Want to learn Japanese hiragana? In this blog, we share our own PDF learning Hiragana practice sheets and links to some popular apps for learning Japanese. Just started learning Japanese? Head to our main article about the Japanese writing system for a more comprehensive guide!
Apps for Learning Hiragana
If you are just getting started with learning Hiragana, you may think that it is easier to learn with an App.
Apps are convenient and easy to take with you to practice using while you are out and about. However, we also suggest that you take some time to physically write the characters, as it will cement them in your brain.
That being said, we recommend several apps for being fun and easy to use.
Dr. Moku’s Hiragana and Katakana Mnemonics are 2 separate apps. One for Hiragana and one for Katakana. In each app, they associate all the kana with pictures, making it easy for you to remember them.
It also uses mnemonic hacks (tying each character to a visual story-based meaning) rather than just rote memorization.
Mindsnacks has a visually appealing interface, and the limited free version allows you to practice learning Hiragana and Katakana characters.
It is the closest thing to a learning video game that we have found.
Hiragana Learning Chart – Writing Practice PDFs
If you are looking for a more analog way to practice and learn hiragana – we have included a sample of a few of the practice homework sheets from our Japanese Crash Course below:
Open the image in a new tab by clicking on it- you can print it!
How to use the homework sheets:
Use the hiragana chart here to locate the correct symbol. (Right-click to save as – or left-click to open)
Hiragana Practice Chart
Draw a line to the corresponding character and connect them.
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Hiragana is a fundamental script in Japanese, used for writing sentences, grammatical particles (like は, が, を), and parts of words. It is also used for words that don’t have kanji or for furigana (small hiragana above kanji to show pronunciation).
How many Hiragana characters are there?
There are 46 basic Hiragana characters. Some characters can change their sounds when small marks (゛or ゜) are added, like か (ka) → が (ga) or は (ha) → ぱ (pa).
What’s the easiest way to learn Hiragana?
The best ways to learn Hiragana are:
Learn mnemonics (e.g., し (shi) looks like a smiling face)
Practice writing daily
Use flashcards to memorize characters
Listen to Hiragana songs or use learning apps
What’s the difference between Hiragana and Katakana?
Hiragana is mainly used for native Japanese words and grammar, while Katakana is used for foreign words (like “coffee” → コーヒー), onomatopoeia, and emphasis.
Can I write everything in Hiragana?
Yes, but it’s not ideal. Japanese writing combines Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji, so writing everything in Hiragana can be hard to read and understand.
Hiragana, katakana, and kanji make up the Japanese writing system. When you start learning Japanese, figuring out how to read and write can feel overwhelming; after all, Japanese is completely different from the Roman alphabet! You then learn that there are three different writing systems used all at once. How is that even possible? Not to worry – these systems are simpler than you might expect! Each one has unique, defining characteristics and uses; once you learn more about these, reading and writing Japanese will be a breeze!
We’ve covered smaller articles for each Japanese writing system. Don’t forget to check out our downloadable hiragana chart and quiz for a more detailed guide and resource recommendation.
Origins of the Japanese Alphabet
Do you know about the history and the origin of hiragana and katakana? Originally, the Japanese ancestors did not have a writing system. Around the fifth century, they started using kanji, ideograms that were adopted from China and Korea. They only used the phonetic reading of the kanji, regardless of their meaning. At that time, the ideograms were called manyogana (万葉仮名).
However, kanji’s characters are composed of many strokes. They take longer to write, as you have noticed by now! Due to their difficulty, those ideograms were slowly simplified into kana alphabets, namely hiragana and katakana. They are called syllabograms, as each character corresponds to one sound in the Japanese language. According to historians, the change was initiated by Buddhist priests who thought kanji could not accurately represent the Japanese language and that a phonetic alphabet would be better.
Examples of Change
On the left is the manyogana, and on the right are simplified hiragana and katakana forms.
安 →あ 阿 → ア (a)
以 →い 伊 → イ(i)
宇 →う、ウ(u)
衣 →え 江 → エ(e)
於 →お、オ(o)
This change is thought to have occurred between the eighth and ninth centuries. Hiragana can be considered a simplified calligraphy form of the kanji’s strokes. On the other hand, katakana is taken from a single element of a kanji. In some cases, the Hiragana and Katakana are created from different ideograms.
Some hiragana and Katakana express the same sound and have similar shapes, such as り and リ. However, some can be dissimilar, such as あ and ア. Hiragana is said to be cursive, while katakana is more angular. Do take note that one sound can have more than one hiragana. In 1900, the two kana scripts, hiragana and katakana, were codified. This led to the clear establishment of rules for the Japanese system in 1946.
Japanese Writing System #1: Hiragana
Whenever you just start out learning Japanese, hiragana is usually the first writing system you learn. Hiragana is technically a syllabary or a way of writing where symbols represent whole syllables (such as “ba” and “to”) instead of individual sounds (such as “b” or “t”)5. This is because all Japanese words are made up of these small syllables, so there’s no need to write out individual sounds!
In Japanese, there are 46 basic syllables:
The basic vowels: a, i, u, e, o.
The k-line: ka, ki, ku, ke, ko.
The s-line: sa, shi, su, se, so. (Notice that the “si” sound is instead replaced by “shi.”)
The t-line: ta, chi, tsu, te, to. (Notice that the “ti” and “tu” sounds are instead pronounced closer to “chi” and “tsu.”)
The n-line: na, ni, nu, ne, no.
The h-line: ha, hi, fu, he, ho. (Notice that the “hu” sound is actually said as “fu.”)
The m-line: ma, mi, mu, me, mo.
The y-line: ya, yu, yo.
The r-line: ra, ri, ru, re, ro.
Wa, o/wo, and n. (These sounds are unique, so they are generally placed together. The “o/wo” symbol can be pronounced either way and “n” is considered a whole syllable in Japanese.)
There are also 23 additional syllables in Japanese; these are formed with additional marks that we’ll cover in a minute.
The g-line: ga, gi, gu, ge, go.
the z-line: za, ji, zu, ze, zo. (Notice that “ji” is used instead of “zi.”)
The d-line: da, ji, zu, de, do. (“ji” and “zu” are pronounced the same way as in the z-line but have different uses.)
The b-line: ba, be, bu, be, bo.
the p-line: pa, pi, pu, pe, po.
Writing Hiragana
So, now that we’ve covered the basic sounds, let’s see how these syllables are written down in hiragana:
Hiragana is generally round in shape, with lots of curves and bends. This characteristic is a key way to tell what symbols are hiragana! You can also combine a consonant with a / ya / yu / yo / sound by attaching a small 「や」、「ゆ」、or 「よ」 to the / i / vowel character of each consonant.
Now, let’s take a look at those 23 additional sounds:
the g-line: が(ga), ぎ(gi), ぐ(gu), げ(ge), ご(go).
the z-line: ざ(za), じ(ji), ず(zu), ぜ(ze), ぞ(zo).
the d-line: だ(da), ぢ(ji), づ(zu), で(de), ど(do).
the b-line: ば(ba), べ(be), ぶ(bu), べ(be), ぼ(bo).
the p-line: ぱ(pa), ぴ(pi), ぷ(pu), ぺ(pe), ぽ(po).
Did you notice something about the above sounds? The hiragana for the g-line is identical to the k-line, and the same goes for the z-line and s-line, the t-line and the d-line, the h-line and the b- and p-lines! The only difference is the addition of diacritical marks; these marks go to the upper right of the hiragana and can be either two short diagonal marks (called a dakuten) or a small circle (called the handakuten). This is pretty nice, as you don’t have to memorize even more symbols!
There are also contracted sounds in Japanese. These sounds are basically combinations of sounds ending in “-i” and the y-line and are considered one syllable as well. All you have to do for these is add a small y-line hiragana after the main hiragana! (Notice that not all of these syllables keep the “y” sound.)
the k-line: きゃ(kya), きゅ(kyu), きょ(kyo)
the s-line: しゃ(sha), しゅ(shu), しょ (sho)
the t-line: ちゃ(cha), ちゅ(chu), ちょ(cho)
the n-line: にゃ(nya), にゅ(nyu), にょ(nyo)
the h-line: ひゃ(hya), ひゅ(hyu), ひょ(hyo)
the m-line: みゃ(mya), みゅ(my) みょ(myo)
the r-line: りゃ(rya), りゅ(ryu), りょ(ryo)
the g-line: ぎゃ(gya), ぎゅ(gyu), ぎょ(gyo)
the z-line: じゃ(ja), じゅ(ju), じょ(jo)
the b-line: びゃ(bya), びゅ(byu), びょ(byo)
the p-line: ぴゃ(pya), ぴゅ(pyu), ぴょ(pyo)
So, that is the basics of how hiragana is written. However, there are also doubleconsonants and long vowels, which are written with variations in hiragana (and katakana). We recommend checking out our full-length article about double consonants and long vowels to learn more about those!
How to Use Hiragana
Hiragana can be used for many things; it’s like the all-rounder of writing Japanese, and it represents all the syllables of the Japanese language! Hiragana is used when writing verb endings, particles, grammar words (such as conjunctions), and many native Japanese words, as well as for words that do not have a corresponding kanji character. Hiragana is also used in furigana; this is when hiragana is written in a small font above kanji for those who don’t know the kanji’s reading.
Long Vowels and Double Consonants in Hiragana
In Japanese hiragana, double consonants are represented by adding a small “tsu” character (っ) before the consonant that is doubled. For example, the word “katta” (勝った), meaning “won”, would be written as かった, with a small “tsu” between the two “t” characters.
Long vowels in hiragana are done by extending a consonant or vowel with another vowel, depending on the vowel in accordance with the following chart.
For example, the word “ookii” (大きい), meaning “big”, would be written as おおきい.
Vowel Sound
Extended by
Example
a
あ
おばあさん
i, e
い
おおきい、きれい
u, o
う
こうこう、くうき
Example
Let’s start off with a simple sentence – “My pet’s name is Bob.” (What a funny name for a pet!) In Hiragana, this looks like this:
わたしの ぺっと の なまえ は ぼぶ です。 Watashi no petto no namae wa bobu desu.
So, we can write a whole Japanese sentence just using hiragana! This is how most people (including native speakers) start off reading and writing Japanese. Of course, as you learn about katakana and kanji, some of these words will be replaced. However, you will see that the particles (の [no] and は [wa]) and the native verb です(desu) will remain the same, as these are some of the things that specifically use hiragana!
