キャ (kya)
Pronunciation
The compound character キャ represents the syllable 'kya', formed by combining キ (ki) with a small ャ (ya). It is pronounced as a single syllable 'kya' — not 'ki-ya'. Very common in loanwords (camp, cabbage, character, cash, cancel).
Stroke-by-Stroke Guide
キャ is written in five strokes total: three for キ (two short horizontals and a long diagonal) plus two for the small ャ. The small ャ is tucked into the lower right area beside キ — sized about half the height of the main character.
Common Words with キャ
- キャンプ (kyanpu) — camp / camping
- キャベツ (kyabetsu) — cabbage
- キャラクター (kyarakutaa) — character
- キャッシュ (kyasshu) — cash
- キャッチ (kyacchi) — catch
- キャリア (kyaria) — career
- キャンセル (kyanseru) — cancel
- キャプテン (kyaputen) — captain
- キャスト (kyasuto) — cast (in films)
- キャンディー (kyandii) — candy
- キャップ (kyappu) — cap
- キャンパス (kyanpasu) — campus
How to Write キャ (kya) in Katakana
The katakana character キャ is romanized as "kya" and is written with 5 strokes. "K" + "ya" blended quickly. Example word: キャンプ (kyanpu) — camp.
Stroke Order for キャ
When writing キャ, 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 キャ 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.