Hiragana, the Basics of Japanese

Read your first Japanese words, one small lesson at a time. Hiragana is a natural place to begin learning to read Japanese. These characters appear in everyday words, grammatical endings, and the small pronunciation guides that help readers tackle kanji. Hiragana: The Basics of Japanese by Clay and Yumi Boutwell introduces all 46 basic characters in ten manageable lessons. Follow the strokes, try the memory cues, listen to the sounds, and begin reading words as you learn. No previous knowledge of Japanese is required. Inside, you will find: Step-by-step stroke diagrams with clear starting points and writing guidance. Memory cues and comparisons to help you remember the characters. Vocabulary with readings and meanings, plus practice reading before checking the romaji. Crosswords, review questions, word games, and a kana maze. Explanations of sound marks, small character combinations, long vowels, and small っ. An introduction to particle readings and short Japanese sentences. Writing practice and answer keys to support independent study. Includes audio, worksheets, and an Anki flashcard deck Native Japanese audio is accessible through links and QR codes in the book. Hear each row, repeat the sounds, and return to the recordings whenever you need a reminder. No account or email address is required for the audio. Build a foundation you can use in your next lesson, your next textbook, and your first steps toward reading Japanese for yourself.