noun

kana

KAH-nuh

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Kana (noun) means the two Japanese phonetic writing systems, hiragana and katakana, in which each symbol represents a spoken syllable rather than a whole word or idea. Example: “Beginners usually learn kana before tackling kanji.”

noun

The two Japanese phonetic writing systems, hiragana and katakana, in which each symbol represents a spoken syllable rather than a whole word or idea.

"Beginners usually learn kana before tackling kanji."

"Japanese menus for tourists are often written mostly in kana."

A single character from one of these syllabaries.

"Each kana represents a sound like "ka," "shi," or "mu.""

How to use kana

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe phonetic Japanese alphabets (hiragana and katakana), as opposed to the meaning-based kanji characters.

Common mistake

Don’t confuse kana (phonetic symbols, one per syllable) with kanji (characters borrowed from Chinese that represent whole words or ideas).

Easily confused with

kanji →

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: kanas

Test yourself on “kana” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Beginners usually learn _____ before tackling kanji.

Etymology

From Japanese kana, literally "borrowed name/character" — because the symbols were originally Chinese characters repurposed just for their sound.

Origin: Chinese

Rhymes for kana

ana mana Dana nana Cana Rana Tana lana Yana Jana Hana Sana

See all rhymes for kana →

Frequently asked questions

What does “kana” mean?

The word “kana” means the two Japanese phonetic writing systems, hiragana and katakana, in which each symbol represents a spoken syllable rather than a whole word or idea. In plain terms, the phonetic Japanese alphabets (hiragana and katakana), as opposed to the meaning-based kanji characters.

How do you pronounce “kana”?

“Kana” is pronounced KAH-nuh (/ˈkɑːnə/ in IPA).

How do you use “kana” in a sentence?

Here is “kana” used in a sentence: “Beginners usually learn kana before tackling kanji.”

What part of speech is “kana”?

“Kana” is a noun.

Where does the word “kana” come from?

The word “kana” comes from Chinese. From Japanese kana, literally "borrowed name/character" — because the symbols were originally Chinese characters repurposed just for their sound.

How many meanings does “kana” have?

“Kana” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the two Japanese phonetic writing systems, hiragana and katakana, in which each symbol represents a spoken syllable rather than a whole word or idea.

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Vocabulary lists that include kana:

Words with Chinese origins Words that start with K