On this page
The three Japanese writing systems
Japanese mixes three scripts, often in the same sentence:
| Script | Example | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| Hiragana | さくら | Native words and grammar |
| Katakana | アート | Foreign words and names |
| Kanji | 桜 | Ideas and whole words, from Chinese |
Each hiragana or katakana character is a syllable, not a single letter. So "Maria" becomes マリア (ma-ri-a).
How to write your name in Japanese
Names from outside Japan are written in katakana. The converter helps, but adapt the sounds first:
- Split into Japanese syllables: Lucas → ru-ka-su.
- Turn L into R: Japanese has no separate L sound.
- End loose consonants with a vowel: a final "s" becomes "su".
Explore each script
HiraganaAll 46 basic characters with romaji.
KatakanaFull chart and art words in katakana.
KanjiCharacters with readings and meanings.Japanese-style fonts vs real Japanese
The cool fonts page has styles like ﾚモｲ尺ﾑ丂 that borrow Japanese characters only for their shapes. A Japanese reader sees nonsense there. If you want words that mean something, use this converter.
Questions artists ask
How do I write my name in Japanese?
Foreign names use katakana. Adapt the sounds to Japanese syllables (Lucas becomes ru-ka-su) and use the converter.
What is the difference between hiragana and katakana?
They represent the same sounds. Hiragana is used for native words; katakana for foreign words and names.
Does the converter translate words?
No. It converts sounds written in romaji into kana. For meaning, use a dictionary.
Founder and editor of Letras Bonitas Art. Builds the tools and writes the guides on this site for artists who letter on screens. How we review our pages.
