Yōon (拗音) are combinations of two kana that create a unique sound. Essential for correct pronunciation!

Structure of Yōon

A yōon combines:

1. A kana from the i column (き, し, ち, に, etc.)
2. A small ya (ゃ), yu (ゅ) or yo (ょ)

Example: き + ゃ = きゃ (kya)

Main Series

KY- Series

• きゃ (kya), きゅ (kyu), きょ (kyo)
• Example: 客 (きゃく, kyaku) - customer

SH- Series

• しゃ (sha), しゅ (shu), しょ (sho)
• Example: 写真 (しゃしん, shashin) - photo

CH- Series

• ちゃ (cha), ちゅ (chu), ちょ (cho)
• Example: お茶 (おちゃ, ocha) - tea

NY- Series

• にゃ (nya), にゅ (nyu), にょ (nyo)
• Example: 猫 (ねこ contains にゃ in some words) - cat

Important Points

1. The second kana is small: ゃ, ゅ, ょ (not や, ゆ, よ)
2. It's ONE sound: きゃ is pronounced "kya", not "ki-ya"
3. They also exist with dakuon: ぎゃ (gya), じゃ (ja), びゃ (bya), etc.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Pronouncing two separate syllables
• ❌ Forgetting that the second kana is small
• ❌ Confusing しゃ (sha) and しや (shiya)

Practice with Kanakana to master all 33 yōon combinations in hiragana and katakana!