How to write つ (tsu) in hiragana
つ belongs to the t-row, yet it is read tsu rather than tu: the sound shifted, and the spelling follows the sound. It grew out of the cursive form of the kanji 川 (“stream”). One flowing stroke draws it: it starts at the left and runs rightwards then downwards then leftwards, ending at the bottom. Words that start with it include 妻 (“wife”), 通信 (“correspondence”), 面 (“face”) and 通貨 (“currency”).
- Romaji
- tsu
- Strokes
- 1
- From
- 川
- Katakana
- ツ
Stroke by stroke
- 1
- leftrightwards → downwards → leftwards
Where つ comes from
Here both scripts start from the same kanji, 川 (“stream”).
Look-alikes
- し, 1 stroke
Trace it
Follow the numbers. Tracing help
With voicing marks
Base kana first, then the marks at the top right.
Small っ
The small tsu doubles the next consonant, a short pause before it.
Words with つ
1,593 common JMdict words with it; ten shown.
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 妻 | つま tsuma | wife; garnish |
| 通信 | つうしん tsuushin | correspondence; communication |
| 面 | つら tsura | face; mug |
| 通貨 | つうか tsuuka | currency |
| 使う | つかう tsukau | to use (a tool, method, etc.); to make use of |
| 通常 | つうじょう tsuujou | usual; ordinary |
| 通産省 | つうさんしょう tsuusanshou | Ministry of International Trade and Industry (1949-2001); MITI |
| 追加 | ついか tsuika | addition; supplement |
| 通算 | つうさん tsuusan | total; sum |
| 土 | つち tsuchi | earth; soil |
Practice sheet
Print at 100%. Several kana: worksheet maker.
Keep going
Hiragana, in chart order: