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GST211 Japanese Lesson2-B Hiragana 1-A-Na

Hiragana 1 Overview

Introduction

  • Hiragana: A phonetic script in Japanese, fundamental for learning the language.

  • Focus on learning sounds and associated images or words.

Hiragana Characters

Basic Sounds

  • あいうえお (AIUEO)

    • あ: A (Ah! There is a snake!)

    • い: I (Ears)

    • う: U (Woo! This is heavy.)

    • え: E (Exercise)

    • お: O (On the green)

Associations and Mnemonics

Memory Techniques

  • Use the Hiragana association method to remember sounds:

    • Match the first sound of the English word with the sound of hiragana.

    • Visual cues (pictures) help recall the pronunciation.

Practice Exercises

Reinforcement Activities

  • Engage in Renshuu (Practice) to embed learning.

Hiragana Vowel Sounds

Variations and Examples

  • あ (A)

    • Associations: Snakes, warm sounds.

    • Repeated uses in practice enhance recognition.

  • い (I)

    • Various contexts (e.g., ears).

  • う (U)

    • Heaviness referenced, helpful in sound association.

  • え (E)

    • Linked to exercise for memorization.

  • お (O)

    • Connects to securing meanings through a color reference (green).

More Hiragana Characters

Additional Vowel Series

  • かきくけこ (KA KI KU KE KO)

    • か: A cup and spoon image.

    • き: Associated with a key.

    • く: Cuckoo's beak.

    • け: A witch's cane.

    • こ: 10% yen coin representation.

Example Words for KA Series

  • あかい: Red

  • かう: To buy

  • あき: Autumn

  • いけ: Pond

  • いく: To go

  • かく: To write/draw

  • きく: To listen

  • おく: To put

  • えき: Station

  • ここ: Here

Further Character Exploration

Sounds and Contexts

  • さしすせそ (SA SHI SU SE SO)

  • Example associations:

    • さ: Surfing

    • し: She has long hair.

    • す: Swimming

    • せ: Sailing

    • そ: Sewing zigzag

Practice for SA Series

  • Establish repetition with examples in practice drills.

Concluding Notes on Hiragana

Final Review

  • Review たちつてと (TA CHI TSU TE TO)

  • Each character has distinct associations (e.g., desk, high, near).

  • Utilize images to solidify connections.

  • なにぬねの (NA NI NU NE NO)

    • Key vocabulary from this series includes:

      • にく: Meat

      • なか: Inside

      • ねこ: Cat

  • Establish conversational use and body parts referencing to connect to everyday Japanese language.