Chart PDF Download

A Hiragana chart PDF is a great tool for self-study. It lets you practice anytime without needing an internet connection. TLS provides a downloadable PDF with:

• Full Hiragana chart
• Stroke order diagrams
• Example words in English and Japanese

For focused practice, access detailed Hiragana lessons here: Hiragana.

Tips for Practicing Hiragana Daily

Mastering Hiragana requires consistent, focused practice rather than cramming. Dedicate a few minutes each day to tracing characters, writing from memory, and reading simple Japanese words. Use flashcards, spaced repetition apps, and handwriting drills to strengthen recall. 

• Write each character 10 times
• Speak out loud as you write
• Read Japanese menus or signs online
• Use spaced repetition apps like Anki
• Practice with a study partner

Conclusion

The Hiragana chart is your gateway to mastering Japanese reading and writing. Whether you’re learning on your own or with an institute like TLS – The Japanese Language School, consistent practice with pronunciation and stroke order will make you fluent faster.

Once you’re comfortable, move on to the Katakana chart and eventually Kanji. Remember — Japanese learning is a marathon, not a sprint, and Hiragana is your very first milestone.

If you’re curious about language difficulty, find out whether Japanese is hard to learn in this detailed article: Is Japanese Hard to Learn.

FAQs – Hiragana Chart

1. How many characters are in the Hiragana chart?
There are 46 basic characters.

2. Is Hiragana harder than Katakana?
Most beginners find Hiragana easier because it’s used more often.

3. Can I learn Hiragana in a week?
Yes, with daily practice and good resources like TLS worksheets.

4. Do I need to learn stroke order?
Yes, it improves writing speed and accuracy.

5. Where can I get a Hiragana chart PDF?
TLS offers free downloadable charts for students.

6. What’s the difference between Hiragana and Katakana?
Same sounds, different uses — Hiragana for native words, Katakana for foreign words.

7. How do Japanese children learn Hiragana?
Through repetition, writing drills, and illustrated books.

8. Do I need to learn Hiragana before Kanji?
Yes, Hiragana is essential before tackling Kanji.

9. Is there a Hiragana chart with English pronunciation?
Yes, many resources, including TLS materials, have them.

10. Can I practice Hiragana online?
Yes, apps and interactive charts are available, but writing by hand is most effective.