Katakana

Katakana is one of the two syllabaries used in the Japanese writing system, the other being Hiragana. It consists of 46 basic characters and is primarily used for transcription of foreign words, loanwords, onomatopoeia, and scientific terms. Katakana is more angular and formal than Hiragana, making it visually distinct. It helps to convey foreign names, brands, and technical vocabulary that don’t have traditional Japanese equivalents. While learners often start with Hiragana, understanding Katakana is essential for reading modern Japanese materials, especially in contexts involving global influences in culture and commerce.