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How to Write Sakura in Japanese

The Japanese language contains three writing systems often used in conjunction. Kanji characters come from mainland China and were the first writing system introduced to Japan. From the Chinese system the Japanese created a simplified writing system, Hiragana, for native Japanese words or to enhance the use of Kanji and a second simplified Japanese writing system, Katakana, used primarily for foreign words and for emphasis in writing. There are three ways by which to write "sakura" in Japanese: Kanji, Hiragana or Katakana. The word "sakura" is a common name for Japanese girls. The Japanese meaning for "sakura" is cherry blossom.

Kanji or Japanese dictionary, if needed
Hiragana and Katakana character charts, if needed

Instructions

- 1
  Use a Kanji or Japanese dictionary to find the Kanji for "sakura" if it is not memorized. The left side of the Kanji contains a narrow version of the Kanji for "tree" and the right side consists of three short lines above a character for "woman."
- 2
  Write "sakura" using Kanji. Start with the left side of the character, which is a form of the character for "tree" drawn slightly narrower than "tree" written by itself. The right side of the Kanji for "sakura" contains the character for "woman" with three short lines above it; two leaning to the left and one leaning to the right.
- 3
  Write "sakura" using Hiragana. Three Hiragana characters combine to form the three syllables of the word: sa, ku and ra. Use a Hiragana character chart, if necessary, to copy the three characters.
- 4
  Use Katakana to write "sakura" for a cute name, emphasis or personal style. Like Hiragana, Katakana uses three characters to produce the syllables of the word: sa, ku and ra. The sounds are the same as the Hiragana, but the characters are drawn differently when using Katakana. If necessary, use a Katakana chart to copy the characters.

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