kana

Grind a row of kana until you stop making mistakes, then add another row. Cross reference the kana audio chart link to make sure you are pronouncing the kana correctly. If you wish to write, the Stroke order link will show you the proper form. You can save a few keystrokes on DJT Kana and your IME with the shortcuts below.

The two dots (dakuten) next to certain kana indicate that the consonant is "muddied". For example, か (ka) becomes が (ga). The consonants transform as follows:

• k -> g
• t -> d
• h/f -> b
• s/ts -> z
• sh/ch -> j

A few kana add a circle to indicate a "p" transformation. For example, ほ (ho) becomes ぽ (po).

The smaller kana ゅ, ょ, and ゃ are used to combine kana sounds. For example, in ぎゃ the consonant of ぎ (gi) combines with the sound from や (ya): gya. The small っ (distinct from つ/tsu) is not itself pronounced, but lengthens the consonant that follows, as in にっぽん (nippon); the effect of holding your mouth in the consonant's position resembles a small pause. Tae Kim has more information.