A detailed guide on how to write standard Japanese characters for beginners.

Currently, Japanese has three commonly used writing systems, each with distinct characters. In the following article, we will provide detailed instructions. how to write Japanese characters This is a guide for beginners to refer to and apply. If you're interested, please click on the following article!

An overview of the Japanese alphabet

Not only Japanese, but any language also has a basic alphabet to help learners master the characters. Currently, there are four basic Japanese alphabets available: Romaniji, Kanji, Katakana, and Hiragana. Of these, Katakana, Hiragana, and Kanji are the most commonly used. 

Before learning to write Japanese characters, you usually need to master the two main alphabets: Katakana and Hiragana. You must memorize them thoroughly before moving on to learning Kanji, as they are at a higher level. 

Detailed instructions on how to write Japanese Hiragana characters.

Below, Viet My College will provide detailed instructions on how to write the Japanese Hiragana alphabet for your reference and application. Specifically:

How to use the Hiragana alphabet

Japanese alphabet Hiragana Hiragana is used for adjectives and verbs at the end, or in suffixes, prefixes, and words that cannot be written in Kanji. In addition, the Hiragana alphabet is used in symbolic subject sounds, auxiliary verbs, and conjunctions. Furthermore, the Hiragana alphabet is used for adverbs, plant names, and animal names.

How to write rectangles in Hiragana

Currently, the Hiragana alphabet consists of a total of 46 characters. These include 33 compound characters, 25 variant characters, and 106 individual characters. Hiragana is also known as the "soft alphabet" because its strokes are softer and more curved compared to the other two alphabets.

The image shows the Hiragana alphabet with the letter A written on it.

The image shows the Hiragana alphabet letter KA.

The image shows the Hiragana alphabet with the letter SA written on it.

The image shows the Hiragana alphabet written in English.

The image shows the Hiragana alphabet with the letter NA written on it.

Regarding the prescribed writing style.

• First, follow the provided template, where each letter is in a separate box, and write carefully in the correct order and stroke direction for the most aesthetically pleasing result.
• Next, write each letter on the graph paper.
• Once you have mastered and memorized the alphabet, you can rewrite it without looking at the example.
• Finally, practice writing these Japanese characters every day so that your handwriting becomes more beautiful and elegant.

Detailed instructions on how to write the Japanese Katakana alphabet.

The Japanese Katakana alphabet, also known as the hard alphabet, consists of 46 characters, all with similar pronunciations. A distinctive feature of the Katakana alphabet is its combination of curved and straight strokes. It is currently the simplest Japanese alphabet.

The method of writing Japanese Katakana characters is vividly illustrated with the following specific images:

Detailed instructions on how to write Japanese Kanji characters.

The Japanese Kanji alphabet is the largest alphabet in Japan. It includes pictographic characters, some borrowed from Chinese characters, and others created by the Japanese themselves. This is a difficult alphabet to learn, requiring learners to memorize both the radicals and the stroke order.

• Left first, then right.
• Top first, bottom last.
• Horizontal front, vertical back.

Basic strokes in the Kanji alphabet

• Horizontal stroke (一): For horizontal strokes, write in order from left to right.
• Vertical stroke (〡): This is a vertical stroke; write it in order from top to bottom.
• Dot stroke (丶): Write in order from top to bottom, or from right to left.
• The flicking motion (彡): You flick diagonally from below upwards and from left to right.
• Comma stroke (ノ): Write from top to bottom and from right to left.
• Stroke (乀): Write from top to bottom and from left to right.
• Fold stroke: Make a fold stroke in the middle of the pen stroke.
• Hook stroke: This is a stroke that is flicked upwards at the end of other strokes.

Rules for writing Japanese Kanji characters

• Top first, bottom last.
• Horizontal front, rear
• From left to right.
• Commas before marks.
• The middle section is in front, and the two sides are behind.
• Go all the way in and then close.
• The radicals 辶 and 廴 should be written last.

Some things to keep in mind when learning to write Japanese characters.

• You need to be very meticulous, patient, and write each stroke correctly to ensure beautiful handwriting.
• You need to remember to write each letter correctly right from the start of your learning process to save as much time as possible.
• You need to practice regularly and write letters following the correct stroke order so that the letters look more natural. Strictly adhere to writing rules early on to master the alphabet.

Above we We have now shared the most standard way to write Japanese characters for beginners to refer to. If you have any further questions or are unclear about the writing method, please contact us at the following address for timely advice and support!

Author: Viet My College - Date written: September 28, 2021

Category: Japanese business and trade interpreter