#1 Let's start with "a-i-u-e-o"! How to learn hiragana and katakana

The first step in learning Japanese is learning the characters. Japanese has three writing systems: "hiragana," "katakana," and "kanji." Start by mastering hiragana and katakana.

 Effective Ways to Learn Hiragana Hiragana is the foundation of Japanese writing. There are 46 characters in total, and you can learn them efficiently using these methods

 1. Use the Hiragana Chart Start by learning the "a-i-u-e-o" row. Memorize about 5 characters daily, and you'll complete the chart in about 10 days.

2. Learn by Writing It's crucial to memorize the shapes by hand. Practice writing them repeatedly in a grid-lined notebook.

3. Memorize with words Associate characters with familiar words like "あ" (ant) for "アリ" (ari) and "か" (crab) for "カニ" (kani) to help them stick in your memory.

Key Points for Learning Katakana Katakana is mainly used for foreign words and names. Its angular shapes are a key feature compared to hiragana

1. Be Aware of Differences from Hiragana Pay attention to the differences between similar characters like "カ" and "か," or "ト" and "と."

2. Practice with loanwords Practice using common loanwords like "coffee," "television," and "computer" for practical application.

Tips for consistency Even 15 minutes daily is fine. Consistency is key. Use smartphone apps or flashcards to make the most of your commute or break time. Once you can read characters, learning Japanese becomes much more enjoyable. Take it slow and steady!