The Usage of Japanese Characters
Table of Contents
1. Are there any rules for using different characters in written language?
2. Impressions of Different Japanese Scripts
3. Effect of Different Japanese Scripts
4. Reasons for Mixing Different Scripts in Japanese
5. Summary
6. Similar Articles
7. Comment
Q: Are there any rules for using hiragana, katakana, and kanji in written language? For example, there are various expressions like やばい・ヤバい・ヤバイ and かわいい・カワイイ・可愛い, which I find intriguing.
A: There are no strict rules, but the writer’s intent and the impression that Japanese people associate with each script play a significant role in their usage.
Impressions of Different Japanese Scripts
① Impression of Hiragana
Hiragana has a rounded shape, giving it a soft and gentle impression. It carries less emphasis compared to other scripts and conveys the meaning of words in a straightforward manner without adding extra nuance.
② Impression of Katakana
Katakana is primarily used for foreign loanwords but is also employed in onomatopoeia and mimetic words. Due to its angular and straight-line-based structure, it tends to appear more emphasized than hiragana, making words stand out visually.
③ Impression of Kanji
Since the Japanese language has many homonyms, kanji helps clarify meanings precisely. While some words have phonetic kanji representations (ateji), kanji is generally chosen based on its inherent meaning. Using kanji in writing can create a composed, sophisticated, or formal impression.
Effect of Different Japanese Scripts
Japanese people intentionally use different scripts based on their roles and impressions. Let’s consider how the choice of script influences perception through the following example:
[Example]
かわいい・カワイイ・可愛い
Hiragana (かわいい): Creates a soft and simple impression, conveying the meaning in a straightforward and gentle manner.
Katakana (カワイイ): Appears more emphasized and impactful, adding a stronger visual effect to the word.
Kanji (可愛い): Gives a composed, refined, and elegant impression, adding a sense of formality or sophistication.
Reasons for Mixing Different Scripts in Japanese
In recent years, it has become more common to partially write trendy words in hiragana or katakana. This style is especially prevalent among younger generations.
[Example]
やばい・ヤバい・ヤバイ
While the reasons for using hiragana or katakana separately have been discussed, why is a mixed notation like “ヤバい” sometimes used?
One possible explanation is that “やばい” is an い adjective. By keeping the い in hiragana while writing the word stem in katakana, the grammatical structure is maintained while emphasizing the core meaning. Additionally, “やばい” is often shortened to “やば！” for emphasis, which may have influenced the mixed notation “ヤバい.”
This type of writing is also seen in other trendy words like エモい (emotional) and ダサい (uncool). While frequently used among young people, such expressions are generally not suitable for formal settings, so caution is advised when using them.
Summary
- Japanese people associate different impressions with each script.
- Hiragana: With its rounded shapes, it gives a soft and gentle impression. It conveys meaning without emphasis.
- Katakana: Its angular structure makes it appear more emphasized than hiragana. It is mainly used for loanwords and onomatopoeia.
- Kanji: It clearly expresses meaning and gives a composed impression. In Japanese, where homonyms are common, kanji helps clarify context.
- In trendy words, a mix of hiragana and katakana is increasingly used, especially among younger generations.
- Some katakana spellings may highlight the root of い adjectives while keeping い intact for emphasis.
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