SaKana - ち VS さ // COMPARISON
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Visual Difference Guide

ち vs さ — HOW TO TELL THEM APART

These two Hiragana lookalikes are the most commonly confused characters by Japanese learners. Here is how to distinguish them instantly.

CHARACTER #1
ち
/chi/
Strokes: 2
“A cheerleader doing a flip (number 5 shape).”
Full ち Profile
CHARACTER #2
さ
/sa/
Strokes: 3
“A samurai dancer pointing a fan.”
Full さ Profile
Key Anatomical Differences
  • ち (chi) curves to the right (like the number '5').
  • さ (sa) curves to the left and starts with a diagonal down-stroke.
  • ち has a top horizontal stroke connected directly to the loop.
GOLDEN MEMORY TRICK:

Remember: 'CHI is a Cheerleader with pom-poms facing right, SA faces left.'

DRILL BOTH CHARACTERS IN THE PRACTICE DOJO

Test your visual reflex. Lock them in with speed drills so you will never mix them up while reading manga or subtitles.

START DRILL SESSION