How can I tell Japanese ユ and コ apart?

Visual Difference Guide

ユ vs コ — 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

ユ

/yu/

Strokes: 2

“Number 1 looking hook or unique hook.”

CHARACTER #2

コ

/ko/

Strokes: 2

“A square corner of a cardboard box.”

Key Anatomical Differences

ユ (yu) has a vertical stroke in the middle extending down, and a bottom crossbar.
コ (ko) forms a clean open square bracket with equal right corners.

GOLDEN MEMORY TRICK:

Remember: 'YU looks like a U-turn fish hook, KO is an open Corner box.'

Test your visual reflex. Lock them in with speed drills so you will never mix them up while reading manga or subtitles.