As we mentioned in Japanese Lesson 1, Katakana alphabets are mainly used for foreign language words such as names and words that have been borrowed from other languages such as “compu-taa” (computer). The Japanese language does not have as many sounds as the English language so, when creating a name in Katakana for instance, the name must be sound out to the closest Japanese equivalent.
All Katakana alphabets are divided into three groups. Shown below are three katakana charts for 3 katakana groups. Please note that 3rd katakana group (i.e. 3rd Katakana Chart) is made of combination letters.