Hiragana and Katakana?

[HomestuckOtaku]

I am able to tell the difference between the two, but I don't know if there are different times to use them. Like if hiragana is more professional or not? I need some help here.

[ParaParaJMo]

Hiragana is more for Japanese originated words while Katakana is used for foreign words like your name or names of other countries.

[Jasanime]

^what he said :-)^

[ParaParaJMo]

also, hiragana is more circular/curvy while katakana is more angular/square/sharp

[Jeroen Mathon]

Take an look at this Hiragana Chart it will help you

[Kira477]

Katakana can sometimes be used to capitalize words, LIKE THIS. Basically its purpose is to emphasize words.
Sometimes people write in hiragana when they forget the kanji to a word, although nowadays with smartphones and computers and what not, writing isn't very much needed.

[ParaParaJMo]

it is funny some native people can no longer write some kanji because of computers. but in terms of applications and resumes, japanese companies still want you to hand write them. i have had to do it numerous times now

[Yuki457]

Katakana also is used to show Onomatopoeia.

In Manga you'll see it a lot to show sound affects like *swish* or *clap* or *drip* etc.