Practice all 46 hiragana characters online with animated stroke order and a handwriting canvas. Includes dakuten, handakuten, and combination characters. Free — no login required.
Character
あ
a
Examples
Writing practice
あ
あ
あ
あ
Write the character 3 times. The faint guide is behind each box.
There are 46 basic hiragana characters. When you include dakuten (voiced) and handakuten (semi-voiced) variations, there are 71 characters. Adding combination characters (yōon), the full set totals 104 characters.
What order should I learn hiragana?
Start with the five vowels (a, i, u, e, o), then learn the consonant rows in order: ka, sa, ta, na, ha, ma, ya, ra, wa. After mastering the basic 46, move on to dakuten and combination characters.
Do I need to learn stroke order?
Yes. Correct stroke order helps you write characters more naturally and legibly. It also makes it easier to recognize handwritten text and is important for kanji later on, where stroke order follows consistent rules.
What is the difference between hiragana and katakana?
Hiragana and katakana represent the same sounds but are used differently. Hiragana is used for native Japanese words and grammatical elements. Katakana is used for foreign loanwords, onomatopoeia, and emphasis — similar to italics in English.
How long does it take to learn hiragana?
With consistent daily practice, most learners can memorize all 46 basic hiragana in 1–2 weeks. Using a combination of writing practice, quizzes, and reading exercises helps build long-term retention.
Can I use this in my class?
Yes, you may use it for educational purposes. However, please refrain from copying, modifying, or redistributing it (including reposting or hosting mirror sites).