Unit 1 - Section 2: Hiragana - さ行・た行

Practice Quiz

Hiragana - さ行・た行

Now let's learn the さ (sa) row and た (ta) row of hiragana. These are essential for forming many common Japanese words.

さ行 (SA Row)
Hiragana Romaji Pronunciation Memory Tip
さ sa sa (like "sa" in "psalm") Looks like someone sitting
し shi shi (like "she") Looks like a fishing hook
す su su (like "sue") Looks like a swan swimming
せ se se (like "say") Looks like the letter "Z"
そ so so (like "so") Looks like a zigzag or sewing needle
た行 (TA Row)
Hiragana Romaji Pronunciation Memory Tip
た ta ta (like "ta" in "taco") Looks like "ta" with a cross on top
ち chi chi (like "chee" in "cheese") Looks like a cheerleader doing a high kick
つ tsu tsu (like "tsunami") Looks like a wave (tsunami)
て te te (like "te" in "ten") Looks like someone pointing upward
と to to (like "toe") Looks like a toe with a nail

Common Words Using These Characters

さかな
sakana
Meaning: fish
すし
sushi
Meaning: sushi
した
shita
Meaning: tongue; below
たいこ
taiko
Meaning: drum
ちち
chichi
Meaning: father
て
te
Meaning: hand

Practice Tips

Learning Tips:
  • Note: し is pronounced "shi" (not "si") and ち is "chi" (not "ti")
  • Practice: Write each character 10-15 times while saying it out loud
  • Mnemonics: Create your own memory associations for each character
  • Common mistake: Don't confuse さ (sa) with き (ki) - さ has a loop at the bottom
  • Review: Combine these with あ行 and か行 to form more words
Course Navigation
Study Tips
  • Read each example carefully
  • Practice pronunciation aloud
  • Create your own sentences to reinforce memory
  • Finish the section quiz