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 chart

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 double consonants 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 SoundExtended byExample
aおばあさん
i, eおおきい、きれい
u, o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!  

Now that you’ve learned the basics, it’s time for practice! Head on over to our list of practice sheets, apps, and quizzes to make sure you’ve got a solid understanding of hiragana!

Tips for Writing in Japanese

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

Katakana  Chart for Japanese learners

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!

Read More: What is Katakana? Free Katakana Chart and Learning Guide

How and When to Use Katakana

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.

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.

Learn Hiragana & Katakana with Dr. Moku

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 – Limited Free Version

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 Chart Japanese Practice
Hiragana Practice Chart

Draw a line to the corresponding character and connect them.

Japanese Hiragana study - wa o n
Japanese hiragana - ra
japanese hiragana - ya
japanese hiragana - ma
Japanese hiragana - ha
Japanese hiragana - na
Japanese hiragana - ta
japanese hiragana - sa
japanese hiragana - a, ka

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Looking for something more advanced? Check out our JLPT Kanji Workbook PDFs!

Hiragana FAQ

What is Hiragana used for?

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.

Want to study Japanese with us?

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.

Learning hiragana? Don’t forget to check out our free hiragana chart and practice sheet that you can download and print!

Manzai

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.

Learning 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 online Japanese courses at Coto Academy. Start your journey today with lessons to help you reach your goals faster!

Want to study Japanese with us?

(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 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.

Want to get started on hiragana chart? Download and print our free hiragana chart and practice sheet PDF!

Today’s Japanese Hiragana: Ro (ろ)

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 (). 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.

Rotenburo, image, photo, picture, illustration

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.  

Rotenburo, image, photo, picture, illustration

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.

Want to get started on hiragana chart? Download and print our free hiragana chart and practice sheet PDF!

Today’s Japanese Hiragana: Ru (る)

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 rarirurero (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.

(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 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!

japanese-hiragana-ra-ri-ru-re-ro-

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!

  1. Kae-dama – 替え玉(kae-dama): Asking for seconds on only the noodles, without soup.
  2. 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.

japanese hiragana quiz fun facts

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.

Learning hiragana? Check out our free hiragana chart and practice sheet that you can download and print!

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 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 online Japanese courses at Coto Academy. Start your journey today with lessons to help you reach your goals faster!

Want to study Japanese with us?

It is well-known that the Japanese language is considered one of the hardest languages to learn. According to the Foreign Service Institute (FSI), which trains U.S. diplomats and government officials in languages and cultures, Japanese is classified as a “Super-Hard” language. But there’s an important caveat: FSI’s rankings are based on how long it takes native English speakers to learn a language.

Around the world, Chinese speakers can often learn Japanese significantly faster, mostly due to the similarities between Chinese characters and Japanese kanji. This is no surprise, since Japanese kanji are largely based on traditional Chinese characters.

Yet, despite these surface-level similarities, Japanese and Chinese belong to entirely different language families. There are aspects of Japanese where a Chinese language background may not help. So, how easy is it for Chinese speakers to study Japanese? How much of a shortcut does prior knowledge of Chinese really provide? This article will explore Japanese from the perspective of a Chinese learner and discuss how long it typically takes for Chinese speakers to learn Japanese.

Why Chinese Speakers Learn Japanese Faster

1. Kanji knowledge

Kanji are logographic characters that originated in China and were introduced to Japan around the 5th century AD. At the time, Japan didn’t have its own writing system. By the Heian period, Japan had developed readings and interpretations for kanji that fit the Japanese language.

For native Chinese speakers or anyone who has studied Chinese, kanji knowledge is a huge advantage. This is because how long it takes to learn Japanese often depends heavily on your familiarity with kanji. They are used not only for reading and writing but also for building vocabulary, since each character represents an idea and can be combined with others to form words.

To give you a better picture, according to Coto Academy, a typical student might need around 787 hours to study for the JLPT N4 level. But for students who already know kanji, it could take only about 550 hours. This is because learners accustomed to Roman letters face a steep learning curve with Japan’s three writing systems.

Note that Japanese kanji are mostly based on traditional Chinese characters. If you’re only familiar with simplified Chinese characters, like those used in Mainland China or Singapore, some kanji may look different. It doesn’t make learning harder—it just requires a little adjustment.

Read More: Hardest Kanji to Learn

2. Shared Vocabulary (Sino-Japanese Words)

Not only do some Japanese kanji look like Chinese characters, but in some cases, they also sound similar. Take the word “kanji” itself: it uses the same characters as in Chinese, 漢字, and the pronunciation is somewhat similar: kanji in Japanese, hanzi in Chinese.

Why does this happen? Japan adopted many Chinese words over centuries, especially during periods of heavy cultural exchange. While the pronunciation often shifted in Japanese, the meaning and the characters generally stayed the same. This is why Chinese speakers can sometimes understand written Japanese vocabulary even before fully learning Japanese grammar.

That said, not all words work or sound the same. Japanese kanji readings are divided into two main systems: onyomi and kunyomi. Onyomi is the “Chinese-style” reading and is closer to the original Chinese pronunciation when the kanji was borrowed. Many Sino-Japanese words use onyomi, which is why Chinese learners often recognize them. On the other hand, kunyomi is the native Japanese reading, used when the kanji represents a purely Japanese word or concept. These readings usually do not resemble the Chinese pronunciation and can be confusing for beginners.

Take the kanji 水, which means “water,” as an example. In Chinese, it is pronounced shuǐ. In Japanese, the same character has two readings: sui when used as onyomi, and mizu when used as kunyomi. Often, when multiple kanji are combined to form compound words, the pronunciation tends to follow the onyomi reading. This is why some Japanese words sound more similar to their Chinese counterparts, making them easier for Chinese speakers to recognize.

3. Familiarity with Logographic Writing

We touched on this briefly earlier, but it’s worth exploring in more detail. If you grow up speaking English, you’ve likely spent your entire life reading and writing with an alphabetic system, where each symbol (letter) represents a sound rather than a whole word or idea. By combining letters, you form syllables, words, and sentences.

