@syllst/ja 0.1.1

package/src/syllabi/hiragana/lessons/lesson-05.mdx

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+---
+type: lesson
+id: japanese-hiragana-lesson-05
+title: "Lesson 5 — Na-row (なにぬねの)"
+description: "Learn the な-row: na, ni, nu, ne, no"
+order: 5
+parentId: japanese-hiragana
+difficulty: beginner
+cefrLevel: A1
+categories:
+  - consonants
+  - basic-characters
+metadata:
+  estimatedTime: 20
+  prerequisites: [japanese-hiragana-lesson-04]
+  learningObjectives:
+    - id: obj-recognize-na-row
+      description: "Recognize the na-row hiragana characters"
+      skill: character-recognition
+      references: [hiragana-na, hiragana-ni, hiragana-nu, hiragana-ne, hiragana-no]
+    - id: obj-sounds-na-row
+      description: "Map each na-row character to its sound"
+      skill: character-sound-mapping
+      references: [hiragana-na, hiragana-ni, hiragana-nu, hiragana-ne, hiragana-no]
+---
+
+# Lesson 5 — Na-row (なにぬねの)
+
+## Introduction
+
+In this lesson, you will learn the **な-row** (na-gyō), the fifth row of the hiragana chart. Unlike the previous two rows, this row follows the regular pattern with no irregularities.
+
+The pattern: **n + vowel = na, ni, nu, ne, no**
+
+## Characters
+
+:::character-set{id="hiragana-na-row" title="Hiragana Na-row (な行)"}
+
+::character{id="hiragana-na" canonicalRef="hiragana-na" char="な" name="な (na)" charType="hiragana" data:romaji="na" data:row="na"}
+
+::character{id="hiragana-ni" canonicalRef="hiragana-ni" char="に" name="に (ni)" charType="hiragana" data:romaji="ni" data:row="na"}
+
+::character{id="hiragana-nu" canonicalRef="hiragana-nu" char="ぬ" name="ぬ (nu)" charType="hiragana" data:romaji="nu" data:row="na"}
+
+::character{id="hiragana-ne" canonicalRef="hiragana-ne" char="ね" name="ね (ne)" charType="hiragana" data:romaji="ne" data:row="na"}
+
+::character{id="hiragana-no" canonicalRef="hiragana-no" char="の" name="の (no)" charType="hiragana" data:romaji="no" data:row="na"}
+
+:::
+
+## Pronunciation Guide
+
+| Character | Romaji | Sound | Notes |
+|-----------|--------|-------|-------|
+| な | na | /na/ | Like "na" in "nap" |
+| に | ni | /ni/ | Like "knee" |
+| ぬ | nu | /nɯ/ | Like "new" (unrounded lips) |
+| ね | ne | /ne/ | Like "ne" in "nest" |
+| の | no | /no/ | Like "no" in "note" |
+
+**Good news:** All five characters in this row are pronounced exactly as you'd expect - no irregularities!
+
+## Writing Tips
+
+- **な**: Has four strokes. Similar to た but with a curved bottom section.
+- **に**: Has two simple horizontal strokes, like "二" (the number 2).
+- **ぬ**: Has two strokes forming a distinctive looped shape.
+- **ね**: Has two strokes, looks like a cursive "n" with a loop at the bottom.
+- **の**: Has one continuous circular stroke, one of the simplest hiragana to write.
+
+## Practice Words
+
+| Hiragana | Romaji | Meaning |
+|----------|--------|---------|
+| なつ | natsu | summer |
+| にく | niku | meat |
+| いぬ | inu | dog |
+| ねこ | neko | cat |
+| のこす | nokosu | to leave behind |
+
+## Common Usage Note
+
+**の** is one of the most frequently used characters in Japanese. It's a possessive particle, similar to "'s" in English.
