𛅤

See also: ヰ

𛅤 - Japanese

𛅤

Small combining form of katakana ヰ (wi) used in the 拗音 (yōon) morae ク𛅤 (kwi) and グ𛅤 (gwi). Historically it was not distinguished from the full-size version; it is primarily used to transcribe foreign loanwords containing the sound.

Unlike the hiragana system, used for Japanese language words that kanji does not cover, the katakana syllabary is used primarily for transcription of foreign language words into Japanese and the writing of loan words (collectively gairaigo), as well as to represent onomatopoeias, technical and scientific terms, and the names of plants, animals, and minerals. It is also occasionally used colloquially in some words for emphasis. Names of Japanese companies, as well as certain Japanese language words, are also sometimes written in katakana rather than the other systems. Formerly, female given names were written in katakana. ^[edit]
This kana is rarely used, with ィ seeing more use.