つ (tsu)
Pronunciation
The character つ represents the syllable 'tsu', a 'ts' sound followed by 'u'. The 'ts' is similar to the 'ts' in 'cats' or 'pizza'. Note: it is NOT pronounced 'tu' — there is no 'tu' sound in standard Japanese. Part of the た-row. The small version っ is the sokuon, used to double consonants.
Stroke-by-Stroke Guide
つ is written in a single stroke. Begin in the upper left, draw a smooth curving line that arcs to the right across the top of the character, then curves downward and back to the lower left, forming a shape like an upside-down 'U' or a stylized 'C' opening to the right. Keep the curve smooth and the bottom slightly open.
Common Words with つ
- つくる (tsukuru) — to make / to produce / to manufacture
- いつか (itsuka) — 5th day of the month
- ふつか (futsuka) — 2nd day of the month
- かおつき (kaotsuki) — looks / features / face
- きずつける (kizutsukeru) — to wound / to injure
- はつか (hatsuka) — 20th day of the month
- いつごろ (itsugoro) — about when / about what time / how soon
- つつしむ (tsutsushimu) — to be careful / to be discreet
- くつ (kutsu) — shoe / shoes / boots
- しつ (shitsu) — quality / value
- つくえ (tsukue) — desk
- つち (tsuchi) — earth / soil / dirt
- つつ (tsutsu) — pipe / tube / cylinder
- きつね (kitsune) — fox
- つな (tsuna) — rope / cord / line
- なつ (natsu) — summer
- ねつ (netsu) — heat
- ひつじ (hitsuji) — sheep
- つばさ (tsubasa) — wing
- つぶ (tsubu) — grain / bead / drop
How to Write つ (tsu) in Hiragana
The hiragana character つ is romanized as "tsu" and is written with 1 stroke. Like "ts" in "cats" + "oo". Example word: つき (tsuki) — moon.
Stroke Order for つ
When writing つ, 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 つ 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.