+
+Example: わたしのねこ (watashi no neko) = "my cat" (literally: "I's cat")
+
+## Review: Progress So Far
+
+Congratulations! You've now learned 25 hiragana characters:
+
+- Vowels: あいうえお (5)
+- Ka-row: かきくけこ (5)
+- Sa-row: さしすせそ (5)
+- Ta-row: たちつてと (5)
+- Na-row: なにぬねの (5)
+
+That's more than half of the basic hiragana chart!
+
+## Practice Recognition
+
+:::exercise{id="ja-hiragana-05-recognition" type="matching" title="Match Na-row Characters" skill="character-recognition" tests="hiragana-na,hiragana-ni,hiragana-nu,hiragana-ne,hiragana-no" objectiveId="obj-recognize-na-row"}
+
+**Question:** Match each na-row character to its romaji
+
+- な
+- に
+- ぬ
+- ね
+- の
+
+**Answer:**
+
+- な = na
+- に = ni
+- ぬ = nu
+- ね = ne
+- の = no
+
+**Explanation:** The na-row follows the regular pattern - "n" consonant + each of the five vowels.
+
+:::
+
+:::exercise{id="ja-hiragana-05-sounds" type="fill-in-blank" title="Sound Mapping" skill="character-sound-mapping" tests="hiragana-na,hiragana-ni,hiragana-nu,hiragana-ne,hiragana-no" objectiveId="obj-sounds-na-row"}
+
+**Question:** What sound does each character make?
+
+- な = ___
+- に = ___
+- ぬ = ___
+- ね = ___
+- の = ___
+
+**Answer:**
+
+- な = /na/
+- に = /ni/
+- ぬ = /nɯ/
+- ね = /ne/
+- の = /no/
+
+**Explanation:** All five na-row characters are pronounced regularly with no exceptions.
+
+:::
+
+:::exercise{id="ja-hiragana-05-word-reading" type="fill-in-blank" title="Read Words with Na-row" skill="word-recognition" tests="hiragana-na,hiragana-ni,hiragana-nu,hiragana-ne,hiragana-no" objectiveId="obj-recognize-na-row"}
+
+**Question:** Read these words
+
+- なつ = ___
+- いぬ = ___
+- ねこ = ___
+
+**Answer:**
+
+- なつ = "natsu" (summer)
+- いぬ = "inu" (dog)
+- ねこ = "neko" (cat)
+
+**Explanation:** Two very common words here: いぬ (dog) and ねこ (cat). These are among the first words Japanese children learn.
+
+:::
+
+## What's Next
+
+Continue learning the remaining hiragana rows to complete your knowledge of this essential Japanese script. The remaining rows are: ha, ma, ya, ra, wa, and the standalone ん (n).

package/src/syllabi/hiragana/lessons/lesson-06.mdx

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+---
+type: lesson
+id: japanese-hiragana-lesson-06
+title: "Lesson 6 — Ha-row (はひふへほ)"
+description: "Learn the は-row: ha, hi, fu, he, ho — including the unique fu sound"
+order: 6
+parentId: japanese-hiragana
+difficulty: beginner
+cefrLevel: A1
+categories:
+  - consonants
+  - basic-characters
+metadata:
+  estimatedTime: 20
+  prerequisites: [japanese-hiragana-lesson-05]
+  learningObjectives:
+    - id: obj-recognize-ha-row
+      description: "Recognize the ha-row hiragana characters"
+      skill: character-recognition
+      references: [hiragana-ha, hiragana-hi, hiragana-fu, hiragana-he, hiragana-ho]
+    - id: obj-sounds-ha-row
+      description: "Map each ha-row character to its sound"
+      skill: character-sound-mapping
+      references: [hiragana-ha, hiragana-hi, hiragana-fu, hiragana-he, hiragana-ho]
+---
+
+# Lesson 6 — Ha-row (はひふへほ)
+
+## Introduction
+
+In this lesson, you will learn the **は-row** (ha-gyō), the sixth row of the hiragana chart. This row contains one of Japanese's most distinctive sounds: **ふ (fu)**, which does not behave like the other characters in the row.
