じゃ (ja)
Pronunciation
The compound character じゃ represents the syllable 'ja', formed by combining じ (ji) with a small ゃ. The dakuten on じ voices the consonant from 'sh' to 'j'. It is pronounced as a single syllable 'ja' (like the 'ja' in 'jacket').
Stroke-by-Stroke Guide
じゃ is written in six strokes: three for じ (the curving し stroke plus the two-mark dakuten) plus three for the small ゃ. The small ゃ is tucked into the lower right area beside じ.
Common Words with じゃ
- かんじゃ (kanja) — patient
- じゃくてん (jakuten) — weak point / weakness / shortcoming
- じゃま (jama) — hindrance / obstacle / nuisance
- じんじゃ (jinja) — Shinto shrine
- せいじゃく (seijaku) — silence / stillness / quietness
- はくじゃく (hakujaku) — feebleness / weakness
- まきじゃく (makijaku) — tape measure
- むじゃき (mujaki) — innocent / simple-minded
- じゃがいも (jagaimo) — potato
- やすくにじんじゃ (yasukunijinja) — Yasukuni Shrine
- きょじゃく (kyojaku) — feebleness / weakness / imbecility
- にんじゃ (ninja) — ninja / person trained in ninjutsu and employed for covert purposes in feudal Japan
- かわじゃん (kawajan) —
How to Write じゃ (ja) in Hiragana
The hiragana character じゃ is romanized as "ja" and is written with 6 strokes. Like "ja" in "jar". Example word: じゃま (jama) — nuisance.
Stroke Order for じゃ
When writing じゃ, follow the numbered stroke order shown in the reference character above. Japanese characters are generally written from left to right and top to bottom. Correct stroke order improves readability and writing speed.
Practice Tips
- Print this sheet on standard 8.5" × 11" letter paper
- Start by tracing the light grey guide characters in the first column
- Then practice writing じゃ freehand in the empty squares
- Pay attention to stroke direction and order — follow the numbered guide
- For interactive practice with animations, visit the main study page
About Hiragana
Hiragana is one of the three Japanese writing systems. It consists of 46 basic characters, each representing a syllable. Hiragana is used for native Japanese words, grammar particles, and verb endings. Learning correct stroke order is essential for proper Japanese handwriting.