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Visual Difference Guide
ふ vs う — 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
ふ
/fu/
CHARACTER #2
う
/u/
Key Anatomical Differences
- ふ (fu) has four distinct strokes: top dot, center hook, and two outer side dots.
- う (u) has only two strokes: a top accent dot and one large curved hook below.
GOLDEN MEMORY TRICK:
Remember: 'FU is Mount Fuji with clouds drifting on both sides; U is a person bent over.'
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.