ジャ (ja)
Pronunciation
The compound character ジャ represents the syllable 'ja'. It is シャ with the dakuten that voices 'sh' to 'j'. Extremely common in loanwords — jacket, jazz, jam, jungle, jump, Japan, journal, junk, pajamas.
Stroke-by-Stroke Guide
ジャ is written in seven strokes: five for ジ (the three of シ plus the two-mark dakuten) plus two for the small ャ.
Common Words with ジャ
- ジャケット (jaketto) — jacket
- ジャズ (jazu) — jazz
- ジャム (jamu) — jam
- ジャングル (janguru) — jungle
- ジャンプ (janpu) — jump
- ジャパン (japan) — Japan
- ジャーナル (jaanaru) — journal
- ジャンク (janku) — junk
- パジャマ (pajama) — pajamas
- ジャグジー (jagujii) — jacuzzi
- ジャイアント (jaianto) — giant
- ジャッジ (jajji) — judge
How to Write ジャ (ja) in Katakana
The katakana character ジャ is romanized as "ja" and is written with 7 strokes. Like "ja" in "jar". Example word: ジャケット (jaketto) — jacket.
Stroke Order for ジャ
When writing ジャ, 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 ジャ 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 Katakana
Katakana is one of the three Japanese writing systems. It consists of 46 basic characters, each representing a syllable. Katakana is used for foreign loanwords, scientific terms, and emphasis. Learning correct stroke order is essential for proper Japanese handwriting.