Japanese Hiragana for Beginners: First Steps to Mastering the Japanese Writing System [Paperback]

Timothy G. Stout (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 480530877X | ISBN-13: 978-4805308776 | Publication Date: July 15, 2007

Japanese Hiragana for Beginners makes learning hiragana fast and effective by using memorable picture mnemonics, along with clear explanations, examples and lots of fun exercises. Picture mnemonics enhance memory by associating the shape and sound of each hiragana character with combinations of images and English words already familiar to students.

With sections on the 46 basic hiragana characters, usage rules and a wide range of exercises, Japanese Hiragana for Beginners provides a solid groundwork for language students interested in increasing their skills.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Timothy G. Stout lived in Japan for 20 years, where he conducted original research on the use of keyword mnemonics in the instruction of Japanese. He currently teaches Japanese in Utah, where he lives with his wife and five children.

Product Details

• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Tuttle Publishing (July 15, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 480530877X
• ISBN-13: 978-4805308776
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.5 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #310,334 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy and fun!, September 11, 2007

By 

Kirsten W (Issaquah, WA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Japanese Hiragana for Beginners: First Steps to Mastering the Japanese Writing System (Paperback)

Being completely new to learning the Japanese language, I was very intimidated by having to learn not one, but TWO new "alphabets" (not to mention the kanji). I stumbled across this one in a bookstore, and after flipping through it, decided to try it out. The mnemonic devices in it seemed corny, and I found myself saying "oh, I'll never remember it THAT way"... yet I found myself using those same devices constantly, and they really did work! Lots of space to practice using the characters, and the flash cards included in the back made it very easy to quiz myself on reading them. Working through it daily, section by section, I've picked up the basics in under a week, and have moved onto practicing what I've learned. If you want to learn hiragana, this one makes it simple and fun. I'll definitely be picking up the katakana version as well!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars absolutely the best, April 26, 2009

By 

Katherine (CT) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Japanese Hiragana for Beginners: First Steps to Mastering the Japanese Writing System (Paperback)

as a person with dyslexia i was very intimidated by the thought of written japanese.. but this book gave me the confidance to start the journey.. it allowed me to learn hiragana in 9-10 hours.. (spaced out) you can indeed learn it in a day or 2.. the flashcards are so brilliant.. i will always recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn hiragana quickly and easily.. and mostly painlessly.. it is worth much more than the 20$ i paid for it

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Our favorite so far, April 30, 2009

By 

K. A. Robertson "Braveheart" (St. Paul, MN. USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Japanese Hiragana for Beginners: First Steps to Mastering the Japanese Writing System (Paperback)

We purchased this and the katakana book at the same time. Though my kids work with both, they prefer this writing system. The Katakana is more of a display text while hiragana is more what is used by every day people. Put together well!