In contrast, a logographic system is one where each character represents a word, idea, or concept rather than a sound. You usually need to memorize each character individually. Chinese, for example, is a logographic language.

For learners from alphabetic-language backgrounds, a large portion of the initial study time when learning Japanese is often spent just getting familiar with the writing system. This is because Japanese uses a mixed writing system, combining logographic and syllabic elements across three scripts: kanji, hiragana, and katakana. Kanji are logographic characters, borrowed from Chinese, while hiragana and katakana are syllabaries where each character represents a syllable or sound. These are not alphabets but phonetic characters used for grammar, word endings, and foreign loanwords.

This mixed system is one of the main reasons Chinese learners often have an advantage: they can recognize many kanji immediately and focus more on grammar and pronunciation, while learners from alphabetic-language backgrounds must learn three separate writing systems from scratch.

Challenges for Chinese Learners When Learning Japanese

Now that we understand why Chinese speakers often get a head start in learning Japanese, we need to remember that this advantage doesn’t make them completely immune to the common challenges and growing pains of studying the language.

1. Grammar differences

Chinese grammar generally follows the subject-verb-object (SVO) order, which is straightforward and familiar to most learners. Japanese grammar, however, follows a subject-object-verb (SOV) order, which can feel unusual at first. 

For example, in Chinese, if you want to say “I want to eat rice,” you would say:

我想吃饭
Wǒ xiǎng chī fàn

This literally means “I want eat rice.”

In Japanese, the sentence structure is different, and the object comes before the verb:

私はご飯を食べたいです
Watashi wa gohan o tabetai desu.

Translating it literally according to its order will give you, “I rice eat want.”

Even with the advantage of kanji knowledge, Chinese learners still need structured guidance to master grammar, sentence patterns, and proper usage in context. This is where Coto Academy’s Japanese lessons can make a real difference. Our courses are designed to help students of all levels, from beginners to advanced learners, build a strong foundation in grammar, expand vocabulary, and develop practical communication skills.

Coto Academy’s approach emphasizes real-life conversation and immersive practice, so you’re not just memorizing kanji and grammar. Ready to be fluent in Japanese? Contact us for a free level check below!

2. Words that look similar but mean differently

Some kanji look identical or similar to Chinese characters, but the meaning in Japanese may have shifted over time. These are often called “false friends.” For example, the character 手紙 means “letter” in Japanese (tegami), but in Chinese, 手纸 literally refers to “toilet paper.” Relying on visual similarity alone can therefore be misleading.

How Much Faster Does It Take for Chinese Speakers to Learn Japanese

jlpt study hours infographic
JLPT LevelChinese Learners (Hours)Other Learners (Hours)Time Saved
N5 (Beginner)350462~25% faster
N4550787~30% faster
N3800–9001,300~35–40% faster
N21,4752,200~30% faster
N12,1503,900~45% faster

According to our data, Chinese learners progress through Japanese and the JLPT about 25–45% faster than other learners. For example, reaching JLPT N5 typically requires around 350 study hours for Chinese learners, compared to roughly 462 hours for others. This advantage becomes even more pronounced at higher levels. For JLPT N2, Chinese learners may need about 1,475 hours, while other learners often require around 2,200 hours. At JLPT N1, the gap widens further, with Chinese learners averaging 2,150 hours compared to 3,900 hours for others.

How Long Does It Take Chinese Speakers to Learn Japanese and Pass the JLPT

Yet despite these challenges, Chinese speakers generally learn Japanese faster than learners from alphabetic-language backgrounds, thanks to shared kanji knowledge, similar vocabulary, and familiarity with logographic writing.

It’s important to note that this comparison focuses on learning the language itself — reading, writing, listening, and speaking — not on mastering social cues or using the correct expressions in context. Those are skills that all foreign learners must develop to be truly fluent in Japanese. Here’s a breakdown of typical progress:

1. Beginner to JLPT N5 (Basic Level)

Estimated time: 3–6 months (350 hours)

For Chinese speakers, reaching the JLPT N5 level typically takes around 350 hours, which may translate to roughly 3–6 months of consistent study at 1–2 hours per day. Their prior knowledge of kanji and some shared vocabulary gives them a head start in reading and recognizing words compared to learners from alphabetic-language backgrounds.

2. Reaching JLPT N4

Estimated time:6 – 12 months (550 hours)

To reach JLPT N4, Chinese learners may need around 550 study hours. The JLPT N4 level is considered upper-beginner Japanese. At this stage, you only need to learn about 300 kanji characters, which is manageable for Chinese learners but still challenging for those from alphabetic-language backgrounds. 

300 kanji sounds like a lot in the first place, btu you still have a long way to go. To be considered “fluent,” you need to memorize the Joyo kanji, a set of 2,136 characters considered essential for everyday Japanese.

3. Reaching JLPT N3

Estimated time: 12 – 24 months (800 – 900 hours)

To reach JLPT N3, you need knowledge of roughly 650 kanji. For Chinese learners, this can take about 800–900 hours, whereas learners without kanji experience may need around 1,300 hours. Here, the advantage of prior kanji knowledge becomes more pronounced, especially for reading comprehension and vocabulary acquisition.

4. Advanced Fluency: JLPT N2 and N1

Estimated time: 18 months – 3 years (1,475 – 2,200 hours)

The gap between Chinese learners and others becomes most noticeable at advanced levels. JLPT N2 requires knowledge of around 1,000 kanji, while JLPT N1 demands mastery of over 2,000 kanji. Reaching N1 typically means achieving advanced proficiency: being able to read newspapers, understand TV shows, and use formal Japanese in both everyday and professional contexts — a level that can take several years for many learners.

For example, students with prior kanji knowledge may need around 1,475 hours to reach N2, while other learners often require about 2,200 hours, roughly 30% more. The gap widens further at N1, with Chinese learners averaging 2,150 hours compared to 3,900 hours for others — almost double the time!

Of course, kanji knowledge alone is not enough. Mastering grammar nuances, honorifics, and native expressions still requires extensive practice and immersion, even for Chinese speakers.

What’s Next? Start Learning Japanese at Coto Academy!

