How Hiragana and Katakana Match
Hiragana (ひらがな) and katakana (カタカナ) are the two kana syllabaries in Japanese. They represent the same basic sounds, but each script has a different role. Hiragana is used for native Japanese words, grammar endings, particles, and pronunciation guides. Katakana is used for foreign names, loanwords, emphasis, onomatopoeia, and many technical terms.
Because the sound values match, most hiragana characters can be converted directly into their katakana equivalent. For example, あ becomes ア, き becomes キ, and が becomes ガ. Small kana such as っ, ゃ, ゅ, and ょ also convert to their katakana forms.
Katakana: ヒラガナ
Same sounds: hi-ra-ga-na in both scripts
This converter performs a direct Unicode-based kana transformation in your browser. It changes only hiragana and katakana characters, so kanji, romaji, numbers, punctuation, and spacing stay exactly where they are.
Converter Features
Instant Katakana
Convert hiragana into katakana immediately with a direct client-side script. No server roundtrips needed.
Reverse Conversion
Switch to Hiragana mode to convert katakana back into hiragana for reading checks and study practice.
Mixed Text Safe
Preserve kanji, romaji, numbers, spaces, and punctuation while converting only kana characters.
Character Table
Review each original character beside its hiragana and katakana form to reinforce kana pairs.
One-Click Copy
Copy the full result or a single output panel for flashcards, notes, worksheets, and messages.
Audio Pronunciation
Listen to the Japanese text using your browser's built-in Japanese speech synthesis support.
Small Kana Support
Handles small kana, voiced kana, semi-voiced kana, and kana iteration marks used in real Japanese text.
100% Free
No account, no limits, and no ads. Use the converter as often as you need for Japanese study.
Example Hiragana to Katakana Conversions
| Hiragana | Katakana | Romaji | Meaning / Use | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ひらがな | ヒラガナ | hiragana | hiragana script | |
| にほんご | ニホンゴ | nihongo | Japanese language | |
| こんにちは | コンニチハ | konnichiwa | hello | |
| がっこう | ガッコウ | gakkou | school reading | |
| しゃしん | シャシン | shashin | photo reading | |
| とうきょう | トウキョウ | toukyou | Tokyo reading |