1. There are no spaces in the Japanese writing system
Japanese is written with no spaces, so a combination of hiragana, kanji, and katakana helps distinguish words within a sentence. As you improve your Japanese writing and reading skills, you’ll start to feel that reading kanji is often easier than reading a sentence that consists solely of hiragana.
2. Be careful of hiragana characters that sound and look similar
Pay more attention when pronouncing “tsu” and “su”. Beginner-level students also have a hard time discerning ro (ろ), re (れ), ru (る) — and nu (ぬ) and me (め) because they look similar.
3. Correct stroke order and direction are important
Writing hiragana with the correct stroke order and direction will help you intuitively know how to write new characters, and it has a big effect on how readable it ends up looking.
Japanese Writing System #2: Katakana
After hiragana, it’s a good idea to learn katakana next; katakana works the exact same way that hiragana does, just using different characters; some katakana symbols even look similar to their hiragana counterparts! In fact, hiragana and katakana are often collectively referred to as kana, since they are so similar!
Writing Katakana
the basic vowels
ア(a), イ(i), ウ(u), エ(e), オ(o)
the k-line
カ (ka), キ(ki), ク(ku), ケ(ke), コ(ko)
the s-line
サ(sa), シ(shi), ス(su), セ(se), ソ(so)
the t-line
タ(ta), チ(chi),ツ(tsu), テ(te), ト(to)
the h-line
ハ(ha), ヒ(hi), フ(fu), へ(he), ホ(ho)
the n-line
ナ(na), ニ(ni), ヌ(nu), ネ(ne), ノ(no)
the m-line
マ(ma), ミ(mi), ム(mu), メ(me), モ(mo)
the y-line
ヤ(ya), ユ(yu), ヨ(yo)
the r-line
ラ(ra), リ(ri), ル(ru), レ(re), ロ(ro).
ワ(wa), ヲ(o/wo), and ン(n).
Now, let’s take a look at those 23 additional sounds:
the g-line: ガ(ga), ギ(gi), グ(gu), ゲ(ge), ゴ(go).
the z-line: ザ(za), ジ(ji), ズ(zu), ゼ(ze), ゾ(zo).
the d-line: ダ(da), ヂ(ji), ヅ(zu), デ(de), ド(do).
the b-line: バ(ba), ビ(bi), ブ(bu), べ(be), ボ(bo).
the p-line: パ(pa), ピ(pi), プ(pu), ぺ(pe), ポ(po).
The contracted sounds are also formed in the same way as in hiragana. However, katakana has additional combinations with small vowel letters to transcribe foreign sounds that did not originally exist in Japanese.These are generally easy to pronounce, as you simply combine the consonant of the main katakana symbol with the vowel of the smaller one.
Examples of this include the フェ (fe) in カフェ (kafe), the ティ (ti) in パーティー (paatii), and the ウィ (wi) in ハロウィーン (harowiin)!
You can see that katakana is simpler and has more straight lines than hiragana; this is one major way to tell them apart!
If you want to learn more about katakana, check out our article below and get a free, downloadable PDF of our chart!
Another way to tell them apart is by their usage. Katakana is used for foreign loanwords or words from different languages. ハンバーガー (hanbaagaa, hamburger) and アルバイト (arubaito, part-time job) are examples of Japanese words taken from English and German, respectively. Many non-Japanese names are spelled using katakana as well!
Katakana is also often used for onomatopoeic words, which are words that imitate sounds, such as “pikapika” (sparkling), “gacha” (clacking sound), or “wanwan” (dog’s bark).
Katakana can also be used to emphasize words, similar to how words might be italicized or bolded in English. You can usually see this more in signs or advertisements, like メガネ, megane (glasses) or ラーメン (raamen, glasses).
Long Vowels and Double Consonants in Katakana
Long vowels in katakana are so much simpler than hiragana. All long vowel sounds are denoted by a simple dash: ー.
For example, the word “アート” (aato), meaning “art”, has a long “a” sound represented by the horizontal line over the “a” character.
Double consonants in Katakana are represented using a small “tsu” character (ッ) just like in Hiragana. For example, the word “バッグ” (baggu), meaning “bag”, has a double “g” sound represented by the small “tsu” character.
Example of Katakana
Remember the pet with the funny name? Let’s take another look at that sentence, this time adding in katakana – try to guess where the katakana will be!
わたしのペットのなまえは ボブ です。 Watashi no petto no namae wa bobu desu.
Did you guess petto and bobu? Both of these words are English loanwords and names, so they would be written in katakana. Including katakana when writing Japanese is also a great way to make the words easier to distinguish from each other; writing in all hiragana could make it hard to tell words apart, since Japanese doesn’t normally use spaces!
Difference between Hiragana and Katakana
Why are there 2 syllabic Japanese scripts? In the event that the difference is stylistic, you will learn that hiragana is used to write native Japanese words. Those words will have no kanji representation, and the ideogram will be too ancient or too difficult to write. This kana script is also the one used to write grammatical elements such as particles: を (wo)、に (ni)、へ (he;e)、が (ga)、は (ha).
On the contrary, the Japanese use katakana to write words of foreign origin and foreign names. If you like to read manga in Japanese, you will certainly notice that katakana is also used to represent onomatopoeia and emphasis.
Have you heard of the word “furigana”? Furigana are hiragana and katakana characters written in small forms above kanji in order to show the pronunciation. Furigana is used in kids’ books and Japanese language textbooks for learners, in order to teach the reading of unknown kanji.
Japanese Writing System #3: Kanji
Kanji is usually the last system to be learned, even for native Japanese speakers! Kanji are Chinese characters and were Japan’s first writing system. They were first introduced to Japan over 1,500 years ago; hiragana and katakana actually evolved from these symbols!
Kanji are complex characters that represent words or ideas, and they form the backbone of the Japanese writing system. In fact, it is estimated that there are over 50,000 kanji characters, although only a fraction of those are commonly used.
Reading Kanji
Kanji is different from hiragana and katakana in that there are multiple ways to pronounce a single character. This is because there is a Chinese way to read a character (called the on-yomi) and a Japanese way (the kun-yomi). The on-yomi was the original way, but when kanji started to be used to write native Japanese words, new pronunciations were added1. So, if you see a character pronounced one way in one word but differently in another, this is why!
Writing Kanji
Radicals
All kanji are made up of one or more radicals. A radical is simply a small symbol that, either by itself or when combined with other symbols, makes up a complete kanji character. Take, for instance, the radical 一. By itself, this is the complete kanji for ichi (one). But, it can be added with the radical亅to form the kanji 丁! There are 214 total radicals used in 13 different positions when forming kanji, though some radicals and positions are used more frequently than others. If you think of all kanji as being made up of these smaller radicals, then they will be easier to learn!
There are roughly four main types of kanji, based on how and why the radicals are arranged1:
1. Pictograms
These kanji originally came from pictures, simply drawing the object itself to represent it in writing1. It’s like writing “😊” to represent “smiley face” – just like emojis today! Take a look at 山 (yama, mountain) for example; doesn’t the character 山 remind you of how a mountain looks, with a pointy peak at the top?
2. Simple Ideograms
These kanji originally used lines and dots to “represent numbers or abstract concepts.1” So, instead of drawing an object, you would try to visually represent the idea you wanted to convey. Take “up” and “down” for instance; drawing a dot above a line could represent “up” while a dot below a line would signify “down.” This is where 上 (ue, up) and 下 (shita, down) came from1!
3. Compound Ideograms
Basically, these are kanji formed by combining two or more simpler kanji1. The kanji used in 休む (yasumu, to rest), for example, is a combination of 人 (hito, person [often written as ⺅ when used as a radical]) and 木 (ki, tree)1. A lot of the time, the two simpler kanji are chosen because of their connection to the resulting character. For 休, a person leaning against a tree would be resting – which is why 人 and 木 were chosen to form this character!
4. Phonetic-ideographic Characters
These kanji are usually found when a character’s original on-yomi sounded like a native Japanese word, but the kanji associated with the sound didn’t represent the word’s meaning. So, to remedy this, those in the past added an additional kanji to clarify the meaning. In other words, these kanji are formed by combining one kanji that has the word’s pronunciation and another kanji that represents the word’s meaning. One example of this is the character for sei (clean). Water is generally associated with cleaning, so the kanji for water 水 (mizu, often written as ⺡) is added to the kanji 青 (sei, blue) to get 清 sei (clean).
As you can see, kanji are definitely more complex than hiragana or katakana, but don’t worry – there are plenty of simple kanji too! Plus, knowing the radicals and kanji types will help to make learning and remembering kanji easier. Knowing the stroke order, or the steps in which each character is written, can help make memorization easier too; check out this site to look up any kanji and see its stroke order (and other helpful information)!
Uses
Kanji is used for nouns, verb stems, and adjectives. So, kanji are used for most major words that you will encounter in everyday Japanese! While hiragana and katakana are crucial, you also can’t rely on just those when reading and writing; you have to learn kanji as well!
Example
Let’s take one last look at Bob, this time reading the sentence as it would be written in everyday Japanese:
私のペットの名前はボブです。 Watashi no petto no namae wa bobu desu.
Well, using kanji certainly makes the Japanese sentence shorter! In this case, the pronoun watashi (I) and the noun namae (name) use kanji. If there was a different verb in this sentence (like “look” or “ate”), then there would most likely be kanji there as well. Finally, using these new symbols makes the sentence even easier to read, as they are visually quite different than hiragana or katakana!
While all of this might seem overwhelming at first, it’s nothing you can’t handle with a little practice! Simply writing the kanji out is a great way to see how the radicals work together and to memorize their combinations; but, if you’re looking for something a little bit more high-tech, there are also some kanji apps we recommend you can use to practice as well!
Conclusion
Well, we certainly covered a lot of ground today! Let’s review everything to make sure you remember what we learned.
Japanese has three types of writing systems: hiragana, katakana, and kanji. Hiragana is curvy, represents small syllables, and is used for grammatical information, particles, and native Japanese words! Katakana is straight, also represents small syllables, and is used for loanwords from other languages. Kanji are complex characters made up of radicals, represent a concept, a sound, or a mixture of the two, and are used for nouns, verb stems, and adjectives.