In short, Chinese speakers often have a bit of a head start when learning Japanese, thanks to their familiarity with kanji, shared vocabulary, and experience with a logographic writing system. That said, becoming truly fluent still takes work. Grammar, verb conjugations, particles, politeness levels, and cultural nuances all need to be mastered, and even with kanji knowledge, challenges like pronunciation differences, false friends, and using the right expressions in context can trip up any learner.

This is where Coto Academy’s intensive Japanese and JLPT lessons really help. Our courses are built to support learners at every level, from beginners to advanced, helping you strengthen grammar, grow your vocabulary, and practice using Japanese in real situations. With experienced teachers, immersive lessons, and a clear, step-by-step approach, Chinese learners can make the most of their kanji advantage while tackling the areas that need extra attention. 

Why join Coto Academy?

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FAQ

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Yes, Chinese speakers may find Japanese easier to learn because of shared Kanji characters and some similar vocabulary. However, grammar and pronunciation differences still require effort.

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Japanese is generally harder than Chinese for most learners because of its complex grammar, three writing systems, and honorifics, while Chinese has simpler grammar but requires mastering tones and many characters.

Welcome to Coto Radio, a Japanese learning podcast by Coto Japanese Academy, Japan’s No. 1 Japanese language school. Each episode, our host combines captivating storytelling with engaging conversations, all delivered in clear, natural Japanese.

Just as people in the United States often turn to horoscopes, birth charts, and star signs to explain personality, and Chinese people look to zodiac signs, in Japan, many believe that a person’s blood type can reveal key aspects of their character. This belief, which also has followers in Korea, suggests that blood types may indicate whether someone is creative, stubborn, confident, or even a bit selfish.

This cultural phenomenon emerged in Japan in the 1970s and associates personality “archetypes” based on blood type. Spontaneity is a trait dominant in type Bs, confidence (and sometimes stubbornness) for type Os, and so on. This topic might seem like a fun conversation starter, but some take it very seriously — seriously enough that it can influence friendships and dating, and even create negative bias towards certain groups.

In this episode of Coto Radio, our teachers explore the curious world of blood type personality theory. Listen to the podcast on Spotify below, or read the translated transcription.

The Origin of Blood Type Personality Belief

The episode’s main topic is the Japanese cultural phenomenon of blood type personality theory. Younger people in Japan often consider blood type when judging compatibility with others. Both hosts discuss how some Japanese believe that blood type determines personality traits: A-types are meticulous, B-types are selfish, O-types are confident, and AB-types are unusual.

Kinjo-sensei explains that the belief originated from early research by a German scientist and later a Japanese psychologist, who conducted studies on his family of only 11 people, though the original research was relatively small and anecdotal.

Despite this, the idea spread in Japan, influencing popular culture and even morning news segments with “blood type fortune-telling.” The discussion highlights the role of tradition, social reinforcement, and curiosity in shaping collective perceptions, even when scientific support is weak. It also shows the significance of understanding local beliefs to navigate social interactions in Japan.

What Your Blood Type Says About You

So what are these personality traits revealed through blood types? Here is a detailed breakdown. 

Type A

People with Type A blood are considered thoughtful, responsible, and meticulous. They are often perfectionists who like structure, planning, and following rules. They value harmony in social situations and try to avoid conflict. On the flip side, they can be overly anxious, overthink decisions, and sometimes appear too cautious or reserved.

Type B

Type B people are seen as creative, passionate, and independent. They enjoy freedom and tend to follow their own path, which makes them energetic and fun but sometimes unpredictable or perceived as selfish. B types are often suited for creative or innovative work and are compatible with other B types or AB types, though they may have difficulties connecting with highly structured or rule-oriented individuals.

Type O

Those with Type O blood are considered outgoing, confident, and ambitious. They are natural leaders who are friendly, generous, and optimistic, though they can occasionally be stubborn or domineering. In professional and social environments, O types are goal-oriented, enjoy challenges, and are good at motivating others. They tend to get along well with O or B types, but compatibility with AB types is thought to be more difficult.

Type AB

Type AB individuals are regarded as rational, calm, and adaptable, often combining traits of both A and B types. They are observant, diplomatic, and excellent problem-solvers, but they can sometimes appear detached or mysterious. AB types are well-suited to analytical or multitasking roles and are generally compatible with AB or A types.

Social Implications and Awareness of Blood Type Stereotypes

For some, talking about personality traits linked to blood types can be a fun conversation starter, like a casual water-cooler topic. But for others, it’s taken more seriously, and this can lead to negative consequences. There’s even a term for it: “blood type harassment,” which refers to the discomfort or judgment people can feel when others assume their personality based solely on their blood type.

While these conversations can be interesting, learners and residents should approach them with a critical mindset. The key takeaway is that cultural knowledge is most useful when combined with sensitivity. Knowing about Japanese customs, like blood type discussions, can help people connect socially, but it’s important not to reinforce stereotypes or make assumptions about others.

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New Vocabulary from The Podcast

What new Japanese words might you hear while listening to the podcast? Check out the vocabulary you might encounter along the way.

JapaneseHiraganaRomajiEnglish
習慣しゅうかんshuukanhabit, custom
マナーマナーmanaamanners, etiquette
疑問ぎもんgimonquestion, doubt
結構けっこうkekkouquite, fairly
性格せいかくseikakupersonality, character
わがままわがままwagamamaselfish, self-centered
几帳面きちょうめんkichoumenmeticulous, methodical
発表はっぴょうhappyouannouncement, presentation
登場とうじょうtoujouappearance, introduction
調査ちょうさchousainvestigation, survey
犯罪者はんざいしゃhanzai-shacriminal
運勢うんせいunseifortune, luck
偏見へんけんhenkenprejudice
協力きょうりょくkyouryokucooperation

Podcast Transcript

The following is a transcript from an episode of Coto Radio, a podcast produced by Coto Academy and available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. For the complete experience, we recommend listening to the original audio. This transcript has been slightly edited for clarity and brevity.

Kinjo-sensei:
こんにちは、みなさん!!「Cotoラジオ」、本日も始まりました!!
Konnichiwa, minasan!! “Coto Rajio”, honjitsu mo hajimarimashita!!
Hello everyone!! Coto Radio has started again today!!

