K row

Put a k in front of each vowel. Notice how the kana keep the same vowel order: ka, ki, ku, ke, ko.

All lessons

Pronunciation

How it sounds

Japanese k is the English k with less breath, closer to the k in skate than the one in kite. Pair it with the five vowels and keep each vowel exactly as you learned it: ka, ki, ku, ke, ko.

Reading tips

Easy to mix up

く looks like a “<”. In lesson 6 you'll meet へ, a flatter roof shape, so pay attention to the angle.
こ is two horizontal strokes. に (lesson 5) adds a vertical stroke on the left.