And those are the main points! Not so bad, right? You are now ready to start reading and writing Japanese like a pro! If you feel like you need more help, though, feel free to reach out to us or join one of our many Japanese language classes here!
FAQ
What is the Japanese writing system?
The Japanese writing system uses Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji scripts.
What does Hiragana represents?
Hiragana represents native Japanese words, grammatical particles, and verb endings.
What does Katakana represents?
Katakana represents foreign words, loanwords, onomatopoeic words, and emphasis.
How many characters are there in hiragana and katakana?
There are 46 characters in each of the Hiragana and Katakana scripts.
What is the closet thing to English chracters?
There is no such thing as the Japanese alphabet, but the closest things would be called hiragana and katakana.
How many kanji I should learn?
To be considered fluent in Japanese, you must learn from 1500 to 2500 kanji characters.
Alphabet is the foundation of English language, and the same thing can be said about hiragana in the Japanese language. Mastering hiragana is important for anyone who want to learn the basics of Japanese. As one of the two Japanese alphabets — right next to katakana — hiragana is used for both Japanese grammars and function words.
Because of this, having a strong foundation of hiragana means having a generally strong foundation of Japanese skills, too. Yet despite its importance, it shouldn’t take a long time for you to master hiragana. In fact, with the right teacher and support, it should only take no longer than a week for you to master hiragana, including reading and writing them. Hiragana’s shapes are relatively simple, especially if you compare them to kanji. Dwell no further. In this blog series, we’ll be breaking down all the Japanese phonetics (AIUEO or あいうえお) for beginners.
Want to take your kanji skills up a notch? Check our comprehensive kanji page for study tips, kanji life hacks and free worksheets!
Today’s Japanese Hiragana: Wa (わ）
Wa (わ) consists of the consonant “w” and the Japanese vowel “a”. Pronouncing the wa sound is pretty easy, too — you purse your lips and open your mouth when you make the sound. As the last kana or Japanese alphabet on every hiragana chart, wa (わ) is often associated with a word on a brighter note: warai (わらい), meaning laughter.
There’s a Japanese proverb that goes warau kado ni wa fuku kitaru (笑う門には福来る), and who can say no to that? The phrase means “good fortune and happiness will come to those who smile.”
And who shouldn’t live by the statement? In Japan, owarai (お笑い） is a broad term used to describe Japanese comedy. They can be seen on televisions and, just recently, YouTube, but owarai is a deep-seeded representation of Japanese culture. You’ll find that a lot of Japanese comedy can be traced from thousands of years ago, passed from one generation. There are three styles of owarai that perfectly captures the essence of Japan.
Manzai was once a traditional art of storytelling with roots that stemmed from the Heian period. Believed to have its beginnings from the song and dance performances, manzai perfomers would tour around courts, shrines and temples in celebration of the newyear. Manzai was reintroduced in Osaka by Yoshimoto Kogyo, and has since structured modern Japanese comedies.
Today, manzai is generally performed by two comedians, who play the roles of boke (ボケ) and tsukkomi (ツッコミ). Another characteristic is that the pair tend to match their outfits with each other. Boke, otherwise known as the funny man, delivers funny (and otherwise stupid) lines. They’re forgetful and airheaded, and it’s precisely their silly mistakes that stresses their partner, tsukkomi. Tsukkomi will usually hit the boke’s head or chest in retaliation.
Conte
Originating from the French word, “conte,” refers to funny skits. In Japanese, the word is written as konto (コント). It’s a type of manzai performance that focuses on storytelling, so it’s not uncommon to find a conte incorporating props and elaborate stage settings. In recent years, you can find a lot of rapid-fire short conte, which only goes less than 30 seconds.
Rakugo
Rakugo is a type of traditional Japanese storytelling that has been handed down since the early modern era. Performers sit on a zabuton cushino, centered on a stage, and let their bodies narrate the story. Interestingly enough, rops, costumes and music are abandoned in favors of fans and tenugui (thin cotton towels). A rakugo performer will adopt various gaze, postures and demeanors to play multiple roles. It is through the performer’s skill and sublime imagination that we can see a world unfurled and understand a deeper meaning in the art of Rakugo.
Pop Quiz
Here’s a question: In 2015, a certain manzai duo debuted and shocked the world. Who was the partner of a male named Kaneko from Tokyo?
The answer might be mind-boggling to some. Believe it or not, a robot named Pepper debuted as part of a duo called “Peppers”. They were able to successfully get past the first round of “M-1,” the most famous manzai contest in Japan. Kaneko went as far as to create a background for Pepper: a part-time worker born in Tokyo in December 1990.
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Studying Japanese doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you’re starting out or looking to boost your career in Japan, with the right guidance and structured practice, becoming confident in Japanese is easier than you think.
Looking to boost your Japanese skill? Join intensive, part-time or onlineJapanese courses at Coto Academy. Start your journey today with lessons to help you reach your goals faster!
Alphabet is the foundation of the English language, and the same thing can be said about hiragana in the Japanese language. Mastering hiragana is important for anyone who wants to learn the basics of Japanese. As one of the two Japanese alphabets — right next to katakana — hiragana is used for both Japanese grammars and function words. Today, we’ll be learning about the Japanese hiragana ro and rotenburo.
Because of this, having a strong foundation of hiragana means having a generally strong foundation of Japanese skills, too. Yet despite its importance, it shouldn’t take a long time for you to master hiragana. In fact, with the right teacher and support, it should only take no longer than a week for you to master hiragana, including reading and writing them. Hiragana’s shapes are relatively simple, especially if you compare them to kanji. Dwell no further. In this blog series, we’ll be breaking down all the Japanese phonetics (AIUEO or あいうえお) for beginners.
The hiragana characters for the ‘R’ family have one of the most simple strokes — most of them are less than one stroke and, at the very most, two. There’s the ra, ri, ru, re, ro (ら、り、る、れ、ろ). The character for ro is is similar to ru (る). The only difference is that there is no tail that curls inward. Remember to follow the stroke order and practice writing them as it is a great way to help you master hiragana in a short time. Be careful not to get ro and ru mixed up.
Learn a Japanese word from Ro (ろ): Rotenburo (ろてんぶろ)
What is a Rotenburo?
A rotenburo is an open-air hot-spring bath. “Ro” (露) means is exposed without walls or fences. “Ten” (天) means the sky, while “furo” (風呂) is, well, a bath in Japanese. Rotenburo is the second most common Japanese bath, right next to onsen.
Have you ever bathed in a rotenburo?
These days, rontenburo can be found on the rooftops of business hotels and in super sento bath houses even in Tokyo. The scenery can be breathtaking. Soaking your body into warm, mineral-rich hot water while getting the full view of gleaming city skyline is an experience a lot of people dream of. But while city rotenburo are just fine, without a doubt, rotenburo that offer natural views of the mountains or ocean is on another level.
Author’s experience
There are a lot of impressive rotenburo. One of the greatest that I’ve visited so far was at an inn in Tobira Onsen spa in Nagano Prefectre. The surrounding was so white it was like stepping into a magical world. I felt like I was in some hazy dream.
Another one I’d like to mention was a rotenburo at an old inn in Ojiro Onsen spa town in Shizuoka Prefecture. The rotenburo was really close to the ocean — or more precisely, it sat on top of the ocean. The hot water would overflow from the bath to the sea water. It was as if I was bathing in the vast open sea instead of a small hot tub.
Japan’s Onsen Culture and History
By the way, wouldn’t you agree that the Japanese are unmatched their love of hot baths or onsen? Japan has about 100 active volcanoes, and this is why the country has lots of hot springs. Apparently, there are about 3,000 hot springs scattered throughout all 47 prefectures. There are also theories that say that Japan’s bathing culture started as much as 6,000 years ago, with rotenburo being one of the main predecessors. We can wonder if the Japanese who lived thousands of years ago had the same kinds of feelings about bathing in rotenburo as we do now.
Japan’s bathing culture continued on for centuries since then. During the Edo period (1603–1868), the city of Edo (or present-day Tokyo) had lots of public bathhouses (these were not rotenburo, but baths inside buildings). Not many of the houses in Edo had a bath, so lots of people would go to the bathhouse. Japanese bathouses turn into something. Not just a place for, well, taking baths, it becomes a spot for townspeople to get together and foster a sense of community.
These days, small bathhouses are disappearing from towns and cities. On the other hand, facilities such as super sento are visited by lots of people, from children to old folks. They enjoy a variety of bathing styles.
About this week’s blog author:
Shigemi Matsumoto was a junior high school Japanese teacher for 23 years before joining Coto Language Academy. He is an experienced Japanese language teacher. He currently teaches Coto’s Intensive Courses (intermediate and advanced), Business Courses and Part-time N1 grammar and reading classes. He is also involved in developing teaching materials at Coto Academy. (more…)
Alphabet is the foundation of the English language, and the same thing can be said about hiragana in the Japanese language. Mastering hiragana is important for anyone who wants to learn the basics of Japanese. As one of the two Japanese alphabets — right next to katakana — hiragana is used for both Japanese grammars and function words. Today, we’ll be learning about the Japanese hiragana ru and routine (stylized as ru-tin in katakana).
Having a strong foundation of hiragana means having a generally strong foundation of Japanese skills, too. Yet despite its importance, it shouldn’t take a long time for you to master hiragana. In fact, with the right teacher and support, it should only take no longer than a week for you to master hiragana, including reading and writing them. Hiragana’s shapes are relatively simple, especially if you compare them to kanji. Dwell no further. In this blog series, we’ll be breaking down all the Japanese phonetics (AIUEO or あいうえお) for beginners.
The hiragana characters for the ‘R’ family have one of the most simple strokes — most of them are less than one stroke and, at the very most, two. There’s the ra, ri, ru, re, ro (ら、り、る、れ、ろ). The character for ru is similar to ro(ろ). The only difference is that there is no tail that curls inward. Remember to follow the stroke order and practice writing them as it is a great way to help you master hiragana in a short time. Be careful not to get ro and ru mixed up.
Want to take your kanji skills up a notch? Check our comprehensive kanji page for study tips, kanji life hacks and free worksheets!
Learn a Japanese word from Ru (る) Routine (ルーティン)
The Japanese word for ルーティン is a loan word from the English word routine, and it has the same meaning. While it might not be a Japanese hiragana, the word routine is still interesting and evokes several opinions. Some food for thought: Do you have a fixed daily routine?
