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Visual Difference Guide
れ vs わ — 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
れ
/re/
CHARACTER #2
わ
/wa/
Key Anatomical Differences
- れ (re) sweeps out and kicks up to the right at the end.
- わ (wa) sweeps inwards in a round curve like a rounded belly.
GOLDEN MEMORY TRICK:
Remember: 'RE kicks its leg out, WA wraps around like a wheel.'
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.