Why do Japanese use katakana?
If there are too many kanji (Chinese characters) in sentences, it is very difficult to read and understand. Therefore, we tend to use more katakana to make readers want to read, and help them understand. Japanese people use katakana not only for foreign words but in many situations. Sometimes we use it without reasons.
Can Western names be written in kanji?
It is important to note, however, that for westerners there are two ways to write our names in Japanese: Katakana and Kanji. Katakana, the Japanese syllabary used for foreign words, is the most practical and preferred way to write western names in Japanese.
When did Japan start using katakana?
9th century
The katakana is thought to have been developed at the beginning of the 9th century and the hiragana during the second half of the 9th century.
What is used more in Japan hiragana or katakana?
In a sense, hiragana is the most commonly used, standard form of Japanese writing. Japanese vocabulary usually tends to be written in hiragana as opposed to katakana. Also, hiragana is used to write furigana, a reading aid that shows the pronunciation of kanji characters, which is sure to be helpful.
Do Japanese use Western names?
Individuals born overseas with Western given names and Japanese surnames are usually given a katakana name in Western order when referred to in Japanese. Also, Japanese parents tend to give their children a name in kanji, hiragana or katakana, particularly if it is a Japanese name.
How do Japanese write Western names?
Right: Katakana カタカナ If you don’t know a lot about Japanese, katakana is one of the Japanese alphabets, and is used for writing foreign names in Japanese. Foreign names are typically spelled out phonetically with katakana, so Chris becomes kurisu クリス , Sarah becomes seera セーラ , and Michael becomes maikeru マイケル .
Why was the katakana invented?
Katakana and Hiragana are the first truly Japanese alphabets. They originated in the 9th century when the Japanese people wanted to create their own writing system distinct from Kanji, which was borrowed from the Chinese.