本日から新しいパーソナリティーとして私金城と、Aさんでお届けしてまいります。
Honjitsu kara atarashii paasonaritei to shite watashi Kinjo to, A-san de otodoke shite mairimasu.
From today, as the new personalities, I, Kinjo, along with A-san, will be hosting.

Aさんよろしくお願いいたします。
A-san, yoroshiku onegaishimasu.
A-san, nice to be working with you.

A:
はい、どうぞよろしくお願いいたします。
Hai, douzo yoroshiku onegaishimasu.
Yes, nice to be working with you.

Kinjo-sensei:
本日ですが、新しいシリーズを始めたいと思います。
Honjitsu desu ga, atarashii shi-ri-zu o hajimetai to omoimasu.
Today, we would like to start a new series.

A:
新しいシリーズですか?
Atarashii shi-ri-zu desu ka?
A new series?

Kinjo-sensei:
はい。
Hai.
Yes.

わたしたち日本語教師は授業で日本語以外にも日本の習慣やマナーについて学習者のみなさんから質問される事があります。
Watashitachi Nihongo kyoushi wa jugyou de Nihongo igai ni mo Nihon no shuukan ya manaa ni tsuite gakushuusha no minasan kara shitsumon sareru koto ga arimasu.
As Japanese language teachers, during lessons we are often asked questions by learners not only about Japanese language, but also about Japanese customs and manners.

僕も急に聞かれてうまく答えられない事が多いので、この機会に多くの日本語学習者のみなさんが思う疑問に答えていきたいと考えたんです。
Boku mo kyuu ni kikarete umaku kotaerarenai koto ga ooi node, kono kikai ni ooku no Nihongo gakushuusha no minasan ga omou gimon ni kotaete ikitai to kangaetan desu.
Even I am often asked questions that I cannot answer well, so I thought this would be a good opportunity to answer the questions that many Japanese learners have.

A:
たしかに、私たちにとっても「なんでだろう」って思う事もあるし、日本で暮らすみなさんにとっては生活していくために知っておいたほうが良い事もありますよね。
Tashika ni, watashitachi ni totte mo “nande darou” tte omou koto mo aru shi, Nihon de kurasu minasan ni totte wa seikatsu shite iku tame ni shitte oita hou ga yoi koto mo arimasu yo ne.
That’s true. Even for us, there are things we wonder, “why is this so?” And for people living in Japan, there are things that are good to know to make life easier.

Kinjo-sensei:
そうなんです。そこで、このラジオを使って日本に住んで日本語を勉強している人のために今日から新しいシリーズを始めます!
Sou nan desu. Soko de, kono rajio o tsukatte Nihon ni sunde Nihongo o benkyou shite iru hito no tame ni, kyou kara atarashii shi-ri-zu o hajimemasu!
Exactly. So, using this radio show, we are starting a new series from today for people who live in Japan and are studying Japanese!

A:
テーマは?
Teema wa?
What is the theme?

Kinjo-sensei:
「日本、なぜ、どうして?シリーズ」
“Nihon, naze, doushite? Shi-ri-zu”
“The Why in Japan? Series”

A:
ぜひこのコーナーで日本の事をもっと知って、生活の役にたててください。
Zehi kono ko-na- de Nihon no koto o motto shitte, seikatsu no yaku ni tatete kudasai.
Please use this corner to learn more about Japan and make it useful for your daily life.

Kinjo-sensei:
では、第1回目のテーマを発表します。今日のテーマは「なぜ日本人は血液型を気にするのか」です!
Dewa, dai 1 kaime no teema o happyou shimasu. Kyou no teema wa “Naze Nihonjin wa ketsuekigata o ki ni suru no ka” desu!
Now, we will announce the first episode’s theme. Today’s topic is, “Why do Japanese people care about blood types?”

A:
血液型ですか?
Ketsuekigata desu ka?
Blood types?

Kinjo-sensei:
はい。実は私が授業の時に聞かれた事がある質問なんです。
Hai. Jitsu wa watashi ga jugyou no toki ni kikareta koto ga aru shitsumon nan desu.
Yes. Actually, this is a question I’ve been asked during my classes.

A:
なるほど。私たち日本人は血液型についてよく話題になりますよね。
Naruhodo. Watashitachi Nihonjin wa ketsuekigata ni tsuite yoku wadai ni narimasu yo ne.
I see. For us Japanese, blood types often come up in conversation, right?

Kinjo-sensei:
そうですよね。ですから今回はこのテーマについて話したいと思います。
Sou desu yo ne. Desu kara konkai wa kono teema ni tsuite hanashitai to omoimasu.
Exactly. That’s why today, we’d like to talk about this topic.

Kinjo-sensei:
ちなみにAさんは知り合った人の血液型って気になりますか?
Chinami ni A-san wa shiriautta hito no ketsuekigata tte ki ni narimasu ka?
By the way, A-san, do you pay attention to the blood types of people you meet?

A:
若いころは、結構気にしていました。若いころって経験があまりないじゃないですか。
人間関係で何かがうまくいかないと、きっとこれは「血液型のせいだ」「この人との相性が悪いからこうなったんだ」とか。理由をつけて納得していましたね。
Wakai koro wa, kekkou ki ni shiteimashita. Wakai koro tte keiken ga amari nai ja nai desu ka.
Ningen kankei de nanika ga umaku ikanai to, kitto kore wa “ketsuekigata no sei da” “kono hito to no aishou ga warui kara kou natta n da” toka. Riyuu o tsukete nattoku shiteimashita ne.
When I was younger, I paid quite a bit of attention to it. When relationships didn’t go well, I would think, “It’s because of their blood type,” or “It didn’t work out because we’re incompatible,” and I would use that as a reason to make sense of it.

Kinjo-sensei:
なるほど。
ぼくも学生時代はあまり合わない人がいると、「あー、あの人○○型だから、合わないのか」って考える事がありました。
Naruhodo. Boku mo gakusei jidai wa amari awanai hito ga iru to, “Aa, ano hito XX-gata dakara, awanai no ka” tte kangaeru koto ga arimashita.
I see. When I was a student, if someone didn’t get along with me, I would think, “Ah, it’s because that person is XX blood type, that’s why we don’t match.”

