Hiragana
Hiragana is the most basic of the three scripts and is used to write Japanese phonetically. It is composed of 46 characters, and each character represents a syllable. Hiragana is used to write everyday words, particles, and conjugations of verbs and adjectives. Hiragana characters are written with a brush or a pen, and its stroke order is very important.
Katakana
Katakana is similar to Hiragana; it is used to write foreign words that have been borrowed into the Japanese language. It is also composed of 46 characters, and each character represents a syllable like Hiragana. The Katakana characters are angular and boxy and are easier to recognize compared to Hiragana. Katakana is also used to write onomatopoeia, scientific names, and technical terms.
Kanji
Kanji is the most complex of the three scripts and is used to represent Chinese characters that have been adopted into the Japanese language. There are thousands of Kanji characters, but it is not necessary to learn all of them. Only 2,000 to 3,000 Kanji characters are generally needed to read a newspaper in Japan. Kanjis have meanings and can represent words, phrases, or concepts. They are necessary to read books, newspapers, and more formal writing.
How Japanese children learn to write
Japanese children learn to write starting with Hiragana, followed by Katakana and then Kanji. Teachers write Hiragana characters on a whiteboard or paper, and students practice writing the same characters repeatedly in Japanese calligraphy textbooks. Katakana is introduced next, and once they have mastered it, they move onto Kanji. This process takes many years, but by the time Japanese children finish primary school, they will have learned to read and write over 1,000 Kanji characters.
Benefits of learning Japanese writing system
Learning the Japanese writing system is essential if you want to learn the Japanese language. Knowing how to write and read Japanese is also necessary if you plan to work or study in Japan. Knowing Hiragana and Katakana script is an excellent start, and with practice, you can learn Kanji as well. Understanding the different scripts is also a way to appreciate and understand Japanese culture more deeply.
Conclusion
The Japanese writing system is a fascinating aspect of Japanese culture, and its complexity is a testament to the creativity of the Japanese people. Although it can be challenging to learn, understanding the different scripts is essential for anyone studying the Japanese language or who wants to work or study in Japan. Whether you write using a brush or a pen, the Japanese writing system is a beautiful part of Japan that is worth understanding and appreciating.