SaKana - シ VS ソ // COMPARISON
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Visual Difference Guide

シ vs ソ — 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
シ
/shi/
Strokes: 3
“A smiling face looking upward (strokes upward).”
Full シ Profile
CHARACTER #2
ソ
/so/
Strokes: 2
“One eye blinking downward (strokes downward).”
Full ソ Profile
Key Anatomical Differences
  • シ (shi) has THREE strokes (2 small dots on the left, 1 upward sweep).
  • ソ (so) has TWO strokes (1 small dot on the top, 1 downward slash).
GOLDEN MEMORY TRICK:

Remember: 'SHI has three strokes (S-H-I), SO has two strokes (S-O).'

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