SaKana - タ VS ヌ // COMPARISON
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Visual Difference Guide

タ vs ヌ — 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
タ
/ta/
Strokes: 3
“A tasty tidal wave or taco.”
Full タ Profile
CHARACTER #2
ヌ
/nu/
Strokes: 2
“Chopsticks grabbing noodles with an X.”
Full ヌ Profile
Key Anatomical Differences
  • タ (ta) has 3 strokes: slash, hooked angle, and an interior horizontal slash.
  • ヌ (nu) has 2 strokes: folded angle and a crossing diagonal stroke.
GOLDEN MEMORY TRICK:

Remember: 'TA has a T-mark inside; NU is like cross-chopsticks.'

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