Katakana Analysis

カタカナ　Analysis　ブログ　

Katakana is largely categorized to three parts.

Emphasize

Sometimes katakana is used to emphasize something

For example, when Japan has a national big match such as soccer or baseball.

ニッポン(Nippon)

It is used as katakana since it can emphasize more than using hiragana. For example, during the soccer match, the supporter can send their power to the soccer players saying "nippon" instead of nihon because the word "nippon" is more appealing to their heart.  

Loan words

Followed by English pronunciation.

Based on the English pronunciation, Japanese created new words by using Katakana. 

ユニクロ(UNIQLO)

オーダーメード(order made)

キーホルダー(key holder)

テニス(tennis)

スポーツ(sports)

ピーチ(peach)

ゴルフ(golf)

パンツ(pants)

Onomatopoeia

Imitated the sounds in Katakana.

パオーン(elephant’s crying sound)

ニャー(cat’s sound)

ピーポーピーポー(ambulance sound)