Katakana
Katakana
Ok kids, finally we get to practice with real Japanese characters! 

Explanation of the Japanese Writing System(s): 
In Japan there are 3 major writing systems: 

  • Kanji: Characters derived directly from Chinese.
  • Hiragana: Simplified kanji used in combination with kanji for adaptation of Chinese words.
  • Katakana: Used to write words from other languages.
    		•
    We will begin with learning katakana first, since its the easiest, and it its most useful to anime otaku, it also is an excellent teacher of Japanese pronounciation. 

    Katakana
     
    These characters look pretty easy, ne? They are easy if you practice... if you're enrolled in a formal class (unlike this one ^_^) it is difficult to remember katakana unless you practice frequently because it is only used with words that don't have Japanese origin {ex.sera mun (sailor moon)}. I have learned that learning hiragana first is a lot more practical if you are sincerely interested in learning to read Japanese. English words are very popular in Japan, and considered to be very hip and trendy, so you will find a lot of katakana in publications entended for a younger audience i.e. anime, manga, video games, etc. Non-Japanese words have worked their way into everyday speech, much like French or Spanish in America 
    Japanese Pronounciation: 
    The pronounciation of Japanese vowels is like that of Spanish or French, consonants are pronounced as those in English. 

    Vowels: 
     

  • a as in father or arm 
  • e as in pen or red 
  • i as in ink or machine 
  • o as in open or ocean 
  • u as in true or cruel 

    • Vowel Combinations: 
     

  • ei as in day
  • ai as in alive 
  • ou as in float 
  • au as in out 

    		•
    Katakana Kuizu:
    Try to figure out these words! It's fun! really. 

    Hint: Most of these are food items.. 

  • aisu kuriimu
  • pizaa
  • biru
  • chikin
  • wain
  • painapuru
  • chokoreeto
  • supuun
  • capu
  • anime
  • neifu

    • Here are some more difficult ones... don't worry if you can't get these.
    Hint: None of these are food items. 

  • terebi
  • reinjii
  • supaa
  • depaato
  • komunikeishon

    • Want the answers? 
    Dialouge: Katakana

    Ryouga and Uukyou are talking 
    Ryouga: Uuchan, hirugohan wa nani o tabemashita ka?
    Uukyou: Okonomiyaki o tabemashita.
    Ryouga: Piza o tabete koto ga arimashita ka.
    Uukyou: Ee, okonomiyaki to piza wa tsumori deshou, ne.
    Ryouga: Hai, demo, anata wa nani ga ichiban suki desu ka.
    Uukyou: Okonomiyaki. Chiizu ga kirai desu.
     
    Translation:
    Ryouga: Uuchan what did you eat for lunch?
    Uukyou: I had okonomiyaki.
    Ryouga: Have you ever eaten pizza?
    Uukyou: Yes, I think okonomiyaki and piza are the same, right?
    Ryouga: Yes, but which one do you like the best?
    Uukyou: Okonomiyaki. I don't like cheese.

    Usagi and Makoto are bored: 
    Usagi: Mako-chan,
    Mako: Nani?
    Usagi: Waann... kono shumatsu wa mooto tsumaranai! Nani o shimashou ka?
    Mako: Eeto, terebi o mimashou ka?
    Usagi: Ee, demo, nani o...
    Mako: Sera Mun o mimasu ka?
    Usagi: Banzai! Sera Mun ga suki desu, ne!
    Mako: Yapari.
     
    Translation:
    Usagi: Mako chan,
    Mako: What?
    Usagi: Waann.... this weekend is so boring! What shall we do?
    Mako: Shall we watch television? 
    Usagi: Yes, but what... (shall we watch?)
    Mako: Do you want to watch Sailor Moon?
    Usagi: Yes! I love Sailor Moon!
    Mako: I thought so.

    Answers to: Katakana Kuizu
  • aisu kuriimu = ice cream
  • pizaa = pizza
  • biru = beer
  • chikin = chicken
  • wain = wine
  • painapuru = pineapple
  • chokoreeto = chocolate
  • supuun = spoon
  • capu = cup (plastic)
  • anime = animation
  • neifu = knife
  • terebi = television
  • reinjii = microwave (range)
  • supaa = supermarket
  • depaato = department store
  • komunikeishon=communication
    		•
    Dialouge: Katakana
    Haruka and Michiru are out shopping. 
     
    Michiru: Haruka, kono pantii mite kudasai.
    Haruka: Hai, motto kyuuto. Ikura desu ka?
    Michiru: Aa, ni sen en desu.
    Haruka: Waaa! Ni-sen en desu?! Kono pantii wa ni sen en desu!!
    Michiru: Hai, taka sugiru to omoimasu ka?
    Haruka: Eee... taka sugiru desu ne...
     
    Translation:
    Michiru: Haruka, please look at these panties.
    Haruka: Yes, they're very cute. How much are they?
    Michiru: Umm, 2000 yen
    Haruka: Wow, 2000 yen?! These panties are 2000 yen?
    Michiru: Yes, do you think they're too high? (expensive)
    Haruka: Yes, too high...
    Katakana 
    Ok. So we learned today that words spelled in katakana are words that are not from Japanese origin. How'd you do on the quiz? Did you notice the shortening of the more difficult words? This happens a lot. Many times, you will find a word in katakana that you do not understand at all, in these cases one of 2 things could be happening 1) the word is not in English (ex. pan for bread) or, 2) The word has been modified (i.e. shortened). In either of these cases theres nothing you can do but consult your Japanese/English dictionary (about $7 at any bookstore) After you see the word it is unlikely that you'll forget it again. 

    Next: Lesson 6: Writing Your Name In Japanese