# Start Hiragana Katakana Lite

> Learn Japanese Hiragana and Katakana with audio, writing practice, and quizzes. (iPhone/iPad app by ji hyun Kim.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/start-hiragana-katakana-lite/id446665418 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [ji hyun Kim](https://appshunter.io/developer/436563567)
- Category: Education, Travel
- Price: Free
- Rating: 3.80/5 from 10 App Store ratings · 14 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 7.0 · 14 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2011-07-01
- Data updated: 2026-06-10
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/start-hiragana-katakana-lite/id446665418/reviews.md

## What is Start Hiragana Katakana Lite?

The best way to learn Hiragana and Katakana.
Very useful app for people who want to learn Japanese but don't know how to start.
You will find yourself learning so fast.

* Key features
- All characters(Hiragana 104 characters and Katakana 104 characters)
- Audio for each character helping to pronounce correctly.
- Writing practice using your own finger.
- Stroke order for each character.
- Clear background character button in Stroke order window.
- Star rating after writing. 
- Reading and listening multiple-choice tests.
- Auto play flashcard function (random, sequential)
- Voice recording

## Key features

- All Hiragana and Katakana characters
- Audio pronunciation for each character
- Finger writing practice with stroke order
- Reading and listening multiple-choice tests
- Auto-play flashcard function
- Voice recording

## Recent user reviews (10 of 14)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/start-hiragana-katakana-lite/id446665418/reviews.md

### 2/5 — Incorrect

*2020-03-19*

Puts Sa, Shi, Su, Se, So with ten tens as
Ja,Ji,ju,je,jo

When it should be Za, Ji, Zu, Ze, Zo
Plz fix!

### 3/5 — would be a good app, if I could buy it

*2019-04-04, version 1.7.0*

I would happily pay £5 for the app to remove adds from it.

### 1/5 — Wrong romanji with hiragana

*2018-08-25*

The row that is ja-jo with the ten-ten marks should be za, ji, zu, ze, zo. This app already teaches you wrong.

### 1/5 — Ja Ji Ju Je Jo

*2017-08-27*

Never have I seen this in a Japanese learning application. 
Should be z*

:(

### 2/5 — Trying to learn Japanese

*2015-12-09, version 1.6.0*

I would say this is a good app but some of the information seems to be wrong or conflicts with other Japanese learning applications. I think it's content needs to be reviewed before I give it more stars

### 5/5 — Amazing!

*2015-11-20*

I love this app it's amazing for hiragana and katakana. I like how we can choose how many questions we want

### 4/5 — Love the handwriting component. Audio could be played automatically.

*2012-10-21*

I really love the handwriting component because it includes the grid which is very important when learning the strokes. For the listening test, I'd prefer it not to show the romaji at all or at least have it hidden and then have the audio play automatically. It's not really a listening test if you already see the romaji. Other than that, the app is very helpful with the tests.

### 1/5 — Could have been good, but....

*2012-02-11*

There is no audio, how are you suppose to know how to properly say the letters?

### 5/5 — Brilliant!

*2011-12-27, version 1.3.0*

Great app!

### 4/5 — Audio not working on iPhone 4 OS5

*2011-10-29*

Great app, I upgraded to OS5 on my iPhone 4, and noticed a few apps don't have audio anymore (including this one) need an upgrade for that.

## Frequently asked questions about Start Hiragana Katakana Lite

### How does Start Hiragana Katakana Lite help with pronunciation?

Start Hiragana Katakana Lite includes audio for each character, helping users learn the correct pronunciation. This feature is crucial for developing accurate speaking skills in Japanese.

### Can I practice writing with Start Hiragana Katakana Lite?

Yes, the app allows you to practice writing Hiragana and Katakana characters using your finger directly on the screen. It also provides stroke order guidance for each character.

### What kind of tests does Start Hiragana Katakana Lite offer?

The app features reading and listening multiple-choice tests to assess your comprehension of Hiragana and Katakana. It also provides a star rating after each writing practice session.

### Does Start Hiragana Katakana Lite have ads?

No, Start Hiragana Katakana Lite is ad-free, providing an uninterrupted learning experience. This allows users to focus solely on mastering the Japanese kana.

### What is the learning methodology of Start Hiragana Katakana Lite?

The app employs a multi-faceted approach including character recognition, audio pronunciation, guided writing practice, and interactive quizzes. This combination aims to accelerate the learning process for beginners.

### How often is Start Hiragana Katakana Lite updated?

The app was last updated on February 20, 2018, with version 1.7.0. While not frequently updated recently, it offers a stable set of core learning features.

### What devices does Start Hiragana Katakana Lite support?

Start Hiragana Katakana Lite is available for iPhone and iPod devices. It is designed for users who own Apple mobile devices.

### What is the age rating for Start Hiragana Katakana Lite?

The app has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for young learners and children interested in Japanese language. It provides a safe and accessible learning environment.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.7.0 — 2018-02-20

Apple Watch 앱 아이콘을 표시하도록 Apple에서 이 앱을 업데이트했습니다.

- Bug Fixes

### 1.6.0 — 2015-02-07

- Bug fixes

### 1.5.0 — 2013-01-07

- GUI change 
- iPhone5(Retina 4-inch) support

### 1.4.0 — 2012-02-25

- voice recording function added

### 1.3.0 — 2011-10-28

- iOS 5 Compatibility
- Audio volume change

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## More apps by ji hyun Kim

- [시작 히라가나 가타가나](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/id436563553)
- [Kana Writing](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kana-writing/id451464932)
- [ABC Writing Practice Lite](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/abc-writing-practice-lite/id488541376)
- [Cursive Writing](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cursive-writing/id515944679)
- [Cursive Writing HD HWT Style](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cursive-writing-hd-hwt-style/id824785131)

All apps by ji hyun Kim: https://appshunter.io/developer/436563567

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-10.*