# kana

/ˈkænə/ (US) · /kˈɑːnɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/kana
Updated: 2026-05-25

## Definition

the two sets of symbols used in the Japanese writing system to represent sounds. They are used alongside the more complex Chinese characters to make reading easier.

For teachers: the two syllabaries used in the Japanese writing system, consisting of hiragana and katakana. Each symbol represents a single syllable and is used to write grammatical particles and loanwords respectively.

## Examples

- She is learning how to write kana before studying Chinese characters.
- While reading a Japanese novel, you will often see kana used to help readers pronounce the more difficult Chinese characters.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.