The first Japanese script

Hiragana: the first writing system that makes Japanese readable.

Hiragana is where beginner Japanese begins to open. It gives you the core sound system of the language, helps you read grammar, and lets you start reading real words early.

The first five sounds

あa

いi

うu

えe

おo

These five vowel sounds are the heart of beginner Japanese reading.

More hiragana you will keep seeing

かka

きki

くku

けke

こko

さsa

しshi

すsu

せse

そso

たta

ちchi

つtsu

てte

とto

Quick win lesson cards

みず

mizu

water

Example: みずをください。
Mizu o kudasai.

When to use it: At restaurants, cafés, or when asking for water.

ここ

koko

here

Example: ここです。
Koko desu.

When to use it: When showing a place or position.

どこ

doko

where

Example: どこですか。
Doko desu ka.

When to use it: When asking where something is.

すし

sushi

Example: すしがすきです。
Sushi ga suki desu.

When to use it: When talking about Japanese food.

すみません。

Sumimasen.

Excuse me. / Sorry.

Example: すみません。
Sumimasen.

When to use it: To begin politely or ask for help.

One important beginner truth

You do not need to memorize every hiragana perfectly before reading words. Learn some, read some, repeat often. Small daily contact builds reading power faster than long, painful cram sessions.