Japanese definition of routine
Routines are used to refer to “a fixed task every time.” People might have the impression that having a routine means having a boring life.
However, ever since a few years ago, it has been used more often to refer to a series of motions that an athlete goes through before an important match. At crucial moments, they go through some fixed motions to stabilize their mental state, strengthen their muscles and heighten their focus.
Routine of a Japanese language teacher
In my opinion, routines produce results. I eat natto and eggs for breakfast, drink coffee when I reach my workplace and stretch before sleeping. It helps me stay grounded in life, and once I get used to it, I don’t think of doing them consciously. It becomes a rhythm that I look forward to at the beginning and end of the day.
Examples of Japananese routine
As for Japanese people, you can look at our star example Ichiro Suzuki — the baseball athlete, national treasure, and first MLB player to enter the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame. Ichiro works out at least four times a day and uses eight high-tech sports machines. By consciously doing the same motions that you usually do, you will be able to show off your true abilities without succumbing to the pressure in situations that make you nervous.
There are likely many athletes who stick to a fixed routine not just in crucial moments, but for their daily schedules as well. From the meals they eat and the clothes they wear, small, mundane practices help nurture their mental health.
You don’t need to be an athlete to develop your own life routine. You can start by thinking about the best Japanese study routine. Maybe brew a cup of coffee before settling in on your desk? Maybe draw a fixed schedule?
I know a few people who have succeeded in making studying a habit. One person comes to our Coto class and revises one hour before class. Another person uses an app to learn new words for 15 minutes every morning. One person listens to Japanese podcasts on the train on the way to work. After three months, these routines will become a small form of self-confidence.
About this week’s blog author:
Yumi Yoshida is one of our great Coto Japanese language teachers who’s from Tohoku. She has 16 years of experience working as a Japanese teacher. In her free time, Yumi loves to hike, travel and drink Japanese sake. She thinks the best way to learn Japanese is to engage in fun and friendly conversations in Japanese.
Alphabet is the foundation of the English language, and the same thing can be said about hiragana in the Japanese language. Mastering hiragana is important for anyone who wants to learn the basics of Japanese. As one of the two Japanese alphabets — right next to katakana — hiragana is used for both Japanese grammars and function words. Today, we’ll be learning about the Japanese hiragana ra and ramen.
Having a strong foundation of hiragana means having a generally strong foundation of Japanese skills, too. Yet despite its importance, it shouldn’t take a long time for you to master hiragana. In fact, with the right teacher and support, it should only take no longer than a week for you to master hiragana, including reading and writing them. Hiragana’s shapes are relatively simple, especially if you compare them to kanji. Dwell no further. In this blog series, we’ll be breaking down all the Japanese phonetics (AIUEO or あいうえお) for beginners.
Want to get a fuller view of the hiragana chart for your Japanese study? Check out our article on learning hiragana!
Today’s Japanese Hiragana: Ra (ら)
The hiragana characters for the ‘R’ family have one of the most simple strokes — most of them are less than one stroke and, at the very most, two. There are the ra, ri, ru, re, ro (ら、り、る、れ、ろ). The character for ra contains two strokes. Remember to follow the stroke order and practice writing them as it is a great way to help you master hiragana in a short time.
Learn a Japanese word from Ra (ら): Ramen (ラーメン)
When you learn the Japanese hiragana alphabet ra (ら), you may think of the ramen (ラーメン). The world loves ramen, but no one can match the same obsession that Japanese people have. In fact, it’s so popular, that there are over 30,000 ramen shops in Japan. Depending on the area and shop (and local specialties), the taste of the soup and the type of noodles also vary. Everyone has their own favorite, but each one of these bowls is just as delicious. This time, I am going to tell you about the phrases that you need to know when ordering ramen at a shop.
A ramen enthusiast? Check out our article for the best ramen shops in Tokyo.
Common Japanese phrases when ordering at a ramen shop
A lot of popular ramen chains in Tokyo provide English menus, but small ramen shops are the true hidden gems — and, most of the time, they will only hand out Japanese menus. Learn these useful Japanese words and phrases so you don’t get lost when ordering a bowl of ramen.
Japanese Vocaulary for Noodles
Let’s start with noodles! Depending on the shop, you might be able to choose how firm you want your noodles.
Soft – やわらかめ(yawarakame)
Medium – 普通（futsuu)
Slightly Firm – やや硬め（yaya-katame)
Firm – 硬め(katame)
Hard – バリ硬(bari-kata)
Wire – 針金（harigane)
As you go down the list, the noodles get firmer. When you challenge noodles with “Wire 針金（harigane)” hardness, it would be best to do it when your stomach is feeling well.
Want to take your kanji skills up a notch? Check our comprehensive kanji page for study tips, kanji life hacks and free worksheets!
Japanese Vocabulary for Ramen Soup Preference
Next up is the soup base. People’s preferences are pretty divided in this aspect.
Light – あっさり（assari): Soup is refreshing and not greasy.
Rich – こってり(kotteri): Soup is oily with a strong flavor and stock from pork bones.
Very Rich and Thick – 超こってり(cho-kotteri): Soup has a very strong flavor with lots of oil.
Japanese Vocabulary for Ramen Toppings
Now we will move on to toppings! What toppings do you like?
Cha-siu – チャーシュー（cha-shu): The king of ramen toppings! It is marinated pork that is cooked and thinly sliced.
Aji-tsuke Tamago – 味付け卵（ajitsuke-tamago), or Aji Tama味玉(ajitama): A boiled egg that is marinated in soy sauce.
Menma – メンマ（menma): Bamboo shoot that is boiled and fermented.
Green onions – ねぎ（negi): A herbal flavor that ramen must have! In Kanto(Eastern Japan), white long onions are popular, while green onions are popular in Kansai(Western Japan).
There’s a lot of ways you can customize your ramen — although we can’t guarantee the salaryman beside your booth won’t raise an eyebrow. It’s easy to fall into the temptation of ordering all the toppings.
Additional Information
On top of all the information above, here’s two additional things which, if you know, would make you an expert!
Kae-dama – 替え玉（kae-dama): Asking for seconds on only the noodles, without soup.
Soup Wari – スープ割り(soup-wari): After finishing the tsukemen noodles, diluting the tsuke sauce with stock soup so that you can drink it.
Quiz!
At a particular ramen shop in the city, there is a menu called “Designated R-20” (individuals who are under 20 years old cannot order from it). So, what’s the secret indgredient in that ramen? ?
The answer is tequila! The menu has a notice, stating “Entirely Alcohol”. I heard that it even comes with lime, which is a must-have with tequila. It seems to be quite a special custom. If you want to experience getting drunk while eating ramen, definitely go try it!
About this week’s blog author:
Ayana Nezu has a long history in education and training. In 2017, she joined Coto Language Academy – her first time in a Japanese Language School. She currently is based at our Azabu Coto Japanese Club location and is recently obsessed with Rakugo. (more…)
Origin of the Japanese Alphabets
Originally, the Japanese language did not have a phoenetic writing system. Around the fifth century, they starting using kanji, ideograms that were adopted from China and Korea. They only used the phonetic reading of the kanji, regardless of their meaning. At that time, the ideograms were called manyogana (万葉仮名).
However, kanji’s characters are composed of many strokes. They take longer to write, as we are sure you have noticed by now! Due to their difficulty, those ideograms were slowly simplified into kana alphabets, namely Hiragana and Katakana. They are called syllabograms, as each character corresponds to one sound in the Japanese language. According to historians, the change was initiated by Buddhist priests who thought kanji was unable to accurately represent the Japanese language, and that a phonetic alphabet would be better.
On the left is the manyogana, and on the right are simplified hiragana and katakana forms.
安 →あ 阿 → ア (a)
以 →い 伊 → イ(i)
宇 →う、ウ(u)
衣 →え 江 → エ(e)
於 →お、オ(o)
This change is thought to have taken place between the eighth and ninth century. Hiragana can be considered a simplified calligraphy form of the kanji’s strokes. On the other hand, katakana is taken from a single element of a kanji. In some cases, they are created from different ideograms.
Some characters in the Japanese alphabet express the same sound and have similar shapes, such as り and リ. However, some can be dissimilar, such as あ and ア. Hiragana is said to be cursive while katakana is more angular. Do take note that one sound can have more than one hiragana. In 1900 the two kana scripts, hiragana, and katakana were codified. This led to the clear establishment of rules for the Japanese system in 1946.
Difference between Hiragana and Katakana
Why are there 2 syllabic Japanese scripts? In the event that the difference is stylistic, you will learn that hiragana is used to write native Japanese words. Those words will have no kanji representation or the ideogram is too ancient or too difficult to write. This kana script is also the one used to write grammatical elements such as particles: を (wo)、に (ni)、へ (he;e)、が (ga)、は (ha)…
On the contrary, Japanese use katakana to write words of foreign origin and foreign names. If you like to read manga in Japanese, you will have certainly noticed that katakana is also used to represent onomatopoeia and emphasis.
Have you heard of the word “furigana”? Furigana is Hiragana and Katakana characters written in small forms above kanji in order to show pronunciation. Furigana is used in kids’ books and Japanese language textbooks for learners, in order to teach the reading of unknown kanji.
Want to Learn Japanese? Let’s Make It Easy
Studying Japanese doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you’re starting out or looking to boost your career in Japan, with the right guidance and structured practice, becoming confident in Japanese is easier than you think.
Looking to boost your Japanese skill? Join intensive, part-time or onlineJapanese courses at Coto Academy. Start your journey today with lessons to help you reach your goals faster!
While there is plenty of excitement about moving to Japan, you will eventually need to do your laundry. Now it may seem to be just another ordinary, often mundane, routine of everyday life in your home country, but do you know what all the buttons mean on a Japanese laundry machine? Suddenly, things got a lot more complicated.
Worry not! Most washing machines in Japan just need a push of a button or two, and like magic, your clothes spin through cycles until you need to take them out. But if you are still wondering about how to actually use a washer in Japan, keep on reading to discover what the different functions on the washing machine mean and how to use them!
There are a variety of washing machines in Japan, but the most common type that people own at home is the top-loading machine. Front-loading (drum-type washing machines) are also common but are usually more expensive. Lastly, there are coin laundry machines, which are often very large drum-type washing machines. Below is a description of each:
The most common personal washing machine found in Japanese homes. They tend to be cheaper but use more water. The controls are the most straightforward and might have fewer features compared to other washing machines.