A:
だからいいのか、わるいのか、相手のことを理解したいという気持ちから、相手の血液型を聞く人、日本人には多いですよね(笑)
Dakara ii no ka, warui no ka, aite no koto o rikai shitai to iu kimochi kara, aite no ketsuekigata o kiku hito, Nihonjin ni wa ooi desu yo ne (wara)
So whether it’s good or bad, there are a lot of Japanese people who ask about someone’s blood type because they want to understand them (laugh).

Kinjo-sensei:
そうなんです。なぜ日本人が相手の血液型を知りたがるか。それは血液型によって性格が決まると信じている人が多いからなんです。
Sou nan desu. Naze Nihonjin ga aite no ketsuekigata o shiritagaru ka. Sore wa ketsuekigata ni yotte seikaku ga kimaru to shinjiteiru hito ga ooi kara nan desu.
Exactly. Why do Japanese people want to know someone’s blood type? It’s because many believe that personality is determined by blood type.

A:
そうですよね!A型は几帳面、B型はわがままーこれちょっとひどいですよね(笑)、O型はおおらか、AB型は変わり者というのが血液型のステレオタイプですよね。
Sou desu yo ne! A-gata wa kichoumen, B-gata wa wagamama—kore chotto hidoi desu yo ne (wara), O-gata wa ooraka, AB-gata wa kawarimono to iu no ga ketsuekigata no sutereo taipu desu yo ne.
That’s right! A-types are meticulous, B-types are selfish—which is a bit harsh (laugh), O-types are easygoing, and AB-types are the odd ones. Those are the stereotypes for blood types.

A:
ちなみに金城先生は何型ですか?
Chinami ni Kinjo-sensei wa nan-gata desu ka?
By the way, Kinjo-sensei, what is your blood type?

Kinjo-sensei:
私はーー型です。Aさんは?
Watashi wa —- gata desu. A-san wa?
Mine is —-. And yours, A-san?

A:
私はーー型です。
Watashi wa —- gata desu.
Mine is —-.

A:
でも、この血液型による性格?っていつからどのように言われ始めたのでしょうか?
Demo, kono ketsuekigata ni yoru seikaku? tte itsu kara dono you ni iwarehajimeta no deshou ka?
But when and how did this idea of personality based on blood type start?

Kinjo-sensei:
それ、実は気になって僕も調べてみたんです。
Sore, jitsu wa ki ni natte boku mo shirabete mita n desu.
Actually, I got curious and looked into it myself.

そしたらなんと、血液型と性格の関係について最初に調べたのはドイツの研究者なんです。
Soshitara nanto, ketsuekigata to seikaku no kankei ni tsuite saisho ni shirabeta no wa Doitsu no kenkyuusha nan desu.
It turns out the first person to study the relationship between blood type and personality was a German researcher.

ですが、その後日本人心理学者が登場します。
Desu ga, sono ato Nihonjin shinrigakusha ga toujou shimasu.
However, later, a Japanese psychologist appeared.

その人は、そのドイツ人研究者の意見に納得できなかったんですね。
Sono hito wa, sono Doitsu-jin kenkyuusha no iken ni nattoku dekinakatta n desu ne.
He couldn’t agree with the opinion of the German researcher.

それでどうしたかというと、自分の家族の11人を調査してどの血液型がどんな性格かを調べてそれを発表したそうなのです。
Sore de doushita ka to iu to, jibun no kazoku no juuichi-nin o chousa shite dono ketsuekigata ga donna seikaku ka o shirabete sore o happyou shita sou na no desu.
So what he did was study his own family of 11 people to see what personality traits each blood type had, and he published his findings.

それがなんと今の血液型占いにつながっているそうなんです。
Sore ga nanto ima no ketsuekigata uranai ni tsunagatte iru sou nan desu.
And apparently, that is how today’s blood type fortune-telling originated.

A:
えー、たった11人ですか?!それも自分の家族??
Ee, tatta juuichi-nin desu ka?! Sore mo jibun no kazoku??
What? Only 11 people?! And it was his own family??

Kinjo-sensei:
すごく少ないですよね。研究者が言うから信じられるデータだと思いましたが、11人しか調べなかったなんて、びっくりですよね。
Sugoku sukunai desu yo ne. Kenkyuusha ga iu kara shinjirareru de-ta da to omoimashita ga, juuichi-nin shika shirabekanatta nante, bikkuri desu yo ne.
That’s really a small number. You’d think it was reliable since a researcher said it, but only studying 11 people is really surprising.

しかし、その発表はその後軍医にも協力し、強い軍を作るのに活かされたり、犯罪者や優秀な生徒の血液型は何かという関心を生んだそうです。それが1900~1930年頃の話です。
Shikashi, sono happyou wa sono ato gun-i ni mo kyouryoku shi, tsuyoi gun o tsukuru no ni ikasaretari, hanzai-sha ya yuushuu na seito no ketsuekigata wa nani ka to iu kanshin o unda sou desu. Sore ga 1900~1930-nen goro no hanashi desu.
However, his findings were later used with the help of military doctors to build stronger armies, and also sparked interest in the blood types of criminals and outstanding students. This happened around 1900–1930.

A:
へえ~。
Hee~.
Wow~.

Kinjo-sensei:
その後一般向けにそのような本が発売されて世の中に広まったらしいですよ。
Sono ato ippan-muke ni sono you na hon ga hatsubai sarete yo no naka ni hiromatta rashii desu yo.
Later, books for the general public were published, and the idea spread widely.

そして日本人は血液型を気にする人が増え、今では血液型別でその日の運勢を占う「血液型占い」も人気になりました。
Soshite Nihonjin wa ketsuekigata o ki ni suru hito ga fue, ima dewa ketsuekigata-betsu de sono hi no unsei o uranau “ketsuekigata uranai” mo ninki ni narimashita.
And more Japanese people began paying attention to blood types, and now “blood type fortune-telling,” which predicts your day’s luck by blood type, has become popular.

