The consonant for this column is R, so all five members of this group will be R followed by one of the five vowels, in order.
- ら [RA]
- り [RI]
- る [RU]
- れ [RE]
- ろ [RO]
This is another straightforward group, like K and N. The only thing to keep in mind here is the pronunciation for the Japanese R. For simplicity’s sake, Japanese R can be mimicked rather closely by tapping the tounge quickly against the roof of one’s mouth while pronouncing an English R.
How to Write
For reference, here is a quick review of the general rules for stroke order:
- All characters should fill a square of about the same size
- Top to bottom, left to right
- Horizontal strokes before vertical strokes that intersect them
Vocabulary Practice
The following words can be written using only the characters we have covered so far. Once you’ve practiced reading them a couple of times, try writing them on a piece of paper without looking and see how well you do.
- られる [rareru] Verb ending for passive verbs
- から [ka ra] from
- りそう [ri so u] ideal
- ころ [ko ro] period, point in time
- れつ [re tsu] a line (e.g. of print)
- あらい [a ra i] rough
- あれ [a re] that (away from the speaker and the listener)
- ある [a ru] to exist (used for inanimate objects)
Onward!
When you’re ready, click here to move on to Group 10: W!
