SaKana - ケ VS ク // COMPARISON
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Visual Difference Guide

ケ vs ク — HOW TO TELL THEM APART

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

CHARACTER #1
ケ
/ke/
Strokes: 3
“The letter 'K' with one leg missing.”
Full ケ Profile
CHARACTER #2
ク
/ku/
Strokes: 2
“A cook's sharp chef knife.”
Full ク Profile
Key Anatomical Differences
  • ケ (ke) has 3 strokes: left slash, top horizontal stroke, and right curved slash.
  • ク (ku) has only 2 strokes: left slash and hooked corner.
GOLDEN MEMORY TRICK:

Remember: 'KE is a K with extra branches; KU is a simple beak bird.'

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