朝のニュース番組の後半に「血液型占い」のコーナーがあったりします。
Asa no nyu-su bangumi no kouhan ni “ketsuekigata uranai” no ko-na- ga attari shimasu.
There are even segments for blood type fortune-telling in the second half of morning news programs.

A:
星座占いは他の国にもありそうですが、血液型は日本だけのものじゃないですかね。
Seiza uranai wa hoka no kuni ni mo arisou desu ga, ketsuekigata wa Nihon dake no mono ja nai desu ka ne.
Horoscope fortune-telling exists in other countries, but blood type fortune-telling seems unique to Japan, doesn’t it?

Kinjo-sensei:
ちなみにこの研究や発表には科学的根拠はなく、調べた人数も少ないので、あくまで「この血液型にはこんな性格の人が多いよね」という感想だけでまとめられているらしいですよ。
Chinami ni kono kenkyuu ya happyou ni wa kagakuteki konkyo wa naku, shirabeta ninzu mo sukunai node, akumade “kono ketsuekigata ni wa konna seikaku no hito ga ooi yo ne” to iu kansou dake de matomerarete iru rashii desu yo.
By the way, this research and publication has no scientific basis, and because the number of people studied was so small, it seems it was summarized only as a general impression: “People with this blood type tend to have these personality traits.”

A:
研究といいながら感想だけ、、、びっくりです!!てっきり信憑性が高い話なんだと思いました。
Kenkyuu to iinagara kansou dake… bikkuri desu!! Tekkiri shinpyousei ga takai hanashi nan da to omoimashita.
It’s just impressions, even though they call it research… I’m surprised!! I thought it would be something highly credible.

Kinjo-sensei:
意外としっかりしていないですよね。にもかかわらず、一度信じたら忘れない人も多いので偏見も生まれました。
Igai to shikkari shite inai desu yo ne. Nimo kakawarazu, ichido shinjitara wasurenai hito mo ooi node henken mo umaremashita.
It’s not very solid research, yet many people don’t forget it once they believe it, which has also created prejudice.

「××さん、几帳面だからA型でしょ?」とか「B型の人とは合わないよ」とか、相手の血液型で性格を決めつけて相手を不快や不安な思いをさせる人もいますよね。
“XX-san, you’re meticulous, so you must be A-type,” or “You won’t get along with B-types,”—some people assume personality from blood type, which can make others uncomfortable or anxious.

このような事を「ブラッドタイプ・ハラスメント」というそうです。
Kono you na koto o “Buraddo Taipu Harasumento” to iu sou desu.
This kind of behavior is apparently called “blood type harassment.”

A:
それは問題がありますね。血液型だけで、こういう性格でしょ、とか思われるのはやっぱり気分が良くないですよね。
自分については自分が納得していればいいのかもしれないですが、他の人には押し付けてはいけないと思います。
Sore wa mondai ga arimasu ne. Ketsuekigata dake de, kou iu seikaku desho, toka omowareru no wa yappari kibun ga yokunai desu yo ne.
Jibun ni tsuite wa jibun ga nattoku shite ireba ii no kamoshirenai desu ga, hoka no hito ni wa oshitsukete wa ikenai to omoimasu.
That’s a problem. Being told “You must have this personality because of your blood type” isn’t a good feeling.
It might be okay if it’s about yourself, but you shouldn’t impose it on others.

Kinjo-sensei:
そう思います。まあ、日本人との雑談の話題としてはある程度知っておくのはいいかもしれません。
Sou omoimasu. Maa, Nihonjin to no zatsudan no wadai to shite wa aru teido shitte oku no wa ii kamo shiremasen.
I think so. Well, it might be good to know a bit about this as a topic for small talk with Japanese people.

でも違和感があれば自分は血液型占いというのはあまり信じていないということをさらっと伝えて話題をかえるのもいいと思います。
Demo iwakan ga areba, jibun wa ketsuekigata uranai to iu no wa amari shinjite inai to iu koto o saratto tsutaete wadai o kaeru no mo ii to omoimasu.
But if it feels strange to you, it’s also okay to casually say that you don’t really believe in blood type fortune-telling and then change the topic.

A:
海外だと、実際自分の血液型をしらない人も多いといいますしね。
Kaigai dato, jissai jibun no ketsuekigata o shiranai hito mo ooi to iimasu shi ne.
I’ve heard that overseas, many people don’t even know their own blood type.

Kinjo-sensei:
はい、そうですよね。
Hai, sou desu yo ne.
Yes, that’s true.

それでは本日は以上です。
Sore dewa honjitsu wa ijou desu.
That’s all for today.

A:
このラジオでは皆さんが「なぜ?どうして?」と思う事に答えていきたいと思います。
Kono rajio de wa minasan ga “Naze? Doushite?” to omou koto ni kotaete ikitai to omoimasu.
On this radio, we want to answer the things you wonder about, like “Why? How come?”

ぜひみなさんが思った「疑問」をこのラジオに送ってください。
Zehi minasan ga omotta “gimon” o kono rajio ni okutte kudasai.
Please send your questions or doubts to this radio show.

できるだけお答えしたいと思います。
Dekiru dake okotae shitai to omoimasu.
We will try to answer as many as possible.

Kinjo-sensei:
たくさんのご質問、お待ちしております。
Takusan no go-shitsumon, omachi shite orimasu.
We look forward to receiving lots of questions.

それではまたお会いしましょう。ありがとうございました!!
Sore dewa mata oai shimashou. Arigatou gozaimashita!!
Then, we’ll see you again. Thank you very much!!

A:
ありがとうございました!!
Arigatou gozaimashita!!
Thank you very much!!

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Saying “but” in Japanese is a basic conjunction used to introduce a contrast between two ideas. While the most common way to say “but” is demo (でも), there are several variations, each carrying a slightly different nuance. Some express disappointment, others are more neutral. Some appear in the middle of a sentence, while others come at the beginning.

However, because Japanese society is high-context and values the art of reading between the lines, learning about it is more than just memorizing a word. In real-life usage, words like “however,” “even though,” and “but” often function as a soft rejection or even an indirect way of making a request. You’ll hear it frequently in both spoken and written Japanese.

Curious to learn them all? Let’s explore the basic and nuanced ways to say “but” in Japanese.

