After learning the basic kana (seion), it's time to discover their variations: dakuon and handakuon.

What is Dakuon?

Dakuon (濁音) means "muddy sound" or "voiced sound". It transforms certain sounds into their voiced version using two small marks (゛) called dakuten or tenten.

Dakuon Transformations

• k → g: か (ka) → が (ga)
• s → z: さ (sa) → ざ (za)
• t → d: た (ta) → だ (da)
• h → b: は (ha) → ば (ba)

And Handakuon?

Handakuon (半濁音) means "semi-muddy sound". It only applies to the ha series (は行) and uses a small circle (゜) called handakuten or maru.

• h → p: は (ha) → ぱ (pa)

Memorization Tips

1. Associate sounds: think of French equivalents (ka/ga, sa/za)
2. Practice in pairs: learn the basic sound and its dakuon version together
3. Write the marks: master the placement of dakuten and handakuten

Usage in Common Words

• 学校 (がっこう, gakkou) - school
• 雑誌 (ざっし, zasshi) - magazine
• 電話 (でんわ, denwa) - telephone
• パン (pan) - bread

On Kanakana, you can practice all dakuon and handakuon in the Training section!