Most machines do include a “spin-drying” cycle, which removes most of the excess water but does not completely dry the clothes, resulting in the clothes remaining damp after the cycle completes.
Some machines do have a complete drying function, usually “tumble drying”, but if they don’t, you would need to hand the clothes to air dry. It’s common for most Japanese homes to hang clothes outside to dry.
These washing machines are considered more modern, advanced, and energy-efficient. They use less water than top-loading machines and can handle more delicate clothes. They also often have built-in dryer functions, called 全自動洗濯乾燥 (zenjidou sentaku kansou), which means washer-dryer functions. These types of washing machines also tend to be more expensive than top-loading models.
Some models come with a separate dryer, but keep in mind, Japanese homes tend to be smaller, so having a separate washer and dryer might not be practical due to space concerns.
Coin laundries are common in urban areas and are usually conveniently located. You can often find one that is just a few hundred meters away from a hotel or your place of residence. They are usually significantly larger than home units and include separate washing and drying machines. People like to use them to wash large loads like futons or even small mattresses.
The specific features of coin laundry machines vary, but they often give customers options to wash with different temperatures and do delicate washes, and even options depending on what you are washing. Another convenient feature of coin laundries is that you don’t ever need to bring detergent.
Top-loading Models
Drum-type Models
Coin Laundry Machines
Cheap
More expensive
Pay per use (price varies)
Uses more water
Energy efficient and uses less water
Very large drum that can fit large loads like futons
Often includes “spin drying” features
Features such as delicate cycles and complete drying
Often includes options to vary water temperature and wash different items.
What do the Controls on Japanese Washing Machines Mean
Most washing machines have similar controls; some will have more features and therefore more buttons to select between the different options. But for now, let’s go over some of the most common controls and buttons that you will likely come across, based on the controls on the washing machine above.
Basic Buttons and Controls on Washing Machine in Japan
Starting with basic buttons, these include controls for turning on/off the washing machine, as well as starting/stopping a wash. These buttons are usually found on the very right.
Japanese
Romaji
English
電源
dengen
Power (on/off)
入
iri
On
切
kiri
Off
スタート / 一時停止
start / ichiji teishi
Start / Pause
Core Japanese Washing Machine Functions
These are the core Japanese washing machine functions; usually, each of these operations will be run automatically just by pressing スタート (sutaato) or the start button. But depending on your needs, for example, if your clothes still feel damp, you can press the 乾かす (kawakasu) button to just dry the clothes. The arrows at the very right allow you to customise things such as time or the amount of water. Here is a description of what each button does.
1. 洗 (Arai): Wash
The main washing/agitation cycle. The machine mixes water and detergent and scrubs the clothes. Use when you want to wash items normally or run a wash-only cycle.
2. すすぎ (Susugi): Rinse
This operation rinses detergent out of the clothes. Often repeats 1 – 3 times, depending on machine settings. Use if laundry still feels soapy or if you want to rinse hand-washed items.
3. 脱水 (Dassui): Spin or Spin Dry
This is a high-speed spin that removes water from clothes. Most washing machines, including top-loading models, have this function. Clothes come out damp but not dripping. You can use this option after hand-washing or if you need an extra spin to shorten drying time.
4. 乾かす (Kawakasu): Dry
This operation completely dries clothes, and clothes shouldn’t come out damp. The function uses warm or room-temperature air to dry clothes, depending on the model. It’s very useful if you don’t want to hang clothes outside and prefer to dry clothes more quickly.
Additional Core Buttons on Japanese Washing Machines
These are the buttons found above the core operation buttons. They basically are shortcuts to do necessary operations, such as setting a timer for the wash to start, cleaning the drum (recommended once a month), and washing delicate clothes.
Japanese
Romaji
English
What It Does / When to Use It
予約
Yoyaku
Timer
Let’s you set a delayed finish time. Useful for timing laundry to finish when you wake up or return home.
槽クリーン
Sou kuriin
Drum Clean
Cleans the washing drum, removing mold, odors, and detergent buildup. Best used monthly with a drum cleaner.
おしゃれ着
Osharegi
Delicate / Gentle Cycle
A gentle wash mode for delicate or hand-wash items like sweaters, lace, light fabrics, or knitwear. Prevents stretching and damage.
Washing Modes on Japanese Washing Machines
The washing modes, usually called コース (Course) in Japanese, are controls for specific washing options. You can choose between the options by pressing the コース button. They usually include options such as quick, delicate, or standard washes. Here are the options found on the drum washing machine above:
1. 毛布 (Moufu): Blanket Mode
This setting is specifically designed for washing large, thick items and uses more water and gentler agitation so the blanket doesn’t get damaged or tangled. Some examples include:
blankets
comforters
futon covers
2. 槽洗浄 (Sousenjou): Drum Cleaning
This function cleans the inside drum of the washing machine and usually takes a long time (1 – 3 hours). You can simply press the button alone to clean the machine, or you can also use specialised cleaning powder.
3. 時短 ( Jitan): Time-Saving / Quick Wash
A shorter, faster wash cycle, which is great when you’re in a rush, only have a small lightly used load, or staying in a hotel/Airbnb and need a quick wash.
4. 部屋干し (Heyaboshi): Indoor-Dry Mode
This mode is optimised for clothes that will be dried indoors rather than outside. It’s very useful in humid or rainy seasons, or in apartments without balconies. Below is what the function does:
spins clothes more thoroughly
reduces leftover moisture
helps prevent musty smells
5. 標準 (Hyoujun): Standard / Normal Wash
When in doubt, choose 標準 (hyoujun), or the standard wash option; it’s the safest all-purpose mode that can safely wash most clothes. As the default washing cycle, it is ideal for most everyday laundry, ranging from t-shirts, sweatshirts, jeans, towels, socks, and general clothing overall.
6. おうち流 (Ouchi ryuu): “Home-Style” Wash
This mode mimics gentler, hand-wash-like agitation, similar to how you would wash clothes at home in a basin. It’s typically used for the following:
delicate clothing
knitwear
items labelled “hand wash only”
Not all machines have this button; it’s also common for models such as 手洗い (tearai), which means hand wash or 柔らか (yawaraka), which means soft, for delicate clothes.
Japanese
Romaji
Meaning
毛布
moufu
Blanket
槽洗浄
sousenjou
Tub washing
時短
jitan
Time-saving (quick) wash
部屋干し
heya boshi
For clothes that’ll dry indoors
標準
hyoujun
Standard wash
おうち流
Ouchi ryuu
“Home-style” wash for delicate washes
For other models, you might come across these button labels:
Japanese
Romaji
Meaning
標準
hyoujun
Standard wash
お急ぎ
oisogi
Quick wash
つけおき
tsukeoki
Soak
ドライ / 手洗い
dorai / tearai
Delicate / hand-wash
毛布
moufu
Blanket mode
柔らか
yawaraka
Gentle cycle
洗乾
senkan
Wash + dry (for drum machines)
IIf you’re tired of relying on Google Translate for everyday tasks, it’s time to learn Japanese, even for practical, day-to-day life. Schools like Coto Academy focus on practical conversational Japanese, so everything you learn can be applied immediately.
They offer lessons on weekends and evenings, from part-time to intensive courses, giving you flexible options to learn Japanese according to your schedule and goals.
Found right next to the course selections, these functions are selected by pressing the 運転切替 (unten kirikae) button, which just means to “switch operations. These functions allow you to choose between different washing and drying cycles.
1. 除菌 (Jokkin): Sterilisation / Sanitisation
This function helps kill bacteria on clothing by using hot water, longer soaks, or special agitation, depending on the machine. It’s most useful for:
baby clothes
underwear
towels
sportswear
Items that tend to develop odor
2. 消臭 (Shoushuu): Deodorisation
A cycle designed to remove smells from clothing, often using strong rinsing or airflow rather than a full wash. This cycle is most ideal for the following:
smoky smells
food odors
sweat odors
clothes that sat damp too long
3. 洗濯 (Sentaku): Wash
The most basic function, this option indicates a wash-only cycle without any drying. You can use this function if you plan to air-dry or if you don’t want to heat-dry delicate items.
4. 乾燥 (Kansou): Dry
This is a cycle for completely drying your clothes, usually via tumble drying. This setting is not always included in every washing machine, such as cheaper top-loading ones. It’s a common function for many front-loading models. This option is great for those who don’t want to hang clothes, especially during the rainy or humid seasons.
Keep in mind that most machines can only handle drying small loads (usually around half the full capacity of loads for washing). This cycle usually takes 2 – 4 hours, depending on the machine.
5. 洗〜乾 (Sen ~ Kan): Washing to Drying Sequence
This is a full cycle from washing to drying (automatically). The symbol 〜 indicates the process is continuous. Generally, this sequence:
Uses less energy
Skips certain washing motions
Great for lightly soiled items
Japanese
Romaji
English Meaning
除菌
Jokin
Sterilize / Sanitize
消臭
Shoushuu
Deodorize
洗濯
Sentaku
Wash (Laundry)
洗濯乾燥
Sentaku Kansou
Wash + Dry
洗〜乾
Sen ~ Kan
Wash to Dry (full course)
Typical Washing Machine Routine in Japan
Using a washing machine is quite simple, with just a press of a couple of buttons, and the washing machine will automatically go through the full cycle. Outlined below are the basic steps to follow after loading in your clothes:
Turn on the Washing Machine
Usually, under the label 電源 (dengen), meaning power, you can press 入 (iri) to turn on the machine.
Add Detergent
Depending on the machine, there is a slot for you to pour in the detergent. Oftentimes, with top-loading models, you just pour in the detergent over the clothes.
(Can Usually Skip) Select Preferred Course
You can usually skip this step if you just want to do a standard wash. But if you need to do a more specific operation, you can press one of the top buttons, such as おしゃれ着 (osharegi) for delicates.
You can also press コース (koosu), or the course button, to select between the different operations mentioned earlier. To choose either the deodorisation or sanitisation functions, you can press the 運転切替 (unten kiri kae) button.
Press スタート (Start)
Just push the start button to start the wash. If you don’t customise the operations, it will automatically do a standard full cycle from washing to spin drying, and if the model has it, tumble or complete drying.