1. Demo (でも)

Structure: [Sentence 1]. でも [Sentence 2]

でも is a versatile particle that allows speakers to create contrast, soften statements, or express subtle nuance. Traditionally, でも is used to connect two clauses, similar to the English word “but.” However, there are some key differences. 

Firstly, unlike English’s “but,” which often needs to be wedged between two independent clauses, でも can appear at the beginning of a sentence.

でも、私は日本語が下手です。
Demo, watashi wa nihongo ga heta desu.
But I am not good at Japanese.

Additionally, でも is more informal than “but,” which means it is widely used in everyday speech but is less appropriate in formal writing. Its usage is not limited to simple contrasts; it can also express concession or reservation depending on context. 

私は日本語が話せます。でも、日本語が書けません。
Watashi wa nihongo ga hanasemasu. Demo, nihongo ga kakemasen.
I can speak Japanese, but I cannot write Japanese.

でも can do more than simply contrast two ideas. It can also convey concession or a sense of reservation, which adds subtlety to your statements. For example:

今日は忙しいです。でも、あなたのために時間を作ります。
Kyou wa isogashii desu. Demo, anata no tame ni jikan o tsukurimasu
I am busy today, but I will make time for you

The first clause states a limitation (being busy), while the second clause shows a concession or exception. Here, でも softens the refusal and introduces a willingness to compromise, making the statement polite and considerate rather than blunt.

Before you continue reading, make sure you at least know how to read hiragana. Check out our blog on hiragana chart to download a free PDF.

2. Kedo (けど)

Structure: [Clause 1] + けど + [Clause 2]

けど (kedo) is another very common way to say “but” in Japanese, and it’s closely related to でも (demo). Like でも, it connects two contrasting ideas. However, けど is generally more casual and softer than でも.

One key difference is that けど can appear at the end of a sentence, often to imply something indirectly or to make a request politely. In English, this is like trailing off with “but…”

ちょっと手伝ってくれるけど…

Chotto tetsudatte kureru? Kedo…
Could you help me a little? …

Why so? In Japanese culture, being indirect is often considered polite, especially when making requests or expressing disagreement. When placed at the end of a sentence, it softens the statement or request, making it less direct and leaving room for the listener to respond. 

今日は行けませんけど…
Kyou wa ikimasen kedo
But today I can’t go.. 

If you are curious to learn more, we have a separate article about why けど and are used for more than just saying “but”. 

3. Keredomo (けれども)

Structure: [Clause 1] + けど + [Clause 2]

When it comes to meaning and usage, there’s not much difference between けど and けれども. The main thing is that けれども is the full, more formal version. You can use it if you want your sentence or conversation to sound a bit more polished.

Just like けど, けれども usually means “but,” but because it’s more formal, it can feel closer to “although” or “provided that.” Basically, it highlights that while you’re thinking about (A), (B) is important or needs to be considered.

Fun fact: けれども was originally considered a more feminine version of . But nowadays, けど is so common that all the feminine nuance is pretty much gone.

Also, like けど and other “but” words in Japanese, the part after けれども is often left out if it’s obvious or if the speaker doesn’t really want to say it.

映画を見に行きたいけれども、今日はちょっと疲れている。
Eiga o mi ni ikitai keredomo, kyou wa chotto tsukarete iru.
I want to go see a movie, but I’m a bit tired today.

4. Ga (が)

Structure: [Clause 1] + けど + [Clause 2]

The versatile が particle can also function as a conjunction used to contrast two ideas, similar to “but” in English. が is more formal and neutral than けど, and it often appears within a single sentence.

Interestingly, が can carry nuances similar to けど, hinting at a soft rejection, an indirect request, or bringing up a topic gently. This is particularly useful in Japanese society, which values indirect communication. Using けど or が at the end of a sentence gives listeners a subtle hint about what the speaker intends without stating it explicitly. Paying attention to these social cues helps you understand the speaker’s true meaning.

テーブルが汚いんだですが。
Teiburu ga kitanainda desu ga.
The table is dirty, you know.

Here, the speaker is indirectly suggesting that the table should be cleaned. By adding , the statement becomes less aggressive, softening the complaint to something like: “The table is dirty, but…” This subtlety makes the communication polite and considerate while still conveying the intended message.

5. Shikashi (しかし)

Structure: しかし + [Sentence]

Ever hear someone say “however” in everyday English conversation? Probably you have, but rarely. The reason might be that it sounds stiff and formal. Similarly, しかし (shikashi) carries the same tone in Japanese. While it can indicate the same meaning as “but,” it is typically more formal. しかし is most often found in writing, essays, news articles, reports, or formal speeches rather than in casual conversation. It emphasizes contrast between two ideas in a clear, logical, and often strong way, making it useful when you want to connect two contrasting points in a precise manner.

Like “however” in English, しかし (shikashi) is typically used at the beginning of a sentence, introducing a statement that contrasts with the previous idea.

この計画は面白いです。しかし、実現は難しいです。
Kono keikaku wa omoshiroi desu. Shikashi, jitsugen wa muzukashii desu.
This plan is interesting. However, implementing it is difficult.

6. Sore Demo (それでも)

Structure: それでも + [Sentence]

それでも translates roughly as “even so” or “nevertheless” in English. Unlike しかし (shikashi), which carries a sense that the contrasting idea is absolute, それでも acknowledges the first statement while introducing a new point, leaving more flexibility in the conversation. それでも often shifts the conversation toward a more positive or constructive perspective, acknowledging the first point but introducing a solution, alternative, or hopeful aspect. In contrast, しかし usually emphasizes a negative or limiting contrast

今日は雨が降っています。しかし、試合は中止になりません.
Kyou wa ame ga futteimasu. Shikashi, shiai wa chuushi ni narimasen.
It’s raining today. However, the game will not be canceled.

Notice in the example above, the focus is on the negative situation (rain) and contrasts it firmly with the outcome.

今日は雨が降っています。それでも、試合は楽しめます。
Kyou wa ame ga futteimasu. Sore demo, shiai wa tanoshimemasu.
It’s raining today. Even so, we can still enjoy the game.

Here, the rain is acknowledged, but the focus moves to a positive possibility.