+
+The pattern: **h + vowel = ha, hi, fu, he, ho**
+
+## Characters
+
+:::character-set{id="hiragana-ha-row" title="Hiragana Ha-row (は行)"}
+
+::character{id="hiragana-ha" canonicalRef="hiragana-ha" char="は" name="は (ha)" charType="hiragana" data:romaji="ha" data:row="ha"}
+
+::character{id="hiragana-hi" canonicalRef="hiragana-hi" char="ひ" name="ひ (hi)" charType="hiragana" data:romaji="hi" data:row="ha"}
+
+::character{id="hiragana-fu" canonicalRef="hiragana-fu" char="ふ" name="ふ (fu)" charType="hiragana" data:romaji="fu" data:row="ha"}
+
+::character{id="hiragana-he" canonicalRef="hiragana-he" char="へ" name="へ (he)" charType="hiragana" data:romaji="he" data:row="ha"}
+
+::character{id="hiragana-ho" canonicalRef="hiragana-ho" char="ほ" name="ほ (ho)" charType="hiragana" data:romaji="ho" data:row="ha"}
+
+:::
+
+## Pronunciation Guide
+
+| Character | Romaji | Sound | Notes |
+|-----------|--------|-------|-------|
+| は | ha | /ha/ | Like "ha" in "hot" |
+| ひ | hi | /çi/ | Like "hee" with a soft h |
+| ふ | fu | /ɸɯ/ | Not "foo" — lips almost touch but don't round |
+| へ | he | /he/ | Like "he" in "help" |
+| ほ | ho | /ho/ | Like "ho" in "hope" |
+
+## The Unusual ふ (fu)
+
+**ふ** is the most distinctive character in this row. The romanization "fu" is an approximation — the actual sound is produced by bringing the lips very close together (nearly touching) without fully rounding them, like blowing softly on hot food. It is called a bilabial fricative /ɸ/.
+
+Compare:
+- English "f": upper teeth touch lower lip
+- Japanese ふ: both lips approach each other (no teeth involved)
+
+Many learners find that "hu" actually gets closer to the target sound when first practicing.
+
+## Writing Tips
+
+- **は**: Has three strokes. The left vertical stroke, a horizontal crossbar, and then the curved right portion.
+- **ひ**: Has two strokes that form a shape somewhat like the number "7".
+- **ふ**: Has four strokes. This is one of the busiest characters in the ha-row.
+- **へ**: Has one simple stroke — a gentle mountain peak shape. This is one of the easiest hiragana to write.
+- **ほ**: Has four strokes. Similar to は but with an extra curved stroke at the bottom right.
+
+## Practice Words
+
+| Hiragana | Romaji | Meaning |
+|----------|--------|---------|
+| はな | hana | flower / nose |
+| ひと | hito | person |
+| ふね | fune | boat / ship |
+| へや | heya | room |
+| ほん | hon | book |
+
+## Special Note: は as a Particle
+
+**は** has a special role in Japanese grammar. When used as a **topic marker particle**, it is pronounced "wa" (not "ha"). This is one of the most common irregular pronunciations beginners encounter.
+
+Example: わたし**は** がくせいです。(Watashi **wa** gakusei desu.) — "I am a student."
+
+As a particle, **は** = "wa". As the start of a word, **は** = "ha".
+
+## Key Points
+
+1. **ふ is unique**: No other Japanese consonant uses the bilabial fricative /ɸ/.
+2. **は becomes wa**: When used as a grammatical particle, は is read as "wa".
+3. **へ is the simplest**: One stroke only — easy to write and recognize.
+4. **ほ resembles は**: They look similar; note that ほ has an additional curved element.
+
+## Practice Recognition
+
+:::exercise{id="ja-hiragana-06-recognition" type="matching" title="Match Ha-row Characters" skill="character-recognition" tests="hiragana-ha,hiragana-hi,hiragana-fu,hiragana-he,hiragana-ho" objectiveId="obj-recognize-ha-row"}
+
+**Question:** Match each ha-row character to its romaji
+
+- は
+- ひ
+- ふ
+- へ
+- ほ
+
+**Answer:**
+
+- は = ha
+- ひ = hi
+- ふ = fu
+- へ = he
+- ほ = ho
+
+**Explanation:** The ha-row follows the h + vowel pattern except for ふ, which uses the bilabial fricative sound rather than a true "hu."