Check the Dampness or Wetness of clothes
Most models include cycles up to spin drying, which should leave clothes a bit damp so you can just hang them out to dry. If they are dripping wet, you select 脱水 (dassui), spin dry, to remove all the excess water.
If your washing machine is like the image above and includes 乾燥 (kawakasu), or drying cycle, you can completely dry your clothes without hanging them. Just know drying is only possible with smaller loads with most models.
Conclusion: Washing Machines in Japan are Simple & Easy-to-use
Washing machines in Japan can seem overwhelming at first, but all you have to do for a standard wash is turn it on, add detergent, and press start. That’s it! Pretty simple, right? And even doing more complicated washes just requires remembering a little more Japanese.
It would be helpful, however, to read the instruction manual as well, since it could discuss how to best use it, what could go wrong, or how to make the product last longer. So to gain confidence in reading and speaking Japanese, we highly recommend taking classes with a professional Japanese teacher who can adjust to your specific goals and needs.
Here at Coto Academy, we offer practical lessons tailored specifically for the Japanese you will encounter in the real world. We provide both full-time intensive and more flexible part-time courses, and our teachers work closely with you to help you reach your unique Japanese learning goals! Sign up today by filling out the form below:
FAQ
How do I use a washing machine in Japan?
Using a washing machine is pretty simple; for most models, you just need to turn it on (電源/入), add detergent, and press start (スタート).
How much does a washing machine in Japan cost?
Washing machine prices vary depending on size, brand, and features:
Small top-load (4–6 kg): ¥25,000 – ¥45,000
Mid-size top-load (7–8 kg): ¥40,000 – ¥70,000
Front-load drum washers: ¥80,000 – ¥200,000
Washer–dryer combos: ¥100,000 – ¥250,000+
Used or secondhand machines from shops like Hard Off or online apps like Mercari can cost as low as ¥10,000–¥20,00
How do I set up a washing machine in Japan?
Most Japanese apartments already come with a 専用防水パン (drain pan) and faucet hookup. Setup usually involves:
Attach the water hose: connect the inlet hose to the faucet using the provided adapter.
Connect the drain hose: place the hose securely into the drain opening inside the drain pan.
Level the machine: adjust the legs so it doesn’t shake during spin cycles.
Plug it in: most outlets are grounded for appliances.
If you’re unsure, appliance stores in Japan often offer delivery + installation for about ¥3,000–¥5,000.
How do I do a delicate wash in Japan?
Select the おしゃれ着 (おしゃれぎ) or the delicates course to wash clothes that need to be gently washed. For extra protection, pair it with a laundry net (ランドリーネット), which is sold in just about every 100 yen store in Japan.
How do I use a coin washing machine in Japan?
Coin washing machines are made to be simple and intuitive. You just have to load your laundry, insert coins, select your course (i.e. warm/cold water, delicate cycle), and press start to wash. You usually don’t need to bring detergent. Also note that dryers are separate and cheaper, usually costing ¥100 or ¥200 per 30 minutes or so.
You might be interested in our other How-to Guides in Japan:
One of the most surprising things about getting a hot bowl of ramen in Japan is that you often have to order from a vending machine. Most ramen specialty stores have you select and pay for your choice of ramen at a vending machine, or rather a meal ticket machine called 食券機 (shokkenki) in Japanese. You slip the money into the machine, and a ticket with your order is administered.
Quick and easy, right? You don’t have to figure out how to say your order in Japanese. You can just hand the chef the ticket. However, you still have to read the buttons on the machine, or else you might order the wrong ramen. And sometimes the writings on the buttons aren’t read very well on translation apps.
So, how do you order ramen using the ticketing machine, and what do all those buttons mean? Let’s take a look at how to navigate a ramen vending machine in Japan like a local!
What to Know About Japan’s Vending Machine
Japan has the world’s highest density of vending machines, about one for every 23 people. Walk around any neighborhood and you’ll find machines that sell everything from hot drinks in winter and ice cream in summer to ready-to-microwave meals and coffee.
With vending machines becoming a beloved part of daily life in Japan, it’s no surprise that they’ve evolved beyond simple drink dispensers. Many restaurants, including ramen-ya (ramen shops), now use vending machines as a convenient way for customers to order food. This system streamlines the ordering process, reduces the need for cashiers, and speeds up service.
In Japan, ramen restaurants with a food ticket system usually have vending machines right by the entrance. This means that before you take a seat, you need to order your ramen (and any sides) first. You may need to line up, as there are often only one or two ticket machines available, but since the process is contactless, the line usually moves quickly.
One thing to note is that in Japan, especially in ramen shops, it’s common for each person to order their own bowl of ramen rather than sharing.
After you get your ticket, simply hand it to the staff at the counter, and then you can find a seat and enjoy your meal!
For many machines, before you can choose your mouth-watering ramen, you first must insert the money into the vending or ticketing machine. More modern machines, especially with a touch screen interface, may allow for credit card and digital payments, and will probably ask you to pay the total order after you have selected what you want.
Keep in mind, many ramen shops still use the older ticketing booths, which can only accept cash (Japan is also relatively more cash-based compared to other places) and sometimes IC cards (transportation cards. So, here are the most common payment options and terms you will probably come across:
English
Japanese
Romaji
Cash
現金
Genkin
Credit card
クレジットカード
Kurejitto kaado
Transportation IC card
交通系ICカード
Koutsuu kei IC kaado
Payment / Check
会計
Kaikei
Order (food or drink)
ご注文
Gochuumon
Meal ticket
食券
Shokken
In general, if you’re paying with cash, you insert the bills first. For digital payments — such as IC cards, e-wallets, or credit cards — used with newer vending machines, you typically make your selection first and then tap or pay afterward.
The first step may sound simple, but every ramen shop has its own unique style of ramen.
At the very least, each button on the ticket machine will display the name of the ramen (or other menu items) in Japanese, along with the price. Some vending machines also include pictures, which make it easier to choose, and sometimes even offer English translations!
If the machine is only in Japanese, don’t worry. Usually, the most popular or signature ramen is displayed on the top row of the ticket machine, while the lower rows are reserved for toppings, add-ons, and side dishes.
So if you’re unsure what to pick, go for the ramen on the top row. Remember, if the names look the same but include different numbers or extra words, they usually indicate portion size.
Japanese (Kanji)
Romaji
Meaning
並盛
Namimori
Regular size
大盛
Oomori
Large size
特盛
Tokumori
Extra-large size
小盛
Komori
Small size
Ramen usually falls into one of the main categories you will encounter below:
1. 醤油ラーメン (Shoyu Ramen): Soy Sauce Base
The classic Tokyo-style ramen is made with a savory soy-sauce broth. It’s light, salty, and slightly tangy, a perfect introduction for beginners. Usually, the ramen is topped with sliced pork (チャーシュー), green onions (ねぎ), and bamboo shoots (メンマ). There is an older term that usually describes a classic soy sauce-based ramen, called 中華そば (chuuka soba), which is still used interchangeably with ラーメン (ramen) to this day.
2. 味噌ラーメン (Miso Ramen): Miso Base
Originating from Hokkaido, this ramen has a rich, nutty flavor thanks to miso paste. It’s often heartier and thicker than shoyu ramen and pairs well with butter, corn, and sliced or ground pork toppings. It is also common to find similar toppings on the miso ramen as on the soy sauce ramen.
3. 塩ラーメン (Shio Ramen): Salt Base
A clear, light broth made with sea salt and chicken or seafood stock. Shio ramen tends to taste cleaner and less heavy, making it a great choice if you prefer something light but flavorful.
4. 豚骨ラーメン (Tonkotsu Ramen): Pork Bone Base
The signature ramen of Hakata (Fukuoka). The broth is creamy, made by boiling pork bones for hours until they turn white and rich in flavor. Often served with thin noodles and customizable toppings like garlic, pickled ginger, and sesame. And of course, it’s common to have this ramen with plenty of slices of pork.
5. 担々麺 (Tantanmen): Spicy Sesame Base
Inspired by dan dan noodles from the Sichuan region, this ramen has a spicy sesame broth, ground pork, and chili oil. It’s creamy, fragrant, nutty, and has a satisfying kick, perfect for spice lovers. The flavor is characterized by the Sichuan peppercorns, which give a spicy “numbing” sensation that’s surprisingly addictive. Some shops focus more on the authentic Chinese version,s while others lean into more Japanese flavor sentiments; both are incredibly delicious. It’s common to find both broth and brothless versions of this iconic ramen.
6. 混ぜそば (Mazesoba): Mixed Noodles
Inspired by Taiwanese noodles, mazesoba is currently trending in Japan, with shops specializing in this noodle dish opening across the nation. It is a brothless noodle dish known for its rich umami flavor from the soy sauce-based sauce, egg yolk, and other seasonings that you “mix” with the noodles. It’s often topped with fresh vegetables such as green onions and meats, most commonly ground pork or beef. You will find different variations ranging from bold and spicy to light and delicate.
Here is a table of common ramen types you will most likely encounter:
English
Japanese
Romaji
Shoyu based ramen
醤油ラーメン
Shouyu raamen
Chuka soba (interchangeable with ramen)
中華そば
Chuuka soba
Miso based ramen
味噌ラーメン
Miso raamen
Shio ramen
塩ラーメン
Shio raamen
Tonkotsu ramen
豚骨ラーメン
Tonkotsu raamen
Spicy sesame ramen (dan dan noodles)
担々麺
Tantan men
Brothless dan dan noodles
汁なし担々麺
Jiru nashi tantan men
Mixed noodles (maze soba)
混ぜそば
Mazesoba
Sliced Pork Ramen
チャーシューラーメン
Chaashuu raamen
Dipping noodles
つけ麺
Tsukemen
Cold noodles
冷やし中華・冷麺
Hiyashi chuuka / reimen
While the most common writing for “ramen” is in katakana as ラーメン, it is sometimes written or stylized with different writing conventions:
In hiragana: らーめん
In katakana: ラーメン
In kanji and hiragana: らー麺
It’s more common nowadays to find a list of allergens possibly contained in the food somewhere in the restaurant. So, find out the terms for allergens and ingredients you need to know by reading our blog on Japanese food and nutrition labels.
Step 3: Choose Toppings on the Ramen Vending Machine
Toppings can bring additional boost, texture, or nuances in flavor that elevate the whole dish. Or sometimes you just can’t have too much of a good thing, whether it’s sliced pork, green onion, or extra red pepper for those daring and bold individuals.
