When to use hiragana, katakana, and kanji

Summary

This video explains the three main writing systems in Japanese: Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji. Katakana is primarily used for loanwords from foreign languages and has special uses in onomatopoeia, scientific terms, and literary effects. Kanji, which represents both sound and meaning, should be used when possible to enhance readability. Hiragana is the default system for native words and grammar but should not be overused. The video also provides a flowchart to help determine when to use each system based on word type and common usage. The lesson concludes with recommendations for effective writing in Japanese.

Takeaways

• 😀 Katakana is primarily used for loanwords, except for Chinese-origin words, which are written in kanji.
• 😀 Foreign names are typically written in katakana unless they are Chinese, in which case they can be written in kanji.
• 😀 Katakana can also be used in native Japanese words in specific cases, such as for onomatopoeic sounds or scientific terms.
• 😀 Kanji helps to convey meaning at a glance and makes reading easier by segmenting sentences into words and phrases.
• 😀 Hiragana is the default writing system for Japanese and should be used when there is no special reason to choose katakana or kanji.
• 😀 Writing entirely in hiragana or katakana is discouraged, as it can make the writing look childish or hard to read.
• 😀 Kanji should be used when it has an established character, and its use is common (based on the Joyō kanji list).
• 😀 If you don't know how to write a kanji, it's acceptable to use hiragana, but it may affect the sophistication of your writing.
• 😀 When writing in kanji, furigana may be added to uncommon characters to show pronunciation.
• 😀 A rough flowchart for choosing the correct writing system: katakana for loanwords, kanji for common expressions, and hiragana when neither of the others applies.

Q & A

What are the three main writing systems used in Japanese?

The three main writing systems used in Japanese are Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji.

When should Katakana be used?

Katakana is primarily used for loanwords from foreign languages, except for Chinese loanwords, which are usually written in Kanji. It is also used for foreign names, scientific terms, and in certain stylistic or literary contexts.

What is an example of a loanword written in Katakana?

Examples of loanwords written in Katakana include 'パン (pan)' for bread (from Portuguese) and 'ズボン (zubon)' for trousers (from French).

How do Katakana and Kanji differ in terms of conveying meaning?

Katakana conveys only sounds, while Kanji conveys both meaning and sound, which makes reading more efficient. Kanji allows for a quicker understanding of the sentence, as it encodes both semantic and phonetic information.

When should Kanji be used in writing?

Kanji should be used when the word has a Kanji representation, the Kanji is in common use, and when you are able to write it correctly. If you are unsure, you can use Hiragana instead.

What happens if you write a sentence entirely in Katakana?

Writing a sentence entirely in Katakana can create a specific tone, such as making the sentence seem old-fashioned, impersonal, or eerie, depending on the context.

Is it okay to write a foreigner's name in Kanji?

A foreigner's name is usually written in Katakana. However, if the person is Chinese, it is acceptable to write their name in Kanji.

What should you do if you want to use an uncommon Kanji character?

If you want to use an uncommon Kanji character, you should add Hiragana above it (called furigana) to indicate its pronunciation.

Why is it recommended to use Kanji whenever possible?

It is recommended to use Kanji whenever possible because excessive use of Hiragana or Katakana can make your writing seem unsophisticated or childish, especially in formal writing.

Can you write entirely in Hiragana in Japanese?

While you can write entirely in Hiragana, it is not recommended as it can make your writing difficult to read and appear childish.