+
+:::
+
+:::exercise{id="ja-hiragana-06-sounds" type="fill-in-blank" title="Sound Mapping" skill="character-sound-mapping" tests="hiragana-ha,hiragana-hi,hiragana-fu,hiragana-he,hiragana-ho" objectiveId="obj-sounds-ha-row"}
+
+**Question:** What sound does each character make?
+
+- は = ___
+- ひ = ___
+- ふ = ___
+- へ = ___
+- ほ = ___
+
+**Answer:**
+
+- は = /ha/
+- ひ = /çi/
+- ふ = /ɸɯ/ (bilabial fricative, romanized as "fu")
+- へ = /he/
+- ほ = /ho/
+
+**Explanation:** ふ is the irregular member — it uses a bilabial fricative /ɸ/ rather than the /h/ used by its row-mates.
+
+:::
+
+:::exercise{id="ja-hiragana-06-word-reading" type="fill-in-blank" title="Read Words with Ha-row" skill="word-recognition" tests="hiragana-ha,hiragana-fu,hiragana-ho" objectiveId="obj-recognize-ha-row"}
+
+**Question:** Read these words
+
+- はな = ___
+- ふね = ___
+- ほん = ___
+
+**Answer:**
+
+- はな = "hana" (flower / nose)
+- ふね = "fune" (boat)
+- ほん = "hon" (book)
+
+**Explanation:** ほん (book) is an extremely common word in Japanese — you will see it constantly.
+
+:::
+
+## What's Next
+
+In Lesson 7, you will learn the **ま-row** (ma, mi, mu, me, mo), which is one of the most regular rows in hiragana with no pronunciation irregularities.

package/src/syllabi/hiragana/lessons/lesson-07.mdx

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+---
+type: lesson
+id: japanese-hiragana-lesson-07
+title: "Lesson 7 — Ma-row (まみむめも)"
+description: "Learn the ま-row: ma, mi, mu, me, mo — a fully regular row"
+order: 7
+parentId: japanese-hiragana
+difficulty: beginner
+cefrLevel: A1
+categories:
+  - consonants
+  - basic-characters
+metadata:
+  estimatedTime: 20
+  prerequisites: [japanese-hiragana-lesson-06]
+  learningObjectives:
+    - id: obj-recognize-ma-row
+      description: "Recognize the ma-row hiragana characters"
+      skill: character-recognition
+      references: [hiragana-ma, hiragana-mi, hiragana-mu, hiragana-me, hiragana-mo]
+    - id: obj-sounds-ma-row
+      description: "Map each ma-row character to its sound"
+      skill: character-sound-mapping
+      references: [hiragana-ma, hiragana-mi, hiragana-mu, hiragana-me, hiragana-mo]
+---
+
+# Lesson 7 — Ma-row (まみむめも)
+
+## Introduction
+
+In this lesson, you will learn the **ま-row** (ma-gyō), the seventh row of the hiragana chart. This is one of the most straightforward rows — the "m" consonant combines with each vowel in a perfectly regular pattern with no surprises.
