Scribd
Upload
12 views3 pages

Class Notes - Day 2

The document provides an introduction to Hiragana, one of the three scripts in the Japanese writing system, used for native words and grammar. It includes basic vocabulary and essential phrases in Hiragana with their meanings and pronunciation tips. Additionally, it features a fun fact about Japan's vending machines, highlighting their historical significance and prevalence.

Uploaded by

sivasuryan.net
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
12 views3 pages

Class Notes - Day 2

The document provides an introduction to Hiragana, one of the three scripts in the Japanese writing system, used for native words and grammar. It includes basic vocabulary and essential phrases in Hiragana with their meanings and pronunciation tips. Additionally, it features a fun fact about Japan's vending machines, highlighting their historical significance and prevalence.

Uploaded by

sivasuryan.net
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Class Notes – Day 2: Introduction to Hiragana

Japanese Kickstarter Program

1. Fun Fact of the Day – Vending Machines in Japan

• First vending machine: Introduced in 1904 for postage stamps

• First beverage vending machine: 1962

• Today, Japan has over 5 million vending machines offering everything from basic items to
local specialties

• A vending machine is even located near the summit of Mount Fuji – the world’s highest-
altitude vending machine

2. Introduction to Hiragana

• One of the three scripts in Japanese writing system

• Used for native Japanese words and grammar

• Example: さくら (sakura) means cherry blossoms


3. Basic Vocabulary in Hiragana

Word Romaji Meaning

わたし watashi I / Myself (formal, neutral)

あなた anata You (the person you are talking to)

さん san A polite honorific (Mr./Ms.)

せんせい sensei Teacher or instructor

がくせい gakusei Student

かいしゃいん kaishain Company employee

だいがく daigaku University or college

じむしょ jimusho Office

でんわ denwa Telephone

おかね okane Money

Tip: Pronounce these using Indian language phonetics rather than English patterns.
4. Essential Phrases in Hiragana

Phrase Romaji Meaning Notes

はじめまして hajimemashite Nice to meet you (first Used only on first


time) meeting

よろしくおねが yoroshiku Please take care of me / Common in formal


いします onegaishimasu Nice to meet you greetings

これは / それは korewa / sorewa ikura How much is this/that? “Kore” is near you,
いくら ですか desuka “Sore” near listener

これを / それを korewo / sorewo Please give me this/that Used while buying
ください kudasai something

しつれいします shitsureishimasu Excuse me (for More formal than


interruption) “sumimasen”

5. Key Learning Tips

• Understand the difference between “kore” and “sore” for proximity

• “Hajimemashite” is for first-time meetings only

• Practice pronunciation using Indian phonetics

• Learn vocabulary with both Hiragana and Romaji

You might also like