Practice all 46 katakana 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 katakana characters, the same count as hiragana. With dakuten (voiced) and handakuten (semi-voiced) variations, there are 71. Including combination characters (yōon), the full set totals 104.
When is katakana used instead of hiragana?
Katakana is used for foreign loanwords (e.g., コーヒー for "coffee"), foreign names, onomatopoeia, scientific terms, and for emphasis — similar to using italics or bold in English.
Should I learn hiragana or katakana first?
Most learners start with hiragana because it is used more frequently in everyday Japanese. Once you are comfortable with hiragana, katakana is easier to pick up since it represents the same sounds.
Why does katakana look more angular than hiragana?
Katakana characters were derived from parts of kanji characters and have a more angular, simplified appearance. Hiragana was developed from cursive-style kanji, giving it rounder, more flowing shapes.
Do I need to learn stroke order for katakana?
Yes. Correct stroke order makes your writing more natural and consistent. It also helps with recognition and builds good habits for learning kanji, which follows the same stroke order principles.
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).