+
+The pattern: **m + vowel = ma, mi, mu, me, mo**
+
+## Characters
+
+:::character-set{id="hiragana-ma-row" title="Hiragana Ma-row (ま行)"}
+
+::character{id="hiragana-ma" canonicalRef="hiragana-ma" char="ま" name="ま (ma)" charType="hiragana" data:romaji="ma" data:row="ma"}
+
+::character{id="hiragana-mi" canonicalRef="hiragana-mi" char="み" name="み (mi)" charType="hiragana" data:romaji="mi" data:row="ma"}
+
+::character{id="hiragana-mu" canonicalRef="hiragana-mu" char="む" name="む (mu)" charType="hiragana" data:romaji="mu" data:row="ma"}
+
+::character{id="hiragana-me" canonicalRef="hiragana-me" char="め" name="め (me)" charType="hiragana" data:romaji="me" data:row="ma"}
+
+::character{id="hiragana-mo" canonicalRef="hiragana-mo" char="も" name="も (mo)" charType="hiragana" data:romaji="mo" data:row="ma"}
+
+:::
+
+## Pronunciation Guide
+
+| Character | Romaji | Sound | Notes |
+|-----------|--------|-------|-------|
+| ま | ma | /ma/ | Like "ma" in "mama" |
+| み | mi | /mi/ | Like "me" in "meet" |
+| む | mu | /mɯ/ | Like "moo" (unrounded lips) |
+| め | me | /me/ | Like "me" in "men" |
+| も | mo | /mo/ | Like "mo" in "more" |
+
+All five characters are completely regular. The "m" nasal consonant simply combines with each Japanese vowel.
+
+## Writing Tips
+
+- **ま**: Has three strokes. The first is a small horizontal stroke at the top, followed by a vertical stroke with a curve, and then a final crossing stroke.
+- **み**: Has two strokes with a looping shape on the right side.
+- **む**: Has two strokes. Has a distinctive hook and loop shape, somewhat like a stylized fish or the number "6".
+- **め**: Has two strokes that cross, similar to め. Note its resemblance to ぬ — take care not to confuse them.
+- **も**: Has three strokes. Similar to も in structure but with two horizontal crossbars.
+
+## Confusable Pairs
+
+Two pairs of characters are easy to mix up:
+
+**め vs ぬ**: Both have crossing strokes with a loop. Look carefully at the overall shape — め has a more angular top, while ぬ is rounder.
+
+**も vs ち**: Both have multiple strokes but め is more compact.
+
+## Practice Words
+
+| Hiragana | Romaji | Meaning |
+|----------|--------|---------|
+| まち | machi | town / city |
+| みず | mizu | water |
+| むし | mushi | insect / bug |
+| めがね | megane | glasses |
+| もり | mori | forest |
+
+## Review: Progress So Far
+
+You have now learned 35 hiragana characters:
+
+- Vowels: あいうえお (5)
+- Ka-row: かきくけこ (5)
+- Sa-row: さしすせそ (5)
+- Ta-row: たちつてと (5)
+- Na-row: なにぬねの (5)
+- Ha-row: はひふへほ (5)
+- Ma-row: まみむめも (5)
+
+Only 11 characters remain: the ya-row (3), ra-row (5), wa-row (2), and the standalone ん.
+
+## Practice Recognition
+
+:::exercise{id="ja-hiragana-07-recognition" type="matching" title="Match Ma-row Characters" skill="character-recognition" tests="hiragana-ma,hiragana-mi,hiragana-mu,hiragana-me,hiragana-mo" objectiveId="obj-recognize-ma-row"}
+
+**Question:** Match each ma-row character to its romaji
+
+- ま
+- み
+- む
+- め
+- も
+
+**Answer:**
+
+- ま = ma
+- み = mi
+- む = mu
+- め = me
+- も = mo
+
+**Explanation:** The ma-row is entirely regular — "m" consonant plus each of the five Japanese vowels. No exceptions.
+
+:::
+
+:::exercise{id="ja-hiragana-07-sounds" type="fill-in-blank" title="Sound Mapping" skill="character-sound-mapping" tests="hiragana-ma,hiragana-mi,hiragana-mu,hiragana-me,hiragana-mo" objectiveId="obj-sounds-ma-row"}
+
+**Question:** What sound does each character make?
+
+- ま = ___
+- み = ___
+- む = ___
+- め = ___
+- も = ___
+
+**Answer:**
+
+- ま = /ma/
+- み = /mi/
+- む = /mɯ/
+- め = /me/
+- も = /mo/
+
+**Explanation:** All ma-row sounds are completely predictable. The unrounded /ɯ/ in む is the same "u" sound you have seen in all other rows.
