What Is Katakana? Complete Katakana Chart & Learning Guide

After mastering hiragana, one of the three Japanese writing systems, the natural next step is to learn katakana, the second Japanese syllabary. Commonly used to write loanwords, katakana represent the same set of sounds as hiragana, but they look completely different. Katakana characters are typically boxier and more geometric, with sharp corners, in contrast to […]

person studying hiragana

Get Tongue-Tied: Trickiest Japanese Tongue Twisters to Try

Looking for a fun way to improve your Japanese enunciation? Japanese tongue twisters, or hayakuchi kotoba (早口言葉), are short, challenging phrases that help train your tongue, improve fluency, and boost confidence when speaking. Try one a day and make it part of your study routine — yes, even while performing your oral hygiene routine ! […]

A language tutor practicing Japanese tongue twisters with a young learner in a cozy home setting.

How to Say Yes in Japanese: 10 Essential Ways with Examples!

When learning Japanese, “Yes” (はい – hai) and “No” (いいえ – iie) are among the first words you encounter. However, just like in English, there are many ways to say “yes” in Japanese, each with different levels of formality and nuances. If you want to build a strong foundation in everyday Japanese, check out 48 Useful and Basic […]

How to Say Yes in Japanese 10 Essential Ways with Examples!

Top 100+ Basic Japanese Words

Learning Japanese can feel overwhelming at first, but mastering basic greetings and essential vocabulary is a great way to start. Whether you’re planning a trip to Japan, interacting with Japanese speakers, or just curious about the language, these words and phrases will help you build a solid foundation. At Coto Japanese Academy, we specialize in […]

Miniature school desk and chair placed on scattered flashcards featuring basic Japanese hiragana characters.