Handwriting

How to write hiragana and why stroke order matters

Japanese characters are not drawn as one continuous scribble. Each one has a stroke order: where to begin, which way to move, and when to lift your hand. Following it keeps the shape recognisable and eventually makes writing smoother.

Three useful starting rules

Writing usually moves from top to bottom and from left to right.
When lines cross, horizontal strokes often come before vertical ones.
One stroke is one deliberate movement; do not connect them just to make a single line.

There are exceptions. Watch a short stroke-order animation instead of trying to guess every character from a general rule.

A simple practice loop

Choose one sign, watch its order, then write it slowly. At first, direction and the number of separate strokes matter more than calligraphy. Compare your attempt with the guide; if the shape falls apart, start again from the first stroke instead of tracing over the old one.

Writing reinforces reading because your hand learns the motion behind a character. It does not replace reading drills, but it makes similar signs easier to tell apart.

Practise in Kana Start

The Writing tab lets you choose hiragana or katakana, follow the animated arrows, and draw with a finger or mouse. The check looks for each separate stroke, so take your time and lift between them.

The Writing tab in Kana Start lets you watch the order, then try the character with a finger or mouse.

Go to the trainer