In other words, it softens the contrast rather than completely rejecting the previous idea. This makes それでも a more diplomatic way to express “but” in Japanese, especially when discussing differing opinions with friends, coworkers, or in situations where you want to be considerate of the other person’s perspective.

7. Noni (のに)

TypeStructure
Verb (plain form)Verb + のに
い-adjectiveAdjective + のに
な-adjectiveAdjective + な + のに
NounNoun + なのに

のに is a conjunction that expresses disappointment or frustration, and can be translated as “even though,” “although,” or “in spite of.” It is used to combine two sentences in a way that highlights an unexpected or undesirable outcome.

The structure is simple: (Sentence A) のに + (Sentence B)

Think of it as: “Despite the fact that (Sentence A), (Sentence B).”

What makes のに different from other “but” words like けど or が is that it doesn’t just contrast two ideas—it highlights a result that went against what you expected, often with an emotional punch.

たくさん勉強したのに、試験に落ちてしまった。
Takusan benkyou shita noni, shiken ni ochite shimatta.
Even though I studied a lot, I failed the exam.

See the pattern? のに lets you show that something didn’t go as expected, and it’s a great way to express mild frustration.

Here’s another tip to make your Japanese sound more natural: while のに is usually followed by a second statement to complete the contrast, in casual conversation, you can use it on its own to imply disappointment. This way, you can express frustration or surprise without needing to finish the sentence. 

たくさん勉強したのに….
Takusen benkyou shita no ni…
Even though I studied a lot…

8. Tokoro Ga (ところが)

Structure: [Sentence 1]. ところが [Sentence 2]

Another way to express an unexpected result in Japanese is ところが. It comes from the noun ところ (tokoro), which literally means “place,” combined with the particle が. You use it when something happens that’s completely different from what you expected.

You’ll usually see ところが at the beginning of a new sentence. If you’ve learned ところで, which means “by the way,” the structure looks the same, but the meaning is totally different. ところが is all about pointing out something that contrasts with what came before.

One thing to keep in mind: ところが is mostly used for things outside the speaker’s control. Unlike のに, it doesn’t always carry a negative feeling. For example, if you try to do something and think it might fail, you can also use ところが when it unexpectedly works out!

昨日は雨が降ると思っていた。ところが、朝から晴れていた。
Kinou wa ame ga furu to omotte ita. Tokoro ga, asa kara hanarete ita.
I thought it would rain yesterday. However, it was sunny from the morning.

9. To Ittemo (とは言っても)

Structure: [A] と言っても [B]

The phrase と言っても is a handy way to say “even if I say (A)” or “though you could say (A).” It comes from と言う (“to say”) + ても (“even if”), so literally it’s like saying “even if I say…” You use it when you want to introduce an idea but immediately clarify or add nuance to it. It works after almost any word or tense. Just a note: for な-adjectives and nouns, you might sometimes hear だ before と言っても, though often it’s left out. Also, if there’s no clear speaker, と言っても can mean something like “some might say (A)” or “it’s said that (A).” Basically, it’s perfect for softening your statement or adding a little extra nuance.

高いと言っても、そんなに高くないよ。
Takai to ittemo, sonna ni takakunai yo.
Even if I say it’s expensive, it’s really not that bad.

10. Tada (ただ)

Structure: [Statement 1]. ただ, [Statement 2]

ただ literally means “only” or “just,” but when used in conversation or writing, it often works like “however” or “but” to add a small limitation or exception to what you just said. It’s less formal than しかし but more neutral than けれど.

You can use ただ when you want to point out a caveat without making it sound too strong or confrontational.

このレストランは美味しい。ただ、少し高い。
Kono resutoran wa oishii. Tada, sukoshi takai.
This restaurant is tasty. But it’s a bit expensive.

How Japanese People Use “But”

This is where Japanese “but” gets interesting. We have briefly mentioned this in the grammar けど and が. Unlike English, where “but” mainly signals contrast, in Japanese, there are several grammatical roles it can play, depending on the word you use.

1. The obvious contrast

The most familiar and very obvious use of “but” is to show direct opposition between two ideas. Words like でも, けど, , and しかし fit this category. Here, it is simple: the first clause is true, and the second clause introduces an opposing situation.

2. Softening statement

As a country known for its high-context communication, where meaning relies heavily on nonverbal cues, relationships, and shared cultural knowledge rather than explicitly stated words, some “buts” (especially and けれど) don’t signal strong contradiction. Instead, they function as softeners, similar to saying “I would say… but…” in English.

そう思うが、どうかな。
Sou omou ga, dou ka na.
I think so, but I’m not sure.

Here, the second clause doesn’t fully contradict the first. It just makes the statement less blunt.

3. Rejecting something

Japanese culture favors indirect rejection, so “but” isn’t always used to directly argue. Instead, it can politely decline or contradict without sounding harsh. Some Japanese “buts” are used specifically to reject, object, or disagree. This is very common in conversation when you want to refuse a suggestion or gently contradict someone.

Often, the speaker may leave the sentence incomplete, ending it with が or けど without finishing the thought. The listener is expected to “read between the lines” and understand the implied refusal.

If someone asks you out on a date, you could say:

用事がありますが
Youji ga arimasu ga….
I have plans, but…

Here, you don’t need to finish the sentence. The other person will usually understand that you’re politely declining.

Conclusion: But Wait! Learn Japanese with Coto Academy!

Now that we have learned “but” is a versatile tool that can soften statements, add nuance, show concession, express surprise, or even politely reject an idea, the next thing we need to do is apply it in real life. 

Ready to take your Japanese to the next level? Coto Academy offers fun, practical lessons to help you read between the lines and use expressions like a native speaker. Start learning today, and never be caught off guard by a subtle “but” again!

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FAQ

How do you say “but” in Japanese?

The most common words for “but” are でも (demo), が (ga), and しかし (shikashi).

When should I use でも (demo)?

You use でも to connect contrasting ideas in casual conversation.

When should I use しかし (shikashi)?

しかし is more formal and common in writing, news, or essays.

What is the difference between でも and が?

Yes, でも can start a sentence to contrast with a previous statement.

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