+
+:::
+
+:::exercise{id="ja-hiragana-07-word-reading" type="fill-in-blank" title="Read Words with Ma-row" skill="word-recognition" tests="hiragana-ma,hiragana-mi,hiragana-mu,hiragana-me,hiragana-mo" objectiveId="obj-recognize-ma-row"}
+
+**Question:** Read these words
+
+- まち = ___
+- みず = ___
+- もり = ___
+
+**Answer:**
+
+- まち = "machi" (town)
+- みず = "mizu" (water)
+- もり = "mori" (forest)
+
+**Explanation:** みず (water) is one of the first words most Japanese learners encounter. The combination of sounds from multiple rows you have already learned shows how quickly you can read real words.
+
+:::
+
+## What's Next
+
+In Lesson 8, you will learn the **や-row** (ya, yu, yo), which has only three characters. You will also learn the **わ-row** (wa, wo) and the standalone nasal **ん (n)** to complete the basic hiragana chart.

package/src/syllabi/hiragana/lessons/lesson-08.mdx

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+---
+type: lesson
+id: japanese-hiragana-lesson-08
+title: "Lesson 8 — Ya-row (やゆよ)"
+description: "Learn the や-row: ya, yu, yo — the three-character row of hiragana"
+order: 8
+parentId: japanese-hiragana
+difficulty: beginner
+cefrLevel: A1
+categories:
+  - consonants
+  - basic-characters
+metadata:
+  estimatedTime: 15
+  prerequisites: [japanese-hiragana-lesson-07]
+  learningObjectives:
+    - id: obj-recognize-ya-row
+      description: "Recognize the ya-row hiragana characters"
+      skill: character-recognition
+      references: [hiragana-ya, hiragana-yu, hiragana-yo]
+    - id: obj-sounds-ya-row
+      description: "Map each ya-row character to its sound"
+      skill: character-sound-mapping
+      references: [hiragana-ya, hiragana-yu, hiragana-yo]
+    - id: obj-yoon-intro
+      description: "Understand that ya-row characters combine with i-column characters to form compound sounds"
+      skill: syllable-analysis
+      references: [hiragana-ya, hiragana-yu, hiragana-yo]
+---
+
+# Lesson 8 — Ya-row (やゆよ)
+
+## Introduction
+
+In this lesson, you will learn the **や-row** (ya-gyō), which has only **three characters** instead of five. The sounds "yi" and "ye" do not exist in modern standard Japanese, so those positions in the chart are empty.
+
+The pattern: **y + vowel = ya, (yi), yu, (ye), yo** — only ya, yu, and yo exist.
+
+## Characters
+
+:::character-set{id="hiragana-ya-row" title="Hiragana Ya-row (や行)"}
+
+::character{id="hiragana-ya" canonicalRef="hiragana-ya" char="や" name="や (ya)" charType="hiragana" data:romaji="ya" data:row="ya"}
+
+::character{id="hiragana-yu" canonicalRef="hiragana-yu" char="ゆ" name="ゆ (yu)" charType="hiragana" data:romaji="yu" data:row="ya"}
+
+::character{id="hiragana-yo" canonicalRef="hiragana-yo" char="よ" name="よ (yo)" charType="hiragana" data:romaji="yo" data:row="ya"}
+
+:::
+
+## Pronunciation Guide
+
+| Character | Romaji | Sound | Notes |
+|-----------|--------|-------|-------|
+| や | ya | /ja/ | Like "ya" in "yard" |
+| ゆ | yu | /jɯ/ | Like "you" (unrounded) |
+| よ | yo | /jo/ | Like "yo" in "yoga" |
+
+The "y" consonant in Japanese is a palatal approximant /j/, the same sound as English "y" in "yes."
+
+## Writing Tips
+
+- **や**: Has three strokes. An angular shape, somewhat like a simplified version of か.
+- **ゆ**: Has two strokes. Starts with a curved stroke then adds a cross stroke.
+- **よ**: Has two strokes. A horizontal stroke across the top, then a stroke that hooks down and right.
