SASHISUSESO Hiragana Flashcards — Printable, Front and Back
Beginner-friendly Japanese words you can read with the S row (さ, し, す, せ, そ) plus the AIUEO vowels and K row you already know. Print on letter-size paper (8.5" × 11"), flip on the long edge for the back side, then cut along the dashed lines.
← Back to the S row guide
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Free Printable Hiragana Flashcards for Beginners
These SASHISUSESO hiragana flashcards follow the AIUEO and K-row decks. Each word uses only characters from the first three rows of the hiragana chart — あいうえお + かきくけこ + さしすせそ — so you can keep reading useful Japanese vocabulary as soon as you finish the S row.
You get double-sided flashcards printed on letter-size paper (8.5 × 11 inches). The front of each card shows the Japanese word in hiragana; the back shows the English meaning plus the romaji reading. The S row introduces し (shi), one of the irregular romanisations every beginner needs to internalise — most of the cards put it to use.
What's on each card?
- Front: the Japanese word written in large hiragana, with the romaji pronunciation below.
- Back: the English meaning, mirrored so it lines up with the front when you print double-sided.
- Subtle StudyHiragana.com watermark on each card so the deck stays branded after cutting.
How to print and assemble
- Click the Print button above (or press Ctrl/Cmd + P).
- Choose two-sided printing and flip on the long edge — this keeps front and back aligned.
- Use standard 8.5" × 11" letter paper. Card stock works too if you want sturdier cards.
- Cut along the dashed lines to separate the six cards on each sheet.
- Optional: laminate the cards for longer life.
How to study with hiragana flashcards
The point of beginner hiragana flashcards isn't just memorising characters — it's connecting them to real vocabulary the moment you learn them. Use the deck this way:
- Hold a card so only the front (hiragana) is visible. Read it aloud and try to recall the meaning.
- Flip the card to check. If you got it right, set it in a "knew it" pile; if not, return it to the deck.
- Shuffle and repeat until the "didn't know it" pile is empty.
- Switch directions: look at the English meaning and try to recall the hiragana spelling. This is harder but builds active recall.
Why the S row matters
The S row introduces し — the first irregular romanisation in the chart (it's shi, not si). It also opens up a huge bank of beginner vocabulary: nouns for things and places (sushi, tomorrow, world), verbs for everyday action (to do, to wait, to live), and the basic verb stem 〜ます that every textbook starts with. Once you've finished the S row, polite speech becomes possible.
Are these flashcards really free?
Yes — completely free. Print as many as you like, share with classmates, use them in your classroom. StudyHiragana.com is supported by interactive practice tools, not paywalls.
Do I need to know any kanji?
No. Every card uses hiragana only — there are no kanji to memorise. The English meaning is on the back for reference.
Are these flashcards good for kids?
Absolutely. The vocabulary is concrete and simple, and the kana are written in a clean serif font that's easy to recognise.
Can I print them on smaller paper?
The layout is tuned for US letter-size paper. If you print on A4, set your printer to "fit to page" — the cards will scale down a bit but the front/back alignment still works.
Keep practising
After you've mastered these SASHISUSESO flashcards, deepen your hiragana skills with our other free tools: