Welcome back to our 100-day JLPT N5 challenge!
Today, on Day 6, we’re diving into the Hiragana N-line: な (na), に (ni), ぬ (nu), ね (ne), and の (no). Let’s keep building your Japanese foundation with this essential step for beginners!

Main Lesson: Mastering the Hiragana N-Line

The Na-line follows the familiar “a-i-u-e-o” vowel pattern, like the rows we’ve covered before. Practice writing each character multiple times to build muscle memory and get comfortable with their shapes.

Pronunciation Guide

Japanese pronunciation is consistent and syllable-timed, so each character gets equal weight. Let’s break down the N-line sounds:

• な (na): Sounds like “na” in “nap.” Keep it short and crisp.
• に (ni): Like “knee,” but softer and flatter.
• ぬ (nu): Pronounced “noo,” similar to “new.”
• ね (ne): Sounds like “ne” in “net,” but with a flat tone.
• の (no): Rhymes with “no,” steady and even.

Listen to native pronunciations on YouTube channels like Japanese from Zero to perfect the rhythm. Repeat after them to match the syllable-timed flow of Japanese.

Examples and Vocabulary Building

Here are some simple JLPT N5 words using the N-line, along with previously learned Hiragana from the vowel lines (a, i, u, e, o), K-line (ka, ki, ku, ke, ko, ga, gi, gu, ge, go), and T-line (ta, chi, tsu, te, to).:

• なな (nana): Seven.
• にく (niku): Meat.
• ねこ (neko): Cat.
• ぬの (nuno): Cloth; fabric;.

Mini Practice in the Lesson

Write each character 10 times: な, に, ぬ, ね, の. Then, read them aloud in order.

Practice Section: Typing Game – the N-Line

Type and remember the Na-line in a fun and interactive way!

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

English speakers often make these mistakes with the N-line:

• Confusing ね (ne) with れ (re): Check the stroke shape—ね has a loop, while れ does not. Practice writing them side by side.
• Pronouncing ぬ as “nuh” instead of “noo”: Emphasize the long “oo” sound.
• Mixing に (ni) and ん (n): Remember ん is a standalone nasal sound with no vowel.

Conclusion: Wrapping Up Day 6 and Looking Ahead

Today, we mastered the Hiragana N-line – na, ni, nu, ne, no – with pronunciation, vocabulary, and practice to solidify your skills. These characters are key to everyday words, bringing you closer to JLPT N5 success. Keep up the daily effort!

Tomorrow, on Day 7, we’ll tackle the Hiragana Ha-line: は, ひ, ふ, へ, ほ. Ready to level up? Subscribe to our newsletter for daily reminders and bonus tips, or share this post with a fellow learner. Ganbatte – you’ve got this!