+
+## Small や ゆ よ — Compound Sounds (拗音 Yōon)
+
+The ya-row characters have an important secondary function: when written in **small size** (ゃ ゅ ょ), they combine with i-column hiragana to create **compound sounds** called yōon (拗音).
+
+| Base | + ゃ | + ゅ | + ょ |
+|------|------|------|------|
+| き (ki) | きゃ (kya) | きゅ (kyu) | きょ (kyo) |
+| に (ni) | にゃ (nya) | にゅ (nyu) | にょ (nyo) |
+| ひ (hi) | ひゃ (hya) | ひゅ (hyu) | ひょ (hyo) |
+| み (mi) | みゃ (mya) | みゅ (myu) | みょ (myo) |
+
+The small ゃ ゅ ょ are written at half the normal size and always follow an i-column character. They reduce two morae to one.
+
+This will be explored in detail later in your studies, but it is important to know that **small や ゆ よ are different from normal-sized や ゆ よ**.
+
+## Practice Words
+
+| Hiragana | Romaji | Meaning |
+|----------|--------|---------|
+| やま | yama | mountain |
+| ゆき | yuki | snow |
+| よる | yoru | night |
+| やすみ | yasumi | rest / holiday |
+| ゆめ | yume | dream |
+
+## Key Points
+
+1. **Three characters only**: yi and ye do not exist in standard Japanese.
+2. **y = /j/ palatal**: The same "y" sound as in English "yes" or "yoga."
+3. **Small variants exist**: ゃ ゅ ょ (small) create compound sounds when following i-column hiragana.
+4. **Regular sounds**: No pronunciation irregularities in this row.
+
+## Practice Recognition
+
+:::exercise{id="ja-hiragana-08-recognition" type="matching" title="Match Ya-row Characters" skill="character-recognition" tests="hiragana-ya,hiragana-yu,hiragana-yo" objectiveId="obj-recognize-ya-row"}
+
+**Question:** Match each ya-row character to its romaji
+
+- や
+- ゆ
+- よ
+
+**Answer:**
+
+- や = ya
+- ゆ = yu
+- よ = yo
+
+**Explanation:** The ya-row has only three characters. The "yi" and "ye" sounds do not exist in modern Japanese.
+
+:::
+
+:::exercise{id="ja-hiragana-08-sounds" type="fill-in-blank" title="Sound Mapping" skill="character-sound-mapping" tests="hiragana-ya,hiragana-yu,hiragana-yo" objectiveId="obj-sounds-ya-row"}
+
+**Question:** What sound does each character make?
+
+- や = ___
+- ゆ = ___
+- よ = ___
+
+**Answer:**
+
+- や = /ja/ (ya)
+- ゆ = /jɯ/ (yu)
+- よ = /jo/ (yo)
+
+**Explanation:** The "y" consonant /j/ is a palatal approximant — the tongue approaches the hard palate without making full contact. It is the same sound as English "y" in "yes."
+
+:::
+
+:::exercise{id="ja-hiragana-08-yoon" type="multiple-choice" title="Small vs Large Ya-row" skill="syllable-analysis" tests="hiragana-ya,hiragana-yu,hiragana-yo" objectiveId="obj-yoon-intro"}
+
+**Question:** What is the difference between large よ and small ょ?
+
+**Options:**
+- There is no difference — they are the same character
+- Small ょ combines with i-column characters to create compound sounds
+- Small ょ is only used in old-fashioned writing
+- Large よ is for foreign words only
+
+**Answer:** 2
+
+**Explanation:** Small ゃ ゅ ょ follow i-column hiragana (ki, ni, hi, mi, etc.) to create compound sounds called yōon. For example: きょ (kyo), にゃ (nya), みゅ (myu). The full-sized characters are used independently at the start of or within words.
+
+:::
+
+## What's Next
+
+In Lesson 9, you will learn the **ら-row** (ra, ri, ru, re, ro), which contains the distinctive Japanese "r" sound — not quite an English "r" or "l," but something unique in between.