So What Exactly Are Japanese Symbols?
In this lense, you will learn all about Japanese symbols which are actually called the kana system. Learning kana is very important if you want to read and write Japanese so be sure to master them first so that you have an easier time enjoying anything that's Japanese.
If you want to learn Japanese more effectively and quickly like a rocket, be sure to take a look at these cool Japanese lessons!
The Difference Between Hiragana and Katakana
In Japanese language, there are two kana systems. The first writing system is called Hiragana. Learning hiragana is more important as the majority of Japanese writing is made up of hiragana.The second writing system is called Katakana and it is basically used for words taken from foreign languages. A very good example would be banana.
There are only 46 basic Japanese symbols in each of the two systems and with some practice and patience, they are in fact quite easy to learn. Just practice writing them over and over until you can write them out easily and recognize them without thinking.
Simple Japanese Lesson About Fruits
Kudamono
If you want to learn some Japanese words about fruits, here's a nice video I made to help you learn some.
Which Kana System Is Harder To Learn?
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Great Books To Help You Learn Kana Easily
Kana Pict-o-Graphix: Mnemonics for Japanese Hiragana and Katakana
Amazon Price: $6.00 (as of 12/28/2009) 
Kana Flashcards (Japanese and English Edition)
Amazon Price: $16.20 (as of 12/28/2009)
Japanese for Busy People I: Kana Version includes CD (Japanese for Busy People Series) (Bk. 1)
Amazon Price: $17.82 (as of 12/28/2009)
Japanese for Busy People: Kana Workbook Incl. 1 CD
Amazon Price: $9.89 (as of 12/28/2009)
A Guide to Writing Japanese Kanji & Kana Book 1: A Self-Study Workbook for Learning Japanese Characters (Tuttle Language Library)
Amazon Price: $19.77 (as of 12/28/2009)
Great Deals On Ebay For Learning Kana
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A Short History About Kana
Did you know that the word kana actually derives from karina. Since karu means to borrow and na means name, the literal translation for karina would be borrowed name. Now that we know what's kana, let's find out the origin of hira- and kata-.
The prefix hira- means ordinary, informal and easy. Both the most striking feature of hiragana is its cursive nature which made it easier to learn and use and read than the katakana system. Hiragana is used mainly to write indigenous Japanese words and to inflect words written with Kanji. That's why in those early days, women preferred to use hiragana.
The prefix kata- means one side or partial. In other words, it's just its symbols are derived from one part of a Chinese character. The forms of katakana were based less on calligraphic writing. Indeed, katakana were written in a square, blocked style. They were once used for remembering how to pronounce Buddhist text written in Chinese. Due to its angular nature, most men preferred to use Katakana back then.
The prefix hira- means ordinary, informal and easy. Both the most striking feature of hiragana is its cursive nature which made it easier to learn and use and read than the katakana system. Hiragana is used mainly to write indigenous Japanese words and to inflect words written with Kanji. That's why in those early days, women preferred to use hiragana.
The prefix kata- means one side or partial. In other words, it's just its symbols are derived from one part of a Chinese character. The forms of katakana were based less on calligraphic writing. Indeed, katakana were written in a square, blocked style. They were once used for remembering how to pronounce Buddhist text written in Chinese. Due to its angular nature, most men preferred to use Katakana back then.
Learn Hiragana Video
Learning hiragana is very important and it can be quite easy if you have some learning material such as Japanese flash cards to help you memorize all the hiragana symbols easily.
HIRAGANA (1) with music
HIRAGANA (1) with music Randam test that for you to try to speak it out. For every new screen there will be a few seconds for you to try to pronounce the words yourself. Then compare what you've said with the video sound.
Runtime: 397
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45 Comments:
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Learn Katakana Video
Unlike hiragana, katakana is bit tricker and it takes a lot of practice to remember all the katakana symbols. But with certain Japanese learning aids such as katakana flashcards, you will no doubt have an easier time remembering them.
What's Your No 1 Book For Learning Kana?
Let's Learn Hiragana: First Book of Basic Japanese Writing (Kodansha's Children's Classics) by Yasuko Kosaka Mitamura
There are three types of Japanese script-katakana, more...0 points
Kana Pict-o-Graphix: Mnemonics for Japanese Hiragana and Katakana by Michael Rowley
This compact book is a lively collection of contem more...0 points
Kana Flashcards by Max Hodges, Tomoko Okazaki
Each of our Kana Flashcards includes a memorable v more...0 points
Jimi's Book of Japanese: A Motivating Method to Learn Japanese (Hiragana) by Peter X. Takahashi
<p>*WINNER* Parents' Choice Award </p> more...0 points
Cool Kana Tables For You
Hiragana Table
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Katana Table
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Hiragana Table With Voice
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Katakana Table With Voice
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Cool Japanese Stuff To Help You Learn Kana Better
Awesome Japan Stores Signs Using Katakana
What's your favourite Store Sign in Katakana?
Here are some pictures showing Japanese katakana in action. Vote your favourite pictures now!
Other Japanese Lessons
- DameDesu.com - Japanese Lesson N.º 3 – Days of the week – Youbi – 曜目
- Welcome to the third lesson to learn Japanese. -. Days of the Week ? Youbi ? ??. Kyou wa nan'youbi desu ka? Getsuyoubi desu. Ohh sorry, guess i got a bit carried away ;) Ok, again i choosed a simple topic wich people use it basically ...
- montrealfood blog: Japanese Lesson #2: Three Words You Don't Want ...
- Japanese Lesson #2: Three Words You Don't Want to Know. These are three particular words you don't want to know, but out of the goodness of my heart and my sheer adoration of my faithful flock, (you all know who you are, and by the way, ...
- JapanesePod101.com Blog » Blog Archive » Advanced Japanese Lesson ...
- Advanced Japanese Lesson: ?? (kaibun). Thursday, December 17th, 2009. ?????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????? ...
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- siete siete Feb 4, 2009 @ 2:19 am
- i need to learn Japanese (nihongo) - anime nation - :-D
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- Great lens! You got me interested!! 5*'s
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- Taihen jyozu no rensu desu! Ni de renzu hen hao! You have a very nice lens. Great for folks wanting to learn Japanese! I will link to this lens from my lenses on Japan: Narita and Niseko If folks want to travel to Japan, your great lens will help them to make the trip more enjoyable.
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Having trouble learning Japanese? Want to boost your Japanese level?
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