If you want extra toppings, you’ll need to order them on the ramen ticket machine, usually right after selecting your main dish. The price is a helpful clue—items priced around 100–200 yen are typically small additions like a soft-boiled egg, an extra slice of pork, garlic, or other common toppings.
The last rows of the machine are usually drinks or side dishes.
So here is a list of the most common toppings you will find on ramen vending machines:
English
Japanese
Romaji
Details
Braised Pork
チャーシュー
Chaashuu
Adds extra slices of pork.
Seasoned Egg
煮卵 / 味玉
Ni-tamago / Ajitama
Soft-boiled, marinated in soy sauce.
Green onions
ネギ
Negi
Often available in “extra” portions.
Seaweed
のり
Nori
Usually 3 – 5 sheets.
Bamboo shoots
メンマ
Menma
Adds crunch
Corn
コーン
Koon
Common in miso ramen.
Butter
バター
Bataa
Common in Hokkaido-style miso ramen.
Garlic
にんにく
Ninniku
Usually fresh or crushed.
Chili pepper paste
辛味
Karami
Chili powder, usually red and adds a spicy flavor
Bean sprouts
もやし
Moyashi
Absorbs flavor and adds texture
So you may have noticed that chaashuu is also a type of ramen you can order. Depending on the shop, extra chaashuu is only available as a side or included as a preset ramen option.
Step 4: Ordering Sides on Ramen Vending Machines
Certain side dishes match so well with ramen, such as gyoza or even fried rice. Pro-tip: Try eating rice (fried or white) with the broth after eating the noodles; the rice will absorb the umami, giving a wonderful palette of flavors with each spoonful. So, here are some popular side dishes commonly found on the ramen vending machines:
English
Japanese
Romaji
Description
Dumplings
餃子
Gyoza
Pan-fried or steamed. Often comes in sets of 5 or 6.
Fried Chicken
唐揚げ
Karaage
Japanese-style fried chicken, known for its bite-sized savory flavor and light crispy skin.
Fried rice
チャーハン
Chaa han
Rice stir-fried with soy sauce, eggs, and a bit of vegetables. A popular combo with ramen.
Half-size Fried Rice
半チャーハン
Han chaahan
Popular choice for its more palatable portion.
Rice
ライス
Raisu
Plain white rice, sometimes with toppings.
Step 5: Ordering Drinks on the Ramen Vending Machines
Nothing rounds out a perfect bowl of delicious ramen better than a drink pairing. Certain drinks, like an ice-cold beer, pair so well with the savoriness and umami of the ramen that you must order them together. Many ramen offer these drink options directly from the vending/ticketing machine:
Japanese
Romaji
English
Notes
ビール
Biiru
Beer
Usually bottled (瓶ビール bin biiru) or draft (生ビール nama biiru).
コーラ
Koora
Cola
Most often, Coca-Cola, and it is common to find the glass bottle versions at ramen shops
ジンジャエール
Jinga eeru
Ginger ale
Ginger ale is another common drink offered at ramen shops.
Bonus Extra Customizations on Ramen Vending Machine
Most ramen shops also allow for a variety of customizations that you can make right on the machine, such as noodle firmness or softness, extra noodles (you can request refills to come later), and the portion size.
Customizations are often made after you purchase your ramen ticket. The staff might ask you over the counter or provide a form where you can specify exactly how you like your ramen. Here are some common customizations you’ll likely have the option to choose from:
Noodle Firmness
Also called 麺硬め and 麺やわらかめ (men katame and men yawarakame), this describes the texture of the noodles and usually comes in 3 different options, ranging from hard noodles to soft:
やわらかい (yawarakai): This means soft noodles, which means the texture will be softer and moister since the noodles would have been boiled for longer.
普通 (futsuu): If you want the perfect balance between firmness and softness, you can choose futsu, which means “normal.”
硬い (katai): Translating directly to hard or firm, the noodles will have a denser texture and won’t be as moist.
Soup Thickness
The soup thickness, or 味の濃さ (aji no kosa), just describes the intensity of the flavor as well as how thick the broth will be. Generally, you can choose between the following intensities:
こってり or 濃いめ (Kotteri or koime): This option would give you the thickest broth and a higher intensity of flavor.
普通 (futsuu): Again, meaning normal, this is the middle option between thick and light broth.
あっさり or 薄 (Assari or Usu): This option means light broth, so expect a lighter, more watery texture and less intense flavor.
English
Japanese
Romaji
Extra Noodles
替え玉
Kaedama
Noodle firmness or softness
麺硬め or 麺やわらかめ
Men katame or men yawarakame
Soup Thickness
味の濃さ
Aji no kosa
Large portion
大盛
Omori
Learn to Order Your Ramen in Japanese with Coto Academy!
Ordering ramen through a vending machine might seem confusing at first, but once you understand how the system works, it’s actually one of the most enjoyable parts of dining in Japan. It’s fast, efficient, and lets you explore new flavors without any pressure. If you’re ever unsure, worry not; most machines now offer some English or pictures you can choose from.
However, if your favorite go-to ramen shop has no English or pictures to be found, we recommend learning how to read some Japanese. Here at Coto Academy, we offer practical lessons tailored specifically for the Japanese you will encounter in the real world. We provide both full-time intensive or more flexible part-time courses, and our teachers work closely with you to help you reach your unique Japanese learning goals! Sign up today by filling out the form below:
FAQ:
What exactly is a ramen vending machine, and why are they used?
It’s not a machine that serves ramen directly! Instead, it’s a meal ticket machine (食券機 / shokkenki) found at many ramen shops in Japan. You choose and pay for your meal at the machine, get a printed ticket, and hand it to the staff. This system keeps things fast and cash-efficient — and it’s great for people who might be shy about ordering in Japanese.
Can I use a credit card or an IC card?
Most ramen ticket machines only accept cash (coins and ¥1,000 bills). However, newer or chain restaurants (like Ichiran or Ippudo) sometimes accept IC cards such as Suica or Pasmo. If you’re traveling, it’s best to carry small bills and coins just in case.
What if the buttons are all in Japanese?
Don’t worry, many machines now include pictures of the dishes, and some even have English or multilingual options (look for a button labeled “English” or “言語”). If not, you can always look at the plastic food displays outside (called shokuhin sampuru) and match the names or prices on the machine. Pointing works too — staff are used to helping!
What does it mean when the button light is off or red?
That means the item is sold out or temporarily unavailable. Try selecting another option with a lit-up (usually green or yellow) button instead.
What’s the difference between 大盛 (Omori) and 替え玉 (Kaedama)?
Both refer to more noodles, but they’re used differently: 大盛 (omori) is a large portion of noodles that comes with your initial bowl. 替え玉 (Kaedama) is an extra serving of noodles you order after finishing your first batch, especially popular in Hakata-style (tonkotsu) ramen.
How do I order extra toppings or sides?
Many machines have separate buttons for toppings (トッピング) and sides (サイドメニュー). If you missed adding something, you can often go back to the machine, buy another ticket, and hand it to the staff.
If vocabulary and grammar make up the crux of the Japanese language, Japanese conjunctions are the glue that holds them together. Also called 接続詞 (setsuzokushi), these small but powerful words help you connect ideas, express contrast, show cause and effect, and make your sentences flow naturally.
Of course, there are the basic conjunctions like“and”or “but”, but there’s so much more beyond that. As you progress in your studies, you’ll notice that conjunctions are often taught in stages: you learn new ones as you move from beginner to advanced levels.
But what if you just want to see them all in one place?
In this post, we’ll explore some of the most common Japanese conjunctions, explain how and when to use them, and share simple examples to help you sound more natural in everyday conversation or writing.
What is a Conjunction?
Conjunctions are words that connect and link phrases, clauses, or sentences together. Much like prepositions, conjunctions themselves don’t carry meaning. Instead, they show the relationship between the ideas they join.
Without conjunctions, we would have to express every long, complex idea in a series of short, simplistic sentences. Take a look at an example below that compares the same sentence with and without conjunctions.
Without Japanese conjunction:
今日は雨が降っている。レストラン予約をキャンセルした。 Kyou wa ame ga futte iru. Resutoran no yoyaku o kyanseru shita. It rains today. I canceled my restaurant reservation.
With Japanese conjunction:
今日は雨が降っているので、レストランの予約をキャンセルした。 Ame ga futta node, resutoran no yoyaku o kyanseru shimashita. Since it rained, I canceled my restaurant reservation.
We can see how using a simple conjunction, ので (node) — “because” in Japanese — the sentence becomes more fluid. More importantly, listeners and readers will not struggle to find the logical connection between raining and cancelling a reservation.
Even the Japanese word tells you this: 接続詞 (setsuzokushi) is made up of 接続 (setsuzoku), meaning “to connect,” and 詞 (shi), meaning “word” or “language.”
In Japanese, conjunctions function similarly to those in English. However, they are often expressed through particles or postpositions that appear at the end of the dependent clause, showing how the clauses relate to one another.
In English, conjunctions are typically divided into three main types: coordinating conjunctions, correlative conjunctions, and subordinating conjunctions. However, in Japanese, conjunctions are often categorized differently. In this blog, we’ll go beyond the standard types and explore various sub-types of Japanese conjunctions, including some that are a bit more niche.
Japanese Conjunctions Expressing Cause and Effect
As part of subordinating conjunctions, these words signal cause and effect. They introduce a dependent clause that relies on the independent clause to make sense.
In Japanese, cause-and-effect conjunctions work similarly to those in English: they show that one action or situation is the result of another. But there’s a subtle but important difference: some conjunctions emphasize the effect, while others emphasize the reason.
For example, the conjunction 〜ために (tame ni) places more focus on the reason behind an action, while conjunctions such as だから (dakara), したがって (shitagatte), and それで (sore de) emphasize the effect or result.
Complicated, right? These small yet significant nuances are often overlooked in online resources or textbooks. They’re usually taught by experienced instructors in classroom settings because they reflect a deeper understanding of natural, fluent Japanese.
If you want to learn Japanese conjunctions accurately, whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced learner, consider joining the intensive lessons at Coto Academy, one of Tokyo’s leading Japanese language schools, where students receive practical, real-world instruction focused on communication and fluency.
If you are ready to learn, fill out the contact form below for a free level check!
