KAKIKUKEKO Hiragana Flashcards — Printable, Front and Back
Beginner-friendly Japanese words you can read with the K row (か, き, く, け, こ) plus the five vowels 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 to make double-sided flashcards.
← Back to the K row guide
Print
Free Printable Hiragana Flashcards for Beginners
These KAKIKUKEKO hiragana flashcards are the natural next step after the AIUEO vowels. Each word uses only characters from the first two rows of the hiragana chart — あいうえお + かきくけこ — so you can start reading useful Japanese vocabulary as soon as you've finished the K 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 set focuses on high-frequency beginner vocabulary so the words you drill are words you'll actually 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 K row matters
The K row is where Japanese starts to feel like a language and not just a memorisation exercise. With か, き, く, け, こ in your toolkit you can read words for everyday objects (key, tree, country, voice), basic verbs (to come, to listen, to write), and dozens of names and place markers. The K row also introduces the consonant + vowel pattern that runs through the rest of the chart — once か = k + a clicks, さ = s + a, た = t + a, な = n + a all follow.
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 KAKIKUKEKO flashcards, deepen your hiragana skills with our other free tools: