Click card or press Space to flip · Arrow keys to navigate
あ
a
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Hirakata
Learn Japanese Hiragana & Katakana
Learn Japanese Hiragana & Katakana
Click card or press Space to flip · Arrow keys to navigate
Hirakata is a free, interactive flashcard app for learning the two Japanese phonetic alphabets: hiragana and katakana. Together, these two writing systems form the foundation of reading and writing in Japanese. Hiragana is used for native Japanese words and grammatical elements, while katakana is used for loanwords, foreign names, and emphasis. Every Japanese learner starts here.
The app covers all 46 basic hiragana characters, 46 basic katakana characters, dakuten and handakuten variations (voiced and semi-voiced sounds such as が, ざ, ぱ), and contracted sounds called yōon (combinations like きゃ, しゅ, ちょ). That's over 200 characters in total, all with audio pronunciation recorded by a native speaker.
Study mode shows each character on a flashcard. Tap or press Space to reveal the romaji reading, then move forward or back through the deck. Shuffle the cards for randomized practice. Quiz mode presents a character and four multiple-choice answers — immediate feedback helps reinforce correct readings. Match mode challenges you to pair characters with their romaji equivalents. Review mode displays all characters in a grid so you can survey the full set at a glance.
Hirakata is designed for absolute beginners and intermediate learners alike. If you're starting Japanese for the first time — whether for travel, anime, gaming, or academic study — mastering kana is the essential first step before learning kanji or conversational Japanese. The app requires no account, no installation, and no payment.
Progress and settings are saved locally in your browser so your study session picks up where you left off. Read our Japanese learning guides for tips on how to memorize hiragana and katakana efficiently.