あしたは祝日だから、出勤はしません。 Ashita wa shukujitsu da kara, shukkin wa shimasen. Tomorrow is a public holiday, so I will not work.
健康のために毎日ジョギングをしています。 Kenkou no tame ni mainichi jogingu o shiteimasu. I jog every day for my health.
彼は来ませんでした。なぜなら風邪をひいたからです。 Kare wa kimasen deshita. Nazenara kaze o hiita kara desu. He didn’t come because he caught a cold.
彼は一生懸命勉強しました。その結果、試験に合格しました。 Kare wa isshoukenmei benkyou shimashita. Sono kekka, shiken ni goukaku shimashita. He studied very hard. As a result, he passed the exam.
Japanese Conjunctions to Express Additions or Similar Thoughts
We have a separate blog post that explores the different ways to say “and” in Japanese. In this section, however, we’ll focus on copulative conjunctions, or those that express addition or connection between ideas.
Just like cause-and-effect conjunctions, conjunctions of addition are not one-size-fits-all. Some are used to connect nouns, others link adjectives, and some are used to join entire sentences.
It’s also important to note that several words can share similar meanings. For instance, both や (ya) and と (to) can be translated as “and.” However, や implies that the list continues beyond the items mentioned, while と indicates that every listed item is included.
Conjunction
Romaji
English Equivalent
そして
soshite
and; and then; thus
そうして
soushite
and; and then
また
mata
and; also; again
そうすれば
Sou sureba
and if so; in that case
しかも
shikamo
moreover; and yet; what’s more
～も
~mo
too; also
～もまた
~mo mata
also (formal)
それから
sorekara
and then; after that
それに
soreni
and also; moreover
さらに
sarani
furthermore; in addition
その上
sono ue
furthermore; besides
なお
nao
in addition; moreover
（さらに／もう一つ）つけ加えると
(sarani / mou hitotsu) tsukekuwaeru to
in addition; plus
それにもかかわらず
sorenimo kakawarazu
nevertheless; even so
それでもやはり
soredemo yahari
nevertheless; even so
Xだけでなく(て)Yも(また)…だ
X dake denakute Y mo (mata)… da
not only X but also Y
いっしょに
issho ni
together; jointly
こぞって
kozotte
together; collectively; in unison
ともに
tomoni
together; along with
共々
tomodomo
together; all together
と
to
and (connecting all listed nouns)
や
ya
and (used when listing examples; implies “etc.”)
Example sentences:
テーブルの上にりんごとみかんとバナナがあります。 Teeburu no ue ni ringo to mikan to banana ga arimasu. There are apples, oranges, and bananas on the table.
新しい図書館は広くてきれいだ。さらに設備も充実している。 Atarashii toshokan wa hirokute kirei da. Sarani setsubi mo juujitsu shiteiru. The new library is spacious and beautiful. Furthermore, it’s well-equipped.
新しい企画が成功しました。そして次のステップとして、海外展開を検討しています。 Atarashii kikaku ga seikou shimashita. Soshite tsugi no suteppu to shite, kaigai tenkai o kentou shiteimasu. The new project was a success, and now we’re considering expanding overseas.
彼は真面目で努力家だ。その上、リーダーとしてのカリスマ性もある。 Kare wa majime de doryokuka da. Sono ue, riidaa to shite no karisuma-sei mo aru. He’s serious and hardworking. On top of that, he has a natural charisma as a leader.
Conjunctions to Express Oppositions and Contradictions
There are many ways to say “but” in Japanese and to express contrast. As Japan is a high-context society, disagreement or refusal is often communicated indirectly rather than through a straightforward “no.” Using conjunctions can help soften the tone when rejecting, opposing, or contradicting someone. Below is a concise summary table for quick reference.
Conjunction
Romaji
Meaning
しかし
shikashi
but; however
でも
demo
but; however
が
ga
but; however
だが
daga
but; however
けど / けれど / けれども
kedo / keredo / keredomo
but; however; though; although
ところが
tokoroga
however; on the contrary
なのに
nanoni
although; even though; but
それなのに
sore nanoni
however; unlike my expectation
それにもかかわらず
sore ni mo kakawarazu
nevertheless; in spite of that
それにしては
sore ni shite wa
considering that; though
それでも
sore demo
but still; nevertheless
しかしながら
shikashi nagara
however; nevertheless
それが
sore ga
but; however
それにしても
sore ni shite mo
even so; but still
～とちがって
~to chigatte
unlike…
ほか / べつ / ちがう / ことなる
hoka / betsu / chigau / kotonaru
different / another
それにもかかわらないで
sore ni mo kakawaranaide
despite the fact that
Example sentences:
パーティーに行くつもりだったんだけど、それが急に熱が出ちゃって行けなかったんだ。 Paati ni iku tsumori dattan da kedo, sore ga kyuu ni netsu ga dechatte ikenakatta n da. I was planning to go to the party, but I suddenly came down with a fever and couldn’t make it.
こんなに一生懸命練習したのに、試合では全然うまくできなかった。 Konna ni isshoukenmei renshuu shita noni, shiai de wa zenzen umaku dekinakatta. Even though I practiced so hard, I couldn’t perform well in the game.
大雨だった。それでも彼は約束を守って来てくれた。 Ooame datta. Soredemo kare wa yakusoku o mamotte kite kureta. It was pouring rain, yet he still came as he promised.
この政策は一定の成果を上げている。しかしながら、地方ではまだ課題が多く残っている。 Kono seisaku wa ittei no seika o agete iru. Shikashi nagara, chihou de wa mada kadai ga ōku nokotte iru. This policy has achieved certain results. However, many challenges still remain in regional areas.
Japanese Conjunctions to Express Series or Chronological Transitions
When telling a story, giving instructions, or describing events in order, Japanese uses a variety of conjunctions to express sequence (first, next, then, finally) and temporal relationships (before, after, since, until).
These conjunctions help you connect actions naturally, show chronological flow, and clarify time relationships between clauses.
Japanese
Romaji
Meaning / English Equivalent
まず
mazu
at first
次に
tsugi ni
next
その後
sono ato
after that
また
mata
again
最後
saigo
last; finally; at last
主に
omo ni
primarily
二義的に
nigiteki ni
secondarily
はじめ / 最初
hajime / saisho
in the first place
次 / ついで
tsugi / tsuide
in the second place
最後に / 結局
saigo ni / kekkyoku
finally
付け加えると
tsukekuwaeru to
additionally
真っ先 / 第一
massaki / daiichi
first and foremost
前者
zensha
the former
後者
kousha
the latter
～の前
~no mae
before ~
～の後
~no ato
after ~
ずっと前 / 昔 / ～のころ
zutto mae / mukashi / ~no koro
long time ago
（今）すぐ
ima sugu
immediately
間もなく / もうすぐ
mamonaku / mō sugu
soon
それから後すぐ
sorekara ato sugu
thereupon
のち（後） / それから後
nochi (ato) / sorekara ato
thereafter
すぐ後
sugu ato
soon afterward
後
ato
afterward; later
それから後
sorekara ato
from then on
それ以来
sore irai
since then; ever since
しばらくすると
shibaraku suru to
meanwhile
Example sentence:
まず自己紹介をします。つぎに、研究の目的について説明します。 Mazu jikoshoukai o shimasu. Tsugi ni, kenkyū no mokuteki ni tsuite setsumei shimasu. First, I’ll introduce myself. Next, I’ll explain the purpose of the research.
もうすぐ春が来るね。 Mou sugu haru ga kuru ne. Spring will be here soon.
Japanese Conjunctions for Conclusions
These Japanese conjunctions are used to draw logical conclusions, summarize or restate key points, and emphasize or introduce supporting information. At first glance, they may seem similar to cause-and-effect or additive conjunctions, but they serve a distinct role in organizing ideas and guiding the listener or reader toward a conclusion.
Japanese Expression
Romaji
English Equivalent
要するに
You suru ni
in short; in a word
すなわち
sunawachi
that is to say; in other words
つまり
tsumari
in other words; that is to say
このように
kono you ni
thus; in this way
こういうわけで
Kou iu wake de
for this reason
そのうえに
sono ue ni
moreover; besides
さらに
sarani
furthermore; in addition
じじつ（事実）
jijitsu
indeed; in fact
全体的に
zentaiteki ni
on the whole; overall
結論として
ketsuron to shite
in conclusion; to conclude
Example sentences:
こういうわけで、今年のイベントは中止することになりました。 Kou iu wake de, kotoshi no ibento wa chuushi suru koto ni narimashita. For this reason, we’ve decided to cancel this year’s event.
要するに、この問題はもっと時間をかけて検討する必要があるということです。 You suru ni, kono mondai wa motto jikan o kakete kentou suru histuyou ga aru to iu koto desu. In short, this issue needs to be examined more carefully.
Conclusion: Learn Japanese Conjunctions Effectively with Coto Academy
This list of Japanese conjunctions is a great resource for anyone studying the Japanese language. You can improve your conversation skills and communicate more naturally and confidently in Japanese.
If you’re eager to keep improving your Japanese, consider joining Coto Academy for practical, results-oriented language lessons. Our courses — from intensive programs to part-time classes — emphasize speaking skills and real-life communication, helping you build a strong foundation for long-term success!
Why join Coto Academy?
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FAQ
Are there conjunctions in Japanese?
Yes. Japanese has many conjunctions (接続詞・せつぞくし, setsuzokushi) that connect words, phrases, and sentences—just like “and,” “but,” or “because” in English. They’re used to show relationships such as addition, contrast, cause and effect, condition, or conclusion.
How many Japanese conjunctions are there?
There’s no fixed number, but Japanese uses around 60–80 common conjunctions in daily communication. These include basic ones like そして (and then), しかし (however), and だから (so), as well as more formal or literary types such as したがって (therefore) and それゆえに (for that reason).
What is “de” in Japanese? Is it a conjunction?
The particle で isn’t a conjunction—it’s a particle that indicates location, means, or cause (e.g., “by,” “at,” “because of”). However, it can sometimes function like a connector in sentences, linking two ideas smoothly.
What’s the difference between “と” and “や”?
Both mean “and,” but their nuance differs.や lists examples, implying there are more items not mentioned.と lists everything explicitly (complete list).
Are conjunctions used differently in spoken and written Japanese?
Yes. Spoken Japanese often uses casual conjunctions like でも, それで, or だから, while written or formal contexts favor しかし, したがって, or それゆえに.
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