What does katakana mean?
Katakana is a fundamental component of the Japanese writing system, serving as a syllabary to represent non-Japanese words, loanwords, and emphasis. It consists of 46 basic characters and is often used in conjunction with kanji and hiragana. Katakana is commonly employed in advertising, menus, and other contexts where emphasis is desired. Its unique characters and usage make it an essential part of Japanese language and culture. Understanding katakana is crucial for effective communication in Japan, particularly for those interested in language, business, or tourism.
nounKatakana is a Japanese syllabary used to write non-Japanese words, loanwords, and emphasis. It is one of the three main scripts used in the Japanese writing system.
- A Japanese syllabary
- A script used for loanwords
"The word 'telephone' is written in katakana as テレビジョン."
"Katakana is often used to write foreign names."
"The company name 'Sony' is written in katakana as ソニー."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of katakana
The term 'katakana' originates from the Japanese language, with 'kata' meaning 'side' and 'kana' referring to the syllabary. Katakana developed from the cursive forms of kanji characters during the Heian period.
Usage notes
Katakana is typically used for emphasis, such as in advertising and menus, and for writing non-Japanese words.