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.